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>>6452395
It has been two days since the release of Ernest from Tartarus, and the utter havoc that followed in his wake. Though Morfis was still standing, much of the city had been ruined following the dragon’s rampage. You’d managed to restore some sense of calm to the people of the city by promising to destroy the dreaded monster that haunted their history, but tensions were still razor sharp. And no one was feeling that more than you. Your body was still wracked with soreness from the siege, and yet somehow, you were supposed to find a way to defeat the ancient Nabatean, a creation of the Goddess herself. To make matters worse, that wasn’t the only problem you’d found yourself facing.

You were perceptible enough to notice that Princess Yulia had grown somewhat frigid with you following the address you and her had given to the people of the city. You believe you had an idea as to why, and it wasn’t entirely just from the shock of her suddenly being thrust into the world. That day, the people of the city had been chanting your names. They expected a grand display of affection from their future king and queen. Instead though, you decided not to make a move on her. Yulia was still as polite as ever with you, and she perhaps had more faith than anyone that you would be victorious. But gone were the fleeting looks she would steal your way. It was almost as if she were struggling with the possibility of rejection.

Even facing the end of the world, women were still women.

Yulia was sitting next to you, inside a small chamber within the Royal College. She was still not looking at you. On your other side was your cousin, Bronte. The Royal Palace had been almost completely destroyed, but the College was still relatively intact. As such, it served as a makeshift throne and planning stage for your assault on Ernest, which would have to be within the next few days. Standing in the room at attention was the captain of one of Fodlan’s most renowned mercenary companies, the Frosted Shrikes. Their captain, Elnora, had been tasked with scouting the whereabouts and ongoings of Ernest following his departure from the capital. Having made her return just a few moments earlier, she was now making her report.

“The wyrm has made his landing in northern Morfis, amidst the scattered rubble of a place the locals evidently referred to as the Triet Ruins,” Elnora states. You doubted that when your aunt had hired her, she ever expected things to grow this bizarre. Still, she somehow managed to maintain a professional and composed air. Perhaps she figured she and the rest of her pegasus knights could fly back to Fodlan should things go south. “I use the past tense purposefully. The dragon has smashed the ruins to pieces, and he and his monsters work to dig something from beneath the sands.”

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>>6452397
>“That location is approximately where Pyrrhus said the Agarthan ICBMs were located,” You recall. A long time ago, Cassius had once offered to take you to Morfis through an alternate path which would have led through Triet. Perhaps you could have found this airship and its ICBMs back then, though you doubt you’d have known what you looked upon. “You mentioned his monsters. I recall him fleeing Morfis with only two at his side.”

“There are at least two dozen more now.” Elnora says, referring to the Crest Beasts that Ernest had created.

>“He made over twenty more?! In such short order? How!”

“Triet had a small staff dedicated to protecting and uncovering the mysteries of the ruins,” Bronte says, biting her thumb in worry. “From how his blood works, it’s possible he force fed it to those who were present, and bound them to him.”

“Such a horrible monster…” Yulia shudders.

“Half of the dragons work tirelessly at digging up whatever their goal is,” Elnora says. “The other half patrol the skies about a mile above Triet. I would be lying if I said that my pegasus knights and I went unnoticed, but the beasts did not attack or pursue us. I believe they will only move to violence should someone approach the ruins within that mile.”

You had planned to use the Scorchers and the Shrikes for an aerial drop of your strongest, but the addition of more Crest Beasts would now make that more difficult.

>“From your vantage point, what would you say is the best avenue of attack?”

“The terrain does not leave much room for imagination,” Elnora says. “The ruins have their back to a mountain range. The only way through to them other than a risky aerial assault would be a direct march through those Crest Beasts. Otherwise, there’s nothing else there save for rubble and a small oasis that lies within the area the monsters patrol.”

An oasis? That seemed important somehow…

“He hasn’t found the ICBMs yet,” Bronte says. “But with over 20 Crest Beasts hard at labor, I’m sure it's only a matter of time. We need to attack as soon as the new Sages finish their Magic Seal. Alvin tells me things are progressing smoother than expected under Pyrrhus, but perhaps you should check in on them.”

“Unless you are intimately familiar with the science behind Agarthan sorcery, I believe your talents may be better suited elsewhere, regent.” Yulia says. The tone of how she referred to you was not lost on those in the room. Bronte averts her gaze, while Elnora excuses herself. “Perhaps you should use the extremely limited time afforded to us to check in on your warriors, or perhaps the city itself.”

>A): Go check up on the new Magic Seal
>B): Speak with Yulia
>C): Speak with one of your friends
>D): Speak with the remnants of the Cult of the Serpent
>E): Speak with the warriors who took part in the siege
>F): Speak with Uriyan, Saoirse and Klement
>G): Tend to the damaged parts of the city

>>6452398
>>B): Speak with Yulia
Poor Yulia. I would like her to be happy, shes just a funny little shutin nerd princess.

>>6452398
Welcome back!

"Extremely limited time"... "Generous estimation" was a week. Let`s say with the help of all Beasts digging it is 5. 2 already passed. If we are to fight him not near Morfis(so he wouldn`t just blow it up), this is also travel time, even on wyverns/pegasi. So, its either our last "free" day, or more probably would have exactly one more.

So, some things to clarify.
1) Are all of this actions consume a full day?
2) Is our treasury still 800g barren? And if not after selling some loot - would it still be possible to catch Anna?
3) May still holding onto that Spirit Dust, isn`t she?

>>6452398
>B): Speak with Yulia
She's not my fave but she comes with the kingdom so I guess we have to...

>>6452398
>B): Speak with Yulia

We need to make peace and break tensions

>>6452439
1. They do. I'd say you can expect to have 3 free actions before its time for business.
2. Your treasury was actually blown up when Ernest destroyed the palace, so you effectively have 0 gold. And Anna is in a doomsday bunker looking to ride this out.
3. She is. Tristain used the Dracoshield that she stole from Homer, but the Spirit Dust is still around. You can use it or you can give it to Bronte if you like.

>>6452562
> And Anna is in a doomsday bunker looking to ride this out.
Smart, really.

Then >>6452398
>B): Speak with Yulia

I really want to find out about our new Seal but we still have time for that. She may hve a way to reduce a tension a bit more. (However, I personally in "no romance until lizard dies"-camp, so from me it`s not a "let`s finally decide to romance her" -choice).

>>6452562
And a couple more questions.

1)Is there updated "party-members chart"? Surely some of them leveled up a bit during siege/dungeon delving?
2) Is Tartarus fully collapsed, or it was just entrance to it? We probably do not have enough time to dig it up either way, but if it still stands below earth and rubble - Tartarus is totally a Place of Cultural Heritage and could be fun to visit in the epilogue (for Cassius, and possibly yawn-inducing for Tristain).

>>6452581
>1)Is there updated "party-members chart"? Surely some of them leveled up a bit during siege/dungeon delving?
There is but it needs updating. You'll see it before party selection.

>2) Is Tartarus fully collapsed, or it was just entrance to it? We probably do not have enough time to dig it up either way, but if it still stands below earth and rubble - Tartarus is totally a Place of Cultural Heritage and could be fun to visit in the epilogue (for Cassius, and possibly yawn-inducing for Tristain).
Shit's rubble.

>>6452398
>It was almost as if she were struggling with the possibility of rejection.
:(
>B): Speak with Yulia

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>>6452398
Following the end of your meeting, you head towards what now passes for Yulia’s personal chambers; the history section of the Royal College’s library. With the destruction of the tower she had previously resided in, the princess required new lodging. Given the current state of affairs, it wasn’t as if any of the library’s regulars would be in the mood for some light reading anyway, ensuring that she would enjoy total privacy. You follow Yulia through the makeshift walls that had been haphazardly placed by a guardsman earlier to allow her to comfortably enjoy her new dwelling.

“Tristain, what are you doing here?” Yulia asks, her eyes taking you in closely. “Surely there are better things for you to do with your time then wait on me, no?”

>“Probably. Nevertheless, I wanted an opportunity to speak with you. You seem distant as of late.”

“I’m not mad.” Yulia says through gritted teeth.

>“Uhh, be that as it may…I felt as though something might be bothering you.”

“Whatever gave you that idea?” Yulia sits firmly down on her chair, pulling it sharply into a small desk and knocking over a bundle of pens. “My kingdom lies in tatters, Tartarus has been opened, releasing the greatest threat Morfis has ever known, and the man that is supposed to be my betrothed stares at Ernest with more passion than he does his soon-to-be wife! Is the only lust that resides in you battlelust?”

>“Sorry. There’s a lot on my mind lately. Namely the aforementioned ‘greatest threat Morfis has ever known.’ Once I’ve dealt with Ernest, then we can perhaps speak about our marriage arrangement.”

“UGH!” Yulia buries her face in her hands. She keeps it there for a few moments, before looking up. “I’m sorry. You’re right, this is not the time for an outburst. You don’t deserve that. You’re doing everything that you can to keep us all safe. This is the last thing you need right no-wait a second,” Dawning horror grows on Yulia’s face. “What did you mean by ‘perhaps?’”

>“Well, I just feel as though I haven’t had much time for romantic thoughts lately. What with the Four Sages and now all this. Perhaps it would be best for us to reacquaint ourselves with one another following Ernest’s defeat.”

“What did you even come to this country for, Tristain?” Yulia asks through squinted eyes. “Was it to win my hand? Or just the kingdom? Was it to come to the aid of your cousin? Or perhaps it was simply to indulge in the thrill of combat?”

>“All of the above? Look, I haven’t had my nose buried in smut for years like you have. All of this is new to me.”

“Have you truly never loved someone before?” Yulia asks softly.

>“Well there was a pegasus knight back in school that I thought was a bit cute…”

“Forget I asked,” Yulia cuts you off. “In fact, let’s forget this ever happened. It is as you said, we can deal with this matter following the defeat of Ernest.”

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>>6453009
Yulia picks up a dusty blue tome, presenting it towards you. Reading the cover, it is entitled “Myths and Spirits of Ancient Morfis.”

“A favorite of mine,” Yulia says frankly. “Don’t worry, I do not intend to make you read it. Rather, I wished to speak about the oasis that Elnora mentioned seeing. This book makes mention of many of the ancient spirits that once resided in Morfis prior to the Sorcerer King defeating and sealing them away. One such spirit was known as the Lady of the Oasis. Taking the form of a beautiful woman, it was said that she reigned over every oasis within the desert. She was renowned for being one of the few to be spared the Sorcerer King’s gaze, and legend has it that she often appears to travellers in need who visit her domain. It made me think that-”

>“Oh, I’ve met her.”

“Pardon?” Yulia’s gaze narrows.

>“Yeah. I threw my axe in an oasis a while back and she popped up to return it. To be honest, she’s actually kind of rude. I didn't enjoy our time together.”

“You…met her?” Yulia seems dumbfounded, staring at her book and then back to you. “I…see. I suppose nothing about you should surprise me at this point. In that case, I have a suggestion you might indulge me in. Seek the Lady of the Oasis out once more. She is said to hold domain over every oasis in the desert, travelling between them in an instant. If that is true, she may hold the key to breaking through the lines Ernest has set against us.”

Another meeting with that weirdo? You weren’t sure if this plan would work. You remembered how pissed off she was the last time you threw your axe in that pond. If you did it again, she was liable to drown you. But, then again, if Ernest blew up Morfis, that would certainly affect her too. Maybe she’d be willing to listen to reason if you asked nicely enough…

>“It’s certainly an option worth exploring. I’ll take Fionn out there the first opportunity I have.”

“Good,” Yulia says. “You met the Lady of the Oasis…and she’s not even the only spirit you’ve encountered at that. I often find myself growing jealous of your travels, Tristain. To think a foreigner has experienced so much more of this country than its own princess. You must defeat Ernest. If you do not make good on your promise to show me this land in its entirety, I shall never forgive you.”

>“Start packing your travel slippers now.”

Yulia smiles.

“I’ll leave you to the rest of your work then.”

(Two Actions Remain. Choose One)

>A): Go check up on the new Magic Seal
>B): Speak with one of your friends
>C): Speak with the remnants of the Cult of the Serpent
>D): Speak with the warriors who took part in the siege
>E): Speak with Uriyan, Saoirse and Klement
>F): Tend to the damaged parts of the city

>>6453010
>B): Speak with one of your friends
>Cuthbert
Wasn't he kinda sorta nearly dead the last we heard of him?

>>6453010
There is no "visit the Lady of the Oasis" action? We could always just do it on the way to Ernest?

If so
>A): Go check up on the new Magic Seal
I`m interested and it will also allow to catch up a bit with Alvin, Nadia and Pyrrhus

>>6453042
You'll have enough time to go see her, yeah.

>>6453042
Yeah. I kind of want to see Cuthbert too but this is more pressing. So this too.

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Needy Yulia is kind of cute. Can't believe *not* making out with her on stage won the vote. Whatever man, the waifu war in this quest went weird and made Tristain oddly indecisive.
>>6453010
>D): Speak with the warriors who took part in the siege
Despite Fire Emblem combat being very capeshit adjacent I figure having a bunch of tough companies of namess grunts to back us up will be important in the final battle.
I vote we check our superweapon last, let the nerds work in peace for now.

>>6453010
>A): Go check up on the new Magic Seal

>>6453010
>>B): Speak with one of your friends (Cuthbert)

>>6453010
>A): Go check up on the new Magic Seal

>>6453042
>>6453170
>>6453306
>>6453313
A wins, writing.

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>>6453010
“Behold, the savior of Morfis.” Pyrrhus declares upon your arrival to the College’s secret lab. The Agarthan had shed the dark clothes and guise of Gyles Dominic in favor of a new form, one that would not arouse suspicion from the likes of Cyril and the Knights of Seiros who had wished him dead. Now with red hair and budding youth, Pyrrhus had become a different man entirely. The Agarthan had assured you that he kept numerous magical disguises on hand, and that you should not worry as to where this one came from. Unfortunately, that only gave you room for concern.

>“That’s flattering, but you might be getting a bit ahead of yourself.”

“I wasn’t talking about you,” Pyrrhus says. “I was talking about him.”

The Agarthan gestures with his hand towards a seemingly ordinary turtle sitting on a dais. Sitting around it were Nadia, Alvin, and a woman you vaguely recall as Adjunct Filomena. The three looked exhausted. You knew they’d gotten no sleep these last few nights, tasked with coming up with the solution to defeating Ernest’s crest.

>“What am I looking at?”

“We decided to name him Xenophanes,” Alvin calls out from his place on the floor. “It’s ironic.”

>“Okay, that still doesn’t answer my-”

“It’s the magic seal you asked for,” Pyrrhus answers. “With the use of Blood Reconstruction Surgery, combined with the research of the Four Sages, we were able to replicate their efforts in creating a crest-stifling magic seal.”

“Sort of,” Nadia clarifies, yawning into her hand. “Getting it to work in a human was a lot tougher than we anticipated. Not to mention there were some ethical components to contend with. Lycus didn’t give much regard to lifespan when he was coming up with this. Not to mention he had very nastily lobotomized the seal that he threw against us. Now, I personally didn’t mind, but Alvin wouldn’t shut up about it…” The newly-named Sage of Light rubs her tired eyes. “We couldn’t even get it to work with my constructs. Fortunately, animal testing proved to be a success.”

“This is the best you can hope for with such short notice,” Adjunct Filomena says. “Rest assured, the turtle works. Your cultist friends have been throwing up in the back ever since we finished.”

>“Uhh, okay,” You examine the turtle closely. He peers back out at you, the two of you meeting each other’s gaze. “Why a turtle though?”

“His sealing capabilities have a range of around 500 meters,” Pyrrhus says. “We didn’t want to use an animal that ran the risk of running out of range of Ernest, but he’s also compact enough that you can carry him with you. Stick him under a nearby rock before you engage, or just keep him in your bag. With some protection, he should be okay.”

>You obtained Xenophanes (turtle)!

You hold the turtle in your hands. Having somehow offended him, he retreats into his shell.

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>>6453342
>“Can you hold onto him until it's time for the battle?”

Adjunct Filomena accepts the turtle, cradling it into her arms. Nadia snickers at the sight, taunting the woman.

“No sleep for you, Filomena. You’re on turtle duty. It’s the least you could do after being on the wrong side of that siege. Make sure Xenophanes gets extra helpings of lettuce. He’s earned it for being such a good boy.”

Filomena wordlessly accepts her wretched fate. She was one of the few authority figures of the Royal College who had not been killed during the siege, and she knew she was lucky to be here. She valued herself more than anyone, and would happily play whatever role was given to her so long as it promised continued life and a chance to regain the status she had lost. Fortunately, thanks to her apparent prior experience, the woman proved to be useful, having contributed greatly to the creation of this magic seal.

“With this, we should be ready to go,” Pyrrhus says. “We shouldn’t wait around much longer. We’re fighting on Ernest’s time after all. And the more of it we allow him, the more chance he has to dig up the airship.”

>“You’re the resident Nabatean expert. Any advice you have for this?”

“You destroyed the weapon that carried his mark, correct?” You did. Pyrrhus had been referring to the Spear of Chulainn. “Nabateans often fought in both human and dragon form. With his weapon destroyed though, I suspect he will forego his human side altogether. He’ll confront you as a dragon, giving it his all from the very start. Once his Crest has been eliminated, you’ll have to kill him like you would any other creature. Heroes Relics will be effective against him. Unlike your bow and tome, those weapons were made of the bones of his kind. Otherwise, wind and ice magic should also prove effective, as would weapons designed for killing dragons.”

Even with the disabling of his Crest, Ernest was still an ancient dragon, thousands of years old, with an extreme amount of battle experience from his history in the war against the Agarthans. Killing him would be no easy task. In your last confrontation with him, he had no problem throwing you around. His strength as a dragon would no doubt be far greater. You’d have to go into this fight carefully, and with only your strongest allies.

>One action remains:

>A): Speak with one of your friends
>B): Speak with the remnants of the Cult of the Serpent
>C): Speak with the warriors who took part in the siege
>D): Speak with Uriyan, Saoirse and Klement
>E): Tend to the damaged parts of the city

>>6453348
>B): Speak with the remnants of the Cult of the Serpent

>>6453348
>A): Speak with one of your friends
>Cuthbert
We can't just abandon the guy on his death(?) bed.
Plus the end of the waifuwar is gonna make Tristain have to do some serious thinking to do about whether to take or leave the throne,and Cuthbert was the main guy we spoke to about things like this.

>Pyrrhus is now a hot long haired redhead
....Identity theft is not a joke, Pyrrhus!!!

>>6453348
Actually, +1 to >>6453358
It feels more apropriate to talk to him just before finishing our preparations to final battle, not in the middle of free time. And he is the only semblance to somewhat mentorish figure for Tristain the party, so yes, he is the one to revisit "Does Tristain even wants to be the King, actually?"-discussion with, now that he tried ruling for a bit.

>>6453358
+1

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>>6453348
With only a scant amount of time remaining before you’d have to marshal your forces, you pay a visit to Cuthbert, who was residing in a wing of the Royal College that had been set up to treat the injured. With thousands of soldiers and civilians suffering wounds, there were makeshift infirmaries set up all over the city. The addition of the Cult of the Serpent’s druids had helped to ease some of the burden of healing, but it was still more than you were able to handle. There would be no helping the loss of life from those who were unable to be saved in time.

You enter Cuthbert’s quarters. You’d made sure the man had his own space. It was the least you could do for him. He’d led from the front during the siege, battling back against General Hamilcar. And it was he who led the evacuation efforts of the Royal Palace following Ernest’s emergence. The man was a hero, and despite his own thinking, his best days had truly not been behind him. You find Cuthbert asleep, as he had been before. He had been mangled by falling rubble, and despite the best efforts of Adjunct Marigold, it was still up in the air as to whether he would ever wake again.

>“Still asleep, old man?” You scoff. There was no reply. Elric had been sitting at his bedside for so long that you’d forced the boy away. It would do him no good to fret. The best way he could help would be to apply his efforts for the battle to come.

You pull up a seat next to Cuthbert’s bed.

>“If you can hear me, you should know you’re shirking your duties. I’ve had to wrangle Elric hard these last few days. When I took you both on, I had never agreed to do that. I don’t know much about the boy’s real father, but I’d wager you’re probably more important to him than he is. I mean, you should see how much he’s been fussing over you. You know, out of everyone in the group, you always pulled your weight the best, but you’re being a real pain in the ass right now.”

Silence.

>“After Ernest messed everything up, there hasn’t really been much for me to do. I don’t have any healing magic, and it’s not like I can make a Magic Seal. I’ve had to rely on everyone else for help, all the while telling people that I’d kill Ernest. Frankly speaking, that’s a bit of a tall task. But rather than dwell on it, it's given me a bit of time to think. About my journey. And about our conversation, the one we had just before we entered the city.”

Cuthbert’s current state made the man an excellent listening partner. That was just fine with you. You weren’t looking for a conversation right now anyway.

>“You talked about how terrible Gronder Field was. I never had much of a frame of reference for that battlefield. I always had to use my imagination to figure out what you meant. But after the other day, I believe I have a clearer picture.”

>>6453701
>“It’s not often that I’m rendered powerless. This last year, I’ve fought countless times against the strongest enemies the world had to offer. They were powerful, and I often risked my life, but I always knew in the back of my head that these were challenges I was capable of surmounting. I could always snatch victory, even when things looked bleak. But Ernest was the first time I felt as though that was impossible. I mean, give me a break. A dragon, thousands of years old, and he’s invincible? How’s anyone supposed to beat that?”

Your instincts had immediately told you that Ernest was not a foe you could win against. At least not at that moment. Retreat had been the only sensible option. A part of you wondered if, had you been alone, you would have rushed in and tried to fight him. Was it concern for your friends that caused you to fall back? Perhaps that was just a convenient excuse. The reality was that you knew you were completely outmatched, and what you felt at the time was fear. A rare emotion for you.

>“This must have been what you felt like when you fought Mad King Dimitri. Forced to face an unstoppable foe, all while he slew your friends with scarcely any effort. I can certainly see now why you chose to stay away from the battlefield after that day. Guys like him and Ernest…they’re a real pain in the ass. It’d be better for everyone if they just died of pneumonia in the crib. No good can come from the type of person that engages in wanton slaughter so readily.”

Cuthbert looked like shit. Try as you might to convince Elric that he’d be okay, you truly didn’t know. By all accounts, he should have been killed at Gronder Field all those years ago, but he’d been lucky enough to escape with his life. Do people get chances like that twice? Only the Goddess could say.

>“I’ve thought about what you told me that day. About not picking fights as a ruler. And about potentially declining the throne. I thought you were being a bit of a sissy back then. But you should know I’m at least considering it a little more. You always gave some decent advice, so it's the least I could do.”

You slide back in your chair, getting up and giving Cuthbert one final look.

>“Shitty old man. I go and give you a complement and you sleep right through it. You could at least pretend to be interested. Well fine, go ahead and laze away. Some of us have to go and kill a dragon.”

Silence.

>“...Stay right there. I’ll be back soon.”

>Choose a companion to bring with you to meet the Lady of the Oasis.

>A): May
>B): Cassius
>C): Adeline
>D): Elric
>E): Chelsey
>F): Bronte
>G): Yulia

>>6453704
>G): Yulia
Here's our chance to take her on the first part of the adventures she's been promised.

>>6453704
>>C): Adeline
she was there to meet her too, bookends and such

>>6453704
>>D): Elric

>>6453704
>G): Yulia

>>6453704
>G): Yulia

>>6453704
>G): Yulia
Hope when we fight ernest at the end we get to fist fight that scalie

>>6453704
I think, the most fun interactions would be achieved by bringing either Elric or Cassius. But, promise is a promise. This is first chance.
>G): Yulia
(And we could count it as "well, Tristain at least showed her " SOME part of country" if we end up choosing another girl and she would take offence to it)

>>6453704
>G): Yulia
Old man you better beat the retirement curse just like how Big T will beat Ernest's scaley ass!!

>>6453704
>G): Yulia
I just hope she doesn't hate Xenophanes (and his heirs)

>>6453704
>>B): Cassius
Yo, Cassius, check this weird pond woman out!

>>6453704
>>F): Bronte

>>6453704
>A): May
MAY!

>>6453704
>C): Adeline

>>6453704
>A): May
MAY!!!!!

Yulia wins, writing

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>>6453704
>“Yulia…Yulia! Wake up!”

You shake the girl vigorously. It was the middle of the night, but there was no time to waste. The scant guards that were assigned to the princess had let you walk on in, probably assuming you were here to fulfill some sort of conjugal duty. Yulia stirs from her slumber with a jolt, clearly not expecting you to pay her a nocturnal visit.

“T-Tristain?” She asks, half-asleep. “What are you doing here? Wait, did you come here to…” Yulia trails off. “I mean…the end of our lives might just be around the corner, so I suppose it makes sense you’d wish to lay together at least once before-”

>“No! And what’s this ‘end of our lives’ nonsense? Anyway, hold onto that thought for now. I’m taking what you said to heart and going to visit the Lady of the Oasis. And I’m taking you with me. You wanted to venture out and see the country right? Well, why wait until we deal with Ernest. I’ll take you to see the Lady right now.”

“R-right now?” Yulia exclaims. Even in the dark, you can make out hesitation on her pretty features. But fortunately, it does not last. With a resolute nod, she begins to dress herself properly. When she finishes wrapping herself in her robes, she follows you outside, where Fionn was already waiting for the two of you.

“I’m going to ride that thing…?” Yulia asks, her hesitation returning once more.

>“Unless you think we can make it to the oasis walking.” You retort.

Yulia shakes her head, her determination once more emerging. “Let’s go.”

For a second, you fear that Yulia’s screams will threaten to wake the entire city. Fionn is not a gentle ride, and you make no effort to slow his flight. Time was of the essence. You wanted to reach the oasis and be back by sunrise so that you may finish your final preparations for the assault on the Triet Ruins. After a while, Yulia’s screams finally die down. Were it not for her tiny arms wrapped around your waist, you might have thought she’d fallen off.

“It’s beautiful…” You hear her whisper as you travel over the dunes. The moon was shining brightly above you both.

>“I’m glad you think so.” You mean it, because the rest of the trip promises to look much the same. You didn’t find the desert especially pretty, having come from the more diverse regions of Fodlan. But you don’t vocalize the thought to Yulia. All she’d known for much of her life were the four walls of her tower and the occasional secret excursion into the city. Being out here like this must have been unthinkable for her even just a few months ago. You were truly glad she was enjoying herself.

“Ahh, is that it down there?” Yulia asks after about an hour of flying. Sure enough, it was the same oasis you’d encountered the Lady at when you were with Adeline and Penelope.

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>>6454044
You land Fionn onto the distinct patch of green in the barren desert. There was a cool breeze, and the water looked as inviting as it had the first time you’d been here. Yulia runs up to the water, kneeling before it and fearlessly plunging a hand into it, before pulling it back out quickly.

“It’s cold!”

>“These oases are one of the few things travellers in this country have to look forward to. I can tell you from first hand experience walking these wastes that they’re a wonder. To the point I almost believed them to be a mirage.”

“Can we take a plunge?” Yulia asks excitedly. “I’ve always wanted to go swimming!” She suddenly looks embarrassed. “Uhh, if you could teach me how that is…”

>“When there’s time, sure. But, first thing’s first…”

You unstrap your Silver Axe from your back, and throw it into the oasis, where it sinks into the bottomless water.

Silence.

“Uhh…what are you doing?” Yulia asks.

>“This worked last time.”

But nothing happens. No angry blonde woman emerges from the drink to chastise you and offer you a choice. Clicking your tongue in annoyance, you then toss your Hammer into the water.

Nothing.

You remove your Brigid Bow and throw it in, followed by your Devil Axe. When the Lady continues to remain absent, you then toss in your Bolt Axe. Finally, something does happen, but it is not what you expected. Your Bolt Axe has some sort of strange reaction with the water, and the pond is suddenly electrified, with several fish floating up dead to the surface.

>“What the fuck?!” You roar. “Where is she?! I only had to throw one axe the last time!”

“Hmm…” Yulia ponders aloud. “In the book I read, it was said that the Lady was stirred to action by the loss of something valuable.”

>“That Bolt Axe was worth thousands of gold pieces!”

“Value is subjective,” Yulia says. “What is treasure to some might be worthless to others. You said you threw your axe last time and she appeared. Was that not back when you were a contender, and all you had to your name in this land was the weapon you brought with you?”

You think over words. Maybe she had a point. That Steel Axe that you’d thrown was forged for you back home. It was the tool you brought with you to achieve your goals here. You recall how Penelope had also thrown her Devil Axe in an attempt to get rid of it. The Lady did not appear when she did, but to Penelope, she hated that axe, and considered it worthless.

So what did you have that was valuable?

>A): Throw in The Inexhaustible
>B): Throw in Wind Caller’s Genesis
>C): I’m gonna have to get all those weapons back… (Tristain dives in and has a chance to get a cold)

>>6454045
>>A): Throw in The Inexhaustible
we couldn't have made it without this thing. or at least not as well as we did

>>6454045
>A): Throw in The Inexhaustible

>>6454045
>>A): Throw in The Inexhaustible

>>6454045
>A): Throw in The Inexhaustible
We went through far more effort to get this than WCG.
And somewhere back in the capitol Cyril senses a massive disturbance in the force

>“Hmm…” Yulia ponders aloud. “In the book I read, it was said that the Lady was stirred to action by the loss of something valuable.”
The funny thing to do here would be to throw Yulia in the pond, but I'll refrain from suggesting such.

>>6454045
>A): Throw in The Inexhaustible

>>6454166
>The funny thing to do here would be to throw Yulia in the pond, but I'll refrain from suggesting such.
At the very least, we could ask if Fionn would like to go for a swim.

But, well if we are to be serious
>>6454045
>A): Throw in The Inexhaustible

Honestly, I would be very surprised, if she could provide an actual upgrade to it, Inexhaustible was an absolute menace in Tristain`s hands, but this is thematically correct answer.

>>6454166
That was my first thought as well, haha

>A): Throw in The Inexhaustible

>>6454166
kek, throwing Yulia in was also one of my first thoughts.
Other thought is that Yulia is flat out wrong about all of this and the Lady of the Oasis is simply a pissed off mage like Alvin originally suggested, but might as well keep going.

>>6454045
>A): Throw in The Inexhaustible

>>6454045
>A): Throw in The Inexhaustible
>Throw in Yulia (hopefully she doesnt fry)

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>>6454045
Though it pained you to do so, you toss The Inexhaustible into the drink with a plop. For a few moments, nothing happens, and you silently curse yourself for having listened to Yulia’s advice. Soon enough though, you realize that you had indeed woken up the Lady from her slumber. A massive geyser shoots out from the middle of the water, rising almost 30 feet high into the sky. A blonde woman rides atop it, and encircling her were several floating weapons; your own that you had just thrown into the water. Like the last time, the Lady did not look happy to see you one bit.

Your Silver Axe is sent spinning at high speed, and you throw yourself to the ground, narrowly avoiding being hit. The Hammer comes next, and this one you somehow manage to catch by the handle just before it could crush your skull. Without wasting a step, you use it to deflect away the Brigid Bow and Bolt Axe that come hurtling towards you, sending them off to the side. The Inexhaustible is the last weapon left, floating next to the Lady. Perhaps sensing its magical properties, she knocks an arrow back by pulling the string.

“Not so fun when people are throwing things at you, is it?!” The Lady asks.”How about I put an arrow through your head? Maybe that will knock some sense into you!”

Yulia backs away, frightened by the angry spirit, but she does not falter entirely.

“Please, my lady! We meant no harm! We only wish-”

“Shut up!” The Lady barks, turning to face Yulia and training The Inexhaustible on her. “Who the hell do you think you are to just waltz in here and-...wait, Xenophanes?!” The anger that had been etched on The Lady’s face a moment ago has vanished, replaced with a look of abject confusion. “No, that can’t be right…you’re a woman. And I sense not a trace of sorcery within you. Who are you? Explain yourself now!”

“I am Yulia, a descendant of the Sorcerer King. The last living heir of his legacy. I have come here together with my companion here to request your aid in defeating the greatest threat Morfis has ever known.”

“Xenophanes’ brat?” The Lady says through narrowed eyes. Whatever she feels at the moment, it causes the Lady to lower The Inexhaustible, tossing it onto the ground before you. “You aren’t lying. Even without his abundant sorcery, I still sense his essence in your soul. Loathe as I am to admit it, I owe your ancestor a debt of gratitude for not sealing me away as he did to the likes of Fortuna and Mystletainn. And it is for that debt of gratitude that I will allow you both to leave here with your lives, even after disturbing my oasis and killing my fish. Now, be gone!”

>“Wait!” You exclaim, picking up The Inexhaustible. The bow somehow felt different than before, but there was no time to explore that now. “Didn’t you hear what she just said? All of Morfis is in danger! That includes you too.”

“Oh? How so?” The Lady asks.

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>>6454399
“The Great Leviathan has returned,” Yulia says. “He threatens to wipe out all life on Morfis if he is not stopped, and he possesses the means to do so.”

“The dragon and his cohort,” The Lady answers. “I have seen them from one of my oases. They dig at the ground night and day in the north, eager to retrieve that strange flying ship your ancestor first rode here. And he is getting closer and closer each day. Tell me, what is it that you desire from me? Powerful as I may be, I do not have the means to oppose a creature of that magnitude.”

>“You’re able to travel between every oasis in Morfis, aren't you? Would you be able to take us with you to the oasis near where he is residing? We have a plan to stop him, but we need to bypass the horde of monsters he’s created to defend himself. With your help, we should be able to catch him off guard and deliver a killing blow.”

The Lady contemplates your request, and you feel a tinge of optimism that she has not outright rejected you. After considering it for a few moments, she voices her opinion.

“I may be capable of such a thing.” She relents.

>“Great! So you’ll help us?”

“Only on one condition,” The Lady says. “I grow tired of your humans infesting my sanctuaries, throwing your garbage into my clean waters in hopes of receiving boons. Or worse, swimming through my sacred ponds with your naked bodies.”

The Lady bares her teeth as if to show her disgust.

“I desire to be paid proper tribute, and with that, I want the force necessary to oversee it,” The Lady says. “I want you to provide me with guardians that will oversee my sanctuaries. Tireless warriors that will serve me as their Goddess, and allow no unwanted incursions into my domain! Souls that will answer only to me!”

>“She’s really antisocial.” You consult with Yulia in whispers.

“My isolation drove me to seek others out desperately. But she seems to enjoy that sort of thing. I wonder how she keeps herself entertained all day. Do you fancy she’s a big reader?”

>“Underwater? Probably not.”

“What are you whispering about down there?” The Lady asks, annoyed. “Will you give me what I asked for or not?”

That request was a bit of a pain in the ass, especially now when Morfis’ manpower was already at its lowest. Where were you supposed to find anyone willing to sign up for such a shitty job, waiting on this haughty spirit hand and foot?

You were able to think of a few ‘willing’ participants for the job.

>A): Offer The Lady your constructs as guardians.
>B): Decline The Lady’s request.
>C): Force The Lady to comply with violence
>D): Write-in

>>6454401
>D): Write-in
The Shadow Servants in Xenophanes Palace

If I remember Yulia basically had the entire palace staffed by shadow people like the ones Cassius can summon. If its a device that can be moved, or if theres like a spare in the tower of illusions, how about that Treehouse?

Otherwise how about some mercs if they're still alive. The Champions of Fodlan, Corvo’s Cutthroats, Murillo’s Companions, etc.

>>6454406
>The Shadow Servants in Xenophanes Palace
Hey that's pretty sharp thinking

>>6454407
I have my moments

>>6454406
Support this
AND let her know that we'll tell everyone to stop throwing stuff in her ponds (unless it's stuff she wants)

>>6454401
>>6454406
Support
It truly is the end times if Tristain is actually managing to use his braincell kek

>>6454418
Yes, these.

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>>6454401
A revelation suddenly occurs to you.

>“Wait, what about those weird phantoms I saw waiting on you hand and foot back at your place?” You ask Yulia. “Couldn’t we use those things?”

“Hmm,” Yulia strokes her chin in thought. “I don’t know if I would describe them as warriors. They’re actually pretty harmless. But they are both obedient and tireless, and I’m sure they might manage to dissuade some people from jumping into the water. Besides, it is not as if I will need them anymore now that my isolation has finally ended. The artifact to create those spirits is back in the city, but I’d be happy to part with it if it means securing the Lady’s help.”

Perfect! Those spirits should satisfy the Lady’s conditions just fine. Better yet, you’d still be able to keep your constructs. After the beating they gave Hamilcar’s men during the siege, you’d have hated to part with them. That you were even considering the idea shows your level of desperation.

>“You have a deal,” You tell the Lady. “When we next meet, we shall return with just the sort of servants you have requested. I’ll even issue a royal decree that criminalizes throwing trash into your lake. Anyone guilty of the crime will get the beating of a lifetime!”

“Consider your request granted then,” The Lady says, satisfied with your pledge. “I shall grant you passage through my domain. However, there are some things you should consider first. Despite what you have been led to believe, travel between oases is not instant, even for me. It would take at least 200 strokes through the water before you reached your destination. And while you were doing so, I would need to concentrate my power in ensuring that you did not drown. An act easier said than done. I would only have the concentration and energy to ensure that ten of you made it to the other side safely. I could probably squeeze that lizard of yours through as well.”

“Only ten?” Yulia mutters. “That can’t possibly be enough to defeat Ernest.”

>“That’ll be more than enough.”

Ernest was not an opponent you could defeat by throwing numbers at him, even with the disabling of his Crest. And even if he was, you didn’t want to settle the matter as such. Only the strongest, those with a real chance of hurting him and coming back alive, should be the ones you brought with you. Thanks to Pyrrhus, you now had an idea of his weaknesses. You’d take them into consideration when choosing your allies for this final battle.

>“We’ll return tomorrow just before dusk with your servants. Expect us then.”

“You seem rather sure of yourself,” The Lady says. “There is an oasis not too south from the one you seek to travel to. Meet me there with my servants, and I shall fulfill my end of the bargain.”

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>>6454799
The return trip is mostly silent. You now had a set time for your battle with Ernest, and it hung in the air around you. You estimated 200 strokes through the water to be about 5 minutes in length. During those 5 minutes, your allies would have to attack, luring the rest of the Crest Beasts away from the airship. You doubted Ernest would leave his prize alone just to deal with some rabble. That would give you the opportunity you needed to attack him without having to deal with his horde of monsters.

When you land back at the College, you find that Bronte was waiting for you. Your cousin was standing there with her arms crossed, like a disapproving mother who’d just caught her child sneaking in after hours.

“Just where have you two been?” She asks.

You fill Bronte in on the night’s events and your deal with the Lady. As you do, Yulia scurries back into the College to retrieve the artifact necessary to summon her servants.

>“We now have a backdoor to where Ernest is hiding out. First thing tomorrow morning, gather everyone still capable of fighting. We’ll be bringing the battle to him.”

“Tomorrow?” Bronte gasps. “Already? But that’s so soon!”

>“It can’t wait. Ernest is drawing closer to finding the ICBMs. If not tomorrow, we may not have another day. Have the Scorchers and the Frosted Shrikes ready to ferry across our men. And gather our elite all in one room for me to address them and choose who I want with me. Chelsey should have told everyone important by now what to expect. Counting myself, that leaves us nine other fighters to take on Ernest with.”

“Eight,” Bronte corrects you. “I’m obviously going with you.”

>“Perfect.”

“You’re not even going to pretend to try and stop me?” Bronte asks.

>“As if I have the luxury,” You snort. “You’re the best sorcerer we have. No way in hell I’m leaving you behind. You’re coming with, even if your mother does eventually kill me for putting you in this sort of danger.”

Bronte chuckles. “We haven’t fought side-by-side in so long. It’ll be just like when we were kids and that bear attacked you. How did that go again?”

>“I let you save me to build your meager confidence. Perhaps I’ll do the same tomorrow and grant you the finishing blow.”

You reach into your pocket, finding the Spirit Dust that May had pilfered the other day. You’d been hoarding items like this for a while, but perhaps it might make more sense to share the wealth this time around.

>A): Use Spirit Dust (Tristain’s MAG +2: Currently 35)
>B): Give it to Bronte (Bronte’s MAG +2: Currently 40)

>>6454800
>B): Give it to Bronte (Bronte’s MAG +2: Currently 40)

Auntie would also skin is for getting her baby girl snorting Morfisian sorceress drugs, but given the circumstances we may as well be hung for a sheep than a lamb.

>>6454800
>C): Split it with her like a good cousin (Tristain and Bronte MAG +1)
I'm shitposting here because the idea of doing drugs with our cousin is really funny to me

>>6454800
+1 to>>6454809
if possible.
It might be the last chance for Tristain to do fun dumb shit with Bronte!

>>6454800
>>6454809

Support

Okay, so who's going be our final 8? Out of who we have, we absolutely need
>Klement
>Arios
>Butch
>Crowley
For their relics. (Also damn it's a good thing Tristain is a good boi who also lived up to his title of the merciful, we wouldn't have had even half that lineup otherwise)

Other must haves are
>Alvin (wind magic + ice magic + emergency healing)
>Nadia (healing since we want Alvin to be attacking + rally magic bot)
>Chelsey (dancer)

That leaves us with a single free spot left.

Strength: 55
Speed: 45
Defense: 45
Resistance: 40
These are Ernest's stats from last thread.

May and Saorise are out because they can't even scratch him (and Saorise doesn't have a relic at that)

Cassius is way too squishy, he dies in one hit (plus we already need to babysit Alvin)

Uriyan with dragon axe would be Sothis tier, but honestly Tristan might need the axe more because WCG and bow aren't going to be doing effective damage to Ernest and the axe will.

Kosmas is decent statwise but Ernest isn't a mage so he's not going to be doing effective damage.

So that just leaves Adeline and Elric.

Okay yes after her boosts Adeline is safer to take than Elric plus she can guard the squishy units...but honestly after what happened to Cuthbert I want to take Elric so he can punch the lizard in the face for his spear dad. Resolve gives him more survivability too okay?

>>6454800
>>6454809
Supporting.

>>6454894
Adeline's probably going to be the safest choice, but Cassius could be useful for his debuffs since Ernest is pretty fast. Or debuffing Ernest's Defense instead would allow Clay to deal significantly more damage with quads.

>>6454918
Yeah Adeline/Cassius are probably the best choices.

He does chip damage to Adeline at best (unless he can also hit RES, then she's screwed - and evil dancer lady could target RES with her breath...) and she can guard our squishy units (Bronte, Alvin, Nadia).

With Cassius, Tristain absolutely need to guard him when he's going up against Ernest because the lizard will double and OHKO him on either player or enemy phase. If Cassius manages to get two swarms off against Ernest no one gets doubled, but the problem is this will take two full rounds to have happen. I don't think he'll be able to just blast Ernest unscathed either.

With Elric he's doing 12 damage per hit. (Maybe after Cuthbert he'll get a damage boost Vs Ernest or something but I doubt it).

One round of combat from Ernest puts him at 13 HP which activates resolve....but he's still not doubling Ernest (he'll he won't double Ernest even if he has resolve+Chelsey boost+light run used on Ernest)

Fuck but I really wanted to bring him along to avenge Cuthbert...

>>6454918
Yeah Adeline/Cassius are probably the best choices.

He does chip damage to Adeline at best. Unless he can also hit RES, then she's screwed...and now that I think about it, crest beast evil dancer lady could target RES with her breath...

With Cassius, Tristain absolutely need to guard him when he's going up against Ernest because the lizard will double and OHKO him on either player or enemy phase. If Cassius manages to get two swarms off against Ernest no one gets doubled, but the problem is this will take two full rounds to have happen. I don't think he'll be able to just blast Ernest unscathed either.

With Elric he's doing 12 damage per hit. (Maybe after Cuthbert he'll get a damage boost Vs Ernest or something but I doubt it).

One round of combat from Ernest puts him at 13 HP which activates resolve....but he's still not doubling Ernest (he'll he won't double Ernest even if he has resolve+Chelsey boost+light run used on Ernest)

Fuck but I really wanted to bring him along to avenge Cuthbert...

Oh yeah speaking of Elric, he used to use bows didn't he? Can we give him Brigid bow to use now?

>>6454930
>>6454931
>Double post.
Why.

A better choice to make Elric absolutely broken in this fight would be to force May to get him Peshkatz kek, but I don't think that would fly.

Giving him brigid bow does make him a good physical ranged attacker though.

>>6454894
I think, we should wait for the updated stats to decide.
I also really want to take Elric with us, and absolutely willing to explore weird options. If Mystletainn memories would help to use other weapons, it might be an interesting idea.

September is going to be a good month for FE fans, this quest will reach it's climax by then i'm predicting and fortunes weaves is released, a good time

>>6454800
>>6454809
kek support. What's a little magical cocaine between cousins?

>>6454894
>>6454962
Thirding the notion of bringing Elric along. He should be okay with bows since he could use them (badly) even before Misty. Peshkatz, well, he can used ranged weapons, and it is a blade, and Misty made him study blades while Big T was out becoming king, so, maybe? Please? Tree?

>>6454983
The only one who won't be having a good time is Tristain's prissy Dagdan relative who's having his girl stolen by the hot gladiator stripper.

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>>6454800
After taking a much needed rest, you were ready to meet your allies. You sat at the head of the Morfisian War Room, which just last week served as the Royal College’s cafeteria. Here with you were 16 other individuals. Men and women of great ability, they were the strongest warriors left standing on the continent. They were mostly your party members, as well as some of the more fearsome competitors for Yulia’s hand. It was amongst this pool of champions that you would select who would watch you back in the fight against Ernest.

“We’re attacking Ernest later today?” Alvin says, wide-eyed. “That’s…sooner that I anticipated. But I suppose this isn’t a matter to push off. With the completion of the Magic Seal, there’s no need for us to wait any longer.”

“But only eight of us may accompany you and Lady Bronte?” Adeline asks, a look of concern etched upon her face. “Will that truly be enough to slay the dragon?”

“Hah! All you need is me!” Butch says. A plate of chicken was before the man, and he was halfway through his large portion. “Won’t be the first ancient monster I’ve killed. Might not even be the last! And I’m itching to get even with that overgrown lizard for killing my bethrothed.”

“Yeah, you were really quite the couple…” Chelsey says with a look of disgust. “The Scorchers and the Frosted Shrikes are standing at attention. Together, they number 200, with each having the capability of carrying an extra soldier. As you requested, they will bring along Nadia’s constructs, as well as the rest of our elite and Knights of Seiros that are still left standing. I’m told the mercenaries under our employ have also agreed to assist. After all, they can’t spend their gold if the entire country is destroyed.”

“My constructs performed stupendously during the battle, and suffered minimal casualties at that,” Nadia smiles. “They’ll hold the line against those Crest Beasts and give us as much time as we need to skin that beast.”

“Maintaining a front line against monsters such as those will not be easy,” Kosmas says. “Especially if they are out of range of the Magic Seal.”

“They just need to survive,” Cyril advises. “I’ve seen this before. If it’s just like it was back then, those Crest Beasts will perish the second their master dies. The line simply needs to hold until that happens. I’ll lead the army at the front. I’ve had first hand experience with these things. I’m better suited for that job.”

“Cyril the Dragonslayer? Avoiding fighting against a dragon?” Klement laughs mockingly. “We’ll have to find something else to call you after this is all over.”

“Who invited him?!” May cries out. “I hate this guy!”

>“Beggars can’t be choosers. If he wishes to volunteer for the fight, I won’t stop him. That goes for all of you. I won’t force anyone into a battle they are unsure of.”

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>>6455028
“Are you kidding?” Uriyan roars in laughter. “You couldn’t keep me away if you tried! This might be the greatest fight of my life! To think we’d face a real life dragon. I’m brimming with excitement!”

“The same goes for me,” Saoirse says. “I will not abandon my brother in his time of need. If you plan to face this beast, then you shall have the First Sword of Sreng right there with you.”

“Do I WANT to go? Not really…” Cassius says. “But I’ve come this far with you, and I won’t abandon you now just because that dragon is both large and terrifying.”

“Don’t worry kid, I’ve got your back,” Crowley says with a thumbs up. “Killing a real life dragon…that would be a first for me! No way I’m gonna miss out on that.”

“That monster prattles on about the Goddess, yet would burn millions in her name,” Arios says with disgust. “I’ve never met a more reprehensible villain. Thunderbrand shall be the object of his judgment.”

“That fiend…I’ll stop him!’ Elric vows. “I’ll make him pay for what he did to Cuthbert and everyone else!”

One by one, your allies pledge themselves to your cause. Whoever you choose would come with you through the oasis, while the rest would stay behind with the others to battle the Crest Beasts. You were heartened to have such strong and willing companions ready to fight by your side. Now, you would need to choose carefully.

You recall Pyrrhus’ advice. Ernest would be vulnerable to Heroes Relics. That meant that Butch, Arios and Crowley would all enjoy an advantage against him. Klement’s Járngreipr was a Sacred Weapon, just like your own. It would not be as effective, but it would still be a powerful tool in its own right.

Wind and Ice Magic would also be effective. You had Bronte and potentially Alvin covering those areas, as well as their ability to heal. Nadia too would bring much needed healing to the mix. Cassius might also prove worthwhile in being able to weaken Ernest with his spellwork.

Uriyan, Saoirse, and Kosmas were all well-rounded fighters. Elric possessed Mystletainn’s techniques, which you knew included ways to bypass defense. Adeline was perhaps the toughest person here, but while she could probably take Ernest on physically, her poor resistances to magic were still a concern. Chelsey’s dancing would also prove invaluable, but there was the matter of her own vulnerability to consider.

May…

As if sensing you were thinking about her, she smiles and waves.

Probably not May…

>Choose 8 allies. Allies with the most votes will be selected.

I shamelessly support bringing May
Not because she would be useful in a fight, but because I want her to go steal cool stuff out of the ancient super space ship. Also I guess she could try to make it self destruct in 5 minutes or something if Yulia and the actual snake had a map and what buttons to push. Or activate the ship's exterior defenses to target Ernest.

I'll be travelling tomorrow, so no update until Sunday. Use the time to select the eight that will go along with Tristain and Bronte.

Also sorry, Elric can't use the Peshkatz. It's DNA-locked to May.

>>6455029
>Arios
>Butch
>Crowley
>Klement
>Alvin
>Nadia
>Chelsey
>Elric

Bringing Klement along because even though he's a shitter with only a piddly Sacred Weapon, it still heals him and Wound will be useful for chip damage.

Picking Elric for the last slot because mystery box Mystletainn techniques and also because he needs to avenge poor Cuthbert. Plus I am enjoying seeing this green magikarp finally become a gyarados

>>6455034
>It's DNA-locked to May.
So she's a snake with DNA tech???? No wonder she was such a jobber this whole quest, all her failed rolls was sabotage!!

But being serious though, can we pass Elric the Brigid bow?

>>6455038
Sure, though I think his Blade might still be more useful.

I have no idea who to take

Okay, hear me out. From what we observed Ernest is supreme dick. If he would realize he is close to losing - he might lash out agains our weaker allies. And as a dragon - he would have range by default if he really wants.

So, I think, if we want to keep everyone alive, unless we bring Adeline with us - Chelsey is absolutely out of question. I`m actually somewhat reluctant to even bring Nadia, but we just need healing that much.

>>6455029
>Arios
>Butch
>Crowley
>Alvin
>Nadia
Effective damage + heal.
>Uriyan
If anything, we could give Dragon Axe to him. With his skill activation - it would be glorious.
>Elric.
We promised. And "ignores defence" might be VERY OP, he might unironically end up a new dragonslayer.

Maybe
>Cassius.
His debufs are useful, he is one of the "original party", and if Ernest were to unearth a lot of things - some of them might have historical significanse, and SURELY nothing will blow up near the excavation, so he will get an opportunity to appreciate it. (Poor man already lost his opportunity to appreciate Tartarus!)
However, I`m not actually sure about Cassius, so might be convinced to switch him with someone else.

>>6455166
Cassius has the same no defense as Chelsey honestly. And he becomes dead weight once he gets off his mire and swarm. At least Chelsey will let our heavy hitters go again.

For debuffs Cassius needs to hit Ernest with swarm twice to stop Ernest doubling anyone, including him. Granted if Tristain uses light rune and the speed drop takes for the whole battle he only needs to swarm once, but we've already seen from the Mystletainn fight that bosses can shrug off the light rune speed debuffs. And there's the question of if Tristain can eat both Ernest's attack and double if he guards for Cassius - if he can't then things can get very risky.

Think big T should keep dragon axe because it stacks very well with resolve if we ever need a big hit, so I don't really want to take Uriyan. Granted if the lady of the oasis has let our bow be used for close combat counters then I'd be more willing to bring him along, but we don't know what she's done to it yet.

So gonna back this anon >>6455037

If we're not taking Uriyan then Klement is the obvious pick - he's self sustaining with his relic so less stress on Nadia, gets a damage boost from his personal and wound is basically free damage every turn. I'd actually argue wound makes him a better pick than Uriyan anyway, because with Ernest levels of HP it's taking like 30HP off for the first couple of turns.

>>6455029
>>6455168
Might be useful if I actually link to the main post.

>>6455168
>If we're not taking Uriyan then Klement is the obvious pick - he's self sustaining with his relic so less stress on Nadia, gets a damage boost from his personal and wound is basically free damage every turn. I'd actually argue wound makes him a better pick than Uriyan anyway, because with Ernest levels of HP it's taking like 30HP off for the first couple of turns.

Wait, I forgot that is 10% of full HP, not 10% of dealt damage. You are, in fact, correct about Klement being way better then I thought. However, Cassius/Chelsey situation is a but different.

Cassius has 55hp +13 def/39 res = not one-shot from full from distance, only in meele.
Chelsey has 45 hp +30 RES. At the very least, Ernest Strength is 55 even in human form. Then he doubles her, and kills her even from a distance.

Also, about Axe on Tristain.
Tristain +Inexhaustible = double attack + doubling. Tristain + Axe has neither, only effective damage.
I.e. regardless of Resolve Tristain+Inexhaustible multiples damage 4 times, and Tristain +Axe multiplies it 3 times. Our absurdly strong bow IS better. (Unless Tristain is in "dying just about now"-zone, but with Inexhaustible - he shouldn`t be there in a first place).

But, yeah, maybe Cassius just not THAT good.
>>6455029
>>6455166
Swap Cassius for Klement.

>>6455038
I mean? Yes? Look at her picture? It's been fairly obvious May has Argathan blood since we first met her.

>>6455298
I also was sure of it up until the last thread, but somehow Ernest didn`t detect it, despite clearly recognizing it in Yulia - who is also absolutely magicless.
So we actually have pretty strong confirmation she isn`t.

>>6455029
>>6455034
Wait, important question. Is Pyrrhus value his live to much to participate directly, afraid of Ernest blowing his cover or his spellist/stats just objectively weaker so he isn`t a candidate?

Cause he also knows heal, and depending on stats I potentially would be willing to swap Alvin or Nadia with him.

After doing some calculations, Elric might just get two-shotted by Ernest kek.
Obviously we won't actually know what Ernest is capable of until we confront him, but Elric's HP is pretty low.
Ernest could potentially do 55 STR + 9 (Claws) - 36 DEF = 28 damage per hit to Elric. If Ernest still has 45 SPD, he's doubling, and a single hit isn't enough to have Resolve kick in, so Elric gets two-shotted.
If Ernest has nerfed stats in his dragon form, doesn't get +9 ATK from his Claws unlike Persefoni, or if he's dumb enough to use his Breath attack to target Elric's RES, then Elric would survive.
For what it's worth, the Dracozombie right before Persefoni had separate STR and MAG stats and didn't get any bonuses for its claws/breath, so maybe it'd be the same case with Ernest.

I'd assume Ernest would have Dragonskin at least. If he doesn't have Dragonskin and his stats haven't changed, then Clay deals 39 damage per hit thanks to effective damage for a total of 156 damage in a single round because of quads. Throw Chelsey into the mix and Clay would kill a 300 HP Ernest before he even gets to move.
Dragonskin would bring Clay's damage down to 18 damage per hit for a total of 72 damage in a round, which is more reasonable and avoids Ernest being an Idunn tier final boss.
Bloating Ernest's DEF and RES stats instead would end up cucking non-Heroes Relics units the most, so it'd be more likely that he has Dragonskin.

>>6455429
A benefit to Kosmas is that he won't get doubled by Ernest. Granted he won't be doing much damage to Ernest either unless Glacies procs.

Honestly it's looking like swapping Chelsey for Cassius might be the play here. Tristain can guard Cassius for the first swarm, and hopefully being hit with the first swarm will bait Ernest into going for Cassius again on his enemy phase, in which case Tristain can guard again for Cassius to get another swarm in on the counter.

Two swarms on Ernest and he's not doubling anyone. Hell it might let some of our other units double him, basically doing Chelsey's role for us.

>>6455475
One Swarm does allow Arios to double Ernest along with preventing doubles for Butch and Tristain when The Inexhaustible isn't equipped.
The second Swarm would allow Bronte, Nadia, Klement, and Kosmas to double and prevents doubles for Elric and Alvin.
If we do manage to keep stacking the Swarms, then Cassius is arguably better than Chelsey.

>>6455485
Alright that's convinced me

>>6455029
Changing my vote >>6455037
to
>Arios
>Butch
>Crowley
>Klement
>Alvin
>Nadia
>CASSIUS
>Elric

Swapping Chelsey for Cassius. You know, I was thinking that out of all our OGs he's been a bit neglected this quest (hell even Adeline got her time to shine by NO DAMAGING Saorise), might as well give him his moment in the sun. Tristain needs to be ready to be a meat shield, though. He's gotten more than enough practice doing that this quest that I'm not worried.

...But looks like Cassius might just regret claiming to have never once regretted choosing to accompany Tristain for a second kek. Oh well, this way he gets to see all these shiny heroes relics up close AND gets a chance to be one of those those larger than life characters who change fate which he so admirers.

So, as of now we have three votes for
>Arios
>Butch
>Crowley
>Klement
>Alvin
>Nadia
>Elric
First: >>6455168
Second:>>6455489
Third: >>6455166 >>6455201
Those seven are pretty much decided, then.
One vote for Chelsey(first above)
One vote for Cassius (second above)
And one(mine) vote for Uriyan. (third above)
I don`t want to bog it with three-way tie, so if in the next three to four hours there will be no more Almyra enjoyers - I will swap my vote for eighth ally to Cassius.

Obviously this could be wrong if Ernest's stats end up different in his dragon form, but assuming he has the same stats as his human form plus Dragonskin:
Crowley does 19 damage (Based on Uriyan's fight, apparently Dragonskin halves after effective damage and it even rounds up), which results in 76 damage total after quads.
Arios does 42 damage for a total of 84 when initiating. If Arios quads, then that's 168 damage total.
Butch deals 45 damage, 135 when critting.
Kosmas with Glacies deals 27 damage.
Elric deals 29 damage or 31 damage if Tristain is nearby for the support boost.
If we include Wound's 30 damage in the calculations, Klement is doing 36 or 42 damage per turn depending on whether or not he attacks once or twice.

Tristain with the Dragon Axe deals 24 damage while Inexhaustible deals 8 * 4 = 32 damage.
If Elric is with Tristain for the support boost, Dragon Axe deals 30 damage while The Inexhaustible deeals 10 * 4 = 40 damage
Fionn deals 9 damage. If Alvin and Bronte are near us, then he'll deal 11 damage.
Uriyan with Dragon Axe deals 17 damage, but Bonfire increases his damage to 47. His wyvern deals 11 damage.
Alvin with Fimbulvetr and being next to Tristain does 18 damage or 54 if he crits.
Bronte while adjacent to Tristain and with a normal Fimbulvetr deals 33 damage. She has the potential to deal 297 damage with a Forseti Crit with Flare active.

Basically, there's a big gap with the Heroic Relics users compared to everyone else. Bronte and Tristain are in 2nd place. Klement is consistently the best after those two.
Alvin can deal more damage than the physical attackers, but we'd need to rely on crits for that, so he's arguably better as a staffbot.
Uriyan is outclassed by Tristain with Dragon Axe + Indech though Tristain does need Ernest debuffed by Swarm to safely attack with the Dragon Axe. If Uriyan could use Bonfire plus his Diamond Axe Combat Art, then he'd be dealing a massive 77 damage.
I'd still rather choose Adeline, but Elric does relatively decent damage reliably when compared to the non-Heroic Relics though there's still the issue of him possibly getting instagibbed after scratching Ernest. His support rank with Tristain is a nice ATK boost.
If Ernest's HP is still 300, then we could potentially kill him before he even acts if we had Chelsey, but it probably won't be that easy. The damage that the Heroes Relics are doing to him is a big indicator that he's going to have Dragonskin at least unless the twist is that he's a joke without his Crest.

>>6455029
>>6455489
Supporting.

>>6455578
With this vote, Cassius as at two, making your party selections:
>Arios
>Butch
>Crowley
>Klement
>Alvin
>Nadia
>Elric
>Cassius

Writing

>>6455584
>Cassius when Tristain's dithering between him, Adeline and Chelsey: Calm
>Cassius when Tristain actually picks him for something for the first time this whole damn quest: ((panik))

>>6455593
Lol I can see them standing in line like kids being picked for dodgeball. Cassius would definitely panic, while Adeline would be disappointed and Chelsey would be breathing a large sigh of relief.

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>>6455029
With your allies selected, there was nothing left for you to do but get the show started. The soldiers you would be bringing were marshalled outside the city, each of them pairing up with one of the wyverns or pegasi that would ferry them to the most decisive battle in Morfisian history. You walk the grounds, inspecting your troops. A complex sea of emotions greets you across every face. One guardsman looked as though he was about to vomit, while a woman who belonged to the Frosted Shrikes was shooting dice with a man from Corvo’s Band. Several Knights of Seiros were sitting in a prayer group. Two members of the Cult of the Serpent sat with them, all praying to the same Goddess. Sreng warriors were doing some sort of tribal dance, while a few Almyrans cheered them on.

Morfis, Fodlan, Sreng, Almyra, it mattered not. Each of these men and women were united under one banner right now, and all shared the singular goal of stopping Ernest and his wanton destruction. As you work on finishing your gear check, Pyrrhus greets you. At his side were Adjunct Filomena, as well as two mages from the College, who were carrying a box between them.

“Xenophanes.” Filomena offers you back the turtle who would serve as your magic seal. Upon grabbing the reptile, he once more retreats into his shell.

>“He clearly doesn’t like me,” You grumble, stuffing the turtle into your holding bag. “Is he really going to be okay in there though?”

“He’ll be fine,” Pyrrhus dismisses the subject. “Focus less on the turtle and more on killing Ernest.”

>“Easy for you to say. I noticed you were conspicuously absent during the meeting to see who would fight that beast.”

“You have no want of capable warriors,” Pyrrhus once more handwaves the subject. “Besides, I was busy with this.”

The mages that had accompanied the disguised Agarthan placed the box they carried on the ground and opened the lid. Inside, you find your Dragon Axe. You had given the weapon to the College, requesting that they enhance it prior to the battle. With the addition of the other item that you’d given them, they’d managed to do just that, and the axe had taken on an entirely new form.

“The Agarthium key that Alvin had retrieved from Fodlan ended up never being used,” Pyrrhus says. “A good thing for that. There is no stronger metal than Agarthium. The axe has been recast using it as a base. I am no blacksmith, but given the forger’s unfamiliarity with this metal, I oversaw the process. It is a truly exquisite weapon. I’ve named it Nox Lumina.”

>“Nox Lumina?” You hold the axe in your hand. These days, you’d been fighting more with The Inexhaustible, but it was nice to hold an old reliable favorite. True to his word, the axe was of an amazing tier. “What does that mean?”

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>>6455610
“In Agarthan, it would roughly translate to Last Light. The old Agarthans coveted the light, but when Sothis denied them it, they were driven mad. This axe is now one of the final remnants of old Agartha. Use it to send that Nabatean back to his Goddess in pieces.”

>You received Nox Lumina! (+21 ATK, Eff. against dragons)

The journey to the Triet Ruins takes but a short two hours atop the backs of the Scorchers and Shrikes. As you draw closer, Ernest’s work becomes readily apparent. Jutting out of a massive hole in the ground like a spear was the tail end of what appeared to be a humongous ship. Rust colored and smashed apart in several places, several dozen Crest Beasts were flying around it, while more of the monsters worked below to continue digging the vessel up. This was the titan airship that Xenophanes came here on? It was bigger than you could have imagined! Just how much more of it was buried underneath the ground?

“Fliers! Get ready to land!” Governor Tobias gives the order, and one by one, every mounted beast begins grounding a safe distance away.

“I couldn’t see Ernest,” Bronte says. “I thought a large green dragon would be easier to spot. Is he waiting for us in human form? Or is he inside that thing?”

You dismount and stretch your legs. The plan was for Cyrus and Adeline to lead the army through the narrow pass, where they would distract and hold off the horde of Crest Beasts. Once they engaged, you and your chosen nine would use the nearby Oasis to sneak through the back and attack Ernest directly.

>“This is it…”

“Everyone looks so nervous.” Yulia says, dismounting Fionn.

You had promised you’d bring her along. The Princess had ridden behind you. On her right hand was an ornate ring; an artifact that could summon servants at will. She would give it to the Lady herself.

“We should say something to everyone.” Yulia suggests. “There probably won’t be another chance…”

>A): Address the army yourself (All allies will receive a boon to their attack)
>B): Allow Yulia to address the army (All allies will receive a boon to their survivability)

>>6455612
>>A): Address the army yourself (All allies will receive a boon to their attack)

>>6455612
>B): Allow Yulia to address the army (All allies will receive a boon to their survivability)
We've got attack sorted. What we really need is to stop Ernest murking us before Cassius can get his swarms off and stops him doubling.

>>6455612
>>B): Allow Yulia to address the army (All allies will receive a boon to their survivability)

>>6455612
>B): Allow Yulia to address the army (All allies will receive a boon to their survivability)

>>6455612
>B): Allow Yulia to address the army (All allies will receive a boon to their survivability)

>>6455612
>B): Allow Yulia to address the army (All allies will receive a boon to their survivability)
Let her speak

>>6455612
>B): Allow Yulia to address the army (All allies will receive a boon to their survivability)

>>6455612
>>B): Allow Yulia to address the army (All allies will receive a boon to their survivability)
Yeah better for Yulia to get a speech in, especially since we don't know if Tristain is sticking around after the lizard get skinned.

>Cassius picked
On a scale of 1 to 10 how badly is he regretting volunteering as a tour guide now. But hey, isn't shadow an axeman? Think it might be able to use this fancy new axe while Tristain nukes Ernest with WCG + wind kek?

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>>6455612
>“Ehh, you can say something to them. I’m tired of yelling. I’m gonna save the full force of my voice for cursing Ernest straight to hell.”

“Huh, okay, sure.” Yulia nods. She gives Bronte a look and your cousin waves her hand, using her magic to amplify Yulia’s voice so that all those present could hear her clearly.

“People of Morfis! I know that there are many among you who do not hail from this country…but still, you have chosen to risk your life to keep my home safe. And to me, that makes you my kinsmen! The enemy lies just ahead. The wicked dragon, the so-called ‘Great Leviathan’, has left nothing but ruin in his wake. He seeks to continue the destruction he wreaked a thousand years ago, believing none can stop him. But much has changed since that monster slumbered. Let us show him that there is no place in our future for a wicked creature like him!”

Cries of battle rise from the crowd! The soldiers present respond positively to Yulia’s words. You find yourself a bit surprised. How could a sheltered girl like her be so good at this? It was as if she had been preparing herself for this moment her entire life.

“The strongest warriors from all over the world have gathered here today for one purpose! To put an end to this dark chapter of history once and for all! Ernest can only make slaves. He bends innocents to do his bidding through dark magic and deception. A monster like that cannot prevail against a united force that has come here of its own free will!”

“LET’S KILL THAT BASTARD!”

“WE’RE GONNA KILL THE GREAT LEVIATHAN? HELL YEAH!”

“FOR QUEEN YULIA!”

One by one, cheers rise from the soldiers present. This continues until their battle fervor is suddenly cut short by the impossibly loud, raucous laughter of none other than Ernest himself.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”

The Nabatean had heard Yulia’s words, echoing across the chasm, and was responding with his own provocation. An echoing laugh that was meant to prove he did not take the princess or her army as a threat. To cow them into submission before the battle even started, forcing her soldiers to second guess whether it was truly possible to defeat a creature as ancient and devastating as he. His attempt works. And the faces of those present begin to pale. Yulia however, does not relent.

“Laugh while you can, demon!” Yulia spits. “Your end has come! Army of Morfis! Your Sorcerer Queen commands you, destroy this fiend once and for all! And come back to me alive, so that we may rebuild our home together!”

In an instant, Yulia restores the morale of her shaken men. They roar, and collectively, their voices carry even louder than Ernest’s mocking laughter. You were sure of it, this was an army that would hold well against the Crest Beasts.

>All allies gain Miracle (Survive one lethal attack)

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>>6456305
>“Well done,” You pet Yulia on the head. “Well then, time to go.”

“Good luck boss!” May cries, wiping her face away. “I wish I could be there to see you clobber that big bastard. You better tell us all about it when you get back!”

“Indeed,” Chelsey says. “We’ll finish up with those monsters and then rush in to help you as soon as possible. Though if you kill him before then, I certainly wouldn’t complain…”

“Worry not, we’ll hold them off,” Adeline salutes. “May the Goddess protect you all.”

“It’ll take you five minutes to get over there, eh?” Pyrrhus says. “We’ll launch a signal in the sky to inform you the battle has begun. Once you see it, take a dip in this pond of yours.” Pyrrhus smiles. An uncharacteristic show of emotion from the ancient Agarthan. “Fighting against a Nabatean one last time…how incredibly nostalgic. Let’s put an end to this, shall we?”

“Give the ring to the lady.” Yulia says, placing her Servant Ring in your hands. She stares up at you, and for a second you believe she is about to cry. Instead, she remains steadfast, not wishing to show tears in front of the army that was currently bellowing her name. Rather, she offers you a smile.

“And come back to me.”

Bronte rides Fionn behind you, while your chosen allies each ride behind the backs of a Scorcher. Arios, Butch, Crowley, Klement, Alvin, Nadia, Elric and Cassius. These were the warriors you would attempt to slay Ernest with. The ride to the other oasis takes only 10 minutes. It was a considerably smaller pond than where you’d met the Lady before, but there was no mistaking that this was the spot she had mentioned. This time, you are not required to throw anything into the drink. The Lady greets the second your foot touches the green grass.

“Ahh! She’s real!” Klement exclaims with shock. “And here I’d thought you’d lost your mind!”

“This is the being you saw back then?” Alvin says in awe. “Sorry I didn’t believe you…”

“Silence worms!” The Lady bellows. “Have you brought me what I asked?”

You equip Yulia’s ring and use it just as she showed you. Half a dozen shadow servants are called forth. They study their surroundings briefly, before beginning to tidy up the scattered rocks and detritus.

“They don’t seem very talkative…” The Lady furrows her brow.

>“Who would be?!” You snarl, throwing the ring at her. “Anyway, that wasn’t part of the deal. You ready to help us or not?”

The Lady catches the ring telepathically.

“Fine. As soon as you’re ready, we’ll be on our way.”

You had yet to see Pyrhhus’ signal, meaning the battle had not started yet. That gave you a few moments to collect yourself. The Inexhaustible was clutched in your hands. It still carried the aroma of the Lady’s magic upon it, increasing its power. (Inexhaustible: +3 ATK, +5 LCK)

>A):Choose an ally to speak with
>B):Address them all.

>>6456306
>>6456306
Yulia already made a speach, no need to make our allies compare it.
>A):Choose an ally to speak with
>Cassius.
Arios, Butch, Crowley and Klement probably in perfect condition already - they are tested warriors, Alvin and Nadia are cunning mages fully grasping situation and as such fully prepared. To Elric - it`s personal. It would be good to tell him to survive in the battle, but Yulia already did.

So, I chose Cassius - let him know, that if we win today, he would be the most qualified ever to write about Morfis Most Important Battle. And he will also be forever enshrined as a hero. (Not as heroic as Tristain, of course, and maybe not much of "moving counless hearts" variety, but hero nonetheless).

>>6456306
>A):Choose an ally to speak with(Nadia)
THE S SUPPORT. No better time to get it, we won't be needing it after this.

>>6456306
>>A):Choose an ally to speak with
>Elric.

>>6456306
>A):Choose an ally to speak with
>Alvin
This is your LAST chance to give us your A support and also ice mirror, or we're throwing you into this damn pond and telling the lady to let you drown.

>>6456306
>A):Choose an ally to speak with
>Alvin
Would have wanted to chat with Cassius but the other guy is right, this is our last chance to get A rank with Alvin

>>6456306
>A):Choose an ally to speak with
>Klement

>>6456306
>A) Nadia
Nadiabros.... Let's try to get it working...

>>6456306
>>A):Choose an ally to speak with
>>Alvin

>>6456306
>A):Choose an ally to speak with
>Alvin
Torn between him, Elric and Cassius but we've already spoken to the latter two last thread.

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>>6456306
>“I feel like you owe me something.” You turn to say towards Alvin. With nothing better to do while you waited for the signal that the battle had begun, you decide to settle something with your original benefactor.

“I do?” Alvin asks, unsure of what you meant.

>“Yeah. You were teaching me magic when I first got here. Well there was one spell you had that I really wanted to learn but you never got around to it. That thing you do when someone shoots an arrow at you.”

“Ice Mirror?”

>“Is that what you call it? Well yeah, that’s what I mean. Teach me Ice Mirror.”

“Tristain…” Alvin trails off. “That’s an old Agarthan spell. It’s not that you couldn’t learn it, but it would take more than the five minutes we have before we’re forced to fight-”

>“Five minutes is plenty! Come on, you’re wasting my time by just standing around complaining! How does it work? Is there an incantation or a couple of hand gestures I have to make or something?”

“One of the great spells of my ancestors requires far more than just a few hand gestures,” Alvin groans, rubbing his head. “Why didn’t you just ask me when we were out in the desert? We had all the time in the world back then!”

>“Cough it up damnit!”

>You receive an A-Support w/ Alvin! (+4 MAG for each character when deployed together)

You move forward to throttle Alvin, when a loud explosion from above catches you by surprise. A magical detonation lights up the dusky sky, followed by a sudden cry from the army that reverberates throughout the desert. That was Pyrrhus’ signal. The battle had begun.

“They’ve started! That’s our cue!” Bronte declares.

>“Oy! We’re ready!” You shout towards the Lady. “Take us over there! How does this all work?”

“Jump in,” The Lady says, gesturing towards the water. “I will take care of everything from there.”

Elric looks nervous, turning his head left and right. “S-should we take our shoes off, or…”

>“No time!”

You are the first to plunge into the oasis’ waters. You find yourself immediately sinking upon doing so. A bubble materializes around you as you plunge further down into the murky depths. Despite being a small pond, you are unable to see the bottom, and you continue sinking further and further as if you were freefalling. Regardless, you’re able to breathe as if you were still on land; an effect of the bubble that enveloped you no doubt. You hear several more splashes of water from above. By the numbers, you can tell that both your allies as well as Fionn had followed your lead.

The descent continues for several minutes. For a moment, you fear that the Lady had tricked you, and that you’d be stuck down here forever. Soon after though, you find your trajectory changing in an instant. You are launched upwards, out of the water and onto the ground above. When you look up, you find yourself in an oasis, but not the same one you dived in.

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>>6457199
The first thing you notice is the massive airship. Up close, the Titan looked even grander than it had before. Though it was damaged in several places, with holes that let you peer into the darkness within, the Sorcerer King’s ship was still every bit impressive. The sounds of battle had grown closer. Looking around, you do not see a single Crest Beast. You could only hope that meant they were all tied up with the Morfisian Army. However, you also saw no sign of Ernest.

Your friends are launched out of the pool one by one. The last to come out is Fionn, who exits with a great big splash. The wyvern screeches, clearly perturbed by the strange experience. Once everyone gets their bearings, they gather together, each of them mesmerized by the giant ship before them.

“So, where is the green bastard?” Butch asks. Blutgang was resting across his shoulder, pulsating wildly.

>“Don’t know. But if he’s anything like us, he should be feeling the effects of this.” You pull out ‘Xenophanes’ from your bag. The turtle was still clad within his shell, but that was fine with you. When you were under the effect of the Magic Seal, you and everyone else felt nauseous, and were instantly able to tell something had gone wrong. Ernest should no doubt be feeling the same. And if he was anything like you, he’d be now coming to terms with the fact that his Crest no longer worked.

“Ugh…” Bronte pales upon seeing the turtle.

>“What’s your problem?”

“I hate reptiles,” She says plainly. “Turtles, lizards, snakes. I can’t stand them…”

>“I don’t know where you get it from,” You say, stuffing the turtle back into the safety of your bag. “I don’t see Ernest, neither here nor where the battle is occurring. Should we go in there and see if we can drag him out?”

“Hahahaha….”

From the very top of the airship, a latch opens, and a figure emerges. Ernest was in his human form. The Nabatean looked as if he were constipated, his face twisted in a half sneer half grin. He stared down upon you and your allies, baring his teeth. A silence hung in the air between you, the only sound being the cries of man and beast far away.

“I dreamt about this for years. The day I would finally destroy this profane land. I knew I would face a paltry resistance, but never in my wildest nightmares did I ever think it would be ones with the blood of my brethren. Tell me, what possesses you to go to these lengths? To fight for these wretched creatures? Is it compassion? Pride? Vengeance? You stand against the greatest child of the Goddess! I would hear what madness drives you before I scatter your remains to the wind!”

>A): This is my kingdom you’re trying to destroy!
>B): There’s no way a villain like you speaks for the Goddess.
>C): I just don’t like you!
>D): These people are not the Agarthans you fought against. They deserve a chance at life.
>E): Write-in

>>6457200
>>C): I just don’t like you!

>>6457200
>B*): There’s no way a villain like you speaks for the Goddess. And that is why your Crest would be of no use - She wills so.

Some time ago Tristain claimed his birth with two crests was also a gift from the Goddess in a way (yes, there were surgeries on his parents, but ultimately, he really won a genetic lottery). This is kinda the same thing. Right now Ernest doing something the Goddess wouldn`t stand for, so she sent Tristain a way to beat him. And it is also a psychological attack.

>>6457200
>B): There’s no way a villain like you speaks for the Goddess.

>>6457200
>>6457227
Support because if he wants to get into a pissing content over the goddess, then big T can give as good as he gets.

>>6457200
>>6457227
supporting

>>6457227
Support

>>6457227
The ultimate big dog from Tristian

>>6457200
.........You know, if Lycus was around he would have taught Tristain Ice Mirror on the spot just to spite his cousin. Just saying.

But man I missed these two's banter so I'll let it pass. But if Tristain sticks around and has a family with Yulia Alvin BETTER start teaching his brats how to cast Ice Mirror from the moment they can walk or we are dumping him in the pond.

>“I hate reptiles,” She says plainly. “Turtles, lizards, snakes. I can’t stand them…”
KEK her mother's blood runs true after all.

>>6457227
+1

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>>6457200
>“You speak of the Goddess as if you were carrying out her desires, but there is no way that a villain like you could ever represent her! Look now how your Crest and vaunted invincibility fail you. Why do you believe that is? It is because she wills it so! You can deny it no longer. In the face of her one true champion, all that awaits you is a death that has been delayed long enough!”

Ernest stares at you aghast. With no knowledge of the Magic Seal, he should not have known the true reason as to why he could not call upon his usual powers. You believe your boasting has affected him greatly, and he struggles to find the right words to combat your claims. He shakes his head though, and his feral grin returns. The Nabatean stands straight and proud. He would not back down.

“Impossible! You? Her true champion? You’re a heretic, Tristain d’Rusalka! I do not know what trick you have pulled, but it will avail you with nothing! I do not need my invincibility to prevail. I have fought underneath a sky of fire, have witnessed countless cities burn under my flame, and have crushed the strongest armies of Agartha underfoot! What can a few measly humans do against my might!?”

A sudden tremor shakes the ground as Ernest’s power begins to well. To your right, A Crest Beast crawls out of the ground, roaring ferociously. To your left, another lands on the ground, snapping its jaws towards you and your party. Evidently, Ernest hadn’t sent all his monsters to deal with the army. He’d kept two behind to serve as bodyguards. Just like Ernest though, they should have no control over their Crests. The Nabatean shimmers as he begins to transform, growing larger and larger until he is nearly the size of the airship that was sticking out of the ground. Upon assuming his true form, he lets out a roar that shakes the world, the airship buckling and breaking further under his strain. The dragon leaps from his perch, landing on the ground with a massive thud that nearly knocks you on your ass.

“This has gone on long enough!” Ernest declares. “I tire of your antics. You can lead as many men to their deaths as you like, but it matters not. Once I kill you, the rest of them shall scatter like ants!”

>“Hah! As if that would ever happen! I’m not sending you to the Goddess, I’m sending you straight to hell, Nabatean!”

You pluck the bow of the Inexhaustible, feeling its power coursing through you. Your allies were at your back. In the face of the greatest terror they’d ever known, none of them would shirk their duties. Inspired by your words and the fate of Morfis hanging on the line, they would fight to the very end.

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>>6457533
“I will not have you besmirch the name of my Goddess for one moment longer,” Arios declares, flourishing Thunderbrand. “You shall meet your end here, demon!”

“I wonder what this thing tastes like,” Butch says, positioning Blutgang for a strike. “Only one way to find out!”

“I bet killing a Nabatean wasn’t what you had in mind when you gave me my Crest, old man,” Crowley mutters. The red orb of the Vajra-Mushti was pulsating at the promise of battle. “How do I always find myself in these situations? I’ll have to go somewhere where there are no d’Rusalkas after this.”

“If Tristain lets Morfis be destroyed by this thing, he’ll look like a huge failure,” Klement says. “That would make me look even worse as the guy that lost to him! For that reason alone you must die.”

“Who could have foresaw this back on the ship?” Alvin smirks. “The world truly does work in mysterious ways.”

“Great Leviathan or not, I will destroy any enemy that stands in Lord Tristain’s path,” Nadia declares. “You do not scare me, worm!”

“I’m gonna die, aren’t I?” Cassius sighs with disbelief. “Oh well. I can think of worse ways to go than beside my friend!”

“Ernest!” Elric shouts. “For Cuthbert, and for my friends, I’ll strike you down here and now!”

“Xenophanes called you ‘The Fool’ didn’t he?” Bronte muses. “I can understand where he was coming from, for only a fool would face off against Tristain and I. Prepare yourself, fiend! Rusalka shall give you its worst!”

>Ernest
>Level 99 Nabatean (Dragon Form)
HP: 1000/1000 HP
Strength: 60
Magic: 50
Speed: 45
Defense: 45
Resistance: 40
Weapon: Claw (+12 ATK, single target) Tail Swipe (+10 ATK, hits all melee units, cannot double), Nabatean Breath (+10 ATK, ranged, targets RES)
Skills: Dragonskin (Halves damage, grants immunity to Light Runes.)

>Crest Beast 1
Level 50 Crest Beast
HP: 150/15
STR: 40
SPD: 32
DEF: 28
RES: 29
Weapon: Claw (+9 DMG)
Skill: Seal STR (-4 STR on target attacked)

>Crest Beast 2
Level 50 Crest Beast
HP: 150/150
MAG: 40
SPD: 32
DEF: 28
RES: 29
Spell: Fimbulvetr (+12 ATK, AoE)
Skill: Seal MAG (-4 MAG on target attacked)

>Combat Order:
1. Tristain: 57
2. Crowley: 53
3. Arios: 46
4. Ernest: 45
5. Bronte: 44
6. Klement: 43
7. Nadia: 43
8. Butch: 40
9. Cassius: 37
10. Elric: 36
11. Alvin: 35
12. Crest Beast 1
13. Crest Beast 2

>Tristain d’Rusalka
>Level 50 King (MAX Level)
HP: 92/92
Strength: 49 + 7**
Magic: 35 + 8**
Speed: 37 + 20*
Defense: 44
Resistance: 38 + 8**
Luck: 41 + 15*
*: Support bonuses from The Inexhaustible
**Support bonuses from Alvin, Bronte, Cassius, Elric and Yulia

>Attack: How?

Wow, whad did he eat to grow up this fat?
And, I think Klement will suddenly end up way more valuable that I expected. Even if it just 5% because of Dragonskin.

Let`s think about this battle. If at all possible - we should kill both Beasts turn 1. Their abilities are nasty, especially if they stack, and if he has power to call for more (he totally does, but if we are lucky - they too caught up in the battle) he could overwelm us with sheer numbers.

Arios, Butch and Tristain one-turn kill one Beast.

We need Cassius to slow down Ernest, he is here for that.

So, Klement will attack Ernest, activate Crest (will receive 32 damage back), Cassius will Swarm Ernest (receive 17*2 damage back, in need of healing but not in the dire one, since Ernest will stop doubling him).

If Ernest for some reason decides to attack Cassius he fights back with Swarm, Nadia heals him, and on his turn he Swarms again, and Ernest will no longer double anyone (until his inevitable second phase). But he will not, he will almost certainly either attack Tristain, Alvin or one of the Hero relic users first. So I think, for the 1 turn, healing with Alvinn might be enough, but it is a bit scary anyway.

Nadia with Seraphim deals (41+4-29)*3*2 =96 to the Crest Beast. Elric deals 41+4+16 = 61 and finishes it without retaliation.

So, let Butch kill Crest Beast 2 (he will receive 27 damage, no debuff).
Let Nadia+Elric kill Crest Beat 1. No retaliation, so no damage or debuffs.

So, maybe >>6457534
>Tristain attacks Ernest with Inexhaustible
(gor the Big T and at the distance his retaliation is a joke - Tristain outheals it)
>Crowley...Punches Ernest, drinks his lifeforce?
Is he supposed to be without hp? Well, with his Crest he probably would be okay.
>Arios attacks Ernest
(receives 31 damage back).
>Bronte heals whoever is most damaged
(this is after Ernest will attack after all).
>Klement attacks and wound Ernest
(receives 32 damage back)
>Nadia uses Seraphim against Crest Beast 1. Range attack, 96 damage, no retaliation.
>Butch attacks Crest Beast 2 and kills it.
(Receives 27 damage back).
>Cassius Swarms Ernest.
(Receive 34 damage back).
>Elric kills Crest Beast 1.
Immediately, no retaliation.
>Alvin heals Cassius.

Taking it slow overall since Fool or not, Crest or not - surely who-knows-how-old lizard has knows tricks.

>>6457534
>>6457551
I was mistaken, for some weird reason I decided that Butch would also attack Crest Beast 4 times, which is obviously not the case.
So, swaping him with Arios.

>Tristain attacks Ernest with Inexhaustible
>Crowley...Punches Ernest, drinks his lifeforce?
>Arios attacks Crest Beast 2.
>Bronte heals whoever is most damaged
(if Ernest tailswiped - heals Butch)
>Klement attacks and wound Ernest
>Nadia uses Seraphim against Crest Beast 1.
Range attack, 96 damage, no retaliation.
>Butch attacks Ernest.
(he doubled, but next turn combat order will change Bronte would be able to heal him before dragon turn)
>Cassius Swarms Ernest.
>Elric kills Crest Beast 1.
>Alvin heals Cassius.

>>6457534
>Tristain Attacks Ernest with The Inexhaustible (and gets ready to guard Cassius if Ernest goes for Cassius on his turn)
If Ernest attacks anyone else, Tristain leaves the rest of his allies to fend for themselves.
>Crowley attacks Ernest
>Arios attacks crest beast 2
>Bronte heals whoever is most damaged (if Ernest tailswiped - heals Butch)
>Klement attacks and wound Ernest
>Nadia uses Seraphim against Crest Beast 1.
>Butch attacks Ernest.
>Cassius Swarms Ernest + Tristain guards for Cassius.
>Elric kills Crest Beast 1.
>Alvin heals whoever is most injured

Similar to other anon's plan but with Tristain guarding for Cassius. The aim is to bait Ernest into attacking Cassius next around just to piss Tristain off, which will allow Cassius to get maybe two swarms off (one during the counter and one during this attack phase).

Plus if Tristain guards for Cassius there's one less ally to heal up next phase so one of the magic users can maybe go on the offensive.

>>6457676
Makes sense to me. Cassius is (morally) the shakiest as well and might look like an enticing target for Ernest.

>>6457676
If this sequence can be done - why not, I will support it.
But I`m not really sure if it is at all possible to guard our unit when this unit not attacked but attacks itself.

Crowley does 20 damage, 80 damage total after quads.
Arios does 42 damage for a total of 84 when initiating. If Arios quads, then that's 168 damage total.
Butch deals 45 damage, 135 when critting.
Elric deals 31 damage.
Klement does 6 damage per hit, so 12 in total if he hits twice. Wound deals 100 damage per turn or 50 damage per turn if it's affected by Dragonskin.

Tristain with Nox Lumina deals 44 damage while The Inexhaustible deals 11 * 4 = 44 damage.
Cyclone will deal 50 damage, 100 with Macuil.
Wind deals 24 damage, 48 with Macuil
Fionn still deals 11 damage. 14 damage with Wind Caller equipped.

Alvin with Fimbulvetr now does 21 damage or 63 with crits.
Bronte with Fimbulvetr deals 35 damage, 105 on crit. Fimbulvetr with Flare deals 95 damage, 285 on crit. Forseti deals 47 damage, 141 on crit. Forseti with Flare deals 107 damage, 321 if it crits

Cassius deals 2 damage with Swarm.
Nadia deals 7 damage with Aura, 21 damage on crit.

Ernest's Breath attack ends up being less dangerous to everyone except for Crowley, but even then Crowley just heals from the damage.
Tristain takes 28 damage from Claw and 14 damage from Breath. Without Swarm, Tristain gets doubled if he switches away from The Inexhaustible. Tristain heals 18 HP per turn if The Inexhaustible or Wind Caller's Genesis are equipped.
Crowley takes 36 damage from Claw and 40 damage from Breath. Either way, Crowley completely heals from the damage when he lands the last 2 hits from his quads or next turn if Ernest initiated on Crowley at range.
Butch also takes 36 damage, but without Swarm active, he's getting doubled. Breath does 35 damage.
Klement takes 32 damage from Claw and 20 damage from Breath. Klement recovers 16 HP per turn.
Cassius takes 17 damage from Breath. He does get doubled, but the first Swarm brings Ernest down to 41 SPD, which is already enough for Cassius to avoid doubles. Ernest one-shots Cassius if he targets him with physical attacks.
Bronte takes 20 damage from Breath. She takes 57 damage from Claw, so she can tank one physical attack.
Elric takes 36 damage and gets doubled unless Swarm is stacked twice. If Ernest decides to use Breath, then Elric takes 20 damage and would survive even when doubled.
Nadia takes 19 damage from Breath. Physical attacks will kill her.
Arios takes 31 damage from Claw. Breath does 30 damage. He has the Shield of Seiros equipped, so he should be healing 4 HP per turn.
Alvin takes 18 damage from Breath but gets doubled for a total of 36 damage. Alvin would tank a single Claw and survive at 1 HP, but he gets doubled and dies to the second Claw unless Swarm has been stacked twice.

Did Bronte end up snorting the entire Spirit Dust by herself? She'd benefit more from it since at most we'd likely use magic once against Ernest if we're using it at all, and 1 point in MAG probably won't change much anyways, but it's definitely funnier to imagine that Bronte and Tristain were both snorting it together.

There could be a play in using Wind Caller's Genesis. Based on previous dialogue, its basic attack isn't dealing effective damage, but I assume Cyclone would. Assuming Ernest guns for Tristain on turn 1, then that's 148 damage total with both Cyclone and Wind. If we can't use Wind on the counterattack then we'll deal 14 damage with WCG's basic attack for a total of 114 damage or 128 if we use Macuil again. Tristain with an additional +20 RES boost from WCG would take 0 damage from Breath and he would survive 3 Claws/2 Claws and a Tail Swipe from Ernest plus get Resolve active on the 3rd hit. It's obviously less riskier to just hold The Inexhaustible though.

>>6457534
>>6457676
Supporting.
Trying to bait Ernest into attacking Cassius to get 2 Swarms in a single turn would be the best result.

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>>6457534
>>6457676
You fire The Inexhaustible directly at Ernest’s head, and you’re elated to find that the Magic Seal does in fact work when the missiles manage to strike the Nabatean.

>Tristain: 56 STR + 14 (T.I.) = 70 - 45 DEF = 25 / 2 (Dragonskin) = 13x4 = 52 DMG
>Ernest: 948/1000

Ernest seems to hardly even register the blows. Facing you, he retaliates with his dragon’s breath. A torrent of green flame bursts from his mouth and envelops both you and Fionn. Though fierce, you’ve dealt with worse, and the power of your bow prevents you from suffering for too long.

>Tristain: 78/92 HP

Crowley rushes forward next. With his Hero’s Relic, he unleashes a flurry of blows upon Ernest’s right leg. The dragon is forced to turn his attention to the Dagdan man rather than you, his rage burning at being attacked by a weapon made from the bones of his kin.

>Crowley: 53 STR + 5 (VM) = 58 - 45 DEF = 13 x 3 = 39 / 2 (Dragonskin) = 20 x 4 = 80 DMG
>Ernest: 868/1000 HP

Ernest rends at Crowley with his claws. The Dagdan is nearly torn apart, but his Crest saves him at the last minute. Activating the Crest of Chevalier, Crowley is able to drain the lifeforce directly from Ernest with his punches. In a few moments, he has already restored the damage inflicted to him by the dragon’s razor sharp claws.

Arios meanwhile, sets his sights on one of the Crest Beasts. Charging forward with a battle cry, Arios slashes at the magic-wielding monster. A series of quick slices from Thunderbrand cut the Crest Beast to ribbons, giving it no room to even possibly fight back.

“ANNOYING GNATS! OUT OF MY SIGHT!”

>Ernest: Tail Whip

Ernest swings his tail wide, knocking all those that were near him away with a massive blow.

>Butch: 56/90 HP
>Elric: 17/51 HP
>Klement: 50/80 HP
>Crowley: 34/60 HP

Butch is dealt a crushing hit and is sent skidding across the sand. Bronte quickly rushes to his aid, and with her restorative magic, she brings the bandit back to full health.

>Butch: 90/90 HP

Klement drags Járngreipr across the ground, slowing the speed at which he was sent tumbling. The heir to House Chevalier leaps forward at a frightening height by using the power of his Crest, and jabs his gauntlet into the wound inflicted by Crowley. Ernest screeches, and his footling slightly buckles.

>Ernest: Wounded! 5% DMG taken after every action.

Nadia targets the other Crest Beast that was left standing with her Seraphim magic. Twin beams of light shoot forth from her hand, flattening the creature across the ground with an anguished cry.

“Bastard! That hurt!” Butch exclaims after dusting himself off. He rushes in to attack Ernest. Blutgang was behind his head and poised to come down for a devastating blow. He activates his Crest and charges forward with a roar and a massive leap…

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>>6457962
(10, CRIT!)
Butch: 57 STR + 13 (Blutgang) = 70 - 40 RES = 30 x 3 (Crit) = 90 x 3 (Effective) = 270 / 2 = 135 DMG
>Ernest: 733/1000 HP

For the first time, Ernest roars in great pain as Butch brings Blutgang down upon the dragon’s tail. The Hero’s Relic almost completely slices through, finding itself stuck on the bone. Ernest writhes and loses his footing. Turning quickly, he picks Butch up with one of his claws, and slams the man down on the ground, first once, then a second time, before tossing him several feet away to land in a heap.

>Butch: 18/90 HP

A massive swarm of flies is conjured by Cassius. The bloodsucking magical insects drink their fill of Ernest’s now freshly flowing blood, injecting him with their poisons. The dragon swats them away with a mighty flap of his wings. (Ernest: 729/1000 HP, -4 SPD)

Finding the culprit, Ernest opens his mouth and lets loose a torrent of green flame towards the summoner. You urge Fionn forward though, pushing the man out of the way and taking the fire that was meant for him.

>Tristain: 64/92 HP

Elric finishes off the Crest Beast that Nadia had wounded, while Alvin undoes the devastating damage the boy had received from Ernest’s tail swipe.

>Elric: 51/51 HP

Ernest furiously begins flapping his wings. He was being given more trouble than he’d ever expected by lowly humans, and he was starting to lose his temper. His feet leave the ground, and he is suddenly hovering above you and your party, bringing himself out of the reach of your blades.

“BATHE IN THE FLAMES OF THE GODDESS!”

Ernest opens his jaws, and a small ball of flame is conjured. It pulsates, and begins growing. You could sense tremendous heat radiating off this attack. If it hit any of your allies, the effect would prove to be incredibly devastating. As the only member of your party with a winged mount, stopping this attack and bringing Ernest back to ground was entirely left to you.

>The Inexhaustible: (Tristain: 82/92 HP)

>Combat Order:
1. Tristain: 57
2. Crowley: 53
3. Arios: 46
4. Bronte: 44
5. Klement: 43
6. Nadia: 43
7. Ernest: 41 (Will use his Combat Art)
8. Butch: 40
9. Cassius: 37
10. Elric: 36
11. Alvin: 35

>Attack (How? Only ranged weapons will strike Ernest while he is in the air.)

and

>Will you attempt to interrupt Ernest’s attack and ground him? (LCK% Success: 56% Success. Upon failure, Tristan will take heavy damage, and there may be other unforeseen consequences…)

>>6457964
If Forseti effect will proc, would it cancel his combat art or not?

>>6457964
And also, about "unforseen consequences".
Would it be possible for Nadia to explictly cast Barrier on Fionn, not Tristain so, if anything happened to him it would be "extremely dangerous and render him useless for the duration of combat" not "outright deadly"?

>>6457964
Sorry for the series of question instead of one post, thoughts just appeared in my mind rather suddenly.
Ernest is too far so Arios cannot reach him even with Thunderclap, right?
And, if Crowley, Butch or Arios know any way to make ranged Combat Arts with their Crest, they totally should share this information. (But I really not expecting much).

>>6457965
Nope.

>>6457966
Because of her place in the turn order, nope.

>>6457973
Arios can attack with Thunderclap. The others though don't have any ranged techniques or weapons.

>>6457964
Would we be able to target and attack the fireball with magic like Meteor or Cyclone to stop it?
With Bronte, right after wondering if we could have her use Bolting on it, my next thought was grabbing her and yeeting her right at it for her to use Forseti.
An alternative that's still insane but also less likely to result in Bronte falling to her death would be taking her with us and having her use Forseti while we ram right into the fireball. Running right into it worked against Leonora at least.

>>6458027
Can Tristain use hit and run on the ground Ernest roll to negate the heavy damage to him if we fuck up?

Otherwise I think the plan is for Bronte to heal butch and Nadia to heal Crowley, and for everyone else to basically brace for impact incase this combat art is aoe. It's not worth Arios going now because we won't be able to heal him up before Ernest hits.

>>6458028
>Would we be able to target and attack the fireball with magic like Meteor or Cyclone to stop it?
Probably not.

>>6458074
>Can Tristain use hit and run on the ground Ernest roll to negate the heavy damage to him if we fuck up?
You can't. If the roll fails he's in a state where he's already used his action.

>>6458118
Tristain`s action would be resolved first? I.e. could we plan this turn differently depending on his success or failure?

>>6458123
Sure, I'd allow that.

Overall, to me it sounds like AoE from hell, my worst expectations are about "100 magic damage to all".
Right now somethimg like that would kill(well, would activate Miracle instead) Elric, Cassius, Crowley, Nadia, and Butch(unless he is healed).
And this is not something I want to happen on his first trump card.
Note how there is 11 visible Beasts on the battlefield. And even if every square means "2", there is still potential of reserve, as we estimated his forces at the beginning of the battle as 26+.

All in all, I think we must take the risk.
>>6457964
>Drop "all that could slow us down" and attempt to interrupt Ernest`s attack and ground him.

I want to leave turtle behind, so she wouldn`t die in the aerial explotion if anything goes wrong but inconspicuously and without raising his suspicions.

>If Tristain succeeds
>Crowley, Arios attack grounded dragon.
>Bronte heals Butch.
>Klement attack Butch
>Ernest does something different
>Nadia heals whoever most damaged (Elric if he is in some way)
>Butch attacks again.
>Cassius Swarms Ernest.
>If Elric at full HP he would attacks Ernest. If not - stands still for now
(he is no longer doubled)
>Alvin uses Fimbulvetr.

>If Tristain fails.
>Crowley, Butch, Klement, Elric, Cassius, Arios, and Nadia should brace for impact and do whatever possible to up their survivability.
Alvin and Bronte probably could tank it.
>Bronte should heal Butch.
>Alvin should heal whoever procked Miracle during Ernest`s move. If we are lucky (if there are several - someone without natural healing).

>>6458133
>Klement attack Butch
Sorry, meant Ernest, of course.

>If we are lucky
If we are lucky, there will be no more then 1.

>>6457964
That was a chaotic round, but atleast we're clear of the two Crest Beasts. I feel like poor Fionn will end up biting the bullet if we screw up the grounding
>>6458133
>I want to leave turtle behind, so she wouldn`t die in the aerial explotion if anything goes wrong but inconspicuously and without raising his suspicions.
I never thought of that, that would be a real nightmare.

I agree with this plan, I 100% think we need to cancel this move.

If my calculations are correct, trying to facetank Ernest's Combat Art and focusing solely on attacking him to kill him as fast as possible before he acts again on turn 3 would only work if Bronte procs Flare or crits.
After Ernest unleashes his Combat Art, there's nobody to heal Cassius before he acts, so failing means Cassius presumably won't be able to safely initiate with Swarm and Ernest will be back to 45 SPD on turn 3. Unless Bronte or Nadia are allowed to simply heal Tristain and we're active to Guard Cassius, but I doubt that'd be possible.

>>6458133
>>6458134
Supporting.
Klement is behind us and has high enough stats that he should be able to tank the Combat Art, so it'd probably be better to hand Xenophanes over to him. It's not like we'd miss the 6-12 damage Klement would be doing for a turn.

>>6457964
>>6458133
Support this.

Rolled 62 (1d100)

Rolling to interrupt. 1-56 means success.

>>6458261
F for Fionn.
The only cope would be that he somehow also has Miracle as well.

>>6458261
Noooooo

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>>6457964
>>6458133
>“I’ll stop him!”

You fly Fionn up towards where Ernest was preparing to blast your party. The air grows hotter as his attack reaches closer to its critical point. Getting up there, you realize you don’t actually have a plan to stop him. But with his mouth wide open, you figure shoving a few arrows down his throat might do you some good. You move quickly, standing atop your wyvern and aiming close. Before you can fire your shot though, Ernest surprises you. His tail, still bleeding heavily from where Butch had sliced it, lashes out and smacks Fionn. Having never seen it coming, the attack completely blindsides you.

>Ernest: Tail Swipe: (60 STR + 10) = 70 - 44 DEF = 26 DMG
>Tristain: 56/92 HP

You are sent hurtling out of the sky, forcing you to hold onto Fionn’s reins for dear life. This comes at great cost though, and the Inexhaustible flies out of your hands, landing somewhere down upon the sand.

Upon seeing your failure, the rest of your party quickly braces for cover, trying their best to scatter and get out of the way before Ernest’s attack. While some manage to mitigate some of the damage, there is no way to escape completely unscathed. Ernest unleashes his powerful breath, blanketing the ground below him in searing green flames.

>Ernest: Nabatean Blast (+15 ATK, MAG, targets RES, hits all units, cannot double)
>65 ATK (-5 for allies who braced for impact)

>Tristain: 29/92 HP (Resolve! +7 STR, SPD, DEF)
>Arios: 60/90 HP
>Crowley: 1/60 HP (Miracle!)
>Butch: 1/90 HP (Miracle!)
>Elric: 36/51 HP
>Bronte: 42/67 HP
>Nadia: 31/50 HP
>Alvin: 28/58 HP
>Klement: 60/80 HP
>Cassius: 38/55 HP

>Ernest: (683/1000 HP, Wounded!)

Ernest’s fire burns all in its path. While your magic users are relatively guarded, most of your other allies are not so fortunate, particularly Butch and Crowley, who manage to survive by nothing short of a miracle. Bronte quickly comes to Butch’s aid, restoring him from a charred husk.

>Butch: 62/90 HP

As for Alvin, having witnessed Crowley’s natural healing earlier, he prioritizes differently, instead restoring Cassius back to full health.

>Cassius: 55/55 HP

Sensing blood, Ernest lands back on the ground, intent on ripping you to shreds with his talons.

>Combat Order:
1. Crowley: 53
2. Arios: 46
3. Ernest: 45
4. Bronte: 44
5. Klement: 43
6. Nadia: 43
7. Tristain: 42
8. Butch: 40
9. Cassius: 37
10. Elric: 36
11. Alvin: 35

>Tristain d’Rusalka
>Level 50 King (MAX Level)
HP: 29/92
Strength: 49 + 14**
Magic: 35 + 28***
Speed: 37 + 7
Defense: 44 + 7
Resistance: 38 + 18***
Luck: 41
*: Support bonuses from Wind Caller’s Genesis
**Support bonuses from Alvin, Bronte, Cassius, Elric and Yulia

>Attack (How?)

And

>Have Tristain retrieve The Inexhaustible? (Doing so will use up his attack for this turn)

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I made a mistake earlier that seems rather important now so it gets its own post. Nadia should have exactly one use of Fortify.

>Fortify: Heals all allies for MAG

Also, here are Tristain's Cyclone stats since I realized they weren't posted. It's wind based magic.

>Cyclone (+20 ATK, AoE, Leaves a Cyclone on the field for 3 turns that damages all who move through it.)

>>6458518
>41 speed for Ernest
Shouldn't this be down to 41 since Cassius swarmed him last turn?

>>6458546
Sorry I mean Ernest has 45 speed in combat order but he had 41 last turn because of swarm

Also if Tristain goes to get his bow, can he get back in time to guard someone?

Anyway think a tentative plan should be
>Tristain: Stew in how much of a fucking loser he is and go and get bow (He'll need it if Ernest decides to blast again)
>Crowley: Attack Ernest with Eviscerate
I THINK he'll be able to heal up with his first round (39 x 2) and then heal up from Ernest's counter with his second
>Arios: Attack Ernest with Thunderclap + Charon damage boost
He can double if Ernest's speed is 41 so he might as well go all out
>Bronte: Fimbulvetr
Not forseti because Nadia is gonna use fortify this turn
>Klement: Attack
>Nadia: Fortify
>Butch: Attack. Pop a crest charge if he doesn't manage to crit naturally
>Cassius: Swarm again
>Elric: Attack with Desert Moon
>Alvin: Heal however is the most damaged

Now that we know what Nabatean Blast does, Nadia can spot target units in the danger zone with barrier if needed.

>>6458518
Wait, shouldn`t Tristain have 44 speed?
37+7 =44.

>>6458550
I checked Fire Emblem wiki, and
>In Three Houses, Eviscerate is the only Hero's Relic-specific combat art that does not deal bonus damage against dragon units in any capacity.

it started being unappealing.
Of course, if QM will say it does - all the better.

>>6458553
Yeah but it does slightly extra damage because it hits Ernest's RES instead of DEF, and that adds up since Crowley is quadding

>>6458546
I thought Swarm only lasted for one turn unless reapplied, but there's no wording here saying so, so I'll rule it as his SPD still being debuffed. Combat order should be as follows:

>Combat Order:
1. Crowley: 53
2. Arios: 46
3. Tristain: 44
4. Bronte: 44
5. Klement: 43
6. Nadia: 43
7. Ernest: 41
8. Butch: 40
9. Cassius: 37
10. Elric: 36
11. Alvin: 35

>>6458550
>Also if Tristain goes to get his bow, can he get back in time to guard someone?
I'd say no on that one.

>>6458553
It's effective against Dragons in this quest!

>>6458566
Cassius is having the most generational run in the whole of Morfis here, Tristain needs to build multiple statues in his honor once this is all said and done.

Also I forgot how Crowley's healing works, does he heal 39*2 in the first volley with Ernest, then again during his double?

>>6458518
Going with

>Tristain: Stew in how much of a fucking loser he is and go and get bow
>Crowley: Attack Ernest with Eviscerate
!!This is subject to change depending on how his crest healing works!!
>Arios: Attack Ernest with Thunderclap + Charon damage boost
>Bronte: Fimbulvetr
Not forseti because Nadia is gonna use fortify this turn
>Klement: Attack
>Nadia: Fortify
>Butch: Attack with a crest charge.
>Cassius: Swarm again
>Elric: Attack with Desert Moon
>Alvin: Heal however is the most damaged

Then Tristain can either pick up the bow, Cyclone Ernest (probably disable flight for a duration) or give him Resolved Axing (with Indech, preferably) for ((84-50)*3/2) twice resulting in 102 pure damage.
Nadia will heal him after a bit(along with everyone), so he would be out of danger zone.

I like Cyclone, since he probably wouldn`t want to be airborn inside it. And it would be harder to form A LOT OF FIRE inside an already active Cyclone if he decides to fly anyway.

>>6458518
So, I would prefer slightly different sequence:
>Crowley: Attack Ernest with Eviscerate
!!This is subject to change depending on how his crest healing works!!
>Arios: Attack Ernest with Thunderclap + Charon damage boost
>Tristain: Conjure Cyclone directly above Ernest(so he would be in range)
>Bronte: Fimbulvetr
>Nadia: Fortify
>Butch: Attack. Pop a crest charge if he doesn't manage to crit naturally
>Cassius: Swarm again
>Elric: Attack with Desert Moon if he is at full hp or if swarm debuff stacks
(so he isn`t doubled)
>Alvin: Heal whoever is the most damaged

From a quick glance right now, I'm pretty sure his shield's healing cucks Arios out of Resolve kek.
I think it was stated early on that debuffs need to keep getting reapplied or they'll reset, probably against the Genie since that was the only time we've actually used Cassius and his debuffs, but if Ernest does have 41 SPD still, that's even better since Butch getting doubled at his current health is an issue.

>>6458576
>Also I forgot how Crowley's healing works, does he heal 39*2 in the first volley with Ernest, then again during his double?
He heals per hit, so if he's doing that much, he'd fully recover his HP, tank a hit from Ernest, and then fully heal again.

>>6458576
Aw fuck I know I said I'll lock in but I'm torn-Ernest doubles and kills Cassius with claws and with the swarms stacking, Cassius is the most dangerous guy here.

A change in my plan to ensure Cassius survives if need be is:
>Tristain: Equip WCG and cyclone.
>Crowley: Attack Ernest with Eviscerate
>Arios: Attack Ernest with Thunderclap + Charon damage boost
>Bronte: Fimbulvetr
>Klement: Attack
>Nadia: Fortify
>Ernest turn: Tristain guards for Cassius if the dragon goes for him with claws OR elric if Ernest tailswipes/or attacks him directly.
>Butch: Attack with a crest charge.
>Cassius: Swarm again
>Elric: Attack with Desert Moon he has not taken any damage from tail swipe. If he has taken damage, do not attack.
>Alvin: Heal however is the most damaged

Elric will die if Ernest tailswipes and he initiates on him after. Which is why Tristain is guarding for him if Ernest spares Cassius

All our magic units will survive a Nabatean Blast without healing or needing to brace.

If Ernest tailswipes instead of going for Cassius, the HP of the physical units will be when this turn ends
>Butch: 20
>Elric: 17 (just from tailswipe, not initiating an attack)
>Klement: 50
>Crowley: 34
>Arios: 65

If Ernest goes for a Nabatean Blast, the damage done to our physical units (assuming they are bracing for that +5 def)
Butch: 35
Elric: 20
Klement: 20
Crowley: 40
Arios: 30

So Klement, and Arios don't need healing.

Crowley, Butch and Elric definitely do, so they take up all three of our healers.

So Tristain can gamble for the grounding with his base speed, but if he fails the blast won't kill anyone.

>>6458518

Changing my vote >>6458576
to my new plan here >>6458586
To account for Tristain maybe needing to stop Ernest with his piddly 37 speed next turn and for Ernest maybe targeting Cassius.

Forgot to mention that Tristain should actually attack with Cyclone once he equips it, though

>>6458586
Yeah, it seems we are mostly on the same page right now, I just forgot that Tristain is capable of guarding after attacking. Again.

So, swapping to support >>6458586

>>6458518
>>6458586
Supporting this except with the addition of Tristain using a Macuil charge as well.
Eyeballing the math without doing the actual calculations, I think we could possibly kill Ernest in this turn if Bronte procs Flare/crit, so there's even less reason to hold back unless we're expecting a 2nd phase.

WCG's stat boosts also seemed to be flipped. The higher MAG boost is obviously better, but unless we have some MAG roll next turn or something, it probably won't actually matter.

>>6458631
>Forgot about Maculi
Too much math.

>>6458586
Add in that Tristain uses Maculi on WCG please

>>6458631
I know in my heart that there WILL be a second phase - that's how it goes in Fire Emblem. Some of them at least.

>>6458631
>>6458639
I think we should keep at least 4 charges of Macuil(also we had 5 in the last thread, not 3 like in OP-post - Tristain warped twice, once to nuke Dexithea(with Macuil) and once to save May). Because Ernest might want to trigger at lest something explosive and self-destructive before death. But with 4 Macuil charges Tristain could quickly grab it, warp away as far as he can, and then warp back without explosive.

So for now I`m not exactly sold on using this charge. Then again, it is not that big of a problem if only once.

>>6458645
Yeah there's definitely going to be a second phase.

>>6458652
...But I think we're okay with using one charge here? Especially since cyclone is Tristain's most effective spell against this guy and we're already souping it up with WCG

>>6458660
Okay, fair enough, I sold.
Also supporting >>6458631

>>6458518

Supporting these two
>>6458586
>>6458631

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I'm out of the Math Mines. Update should come soon. Combat in this quest really has always been for the sickos, but I guess its fitting for the final boss.

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>>6458518
>>6458586
Ernest is back on the ground. His first target is Crowley, who by all appearances is standing only due to a miracle from the Goddess herself. He raises his claw to strike at him, but the Nabatean finds that he is moving a few seconds slower than he expected. The poison from Cassius’ swarm has made its way into his bloodstream, and even his tough dragonskin could not protect him from its effects. Despite being little more than a charred husk, Crowley rushes in and attacks with speed that defies appearance, his Crest propelling him forward.

>Crowley: 53 STR + 5 (VM) = 58 - 45 DEF = 13 x 3 = 39 / 2 (Dragonskin) = 20 x 2 = 40 DMG
>Crowley (Eviscerate): 53 STR + 5 (VM) = 58 - 40 RES = 18 x 3 = 54/ 2 (Dragonskin) = 27x 2 = 54 DMG
>Ernest: 589 HP

Ernest’s painstricken roar shakes the ground. Meanwhile, Crowley looks as though he’d just woken up from a nap, the only evidence of his burns being his ruined clothing. The Nabatean regains his footing and flicks Crowley away with a bash. While the Dagdan goes sailing, the clouds above darken, as if a torrential thunderstorm had suddenly made its appearance.

>Arios (Thunderclap): 60 STR + 13 = 73 - 40 RES = 33x3 = 99 + 15 (Charon) = 114 / 2 = 57x4 = 228 DMG
>Ernest: 361 HP

Raising Thunderbrand to the skies, Arios summons divine lightning conjured by the Goddess herself. Ernest lights up like a bright flame, roaring in agony as the Thunderstrike lives up to his namestake. This is the most devastating attack on the dragon yet, and despite having come from your rival, it gives you the confidence you need to end things. Ernest was on his last legs, and it was now or never. You had to finish him here before he could take flight and escape.

>Ernest: 361 HP

Ernest swings left and right as he is cooked by the Thunderbrand’s vicious spell. He lets out a jet of flame that dances wildly across the field. It connects with Arios, who absorbs the breath with the Shield of Seiros. The knight is brought to his knees (Arios 34/90 HP). Not to be outdone by the bastard though, you make your move next, leaving your bow where it lay on the ground. There was no time to grab it, and you had a better alternative for this situation.

>Tristain (Cyclone): 35 MAG + 18 (WCG) = 53 - 40 RES = 13x3 = 39 x 2 (Macuil) = 78 DMG
>Ernest: 283 HP

To complement the lightning storm summoned by Arios, you call forth a powerful tornado from the depths of Wind Caller’s Genesis. The raging tempest lands directly on Ernest, trapping the Nabatean in its deadly gale. So strong are the forces of these winds that scales of his dragonskin are shredded off as if they were merely cheap wood. Ernest breathes a jet of flame your way, but the attack is laughable in the face of Macuil’s greatest treasure. The resistance granted to you by your Sacred Weapon makes the sensation of being cooked alive almost enjoyable. (Tristain: 27/92 HP)

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>>6459492
>“Don’t let up now!” You command.

>Bronte: Flare (17)
>Bronte: 51 MAG + 12 = 63 - 0 RES = 63 x 3 = 189 / 2 = 94 DMG
>Ernest: 189 HP

Giant shards of ice erupt from the ground, adding to the trifecta of magic that was brutalizing Ernest. Bronte launches an empowered Fimbulvetr. The sorceress glows with raw power as she transforms the desert into the picture of winter. Ernest’s wings are skewered by the pillars of ice that erupt, sending out gushes of hot blood that soon freeze over. All he can do is continue breathing his flames, this time having them connect directly with Bronte. (Bronte: 22/67 HP)

“Shit…I’m not going in there…” Klement scoffs, deciding against venturing into the storm of magic just to puncture Ernest with his gauntlets.

“REVITALIZE!” Nadia cries out. Using the most powerful spell at her disposal, the Sage of Light heals the party, restoring the damage they’d taken from Ernest’s last devastating blow.

>Nadia: Fortify

>Tristain: 68/92 HP
>Arios: 75/90 HP
>Bronte: 67/67 HP
>Klement: 80/80 HP
>Elric: 51/51 HP
>Alvin: 58/58 HP
>Butch: 90/90 HP

“OUT OF THE WAY! THIS KILL IS MINE!” Butch roars, heading straight into the eye of the storm. The Crest of the Beast flashes, and this time, Butch cuts through Ernest’s forward right foot. Unlike his tail, this appendage comes flying right off, the gusts of your Cyclone carrying it into the desert sky.

>(67, CRIT!)
>Butch: 57 STR + 13 (Blutgang) = 70 - 40 RES = 30 x 3 (Crit) = 90 x 3 (Effective) = 270 / 2 = 135 DMG
>Ernest: 54 HP

“GRAHHHHHHHHH!” Ernest’s roar deafens you. All at once, the magic you and your allies had summoned vanishes, as if at the command of the Nabatean. The dragon still stands, bloodied and battered, but still very much alive. Butch is sent flying, landing on the ground with a hard thud, battered not just by the blow but by the magic he’d willingly walked into. (Butch: 5/90 HP)

Ernest flaps his bleeding wings, the force of them causing Fionn to stumble back. The dragon planned to take flight once more.

“I HAVE LIVED FOR MILLENIA!” He declares. “I HAVE ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD TO DESTROY THIS WRETCHED LAND! I WILL NOT PERISH HERE!”

From behind Ernest, you spot Elric, who had yet to make a move. The boy makes a tremendous leap just as Ernest’s remaining feet get off the ground. He latches onto the tail, hoisting himself up, and uses it to deftly carry himself atop the back of the dragon. Whether because he was distracted or because of the boy’s size, Ernest does not notice his new rider. As Ernest begins to take to the sky, Elric races forward across the dragon’s back, his sword glimmering in his hands. He leaps forward with a mighty cry and a downward strike. His blade comes down in an arc. You’d seen this before. It was the same move Mystletainn had used on you back at the tower. His supposed killing blow.

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>>6459495
Ernest does not notice his doom until it is too late. Before he can leave Morfis behind him, Elric’s blade comes crashing down on the base of the dragon’s long neck, stopping the beast dead in midflight. He lets out an agonized cry, his trajectory thrown off. The dragon thrashes about in midair, but Elric does not let go. The boy clutches his blade; the only thing that was keeping him from being sent crashing down onto the ground. The weapon meanwhile, is clutched firmly in Ernest’s neck, sawing down further and further against the bone. A crazed, determined look is in his eyes, as if possessed by Mystletainn once more.

“W-WHAT? HOW?!” Ernest laments. His eye bulged to the corner of its socket as he watched in horror at Elric’s deed. “NO! A LOWLY HUMAN…? MOTHER…YOUR NEW CHILDREN…HOW FEARSOME! WOE UPON ME…I HAVE FAILED TO SNUFF OUT…THE POISONOUS LIGHT OF AGARTHA!”

>Elric: Desert Moon
>Elric: 45 STR + 16 = 56 - 0 = 56x3 (Crit) = 168 DMG (Dragonskin nulled)
>Ernest: 0 HP

Ernest’s head is sheared clean off his body. As it falls to the ground, the rest of his torso hovers in the air, slowly losing momentum, until it begins to suddenly freefall, with Elric being thrown off.

>A): Fly Fionn forward and try to catch Elric (SPD + LCK: 78% Success)
>B): Warp to Elric (2 Macuil Charges)
>C): That little bastard stole my kill!

>>6459496
>>B): Warp to Elric (2 Macuil Charges)
YOU FUCKING DID IT, KID!

>>6459496
I called it, he really end up becoming a new dragonslayer!
>B): Warp to Elric (2 Macuil Charges)
Ernest is beheaded, so we don`t need to worry about explosives(he wouldn`t care about dead man switch beliving himself to be invincible) and need to save our heroest hero, wrap him in some nice package, and immediately send to our youngest cousin before he will end up more popular than Tristain himself.

>>6459496
>A): Fly Fionn forward and try to catch Elric (SPD + LCK: 78% Success)
One last gamble...

>>6459496
>B): Warp to Elric (2 Macuil Charges)

>>6459496
>B): Warp to Elric (2 Macuil Charges)
Cuthbert you better wake up right now just so you can have a heart attack at what a madlad your son is.

>Klement refuses to attack
Useless, out next royal order is to exile him immediately.

>>6459496
>B): Warp to Elric (2 Macuil Charges)
We very well can't yell at him for being a filthy little kill stealer if he's a pancake on the ground now, can we?

But I believe he went for it purely because he had faith that big T would have his back for the literal fallout. After all, when has Tristain not come through for him before?

>>6459496
>B): Warp to Elric (2 Macuil Charges)

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>>6459496
You watch Elric freefall off Ernest’s body, high up in the sky. Thankful that you still had Crests in reserve, you call upon the power of Macuil. You lock in on Elric, and warp yourself right where the boy was falling (Macuil 2 / 5). In an instant, you appear out of thin air, catching the screaming little lord in your arms.

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Elric shouts.

>“Elric! You’re safe!”

Elric practically jumps out of your arms, and it takes considerable effort to keep him from leaping to his death. The boy looks utterly frantic. When he realizes that he has been caught, his ravings simmer down, if only for a little. Though there was still a wild look in his eyes as he turned his head left and right.

“T-Tristain?!” Elric says, his voice full of terror. “Y-you caught me! By the Goddess! What the hell was I thinking? That was completely insane! I-I climbed a dragon! And I went so high up! That was so SO foolish! That was the most foolish thing ever! AHH I think my heart is about to explode!! AHHHH-”

>“Shut up, already!” You growl, bringing the boy back to a level state. “You’re right, that was a very foolish thing you did. And it was also one of the bravest actions I’ve ever seen. Thanks to you, Ernest was defeated before he could fly away and come back to cause problems. I’m proud of you, Elric. You’re not the annoying little brat I once knew. You’ve finally become a man.”

“Tristain…”

Though his breathing is still ragged, Elric finally manages to calm down. He doesn’t say anything, instead choosing to bask in the weight of what he had just done. In the distance, you can hear the thunderous cheering of the Morfisian army. You saw no more Crest Beasts out on the horizon. If it was as Cyril said, they must have all died upon Ernest’s defeat. The battle had been won. You land on the ground where your allies awaited, each of them flocking to you excitedly.

“Elric! You absolute madman!” Alvin is the first to rush over. He grabs Elric and spins the boy around joyously. “I can’t believe it! You did it! You saved Morfis! You’re a hero!”

>“Well, I also…”

“That was incredible, Elric,” Bronte says reverently, tears in her eyes as she regards him. “Stupid, reckless and deranged, but incredible. You’ve grown up so much…”

>“I’ve trained him quite a bit-”

“Little Elric the Dragonslayer!” Nadia laughs, holding her sides tightly. “If you told me when we first met that this is how things would have ended, I’d have thought you completely mad!”

>“Nadia, not you too-”

“AHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

More screaming. This time though, it was coming from Cassius, who was kneeling on the ground, rubbing his hands across his body.

“I’m alive! I’m alive!! I did it! I lived! Hahahaha!”

The summoner rolls across the ground gleefully.

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>>6459876
“You barely even got hit!” Crowley whines. He too was lying on the ground, his upper torso exposed after much of his clothing was burned off by Ernest’s fiery breath. “Tristain didn’t come save ME from any blows, and I’m the one who almost died here! That was SCARY! In all the time I’ve lived that was the closest I’ve ever come to death!” He lies back on the ground. “I’ve had it up to here with you people! Consider us even. I never want to meet another person from Rusalka again!”

“Though your spell seemed minor, it allowed us to land the decisive blows that ended up felling the dragon,” Arios tells Cassius, who was being helped back to his feet by one of his phantom summons. “You should be proud of yourself, summoner. Your contributions allowed us to see this battle through to the end.”

>“Hey, don’t talk like you’re the leader he-”

“So, what are we gonna do about that?” Butch interrupts you, pointing to the decapitated head and torso of Ernest, which were now lying in the sand. “I wasn’t kidding about what I said earlier. I really wanna eat him.”

“That’s disgusting,” Klement blanches. “He was literally a man like ten minutes ago. Wouldn’t that be cannibalism?”

“He WAS a man. He’s a dragon now. That makes it alright to me. Besides, we might be the first people in thousands of years to eat a dragon! Can you imagine what it must taste like?”

>“Maybe we should drag his head back to Morfis?” You offer. “We can show everyone that they have nothing to fear. That the Great Leviathan has finally been defeated. Hell, his skull might even make a good centerpiece for the new throne room…”

“Really?” Crowley asks from where he was still lying on the ground. “Seems disrespectful. Asshole or not, he’s still a child of the Goddess. Plus it might seem a bit tacky…”

“The greatest monster in Morfisian history, stuffed and mounted on the palace walls,” Alvin muses. “Something as unbelievable as that might see you viewed as the equal of the Sorcerer King himself.”

Given the power of Nabatean blood, eating Ernest was DEFINITELY not a good or safe idea, even for Butch. So that left two options.

>A): Parade Ernest’s head through Morfis.
>B): Burn Ernest’s body. Despite his cruelty, the dragon had suffered greatly too.