QUEEN OF THE STARS

leaping through the skies up above

[creationkissed]

[BALLROOM] - The venue’s been rented out to some startup company for their first Soon-to-be-Annual charity ball, and your name can be on the guest list for the small price of a donation and a dance! Go on and get swept off your feet, or maybe be the one to do the sweeping!

"You girls really did inherit her beauty you know." it's a weird thing to say yes, but this is just one of the myriad many days he's seized back over the year, fighting off the gazes and attention of others as he guides him middle daughter through the motions of a familiar dance of their home.

"Shame really, should've gotten Teriteri to let me take the wardrobe from the house before we left... Oh well, the dresses will have to wait for another day." It's cryptic words, but that has always been his way as he trails softly throughout the hall with his daughter in his arms. Siegfried suspects this will be the first of many dances like this in the future, and yet he can't help but cherish it anyways.

Cecilia had wanted her to grow up happy, and even now Siegfried continues to ensure that that wish will be fulfilled in anyway he can. "Ich Liebe dich Bianka." A simple phrase, yet the love of two parents are manifested with it, letting the music take them into their own beautiful symphony.

❪ ⋅ ⋆ — REVELATION 2025 ❫

The smile on Bianka’s lips softens near immediately upon hearing her father’s words, gentle warmth flickering in her eyes as she easily follows his lead to the middle of the ballroom.

Siegfried always did say these sort of things so casually, with nothing but pure affection for his family in his eyes. That they all look just as beautiful as their mother, that they have the strength to make even the skies above proud, that their smiles could light up the whole house.

He says it as if he wasn’t the one who first taught them how to stand tall in the first place. As if he didn’t trek through the tundra with Kiana, as if there’s no records of his bravery and kindness when he first faced Sirin.

A quiet laugh escapes her as she spins lightly under his guidance. The rhythm of the dance feels like second nature to them both now, having danced so many times before in the large spaces of their home, be it with music or without. Sometimes, Siegfried would tease her that it’s in preparation for something, that silly playful smile on his lips, and it’s all that Bianka can do to roll her eyes and smack his shoulder in turn, hoping that the tips of her ears aren’t so red.

Now here he is again, with his stupid cryptic words, with that stupid smirk on his lips. And again, Bianka can only huff playfully and roll her eyes in exchange.

“It’s too bad that your daughters seems to have inherited your tendency to smooth talk more than other, better qualities, hm?” She replies at last, her laughter quiet and sincere.

The tune filling the ballroom shifts into something more gentle and slow. Normally she would’ve let her father lead her away now, perhaps to the table with all the food and sweets, let the others take reign on the center stage as it seems like they’ve already caught the attention of many. But tonight, just for tonight, she doesn’t pull away.

Instead, Bianka tightens her arms around her father, fingers curling into the fabric of his suit jacket. The music swells, soft and sweet, and for once, she lets herself linger, taking in his warmth, eyes fluttering shut.

“Ich liebe dich auch, Papa,” She takes a deep breath in and sighs, cheek pressed against his shoulder. “Mama would have loved to see you in your suit, I’m sure.”

The words hang between them, gentle but weighty—a fleeting thought given voice. Bianka doesn’t elaborate. Doesn’t need to.

For a heartbeat, the ballroom fades, and together, they imagine it instead… A world where Cecilia stands at the edge of the dance floor, watching them with that quiet, radiant pride of hers.

Bianka imagines how her mother would have fussed over her hair before the ball, clumsy fingers tying it into a braid. She imagines her mother teasing her father about his suit, smoothing away the stubborn wrinkles from his lapels with a playful scoff, eyes rolling. She imagines how she might sound as she gently scolds him with, “Honestly, Sieg, must you always look like you’ve just stumbled out of a fight?” How she’d pout, maybe, finger pointing accusingly at the tip of Siegfried’s nose.

She imagines her mother there. Standing at the side, hands clasped in front of her, smiling as Bianka spins in her dress—no, in whatever she chose, be it a dress or a suit, because Cecilia would have insisted it was her daughter’s night, her choice. “Wear what makes you feel like yourself, Liebling.”

The unvoiced image of her mother lingers. Sweet. Aching. Before the present settles back around them—the music, the warmth of Siegfried’s hand in hers, the quiet understanding that some loves never fade, even when they live only in memory.

Bianka exhales, soft and steady, and leans into her father’s shoulder again. The dance continues.

And that, for now, is enough.

[creationkissed]

[WATERFALL] 

“Hi, Bianka.” Su’s voice comes and goes, as he does, no longer tethered by things that would hold back the living. But an anchor on the planet he was currently focused on was difficult to ignore, and so he finds a moment when she is relatively secluded- at the top of a waterfall, to make his presence known. 

“If you’re going to jump, you should be careful.” Yes, the pool had been cleared so that it wasn’t dangerous, but that did not include any of the later human-made changes by reckless vacationers. Though… she will make it down fine, if she chooses to jump in the end.

“Is this the sort of activity people enjoy?” He asks instead of elaborating.

❪ ⋅ ⋆ — REVELATION 2025 ❫

Bianka’s grin only widens the moment she hears Su’s warning. As though she’d taken it as a challenge instead. And, well, that may very well be the case, her voice cutting through the rush of the waterfall effortlessly—bold, unshaken.

“Don’t you want to find out on your own?”

There it is. That ever-confident smile of hers, hand held out towards him. It’s a gesture she knows is futile in the physical sense, but that’s never stopped her before. If he won’t—can’t—take it, then she’ll pull him along in spirit anyway. What she’s ultimately asking for is not for him to hold her, but for him to join her. To move as though they were one. For him to follow her steps, like she had with him in that Imaginary Space. Live as her, as she had lived as him.

“On three!” Comes her loud declaration before he could voice any protest, boots scraping against the rocks as she moves to the very edge, toes hanging over the drop. The water below churns, but she doesn’t waver. She’ll never waver.

“Let’s see if you’ll enjoy it too, Pioneer.”

And she jumps.

Oh. She’d completely forgotten about the countdown.

But it’s already too late for that—arms spread wide open as the world below her rushes up to meet her. The fall may be fleeting but it’s electric. Exhilarating. Laughter bubbles from within her as soon as she resurfaces, shaking water from her eyes as she looks around her in search of the other.

“See?” She calls out, breathless, utterly delighted, “that’s why people enjoy it.

[creationkissed]

[SPARKLING WATER] - Only the best of the best for our most esteemed guests! Imported all the way from who-knows-where and rumored to taste better than heaven itself. If you don’t mind the carbonation, anyway. 

It was as though the bubbles themselves had frozen in time in his hand, taking glass to palm and making his way across the ballroom floor, these pockets of space trapped in amber as everything else moved forward around them. The beverages themselves would melt, of course, if given enough time away from him, and that was something that he found he was growing used to more and more as he attempted to integrate himself into this new world that had emerged after Finality. 

He didn't mask his steps, but neither did he necessarily announce himself to her, except to trust that she would know it was him. 

She had known before, and there was no reason to expect that this would be any different. 

After a beat, "Durandal." 

Extending the glass to her was not enough for what she had given him, and would not ever be – Kevin knew that, but there was nothing else of himself that he had to give to her, except for the grace of his attention, the precious quiet moment that she had allowed him to indulge in once before, a respite from the immense weight of millennia on his shoulders, the relief of something so simple as a laugh that he had not done before in this life, nor since. 

"...I hope you are enjoying the resort." 

❪ ⋅ ⋆ — REVELATION 2025 ❫

Though she had long noticed his presence, Durandal’s eyes remained fixed on the ballroom’s center, watching as the guests danced in easy harmony, laughter and conversations mixing into the music, making the room all the more lively. She had wondered, briefly, if Kevin would be content at the thought of just standing there, letting the quiet settle between them, watching and waiting, as they once had before.

But then there was the glass, his voice accompanying it.

“Kevin.”

A soft chuckle escaped her lips as she noted the frozen liquid inside; the chill of the frozen bubbles biting gently into her palm, as soon as she had gratefully accepted the offered drink. She would have to wait until there was more water than frost before she could take a sip from it, but she held it up in a quiet toast anyway, shifting just a little bit to her left, offering him a place at her side in exchange.

And for a moment, she let the rest of his greeting hang unanswered, leaving him to join her in watching instead—at the couple spinning recklessly across the floor. At how a woman’s champagne flute nearly topples over from her grip as she laughed and laughed, wholly oblivious at the pained look her friend makes when her hand comes to smack his shoulder, though it would seem he was already used to it… At the dessert table, two women leaned close, their shoulders shaking with shared laughter, frostings on each other’s nose.

“What are your thoughts about it?” She asked at last, a small, contented smile on her lips as she turned to look at him. “Would you say it was all worthwhile, Kevin?”

[creationkissed]

While she may not be attending this elusive lore thing, Durandal's certainly found herself wandering around Empyrea! Don't forget to say hi if you spot her around! Who knows, she might even invite herself to be your companion for the day!

Asks and threads are welcome for the rest of the month, so feel free to poke me or drop by my inbox if you are interested!

And of course, as her fit, how can she ever not wear what she wore when she visited London? (Stan not included, sadly.)

[enduringoath]

── .✦ LANDAU FAMILY.

NEW INTERACTION ✮⋆˙ welcome to the family, we all hate each other.

[enduringoath]

Gepard idled outside a familiar shop in the city, chest tight and muscles wound with expectation. Inside, or somewhere nearby, his sister was likely tinkering with some contraption, completely carefree. Normally, stepping through the threshold of those worn doors would elicit nothing but an eye-roll at the chaos. He would bite his tongue and withhold any remarks, knowing she had already heard them a thousand times. Instead, he would jump straight into whatever she needed him for, or whatever he needed from her.

There wasn’t much time for idle chatter between them anymore. Life had pulled them in separate directions, and they were always too busy with their own versions of adulthood. Growing older had done that, he supposed. Still, he felt confident they would always be there for each other. So confident, in fact, that he found himself hesitating outside her workshop door, even though he knew he should simply step inside. He could spill his worries to Serval, and she would surely have some interesting reply that would put him at ease.

So why was it that, with her just within arm’s reach, he could not bring himself to close the distance? Gepard no longer had time for this hesitation. He turned and backed away from the familiar building, assuring himself there would be time later.

But not paying attention in the bustling streets of Belobog was never a good idea, and Gepard was reminded of that firsthand. He backed into a passerby, the sudden collision a blur of blonde hair and shared surprise. Reaching out instinctively to steady them both, he quickly realized who he thought he had run into.

“Ah, Serval… Sorry, I was just going to see you—”

His words stalled as his eyes focused on her face. This was not his sister.

“Excuse me… I seem to have mistaken you for someone else.” He released his grip quickly now that they were both standing upright again. “I know this isn’t the best first impression, but my name is Gepard. Please forgive the mistake.”

His luck, or lack of it, was holding firm, it seemed.

@creationkissed

[creationkissed]

Bianka was slowly getting used to Belobog’s climate and eccentricities now, wandering from the Underworld to the Overworld, to the icy plains in search of any Honkai beasts that might need eliminating. The city’s stark contrasts—steel-clad grandeur above, resilient warmth below—fascinated her, though she had little time to dwell on them. Small little requests from its people seem to always come, no matter how little or trivial they may be.

Which was why her first instinct hadn’t been irritation but instead welcomed readiness, a small, apologetic smile on her lips, a huff of a laugh as she shook her head in response to his apology. The man already looked apologetic enough as it is, his eyes widening just slightly as he mistook her for someone else. There was no need to make things all the more troublesome by being irritable.

She listened as he introduced himself, his voice steady despite the awkwardness. Gepard.

Ah, right. That name… One of Belobog’s guards had mentioned him in passing after she’d helped dispatch a stray Fragmentum creature near the city’s outskirts. “You ought to report to Captain Gepard,” they’d said, “He’d want to thank you properly.” But formalities had never been her priority, and the thought had slipped her mind entirely.

Now, faced with the man himself—flustered, earnest, and so painfully proper—she couldn’t help but chuckle. There was something near endearing about his stiff apology that she’d almost reached a hand out to ruffle his hair, if only to see how he’d react.

“Try not to worry so much, it’s truly alright.” Hoping to ease his worries at least, she holds a hand out, “Bianka Ataegina. A pleasure to finally meet you, Captain Gepard. Your guards praise you so, you know.”

[arboriter]

starskiffs are meant to fly

[arboriter]

Starskiff races are nothing abnormal at the Luofu, but a group of brash youths has been reported recently as they’ve been taking the matters a bit too far. They’ve been causing havoc and provoking dangerous situations with their starskiffs, which seem to have been illegally modified to be faster than they should be. The Realm-Keeping Commission hopes that perhaps someone may be able to uncover their operations by posing as aspiring new members and gathering intel. starter for @creationkissed

Teenagers will be teenagers, no matter the world, it seems. Not that it was much of Su’s concern now, even if it once would have been before- though the fact that their current vehicle of choice could fly perhaps would lead to even more dramatic injuries once their recklessness caught up to them.

Though, speaking of recklessness, there was someone else he noticed, just as out of place as he was- less than he was, but drawing more attention, looking blatantly at the Starskiffs left unattended at the moment, their overseers drawn into a game of cat and mouse with troublemaking youth.

He wonders if she knows how to fly them, or if that mattered little in the grander scheme of things.

She was familiar, in the way a passing face was familiar, though he knows she is one of the last true connections he has with the living world.

“Hello, Bianka. I don’t think your license from Earth would fare well over here.” No tap on the shoulder, though he certainly would have given one if he could, as he speaks as abruptly as he appears.

Then, once he’s certain he’s gotten her attention, he continues, “...I hope you’ve been well.”

[creationkissed]

Teenagers will be teenagers.

But even young adults like her weren’t immune to recklessness, given the right opportunity. Bianka liked to think of herself as disciplined (well, maybe not Rita-level disciplined, but that wasn’t the point). Still, sometimes—just sometimes—she likes to grant herself a little indulgence.

And right now? The modified Starskiff before her was begging for it. She’s here to fulfil a job, though. So really, she shouldn’t. She really, really shouldn’t.

…But the Starskiff had been left unattended for so long. Still running. Almost like an invitation. How easy it would be to just—

“Oh!” A voice snaps her out of her reverie and she jumps, spinning hurriedly toward the sound with wide eyes. A finger shoots up in accusation before her brain can even catch up, surprise clear in her voice. “Mister Pioneer! You’re here!” Then a brief pause, eyebrows slowly furrowing now. “… Wait… Hm? You’re… here?”

She doesn’t mean her confusion to be rude, of course. She remembers well how she first and last met the figure before her—how their interaction ended, what was waiting for him soon after her departure… It’s no wonder, then, that she should be so confused, a plethora of questions already springing up in her head. How are you here? Did you not fall in the Sea of Quanta? Did you manage to escape? If so possible, then could others have—

“Hey! What are you doing there!?”

A lanky youth in a grease-streaked jacket storms toward them, flanked by two others—all wearing the unmistakable look of delinquents who’d just spotted intruders near their prized (and very illegal) Starskiff. Offended. Ready to start a fight.

“Hurry, come with me!”

She doesn’t wait for his response—just slides into the pilot’s seat and sure, she hasn’t flown one of these before, but how different can it be from one of Shicksal’s many VTOLs? A few buttons pressed, a hand on the wheel, and the vehicle thrums under her palms.

A wrench clangs against the hull—

“THE HELL YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?!”

—and Bianka slams the throttle, the Starskiff lurching upward like a startled bird, nearly clipping a roof as it spirals into the open air.

[muscle-blues]

rumors are suddenly becoming true this is just like persona 2

commission: abundance | yelan and durandal

[muscle-blues]

‘Excuse me, Miss? One of our Janitors, Jann, has apparently gone missing for the last few days. Some of our scientists have been spinning…well, rumors about a Swarm potentially being here and, I suppose Jann’s disappearance isn’t exactly helping.'

‘Could you and Miss Durandal go and have a look? Just…just quell our concerns at least?’ 

With a rather straight to the point request, Yelan had found herself standing within the Seclusion Zone, her bow in hand and mad as one could be. Seriously, what the Hell? Did they will a rumor into existence, or something? 

She turned to face Durandal, who had been assigned to help out with this commission. Yelan had given Durandal a one over, looking her up and down and wondering if the Space Station had brought along someone overqualified. She could crush me with one hand, why do they need me to help out here too?

Yelan stretched, and had begun to make her move, bow trained in case a remnant of a Swarm, whatever that had been, had jumped out at her. “Durandal,” she called out, “I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you this, but please be careful.” Yelan stalked around a corner, signaling for her partner to follow, “and what information do you have about this ‘Swarm’? If I had to guess, it had to be a bug, right?”

And if it had to be a bug, why the hell didn’t they get a proper extermination team for it? Yelan knew her way around a fight, but she was accustomed to fighting other men and women, and the occasional beast as well. Fighting bugs felt a little overkill for one, and for two, asking for a woman carrying around an impressively large lance to squash a bug or two had also been overkill. If anything, Yelan had been curious about the whereabouts of Jann. 

A sudden disappearance for two days? Had no one noticed until now? Maybe Jann simply wished to slip away? There were so many reasons to justify someone’s disappearance, but if the presumed rumors had been true, and if they had been enough to cause a solid shakeup within the Space Station, then couldn’t this be evacuation worthy? Yelan wasn’t sure, nor did she really enjoy the idea of soon finding out.

And so, she stalked forward, alongside Durandal, trying to lead on quietly. If there had been bugs to exterminate, then she knew it best to get the jump on them, that way they lacked opportunity to fly away.

@creationkissed

[creationkissed]

Combat Doc

Accepting sudden requests for help was slowly becoming the norm for the Valkyrie ever since she’d found herself roaming around new worlds. Which meant that this one, too, had been rather easy for her to take, shoulders squared, careful eyes scanning around as she and Yelan wandered around the sterile halls of the Seclusion Zone.

Her eyebrows furrow in response to the archer’s question. As much as Durandal would love to have an answer, this would be her first time hearing about this… Swarm, whatever it is. But, “Hmm… From the name alone, it does sound like they would be some type of insect—locusts, maybe? I can only hope it’s not something too… gnarly. I’m not very good with insects…” She muses with a hum, already shuddering at thought of insects with one too many legs for comfort.

Then, as though the said ‘locusts’ could tell that they were talking about them, she hears a rapid, chitinous clicking from a side corridor.

Durandal’s head snaps toward the noise before, without so much of a warning or pause, hurling her lance like a javelin straight through the darkness.

Durandal: 10/10HP rolls 5 energy [2 Energy] Durandal: 10/10HP uses Elemental Burst: Sceptum Regalis [1 Energy] Durandal: 10/10HP uses Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Lesser Sting: 15/15 HP [Roll: 7 = Hit! 3.5 + 4 = -7.5HP] Lesser Sting: 7.5/15 HP [1 Energy] Durandal: 10/10HP uses Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Lesser Sting: 7.5/15 HP [Roll: 4 = Hit! 3.5 + 4 = -7.5HP] Lesser Sting: 0/15 HP Lesser Sting has been defeated and casts Special Attack: Entomon Eulogy Unit explodes, dealing flat 1 Anemo damage to all allies and permanently increasing the damage dealt to allies by 1. Gnaw Sting: 14/15 HP, Juvenile Sting: 14/15 HP. Inflicted by Anemo Durandal: 10/10HP forfeits 1 energy.

CRUNCH!

A wet, piercing impact. One of the swarm creatures—a grotesque, beetle-like construct—now pinned to the wall. Soon, two more appear before them.

“Ah! There’s our answer.” She says, her tone light. Playful, even, as she opens her palm to summon the Abyss Flower back into her hold. At least they don’t look anything like a hundred-legged insect or cockroaches. What a relief, that.

“What should we do, Yelan? Kill all of them? Leave one to follow?”

[fermatafour]

.✧  ݁ ˖ ending a grand overture

Spiral Abyss Team 10 ; Floor 3

[originsrebirth]

durandal , unrelenting , showing the beast no mercy every time shes given the opportunity , although she wouldn't speak it right now -- Mei internally was thinking she was looking . . . pretty damn cool .

Baizhu , having provided constant healing and shielding throughout this battle -- constantly allowing his elements to help their attacks increase in power .

they're both still fighting , they're both still standing despite the beating , so why would Mei ever even think about giving up ?

even Kafka , who battled to the very end and shrugged off death the first time it claimed her -- they all battled until they couldn't , so Mei wouldn't give any less .

" On it ! "

once again , she'd be forced to run forward , the beast seemed to want to fight back this time , even though electricity flowed through his body , she fought , she battled at a disadvantage with pure adrenaline coursing through her body , keeping her going , pushing her forward -- she can't fall here , not right at the end , not a second time .

she hit the enemy , the enemy struck back , everything around her was silent -- the last thing she heard was that familiar voice shouting her name , calling out -- she cant djsappoint , not now , who knows if things will be the same ? will she come back if she falls this time ? she wasn't keen on finding out .

her allies could notice she was starting to lose speed , her dodges against the enemy becoming closer and closer , even though she was healthy -- she knew this enemy wasn't going to be merciful , not for a second .

her mask formed upon her face -- for likely the final time in this hellish arena , delivering the few blows she could before her domain of frozen time shattered abruptly , mask remaining on her face , a choice she made to hide the pain written all over her face , she has to keep a strong look on .

" The both of us are getting slower . . . just push a little further , it's almost over . . ! "

[creationkissed]

SHADOW OF AZHDAHA: 34.5/250HP uses Moonlit Wave and hits all enemies. [Rolls: 12, 12, 10. Hit, hit, hit!] -2HP, BAIZHU 10/10HP 1SP, RAIDEN MEI 10/10HP 1SP. -2HP, DURANDAL 6/10HP 0SP. Mark applied. What a paragon Seamless Shield destroyed! Aggravate triggers! [2 x 1.5 = -3HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 31.5/250HP. Aggravate Effect: -1.5HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 30/250HP

It’s almost over. Durandal could feel it, confident and sure.

The dragon's movements grew sluggish, its roars more laboured. Even as another earth-shaking blow chipped away at her shield, she didn't flinch. Rather, before the echoes of Azhdaha's roar had even faded, the Valkyrie was already moving.

Paragon Stacks convert to SP. DURANDAL 6/10HP 3SP DURANDAL 6/10HP 3SP takes 2 damage from Mark. DURANDAL 6/10HP 1SP

 DURANDAL 6/10HP 1SP rolls 7 energy. [2 Energy] DURANDAL 6/10HP 1SP uses Elemental Burst: Sceptum Regalis.

With her soulium phantoms materialising in perfect sync, King and Queen rush to the dragon’s flank as lance, sword, and shield move as one. King's blade finds its mark just as Durandal is already moving. She plants one foot on Queen's raised shield, using the sturdy platform to launch herself skyward. The Abyss Flower hums in her grip, gleaming blue mid-leap as she angles the weapon downward like a falling star.

For one perfect moment, time seems to slow.

Then she falls.

Aiming the lance tip-first into the fissure King’s sword had opened—

—only to rebound with a shower of sparks as an unseen force repels the blow.

[1 Energy] DURANDAL 6/10HP 1SP uses Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on SHADOW OF AZHDAHA: 30/250HP. [Roll: 18, Hit! -15HP, SHADOW OF AZHDAHA: 15/250HP] [1 Energy] DURANDAL 6/10HP 1SP uses Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on SHADOW OF AZHDAHA: 30/250HP. [Roll: 4, Hit! -15HP, SHADOW OF AZHDAHA: 0/250HP]

What?!

She lands in a crouch, already rushing again—three more rapid slashes, each aimed at weakened points that should have split open by now and yet every blow is only deflected effortlessly. This damned lizard. It’s already so weakened, so heavily wounded, and yet still, it refuses to fall.

[1 Energy] DURANDAL 6/10HP 1SP uses Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on SHADOW OF AZHDAHA: 30/250HP. [Roll: 11, Hit! -15HP, SHADOW OF AZHDAHA: -15/250HP] [1 Energy] DURANDAL 6/10HP 1SP uses Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on SHADOW OF AZHDAHA: 30/250HP. [Roll: 9, Hit! -15HP, SHADOW OF AZHDAHA: -30/250HP] [1 Energy] DURANDAL 6/10HP 1SP uses Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on SHADOW OF AZHDAHA: 30/250HP. [Roll: 17, Hit! -6HP, SHADOW OF AZHDAHA: -36/250HP]

 Enemy Passive: Moonlit Wave is still in effect! The beast cannot die…

Seamless Shield regenerates! DURANDAL 6/10HP 3SP. -2HP, Shadow of Azhdaha: 0.5/250HP  SHADOW OF AZHDAHA: 0.5/250HP uses Moonlit Wave. [Roll: 16 = Hit! -2HP] DURANDAL 6/10HP 1SP

“Be careful! Nothing works against it!”

[fermatafour]

.✧  ݁ ˖ ending a grand overture

Spiral Abyss Team 10 ; Floor 3

[originsrebirth]

her body yelled and ached , screaming out in pure agony , this place was testing her limits -- each time she was healed help alleviate the pain , if just a little more . . .

she still felt it , second after second , it only increased further and further , her body could only hold up for so long , something had to have broken by now , but . . . she can still stand .

Raiden Mei: 8/10HP 0SP rolls 6 energy.

Durandal 9/10HP 0SP takes 2 damage from Mark.

Durandal 7/10HP 0SP|Raiden Mei consumes 3 stacks of Twisted Origin to use Phantom of Dazai on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 105.5/250HP.

Aggravate triggers! [4 x 1.5 = -6HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 99.5/320HP|Aggravate Effect: -3HP, Durandal 4/10HP 0SP

Universal Diagnosis triggers! -1HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 98.5/320.

+2HP, Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 0SP.

Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin.

[1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 98.5/320. [Roll: 19 = Crit! -5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 93.5/320.

Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin.

[1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 93.5/320. [Roll: 14 = Crit! -5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 88.5/320.

Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin.

[1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 88.5/320. [Roll: 16 = Crit! -5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 83.5/320.

Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin.

[1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 83.5/320. [Roll: 19 = Crit! -5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 78.5/320.

Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin.

[1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 78.5/320. [Roll: 8 = Hit! -3.5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 75/320.

Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin.

[1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 75/320. [Roll: 23 = Crit! -5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 70/320HP

Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin.

Seamless Shield regenerated! -2HP Shadow of Azhdaha 68/250HP. Dendro applied.

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 68/250HP uses Moonlit Wave on Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 3SP [Roll: 6 = Miss!]

the healing kept her going , it kept her alive , but she was beginning to falter , especially mentally , her breaths growing heavy , even with all of the effort she put in . . .

she was falling further and further into this cycle of pain , she was struggling to stand despite her body not having so much as a scratch on the surface .

" When is this thing going to die . . . ? ! "

their numbers thinned , she could still move fast , but these wounds seemed to be beginning to have impact on her allies , too . .

[eudaimcnia]

Paragon Stacks converted to SP. Durandal: 0.5/10HP 3SP Durandal: 0.5/10HP 3SP takes 2 damage from Mark. Durandal: 0.5/10HP 1SP

"Durandal!" Blow after blow, she stands strong. However, even the strongest of warriors have their limits. She's putting on a brave face, but Baizhu can see that if he hesitates any longer she'll end up like Kafka. The Seamless Shield which protects Mei fades on its own, to which he waves his hand to summon it.

Baizhu: 9/10HP 0SP rolls 5 Energy [4 Energy] Baizhu: 9/10HP 0SP uses Elemental Burst: Holistic Revivification. All allies gain Seamless Shield. Unit heals 2+1HP after using Elemental Burst, party members heal 1+1HP. Baizhu: 10/10HP 3SP, Durandal: 2.5/10HP 3SP

The dragon staggers ever so slightly in its slow, heavy movement. Baizhu had been too engrossed in their wavering fortitude to notice previously.

They have a chance... they just need to take it.

The doctor tries to provide as much healing as he can to the blonde warrior so that she has enough vitality to charge forward. A silent cheer to finally end this creature once and for all, even when he has to get up close to the beast to do so. The risk taken upon himself isn't nearly as heavy as this opportunity that's given to them. "This game is almost over. Now's our chance!"

[1 Energy] Baizhu: 10/10HP 3SP used Normal Attack: The Classics of Acupuncture on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 68/250HP. [Roll: 8 = Hit! -2HP] Shadow of Azhdaha: 66/250HP +2HP to all allies, Durandal: 4.5/10HP 3SP Shadow of Azhdaha: 66/250HP counterattacks with Body Slam. [Roll: 7 = Hit! -2HP]  Baizhu: 10/10HP 1SP Seamless Shield regenerates! -2HP, Shadow of Azhdaha: 64/250HP

[ @creationkissed @originsrebirth @fermatafour ]

[creationkissed]

Durandal: 4.5/10HP 3SP takes 2 damage from Mark. Durandal: 4.5/10HP 1SP

She was right to anchor herself with her lance.

Everything hurts. Blood trickles from the corner of her lips, her battlesuit shows damage, dyed red. Every breath in feels like there's a knife mercilessly twisting between her ribs, each heartbeat a pulsing pain in her skull. And yet she remains standing. The Abyss Flower is the only thing keeping her upright, its tip buried deep into the stone. Her fingers tremble—just once, just briefly—before tightening.

Relief comes with what healing the doctor could provide her. Though it may have been enough to fully mend her wound, to Durandal, as long as it keeps her up on her feet, as long as she is still conscious and able, it’s all that she needs. 

There's confidence in the way she next turns to the doctor—eyes bright and alive with the kind of fire that burns hotter than the sun.

“Sorry for scaring you, Doctor,” she says, her voice still hoarse, yet she manages to keep it steady still. “Still, try not to worry so much. I may hurt and bleed but remember this:

So long as breath remains in my body and strength in my arms, so long as a single soul still has need for me… My oath remains, unchanged.” Her grip tightens around the blood-slicked lance, wrenching it from the ground in one fluid motion as she slowly lifts it through the air. “I, Bianka Ataegina shall never retreat. Not from pain, not from duty—”

The lance stops.

Pointed directly between the dragon’s eyes.

“—and certainly not from overgrown lizards. So give me your best, you stupid reptile.”

Durandal: 4.5/10HP 1SP rolls 7 energy [3 Energy] Durandal: 4.5/10HP 1SP uses Elemental Skill: Scutum Divinitas. Next attack against this unit will be Parried After Parrying, unit will always counterattack. Retaliation counterattack will do [2]+4 additional damage. Unit heals half of total damage dealt by Retaliation counterattack [1 Energy]  Durandal: 4.5/10HP 1SP uses Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 64/250HP [Roll: 3 = Miss!] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 64/250HP counterattacks with Body Slam on Durandal: 4.5/10HP 1SP [Roll: 19 = Crit!  Damage Parried! -0HP] Durandal: 4.5/10HP 1SP Durandal: 4.5/10HP 1SP retaliates with Normal Attack: Gladius Milites. [Roll: 7 = Hit! -12HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 57/250HP Durandal: 4.5/10HP 1SP heals half of total damage dealt! +6HP Durandal: 10/10HP 1SP

The dragon’s large body meets her guard in a thunderous clang of metal on stone-like scale—for a heartbeat, it seems impossible that her slender frame could withstand the force and yet with a roar of effort, she deflects the blow, redirecting the dragon’s own weight against it. The creature staggers, momentarily unbalanced.

And in that opening, she continues her barrage.

[1 Energy]  Durandal: 10/10HP 1SP uses Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 57/250HP [Roll: 8 = Hit! -6HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 51/250HP Shadow Of Azhdaha: 51/250HP counterattacks with Body Slam on Durandal: 10/10HP 1SP [Roll: 13 =Hit! -2HP] Durandal: 9/10HP 0SP Seamless Shield destroyed! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 49/250HP

Another clean hit carves into the beast’s flank—but this time, when the dragon counters, its tail slams into her guard with bone-jarring force. The impact shatters what protection Baizhu had blessed her with and sends her skidding back and yet still, stubborn as always, she advances the moment she regains her footing.

 [1 Energy]  Durandal: 9/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 49/250HP [Roll: 18 = Hit! -6HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 43/250HP Shadow Of Azhdaha: 51/250HP counterattacks with Body Slam on Durandal: 9/10HP 0SP [Roll: 13 =Miss!]

Her next thrust makes the dragon rear back, and she easily dodges its next attack as it overextends.

[1 Energy]  Durandal: 9/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 43/250HP [Roll: 22 = Hit! -8HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 35/250HP Shadow Of Azhdaha: 35/250HP counterattacks with Body Slam on Durandal: 9/10HP 0SP [Roll: 13 =Hit! -2HP] Durandal: 7/10HP 0SP

Seamless Shield regenerates! -2HP, Shadow of Azhdaha: 33/250HP Durandal: 7/10HP 3SP

It’s suddenly so easy. Fighting this dragon, that is, and Durandal channels the last of her energy into a devastating upward slash—the lance’s edge flaring blue as it shears through the hardened body. The dragon’s own desparate retaliation hits her, but its movements are growing sluggish. Bloodied but unbowed, Durandal merely shakes the pain away with a heavy sigh—piercing the Abyss Flowers into the ground for balance once more.

The beast is weakening.

“Raiden Mei, now!”

@originsrebirth

[fermatafour]

.✧  ݁ ˖ ending a grand overture

Spiral Abyss Team 10 ; Floor 3

[fermatafour]

She barely caught her breath as the storm rolled over them. Static clung to her skin, buzzing in her teeth. She could feel the tremor of it deep in her bones, a lingering echo that told her just how close she’d come to dying again.

Kafka sighed, dragging the back of her glove across her mouth. “Of course there’d be another phase.”

Enemy Passive: Rage Beneath the Mountains halves damage taken from Electro.

“Unfortunately,” Kafka muttered, clicking her tongue as her bullets skittered uselessly off the dragon’s hide, “I’ll have to rely on you all to do any significant damage.”

KAFKA rolls 4 energy.

[1 Energy] KAFKA 7/10HP 1SP uses Normal Attack: Midnight Tumult on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 213.5/250HP. [Roll: 12, Hit! -0.5HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 213/250HP] Electro applied. Shocked applied.

[1 Energy] KAFKA 7/10HP 1SP uses Normal Attack: Midnight Tumult on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 213/250HP. [Roll: 21, Crit! -1.5HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 211.5/250HP] Shocked applied.

[1 Energy] KAFKA 7/10HP 1SP uses Normal Attack: Midnight Tumult on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 211.5/250HP. [Roll: 7, Hit! -0.5HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 211/250HP] Shocked applied.

[1 Energy] KAFKA 7/10HP 1SP uses Normal Attack: Midnight Tumult on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 211/250HP. [Roll: 22, Hit! -1.5HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 129.5/250HP] Shocked applied.

Her guns were worthless here. Her blade, marginally better, but still little more than a nuisance against the Electro now shielding the beast. She struck anyway, steel hissing as it sliced into the joint behind its leg—not deep, not enough to matter, but it left a mark.

Did she have to make a thousand more cuts like that just to bleed this thing out?

Seamless Shield regenerated! Aggravate triggers! [2 x 1.5 = -3HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 126.5/250HP.

Aggravate Effect: -1.5HP, DURANDAL 9/10HP 1.5SP. Paragon +1

KAFKA 7/10HP 3S

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 126.5/250HP uses Moonlit Wave [Roll: 20 = Crit!]

KAFKA 6/10HP 0SP

Seamless Shield destroyed! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 124.5/250HP. Dendro applied.

Moonlit Wave Effect: -2HP, KAFKA 4/10HP 0SP

@eudaimcnia @creationkissed @originsrebirth

[eudaimcnia]

Everyone is getting a little tired of having to fight this creature. He can sense it in their movements. Even Durandal, who had been managing herself well throughout their fights, seems exasperated. Her gesture makes him offer a small smile, if only because he too would like to keep up their morale.

When Kafka gets thoroughly knocked by the dragon's Electro prowess, as if on cue, the beast charges another one and consecutively whips its tail, bolts of lightning sweeping the battlefield.

Engulfed in the storm, when clouds of dust settle enough for Baizhu to see his surroundings, Kafka is once again laying on the ground, body twitching lifelessly with leftover static grazing her bloodied clothes. It's clear that she suffered a direct hit. "You..."

He gasps and leaves himself wordless.

Maybe it's better he not react at all, for the sake of his own well-being.

Paragon Stacks converted to SP. DURANDAL 6.5/10HP 3SP. All allies take 2 damage from Mark. Paragon +1 BAIZHU: 6/10HP 0SP, DURANDAL 6.5/10HP 1SP, RAIDEN MEI 1/10HP 0SP.

It hurts. Again.

But if there's one thing the doctor knows, it's that he performs better under pressure. He closes his eyes briefly, takes a deep breath, and waves his hand with grace. A Gossamer sprite flies past his arm and trails the dragon's body.

BAIZHU: 6/10HP 0SP rolls 6 energy. [3 Energy] BAIZHU: 6/10HP 0SP used Elemental Skill: Universal Diagnosis. Deal 1 damage to 3 random enemies. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 104.5/250HP. Heals all allies for 1+[5]+1HP.  BAIZHU: 10/10HP 0SP, DURANDAL 10/10HP 1SP, RAIDEN MEI 8/10HP 0SP. [Skill Effect] While user is on the field, once per ally turn, after ally’s ability deals damage to enemies, deal flat 1 Dendro damage to 1 random enemy and heal the attacking ally for 1+1HP. Lasts until the end of Player Phase.

"You're right, Durandal. Let's keep this up. We'll have plenty of time to rest once this is taken care of." Being in top shape - or, as much as his condition allows him to be, anyway - he decides to go for the dragon's body once more. Baizhu weaves his way towards it and applies pressure with his index and middle fingers. Again, and again, until he finds one of its weak points. It cries, clearly not enjoying the prodding, but still he continues.

[1 Energy] Baizhu: 10/10HP 0SP used Normal Attack: The Classics of Acupuncture on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 104.5/320HP. [Roll: 8 = Hit! -2HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 102.5/250HP +2 HP, RAIDEN MEI 10/10HP 0SP Universal Diagnosis triggers! -1HP Shadow Of Azhdaha: 101.5/250HP [1 Energy] BAIZHU: 10/10HP 0SP used Normal Attack: The Classics of Acupuncture on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 101.5/320HP. [Roll: 20 = Crit! -4HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 97.5/320HP [1 Energy] BAIZHU: 10/10HP 0SP used Normal Attack: The Classics of Acupuncture on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 97.5/320HP. [Roll: 14 = Hit! -2HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 95.5/320HP Seamless Shield regenerated! -2HP Shadow Of Azhdaha: 93.5/250HP.

It tries to retaliate with a swing of its tail, ruptures of Electro coursing from the edges. He focuses on the blind spots, quickly escaping from the dragon's reach.

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 103.5/250HP uses Moonlit Wave. [Roll: 8 = Miss!] BAIZHU: 10/10HP 3SP

[ @creationkissed @fermatafour @originsrebirth ]

[creationkissed]

A lifetime battling against Honkai beasts had taught Durandal how fleeting life is in combat. One moment, a comrade could be laughing at your side and the next—gone. Killed in a space of a breath.

And yet, no amount of experience could fully dull the sting. Kafka collapses, her body still aside from the effects of the static, and Durandal’s breath catches.

Still, she only allows it for an instant. Grief is a luxury in battle, and hesitation could mean death. No beasts—especially not the dragon before them—would wait for their shock to fade before continuing with their assault. So she steels herself, forces her grip to steady and raises her voice, the playful tone and easy smiles from earlier now gone.

Durandal 9/10HP 0SP rolls 6 energy

“Eyes forward!” She yells, commanding, but not unkind. “Remember, there is no death in this realm!”

The words are unnecessary. They all know the truth of this place now, thanks to Kafka’s earlier fall. But sometimes, the obvious must be spoken aloud—not to inform, but to remind. To anchor any wavering resolves. To keep fear from seizing them.

[2 Energy] Durandal 9/10HP 0SP uses Elemental Burst: Sceptum Regalis. [1 Energy] Durandal 9/10HP 0SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 174.5/250HP [Roll: 16 = Hit! -15HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 159.5/250HP. Paragon +1 Universal Diagnosis triggers! -1HP Shadow Of Azhdaha: 158.5/250HP.  +2HP Durandal 10/10HP 0SP  [1 Energy] Durandal 10/10HP 0SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 158.5/250HP [Roll: 21 = Crit! -17HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 141.5/250HP. Paragon +1 [1 Energy] Durandal 10/10HP 0SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 141.5/250HP [Roll: 7 = Hit! -15HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 126.5/250HP. Paragon +1 [1 Energy] Durandal 10/10HP 0SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 126.5/250HP [Roll: 15 = Hit! -15HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 111.5/250HP. Paragon +1 Seamless Shield regenerated! -2HP Shadow Of Azhdaha: 109.5/250HP

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 109.5/250HP uses Moonlit Wave on Durandal 10/10HP 3SP [Roll: 19 = Crit! -4HP] Durandal 9/10HP 0SP. Mark applied. Seamless Shield destroyed! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 107.5/250HP Moonlit Wave Effect: -2HP Baizhu: 9/10HP 0SP Seamless Shield destroyed! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 105.5/250HP

Her muscles scream in protest as she keeps herself upright despite the dragon’s weighty swipe of its tail, her breath coming in ragged gasps. At the moment, her body is well, what with their healer always so swift to mend her wounds, but her exhaustion’s beginning to catch up, her vision blurring at the edges, the world tilting dangerously.

With the last of her strength, she drives her lance into the ground, using it as an anchor to keep her upright.

Just for a moment. Just long enough to steady herself.

[fermatafour]

.✧  ݁ ˖ ending a grand overture

Spiral Abyss Team 10 ; Floor 3

[eudaimcnia]

The Geo dragon starts to finally buckle under the onslaught of their collective attacks, knocked prone to the ground. Baizhu stands still, his chest heaving, out of breath.

A wave of healing washes over him, just like the other times when they were about to face a new foe. Something doesn't feel right...

Baizhu coughs in a delicate manner. "No... I don't think it is. Not yet."

The ground rumbles, and the beast which was once motionless rises to its feet again. Pyro energy fades from its tail, and it begins to charge up for yet another round of battle.

ROAAAAAARRRRR!!!

Its Pyro infusion isn't as much of an issue for them previously, so it must have studied the way Baizhu and his teammates utilized their elements. Almost reminiscent of the large scorpion they fought prior, Electro crackles through its system, tail glowing in bright purple. It begins digging its claws into the earth, burying itself until only its tail is visible, sticking out as if mimicking a tree. Intense hues of Electro strike across the field, a lightning storm brewing within the confines of this cave.

Amidst the strikes and thunder, concentrated spheres of Electro form on the precipice of its tail. While Baizhu is able to miraculously dodge out of harm's way, the same couldn't be said for his teammates.

Paragon Stacks converted to SP. DURANDAL 7/10HP 3SP. All allies take 2 damage from Mark. Paragon +1 BAIZHU: 6/10HP 0SP, DURANDAL 7/10HP 1SP, KAFKA 5/10HP 0SP, RAIDEN MEI 2/10HP 0SP. Save us, Baizhu. Omg????

BAIZHU: 6/10HP 0SP rolls 4 energy.

The doctor can't lie to himself anymore. He might be doing adequately in a physical sense, however his mental state had been wavering ever since their first battle together. How much longer are they going to take? In the end, he is still just human. A human who never quite experienced fights as involved as these.

"I'm doing all I can to help. Please hold on!" Adrenaline can only fuel him now, if he were to be so adamant on not letting anyone go through what Kafka must have experienced when she died.

[4 Energy] BAIZHU: 6/10HP 0SP used Elemental Burst: Holistic Revivification. All allies gain Seamless Shield. Unit heals 2+1HP after using Elemental Burst, party members heal 1+1HP. BAIZHU: 9/10HP 3SP, DURANDAL 9/10HP 3SP, KAFKA 7/10HP 3SP, RAIDEN MEI 4/10HP 3SP.

His Seamless Shield shimmers, whittling down the dragon's health. Baizhu believes it is a miracle that he's able to dodge the incoming lightning on time. Once he is in a relatively safe distance away, his gaze turns to Durandal. "Are you alright?"

Seamless Shield regenerated! -2HP, SHADOW OF AZHDAHA: 248/250HP. Dendro applied. SHADOW OF AZHDAHA: 248/250HP uses Moonlit Wave. [Roll: 4 = Miss!] BAIZHU: 9/10HP 3SP

[ @creationkissed @fermatafour @originsrebirth ]

[creationkissed]

All allies take 2 damage from Mark. BAIZHU: 9/10HP 1SP, DURANDAL 9/10HP 1SP, KAFKA 7/10HP 1SP, RAIDEN MEI 4/10HP 1SP. All Marks removed.

Durandal 9/10HP 1SP rolls 5 energy

It’s far from over. Of course, it's still far from over. Durandal had wondered briefly why the fight, though it may have had hiccups and one too many little accidents, seemed to be going so well. This only made sense—that the beast in front of them would have a second wind, that they must fight yet again, as if they haven’t been doing so for what felt like hours on end already.

How frustrating. How many more times must they be injured and healed? How much more must their healer exert himself before he can finally have his well-earned rest?

“Worry about yourself and the others first, Doctor,” Durandal calls back, her voice steady even as the ground underneath them trembled under the dragon’s renewed fury. “I will be quite alright.”

[1 Energy] Durandal 9/10HP 1SP used  Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 248/250HP. [Roll: 9 = Hit! -6HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 242/250HP  [Follow-Up Attack: Gentle but Cruel] Kafka: 7/10HP 1SP follows up. [Roll: 9, Hit! Aggravate triggers!  -0.5hp x 1.5 = -0.5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 241.5/250. Shocked applied. Aggravate Effect: -0HP, BAIZHU 9/10HP 1SP.

With the Abyss Flower in her hand, she rushes towards the dragon. Almost on cue, the sound of Kafka’s gunshot from a distance rings the moment Durandal’s lance collided against their enemy’s hard body, and like always, sparks of electro skitters across the dragon’s body, before finding another target. Thankfully, their healer seems to be alright despite it—could it be that they’re getting used to all these little zaps already?

[1 Energy] Durandal 9/10HP 1SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 241.5/250HP. [Roll: 19 = Crit! -8HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 233.5/250HP [1 Energy] Durandal 9/10HP 1SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 233.5/250HP. [Roll: 17 = Hit! -6HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 227.5/250HP [1 Energy] Durandal 9/10HP 1SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 227.5/250HP. [Roll: 11 = Hit! -6HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 221.5/250HP [1 Energy] Durandal 9/10HP 1SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 221.5/250HP. [Roll: 9 = Hit! -6HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 215.5/250HP

She huffs out a laugh, both at the hilarity of the thought and exasperation.

Then another thrust, another brutal impact, each strike precise, each movement calculated to carve away at the dragon’s hard body.

By the time Durandal finished her fifth strike, the dragon was reeling, its movements sluggish, its once-imposing form now riddled with cracks. It may not be much compared to its large, imposing form and assaults, but considering they’ve been battling it for a while now, their bodies and minds both weary, this will have to do.

The dragon’s tail lashes out in one last, desperate attempt—a sweeping arc of Electro-charged force—but Durandal is already out of range by then, her breath steady, her grip firm.

Seamless Shield regenerated! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 213.5/250HP

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 213.5/250HP uses Moonlit Wave [Roll: 8 = Miss!] Durandal 9/10HP 3SP

She exhales, rolling her shoulders as she turns to her teammate and flashes a brief thumbs up.

“Let’s keep it up.” She says, hoping to boost everyone’s morale, even if just a little. “Just a little bit more, and maybe we’ll finally see the end of this.”

@fermatafour

[fermatafour]

.✧  ݁ ˖ ending a grand overture

Spiral Abyss Team 10 ; Floor 3

[fermatafour]

Kafka sighed as the warmth of Baizhu’s healing rolled over her again, knitting tissue back together, coaxing breath into bruised lungs. It wasn’t unwelcomed—far from it—but there was a resigned edge to it now, an unspoken understanding.

This will happen again.

Probably soon.

They’d fall back to recover, catch their breath, and she’d step forward again, ribs still sore, reflexes dulled just enough to earn another strike. A cycle, messy but efficient.

Baizhu’s soft voice followed: something about unwarranted reactions. Kafka chuckled under her breath.

“Aww. I think the reactions are half the fun.”

Durandal’s quip about being bullied by stray elements made it better—an amused smile on her lips, even as she brushed a smear of soot from her sleeve.

And then, almost as if on cue, Mei’s next strike did it again.

Electricity snapped from the dragon’s wound in a vicious fork—straight into Durandal. The timing of it was enough to make Kafka laugh, proper this time, the sound low and delighted.

“Oh, I promise to try,” she called lightly, spinning her blade once as she moved, “but maybe the problem’s just you, Valkyrie. Ever think you’ve got too magnetic a personality to not attract the side effects?”

She darted in before Durandal could fire back—legs burning, momentum driving her past scorched stone and shrapnel, blade flashing as she closed the distance.

Her blade sank into the dragon’s hide—just at the joint where plated scale met softer flesh—and she twisted hard, sending a pulse of electricity up through the metal.

Kafka: 10/10HP 0SP rolls 6 energy. [1 Energy] Kafka: 10/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Midnight Tumult on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 126.5/320HP. [Roll: 17, Crit! -3HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 123.5/320HP] Electro applied. Shocked applied.

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 123.5/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull. [Roll: 19 = Crit! -3HP, Kafka: 7/10HP 0SP] Mark applied. [Roll: 19 = Crit! -3HP, Kafka: 4/10HP 0SP] Stamen of Khvarena’s Origin stacks: 3/3

Kafka was airborne before she realized it, breath torn from her chest, her ribs screaming in protest. She crashed hard near the group, landing with a thud that knocked the last air from her lungs. She didn’t move for a beat. Just lay there.

Kafka forfeits 5 energy. What the fuck, Azhdaha Dragon got hands. Maybe dodge next time.

“…Right,” she rasped, staring up at the ceiling like it had personally betrayed her. “Not exactly a fan of being thrown around like loose change.”

A shimmer of green curved into view—Baizhu’s shield, gentle and precise, sliding over her like a whispered apology. She felt her ribs begin to ease, the tight pain in her chest softening.

Universal Diagnosis triggers! Aggravate triggers! [1 x 1.5 = -1.5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 122/320. +2HP, Kafka: 6/10HP 0SP. Aggravate Effect: -0.5HP, Raiden Mei: 4/10HP 0.5SP.

She manages to call out a playful oops when she sees the effect lash at Mei, before dropping her volume for Baizhu. “Thanks, doc,” she murmured, voice still dry. “You really are too good to me.”

Then, with a grunt, she rolled to one side, planted a knee into the ground, and pulled her stringed gauntlet taut. She didn’t need to stand. Just to aim.

The wires lashed out, violet lightning dancing between her fingertips as she yanked them violently through the air—directing the surge with a flick of her wrist.

Electricity leapt to the dragon, snapping across its hide in a brilliant arc.

Seamless Shield regenerated! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 120/320HP. Dendro applied.

Kafka: 6/10HP 3SP takes 2 damage from Mark. Kafka: 6/10HP 1SP. Shocked triggers! -4HP. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 114/320HP.

@eudaimcnia

[eudaimcnia]

Baizhu: 8/10HP 0SP takes 2 damage from Mark. Baizhu: 6/10HP 0SP.

The doctor can feel the mark chip away at his state. His teammates have done so well in conquering the dragon despite the whims of what the power of Dendro is capable of. At first, he thought that being their healer is simply part of his duty, but now he's starting to think that it's also a compensation for the unintentional aggravated electricity.

Kafka doesn't seem all too bothered by it, even calling it 'fun'. An interesting character, she is.

"Even if we are able to come back to life in this realm, I'd rather not let us experience the feeling of dying..." He replies to her comment, passing a glance of concern. "After this is over, I can do a more proper check-up, if you would allow me to."

Baizhu: 6/10HP 0SP rolls 6 Energy [4 Energy] Baizhu: 6/10HP 0SP used Elemental Burst: Holistic Revivification. All allies gain Seamless Shield. Unit heals 2+1HP after using Elemental Burst, party members heal 1+1HP. Baizhu: 9/10HP 3SP, Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP, Kafka: 5/10HP 3SP, Raiden Mei: 4.5/10HP 3SP

Even after re-summoning the Seamless shield, Baizhu feels it wouldn't be enough for Kafka and Mei to survive the brunt of the Geo dragon's assault. He decides to take the risk and put his acupuncture skills to work. As the creature lay eyes on him, he rushes towards it and presses his fingers between its scales to replenish his allies' life force, and as if on cue, Kafka fires at it in tandem.

[1 Energy] Baizhu: 9/10HP 3SP used Normal Attack: The Classics of Acupuncture on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 102/320HP [Roll: 10 = Hit! -2HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 100/320HP +2 HP to all allies. Baizhu: 10/10HP 3SP, Kafka: 7/10HP 3SP, Raiden Mei: 6.5/10HP 3SP  [Follow-Up Attack: Gentle but Cruel] Kafka: 7/10HP 3SP follows up.  [Roll: 6 = Hit! Aggravate triggers!  -1.5HP x 1.5 = -2HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 98/320. Shocked applied. Aggravate Effect: -1HP, Baizhu: 10/10HP 2SP Shadow Of Azhdaha: 98/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull.  [Roll: 3 = Miss!] Baizhu: 10/10HP 2SP. [Roll: 10 = Hit! -1.5HP] Baizhu: 10/10HP 0.5SP. 

Fortunately, his shield is tough enough to protect him from the incoming side effects of their elements combining. Though, it's unsafe for him to continue attacking when his teammates have it covered. And so, he retreats into the backline again.

Baizhu forfeits 1 Energy. Seamless Shield regenerated! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 96/320HP. 

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 96/320HP uses The King’s Rebuke on Baizhu: 10/10HP 3SP [Roll: 17 = Hit! -2HP] Baizhu: 10/10HP 1SP

[ @creationkissed @fermatafour @originsrebirth ]

[creationkissed]

She huffs out a sigh as again, another jolt of stray electricity nipped at her battlesuit—as if the combined elements could actually hear their conversation, and had been waiting for the best comedic timing. She rewards Mei with a dry look, though there’s the faintest of smile tugging at the corner of her lips, head shaking as she listens to Kafka laugh—a brief, lighthearted moment that, alas, turns out to be rather short-lived.

Durandal lets out a whistle as Kafka is tossed up in the air, wincing at the crash.

“At least, if there’s anything new I’ve come to learn about you, it’s that you are rather difficult to kill.”

Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP rolls 5 Energy

[2 Energy] Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP uses Elemental Burst: Sceptum Regalis 

With a burst of light, Durandal’s phantom knights materialize at her side—King and Queen, their weapons gleaming as they fall upon the wounded dragon in perfect sync before dancing around her once, ready to strike.

And strike she does—lance carving a silver arc through the air before driving deep into the dragon’s flank. The beast roared, its stony hide cracking under the impact. Kafka’s quick with her assist, just in time with King’s as its blade falls in time with the sound of her gunshot.

[1 Energy]  Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP uses Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 94/320HP [Roll: 7 = Hit! -15HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 79/320HP. Paragon +1 [Follow-Up Attack: Gentle but Cruel] Kafka: 7/10HP 3SP follows up.  [Roll: 16, Crit! Aggravate triggers!  -3HP x 1.5 = -4.5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 74.5/320. Shocked applied. Aggravate Effect: -2HP, Baizhu: 9/10HP 0SP Seamless Shield destroyed! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 72.5/320HP. Dendro applied

Then the second lunge of her lance, and the third, each attack followed, as always, with King's wide sweeps and Queen's cleaves.

[1 Energy]  Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP uses Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 72.5/320HP [Roll: 10 = Hit! -15HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 57.5/320HP. Paragon +1 [1 Energy]  Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP uses Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 57.5/320HP [Roll: 14 = Hit! -15HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 42.5/320HP. Paragon +1 Shadow Of Azhdaha: 42.5/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull.  [Roll: 15, 5. Hit, Miss! -1.5HP] Durandal: 10/10HP 1.5SP  Seamless Shield regenerated! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 40.5/320HP.   Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP

The dragon fights back with a furious swing of its massive tail, but Durandal’s quick enough to block it with the Abyss Flower, letting the blow glance off her guard—still, the force still sends a sharp jolt through her arms, prompting her to click her tongue.

“He’s certainly getting feistier…” She shakes out her wrist, unbothered. “We definitely should finish this soon.”

[fermatafour]

.✧  ݁ ˖ ending a grand overture

Spiral Abyss Team 10 ; Floor 3

[originsrebirth]

Seeing Kafka rise to her feet made her breathe a sigh of relief . . . death here worked different , huh ? that's why Mei was able to come back later . . . then why didn't -- oh , whatever , Kiana ended up coming back after , so did she . . .

" Glad to have you back . . . if I'm right -- this battle is our last here , or , it should be , if things are the same . "

speaking as someone who has battled here before , she readied her weapon , if this was the end . . . nothing against her allies -- but she'd like out of here as quick as she possibly can , these battles are beginning to tire her out . " Come on ! "

Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 1SP rolls 4 Energy [1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 1SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 240/320HP  [Roll: 19 = Crit! Aggravate triggers! -5HP x1.5 = -7.5HP ] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 232.5/320HP Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP takes damage from Aggravate. -3.5HP.  Durandal: 9.5/10HP 0SP. Paragon Stacks +1 Seamless Shield destroyed. Deal 2 damage to 1 random enemy.  Shadow Of Azhdaha: 230.5/320HP. Dendro applied. Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin. [Follow-Up Attack: Gentle but Cruel] Kafka: 10/10HP 3SP follows up. [Roll: 14, Hit! Aggravate triggers!  -1.5HP x1.5 = 2. ] Shocked applied. Durandal: 9.5/10HP 3SP takes damage from Aggravate. -1HP.  Durandal: 8.5/10HP 0SP. Paragon Stacks +1 Shadow Of Azhdaha: 230.5/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull.  [ Roll: 6 = Miss! ] [ Roll: 14 = Hit ! ] Raiden Mei dodge attempt. Roll: 4 = Failed. -1.5HP Raiden Mei: 9.5/10HP 0SP Pyro applied. Mark inflicted. Seamless Shield destroyed. Deal 2 damage to 1 random enemy.  Shadow Of Azhdaha: 228.5/320HP. Dendro applied.

her clashing with Azhdaha began almost instantly , flying forward and almost instantly sending slashes flying , taking blows of her own and sending them back , remnants of the energy from Baizhus attacks -- from the shields breaking open , flying everywhere , hitting her own teammates , but she was too focused to notice where they were flying until she caught it out the corner of her eye . " Sorry , Durandal -- ! "

[1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 9.5/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 228/320HP  [Roll: 18 = Crit! Aggravate triggers! -5HP x1.5 = -7.5HP ] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 220.5/320HP Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 220.5/320HP takes damage from Aggravate. -3.5HP.  Shadow Of Azhdaha: 217/320HP  Shadow Of Azhdaha: 217/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull.  [ Roll: 13 = Hit! ] Raiden Mei dodge attempt. Roll: 4 = Failed. -1.5HP Raiden Mei: 8/10HP [ Roll: 19 = Crit! ] Raiden Mei dodge attempt. Roll: 1 = Success. -0HP [1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 8/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 217/320HP  [Roll: 11 = Hit! -3.5HP ] Electro applied. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 213.5/320HP  Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 213.5/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull.  [ Roll: 16 = Hit! ] Raiden Mei dodge attempt. Roll: 3 = Success. -0HP [ Roll: 6 = Miss! ] [1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 8/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 213.5/320HP [Roll: 24 = Crit! -5HP ]  Shadow Of Azhdaha: 208.5/320HP Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 208.5/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull.  [ Roll: 19 = Crit! ] Raiden Mei dodge attempt. Roll: 3 = Success. -0HP [ Roll: 14 = Hit! ] Raiden Mei dodge attempt. Roll: 3 = Success. -0HP Shadow Of Azhdaha: 208.5/320HP uses King’s Rebuke on Raiden Mei: 8/10HP 0SP  [ Roll: 12 = Hit! -2HP. ]

even so , she showed no signs of slowing down , her blows got quicker , she got quicker on her feet , her focus caught solely on the enemy before her , being this close , she could taste victory -- they could taste freedom , at first , she kept taking the hits unintentionally , barely unable to dodge out of the way of such big hits , but eventually , she was able to swiftly dodge between them , not even letting it stop her momentum , she just kept fighting back , knowing well what she was capable of -- knowing well that her and her allies could fell this beast in no time .

[eudaimcnia]

Sigils marked upon Durandal and Kafka inflict them with pain. The former may have her own form of protection to ease off the wear and tear, though all of his allies are hurt and damaged all the same.

The shields he provided are already doing their job - breaking, regenerating, and facilitating the intense reactions of Dendro and Electro combined. It's best for him to stay out of the fray of battle, so that he won't cause his teammates anymore worry. Right now, what they need is healing, and that shall be his main task.

Two Gossamer sprites slither and weave across the dragon's body, returning to revitalize the team once more. "I believe in you all!"

Baizhu: 7.5/10HP 0SP rolls 5 Energy [3 Energy] Baizhu: 7.5/10HP 0SP used Elemental Skill: Universal Diagnosis. Deal 1 damage to 3 random enemies. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 181/320HP. Heals all allies for 1+[5]+1HP. Baizhu: 10/10HP 0SP, Durandal: 10/10HP 1SP, Kafka: 9.5/10HP 0SP, Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 0SP [Skill Effect] While user is on the field, once per ally turn, after ally’s ability deals damage to enemies, deal flat 1 Dendro damage to 1 random enemy and heal the attacking ally for 1+1HP. Lasts until the end of Player Phase. [1 Energy] Baizhu: 10/10HP 0SP used Elemental Skill: Universal Diagnosis. Deal 1 damage to 3 random enemies. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 180/320HP Heals all allies for 1+[5]+1HP. Kafka: 10/10HP 0SP

With nearly all of them in better health, he is certain that they can live long enough to withstand its next attacks. Baizhu may not be cut out to be a fighter, but it is with working alongside his allies that they may conquer the trials of the Abyss. "I hope my protection is enough to aid you... I do apologize for any, ahem. Unwarranted reactions."

Baizhu: 10/10HP 0SP forfeits 1 Energy. Seamless Shield regenerated! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 178/320HP. Baizhu: 10/10HP 3SP

[ @creationkissed @originsrebirth @fermatafour ]

[creationkissed]

Durandal: 10/10HP 1SP takes 2 damage from Mark. Durandal: 9/10HP 0SP.

Durandal: 9/10HP 0SP is no longer MarkedSeamless Shield destroyed! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 176/320HP.

What a nuisance this beast turned out to be.

Nodding her head in thanks towards their healer, Durandal heaves out a sigh before resting her lance on the ground, piercing it through the already ruined stones underneath her.

She’s come to understand a bit of its patterns now—how its attacks seem to leave lasting effects on their body for a time, and how the pain persists until the mark inflicted upon them dispels on its own.

 Durandal: 9/10HP 0SP rolls 5 energy. [3 Energy] Elemental Skill: Scutum Divinitas. Next attack against this unit will be Parried Durandal: 9/10HP 0SP forfeits 2 energy. Seamless Shield regenerated! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 174/320HP. Durandal: 9/10HP 3SP

In that case, while her body still recovers from the exertion of her own barrage from earlier, she settles on the prioritizing her defence this time around. Her companions, after all, seem to always accidentally brush her with the effects of their attacks.

“Why, I’m beginning to suspect it’s targeted.” She huffs out a laugh, her nose crinkling just a little as she keeps a smile on her lips. “Come now, everyone. I know I’m the only one without elemental abilities and am mainly a sentry, but that doesn’t mean you should bully me with your elements. I might have to report this to Kiana and Rita if this continues.”

[fermatafour]

.✧  ݁ ˖ ending a grand overture

Spiral Abyss Team 10 ; Floor 3

[fermatafour]

Darkness doesn't linger. It retreats all at once, like a curtain yanked back too soon, exposing Kafka to the harsh light of reality in a flash of agony.

She gasps—sharp, high in her throat—body jolting with the sudden return of sensation. Air saws into her lungs. Her chest feels like it's burning from the inside out, and her back arches instinctively as if to escape it. The floor beneath her is too real. The pain too sharp.

“Oh,” she wheezes, voice rough. “I’m still alive.”

The weight of her limbs settles next. Her fingers twitch and brush something cool beside her. She blinks, vision swimming, then slowly pulling into focus. Her phone. Its screen glows weakly in the shadows, blinking like a distant lighthouse beacon.

Thirty-two missed calls.

...Oh.

She groans quietly, rolling onto her side with deliberate care, every breath a blade. She needs a second. Just a second—to register her bearings, to blink sweat and ash from her lashes, to assess.

The others? Still standing. The battlefield? …Changed.

The rift at the far end of the room pulses with new energy, a tide drawing back before a greater wave. The scorpion and the beast are gone. Kafka exhales slowly, biting back a wince. She knows it means they’re due to fight another round.

And then, with another pulse from the room, her lingering aches and pains are healed. She sighs and grabs the phone, lifting it to her mouth and murmuring into it as she pushes herself back to her feet. She sends the voice message and slips the phone back into her pocket, smiling at the others.

“Sorry, team,” she says, tone dry. “My death appears to have been greatly exaggerated.”

Their next opponent, a massive creature, lumbers forth—brown, black, and earthen, with a tree like a crown erupting from its tail. Kafka's head tilts.

“Is that… Torterra?” She squints. No. Close enough, though. Her thoughts drift to Silver Wolf, knowing the gamer would have loved to fight a gargantuan Pokemon, but the battle begins before she can even think to take a picture.

Kafka: 10/10HP 3SP rolls 6 energy.

The fight becomes a blur.

The others strike in unison, magic and steel carving away at the dragon’s form. The air vibrates with the weight of it. Kafka hangs at the edge of the dance, darting in only when she spots a weakness, a pause, a twitch in the tail or neck. Her bullets find their mark—but splashback licks at her allies too.

She takes the risk anyway.

What’s a gamble without a little pain?

Kafka: 10/10HP 3SP uses Elemental Burst: Twilight Trill on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 204/320HP.

Aggravate triggers! [-3HP x 1.5 = -4.5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 199.5/320. Shocked applied. Aggravate Effect: -1.5HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 198/320HP. Shocked triggered! -4HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 194/320HP.

The electricity laced in her bullets finds its mark, triggering another aggravated reaction, sending ripples of lightning across the beast’s thick hide. It bellows, furious, and turns toward her with surprising speed for something so massive.

Its horn swings wide.

Kafka braces—but the impact never lands.

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 194/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull. [Roll: 9 = Hit! -1.5HP, Kafka: 10/10HP 1.5SP] [Roll: 16 = Hit! -1.5HP, Kafka: 10/10HP 0SP] Stamen of Khvarena’s Origin stacks: 2/3

Seamless Shield destroyed! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 192/320HP. Dendro applied.

Baizhu’s shield flares around her, taking the brunt of the hit before shattering spectacularly in the dragon’s face. She spins out from the edge of it, breath short, momentum scraping the soles of her boots against the stone.

“Thanks again, healer,” she calls, barely catching her balance.

But the dragon isn’t done.

It rears back and slams both feet into the ground with a fiery snarl, a tantrum of molten fury. The arena quakes. Kafka staggers, footing lost as the tremor rattles through her spine.

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 192/320HP uses King’s Rebuke on Kafka: 10/10HP 0SP. [Roll: 10 = Hit! -2HP, Kafka: 8/10HP 0SP] Pyro applied. Mark inflicted. Stamen of Khvarena’s Origin stacks: 3/3 Seamless Shield regenerated! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 190/320HP.

Baizhu’s shield reforms—but she doesn’t have time to retreat. The dragon’s skull crashes into her side like a battering ram. This time the shield bursts like glass, and the force hurls her back.

Kafka: 8/10HP 3SP takes 2 damage from Mark. Kafka: 8/10HP 1SP.

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 188/320HP uses Earthen Skull on two random targets. [Roll: 20 = Crit! -3HP, Kafka: 6/10HP 0SP] [Roll: 7 = Hit! -1.5HP, Kafka: 4.5/10HP 0SP] Seamless Shield destroyed! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 186/320HP.

She hits the floor hard, breath knocked from her again, blood hot in her mouth. Pain sears along her ribs—deep now, too deep—and she curls instinctively, panting. Her vision pulses at the edges again. She rolls onto one knee with a hiss.

Kafka: 4.5/10HP 0SP takes 2 damage from Mark. Kafka: 2.5/10HP 0SP. Kafka: 2.5/10HP 0SP is no longer Marked.

“Not bad,” she says, staggering upright.

@creationkissed @eudaimcnia @originsrebirth

[eudaimcnia]

Mere seconds after Kafka’s fully motionless, the two foes they were fighting vanish into thin air. The arena warps in appearance as it widens into a cave-like domain. What surrounds the walls is a golden barrier. Geo.

Baizhu isn’t even given a time to grieve when the magenta-haired lady is revived. “Kafka? You came back to life…?” Now, this place feels even stranger to him. A place where death isn’t permanent…

He’s too shocked by what just happened to pay attention to his teammates’ own reactions. The arena is oddly familiar, despite his memory adamant that he’s never been here before. Large, rectangular, imposing pillars stand before them, surrounding an enormous creature he’d never seen before. He can vaguely recognize the Liyuean script phasing within the thin barrier.

It is not too long until the pillars sink into the ground, their largest foe yet awakening.

“This is…” His mouth hangs agape as he slowly backs away and takes in more of its features. A rotund body, bright red eyes… Its tail bears a striking resemblance to the Dragon-Queller in Nantianmen… “An Earth Dragon?”

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 320/320HP infuses with Pyro. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 320/320HP uses King’s Rebuke on everyone. [Roll: 1 = Miss!] Baizhu: 10/10HP 0SP [Roll: 11 = Hit! -2HP] Durandal: 8/10HP 0SP. Pyro applied. Paragon Stacks +1 [Roll: 2 = Miss!] Kafka: 10/10HP 0SP [Roll: 4 = Miss!] Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 0SP

The beast bows its head, tail charging with Pyro energy. It gets ready to unleash its attack, letting out a rumbling roar. As if on instinct, everyone moves as far as they can away from the beast. Durandal is, unfortunately, unable to dodge in time. He decides to take the first initiative to summon the Seamless Shield once again.

Baizhu: 10/10HP 0SP rolls 6 Energy [4 Energy] Baizhu: 10/10HP 0SP used Elemental Burst: Holistic Revivification. All allies gain Seamless Shield. Unit heals 2+1HP after using Elemental Burst, party members heal 1+1HP. Durandal: 10/10HP 0SP. Gain +1 energy on next turn.

The doctor, wanting to take its eyes off of his teammates for a brief moment, rushes in, pressing his fingers against one of its wide ankles. Kafka is quick to fire like in their previous battles even when she had just been resurrected, the electricity zapping the dragon with fervor. Its power is in exchange for its volatility, for it does not differentiate between ally and foe.

[1 Energy] Baizhu: 10/10HP 3SP used Normal Attack: The Classics of Acupuncture on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 320/320HP [Roll: 20 = Crit! -4HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 316/320HP. Dendro applied. [Follow-Up Attack: Gentle but Cruel] Kafka: 10/10HP 3SP follows up. [Roll: 16 = Crit! Aggravate triggers! 3x1.5 = -4.5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 311.5/320HP. Shocked applied. Aggravate Effect: -2HP, Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 1SP Shadow Of Azhdaha: 311.5/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull.  [Roll: 19 = Crit! -3HP] Baizhu: 10/10HP 0SP

Blows are exchanged, and he senses he can't keep up with it without risking his own life. The others depend on his healing. He needs to keep himself safe.

Seamless Shield destroyed. Deal 2 damage to 1 random enemy.  Shadow Of Azhdaha: 309.5/320HP. Dendro applied. [Roll: 14 = Hit! -1.5HP] Baizhu: 8.5/10HP 0SP. Pyro applied. Mark inflicted. Baizhu forfeits 1 Energy. Seamless Shield regenerates. Deal 2 damage to 1 random enemy. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 307.5/320HP. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 307.5/320HP uses King’s Rebuke on Baizhu: 8.5/10HP 3SP [Roll: 5 = Miss!] Baizhu: 8.5/10HP 3SP.

[ @creationkissed @originsrebirth @fermatafour ]

[creationkissed]

She does not mean to, especially not when things appear very dire as they are, but a laugh slips past Durandal’s lips at Kafka’s remark anyway. Kafka’s casual resurrection and even more casual one-liner simply seemed so ridiculous—so out of place amidst the grimness of their situation—that it almost loops back around to being reasonable. Almost.

Very little still made sense of this Abyss. But, Durandal thinks, if she squints hard enough, she could almost compare this space to the Imaginary Space where she had met Su. The same Imaginary Space where she’d also been put into test, nearly forced to fight Rita when she did not want to. And oh, what a coincidence—back then, she even had this same Battlesuit on.

“If I may make a request,” The Valkyrie starts, lifting her lance up so she could rest it on her shoulder, “let’s try not to make “dying dramatically” a part of our battle strategy again. It’s terrible for team moral, I think.”

Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP rolled 7 energy

The ground underneath them shakes, pillars come to form, and immediately they are thrust into another battle against a new enemy. Bigger. More imposing. And so ready to catch them off-guard that even Durandal failed to dodge its first strike. But no matter. Their healer is quick to mend her wounds, and Bianka is all the more quicker to pick herself back up, blue eyes full with resolve as she brings forth both of her phantom.

[2 Energy] Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP used Elemental Burst: Sceptum Regalis

“Come to me, King, Queen!”

The two soulium constructs materialize at her call—two forms her team, no doubt, have grown all too familiar now. One with a broad sword, the other with a shield. Without hesitation, she surges forward, her own weapon a silver blur as she beings her barrage.

Kafka’s bullets follow in her wake, electricity crackling through the air as they strike its hard body. A jolt of lightning ripples through the dragon’s body, and Durandal feels the static prickle at her skin.

[1 Energy] Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 307.5/320HP [Roll: 17 = Hit! -15HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 292.5/320HP. Paragon Stacks +1

[Follow-Up Attack: Gentle but Cruel] Kafka: 10/10HP 3SP follows up. [Roll: 15 = Hit!  Aggravate triggers! 1.5x1.5 = -2HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 291/320HP. Shocked applied.

Aggravate Effect: -1HP, Durandal: 10/10HP 2SP

She doesn’t slow down.

Another lunge—King swings its sword from the sky above, carving a large arc through the air. Another hit, and this time Queen follows, its shield’s tip digging deep into the dragon’s hardened body. By the fourth strike, the trio moved in perfect synchronicity.

[1 Energy] Durandal: 10/10HP 2SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 291/320HP [Roll: 4 = Hit! -15HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 276/320HP. Paragon Stacks +1

[1 Energy] Durandal: 10/10HP 2SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 276/320HP [Roll: 13 = Hit! -15HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 261/320HP. Paragon Stacks +1

[1 Energy] Durandal: 10/10HP 2SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 261/320HP [Roll: 22 = Crit! -17HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 244/320HP. Paragon Stacks +1

King rushes in first with another large swipe of its sword, while Queen follows seamlessly into the opening King made. Behind them, Durandal had distanced herself just a tad, before hurling her lance forward with a loud roar (one she’ll most likely be embarrassed recalling to, once she’s at home and in the comforts of her bed, when all the adrenaline has worn off.) It pierces through with a crack, briefly embedding deep into the stone-like body before reappearing back into Durandal’s hold.

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 244/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull.  [Roll: 18 = Hit! -1.5HP] Durandal: 10/10HP 0.5SP.  [Roll: 4 = Miss!] Durandal: 10/10HP 0.5SP. Paragon Stacks +1  Durandal forfeits 1 Energy. Seamless Shield regenerates. Deal 2 damage to 1 random enemy. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 242/320HP. Dendro applied. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 242/320HP uses King’s Rebuke on Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP [Roll: 2 = Miss!] Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP

The dragon retaliates with a furious swing of its tail, but Queen is faster. Shield held up, it blocks the brunt of its attack, debris cutting into the skin of Durandal’s shoulders and cheek.

“Thank you, King, Queen. You may go.”

[creationkissed]

.✧  ݁ ˖ absolved will be the seekers

Spiral Abyss Team 10 ; Floor 2

[originsrebirth]

Although supplying a fair amount of healing to his own self , Baizhu was clearly starting to suffer from the blows he'd been taking , one after the other -- seemingly growing stronger as it did .

she couldn't let this continue .

Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 0SP rolls 5 Energy

" Baizhu ! " Mei called out from behind the beast , she knew it was close to falling , the focusing of Baizhu likely a last ditch effort in an attempt to inconvenience them , she knew she could fell it quick , but it wouldn't be a half assed hit , she had to strike like she meant it .

[1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Blaze Out Of Space: 6/55HP

[Roll: 17 = Crit! -3HP,Blaze Out Of Space: 3/55HP]

Aggravate Triggered! -3HP, Blaze Out Of Space: 0/55HP.

truthfully , she'd hope yelling the name of an ally would catch the attention of the enemy , but jt seems her speed heavily beat out this one's -- one swift strike enough to send it to its knees , the after effects of their elements combining dealing the finishing blow .

Blaze Out of Space was defeated!

with that trial put behind them , she knew they only had mere seconds of rest , assuming this trial remains as it did last time , regrouping with her team and staring back towards the other side of the arena .

" stay on your guard , we might not have as easy of a time . "

[creationkissed]

Durandal exhales sharply as the Blaze Out of Space collapses, its embers fading into the scorched earth. Mei’s warning rings in her ears—stay on your guard—and she nods, grip tightening around the Abyss Flower. She’d already sensed it: the shift in the air, the feeling of danger coiling just beyond sight.

“Noted,” she replies, her voice low but carrying. “I’d be disappointed if they didn’t hit harder.”

A beat. Then, quieter—just for Mei: “Watch yourself.”

Durandal: 10/10HP 0SP rolls 5 energy

Durandal thinks she’ll never get used to it—this spring of energy that suddenly returns to her, that is. A tell-tale sign, she knows now, of another battle to come.

To beasts arrives and already, her lance is prepared. Every enemy they have encountered so far, she could at least make an estimation of how they would fight. The first were “people”, simple enough. The second were beasts almost resembling that in her home. But this? She breathes out a quiet sigh, if only to prepare both body and mind. This, she is completely in the dark.

Still, she lunges anyway, and the Abyss Flower hits its intended target but—the green quadruped beast’s hide proves to be tougher than she though. Her lance does little to no damage, and she notices the angered gleam in its eyes a moment too late.

Tch.

[1 Energy] Durandal: 10/10HP 0SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Consecrated Fanged Beast: 75/75HP [Roll: 4 = Hit! -2HP. Damage Mitigated by Phagocytic Form. -0HP] Consecrated Fanged Beast: 75/75HP  Consecrated Fanged Beast: 75/75HP counterattacks with Lunging Slash.  [Roll: 11 = Hit! -1.5HP] Durandal: 8.5/10HP 0SP. Paragon +1. Dendro applied. [Roll: 11 = Hit! -1.5HP] Durandal: 7/10HP 0SP. Paragon +1 Follow-Up Attack: Gentle but Cruel] Kafka: 10/10HP 0SP follows up. [Roll: 19, Hit! -1.5HP. Damage Mitigated by Phagocytic Form. -0HP] Consecrated Fanged Beast: 75/75HP. Electro applied, Shocked applied. Consecrated Fanged Beast: 75/75HP counterattacks with Savage Roll. [Roll: 5 = Hit! -2HP] Kafka: 8/10HP 0SP. Dendro applied.

This thing’s different. Stronger. Faster. So much so that it even manages to turn its attention to Kafka when she'd come to assist her. The wounds she’d shrugged off earlier now burn deeper—its claws laced with something corrosive. Her muscles tense. She can’t be reckless on this one.

With a sharp inhale, Durandal raises her lance—Queen materializes in a burst of light, shield flaring that familiar blue glow. The next attack will be turned back on the beast.

[3 Energy] Durandal: 7/10HP 0SP used Elemental Skill: Scutum Divinitas. Next attack against this unit will be Parried.

The beast overextends. Durandal sidesteps effortlessly—only for Queen’s shield to intercept the follow-up strike. The impact reverberates, blue light flaring as the beast’s own force is turned against it.

[1 Energy] Durandal: 7/10HP 0SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Consecrated Fanged Beast: 75/75HP [Roll: 19 = Crit! -4HP. Damage Mitigated by Phagocytic Form. -2HP] Consecrated Fanged Beast: 73/75HP Consecrated Fanged Beast: 73/75HP counterattacks with Lunging Slash.  [Roll: 1 = Miss!] Durandal: 7/10HP 0SP [Roll: 7 = Hit! -1.5HP] Parried! -0HP. Paragon +1 Durandal: 7/10HP 0SP heals 0.5HP. Durandal: 7.5/10HP 0SP

Durandal exhales, rolling her shoulder. The beast snarls, but she’s found her rhythm now.

“Careful, everyone! I’m afraid I may have just jinxed us.”

@fermatafour @eudaimcnia @originsrebirth

[creationkissed]

.✧  ݁ ˖ absolved will be the seekers

Spiral Abyss Team 10 ; Floor 2

[eudaimcnia]

Finally, there's a moment of silence, of peace. Somehow, Baizhu feels just a bit more refreshed than before. He is approached by the blonde lady, given this brief time to at least introduce themselves. They had been strategizing without much words shared between them, and Baizhu did not even know any of their names. It's only natural that he would be just as proactive in making proper greetings. "A pleasure to meet you as well, miss."

While he still is trying to catch his breath, he takes a few in-and-outs, extending his hand towards her afterwards. "Please, call me-"

ROARRRRR!

It's never that simple, is it?

Once again, they must brace for battle. At the very least, he now knows that her name is Durandal. Two large elementals, one of fire and one of ice beckon for bloodshed with their distorted cries. They are unlike any organism Baizhu has seen before. "My name is Baizhu... I'm grateful to be fighting alongside all of you." The doctor watches her summon her weapon and rush forward to the monstrous creature emanating frost. Almost instinctively, he follows her to aid in the takedown.

Baizhu: 10/10HP 0SP rolls 6 Energy

Do elemental beings such as them have pressure points? It is vaguely humanoid in structure, yet unlike humans, it does not have blood. Physiologically, every living being must have a weak point. And so, he taps his fingers upon the monster's bright, icy blue joints.

[1 Energy] Baizhu: 10/10HP 0SP used Normal Attack: The Classics of Acupuncture on Ice Out Of Space: 47/55HP [Roll: 16 = Hit! -2HP] Ice Out Of Space: 45/55HP. Dendro applied. Aggravate Triggered! -3HP, Ice Out Of Space: 42/55HP. Aggravate Effect: -1.5HP, Ice Out Of Space: 40.5/55HP. Ice Out Of Space: 40.5/55HP counterattacks with Chilling Lament [Roll: 14 = Hit!] Baizhu: 8.5/10HP 0SP [Follow-Up Attack: Gentle but Cruel] Kafka: 10/10HP 0SP follows up.  [Roll: 19, Crit! -3HP] Ice Out Of Space: 37.5/55HP. Electro applied.

"Agh-!"

The electricity, volatile and ferocious in the way it crackles through his Dendro power and his teammate's Electro makes the beast writhe. Though, what's unfortunate is that it also strikes Baizhu as he tries to swerve himself away from the impact.

[1 Energy] Baizhu: 8.5/10HP 0SP used Normal Attack: The Classics of Acupuncture on Ice Out Of Space: 37.5/55HP [Roll: 13 = Hit! -2HP] Ice Out Of Space: 35.5/55HP. Dendro applied. Aggravate Triggered! -3HP, Ice Out Of Space: 32.5/55HP. Aggravate Effect: -1.5HP, Baizhu: 7/10HP 0SP. Ice Out Of Space: 32.5/55HP counterattacks with Chilling Lament [Roll: 14 = Hit!] Baizhu: 5.5/10HP 0SP

It's power is different from the previous wave they cleared. Any misstep and the frost may bite him worse than before. He lifts his hand, waves it in gentle motion and casts protection over himself and his other allies. Baizhu coughs out as he backs off, "Be careful!"

[4 Energy] Baizhu: 5.5/10HP 0SP used Elemental Burst: Holistic Revivification. All allies gain Seamless Shield. Unit heals 2+1HP after using Elemental Burst, party members heal 1+1HP. Baizhu: 8.5/10HP 3SP Seamless Shield regenerates. Deal 2 damage to 1 random enemy. Blaze Out Of Space: 53/55HP. Dendro applied.

[ @creationkissed @fermatafour @originsrebirth ]

[fermatafour]

Durandal’s blade found its mark with decisive finality. The last enemy fell, armor clattering against the ground like a drawn-out exhale. For a moment, silence reigned—thick, heavy, but laced with the promise of reprieve.

A warmth flushed through her limbs, the ache in her side ebbing away as her wounds sealed, smooth and whole once more. Not Baizhu’s magic—she could feel the difference. His work was softer, deliberate, laced with a particular rhythm. This was… other. More foreign.

Still, she wasn’t about to complain.

Durandal turned then, speaking to the healer with crisp politeness, and Kafka smiled, watching the blonde’s formality brush up against Baizhu’s gentle demeanor.

Of course, the reprieve wouldn't last.

Kafka: 10/10HP 3SP rolls 6 energy.

Durandal summoned a different construct and Baizhu’s shield shimmered over them once more before he slipped back. Kafka surged forward to fill the space he left behind.

“It’s rude to interrupt when someone’s introducing herself,” she murmured, voice lilting as she brought her blade to bear.

[1 Energy] Kafka: 10/10HP 3SP uses Normal Attack: Midnight Tumult on Ice Out Of Space: 32.5/55HP. [Roll: 12, Hit! -1.5HP, Ice Out Of Space: 31/55HP] Electro applied. Ice Out Of Space: 31/55HP counterattacks with Chilling Lament [Roll: 3 = Hit! -1.5HP] Kafka: 10/10HP 1.5SP.

Steel clashed against glowing blue hide. She landed the first strike—precise, angled to bite deep—but the creature retaliated with brute strength, its massive limb crashing into her side. She staggered but did not fall.

[1 Energy] Kafka: 10/10HP 1.5SP uses Normal Attack: Midnight Tumult on Ice Out Of Space: 31/55HP. [Roll: 11, Hit! -1.5HP, Ice Out Of Space: 29.5/55HP] Ice Out Of Space: 29.5/55HP counterattacks with Chilling Lament [Roll: 4 = Hit! -1.5HP] Kafka: 10/10HP 0SP. Seamless Shield is destroyed! Deal 2 damage to 1 random enemy. Ice Out Of Space: 27.5/55HP. Alloy Hurricane’s passive triggers! [-1HP, Blaze Out Of Space: 52/55HP, Ice Out Of Space: 26.5/55HP] Electro applied. Aggravate Triggered! -3HP, Blaze Out Of Space: 52/55HP.

The second shattered her shield in a burst of green light, the magic dispersing into the air with a sharp pop that stung. But it left a mark on the enemy too, fragments crackling against its limbs.

Her blade answered with another slash. Then another. Four in total, all trading space for blood.

[1 Energy] Kafka: 10/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Midnight Tumult on Ice Out Of Space: 26.5/55HP. [Roll: 6, Hit! -1.5HP, Ice Out Of Space: 25/55HP]  Ice Out Of Space: 25/55HP counterattacks with Chilling Lament [Roll: 17 = Hit! -1.5HP] Kafka: 8.5/10HP 0SP. [1 Energy] Kafka: 8.5/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Midnight Tumult on Ice Out Of Space: 25/55HP. [Roll: 8, Hit! -1.5HP, Ice Out Of Space: 23.5/55HP]  Ice Out Of Space: 23.5/55HP counterattacks with Chilling Lament [Roll: 14 = Hit! -1.5HP] Kafka: 7/10HP 0SP. Alloy Hurricane’s passive triggers! [-1HP, Blaze Out Of Space: 51/55HP, Ice Out Of Space: 22.5/55HP] Electro applied. [1 Energy] Kafka: 8.5/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Midnight Tumult on Ice Out Of Space: 22.5/55HP. [Roll: 13, Hit! -1.5HP, Ice Out Of Space: 21/55HP]  Ice Out Of Space: 21/55HP counterattacks with Chilling Lament [Roll: 3 = Hit! -1.5HP] Kafka: 5.5/10HP 0SP. [1 Energy] Kafka: 5.5/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Midnight Tumult on Ice Out Of Space: 21/55HP. [Roll: 12, Hit! -1.5HP, Ice Out Of Space: 19.5/55HP]  Ice Out Of Space: 19.5/55HP counterattacks with Chilling Lament [Roll: 6 = Hit! -1.5HP] Kafka: 4/10HP 0SP. Alloy Hurricane’s passive triggers! [-1HP, Blaze Out Of Space: 50/55HP, Ice Out Of Space: 18.5/55HP] Seamless Shield regenerates. Deal 2 damage to 1 random enemy. Ice Out Of Space: 16.5/55HP.

Kafka’s breath grew shallow, steps slower as she pivoted back, retreating in a controlled arc toward Baizhu. Her legs trembled with the effort.

She didn’t let it show in her voice.

“Kafka,” she said again, this time to him directly, her tone still light as her weight pressed into one heel, blood trickling from beneath her coat. “Pleasure.”

@creationkissed @eudaimcnia @originsrebirth

[originsrebirth]

it had completely slipped her minds that introductions hadn't gotten out -- of course , Mei was rather familiar with Durandal , as for the others ? she had no clue who they might be , before she could even give the slightest thought -- the enemies yelled out , signaling the battles beginning .

things would be different this time around , she was tossed around before -- she was targeted by the enemies and made a fool in front of everyone present .

Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 3SP rolls 5 Energy.

not this time .

without so much as a word , without her focus being broken , she stared down the enemies .

one step . . .

4. Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 3SP rolls 5 Energy

[2 Energy] Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 3SP uses Elemental Burst: Thunder of Redemption on all enemies. -9HP to all enemies. Blaze Out Of Space: 41/55HP, Ice Out Of Space: 7.5/55HP

a mask formed upon her face , from top to bottom , forming down her face , covering all but the lower parts of her face -- horns protruding from atop the mask , blade drawn and dozens of slashes sent flying at the enemies , all gone by so fast .

in that moment , the world around her paused , a moment to catch her breath , to formulate her plan , to think of what came next .

all of her blades struck in unison , surging with that same purple electricity that often surrounds her , digging deep wounds into the two enemies before her , before the domain of frozen time she'd made shattered with one final hit -- all four blades in unison , slicing against the two enemies .

and she wasn't done yet .

[1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 3SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Ice Out Of Space: 7.5/55HP [Roll: 17 = Crit! -3HP,  Ice Out Of Space:4.5/55HP Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin. Ice Out Of Space: 4.5/55HP counterattacks with Chilling Lament [Roll: 4 = Hit!] Raiden Mei dodge attempt. Roll: 3 = Failed. -1.5HP Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 1.5SP [Follow-Up Attack: Gentle but Cruel] Kafka: 4/10HP 3SP follows up.  [Roll: 17, Hit! -1.5HP] Ice Out Of Space: 3/55HP.

sent flying towards the weaker of the two enemies , instead of being the weak one picked on -- she'd return the favor , even if the enemies weren't the same , the trial was , a word not even spoken from her , laser focused on the mission , all she managed to mutter out towards Kafka was a quick " thank you ! " before she sped forward once more .

[1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 1.5SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Ice Out Of Space: 3/55HP [Roll: 5 = Hit! -1.5HP,  Ice Out Of Space:1.5/55HP Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin. Ice Out Of Space: 1.5/55HP counterattacks with Chilling Lament [Roll: 9 = Hit!] Raiden Mei dodge attempt. Roll: 2 = Success ! [1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 1.5SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Ice Out Of Space: 1.5/55HP [Roll: 3 = Hit! -1.5HP,  Ice Out Of Space:0/55HP Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin.

with the intent of finishing this , Mei rushed towards the enemy as fast as she could once more , swiftly dodging each and every blow sent towards her , her movements not as fast as they were in her initial strike , but scarily fast , at some point , it looked like she was taunting the enemy , swiftly ducking under punches and side stepping attacks sent her way , was she showing off ? oh , only a little , it's been a minute since she's gotten to utilize the speed she has .

without even taking a step forward , she dodges the final attack the enemy sent her way , winged blades sent flying to deliver the final blow swiftly .

 Ice Out Of Space has fallen !

the mask fades , as she manages to return to the side of her team , for only a moment , finally getting to speak proper . " Raiden Mei , shall we make this one quick ? I wouldn't mind some more proper introductions when we get the time . "

@creationkissed .

[creationkissed]

As expected, though this may have been the first time all four of them have fought together, they still moved together as though they were one. The healer—Baizhu, she’s glad that she now knows his name—immediately followed her bold attacks with his own, Kafka’s bullets slipping between. And, well, perhaps there’s some friendly fire done with the elemental reactions, too, something they could perhaps improve upon later, but the healer is quick to mend his own wounds.

Then came Mei’s assault, her slashes felling their icy enemy, leaving behind only the fiery one who—

Seamless Shield regenerates. Deal 2 damage to 1 random enemy. Blaze Out Of Space: 39/55HP Aggravate Triggered! -3HP, Blaze Out Of Space: 36/55HP. Aggravate Effect: -1.5HP, Durandal: 10/10HP 0SP Paragon +1 Seamless Shield is destroyed! Deal 2 damage to 1 random enemy. Blaze Out Of Space: 34/55HP. Dendro applied.

From the combined effort of the Doctor’s shield and the residual electro energy from Mei’s attack, groaned as it’s hurt. Durandal raises her arm, dusting her battlesuit as she too gets hit from it. Thankfully, the Doctor’s protection had been strong enough to block it.

As angered, battlefield shakes as the Blaze Out of Space reared back, its burning heat slowly taking over the Abyss. Even the air the air itself seemed to ignite as it unleashed its fury on Mei.

Blaze Out Of Space: 34/55HP used Bellowing Inferno on Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 1.5SP [Roll: 17 = Hit! -1.5] Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 0SP. Pyro applied. On Hit or better: Inflicts Enkindle on target, causing them to lose -1HP at the start of their turn. Enkindle lasts for 2 turns. Does not stack Seamless Shield is destroyed! Deal 2 damage to 1 random enemy.  Blaze Out Of Space: 32/55HP.  Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 0SP counterattacks with Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata  [Roll: 13 = Hit! -1.5HP] Blaze Out Of Space: 30.5/55HP. Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin.  Blaze Out Of Space: 30.5/55HP used Rain of Purifying Flames.  [Roll: 1 (Crit), 4 (Hit), 2 (Miss), 1 (Miss), 3 (Miss)] -3HP Baizhu: 8.5/10HP 0SP Enkindle applied, -1.5HP Raiden Mei: 8.5/10HP 0SP Seamless Shield is destroyed! Deal 2 damage to 1 random enemy.  Blaze Out Of Space: 28.5/55HP. 

Another exchange of blows, another thing of Chaos, and Durandal breathes through her nose.

“You’re right, Mei. Let’s make this quick.” She steps forward, rolling her shoulders before summoning the Abyss Flower into her hand.

Paragon Stacks converted to SP. Durandal: 10/10HP 2SP

A beat passes—then the faintest smirk tugs at her lips.

“Try to keep up, everyone! Then we can rest once more.”

The Abyss Flower sings as it is thrust forward, splitting charred flesh as Durandal aims between its joints. Their blazing enemy roars. its body erupting more blazing flames towards her. Durandal tries to twist away, but the explosions catches her anyway, flames licking at her battlesuit, slowly searing through its gaps.

 Durandal: 10/10HP 2SP rolls 6 energy [1 Energy] Durandal: 10/10HP 2SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Blaze Out Of Space: 28.5/55HP [Roll:19 = Crit! -4HP] Blaze Out Of Space: 24.5/55HP Blaze Out Of Space: 24.5/55HP used Bellowing Inferno on Durandal: 10/10HP 2SP [Roll:16 = Hit! -1.5HP] Durandal: 10/10HP 0.5SP.  Enkindle applied. Paragon +1

“Tch—persistent thing.” A gunshot. She huffs a laugh out to herself.

[Follow-Up Attack: Gentle but Cruel] Kafka: 4/10HP 0SP follows up.  [Roll: 4, Hit! -1.5HP] Blaze Out Of Space: 23/55HP. Electro applied, Shocked applied.

She aims for the flank next, blue streak trailing after her next swing.

Fire erupts at her feet. Durandal braces, her lance planted firmly as the inferno swallows her whole. Heat sears through her armor, painting it black, but she stands unbroken—smoke curling from the soulium plates of her overskirt as she exhales through gritted teeth.

[1 Energy] Durandal: 10/10HP 0.5SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Blaze Out Of Space: 23/55HP [Roll: 10 = Hit! -2HP] Blaze Out Of Space: 21/55HP.  Blaze Out Of Space: 21/55HP used Bellowing Inferno on Durandal: 10/10HP 0.5SP  [Roll:11 = Hit! -1.5HP] Durandal: 9/10HP 0SP. Paragon +1

Her fingers tighten around the Abyss Flower.

“Is that all?”

A third, final strike—she ducks low, the Abyss Flower piercing past its hardened body.

 [1 Energy] Durandal: 9/10HP 0SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Blaze Out Of Space: 21/55HP [Roll: 10 = Hit! -2HP]  Blaze Out Of Space: 19/55HP  Blaze Out Of Space: 19/55HP used Bellowing Inferno on Durandal: 9/10HP 0SP  [Roll:14 = Hit! -1.5HP] Durandal: 7.5/10HP 0SP. Paragon +1 [3 Energy] Durandal: 7.5/10HP 0SP uses Elemental Skill: Scutum Divinitas.  Next attack against this unit will be Parried. Seamless Shield regenerates. Deal 2 damage to 1 random enemy. Blaze Out Of Space: 17/55HP

Desperation only seems to fuel the beast as it retaliates. Flames lash out wildly, more a death rattle than an attack. An attack she readily meets it head-on, her lance shielding her from what it could as it blackens her armour further. Her breath comes sharp and controlled—each inhale measured, each exhale steady.

“Sorry, can’t get too reckless now.”

[creationkissed]

.✧  ݁ ˖ absolved will be the seekers

Spiral Abyss Team 10 ; Floor 2

[creationkissed]

A brief respite. That was all they were granted. Nothing but a brief respite after such a harrowing experience, where Mei had been deeply injured. But now all of their wounds had been mended, and for reasons Durandal can’t quite understand yet, she feels re-energised once more, as if she hadn’t just traded blow after blow against enemies together with her new friends.

Which, speaking of—

“A pleasure to meet you.” She finally greets. Not to the two she already knows, but the man who had aided them, weaving healing lights and providing them protection when their defences faltered. At the very least, she owed him this courtesy for all that he had done. “I’m sorry for the delay in introductions! Everything just got hectic so quickly and—”

But once again, they are only granted that brief moment of rest.

Energy crackles in the air as she talks, and soon, two large monsters materialise before them, their forms flickering with blue and crimson light.

Durandal: 10/10HP 0SP rolls 6 Energy

“—it seems we’ll have to keep our introductions brief again.” She doesn’t look back at the healer as she once again takes the first step forward, a confident smile curling upon her lips. “My name is Durandal.” Holding her hand out, she summons the Abyss Flower back into her hold.

Though she may be just as uncertain as the others as to what this all may be, although she may have her own doubts, her own unanswered questions, Durandal knows that for now, she must keep her chin up first and foremost. If she falters, they would too. But if she stands unwavering, then perhaps—just perhaps—they would find the resolve to stand with her amidst all the chaos.

“Please continue watching my back, friends.”

This time, Durandal no longer hesitates. She holds her lance up in the air, and with a booming voice— “Come to me, QUEEN!” she summons.

[2 Energy] Durandal: 10/10HP 0SP used Elemental Burst: Sceptum Regalis Enter Burst Mode until end of round While active, all Normal and Charged Attacks do +[2] additional damage While in Burst Mode, Normal Attacks can be performed as a chain of up to 4.  User is only counterattacked once at the end of the chain, by the recipient of the chain’s last hit

Her call is answered. Beside her, a new soulium construct appears. Unlike King, who held a broad sword, Queen, on the other hand, has a shield. Without further delay, Durandal rushes forward, lance at the ready. The instant her thrust lands, Queen follows, using the broad of its shield to slam into the creature’s flank with a loud boom!.

[1 Energy] Durandal: 10/10HP 0SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Ice Out Of Space: 55/55HP [Roll: 15 = Hit! -4HP] Ice Out Of Space: 51/55HP

Then another. A step back, a second thrust forward with Queen acting in tandem, shield raising high before crashing downward like a hammer. 

[1 Energy] Durandal: 10/10HP 0SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Ice Out Of Space: 51/55HP [Roll: 9 = Hit! -4HP] Ice Out Of Space: 47/55HP

It hits, but then the next—

[1 Energy] Durandal: 10/10HP 0SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Ice Out Of Space: 47/55HP [Roll: 2 = Miss!] Ice Out Of Space: 47/55HP

and the one after—

[1 Energy] Durandal: 10/10HP 0SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Ice Out Of Space: 47/55HP [Roll: 1 = Miss!] Ice Out Of Space: 47/55HP

Durandal feels the freezing wind come, throwing her off-balance and causing both strikes to miss. The monster rears back, unleashing a wave of jagged ice—but Queen is already there. With a deafening clang, her summon intercepts the blast, shield flaring with a light, blue glow. The attack dissipates harmlessly against her defense.

Ice Out Of Space: 47/55HP counterattacks with Chilling Lament [Roll: 1 = Miss!] Durandal: 10/10HP 0SP

She exhales slowly, the adrenaline still humming in her veins—not just from battle, but from that strange, restless energy that closed her wounds earlier. She flexes her fingers, willing the tension to fade. Now was not the time to get too distracted with all these senses.

@eudaimcnia @fermatafour @originsrebirth