exodia: dragon edition
winter arena 2025: team 5 silver round
No longer do they stand upon a verdant field but rather a husk, the ground dry and cracked, and the sky above hung with gray skies. The humid air sits heavy in Ephraim's chest as their foe emerges from the fog.
This time it is no relentless horde but a large beast that blots out the sky. Terrible wings, ferocious fangs and claws, and slit eyes that track its prey: them. Ephraim has only seen one beast of its like before. The Demon King. Larger than life and just as ugly.
"Agreed," Ephraim replies to Seliph. "We face only one foe but we should not underestimate it."
As if on cue, it lashes out at Minerva with its tail and sends her backwards. But she stands back up, resilient as ever. "Professor, are you alright?"
When Seliph speaks again, Ephraim's gaze follows his hand. "Yes, if you draw its attention with your arrows, I can go in while it's distracted." He nods in agreement. "I would hate to deal with this beast if it takes to the sky. We'll be at its mercy."
—@bxldrsdraumar, @lalamines
A dragon.
It was impossible to mistake, and yet Sigurd's mind attempted every which way to find another explanation - no, it was far too large to be something ridden, like those of Thracia; no, it was not a trick of the light; no, it really was that big.
He couldn't help when he let out a low whistle, raising a hand to shield his eyes from the glare of the sun as he tipped his head back to look upon it. Perhaps it was irreverent, if he was even supposed to be reverent for the thing: they were here to kill it, after all.
Wasn't that something heroes did? In the stories?
Seliph's voice, unruffled by the situation, once more brought a smile to his face ill-fitting the danger they were probably in. The novelty of having him so close had yet to wear off, to be able to see him, to hear him speak, to learn of the man he'd become.
"A fine suggestion, but not without danger for yourself. If you draw its attention, that will mean that you have its attention."
It was a warning that he gave lightly, knowing that he was of the same ilk - who better to bear those burdens of perception, than those best equipped to handle it?
More and more his father's son. The thought gave him a little thrill.
"But, I will be here to ensure that it doesn't decide you look too terribly tasty." It was lighthearted, and accompanied with a grin, and the tightening of his hand on the hilt of his sword.
@lalamines
Ephraim agrees to his suggestion while Father warns him against the danger he would be inviting his way. That possibility is there, of course, but it is either him or his allies. Seliph wouldn't have made such a suggestion if he weren't prepared to take a risk.
He cracks a slight smile at the older man's comment. "It would be quite something if it actually tried to eat us." 'Something' is the best way Seliph can put it. What would even happen in that scenario?
"I'll stay as far away from it as possible, I promise."
Finding a suitable spot may save him from being attacked in turn. Or at the very least, visibility shouldn't be an issue for him when their opponent towers over them all.
"What do you think, Mercedes?" Seliph turns toward the young woman, as she has yet to express her opinion on their plan. "And you, Professor Minerva?"
@lalamines
The first thing Mercedes notices isn't the desolate landscape, or even the raging dragon before them. It's the weight of her attire, plates of armour that feel more oppressive than protective. Even her face is covered, hidden behind a mask and shawl leaving nothing but her eyes and ponytail showing out from beneath. She makes her way over to the group, every step more laboured than it ought to be, strikingly uncomfortable. How on earth do people fight in such a get up?
"I don't think we need to worry about it eating us. This is a training exercise, after all. Though I do wish I had a healing spell prepared right now," Mercedes replies to Seliph, worried frown hidden beneath her mask. Though her brows furrow, she continues. "Whilst we can indeed get hurt, I'm certain the church wouldn't let anyone get seriously injured. I assume we'll see the healers before things get too dicey."
Yet they're still face to face with a raging dragon. Illusion or not, it turns her veins to ice. It's unlike anything she's ever seen before and her grip on Light Brand tightens in response to the fear. No amount of rationalisation could make this feel safe.
"We should probably start by aiming for it's weak points though? It's wings are an obvious one but it looks to be struggling to protect it's tail, too."














