In this world, Magic is Everything. All people, all races, are granted with the power to perform mystical and magical feats via grimories, mystical tomes granted to each and every child on their 15th birthday. Those blessed by the mana can have their names written down in legend.
Shattered Grimoires is the work of the mind(s) of Ardere & Shattered Grimoire's staff. All characters and content are copyright their creators, and may not be replicated without their creators' permission. Black Clover is owned by Yuki Tabata and published by Viz Shonen Jump. All images belong to their original owners. The theme you are currently viewing was made by Eliza of ElizaCodes exclusively for Shattered Grimoires.
Ice to Meet you The town suffered no major losses, since the Candycane Man was defeated, property damage can be fixed over time, but no lives were lost. As everyone is resting, and recuperating all the fire in the town gets sapped. The warmth immediately leaves the entire city, and it feels incredibly cold as if all the heat your body has is being drained for some reason. Going to investigate you see a man in the center of the town standing still with townspeople frozen near him. This man stands still like an ice sculpture before turning his gaze to you. Eyes that are crimson like blood stare back at you. Reaching out with his hand you feel the warmth drain from your blood. Details Maximum Number of Players: Max 4 people Minimum Word Count: 3,500 Location: Nairn Special Requirements: Must have completed Candycane Carnage. Everyone will start this fight having already taken Intermediate Damage to their mana skin, and health. NPC Information What NPCs are in this mission? Please fill out the template for any notable NPCs. While those you have to socially interact with during the mission are not required any enemy that is presented in the mission must be listed in here.
Name of NPC: Mr. Frost SPOILER: Click to hide
Health Limit: Grand Physical Speed: 20 m/s Physical Damage: Senior Magic Element and Types: Ice Combat Style: Mr. Frost looks to be made of ice which would make you think that he is vulnerable to fire, but that is not the case. He absorbs heat to make himself feel alive again. Fire, Ember, Lava, Boil, and Solar magic heal him rather than hurt him. Sound based magic on the other hand is incredibly effective against him, and deals double damage if you overcome his durability by 10 or more points. Mr. Frost is incredibly fast, seemingly able to disappear for brief moments only to reappear near you to hack at you with his incredibly sharp claws. If you try to stay at a range you risk the wrath of his Icicle Spears (Which have the stats of a Senior Spell for Range, and Speed.) If you get within 20 meters of him his Absolute Zero aura will begin to drain the heat from your body making you take Intermediate damage while healing him for that much. Compared to all the other enemies you have faced up until now, something seems off. Additional Information: Stats: Power- 100, Durability- 90, Sensory- 30, Stamina- 30, Control- 50
Last Edit: Dec 17, 2020 20:50:39 GMT -5 by Satori Ryuutei
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Dec 18, 2020 19:13:03 GMT -5
Bengal flickered across the rooftops from one to the next the slight spark of his mana giving a brilliant trail for June to follow as the man's gaze settled from one spot to the next. Darting across the houses the large man was a blur to most eyes as he raced from one building to the next. He knew June would catch up quickly, and she had range compared to him allowing her to not need to close the distance near as much as him. Launching upward, the electricity petered out as he landed at the top of a large belltower near the center of town. Below him was the town center, coated in a thick layer of ice.
The heat around him seemed to be slowly sucking toward the center of the ring. Within its center stood a tall, lean humanoid. Bengal felt the heat sapping from his body, a chill biting at the edge of his mana skin as his hands slowly clenched a few times before a grin split across his lips. So it had an aura that constantly damaged those around it, huh? His eyes narrowed on the man, recalling the same bright red eyes and similar powers from the third floor of Krampus's Dungeon.
"Well now," Bengal mused as his voice echoed across the frozen air which reacted to his voice. Seeming to hum as the frozen corpses stood like statues across the center of town. Bengal's body leaning over the edge of the building, one foot against the edge to prop his weight upon as his long canines flashed in the light.
"What do we have here? Didn't I rip your fuckin' head off enough times in your jail cell of a mana zone, Frosty boy?" It was unlike Bengal to be talkative, to poke fun, in battle you killed and that was that. But he was testing a theory. The chill wasn't harming him from this distance, so it was fine. What he wanted to know was if these things had the intelligence to reply. Had they manifested into true, sentient beings? Instead of creations of a story represented by a Mana Zone's latent power? Had this "Mr. Frost" become his own person? Could he think? React? Argue? Be insulted?
Bengal's eyes narrowed slightly in interest, watching as the tall, thin man that seemed to tilt his head in response. Lips drawing back slowly in a confused smile. The white suit crackling slightly as shards of ice fell from his body. Broad shoulders lifting in a shrug as the pale man chuckled softly.
"I'm afraid I can't recall exact faces..." the man murmured, red light shining dimly from his eyes. "But if you've taken my life before within that never-ending cycle, all the more reason for me to slaughter you now, without it's restrictions holding me back!" As he stated this his hands clapped together, ice solidifying around him. As he spread his hands like a showman, dozens of solid ice forming like spears floating between his hands... before swirling his hand and launching them toward him at high speeds. They flickered through the air, but Bengal didn't even need to use magic.
Utilizing his ki and his own latent tremendous physical speed, he bobbed his head to the side and lifted his hand slightly. Each minute movement causing a spear to shoot past him. Just barely avoiding a hit as they shattered into the building instead. The crash of stone shattering from the force as they shot past him clear. Bengal's eyes narrowed slightly as a hand lifted to rub the back of his neck in bewilderment. So he was sapient. Never-ending cycle, was it?
"So you've acquired a soul, somehow? Or did you always have one?" Bengal inquired lazily, glancing to the side as June appeared. Motioning for her to keep her distance with him, but confident she too could protect herself as needed. Bengal cracked his knuckles idly, before reaching down to his hip. Grasping the blade as Frost stared in confusion at the man that had just casually dodged his spells--followed by a small silver-haired woman appearing atop her swirling water.
"I... do not know," the man admitted, squinting slightly as if the memories were a blur. "I know only that..." His hand lifted slowly, grasping his own chest. "I feel such... cold, rage. So many deaths. A torment. Bound to the force of something against my will, a constant repeat. Live. Say the same lines. Die. Or kill. Over, and over, and over..." The red eyes opened, glowing a brilliant red as his jaw clenched tight.
"So you shall all feel this chill... how many of you killed me? Tormented me in that oblivion?! You will all suffer for it, especially those that admit to their misdeeds!" His hands clapped again, this time summoning several times more spears that floated around him. Clearly intending to attack both Bengal and June as the large man drummed his fingers against the blade quietly for a moment before shifting his gaze toward June.
He'd let her try if she wanted. The man seemed to be hesitating if nothing else due to his emotional instability. Curiosity was one of the things she had that he loved about her. That hunger for knowledge was sexy.
Post by June Silva on Dec 22, 2020 22:44:45 GMT -5
June followed the bright light that emanated from Bengal's lightning cloak until she made her way towards the center of the town. She knew she had found the source of the disturbance due to the lack of heat. River Step began to freeze beneath her feet from the extreme cold as something sucked away any trace of heat it could latch on to. Shivering, the short woman pulled her coat around herself tightly.
The noblewoman was in time to catch the tail end of the creature's speech.
"Pitiful," June sneered, allowing River Step to fall away from her feet, freezing before it hit the ground. The rapidly formed ice crystals crunched beneath her boots as she landed on the water that once made up one of her spells.
"The only thing anyone here feels is your desperation and confusion. You say you are angry but have yet to save yourself. Over and over again, you demonstrate your weakness. If you were trapped and too uncreative or skilled to escape, that was your own fault. To the hundreds that made it past you, you were nothing more than a minor obstacle. An irritant."
The words were delivered with a chill that nearly matched the frosty temperature of the air as June freely mocked and taunted her enemy.
Mr. Frost narrowed those eerily glowing red eyes at her and the Silva merely smirked.
"Don't look at me so," June replied, feigning hurt feelings, "I shall humor you just this once. I did not kill you myself, but I took great satisfaction in watching Bengal rip the spine from your underling’s body and beating you with it. Is your back healed up from that time? I quite like the sword he fashioned from Krampus. I'd like one of my own."
The grin on her face was predatory and dripping with the smug satisfaction of the cat that got the canary twice over. It was similar to her tactic back in the Witch's forest. June liked to taunt her enemies until they threw themselves at her defense spells, letting them hurt and even kill themselves in the process. That style suited her prideful demeanor and petty ways quite well.
Simple mana beasts were easy. Simply standing there often did the trick. With enemies that could think and talk, there was more work to be done and fun to be had. Manipulation was as valuable of a weapon as any spell or weapon she could wield. Thus, she ignored the frostbite starting to set in and widened her grin until she was all but baring her teeth at the living ice statue.
A large orb made of water formed around the Magic Knight. It was larger than her Protection Orb but it had the same silvery translucent color.
“Come at me if you dare. It really is a shame that you decided to kill defenseless civilians who never set foot in your dungeon. Maybe it’s because you are painfully aware of how weak you are so you decided to target those who had no hope of resisting your frigid resentment.”
Behind the short woman, more water pooled and condensed, forming a long nearly opaque water snake. It hissed softly and coiled, preparing to strike.
Name of Spell: Svalinn Elemental Type: Water Rank & Spell Type: Grand, Defense Creation & Healing Range & Speed: 95m/s, 80m radius AoE Mana Cost: 50|25 Stats Effected: Mana Applicable Perks: Quick Shot, Healing Specialist, Hazardous Shield Description: An orb formed of condensed water particles surrounds June and/or her allies. The orb is large, silver in color and translucent. Svalin has [Grand] health and can heal up to a [Senior] healing spell’s worth of damage after one post, following standard healing rules (this is reduced to [Intermediate] when healing multiple targets). When this shield is placed around an ally, the ally regenerates [20 Mana] per post. Those that attack this shield suffer [Senior] damage from thin streams of ultra-concentrated water attempting to pierce them. Name of Spell: Water Snake Spell Element: Water Spell Rank: Grand Mana Cost: 50|25 Type of Golem: Predator Applicable Perks: Fierce Golems Description: Water Snake is a six foot long snake with silver and blue scales and long, inward curving fangs. It is somewhat translucent due to being made completely of water. Water Snake resembles an oversized, blue rat snake. The snake travels by slithering along the ground, coiling, and lunging to close the distance between itself and its targets. The snake's attacks --particularly it's "tail whip"-- can deal 16m knockback. The snake is not suitable for carrying passengers.
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Dec 22, 2020 22:51:10 GMT -5
Bengal released a low rumbling laugh as his love so eagerly taunted the frozen man, his head tilting to the side as he crouched down to sit on his heels. Suddenly the man's chill escalated. Her mocking words causing that rage that clearly permeated his ki to spread that much father. His eyes narrowing as the glowing red light ignited even brighter, and magic pulsed along his body. Enhancing his speed and strength even further, spinning the two daggers as his eyes narrowed.
<Mr. Frost Buffs with 4 Senior Buffs. +20m/s, +Grand Damage to Physical>
Bengal noticed the spells, they were familiar. He snorted softly in bemusement. "So now that you're free from your cage you can use proper spells to enhance yourself, huh? I guess you did evolve a bit." Before, the man used purely ranged attacks. He doubted those had disappeared. Bengal straightened from his perch... and didn't draw his sword. In fact the magic he'd used before disappeared entirely. Frost's eyes shot toward him in confusion.
Bengal snorted. "I don't need magic for fodder like you." He stated bluntly, tilting his head to the side, and lifting a hand up, motioning for the man to come and engage him directly. A vein stood out on Frost's temple, muscles contracting. Then... suddenly June's next series of words filled the air. Mocking. An orb of water snapping around her as she belittled his rage, his wrath, his circumstances, the deaths of those he hated. White pupil's contracted to small points... and he flickered forward.
Suddenly re-appearing in front of June, both daggers flashing through the air aiming to carve straight through the bubble. A single swing of his primary knife launching out, and cutting... nothing from the barrier. But the raw power sent ripples across the surface of the water, causing it to shake and crack the ground beneath June. If she had used a weaker spell... he may have actually broken her defense. Surprising Bengal. The amount of raw power that swing had just dealt out was astounding, but the shield didn't break. The water splashing, freezing in all directions as the snake lashed out caused Bengal to act as well.
He trusted her to handle her own. For Bengal this was something more. When he had run the Dungeon with Yuurei, he had relied entirely on the man against Frost and his minions. Yuurei who had protected him. When he had run it with June, he had relied on his magic entirely to barely beat the man and his minions while June healed him. He had been weak. So fucking weak it made him sick. It had been many months since that point.
He refused to view himself as that weak any longer.
"Hah! You can't even crack it?! I can do that with a basic spell!" As he stated these words, he saw Frost falling back. Teal blood leaking from several small, but deep wounds. The damage had slowed him, forcing him to not follow through with his second attack. Instead falling back, trying to run from the snake. Bengal took advantage of that. Jack's magic made him far faster than him. Stronger than him. But only for now.
Bengal was the more experienced fighter, and had a helper. He moved toward where Frost was retreating to--and his fist suddenly swung at right where Bengal's ki told him the man would appear. His fist flashing through the air as Frost's eyes slowly opened wide, before barely flipping back. Dodging the fist as it kissed his nose, cursing and skidding along the snow and ice. Flipping his daggers as Bengal landed with a crash back into place, slowly straightening himself up.
"Tch. At least you're good at running away..." he felt the cold biting into his mana skin, but he ignored it. No, what he was more concerned with was the growing heat in his chest. The relaxation of his muscles. He was warming up, his body adjusting to a proper fight. Stronger. Faster. His grin turned feral.
"Can you keep running, Frosty?"
<Bengal takes INT Damage again, 12/16 Mana Skin> <Frost takes Senior damage return, barely dodges golem> <Bengal uses ki to track his speed and attacks without magic, +3m/s Momentum, +Junior strength Berserker>
WC: 713 TWC: 1,631
Statistics
Rank: Grand Fame: Tier 5 Strength: Intermediate Speed: 25m/s
Mana Skin: 16/16 Health: 22/22 Mana: 485/485 Mana Regen: +55/75
Post by June Silva on Dec 22, 2020 23:01:24 GMT -5
June laughed, sounding like a child delighted by a magic trick when Mr. Frost clashed against her defenses. Several streams of water hit the ice monster with such pressure that it pierced into his body. Her golem snapped at the evil being, forcing his retreat.
He probably wouldn’t fall for her taunting again but it was more than satisfying to watch him injure himself on her defense creation spell. Bengal’s mockery complimented her own words, bringing a gleeful smile to the noblewoman’s face. The dreadful aura that Mr. Frost emitted drained her body heat painfully during that short clash, but it was nothing that Svalinn couldn’t repair.
“Bengal hits harder than that with naught but his fists,” she added after her laughter died down.
Before, June’s ability to actually cause damage to her enemies had been limited. Now, with her more powerful spells and a new magic specialization, the Magic Knight was able to be a more active participant in the battle.
Mr. Frost was annoyingly fast, difficult to follow with her eyes and a bit too fast for her golem to catch easily. However, that much didn’t matter. She could still hinder the living ice sculpture’s efforts by distracting him and forcing him to dodge her golem while Bengal got up to speed.
Another idea came to mind, one that would require a bit more planning.
“Is this the best you could do, Frost? It’s no surprise you decided to prey on the weak now. For all your new tricks, you remain impotent.”
June’s mocking words earned her several icicles aimed her way. They crashed and shattered against Svalinn, the defense creation spell undulating as the force was dispersed across the great spherical shield.
“That was weaker than your physical attacks! Are you becoming tired already?”
Another set of icicles came her way, with more force behind it than the first. It was hardly more effective than the first spell he aimed at her. Svalinn stood firm and June remained confident.
Her snake golem had used the opportunity to slither through the snow and close the distance between itself and Mr. Frost. Without warning it lunged towards the ice man in an attempt to sink in its curved fangs. The frozen man dodged, jumping to one side.
The golem slithered away, disappearing under some snow to reposition and strike again. Bits of ice had formed within its body from Mr. Frost’s heat draining aura. June pressed her lips together firmly. She couldn’t attack recklessly or her snake would quickly freeze and fall apart. Then again, if she could bait the icy man into attacking Bengal, that might not matter.
“I don’t recall you being this weak last time. Has your time of torment and suffering whittled away what strength you had left? You’d have been better off staying in that dungeon and growing used to your toils there.”
The Silver Eagle grinned when those eerie red eyes glared at her again.
“What are you looking at me for? Are you hoping to freeze me with that cold gaze of yours? Come closer and give it a try.”
June knew he wasn’t likely to try to stab her again, but the more time Mr. Frost spent trying to think of a way to silence her, the more opportunities Bengal would have to land a hit.
“I suppose it’s a bit unfair of me to taunt you so. You’ve been through a traumatic experience, no? Maybe you’ll feel a little less inadequate against Bengal while you can still outrun him.”
The icy creature scoffed and turned away, ignoring her attempts to needle her. The Water Snake appeared from beneath a pile of snow and lashed out at Mr. Frost with its tail again. Frustratingly, the icy man was able to dodge that, too.
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Dec 22, 2020 23:10:06 GMT -5
June was doing excellently. Distracting the man and keeping him on his toes using her golem after the injuries that dotted him had spread, the barrage of icicles aimed at June were interrupted occasionally by the snake launching itself at him. Bengal timed his own attacks just at the right opening. The icicles would fly, bouncing harmlessly off his love's shield before the snake lunged from behind. Quick footwork barely allowing him to dodge to the side, before his fist clenched and he suddenly swept his leg under Frost.
The statuesque man grunted, forced to leap upward as well as arch his body out of the way from the incoming snake’s bite. Pushed at an awkward angle, Bengal's fist clenched and suddenly smashed forward. Crashing into the man's raised forearm, clearly expecting a bit of damage, but nothing major. Bengal's arm flexed, smashing directly into the man's arm as a crack filled the air as Frost's eyes widened in surprise. The impact of the fist cracking the bone even as he flicked the damage to the side, parrying it in a surprising show of skill.
He wasn't as experienced a warrior as Bengal, but he wasn't half bad. Their insults were unfounded. In the grand scheme of things, if Frost went against any normal mages or knights, they'd have a hell of a hard time. The damage was weakened due to his superior speed and strength, but the man seemed stunned by the amount of raw physical power and speed Bengal had without utilizing magic. Furthermore...
"How are you--" Frost suddenly lunged backward as Bengal's fist slashed through the air, nearly clipping his chin despite the near-dodge. Red eyes narrowed in rage. How was this bastard keeping track of his movements?! He was getting faster by the minute. His arm throbbed with pain. Stronger by the swing, too. But he still wasn't as fast as he was with his magic amplifying him, so how was he seamlessly attacking at the perfect points as if he could see through his speed effortlessly?! Frost clenched his hands around his daggers before flickering, suddenly propelling himself back as the magic solidified.
Forming into massive spears of ice before hurling them toward Bengal with narrowed eyes. Bengal casually sidestepped, avoiding each spear as if he knew exactly where they would go before they hit him. June needed time to react to set up her little combination with the orb. Bengal knew where the Golem was. Either Frost would attack him and she'd use the orb, or he'd herd the man toward the Golem and it would sneak attack him.
Or, he'd pummel Frost's head into the ground bare-handed himself. His speed jumped again, suddenly in Frost's face with a wild grin, another fist shooting out in a jab before his hand opened at the last minute. Trying to grab Jack instead, ignoring the frostbite that cloaked his hand as the man cursed in confusion, his suit grabbed by the collar.
"You beast do you not even fear my chil--" The crack of bone filled the air, as Bengal smashed his forehead into Frost's face. Shattering his nose, cracking his skull, and sending him tumbling head over heels into the snow and ice. Despite that, he had engaged him in melee and the wounds of the man appeared to restore every time he got near someone. The damage he had done was mending, as was the damage that had been dealt to him by June's shield. Shaking the ice crystals from his hand, Bengal's lips curled up into a grin.
"Chill? Feels like a nice breeze to me Frosty. I'm finally getting warmed up... let's see if I can give my fiance a new sword using your spine before my mana skin at least breaks, huh?" The feral man fell forward, one hand in the ice as his pupils dilated. Fangs glinting in the light as Frost stumbled to his feet, close to the Golem now. Either Bengal, June, or the Golem would end this soon.
WC: 707 TWC: 2,338
<Frost takes Senior damage from the headbutt with Bengal now gaining +6m/s Momentum and +int strength Berserker. Ki tracking his movements.> <Bengal takes INT Damage again, 10/16 Mana Skin> <Frost currently at 6/8 HP>
Statistics
Rank: Grand Fame: Tier 5 Strength: Senior Speed: 31m/s
Mana Skin: 10/16 Health: 22/22 Mana: 485/485 Mana Regen: +55/75
June frowned for the first time during this fight when Bengal's headbutt didn't outright kill Mr. Frost. After taking damage from Svalinn and getting punched, the icy creature should have crumbled easily from that attack. He hadn't, which meant that he wasn't just draining heat and chipping away at their mana skin, he was healing. His visible injuries had also begun to disappear at some point during his exchange of blows with her fiancé just before the headbutt. Did his healing require proximity?
Her strategy of ambushing the ice statue with the snake to hinder Mr. Frost's attempts to evade Bengal's devastating blows had the potential to drag this fight out longer than necessary. Additionally, chunks of ice had started to form within her golem as their opponent's heat draining aura damaged it. If she took too long to get in a decisive blow, not only would their enemy recover fully, her golem would freeze completely and be useless.
To test her theory, the Magic Knight ordered her snake to strike. It lunged from behind Mr. Frost in an attempt to take advantage of his dazed state. The ice man batted the Water Snake away just after its fangs began to dig into his body, causing the shards of ice within its body to grow. Some of the remaining cracks on Mr. Frost's icy form began to close as malevolent frozen being mended itself.
Several more icicles shot towards June's golem, destroying it.
"I'm surprised you were able to destroy my golem. You've been so impotent thus far, I was beginning to wonder if you were capable of harming anything stronger than an untrained civilian."
Two more water snakes began to form beneath the snow, hidden from sight while June talked.
"Perhaps the pressure of fighting without your minions is enough to make you crack." The Silva grinned smugly as Mr. Frost glared.
The icy man tried to ignore her, missing the pair of water golems burrowing beneath the snow. She needed to corner Mr. Frost in order to land a decisive blow.
"Are you afraid to fight me, Mr. Frost? Or perhaps you are simply smart enough to know you can't breach my defenses. Though it may be an exaggeration to refer to you as a creature with any sort of intelligence. If you can't even put a scratch on me, you have no hope of defeating Bengal. I'm not quite as dangerous as he is, you know. I don't normally offer aid to my opponents but I am beginning to pity you--"
A single, large icicle formed midair before flying towards June faster than she could process. It shattered against Svalinn, sending shards of ice in every direction. The large orb of water surrounding the short Magic Knight wobbled as waves of power coursed through it. After a few moments, Svalinn stilled.
For the briefest of moments, the cocky Silva had stilled. Fortunately, her defenses were indeed too powerful for even the strongest of Mr. Frost's attacks to breach.
"I suppose size doesn't matter in your case Mr. Frost. Maybe that's of some comfort to you given how small and fragile your ego must be after all of this."
The Water Snakes continued to burrow beneath the slow, moving slowly so as to avoid detection, in an attempt to flank Mr. Frost. Even if he was faster than her golems, the icy man couldn't dodge in two directions at once. Given how badly cracked the statuesque wraith had been after being pierced by Svalinn's defenses, one good hit from either of her Water Snakes would surely kill him.
"Bengal, are you getting bored yet? You usually prefer a challenge."
June switched tactics, speaking to her lover rather than the now agitated Mr. Frost. Speaking about someone as if they didn't exist was a quick way to make them angry. Their enemy had begun to get used to her regular taunts, so it was necessary to switch tactics in her verbal battle as well as her magical one.
"It won't be long before he isn't able to evade you any longer; what will you do then? Shall you play with your prey the way a cat does with a mouse? Or should we cut this short and search for something more interesting to do?"
"You insolent harlot!" Frost hissed.
"For someone crafted from ice he seems to have thin skin and a rather delicate sense of confidence in himself. It might be kinder to put him out of his misery one last time."
A violent gust of wind blew through the area, sending a chill down both mage's spines as Mr. Frost's hatred and anger violently drained even more heat from the surrounding air.
"Though if you put him down, his spine might not be left in usable shape..." June mused.
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Dec 23, 2020 0:30:56 GMT -5
June was rapidly amping up the emotional blows. Frost was unstable, even falling for a simple trick with the golem that caused it to bite into his flesh and take a chunk from his shoulder. The ice continued to mend over the damage, but he was on the backpedal. Falling back, forced to barely avoid another quick jab from Bengal's fist and quickly backpedal. Not wishing to feel the man's fingers sink into his flesh once more. As he backpedaled, Bengal felt the connection of June's ki through the golems.
They didn't hold "life" of their own. But they held a connection to June's own life force instead. He was intimately familiar with the energy of his love, it was tied so closely to his own that sensing it was habitual. Instinctual. The perfect comfort and strategic partner since his tactics would be perfect to sense and plot around. Launching forward he followed the movements of the snakes with narrowed eyes. Her comment in regards to the man's... size, made him break the focus with a snort of amusement.
Leave it to his love to compared normal people to him. But there was no time to laugh, instead the man was already yanking a massive spread of ice and hurling it toward June. Bengal's focus was to close the distance as a swarm of icy daggers shot through the air aimed at him. Even if he was focused on June, it wasn't like the man was willing to let Bengal get so close again so easily. That was fine. Bengal wasn't trying to get him any longer... no, he wanted to drag the bastard toward the golems his love had set.
Every time Bengal threw a punch, took a step, he propelled that much faster. Stronger. Every blow was barely avoided by Frost whom was visibly straining, veins standing out along his temple and limbs as he struggled against Bengal's steadily increasing speed. Frost was failing in this battle of stamina, Bengal was growing faster, stronger, and expending no extra energy at all. In fact his mana was still full, his physical stamina practically untouched. The feral man's eyes began to glow a dim light as the excitement of the hunt picked up.
Frost barely dodged a knee rising up toward his chest, before another blow shot toward his face. Frost stumbled back, cursing out as June suddenly called to Bengal instead. The question caused a laugh to fill Bengal's chest.
"Don't be so hard on him my love!" Bengal called, ducking under a sudden swipe of the dagger as his own hand shot up, cracking against the back of his elbow. Causing the limb to snap straight, straining the tendon as Frost cursed in pain. Barely maintaining his grip on the blade before Bengal's fist extended. Clipping Frost's cheek and sending him stumbling to the side.
"He's done great since I'm not wasting my mana on someone so weak! He's handling me without using a single spell, that's pretty impressive!" Bengal wasn't the arrogant type, he was prideful, but not arrogant. He did this only because he knew he could, and it was truly a test for him. Not using magic would help him improve that much more after all. The next words that passed through Frost's lips, screaming in rage, caused Bengal's lips to curl upward in amusement as Frost leapt back to avoid the attack.
Right into where his loves Golems rested. The snakes sinking their fangs into his legs, tearing the flesh wide open also doubled. Locking him in place as Bengal's hand drew back... slamming through his chest. Ice, bone and flesh ripping and tearing before his hand grasped his spinal cord casually. Gripping it as Jack's eyes widened in shock. Suddenly completely outplayed as Bengal twisted his spine, snapping it casually before the man crumpled beneath his feat.
The slow twisting snow began to gather around them, the frost dying down but something else stirred in the air. Darker. Familiar. The faint scent of coal on the air. Bengal's eyes narrowed slightly as he glanced back toward June.
"Do you smell that, Flower?"
WC: 725 TWC: 3,063
Statistics
Rank: Grand Fame: Tier 5 Strength: Senior+Junior Speed: 34m/s
Mana Skin: 8/16 Health: 22/22 Mana: 485/485 Mana Regen: +55/75
June chuckled at Bengal's response to her incessant needling. Leave it to a Ryuutei to be honest to a fault, even going so far as to correct insults against an opponent. The smile on her face softened from the mocking sneer she held earlier into a more fond and affectionate one. The tender look vanished quickly, replaced by an expression of concentration.
June's brows knit as she tried to keep track of the quick and violent dance between Bengal and Mr. Frost. The icy villain was dodging Bengal's attacks, but not as easily as before judging by the way the two blurry figures moved. After a few more seconds, the noblewoman realized that he was herding Frost towards her golems' hiding places. Smirking, June simply waited, commanding the Water Snakes to strike once Mr. Frost was within range.
They lashed out once Bengal provided an opening, shredding the obnoxious icicle's legs even as they too began to freeze. The Magic Knight simply began laughing when her fiancé ripped out Mr. Frost's spine. She clapped a few times, immensely pleased to see that he had retrieved the spine in good enough condition to be fashioned into a sword.
Her glee died down as the weather shifted. A quick sniff followed by the woman's small nose crinkling revealed that she could smell what Bengal had noticed.
"I do. That's Krampus' stink. I'd recognize it anywhere; no other creature I've met has an odor so obnoxious."
The Magic Knight allowed Svalinn and the Water Snakes to disperse and summoned River Step once more. The stream of water wrapped around her feet quickly, lifting her off the ground and carrying her over towards Bengal.
"I was hoping that Mr. Frost would be the end of it, but if this is Krampus' dungeon set loose then it seems like we've got one more enemy to slay." June reached up to massage one of her temples with a gloved hand. "This is truly bothersome," she grumbled.
"Do you think Krampus will be the last enemy we face? Could other dungeon creatures have relocated as well? Monsters from other dungeons even..."
This series of missions had revealed some rather troubling possibilities. Even though they had managed to kill off the beasts each time, Mr. Frost had taken lives before either of them could do anything about it. If Krampus was out and about, no longer trapped in his dungeon, how many civilians had he gotten ahold of by now? Although human life had little inherent value to June, she still wasn't fond of needless deaths. Her duties as a Magic Knight required her to protect the citizens of Clover, thus anything that threatened their safety was her problem. Even if the Silva didn't join the Magic Knights out of interest in their goals, she still took her responsibilities seriously. If she left the Knights, June would probably still end up taking missions that centered around protecting civilians. Such was the nature of the sorts of work June found interesting and challenging.
The short noblewoman rubbed at her arms in an effort to ward off the lingering chill from dealing with Mr. Frost.
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Dec 23, 2020 12:50:11 GMT -5
Bengal's gaze shifted toward the sky, the clouds had grown dark. This was a sudden shift. He didn't even feel another strange ki, brow furrowing the large man rubbed the back of his neck as he contemplated what it could all possibly mean. Then June clarified what he already thought. This was Krampus. Which meant he'd also escaped the Dungeon somehow... that explained why his blade was practically humming at his hip. Releasing a slow breath Bengal lowered a hand to grasp the corpse of Frost, dragging it toward the edge of the town center.
"This will make a decent new blade for you," Bengal mused, glancing down at the sword at June's hip. It wasn't as though the weapon she already had was bad by any means. But if they used the body and lingering mana of Frost right the weapon would more than fit her, holding the exceptional magical properties. As one grew stronger so did their equipment. If she wanted to give the Bastard up she was welcome too, or she could keep it as a backup.
The question she posed after his comment caused his eyes to glance upward in thought. "More enemies is fine, but the damage they're causing is an issue. We've already lost a few houses and several lives, even if we shortened the damage fairly quickly." Scratching his chin, Bengal sighed and shrugged. Such was the way of things. Life would end naturally no matter what.
The problem she mentioned was different however. What exactly were they supposed to do with that new information? Krampus being released offered the idea that mana zones could evolve and break free. Falling to sit on the stone fountain that was frozen over he glanced at the ice-covered corpses with a frown. They'd have to inform the other knights of their deaths.
"Honestly if Dungeon's creatures can break free, then that offers an entire new evolution to them. Dungeons are meant to be stationary repeating mana zones that are twisted by thoughts, stories or powerful ancient magic. For something that exists through nothing but pure mana and thought to manifest it's own individuality is... complicating?" It was also curious however. What could that mean? Did that mean all mana beasts could actually be leftovers from ancient, long-gone dungeons not just animals corrupted by mana?
Rubbing his chin, Bengal shifted his gaze toward the towns exit. "Others from the Dungeon would be... concerning, however. If the witch got out we'd be in for some trouble." Bengal recalled his battle against that woman with June on his back. He'd barely won the battle with the woman's help constantly healing him and enhancing his power. But that had been due to her illusions and he had yet to master Ki at that point. Now, he'd see through her damn illusions and be a far more even match.
June was far stronger as well. They'd easily cut her down even if she'd also gotten a bit stronger. But the problem was... "Normal people would be massacred if she showed herself." Bengal frowned, concerned by the idea of the witch wandering the grounds of normal towns so easily.
WC: 563 TWC: 3,626
Statistics
Rank: Grand Fame: Tier 5 Strength: Intermediate Speed: 25m/s
Mana Skin: 16/16 Health: 22/22 Mana: 485/485 Mana Regen: +55/75
Post by June Silva on Dec 24, 2020 16:37:39 GMT -5
June nodded at Bengal's words. "In that case we should put an end to Krampus quickly as possible. Whether or not the Winter Witch is back, we need to work quickly. Krampus may not be that strong compared to her, but he's still too much to leave to regular civilians."
Each enemy they'd faced so far had fallen at their feet with less effort than the two had needed to exert when they'd faced these same opponents in the dungeon. Their growth in raw power and in skill would have to be enough to prevent extensive damages moving forward.
"If we follow that smell, we should be able to catch up to that old grump Krampus quickly enough. I'll protect any people or buildings in the area so you can fight without holding back," the Magic Knight stated before heading in the direction of the scent.
Looking over her shoulder at Bengal, June added, "Maybe you can rip out his spine again to fashion a mate for your sword."
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Dec 24, 2020 16:54:34 GMT -5
Bengal released a low rumbling grunt of agreement at June's comment in regards to Krampus' power. He had been stronger than Frost due to Frost relying on his minions in the Dungeon, and Krampus had been alone aside from a few fodder elves that purely existed as meatshields. He still recalled the creature grabbing one to defend itself from him using its body. His lip twitched upward in amusement at the memory before shifting his gaze forward.
"The scent should be easy to track. That looks fairly ominous, too," Bengal glanced up at the sky that was steadily rotating now. "If I had a guess... the center point beneath that mess would be the best place to start," amused, Bengal cracked his neck before walking forward. June started first, causing a chuckle to pass Bengal's lips as she looked over her shoulder to offer a coy remark. She'd had quite a bit of fun against Frost it would seem.
Bengal's hand lowered, smacking her backside once as he caught up to her side. Smirking and kissing her once softly to appease any sounds of annoyance she may offer him. "I'll make you a pair, then. Frost should make a decent set of armor too, if you like. I'll make it stylish with the white fur from the Yeti's." Amused, Bengal straightened before shifting his gaze toward the rising clouds that were rapidly turning to something more akin to smog.
The scent of coal was thick on the air, and the blade at his hip was vibrating rapidly in rage. Bengal's eyes narrowed slightly as he lowered a hand down to his hip, fingers clenching the spine. "Don't worry. You'll be reunited soon." He murmured down to it, "When I drive you back into your previous owner's chest." The words seemed to cause the humming to pause, turning to pulse as if a heart racing. Fear. Bengal's lips curled upward in a smug smirk.
It knew who owned it now. It knew who killed it, and ripped it free to fashion into a weapon. The blade would never forget it. Shifting his gaze toward the final mass of smoke.
"Let's see if you've gotten any stronger like Frosty, hm, Kramp?" Bengal murmured simply before leaning down and leaping upward, trusting June to use her river walk to keep up as he began to leap from one spot to the next. Heading directly for the center of the swirling smog.
WC: 444 TWC: 4,070
[Exit] [+4 Spell Points] [+4 Stat Points, Capped turns to +2,000 bonus Yul]
[WC requirement for job lowered by 25% for both of us due to us being higher rank than it. New WC requirements: 2,625]
Statistics
Rank: Grand Fame: Tier 5 Strength: Intermediate Speed: 25m/s
Mana Skin: 16/16 Health: 22/22 Mana: 485/485 Mana Regen: +55/75
