Private High March Animancy lessons in hazardous lands

Herrscher · Jul 21, 2022

It has been a few days now since Haru tasked herself to look for "friends." Just recently, she gained the assistance of a fallen knight somewhere deep in the outskirts of the Godrose Stronghold. It was a sweet interaction—like a princess meeting her hero. Though the introductions between the two was cut short due to monsters threatening their presence. Haru had to retreat but she did not leave empty handed. Now that she has other shadows residing in her own, she continues her search. The results prove that she can resume fulfilling her plans.

Eventually she finds herself in a dread forest that happens to be nearby @Kaede Hoshi and her undead followers. She would eventually hear the sounds of a fight taking place which caused her to move towards it. Making her attempt to learn the source.

Haru puts herself behind these bushes, using them as cover to hide. Her presence being concealed for now. Then upon seeing a fellow Animancer with her followers, a soft gasp leaves her lips. She debates whether or not she should approach the woman. She can either gain some help and advice or worse: receive terrible treatment and be end up being killed. However, Haru came this far. She wanted to be a better "friend" for her shadows. So with this in her mind, she steps out of her cover and starts to make her approach.

"E-Excuse me!"

Making her presence known by calling Kaeda out, she includes a wave of greetings. As expected, she was feeling quite nervous. Especially once they meet each other's gaze.

The first thing the experienced Animancer can tell about Haru was that she was fresh off the boat. She doesn't look like she knows what she's doing and her equipment gives the impression that she is underprepared for many things.

"While I was exploring this part of Astorea, I heard some noise and figured I should check it out. It seems you have... some company already."

She takes note of the knight and this undead character with bandages wrapped around them. They both look dangerous. Very dangerous. If Haru wasn't careful, she could suffer from a terrible fate from either of them. But in reality, the most powerful person here right now is none other than their summoner.

Darkness · Jul 21, 2022

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Kaede would turn to the woman, a small smile across her face as she would playfully wave before hearing her speak. Another shy type? Why did so many cute girls have to be so shy around her she had not even started teasing them and she already was given the high ground. Humming as she stood and walked over while the girl spoke the second part and led Kaede to dismiss the two undead who bowed and vanished into the ground behind her.

"Just some old friends... But now that a attractive young beginner has arrived I should give them my undivided attention no?~ I'm Kaede, also known as the pervert witch so it's wise to keep that in mind if we keep talking as otherwise I can't say I did not warn you later on if you find yourself with stolen lips against my own.~"

Kaede hummed as she reached a hand for what most would assume is a handshake but should the girl make the mistake of trusting that innocent of a gesture after the forewarning would only be their fault as Kaede would move the girl's hand to kiss the back of it playfully before letting it go. Part of her was tempted to pull the girl in close and steal a kiss on her forehead as a first greeting but decided to hold back this time like many others since she had stopped drinking.

"So what brings a novice like yourself to a place known for taboo magic users, magic experiments, and overall hazards. If it is because you like risk I can assure you some less life threatening risk back at my house if you would be so inclined to such?~"

Playfully humming as she pulled her hood down to give a better view of her serious expression and lack of shyness for the statements. She also felt the need to go the extra step of licking her lips while eyeing the girl up and down before stopping to read the reactions thus far. If the girl was clearly not enjoying or flustered to much she would pull the reigns harder to make things less awkward, but if she sensed a chance to have fun best believe she would not go easy on the newbie for it.~

Rolls

Will Save (DC 80)
1d100 (76) + 70 = 146 -SUCCESS-
Will | Kaede Hoshi | 825C2

Herrscher · Jul 21, 2022

Haru and Kaede were the complete opposites when it comes to their personality. The fellow Animancer was far more confident than she was. Really flirtatious and outgoing at that. Haru was like an innocent puppy facing the big bad dogs. She tells herself to try and stay relaxed, not wanting to give a bad impression and at the same time not to drop her guard. Though Kaede's behavior was making it difficult. Especially after she mentions that people know her as the "Pervert Witch." A concerning title for the new player.

"Th-Thank you... I'll uh- I'll keep that in mind. Yeah..."

Seeing Kaede's hand reaching out to hers, she does assume it was a handshake so she accepts it. Only to be surprised by Kaede dropping her head and planting a kiss on her delicate hand. The novice Shadowmancer blushes as a result.

"Oh..."

It was hard to stay composed but Haru fights and wins the battle. She coughs into a curled fist before holding her hands together behind her back. Trying her best to answer Kaede without acting like she has seen a ghost.

"Just like what you mentioned, I'm here to practice and train... J-Just recently, I made an ally with a fallen knight."

Recalling Kaede's followers that disappeared right before they started talking, Haru was thinking if she should display her ability as well. After she quickly thought about it, she decided to save it for later.

"You look like you know a lot about this game. A-And from what I saw earlier, we share something similar when it comes to magic."

When Kaede's hood is pulled down, Haru is granted a better look at the woman's face. She definitely knew what she was doing and looked like the type to get serious when necessary. Even with this quirky behavior she has, Kaede gives this impression to Haru that she is still someone she should not mess with or upset.

"..."

Darkness · Jul 21, 2022

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Kaede could only smile at first based on the woman's reactions, though that would fade as she was not given a name to the face and could only sigh in defeat. Seemed she pushed a bit too hard and needed to go back a gear again, one day she would meet her equal maybe who knows.~ Humming as she adjusted her posture to a more relaxed one and sat back down on the rock she had been stretching before speaking again.

"Curse of 8 years playing and five of it locked In I suppose. As for similar magic yes, Animancy seems to be a rising interest of new players, most of whom don't seem to consider just how taboo it is aside from those who train it out here or in the red canyon place that name escapes me."

Kaede waved her hands a few times trying to recall the name before shrugging it off as it clearly was not important enough to remember it. Moving to relax some as she looked at the sky reading it for possible signs of odd weather and for the time being it seemed clear enough to keep chatting out in the open. Moving to sit up to give the girl her full focus again as she hummed and waved her hands to call her over wondering how close she would get even if she kept waving when she stopped moving.

"Relax I won't bite less you ask me to.~ And all you have to do is tell me no or stop teasing or cut it out to let me know where you draw the line in the sand as I expect you to respect my times if they ever come to pass... Think only one person ever made me ask to cut it out but that was years ago when I was still a closet pervert ha ha.~"

Waving to the area around them as she recalled not saying the area was open to be trained in but maybe the hints had been left and the dots could be connected. Either way Kaede would move to sit cross legged on the rock and summoned the head of Phantom and started to mold the parts beneath the bandages, the second summon was built from nothing and was still getting worked on, part of the reason she was doing it was to show the girl it was more then just finding a body if you took the time to mold them yourself anything was possible with time and magic power to match it.

Rolls

Nothing

Herrscher · Jul 22, 2022

She watches Kaede wander back to the rock and claim a seat. She wonders if she should join her but for now, she decided to keep some distance. She does still move closer as she is speaking to the veteran Animancer but does not take a seat next to her. Rather, she just stands a meter away from where Kaede is sitting currently. Her left eye fixed onto Kaede's face.

When Kaede mentioned that she played for eight years, a shocked expression quickly forms on Haru's face. She couldn't believe that she played the game for so long. Then again, it would explain why Kaede appeared to be powerful. Though another detail to what she said stood out to her.

"Wow... You played for that long? And wait... wh-what do you mean 'locked in?' Are you not able to leave this game?"

Haru blinks. Kaede's words doesn't fail to impress and surprise the young Shadowmancer. She wanted to learn more about Kaede's experience in the game but was too afraid to really ask more about it. Especially since it might have been a terrible experience.

Beckoned to move a little closer, Haru does so. Eventually she joins Kaede on the rock, taking a seat next to her. Just mere inches stood between their clothes and flesh. She was definitely feeling a little nervous but she has yet to express her concerns and discomfort. When told to bring it up, Haru simply nods as a response. She does take not of Kaede's warning but for now, will not say anything.

"You seem like a really nice person..."

She shoots Kaede a compliment. There was no reason not to. Haru was a kind and caring person so if the person she is talking to is starting to feel uncomfortable, she will do whatever it takes to get them to relax.

Seeing Kaede mold her followers right before her eyes, a soft gasp comes out of Haru. She was impressed yet again.

"Amazing... So they are your followers? How long have they been with you?"

Haru asks out of curiosity. She also wonders if Kaede had more. Haru also thought of revealing her own followers but for now decided to keep the spotlight on Kaede. After all, she is wanting to learn a thing or two about how the game works and how she is able to approach it with her current build. That being a Shadow Reaper.

Darkness · Jul 22, 2022

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Kaede would sigh internally, she kept seeming to find people who did not know of the UI lock and it was the annoying thing to her to try and explain or deal with the reactions of people. Scratching the back of her head with her free hand as she looked to see the girl had gotten very close and could not help Playfully leaning against them while looking up at her.

"Three deaths in game, death in the real world is the harsh truth of it. I don't advice testing it yourself unless you want to be stuck in a fantasy world. Your in game body can still be revived after that, but if not death here can also happen beyond the third."

Kaede moved to sit back up, partly killing her own mood to tease by admitting the reality of the game's death system. There was not enough known about it and that just made it more annoying for people who did not get the warning like herself back in the old days. getting called nice made her chuckle, why people assumed someone in dark cloths and acted nice was not having a different motive was shockingly low. She did try to be nice though, even if she was just a hallow shell of it. When asked how long she had her followers Kaede took a moment to think about it.

"I've Had Knight the longest, the armored one... Phantom is new and self molded... then there is the normal undead masses and a few bodies I stored but yet to reanimate and give new personality to... Not much a fan of using my taboo magic anymore, sort of just trying to retire but keep my skills sharp for the eventual day that annoying king decides to call in the favor I owe him."

Kaede's tone changed for the first time, the word 'king' was spoken with pure venom and hate in her voice. Partly because she had a death effect about distrust in them and the other was simply she did not ever see eye to eye with Astor back in the day and even now. She did not see him as leader type because so often his choices cost people or got changed mid situation. Fist clenching as the air turned sour recalling them fighting the elves way back then at the flop of a story defending them.

"How about yourself, asking me all these questions, don't think you can avoid the hot seat also darling.~"

Rolls

Nothing

Herrscher · Jul 22, 2022

If one were to die three times in Terrasphere, they essentially die in real life as well. What a terrifying revelation. That bit of information was enough to make Haru stop playing the game. However, she did not want to just leave immediately. She was talking to Kaede—a victim of this game's horrifying mechanic.

"Why... Why would the developers do such a thing? No wonder this game was banned... I heard a few things about it but nothing like this."

Haru looks towards Kaede and frowns. She felt sad for Kaede. To not be able to return to the real world—was it truly a curse or a blessing? Perhaps both? Nonetheless if Kaede is stuck in the game than that means there may be others who are suffering from the same fate. She needed to help them somehow. She cannot just run away and ignore that there are people who may need assistance.

"I... I don't know what to say... I'm so sorry, Kaede."

Being so uninformed made her feel guilty. She might also be saying these words and further ruin Kaede's mood. Kaede seemed quite upset, especially after the mention of this 'king.'

Realizing that Haru has been asking too many questions without giving Kaede the chance to do the same, she quickly composes herself to comply. She takes a brief moment to regather her thoughts. That way, she will not feel too distracted by the things she just learned and realized.

"Of course, of course. Sorry about that... Let's see... Well, I have a puppy as well as a knight. I won't say that they're in the same league as your summons but they are important to me. I have yet to really develop as a 'Shadowmancer' really. I have plenty of things to learn still... A-Also if you have any more questions, please ask away! I realize that I've been fairly rude to you."

Rude. A strange way to put it. Haru's behavior just showed how soft she was. It may or may not be her weakness. Especially in a game like Terrasphere. There are people in the game that may take advantage of her.

Darkness · Jul 23, 2022

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"It's not your fault, We got reckless back in the old days and ignored the small signs so now we of the old guard warn who we can. Just gets a little painful as most people think they are to blame or need to say sorry to us ha-ha... As for summons those aren't bad choices to start. Knights are good for caster heavy like us, and the puppy is for emotional support in my books... that reminds me... Where did Totetsu run off to..."

Kaede would close her eyes and zoom out using her magic to track the hound, roughly a few miles away chasing someone's undead and having one in his mouth. A light sigh as she returned her focus back to the girl while getting a dog whistle out and blowing it to get her puppy to stop casing others trouble. Humming a bit as she looked off to where Totetsu was coming from and soon the massive bear sized black and blue fur hound with purple runes drifting on it would slide and sit beside Kaede.

"Not an undead or shadow summon, just a massive puppy I got from one of the old events of the game... Totetsu say hi, and can you not scare people by going around in your medium size or larger... We talked about this..."

Her words making the lunatic hound's ears drop before it would shrink to the size of a normal wolf and bark at the girl before coiling to relax around Kaede's feet. She chuckled a little before moving to lean towards the shadowmancer. The girl seemed to forget to say her name so far, or was trying to hide it and that only made Kaede more curious about it as she moved her hands to rest atop the girls and get inches from her face before speaking.

"Well first I'd like to ask your name, or would you prefer I call you Darling, or lovely flower, or something more... intimate?~ Second question though, Why pick taboo magic, it does not make this game any easier I assure you if anything it makes it much harder the more taboo you have..."

Kaede would not move away unless the girl tried to get distance, only then would she move her hands and lean back to sit humming happily at how fun it was to tease the newbies every so often or the shy cute ones. Totetsu grumbling and gently gnawing at Kaede's feet as if to tell the care taker to behave or she would bite her for real. Kaede only laughed and moved to pet the hound's head with her other foot. Life was no fun if you did not act first and think later in Kaede's book.~

Rolls

Nothing

Herrscher · Jul 23, 2022

The longer they talked to each other, she begins to feel a bit more comfortable. Even if Kaede has yet to really cease her flirty act. In the end, it really gave her some personality which she could appreciate. Sure, she can be uncomfortable but she hopes Kaede stays this way. Being stuck in Terrasphere must be rough for her.

Suddenly, the ground begins to shake a bit and she could see a few trees falling. Eventually she is greeted by the sight of this large hound with a complicated but amazing appearance. This shocks her, earning Kaede a gasp from the shy Shadowmancer.

"Whoah... Th-That's a puppy?"

She blinks in complete shock. The hound also looked plenty strong so she felt a little afraid. But for the most part, she really wanted to pet him. A new friend for her own puppy perhaps? That would be cute, she thought.

When asked for a name, she felt completely stupid. She coughs, embarrassed about forgetting something so simple yet so important.

"I completely forgot! I-I go by Herrscher. Though I'm not exactly opposed to nicknames. Just er- make it appropriate I guess? Ahaha..."

Herrscher lets out a nervous chuckle after finally introducing herself. The Shadowmancer's long awaited name has been revealed to Kaede.

"And uhm... As for why I decided to use 'taboo magic' as you said, I thought it would be easier for me to make some friends by doing so. Because you know... you can just make them... Sorta."

She proceeds to move her left hand about, weaving out a spell. As a result, a puppy that is much smaller than Totetsu, appears by her side. He lets out a cute little bark before glancing at both the fellow canine and Kaede.

"His name is Prizrak. My first ever Shadow Companion and my best friend."

As Herrscher flashes a smile towards the pup, he springs up and rests his little paws on her leg. Wanting to be held. Of course, Herrscher obliges. She proceeds to lift up the pup and give it a good scratching. A chuckle leaving her lips when watching Prizrak enjoy himself.

Darkness · Jul 23, 2022

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Kaede was partly jealous, sure Totetsu could shrink down to the same adorable size of the little Prizrak but the weight never changed so the massive hound would crush her bones if it tried to sit there unless she used magic to try and even the scales. she would pout slightly but regain composure as she felt Totetsu start to bite down on her foot for wanting to smother a different dog with attention. Coughing to further regain her normal focus as she spoke some more.

"Oh you can make them from nothing if you know how or have assist mode. I was just thankful I am, erm was a medical student so human anatomy was sort of my strong suit so making an undead from raw magic is just a matter of time and focus. The assist mode should help you fill most the blanks long as your image of the undead or shadow is clear in your case. For example..."

Kaede would move her hands forward as the blackish blue circle would form and slowly Phantom would reform in full but much closer this time. She was about the size of a young adult or late teen, the bandages she had before not there this time to reveal the skeleton it was hiding and the framework of the missing parts. Despite moving last time this one remained still as Kaede moved to stand and walk over to the full body 'edit' mode as she called it and moved an arm up as muscle and nerves began to form as magic left her hands and formed them at a slow rate.

"I've only been able to work on them slowly because... well no assist mode to make sure mistakes don't happen as often. The more your magic grows the more realistic or less undead they would come out... er guess in your case less formless I think? Smaller concepts are easy to form such as Prizrak there, but if you tried to make a massive lunatic hound it be more a blob of shadows."

Moving to finish the arm before she would allow it to fall down and let the circle rise over Phantom as the undead started to move on her own looking around for Knight only for Kaede to wave it was not for fighting and pointed to the arm. The summon trying to move the fingers before shaking her head no and trying the other nerves that Kaede had worked on to give a live example of different motor control of higher level single summons.

"Course having a base is the better choice as it takes less strain to maintain but your limited with what you can work with or adjust. A large muscle mass body would take about as energy to upkeep if you made them compact so taking into account the start point for each creation, or tailoring one as you go along like Phantom here."

Rolls

Nothing

Herrscher · Jul 23, 2022

When Kaede reveals her background, Herrscher gets more impressed. But what was fascinating was her explanation of how she creates her undead followers. An example was even displayed to Herrscher which she really appreciates. It appears so easy to do but it is definitely much more complicated when tackled.

Unlike Kaede, Herrscher's process was simple. Very simple in fact. All she needs to do is just find a corpse and spend her mana to reap its shadow and have it rest in her own. From time to time, glowing blue eyes would appear in her shadow which frightens the locals of the world. She has gotten herself into some trouble because of it so she avoids public places often.

"I see... I should try and put more effort in summing my shadows. I can see what you mean though. When I conjure Prizrak, he feels like the real thing. However, when I summon my knight, there's a few things that make him look... well... different from your average undead follower. Th-Though I wouldn't want to use that term to describe him."

Once again, she stays true to her innocence. She sees her shadow companions as friends rather than minions. She makes the mistake of calling them minions at times but she would quickly correct herself when that happens.

"You're right. I don't really have a form... If I were able to find one, will they end up becoming stronger?"

She glances down at Prizrak who appears to have taken interest in Totetsu. He barks at him and raises his butt up, the puppy's eyes focused on the hound as if asking if it wants to play. If ever Totetsu were to accidentally squish him, the pup would just reappear. After all, Prizrak was just a shadow.

"I'm glad you're telling me all this. Have you ever taught someone before? About Animancy?"

Herrscher wonders. Kaede's knowledge regarding the taboo would be beneficial to Herrscher's growth as a Shadowmancer. This mentioned "Assist Mode" would help but learning it from someone might be more engaging in her eyes.

Darkness · Jul 24, 2022

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"I did train someone... when I was not in the best mental place... Let's just say the end result was not good and now..."

Kaede would allow Phantom to go back into the earth for the time being, hand reaching out as the very ground started to tremble and magic clawed from the splitting area before a figure would rise up giving an entirely different energy then Kaede's other two undead she kept as this one was not just a simple undead as it was once a player with masteries of her own. Standing almost two feet over Kaede the slender Woman took a knee and rose back up shortly after looking to Herrscher next.

"This is nightmare, My former student before her ego and hate for the world got the better of her and she forced me to either end her or join her... As you can see the result..."

Kaede would move a hand and Nightmare would move her hair to show one of several death injuries that it took to drop the fellow necromancer who used the life of others to keep going back then. Now she was just kept as a reminder and should someone ever ask Kaede to teach them a warning. Animancy and Taboo was her strong suits, but if others asked for help she would so long as they knew where to draw the line and keep humanity. Waving as the undead would bow and return to the earth.

"I can teach you, but I always have the same warning to anyone who learns Taboo from me... Should you ever lose your humanity to the dark calling of the magic, I will end you. Even if I don't train you this statement is true, I have seen what Taboo can do with someone unhinged does first hand and myself for two years... This world does not need a repeat of that time..."

For once, Kaede would give the newbie reason to be terrified as she gave her warning. fingers snapping to loosen the seal on her magic to show all three Taboo magic markers, the corrupt magic, and her chronomancy at the peak a player could reach currently. She was the end game of any caster, and if they tried to reach that peak the fast and reckless way she was the final boss that would come crashing into them for that mistake. Then with another snap of her fingers the magic would cease.

"So still want a lesson or two, or will you be like a few others that tried to run knowing one of the three who was waiting at the end of the road they picked?"

Rolls

Nothing

Herrscher · Jul 24, 2022

So there was someone Kaede treated as an apprentice of sorts. But to hear their fate saddened Herrscher. It was just one bad thing after another, the things she has been told. She felt sorry for the game-locked player. Even if Kaede wanted to escape, she could not. This was a curse—truly. A cruel fate bestowed upon the Necromancer. If only there was something Herrscher could do to make her feel better. Even just a little bit.

Think, Haru. Think.

The Shadowmancer sighs. She was close to just hugging Kaede but that just seemed inappropriate at this time. Especially since she was not done talking and was resuming her lessons. She even got to see how Kaede's student looked like. They were now an undead—a shadow of their former self. Shortly disappearing after a brief introduction.

"It must've been rough... Did you have anybody during the events that led you where you are today?"

It was another way of Herrscher asking if she had any friends. Players specifically but even the NPCs of Terrasphere would do. After all, it was hard to differentiate them at first glance. The game's hyper realistic formula just makes the world its own.

"If you could teach me and mentor me, that would be great... A-At least until I am able to stand on my own two feet. I don't want to bother you too much though so it can be brief. And if you're looking for a reward, I wouldn't mind indulging."

Herrscher looks to Kaede and nods with determination. She appears to be eager to learn. She does not even look like the shy and vulnerable person for that brief moment. Herrscher had always wanted to help people and Kaede is no exception. Maybe during their lessons, Herrscher can learn more about Kaede. That way, the two can become good friends. She just hopes she will not end up like her previous student. However, learning just how terrifying taboo magic was made her think twice.

Should I really be doing this?

The eye-patch wearing player shook her head. Yes. She had to. So that people like Kaede won't have to get stuck in the game. So that the people who log into the Terrasphere for the first time can be educated and feel safe. Even if it meant she had to channel the darker forms of magic to achieve her goals.

"It is up to you on what you want to teach me. Kaede, I-I am willing to learn what it takes to... well... survive. You know a lot about this game from how you speak so I want to learn as much as I can from you. Like I said, I am willing to return the favor."

This bright smile shortly forms on Herrscher's face. She really looked like the good-two-shoes type now. Whether it would be a good or bad thing in the future, Herrscher will find out eventually. One's innocence should be kept but the world of Terrasphere may change that. Herrscher's fate in the game remains unknown. Perhaps it might even change her in the real world—for better or worse.

Darkness · Jul 25, 2022

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Kaede honestly felt this woman was either mocking her, or not aware just how dangerous those words could be with someone like herself as the one they had been meant for. Kaede mused it over in her mind, should she be a true nature moment that followed, or keep holding back? After a few moments she would step towards Herrscher and lick her lips while pacing around her. She made her choice, and wondered if the woman would react as expected.

"I am willing to teach you everything I know, and as a reward... I want everything you are?~"

Kaede finished as she stepped closer to Herrscher's face, leaning down slightly to kiss the girl's nose then forehead as she stood back to her full height. The message hopefully driven clear by that action as she was not after anything less then the woman herself if the offer for reward was not limited. her inner voices shouting to just take what she wanted, not to play this game of toy and release with them. But as Kaede smiled she would respond to the other question she was asked.

"I had someone yes... But they died because they had been the people's only way to make me feel the same pain they had for harming their loved ones... Like many others..."

Kaede would not move away from the woman, Totetsu moving to play with the other puppy, running to Kaede's bag to get her favorite rope to offer as tug of war, if it was declined or such Totetsu would be fine playing tag or play fighting. Kaede would, if the woman had not backed away take that as accepting her terms and try to pull her in for a stolen kiss on the lips. If she had, Kaede would listen to see what rules would be set when it came to asking for reward or payment for the lessons.

Rolls

Nothing

Herrscher · Jul 26, 2022

One kiss after another, Herrscher starts to feel more embarrassed. There wasn't much she can do really other than speak up about it. For now, she'll allow Kaede's flirty behavior to resume. Though it is clear to her eyes that she won't be stopping any time soon unless she gets vocal about it. Herrscher did not have the confidence to say anything against it for the time being. She should have been more careful with her words—stating that she is willing to fulfill anything as a reward was a bad idea.

"Mm... You must really like kissing... Are you like this in the real world before... you know..."

As Kaede stood up, so does Herrscher. She would trail behind the Necromancer if she moves. Almost like a little duckling and its parent. Looking so lost but also trying to imitate the more experienced.

While Herrscher and Kaede were talking, Prizrak and Totetsu would play with each other. The shadow puppy decided to play a game of tug of war but due to the large strength difference between the two, the smaller companion could be seen flying around. If Prizrak wasn't a shadow, he would have gotten hurt. Or worse. Thankfully the pup is enjoying itself—having no filter it seems. Herrscher sees that two canines play and laugh at the site. It was cute, she thought. But quickly, she shifts her attention back to her mentor.

"So what's the first step? I want to be able to make my summons stronger. That way, they can take care of themselves. I also want to be able to use my magic to help others despite its frowned-upon nature. Which reminds me... how do you even go about using your magic if people despite it? Thankfully players don't react so negatively unlike the NPCs of Terrasphere."

Darkness · Jul 26, 2022

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Kaede would chuckle at the first question, it had been so long she almost barely recalled what she used to be like outside the game. She was a nerd, she recalled that much. She was a bit of a pervert, but not in public and mostly kept it to her notebooks or discussed it with her openly perverted roommate. So she could only think how exactly to respond to the question. Moving as she waved for Herrscher to stay where she was while she moved to the other side of the area and summoned a few minor undead before speaking.

"I was far more shy about doing it actually... My roommate was always the more... active one of our dorm hell the whole school... But when I started playing I decided I would do was a liked or try to as best I could... One month playing later I got the title of Pervert and it's been a uphill climb since to enjoy life in the moment not knowing when it will end."

She would wave to the undead, having two of them attack each other to hint what she was aiming for things. Before she even started training the girl she needed to know where she was in terms of power or control. It also would give her some time to start thinking over the other question and a more 'fair' request for a reward. She never really 'trained' her magic, it was more her monster half that did that while she hid from the world she had thought fully forsake her so training it was a blind spot.

"Well there is several things to consider to start or even before I can teach you. If I don't know how much you know then starting from the beginning would be a waste of time no? There is also what sort of aspect or idea you have in mind for the company you bring into this world. Do you seek combat useful, worker bee type, that sort of thing. Then there is if you prefer to find the 'shadows' of things to use OR want to learn to build them yourself..."

She would talk a moment to catch her breath and give Herrscher time to reply. Either way the Undead Kaede had summoned all had heavy armor and shields without weapons, for lack of better wording target dummies as she called them. Some had less, or leather armor, then there was the few in full plate or some sort of black crystal armor that Kaede had discovered during a trip to the north regions of the game. Either way Kaede needed to know the first thing Herrscher wanted to learn, and how much she knew about it already to try and teach.

Rolls

Nothing

Herrscher · Jul 26, 2022

Gestured to stay where she was, Herrscher does just that. She watches Kaede's every action carefully. From the simple hand gestures to animate her undead followers to the product of her dark magic. Props to Terrasphere for making everything so fascinating. It was hard to not impress someone as simple as Herrscher. Even the slightest detail of this virtual reality game was a sight for the eye-patch wearing player.

For awhile, Herrscher would stay quiet. Both observing the undead and thinking of an answer. What does she want exactly? Not even Herrscher knows. She has a goal, yes, but not a plan to reach it. Eventually something pops into her mind. Thanks to the site of Prizrak playing with Totetsu—who at this point is just being dragged around by the bigger hound.

"I was seeking a variety actually. Shadows that are able to fight and defend others while some simply work to fulfill minor tasks. I-It's a lot to ask for I think. As for my magic, well... I can already animate shadows. It's just that when I reap one from a creature, they end up being more powerful. This is because they are, quite literally, a shadow of their former self. They maintain their strength, knowledge, etc. The shadows I conjure are mindless. They behave like robots."

To show what she means, she proceeds to animate a shadow spirit. Kaede gets to see more on what her magic is like. Shadowmancy was particularly a pretty sight. One can see the caster mutter an incantation and bring forth this summoned entity, their appearance up to the mind of its creator. At this time, Herrscher just creates this ghostly-looking shadow spirit. Shortly summoning a knight which is a shadow she has reaped from a corpse long ago.

"The stronger and more sentient they are, the more mana I spend. I don't mind molding my own shadows but reaping them from the dead is far more convenient for me. I have some kind of inventory, a domain if you will, that allows me to preserve all of them. I only have a few currently but I plan on grabbing more to have a variety of shadows at my beck and call."

Darkness · Jul 26, 2022

185 / 185

❰ 185 / 185 ❱

Kaede tossed the words around her head a few times, it did not seem much if anything at all different from normal Animancy and the issues the girl had also had been some Kaede dealt with for Knight and Phantom for some time until she found out how to get past it. What worried Kaede was what the woman might do to get shadows, as if it was like Animancy the person needed to be dead before you could raise them and 'store' them for later use.

"Well yes, when you conjure them it takes extra work to add personality or minds to them. It's a lot harder without Auto assist I can say that much ha ha... But the best way I can explain it, is to think of how you wish them to interact with the world or such. If you think of them as ruthless killing machines they will act like such, or if you just conjure for the sake of conjure or help they will only do as needed or asked."

Kaede would move to desummon her few and bring out a single Undead dressed like a court jester as it moved around giving a twisted clown laughter and juggling the skulls of other undead things. It was very much dark and twisted and the sad part was Kaede was humming along as it laughed before she would snap back to reality and allow it to go back having made her point. It was simple, direct, and clear message what she wanted and that was the base for free hand summon.

"Then for those brought back from an existing life, they can only be as powerful as you are even if from a stronger source. Then from there they have to be trained much like any other player or side character I guess. So taking from an existing body is better suited for later so you don't have to split focus on getting them all stronger as you go along only adding more to the plate."(Taking a moment to catch her breath before resuming.) "The best case example would be my former student. She was roughly ballpark C or B rank I guess in everything, and when we fought I was already passed that so could reanimate her at that same level but had to train her beyond that start point. If you had used her shadow as you are right now, she would be limited to the max you can manage and need training from that point. It's sort of sad we don't get to use them as they had been at death without being stronger or equal strength ha-ha."

Rolls

Nothing

Herrscher · Jul 26, 2022

"I see... I'm really not looking at the bigger picture huh? When I built my character I never put too much thought on how important summons are. So basically I need the stronger I get, the stronger my summons get too..."

In truth, Herrscher was hoping to have her summons do everything for her. That way, she would not be so involved in dangerous activities or ones that demand proper interaction. Being the shy person that she is, this was one of the reasons why she decided to play a Necromancer-type of character. If she could not make any friends or handle the responsibilities of taking care of people, she would at least have summoned creatures that could do these things for her or play the role she wants them to play. It is... quite sad come to think of it.

Goodness, I'm lonely...

When Kaede summoned this undead jester and making it perform an act, Herrscher felt more disturbed than entertained. It was not the same as Kaede though. She does not share the same humor. So once the jester disappears, a sigh of relief leaves her system.

"This leads me to my next question. A... personal one at that. If it's a little too personal, feel free to not answer. Do you think I'm gonna end up being stuck here if I remain as I am now?"

Herrscher gulps. Of course, after learning about Kaede being stuck in the game, she was afraid she might get stuck too. She wanted to avoid such a fate and at the same time help guide others so that they won't be in the same situation. But in truth, one of the bigger reasons why she's doing all this is because she wants to escape her current identity. She didn't want to be the shy, vulnerable Haru. She wanted to be someone confident. Someone reliable. She wanted to be... Herrscher.