Western Brisshal The Lost and Found

[Lucia Mierz]

Lucia exhaled a breath of discomfort while seated at her usual small table out in the wilds. For some it was a place where one could perhaps be attacked at random by some type of predator, but such a thing had never been an issue for Lucia ever since she started down the path of being a Saintess. "Hm, he said he was going to start soon, I wonder when I'll reach this point." Lucia couldn't help musing. One of her employees, a waiter at her cafe had begun to get interested in the game after hearing about it from her. It wasn't unusual for her to waste a day just drowning in hopelessness in the real world During the time she'd been forced out of the game, she'd started the business in order to have a project to keep her busy out of fear that she might end it all if she had too much time to think and wait.

"One of your associates from the other side Miss?"
"Mm, he works for me on the other side. He at least seems to have a similar disposition as well."
"Then he also is tired of that place."
"You could say that."

Lucia rolled her head to one side in answer to her companion. The one in question was familiar to Lucia, as the first undead she'd raised and worked on specifically. A creature who's entire body had mostly been remodeled by her personally unlike her normal undead that might just have a few quick fixes to their structure. A grey skined elven women with delicate features and long pointed brows. Though her most peculiar feature was likely her blood red eyes, the armored elven commander had a vicious looking spear strapped to her back at the ready to be drawn at a moment's notice.

The armored Elven woman stood by Lucia's side as an attendant might, occasionally reaching down to pour Lucia more from a bottle of juice on the small side table as she continued to sip and drink casually. "He should be showing up soon assuming he didn't get on the path." She murmured while bringing her cup back to her lips again and slowly tilting it back while watching her UI's timer count down. All the while her summon remained largely oblivious to the floating screen as she continued to wait.

@Harlow

 

[Harlow]

If things were the same as in what was often deemed the real world, Harlow was far from the best navigator. This world, however, offered some tools to mend such inabilities. After scanning a collection of maps, he had managed to compile a working reference for location management. Even better, it seemed to actively update when he found something to contradict any of his previously examined maps. As he walked down the nearest road to Lucia's location, which he had been informed of before, a blinking indicator reminded him that it was time to turn. He paused, turning to face a seemingly immeasurable woods. A light behind his optics flickered on, adjusting to the dreary lighting that persisted beneath the many arms of trees, as he left the vacant road and marched into the wilds.

His head would occasionally tick left or right, eyes carefully checking his surroundings. Vision being his primary gift, as the sun set, its usefulness would be fleeting. Auditory systems were near useless, scrambled by the combined clamoring of leaves crunched beneath foot, screaming of buzzards above, and crying of cicadas from beneath… If this world had cicadas. The distance wasn't insurmountable to his destination, and given his directional strategies, he was hopefully on the fastest available route. After all, the fastest path was a straight line, and now that he was walking through the woods, his Magia framework dodging trees and disappointing mosquitos, he should've been on a fast track to–

A pair of crimson eyes. A universally intimidating sign. He caught this first, before any other details came into view, the distinct, serrated color cutting through the natural greens and browns of the environment. But attached to those eyes, as he squinted, vision zooming and refocusing on the subject of his attention, he found their body to be something gray, blending into the nightly gloom that hung over the meeting. Next to this overwhelming presence, was a different figure. This one that matched the description he had been given, seated next to table that interrupted the forest's natural decorum. Obviously, upon noticing the two, his approach ceased. He had not been attempting stealth, so the odds of him accidentally surprising them wasn't likely.

Hello, ma'am. It's me, Emerson. It's you, right? He opened his mouth to speak these words, expecting at least something similar to emerge, but as they were processed through the radio-communication lingo he was forced to speak through, the product was concise and disappointing. If one were able to read minds, they might've heard what he had actually wanted to say, and not what came out. Noticing the spear of the red-eyed Elf, he hoped that the mutated words would not be too harsh.

"Radio check. This is Harlow. We are not strangers. Correct? Over." Internally, he sighed, but no such disappointment could be publicly seen. His body was rigid in its pose, standing with an inhuman properness as his head bowed slightly in greeting. That was something better than motionlessness, he thought, finding a silver lining in his otherwise vacuous greeting. The first radio check was quiet, seeming to be a method of adjusting his internal volume before he continued. He did nothing to draw his weapon or prepare for combat, and he seemed mostly unequipped in way of armor, though his UI, alongside his common sense, warned him about the present Elf first and foremost.

It shouldn't be difficult for Lucia to recognize him, as he had done little to disrupt the doppelganger presented at the inception of character creation. He was, after all, remarkably similar to his real world counterpart. Perfectly so, if you looked past the obviously mechanically jointed arms and legs, and synthetic torso.

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

Lucia waited, patient as ever, but while the man was scanning, looking for them, the moment his eyes fell on the elven woman, those red eyes would shift in his direction as well making uncomfortable eye contact. It was a facet all of her undead shared to an extent, they all felt the eyes of other beings quite readily at higher levels and while Mortimer was the most perceptive to them, the elven woman was also very skilled at it.

"He seems rough around the edges."
"Mm, I wasn't exactly smooth as silk when I first started either."

The pair continued their conversation up until Harlow was within comfortable speaking distance, she didn't hesitate to flag him down when he tried to communicate to let him know it was okay though. Unlike in reality, her blank and indifferent gaze was gone, her near pemanent scowl had faded. In the game world, she had a charming smile, and elegant poise that made her seem like a woman of character and culture. "It's alright Emerson, you're right, it's Yuan." She offered in case he was suspicious. That same hostile woman who was usually dreading every second of every day could smile carefreely in the game.

"If you're Harlow here though, it's nice to meet you again. Here I'm called Lucia, and this is my subordinate, Sylvanas." She directed his attention with a gentle hand gesture to the armored woman. Though in response to being introduced she merely continued the harsh frigid stare. Eyes without irises or color outside of crimson red regarded him briefly before turning back onto Lucia. "He seems inexperienced." The Elven woman remarked as cold and disciplined as ever. Lucia only chuckled at the assessment before nodding along.

He'd gradually acclimate to things as time passed, there was no need to rush so long as he wouldn't play like those others treating the game like it was some type of RPG with scripted events he would be fine. "Anyway, come on over, how are things? Are you settling into your role?" She asked gesturing for him to sit if he wanted.

 

[Harlow]

He was relieved to hear her response, confirming that she was who he was looking for. It would've been embarrassing for him to greet a stranger as he did here. Then again, the way the game forced him to speak was already fairly embarrassing. Not an expert in social affairs, it was known in current company that he had at least the competence to put on a friendly face, greet, and serve customers. Not even that could be afforded here, given his speaking arrangements.

Harlow approached as requested, frequently glancing away from the seat he moved towards, only to quickly reconfirm the fact that the undead was continuing to stare. They were right about him lacking experience, and he lost no pride in acknowledging this shortcoming. Based on his brief time in the game, he hadn't had many opportunities to test his strength or work on improving. Still, he had taken ever chance, and only time could provide more.

"Affirmative." He responded to the question on settling into his role. His voice did not fluctuate much, and the volume was static. While Lucia seemed more animated and alive than her counterpart, Harlow seemed somewhat more gray and empty. "Things are well. Only once. Something tried to eat me. So far." Internally, he laughed, but his face showed no signs of humor. "I have not died. Over." He wasn't lying, as he came to sit upon the chair, only then speaking to Sylvanas, who he did not look towards. "Hello Sylvanas. This is Harlow." While he might or might not have known about her nature as a necromancer, he definitely did not know the extent of Lucia's powers, having never seen them first hand. For this reason, and given the intense design of undead warrior, he assumed that it was another player. Granted they were deemed Lucia's subordinate, however, he figured there wasn't much to immediately fear, beyond their uncanny appearance.

"Training with wolves. A troll. But that hardly counts. I had help." He listed some of his previous combat experiences. Regardless of whether he was sharing everything or not, it was a short list. He did not sit comfortably, though, maintaining a rigid straightness in his spine. His posture was impeccable, but absolutely uncomfortable. It remained far better than standing.

Lucia's disposition didn't go unnoticed. Despite their professional relationship outside of the game, anyone with eyes or ears could sense the dread of Emerson's boss. Not that they were unpleasant to be around… Well, sometimes that. But simply that things were unpleasant. This person seemed different. Capable of smiling. She had presented solid evidence, knowing her own name as well as his, but part of him pondered and worried that this was an elaborate dupe.

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

Lucia nodded along in answer to his comments and greeting, it was good to get acclimated quickly, but she knew she'd give the same lecture she always gave to people. It was always the same, people coming into the game, looking at the UI, learning skills, thinking they were playing and having fun with people who were just lines of code and didn't matter. She would begin the same lecture she'd give almost everyone she met. "It's good you're adjusting well then. Don't take death lightly though. There are many who end up dead in reality, stuck in the game after a few deaths." She explained at first, beginning with the dangers, it was important people understood what they got themselves into. If he was weary of that, believing it to be a rumor like others, Lucia knew well it was no rumor, one of her companions and dear loves of the past was one such person.

"The important part to remember, is the more you immerse yourself and the more you approach this game like a reality the easier and more fun things will be." She explained, there was a tirade ready for those who tried to argue this point, but she still gave many the benefits of the doubt. Though even as she continued to assert this fact, the Undead knight beside her maintained a disciplined pose, to the Elven woman, concepts like 'the game' and 'exp'. It was merely heard as blips in audio to her, but Sylvanas picked up the context, Lucia had involved their nature as NPCs in their education process as well. Every time Lucia gave the lecture, her undead listened and understood a little more each time.

Though she remained bright and welcoming, a far cry from her reality. No matter how jarring or different though, Lucia was indeed Yuan. When she felt at home, peaceful and relaxed, she didn't need to hate or drown in the frustrating portions of life. "Have you put any thought into your progress? Steps you'll take? Things you'd like to do?" Lucia asked, perking her brow in question. If he simply wanted to get stronger, Lucia had good advice for that, but hoped there'd be more then just that on the man's plate.

 

[Harlow]

"Understood." Unfortunately, and perhaps unavoidably, Harlow allowed her warning to enter into the same folder as the others warnings he had received. It was a habit for youths, and he was far from the wisdom or fearfulness required to heed every caution. With a childish sense of invincibility, he would let her advice enter one ear and leave through the other. It was not that he did not care for the warnings. He heard them, acknowledged them, but was currently enjoying the atmosphere and world-building elements too much. After all, he had yet to experience a truly dangerous or unsustainable situation thus far, branded by his aforementioned inexperience. To his advantage in this situation, an expressionless face left him with one of the best possible poker faces anyone could hope for.

On the opposite end, what she followed up with wasn't difficult to comply with. He was already quite immersed, and felt himself very often falling into a comfortable lull that almost had him forgetting reality. It wasn't a surprise that Lucia had enjoyed partaking in this world so much. Every detail was too realistic to ignore. If Lucia's advice this time was to treat the game as if it were real life, that he could do. That, he was already doing.

"Affirmative. I joined the Lion Arms. Do you know of them?" He revealed his choice to make bond with an organization tasked, at least in ideals, with the protection of others. An often deadly task, indeed, arguably the most when compared to the other player factions available. There was a bit of hesitation he realized after the fact, not knowing how factions worked in this game, and whether he shouldn't have committed to something so early in his gameplay. Surely, Lucia knew more on the intelligence, or lack their of, of his decision. "They have yet to call upon me. But. I admire their objective. Over."

 

[Lucia Mierz]

Lucia nodded along, it seemed he at least took her at her word. As someone who had two deaths already, if she herself died once more she would be dead in reality as well. She wanted to hopefully deter Harlow from being as flippant with his life as she had been with her's in that early time. So long as people didn't just carelessly throw their lives away there'd be time to learn the rest of things over time.

Though hearing about his entry into a faction she shook her head. It wasn't necessarily a bad decision, most factions looked after their own to an extent as well and there were ways to immerse one's self in them. "You should be okay, there's no problem with any of the factions at least. It's a good place to meet people and survive." She offered, as far as she was aware there was no 'bad' faction. Instead it just depended more on your goals and what you hoped to achieve as a part of them.

Though thinking that he was in a faction, things might start getting dangerous soon. At the end of the day, factions were there to fight and make big moves after all, they would someday have a place against world bosses and monsters. "If you have worries about your ability though, if you wanted to learn more about fighting I could help." Lucia offered, taking a moment to glance towards Sylvanas, the Elven woman would briefly meet Lucia's eyes before stepping forward. If Lucia was to fight, the Wight Queen wouldn't stay silent and allow her saintess to be dirtied through exertion. Instead, the undead naturally stepped forward if needed.

@Harlow

 

[Harlow]

Her immediate reaction to shake her head worried Harlow, as he did not understand instantly whether she was indicating disapproval or a lack of concern. Her words remedied this misunderstanding, however. Yeah, you're right. I think so too. "Affirmative." Was he ever going to get used to that?

"The wolves are no longer challenging." He gave a hesitant nod, after a reasonable delay from her suggestion to help teach him more about fighting. "I worry. About inadequacy. Training with an ally. It would be better." Unfortunately to that notion, it seemed he would not be training with Lucia herself, but one of her powerful, loyal companions. "Moving. It is different in this world. My body is not as reliable. I am learning."

With his skills and abilities being not only determined by his own quickness, but a plethora of stats, he knew that there would fights unwinnable by method of raw skill. No amount of quickness can outrun an earthquake. He needed to be stronger overall, and that seemed to simply take time and experience. Surely, Lucia had long learned all of these lessons that were only just now being taught to him.

"If you will help me train. Thank you. Wilco." He stood from his seat, reaching up to press a small indentation upon his right shoulder blade. After a short, sharp hiss, a looseness came to his joints that did not exist before, as the Pain Limiter was toggled off. Finally, he felt the soreness in his feet and legs from the walk here, as well as the minor cuts and scrapes along the bottom of his bare feet. It was a necessary sacrifice for freedom of movement in combat.

Silently, and much more human-like, he stood, waiting for her instructions for this training. Lucia was by far the more experienced player, so he would follow her lead in this.

 

[Lucia Mierz]

Lucia chuckled a little, nodding along, it seemed he at least was getting used to how his body felt and moved. Though Lucia probably had a minor advantage in that respect because she chose a simple human form as opposed to something that might be different form her normal body. However, she felt the need to correct him after he said he was learning, she smiled simply, kindly as she spoke, taking her drink into her hand as she spoke. "Take time to consider, do you use magic? Do you fight physically? Where does this power come from? Because you see numbers assigned on a stat-line? Is that where your power comes from?" Lucia started the lecture she was usually known for, advice she would offer everyone who played this game.

While she asked, hoping he would take a moment to consider her questions, he'd see Sylvanas step out from beside the table. Reaching back, the armored woman would pull a strap and with a snap popping the button the spear would fall to the ground, the butt piercing the soil from it's own weight. When the knight reached back to grab the weapon, the moment her fist clenched around it the atmosphere would change, the air becoming sharp and hostile, almost painful to breath in the woman's presence as she pulled the spear forward giving it a casual spin out of habit. From the corner of crimson red eyes, faint wisps of red gas billowed from time to time and the spear head gradually turned red to match.

To Lucia, her knight's horrifying spear aura was something she was so used to, she'd helped craft it, helped develop Sylvanas from a simple zombie into the Wight Queen she was now. Lucia continued the lecture, the same relaxed smile on her face as she spoke. "If those numbers determine the strength of your muscles, the speed of your hands, your ability to move mana and energy-- What would you say determines how they're applied? The Strength of a character would be very different when used by someone like me for example as opposed to a Boxer playing with my stat-line don't you think? However not everyone is a martial artist, they don't really need to be either, but there's a point in determining how you apply your strength and masteries 'Harlow'." Lucia lectured still smiling.

In contrast to Lucia's kindness and her efforts to be educational, Sylvanas once she'd felt she was relaxed enough to pull her punches appropriately she raised the spear. The glowing red blade leaving an ethereal trail of red as it moved, taking a somewhat casual combat stance. "Have you prepared yourself?" The undead would ask uncertain if she should take the first move, it seemed to be in bad taste.

@Harlow

 

[Harlow]

Harlow listened as Lucia questioned his method. From years in other physical training environments, he had heard similar sentiments many times before. That did not mean he was neglecting her wisdom, nodding once as he interpreted her words without answer. He had attempted a plethora of formalities, with mhm and right, but none of them passed translation. Regardless, he supposed the questions to be mostly rhetorical, simply to spur the mind onto a different set of tracks. There was a strength to creativity that allowed one to turn the odds in their favor, even when outmatched. As a smaller person in the real world, he'd heard the same sentiment too many times to count in the past.

To the answer of those questions, he didn't have magic, which could be considered one of the most creative outlets of ones power. Without many such mysticisms, Harlow was confined mostly to the mundane. He drew his hand up to his face. The palm wavered before the eyes, before what seemed to be a projector from within began to construct the handle of a weapon. Once the handle was complete, his palm closed around it, drawing the blade in a slow, careful motion, like a sword swallower's regurgitation.

He would not enter his combat stance immediately, though as the fist of Sylvanas tightened around their weapon, he felt the pace of his heart stutter. It was as if the air had been drawn from his lungs, and gravity seemed to grow more intense. His eyes widened, examining a slowly blinking indication of red around the already crimson enemy, the game warning him of combat with the intimidating presence standing before him.

Even while sparring with prop weapons in his years of training, he knew well that injury was possible. Here, however, they would be fighting with sword and spear. Taking tentative steps away, he rotated the target, creating some distance, as to pull the battle away from Lucia. Regardless of whether her loyal subordinate was confident in their abilities, he hadn't enough to combat so close to his only ally. His palms came together to grip the sword handle, tip pointed towards his enemy in this training exercise, as he listened to Lucia's guidance. In the end, the world was what one makes of it. Even in an enemy leagues above, he would simply need to scrounge up every scrap of advantage he could find.

Taking a familiar, defensive stance, he waited with stillness, staring towards Sylvanas with the slightest hint of hesitation. All he had to do was live. And not embarrass himself in front of his boss. That would help too.

"Affirmative."

 

[Lucia Mierz]

For a moment, Sylvanas remained unsure, glancing first to Lucia who simply nodded as she sipped from her cup only for the Wight Queen to turn back to Harlow. In the end, she set her stance as instructed. It was a low, almost half crouch, spear drawn back not unlike a pose one might take when shooting pool in a billiards game. Her thumb cresting over the glowing red blade as she spoke. "Very well. In death, I was given the name 'Sylvanas the Undying'." The woman began a self-introduction befitting a disciplined warrior. "In life, I was known for my skill with a spear, Hirazuki Gatotsu... A simple left handed stab." She explained.

The atmosphere intensified as she continued, that smoke-like wisp of aura bleeding from her eyes billowed, wider like wafting smoke. As it spread, one could see the shadows and silhouettes of many other knights behind her, eager, desperate, but as silhouettes there was little they could do as Sylvanas continued. "In death, as a Wight Queen. I became the back bone of our Saintess's knights, A Wight Queen." Even as she spoke, one could feel the air shake, even if the voices of those roaring silhouette's couldn't be heard, the air quivered from their call. "Seidou Goitsu... Through me the power of our comrades roar as one-- En Garde, Friend Harlow." Sylvanas gave a warning as the trembling air peaked and she began her advance.

The movement was arguably simple, as she introduced, she opened with a simple left handed thrust of her spear as she closed the distance with heavy steps like a juggernaut, it was slow but contained all of the momentum of a barreling truck as she began her advance. "First spear, Ichiban Isshiki." She would announce as the spear shot towards Harlow to test him. She had put in effort to hold back, hoping the speed was something the man could cope with as opposed to the meteoric style she was used to.

@Harlow

 

[Harlow]

Harlow stared at his foe in a strong, sturdy stance, determined glower unflinching. He had practiced kata with nuntebo before, which was practically a spear, but it was a weapon he was not as experienced with. This weapon now pointed towards him was far more lethal looking than anything he had wielded before. Even the katana in his grasp was plain, undecorated even by scars of combat.

While it was obvious Harlow lacked experience in many areas, focus was not it. That being said, as he saw the rising shadows growing from behind Sylvanas, his concentration wavered. His gaze shot between these figures. Illusions? Tricks of the light? The silhouettes. He couldn't hear them, but they were speaking. A battle cry? Were they all to attack him once she was done? His teeth grit, clawing the thick, uncooperative air in through his nose. Breath was the root of all strength, and he could not let that candle dwindle.

There wasn't time to think past that, as her approach began. He had already squandered enough time distracted by the noiseless roar that rumbled between them. Even the vibration of every step she took seemed to quake his balance. A truly formidable foe. She spoke, almost like a warning, as the spear moved towards him. Recognizing and addressing the attack was not difficult for Harlow. He deftly swung his blade in an attempt to deflect the racing spearhead.

… But it would not be so simple. This was not sparring in the real world, and these were not weapons of wood. The spear that sought him out was a heavy lance of weighty metals. He only recognized this as the edge of his blade contacted the razor tip. A simple flash of steel would not be sufficient to deflect the attack. He could not expect Sylvanas's grip to waver too drastically.

He had originally intended to simply knock away the spear and step back, but that was no longer an option. Thinking quickly, his grip tightened around the handle of his weapon. He didn't need to push it away entirely, just enough to get some room. With a light shove, as the spear moved towards him, he would attempt to deflect and push it slightly to the left, coupling this action with a duck and dash to the right.

While it was one of the most defensive moves he could've attempted, it would leave him in no position for counter attacks, simply resetting the battleground. He made no moves to advance himself, like a child at the edge of a pool, hesitant to leap in. Combat was a great revealer of ones personal truths, no matter how well kept secret.

 

[Lucia Mierz]

Sylvanas nodded at the efforts to deflect, it was easier to deflect momentum then to halt it but it worked to her advantage as well. Even as she continued the battle she spoke, her disciplined tone of an advisor firm and steady. "Good, but a Heavy Knight thrives on momentum, builds power steadily and gradually to a peak. If you cannot stop them, they may build upon that power until they overwhelm you." She advised, her spear following the path he parried it onto, turning into the left before slamming her foot down to pivot on her heel as her arms wound up tightly like an elastic before she began to turn and bring that spear back around from the left screaming back towards Harlow's direction letting the momentum build.

"Second Spear, Niban Isshiki." She'd speak as the spear whipped around, bending from the swing but not breaking as she swept towards Harlow. It was a strong blow, but one the knight at least thought wouldn't end him. The true threat was what followed though, while Sylvanas was swinging, he'd hear her voice again though somewhat warped and different. "Second Spear, Niban Isshiki." He'd see from the opposite side, swinging low, from the knight's body an ethereal shape would drift out, a bright crimson red color, bright crimson eyes. The Crimson light would drain from her body's eyes as the spirit swung from the opposite side as one divided into two, one physical body, one specter like form.

"Don't relax, to fight a Wight Queen is not so easy." She asserted in hopes that Harlow was still in a condition to keep trying. "A Wight Queen is born from a Dread Knight--" "--And a Banshee Queen. You face the Dread Knight's Power--" "--And a Banshee Queen's Aura." The pair would inform as the specter form would gradually recede back into the physical body, as it returned the crimson color would return to Sylvanas's eyes once she was whole once more.

Watching Sylvanas explain, Lucia chuckled, bringing a hand to her face to call out with a smile. "You should be able to handle one or two more exchanges at least Harlow, any beyond her forth spear might be too much so be careful." She tried to offer hoping to push the man to his limits to really show him high level combat if she could help it. The sooner he got exposed to more bizarre nature of some things in the world the easier others would be to cope with.

@Harlow

 

[Harlow]

Again, he hadn't a moment to spare, eyes racing across the anatomy of his opponent, looking for any indication of their next move. Unfortunately, while his dash had successfully evaded the first attack, the impetus was fleeting. His movement slowed as the inertia of Sylvanas failed to falter. It wasn't a moment later before another attack was severing the air, soaring towards him. A powerful sweep. He'd seen similar techniques before in training. If there was anything to avoid blocking, it was a heavy incoming attack like that. He'd have to duck–

His eyes spastically assessed, noticing the blood red shade that reflected the shape and power if its origin. He'd have to deal with how terrifying that was later. There would be no dodging by going beneath. The only option was to go above, right? He'd have to try, as standing still and blocking or attempting a deflection would have him losing at least a single limb. The multi-pronged approach was deadly.

Harlow raised his blade to block the original swing in case he didn't make it out in time, as a magitech protrusion in his legs rotated into display and sent a gust of air downwards. The sudden burst was enough to get him airborne and over the shade's swing, but he hadn't been quick enough to avoid the original sweep. Without his feet on the ground, Harlow had no stability of stance. The spear clanged against his katana, sending him flying away from the attack as the blade's handle vibrated aggressively in his grip. No wince found his cheeks, only the clenching of his jaw, as he landed with a few stumbling steps backwards, before steadying himself again.

From his earlier years of training, he'd seen his own strategy played out at least a hundred times. A focus upon evasion so intense that it left no room for offense. He hadn't sparred in a long time, but he couldn't tell why he was finding himself in this hesitation thought-loop, unable to press the attack. This was no trading of blows if he was not intent upon delivering any of his own.

The fight felt like scissors against rock. There was no ego. Only learning.

"Understood." He nodded to Lucia, his gaze never leaving Sylvanas as the shade reformed with her. One of his first lessons he'd learned was to never take his eyes off the enemy. Every piece of information was its own weapon. If only he could will himself to strike with those weapons. Unbeknownst to him, his body began to pant.

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

Sylvanas only continued, building momentum further as he retreated once more. For the Wight Queen, going easy or relaxing would be more detrimental then going too hard. As long as one survived, they would grow and develop had been the disciplined leader's philosophy. The spear rotating still, building momentum and power on top of power Sylvanas advanced a step further since Harlow had eyes on her she wouldn't hold back.

"Third Spear--" "--Third Spear--" "--Yonban Isshiki--" "--Yonban Isshiki." She continued as the spear came back around, drawn back resetting a thrusting pose before advancing once more towards Harlow. Though as she thrust the spear forward she once again split into different forms from the waist up. Each a different varient of the attack. One leaning forward, a second leaning back while a third thrust downward, from above all matching her physical body that came from the front.

Seeing Sylvanas continued, Lucia smiled, leaning against the back of her chair as she offered more advice. "Hirazuki Gatotsu has 11 Spears and up to 361 Variations. Normally a weapons master would fight flowing from one form to the next building momentum and power with each strike. As a Wight Queen though, Sylvanas can use the Variations simultaneously." She offered. It was part of what made Sylvanas more powerful in death then in life. The reason she explained though, was that it was a useful sword technique if Harlow had the will to learn it. Among all of her summons, Sylvanas was the best at martial combat.

@Harlow

 

[Harlow]

He'd barely managed to evade when there were two weapons swinging in his direction. Now he was to believe that there would be three? This combat was beginning to feel less like a one-on-one than he had expected, but it suggested a valuable lesson. Fights in this world would not always be fair. In a fantasy setting, not every opponent started at the baseline capabilities of a human form. This enemy, for example, had strengths beyond those capable of any regular human. Perhaps they had some exaggerated weaknesses as well. He had to expand his expectations. This couldn't be treated like a regular fight.

As Sylvanas approached, he instinctively stepped backwards, giving up ground. He noticed this quickly, cursing and stomping his back foot in place, holding steady and not giving her any more distance to build up momentum. Three spears. All he had to do was recognize where each was coming from and address it in the blink of an eye. How hard could it be?

What erupted in similar crimson shade was like spikes of a trident, and he thought he recognized a weakness immediately. The attack seemed mostly vertical. Moving backwards would not save him, nor would moving into the air as he had before. It was similar to the first attack. He needed to move horizontally, almost through the attack if he wanted to evade it. Even if a slash against the spear could grant him only an inch of room, it was an inch he would attempt to squeeze through, as he flashed his sword against the upper two prongs and dashed to the left.

As he created some distance, Harlow noticed himself limping slightly. He turned back to face his enemy, only to realize his vision was somewhat lopsided. The world had turned diagonal? Scanning before him, he saw in the spot he had stood before the severed lower part of his shin, sparks popping from some pieces of the chassis within. A purplish, oily substance ran down the joints of the broken piece of Harlow's framework. He hadn't been swift enough, and the downward spear strike had managed to clip his leg.

At this realization, glancing down to his stump calf, he breathed deep. Pain hadn't set in yet, shock still mostly sheltering him, as he balanced on one foot, bent slightly at the knee. Still gripping his sword, this time holding it over his head with both hands, curved and pointed downwards towards Sylvanas. He could no longer run, but he didn't yet seem willing to give up, even if it was a fool's endeavor to attempt combat with no right foot.

Having overheard Lucia from before, she suggested that there were up to eleven of these attacks, each becoming more extreme?! How could anyone survive something like that? It seemed unthinkable, at least from the perspective of his current capabilities. Harlow maintained a cold, silent focus best he could for now.

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

"Did you not see the forth one?" Sylvanas asked as her spear rotated once more, preserving the momentum, the man only seemed to register three blows, certainly the technique was called 'Third Spear' but the third technique was a set of four Variations, though Sylvanas wasn't sure which of the four strikes had misled the man in his effort to dodge, she felt she had an understanding of his ability from that.

If Harlow seemed confused, Lucia would elaborate with a faint smile. "First Spear, 1 Set. Second Spear, 2 set. Third Spear, 4 set. Forth Spear, 8 set, Fifth spear, 16 set--" She spoke calmly despite the horrifying nature of her explanation; The spear strikes weren't additional nor multiplicative, they were Exponential. By the Tenth spear, Harlow would be experiencing all 361 variations let alone the tenth. Letting that knowledge sink in, Lucia followed up with a charming smile as she explained further. "This is why I say handling any beyond the 4th spear might be too difficult for you right now Harlow." Lucia elaborated as she watched on with a small smile.

It was a sight familiar to her, Ezra who was once her friend, a player like she was, her knight had undergone the same trial by fire against her Immortal Paladin, like Harlow she too had been tested by Sylvanas though back then her power hadn't been nearly this refined. It was natural one would try to search for a weakness in the juggernaut knight as she seemed too strong, but very few actually caught on to the origin of the Wight Queen's power. "Hirazuki Gatotsu is all about building momentum it gets stronger and faster as it builds. Along with it, the Banshee Queen's aura grows and swells to create the different strikes." She tried to explain even as the next shot was being lined up.

The momentum building further as the rotating spear was set once more, winding back, a similar move to the second but the radiant red aura billowing was growing more eerie. The blow would be merciless as the spear swung early, one spear blade, wielded by her body, and one by the Specter would slash in an X shape, followed by the aura of 6 more spears creating a lattice network like a chain-link fence. Sylvanas still continued to try to hold back, leaving room for him to fall or leap back if he couldn't confront the blades directly.

@Harlow

 

[Harlow]

Had there been one spear he hadn't seen? It would make sense as to why the attack had hit him, if he hadn't managed to even notice one of the incoming swings. Knowing now that the strikes were not so linear, and would grow exponentially instead, the fight seemed even more hopeless. Thankfully, this was just training, but he still cursed himself for incompetence.

Harlow was beginning to understand that the first step on the path to victory meant stopping the momentum of the Wight Queen, but standing his ground against that flurry of attacks seemed almost like its own death sentence. A few months prior, he might've had the youthful gall and vigor to challenge the front of a speeding truck, but as he stood balanced upon his unsevered foot, he struggled to summon the will.

Fairness be damned, he had to try. His eyes scanned the next attack as it sliced through the air towards him. The remaining functional muscles of his body tensed, in preparation for his response… But what response would that be? Block? Run? Recklessly attack? He had to pick one, but with his focus divided between the onslaught of the incoming attacks, he could not find a method to manage each one of them. This was not even to mention the delay his limbs seemed to respond with, evidence of his combat exhaustion.

His palms tightened around the handle of his weapon, holding it forwards and attempting to respond to at least one swing, before his blade was wracked against the spear and torn from his grasp. It soared into the forest, clamoring against the dirt somewhere nearby. Harlow fell backwards, landing on his rear, unable to muster the strength to stand. He had been thoroughly overwhelmed.

"A-ffirmative." Harlow panted, responding to Lucia's last comment. He watched as the hurricane of spears dice up the air nearly where he once stood. "Well fought. Sylvanas. Thank you. O-ver." He managed, curling his remaining foot into his lap and leaning forwards in a slight bow, sitting up straight to take a deep breath. Somewhere beneath the back of his cloak, a piece of his anatomy seemed to rise and slink free. Floating into the air, a magitech drone hummed across the forest floor, kicking up leaves on its path to retrieve Harlow's foot. Bringing it back with a small, buzzing metal arm, the drone would place it and begin to reattach it to Harlow's body, applying immediate medical aid to the artificial humanoid.

He reminded himself mentally that this was not a place for pride. That this defeat was a healthy stepping stone to the victories of tomorrow. But the pain of his leg and the sting of defeat lingered in his mind, no matter how close he came to the wisdom of the good loser. He had a long way to go.

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

With a small smile, Lucia stood up from her chair as well. Approaching Harlow with a hand out, if Harlow didn't struggle, that hand would land on his head gently as if petting a cat or pet as she spoke. "In case you were curious, the best option in this case is usually to parry towards the ground. Divert the flow of force downward into the earth and let the ground halt the momentum instead." Lucia explained with a small smile. "This is why people build wooden stakes into the earth and plant spears in the ground to stop cavalry charges. No matter how strong the charge, it can't move the planet in other words." Lucia tried to offer the trick, though it was far from enough to be considered a weakness of Sylvanas's the knight was no doubt used to opponents who had the technique or capacity to halt her gathered momentum, it was the best way to meet the knight on equal terms at least.

While explaining though, Lucia would exert some power to use Divine magic, threads of fate helping to pull his foot back onto his body and seal them together in an effort to shorten the required healing time. "As for the reason I wanted you to see this. It's important to expose yourself to unique forms of combat here. So many people come here to 'play', they'll swing their swords wildly, or cast 'fire ball' every chance they get. So few invest time in things more complex, such as actual blade techniques or more involved spell casting that can make use of their expansive repertoire. I'd like it if you didn't fall into the same habit of simply relying on a bigger number in your mastery stat." Lucia began to explain "Sylvanas only has three Masteries, Piercing, Aura and Guard Arts, but she could wield a technique like that by combining them all together." Lucia tried to offer hoping it might be a bit inspiring to see what a simple three masteries could accomplish when together.

Though she said so, Sylvanas gathered up her spear, gradually settling down, exhaling a breath of that red fog until it ceased pouring from her eyes. Reaching back to begin strapping the weapon back to her back, she spoke as if partially insulted by Lucia's words. "Our Saintess used her skills to create us, I hardly think my display of skill is an apt description of possibilities by comparison Saintess." The summon spoke thinking it's own achievements were marginal compared to the creation of an existence such as her and the others who were it's peers. Despite the Wight Queen's comment though, Lucia just kept smiling, not so much a prideful person that she'd agree with the praise.

Instead, she offered a hand to Harlow in an effort to help him up as she continued to explain while considering the man's abilities further. "I'd recommend you consider a technique that suits you as well. Though Sylvanas's Hirazuki Gatotsu might be a little difficult for you to imitate, there are a lot of techniques out there, some that would surely fit you perfectly." Lucia hoped the man wouldn't receive her words flippantly and would work on developing down a path she considered proper. Of course, without the knight baring down on the man, Sylvanas relaxed, strapping the blade back to her back, though her eyes still crimson red she retreated to Lucia's side as a loyal subordinate would be expected to.

 

[Harlow]

Harlow made no movement to evade the hand, relying on the goodwill of his company now that he was properly exhausted and injured. Reaching for the same place he had before the training, he pressed the button upon the ridge of his scapula. A sharp inhale came to his joints, and he entered a more rigid posture, indicating that his pain limiter had been toggled on. Just in time, as the waves of agony had begun just as quickly as his wounded lower limb was being reattached by the drone. His head held still as the hand came to move atop it.

He nodded, opting for movement over words, as his breath was still somewhat stolen in panting, not a mark of sweat across his Magia physique. He had heard the sentiment before, but this game was offering him much more realistic experience with first-hand combat than he had ever come close to in the real world. Lucia was definitely right, and he would be using that wisdom to his advantage in the future, if/when he had the opportunity to rematch the Wight Queen. The translation from knowledge to execution is where things became worrisome, however.

"Affirmative. Combining abilities. Makes them more difficult to predict. More dangerous than any number." He had attempted something similar, using his Magitech to dodge, and combining his awareness with his sword capabilities to deflect attacks. Surely there were more combinations and creative implementations of the masteries at his disposal that he hadn't imagined yet. "Raw power is wasted when used aimlessly. Sylvanas was not aimless. Over."

Harlow gave a nod of respect to his partner in training. He was still on the fence about whether Sylvanas was a player or not, until the being admitted to having been literally created by their Saintess. If this minion could be made by Lucia, Harlow worried the thought of what his boss was capable of alone. It was a relief that she was one of the good guys, right?

The drone appeared to be only installed with the most rudimentary of medical procedures. Enough to maintain life or apply cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but not much beyond that. Harlow held still as the divine strings began to assist and surpass the efforts of his drone in reattaching the wounded appendage.

"I am unsure. Something defensive focused." Harlow took the hand offered, placing his other palms against the dirt and lifting himself, carefully putting pressure upon his wounded leg. He was surprised at how quickly it had been reattached, but remained hesitant to trust entirely. "Few. Careful strikes. Precise. And thank you. For the healing. Over."

@Lucia Mierz