War of Dragons 2: Break The World II

It is a new morning, and the Yamatoans are exhausted as a collective. The supply of Coffea has thoroughly run out, and there are some who behold the 'Interesting Mushrooms' some still have with envious eyes. There are many who are asleep or in the medical bay from utter and sheer exhaustion - whilst others are starting to step out onto the trampled grass and stumped lands before the enormous statue.

In truth, the Blind Goddess Statue is a true masterpiece in every way of the word. From its size, to the enormous blade she holds. From the metalic buckles and the countless gems adorning it. The powerful figure, standing in masquerade mask and armored robes, gazing towards the far-off city of Lumina Cloth strikes a mighty presence that cannot be defied or ignored.

The sun continues to rise, and with that comes a great deal of shadows from the east. Another battle-formation coming from Kallamore, though this one is smaller than the last. Which suggests they are either looking to scout out their position, or finally brought out their aces. Whatever the case may be, Pekos approach as the sun rises at their backs! Still a ways out, but at the speed those Pekos move, it will not be long before they arrive!

Kaydon had been working almost non-stop since this project began. Hammering out tools to help with the construction, and blades to help keep it defended. He had gotten his first full night of sleep in a long while, and was emerging from the tent where he had been sleeping when the calls go up about enemy forces on the horizon to the east.

Kaydon starts to rouse anyone he can, figuring their best bet would be to muster the defenders now. He makes his way while he wakes folks up towards the defensive perimiter that had been established, getting up and using one hand to cover his eyes from the sun as he peers across at the smaller but clearly faster force.

"I don't suppose you think they're on their way to surrender to us?" He asks, to nobody in particular, before he pulls his gunblade off of his back and ensures each of the chambers has a fresh mana cartridge.

    Elly has, for the most part, been quite good about getting adequate rest. She can hardly maintain proper work schedules if she herself is not obeying the rules. By now, the presence of enemy cavalry is rather old hat. She has made a point of staying out of combat, but her healing and legendary meddling with outcomes is far more dangerous than her blade.

    "Prepare another defense group," she calls out calmly. It is not likely she even needs to give a command, it is a matter of habit at this point. She is no general here.

    "It would be wise if they did give it up at some point. I keep wishing the next group will seek to offer prayers to the Goddess instead of standing in shameful support of slavery. If they seek trouble here again, though, they shall find all they can handle and more."

    It had been a good while since anyone had seen Arashi. With all the commotion and work on the statue going on, maybe it wasn't really noticed, but when the fighter showed up the night previous, she couldn't help but be impressed by the workmanship. Truth be told, the warrior had been back to her old ways, seeking shards and doing it everywhere but .. well, near by. Mostly within Aincrad and in some unexplored locations back in Yamato. With so much of the area exhausted, and with the Dragon Lands a bit more open to being searched, she had finally hopped a boat. So. Here she is.

    At the alert, she's probably one of the first Kaydon rouses, "I swear, I didn't bring'em with me," she grumbles as she rolls out, splashes herself with some water to really get herself awake, and after that she just sort of shadows Kaydon since he knows his way around the area a lot better than she does. "Care to explain or do I just need to know 'us good they bad'?"

As the morning sun rises, the Imp crafter Kita is sitting near one of the camp fires, drinking a cup of tea and looking as if she isn't quite conscious despite her upright appearance. The girl yawns, her white and blue hair a mess across her forehead and her glasses sitting slightly askew on her nose. As the sun glints off of them, she seems to realize this, adjusts the frames, and then scoots a bit to be a little more in the shadow.

Scale Emblem's resident artist looks like anything other than a warrior at the moment. In fact, her usual gothic attire has been replaced with what looks like sleep-trousers and an oversized men's shirt. So, when there is a call for people to gather against whatever it is that Kallamore has to throw at them, well... Kita just slowly stands to her feet. Her mote of darkness, a strange, almost living thing, peeks out from behind her, looking irritated as usual.

"Can't they at least wait until a reasonable hour of morning?" She murmurs, then sets down her cup of tea and reluctantly grabs her spellbook out of her inventory, starting to page through it absently.

    The warmsummer sun, it wa a welcome feeling along the scales of the lizardman who paces infront of the new creation. Slowly back and forth as if he was a predator awaiting it's prey to come close enough Rizadoman stands and waits as he looks at the approaching group in the distant. "Let them come. They will fail once again. "

     From his back Rizadoman retrieves his shield and looks at the statue before towards Wake, " Until we make our way into Kallamore and resolve the owners there and the crowns there they will keep coming. I wish they would simply all come at once. It would be quicker."

Curtana has been wearing many hats to help out with the construction of the massive statue. Construction worker, healer, frontline tank, and even foraging. That last one may be what he will be most known for after everything is said and done. He and Uta had managed to figure out that these rather Interesting Mushrooms they have found, with a few mild side effects, are just as effective as Coffea to keep people awake.

Speaking of which, the knight pulls the mushroom he was cooking from over the campfire and take a bite. There hasn't been too much experimentation as of yet, especially with his lack of skill in Cooking, but something warm this morning could certainly help. It's when he polishes off the last of the fungi that word starts to spread of another battle formation coming from Kallamore. A knight's duty is never done, and with a slight sigh, he examines his longsword and shield for a moment to make sure their durability is still high before moving for the front. "People are stubborn to a fault, it's just how it is. Some people can see for themselves that the sky is blue, yet they'll still state that it's red. I just wish we could open their minds eventually with needing more bloodshed."

    Miyako emerges from the tent she and Kotono have been sharing, stretching out and taking a deep breath before her gaze falls upon the approaching mob. "Well," she muses, then shrugs. "Looks like, what, about an hour before they get here?"

    Her time estimate made, she heads off towards the not-so-makeshift-anymore mess tent. Fighting without breakfast would be annoying. "Someone tell me we have some pancakes left? And maybe maple syrup, or at least some of that fresh jam?"

Yeowang has been more significant in the organization of the project than the crafting itself. That's her area of expertise, and she has brought members of the Red Chain, who are helping out in the medical bay and assisting as and when they can. She has contributed financially to the project as well, including a chunk of her personal assets as well as using her financial resource to purchase matierials for the crafters. It has been a multi-disciplinary effort, to be sure, and her physical skills have seen use as well. It's fortunate she has not exhausted herself with crafting, because the Palace Landers' expeditions need to be repulsed also, and to that end, she has also made herself useful.

Observing the next sally, with a smaller force, she will join Kaydon in forming a defensive position. "It is hard to say," she says, squinting into the distance to see what might be seen with a small spyglass. Wake's words draw a nod, and she says, "They oppose the Blind Goddess at their peril." Arashi gets a puzzled look, and she says, "They sailed across the ocean to try and enslave all of Yamato's players." That's a slightly expanded version of 'them bad', but she seems willing to accept that this is not necessarily an attack as she pans her spyglass to search out individuals, and maybe which standards they carry.

Daiyu for the moment is standing near Wake, parasol at rest upon her shoulder as usual. She's still in her human form, as it had caused less of a stir than walking around in her more commonly scene hulijing werefang form. It was easier to get people to talk to and work on establishing herself a not-evil reputation. Hopefully helping with this endeavor goes a way to that as well.

Though she still gives a wary look on occasion towards others. Especially the ones she'd fought personally while still under the Crown's control, even if she's tried to not be paranoid about it. Not worrying about it would be more dangerous than some healthy wariness until she's certain she's proven herself.

"Lesser numbers does not mean lesser danger," she echos the overall sentiment. "They may of decided it's time to send in the knights and rooks rather than the pawns."

The Scale Emblem has been dedicating an unusual amount of resources to this project. It's as though they'd been sitting on a massive pile of mana and monster drops with nothing to spend it on for several months. It's as though they're a bunch of addicts who have been long since denied a hit of their favorite drug-- until someone came by and offered the best fix they've had in months...!!

Not that Prophylaxis would know anything about those kinds of drugs. Nothing he doesn't /need/ to to know to treat addicts anyway.

The sun rises. Prophylaxis grunts as the camp breaks into a commotion. Another group of Kallamorians ride out from wherever they've been hiding. He had been passed out over a mortar and pestle, preparing... Either some kind of adhesive, /or/ some kind of medicine. It's hard to say. He frowns at the silhouettes on the horizon.

"...Right on time, I guess. Ugh, did they have to pick /now/?"

"Good morning, Uta!", greets a pooka healer with a vague 'priestess' style look to the Musical Kung-Fu Nurse colleague joining the new shift at the camp hospital. Now with an extra Red Chain band around her arm!

"Mpfpfffgmhhhmhh...", replies the Spriggan.

"Not a morning person, huh?"

"Gfpfllmpgflfl...", she grunts back, and sips from a mug.

"You know we're out of coffee, right?"

"Grgl... *sip*"
"...you're drinking from an empty mug again, aren't you?"

"*sip* Glrglpf.."

"Whatever keeps you going," the pooka shrugs. And then, with a lower voice, "I know you've been busy working, like, for a couple days straight, and I'm not sure how you did it, before crashing hard yesterday night, but have you seen that slime frieze someone drew on the outside of the camp hospital tent?"

Mug held aloft. Silent stare through heavy eyes.

"It's impressive." Then, with a quieter, distracted voice, as if it was an afterthought, "especially for having been drawn in crayon..."

Miyako won't be alone in her defense efforts.

Wait a second, where'd SHE come from?

Kotono is skilled at the art of stealth, which makes her a good defender!

"Just thought I'd shadow everyone for a bit," She says with a slight smirk before drawing her blades as her smirk fades. She knows this is no time for jokes. "We'll do this!"

The New World Alliance puts the interest of the people of the world at the front of their mission. They have been heavily invested from the start, galvanized by the rallying cry of thier leadership. Haru, as a Craft Commander, has been helming logistics as well as rolling up his sleeves in Moonlight Accessory Forging and Moonlight Enchanting both. If there was but more time to do more. Alas, finite. Like sleep. Even on short shifts of rest, it feels like there could be more. Haru wakes from the chair he is sleeping in, requisitions half signed in his lap a recently cut opal in his hand. Gem. Pocket. Papers. Desk.

The best part of waking up is Coffea in your cup o/` The worst part is realizing it is all gone. Alllll gone. Haru looks longingly at the empty pot, cup in hand. Sure, he is tired, but the Artificer is often working late hours and is not a morning person. There is a lazy roll of his visible blue eye from the cup to the morning light. He sips his empty cup. Phantom coffea.

"Sounds about right," the silver haired man says as he lowers the cup, "field command, prepare for another engagement." It isnt the first, hardly going to be the last, as he lets a Silver Sword squad leader know. He heads over to Uta, "We really need to get more coffea," he tells the Spriggan.

"It certainly doesn't look like they're looking to surrender." Weed answers Kaydon as he slowly steps out, slowly pulling the long blades he's been using to carve rock with. Flipping them within his hands while glancing towards the approaching army. The man has blue under his eyes from the amount of restless nights he's spent working constantly. Even a Legendary Moonlight Sculptor sees utter exhaustion after this long.

And that's the problem. So much of the people here are suffering from exhaustion. Something that translates directly into lower health and mana pools. There's many who are suffering even worse effects. Badly injured arms or legs. Things that hobble their ability to fight. Certainly, the enemy army will not make them fall this day. But exhaustion may very well ensure that some of those here will be sent back to Yamato forcefully today.

As the sun continues to climb along the horizon, the Adventurers make their preparations. Ready to make yet another stand. Climbing further, deeper across the statue. Slowly reaching higher and higher. A mass shadow being cast by its form. The metal of its blade reflecting forward, creating a 'lance' of light towards the oncoming enemies - who no doubt have to cover their eyes on their approach.

Somewhere, in the distance, words are spoken. A conversation invisible to those here. Yet no less impactful and important to this moment...

        Rrha apea erra, hymme hymmnos jam!

Right before the light hits the gems in its hair, the flower, the mask. And then...

    Notification Your skill with Weapons Crafting has Improved
    Notification Your combat statistics have Improved
    Notification The Blind Goddess has Noticed your Actions
    Notification The Blind Goddess has Noticed your Actions
    Notification The Blind Goddess has Noticed your Actions
    Notification The Blind Goddess' Influence increases in this region

As an almost invisible shimmer of a pulse suddenly begins to burst throughout the land from the statue. Rippling out across the grass towards the approaching army.

"Granted, those slimes look like they were drawn by some kid in grade school, but still, impressive," the pooka finishes.

. o O ( Please don't let anybody have seen me drawing those, please don't let anybody have seen me drawing those, please don't let anybody have seen me drawing those...), Uta thinks to herself alone, in the privacy of her head. When all of a sudden-

    Notification The Blind Goddess has Noticed your Actions

"....aaaAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!", Uta panics. Shimmer stress ball into existence. Squeeze. Squeeze. Squeeeze.

It takes a few seconds. A blink. Then the squeezing slows down, as Uta realizes that there is a more likely explanation, given the other messages.

Silence, mouth agape after she's stuck after an inhale, the exhalation having never happened.

"We... we..."

Silence. Frown.

"We... we... what?" She scratches her head. Then snaps her fingers. "Oh, right! Indeed, we need more coffee Haru," she says, turning her mug over to prove her point by the way it, completely dry, regurgitates absolutely nothing. "It's been to- wait, what am I saying?", she winces, shaking her head. Flick menu open. "The stats! What happened to the character sheet?"

    Elly smiles as the notifications pour in. "I believe this is the appropriate time to say that the tide has started to turn." She maintains a safe distance from the frontline defenders. There's no need to prepare her magic. When the healing is needed, it will be ready. So long as she keeps her mana flowing.

    "It seems today will not be the day I run out of potions."

    Still, preparation or not, with the Blind One's increasing power in the area, the priestess sees fit to channel a briliant radiance through her shackles.

    "And now... it is too late for them to run away."

    She is known for being perhaps a bit too fanatical in her faith. And this is no exception. She is not staying back, but marching forward, up to the front lines, and looking ready to walk right out to meet the charge.

Yeowang rolls her shoulders and takes a deep breath as the riders approach. She is tired, everyone is, but she's got determination and stamina and if they've come expecting an easy fight, they will not get it today. As dawn dawns, though, and the light spills over the land, seeming to 'discover' the now-completed statue. As the light sparkled in the gems, and the notifications scroll across her primary field of view, she watches the shimmer of something rippling out towards the approaching army. Well, this will determine if all the effort was well-spent!

She waits now to see how the skirmish party will react, and if she's about to find out /how much/ her combat statistics have improved.

This isn't the first time that Kita has faced danger, but it is likely one of those she has been least prepared for. Thankfully, many of those gathered around the statue aer the finest warriors that Yamato has to offer. "Wish you were my shield right about now." She murmurs, likely referring to her girlfriend, who has been absent as of late.

The feeling of the strange power washing over them seems to steel the young woman's resolve, her whipcord tail lashing once. "Well, looks like we have someone on our side, at least." With that knowledge, she tucks her spellbook under one arm and lets out a breath. Kita closes her eyes, slightly shifting one ring on her finger. A faint glow forms momentarily, followed by another pulse of energy.

This one seems to emminate from Kita, herself as she mouths something that goes unheard by the others. Words that only resonate in her own mind:

"KITA HAGALAZ SHADOW COUNCIL FEHU AURA ARTONELICO"

Those who can sense the subtle shifts in the powers of Alba can feel it the moment before a white, translucent barrier begins to form around the area of the statue. Kita's eyes seem to flash white-to-blue, the power clearly using her as a focal point.

    Rizadoman hefts the shield up and takes a deep breath, he speaks as if he is ready but his arms can't help but be heavy. "Remeber if you fall make it back as soon as possible. " Taking an extra effort he raises his shield and watches the enemy approach. Any moment now , any damn moment.

     Any moment and apparently the blind goddess will take notice. Rizadoman blinks and feels the stat boost ease some of the exhaustion. For a moment he feels like perhaps it is all over before he hears wake. " Yes the enemy is still approaching. The goddess may now be watching us so do not let her down, we must defend the statue."

Kaydon tightens his grip on his gunblade's hilt, watching. Waiting. The troops are getting closer. "Archers, ready your bows!" He calls out, moving back and forth on the bulwark as the finishing touches are being put on the Statue. Then it happens. Pop ups for buffs.

Kaydon turns to look up at the statue. He might not be much for worshiping any of the gods or goddesses of this world, but he's not going to say no to a little bit of help, "They're not stopping, get ready to loose as soon as they're in range!" He calls back out to the archers, turning again to face the oncoming enemy. Archers will be able to pick off some of them, no doubt. But he's ready to leap over the wall and rush back at them as soon as they get close enough.

Haru's cup is thrown straight up into the air when Uta starts screaming. There it goes. Into the sky. Perhaps it will be mooncup now, partner of moonfis-- just kidding. Haru has no Strength stat to speak of. It comes sailing back down behind him to bonk someone on the head. He is less extreme in the reaction as the text repeats itself behind the purple lens of his monocle. This result is over 9000!

No, the monocle does not break. Wrong genre.

"From the look of it I've gained skill in Weapon Crafting," Haru says in a stoic academic tone of voice. He swipes through the invisible menu in front of him, "which, given my feelings about weapons, isn't the greatest feeling in the world. However, when I consider we are in wartimes, its not a bad thing either." He has still come a long way from rejecting teaching people Enchanting to make weapons of indescriminate violence, but the general vibes he get is rather haunting. Given. His. Past.

Haru offers an alchemical potion over towards Uta. Something to throw. Something with fiiiyaaahhh. "Are you heading to the front lines to meet the threat," he asks, turning to look over his shoulder, "or sticking back here." Here being near the statue that just noticed us thrice over.

Daiyu nods to Elly. "Stay back here where you are safe, Lady Wake, and provide your support." She collapses and lowers the parasol, keeping its hidden sword sheathed for now. Her warfans are better suited. "I shall assist our defense. For Kallamore's eventual liberation."

It would appear that the Statue has been a resounding success... Now they have to put it to use. For the sake of the land she still wishes to call home.

She quickly darts up to join the others forming up lines to meet the incoming forces. She's not an archer, but she does have plenty of ranged magic to hurtle as soon as someone is in range...

At first Miyako gets a quizzical look in reply, "Hey, I just got here last night and the last time I was here it was a Really Bad Time. I'm not entirely familiar with whose who out here," she muses, sparing a long, narrow-eyed look at Daiyu, before glancing back out at the approaching army.

    Notifications! A bunch of them, which gets the direshire to glance up at the statue curiously. "Huh. Well. Nice to ...see you too?" Refreshing! She imagines everyone else needed that a bit more than her, but that boat ride is LONG.

Oh, right, the ARMY. Arashi draws Starshadow, ready to lunge into the fray whenever it comes time to do it. "Well, if that statue is worth anything, maybe I'll actually be able to FIGHT WELL on this blasted continent." Oh, no, she didn't forget how bad it was the last time around.

The knight blinks rapidly in surprise as the slew of notifications go across his vision, not sure at first what to make of it. Was it one of the minor side effects of the mushroom or just mental exhaustion catching up to him? But as he physically feels his stats all around improve, he turns his gaze upwards to give a look towards the statue he help built. Despite being in this world for over two years now, he has considered the Three Goddesses to just be a part of myth of this new world.

Perhaps it's true about what they say about myths, that they are based on some kernal of truth. "Well...thank you, Goddess. I'll try not to disappoint you today."

Turning his focus back to the upcoming battle at hand after his minor prayer, Curtana is feeling much more confident about the near future. This is a second wind everyone needed, and the Pooka readjusts his stance. "Overconfidence breeds carelessness, everyone! Don't let the Goddess' favor make you think you're invincible."

    Miyako hmmms to herself as she works her way through a platter of pancakes with jam, occasionally casting a glance over at the tent to see if Kotono is going to get up in time to join her. Some days neither of them really feels like getting up.

    Eventually, she's finished her meal and dealt with the dishes, and walks out to join those gathering to defend the camp and the monument. Along the way, she spots Daiyu and Wake overlooking the battlefield-to-be, and wends past them to greet the pair with a "Good morning, friends. Looks like this is going to be the big one, hmm?"

"They probably figure that they can get us through attrition if nothing else. Unlike some people, we've been rushing non-stop to meet a deadline," Prophylaxis groans, forcing himself upright. His eyes are swollen and red, a terribly unhealthy look when combined with the dark circles that surround them. "But shows what they know. I'm a Doctor."

His staff appears, materializing in his waiting hand. "I'm used to pulling insane hours. Come on, what I lack in mana pool, I make up for in a stock of mana potions! I've got plenty to burn, ahahahaha~!"

Prophylaxis... gets a bit loopy when he's in this kind of a state.

But his stupor is ameliorated, somewhat, when a wave of divine power washes over him. The statue, shining in the sun, finally seems to have been 'completed,' and the Blind One... Has certainly been gracious with her blessings.

"Freezer burn, that is! Let's see how you all like--" Prophylaxis declares, ramming his staff into the ground with one hand while the other jabs a mana potion into his arm-- /mid-cast/ at that. "--Being put on ice! Nahahahaha!"

(There is ice, it's a lot of ice. It is in fact the bittermost cold many have ever felt. The kind that can only be conjured from personal experience-- and a special bond with a great spirit of cold.)

Kotono was a little late, but she still got up in time to be with Miyako. She had some pancakes as well, albeit with syrup instead of jam. So she likes syrup over jam, so what?

After taking care of the dishes, she follows Miyako out into the area, blades at hte ready. "This may be a big battle," She comments to Miyako, Daiyu, and Wake. "But don't forget that big things come in small packages!"

As the pulse rushes across the land, the Pekos increase in speed. The people on the Pekos raising their hands and pulling their blades. Mages casting shield spells ahead of the army as they get within engagement range. The 'pulse' continues to push forth across the land. Across the fields. It would take some time for them to realize just how far their efforts have ensured this 'pulse' to reach.

Not a moment later, the Dome being erected by Kita engages as well, lifting over the region from within the statue, and then outwards. Slowly rolling further over it. Spreading across its form, reaching outwards. Protecting the area and slowly expanding as Kita gives up a lot of her concentration to erect such a barrier.

Then... something odd happens.

The Pekos slow down...

And the people upon the Pekos seem confused at first. Then look at eachother...

And begin to celebrate. Grabbing at their hats, their headgear, their helmets, and throwing them off of their bodies, before rushing towards the Camp. Only to suddenly halt as a wall of ice forms before them, causing them pull on the reins of their Pekos!

Yeowang has, with the use of the scope apparatus on her bow, and a mouthed incantation, taken a look at the attacking party. "This is the wrecking crew," she confirms. "There are players in the group, known for being very tough as gladiators in the arena. If they can be uncrowned and won over, it will certainly hurt their cause." She has her bow out, an arrow nocked, the bow drawn as she checks the range through what seems to be a bow-mounted scope. She slows her breathing as she watches them charge, then halt and ... throw off their headgear?

"Are they uncrowning themselves?" she asks. They're rushing up, but then halted by the ice. But it certainly seems like the grip of their crowns has been broken, so she will stow her bow and approach the Palace Landers, calling a greeting. Their celebrations are a good sign, and she shouts out to them, "Hail, friends!" And she will see how they reply to that.

"It is not the size of the Spriggan in the fight," Daiyu remarks to Kotono with a faint smirk, "But the size of the fight in the Spriggan." A few people (Hi Arashi!) give wary looks in her direction, but she really doesn't blame anyone for still being cautious about her presence. Most of them have good reason to. Acceptance is something that is slow to build. Trust even moreso.

But then the incoming force starts to... behave oddly. There's a pause. Then a tuck of one warfan under her arm, so she can remove her spectacles and rub the lenses off in a classic gesture of 'Did I really see that?', then replaces them on her nose.

"How peculiar..." Others go first to investigate. She remains where she is, not wanting to make things more awkward if anyone on the other side happens to recognize her.

"My patients need me, brother!", Uta states to Haru, firm. "I will hold my ground here, for I am a Healer, I am Responsible, and most important of all, I am Squishy." A deep nod of unparalleled intensity. "My organism's inherently collapsible structure and your noodly upper appendages suggest we look out for each other, mostly in the form of throwing metaphorical stones from a distance. For only by throwing metaphorical stones shall we break the glass house's glass ceiling that Adventurers live under, here in Kallamore."

Clenched fist. Determination. "Noodle Arms, it's your time to shine!"

* * *

After quite a few seconds have passed, and Uta has shimmered her staff into existence, clasped it, and, with a forward leaning lowered combat stance, has it pointed at the incoming opponents, the Spriggan suddenly stops, and turns back to Haru. "...oh, by the way, by 'metaphorical rocks' I meant magical ranged attacks of course. Because... uh- wait." Snap to look back at the incoming celebration and the- ice?

Uta relaxes and straightens up at the same time, scratching her head. "Wow, Mikage did say that wearing a hat was considered important in Adventurer culture, but I didn't think violations would have been enforced with THAT much zeal!"

A shiver runs down her spine, making her wings flutter. She presses her nurse's cap -hard- onto her head.

    "There is no need to stand for battle, the Blind One fights this day," says Elly to Daiyu. She extends her hands forward and unleashes the light, in this case a laser blast, precisely designed to cut a pathway through the ice that would bar her passage.

    "Let us welcome our friends. Was this not the entire point of our work, after all?"

"--Oh, were they?" Prophylaxis asks over at Yeowang, blinking his tired eyes awkwardly before lifting his staff from the ground and releasing his hold over his frigid assault. "Well, then it looks like the statue worked! Honestly I'm absolutely overjoyed! Ahaha, sorry for the cold reception, friends! I was worried that we might have been up a creek without a paddle there, for a moment! Please, come and have a seat. I'd invite you for a cup of coffee, but..."

"...Well," he looks downcast, "...We've long since run out of that."

    Rizadoman stands tall and readies for battle. The preperations are already underway to it appears, and then he witnesses the removal of the headgear and casts confusion to the others. Turning from one to the other to the other and making sure they are all seeing the same nd then hears Wake and Prophylaxis. "It appears today will not be a day of battle. "

     The lizardman's eyes fall on the headgear though and he frowns, "Haru, Tian, once our guests have proven this isn't a trick, will you both please dispose of the crowns. Best not to leave trash on the ground. "

Grip tightening on the hilt of his longsword as the Peko riders draw near, it seems like the time for battle has come. Hopefully none of the more exhausted fighters will make any fatal errors today...but then a change takes hold of the riders. He watches them carefully at first at the sudden change in their charge, but when they remove their helmets and start to celebrate? That's just as surprising to Curtana as the notifications.

Sheathing his sword, he starts making his way further down the road and raises a hand in greeting to the seemingly newly Uncrowned. "At the very least we have some Interesting Mushrooms that work just as well in a pinch. Might taste rather funny at times, but...I imagine you might enjoy being able to complain, am I right?" It was rather odd timing, for certain, but perhaps the tides of battle in these lands will start to change for the better.

Haru promptly turns to the welcoming party and the chilly reception. He gives a solid jab-reverse to the air in front of him on the cue of Uta's 'Noodle Arm' time to shine. "Behold, Uta, the power of a Crown Breaking Moonlight Goldsmith. With one Noodly Arm I have broken hundreds of crowns." No, he hasn't, that he is aware of. Actually he isn't sure if working on the statue contributed to the effect. Another jab-reverse. Go Noodle Arms!

A turn of the head to look at Uta, "Headwear is very important in Adventurer culture." Case and point, Riza has a Crown request. "Tian and I will do a sweep," he lets the Law Lizard know, "will need a visual sweep too." Because, really, its a great way to trojan horse the whole effort by faking being Uncrowned. Ayame, where art tho and thy Crownsight?!

        And the winds are singing freedom, they sing it everywhere
        They sing it on the mountaintops, and in the city square
        They sing of a new day dawning, when our people will be free
        Come and join the song of freedom, let it ring from sea to sea

    It's not Miyako's turn on the front lines, although she certainly isn't staying out of the fight. Instead, she has a song to inspire friend and foe alike.

        There's a time laid out for laughing, and a time laid out to weep,
        There's a time laid out for sowing, and a time laid out to reap
        There's a time to love your brother, and a time for hate to cease
        You must sow the seeds of justice, to reap the fruits of peace

    She flashes Kotono a cheerful grin and a thumbs-up, before she returns her hands to the guitar-strings and her song.

Kaydon waves off the archers as soon as the pekos do start to slow down, and then watches as things suddenly go...Well, chaotic, but in the best possible way. He doesn't put his weapon away yet. Because there's always a chance it could be a trick. He remains suspicious, but that's just him.

"What do you need me to do, Haru?" Kaydon asks, looking to the human, "Honestly I was expecting a fight, not an off button."

"Primary objective: I need a visual inspection of our new friends to validate they have their crowns removed. Apprehend those that are not for manual removal. Those that clear," Haru considers a system for this, taking out a bag of the many practice rings he has been working on since his trip to the Goldsmith workshop, "can wear this as a sign of being checked. Once that is done, the Secondary Object: I'll need the fields scoured for disposed Crowns that are not destroyed so we can smash them up proper." The Artificer hands over the bag of rings to Kaydon, "Take a squad of Adventurers with you. Many hands make light work." A smile, "Who knows, you may find a spy and get that fight anyway."

Blink. Another glance at Kaydon, the statue, back at the 'army', and then she sheathes Starshadow. "Um. ... Victory?" She almost sounds a little disappointed, but if this means they won and people are 'liberated', then, yay, she supposes. "Yeah, I'll stick with you Kaydon. This honestly feels way to easy, but for the amount of work you all put in, it may be the reward. I dunno."

As the ice walls come down, the group of Adventurers dismount and put their equipments into their Inventory. Undoing any armors they have on in that moment. It takes a bit of time for some of the heavily armored ones to wait for the cooldowns on unequips for some of them. But it isn't long before they Adventurers are in common clothes.

They look absolutely full of joy. Off in a corner, a woman and a man touch hands together and just hold eachother. Placing their heads together as they cry together. But the majority seem to be 'on their own', coming forward.

"Inspect away." Most of them remark. Some of them a bit insulted at the idea. But in general, they are too overjoyed. Anyone that gets nearby gets a touch to the shoulder. No hugs or anything of the like. But people like Prophylaxis get a; "Thank you uncle." And people like Baroness Wake instead get a "Thank you auntie!" A rather strange exchange to some of them, no doubt. But to those that have Chinese family back whence they come, this may very well be familiar to them.

Kaydon gives Haru a quick salute and then takes the practice rings and stows them, turning to Arashi, "It's not quite final yet, but it's certainly a start." He has to admit that he's happy it worked. He likes to fight, sure. But this is going to hurt the Palace Lands leadership far more than any battle would.

He's staying in his were fang form, an intentional act. He knows Arashi would do the same. After inspecting folks, he gives them one of Haru's rings, then lets 'em go. It's almost like taking POWs, in a weird sort of way. Are they POWs? They're esentially surrendering soldiers.

Uta glances sideways at Curtana. A dubious glance, as if for asking, "...would that be a good idea?"

"...I remember that song," Uta comments over Kotono's voice. "You sang it when we encountered that ghost ship at Maidensong Island!"

Knowing it in advance, Uta harmonizes with Kotono; now it's two voices joining in the impromptu Spriggan concerto.

"Before we smash all the Crowns, shouldn't we ate least take a crown to a Loremaster who specializes in knowing objects- or, well, take the Loremaster here, I guess, so we can learn more about them?", she offers to Haru.

And then, when unquipping has taken place and all that, Uta offers to perform medical inspections on people, to ensure that everything is, indeed, fine.

And while she cannot use the kind of Law checks Ayame can, she can at least 'look closely to see if there's headgear, possibly hidden, just in case.' Yes, she really has to run her hand on your skull. It's a serious medical procedure, honest!

As it is typical in such circumstances, Uta begins some small talk with the patients. "So, uh, have you noticed the statue?"

    Rizadoman moves past the group as they come in to be inspected, the lizard is already thinking to the next day. " Do you think the goddesses blessing... do you think it reached Lumina Cloth? Just how far did it go." The lizard turns and looks up at the blind goddess statue for a moment before giving a reverend bow of his head. Holding the pose for a few moments he steps back towards the troops. "Anyone want to volunteer for a mission to scout the nearest towns. We need to know if we happen to find a trail of headgear from here to wherever. "

    Having lived in Shanghai for a few years, this is familiar to Elly. She bows politely, and does not brush off any kind greetings. But swiftly her attention is back on the matter at hand. Specifically, the field of discarded crowns.

    "Haru, I will bring the light. Will we be needing to study these any further, or are you satisfied that we know all that is required to remove them going forward?"

    What she means by bringing the light is soon clear. She's trying to make it easier to find the troublesome crowns on the ground by using different colors of light. One of them should make it easier.

    "Can someone please get us a count of our newly uncrowned, so we can verify nothing is left behind?"

With the instructions from Haru given, Arashi decides to let Kaydon deal with the rings. The direshire will wander out further to look for the crowns. May as well. She's really good about looking for things in weird spots and places. Its how she's found as many shards as she has at this point. "Crowns eh? lets seeeee...... "

Yeowang will step forward and greet the Palace Landers with a wide smile. Seems like this /was/ all worth it, and our efforts have been rewarded. She will step forward and touch shoulders, as seems to be the custom, and she seens pleased to greet everyone and welcome them, though she's not sure what she's welcoming them to, exactly. She spoke Chinese before entering the game, but her experience is entirely in the realm of business, so she's not quite used to 'auntie' and 'uncle' as terms of address. It doesn't come up much in a boardroom. But she will greet the Palace Landers, and make sure no one wandering on their own drifts away too far. This is a time to rejoice.

Kita's eyes continue to flicker between white and blue as she holds her concentration on the protective elements that surround the statue. Even as it seems that their enemies may very well have turned to allies. It's just that lingering bit of distrust that comes from someone who has seen the damage that one of the Crowned can bring if they are let lose to case havoc.

"This is all very strange." She admits, despite the fact that she, herself, looks quite strange at the moment. Standing with a spellbook in her hands, wearing little more than pajamas and clearly engaging in some kind of powerful spellcasting.

She looks over towars Haru, the resident expert in Crowns, and then back to the others, still holding out the protective energy for the time being. "Let me know when they're cleared. I'm not planning on letting this barrier down until we're sure that we aren't letting enemies through."

Kita does look towards some of the newly Uncrowned, though, her expression showing some mix of emotions that is hard to identify.

It's a peculiar turn of events. But a welcome one. Daiyu relaxes herself when no one comes to arms over the matter. Success. "Welcome back to freedom." She stays back from doing any actual inspections because that might raise question, even if they're incorrect suspicions. These are her people though so she's quick to step in to offer reassurances and comfort where needed to others, and taking down information such as names as they go through cleared and get their rings. "Already on it," she remarks towards Wake. It is at least one of her skills she can put to use right now.

She will also explain the uncle/aunt thing to any Yamatoans not familiar with Chinese culture.

The Pooka knight might still be a little on edge, especially with all the constant assaults, but a chance of some of their former enemies turning into allies is one he's happy to take.

Giving Uta a dubious look and thinking about his own experiences with these mushrooms, he nods his head once. "It's likely not, but it's certainly something. Perhaps we can offer them some stew instead..."

Curtana also aids in the search of tossed Crowns, his eyes scanning around with an odd color tint to them as he uses his Apprasial skill to aid him. Certainly not how it's usually used, but it would help in making sure some tossed headwear was indeed a Crown or not.

Curtana is completely unused to being called Uncle by people he has never met before, but taking it as a sign of greeting, he responds with a "No thanks needed, but glad to help" and a pleasant smile. These people have been through a very rough time, and the way they cheered? It seems the Crowned were very aware of what they do...

There is a moment where Haru considers Uta's request. He smiles and says to his sister, "We have done that in the past, but you bring up two good points. One, the properties may have changed when impacted by this phenomenon. Two, we may have overlooked something and more data is better." He goes to ruffle Uta's hair, "Plus if it makes you happy, go for it. Thats the important part. My mind is a bit foggy from lack of sleep for who-all Loremasters what, so can I entrust that effort to you? I'll also get an Appraise in, I haven't tried since I made the Greater Identification technique." It dawns on him. He... hasn't Appraised the Statue after it activated. A finger goes to his silver monocle as it lights up, white text scrawling on one side.

When the Appraisal finishes, Haru responds to Rizadoman, "I don't know," in terms of the distance, "we will need to dispatch scouts and get out to our intelligence network for the response to this. Establish a new DMZ that this statue offers." There is a nod as Riza is already on the same page there and getting it all together.

"I'm concerned about their mental states," Haru says to Elly. Yes. Haru is concerned about people's emotions and mental health even if his demeanor contradicts that often. "I am not satisfied that this is anything more than initial mania. Can you help with monitoring and counseling like we do with the other Uncrowned? By sunset the jubilation may crash into guilt and remorse and we will want to be there for them when that happens. Conversely, there may be elements at play that soothe these wounds and it will help future Uncrowning processes."

A thumbs up is given to Kita, "Thanks, Kita. It is greatly appreciated." At the end of the day this is a symbol of what a joint effort can accomplish. Something that the Palace Lands cannot ignore.

Prophylaxis may have never been to China, but he's definitely been around the block enough times to have various Chinese visitors calling him Uncle over the years. "It's fine, it's fine. I'm just glad you're all feeling better. And that our hard work is paying off. We built this for all of you, but in part for us too, so there's no need for thanks. Instead, if you want to pay us back, how about you start by telling us your stories, eh?"

"Though I apologize that we don't... exactly have a well stocked /anything./ We spent basically everything building that majestic monument over there."

Of course, he'll be around to help with the post-liberation melancholy. As it happens, he does have quite a bit of experience with that kind of thing.

    Nodding thoughtfully to Haru's suggestion, Elly says, "You are right. My place is with them. I will tend to them as well as I can and learn as much as they are able to share. I want to find out what is likely to befall our camp next. That these people do not return will spark some curiosity. I suggest we do not allow any report to get back to the Landers, if we can help it."

    Turning from the crown search, she makes her way back to those who have been freed. A gentle word, a smile, and doing what she can to make them welcome may not mean much in the grand scheme of the war, but it means something to the priestess.

The crowns were left behind earlier. But when Curtana goes looking for them, all he finds are broken pieces - and light that drifts to the skies. Torn assunder Relics, taking some time to quicky disintegrate, but clearly no longer functional at all, or just utterly destroyed and already gone by the time he reaches that spot.

There's thankful words being spoken. A nod to Daiyu, a smile from Baroness Wake. A man at the head remarks; "It's just a hundred of us. They pulled some of the best Arena fighters." He then pauses for a moment, before pointing out ten of the people present immediately to Baroness Wake. It's a subtle thing. "Arrest those ten if you know what's good for you." He whispers to her quickly. A small group in the back that's staying a bit more in the distance. A bit wary about what is going on.

    Elly listens carefully, and takes note of those who are reported. It is sad, certainly, but her tears fix nothing. Seeing Arashi is near, she will convey the message very quietly.

    "We need to detain some of these people. If we can do so without causing trouble, it would be ideal."

    She drifts back into the conversation with the newly uncrowned, keeping an eye casually upon the ten suspects. It would not help things if one were to slip away in the meantime.

Oh. Oh that is something Arashi can do. A wave for Kaydon from behind everyone is thrown up, and after that? She wanders toward the group. She doesn't reach for Starshadow, but its clear she's ready to as necessary. "Alright, you lot, all of you," she announces, looming, waiting for them to either look her way or react however they may. "You all need to come with me. -Now-."

Maybe it's a good thing that Kaydon stayed in his were fang form, as he hears Wake tell Arashi some folks need to be detained, "I'll go with you." He says, as he moves in behind her, "You heard the lady, folks. Lets not make this difficult."

Kaydon motions for Arashi to follow him, pulling the group away from the others. He has some excess chain in his inventory, they can use it to restrain them, once they have them seperated and he's sure nobody is going to cause a problem.

Uta proceeds with her medical examination. Quick, professional, to the point. "Nothing of note on the medical side aside from the usual stressors from being uncrowned. Everything else as expected, it seems." Not 'normal'. Not 'fine'. 'As expected.' At least Prophylaxis and Wake will pick up on the subtle cue -- their prediction about thesde people being about to emotionally crash is confirmed. And by the subtle hints in Uta's expression, they're going to do so soon.

It is of note that she is still holding her staff, the staff whose gem is shaped like an anatomically correct cryrtallized heart of a Siren; and it's shaped like that because, well, that's exactly what it is; as such, it works as a focus gem particularly apt at unlocking some techniques the Sirens are known for, And these people look like they might need a lullaby on steroids soon...

    There are more songs in Miyako's arsenal, and she doesn't hesitate to share them as she watches the Kallamoreans celebrate their freedom and the adventurers welcome them. She doesn't hesitate to follow the others into the crowd - positioning herself near to Daiyu, keeping an eye out for possible dangers even as she sings her welcome.

    She's not afraid. Not here to hurt anyone, or take revenge for the things they might have done. She was shocked, certainly, by the event. Started the one song out of sheer reflex. But she's running with the theme, now. Keeping their attention on her while a handful of troublemakers are escorted away.

The intel and instruction to detain some members of this new found party is met with narrowed eyes from Kita as she pushes her glasses up on her nose. "Make sure their hands are bound behind them so they can't activate anything menu-driven." It's one of those things she's picked up on, having run the security around Tolbana since early on in the fight against the Palace Landers. "And gag them for good measure, so they can't chimlink information."

It might sound a bit cold-hearted, perhaps, but better safe than sorry. All of this, of course, coming from someone who looks like a punk teenager who just got woken up for school and hasn't bothered getting properly dressed yet.

With that, she seems to linger closer to the statue, arms folded, focus still seeming to carry to whatever sort of technique it is that is keeping that shimmery barrier around the statue. The girl will likely keep that going until the area is fully cleared by the scouts. It could... be a while.

While Miyako is singing, she's also keeping an eye out for trouble.

Kotono is also doing the same, albeit without the music. She's got her hands near her blades, ready to draw them at a moment's notice. At least things seem OK right now, but she knows anything can happen at any time.

Yeowang will, of course, join in with the detaining. No obvious armor or weapons, but her poise is iron and she speaks firmly as she will help the effort. It's a bit of a downer that not everyone that's been freed is good with that, but this can be sorted out after things have settled down and everyone's gotten a bit of rest and is thinking clearly.

It's only when Curtana doublechecks his own search pathern that he finally lets out a sigh of relief. Not a single one looks like there's any possibility of being repaired, and the light drifting skyward is proof that whatever doesn't shatter is just junk to be left behind. The very reason for the Crowns is something that sickens him; taking people's free will away and putting them on strings for their masters to control. "Good riddance to bad rubbish."

With that unpleasant task out of the way, Curtana turns to the more pressing matter. Making people feel at home! He does see several of the Uncrowned being taken away, but it's clearly being taken care of, so he's going to help those not being arrested feel right at home. "Please, follow me and i'll make sure we get you some warm breakfast! I believe the cooks back at our camp were putting together some omurice. We might not have any coffea at the moment, but we still have plenty of tea to drink as well."

This is a knight's duty, after all. To protect those in need.

Haru gives an affirmative on Wake and Kita's way of handling the situation. There is a lot to do and they have physical security and intel under control with the help of others such as Arashi, Kaydon, Yeowang, and Curtana. Medical inspection from Uta and Prophy is going well. Miyako giving some much needed levity to with music to keep the morale from being dampened by the risk protocols. As for the Silver Sword Commander? He needs to get details in a report while it is still fresh. One hundred free. Ten dissenters. No, observed, spies. As healthy 'as can be expected'. A foothold that can also serve as an arming base.

Daiyu turns her attention for a moment when a small group is pointed out, and it's mentioned that they're experiened arena fighters. Not any she recognizes, but the roster has likely changed many times since she was an active participant. But thankfully others are taking heed to the warning, and between Wake's skills with people and two strong Were Fangs (she knows, having fought both of them) to handle any physical trouble, keeping them under scrutiny shouldn't be too hard.

It is wise to keep an eye on the newly released regardless, just as they had her. Not everyone who bore a Crown was forced into loyalty.

    With the suspected traitors apprehended, Elly can relax. Even if she was giving no signs of being anything but relaxed.

    She will take her time, getting to know people. The prisoners are a matter for another time. After being enslaved for so long, these uncrowned need space, support, and clarity on what is to follow. Even knowing the little details, like where to sleep, helps when one's world just got turned on its heaad.

    When they are settled in, Elly will step away to seek out Haru. No doubt he's in the middle of NWA business, but she can be patient and wait for him to finish with that. In the meantime, she can chim her wife with the news. Any day without fighting comforts Tae.

Gwen had been here the entire time but had not made too much noise. She stared in awe as something happened and she gets notices as the notification ands she just stares for a moment at what happens. The blind goddess notices her actions, she acts and a miracle happens she stares in awe at what's happened they have freed many of the enslaved at the call to arrest ten of them she looks to the Baroness. The traitors are quickly busted well this was a thing the happened.