War of Dragons 2: Act of Rebellion - Light - 3

The last time the team was in this area of the Palace Lands, they encountered a strange Spider Monsters who was under attack by strange Elemental Machines. These machines looked remarkably similar to the Terraformers from a small isle south of Yamato.

There have been multiple attempts at finding out where they were coming from. They have since learned that these machines came from a Pooka (?) known as Potimas Harrifenas. And others noticed they came from the west.

The Palace Land crews have not seen these before, but scouts have been sent out into areas they've not previous scouted before. And that has led them to a particular spot...

Into the long beach sands to the south-eastern edge of Thor Kingdom, the team goes. Seeking out a mysterious 'glint of metal'. Once they arrive...

A monster suddenly jumps out of the sands, rearing its arms up and its spiderous legs step forward. Scythe glinting in the sun, as it chitters and points at the group and the hatch, while swinging the Scythe most ominously at them. It looks like it might well attack!

She's been here and there in this whole operation, and today Kotono is back again.

She's always happy to help out in any situation, no matter how big or how small the situation might be. Although in this case, it looks like she might have gotten a little over his head with this one, given how big that monster is.

For Kotono, though? It's all about the challenge!

"I'm ready for this!" Kotono says as she gets into a fighting stance. "Let's do this!"

While the spider-monster certainly looks threatening, there is one sure sign that all may not be as it seems. What is that sign?

Rama, darting towards it and plopping his butt right down onto the sand, his nub tail wiggling. If the cat likes someone, they can't be bad, right?

"One moment. They aren't a threat. Just..." Mikage seems to close her eyes in concentration, picking up on the creature's meaning. "She's just showing what she wants to do to those robots. She's not threatening us." Since there may be some present who aren't familiar with the creature.

Then, to the spider, she offers out, "{We are here to help. But you're looking pretty fearsome to those who don't know you, my friend.}" The others can hear this, as well, but the Were Fang is also trying to push the message through the unique form of conversation they have, one that causes their earrings to glow slightly.

    And Kotono is, as usual, not alone. Miyako arrives in her partner's shadow - quite literally - with a flourish of war-fans and a grin.

    "Hold on a minute, Ko-chan," she advises the other Spriggan. "We're not here to /start/ a fight." Just to finish one.

    She closes her fans with a dual 'click', and the weapons disappear into her sleeves. Despite the apparently peaceful stance, however, she keeps a wary eye on the spider.

After the time she spent scouring the Palace Lands hunting various unusual creatures big and small it was only natural for Shiruba to join up with a scouting expedition of a different sort. Especially one like this. Was this another instance of the two servers having similar assets but they were utilized in different ways? Or did the Palace Land army visit the island while they were in Yamato and drag some of the machines home? The only way to know for sure is to investigate.

Of course the sudden appearance of an angry spider-being has her reflexively up in arms. Literally. As Thundersnow Howl is up and nocked with an arrow before the creature stops its gesticulations.... then lowers again as Mikage steps in to commune with the entity and explain what's going on. "Oh... uh... clearly they're not use to communication outside of their own kind."

The spider's appearance on the horizon makes Kaydon immediately reach for his gunblade, pulling the weapon from his back up onto his shoulder. He starts to move forward, until Mikage steps up and explains.

He puts the heavy weapon point down against the ground, resting it but still ready. He's always willing to give diplomacy a chance. Not himself doing diplomacy, of course. His diplomacy is much more direct.

    Merek walks along casually, and takes his time to relax when they come upon the spider. He is wearing his dark attire, with hood up. He doesn't look like he's about to do anything, or really say anything. He's too much into his thoughts, though he does nod to people, and to Mikage, when it looks like there won't be a fight.

Schneider is, as Mikage suggests, feeling threatened by a giant spider waving a weapon. But we're told it's not theattening, so, okay. He will stand by, then, to wait and see what happens. He can always drop hellfire -after- it eats Mikage, if it comes to that. But it looks like the spider-thing is OK with us after all, so his decision not to drop all the fire was good. Well, things happen. He will look over the spider curiously, if there's anything to be gained, but his mind is on our goal. .oO (What is our goal again?)

    Setsuna was quite interested in this so called Pooka(?) that seems to be ancient and yet still alive in this time and able to create machines with system protection. More importantly he is totally trying to get on his spider girls good side and build some good will with her. So he had came out back out to the Palace Land to track down the source of the machines.

     Searching for the source has led to some interesting rumors about fun happening on the beach, and there is fun indeed as the spider girl has appeared in front of them, wielding a wicked looking scythe. As Mikage tries to calm the lady of the sand Setsuna fills in the others, "This is a good friend of Mikage and mine, she has helped us a couple of times and we have returned the favor. She is definately not a monster we wish to fight. Besides I am pretty sure even if we did we would lose, or worse we would win and something scarier would come after us. " The necromancer fails to fill in the part on what is scarier as he moves pass the scythe to the hatch and begins to work on it. "So yeah, moral of the story , be polite"

     With his warning given he gets closer and closer to the hatch as he begins to work the lock more and more getting a bit frustrated as it seems more and more complicated before he finally takes a final breath and winces as he tries one final thing before the lock is undone and the hatch opens. "That was a little more difficult then expected."

The spider, on Mikage's communication with it, raises the scythe and pole into the air and chitters. Almost like it's celebrating something. Motioning to the group at large, and almost seeming to... cackle?

Almost like a Tuskan Raider.

The Scythe then suddenly descends with a massive SLAM into the door as Setsuna unlocks it, unable to breach it, but at least it stabs the tip in a bit... and she begins to leverage it open slowly. It's a sizable hatch, easily capable of allowing something the size of a truck inside, until it gives way...

Into what looks like a technologically advanced version of a Pooka tunnel. Perhaps more similar to the halls of the Isle of Terraformers, if one ignored all the plantlife. Metal walls, lights glowing along the edges. A path that leads deeper and deeper...

Until it reaches what looks almost like a steam-punk like factory. Cogs shifting, steam puffing out. The entire place is incredibly humid. They see multiple tracks along the edges where carts are actively rolling, populated by multiple colors of Chims.

The factory, the size of about a baseball field, hard at work creating what looks like parts for more of those ice based 'Terraformers'.

Shiruba is an explorer and scout, so she has little issue with venturing farther into the opened passage. Until eventually... Oh look, Chims! It's not the first time Shiruba has seen the small entities, but she's still surprised by seeing them here and in full functionality helping around what appears to be some manner of mining factory. The novelty doesn't distract her too much, though. "This is eeriely similar to the Terraformer Isle, no doubt about that. But in better condition. Like this was established here, rather than trying to infest another location."

Idly she tucks her tail to her side and into her belt so it doesn't get caught in any of the gabillion of moving parts they're now surrounded by.

No need for fighting today.

Instead... it's a factory of sorts?

"Wasn't expecting to see something like this here," Kotono comments as she looks around. "Quite an interesting place, I'll give it that." She puts her blades away for now. "I wonder what they do here?"

Even knowing that the spider isn't a threat to them, there are still moments when Mikage can't help but wince at their actions. Especially the sound of the scythe slamming into metal and grinding backwards. To her sensitive ears, it is worse than nails on a chalk-board.

"I guess we have an entarance." As Miki steps forward, Rama follows, still seeming unbothered by the whole situation. He weaves briefly between the spider's legs, even rubbing up against one in a characteristically feline fashion.

"If this is anything like the Terraformer base, we should be careful for traps or mechanical defenses." She advises, taking her time to distinctly not be at the front of the party. In fact, what they find is very /much/ like the strange island South of Yamato.

"I think it being in better condition is part of the problem." Miki answers Shiruba, walking up beside the Cait Sith. "It looks like they are making /more/ of those ice ones. That could spell real problems."

    One might say there aren't many things that make Merek happy. Excited? Maybe. He does like to explore Lore. But rarely does anything make him happy. Which is weird considering the previous run in with Chim Chims led to him being in the pile of them for a day. "Chim Chims! I haven't seen any in a while! Uta is going to love this!" The man walks to where they are at in the steampunk place, not even minding the technologically advanced things, and he smiles at the carts, before he begins to sing.
    "Faura yerwe murfan anw sol ciel. Faura sonwe murfan anw sol ciel ee. Ridalnae sol ciel yanyaue manaf, presia yasra lusye enclone anw omnis, faura selena anw Metafalica." o/¯

    Setsuna scrambles back as the scythe comes down a bit hard to the hatch and then Setsuna sighs relief at what she does realizing she was helping. As the hatch is open Setsuna is quite impressed, "They don't make things like this in Yamato. " Descending down Setsuna is more and more impressed.

     That is until he sees what they are making, the ice terraformers and Setsuna grins, " I think we found the source of the machines. I would highly suggest we destroy this place. I mean a real nuke from orbit sort of destruction. " He then looks to the spider-chan and does his best to gesture an explosion, "I wish Tian was here. Hand signs is more their thing."

Kirito is walking along the group.

He's not making too many advances. He's quiet and keeps to himself. While he doesn't feel necessarily threatened by the large spider waving a weapon, he is prepared to act, a single hand rising to grip the handle of his sword, ready to fight and protect the party.

But he says nothing, letting others who possess more knowledge speak for him. The Scythe slams into the door, unable to breach it, but the leverage does allow the hatch to be opened. "Well...that's good news." A path that leads deeper. "We best proceed with caution."

Schneider will explore beyond the door, but with the rest of the group. Going on ahead just seems like a bad plan, and he's not at full spell capacity with all the things he's supporting. So he will follow after, keep his eyes open, and keep his fireball handy. You never know when someone will need a fireball.

Like Setsuna. "You need this place gone?" he asks curiously. Those who know him probably know where this is going.

The Spider joins the Adventurers down in the bowels of this strange factory-like place. Chittering in confusion at what they're seeing. The spider's size makes it a lot harder to actually maneuver throughout the Factory, so soon it is using its spiderous legs to 'climb' between two pieces of machinery until she is casting the shadow of her abdomen over Shiruba while chittering more.

Then, Merek begins to sing...

And the Chims harmonize with Merek...

Causing the machines to start working faster. Steam coming out faster. Almost like they just got optimized. Lights flickering faster, bands moving faster, and soon, a few cranes finish creating one of the Terraformers, which activates!

Its red eye glowing, staring at the Adventurers...

As it just stands there, doing nothing, while powered by an Elemental Battery.

Then, a voice.

"So, you have found this place. And you've brought that insidious spider thing that has been causing problems." A door at the back of the 'factory' has just opened, and a blonde man steps forth from behind the machinery.

Immediately, the Spider darts forwards, jumping half the length of the factory, and then motions her hands towards this man who is registering on INSPECT as <Potimas Harrifenas> only for...

Her to waggle her hands more. And more.

Then turning at the Adventurers and just waggling her hands at them.

    "Isn't it obvious, Ko-chan? They're making -trouble-."

    Miyako grins and offers the spider a brief bow of thanks before proceeding down the hall. She keeps her eye out for traps, remembering a recent visit to a Terraformer establishment, somewhat unpleasantly. It doesn't keep her from humming along as Merek starts to sing, though.

    And on the party goes... and finds... an Arrogant Jerk!

Lupine ears perk up as Merek starts to sing. The Chims respond to music as they have in the past... except it somehow starts making the factory -increase- in operation. "Merek, stop that!", she yips over a shoulder, though not really mad per say. Just not wanting another incident getting out of hand because he was experimenting.

That and there is another, potentially more important matter to draw her attention as Potimas emerges from the back of the factory. Inspect confirms the identity. Great. Wasn't expecting to have to deal with him directly so soon into the exploration. "Yes, we did. Your.. creations keep causing issues on the surface." Her gaze keeps going back to the seemingly inoperative Ice Terraformer.

    Setsuna looks at the old man as he stands there staring at them and his name on inspect, Setsuna grins with arrogance. "I think that old man is the king of Thor. If we end him, it's one less problem for this war. " Then there is the waggling fingers of the spider and Setsuna grows a little concern as he taps in to the power of oracle to translate and grows a bit pale. Moments later Setsuna is trying to summon a skeleton and is getting nada, "Um guys, I don't have magic. Does anyone else have magic, because my magic isn't working. Spider-chan says it is an anti-magic field, is that even a thing here?" The necromancer is just on this side of panicing

Terek sticks close to Shiruba as they wander through into the strange factory. This place could probably be put to far better use, he thinks, if they could capture it somehow. It seems the others would rather destroy it though.

Which he admits would probably be more fun.

The eye coming alive on the Terraformer gets his weapon drawn again, but there's no attack. There is, however, a voice, "Oh god do we have to sit through another villain monologue?" He does not say that loud enough for anyone other than the folks closest to him. He tilts his head, popping his neck, and not putting his weapon down, though. They don't know who this guy is other than a name, or what the intentions might be. He does know he sounds like a pompous asshole, though.

"Merek! No!" Mikage calls out as soon as the factory seems to kick to life even further. "Stop the singing or I swear to the Goddesses that I will put you in a time-out box." It's a very strange threat.

She might have said something else on the matter, but then a new voice joins the group and her attention turns in that direction. Seeing spider-chan's flailing, she looks over towards Setsuna, expecting him to pick up the next translation so neither of them burn themselves out too quickly.

"Shit." Then, Mikage reaches for her sword, "Guess we can do this the old fashioned way." She doesn't seem all that put out by the anti-magic field, especially as she has ... alternatives.

Schneider mutters a warning into his chim as he takes in the information he's received, then thinks about what he can do without magic. Two things, and one of them is Jack. He uhms, then asks Setsuna, "What is Plan B?" because plan A, incinerate everything, relies heavily on him having magic.

    Merek looks to the Terraformer, and then considers it for a moment. He stops singing, and walks forward while he lifts up a hand. When he comes upon the creation, he places a hand to it and lets his mind reach into it... He frowns pensively, though he tries his best to pull it to the surface. After a moment he looks up to it, "Ah... You haven't given it any commands." He looks to Potimas. "Tell me, why? What do you gain from this? The Chim Chims and the Terraformers are not yours to control, or even manipulate."

"In that case, we'd better keep our eyes open."

Kotono doesn't smile in the least bit at that. If they're making trouble, then it's up to them to stop it. Of course, Kotono's not seeing any trouble yet, but it could pop up at any moment.

"I do believe that my creations are hunting this dangerous monster that you Adventurers have somehow decided to ally with." Potimas answers Shiruba. "As always, proving us right in our concerns about your allegiances. Now you are even cooperating with monsters." His tone dispassionate on the matter.

"Let me guess, you're going to destroy this workshop of mine like the savages you are, in order to stop the annihilation of an extremely dangerous monster." The man lays a hand on his hip and notices that Setsuna is laying out the problem.

Schneider, on the backlines, noting that a fight will go poorly.

"You should heed your comrade's warning." The man begins to step forward, and the Spider seems to instinctively jump back as if she got slashed at --- but nothing actually happened.

"As for why I haven't given the machine any command yet..." He puts his hand on its body. "Because he just got produced, didn't he? A bit ahead of schedule. Do tell me, how did you manage that?" The man asks.

He taps the machine a few times on the shoulder. "And why are the Terraformers not mine to control? I mean, I invented them. That's a bit rude now isn't it?"

    Miyako nods and smiles softly, patting Kotono on the shoulder. Apparently weaponless, she does well at -looking- harmless. But then, she's an adventurer. Harmless isn't on the table.

    She listens to Potifas rant, nodding along, and finally just shrugs.

    "Look. You know we're not going to be able to trash this place. We know it. We knew it coming in. Some of us might -like- to, because we've seen these things messing up other places. But we all know it isn't happening today, right?"

    She finds something to lean against (that, unfortunately, is not Kotono), and keeps her eyes on the Lander. "So... if you really want us not to wreck these things... which, well, they look an awful lot like ones we've seen wrecking other areas before, like I said... maybe tell us what they're -for-? What you're trying to accomplish with them? Then maybe we'll have a /good reason/ to leave them alone, we can turn around and leave, and you can get on with your work, yeah?"

    Merek looks over to the Terraformer, and then back to Potimas. The man seems to think about it for a moment, "... That would make you pretty old, if what we've found with other creations like this to be true. And only a few races are capable of creating something like this. There is an affinity for the Gnomes within your traditions. What exactly are you, Potimas?"
    The man sighs, and seems to think about that question a moment, "It's easy, the Chim Chims are pretty special. Me and a friend put a lot of work into exploring them. I'm sure you could make a few guesses on what I did."

    Setsuna is thinking rapidly as he pulls his dagger from his inventory and grips it tight as he looks at the king. "If you'd use it hunt monsters you'd use it to hunt adventurers, in this instance the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Since you seem disinclined to be friends, we found new ones and she is much better looking then you anways old man." Yep Setsuna seems to be ignoring the warnings about provoking the old man as he looks at Schneider, " It's a factory and we are scale, a lack of magic does not mean a lack of what scale is good at." Setsuna speaks in vague hints as he then looks at the results of Mereks work and then at the chim chims and then considers, "Wait a moment Mikage, what if we overclocked this place enough to make it go off the rails? Know anything to help with that Merek?"

The lack of Magic functionality is a problem. But also gives Shiruba a little bit of justified feeling in her efforts to refine the actual archery aspects of her abilities rather than relying on the magical ones. The elemental magic of her longbow won't work, but it still functions as a bow and she has plenty of non-magical arrows. She knows at least Mikage and Kaydon are also capable fighters without it. Not that she wants to just drop everything to throw down with this mad tinkerer and his creations.

She narrows her eyes a little at Potimas. "Dangerous, you say.. What pray tell did they do to you to earn your ire?"

Schneider adds, to Setsuna sotto voce, as much as the situation allows, "Her name is Kumoko, by the way, and whatever sort of upgunned teratect an Arachne is. It's conning red, which would be bad if we /had/ magic. Is there something we can do to get it back?" He will look around curiously. He does have his own way of changing the world that is, technically not magical. But it might not work, and will certainly starta fight he probably doesn't want.

"I'm not very good at listening to what others tell me to do." While some of the others may be weaker without magic, Mikage doesn't seem to be afraid. She steps forward, sword still drawn and held in a threatening motion. The ranger may not be in her monster form, but she does show her teeth and growl faintly in challenge.

However, there is a look of surprise that lights her features, "You... invented these?" Sure, she had heard of Landers who were very, very old, but the ruins on the island had to have been there hundreds upon hundreds of years. "Why...?"

She motions with her free hand, "These things don't just hunt monsters, they hunt the very spirits of this realm. I've seen them hurt Divine Beasts." And she may very well be protective of them.

Looking over to Setsuna at the suggestion, Mikage's nose scrunches, "It's a thought, but I also don't exactly want to give this asshole more of these things if we're wrong." She reaches up, tapping a stud on one ear, which seems to cause something to glimmer in the air.

In front of the Adventurers, a mini-map of the area appears, one which she allows only their own side to see. You know, for the sake of planning.

"What are they for? They're Terraformers. They terraform." Potimas answers Miyako. "They are autonomous beings that hunt for energy and terraform regions of this world into a better state, as needed." The man seems almost bored answering this.

"If Monsters, Adventurers, Landers, anything gets in the way of that, they will respond as needed to complete their task." He remarks with a lazy motion of his hand, then motions forwards. "And in this case, it's this~"

He's about to say more, when Kumoko suddenly jumps forward. She attempts to cut at him with his scythe, but Harrifenas grabs the scythe between his palms, and then suddenly turns it aside. A kick at her body misses as she jumps back immediately, only to spit some kind of black goop at him.

The man shifts his hand protectively, letting the black substance splatter over his arm... sizzling at his face...

As it begins to drip and leak. The skin melting off. Revealing... some kind of almost robotic face.

The Spider chitters at it and points.

As the Minimap appears for Mikage's allies, they'll notice a lot of RED DOTS behind a bunch of doors on the minimap. Likely Terraformers, waiting to come in on a moment's notice on this man's command.

"I believe it's getting to be time for you all to leave." The man then remarks, as he begins to slowly step forward. Touching the Terraformer near him and commanding it; "Defend this place." Followed by its red eye flickering, and slowly stepping forward.

    Merek looks to Potimas as the spider attacks him, then he notices that robotic face. "Machina, I suppose, is an answer." He then waits to look to the Terraformer, and well... He made it come to being faster with his Harmonics, which means that it now can be used to become the way they will take down the place. "Forgive me Chim Chims, but we can't afford people to be killed." He whispers a quiet song, he tries his best to let it harmonize with the Chims, perhaps to give them a warning.
    Then he points a hand towards the Terraformer as Setsuna and Mikage are giving him the okay to do what he will do. He calls forth the power, aided by the way that Mikage warns him. He doesn't know what to do different... Then he realizes. He adjusts for the preperation, and lets the green circles appear along his wrist where his gauntlet and bracelet are, shimmering up from the strap which he wears along his frame. It sends right into the Terraformer and takes away its Ice power.

Well they got an explaination. One that just puts Shiruba's hackles on end, if they weren't already doing so. "No one person has the right to decide what is the 'right state' for an entire world. Especially when it is changing what is the very nature of the world itself." Mentally she rolls her eyes. It's bad enough this matter comes up with other Adventurers a little too eager to push the world towards their liking, now they have to listen to it from Landers as well?

... Or whatever he really is, as the black spit from their spider-friend reveals something more mechanical underneath. Robot? Cyborg? Crazy, even knowing that some robot-like things do exist in Elder Tale.

Mikage's minimap helps, even if it might just be to make sure of where the exit is. She takes a step back, even as she continues talking. "Actually, nevermind, you're clearly beyond reasoning with."

Shiruba turns tail, so to speak, and bolts between the machinery to dash back towards the exit.

The fact that the being before them is... mechanical has Mikage giving a funny, confused look for a moment. That... maybe something for another time.

There is a plan. But, just a split-second before it starts, Mikage gets one of those strange feelings. It's almost like deja vu. "Merek, wait. Not like that. Do it the other way. I don't know what other way, just the /other/ way." That is not really clear instructions, but it seems to be enough to help make sure that whatever strange power Merek is calling into play, that it has a better chance of going off.

"{It's time to go, my friend. Retreat!}" She calls out to the spider.

And then Mikage's form seems to vanish into the shadows of the hallway, Rama following afterwards. The movement is followed by the quick retreat of footsteps.

It would seem tha this fight is one that's going to have to wait. Getting everyone out of here safely has to be the top priority. Kaydon ran, along with the other Adventurers, hustling as best as his armored behind can manage.

He's got plenty of thoughts about meeting yet another Palace Land Lander with the attitude he's come to expect. Most of which would be censored in the English dub.

    "DO IT!" Setsuna shouts into the chim as he watches the terraformer begin to move to attack the intruders and well if there is one thing he is good at it, it is running away. For a moment he remembers back to his days on the seventh floor just running away and he puts all that running to good use. As he runs he reaches out to Kumoko, <"Big boom is about to happen. It is time we left.">. The response he gets back causes him to slow a little and blink at Kumoko before he looks at the king and grins. This All that is left is one final parting shot as he looks at robo-king. He flips the king the bird while shouting, "All hail the king, for the king is going to burn." Yes Setsuna might be a little eager for this.

"What are you doing?" Potimas demands to know, when Merek suddenly reaches out to the Elemental Machine before him. The green light flows and licks across its body, as the machine begins to shake...

"What did you..."

<"Ice Systems deactivated. Can no longer continue combat. Self destruct initiated - in 3... 2....">

"NO!" Harifenas calls out;

"Cancel self" - "1"

"~destruct!" - "0".

The Spider has already turned, thanks to the warning from Setsuna and Mikage. Sending a sudden rope of web to the entrance and rapidly reeling back! She's seen this happen once more, so she also immediately tries to create a 'ball' of webbing in front of her, to help shield some of the Adventurers. However, Magic is still disabled in the field!

The crew attempts to get away the best they can. But soon, the detonation takes place. There's just a sudden WHITE of heat that blasts across the factory. Erasing pieces of machinery, shattering them. Catching pieces of Elemental Machines in the process... which in turn detonate!

The chain-reaction is fast, devastating. The claws of heat following Adventurers. Those red dots that had been visible on the minimap soon detonating as well. As some of them begin to reach the entrance, the sand is already collapsing down, creating a massive descending sand-pit!

Those who had their eyes on Harrifenas see his entire body melt to the intense heat, the skin melting off, then the metal beneath it melting, the man shattering into light...

And when the team assembles outside...

The spider is motioning rapidly at the enormous sinking sandpit, frantically motioning at the team, then at the pit again...

As the awareness sets in. Dread...

An enormous strike has just been executed upon Thor Kingdom. Under the belief that they just killed the leader of the entire Kingdom that started all of this. The Terraformer factory that could have caused a severe problem during any assault on Dol Dona...

But...

On their PARTY display, they also notice...

Schneider.

Kotono.

Their health marked at 0. And the dreadful sight of tombstones next to their display. Sunken somewhere amidst the sands.

Schneider's defense spells are all magical, which doesn't work, but that's okay because they're all shields and shields don't help, either. So, too little and far too late he will try and run, but it's much too late. He will be remembered, hopefully, as the one face down, floor tanking as its called, and with that old 24-hour timer ticking down. Well, it happens.

Kotono tried to escape using her agility. She is good at evading.

Usually.

Unfortunately, even the best of the best make mistakes.

And in this case, despite Kotono's best efforts at trying to escape as fast as she can, she's just not fast enough. Despite pushing herself faster than she thinks possible, her teeth gritting and her heart racing, it just isn't enough.

The Spriggan's last thoughts before the explosion catches her is, "Miyako... I'm sorry..."

    What is the cost of war? Merek learns that. He walks away from the place, only to look back and notice two of theirs aren't with them. And the King... What has he done? The man looks to Setsuna and Mikage, but he doesn't seem to really have any words to say to them besides, "The plan was mine. It's not on any of you." If not for the protection of System, he would likely be sick right now, not that he doesn't look like he is.
    Yes, the King of Thor had been killed, likely. At what cost. "We can't stay here, there will likely be reinforcements."

In the aftermath, with the sand sinking beneath her feet, Mikage and Rama scramble away. Breathing hard, it's obvious that quite a lot of effort was made to try and get out unscathed.

Once it seems safe, she takes a moment to gasp and catch her breath. Seeing two empty health-bars, she looks back to the sink-hole, bowing her head in respect. "It was a risk we all took, knowing the damage this would do against Thor."

Some concern shows, "But that guy... he was a robot of some sort. How do we know that was the /real/ person? That's my worry." Leaning down, Mikage ruffles Rama's ears. "I don't think I should farsee right now, not after communicating with our friend so much today. But once I have had time to rest... I'll see if we can check in on Thor and find out if we got the right guy, or just his robo-clone."

    Setsuna looks at the gravestones and, well , he isn't upset if anything he is kinda scratching his head as he looks at Schneiders name for a moment, "Well we all die at some point. Cost of doing business." The necromancer seems to have a very casual view of his teammates death before he looks at Kumoko and nods his head, <" Yeah they didn't make it but its fine. They will come back to life in twenty four hours back home. They will be mostly ok. We should take his advice and get out of here before they send people to check. "> He points to Merek while adding the last part and then looks at Mikage, "Yeah I think we either just knocked a big guy out of the war or we all got prices on our head now. Either way I think we have the right to go celebrate, then phone calls back home." If anything despite the two casualities Setsuna seems to be in high spirits.

Shiruba may be in great physical shape, but not being able to back up her escape with one of her magic shields is a hinderance she didn't have more than a few moments to prepare for. But the wolfgirl comes stumbling out of the collapsing entrance at the end of the mad dash and tumbling across the beach before finally coming to a stop, panting to catch her breath. Actually dangling her tongue out like an actual wolf would for a few moments.

It takes a moment to settle herself... and realize two members didn't make it out in time. She closes her eyes, sighing softly. "We will have to get people back home dispatched to the Churches to meet them."

Then rolls back onto her feet. "They're right. We best be away from here before their military shows up to investigate."

To think, the King of Thor was using ancient tech to try and drive out Adventurer and Monster alike...

    Miyako is not sorry to see the place go up in flames. Not osrry at all to see Potty-mas turned into a puddle. But she has no desire to do either herself. So she /runs/.

    It's a simple, flat-out sprint. No time to think. No breath to spare for her songs. Just to /run/.

    And then -

        And then -

            And then -

    In her HUD, a name turns grey.

    Her footing lost as her mind goes blank, she tumbles to the ground, flames washing over her, searing her clothes and ripping into her HP.

            "NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!"