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Samson, his family, and his friend's family have successfully fled to Noba. Marion's warrior spirit reignited by the sight of her son fighting, she has elected to see to it that his training in magic is increased in frequency during their stay in Alder. Lazare is too "fascinated" with this new way of living to object, and Samson himself doesn't feel like pissing her off after watching her badmouth the king of the land she's seeking refuge in to his face.

After a brief bandit-slaying interlude, overlapping with the meeting and saving of some Holmstead refugees, Sir Dyrus is even more motivated to repel the invading Gerxel. This king Augustus... Fighting by his side is truly invigorating.

Examining her Steel Bow idly, Rene sits on her father's flagship, passing the time with her sister as they prepare for the invasion themselves. The benefits of owning Holmstead for the Empire at large, working alongside her sister, father, and dear friend for its sake... Sure, the Wyrmite smugglers' success is concerning, but no one in her father's fleet rides a wyvern as it is anyway.

Samson might be preoccupied and out of the way for a little while, but the son and daughter of the resistance and empire will soon find themselves on the same battlefield.

>A. Be Rene
>B. Be Dyrus

>>46358573
>>A. Be Rene

>>46358573
>A. Be Rene

>>46358573
>A. Be Rene

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>>46358624
>>46358676
"...perfect," you remark, drawing back your bow and determining it properly adjusted, before turning your head up to the next bunk. "Sister," you say, "have you tuned your bow up yet?"

Veiz calls down, "of course I have. Who do you take me for?"

"Alright, just wanted to be certain... Care to play a game?"

"I would... Rather keep my head clear right now," Veiz grumbles. You wonder if she's still upset about Alfred giving all of you the slip.

Before you can answer, however, your door is knocked upon by Cicero, whose voice rings from outside, "er, one of our scouts has returned with urgent information!"

Leading the two of you to your father's office from there, he sits at his desk, opposite a pegasus knight you don't recognize.

"...thank you for your time. Once your pegasus has rested, waste no time in informing the rest of the fleet."

"Right away, sir," she responds before showing herself up. Noticing you and Veiz, she gives a polite nod/bow. "Lady Rene, Lady Veiz."

And, like that, she shows herself out.

"May I ask, now that we've arrived, what this scout had to inform us?" Veiz asks.

"Troublesome news, I'm afraid," Waldrick says. "Due to the success of that Wyrmite-smuggling operation, a smaller force has been entrusted with protecting Noba from Director Belinda's forces, with King Augustus himself leading a much larger force than anticipated to meet us at Holmstead."

>A. How bad could that be
>B. We really screwed up
>C. A minor inconvenience
>D. Write-in response

>>46358959
>>B. We really screwed up

>>46358959
>C. A minor inconvenience

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>46358998
>>46359022

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>>46359229
"So the number of Nobans we're to be facing is increasing a little... Is this any more than a minor inconvenience?" You ask.

"...we could still defeat them, yes, but this 'minor inconvenience' equates to many more Gerxel lives lost in the process," Waldrick replies. "And with wyrmite weaponry in the hands of knights on the Eastern front..."

"But Director Belinda has far superior numbers, and knights under her who have been training for longer than Noba has existed. Surely a Director would have the tactical knowhow to outperform anyway."

Cicero shakes his head. "While your faith in the Central Director is... Admirable, Belinda's military might comes from overwhelming and intimidating her opponents, charging them relentlessly. With how hard wyverns are hurt by these weapons, wyvern riders as a whole might be permanently weakened by the introduction of so much wyrmite to our enemies."

"So what?" Veiz responds.

"V-Veiz?!" Your father says, slightly taken aback by her tone.

"Er... What do you mean, Lady Veiz?" Cicero adds.

"So Director Belinda's own mistakes potentially cripple her forces. We can still quite easily win here, and cut down as many Noban soldiers as possible in the process. Not to mention the morale loss should their beloved king fall like a common soldier... Noba is barely kept afloat by his micromanagement, so a swift death and victory here could make it even more trivial to conquer Noba."

>A. She has a point!
>B. You're not so sure...
>C. She's being very callous
>D. That's the spirit
>E. Write-in response

>>46359565
>>B. You're not so sure...

>>46359565
>B. You're not so sure...

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>>46359686
>>46359768
"I'm not so sure about that, Veiz," you say softly.

"Why not? A ruthless approach is our wisest course of action in battle." Veiz replies.

"Yeah, but..." You tilt your head to one side, "say they retreat after the king is slain, allow Holmstead to fall... And instead of going at each other's throats with Augustus' death, the smaller regions of Noba band together under the martyr, the one man they could all respect."

"Then we don't allow that to happen," Waldrick says. "Under the assumption that King Augustus' fall will signal the rest of their retreat, we must cut down as many Noban knights as possible before that happens. If a majority of their forces are to be aiding Holmstead, bringing them to a swift defeat will minimize Gerxel casualties and allow us to salvage the mission."

Cicero looks similarly displeased with the strategy, but holds his tongue, and you figure that you won't be able to argue this any further.

Veiz, however, has a question of her own. "That scout... Did she report a pale myrmidon with a parasol among King Augustus' ranks?"

"She did," your father quickly responds.

"Then... I would like to ask that he be spared."

"Y-you refer to the smuggler?!" Cicero finally interjects. "But Lady Veiz, to simply let that man go after he singlehandedly caused this dilemma..."

"Who said I would let him go? I simply think that a swift demise is not how he ought to be dealt with."

"Veiz..." Your father utters again, "what are you planning?"

"Beyond capturing this Alfred person," she answers, "what I plan is a work in progress. For now, capturing him is enough."

>A. You'll try not to kill Alfred
>B. No promises
>C. Press for more answers
>D. Write-in response
>E. ...

>>46359979
>>C. Press for more answers

>>46359979
>C. Press for more answers

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>>46360057
>>46360144
"Sister," you ask, "is this about your infatuation with this smuggler?"

Waldrick and Cicero's faces fault as Veiz redders. "N-no, of course not! I'm not a lovestruck fool!"

This is almost adorable, but you hold your amusement back to ask, "then what could it be? To specially request that he be taken prisoner instead of killed..."

Veiz sighs. "Alfred has proven himself as willing to turn against fellow agents of Noba under the proper circumstances, if his smugglers are counted as such. He demonstrated a heart in doing as much, one that I'm certain would be better off beating and bleeding for the Empire."

"So... 'He's a good man, father, I swear he can be changed!'" You imitate her voice poorly, and earn quickly-stifled snickers from Cicero, your father covering his mouth to hide whatever his reaction is.

Redder still, Veiz responds, "qu-quiet! That's not what I meant at all!" And then, a moment later, she clears her throat and straightens her posture. "I simply think that he would make an excellent multi-purpose pawn, should we convince him to travel with us."

Waldrick brings his hand back down from his face, expression as serious as usual, and says, "alright, then... Cicero, inform the scout that this Alfred is to be captured alive."

"Yes, sir... Er, Lady Veiz, do you care about his smugglers at all?"

"Oh, heavens no," Veiz replies. "They can all die. Even he didn't seem terribly fond of them when he cut two down after watching us kill three."

"Duly noted," Cicero says before shoving off.

"Augustus Noba..." Your father mutters to himself afterwards, albeit in a way that you think is a potential conversational lead-in..? "Such a bold young man, who has convinced a quarter of Teege to serve under his banner in mere years..."

>A. He's a massive danger to the Empire
>B. Sounds quite inspiring
>C. You wonder where he came from
>D. What of it?
>E. Write-in response
>F. Leave

>>46360543
>>C. You wonder where he came from

>>46360543
>C. You wonder where he came from
Where is everyone?

>>46360704
No clue. Which is kinda weird.

>>46360543
>B. Sounds quite inspiring
>C. You wonder where he came from

>>46360592
>>46360704
>>46360825
"He's almost like something out of a feelgood rags-to-riches legend," you add, "but... He couldn't have truly appeared out of nowhere. There must be a story to him."

"I'm told that a play about his life is in its final stages of editing," Waldrick says. "Perhaps we could learn more about the late King, should we acquire some copies..."

"Such a thing would undoubtedly glorify him, especially if it's written by someone from the independent territories," Veiz responds. "If we're to prevent his martyrdom, outlawing its performance is a must."

"...aye, but private copies of the scripts for trustworthy eyes would surely be no big deal, were they to never leak to the general public," Waldrick responds wistfully. Your father's never been fond of the notion that certain works of art or literature ought to be banned or restricted, but with rumors of a budding resistance popping up all over the Empire, now is not a time for the circulation of subversive materials.

"Is that all, father?" Veiz asks.

"Yes, you two are dismissed. Get plenty of rest, as we should arrive late tomorrow morning."

>A. Skip to then
>B. Speak to someone (specify who, topic preferred)
>C. Write-in response?

>>46360874
>>B. Speak to someone (specify who, topic preferred)
Veiz tease her about Alfred.

>>46360874
>B. Speak to someone
Veiz tease her about Alfred/ talk about cute boys

>>46360874
>C. Talk about boys and friends.

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>>46360904
>>46360923
>>46360954
You and Veiz return to your cabin for the remaining hours of the trip.

"So..." You tease as you flip through an outdated book about assorted sights in the independent territories, "are you absolutely sure it's not about liking myrmidons?"

From the bunk above you, you hear hostile thumping, and another embarrassed, "maybe it helps that he's easy on the eyes! We don't all have loyal retainers fall into our laps, alright?"

"Eheh... You're jealous." Not that she can see it, but you shake your head. "It's not like that with Cicero, though. Alienate away with your mastery in the field," you continue to tease.

"Urgh, no... I'm not a fan of facial hair."

"So you're saying your lovers need to be prettier than you? I'm amazed you of all people would concede something like that."

"Quit your teasing! Do I need to start tossing out names?"

"Toss away, sister," you respond. "You can't beat me in teasing."

"Grh... At least answer me this. Is this a waste of time, or is there someone who's caught your eye?"

>A. You won't tell her
>B. Someone she probably doesn't know
>C. Nope, nobody
>D. ...
>E. Write-in response

>>46361404
>E. Cicero
Who wouldn't want a hot wolf man?

>>46361404
>B. Someone she probably doesn't know

>>46361404
Maybe, Maybe not. At least I can keep it subtle.

Rolled 1 (1d3)

>>46361501
>>46361446
>>46361440

>>46361625
"Perhaps, perhaps not," you quite cryptically answer. "I won't make it easy for you just because I can be subtle."

"Grh... Stop being better at things than me!"

"You're the one with the power to stop that, sister~" You respond with a smirk so powerful you're sure she can feel it through the bunk.

After silence, however, she responds with surprising soberness, "I know, but... It's difficult, never being able to equal you."

"You'll get there someday, I'm sure," you respond. "But I'll keep raising the bar. 'Superior to me' will be equivalent to being the best archer in Teege by the time it happens, ideally."

"I still can't believe you go out of your way to do it. You're more competitive than I am."

"If you want to call it that," you respond. "I call it encouragement."

"Are you implying I couldn't have come this far without you one-upping me?"

>A. Is she disagreeing
>B. Maybe
>C. Not at all!
>D. Write-in response
>E. You're going to bed

>>46361946
>>E. You're going to bed

>>46361946
>E. You're going to bed

>>46361946
>Well, I certainly wouldn't have gotten this far without one-upping you.

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>>46361982
>>46362008
>>46362017
"Goodnight, Veiz," you offhandedly respond.

"Th-that's not an answer!" She says, flustered again.

"It's we have a big day tomorrow. Those smugglers were nothing compared to Noban armies."

"Grh... Do you think I needed your unreachable heights to get to where I am? Yes or no."

Mid-yawn, you respond, "well... I wouldn't have made it this far without someone looking up to me..."

This seems to silence her, and you're able to drift off to sleep afterwards.

You're troubled with at least one unpleasant dream, one of a similar eldest sibling and elite soldier, stationed in Central Gerxel under Belinda.

The eldest brother in a generations-spanning family of great wyvern riders, Marduk was the cream of Central's own militarymen despite his only formal training being through his late parents. You've only met him and his sisters very briefly during your studies, but you recall an immediate rapport with your fellow bright upstarts.

In your dream, he lays alone, battered, bloodied, and against the corpse of a magnificent wyvern in what you imagine August's Reach's throne room to be like (dreams don't always make complete logistical sense). As you approach, he expires, and the mental image of Alfred brandishing a Wyrmslayer and gutting him, his sisters sobbing, burns into your mind... Again, dreams don't always make sense. If anyone was to be gutting wyvern riders, it would not be Alfred, since he's headed for Holmstead. Still, though, it's a face to the enemy's acquirement of weapons.

The voice of dream-Director Belinda burns in your head, "so you've won your war... But look at this, you ignorant, stupid girl. Your family's heads ought to roll for this."

>A. Refuse to entertain this nonsensical nightmare
>B. Be overcome with guilt for the inevitable loss of good wyvern riders
>C. Write-in response

>>46362519
>B. Be overcome with guilt for the inevitable loss of good wyvern riders

>>46362519
>A. Refuse to entertain this nonsensical nightmare
We're royalty!

>>46362519
>C. "Maybe you should try using something remotely resembling a tactic instead of throwing numbers at the enemy until you win before trying to guilt others for your bodycount."

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>>46362607
>>46362617
You're... Pretty sure your subconscious is trying to tell you to feel bad, but you're in more control than that.

And while you're at it, you manage to piece together that this is a dream. Finally, a good reason to badmouth Belinda. "Perhaps if you weren't so damned incompetent, this would be trivial! Come up with a better plan than to throw wyverns at their weapons until they break instead of guilting me!"

"H-how dare you?!" She cries back. "I... I ought to have you executed for this insolence!"

"You would come right into the range of my arrows," you respond to the Dream-Belinda. "I rest my case."

"Y-you..."

The gravity of the dream drastically lessens from there, and eventually segues into a mundane dream about your time in the orphanage.

The following morning, you're awoken by the sun very rudely shining into your eyes. You... Probably have a few hours more, surely... you never sleep in.

In the bunk above you, you can hear the soft, sleeping breaths of Veiz.

>A. Attempt to softly wake her up
>B. Shove up against her bunk from below
>C. Attempt to loudly wake her up
>D. Do morning things and leave her be
>E. Lie down awhile longer...
>F. Write-in response

>>46362852
>D. Do morning things and leave her be
She looks so cute sleeping

>>46362852
>D. Do morning things and leave her be

>>46362852
>D. Do morning things and leave her be

>>46362852
>>D. Do morning things and leave her be

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>>46362884
>>46362932
>>46362965
You leave her be, standing and chuckling a moment at the sight of her sleeping form beneath several blankets, before taking a run through your typical morning routine. By the time you return to your cabin, she's already left, leaving you with plenty of space to show off for yourself as you don your armor. Light, effective, doesn't particularly stand out in a crowd... An archer who can strike at close ranges' best friend.

Stuff together, you head up to the deck, still remembering the previous night's dream. Sure, you managed to alleviate yourself of all guilty feelings about it by the end of the would-be nightmare, but the fact remains that you reminded yourself that people you knew were in serious danger on a front you could do nothing about.

Looking out by the ship's bow, Hera approaches from your right. A light, slightly beat-up vest and leg guards making up the entirety of the berserker's choice in armor (she's always sworn she fights better with as little weighing her down as possible, what with the heavy axe she needs to swing around like a swordmaster with a slim sword), and she leans into her axe idly as she looks out to the approaching shore. "So..." She says, looking excited, "today's the day."

>A. She's in a good mood!
>B. You're worried about Belinda's troops
>C. Just say hey
>D. Write-in response
>E. ...

>>46363238
>A. She's in a good mood!

>>46363238
>C. Just say hey

>>46363238
>>B. You're worried about Belinda's troops

>>46363238
>B. You're worried about Belinda's troops

>>46363238
>B. You're worried about Belinda's troops

>>46363279
>>46363317
>>46363322
>>46363368
"You're chipper today," you say, sounding decidedly... Not.

"Why wouldn't I be?" She says in turn. "It's a beautiful day and we're hours away from fighting the forces of a damned king with all that we've got! Man, I hope I can square off with him..."

"So you're excited about getting the chance to fight?"

"Yeah, you know it... I feel blue-balled after those smugglers gave us the slip, so maybe I'll personally cut them all down and haul their pretty-boy boss to the ship. That's the souvenir your sister wants, right?"

You chuckle, weakly. "As much as she'll deny it..." And then, attempt at lightening the mood failed, you sigh. "I'm worried about Director Belinda's wyvern riders. I personally know a few of them, and to think that she's leading them into a massacre..."

"Not a soul in the Empire who doesn't know what they're getting into working under her," Hera responds, picking up and bouncing her axe in her hand a bit. "'sides, no way of knowing these friends of yours are gonna just let themselves die."

"I suppose you're right. I'll just... Try to focus on the battle."

"Don't just focus on it," Hera responds, "revel in it. Learn to love the fight, take passion in it... Not that I'd know personally, but I bet there's nothing less pleasant than being a soldier who can't enjoy a fight."

"Er... I'll keep that in mind," you say in response to Hera getting bloodlusty.

>A. Write-in dialogue
>B. Skip ahead
>C. Talk to someone else (specify)

>>46363540
>B. Skip ahead

>>46363540
>>B. Skip ahead

>>46363540
>B. Skip ahead

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>>46363784
>>46363801
>>46363829
The whole crew equipped and prepared, your father's flagship reaches the ports of Holmstead, followed shortly after by another half-dozen. Acting as a welcoming party are several moderately-equipped Holmstead soldiers and no Nobans, which tells your tacticians that you're earlier to the party than the more fearsome force. It's only a mild advantage, certainly, but still one worth taking... Well, advantage of.

Decked out in intimidating armor, your father and a quintet of fellow heavily-armored knights (and Hera, with... Much less armor) pour out of the flagship, your father with a Silver Greatlance, the rest with their Steel equivalents. You, Veiz, and a few other archers are shortly behind them.

A mage or a scholar of some sort by the looks of it, bulky in build and sporting an impressive goatee, speaks with a bravado unworthy of someone of this weak counterforce. "You dogs of the Empire have a lot of nerve disembarking on our port..."

"Do not act the fool," your father responds. "The allies that you rely upon are hours away. Surrender so we need not crush you underfoot."

"Pfft... They think they scare us," the man says, tossing an elfire tome in the air and catching it, cracking it open. "Sure, our forces are small, but hell, I'm just a bard and I could take you on myself... I presume Mr. Director."

"You presume correctly. Is that a formal challenge of a duel?"

"R-Raleigh," one of the soldiers says, "you can't seriously mean to..."

"Oh, I mean to... I'll cook this codger and write a book about it!"

>A. Father could take him easily!
>B. Advise him against it. This must be a trick
>C. ...
>D. Shoot Raleigh
>E. Shoot some other soldier
>F. Write-in response

>>46364121
>B. Advise him against it. This must be a trick

>>46364121
>B. Advise him against it. This must be a trick
It's a scam!

>>46364121
>>D. Shoot Raleigh

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>>46364163
>>46364167
>>46364262
"There's no way a man could truly be so foolhardy as to challenge you to a one-on-one fight," you warn your father. "I suggest you not indulge him..."

"Hm," Waldrick responds. "Men of no honor mocking me with challenges like this..." Pointing his lance forward, he exclaims, "you squandered your chance to surrender with this charade. Holmstead falls by force."

And with that, the warriors of Coastal Gerxel hurry forward, other ships docking as the conversation closes.

This Raleigh fellow still seems content to aim a burning blast at your father, so you don't hesitate to fire an arrow at him.

A Holmstead soldier immediately leaps into the arrow's way, collapsing and, with the last of his breath, saying something to the concerned Raleigh before falling, the first casualty of the invasion.

"G-grh... You!" He shouts in response to whatever that guy said, and a moment later, all that you see or feel is fire. You single out the sound of a woman shouting "Raleigh, you need to fall back!" over the pain before zoning out for several moments.

You come to a few moments later, still standing and taking a massive breath as a concerned father, Veiz, and Cicero stand by, the latter brandishing a Heal staff.

"Gods, are you alright, Rene?" He asks. "Oh, dear, you still look under the weather... Magic is not my strongest suit, I'm afraid..."

A young-sounding voice speaks up from similarly close. "Erm... P-perhaps I might be of service?" It belongs, it turns out, to a mousy boy with blond hair, brandishing a superior Mend staff.

"Omar, correct?" Waldrick, trying to remain calm, asks as he gives the affirmative and you find yourself, again, healed up nicely. "Er, perhaps I should introduce you. This is Omar, a curate who studied in the desert region."

"H-happy to lend my staff proficiency to any injured," he says.

>A. You're fine now, so he should check on others
>B. He should stick with your group
>C. How've you just met
>D. Write-in response

>>46364693
>B. He should stick with your group

>>46364693
>B. He should stick with your group

>>46364693
>>B. He should stick with your group

>>46364693
>B. He should stick with your group

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>>46364741
>>46364890
>>46364893
>>46365098
Shaking off the last of your soreness, you stretch a bit. "Right, right. I'm feeling better now, so... May our group advance?" You ask.

Your father nods. "Go and find Hera. She and a small group of fighters decided to sweep the Westernmost streets. And... Please be safe. That Raleigh fellow was seen falling back with the Eastern Group, but pegasus knights have confirmed that Nobans have entered the city earlier than expected."

You, Veiz, Cicero, and now Omar waste no time in hurrying in the direction you are sent.

Squaring off against seven smugglers are a few fighters, and a familiarly brooding myrmidon twirls his parasol as he stares Hera down, gripping his killing edge.

"So..." Alfred says, thoughtfully, "we meet again."

"Yeah, making me feel like I wasted my kindness last time we spoke, pretty boy," Hera says back, hoisting her axe from over her shoulder. Cracking her neck from side to side, she excitedly says, "you look like you can barely stand the sun... How can you handle a woman raised in gladiator pits?"

"Do not think my aversion to sunlight inhibits my ability to kill. Bleed out, here and now."

Alfred is a smidge faster in his approach as he and the berserker begin their battle, though Hera thankfully swerves out of the way of his first blow, only for him to return the favor of avoiding her next strike.

"She's holding back, she must be..." Veiz mutters.

"Not in her nature not to fight to kill, I suppose," you say. "At least she's not getting hurt..."

"Yes, but how long can she keep this up if she intends not to bury her axe in his skull?" Omar asks.

>A. Let's just focus on clearing out the other smugglers
>B. If Veiz wants to capture him, she can take responsibility
>C. Can Cicero clean this up?
>D. Start shooting Alfred yourself
>E. Have Omar rush him! (QM's note: this will not work, and he will probably refuse to)
>F. Write-in response

>>46365198
>B. If Veiz wants to capture him, she can take responsibility

>>46365198
>B. If Veiz wants to capture him, she can take responsibility

>>46365198
>>B. If Veiz wants to capture him, she can take responsibility

>>46365198
>C. Can Cicero clean this up?

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>>46365225
>>46365247
"Meanwhile, you've only taken two lives in your... Life," you say to Veiz. "And remind me who wished to take him in alive in the first place?"

"Alright, alright... I'll take responsibility for this." Cicero and a fighter who recently killed his opponent guard Veiz as she draws her Bright Bow back, aiming carefully at the myrmidon... And finding her opportunity just as he lands a critical strike, embedding his blade in Hera's side, leaving him open to a shot of a Light Magic arrow.

"Grk-!"

"B-Boss!" The last of the smugglers shouts, throwing down his weapon. "S-screw dis, I'm gettin' outta here!" And so he bolts, the rest of you focused on Hera and Alfred.

Omar quickly heals Hera up, and Cicero addresses Alfred's wound, a quite nasty one that, untreated, would have killed him in minutes anyway. As he lies there, barely conscious, Veiz approaches him as a fighter hoists the myrmidon up. "Now, we're going to continue this conversation later, but... For now, know that you are only alive so long as your existence poses no further threat to Director Waldrick, or the Gerxel Empire in general. If sparing you proves to be a mistake, I will promptly rectify it."

Feeling her healed-up wound as the fighter drags Alfred away, Hera whistles. "Whew... That's gonna be sore for awhile. Thanks, kid."

"It's... Omar," he replies, being met with a chuckle and hair-ruffle.

Your breather is short-lived, however, as another group of about eight approaches, led by an impressive-looking swordsman on a horse. Among their number besides: a boy with an axe, looking slightly younger than Veiz and having royal blue hair, a much older-looking warrior, a purple-haired pegasus knight, a blond lance-wielder, and an ordinary Noban halberdier.

>character limit, continued next post

>>46365523
From atop his horse and a bit away from you, the horse-riding man, taking one look at you from afar, turns and jokes to the similarly blue-haired axe-user, "would that be your sister?"

"With all due respect, your majesty," the Halberdier says, "now is hardly the time for jest."

So... That's the king, is it? There's something about him... Could it just be that charismatic aura you've heard so much about, or have you seen him before?

>A. Push it out of mind and attack. He's your foremost target
>B. Await the group's approach
>C. Introduce yourself, boastfully
>D. Write-in response

>>46365547
>C. Introduce yourself, boastfully

>>46365547
>>A. Push it out of mind and attack. He's your foremost target

>>46365547
>B. Await the group's approach

>>46365571
>>46365649
"Standing back and joking before my bow is a death wish, King Augustus," you boast, pulling it back, albeit still lowered. He's... Admittedly still not quite within an adequate range. The sight of you and your sister causes the Pegasus Knight to fall back somewhat. "Or are you so bold to think yourself immune to the arrows of Rene and Veiz?" Yes, if you can goad him into coming slightly closer...

"Ahah... Think you can taunt me?" Augustus chuckles. "That's... cute. Now, while I'm curious as to what you wanted my friend for, that can wait..." Not moving forward at all, he adds, "I think we have some catching up to do, Rene."

"Wh-what are you doing speaking her name so familiarly..?" Cicero says suspiciously, getting between you and him. Veiz, you see, has her bow honed on him, just waiting for the proper moment when he steps forward... Still yet to actually happen, of course.

"So," Augustus says as the halberdier scurries between Veiz and his liege. "I said I'd do it, and I did it."

"What on Earth are you-" you start, before your mind enters a flashback.

Over a decade ago now...

"So..." August says when you tell him, "little Rene here's a military brat to one of the second most-powerful people in the world..." Grinning in a way that gave off the impression of a man excited for a challenge, he nods. "Wouldn't be a very good brother if I didn't stay one step ahead of ya... Think I'll shoot for king. What're the odds an orphan's gonna make it that far, do you say? The lower, the better this is gonna feel."

>character limit two posts in a row, wew lads

>>46365910
Now that you recall that moment, the next two syllables fall off of your lips, and you question how it took so long to recognize him. "August..?"

"Gods... Th-that is you, isn't it?!" Cicero exclaims. "You look to have aged two decades instead of just one!"

"Cicero, is that you?" Augustus says idly. "I'm liking the beard." Frowning, he says, "sucks about the circumstances, but... I was really hoping to see you again, Rene. Lower your weapons, all of you, and perhaps we can catch up awhile!"

>A. You can't do that
>B. Step forward to attack him
>C. Do so
>D. Write-in response

>>46365937
>A. You can't do that

>>46365937
>A. You can't do that
He's the enemy now and I think he won't hesitate to strike you down.

>>46365937
>>A. You can't do that

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>>46365945
>>46365984
>>46365990
"I... Can't do that, August," you say, trying to maintain a neutral tone. "There's an order out for your head, and I will not be so irresponsible as to fall into your clutches over memories."

"My... sincerest apologies, August," Cicero adds, "but my loyalty lies with her. I, too, wish our reuniting was under better circumstances."

August looks... Genuinely saddened by your response, shaking his head. "If that's how it's to be... I can't bring myself to raise my blade against you or Cicero, even now, but it would be irresponsible as a leader to hold my allies under the same level of scrutiny. I am... Sincerely sorry for this, both of you."

No sooner than the words leave his mouth, a hand axe is tossed at you, which you barely avoid, staring down the irate-looking young man with blue hair, backed up by the soldier.

The pegasus knight and Halberdier take to fighting Hera and a fighter, and Veiz is forced to take her aim off of August as she spies a woman in a maid dress in a nearby alley, readying throwing knives, shooting at her to dissuade her.

"You... Can't really mean to be so callous!" The blue-haired young man says as his axe returns to his hand. "Siding against a man you called a friend for so long for... Following orders' sake?" So August's shared his tale with this group. "Do you not think of what evils you're letting happen for the sake of 'just following orders?!'"

How cute, this stranger thinks he can talk you down.

>A. Who is he to lecture you
>B. Attack him wordlessly
>C. You fight for your family
>D. He's so naive
>E. The Empire is not evil!
>F. Write-in response

>>46366175
>E. The Empire is not evil!
>C. You fight for your family

>>46366175
>E. The Empire is not evil!

>>46366175
>>C. You fight for your family
>>D. He's so naive

>>46366175
>C. You fight for your family
>E. The Empire is not evil!

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>>46366203
>>46366207
>>46366212
"Listen to yourself. Calling the Empire evil like this is some sort of fantasy... The public works and infrastructure that the Empire has put into this country have been greatly beneficial, and this land is filled with chaos and infighting everywhere outside of the Gerxel. The Southern Archipelago in particular was a hellzone of civil war and blood sports before my father led to its takeover."

"And it's not hellish now?! There isn't pointless infighting?! Wolfskin devoured my father for daring to investigate their crimes..."

"And I'm... Sorry to hear that," you say, "but if you fight for your family, as you say... You would understand me." You pull back your bow, aiming to strike him, before the old man pulls him away, leaving you to wound the golden-haired soldier.

"Dyrus," the old man says before stepping forward, "not everyone can be reasoned with. You must accept that." Darn, and you were just getting into the debate, too.

The soldier vanishes into the alley with that maid between shots from Veiz, and so she finds it safe to turn her attention to the old man, immediately shooting him with her own arrows of light magic.

"Grh..."

The Halberdier and the fighter on Hera's side both fall, respectively to Hera and the pegasus knight, leaving the flier feeling outclassed and, again, falling back.

Feeling as though his sentimental inactivity in this fight has caused more than enough damage, August readies his Steel Blade and rides towards Hera, taking a swing and striking her. For the second time that day, Hera takes quite a nasty wound from a swordmaster, though this time blindsided instead of due to her own holding back.

>A. Attack August (specify if not with bow)
>B. Try to kill that pegasus knight
>C. Attack the old man (specify if with lance)
>D. Freeze up with indecision
>E. Write-in response

>>46366354
>>A. Attack August (specify if not with bow)

>>46366354
>A. Attack August (specify if not with bow)

>>46366354
>A. Attack August (with the bow)

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>>46366386
>>46366464
>>46366555
You don't hesitate to follow your orders, drawing back and firing your bow at a moment's notice, followed instants later by Veiz with her Bright Bow.

Your arrow strikes a critical seam in his armor, and the magical nature of Veiz' bright bow pierces it with similar ease.

"K-King Augustus!" That boy, Dyrus, shouts as the grave blows strike, rushing forward before the old warrior, once more, pulls him back.

The pegasus knight points out to them that several more knights have come up from where they approached, "it's... Looking pointless to continue fighting here," she says.

"Gods..." The old man grumbles. "Your majesty, hand in there! Via, come out here! I'll cover you myself before letting Dyrus risk his life doing the same!"

"Eheh... Old-timer, we both know you've got more important things to do than die trying to save my life. Go on, the lot of you..." August sputters and wheezes as Omar heals Hera right before his eyes.

After a mere moment's hesitation, the old man nods and, dragging the young man along and covered by the pegasus knight, into that alley.

Hera, cursing quite vocally about her arm being stabbed AGAIN (and thanking the gods-and Omar-that it'll heal perfectly fine), looks at you and at the fleeing allies of Augustus, then at the Gerxel knights who appeared behind them. "Want me to chase after them, or do you got it?"

>A. Let Hera lead the chase
>B. Hera needs rest, let those knights handle it
>C. ...
>D. Offer to pursue them yourself

>>46366610
>>B. Hera needs rest, let those knights handle it

>>46366610
>B. Hera needs rest, let those knights handle it

>>46366610
>B. Hera needs rest, let those knights handle it

>>46366610
>Hera needs rest, let those knights handle it

>>46366636
>>46366662
>>46366667
"You're going to get yourself killed like that," you warn Hera. "Take a breather, keep watch over us here..."

"Right..." She gestures to a seemingly-random cavalier, "all yours, Sabas."

"I won't disappoint, Lady Hera," he responds before riding into the alley with friends close behind.

As August lays there, bleeding out on the ground, struggling for consciousness, Cicero does not hesitate to approach, which naturally leads you to do the same.

"Hrk... Damn sentimentality..." August gripes, cringing and barely getting the words out.

"A-August..." Cicero says, "truly, sincerely... I wish that this did not have to be so."

"N-not too late to just... Turn your coats, ya know..." Augustus weakly, yet hopefully, smiles.

"...never," you respond, trying to put on a strong face. "August, it was... a delight knowing you, but that was a lifetime ago now. I have people to protect now."

"Yeah..." He shuts his eyes, frowning, "I wish I could... Say I was proud of you, but... Sh-shit, you've killed me. Bit... Hard to be pleased with that..."

>A. These things happen
>B. Die faster, then
>C. Nothin' personnel
>D. You're so sorry
>E. ...
>F. Write-in response

>>46366759
>>B. Die faster, then
Nah I'm joking. REal vote is below.
>>D. You're so sorry

>>46366759
>F. I'm bounded by duty and family. I'm sorry it had to end this way.

>>46366759
>D. You're so sorry

>>46366776
>>46366798
"I'm... Bound by duty and the honor of my family, August... I'm so sorry that this is how we reunited..."

"Mhm," August says quite weakly and disinterested, "I'm... Sure you are..."

"I'm... I'm sorry... You have every right to hate me..."

He shakes his head, again very weakly. "Hate you? N-n-no, I could never... R-really... disappointed's all..."

Hera, rather suddenly, brings her axe down onto August, finishing him off and leaving you more than a little shocked. As you and Cicero look to her in shock, she offers only the most sympathetic of looks. "Like I said, nothing more painful than a soldier who can't enjoy a fight. Care about you too much to draw the agony out any longer..." Waving her free hand in front of you, she asks, "uh, Rene? Rene, I'm sorry about that... He was, uh, in a ton of pain anyway..."

"She's... Gone into shock, Lady Hera," Omar says quietly. "Perhaps now isn't the best time to explain yourself... Keep watch for enemies, perhaps."

"Yeah, Omar, you're right... Uh, think we should get her and Cicero outta here?"

While they speak, you fail to really respond to anything. You... know that that was what needed to be done, and as far as you're concerned, the blood is on your hands more than Hera's, but... You need a moment.

At first, you barely respond to the consoling embrace of Veiz and Cicero, but after several moments finally break down.

>To be continued next thread
Sometimes I feel like these threads move too fast, but then I remember that, with 3 protagonists with presumably equal threadtime, and assuming this is gonna last 50 threads like the last quests I've run, and assuming none of our heroes check out early (a possibility, but not one I'm explicitly planning for at the moment), that gives me a whopping 16 threads per protagonist, with a remainder of two. Gotta make the most of them all.

Thanks for playing. Update twitter's qmgrandflocto, I'm in-thread to chat awhile, https://ask.fm/qmgrandflocto exists

>>46366978
Thanks for running, Octoling. Love your style.

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>>46367001
Always a pleasure, and I appreciate hearing that!

>>46366978
Thanks for running. Poor Rene.

>>46367046
Yeah, the next while will probably not be kind to her.

I will admit that I had the most pre-quest plans thought up around the "adopted by the Empire" protagonist, not all of which will translate into happy tidings for her.