linkingup | The City of the Specter, Atem's Palace

[He holds it out for Shalem to take, since... it's probably better in his hands than Haruka's.]

There's something else weird going on that I want to check out, though... But it won't take me too long, I'm sure.

[There's just something strange about all the animals in this palace and his Gamer Brain won't let it rest.

He also pauses before he leaves, staring at Shalem's chest for a moment. Not because he's thirsty, but because of the rockitis. That... doesn't look good, but now's not the time to ask about it. (Assuming that's a question he would even answer...)]

Don't do anything stupid or listen to any of Joshua's plans while I'm investigating.

[And he will head back towards the library...!]

I do not know what you mean. [And Haruka shouldn't have trusted Shalem after that display against the Nagas. Why does anyone trust him after that?

Shalem tosses the piece up and down in his hand, and then places it into the key hole.]

[everyone here is the same level of untrustworthy it doesn't matter who he gives pieces to!!!

but he's also not here to say anything about this so

goodbye palacecrew he hardly knew ye...]

Shalem, didn't Haruka say not to do anything?

[ soujuurou would have been even more angry if he had seen shalem with the nagas, but he was busy trying to find a certain pharaoh, so honestly he just sounds slightly annoyed. ]

The basement door opens to reveal a dark, damp stairwell leading downward.

You hear a man call you from the throne room, "Halt! You tread upon sacred ground of the Pharaoh, outsiders."

A priest and priestess stand together, their staves drawn for battle.

"On behalf of the Prince-- Pharaoh, I will the right your wrongs!" Shouts the woman, and she even poses and points. Something about her pose seems familiar... Don't worry about it. "Where that door leads is forbidden to you even as guests of the Pharaoh!"

Palladium Priest Mahaad & Mana are ready to fight!

And Mana opens with her Black Burning spell which misses Soujuurou (4), does light Nuclear damage on Richard (13) does light Nuclear damage on Mafuyu (13), and misses Sou (4). Richard is inflicted with Dizzy, but Mafuyu is spared!

Edited 2024-10-01 00:47 (UTC)

( mafuyu inhales sharply, trying not to show how much it hurts- unfortunately, that was super-effective. )

What- Snow White!

( the wounded princess manifests, casting matarunda to weaken the attack of the enemies. )

[ Wait, what the-

His eyes narrow when he sees this happening.

Immediately, Argenti flings a Mapsio directed at the two (4) missing Palladium, but hitting Mana (14) ]

[Why must she suffer the sins of others.]

Jade Rabbit!

[Said Jade Rabbit will attempt to hit the pair with Mabufula AND ACTUALLY SUCCEEDS TY SARAH (10, 6)]

Edited 2024-10-01 00:55 (UTC)

[The thing about Shalem right now is that he is not okay. As people have noticed in the mural room, and even now, when he refused to caution anyone about what he was about to do-- and in fact, that he did anything at all should have been a clear sign.

And yet here he is, uncaring about what's happening to literally jump straight into battle, a loud, maniacal laugh coming from his own mouth. Mana pings him as the more forward one because of her opening spell, so Shalem aims for her with a Giant Slice (18).]

Edited 2024-10-01 00:59 (UTC)

Wait, then why do we have to fight?! Why not just send us back outside?

[ soujuurou will go ahead to try and disarm mahaad by reaching to grab his wrist (19) ]

Try as he might to disarm Mahaad, something strange happens: Soujuurou's physical attack is reflected back, and deals the same damage to him (19)?!

[ soujuurou hears a crack as he connects and, oh cool, his wrist is broken. there's just a slight wince of pain from him as he pulls back, hand limp by his side. ]

Don't attack him physically!

[ oh look, this is a fight encounter that he didn't start for once. ]

[ anyway he still hates fighting in enclosed spaces and i guess everyone chose violence for once instead of going the pacifist route, but he's going for a giant slice (10) on mana since she opened the fight first. ]

[Why is this what Haruka comes back to, Important Scroll tucked under his arm.]

Seriously?! I wasn't even gone for that long!

[And a scarab attacked him!!! Why is this day going so poorly for him? What gives?

Anyways, have a Maragi (14, 15) as he arrives in the basement.]

[ Well, Sunrise supposes it's not surprising there's a fight because they're trying to go somewhere they aren't supposed to go.

But then she sees Richard get hurt right in front of her and her response is to quietly use Giant Slice on Mana (16) without hesitation. ]

Mana tanks every hit thrown at her--- while they connect, she appears to resist Physical, Psychokinesis, Fire, and Ice! She follows Mafuyu's Matarunda with her own Matarukaja.

Mahaad, however, takes double damage from Aubrey's Mabufula and Haruka's Maragi. He quickly casts Mirror Force in response on Mana to reflect any more incoming Physical attacks!