"Alright, okay. Then you know what's coming now. But before that, I must ask, Rinni..."

He'd lie to say he wasn't surprised at the swiftness in which the girl had taken care of his men. However, surely the antic had boosted her confidence somewhat, not every day does one get the opportunity to defeat sixteen (dumb) thugs at once; and with her fox still by her side, Jan Ren had concluded the guys didn't do too much of a good job.

Still, it was inevitable that the two will clash. And he had banked on that from the start. A tad bit afraid of the upcoming pain, he steeled his mind prior in meditation.

The Sinese' calm and welcoming demeanor changed, as did the air around him when he exhaled; the smile on his face fading into a hint of a glare, as his eyes sharply locked in with the huntress' from afar. Not swaying an inch from her, confidently staring as he clenched his fists in preparation.

"...What are you?"

The question was laid out in full seriousness, despite the possible ridiculousness factor it held. The Sinese didn't just 'want to know', he wanted her to define it, for herself. His motives wouldn't be laid out bare, of course; the entire charade was put up for this reason, that is.

He wouldn't make the first move. The wind blew some as the sunflower clearing hosted nobody besides the two, not a single flower in their path as the young man could easily lock onto her with his upcoming attempts. The same, of course, could be said about her. Though, he was confident he'd pose at least, a good challenge.

He hadn't uttered a word more, getting in proper stance. Legs widened, knees bent some as he stuck out his chest a bit; making the obvious fighting stance. A knuckle in-front of his chest for defense, the other kept close to his chin for quick reaction. There were two targets. Should he focus on taking one out before the other? Or both at once? If not; which one first?

He knew it'd be a troubling trial, but now facing it, it might just be tougher than anticipated.

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"...What are you?"

The question caught the young Ranger off guard as the Encan looked at her Sinese friend. He took a stance, ready to fight, so she and Winter did the same. Using her Pocket Dimension Ring she ensured all armor was in place, and her bow was in hand. She spread her legs, preparing to run, dodge, or strike on a moment's notice. Winter did the same, lowering her body with all four legs spread and frost coming from her nose, ears drawn back, blue eyes focused on Jan Ren.

"What am I...?" Rinni repeated, more to herself, as she thought over his question. It wasn't really a trick question. In fact, it was rather direct. But still, it gave her reason to pause and think before giving any form of response.

Her brown eyes drifted to the ground only for a moment. She'd been fighting who and what she was for quite a while. She'd been denying it, keeping it to herself. Only a handful knew the truth, maybe it was time to opening accept her identity. It's what Lucian and Ko would want her to do. Still, something told her that wasn't the entirety of the Sinese's question.

Her brown eyes shot back up toward Jan just as quickly as they had away from him. "I am Rinni Faithe. I'm a Ranger. A member of Penumbral Guard. A werewolf. I am shy. I am quiet. But I am also strong. And I am fierce. I lost my last fight as I was unprepared. I will not lose this one."

As if agreeing, Winter barked at Jan Ren in such an adorable voice it was almost hard to see her as a possible target.

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While her representation didn't exactly hit the mark, it served some sufficiency to Jan Ren's question. She took it seriously, if anything, and her voicing her identity out for herself was more important than giving a precise answer. He smirked in response, magic building up in his body as he inhaled, then drew out a deep exhale; magic prepared at bay. "I see." He affirmed, eyes still locked on her.

But could she back herself up? That was the true question. Through their initial encounter, the young girl's mind was in such chaos that she broke out of her self-proclaimed character twice, and eventually ran away in confusion. He knew she went through something serious to experience such terrible crisis within herself, and with that. "Are you, really." He backtalked. "For all I know, you might just be the Big Bad Wolf, and nothing more." He accused, stepping a bit over the edge in breaking rapport. To challenge her personal view, he had to give a proper opposition.

"What are you?" He asked again, before finally. Crouching, knees springing as the Sinese leapt forward. Beginning to run.

With twenty meters between them initially, he knew he was at a disadvantage just in having to close the distance; in the two seconds it'd take for him to reach Rinni, she had ample time to react; what with her weapon being ranged, and a small Snow Fox at bay to help her out. If he was to oppose her in any suitable way, he'd have to be as strategizing as possible; and on the fly, too. Something he wasn't all too good with. No matter. "(Can't believe I'm doing this...)"

Jan Ren knew he had to take the aggressive approach despite being faced with two opponents. If he could focus on one while the other is distracted, it'd be ideal. But such wouldn't be in his favor. To turn this fight into something more 'fair' for him... He needed to even the playing field.

"Liquid Hanger: Da!"

The Magic Circle appeared in his hand as the Sinese abruptly shot out a stream of water at the young girl, elongated and traveling through the air at significant speed. Banking on her dodging instead of taking it head-on, the Sinese made his sway to his right; opposite to the fox's side, but keeping on the run. If just to go forward. He wouldn't outright attack her... Not yet.

First, there's set-up. Afterwards, the game can begin. And he was unfortunately behind on preparation.

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Are you, really. For all I know, you might just be the Big Bad Wolf, and nothing more.

Rinni growled at those words. No. She refused to let her condition turn her into just a wild hungry beast. And his words were to wile her up. To make her think. All she'd been doing lately is thinking. Of course, it was nothing good. It was all worries and fears. But something about Jan Ren seemed to spark something different in her. A sudden sense of urgency. Winning this fight would be representative of winning the fight in her head between Rinni and werewolf. She wasn't going to give up, not on any account. With people like Ko, Jan Ren, and Lucian by her side she knew she could get through this. And now her brother also was aware. This meant she had even more support than before. She was still nervous inside, shaking even. But she refused to let the Sinese see that.

What are you?

Rinni readied her bow, aiming it at Jan as she prepared an arrow. "I'll show you what I am!" However, before she could fire, the Mage cast a spell, revealing his magic to her. 'A Water Mage.' She thought as she quickly ran to the right, dodging the spell and noting Jan Ren did the same, now chasing her down. She was faster than him by a great deal, however, with him being a Mage he didn't really need to close the distance to attack her, did he?

Either way, she wouldn't allow him to get that close.

As she ran, Winter turned and watched their opponent go around her rather than anywhere in her path. With both on the move, the little fox did the only thing she could think of and let out a Chilling Howl. An aura made of her mana spiked up around her body, boosting her speed. With that, she gave chase behind Jan Ren. She wasn't sure if she could keep up, but she was determined to try, and, hopefully, a self-buff would assist her.

Rinni could smell both Jan Ren and Winter behind her, she didn't have to turn around to know they were there, not with her new senses. Maybe being a werewolf had its advantages. Still, it was transforming that scared the Encan. Since Rinni was easily ahead of Jan Ren, she took that instance to change direction, now running to her left as she again readied her bow. She managed to release an arrow at her target, and rather it hit or miss she kept on the move. Hopefully, if anything, the arrow would distract or slow him down allowing her to stay ahead long enough to ready a stronger shot next time.

[Weapon Mastery WC 3,625/3,750 (3,155 Words)]

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While he had the headstart, it was unfortunate to realize how great his disadvantage was. The brunette wasn't just fighting on a much longer range than him, she was also admittedly faster than him. By quite a disappointing lot, actually. She could outrun him, tire him out and proceed to shoot to win. What's more, to put up a decent fight, he had to remain with his mana focused and active. Even his quickest of hinders wouldn't turn the tables here, unfortunately. Regardless, he gave chase.

And the instant where the girl had to stop and change direction was to be his opportunity; not opting to stop, he closed the distance further before the young huntress would get much leeway. His spell still active, moved with a hand to trace her -- aimed to enwrap around her closest limb. Supposedly, it'd be her ankle. "Kgh...!!" ...However, it wasn't all super as he took a,magical, chilling arrow to the knee; making the young Sinese stagger somewhat, committing to the chase regardless.

"--Is that what you are??" He abruptly asked, still giving chase as he kept a solid glare at the young woman. He knew the small fox would be a problem, if she caught him. But he was also positively faster than her, and had eyes only for the main threat. The main target, the Heroine of the Show. Being hit in the knee like that, even if it wasn't anything too significant, still served to rile his nerves up and the young Sinese could more easily channel the taunt. Which, as he'd observed, was rather accurate. She may have fired, but all she did was escape. "A coward? Step up and fight, Rinni."

As he claimed that, whether his stream of water managed to enwrap around the woman or not, Jan Ren came to a halt; turning his attention to the small Snow Fox giving chase. He knew he couldn't sense his surroundings like a werewolf, and couldn't see all around him. No sensory spell like that at his disposal definitely added another layer to his weakness, though it was all according to plan. He didn't need to sense everything out. What he needed, from Rinni, was a proper fight.

Abruptly, the Sinese fired yet another spell, as a stream of water would be shot out and reach around the Fox's legs, reaching to entangle. At the solid speed it was fired, he doubted the Snow Fox could avoid it; and should it had hit, it wouldn't only had slowed her down, but cause her to fall in the weight applied around her ankles. Hurting the small animal in any way was cruel and disgusting, a level Jan Ren would not stoop into lest he was forced to. However, if it was to rile the brunette, he could use the animal to his advantage. As the weaker link, something as easy as that should render her out as a factor from the skirmish. "Come on. Try me!!" Else, the fox gets it.

However, his positioning made him even more vulnerable. Not only did he have to fight himself mentally not to go easy, which on itself wasn't going too well; he also lacked any way of knowing what the huntress was doing, behind him. Easily something that could be exploited... Right?

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Rinni was pleased that her arrow hit the target, hoping it'd maybe hinder him some. He seemed more annoyed than anything, going so far as to call her a coward, demanding she faced him and stopped running. Well, if that was what he wanted, she would give it to him. She drew her bow and prepared to shoot another arrow. However, before she could pull back the string she spotted the stream of water coming at her. Crap. She thought she dodged that. Jan Ren must be controlling it. She didn't have time to properly dodge as it had caught her by surprise, instead, forcing her to leap backward evading only partially as it trapped her left leg causing her to hit the ground with a thud.

"Ow... damn it, Jan!" She growled, now wet and feeling the effects of the lowered endurance. She managed to scramble to her feet, but the spell was gripping her in a way that caused great discomfort to the Ranger. She could feel the drain on her Endurance and knew this fight wasn't going to be easy. It seemed she underestimated the kind Sinese.

--Is that what you are?? A coward? Step up and fight, Rinni.

Rinni had no verbal response to that but grew visibly annoyed as she turned toward her opponent. With his spell affecting her, all she could do was plan her next attack. He was right, she couldn't run forever. She had to find back. He used water, she used lightning, there had to be some advantage in there right?

While Rinni was trying to plan her next move, Winter let out a yelp of surprise as an attack was launched her way. Before she could react, her legs were trapped tripping her up as Jan Ren moved in to capture the small creature. She cried out and whined loudly for Rinni to save her, prompting the girl to turn toward her companion.

"Winter!"

Come on. Try me!!

"Now who's the coward, Jan Ren?! Let her go!" Rinni growled and lunged toward Jan Ren closing 25 m/s, summoning her Arcing Dagger into her right hand from her Pocket Dimension Ring she runs toward the Water Mage looking for some opening to strike him, while watching him, to see what he may do to prevent her attack. She couldn't let herself become blinded by rage, if she did she'd lose.

She couldn't lose.

Fortunately for her, she noticed his back was toward her. This gave her an advantage in her positioning as she ran toward Jan Ren, attempting to grab him from behind. If successful, she would then place her blade threateningly against his throat. She would not allow him to hurt her Vulpix. No matter what she had to do to stop him.

If all of this succeeded as planned, he'd hear her in his ear. "I said... let her go." 'Or else...'

[Weapon Mastery WC 3,750/3,750 (3,155 Words)]

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"Come fight me first!!"

Ahh... This is the worst. But sometimes, there was some necessary evil. Holding onto the poor animal hostage, Jan Ren knew it wouldn't take long until the brunette made her move to attack him. He got the feeling she would shoot her bow however, not quite expecting her to come physical. His goading may have been significant, but to drive a bowman out of their weapon's boundaries is a whole other achievement. And much surprisingly, that is exactly what happened.

It may have been a lot more favorable should the Sinese had heard her approaching, yet somehow he hadn't. The sole indication to the girl's closeness turned out being, her already being right behind him. On the first instance feeling a sudden grab at his back, having steeled himself prior with his run; and with the short delay he was granted, small as it was, anticipation built up.

Just enough anticipation, to react.

"Fǎn!!"

Abruptly upon being grabbed, the young man's knees sprung, letting his hold of the snow fox go at that instant. Bait, successufl. Legs jerked as he flung himself, sticking his back out to the young girl. Lunging while facing the other way, to deliver as close a back-strike to her whole form as he could. That alone, was the starter of his onslaught.

However, if connected. Jan Ren would follow with his left arm swung back as his body and positioning shifted to face the girl as a backhanded punch would be attempted at her face; trying to knock her back from him.

By this point, the Sinese had stopped planning ahead. Taunting could only go so far, as was his familiarity with the young huntress. He merely trusted that she wouldn't take things up-close without proper goading, which turned out correct. He only assumed she wouldn't dare take things physical due to her nature, as well as weapon of choice. Only thinking she would dare approach like so, if her inner wolf emerged. So to learn she had a way to cover her distance's (arguable) disadvantage was somewhat surprising, stressing even.

Surely relieving in the long run.

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Winter yelped and scurried away as soon as she was released from the young man's grasp. The fox was traumatized from the sudden attack, having never been targeted before. In the other fights that she took part in she was ignored due to being too cute. Aside from Jan's dumb lackeys grabbing her, which didn't really hurt. The way Jan had her, scared the small animal. While she ran off to lick her wounds (so to speak) Rinni had her own problems.

Unexpected for the young girl, her would-be victim was a bit quicker to react than expected. No sooner had her words partly escaped her lips did his legs spring into action, launching both parties into the air as she held on tightly to him. Her acrophobia kicked in almost instantly causing her to grip onto the male tighter, and on instinct, she stabbed her dagger into his shoulder. She hadn't meant to hurt him, really, but it was combat, and in combat, things tended to happen.

He pushed his back out toward her, causing her to arch along with him as she held on. Her eyes had shut out of fear and she hadn't noticed his backhand assault until it struck her in the face sending her tumbling across the ground with a yelp and painful thud. She rolled to her side and looked at Jan Ran, who she had tumbled about 5 to 10 meters away from. Still too close. She needed to take action and move before his next strike.

She quickly jumped to her feet and ran away from the Water Mage in an attempt to maintain distance so as to use her bow more effectively. She staggered slightly in her escape, still feeling the impact of his strike. She couldn't slow down, however. He was good. Too good. She couldn't allow him to get that close again. She returned the Arcing Dagger to her Pocket Dimension Ring and resummoned her bow into her hands.

Once she felt she was at a safe distance, Rinni drew her bow toward Jan Ren, pulling back the string as a yellow arrow materialized. She aimed, calculating the distance carefully before loosing the arrow upon her target. The wind, his movements, all played a part in rather her shot was a hit or miss. So she had to aim and plan carefully. Once she had her target in line with her arrow she released the string, launching it toward his chest.

She then took the opportunity to take off running before he could try to close to distance. She also made a note to keep an eye on him since he was a spell caster. The debuff he had on her was not making things any easier, and she knew any powerful blow could mean the end for her.


[Weapon Mastery WC 3,750/3,750 (3,155 Words)]

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Well... You reap what you sow.

"AAGH!!!"

With a pained yell, wincing hard as his face muscles clenched, the Sinese moved in to land his strike; hitting the girl straight in the face, feeling his left shoulder sting painfully. With no way to foresee a literal stab in the back, this much was a given; and something he would come to reflect upon later, right now cursing at the young girl greatly in his mind for inflicting such pain on him. He hated pain, he absolutely preferred to abstain from it. Yet in combat, and one he picked in the first place... Such was understandably inevitable. Even still, if only he could graze through this unscathed.

Wounded, he fell to the ground; the knife still stuck, albeit shallowly, in his shoulder. As he groggily raised himself up, expression enraged and even slightly scared, the young man steeled himself mentally to prepare a jump on the girl; this time from a position he can properly witness. Though before he managed to pick himself up properly, he had to address the dagger in his back. Preferring to absolutely dismantle it, his form already appearing gruesome enough in his mind. He may have stood up before her, but with his hand hand reaching somewhat hastingly to his shoulder to attempt pull a bold, painful move, his focus shifted to the dagger and with that the huntress could get another dash away.

Much to his surprise, it had all but disappeared when Rinni retracted her weapon into thin air. The wound, unfortunately, persisted. And with attention brought back to the girl, he breathed out, emptying his lungs as his expression shifted again; posing simple anger. Rage. How dare you stab me like that!! I'm trying to help you!! --Such thoughts would be repressed consciously as the young man made solid effort to stay in the game. Simply standing still, at the ready; prepared for the girl's strike as she readied her bow yet again.

This was simply in her fighting style. And while she did close their distance in light of her fox being in danger, this was how the brunette was. As such... Worrying about a rampage in this instance, would be too soon. She had no intentions of taking things close, unless her friends were on the line. Which, as the Sinese had expected... Was splendid.

-- "Geyser!!"

To react to her arrow, Jan Ren erected his hand up to his head level, a whirlpool appearing in thin-air right before him. Swirling, the deceitfully-named spell was prepared to propel away the assault aimed at him. He was confident that, much like her previous shots, this would be easily deflect it and the fight would come to a happy conclusion...

Alas. Naivety is painful.

"!!!"

The arrow shot sparked with electricity as it plunged straight through the swirling spell, piercing through Jan Ren's chest in an epic strike; electrouting the young fighter thoroughly as his mind went blank for a moment; body forced off-ground in the strike, as he fell down to the ground behind him. Smoke emanating from his chest as his body convulsed from the sensation. Befittingly of a man literally knocked out of proper reason, the first thought Jan Ren managed to piece properly while laying on the ground there for a good moment... So, that's what being electrouted feels like. ...It's intense, like falling in love.

...

...Not moving a bit or making any signs of inching, the Sinese laid down and took in the situation; forced to pull through probably the worst single injury he's received, and maintain civil. Eventually after a good moment of laying seemingly unconscious (yet very much still kicking) on the field, the Sinese jabbed his hand up to the air, as if all was good. Giving a thumbs-up as he struggled to smile, having to swallow his pride, endure the pain in his shoulder and monitor proper function through his brain's circuits taking a zap. It... Played out, somehow.

And to finish, he uttered out; two simple words. "...You pass."

--- "Woooooaaaaahh!!!

Up from the surrounding field of greenery popped up 16 thug-looking folk, dressed in all black; all cheering profusely as they waved their arms up in the air, emerging from what turned out to be their 'hiding spot'. Two of the men reaching to Jan Ren and helping to pick him up, the rest all crowding around Rinni in an enthusiastic spree. "Man, you stick it to the man, man!!" Or "Can I have your autograph??" and such would be thrown around as the punks showered the brunette with their pushy support. Jan Ren may have been in pain, but such sight easily caused him to smile genuinely; easily amused at the lackeys' antics. These guys...

One of the grunts, from the earlier skirmish, approached the Snow Fox, of all things. Crouching down and clasping his hands together in apology. "Hey, yo. Sorry for stressin' ya out there before! Boss' orders." Real smooth, throwing the Sinese under the bus while he's down.

He'd have to make proper note to apologize to the fox personally too, later on.

For now however, still managing to walk by himself, the Sinese took in a few deep breaths as the bunch continued to surround and occupy Rinni with their apparently found adoration. Walking up to the brunette, he smiled; sizing her up as he closed the distance. With the forfeit, there was no more need to fight; he could only hope she wouldn't suddenly attack him again. "Sorry." He started, apologetically making a deep bow in plee for forgiveness. "This was the only way I could think of." At the time. He rose up, still smiling;

"However, you hold out on your own perfectly well. As you can see, I'm not quite helpless!"
"But boss, she totally mopped the floor with you!
--"I'd prefer if we didn't dwell on that part, thank you." Ever the requested retort. Were these guys even on his side??

"Point is." He quickly fixed, daring to pat the brunette on her head affectionately as he continued. "You've shown me who you are. You're strong, Rinni. You dispatched all of these guys, and even took me out!" Very, very shamefully so. Just admitting it was, annoying. Turns out, Jan Ren was somewhat of a sore loser. "But you'd rush to put yourself at risk for your friends. With that in mind... What's a little bit of Wolf inside of you." He jested; "If it's you, I'm confident you can fight it. You're better and more powerful than your urges. Those don't, and won't define you... It's your resolve that does."

Removing his palm from her head, he scratched a bit at his cheek in some embarrassment. Saying all that... Who was he to judge her character like so? Regardless, he held assurance in his deduction. The huntress would be just fine. "As far as I'm concerned... The wolf had better watch out before trying to take over Rinni. There's nothing to be so anxious about. You're strong, don't you ever forget that!" He declared, flashing a wide smile; followed up by some more comments (some snarking at the oddly-'okay' Sinese) from the crowd of thugs.

"If you'll excuse me. I'm going to get some rest. For a while."

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