It wasn't every day that random portal just opened up all over the world due to some wild magic or something to that effect even though the details of the current events had been less than useful. Most of the information had been fragmented or rushed but it was enough to allow him to make a move while everyone else is distracted by the main issues currently taking place back home. Minstrel was one of the places where he had originally wanted to set up an emergency base in case something happened to the guild and they needed a backup. 

The air around the area was stagnant, it was like breathing in toxic gas or just a very heavy magical mist. Azure did their best to try and remain out of sight of anyone that seemed to be out of place even though compared to himself that was the pot calling the ketal. The deeper he went into the area the more invaders he saw. 

While the summoner wasn't exactly trying to avoid fighting the main objective was to get as much information while taking out as many invaders as possible. Part of him had wanted to just start putting faces into the ground while the other wanted to enjoy the time in the semi-nice location "Okay guys i'm gonna need all of you on standby." Azure muttered to himself knowing that his summons kept an ear out for him.  

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So much sin... The girl could not help but feel her skin itch with excitement. Her existence was rid the world of these chains but who knew that this heresy existed and spread into other worlds, planes, existences? There was so much to learn but fate was cruel. There was not much left except for this last bastion. So it was here that the girl in a black nun's headdress with a golden band stood her ground. Her halo glowed and her hands were clasped as she readied herself for any guidance her lord might pass to her. Given her history, she did not stand with the resistances. Instead she watched close enough to act but far enough to not be considered trouble. There was so much sin, but the girl was holding herself back. These sinful souls were important bait for the true prize. They were going to be the key to purifying the greatest sinner on this battlefield.

Jikan The Merciless' nose switched. The hint of fresh new smells filling the air. Not the spilling of blood making the ground grow like in destitute homes. Not the fregance of flowers weathering and burning to ash under her steps. No, but bodies. Living bodies. Well. Her army was here. And ready. Whatever it was or whenever she would find out and see eventually. But for now she had her resistance to lead among the forces of Fiore and Minstrel working together. That damn cannon was a threat, and with the people who were operating and defending it. It wouldn't be an easy path to break through. But such a fun challenge indeed.

"Alright! Get ready to move out. I want you all in positions immediately. The battle already has begun around that weapon and I refuse to waste even more time". Roared Jikan The Merciless with a wave of her hand. The armored bodies clicking and clanking as they immediately made their way. A few stay by, Jikan's personally settled warriors. Waiting for specific orders and chances to cut loose. "You. You. And you. Head to your squads and make sure your teams follow the plan".

"Yes ma'am!!", the trio cloaked in black robes said before turning on their heels and sped off. Vanishing into the clothes and paths that filled the dark universe invader's camp. Sniff sniff sniff, went Jikan's nose once again feeling out the scent of beings that felt like they were becoming closer and closer to the wolf's nest.

Welp guesses I have to play the hero don't I? he asked himself still keeping to the shadows until he was able to get a semi-decent look at what he could be dealing with. From the sounds alone it seemed as though they were planning to head home or at least the center of Minstrel. The metal clanging made Azure's ears feel violated but it did confirm that this could be an issue if not handled correctly. With the environment being a factor fighting wasn't going to be that much of an issue should it come to that. 

Azure wasn't sure if any plan they created would actually work but with the current situation making a patchwork plan was their best bet. The informant walked out into the open with their spear in hand "Oh man looks like you guys really set up shop here didn't you?" he asked jokingly seeing as they. Part of him wanted to run wild and let his summons have some fun but it would be best to save them for much later. Not really wanting to give anyone time to do anything the summoner rushed in and jammed his spear into the foot of a soldier and flicked his wrist summoning Kraken who grabbed any soldier's nearby random limbs and spun them around. 

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Mana /3350:

The girl carefully babied her rune knight uniform while watching the area. There was movement but none of it was worth the bite. No, The heard of rapture seek something bigger, something that would push her closer to being reward by her lord. So when the first sign of magic appeared on the field, the girl's Black boots kicked into action. She sprinted around the "Ally" forces why hungrily moving toward magic. It was strong, surely there would be the existence of the vary foe she wanted.

It was there that she found a morsal nowhere near as filling. It was a snack of sin, one that would only taint her appetite. A simple summoner who wasn't on her list of people she could freely purge from this world. It was disappointing but well... they seemed like the strongest solider or... wait, they weren't a solider of the state. Interesting.....

"Hey person who might be an enemy. Are you an enemy? Please say you are! I'm itch to finish with this conflict"

As the duo made their way through the waves of enemies something felt off but what was anyone's guess at this point, Kraken was making decent headway but at the pace that they were going they would never make it to whoever was leading them and make them stop or at least cut some type of deal with them. The sounds of intestine flooring to the ground mixed with the crushing of bones was a rather nice melody for a battle such as this one Man why are there so many of these guys? Azure asked himself removing his spear from a corpse as it looked like they had only finished off roughly 1-4% of this enemy's present. Part of the informant had wanted to take a break but there are no such things in battle 

Driving their spear through the abdomen of what could only be considered to be a fellow mage a somewhat irritating voice made its way over to him purposing an odd question. "What the hell are you going on about!? I don't have time for this..." It was clear that he would have to pull out the big guns if he wanted to clear the current section. Anger had started to set in as if fighting an army wasn't enough now a sprite had made its way over to him asking unrelated questions.  

Mana had started to gather close to them, it was enough mana that one could tell that it was being forcefully gathered by someone who brought a new issue to deal with on top of the ones that were currently here.

As the two figures met within the confounds of the night. They could feel it in the air. The uncertainty and unease about their being here. The clanking of armor being attached, of flames being lighted and snuffed as plans of shadow strikes were made. Pained cries from Earth land prisoners of war as they feared their captors approach as they were locked up in cages like cattle. As the clothed in black trio scattered at Jikan The Merciless' order. The tainted blooded warrioress sniffing her nose once again; the subtle scent of foreign prey and scavengers entering her den. A cheek to cheek grin sweepted across her face. Out in the distance away from Jikan The Merciless a figure came; holding a spear and a cloak. "Ahhhh, so it can finally start. The terror, which will not end until Gods like that of Illumin weep tears down from the heavens, for another three years, can begin.”

"Funny man eh?", replied one of the warriors who was early and ready to go for this mission! His world needed this. He needed this. And if he had to burn this world down so that their home could rise up from the ashes; so be it. Even if he had to work with the likes of...her. His response was quick but came late; the blue and brown haired warrior approached him with haste! Jamming his spear right in the foot. "WOOOOOOOW", yelled the man. A flick of Azure's wrist and one of his summons came. With great timing to as the man's appearance was gaining attention now, as well as his actions! Sword drawn a female warrior rushed forward only to be grabbed by the leg and spun around in a blur. Her white and grey armor mixing and becoming hard to differentiate.

Elsewhere, a young blonde haired teen slithered her way between the docile forces of Earthland. Not yet fully under the pressure of the night that would come. Eager and focused with a tunnel vision level. She did not perhaps noticed the increasing number of foes forming around her; or the little sparks of flames that seem to lead the spirits of the dead. As she came she spoke to Azure; unclear of identity and allegiance. Was he a Dark Universe counterpart, or was he one of them acting in good faith?? Thoughts to wonder and ponder in this dire time. No matter how Azure moved through the small piece of Jikan's army with his summon; it felt like there was no true progress. They just kept coming. No hesitation. No fear. Just determination. And for some; rage.

As Jikan The Merciless felt the mana in the air gather and grow she licked her lips. The red line of passion flowing as she could feel the show gain a little momentum. Delicious; he had quite a bit in him. She would definitely use him and drain him dry when she got her hands on him.

One solider whispered, dark magic being enchanted in a behest of paranoia and mistrust to grow between the two Earth land warriors.

It was most unfortunate that the girl had to hold by the trigger to mission. Though it would not be long before she found her own self surrounded with her back against the summoner. "I'm simply doing my best to identify the sin in this most horrible conflict." Tempris's smile quickly sunk as a solider made her. With their weapon drawn it was becoming harder and harder to refrain from attacking so it was time to invoke some peace keeping. The first strike she had to dodge was an horizontal strike which she got to reward with a hefty kick to their side. Another sword swing from the next mook trigger her to parry with a risky kick. Fortunately for Tempris, her faith was always rewarded and she successfully knocked the weapon out of their hand and probably into some other enemy.

Unfortunately their cheekiness had to be rewarded and the best reward was a baptism. Tempris held out her hand and summon forth her weapon out of her necklace and with a sword swing, a magic circle appeared underneath her. A high pitch maniacal laughter was then followed by an explosion of holy flames, cleansing all the sinful soldiers surrounding them... (and healing Azure I suppose since he is technically an ally)

Azure and his summon returned to their murder adventure as the source of magic that had been gathering seemed to have vanished for the time being but all other matters could wait for the time being. Nothing about the current situation was telling him that everything would be a smooth ride in the slightest Kraken had started to fall behind in kill count which was fair as it was giving everything to ensure his contractor was safe while also following its orders. I still can't make heads or tells of them right now, he thought to himself as he paused for a moment to look and give themselves the once over as they didn't feel as tired anymore which was good but also rather weird given that they hadn't confirmed if they even friend or foe yet. The summoner approached their faithful summon and tapped its head "Tell Render I said hi okay?" the summon wrapped itself up in its tendrils as it evaporated. 

"Hey can you handle these gu- do you hear that?" cutting off himself the sound of what could only be a missile dropping or wind seeping in under a slightly cracked window, Not wanting to take any chances the informant looked to the sky only to see the somewhat clear skies and the sun and then turned their attention back to the remaining foot soldiers that plagued the playground.

233

Tempris gleefully stood, surrounded by piles of ash where those sinners who stood against her. The war was not going to be over due to that little scene but boy did it feel good to rid the earth of such insects. She turned to Azure still in her craze. Smiling while holding in the excitement, the urge to completely let loose and bring the rapture she promised Illumin. Now was not the time, now was not the time, but it would feel so good to just go all in. Her breathing started to slow and her face made steps to soften back to that false innocence she prance around with.
"Why no, Sir. I fear that I was too lost in my work. Did you detect something fun, something worthy of my plight? Maybe the great sinner that got the Knights to drag me out of my office? Ever am I sooooo curious." Tempris let the tip of her sword hit the ground and dragged it leaving behind a small dying trail of holy flames as she moved closer to Azure.

"It seems our numbers have shrunk a bit... Maybe I should focus on... being more 'supportive,'" a rouge chuckle escaped her lips as a more enthusiastic smile grew on her face. The girl was managing to contain herself for now, but boredom was such a dreadful thing. She could only hope more would come much much sooner than later.

Hearing them speak was like listening to a broken record player but something about them just told them to stick close for the time being as they did have some support abilities that he could benefit from. The child did have a rather good key in seeing that their current location had been nearly cleared of all enemies give or take those that have somehow managed to cling to life for some desperate reason or another. 

Now seeing that they had nothing left there the informant took a deep breath and then sharply exhaled as part of them knew that they were stuck with this weird not child thing now. "Just stick close to me and try and I mean really try not to talk too much." it was a rather fair request given that he needed to think of the next plan of action or at least a way to find the ring leader behind all this and kill them so they can be done with this whole mess. Moving in the direction that the troops came from was by far the best option as staying in one place would serve no real use when a goal has been set. 

Assuming that the Tempris had followed them a wave of magical energy could be felt right above them similar to the first time that he noticed it but this time it was as though something was actually heading toward them. Quickly looking up to the sky they saw a black dot that seem to be getting closer and closer the longer he looked at it What the hell? he asked himself not really sure if they should move out of the way or just let it hit them. Something large enough to be classified as a meteor fell from the sky just barely missing the informant, the large mass seemed felt familiar but it wasn't something that could be picked up on by anyone else, it wasn't every day that Azure found himself at a lost for words when it came to combat.

Tempris felt the joy on her face melt upon hearing the man's words. "How horrible of you... to speak in such a manner to a lady." She covered her face with her arm and hid her glare. Of course had this been a more peaceful time, the girl would have lashed out with her true feelings. But for now she would stop at that. Her sword hand, released its grip and her weapon vanished back into her necklace. She decided to play up on the role she offered and, more importantly, save her energy for the bigger fish she wished to fry.

Tempris would indeed followed the man. Her hands were clasped and her eyes were half way closed to allow her to focus on her prayer while being observant enough to keep track of the man. She planned to keep this "vulnerable" state up for the next encounter but faith had another plan for them. See, a wave of magic force the girl to fully open one eye and look up. There she saw an heretical dot growing in size. Was it an attack? An enemy? A sign from god? Well maybe that last one was out of the question but the girl was not curious enough to be so close. So she quickly skipped back several meters ending up on the the opposite side as the man, should he decide to move. It was not as if she did not want to be near the man. However, it did seem that the dot favored him. It was unfortunate and she really hoped he was not too hurt... just yet.

Azure paused for a second and looked at the girl as if he didn't understand a word of what they said when in reality he did but just didn't want to have to deal with them "Lady? You think...how could?... You know what never mind."  it was funny that thought this about themself but even so they still were on a very thin line of being left behind. Seeing that the falling item was getting closer and closer by the second the only real option was to get back and that's just what they did though they had wondered if the girl in all her boundless wisdom would try and attack it first. 

The ground rumbled as the item made an impact with the ground if someone had wanted to try and kill him they would need to bring their A-game next time. As the dust began to vanish the informant looked around for the girl quickly as he was still in need of a healer for now, whatever had fallen from the sky was different not human or human adjacent as the magic surrounding it was far too unstable "So you're the prime?" someone asked walking up behind the summoner, the person was hidden behind a cloak which was a clear sign that they were not friendly. Part of Azure felt as though they knew this person or was connected to them to a point but they couldn't place their finger on what it was exactly.

Her decision was correct. The heretical dot preferred the landing strip of sin. She had no intention of attacking the dot. Why would she. It was not bothering her. It was not posing a danger to HER goal. Worst yet, it was unknown. She had no clue what would happen if she tried to bat it, use magic to smite it, or attempt to block it. It was not fate for her to interact so she would not act... yet. Still she kept her eyes hawking over the thing while keeping a very healthy distance.

It hit the ground, throwing up heretical rock, dirt, and dust clouds into the air like the splash of a fat man doing a cannon ball in the public pool. It was impressive for something that was a dot but well... now there was dirt on uniform and that was sinful. Her smirk was growing colder as the dirt cleared from the air; and it was only going to grow into jealously when she saw the cloaked figure behind her "ally." No this was unacceptable. Such a mortal appearing before another while such an attack was launched. This was no poor sinner being puppet by the admission of a greater evil. No, this was at least a pawn who reached the end of the board. Now the question was, what would this piece turn into.

The girl chuckled before sprinting forward. Her care for her own safety cheated her out of a delicious moment. Now she was not going to miss her chance to sit at the table. That was of course depending on the promotion of this... meager pawn.

@Azure Fenic

Who or whatever had managed to get behind him possessed skills that matched his own if not even better but it didn't really matter as they weren't long for this world if he had anything to say about it. The bolder or whatever it was seemed to have vanished which meant that they had it was either all an elaborate illusion or part was their magic. The mysterious person didn't move a muscle as the informant planned out their next three moves while also trying to ignore the little harpy next to him as something told him that she was going to say something that would get under his skin, While Azure was in his own head the cloaked stepped to the side as a black mass rushed towards him.

Wait a second I know this! he thought to himself, the magic that resonated from this summon was from the rift which now brought up more questions as they rolled to the left and out of the way of the summon, Even though the counter-attack hadn't started just yet but something seemed off with this person they didn't really seem all that interested in the cheerleader 'Oh don't worry someone will come for them momentarily.' they said with a rather childish giggle at the tail end. 

"Don't care who you are but why do you have access to the rift?" he asked summoning Ignus to his side in response to their summoning as it was the only real course of action at this point and their abilities had started to paint a more and more clear picture. Any and all plans that could be formed would more than likely not work.