Open up your heart, for me to cut it out. Run, live, die.
In Kishin's perspective, a gun embodies a formidable threat. Similar to his encounters with Esperia, he merely sets the pace, leveraging his experience against stronger opponents. He believes the stronger ones tend to complicate matters, struggling to identify their true strengths. For Kishin, the world is an ongoing journey towards resolution, inexorably leading to death. He perceives family, morals, and assistance as elements that convolute the path to righteous determination. Even summons and pets can further muddy the clarity of combat, serving as multipliers that confuse the enemy. However, with a clear picture in mind, Kishin embraces a resolute focus devoid of ambiguity.
Positioned at a distance of three meters, Kishin seizes the opportune moment when Jikan's attention is diverted by the lowering guard at their leg and mental crossing. The bench, more akin to a floor, limits Jikan's mobility, leaving them vulnerable to Kishin's interruption. Expertly alternating between targeting Jikan's neck and heart, Kishin fires his gun, intending to embed magical shrapnel into Jikan's body continuously. This trigger is triggered by his mental resolve alone, his only requirement for action. However, almost ironically, Kishin casually shifts his foot, extinguishing the flames in an instant and fate itself snuffs out the dying fire beforehand as well.
Nullifying any spells cast by Jikan, Kishin's perception cuts through the darkness, discerning spell circles and subtle movements with ease. The broken man, long trapped within his own shattered shell, no longer indulges in the shallow darkness. Gazing upon his own painting of mortality, Kishin embraces the deepest shade of black it yearns to become. Having traversed a path littered with darkness, he has come too far to accept any other shade. Otherwise, he would not have risked venturing into The Fractured Sky. Though he may not chase after what lies ahead, his steps may be slow, but his mind is the swiftest.
"I fear myself. Where are your friends?" Kishin addresses Jikan calmly, unperturbed by being looked to as a child. He had relinquished his friends, they will find him on his death, what of Jikan? Patiently waiting until Jikan is rendered neutralized after the Death Tarot, he chooses his words with care. At this point, only The World holds the power to save them. Recognizing the perfection of the infant mind, he harbors a hope to witness vengeance unfold. The notion of protection crosses his mind, concurring with Judith's sentiment that he takes pleasure in guarding.
"I am not here to meet my demise. I am here to engage in a dance with death." The Talaz Lagaar plague, often disregarded by foreign entities without consequence, ensnares souls solely through the crucible of battle. Kishin has not come to fight; he has come to execute. His presence in Talaz Lagaar is solely to extract terror.
If Kishin were to eliminate Jikan, would it be the words of their guild or the voices of the people that would avenge her? Jikan's lack of proficiency in teamwork is an art that Kishin admires in Jin Tatsumi. The clarity of focus becomes obscured, diluted by the mingling colors picked up from their sparring sessions. Rising to his feet, Kishin would walk Jikan down, leaving behind a trail of blood hidden on his seat. Upon first sight, he had recognized Jikan Supēsu. Most individuals do not have the luxury of choosing when they meet their demise, but Jikan presents a purpose devoid of wonder. Before him stands a being akin to a wandering flesh bag, akin to Esperia. Despite accepting the threat Jikan poses, Kishin nullifies any inclination to avoid the forthcoming battle, embracing the inevitable: Death, Nihlatak, The Truth. Positioned as the underdog, he strikes when distraction beckons, allowing the battle to unravel the tale it yearns to tell. As a primal sensation of imminent mortality permeates the air, his words emerge.
"I'm delighted that you agree. I'll go kill your kids and family first as my baptism," Kishin remarked with a touch of satisfaction. He believed it was his duty to protect the legacy and spirit of those he encountered. Just as fire is discovered by men but ultimately belongs to nature, Kishin saw himself as a catalyst rather than the one who fans the flames of light. He had discovered someone famous. He says what's only right, to eliminate their progeny, yet he speaks to keep their spirit alive. Men can discover fire, cuddle toward it's warmth and be burned by it, but nature produces the fire. A strong fire is unfair, inopportune, to be grasped on to.
"You are destined to meet your end, amen, but have you considered the loneliness your absence will bring to those you protect? A parent whose sole purpose is their children leaves behind a void. Fight at your guild? I'll kill you, then it. You have found the warrior death. Or strike me down with your shallow resolve," Kishin spoke with a contemplative tone, questioning the purpose that remains when one's sole focus is taken away. He tested his words, allowing the emotions to build and the cynicism to take hold. Having loose religious beliefs from his time in Fiore, he viewed life from a different perspective.
He'd nip any righteous plots that may arise. He challenged Jikan to question what they truly desired to gain. Was it everything? But could they handle it? Kishin saw a lost soul in Jikan, another teleporter not ready for backlash. He aimed to transform Jikan's life in this very moment, not in abandoned buildings or hollow words. One day, there will be nothing left of the guilds by ego death. On this dead flame, there needs to be sacrifices made and a decision on what Jikan wants to take from Kishin.
"I win, you live, I shall lead you. However, you cannot truly end my existence, which means there is no victory for you ever. I will continue to haunt your family as I recover years, or become more immortal," Kishin stated, acknowledging the uncertainty regarding how Jikan treated their family. He believed in a meritocratic system and was not joking about joining their guild, albeit as the leader. He questioned whether the guild could accept internal conflicts and members raiding one another, or if it was merely a Dark Guild in name, full of sparring dummies.
"Reassess your will to fight, lost soul, or return home and embrace a life of joy with your family. A renowned guildmaster finds fulfillment in such endeavors," Kishin urged Jikan to reconsider their path, to let go of the burdens they carried. He suggested that Jikan should lie down, and although they should not respond to his words, Kishin believed it was a signal for them to reflect.
"But you? You can simply rest, free from the burdens of responsibility. You have the opportunity to reform and embrace the light," Kishin had already made up his mind about these matters. He intended to instill a sense of ego death within Jikan, pushing them to the brink of surrender, where they could either accept their greatest loss at the hands of the lowly-ranked Kishin or rise as a good hero.
"I can only null some spells, and it reveals your true nature. I am but a weak and transient being on a brief pause in my journey. Give me excitement in your peaceful embrace of the Talaz Lagaar labs, much like Esperia. If I cannot enhance your abilities, perhaps someone else will." Kishin's words cut through the air, a mix of resignation and determination. He acknowledges his limitations as a mortal and alludes to a different path, one free from the chaos of battle. Jikan's rejection of glory without bloodshed resonates with Kishin. He admires Jikan's refusal to be swayed by superficial pursuits, choosing a path that eschews violence and seeks a different kind of fulfillment. Behind their clean path, they leave dirtiness. He believes that true strength and worthiness are revealed through perseverance and struggle. His words challenge Jikan to rise above doubts and embrace death. Jikan rejects the Sky. All the glory, none of the gory. Kishin processes his strong ego like a match ready to jump at the earliest interruption. As the tides turn, all Jikan will do is find shelter in their own emptiness.
"Fight another day, embrace the cycle of life and death." Kishin's voice takes on a philosophical tone. He urges Jikan to find renewal and transformation through the ever-repeating cycle of existence. His words convey a belief in personal growth and the power to redefine oneself. The world has so much to say of his destiny that he has so little attachment to now. He regards Jikan as dryness yearning for purpose, like a parched soul seeking water. Kishin, as a lich, lacking conventional emotions and pleasures, observes and understands the desires and struggles of others. There is a touch of empathy in his perception, recognizing the human longing for meaning in the ocean. His focus lies in fulfilling his role, rather than dwelling on individual polluted desires or aspirations. Kishin acknowledges the messiness and sacrifices that accompany the pursuit of ambitions.
Kishin remains alert and ready, never fully resting, as he strategically had positioned his magic mask to maximize his advantage. The normal people believe in brawls. He'd been lowering his head with purpose, sacrificing no urgency in his movements. With his mask in close proximity at Jikan all times, any attempt to approach would expose them to its limb-crippling effects. Even his distinct walking style, reminiscent of a duck-turtle, keeps him grounded and steady to snap. In the darkness, Jikan's struggles would only lead to the loss of feeling in their Mero Gauntlet arm, without direct contact. Slow and deliberate, Kishin maintains control.
Having disabled Jikan, Kishin places an open hand on their other arm and begins applying pressure, crunching it. If Jikan is not already disabled, their impending fight in close quarters with hindered limbs and impaired vision would render their martial arts skills laughable. To depict this, Kishin's hand mimics a snapping motion.
"Don't cry. You don't need this arm anymore either. You only need one hand to conquer this world, and it's mine. Is it truly more valuable than a Nullification Mage?" Releasing his grip slightly, he observes any signs of regret.
"Or maybe I should never have come, for you seem afraid of the real battles and victories." If Jikan appears receptive, Kishin lowers his head to their motionless body and begins ripping off their arm, to hear the whispers.
"Instead of suffering in silence, speak. Let out every name of those you wish dead for the sake of this arm." Pulling his head back slightly, he adds,
"Except me, of course. It would be rather hurtful, and you can save that for later." He then gently shifts Jikan's body once more off him, seemingly offering support and hinting at a partnership. But his true motive is to remind them of the real offer.
"I didn't acquire this gun for the sake of targeting people or creatures; I keep it close for special occasions," Kishin remarks, stepping out of his defensive t-bag stance. In a sudden, impulsive act, he executes and shoots at Mia in the encompassing darkness, causing Jikan to likely be left bewildered and bleeding after opening their heart. It is a moment of character development and a glimpse into the fragile state of both individuals. Somehow, they will both survive. Finally rising to a full walk, the lich gazes ahead, contemplating whether he must look back to play catch up or continue pushing forward. Regardless of the opponent, Kishin will always find a way to try, even if it means compromising his morality and existence. He had already presented the prepared offer, encompassing individuals of all genders and ages. The value of his immortality lies solely in the challenge it presents, and he will perpetually witness others fade away. To those who dare to peek into the realm of fate, attempting to decipher its mysteries in advance, they shall encounter death—an inevitable encounter, a harbinger of finality. When the whispers cease, a sigh fills the air, and silence arrives hand in hand with the reaper's decisive strike.
(Attempted exit)
- Intel:
HAND: Winchester's Colt
ARMOR: Memory, Kaldbak
MISC: Undead Phylactery, Minor Arcane Resistance, Nullification Magic
MANA: Current depends, 4800 (1k Kaldbak), Phylactery
STRENGTH: 368 (90 armor)
SPEED: 1
CONSTITUTION: 121
ENDURANCE: 122
INTELLIGENCE: 96
- Battle Log:
*Spells hyperlinked
-~The bench rests close to the ground, and Kishin has aim in your direction throughout with Dark Vision. With your mental defenses down and the faded fire reducing your reflexes, your ability to react will be compromised. The darkness acts as a blind, rendering you unable to perceive the impending spells. All Kishin actions are attempts this post.
-~
Kishin unleashes a barrage of shots (S, then A, then B, then C), alternating between targeting neck and heart. One piercing hit will trigger the Death Tarot, followed by more until you're KO.-~
Your equipment should be susceptible to the effects of spell circles. Regardless of your automated safeguards, the spells localize to your body, allowing Nullification to disrupt anything lacking null-immunity.-~
Only after disabling you, Kishin begins to walk towards you, but remains on guard. Though you may struggle thematically, in the darkness, your strikes will inadvertently hit Kishin's mask. It will prove challenging for you to land subsequent blows. You will lose control of a limb from Sharing Scorn, and Kishin needs only to snap to repeat the process. Inevitably, you will find yourself engaged in a hand-to-hand battle deprived of limb control and blinded.-~
Assuming you agree with the situation, Kishin, while you're in a state of incapacitation, approaches and extends an offer, grasping your arm. However, whether you accept or wish to bring an end to the topic, Kishin shoots Mia with Colt's Special Bullet, if that's acceptable to you, and then departs.- Talaz Lagaar Debuff:
Equally affected by the plague, long term foreigners will begin to feel the effects of it being worsened in situations of heightened stress such as fighting with people suffering and losing 1% of their total mana pool per turn while their spells and physical damage are reduced by one rank and one tier respectively whilst roleplaying in Talaz Lagaar. Perhaps most interesting is who are not impacted by the effects of the plague including the undead and Machia.