The humiliation of yesterday's failed seafaring adventure no longer plagued Tōga's mind. As he pushed aside the veil of distress, the memory of that abrupt onset of motion sickness now seemed but a distant dream. Though he had embarked eagerly alongside Lumikki to confront the dreaded sea monsters, his useless contributions forced her to single-handedly prevail against the aquatic foes. Another soul might have wallowed in shame at such feckless floundering, but self-pity found no foothold in Tōga's stoic spirit. Calm and unruffled as the tide, he gave no thought to matters of pride or ego. A flicker of disquietude, however, flickered beneath his tranquil exterior. Never before had his body betrayed him so. What did this uncharacteristic malady portend for future voyages across the treacherous deep? This first brush with nautical frailty left Tōga uneasy, not with regret for yesterday's failure, but unease for what tomorrow's waters may bring.

As dawn's rosy fingers caressed the horizon, ushering in a crisp new morn, Tōga exhaled in relief. The failures of yesterday lay behind him now, dissipating like mist in morning light. He made his way briskly through the awakening town, still shadowed by unease, toward the seaside tavern where he was to rendezvous with Lumikki. Though they had ultimately prevailed against the aquatic foes, an air of vigilance lingered over the port.

Salty seafarers clutched their mugs tightly as they hunched over whispering rumors of what other eldritch horrors might yet lurk beneath the waves. But Tōga tuned out the anxious murmurs as he stepped across the creaking threshold into the empty tavern. Lumikki had suggested meeting here to discuss yesterday's unfortunate events. As the first patron to arrive, Tōga settled in to wait, gazing contemplatively out the frost-covered window at the glittering sea beyond. This day held hope of a new beginning, if they could only chart the proper course.

Tōga beckoned the lone waitress with a gentle smile and tilt of his hand. "Some ale, if you would be so kind," he requested. As the foamy brew was placed before him, Tōga settled back, steeling himself for Lumikki's imminent arrival. He had no doubt she would have much to say about yesterday's failed exploits. Best fortify himself with some liquid courage before the oncoming storm, he mused. Tōga took a long draught of the chilled ale, feeling it soothe his lingering unease. Now was not the time to dwell on past mishaps, but to look ahead with clear eyes. He would weather whatever seafaring wisdom or scolding Lumikki brought with her graceful stoicism. This new day held promise if they could work together to chart the proper course. For now, Tōga would sip his ale and watch the gulls wheel and cry over the glinting waves until his companion arrived.

---

wc: [462/1600]

757

Tōga stared into his mug of ale, the dark liquid swirling back and forth as he rocked it absently against the counter. It had been mere moments since he arrived at the tavern, yet to him it felt like hours, the weight of yesterday's failure pressing down on him. The battle replayed in his mind - the towering sea monsters emerging from the depths, his spear arm faltering as a sudden wave of nausea overtook him, rendering him useless against the onslaught. Shame burned within him at the memory. It was not embarrassment that plagued him, but a desire to understand what had caused this weakness, this motion sickness that had never afflicted him before. There must be an explanation, a reason his body had betrayed him so. He would find the source of this malady, conquer it, and prove himself worthy once more. For now, the bitter ale seemed to match his mood, its darkness mirroring the doubts that swirled through his mind.

The tavern door swung open, allowing a familiar, sweet scent to waft in. Tōga's keen draconic senses caught it at once, even amidst the cacophony of smells in the crowded room. He turned, a smile breaking across his face as he recognized the newcomer. "Lumi-chan!" he called out warmly, waving to the Raven Queen as she glided through the tables, her avian companions fluttering around her. She returned his smile as she slid into the seat beside him, her feathered entourage settling on the backs of the neighboring chairs.

"I'm always ready for adventure, you know that," Tōga began, a weary sigh escaping him. "But I must admit, something was...off yesterday."

He paused, struggling to find the words to explain his failure against the sea monsters. Though Lumi gazed at him patiently, he found himself staring into his ale, unable to meet her eyes.

"I've sailed these seas many times before. I’ve even beat a sea beast or two. But this time, it was different." He shook his head, brow furrowed. "A strange nausea overcame me, sapped my strength. I've never felt anything like it."

Silence fell between them, and Tōga's mind raced. What had caused this mysterious affliction? The more he grasped for answers, the more tangled his thoughts became. It was as if he wandered a twisting maze, searching for truth but finding only dead ends. Finally he looked up, meeting Lumi's steadfast gaze. If there were answers to be found, he knew she would help him uncover them. Her companionship was a light cutting through the haze of confusion and self-doubt. With her aid, surely he could conquer this new challenge, as they had so many others before.

“I was in Stella, and something happened. Since then, my magic has been different,” he didn’t know how to explain it. He was still a dragon slayer, and harnessed the power of fire, but it was more intense, more vivid – darker even.

“Yeah, I have spells, but they respond differently now, too,”

---

wc: 500 [962/1600]

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"Darkness?" Tōga murmured, perplexed by Lumikki's cryptic words. He took a long draught of ale as she continued, her voice low and measured in the crowded tavern. This dingy place had become their refuge, where truths were revealed over foaming tankards. Lumikki spoke of magic, of power awakening within Tōga, though he could not yet grasp its meaning. She saw his abilities transforming, senses sharpening, a new vitality kindled inside him. And she traced this back to darkness - an embracing of shadow that Tōga did not understand.

"Do you truly believe it's darkness?" Tōga asked again, his hushed words aimed at Lumikki yet seeking answers from realms beyond. What had transpired in Stella at the jaguar god's hands? What now burned within, strange and fierce? Once, his dragon slayer magic had blazed bright as summer - vivid oranges, yellows, reds - the colors of life itself. But Tōga had noticed the creeping change. At times, stygian shadows edged his spells - flickers of onyx and crimson, dimming those vibrant hues. Had he unknowingly slipped into some inferno? Was this transformation his new reality? Tōga's questioning gaze met Lumikki's own, seeking confirmation of his unspoken fears. Her wisdom had guided him through shadow before. But this time, the darkness stirring within was his own.

As the raven-harpy duo took flight at Lumikki's command, sailing off to scout their next bounty, Tōga mulled over her words once more.

"Whatever this is, I'll only figure it out by moving forward," he finally said. Magic held no fear for Tōga - he knew its double-edged nature, the glorious yet perilous power all mages wielded. Mortals grasped but fragments of its mysteries, with so much left to learn. Perhaps his draconic evolution was simply the next lesson in this eternal, winding path. If so, Tōga's course was clear. He met Lumikki's gaze steadily, resolve glinting in his eyes. Together they would sail into the unknown, chasing each new horizon. Tōga would master whatever magic awoke within him, be it light or shadow. For power was merely a tool - the wielder's heart determined its nature.

"I'm ready when you are," Tōga smiled, undaunted by the mystery ahead. He was eager to discover what this 'inferno' would reveal. If darkness sought to claim him, it would find a fierce fight on its hands. He would either wrestle free of its grasping talons, refusing to be dragged into hellish depths, or else adorn himself with shadows like armor - wielding them for strength, not surrender.

---

wc: 419 [1381/1600]
81-100: Ahoy matey! What's this? It seems the sea monster's mate has been attracted by the battle, and isn't too happy to see you quelling its partner. Can you beat two of these beasts in one voyage?

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Tōga chuckled at the suggestion of reading books to learn more about his current predicament. "Reading's not really my thing - it takes time away from getting stuff done," he remarked as he walked with Lumikki towards the pier. He didn't mean to offend anyone who valued studying, but for Tōga, the best way to learn was through hands-on experience. What he could grasp from a book, he could grasp ten times over by jumping into a situation and figuring it out in the moment. Books were useful, but nothing compared to real-time problem solving using his mind and hands in tandem. The dragon slayer felt he truly understood something only after actively engaging with it. So while he appreciated the value of scholarly pursuits, Tōga preferred learning through action and real-world application.

When they arrived at the docks, Tōga eagerly jumped in to help. "Put me to work!" he said, using his strength to assist the crew in loading up the ship. He spent the next while hauling box after box, quickly stocking the vessel with all the necessary supplies. In just a short time, the loading was finished and the ship ready to depart. Tōga sighed deeply as he boarded the rocking ship, gathering his bearings. This would be an long voyage, consuming the rest of the evening. But now, with the shore fading into the distance, Tōga and Lumikki were passengers on their way. The dragon slayer took a moment to steady himself, feeling the gentle sway of the ship. Though he was accustomed to action, he knew sometimes you had to let go and see where the currents carried you. This trip may take some getting used to, but he was determined to go with the flow.

"Ugghh," Tōga groaned, retreating to the ship's center, away from the swirling seasickness-inducing horizon. The rocking motion seized his stomach persistently, derailing his attempt to answer Lumikki. "I hope we reach..." he started, before lurching unsteadily, his words split in two. A sickly unease consumed him, borne of the unrelenting waves colliding within. Part motion sickness, part looming inevitability of their predicament, the nausea swelled forcefully. Tōga focused inward, willing himself to remain conscious against the head-spinning sway. This was uncharted territory, being at the mercy of the turbulent tides. Braced on all fours, the hardened dragon slayer surrendered to the rolling ship, no longer trusting his sea legs.

The sea's surface turned black as two leviathans breached from the deep. With a tremendous splash, they launched skyward, sea spray erupting in all directions. Water cascaded over the ship in sheets, drenching the passengers in what seemed an endless downpour. The marine titans twisted through the air in a gracefully perilous dance, their slick bodies glinting as they hung for a time suspended. Then, entering free-fall, the aquatic acrobats plunged back into the waiting abyss below. The resulting impact trembled through the vessel. Tōga shielded his eyes from the torrent, witnessing the spectacle in awe. The nimble beasts commanded the ocean with ease, at home in the swell and spray. As quickly as they had appeared, the creatures slipped back into shadowy mystery.

"They're here!" Tōga cried out, one hand clamped over his mouth to contain the churning sickness. Looming before them were two colossal sea beasts, their immense forms fixed on the tiny vessel. Fiery magic blazed through Tōga's veins as he struggled to summon his power. Crimson seals manifested around him, tendrils of inky flame flickering to life. Though hampered by nausea, the embers of his magic glowed visibly, displaying the evolution of his skills. Wisps of dark fire swirled and danced, not yet under his control but showcasing the potential now awakening within. Lumikki bore witness as Tōga's abilities emerged in the face of threat. Despite the dragon slayer's discomfort, his inner strength shone through.

Though Lumikki would once more have to tackle these beasts alone, a silver lining appeared - her companion Tōga did seem to wield spellcraft after all. His fiery magic materialized, albeit weakly, in unusual shades of ebony.

---

wc: 2000+
Take us home, Lumi~

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