Of Ravens and Desks? - [Lumikki | FT Halloween - FM]

Companion :

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”Hello!”

”Look~”

”Hey! Listen!”

The pesky little fly buzzed incessantly, fluttering about in random, annoying patterns. The sound of her wings flapping sharply in the air created a high-pitched noise that must have had a reserved space in the deep levels of hell, right next to mosquitoes. The blue haired mercenary squatted the air with his hands to no avail, unable to get one good hit on the annoying little bugger.

”Watch Out!”

The tiny acute voice doubled down, as if mocking the increasingly annoyed attempts of the warrior to silence her. ”Shut uuuuuuuup!” Kenzo pleaded, hoping his words would at the very least distract the little faerie long enough to finally hit it square. Alas, his hand found empty air once again. Frustrated, the man slouched against a tree as he tried to regain his temper.

”Come ooon… why won’t you at least ask me a more normal riddle like: “What goes on four legs in the morning, on two legs at noon, and on three legs in the evening? this stupid riddle of yours makes no sense.”

Kenzo knew it was futile trying to bargain with the little faerie. He’d tried for the first 2 or 3 hours of his plight. At this point, he was starting to run out of ideas.

It had all started with the man taking out a request at a nearby village. The enchanted forests of Caelum were far from the places the blue-haired swordsman used to frequent, but his quest through the land to gather information had taken him to even this remote place of Earthland. The locals had tried to warn him, telling him of tales and legends of mischievous faeries of the forest trapping unsuspecting wanderers in illusionary prisons.

Dismissing all this as just another case of local villager folklore, Kenzo had confidently wandered into the woods, sure he could tackle any challenge thrown his way. It didn’t take long for the man to cross into the realms of the mischievous spirits, and after a couple of hours of unsuccessful guessing, he’d begun to fear he wasn’t as clever as he thought.

As the creeping realization that perhaps he didn’t have the plot armor of the protagonist came upon him, he felt a drop of cold sweat roll down his spine.

”I mean.. How the hell am I supposed to answer Why is a raven like a writing desk? ?”

WC: 397

**Lumikki** · Sat Oct 26, 2024 12:01 pm

Epithet :

High Jarl

Guild :

Jewels :

8,450,000

Rank :

Race :

Demon (VALKYRIE/Speed)

Experience :

2,852,600

Reputation :

91,200

Class :

SpellHowler

Aura :

Magic :

Ferion's Hawken Eye ↂ
Heimdall's All Seeing Eye
Project Valkyrie: The Swans ↂ

Strength :

501

Speed :

827

Constitution :

735

Endurance :

501

Intelligence :

1011

Mana :

15,530

Weapon :

Abyss Spine
Vanguard's Frozen Cowl (Second Staff)

Head :

Body :

Cape :

Ring :

Modification :

Companion :

Pouch :

Boosts :

Mentor to Ittindi (B-Rank)

Lumikki of Iceberg

"One is an Omen, Eight for a wish"

”This is the forest?” Lumikki clicked her beak in annoyance as she soared the sky in the form of a rave. Followed by many other who often occupied her side within the flock. ”This is where the blue-haired man was mentioned to have gone?” Her voice bore the echo of frost and chill like words through a frozen caverns.

Lumi was in Caelum to sort some matters for The Valr Frostguard, or more like Aurelius to be more specific. The sarcastic, pragmatic man was hoping to gain more favor in his homeland and insisted the Demoness took the opportunity to promote them. Claiming that it was fairly beneficial on both sides, but Lumikki couldn’t be so sure. Still, it gave her things to do and a reason to see new lands. What more, there were interesting tales among the locals that she now hoped to explore them; but first, she was off to seek out the lost man who disappeared three days prior.

”This it is, my Revna. And we can feel their influence already.” Lonu remarked, ever quick to answer. He was a forest spirit turned raven, but him and the others evolved to be past ravens long ago. Now more akin to Daemons or familiars now. It would be this touch of darkness that let them peer through the veil before them, and the Obscura that lets them pierce though the nature magic woven thickly in the air.

”The question is, where could he be? Where would we start?” Trygve, but another of her ravens answer. He was clearly overwhelmed by the task, but put up a front otherwise. Gunvald however, would see right through it and not grant the bird any peace. ”Flustered are we chick-a-Dee. You know well, you could have stayed behind. No need for cowards by our Mistress’ side.” He broke into a cackle that acted like salt in the wound and Trygve puffed up his chest as if to prove against his point.

”Fairies huh, it’ll be interesting to see some.” Alune, the white raven among them had plundered out loud. She wasn’t interesting in the dispute beside but rather the task ahead. ”—Aye, let’s see if they’re as annoying as the the stories claim.”

─── ─── ─── ─── ───∘°❉°∘ ─── ─── ─── ─── ───

The man below was stuck in a conundrum, or riddle rather, as the fairy laughed at his growing misery and the ravens chuckled themselves. The Unknindness that followed Lumikki into the mist have been observing him for sometime, the Demoness included, and they gathered all they needed to know as they watched.

In his grumbles and agony, his eyes rarely left the fairy who haunts him, so he wasn’t aware of the flock that now swarmed around him. ”Gunvald, would ye—“ Lumi uttered and her bird acted almost instantaneously. It broke into flight that darted for the dancing fairy, and managed the feat of being swift enough to pinch her wings into his beak. Now she struggled to pry free, her cries of laugher turning rather sour. And the raven would circle back to perch right beside Lumi once more.

Lumi leaned over to observer her, the small dress made of flowers, wings like dragonflies, and the faint glow of her skin. She was nothing like the Fae she had met, but what did she know, the Demon had yet to meet a fairy. ”Vexing isn’t lad,” Her voice more human now that she was in his attention, Lumi turned a gaze from Gunvald to the blue-haired man below. Her eyes shining in the glow of the trapped fairy. ”When yer so headstrong that ye stumble into a trap.” Lumikki puffed up and shook her feathers as if adjusting herself before titling her head in thought. ”Now I know I’ve read this somewhere before….in some old nonsensical tale with some lass named….Alisa? No,no, I think I’m getting her confused for the White Empress..however, the tale haaad and Empress yea? No, no, rather a Queen. A Queen in—red, yes.” Lumikki bent over in thought to the point she scratched her head a tad with her talon, while she worked through her memories of the long since read book. ”Give me a moment see, I know I’ve read this before but its been so long. Some throwaway tale from Caelum no less.—Oh! Thats right. Some fanciful writer, by Dodgson, hmmm. Charles Lutwidge Dodgson if I remember it correctly.”

Her gaze now on the fairy, its squirming attempt to slip away now got more energetic. ”Tricky one aren’t chu. Ye know not many would read further than those pages huh lass. Shame for ye however, because the both could produce a few notes albeit very flat; and it is nevar put with the wrong end in front , long as ye have sense I suppose. The Caelums I admit have a sense of humor I could enjoy. Though I’m not sure ye’d agree huh lad?”

Lumikki dipped forward from her brand, and swooped onto his bare shoulder. ”If I’m correct, yer the daft fool who choose to the ignore the locals? Color ‘em worried lad, they sent ravens to find ye.” Her flock all at once, by some inter-woven sense that could not be perceived, all took off as once. Heading for what could be thought as the next location, with Gunvald taking the lead with fairy still in beak. ”Off to the next riddle, why don’t we?” Lumikki tugging his hair rather lightly.

"Pity those who hold the gaze of me flock."

**Kenzo Valens** · Sun Oct 27, 2024 2:06 pm

Epithet :

The Espada

Guild :

Blue Pegasus

Threat :

Hazard

Jewels :

8,985,100

Rank :

S-Rank

Race :

Human

Experience :

902,500

Reputation :

25,800

Class :

Adventurer (Reaver)

Strength :

501

Speed :

135

Constitution :

251

Endurance :

251

Intelligence :

1

Mana :

8,600

Weapon Mastery :

Intermediate - Sword

Weapon :

Off-Hand :

Head :

Body :

Cape :

Ring :

Modification :

Companion :

Kenzo Valens

The Espada

”Because smart people like both(?)”
”Both have feathers?”
”They stand on their legs!?”
”You stress the first syllable on both?”

”Wrong, wrong, wrong~ Pfft you’re so stupid…
Shishishi~”

The little pixie burst into laughter as she shot down the mercenary’s rapid-fire answers. Her little hands covered her mouth as if she was trying to hold back, her obviously fake attempt simply managed to enhance the mocking potential to higher levels.

“This little-” Kenzo could feel a vein straining on his forehead, threatening to pop off. The man ground his teeth together in anger as he decided to put an end to this miserable game once and for all. He was so engrossed in his now personal vendetta that he became blissfully unaware of the flock of ravens circling about their heads. Extending his right arm to his side, Kenzo began calling forth for Masamune from inside his pocket dimension ring, planning to finally play this little game on his own terms. After all, he’d always been the type of person to cut his problems in half, ask questions later.

However, his actions would be ironically cut short as a flash of lighting swooshed past him, beelining directly for the laughing fairy. In an instant, the joyous cries of the fairy became squeals of terror as she found herself caught between the beak of a raven. Taken by surprise, the Bellan warrior found himself suddenly surrounded by a very peculiar Unkindness. Shifting his attention towards the raven that addressed him, Kenzo rose a brow as he felt the bird’s comment getting under his skin.

There was an ominous aura coming out of the flock, a seething obscure power that he was all too familiar with. However, it was also unlike any demonic presence Kenzo had sensed before, making him doubt his initial suspicions. For all he knew, he was still trapped within the faeries’ enchantment, so there was little he could trust about this place. Deciding to push the thought aside, Kenzo replied first to the talking bird.

“Hoh? Who says I’m trapped?” Kenzo crossed both arms as he replied with a slightly annoyed tone, trying to look away as soon as he felt his face flush with slight embarrassment. It was rare for the quippy mercenary to be at a loss for words, but it was totally justified given the mental torture he’d been subjected to for hours, right?

Before he could say anything else though, the talking raven decided to crush the riddle he’d been struggling with in an instant. Kenzo’s sour expression changed to intrigue as he saw the raven flex her obscure knowledge on portal fantasy literature for children. Yet, the mention of his guild mistress was what caught his attention the most. Whoever this weird bird was, it knew way more than any bird had any business knowing.

”I’d say quite a twisted sense of irony at least, you had too much of an advantage on that one.” Kenzo confidently replied as the bird gave off a vague, nonsensical answer in his eyes. She was a raven though, so who was he to judge if she identified as a table in those respects? ”I’m more into other kind of literature either way.” the man shrugged nonchalantly, trying to regain his cool.

Tilting his head as he felt the mysterious raven perching on his shoulder, he chuckled as the bird insulted him yet again. ”Really now? Promised you and your crows some peanuts in exchange?” Kenzo dug back with a smirk on his face. He enjoyed banter, knowing full well that people usually confused crows and ravens. He noticed the raven had some twisted sense of humor at the very least, which was a breather of fresh air from the stuffy, childish fairy that was now the flock’s captive. As he heard the tiny spirit cry in anguish over being escorted by the flock, Kenzo almost felt sorry for it... almost.

”So, what brings you and your minions around here?” Kenzo asked as he walked towards the direction the brand had taken to, following the nudge the bird had given him earlier. ”Can’t imagine you save every wondering traveler from this annoying games…” The man paused for a second as he kept walking.

”And here I thought you were called an Unkindness for a reason” A cheeky grin painted crossed his face.

”The name’s Kenzo. I owe you one”

**Lumikki** · Sun Oct 27, 2024 7:26 pm

Epithet :

High Jarl

Guild :

Jewels :

8,450,000

Rank :

Race :

Demon (VALKYRIE/Speed)

Experience :

2,852,600

Reputation :

91,200

Class :

SpellHowler

Aura :

Magic :

Ferion's Hawken Eye ↂ
Heimdall's All Seeing Eye
Project Valkyrie: The Swans ↂ

Strength :

501

Speed :

827

Constitution :

735

Endurance :

501

Intelligence :

1011

Mana :

15,530

Weapon :

Abyss Spine
Vanguard's Frozen Cowl (Second Staff)

Head :

Body :

Cape :

Ring :

Modification :

Companion :

Pouch :

Boosts :

Mentor to Ittindi (B-Rank)

Lumikki of Iceberg

"One is an Omen, Eight for a wish"

”I’d have to peck yer head on that later then lad. I for one enjoy a good or read or two, seeing it’s a passion of mine. Advantage? Suppose I’d agree to that. Leave it to a bird to have a wealth of useless knowledge. But I for one happened to special in myths, lores, stories of old, and tales. This one just being one of many.” Swift in word the raven retorted. His mention of other literature snagged her interest and favor however, swelling her with curiosity and enthusiasm. Though she’d break into a chuckle by this next remark. Her laugh a soft croak rippling through her feathers.

”Perhaps yer seeking to be murdered than lad.—Though..if ye have peanuts to spare for me birds, we’d be grateful. Good things come to those that make offerings—good omens if ye will. Like leading a man who’s been lost for three days time since before I’ve entered.” The man began walking, and Lumikki kept clutched to his shoulder. Sticking tight despite his pace as he followed her flock. Her body bobbed with each of his steps, rocking small frame with each taken.

”Clever ye are, lad. Can’t say I move meself to every plea of a human, yes. But at times, I like to do things as entertainment. Like seeing how I fare amid the fairies. They don’t like me very much see,” the last bit spoken in a hush as if it were a secret. Lumikki would continue the low tone in her voice, playfully acting out the occurrence of them being spied, which was hardly out of the realms of possibilities. ”Oh, they’ve been evading me all day. Wasn’t still that wee lass was more wrapped up in yer misery than me presence that I got the sight of one. Though…I was almost sure they’re suppose to be far bigger than that….perhaps a lesser, if that…” Her head tilted once more as she gave it thought, but it would all be cut short by his introduction and remarks.

”Oh, that won’t do. Ye’ve given me a name. The bold one ye are, but I kid. I come in peace, if ye could believe it. Merriment more like it.” Lumikki broke into another chuckle, though this time she’d drop herself off his shoulder. Before her talons could touch ground, a vortex of black feathers wrapped around her. Swallowing the bird’s small frame before expand to something much larger. From which, a girl of short stature just barely touching five feet, rose from the plumage. Her cool brown skin with tattooed makings in contrast to her pale white hair half braided and thrown into a bun. Her eyes were like the twilight sky, with one gold while the other a nightly purple and blue with golden flecks that appear as if cast by the other and golden pupils. She wore a short black dress in Caelum fashion, with an assortment of patterns and her hands seemed as if stained with black ink with nails resembling black talons. Around her legs coiled a lively darkness, while her shadow broke into two figures both occupying her silhouette albeit, one was the pitch of night while the other pure whiteness. Around her neck hovered six beads in rotation, and amid her features were fresh flower blossoms and leaves sprouting from her hair and steps.

”Hmmm should I offer ye mine is the question. Perhaps Raven suits me well for now, aye lad?” She’d turn to him, looking up with a smirk of her own that showed fangs. But everything about her was more playful than threatening.

"Pity those who hold the gaze of me flock."

**Kenzo Valens** · Wed Oct 30, 2024 10:43 pm

Epithet :

The Espada

Guild :

Blue Pegasus

Threat :

Hazard

Jewels :

8,985,100

Rank :

S-Rank

Race :

Human

Experience :

902,500

Reputation :

25,800

Class :

Adventurer (Reaver)

Strength :

501

Speed :

135

Constitution :

251

Endurance :

251

Intelligence :

1

Mana :

8,600

Weapon Mastery :

Intermediate - Sword

Weapon :

Off-Hand :

Head :

Body :

Cape :

Ring :

Modification :

Companion :

Kenzo Valens

The Espada

”Oh? I’ll have to show you my collection back home sometime” Kenzo replied nonchalantly, a curious brow rising with interest. Few people knew about this, but the blue-haired swordsman was an avid reader. His interests ranged from history to economics, astronomy, magic, poetry and everything in between. It wasn’t something he shared openly with others, so learning about their common interest became a pleasant surprise at this point. Through the years, he’d spent a large portion of his wealth building up a rather impressive collection of books from all around the world. The thought of showing it off to someone who could appreciate it brewed into curious excitement.

”If there’s still anything left, that is”

The thought crossed his mind automatically, surprisingly bringing to his attention this was something he hadn’t thought of yet. From what he’d learned, it had been around 5 years since his disappearance from Fiore. Getting turned into a stone statue was no joke after all. Who knew if his room was still like he’d left it? Heck, for all the warrior knew, there was a chance Blue Pegasus no longer existed. Or even worse, what if they’d decided to evict Kenzo’s stuff from his room at the guild? What if they found his secret stash behind the loose floorboard near the corner? A grim thought crossed his mind. It was better not to think of such scenarios so hastily.

Coming back to the present, Kenzo smirked at the witty comment from the bird. He was starting to like it more as time went on. ”As a matter of fact I do” Kenzo replied with amusement, given the coincidence. ”Got some left over from the carriage I took to Caelum. Gotta say the quality of these transport companies has been recently decreasing. There’s barely any leg room these days” The man clicked his tongue in feigned disapproval, materializing a bag of peanuts from his pocket dimension ring for a second, before storing it back into thin air. He’d feed the raven’s followers later once they caught back up to them.

”Between you and me, I don’t think they like me very much either…” Kenzo played along the bird’s act, pausing for a second to look around before talking. ”I’ve read they come in different shapes and sizes… Some of them talk about fairies as tall as trees.” The man mentioned casually, not honestly remembering if he’d read that in a scholarly text or heard it from a drunken man at a tavern. To be honest, he didn’t care. Sometimes the kind of wisdom you found in both was confusingly similar.

”Hooh?? Should I be worried you’ll steal it? Kenzo replied amused at her reaction, remembering old folklore tales about never revealing your real name in the presence of the fae.

”I’d honestly preferred it if you tried~ I’m afraid it has long since been claimed. Better you have it than the demon that cursed me so long ago.” Kenzo teased as he playfully tugged at the inside of his right cheek with a finger, opening his mouth and making the fierce ominous bone jaw at his side glisten in the light, emphasizing his point by bringing attention to the weird body structure attached to the side of his face. In case they’d missed it for some reason.

Before he could add anything else though, the man was suddenly taken by surprise as the raven transformed into a creature unlike anything Kenzo had seen before. His lack of knowledge of recent events in Fiore prevented him from knowing at all who the person in front of him actually was, not that it would’ve been a guarantee he could recognize them in this form though. Regardless, the man couldn’t help but blink in awe as he tried to decipher the identity behind the petite figure standing in front of him. Or rather. What they were. Kenzo had fought against demons in the past. Heck, he’d killed some as well. His instincts told flared as they told him she was demonkin. However, there was something very different between the girl standing in front of him now and most of them. Whether that was right or wrong, it was a matter of finding out.

Rubbing his eyes for a second, the warrior suddenly remembered where he was as he tried to rationalize the endless streams of questions product of the girl’s unique appearance. A sudden realization struck his mind like thunder. He had been too enthralled in their conversation he’d previously passed on a very important comment the raven had made. Three days.

This place was honestly scary. Meeting a unique raven that turned into such a mysterious girl didn’t sound like the biggest of mysteries after all. He decided he was getting to the bottom of the eerie feeling he sensed from the girl and her ravens, but there was something he needed to confirm first. For that, he’d need to avoid any suspicions.

”I’d say Raven fits you probably better than any other name I can think about” Kenzo replied with a light chuckle, trying to maintain his composure, not wanting her to notice the sudden suspicion brewing inside him.

Kenzo took a pause before shaking his head. ”I’m sorry, but I could've sworn you said I was lost for three days before?” Kenzo crossed both arms as he tilted his head. ”I could bet on my life I haven’t been here for more but for a couple of hours.”

**Lumikki** · Fri Nov 01, 2024 12:09 pm

Epithet :

High Jarl

Guild :

Jewels :

8,450,000

Rank :

Race :

Demon (VALKYRIE/Speed)

Experience :

2,852,600

Reputation :

91,200

Class :

SpellHowler

Aura :

Magic :

Ferion's Hawken Eye ↂ
Heimdall's All Seeing Eye
Project Valkyrie: The Swans ↂ

Strength :

501

Speed :

827

Constitution :

735

Endurance :

501

Intelligence :

1011

Mana :

15,530

Weapon :

Abyss Spine
Vanguard's Frozen Cowl (Second Staff)

Head :

Body :

Cape :

Ring :

Modification :

Companion :

Pouch :

Boosts :

Mentor to Ittindi (B-Rank)

Lumikki of Iceberg

"One is an Omen, Eight for a wish"

”Do ya now?” Lumikki’s voice rung with absolute intrigue. He could hear it in her tone, the richness of her curiosity. ”Please if ye would, well….more reason to assure ye get out isn’t it….then I shall guarantee yer exist of this abysmal place.” Lumikki was already making mental plans for the trip and planing outfits for the heat when he interjected her thoughts. ”—Huh! What do ya mean, if it’s still there? Hmmm should we make good on checking it now rather than later lad?” Lumikki was serious about the invitation, but the conversation went on and the prospect of getting her birds fed pleased her.

”Carriage? I personally prefer flying but a mount or two comes in handy as well….but..no leg room ye say—ya know, I had always wanted to try it sometime but that detail makes it not so tempting…hmmm. Ever tried the trains? There is a nice station back in Orchidia I never took that time to take, but a las, hardly a reason to use it.” As the raven spoke, here eyes made note of the peanuts in his hand, though they only lasted a moment. She ruffled her feathers happily all the same.

”Is that what, that was? A curse? Honestly I thought it was a part of yer charm, really presents a stoic allure doesn’t it. But if ye want that thread snipped, and rid of that Demon of yers, well then, I’d be happy to assist. Just so happens I’m in the business and we don’t need more of ‘em here do we. Oh, no, no, no. But first, we should get ourselves out of this mess huh, and I still wanna see that collection…I think I like ye Kenzo. Yer far more worth the trip than seeing small fairies. Ye gave me many things to be excited for.” A chuckle fell from her lips like the chiming of small bells, it was clear to see the woman was indeed amused. It only transfigured to a cackle the moment her mention of time finally sunk in. His reaction was delicious and the Demoness ate it hungrily.

”Aye mate, they sent word for anything who could bear to help ya on the second day. Mentioning something about the man wandering among fairy territory. The mayor of the town back was very worried too, saying that the sooner someone collects ye, the better. Else ye could spend a few days in here and returned back to perished friends and family. Time here just ain’t as it is there. So perhaps it’s best we settle this out rather quick but, looks to me the next marker awaits.” The pair wander through the wood with croaks of her ravens echoing amid the trees. Their calls should fizzle as soon as they past, yet there was an odd echo to be heard within the fog they were in. And a cool mist inching along their feet.

The cried of the captured fairy had not faded, and it pulled the attention of others. Only seeing the Demoness quelled any bravery they had mustered, as none were keen to confront a beast of the dark. Still, the pair could somewhat make out the sound of their whispers. Tattling on their hiding spaces among the leaves. But as long as they didn’t bother her, Lumikki didn’t care. Granted, she came to see them for herself but now there were new motivating factors to entertain and one of their own already in her clutches.

”What possibly could bring ye this direction anyways? Didn’t ye notice all the fairy circles on the way here?” Lumikki wanted to drown their yammering with her own, and enjoy his company while she veered them to the next clearing.

"Pity those who hold the gaze of me flock."

**Kenzo Valens** · Sat Nov 02, 2024 3:43 pm

Epithet :

The Espada

Guild :

Blue Pegasus

Threat :

Hazard

Jewels :

8,985,100

Rank :

S-Rank

Race :

Human

Experience :

902,500

Reputation :

25,800

Class :

Adventurer (Reaver)

Strength :

501

Speed :

135

Constitution :

251

Endurance :

251

Intelligence :

1

Mana :

8,600

Weapon Mastery :

Intermediate - Sword

Weapon :

Off-Hand :

Head :

Body :

Cape :

Ring :

Modification :

Companion :

Kenzo Valens

The Espada

The man chuckled at the intense reaction the raven displayed as soon as it heard the books might be in danger. It spoke matter-of-factly, casually suggesting they should head out and towards the guildhall as soon as possible. Amused by how passionate the bird apparently was about the topic, Kenzo simply made a mental note to make good on his word and show them his collection, completely ignoring how serious the proposal to leave in that instant was, given his lack of understanding of their unfathomable prowess.

”It’s been a long time since I last took a train in Orchidia. But I got to admit I maybe liked the station way more than I did the train ride.”

Kenzo replied with a bittersweet smile, memories flooding back into his mind. He had spent a good amount of time in Orchidia back when he first arrived to Fiore, getting to know a large portion of his old guild acquaintances in its tranquil meadows. Jan Ren, Raymous, Nuala… The list went on. It had been a long time since then, maybe he should head back to his guild once he figured his way out of this place after all. 5 years was a long time, but whatever the case, he hoped all of them had stayed safe.

”Right? I’ve always thought it makes me look cooler.” The man replied at Raven’s comment as he huffed his chest, proudly walking towards the flock of birds now waiting for them. However, his march would freeze for a second at her following remarks.

Kenzo’s body suddenly tensed up as the now transformed girl talked about demons so nonchalantly. He had long since sworn to devote his entire life to 3 things: Money, power and exterminating all demons. He didn’t know the girl well enough to know if she’d fall under that list, but as her words offered her assistance, his first reaction was to be immediately weary of her offer. The warrior couldn’t help but think how much of a pity it’d be to kill her if she was indeed demonkin, especially after they’d hit it off so well during their short interaction. Still, there was an uneasy feeling brewing inside him, something that told him she might be worth trusting. Something that told him she might be telling the truth, even if she actually was a demon.

Deciding to continue to gather information before jumping into conclusions, the man smiled at her lighthearted comments, falling back to his unsuspecting front with practiced ease. ”Maybe I’ll take you for your word once we get out of here. There’s a lot of things I’d like to prick your brain about” His answer held double meaning, hoping he could use the opportunity to finally discover the answers he looked for. He still hoped she was only just a very suspicious looking person, one that gave off the exact same aura that demons did. And that had claws for fingernails, and sharp fangs, and suspiciously colored eyes, and with a coiling, life-like darkness clinging to her shadow and… One could only hope.

Kenzo felt the knot on his stomach twist even further as he heard Raven talk about the disparity of time that had elapsed since he’d first entered. It hadn’t been even a week since Rania and himself had undone the curse that turned them into stone for 5 years, so the idea of being frozen in time again so shortly afterwards definitely didn’t sit well with him. Nodding his head in agreement, Kenzo hastened his pace towards the cackling birds. ”You’re right, let’s get out of here” His eyes cautiously scanned their surroundings, he could notice a crowd of fairies gathering around them, trying to hide their presence from the invaders, as if a show was about to begin.

Turning his head towards Raven, Kenzo opened his mouth to answer her question. ”I was loo—”

”KABOOOOOOOOOOOOM”

A huge, fierce explosion suddenly detonated seemingly out of nowhere, completely enveloping the area where Raven’s ravens waited for them with their prisoner in toll. A strong light flashed with the explosion, blinding everyone in its vicinity. Stumbling backwards as he covered his face with his right arm, Kenzo dug his left heel into the ground, bracing against the shockwave that sent a cloud of dust and shadows flying past the two invaders. The warrior coursed mana through his right eye, immediately firing up his senses as a ghostly flame enveloped it with a blue glow. He was completely blinded on his left eye, but he now saw far better than he ever did before.

Noticing Raven had managed to weather the sudden shockwave, Kenzo turned his attention towards the source of the explosion. However, the origin itself would made himself known without much trouble.

”Who dares invade the sanctity of our forests?! NAY, WHO DARES DEFY THE SANCTITY OF ITS SACRED LAWS?!“ The figure barked, in a strange, unknown tone that Kenzo would only manage to describe as thickly german if that made any sense.

A towering, almost comically shredded figure stood at the epicenter of the explosion. The huge stranger stood almost as tall as the surrounding trees, its strong, tanned complexion and white flattop gave him an aggressive and dangerous look. He held a huge staff on one hand, and a large, closed book on the other. Focusing his attention, Kenzo could barely make the title of the cover amidst the still flowing smoke from the earlier explosion.

Da Rules.

”What the fuck…” Kenzo muttered in disbelief, almost to himself.

**Lumikki** · Tue Nov 05, 2024 8:48 am

Epithet :

High Jarl

Guild :

Jewels :

8,450,000

Rank :

Race :

Demon (VALKYRIE/Speed)

Experience :

2,852,600

Reputation :

91,200

Class :

SpellHowler

Aura :

Magic :

Ferion's Hawken Eye ↂ
Heimdall's All Seeing Eye
Project Valkyrie: The Swans ↂ

Strength :

501

Speed :

827

Constitution :

735

Endurance :

501

Intelligence :

1011

Mana :

15,530

Weapon :

Abyss Spine
Vanguard's Frozen Cowl (Second Staff)

Head :

Body :

Cape :

Ring :

Modification :

Companion :

Pouch :

Boosts :

Mentor to Ittindi (B-Rank)

Lumikki of Iceberg

"One is an Omen, Eight for a wish"

Kenzo’s words were cut short the moment a loud explosion struck the location barely meters away from where they were headed. Her ravens responded by flying away in one cloud, but the smoke and brightness would disturb their synchronized flight, leading them to pull apart and disperse.

Lumikki had enough strength to brave the crashing gale, with her posture squaring enough to lean into the gust. Svanvartr, the Demoness’ black shadow rose from the ground, arcing over Lumikki to unfurl her wings and deter the debris, while her sister Hlaðguðr, the white shadow stood behind Lumi with a posture poised for battle. The trio tasted conflict on their tongue, a sensation that pass through them all in the same instance. But it would be Lumikki who fed off that prospect hungrily just before a fairy about the size of a grown red-oak stomped his approach toward them amid the source of the blast. Yet despite his introduction, Lumikki couldn’t stop herself from breaking out into a laugh.

”For-forgive us…” Lumi blurted between her cackling, it was rather difficult to say words. ”Ye see….we’re simply trying to leave.” Finally the Demoness was winding down, though she still needed a moment to catch her breath, her words were flowing again an her tone correcting. ”Course the lass of yers wanted to make it more difficult but we could remedy it now. Wouldn’t mind showing us the way out, wouldn’t ya dear?” She wiped the last of her tears and blinked the merriment out of her eyes, now she stood with a polite smile and relaxed posture.

Was she truly unbothered however was a different story, hints may have been showing in both sisters that could tell otherwise. With tense stances, they were ready to lunge at any moment, while the mage’s eyes remained wide and locked onto the behemoth. ”Isn’t that right Jabber? We only wished to leave.” She didn’t want to use the name he gave as she didn’t trust the fairies to leave him be should they know. And as she spoke, her four black wings unfurled, a measure should she need move or attack rather quickly.

"Pity those who hold the gaze of me flock."

**Kenzo Valens** · Sun Nov 17, 2024 12:30 am

Epithet :

The Espada

Guild :

Blue Pegasus

Threat :

Hazard

Jewels :

8,985,100

Rank :

S-Rank

Race :

Human

Experience :

902,500

Reputation :

25,800

Class :

Adventurer (Reaver)

Strength :

501

Speed :

135

Constitution :

251

Endurance :

251

Intelligence :

1

Mana :

8,600

Weapon Mastery :

Intermediate - Sword

Weapon :

Off-Hand :

Head :

Body :

Cape :

Ring :

Modification :

Companion :