Graded [Ryken City] Whispering Pests

[Novama]

Mentions: ebonheart98 Ice Ice Ice Gwen_Temi Voider DSLIX
OOC: We will be keeping a 3 day post frequency per round. The rp is expected to last 1 month. Ask any and all questions. At present it is a free for all as far as who posts when so long as it is done within the post period. Out of combat, action economy will be ignored, but be mindful to play within character limits otherwise. Some abilities are better for ignoring cooldowns than others. I repeat: ask any and all questions. Multiple posts per round are possible and acceptable when not waiting on something from the world (me). Do not wait on others to post unless you have directly told them you are waiting on them and they have told you they will post. Anyone getting skipped is no one's fault but their own.
This would be a good time to introduce characters and come up with a game plan among one another.
Weather: a cooling off summer day with occasional gusts
Time: Sunset
Cooldown:
TLDR: Party, for various reasons, has gathered at the edge of the village's farmland to answer a distress call. perhaps they knew eachother in advance, traveled together, or met for the first time at the edge of the farmland. It's up to you.
Post Listening:

Ryke - Ryken

In the Protectorate of Ryke, in its capital city of Ryken, where cobblestone streets echoed with the chatter of tradesmen and the air shimmered with the lingering enchantments of countless generations, something strange stirred.

The Magic Student, Naomi, would be made aware of an extra credit assignment the academy had posted up to any interested students in need of some makeup work. A strange disturbance in relation to a nearby village's crop fields was reported. It was not uncommon for wilderness farms to be under threat or plague frequently. A capable magician or scholar may be just want the vegetables ordered, but the lack of details and the amount of extra credit offered was odd. The assignment could be another father in her short but illustrious academic career.

News of the peculiarity reached far and wide. The Silver Star Trading Company, its roots interwoven with the fertile land of Ryke, felt the tremors in their daily business, the pulse of profit flickering with uncertainty. They dispatched Malik, a fae of sharp mind and solution focused sight, to find out what ailed the land that fed their coffers.

Simultaneously, within the cluttered chambers filled with glass vials and musty scrolls, Guy's ears would overhear something of interest. Rumors whispered of a nearby village having trouble with their fields. The more interesting bit was the claim there was a sudden and sharp uptick in cases of madness within the village as of late. The possibility of a strange illness in a backwater village where few would mind some unorthodox treatment methods or experimentation. The peculiar phenomena would sound like an opportunity and means of getting ahead if done right.

Elsewhere, the [Envoy of Ancient Dragon Crysanthara], Tupu, would a message from the dragon that foretold of a spreading infestation that, left unchecked, would spell the downfall of Ryke. Tupu would be challenged by the dragon to answer the village's need for aid as a rite of passage.

At the outskirts of Ryken, the Ice Fox Glacier, paused. The air hummed with a peculiar kind of magic, a cold melody that echoed in his core. Glacier would feel a distinct call towards the disturbance.

Meanwhile, Vilde, a warrior far from home, would interpret the crisis as a test from the gods, overhearing the villages plight on her travels. Should she rise to the challenge, there was no doubt that fame and glory would be waiting at the end.

Thus, in their own ways, they were drawn to the devastated farmlands, a patchwork quilt of ravaged crops and the constant hum of the Whispering Pests. Unseen threads of destiny wove their paths together, marking the beginning of this chapter in Isekai Hell.

Farlon Fields

​

As the sun made its languid descent towards the horizon, the group found themselves perched on the edge of the Farlon Fields. Their shadows, elongated and shifting, crept and mingled with the flickering golden hues of the lingering daylight, transforming the landscape into a canvas painted in gold and umber.

Before them, the once verdant farmland lay desolate and stripped of its usual vibrancy. The fields bore a sickly hue, a jarring contrast to the emerald carpet they'd once been, with whispers of a once thriving life echoing with each gust of wind. The fields, though silent, held a disconcerting hum, an undercurrent of a melody that was not of this world, as if the land itself was in distress.

Nestled beyond the marred farmland, the silhouette of the village of Kael stood, a huddled collection of roofs and chimneys that held a quaint charm. Even from this distance, the rustic appeal of Kael was evident, its cobblestone paths and thatched roofs glowing warm and inviting in the waning light. Yet, an undeniable tension clung to it, invisible threads of anxiety stretching out from the cluster of homes, painting a stark portrait of unease amidst the golden dusk.

Above them, the sky was a watercolor palette of oranges, purples, and pinks, a lingering testament to the day's end. The air held the fresh coolness of impending night, carrying with it the scent of parched earth and an undercurrent of something unidentifiable. It was a peculiar fragrance, a mix of the natural and the arcane, the latter hanging heavy and unsettling amidst the familiar.

The wind whispered through the abandoned fields, carrying loose strands of wheat and a strange chill that prickled their skins. Each gust held the telltale hum of the Whispering Pests, an unnatural presence amidst the otherwise peaceful symphony of the evening. It was a reminder of the threat they faced, an invisible adversary that had cast a shadow over the once thriving farmland and its adjacent village.

The world was awash in a symphony of fading daylight and oncoming twilight, a lull in time that seemed to hold its breath in anticipation. It was a moment of quiet, a prelude to the challenges that awaited them in the heart of the Whispering Pests' domain. The stage was set, ready for the actors to take their places as the first stars of evening began to pierce the darkening sky.

Malik would stand with Naomi and Glacier, already familiar with them as he surveyed the lands ahead with a concerned expression.

Malik

 

[Ice Ice Ice]

GUY​

Getting the better of him, Guy fell victim to his curiosity and now found himself traveling with a band of strangers. Though initially preoccupied with rummaging through whatever medical paraphernalia he could get his hands on, after catching wind of what sounded like an odd affliction, Guy could not help but feel intrigued.

Whilst idle at the edge of a farmland, Guy continued to keep to himself, busying his mind with his own thoughts. Despite the dimming sky and haunting winds, Guy embraced the eerieness around them. With arms outstretched to the sides, he arched his spine backwards, extending both his back and neck as he took a hearty, audible, and lengthy whiff of the peculiar fragrance that filled the air. (Used Doctoring D [Appraisal E + Medicine D] to see if he can pick up anything via smell such as a familiar scent or something close to it, some sort of quality to the smell like a mild fragrance from soap or something more sharp like rancid cheese or even ethyl alcohol. Possibly some sort of mild effect that it can cause when inhaled if any. Or just nothing, probably flowers lol.)

"Ahhhhhhh!" Guy's body tingled as the scent permeated through his nostrils.

 

[Gwen_Temi]

Naomi Plumfoot​

Ice Ice Ice Novama Voider ebonheart98 DSLIX

Naomi wasn’t really in need of extra credit, per se, but an excursion to the Kael offered the young wizard more opportunities than just a small boost to her class standing.

The skills she developed in the classroom needed to be proven in practical situations like these. And, while she honed and proved her skill in magic at Logia Academy, she could also build a name for herself within Ryke and open the door to more opportunities for herself post-graduation. So, with the college’s blessing, she set out to the farmland to see if she could do something to alleviate some of the problems plaguing the villagers. There were others who’d come to investigate the situation, likely for many of the same reasons she had.

Fortunately, she recognized two of them.

“Hey, Malik. Hey, Glacier,” she greeted them with a smile, “Feels like it hasn’t even been a week since I last saw you two.”

She turned to the others, sending a far less personal wave in their direction. One of them seemed to be in a good enough mood; taking the time to enjoy the scent of... dying wheat and the like.

“I’m guessing we’re all here for more-or-less the same reason, right? The name’s Naomi Plumfoot, for those of you who I haven’t met yet.”

She turned away from them and surveyed the area. It was uncomfortably quiet. Even at a glance, one could tell that the crops were weak and sickly. The small village of Kael sat in the distance, just a short walk away.

“I’m gonna go let the townspeople know that we’re here to help and ask them about what’s been going on.” she explained, “Maybe see if I can get us some lodgings and learn a little bit about the lay of the land. Feel free to come with if you like.”

Naomi took a moment to take a headcount before she began the journey past the fields and into town in search of an inn. While it’s true that the fields were one of their main concerns, she felt it wise to inform the people of their presence and intentions before they started investigating the fields… or really anything in town. Snooping around unannounced was a good way to get on people’s bad sides.

Especially when they were already stressed enough from dealing with all of the other problems plaguing this town.

 

[Voider]

Glacier​

​

Interactions: Naomi ( Gwen_Temi ), Malik ( Novama )
Mentions: ( ebonheart98 ), ( Ice Ice Ice ), ( DSLIX )​

---

Glacier had felt something. He did not know what it was, yet it was something that he could not ignore; something, that he had to learn more about. Thus, he had set off towards this peculiar call... doing his best to shrug off the summer sun, which he had a very low opinion of. Now, as Glacier felt he was approaching the source of whatever this was, he was with a group; some people who he had no knowledge of, but two that he did.

"Greetings once again, Naomi... to you as well, Malik... it has indeed not been long since our last meeting." Glacier greeted back, glad to see some familiar faces. He then looked towards the rest of the group, studying each of them in turn. "Greetings to you all." He said simply; as of now, he kept his opinion of the unfamiliar faces neutral, as he typically did.

As Naomi decided to go ahead and alert the people of this town, Glacier thought that it would be a good idea to go along with her. "I shall come with you... if you do not mind, of course." He said, joining her to the town.

 

[ebonheart98]

Vilde Iversdatter

Novama Ice Ice Ice Gwen_Temi Voider DSLIX

It had been a busy few days since Vilde had arrived in Ryke. She had managed to earn just enough to gather some basic provisions, but her purse was running a bit light, and manual labor was frankly starting to bore her. Investigating this crop disturbance sounded like it would make for a much better story. Besides, Vilde was happy to be out of the bustling city, and to feel the wind and the warm sunlight dapple her skin.

It reminded her of home.

Vilde held one hand up to see through the setting sunlight as she continued to walk, thinking over the last few days...

She hadn't been able to sleep much. Every night she managed to sleep, she would dream, and every night she would dream, she would dream of that night. The flames still burned hot and bright in the recesses of her mind. Every night she would dream of the flames and the screaming, she would bolt upright, her pulse pounding in her ears. Vilde would clutch her chest, feeling her heart steadfastly continue to beat, and wonder why Odin would spare her life this way.

Surely she must be alive for a reason.

It was then that Vilde realized she was at the edge of a dying field, and found herself surrounded by a group of strangers. They likely answered the call, same as her. When the man beside her arched his back and took a loud sniff of the air, she nearly jumped out of her chainmail.

"H-Hail, travelers!" She managed to stammer, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. Vilde did her best to regain her composure and to not look startled at all as she followed the conversation, nodding along.

 

[DarkKitsune]

DARK
INTERACTION: Novama Ice Ice Ice ebonheart98 Gwen_Temi (mention) Voider (mention)
LOCATION: FARLON FIELDS
Dark had heard news that began to spread about the current situation in Farlon Fields. To their knowledge, it was only suffering from some sort of disturbance to its crops, but in the trainees' mind it could likely be associated with some sort of plague or pestilence. This led to Dark's bold decision to assist with this. Dark was a healer in training. In their past life, one of the few memories they could recall was of an oath that in this life they were determined to fulfill. By the time the fox person made it to the fields, they realized how much damage was done to the crops. All the wheat and possible other crops looked completely dead which only raised concern from the trainee. They met up with four strangers who seemed to be there to help. Their ears perked up at the sounds of footsteps moving away from the group [with the use of F grade Heightened sense] Are there others with them? If they were to guess probably two or three other people. Despite feeling awkward, they introduced themselves.


“Hello, My name is Dark. I am a healer in training. I’m here to assist with a possible pestilence case?”

Their mind went back to the crops. They at least thought it was a pestilence case considering how the crops looked. Though they weren’t a expert, this was also their chance to learn more about the illnesses this world had to offer. When thinking back to their original world, they never recalled much. Just an oath and a blank memory filled with horrible emotions like sadness and sorrow, among other things.​

 

[DSLIX]

Tupu Maa
​

Mentions: DarkKitsune ebonheart98 Novama Ice Ice Ice Voider Gwen_Temi

Tupu didn't get much rest after becoming the [Envoy Of The Ancient Dragon Crysanthara] as because of his dragon blood the ancient dragon used him almost as a vessel out in the open world to do good and challenge himself to improve. The amulet she provided to him allows her to speak to him telepathically informing him of a diseased and ominous village out in Ryke suggesting he travels out to said place and solve the issue at hand as it would please the dragon greatly to handle this danger. Tupu wishing to gain as much as he can from the dragon and prove himself set off for the village to solve this mysterious issue having a feeling he won’t be the only one looking to solve it.

Arriving at the scene he isn’t to surprised as he felt this would and also the land is so flat here Tupu can see everyone standing around in the open from a good distance away. He approached casually and didn’t say anything as he sees one man take a loud and almost disturbing inhale of the air around him which makes Tupu confused at first but then once he realizes the reasoning behind it he approaches the group with a slight smirk. Finally in earshot of the group he approaches with a casual yet loud statement“Looking for the reason of this sorry state of the village as well? We are allies then it seems.” Tupu walks up beside Vilde casually listening to the others and nodding at them before turning his gaze to her and giving a small smile before having his attention brought to Dark. He looks over the young man with a plain gaze saying “You and everyone else here it seems so welcome to the group. I am Tupu by the way but feel free to just call me T as I’m not much of a farmer or medical professional so I might not be much help but I’ll do what I can.” He addresses the whole group as he introduces himself with a friendly tone but somewhat irritated expression more so of the sudden distance he had to travel and the fact that it’s a ghost town that he seemingly saving.

 

[Novama]

Mentions: ebonheart98 Ice Ice Ice Gwen_Temi Voider DSLIX DarkKitsune Trystan1295
OOC: As mentioned, will be pushing for a 3 day post frequency. Gave extra time for some new people, but we will try to stick more closely to 3 days. Strong first round.
Weather: a cooling off summer day with occasional gusts
Time: Sunset
Cooldown:
TLDR: Malik greets the party and encourages them to get into the village. Mad people burst from the withered field followed by little black beetles. Meanwhile, the village is eerily quiet despite being occupied with the exception of a madman screaming in the town square.
Post Listening:

Farlon Fields

Malik had stood silent, a solitary figure clad in armor glinting the color of twilight, his imposing silhouette cast in stark relief against the backdrop of the failing crops. The group of strangers had coalesced near him, each unique in their pursuits, their concerns, their introductions. Some he knew, others he didn't. A camaraderie of circumstance, and nothing more. It reminded him of a tavern song he'd heard once, about chance companions meeting on a road, their destinies intertwined by fate and, for the time being, this dying field.

"Glacier, Naomi," he said softly, dipping his head in acknowledgment to the two he recognized after they had departed, his gaze holding the warmth of familiarity. Then he turned to the others, the new faces. An air of silent contemplation hung about him, his eyes sweeping over the ragtag assembly.

"I am Malik," he introduced, the inviting nature of his voice matching the charming smile he greeted everyone with. "I belong to the Silver Star Trading Company. We seek answers here, as do you."

And then, as if punctuating his statement, the wind shifted, carrying with it a peculiar smell that pricked at their senses - especially at Guy's. It was a sort of unnatural stench, like rotting fruit mixed with the acrid, metallic tang of disease. It was the kind of smell that made one's hairs stand on end, a harbinger of an unnatural illness that was both poignant and telling.

As the evening gloom was inching its way into the golden light of the setting sun, Malik turned his attention to the task at hand. "It would be best if we didn't linger here as nightfall draws near. Let's head for the village."

But as they began to move, the tranquility of their group was shattered by a sudden, unnerving presence. Staggering out from the quiet fields, silhouetted by the dying embers of daylight, came people whose minds were no longer their own. Their eyes wild, their movements jerky, their faces painted with the grotesque mask of madness. Like puppets with their strings cut, they roved with a frightening aggressiveness, seemingly lost in their own world.

At the same moment, a chilling sight met their gaze. Crawling from the crops, a wave of diminutive creatures unfurled themselves. Their small bodies gleamed eerily in the dying light, their whispering skittering sound echoing throughout the air. They were the pests that seemed to have driven the village into chaos, their presence now undeniable. Grotesque, beetle-like creatures, black as coal and the size of a fist, crawling over the tormented villagers, nesting in the wilted crops, their iridescent carapaces shimmering in the waning light.

It was as if an unseen artist had painted a macabre image on a canvas of a peaceful farmland, and they, the witnesses of this grotesque masterpiece, could do nothing but look on. For now.

​

Kael, once a jovial whisper of rural prosperity, now sat in sullen silence, its jovial voice muted by the grim shroud of recent calamity. The once vibrant tapestry of rural life, painted with warm hues of community and the contented hum of daily tasks, now seemed to bleed away in the pallid greys of fear and uncertainty. Modest cottages huddled close, their chimneys spewing tendrils of smoke into the twilight, while the cobblestone streets lay eerily vacant, each stone imprinted with the silent echoes of happier times.

It was into this melancholic tableau that Naomi and Glacier, strangers to this land, first ventured. The frisson of anticipation that preceded their arrival was quickly dampened as the reality of the situation enveloped them. The once cheerful marketplace was a hollow shell of its former self, its vibrant symphony replaced by a grim silence, punctuated only by the distant whisper of the wind.

Deeper into the heart of the village, a disturbing sight awaited them. A local, a farmer by his dress, writhed in the town square, his body contorted by unseen torment. His eyes, usually a mirror of the soul, reflected only a pitiless madness that had, within a mere month, descended upon this once peaceful village. As the man's pleas pierced the twilight air, Kael's plight was laid bare before the newcomers. It was a chilling tableau that awaited them, a somber preface to the challenge that lay ahead, the full magnitude of their task becoming unsettlingly clear.

Kael

​

 

[Trystan1295]

Model ST3-LL4
[Construct] [Android]
Location: Kael Village
Mentions: Novama , ebonheart98 , Ice Ice Ice , Gwen_Temi , Voider , DSLIX , DarkKitsune
​

Stella had gotten her hands on that oil bottle she wanted so much... but at what cost?

As soon as she made it back to the Adventurer's Guild at Ryken, her first order of business was to bully the staff into claiming what she believed was rightfully hers. Y'know, ignoring the fact that she never formally agreed to receiving any sort of tangible compensation for her efforts in dealing with the bandit corps just a day prior. Eventually, she agreed to a peaceful resolution with one of the guards. She'd get her bottle of oil as long as she swore to adhere to two conditions:

1. Stella would need to consume it on the way instead of keeping it on her person as an asset. This demand was rather strange, as she didn't really have any urgency to consume its contents. It's not like someone like Stella, who's [Resilient E] to Fatigue, would need it in the same way most humanoids require water for sustenance. She just needed it for her (well overdue) session of routine self-maintenance.
2. Stella would need to help out a ragtag group of adventurers that had just gathered at the outskirts of town. Something about a village named Kael that's been having trouble with its fields because of some mysterious illness? Stella wasn't really paying attention. Was it her first formal assignment from the Guild as an Adventurer? She doubted it, but she wasn't really in the mood to split hairs with government officers. She figured she was probably being asked this as a favor because the guard thought robots can't get sick. Whatever it was, it couldn't be as bad as infiltrating a bandit hideout while outnumbered over twice over, right?

Of course she missed the convoy at the intended meeting spot. Concerning flashbacks of Stella's first failed attempt at adventuring started to replay in her head. "Let's hope it's only an ill-timed coincidence..."

As the sun had started its descent, Stella trudged through the Farlon Fields by herself, a sense of primal dread seeping in further and further the longer she spent taking in the warm hues and the decaying atmosphere. It felt strange, being surrounded by foliage and still being the greenest thing in sight. "I guess it really isn't easy being green, huh?"

By the time the village of Kael peeked over the horizon, Stella had been beyond convinced she had gotten lost. After all, what could someone with nigh-infinite stamina do in this situation other than to keep walking and praying? She wasn't even sure she'd hit the right village—the more she approached it, the more it looked like a ghost town through and through. However, as the village drew nearer, Stella noticed that the chimneys jutting from the roofs of the cottages were still emitting smoke. "So there is life in the village after all... Where are the children playing up down the roads? Where are the street vendors? Heck, even the beggars are nowhere to be seen..."

Seems like Stella spoke too soon, as it didn't take long for her to spot a group of figures wandering aimlessly off the beaten path. Could they be the adventurers she was looking for?

Any idea of possible good intention was tossed aside when Stella was close enough to lay her visual receptors on one of their faces. If she had bones, they would be chilled to the marrow after just a passing glance. Their faces painted an image of sheer madness no one should have the displeasure of laying eyes upon in their life; one that she'd probably keep tucked in the corners of her CPU for a very long time. The insect-like creatures hovering around them were of lesser concern to Stella, but she took note of their size. "If push comes to shove, I don't think I'll be able to land as easy a hit on one of those things if it's flying around like that. I'd better be careful."

Keeping her wits about her, she walked past them. She wasn't exactly sure if she was spotted or if these "people who have gone mad" even cared about the existence of someone who lacked human flesh to begin with. All that mattered was getting to her objective before these pest things got to them first.

It would be a while before Stella would meet any sort of friendly face, but thankfully, she did recognize the face of someone she'd seen in passing in the past—the towering fae man from her first adventure. She didn't exactly remember his name, but his presence was truly one of a kind... for all Stella knew, at least.

Taking the man's entire group as friendly by association, she waved at everyone with her free hand. "Hey!" she exclaimed. "I'm so glad I finally caught up to you all. I'm Autonomous Humanoid Model ST3-LL4, but you can call me Stella. I was... convinced... by one of the guards at Ryken to help ensure your safe completion of your mission." With that said, she poured the last couple drops of oil remaining in her bottle into her mouth. She made sure to savor the "taste", as she was fully aware it might be the last she'll get for a while.

​

 

[Voider]

Glacier​

​

Interactions: Naomi ( Gwen_Temi )
Mentions: ( Novama ), ( ebonheart98 ), ( Ice Ice Ice ), ( DSLIX ), ( DarkKitsune ), ( Trystan1295 ).​

---

As more individuals joined them, Glacier decided to greet them as well. "Hello to you all... it is a pleasure to meet you, I am Glacier." He said, directing his attention to Dark, Tupu, and Stella. Once having greeted them, he turned back to walk towards the village

This place disturbed Glacier, especially the maddened people walking through the field. "Losing one's mind... is a fate that I cannot fathom, and never wish to." He commented, entering Kael alongside Naomi. It was a desolate looking place, a shell of what must have been a lively village. As they approached the center and the mad farmer came into view, Glacier stopped in his tracks and looked on with horror, though he had no facial expression that visibly showed so. "This... what is this?" Glacier's icy ears lowered far, slightly muffling sound to him. "What sickness is this... to not put the man out of his misery?" His typical, deliberate speech began to waver, slightly rising in volume as well; though Naomi was near Glacier, and the question could quite clearly be heard, it was more directed to himself than anything.

Glacier abruptly shook his head, attempting to ignore the scene before him, though he kept his ears lowered. "We need to alert the village of our presence... finding whatever form of leadership they have here should be of priority." He looked around, searching for any prominent buildings that could be a village hall, glad to have a brief distraction.

 

[Goran Glacial]

~Baxtor Everfrost~
Baxtor walked slowly evidently sleep deprived as he was rubbing his eyes, "Greetings The name is baxtor everfrost, and i am a swordsman with insomnia" he said yawning while still rubbing his eyes which had clear bags underneath them. Baxtor stretched before eyeballing the beetles chasing the townsfolk.
"are we gonna help them?" pointing at the commotion. Baxtor grew out of his stuck up ways ever since his journey through the under belly of ryke. though his suit was still pristine as he fixed his cuffs to where they wouldn't get in the way of his swordsmanship, after all he was aiming to be a noble and he had to look the part no matter how tired he was. putting his hand on the hilt of his sword baxtor stood ready for whatever the leader of the group decided.

 

[Gwen_Temi]

Naomi Plumfoot​

ebonheart98 Ice Ice Ice Voider DSLIX DarkKitsune Trystan1295 Novama

This place was looking like it needed epidemiologists far more than it did adventurers.

The people were obviously sick with fatigue written all over their weary faces and dead eyes. Their movements seemed labored, almost involuntary, as they marched through the dying fields. As a swarm of these insects came into view, Naomi used [Mage Eye] to scan the unknown creatures for information.

A bit of helpful knowledge on the pests plaguing the town could go a long way to help the people.

“Let’s… be careful what we eat here in town. Especially if it’s made from wheat,” she said to Glacier. Then, she remembered that he was completely made of ice and nodded, “Although, that may just be more of a concern for me.”

There was… no one to greet them in town. People were certainly here, the smoking chimneys were ample evidence of that, but they all seemed to be secluded in their homes. Perhaps an effort to slow whatever illness spread through the area. Perhaps it was their way to find relief from the town’s sorrows.

But before the duo could find an inn or really anyone to speak to, a cry of pain filled their ears. A man, a farmer, writhing in pain on the street. And no one in town seemed to care… if they even noticed in the first place. Naomi glanced over at Glacier for a moment before rushing over to the man.

Glacier decided to go search for whoever was in charge of the town. It seemed as though he believed that this man was beyond help. Baxter's thoughts seemed more in line with hers when it came to addressing the main right in front of them. Naomi had no way of knowing just how far gone the man writhing in the street was or if he could be helped, but she knew just how to find out.

The young wizard ran over to him and got behind him. She’d put a gentle hand on his back and use [Cure] on him. She wasn’t sure just what was wrong with him, but it was the best aide that she could provide at that moment. Who knows, maybe it could bring him back to his senses.

“Sir? Can you hear me? Are you alright?”

Action 1: Used [Mage Eye] on beetle-like insects.
Action 2: Used [Cure] on writhing man.
​

Mage Eye- Appraisal E, Investigation F, Arcana F, Academia F - Naomi utilizes her innate appraisal ability in conjunction with her analytical mind to study a target or place and acquire obscure and useful information about it.- Grade E- 1 post cooldown.

Cure- Healing E- Heals wounds and mild injuries and bruises on a target. Can also cure common illnesses.- Grade E- 1 post cooldown.

 

[DarkKitsune]

DARK
INTERACTION: Novama ebonheart98 Ice Ice Ice DSLIX Trystan1295 Gwen_Temi Voider Goran Glacial
LOCATION: FARLON FIELDS / Kael

"I'm so glad I finally caught up to you all. I'm Autonomous Humanoid Model ST3-LL4, but you can call me Stella. I was... convinced... by one of the guards at Ryken to help ensure your safe completion of your mission."


Dark jumped a little bit at the sudden introduction. As they were examining what could be assumed to be Kael’e people showing up from the blue in a particularly mindless state. Dark had became more or so occupied with observing them to see if they couldn’t come to any sort of conclusion. But all there was only one thing they could come up with from their own observations.

“Nice to meet you ST3-LL4! And Tupu!”

They didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to Glacier due to their mind wandering. They didn’t get to properly greet Tupu earlier either. They went back to looking at the the people. Their ears stayed perked up attempting to pick up any sound to help them determine anything Dark suggested.

“It’s pretty clear those beetle things are causing this. The people although mindless still have pulses, they are still alive. I think the beetles might be a pestilance or maybe a parasite given their behavior.”

​

 

[ebonheart98]

Vilde Iversdatter


Novama , Ice Ice Ice , Gwen_Temi , Voider , DSLIX , DarkKitsune , Trystan1295

As Vilde stepped through the desolate shell of a village, her heart hurt for the poor townspeople. These shambling, soulless draugar, their faces contorted with agony as they trudged mindlessly out of the fields...

And those bugs...

The strange, fist-sized creatures that swarmed the area reminded her of an old king she'd once heard about who had been eaten alive by lice. Although, these didn't look like any sort of lice to her. Not that she was an expert. It was then that Vilde realized with horror that with the current state of affairs, it was unlikely that she would be getting a strong drink anytime soon.

Vilde kept her blade in its scabbard for now, but nervously thumbed the pommel as she walked along with Malik and the group. Although she did look on with a bit of curiosity as Naomi attempted to assist the writhing farmer.

 

[Trystan1295]

Model ST3-LL4
[Construct] [Android]
Location: Kael Village
Interactions: Voider , Goran Glacial , Gwen_Temi , DarkKitsune

​

Stella took a moment to take in the appearance of everyone she'd be partying with. The first person—if Stella could call him that—that greeted Stella had the general silhouette and gait of a fox, but a thick sheet of ice composed most of his body instead of flesh and fur. In that sense, this creature was probably as much a fox as Stella was a human. "It's nice to meet you, Glacier," she told him, bowing out of respect. "It's a pleasant surprise to see another [Construct] around here."

She watched in silent awe and with sparkling "eyes" as the beast walked away, allegedly in search of some sort of authority figure. Speaking of beasts, she was halfway through giving the Beast Healer an excited wave when someone new approached the party: a young, well-dressed man and self-proclaimed "swordsman with insomnia" named Baxter Everfrost. "Quite the chilly reception from these two, huh?" thought Stella, thinking of the common theme between both Baxter's and Glacier's names.

"I wish I could relate..." Stella told the noble. "There's no practical need for me to sleep or rest at all, but I hear a good night's rest does wonders for one's overall health."

Speaking of things Stella couldn't do, a young lady, presumably a scholar of magic, warned everyone, advising caution when eating anything from around the area. It's nothing Stella would need to be worried about, but she made a mental note of this, just in case she noticed anyone giving into hunger. Stella watched as the young lady leaned over and tried casting a healing spell on...

Oh.

Oh dear.

Stella had been so wrapped up with her introduction that she'd completely glossed over the writhing elderly man. "So that's what Glacier meant by 'putting him out of his misery." Her fists balled up without consulting Stella's CPU. This situation was too familiar for her liking. Her arms started to quiver as a dark memory replayed in her head. This whole scene reminded her too much of the first time she'd taken a life.

There wasn't much to forget, as it hadn't been longer than a day or two since then. The image of the agonizing elderly man before her was too similar to that of the old bandit she executed so effortlessly in the darkness of his group's cave hideout. The way his look of terror reflected off the dim light of her [Taser Fist F] ability, and now the way this man writhed around in sheer agony... these were two images that Stella knew would remain in the depths of her memory for a very long time.

Stella could only watch anxiously as the magic student cast her healing spell on the old man. She had no idea if the girl would make any progress—she was no healer, and she was convinced her hands were only meant to punch holes in bandits' chests. That being said, there was one other thing she was convinced these hands were good for, and that was clasping themselves together in prayer.

In a soft mutter, she said, "One way or another... I pray this man finds peace."

 

[DSLIX]

Tupu Maa

Mentions: Gwen_Temi Trystan1295 Novama Voider DarkKitsune ​

Tupu didn’t speak much after discovering the brainwashed townsfolk hearing the chittering and flapping wings of the strange beetles with his [Heightened Sense: Hearing] long before he even saw the villagers. When they came up from the crops like zombie’s rising from graves he made sure to pay attention to the actions of the fist-sized coal colored beetles as he had a feeling they were probably the problem that made them come out here. Following behind the others towards the village Tupu’s ears were quickly filled with the pained pleas of a man in terrible pain and seemed to only grow louder and more disturbing the closer they got. Eventually they reach the entrance of the village and it’s as desolate and ominous as ever, as the lack of people despite the evidence of living people makes Tupu feel a strong paranoia overtake him. As they come into sight of the writhing and yelling man he sees the hardened Glacier head off past the writhing man looking for anyone of authority or someone that can hopefully explain the situation and preferably not trying to kill us. Tupu feels compelled to follow until the young lady Naomi rushed to help the man trying to speak to him at first before using magic trying to heal him. Tupu slowly walks up behind Naomi knowing that the man is a lot more eager for the release of death from hearing his pitiful cries as they approached the village. Tupu simply watches her quietly try to help the man hoping that her attempts do actually work. Looking over seeing the android Stella clasp her hands together in a prayer inspires Tupu to do the same making him bow his head as he raises a open hand mumbling "Sit pax anima tua inveniet[May your soul find peace]". Tupu feeling his sense of urgency rise with his paranoia decides to scan the man closely using his [Heightened Sense: Sight] to watch for any movements on his body believing this man might be a live demonstration of how these malicious beetles operate, while also using his [Heightened Senses: Smell] to see if he can smell any anything other than the smoke from the chimneys of the surrounding cabins. He then scans the area quickly looking for any sudden movement or peeking eyes before returning his gaze upon the man crouching beside Naomi as he does to get a closer look saying "If you wish to help this man please stay cautious as he's looking like a prime victim soon to be enemy if we find we can't help him and stick around to see his sad fate." Tupu speaks in a reassuring tone but emphasizes the 'soon to be enemy' as he alludes to the brainwashing beetles they saw controlling the crowd of villagers in the field earlier.

Spoiler: Skills

Skills w/ Cooldowns:
[Heightened Senses D: Hearing E, Sight E, Smell F] - 2 post cooldown

 

[Ice Ice Ice]

GUY​

The eerie scent of what he could only assume to be death and pestilence, was probably just that. Death, and pestilence. And you know, probably the usual farmland excreta that gave such places a unique je ne sais quoi that some were fond off. Embracing his surroundings through the whiffs and waffs did not amount to much. It just made Guy look stranger than he probably was. He did not mind, but someone in their group might have.

"It would be best if we didn't linger here as nightfall draws near. Let's head for the village."

Apart from his impressive hair, Malik had a good head on his shoulders, and that served enough of a reason for Guy to follow him. He was basically just a tag along who had joined their group to fulfill his own personal curiosities. Reaching the village before nightfall appeared to be a simple task. However, things were rarely as they seemed and the arrival of the sickly horde supported this.

More intrigued than surprised, Guy stood from afar to better assess the situation they were in. "The so-called madness, I presume?" He uttered to himself.

"Motor capabilities seem intact, to some extent." He squinted. "But the presence of actual weakness or lack of coordination? Questionable. A decrease in fine movement was more likely." Though their movements appeared slow, jerky, and staggered, it was possible that it was only intermittent. "With enough time or stimuli, sufficient muscle recruitment was certainly possible. Being wary remained a wise choice." Guy's words were more like mumbling that actual sentences. It was not an appealing mannerism, but it helped him manage his thoughts.

"Cognitive capabilities may be compromised and their regard seems wavering. There may be no point in conversing with them." Kneeling down, Guy picked up the largest rock he could lift with one hand. "Given their numbers and similarity of symptoms, what they have is probably communicable. Bacterial, viral, or parasitic, though? Still unclear." Preoccupied with his thoughts of the possible pathologic causes, Guy cared little for how they were going to handle the villagers; he would leave that to his colleagues. But given their inaction, they were likely still unsure themselves.

While fidgeting with the rock in his hand, Guy's eyes suddenly widened in surprise. "Vector-borne perhaps?" He smiled as he witnessed the audible skittering of pests that appeared from the crops in front of them. The presence of the large insects did little to tell him the cause of the madness, but at least it gave him options. This now lead guy to a fork in his diagnostic algorithm; he could further assess the beetles or the villagers. Unable to decide, Guy decided to leave it to fate and go with whatever he could get his hands on.

"Hello!" He shouted, waving his hand in the air, hoping to get the attention of either the horde or the swarm. Running in towards them was not part of his considerations for now. For good measure, as he spoke, Guy hurled the rock he had been fidgeting at their general direction. If such actions did evoke a more aggressive response, it was probably better they find out sooner rather than later.

 

[Novama]

Mentions: ebonheart98 Ice Ice Ice Gwen_Temi Voider DSLIX DarkKitsune Trystan1295 Goran Glacial
OOC: Good round. I request folks add a summary or tldr to their posts to more concisely note what actions they are taking during the rp. Also please use character names in the narration.
Weather: a cooling off summer day with occasional gusts
Time: Sunset
Cooldown:
TLDR: Guy got a strong and unanimous reaction from the villagers when engaging with them. Naomi getting assaulted by an old man. The rest of the party gets to busy their hands trying to come up with what to do while trying to avoid becoming another statistic.
Post Listening:

Farlon Fields

Tupu's world was a symphony of the senses. With his heightened hearing, he perceived the soft rustle of beetle wings, a sound like whispered secrets. Their chittering filled his ears, a sibilant melody that seemed to hold the key to the villagers' madness. Through his enhanced sight, he saw the faintest tremor of movement on the old man's skin and the gleam of the beetles' carapace in the growing shadows. The smells were a cacophony, the sweet stench of decay mingling with the earthy tang of farmland, overlaying a deeper scent of death and pestilence that would grip him with a sense of foreboding.

As Guy hurled the rock, the reaction was immediate. A cloud of the bugs swarmed toward the missile, and the mad people in the field turned their heads in unison, their eyes glassy and vacant. It was as though the rock had struck a chord, and both bugs and villagers danced to the same eerie tune.

As Guy called out and approached the bugs and odd villagers, the reaction was immediate and unsettling. The chittering of the bugs grew louder, a symphony that now had an ominous undertone. They swirled and danced, forming a dark cloud that seemed to hang in the air. The villagers' eyes followed Guy, their heads turning as one, a movement so synchronized it could send a chill down one's spine.

Their mouths opened, but what came forth was not words, but an unsettling moan, a sound of confusion, anger, and something more. A deep, guttural sound, it echoed across the field, reverberating in the night air.

The mad people began to stagger toward Guy, their movements slow and uncoordinated, but filled with a terrible intent. Their faces were masks of rage and despair, their eyes hollow and unseeing. The bugs followed, a black cloud that seemed to guide them, or perhaps controlled them.

There was a connection there, a link between the bugs and the villagers that went beyond the simple cause and effect. It was a dance, a macabre ballet, and Guy had become a part of it.

Malik's voice cut through the night, a sharp command. "Guy, fall back!" he yelled. "We need to regroup and assess the situation."

This was a puzzle, a riddle, and someone needed to solve it, but perhaps the present moment was not that particular moment.

Only the party that had not yet entered the village would bare witness to the display, as the distance between Guy and the mad villagers closed. The coming night was alive with sounds and movement, and the air was thick with tension. Something was about to happen, something dark and unpredictable, and they were caught in the whirlwind.

"What shall we do about these pests?" Malik asked the party after he arrived in the town square with the others, his voice calm and collected. His eyes never left the scene before them. The connection between the beetles and the madness, as well as the withering crops, was as clear as the encroaching night sky. The decision lay before them, heavy as a stormcloud.

Naomi's magic eye, a window to the hidden truths of the world, turned its ethereal gaze upon one of the black beetle pests. Shapes and symbols danced before her, but they were a riddle, wrapped in darkness and secrecy. The magic within the beetles was ancient and twisted, and her eye could only catch fleeting glimpses of it. Her cure for the old man seemed to ripple across his skin and then vanish like a raindrop in a pond, leaving him as crazed as before.

The old man's reaction was a cry of despair that sliced through the night like a knife. His eyes were wild, and his body writhed, a puppet without strings. He reached for Naomi, his fingers clawing the air, his voice a wordless plea. (F attack at Noami)

"Keep your distance, Baxtor," Malik advised, his tone measured. "We need you to make sure none of these wandering bugs gets close to the party unnoticed. Think you can handle it?" Malik asked, entrusting some of the party security to Baxtor.

Glacier's eyes scanned the town square, sharp and unyielding as the ice from which he took his name. The buildings were worn and empty, the streets desolate. He spotted the village hall, a place where records might be kept or elders met not too far off. It beckoned him like a lighthouse in the storm.

Malik would take the moment to introduce himself to anyone he had not yet said hello to, so everyone could know everyone and address each other properly as the need arose.

And so the party stood, on the cusp of mystery and madness, bound by a common goal. The sunset was getting deeper, and the shadows started to hide the details of things , but the party had each other for the moment, and the determination to see it through perhaps.

Kael

 

[Ice Ice Ice]

GUY​

The response that he had elicited was interesting, albeit a bit unexpected. Guy's fingers partially writhed as his arms were resting at his sides. "Identical reactions and synchronous movements. Hmm." This type of behavior was not uncommon among insects, but seeing it simultaneously taking place along side humans did make it appear odd. Before he could continue contemplating on his thoughts, he could not deny Malik's words. A barren farmland at dusk was neither the appropriate place nor time for any form of speculations and critical thinking. Setting his thoughts aside, Guy obediently followed the rest of the group as they sought refuge in the confines of Kael.

While those around him busied themselves with whatever it was they were doing, Guy recalled the information he had gathered thus far. What they were dealing with was obviously different from any pathological process he had encountered in the past, but that did not mean he couldn't take bits and pieces of what knowledge he had to come up with an acceptable theory. "Some sort of association did exist between the pests and the villagers given how they responded to both visual and auditory stimuli." In a deep squat, Guy wrote on the ground with his fingers as he mumbled to himself. "Commensalism and mutualism are unlikely. Parasitism? Probable, but for what reason? Hmm." Were the insects just some sort of invasive species that are leaving of the villagers and their land, or were they simply a medium brought upon by something or someone else? Both were possibilities, but without any proof, there was no merit in fixating on such thoughts. Instead of focusing on things he could not figure out yet, Guy decided to direct his attention on something that was within arm's reach.

Isolated and sapped of strength, Guy approached the elderly villager that had taken a swipe at Naomi. "There, there!" Under the guise of coming to her aid, Guy moved to get in between Naomi and the old man. Hopefully, his superior strength would keep him at bay and give Guy good enough of a reason to get his hands on him. Though he was expecting some clawing and gnashing to come his way, it was the price Guy was willing to pay for the opportunity to perform some hands-on and up-close Doctoring [Appraisal E + Medicine D].

Summary: Headed to town with the rest of the group then decided to get his hands on the elderly villager for the purposes of performing a physical examination. Maybe finding out other relevant information such as the presence of atrophy, changes in skin color, rashes, any form of wounds, deformities, etc.

 

[DarkKitsune]

DARK
INTERACTION: Novama Gwen_Temi Ice Ice Ice DSLIX Voider ebonheart98 Trystan1295 Goran Glacial
LOCATION: FARLON FIELDS / KAEL


When Malik asked what they could do with the beetles, Dark replied to the question.

“For now, we can’t be exactly sure of what we can do. It’s less likely illness and more likely some sort of parasite which we don’t know the procedure to remove them. Removing them wrong can possibly hurt the villagers more.”

There was a possibility it could be some sort of magic. They just didn’t know what. There was an overwhelming number of beetles. How many would it take to overcome one person? With this many, sure some, if not most, wouldn’t have a host to take over if they did so with one beetle and one human at a time? Regardless, it seemed like they had some fighters with them, which was good because Dark wasn’t exactly a fighter. Then Guy took off— it looked like he was going to help Naomi and Dark ran after him as Guy got in between the villager and Naomi. Dark came up from behind the villager and grabbed his shoulder, then proceeded to use Nullify. [Nullify [Magic] F]. If magic was involved, it would be nullified. If not, Dark would end up being a distraction. Or that’s what would’ve happened but the villager fell to the ground, surprising them. Using [heightened senses [hearing] F], they didn’t hear a pulse and got down to the ground and tried listening.

“…he’s dead.”

They said quietly, still trying to hear for a pulse. And still trying not to freak out.

“…I only nullified magic? How’d he die?”

They asked themselves quietly. They then snapped out of it. They went beside Naomi and asked her and Guy.

“Are you two okay? Any injuries?”

It still confused Dark of the man died. He had a pulse, he had signs of life. But it disappeared as soon as Dark used a skill that nullified magic.


SUMMARY:After heading into town, Dark ran after Guy to help him and Naomi with the situation involving the villager. Dark grabbed the man's shoulder to attempt to nullify any magic there or to grab the man's attention and act as a distraction, only for the villager to die of the result. They go and check up on Naomi and Guy to make sure they are okay. Despite Darks confusion. ​

 

[Voider]

Glacier​

​

Mentions: Novama ebonheart98 Ice Ice Ice Gwen_Temi DSLIX DarkKitsune Trystan1295 Goran Glacial ​

---

The place almost appeared nearly deserted, with the empty looking streets and buildings. After wandering some, Glacier spotted the village hall; there were a lot of questions to ask, and he could only hope that there were useful answers for them.

Glacier made his way towards the village hall, in order to meet with whoever may be in charge here, or at least gather more information some way or another. As he did so, however, he looked back towards the group to notify them. At that same moment, Glacier saw the commotion unfold before him; he ran towards Naomi to assist her from the crazed farmer, but slowed down some distance away as Guy and Dark intervened. "What has happened... is everyone fine over here?" Glacier called out his inquiry, before gesturing to the village hall with his head. "The village hall is over there... perhaps we could find information from whoever or whatever is inside."

If no one was seriously injured, he'd once again turned around to resume walking.

---

Summary​

Glacier began walking to the village hall, before turning back from the commotion. He stopped a short distance away, and spoke to the group. If the crazed farmer's attack did not deal a serious injury, then Glacier would go back to approaching the village hall.​

 

[Gwen_Temi]

Naomi Plumfoot​

ebonheart98 Ice Ice Ice Voider DSLIX DarkKitsune Trystan1295 Novama

Naomi quickly discovered that she’d made her way into Kael with a good team.

Stella said her prayers with hopes that the man could be saved. Tupu came over to deliver words of reassurance and caution. Others stood close and watched with attentive eyes; ready to act if needed. They all seemed to want to save everyone they could. Unfortunately, that might’ve been fewer people than Naomi would’ve liked.

Her best healing magic failed to cure the writhing man but that, in and of itself, was good to know. It meant she could dedicate her efforts towards eliminating any zombies that they came across. And that she could put aside the idea of trying to save everyone in town and simply focus on saving those that could still be saved… if there was anyone left in town, anyways.

But the young wizard would have to worry about that later, because the man that she’d just tried to heal seemed eager to rip her face off.

“Nope!”

Even if the man only left a few scratches on her, she’d seen too many zombie movies to be even remotely comfortable with that. She moved back and raised her right hand. Her ring began to glow a light blue and a giant hand constructed from hard-light appeared at her side; ready to deliver the meanest smack upside his head that the man had likely ever experienced.

But, before she could attack, Guy jumped in between her and her assailant. And, before he could be attacked, Dark ran up behind the man and cast a spell that caused him to drop dead right there on the spot. Apparently, it was a magic nullification spell. Somehow, that wasn’t as surprising to Naomi as she felt it should’ve been.

She let the construct fade and her ring dimmed once more.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” she replied with a light shrug, “But, um…”

She put a hand on Dark’s shoulder. Then another on Guy’s. Having just run out of hands, she sent Tupu a warm smile as thanks for standing by her side as she tried to work a miracle in this plague infested town.

“Good looking out, though. I’ll remember that.”

She let her hand slide off of their shoulders and turned to Dark.

“It makes sense. You might end up being our secret weapon against the plague, to be honest. I sensed some dark magic coming off of those beetles while we were making our way into town, but who would have guessed that we had someone in the group who could just turn it off.”

Glacier then came around and informed the group that he’d found the town hall. Naomi gazed out onto the fields behind the village where lost souls continued to roam mindlessly, then simply shook her head and turned her sights back to the ice fox. She gestured for the others to come along, then followed after Glacier.

“Comin’!”

It was best to focus her efforts on finding anyone who still could be saved.

Summary:
1) Thanked the gang for having her back.
2) Followed Glacier to the Town Hall.​

 

[Goran Glacial]

~Baxtor Everfrost~
Baxtor nodded to malik as stayed to the edge of the group with his sword drawn and stood in a fighting stance ready for what ever came their way. he had only his physical stats and his swordsman-ship but he would do his best to do his part. baxtor watched the area to make sure no beetles or any of those possessed villages came near. Baxtor only used debilitating swings aiming for the legs of the possessed villagers or the wings of the beetles that came near. baxtor did his best to stay vigilant and keep the group safe while keeping his own distance from both threats.

 

[Ice Ice Ice]

GUY​

With Dark actually helping out Naomi, it gave Guy more of an opportunity to focus on the villager. Unfortunately, as soon as Dark got his hands on the old man, what little semblance to life he had left suddenly dissipated.

"Nullified magic? Hmm." He frantically tapped his chin.

While Dark performed his own assessment, Guy stood idle, joking down at lifeless corpse and remaining silent as he tried to make sense of what was happening. Ignoring everything else around him, Guy assumed a deep squat before reaching for both the carotid and femoral pulses. In the off chance the old man was still alive, his pulse would have been extremely faint but still palpable. Sadly, that wasn't the case.

"Magic was the only thing that was sustaining his life." Guy did not turn to Dark, but his words were obviously directed towards him. "At least we can assume that much for now." Still not meeting Dark's gaze, Guy began Doctoring, running his hands along the old man. Starting from the head then around it, he went down towards the trunk, then each limb hoping to find anything they could make use of. If he was truly dead, the life he had lost could still be of use for everyone else who were still around.

While keeping himself busy with his hands, Guy continued to speak out loud, but it was more for himself then anyone else.

"The ones outside the village appeared more, lively, than this one was. Seeing as there aren't any insects here, maybe it has something to do with proximity. Hmm."

Summary: Guy hyperfixates on the dead body, staying behind with it if everyone else goes elsewhere, and continues to use Doctoring [Appraisal E + Medicine D]. Information that he could notice would include (but not be limited to) muscular atrophy, changes in skin color, rashes, any form of wounds, deformities, signs that would suggest any form of deterioration/decay/rot that would give a good estimate on whether the old man was already dead or had just recently died after the magic was nullified, etc

 

[Trystan1295]

Model ST3-LL4

[Construct] [Android]
Location: Kael Village
Mentions: Gwen_Temi , Voider , DarkKitsune , Novama , Ice Ice Ice , DSLIX , Goran Glacial , ebonheart98
Interactions: Guy

Summary

Stella has a bit of an existential crisis. She asks Guy if they (read: she) could pulverize the old man's corpse so it doesn't get revived again.
​

---

Dark's words instilled Stella's soul with dread, so much so that she had to take a step back to assess her situation. She wasn't really expecting her prayer to do anything for the man, but she was gambling on Naomi's Healing spell to work. The old man instead reared up and tried attacking Naomi, an action that surprised Stella so much that she froze in place and couldn't strike the man quickly enough to defend her.

Not like Naomi needed much defending, either way. Stella took a mental note of the giant hand she'd constructed out of magic, and for a moment, her self-consciousness seemed to fade away. It was her first time seeing offensive magic in action, after all. "It's a shame I couldn't get to see what an attack from that would do... I wonder if she can punch harder than I can with that," Stella thought to herself. "Wait, what am I thinking?"

Stella sighed. "Calm yourself, Stella. You're going to overclock your neural network again," she muttered to herself. "Everyone is fine. That's all that matters."

Stella was aware that her words betrayed her thoughts. A strange longing rippled all over her body, and her internal memory vaguely recognized the feeling. She'd felt a similar kind of rush when she landed her first lethal punch, but there was a fundamental difference between the net positive reinforcement her CPU registered immediately following her first kill. This time, however, she felt as if she was expecting that kind of rush but was deprived of it.

Her eyes shot open. The thoughts running through her CPU incited an uncomfortable feeling in Stella's abdomen, as if she had a working human stomach that could sink if she arrived to a horrible realization like this one. "These are similar symptoms to addiction, aren't they? Addiction to violence... is that like bloodlust?"

She shook her head. "No, that's silly," she told herself out loud. She forced a smile and clasped her hands together, saying, "I don't feel those kinds of organic vices. I'm a robot."

And that's the end of it. Her RAM was conveniently wiped of any dangerous thoughts like those within seconds.

Her attention returned to the group right as Guy arrived at his conclusion. Apparently, what ended up "killing" the old man was a Magic Nullification spell, and according to Guy, this implied that magic was the only thing keeping him alive. Could such a condition even be considered "alive" to begin with? And if so, what made someone like her, a [Construct] powered by a magical engine that perpetually outputs energy, different from that old man?

"Interesting," she told the group. She took a step back and watched in admiration as Guy did his Doctoring thing on the old man's corpse. Stella's knowledge about human anatomy was even less than most humanoids, and she lacked any ability to [Appraise] anything, but she was more interested in the raw fervor with which Guy investigated the corpse. She listened patiently to his hypothesis with regards to the "liveliness" of the reanimated humans from outside the village and the proximity of the insects.

That brought up an interesting observation on Stella's behalf, which she chose to bring up to Guy. At this point, it was just she, him, and the corpse, so she might as well make herself useful.

"I have one concern about your hypothesis, Guy," she told the good doctor. "Suppose this is true, and those bug-like monsters are responsible for the reanimation of these corpses. Do you think there'd be anything stopping them from 'reviving' his body all over again, assuming they come close enough to do so?"

As she said this, Stella cracked her knuckles. Tiny sparks shot out from where the air pockets inside her knuckles would have popped. "If that's the case, I think it's best if we pulverize the body so it can't come back. What do you think?"

She was just looking out for the team, right? The fact that pounding the corpse to a tender, bloody pulp would probably satisfy the high for violence that had been bothering her was just an afterthought...

...Right?

​