[Mari]

(( @sssstariii @phreezey Make your entrance posts! Once you do, I'll put up a poll for audience desires. ))

"It's a new day and a new match here at Sunshine Stadium. And where would we be without our wonderful contestants? Today we have Isonus, everyone's favorite magic uncle and grand wizard of a little known magic research facility here in the life sphere! It's hard to say how much what he's doing there has really contributed to our day to day lives, but doesn't that sense of mystery just give you goosebumps? If Francis' law of unusual hair colors is to be believed, the fact that he has white hair is a clear indication he's going to win that match. But I'm sure Mister Akechi, a newcomer to the Life Sphere, will have a few things to say about that! I can't wait to see them both compete in the arena! Do you think Isonus will show us some rare magic we've never seen before?"

Meanwhile, on Digibutter.nerr...

Wow! A hot babe mentioned me during a Sunshine Stadium match! She even brought up one of my theories! I wonder if she's interested in any of my other theories or my butterfly collection! Maybe even me! Do you think I should... talk to her?

Real life isn't like anime dude. That old man is toast.

No way man. This is WWLi. They're all jocks over there. I bet you she's just pretending to like anime to get attention.

If she moves, show her your groove.

[Deleted]

Slow, steady footsteps echo hollowly through the chambers before the grand arena, just before he entered. The crowds were cheering many things, may words, but not a single one was 'Isonus' from what he could tell. Good. The underdogs tended to have a better chance, if Murphy's Law was applicable here. The lead man, the beings who often held the high ground, were the first to fall. Of course, he only awaited his name to be called out, but the announcer seemed almost... excited to have him aboard. Such praise gave him chills up his spine. It reminded him of playing Pruveng, that Thaumaturgical sport, back in his youth. Donning his hat, and his gear, the clad thaumaturge stepped out into the heat-filled ring, sweltering under that suit. Good. Discomfort bred vigilance, and such things needed to come in spades if he was to survive for any length of time. For the sake of sparing folks the... horror of watching the Rune of Thieves go off, he disabled it for this fight. Down a skill, and only able to use his trump card once in this fight, the tactical thaumaturge plotted his moves carefully, and thought ahead for this fight. 

There he steps out, the crowd... growing quieter as he reaches his half of the arena, before extending his right arm up, folding that ring finger, and casting out a sinister, black bolt into the heavens, causing it to crash back down as aesthetic sparks, flying off of his being as though he were powering up like some sort of anime character! One could feel the raw, unbridled essentus seethe off of his form as he let out a single battlecry! 

"RHAAAAGH!"

Isonus remains stationary, and speaks right out to the announcer, the crowd, and hopefully, his foe.

"It's uncertain if I'll even pass this round, but I'm ready. Come what may, I'm going to have fun, even if it costs me this tournament."

With that, he clenches his fists, and places his hands behind his back, folded just at the middle back. He was playful seeming, almost... analyzing his chances here, and the arena around him. He was going to make the most of every move he made here, and every step he'd take would need to be carefully planned. His physical condition was less than superb, and his reflexes were average. He'd need to land consistent hits, and appease the roaring crowds with his might. He'd only pray they'd cheer for his signature spell to be cast, so he could bypass restrictions on his Rune of Thieves. Regardless, his body language reeked of a toying nature. 

THE GRANDMASTER
HP: 130/130
SHIELD: 40/40
STATUS: None
SPELL AUGMENT: None

[Deleted]

Akechi didn't want to be here, but if he wanted to get the fan base that he had back in his world, he might as well partake in this tournament. He could also get a higher reputation and do more, professional work like he did back in his world instead of childish cases back at Hylia Grace. But for now, he was going to have to fight his way to the top. He will pass this round and he will make it to at least the top five of this tournament, or if possible, he could even win this tournament if he tried his best.

And he will try his best, after all, the best is always first.

If he wasn't, he would fall from his glory, which he can't. He already fallen before, and he wasn't going to do so again.

Akechi walked into the stadium professionally as he gave off a smile to Isonus, wanting to at least have a friendly start to his first round in this tournament. He walked right up to his opponent and held out his hand.



"Hello, I guess you're going to be the person I will be fighting here." Akechi greeted. "Akechi Goro, it is nice to meet you. I hope we both try our best." Akechi held out his hand for Isonus to shake.



"May the best man win." He smiled to Isonus.

[Mari]

"Wow~! Such vigor! And nobody told me our new bee would be so handsome! I'm forgetting how to talk over here. Hoo~! Now boys, I have the audience requests here. Pay close attention to them, because you may find that completing one of the requests is a safer bet than trying to hit your opponent during the match. Now let's see what everyone voted for..."


"--God damnit not again."

Meanwhile, on Digibutter.nerr

Do you think the audience would ever ship me and Blue?

Look at her man. She's fawning over Akechi like a puppy. Lost cause.

No, but damn that old man is a BEAST!

Why would you be chasing her when you could be chasing Arle? Think big, man! You were this close!

You're probably right. I wish I remember what happened! She was this close to me! ...Maybe I passed out from excitement.

"Well, good luck both of you~!"

Audience Requests
For Akechi

For 18 Appeal Points: Steal Isonus' hat
For 18 Appeal Points: Steal stuff from Isonus to give to the audience.
For 12 Appeal Points: Spend an entire round doing your best olde English impression.
For 12 Appeal Points: Do a Sherlock Holmes impression

For Isonus

For 21 Appeal Points: Perform a "magic trick" without using any magic.
For 21 Appeal Points: Do your best Arle impression.
For 18 Appeal Points: Flirt with Ms. Accord, who is presumably in the stands.
For 15 Appeal Points: Tell the audience how much you love your kids.

For 12 Appeal Points: The first time Akechi misses an attack, scold him hard.
For 12 Appeal Points: Attack Akechi's eye, such that it injures him.

For Both

For 21 Appeal Points: Flirt with Blue.
For 15 Appeal Points: Quote an excerpt from Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War'

[Deleted]

"You remind me of my student's rival, Arle. How would she approach this..? 'Oh, Ah'm gonnae weehn thees one for suuure! Teehee!' Bloody maniac, she is. Now with that... Have at you, sir!"

Isonus moves his left shoulder out, right shoulder in to alternate his footing, drawing up his hand and letting it crackle with power. In a flash movement, the Thaumaturge drew his arm back fully, and while tucking in his ring finger, thrusted his arm forward, sending off a wicked bolt of lightning towards Akechi. Such magic was unknown to this world, and as such, even viewing it might seem... wrong. As though the electrical surge had a mind of its own. Possessed by the will of an ancient. A few in the crowd might even gasp in shock..! Not only that, but he was specifically targeting the eye!

CyKLy7o7p_1d20+5(Isonus is targeting Akechi's eye! Eldritch Bolt IX deals 17% damage on hit)

"Flirt with our hostess? No, a thousand times no. My heart is singular, and cannot love more than one! To defy this, and lean to flirt with such gracious, young beauty would defame me. Fahahaha! However, someone else in this grand audience deserves my focus. Accord! I know you're in the stands, my lavender love, my timeless beauty! I fight for YOU! While the audience commands my moves, your very presence commands my heart!"

Of course he was a bit of a showman! Gladiatorial combat like this deserved a bit of awe. Isonus, with his hand retracted and arms folded behind his back again, drew more power into his form, this physical shell that he piloted. With another calling from the depths of his soul, and the once-blackened heart his soul belonged to. Essentus was overflowing in the air, giving off wisps of sheer power, the wavy haze pouring out from his body. Finally, he tucks all but his index and middle finger in and points it towards Akechi's feet, leading the shot a little, hoping to catch him in a dodging motion, and detonate a restrained Rune of Memory beneath him!

p_1d20(Rune of Memory! Deals no damage, but reveals an insight about Akechi's past, and grants Isonus a spell augment based on his highest stat! If hit, be prepared to relive an embarrassing moment in a sudden flashback!)

Finally, he brings his arms forward, and crosses them, not even following up with a third strike..! He wanted to wait, and analyze his foe so far, see what he could gleam from his opponent. Those orange eyes are still gleaming bright beneath his hat, trained with that immortal curiosity on Akechi. Isonus was... honestly pretty thrilled to be fighting right now..! It felt like a refreshing blast from the past, a little reliving of his glory days before immortality. Isonus, as he promised, was having fun. 

THE GRANDMASTER
HP: 130/130
SHIELD: 40/40
STATUS: Enjoying himself
SPELL AUGMENT: None

1d20+5·1d20+5

[Deleted]

Akechi smirked. "I am more of a maniac then she is." He then turned to Blue as he wasn't going to flirt with her. His heart belonged to someone else.



Akechi held back as he let Isonus lightning attack hit his eye. He growled in pain as he stood back and held his eye in pain, despite this, he still kept his smile on his face. "Ahh, It seems you started the match by targeting my eye. How nice for you to stun my perception." Akechi smiled as he looked at Isonus appearance and walked forward.

His shocked eye slowly began to open again. "However, prepare for my move." Akechi watched Isonus fire a spell at him, this time he was going to dodge it no matter what.

As soon as Isonus aimed for his legs, Akechi jumped forward.

"Nice try."

BdImTM6rp_1d20+1(Akechi dodging the Rune of Memory.)



Akechi landed from behind Isonus. "Unfortunately, whatever you were about to do to me can wait for later in the match. Right now I have to get points for myself seeing as how you already got some already." Akechi reached for Isonus hat, which he was going to steal first.

"Let's see, i'll take your hat first. It's nice by the way."

p_1d20+1(Akechi's attempt to steal Isonus hat.)

p_1d20+1(And something from his inventory)



While attempting to steal from Isonus, Akechi continued to keep his smile. "Tell me Isonus, you seem to be magical...Do you perhaps have a spell related to light?" Akechi proceeded to try and use a bless spell at Isonus legs, like how he aimed at his legs earlier with the rune of memory.

Although unlike the rune of memory, this will hurt.

p_1d20+4(Kouga > Isonus: A bless attack, if hit, Isonus will gain 18% damage.)

Regardless as to weather or not he stole anything from Isonus. Akechi jumped back away from his opponent as soon as he fired the kouga spell and looked on. Although he wasn't done yet, as he still needs to do one more thing to get some appeal points, quote one of his favourite books!



"Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt." Akechi quote as he smiled. It was one of his favourite passages in the book.

---

Goro Akechi: 17% Damage
1d20+1·1d20+1·1d20+1·1d20+4

[Mari]

((Phreeze! You used 4 actions in one turn, so I edited your post to apply the action penalty associated with doing this to your last move. Not that it changed any of the results ... this time. Be aware though that fulfilling audience requests that don't normally cost an action costs one though!))

Blue braced herself, but the harassment never came. It took her a bit to realize what was going on.


" . . . Well, you may not earn appeal points from the audience that way, but you'll definitely earn points with me~! How could I not be grateful when I get to play announcer to such charming gentlemen~? I'm sure Ms. Accord must feel pretty lucky right about now~! How about that. Can we get a cheer for this lovely couple??"

The audience roars.

Audience Requests
For Akechi

For 18 Appeal Points: Steal Isonus' hat
For 18 Appeal Points: Steal stuff from Isonus to give to the audience.
For 12 Appeal Points: Spend an entire round doing your best olde English impression.
For 12 Appeal Points: Do a Sherlock Holmes impression

For Isonus

For 21 Appeal Points: Perform a "magic trick" without using any magic.
For 21 Appeal Points: Do your best Arle impression. GRANTED
For 18 Appeal Points: Flirt with Ms. Accord, who is presumably in the stands. GRANTED
For 15 Appeal Points: Tell the audience how much you love your kids.
For 12 Appeal Points: The first time Akechi misses an attack, scold him hard.
For 12 Appeal Points: Attack Akechi's eye, such that it injures him.

For Both

For 21 Appeal Points: Flirt with Blue.
For 15 Appeal Points: Quote an excerpt from Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War'

[Deleted]

aDfnrEmnp_1d20(Isonus evading hat-thievery! Success!)
p_1d20(Isonus evading inventory thievery! Success!)

"Oh no you don't..."

Quick hand swats came in to intercept those grabbing hands, Isonus spiraling into a 180 spin, and taking several footfalls backwards. Clearly he was perceptive. Reaction times? Not exactly on par to his mental speed, but it was still there. Of course, this was only to see the attack rolling in beneath his feet. Blessings... Well, he wasn't exactly unholy, but such magics were still something of incredible discomfort to Dadmaturge. He made his bed, time to lay in it. He draws in some Essentus leftover from the area, some leftover powers from the area around him, preparing a barrier to counter Akechi's sudden casting.

p_1d20+5(Isonus rolled a CRITICAL ESOTERIC WARDING COUNTER! Deals 30% and stuns for 1 round!)

Just as the attack touches the barrier, the Essentus values lined up perfectly, and like a maelstrom brewing in the heart of a man scorned, there it detonated in a shattering, deafening blast. One that sent a overwhelming, almost suffocating magic out for a mere second, like all the air in the arena had just been sucked out and thrown back in. He cackled, outright laughing after a little bit... He shakes his head, arms crossed, and a heavy sigh leaves his lips.

(Isonus is using an action to appeal!)

"You need to try harder, a lot harder than that. You walked in, likely expecting a fair, easy challenge, boy. You're wrong by a massive margin. Remind yourself that I have existed since before this universe. You will need more than polite attitudes and simple movement tricks to evade risking life and limb. Double check, make sure you're prepared for this."

Isonus takes a few steps backwards after those harsh words, in case Akechi somehow was not absolutely lambasted by the gigantic wave of energy that just blew out on all sides. The thaumaturge simply keeps his eyes trained on the little detective as he continued, lifting up a singular stone, at first glance. To a perceptive eye, he was picking up two. He drops the rock in his hat, cleverly slipping the identical one up his sleeve in the same motion, ensuring that eyes were drawn on his hat, and not his sleeve. He sets his hat back on...

p_1d20(Just rolling in case a critfail occurs. If not, Isonus will hopefully pull off this trick)

(Isonus is using an action to appeal!)
"Life's like a parlor trick, in essence. You observe one truth, one singular fact you perceive..."

The Thaumaturge flicks his wrist, and twirls the rock in hand. Anyone might guess the rock fell through his shirt and down to his sleeve, if they didn't see the second one. Tossing it aside, he takes off his hat, and there it is! Another! A clever little ruse, and the sleight of hand, while not exactly being too dexterous himself. He snickers, knowing eyes were mainly on him, with his foe hopefully incapacitated by his counter-blow. 

"Yet another lay just before you, begging to be seen. Begging to be viewed. Begging to be understood."

Isonus, of course, as a gesture of good sportsmanship, patiently awaited his foe to get back up, standing at a distance. 

"Worry not. I'm letting you take a moment to recover from that. Take your time, we can resume when you're ready. I'd rather make this a little easier on you, than boring for those watching us."

THE GRANDMASTER
HP: 130/130
SHIELD: 40/40
STATUS: None
SPELL AUGMENT: None
COOLDOWNS (Forgot this last turn):
Rune of Memory - 1/4
Esoteric Warding - 0/6

1d20·1d20·1d20+5·1d20

[Deleted]

As Akechi awaited for his attack to hit, he took another time to quote from the Art of War while he waited, but he slightly gasped and snickered when he failed to steal Isonus hat and item. Oh well! The match had only just begun and he would happily get another shot in one of the next four rounds.



"There is no instance of a nation benefiting from prolonged warfare." He quoted, wondering about weather or not he will get more points if he gave off more quotes. Either way it looks like the attack was going to hit.



"I see i'm one point in the le---Suddenly a blast suddenly went off and hit Akechi the most, causing him to groan in pain as he was sent several feet away from Isonus and landed on the ground. He couldn't move, as he growled in pain. He looked up to see Isonus scolding him for his attack...And how he was wrong expecting the fight to be easy for him.

As Isonus continued to gave his speech, Akechi's happy face, turned into something filled with anger.



The frown was filled with someone with a dark heart behind a happy demeanour, which cracked slightly thanks to Isonus explosion. He remained silent as he allowed Isonus to continue his speech and began to slowly recover from the stun as he rubbed the small blood that moved down from his mouth in silence.

His hand slightly twitched as he did however as he slowly stood up, hiding his face from Isonus and the audience for some reason.

---

Goro Akechi: 47% Damage
Stunned: Ends Next Turn

[Mari]

" . . . Wait, is that from Sun Tuhzoo? Sorry, I haven't read that. Hehee~ Here you go!"



"Whoo! The tensions are rising in this fierce battle! I can feel it in the air!"

Audience Requests
For Akechi

For 18 Appeal Points: Steal Isonus' hat
For 18 Appeal Points: Steal stuff from Isonus to give to the audience.
For 12 Appeal Points: Spend an entire round doing your best olde English impression.
For 12 Appeal Points: Do a Sherlock Holmes impression

For Isonus

For 21 Appeal Points: Perform a "magic trick" without using any magic. GRANTED
For 21 Appeal Points: Do your best Arle impression. GRANTED
For 18 Appeal Points: Flirt with Ms. Accord, who is presumably in the stands. GRANTED
For 15 Appeal Points: Tell the audience how much you love your kids.
For 12 Appeal Points: The first time Akechi misses an attack, scold him hard. GRANTED
For 12 Appeal Points: Attack Akechi's eye, such that it injures him. GRANTED

For Both

For 21 Appeal Points: Flirt with Blue.
For 15 Appeal Points: Quote an excerpt from Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War' GRANTED (Akechi)

[Deleted]

"Not going to make some quip about kindness, or some hollow fitted phrase to try and make yourself look better, Akechi? Be wary, your true colors are showing, and trust me, the world isn't quite entranced by what people really are. We're monsters, all of us, aren't we?"

Isonus actually cackled at the sight of breaking his enemy from the inside, to watch Akechi's confidence crumble to dust, and ruin itself upon the ground. Isonus had done it, he'd beaten his foe from the inside, so he thought. Not one to let victory just dangle, the Grandmaster was making plans to solidify his success in this fight, and move on. He couldn't count Akechi out just yet. With it, he draws his hand back, growing tired of watching Akechi just sit there, Isonus thrusted his hand forward to fire off another Eldritch Bolt! The purple-and-black bolt arcs through the air, crackling and igniting the Essentus in the air, causing the air to spark in a little bit of theatrical fire!

9pjFAJ8Pp_1d20+5(Isonus's Eldritch Bolt! Deals 17% damage on hit!)

Just as the antediluvian Thaumaturge fired off that first one, he'd already had his hand prepped back to fire off another, and he did just that. After sending one to the detective's sternum, Isonus tracked where he'd thought the young man would move, hoping to catch him in the movements. The second bolt seemed to draw more power from him, or at least, he was doing so just for show. The second attack actually causing his coattails to fly back. In the same manner, the air also gleamed with a bright sparkling mist! This was Thaumaturgy, in its essence.

p_1d20+5(Isonus's Eldritch Bolt! Deals 17% damage on hit!)

Now, of course, you may be wondering... What else could he do in this brief moment? What else, but of course, talk about something he'd noticed? Hands folded behind his back again, authoritative posture given to an upright position, those orange eyes train on Akechi, and for once, his shoulders lower... One could swear that he became... sad for a moment.

(Isonus is taking an action to appeal!)

"You remind me of my second eldest. Always trying to prove himself, always trying to show he could do anything I could, but better. He had a chip on his shoulder. Though a bit of trouble, he always had the best intent at heart. I love him greatly, as I do all my children, you see. In that sense, I feel... fond of you, Akechi. It's why I keep my attacks predictable, why I refuse to mix my movements, while still trying to win. I say these things during our fight in hopes you adapt, and improve. Even if you lose, let it be a lesson learned. From a father, to a man who could very well be my son."

Isonus takes a moment to just... take in Akechi's glare. Isonus Jr was who he saw in those eyes, not a competitor... A wistful sigh escapes the ageless father. He turns to the crowd.

"If you're out there, Issy, know that I'm always proud of you, and I never stopped being so. Not for a damned second."

THE GRANDMASTER
HP: 130/130
SHIELD: 40/40
STATUS: None
SPELL AUGMENT: None
COOLDOWNS:
Rune of Memory - 2/4
Esoteric Warding - 1/6

1d20+5·1d20+5

[Deleted]

2XharSjap_1d20+1(Akechi dodged one of the bolts with ease.)



Akechi took the second bolt blast with ease. It hurt like hell but he would take it, but he wasn't going to let the first one hit him. He had managed to dodge it before getting hit by the second one, causing him to fall to his knees in pain. "God...Dammit!" He thought to himself as he coughed violently. He didn't remember being this weak, what happened to him? He managed to hold off people like the Phantom Thieves with ease, but this man, he was different then them, he was more of a professional with magic similar to Akechi's.

He slowly looked up in silence letting Isonus words hit him. Somehow, Akechi felt as though Isonus words hurt more then his attacks, especially with how he reminded him of one of his sons and how he could of been one of his sons.

Akechi looked down at the ground in silence, thinking about the last thing Isonus had said. He still didn't say anything other then grunts and sounds of pain of when the second bolt had hit him.



He...Can't lose.



He smirked and laughed as he stood back up, and gave Isonus a smile as he rubbed the blood from his mouth off of his face. He has to keep up his appearance after all, or else everyone will think less of him!

And he wasn't here to be think less of, he was here to win!



"Monsters? Good heavens, not everyone here is a monster or a cold blooded killer like you." Akechi walked forward, enough of these stupid appeals.

He wants a real fight.

A brief flash of his persona, Robin Hood flashed behind him as Akechi unleashed his first of three attacks onto Isonus.

p_1d20+4(Eigaon > Isonus: A dark blast filled with the victims darkest thoughts. If hit, Isonus will gain 20% damage.)



"You must be proud to be a father, although judging from your get up I wouldn't be surprised if all of you're kids ran away because they mistaken a dark mage as you. I know if I was a kid. I would be trembling in my boots...But i'm not a child...I'm a hero, and I could do anything that I can put my mind into it, unlike your son." Akechi smiled and joked as he gave off his next attack.

p_1d20+4(Megidola > Isonus: Akechi summons a powerful bomb which blasts towards the enemy, if hit, Isonus will gain 25% damage.)



Akechi gave one last smile as he delivered his attack to Isonus. "I never let down my facade, this is the real me!" He lied. "I help people and defeat the forces of darkness no matter what. I'm open and honest." Akechi lied again, and was doing very well in hiding it. As he continued to smile, but as he charged towards Isonus and delivered his final attack for now. He whispered something into Isonus ear.



"And you know nothing about me, which is probably the saddest thing of all in this match, someone feeling bad for a positive person like me, when there's nothing to feel bad about. This is me, your just a careless father who's kids have probably long forgotten him now that he's in a different world...Good riddance."

p_1d20+4(Kougaon > Isonus: Akechi increases the damage of his regular kouga attack to fire off a powerful beam towards his enemies, if hit, Isonus will gain 22% damage.)

After delivering his attacks, Akechi breathed heavily to see how Isonus will react. His face hidden from the audience once more as he slowly stood up and gave off another smile.

He had to keep up a positive attitude, he's at a public event after all.

---

Goro Akechi: 64% Damage
Eigaon, Kougaon & Megidola cooldown: Three Turns Remaining
1d20+1·1d20+4·1d20+4·1d20+4

[Mari]

" . . . Ouch! That took a turn. I have a feeling it's not going to be the last, though."

Audience Requests
For Akechi

For 18 Appeal Points: Steal Isonus' hat
For 18 Appeal Points: Steal stuff from Isonus to give to the audience.
For 12 Appeal Points: Spend an entire round doing your best olde English impression.
For 12 Appeal Points: Do a Sherlock Holmes impression

For Isonus

For 21 Appeal Points: Perform a "magic trick" without using any magic. GRANTED
For 21 Appeal Points: Do your best Arle impression. GRANTED
For 18 Appeal Points: Flirt with Ms. Accord, who is presumably in the stands. GRANTED
For 15 Appeal Points: Tell the audience how much you love your kids. GRANTED
For 12 Appeal Points: The first time Akechi misses an attack, scold him hard. GRANTED
For 12 Appeal Points: Attack Akechi's eye, such that it injures him. GRANTED

For Both

For 21 Appeal Points: Flirt with Blue.
For 15 Appeal Points: Quote an excerpt from Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War' GRANTED (Akechi)

[Deleted]

(Isonus shields Megidola! Barrier at critical damage!)
qhhTJlHDp_1d20(Isonus attempts to dodge Eigaon, fail.)

"About damn time."

Isonus, of course, weaved back, and was struck by the massive bolt that swelled with his deepest desires, darkest memories, and visions of conquest and death. Every moment of failure, every moment of rage, of lust, of sin, pours out like a miasma, tainting the Essentus in the air. For a moment, his soul pulses with an unusual shape. As though he wasn't even human within that body. For a moment, the serpentine shadow cast across the arena stretches for miles, and in that same moment, it recesses. Isonus digs his heels in, unfurling his hands from behind his back, clenching fists. It was merely to sustain his body, and shrug off the pain.

p_1d20(Isonus attempts to dodge Kougaon. Success.)

Finally back with some footing, he just casually walks away from the second attack, letting that second one weave out and even knock his hat off! Isonus, rather than just letting it fly back onto his head, just tossed it at Akechi. Pitiful boy, thought he was clever, didn't he? What a miserable little pile of chromosomes that kid was, a failure in flesh, writhing and begging for death. Of course, Isonus wanted to oblige him, but couldn't for the time being. All he could do was humiliate him in front of a gathering of people. That'd be easy. Very easy.

(Isonus is letting Akechi appeal out of pity! Mari has agreed this won't waste an action of either party.)

"Too afraid to say that in front of the crowd, you miserable brat?! HAH! My children love me, all ten of them. They've come to this world, too, some of them Each one, with words of thankfulness on their lips, and embraces given to me. If you believe a little sorcery that flirts with the deeper side of the arcane makes families fall apart, I'd hate to be at your family reunions. Your folks must be worried sick about the arts you use so fruitlessly."

Isonus openly mocked Akechi, laughing at the prospect of this boy beating him now. No more holding back, no more playing around. Most certainly, no more keeping things simple. Time to mix it up, time to give it a better go, a quicker pace, and a full wrath. Isonus wasn't going to let Akechi just walk after bad-mouthing his family. You can make fun of him, make fun of his speech, his dialect, his attacks, hell, even his genes. One thing you did not do with Isonus, though, was insinuate his family was broken, or any more dysfunctional than it really was.

p_1d20+5(Isonus's CRITICAL Eldritch Bolt! 25% damage!)

The rage within him was untapped, and that massive, serpentine shadow was cast again. The Leviathan soul inside Isonus reached forth, with that bolt as its messenger. Its words were 'Begone', clearly. The ground even erupted a little at the blast, once again draining the air from the area. The clouds even cleared. Whatever power this was, it was beyond explanation. Isonus's fiery eyes and clear scowl only sharpened as he charged in, spreading his arms apart. Claw-like appendages form on his fingertips. They extend far past his arms. They were clearly not intended to be wielded with any sort of skill, just swung and hope for the best.

"You're an idiot."

(Each roll is Abyssal Havoc, dealing 8% damage for each hit.)
p_1d20+5
p_1d20+5
p_1d20+5

Finally leaping back, Isonus cackles loud, scoffing and spitting in Akechi's direction. All respect had been lost for the boy, all mercy had been foregone for simply speaking ill of his family. Arms returning behind his back, shoulders lowered and back upright, Isonus remarked to this poor boy...

(Isonus is taking an action to appeal!)
"If fighting, dear boy, is to result in victory. You must fight, even if the rulers forbid it. If it will not, you must not fight, even if the ruler demands it. That's from War and The Mortal Mind, a book from my world Your ruler, in this case, is your body. Obey it and surrender. I've lost mercy for you, and your antics. You flaunt a face and hide behind disgusting secrecy. I have no reason to hide, no secrets to withhold, but you? You are full of them."

THE GRANDMASTER
HP: 110/130
Shield: 15/40
Spell Augment: None
Cooldowns:
Rune of Memory - 2/4
Esoteric Warding - 1/6

1d20·1d20·1d20+5·1d20+5·1d20+5·1d20+5

[Deleted]

d7dqNeSJp_1d20+1(The first Abyssal Havoc had hit him.)

p_1d20+1(The second didn't.)



"Grr." Akechi kept quiet as most of Isonus attacks had hit him, but still his smiling face was still there as he managed to at least dodge one of Isonus attacks as he continued to give his smile, hoping that the crowd was still cheering him on because of his positive demeanour, even if he might...Lose to someone like Isonus, he still had to be a good sport and ignore what Isonus had to say.

And reply in witty comebacks to give the audience a chuckle here and there.



"Miserable, why are you calling me miserable? Can't you read smiles? And like I said. I don't have any secrets to hide, I am the hero of justice after all." Akechi joked as he charged towards Isonus with his sword in an attempt to slash him three times. All these attacks with Robin Hood had made him quite tired and he should use his sword for this match since he hasn't used it yet on Isonus.

p_1d20+1(Sword slash > Isonus: A simple slash to the side of the enemy, if hit, Isonus will get 15% damage.)

p_1d20+1(Sword Slash > Isonus.)

p_1d20+1(^)

While Akechi's slashes were weak even for him, he just wanted to get close enough so he can whisper to Isonus some more in an attempt to provoke him. After seeing how strongly he reacted to when he mentioned his children, something told Akechi that his children are the most precious thing in the world, and if someone made fun of them, then it would provoke him into becoming angry.



"I have no family, so unlike you, I don't have..." Akechi whispered to Isonus before stopping...He...He couldn't finish for some reason...

He was preparing himself to question why Isonus kids weren't at the stadium if he said he loves them and was ready to call them all burdens that are preventing Isonus to reach his full potential. But he didn't say that for some reason...



"No...I had enough."

He missed Isonus earshot again and jumped in front of Isonus breathing heavily.

Why...Didn't he say it? He wanted to provoke this man into beating him up so badly that the audience would hate him...But...He doesn't want to do that.

Why doesn't he? He did this sort of thing all the time back in his world, putting others down, but for some reason, he's unable to do it, at least here.

Akechi punched his fist in the ground, drawing blood as he stood up. He flexed his knuckles which drew more blood as he slowly turned towards Isonus, and he quickly kept up his smile.



"Oh my...I never quite seen a person that's strong as you before. Good game, because by the looks of it, it's almost over and it appears that your going to win." Akechi pulled out some spare gloves he had as he put them on his hands since the ones that he was wearing have been ripped off. It seems as though that he's trying to throw in the towel already, despite his desire with winning this match.

Once Akechi put on his gloves, he began to clap for Isonus impending victory.



"I don't have any use in fighting you anymore. You put up quite a show, good job." He smiled and bowed...Which...If Isonus looked closer.

Akechi's jaw looks as though it's shaking, like it's hard for him to keep up this smile.

It seems as though...What Isonus had said had gotten to him.

---

Goro Akechi: 105% Damage
Eigaon, Kougaon & Megidola cooldown: Two Turns Remaining
1d20+1·1d20+1·1d20+1·1d20+1·1d20+1