Corruption and Misery [Zuruel's and Abumi's Cohort] (Closed)

[Skulking Shinzu]

Zuruel snickered as he spotted the slightly bruise around the Duchess’s finger where the crow from earlier had assaulted her. She didn’t seem great with avian creatures. “Upon visiting Alleve's Hallow, I have come to realise that many things that we consider ‘myths’ are simply distortions from some form of truth.” Having recently met with chimera, witches and even dragons, the existence of vampires wouldn’t surprise him. Little could at this point. “Needless to say… Little seems impossible as of late.”

Zuruel then squinted as he spotted the Duchess’s red eyes. “Demon eyes… Since when did you have those?” What other tricks was the Duchess hiding? Either way, it would be clear to the Duchess that the Kedoin didn’t know what they truly were. He simply knew them as eyes belonging to a demon. Cautious, he avoided eye-contact with the Duchess. He knew those things were capable of entrapping individuals in powerful illusions. Instead, Zuruel’s focus was on the footsteps as he followed them to the prairie. “That misshapen pole… What could have done that? Why even when the messenger was slain so easily. It’s not as if he and the killer struggled for some time.” He pondered over the thought before glancing around the area.

The poor lighting didn’t affect Zuruel or Lady. Both naturally possessed Dark Vision and on top of that, Zuruel’s True Sight allowed him to pierce even further through the darkness and see everything as clear as if it were day. “Now what’s this?” Zuruel placed his footing right over the set of footprints that were hard pressed onto the ground. He then observed above and in front of him towards South. If he could identify somewhere the owner of the footprints had jumped onto, he’d do the same before continuing the trail. “By the way...” With the tavern owner gone, the Kedoin was at last able to speak freely. “Do we have any reason to suspect the tavern keeper? The murder did happen on his premise... And he did hide the corpse from the authorities by burying it in his backyard.”

[Ancestor Febrie]

She was a little satisfied as they have not met with any traps she could have identified, her ability to observe things was very good but there were still many traps she did not even know existed to have spotted them or even her Sakurai eyes were not enough. On the way they also did not see anyone nor has she identified genjutsu and chakra effects, but again that could have also been caused by her lack of observation.

"Hmmm, you say Aleeve's Hallow?" she has not heard that name anywhere she has been, it sounded strange and mysterious "Where is that place?" if the myths had some truths to them as Zuruel says, that place was of interest to her. When mention of her eyes, demon eyes came to light she gave the question a thought "Come to think of it, haven't I always had them?" she remembered having some ocular powers but was it really this Sharingan? It was strange for Zuruel to ask this question, shouldn't he already have known?

Again somehow her memories were foggy, when she closed her eyes the woman remembered a few icy mirrors and snow. She could not think why she saw that but it definitely had something to do with her powers. As it happened, the duchess was not entirely accustomed to the Sharingan however she did not know that, her eyes suddenly began to bleed and it shut down for a while. "Oh?" this incident made her unable to investigate but before that she saw some footprints.

So Zuruel suspected that tavern owner, there was some truth to it. "Yes he did hide the body but I don't know why you are even here or was in that tavern." she regained her composure after a while, wiped the blood from her eyes with a handkerchief too. "I noticed some footprints over there." she pointed at its direction.

[Starnaess]

The footprints ended there,no other pair would be found anywhere near, nor would there be sightings of anyone or anything around. the only clue, the footprint location and the directon they pointed toward. If the group were clever or desperate enough to try and head toward that direction, they would reach a cliff, the end of the praire. The  cliff ras rather deep - and below there would be a forest however a dirt pathway could be spotted right at the bottom of the cliff. If climbed down carefully , the bottom could easily be reached.

The other options the group had was to head back to the road in front of the tavern, follow the road and head to the city - if the kedoin kept the dead man's face perhaps he could use it as a disguise and obtain some information that way.

The choice was theirs

[Skulking Shinzu]

“Alleve's Hallow is situated in the Land of Moon. Apparently, its existence is public knowledge and it even accepts tourists from time to time given they have reason to enter its iron walls. A invitation was extended to me thanks to being an acquaintance of Loki’s.” Lady smiled to herself before chiming in. “Loki and her grandmother founded the city. It’s a safe haven for the supernatural.” Zuruel licked his lips. Thinking back to the city conjured images of the powerful dragonkin in his mind again. He still lusted to test his strength out by fighting with them. He then quickly realised that he hadn’t ever fought the Duchess either as the conversation shifted to her eyes.

“I suppose they were always red… This is the first time I have noticed those three symbols though.” Zuruel was adamant something had changed. His attention to detail was far too peculiar about tiny changes to have missed something like that. “Me? I am here for personal reasons.” Lady read Zuruel’s thoughts and frowned. She had clearly found something in her companion’s head that disturbed her. Sadly, before she could press her companion for an answer or make his thoughts known to the Duchess, the conversation topic shifted to the lack of clues.

“The footprints end.” Zuruel frowned as he glanced over the cliff face. A steep fall – but nothing for a immortal Kedoin, a Duchess and a canine spirit. “This could lead to nothing… Duchess, are you able to form a clone? Perhaps we should split.” There was emphasis on the word ‘split’ as Zuruel surged forth his soul energy and carved his soul in two to form a soul clone perfectly identical to him – including the fact that it bore an exact genetic resemble to the murdered boy. Having split their items evenly, the clone possessed all the items Zuruel did, aside from the Tessaiga which remained with the original as there could only ever be one.

The soul clone was then ordered to traverse back into the city where it would hopefully find other clues and attract the attention of the killer. Thanks to Lady’s telepathy, she was able to read its thoughts and relay any information obtained back to the originals and vice versa. The original Zuruel, meanwhile, dashed off the cliff. Using his Chakra to glue himself to the cliff, he dashed downwards perfectly vertical before reaching the forest in the bottom. Lady, meanwhile, brandished her claws and carefully climbed her way downwards. If the Duchess reached the duo near the forest, then the Kedoin would point out the dirt road towards the right and follow it.

[Ancestor Febrie]

She began to snoop around the place but still has found nothing really interesting apart from those footprints from earlier. "I see the land of moon is not that far from the fire country. I might have to see that place for myself one day." since that Loki was involved, there was something mysterious about that place. The duchess wasn't really sure who this person or witch was, but according to some rumors she was a scary person. When she met the Loki in person, she did not think her to be an evil entity even though Zuruel was fighting her.

Following next to Zuruel and Lady, the entire way until they reached the cliff, she has not noticed anything. Deeming her Sharingan not necessary anymore it was simply dismissed revealing her natural bright green eyes that could confuse Zuruel even more. When thinking back to the red eyes the assassin mentioned, she still had a blank how could this be? Being a medical ninja, the diagnoses would be partial amnesia but how did she know? One moment she was a medical ninja, and the other she was not anymore so how come she could diagnose.

Soon even the secrets of diagnoses eluded her. Why and what did she diagnose? She kept asking herself that question, only to be woken up by the unmissable cliff. "To tell you the truth, I am not sure by what you mean by dots." she was as confused as him right now. It was like one part of her knew the sharingan all along but the other remembered having other abilities. The Sakurai shook her head, once this is all finished, then she would look more into it. The focus now shifted towards the cliff and other options.

What personal reasons? she thought but never actually said that out loud since that was not her business. "Hmmmm, I think I can form clones." by clones she meant mud clone and luckily there was enough to make at least one but before she could, Zuruel split into two identical murdered boys. "I see, so like that." while still being confused about her abilities she recalled one particular technique dealing with the soul, the split would however also split her chakra. Did she want to risk splinting now?

"I can actually do what you have done but I'd rather not. If anything I'd go with your clone to the city to find some more clues." the decision was made for higher chance of encountering something. "Here, take the card. You should know what it does." and handed him a playing card with an ace symbol. When looking at it, one could easily spot a hiraishin seal. After he took it, the duchess would take whatever he would give her and go after the clone. "See you two later."

[Starnaess]

After several precautions, the group would split. The soul of zuruel would, together with Lady and the young girl, head toward the city while Zuruel would remain in the praire trying to follow the direction of the footprints. this would lead him to a cliff with clear sight of what was below. A forest and a dirt pathway at its beginnings. If climbed down carefully the man would find no problem. Once there he would stand on to top the dirt pathway, and in front of him numerous trees would be  spread , slowly increasing in density and quickly turning into a forest. There were no signs of life around him however, the pathway had been clearly used recently - was it safe to keep going?

The rest of the group would head to the city instead.  It wouldnt take them long to reach it once they got back onto the road in front of the tavern. As they a pproached its wooden gates, two guards would stop them - "State your business strangers!" they were heavily dressed in metal a rmor, the helmet however - showed their faces. They were both older men roughly 50 years o ld, both of them with huge mustaches spreading on their faces and going out of the helmet. They were both harmed with halabards and each of them would stand on a side of the gate

[Skulking Shinzu]

Having split, the soul clone conversed on the original’s behalf. “It was wonderful! A scene of magic and whimsy!” The clone clapped its hands together in excitement. Being a manifestation of the good in Zuruel’s heart, it was clearly more expressive than the original. “It was wonderful indeed. Dragonkin, Mer-people and even Chimera. Different races living together in perfect unity and harmony.” Lady chuckled. She always enjoyed conversing with her companion’s soul clone. She found it to be easier to talk to and far more flamboyant than her more reserved partner.

“Guards?” Lady blinked as the group was stopped by two individuals. With there being no need to suspect a friendly-looking over-sized dog, there was little need to disguise herself. Hence, she remained in her original form whilst using her telepathy to analyse the guard’s thoughts. If there was anything the guards were looking out for, she’d relay this back to the clone and the Duchess to ensure that they avoided saying anything that’d get them in trouble. “We were just here friends. We left the village to go on a quick walk and just decided to return. If you speak to the tavern owner, he will recognise us.” In a exaggerated manner, the clone pulled itself higher by balancing on its toes and peeked over the guard’s shoulders hoping to spot the man or anyone else it recognised from the tavern using Zuruel’s memories.

---

Zuruel, all alone, continued making his way through the dense forest whilst thinking back to the Duchess’s words. “Amnesia? Or is she playing a prank on me?” He crossed his arms in frustration. The Duchess was a difficult person to read. “I see.” Zuruel then spotted signs that the path had been used recently. Hoping it’d take him somewhere useful, he continued following the road. If ambushed, Lady would be able to pick up on his thoughts. He’d then easily be able to Hiraishin back to her or if needed, the Duchess could regroup back to him using the card. Not wishing to lose it, he tucked it away safely inside of the Deep Pockets ritual embedded on the insides of his grey cloak. He then kept a careful watch of the surroundings. Invisible creatures and Genjutsu wouldn’t be able to hide from his True Sight. In fact, any sources of Chakra would simply light up against the greyscale background and make themselves known to him. Combined with his enhanced hearing and sense of smell, little would be able to escape his notice as he continued deeper into the forest.

[Ancestor Febrie]

The place both Zuruel and Lady talked about was sounding more interesting now that she has heard chimeras and dragon-kin. Why was she really interested in seeing chimeras? Mo did not have these fantastic beasts and it sparked an idea for a research subject. She herself wanted to make one of those, of course if it was even slightly possible. "Hmm, I see they are even living together without conflict." that sounded quite fishy, how could all these races live in harmony?

It did not take that long for the group to get back to the city and the gates using the road. Sadly they were stopped by two fishy looking guards. Both were pretty much heavily dressed in armor, why would such security be in such a place right now? Something must have happened during the time they were gone, something like another murder. Only murder could be understandable for creating such a fuss. "Hello friends." she greeted the both of them before letting Zuruels clone to talk to them.

[Starnaess]

One of the guards stepped forward to better see zuriel and abumi's faces while the other one would stay behind near the gate. On the two towers one of each side of the gate there would show four men armed with crossbows two for each tower. They would ready their crossbows and point them at the group.

The guard that was closer to the group would lean over as he begun to  analize the faces of the group. He did not recognize anyone and he had been ordered to not let anyone enter at any cost unless they had direct business in the capital , as he was about to raise his hand to give sign to the guards on top of the tower to give a warning sign a voice would stop him.

"Dont you even dare Marcus! This travels under the royal flag and has direct business with me!" The guard would turn around to find the small door within the massive gate to be opened and a wierdly dressed man would come out of it. It was a tall and slim blonde man wearing bright red and purple clothes , very stylish. As he beautifully stepped toward the group he would place a hand on the Marcus and  would continue saying "This is the messanger ive been looking for - it took you longer than i expected! i believe you have something for me?" apparently the notice of the murder still hadnt reached the city. The man would then tell the guards to calm down and let them pass. As they walked the gate would spread allowing them safe passage. they would walk on the street as they talked.


Meanwhile Zuruel decided to further explore the forest following a broken down a nd dirty path hidden within the forest. The longer he travelled the harder it would be to follow it almost as if it  was i ntentional, however Zuruel was skilled enough to never get lost. Roughly thirty minutes later he would hear some sounds coming from far away, almost as if someone was smashing metal against something. The sound was still far away but if he kept going toward that  direction he would spot a wooden wall, rather tough but not too tall. It  was mostly to keep unskilled people and animals away from what was behind it. If Zuruel jumped enough he would spot various structures inside of it, it was a camp.

[Skulking Shinzu]

The soul clone raised an eyebrow as the guardsmen in the towers pointed their crossbows at the group. They seemed on edge. Luckily, a rather fancily dressed man seemed to stop the guards in their tracks. “Thank you… My most sincerest apologies for the delays. I was attacked last night and these kind individuals were assisting me in tracking down the assailant.” The clone reached into its pocket and fished out the letter the tavern keeper had given to Zuruel earlier before presenting it to the man. Clearly, he was royalty or at least in someway connected to the emperor. “Is this what you require? My memory is a little foggy… The assailant gave me a swift blow to the back of the head. My mind is still dazed and ringing from the attack…” The clone hoped to see how the man would react. If he was related to the killer in any way, then the clone was vague enough to make it seem like the attempt on his life had simply failed. If the man was innocent, then hopefully the mention of an attacker would cause the royal man to spill a few answers or clues around the situation.

---

“A camp?” Zuruel blinked. Having followed the trail all the way here and scaled the wall using his Kedoin abilities, Zuruel spotted the camp on the other side. Not wishing to be noticed, he fired his Kedoin cells into action. Suddenly, he vanished from sight as his skin and clothing began to camouflage against the backdrop. His movements were also silenced, his scent signature erased and he also became immune from tracking via heat or Chakra signatures. To eyes capable of seeing either, he simply did not exist. With that set, he stealthy hopped over and wall and silently landed on the other side without emitting a single sound. He then slowly made his way deeper into the camp whilst investigating everything along the way. He hoped this wasn’t what he was thinking. He prayed this camp didn’t belong to any of those men.

SPOILER: Click to show

Gecko Grip
Rank: C-ranked
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: Grants the skin of the Kedōin hyper adhesive properties.
Special: ---
Drawback: Only a maximum amount of weight can be held by this technique.
Description: By altering the texture and design of their skin, the user can mimic the adhesive properties of gecko skin. At their whim, their skin will create millions of nano-sized hair bristles; usually on the padding of the foot or hands. These microscopic bristles produce an adhesive like effect on the molecular scale and allow the user to cling to objects. With millions of bristles located on the skin, grip strength adds up and produces a secure hold. Such a techniques does not produce a visible chakra signature, thus the infiltration skills of the Kedōin increases. This technique can be paired with any other clan techniques without penalty. The user is however limited to the amount of weight this technique can sustain: no more than 3 times the user's current weight can be supported by this technique. Takes one post to alter the skin.
Limit: Kedōin Clan. Must know "Warped Visage: Skin"

Textured Camouflage
Rank: A-ranked
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: A extremely powerful camouflaging technique.
Special: ---
Drawback: The user's chakra system is not hidden with this technique.
Description: A superior camouflage technique of the highest degree that taps into the blood lines innate gift. By commanding cells to alter dimensions, pigmentation and texture, the user can blend into the background with ease. This is not invisibility, but rather the user's skin and hair taking the appearance of the background; blending them seamlessly into the area in which they occupy. As the user moves from one area to another, their skin will reflexively change and alter at the same time. The user can literally appear as if they were the limb of a tree, or conglomerate of rocks by a river bed. This ability can be used within an urban environment as well, as some users have been known to perfectly camouflage into the back drop of a bookshelf or office furniture. This allows the user to allude capture, make it difficult for an enemy to fight them within a given area, or even help in stalking and espionage. If actively in combat, the user can make themselves a difficult target to track and fight. The items the user carries is not hidden with this technique, but the "Flesh Fabric" technique is usually used in conjunction with this technique to hide items. It takes 1 post to complete a full camouflage.
Limit: Kedōin Blood line.

Hush
Rank: A-ranked
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: Silences the body of the user.
Special: ---
Drawback: Lasts only a set amount of time and can only be used 3 times per day. Blood lines with hyper aware hearing may not be fooled as easily.
Description: With specific manipulation of flesh, the Kedōin are capable of dulling sound production from their body. The user alters their skin in such a manner, as to increase surface area and texture. Their skin undertakes a "rippled" appearance, while growing slightly thicker, plumper and softer. Various undulations of the skin and the altered nature of the flesh act very similar to how grooved surfaces and panels dampen sound in "Anechoic chambers". When sound leaves or comes into contact with this altered flesh, it is rapidly dispersed and absorbed directly into the skin. Air pressure is mitigated through this process, producing a very effective means of sound reduction. Running, jumping, and full combat sound like dull whispers and faint pin drops to others. It takes 1 post to prepare for this technique and it lasts for 10 posts (1 minute). This technique can be paired with any other clan techniques without penalty.
Limit: Kedōin Clan. Must know "Warp Visage: Flesh manipulation".

Aromatic Mislead
Rank: B-ranked
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: The user can alter and produce various scents and smells.
Special: ---
Drawback: Cannot alter scents that have left the body; such as a residual scent left behind on clothing. Aggressive pursuit may allow trackers to pick up on the shift in scents.
Description: Cells and pheromones may be commanded by the user to alter their aroma and odorous signature. With a shift in the molecules releases by the cells and sweat glands, the user can change what they smell like. Kedōin are granted the capability of smelling like another person, or misleading a group or tracking dogs if the need arises. If the user posses an object that contains a scent from another, they may mimic that scent as well or reproduce smells they've encountered before. The user can even mimic perfumes and colognes that could not normally be produced by the human body. Multiple scents can be created at the same time. Scents can be manufactured all over the body, or manufactured in a single place. The user can even place scents onto different objects with their hands if they choose to (masking and hiding any old scents). All Kedōin have a "Default" scent, and they must make this conscious decision to change it. Altering scents takes 1 post.
Limit: Kedōin Blood Line. Must know "Warped Visage: Growth of Eyes" and "Shift of Organs (Internal)".

Thermal Override
Rank: C-ranked
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: The user can control their body heat.
Special: ---
Drawback: Complex movements and techniques, usually of the "A-ranked" and "S-ranked" nature will break the concentration needed for this technique. Movement enhancement techniques (IE: Chakra gates) will cause this technique to end. Temperature control is capped at a certain point.
Description: With mastery of the cellular functions within the body, comes the mastery of homeostatic functions. Through dominance of their own body, the user can override control to heart rate, breathing and temperature. The user can suppress or alter these autonomic functions to better mimic the foreground temperature and/or fool thermal sensing abilities or machines. Cellular control allows the Kedōin Blood Line a robust resistance to internal temperature changes, which would normally kill normal humans. Walking around in very cold environments while matching or combating the foreground temperature is not impossible, and not entirely lethal. Some Kedōin have been known to decrease temperatures to mimic the temperatures of dead bodies, making themselves appear as if a corpse. It takes one post to alter and maintain body temperature. Though the user can mimic the foreground temperature, temperature ranges they can mimic and operate in are strictly 30°F above or below the normal human ranges of 98.6 °F (68.6°F to 128.6°F/20°C to 54°C).
Limit: Kedōin Blood Line.

Deceptive Nature
Rank: C, B-ranked
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: The user can alter their appearance of their chakra nature.
Special: ---
Drawback: Same drawbacks as "Body Of lies". Cannot mimic a chakra nature the user has not encountered before. Does not grant any new nature's to the user.
Description: Chakra is the spiritual energy that is produced by all the cells of the body; collectively pooling and flowing through the tenketsu (chakra points). The cells contain and release this chakra when used for NinJutsu; granting it a corresponding color for a specific elemental nature (nature transformation). Through training however, the Kedōin can command the cells of the body to release chakra in such a mannerism as to falsify said color. Just like changing the skin and hair tones, the user can alter what different chakra natures would appear like within the body, without actually having said nature. This does not denote dominion over any new chakra nature for the user or abilities, but instead grants the user a higher form of deceit. By controlling the way their chakra appears, the user can further mimic a selected target that is known to possess a specific chakra nature. When first learned, the user can mimic the basic elemental natures. When learned again, the user can mimic advance natures, or unique natures specific to certain people or clans. It takes 1 post to alter and maintain consistent body functions. Multiple chakra natures can be shown if the target has many.
Limit: Kedōin Blood Line. Must know "Warped Visage: Flesh Architect"

[Ancestor Febrie]

Crossbows eh? she raised both of her eyes at the ones foolish enough to aim at her. Is that a way to treat nobility? the woman thought to herself but never really said it out loud. By looking at the guards with crossbows, her instincts told her they must have been nervous. This certainly felt fishy somehow, when last time she came here it was without a hitch.

Only when they left the city, something much have happened. Luckily before the guards could do something, they were interrupted by an aristocrat looking person. His taste in fine clothing was exquisite and his walking posture was exemplary. Interesting she thought. Judging from this, the man must be some kind of an important person in this city, perhaps even a mayor.

She observed him, he said some pretty interesting things to Zuruel. What has she gotten into this time, hopefully it was not politics. Despite being the duchess, she has always loathed doing politics. The woman would be much happier if everything could be solved by being straight forward with each other, or as last resort a fight.

"Greetings" she said and nodded at the blonde when Zuruel introduced her as an individual who helped him on the way.

[Starnaess]

The moment the letter was given to him, the blonde man had a chill down his spine - to receive such a letter , clearly from the nobles of the country it only meant that the rumors had to be true. The violence and mistery in the area had grown so much that the nobles  were forced to  act - and if they were being forced it only meant that the thread was dangerous indeed. "Forgive the poor manners of the guards, they are on edge due to the recent events in both the city and outside of it. SO you were attacked as well? im glad you managed to s urvive and still deliver the letter,  very brave" The blonde man would let them through the gate by entering the small door and , a few moments later would lead them to a building close to the entrance - a tower guard that had recently been rebuilt - one could tell by simply looking  at it, it was completly brand new compared to all the other buildings around it.

He would lead them to a long table with twenty chair and would sign them to sit. With the letter now in hand the man would quickly read it "Hmm" he would then do a serie of handseals and the letter would suddently burn on the edges to then completly cover it in fire - as the ashes dropped ont othe floor a second letter would be revealed inside of it - "Now let's see..."

The contents of the letter were not revealed to the group nor were they able to see it from where they stood - "Well it seems your services are no longer needed - thank you for risking your life to deliver this important message" the man would then hide the letter in a drawer and would draw a sack of coints from his dress to then lay it onto the table where the group stood.

This should more than  suffice for your performance as well as to grant you medical attention for the wounds suffered during the job. You can leave now.

In that moment, the day suddently turned into night almost as if the sun had been eclipsed and a winged three meters figure suddently flew from the outside through the window and landed in the middle of the room. Dark in skin almost enveloped by a dark mist the only thing that the group could discern at the moment were the bright red eyes, the three meter span of each wing and the huge claws on both hands and feet.

As if every sound stopped, there was a terrifying silence in the room - the creature would stare at the stylish man and growl loudly "ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAR!"



-------------------

Meanwhile Zuruel original climbed the wall and decided to  approach the situation stealthly , camouflaging himself with the enviroment - from the inside he could tell there were alot of people working on different projects, some of them going in a nd others going out of a cave entrance into the mountain - carrying stones in carts, as well as o ther precious metals. every single person there seemed to act as if their soul had been stripped away, not just the workers but the guards too.

Nobody seemed to have noticed the presence of zuruel, they just kept working non stop.

[Skulking Shinzu]

The disguised soul clone blinked. The man didn’t appear to be an enemy at all – something worth taking note of. “Please, I cannot accept such words of praise. It is my duty to complete my mission.” The clone followed the man into the guard tower with little worry. It didn’t appear to be a trap and even if it was – it was ready. “Thank you.” Said the clone politely upon being offered a chair. It wasted no time in sitting down and feigning exhaustion to keep up its act. “Ninjutsu?” The clone blinked. What was on the letter? Either way, something felt off. There’s no way such well-spoken noble was a Ninja.

“T-Thank you. You are most kind.” Graciously, the clone accepted the sack of coins while avoiding eye contact with the drawer to prevent itself from giving away its intentions. It needed to know what was in there. “Honestly.” The clone wasted no time. As its keen eyes and hearing spotted the creature’s approach, it lifted itself from the chair and vanished in a flicker. Performing a swift Shunshin, it closed the gap between itself the winged beast. Appearing behind it just as it let out the first part of its roar, the clone slammed a trio of instantaneous punches into the back of the beast’s head. Bearing enough force to collapse the building if he wasn’t careful, the clone made sure that its fist stopped before reaching the floor so that the force behind the impact didn’t transfer into the ground.

---

“Are they being controlled?” Scowling, Zuruel moved past the workers and deeper into the camp. He didn’t have the luxury of helping anyone. If by chance he did find a way to snap the workers out of their trance, the action would likely alert someone of his presence. Instead, he stealthily entered the cave entrance in search of clues while analysing what the men were mining (Alchemy - 130). He wondered if he could discern the purpose behind this operation. Perhaps even attempt to steal some of the items for himself should the opportunity present itself to him. Either way, he was confident. He was stealthed against most forms of sensory techniques and no matter how deep he wished to explore, his Dark Vision would allow him to peer into the darkness of the cave without a need for a light source.

SPOILER: Click to show

440 AP Damage
28 Hardness Bypass
Double Damage against Inanimate Objects

[x10] Tsuyosa Ryuu: Futae no Kiwami (Mastery of Two Layers)
Rank: "B"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: A dual strike technique that allows the user to bypass hardness while delivering a powerful strike.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The Futae no Kiwami is a technique that focuses on allowing the full use of one's strength and power to be fully utilized at its maximum output. The Futae no Kiwami's principle aspects come from understanding that all matter bears a level of resistance, and that a single blow's impact is wasted upon meeting this resistance. From this, two blows are to be acted to fully transfer this impact. With the fist, the first blow, using the proximal interphalangeal joints of the hand, meets to absorb the object's initial resistance. The first hit allows the user to bypass +10 Hardness. Then, with folding the hand immediately to switch over to the proximal phalanx knuckles, delivers the final strike to the weakened object; in addition, the two hits are to be delivered at nearly the same time, with a few milliseconds interval. The 2nd strike deals 16 Armour Points of Damage per Class Level. The result is the complete destruction of the object (Can destroy overview Objects if it bypasses the Hardness), which has no more resistance to sustain itself and collapses into dust. Technique does double damage against inanimate objects while creating a crater 1/2 a meter per 16 Armour Points of Damage. User may relearn this technique multiple times. Each time learned allows the user to bypass an additional +2 Hardness while dealing +8 Armour Points of Damage per Class Level. May be performed once per movement.