Invasion

what?:

The swords-woman stood in the fog, facing the darkness. Steel gleamed faintly in her hands. She was the last line of defense for this village. The line filthy pirates would have to cross to harm anyone. The black fabric of her uniform was soaked through. She'd been standing for hours against the spray of the sea. Nothing had stirred her. Not the wind, not the rain, not the warning shot of the cannon. She was a protector. Until she drew her last breath, she would stand her ground.

That was how the villagers saw the Rune Knight anyways. Katsumi, in reality, was terrified. She'd stood still because she was frozen. This entire situation dredged up terrible memories. Along with those memories came old doubts.

Doubts that crippled her ability to be strong. Katsumi hadn't protected anyone when she had the chance. Now she was called upon to be the defender of these people? She wasn't entirely sure she could manage it. Her friends hadn't been able to count on her. Agil and Elizabeth avoided her now because of that costly mistake. Katsumi peered down at her sword. Would she freeze up again? Would the people of the town pay the price? The swordswoman shuddered. The screams almost reached her ears. That would be the price of her failure. The deaths of many women, men, and children would lay in her hands.

The sea soaked her once more. It drew her from those dark thoughts. Just in time too. The pirates had sent a small probe to test her. Two mages stood the fog. Fire gleamed in their hands. Katsumi could only imagine their plans with it. Given their distance, they were likely long-range fighters. Her wand snapped open in her free hand. Let them underestimate her. It would be the last thing they ever did. The wrath of the heavens would punish them. "System Call. Generate Elements: Luminous, Aerial, Thermal. Unlock Secret Art. Noble Phantasm: Blasted Tree. Discharge." Lightning streaked from the sky, striking the fire mages. They fell in a heap where they stood.

Katsumi smiled slowly. It was easier to see these villains as mobs. She was simply clearing the floor for the weaker players. Power leveling those that needed help. Yeah, that was it. Just a bit of assistance. Several more figures appeared in the fog. These ones were sprinting. Fire glowed in their hands. More of the same mob then. Katsumi directed her lightning into their ranks. Screams filled the air this time. The swordswoman didn't flinch. She shot forward, her sword cleaving flesh. More enemies dead. If they kept this tactic up, they wouldn't even manage to make her break a sweat.

WC: 447