by Katsumi 26th March 2021, 8:16 pm
"Rune Knight! That's what they call it in your country, right Fioren?" A sneering voice called out. Katsumi let a small sigh escape her lips. It was better then the visceral reaction of her stomach. It hungered for the taste of this idiot. The approaching Bellum knight had a swagger to his step. He believed in his superior fighting skills. Since Katsumi refused to cross blades with him, he took that as a sign that he was better than her. And he took every opportunity to rub her face in that fact. Katsumi hoped not all of those from Bellum were like this troll. She'd hate to think she'd put her life on the line for that.
The gamer girl reached for every point of Charisma she had as she beamed at the knight. "Hello, Priest Westrum. How are you on this fine day? Ready to wet your blade in the blood of your enemies?" The man scoffed, buffing a gauntleted fist on his armor. Katsumi resisted rolling her eyes. That only served to scuff the armor and reduce its durability. "Of course, Recruit Akahoshi! What man doesn't wish to vanquish his enemies? Oh, and I guess women too." His sneering smile irked only a little less then his eyes raking her form. She had feelings, dammit. Even if she didn't have enough points invested in Charisma to express them correctly, she still had them. Katsumi tutted, waving a finger in his helmeted face. "Careful, Priest Westrum. 'He who desires blood bathes in it. He who lives by the sword, dies by it.'"
The swordswoman felt pleased with her little quip. The priest however, didn't find it quite as amusing. He threw his helmet on the ground. His face looked like a red potato. His bald head gleamed with sweat and a thick mustache adorned his upper lip. Katsumi had to suppress a shudder every time she saw it. She didn't think she hid her disgust very well though since Priest Westrum had begun wearing a helmet around her constantly. A gauntlet slammed into the ground at her feet. "A duel!" Westrum trilled, his voice high and reedy. "A duel for the dishonor you do me! Battle is glorious, a chance for honor and fame! Should you decline my duel, I'll be forced to eject you, since I cannot behead you as you are a guest of Bellum's Holy Council." The raven headed woman of the sword gaped at the man. How had this idiot been placed in charge of this battle force? His Intelligence must have only one point. Maybe two if she wanted to be generous. Which she did not.
Katsumi sighed, seeing no escape from the challenge this time. The battle was too near at hand. She either accepted or was sent back to Fiore. A silver handle was pulled from her belt. The swordswoman sank into the Arashi style: Resting Thunder stance. The handle rested in the palm of her left hand held at her side. Her body was lifted on the balls of her feet. Only her right hand moved, drifting softly from side to side. Priest Westrum grunted as he unlimbered his sword. The forming crowd was already taking bets. "On your mark, Priest Westrum" Katsumi said coldly. This man was undermining his own ability to lead. His Leadership skill would take a huge debuff from this fight. That would effect morale in the upcoming battle. More would die for this man's foolish sense of honor.
"Go!" Someone shouted. The combatants moved. Katsumi flowed from Resting Thunder into Striking Lightning. From there came Rising Wind followed swiftly by Chaotic Tornado. Katsumi slipped from the last strike of Chaotic Tornado into Kennonai Style: Descending Moon. Priest Westrum's knees struck the ground. His flailing sword had only completed one stroke. Katsumi's handle had touched his armor a total of twenty times. The swordswoman sniffed, shoving her handle back onto her belt. "The difference between us is astounding." She said simply. "You proclaim to be a master swordsman. Yet, I've driven you to your knees with nothing but a handle and fifteen seconds. Tell me, Priest Westrum, is this what passes for a master swordsman in Bellum? If so, I fear for our encounter with Pergrande's forces." The gamer girl sneered for effect. This wasn't a good use of her skills and her poor Charisma was about to botch this situation even more.
Katsumi's uniform whipped around her legs as she turned. Someone shouted a warning. Katsumi's scythe touched the back of Priest Westrum's neck. "Don't" She said, a warning in her voice. She could practically see him, arms raised, body quivering with either rage or exhaustion. This man had been a poor choice for a leader. A touch of fear entered her heart. How much work would she have to do to balance the scales this one bent in Pergrande's favor? Could she even balance those scales or would more die from her lack of skill? Katsumi looked over her shoulder. "A real master doesn't brag or boast of skill. They exude wisdom and teach through action. I developed my sword styles, Priest Westrum, since I was five. I don't consider myself a master. Yet I know, I can finish you with relative ease. You've lost any respect from your men due to this pitiful display and spiteful challenge. I shudder what Pergrande might do with them should you alone lead them." The swordswoman let her scythe return to its silver handle form. Then she stalked away before her carnivorous desires consumed both her and this idiotic man.
932 (1222 of 4000)
Enemies:
Imperial Army Recruit x3
Imperial Army Officer x14
Imperial Guard x2