Under the snow laden fields between the borders of Bellum and Pergrande, what might have started as a disagreement turned into a full blown war between the two nations. The Pegrandian military has armed themselves with equipment to counter their enemy’s magics, meanwhile, the Bellian forces have been armed with arcane artifacts, weapons, and armors, to combat the opposing troops, their enchantments of unknown origin. The fight has already started, and people are dying left and right for the sake of their nations. How the tension between the two nations was left unchecked and unresolved, however, is none of his concern. Michael only cares for one thing and one thing only - money to pay for his bills and rent back in Neutral Grounds.
This isn’t to say that he has no principles. No, he believed that those with power must use that power for the greater good. The irresponsibility and arrogance of those with power, the villains who abuse their power for their own selfish greed, are ultimately an enemy of his. Such fate was deserved of the dark guild masters he fought and assassinated prior to this endeavor, though he was left battered and bruised after an encounter with a stronger guildmaster. Pergrande is large enough as it is. What could they want with Bellum? Michael isn’t privy of the details and how the war sparked is beyond him. It is obvious that he’s siding with Bellum, having siblings and stepsiblings using magic that was perfectly harmless. Well, except for Francois, who he knew is a league of his own - a one man army, who for some reason isn’t participating in the war. Though they were relatives, with his current state of mind, he isn’t close with them. All he knows is that if he sided with Pergrande, he’d be siding against magic, and it would draw the ire of his siblings.
How he would be perceived if he backed up Pergrande isn’t the only factor affecting his decision to fight for Bellum. Other than the difference in scale of landmass, he also thought of Pergrande’s anti-magic equipment to be problematic against magic users not only residing in Bellum, but of the whole of Ishgar. If left unchecked, they might launch crusades against countries harboring wizards and the likes. It is through the alliance between Bellum and the Magic Council of Fiore that brought about his employment, pegged by Giselle to lend them his… specialty.
Michael went to see his employer, though this time he is without his partner, Giselle, to keep him in check. She was busy with repairs in her business, and with the long weeks they were out from the Neutral Grounds, she has since been keeping up with requests. It’s not a problem, of course, since her iLac could connect to his ‘mental computer’. He had to travel alone to Bellum where he was to meet up with his comrades. He was afforded treatment as if he was part of their military due to his background as a soldier. His credentials were legitimate in the eyes of his employer, and combat data was sent to them prior to his arrival - courtesy of Giselle. “So you’re Michael.” The employer said, “And you specialize in long range assassination?” “Yes, and I am also a capable infiltrator.”
“So it would seem.” The employer said as he took a gander at his combat data and nodded, satisfied with the information Giselle was kind enough to send. He assumed she had connections with Bellum, which is most likely because he was given a ‘special treatment’, or the honor of working alongside them as part of their military. After having witnessed his skills both as a sniper and fighter, and with his (unfortunate) background, his employer decided to draft him in as an infiltrator, putting his skills of subterfuge and assassination to use. He did know of his psionic background, though with war as it is, they need all the help they can get, and espers are no exception. This information was only known between him and his employer to avoid drawing the ire of the Bellian troops and preventing hostility. Afterall, Michael was a citizen of Fiore, sent by the magic council to their aid. "We're glad to have you on board. Rendezvous with the commanding officer in the briefing room, along with your fellow comrades. They'll need all the help they can get."
Michael was sent to the commanding officer to be briefed along with a small battalion of infiltrators, assassins, and subterfuge specialists. He couldn’t help but feel out of place among his comrades, being the only non-magic user in the room. Just to add some security to his identity, he had to project his Psionic aura to make it seem like he’s a wizard, disguising himself by camouflaging his psionic energy with the ethernanos found all around him. “And here we have a special guest here today. Private, introduce yourself.” The commanding officer announced, all the uniformed soldiers facing in his direction. There were whispers, asking who he is, or mumbling about his audacity to be given special treatment. He stood up in attention, and introduced himself. “The name’s Michael Brooklyn Morgan, previously a soldier of… an organization in Fiore.” He hesitated for a bit, deciding not to disclose information of his previous affiliations, “I use both Earth and Requip magic. Between the two, I am ultimately a sniper and an assassin.” It was previously agreed that he’d take the guise of a wizard wielding both Earth and Requip magics, as mentioned by his employer to hide his true abilities - psionics, or what the Pergrandians called psychokinesis. “You may stand down, private.” Michael sat down and listened to the commanding officer.
Along with other infiltrators, Michael was briefed of their mission. Their job? Annihilating enemy reinforcements stationed beyond the front lines. The troops were held in a small castrum beyond the winter laden forests of this frozen border, and it is only a matter of time before they depart. The castrum held armories containing anti-magic equipment and the forces were large. His success in this mission will tip the balance in favor of Bellum, supporting their forces by preventing reinforcements from coming through. This isn’t to say that there is only one castrum holding reinforcements. In addition to annihilating enemy forces and preventing their advances, he’s also told to trash the place, rendering it completely useless to the enemy. Destroy everything, the commanding officer said.
“All of you will be working on teams of three. However, our guest will be doing this mission solo.” Heads turned to face him again, some of which had faces of doubt while others of concern. Questions will be asked later after the briefing. “We will depart in 2 hours, so prepare yourselves to face the Pergrandian Troops. And don’t think about dying. All of you are too bloody useful! Dismissed!”
He was approached by some Bellian infiltrators, concerned that he’s going on this mission solo. “Are you sure you don’t need anyone, Michael?” One of them said while bringing their enchanted stave with them, “We can always send you a squad of infiltrator wizards to help you out.” Michael already set his mind to fighting the enemy alone, and bringing along Bellian troops with him would only rouse suspicion of his abilities. After all, he’s used to fighting alone, and he’s faced off fiercer opponents in the past. “Thanks, but not thanks.” Michael respectfully declined, knowing that bringing in more people would only result in more casualties against the forces of Bellum, “I have… fought opponents far stronger than what we’re facing. I’ll make quick work on them. The fight won’t even last for ten minutes.”
- Combat Log:
- Due to the number of physical equipment, his base amount of PSI is reduced by a total of 6%.
- Michael can have 1 more requip spell active due to his lineage, Psionic Sould.
- Due to the number of physical equipment, his base amount of PSI is reduced by a total of 6%.
HP: 600 / 600 PSI: 2368 / 2368
180% Spell Damage | x% Melee Damage | x% Spell Durability | x% Spell Healing
x% Spell Range | 110% Spell Speed | x% Cost Reduction
x% Max HP | 320% Max PSY | x% Movement Speed | x% Physical Resistance | x% Magical Resistance
〔 Buffs Affected 〕
[ Equipment ] See combined passive percentages from equipments here
Last edited by Knight Owl on 9th April 2021, 8:16 am; edited 2 times in total