Clashing of the Champions

[14:40] Upon noticing Nanzo strolling through the forest, the Karkian pauses his small chat with the woman blue haired woman and immediately gets in the mutant's way, blocking Nyx's champion from continuing on to the path to waystone.

"You must be Nanzo, the nyx follower I've been hearing about at the coven." With the recent altercation, Vesemir has decided to pursue each of their members alone as means of redemption.

"I'll cut to the chase." He unsheathes his blade and activates Kark's boon, or a small part of it at least. Coating his blade with crimson ichor bestowed to him by the blood god himself.

It was an indicator that Kark watched every battle Vesemir partook in, every time his blood made contact with flesh and each moment he shed blood in the god of wars name. "From one champion to another." He points his blade at Nanzo. "I challenge you to a duel."

Some might think that Vese is insanefor challenging someone of Nanzo's status.. But to him? He believed himself the winner before even such battle began.
(Vesemir)
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[14:45] Vis Fulgur whispers something.
[14:45] Vis Fulgur says, "Hey Felk."
[14:45] Felka Vorrhn says, "Ey."
[14:47] Yasar Viento says, "..Hey."
[14:47] Felka Vorrhn says, "Hello."
[14:47] Felka Vorrhn says, "C'mon."
[14:47] Felka Vorrhn says, "You too, Vis."
[14:48] Vis Fulgur says, "Aight."
[14:50] His path was blocked once more and once more by a youth without facial-stubble. It was starting to feel as if he were a beacon to them. At-least though? As the one before him began to speak he found their reasoning respectable, if a bit presumptuous. A hand raised up to rub some of the sleep from his right eye, sliding into the mask to do so.

"Nanzo the Nyx follower? That's it, all you've heard?" He found it a tad insulting to be relegated as merely a follower. Still, in the end it wasn't an incorrect description to label him with. His eyes shifted towards the blade as it was drawn and he felt the familiar radiations of a Karkian. How long has it been since he faced one of their champions?

It had been long, long ago. "It is appreciated that we skip the pleasantries at-least. What I would expect of a Karkian, perhaps you'll surpass the last one I faced. Don't trust leeches is my advice on that part." Oh yes, he recalled the last one and specifically the mistakes they'd made.

His own hand reached back to grip the leather-bound hilt of his blade. Pulling free the cursed sword as he did so. "I accept your challenge Karkian." As the words spoke the old monster leveled Helheim Warden to his right side, low.

There was a pause in the air as the duo faced each other off. One the youthful champion of an old god, the other an old champion of a dead one. It was a sight that went unseen within these lands. As the forest floor quieted, silence drifting between the duo as they each in turn readied themselves.

Then the crack of a branch by a small animal off into the underbrush heralded the start and the violence that followed would be talked in stories for generations to come.
(Nanzo)
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[14:54] Nanzo exclaims, "You remind me a great deal of the last one!"
[14:54] Nanzo says, "Ahaha! Splendid."
[14:54] Vesemir asks, "..The golden haired champion..?"
[14:56] {Won Dangerous RPB against Vesemir}
[14:56] * You have been awarded 1 Roleplay Points! *
[14:56] ** Nanzo has inflicted an injury upon Vesemir. ("Temporary Injury", "Temporary Injury", "Temporary", "Duration: Medium (2 days)") **
[14:59]
{LOAD GAME}

[15:11] It was in the midst of their duel that a bit of light conversation was brought to the forefront. Ironically, it was in regards to a previous champion of Kark, that maddened god of battle that the youth served. So long ago now that only a handful could remember them personally. Still, between the clashing of blades as the Tryant showcased the skills that had kept him alive so long.

"Vekel, one of my first true rivals. I miss the days when we clashed back and forth for hours and hours. What a friend he was." One could probably guess that they weren't actually friends. "Still, he killed one of my kin and for that a lifetime of enmity was born. Of course, you've little place in that grudge boy. Just a follower of the blood-god."

As he spoke their blades clashed and it was clear with each strike that the old monster's strength had not waned. Each blow that was blocked or deflected causing small breaks to spread like a spider web throughout the young champions arm. Each moment causing the battle to be more challenging.

When it shifted from a contest of swords though, the spells of cosmic light dancing through the forest was such a beautiful sight. Each in turn a practitioner of the celestial way. "You know, when I was a youth I connected to my star, Crom Cruach, an old sleeping beast. Red was the color of my rage so long ago. Have you not considered calling up them for greater strength?" As he spoke the Tyrant's mana coursed a fiercesome scarlet as his own mana clashed with Vesemires in a vicious power struggle.

The beams coursed back and forth and each used their supplementary magics to attempt to gain an advantage in that moment. The poisons of the Karkian nipping at the Tyrants body all the while the vines lashed upon Vesemir, prickling him with ailments. Between his now broken arm and that irritations, they would find themselves overwhelmed and the red light coursing over them.

Burning and singing as it brought the swordsman to his knees. Even while still smoking the Tyrant walked up towards them. A wide grin upon his features. "Let this be a lesson for you in the future to remember whom it is you challenge. You will not always walk away as you will today." He tilted his head after a moment.

"You forgot to show respect by giving a name young champion. Though, for the moment it doesn't matter you're but a footnote in my legend. Perhaps we will cross again, until then seek to surpass Vekel before challenging me again."

With the duel concluded the old monster saw little reason to stay and unless given one. His march would be resumed.
(Nanzo)
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[15:17] Emerson and Vjara had been abandoned so Veero could seek a higher purpose. Helping his family and friends was a priority, but given the state of the world the Dragoon could not neglect his duties. Many of Nyx's followers still walked through Esshar.

Veero was determined on purging them all.

His wings carried him through the air. Past the Baleford Bridge and near Osrona, but his flight would come to a stop as his eyes rested on a familiar figure.

Memories of the Dreadwoods flooded through the Dragoon's mind. A night where him and Lexius had torn through all the forest had to offer, all except one lone man. If it weren't for that singular warrior then Nanzo wouldn't have been walking the plains to this day.

But here he was.

Gilded eyes traced his movements as he defeated another familiar face in Vesemir. It seems the young boy wasn't a Nyx supporter after all.

As their battle drew to a close Veero would make his presence known.

You forgot to show respect by giving a name young champion.

"Veero. I don't know his name, but that's mine. We've met before but I never gave you my name."

Sacrosia was unsheathed in one fluid movement. The bloodlust that sat within it'd edge began calling to Veero.

"I didn't think I'd be seeing you outside of those woods."
(Veero Naysien)
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[15:28] As the battle waged on, the light conversation that was had during their battle would rather bring joy to the young Karkian. He had been looking for more information about his predecessor, a golden haired champion who passed many trial and slayed many in the name of Kark.

Though, he would not talk as he had trouble with holding his own against a combatant of Nanzo's level. And so, their blades made contact as Vesemir hacked and cleaved at Nanzo's form, landing his swings but not as efficient as it needed to be.

Celestial magics were traded across the battle field, any observed would immediately realize that both were very similar in battle style.. if not carbon copies of each other.

However, Nanzo as a result of his experience and blessing bestowed to him by Nyx.. he was more powerful and desicive. A quick whip breaks the Karkians arm, branding the aging tyrant as the victor.

Crom crauch was not a start he's ever heard of nor did he understand what Nanzo's advice meant.. perhaps he warned him of things that resulted in the former champion of Kark's demise.

He wanted to stay and ask about such things but at the sight of Veero confronting the aging monster, the Karkian leaves in order to reflect on himself and think about the advice he'd received.
(Vesemir)
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[15:29] Once more he found a boy in his way but at-least this time the face was a familiar one to his eyes. Yes, he knew this one and the smile that had been offered to Vesemir faded quickly. His countenance shifting to something cold, filled with a hate that transcended the youth before him and extended to all that stood behind him, all those adherents to the goddess that caused the death of his own.

Helheim had not been sheathed just yet. A boon considering that he was walking not towards his goal but towards a foe. Another youth of the Ebonblooded who'd seek to end his life just as Nyx's had been felled. This time though?

"You presume me a coward to hide away. For that alone I would break your legs but now? Now you will die and your entrails will be fed to the carrion birds." His neck rolled, the recent exertion against Vesemir could be felt and perhaps seen as the old Tyrant readied for another battle.

"Veero, a name fitting for anepitaph. You'll find without your ally to aid you? I am much more dangerous." As he spoke the reality of this world began to crack behind him. Splintering shadows snaking like a glass being shattered behind his shoulders as the spirits which trailed in his wake began to howl and prepare for the coming battle.

One that he wasted little time in starting.
(Nanzo)
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[15:31] "..?"

Veles only chooses to idly watch for the time being, uncertain as to whether this fight is even his to begin with.

Though..

He's curious about just how well Veero would perform - if at all.
(Veles)
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[15:34] "And you'll find within this time... I've grown far more dangerous in my own right."

Their last battle had been years ago. Years in which Veero had improved tenfold. In their last duel he was aided by Lexius, but Nanzo also had Sir Crimson's support.

Now they faced off as lone combatants, and there was finally time for the Dragoon to prove himself to the Champion of Nyx. Veero fought to prove that Naysien had truly devoured Nanzo's deity, and that the Ebon Dragon's followers had the power to do so to the remnants of Nyx on Esshar.

Sacrosia hummed for the ichor within Nanzo's body.

Veero would match his charge.

Light cascaded upon the Dragoon's cursed blade. Stardust shimmered around his form, akin to a miniature galaxy hovering around the dragon.

"Come, false champion."
(Veero Naysien)
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[15:37] {Won Dangerous RPB against Veero Naysien}
[15:37] ** Nanzo has inflicted an injury upon Veero Naysien. ("Temporary Injury", "Temporary Injury", "Temporary", "Duration: Medium (2 days)") **
[15:49] {Item} You drop Four Leaf Clover x1.
[15:49] {Item} You picked up Ira Dei's Letter To Nanzo, 1896..
[15:54] The passage of time was something that came in a flash for the Tyrant. Years, even decades, blinked by without so much as the old monsters attention. Yet, faces and names occasionally stuck out to him. Rivals, foes, friend, wars and massacres. They always stuck to his mind better than the needless necessities of daily life.

Though, once more, each champion of their respective gods fought for a reason. For Nanzo? It was simply to showcase that his faith lived beyond death. He was a bastion for the darkness, wretches and monsters flocked to the old darkened lord like moths to a flame. He could not, would not, allow any to presume him a mere relic.

There was no foolish dream of Nyx's return. Her time had passed and she had returned unto the void for this cycle of life. He could accept that and would not be held back by it. No, he fought for himself, to prove that he had been the herald of a god in his own time.

Perhaps that belief was why he faced once more endless challenges. Each walk under the sun brought new bands of heroes to challenge him. Each as colorful as the last and yet each felled just as if he were still a youth himself. Eagerly fighting upon whichever battlefield he could find.

"False Champion? Ahaha, you truly don't understand what it means to be a titan upon this world. You see not beyond your own goddesses desires. You are a tool for their machinations. Just as I was in my own turn, now though? I walk the path of one with true faith." He spoke during the battle, each word echoing as he clashed with the swordsman of the Ebon Dragon.

They were not to disalike either each fighting utilizing the powers of their bodies, their gods, and their stars. It was almost a second showing of what took place between Nanzo and Vesemir. Champions of the Blood God, the Night Mother, and the Ebon Dragon dancing upon the field.

To and fro they swayed, each swing of their swords clainging amidst the olden stones of the quarry. Each bit of their magics into the flesh of the other showcased the conflict that would echo into eternity. A conflict that the elder tyrant relished beyond words.

Soon, even his hatred began to boil over into one of joy. Relish not in the destruction of a foe but in the thrill of battle that was brought to him. He was a death knight, to battle unto death was his greatest pleasure. "Do you feel it boy? This thrill is all that matters. When your lands burn, your people die, and your god burns away all that remains is your own strength. Your own power!"

As he roared the mighty Tyrant rushed forwards, one of his hands rising the grip the blade of Sacrosia, it would taste his ichor as the Half-Ogre clenched his fingers about it. His might holding it steady, all the while he spun Helheim's Warden around in his hand, bringing the blunt end of the weapon down and low, across the shins of Veero.

It clanged horridly amidst the sounds of breaking bones as the Tyrant followed through with one of his threats. Breaking the legs of the young man before him in turn brought his forehead down into a headbutt. The blue-steel helmet he wore clanging against the bare skull of Veero and in that brutal display the youth would be cast backwards to fall into the pits of the Quarry.

The fall would likely not kill them but the monster was weary and he knew better than to spend his fading strength digging into a pit for a single boy.
(Nanzo)
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[15:55] {Item} You drop Ira Dei's Letter To Nanzo, 1896.
[15:56] {Item} You picked up Four Leaf Clover. Dropped by Nanzo..
[15:57] {Item} You drop Four Leaf Clover x1.
[15:57] {Item} You picked up Ira Dei's Letter To Nanzo, 1896. Dropped by Nanzo..
[15:57] {Item} You drop Ira Dei's Letter To Nanzo, 1896.
[15:57] {Item} You picked up Four Leaf Clover. Dropped by Nanzo..
[16:03] {LONG DISTANCE TO: Ira Dei}: Smart boy, but I find such lack of conviction boring. Learn your limits before challenging another.
[16:06] {LONG DISTANCE TO: Iwenia Hafvik}: I've been busy crushing upstarts. Yes, a tribute, well consider it a first lesson then. A tribute can be something of material value, information of note, or acts of service. Such things are good and well as tribute to another.
[16:09] For Veero? He fought to prove that Naysien stood above all. The Dragoon's confidence held no bounds, but only his respect for Naysien could triumph it. Sacrosia was swung to show everyone upon Eternia that Veero was superior. Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. There was no facet of life that the Dragoon would leave unturned.

And as a byproduct, he'd prove Naysien was the greatest being to walk this earth.

As her destined Herald, Veero would show all how dominant the Ebon Dragon could really be.

Golden eyes glowed with determination as the two celestial warriors faced off. In truth, all three combatants shared a surprising amount of similarities.

Starlight radiated from the battlefield in a show of divine might. The sounds of metal clashed against metal would ring out from amidst the chaos.

"Why would I see above the one being who's greater than me?

You walk down a path that leaves you blind. Blind to a reality you seem to ignore."

Bloodied hair hung before Veero's eyes. Despite his growth Nazno had managed to flip the tides of battle compared to their last encounter. The Dragoon was still but a child, even if he was growing out of that stage steadily.

"You are inferior to Naysien. You will always be inferior to Her, and the one thing that separates my Ebon Goddess and the rest of you... Is me."

Many of the being that resided in the Dreadwoods had attempted to amass their own godly right in Nyx's absence. First Deity, and now Nanzo. If permitted then Veero would be the one to make their world crumble.

To show these monsters how mortal they really were.

But for now he couldn't compare to Nyx' former champion.

Not yet.

A headbutt sent the Dragoon flying into the nearby Quarry, rendering him unable to battle for the time being.
(Veero Naysien)