Gathering resources!

[19:05] {NARRATION} Days upon days, hours upon hours of walking under the ever present, yet still beaming sunlight, brought the group towards a cave. Carefully sculpted stone effigy's lay scattered about, with even more broken down totem's. The faint rubble of such deconstruction could crunch underneath the boots of each adventuring individual, truly bringing light to the desolate nature of these ruins.

For such an abandon place, there was a conspicuous lack of wildlife-- Not the chirp of a bird, nor the squeak's of a vole could be heard... Only silence filled these hills.

The entrance to the ruin's, well presented by a small clearing of the rigid totem's lay directly ahead, upon a clearing of tree's... With each step closer, the sun seemed to grow that much hotter-- Or perhaps there was another force at play.
[19:14] They'd returned to the cave once again however unlike the brief trip this would be in hopes to find something of interest within these caves, while they had the moment she decided to take a brief overview of her surroundings, noticing the effigy's smattered in random locations about the area leading to the cave, mixed in with broken down totems, with each step they made they'd likely been walking about on the very structures themselves.

However aside from all the fixated landmarks that lay about there was nothing but just that, landmarks, structures, but silence was what the cave had the most of, it felt almost stifling when taken into consideration.

Her sunlit eyes moving between Katzan and Zabo, as they made their way closer, her feet starting to get warmer as she stepped closer towards the cave, what was truly within these ruins she wondered, her hand resting on the hilt of her blade ready to chop down whatever unnatural forces needed to be dealt with.

'When ready Chieftain' she halted as if to wait.
(Teuicui)
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[19:16] For the time being....the children were ok. The three little shits had another sitter luckily, someone that Teuicui knew that could watch them, and after their bit of sparring in the arena it was clear that she had already been good to go. Now months later, they finally went on this expidetion along with Katzan, finding themselves among broken rubble now, and a heat which they couldn't seem to escape.

"We're here now, huh?" he says before looking around a bit, spotting the ruins only being a few ways away. "We're headed there then, yes, Chief?" a raised brow given to the man then as he simply waited, wondering how much they'd actually gather from these ruins and what laid inside.

A nudge is also given to Teuicui as well, he speaks "Don't uh...fall on nything or nothing of that sort ok?" seems he was still being protective of her. Hopefully she didn't punch him for it.
(Zabo)
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[19:19] Even if the sun felt hotter. Even if the place itself felt unwelcoming. Katzan Xizoh marched on, the greyish flames consuming over his body. His only hand was risen up, a closed fist on its tip, gesturing for the group to wait.

Yellow irises stared at every single symbol that laid destroyed on the ground, a barely visible frown of his eyebrows taking place, but not stopping him in his own stride inwards.

"Teuicui. You're probably the best one to stand in front. I'll stand in the middle." And like that, he gestured forth, for the group to delve deeper into the ruins.

He wasn't unfamiliar with the emptiness of the cave. His greyish flames emitted a strong sense of nothingness, of sheer emptiness that emanated from himself, a being who sought to focus the world upon himself.

And with his right hand, he picked up the staff from his back, and with the cold tip, pushed Teuicui forwards before positioning himself between her and Zabo.

He wasn't going to see any sort of emotional weakness getting in the way of their mission.
(Katzan Xizoh)
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[19:23] Her ear flickers up briefly listening to the words of Katzan before offering a nod.

'Understand' She didn't really understand she just assumed it was because of her strength, go figure. Once the tip of the staff pressed again her back the chilling feeling being sent all along her spine she started moving off, though not wanting to glance behind her, lest she incur another poke from the weapon.
(Teuicui)
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[19:30] {NARRATION} The beaming sunlight which gave off its own unique warmth quickly became something else... Darkness. The torches and lights held by the group being the only source of light within the confining rock walls.

What was once normal rock gradually became something else-- Charred, covered in ash and coal smears... On the ground of coal, ashen dirt, there lay footprints; not one set, not two sets, no... there were numerous sets, varying in shapes and sizes, number of toes, to being individual spikes...

It was clear that there was life within these caves, yet that eerie silence remain. The only thing to occasionally break such silence, was the faint pitter-patter of footsteps...

In a more physical sense, there lay a single route-- forwards, into the unending shade. The totem's that lay outside remain, but much less in numbers...

As the group carries on forward, there lay a cliff, with a faint, rocky bridge. The rigid edges seemed weak, though across such-- a faint glimmer seems to flicker off their torchlights. Ore!
[19:36] Katzan's greyish flames erupted from him more intensely the moment they walked into the darkness. Even if they seeped from the nearby heat, almost as a kind of cold flame, they still emitted a faint grey lighting, strong enough to light their paths and drain the colors of whatever it is that stood on the nearby walls that his flames clung to.

The totems are approached by the flames, slightly burnt by it, sometimes revealing deeper into their composition, although not necessarily exposing something of interest. Merely the consequence of being a walking weapon of sheer destruction.

He had seen the footsteps. He had seen the various shapes and sizes. He had noticed all of them, and once they found the bridge leading towards the other side, where ore laid... He rose his single arm up, a closed fist. A single command slipped through his lips. "Wait."

The greyish mass moving around his arm lurched towards the other side of the bridge, seeking to strike around the ore, in order to daftly extract it like he often did.

Perhaps a better idea than risking themselves. But...

He looked around. Was there even another way to go?
(Katzan Xizoh)
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[19:39] With her at the head she proceeded to step into the encompassing darkness, it took no time for them all to be layered in their own elements to light the passage. Stifling was an understatement, her eyes taking a look around, everything seemed fairly normal at least about as normal as the inside of a cave could have been, until she caught glimpse of something abnormal so to speak, the rocks had started to become something else, akin to molten but not quite there yet it was merely ashen.

Her steps continued before noticing the assortment of footprints and it seemed once she had Katzan did as well, halting her steps with a single command she allowed her foot to rest firmly.

Though when the mass left his arm and shot over towards the bridge she was baffled, until she looked a bit closer, he'd been going for the ore, he had quite some vision on him to spot that through this darkness.

She looks towards the interior of the cave not drifting too far from the group making an attempt to search for an alternative route, before having to take the more obvious path.
(Teuicui)
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[19:41] {NARRATION} Katzan may look as he might, up high, down low, far left, and close right... There were no alternative paths. The rocky bridge lay the only way to the shining beauties.
[19:46] Katzan lets out a huff from his mouth. He then nods, his destructive flames dying down slowly before he looked down to the other two. "I don't believe that this will be able to sustain all three of us at once."

And like that, he lowered his arm under the cape, and took a step forwards. He continued giving out nothing else but orders to the duo that accompanied him. After all, he was the Chieftain. After all, he was like that, in the end.

"One at a time. Make sure to step lightly." And of course, he obeyed his own instruction. His steps were easy, each taken with a care to avoid the destruction of his own flames from affecting the bridge.
(Katzan Xizoh)
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[19:48] Zabo gave a simple nod, it seems even while just making the attempt to collect ore and such, they had to be extremely careful. He understood it and gave a simple nod, watching as they'd go first, and unless something had happened during their venture across, he'd be making his way over the rocky bridge as well, making sure to wait until the other two had gone first.
(Zabo)
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[19:50] She looks to the rocky bridge after coming up short, her ears are focused on the Chieftain's words but eyes focused on the bridge.

'Understood' truthfully even if he hadn't said anything the bridge had seen better days... It was likely one serious magi battle away from not existing anymore. That being said she proceeded as nimbly and carefully as she could each step comparable to that of a feather, weightless and guided, like an ant skittering across the crossing.

She would almost hold her breath while crossing not wanting to cause any unnecessary motions while moving.
(Teuicui)
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[19:55] {NARRATION} The makeshift bridge of fallen stone, sharing the same ashen hue... Individually crossing was surely the best approach!

Teuicui was able to cross in safety.

Katzan was also able to cross in safety.

However...

While the bridge seemed sturdy enough for the prior two, it was anything but for the male nagual. His footsteps drove to fill the caves with a loud crack-- Causing the man to fall down, down, down with the rocks.

Fortunatley enough for him, while shadow's shroud the pit below, it was no extreme drop... However, with the estimated ten foot fall, unable to coordinate his landing... Zabo land's poorly on his ankle, causing it to contort into directions it definitley should not be bending. He is, however, alive and safe-- Only with a sprained ankle.
[20:05] Zabo says, "still lagging?0"
[20:09] "Guys, something about this bridge doesn't-" before he could continue speaking he hears yet another creak, and another, and suddenly he could feel his stomach churning, It was falling! No, he was falling! "Agh!" he shouts loudly, attempting to grab whatever he could in order to stop the process of actually plunging to his death or something. Then again, the drop hadn't even been that big of one. Instead of going down into an abyss like he'd thought, it was merely a ten foot drop, something he couldn't prepare for due to the darkness and lack of knowledge to how high up they had been.

A sudden bend of his ankle and he could feel the sudden pain, a feeling of small needles prickling at his entire foot as it slowly began to swell. "Hrng!" he groaned, letting out a rather loud girl-ish yell wasn't going to be good in front of Teuicui, and he knew it. "What is this....?" he'd question, lifting up a handthen in order to spark electricity around him, light was needed to see what exactly he'd landed in. Maybe there was more under the shitty bridge anyways?

(Zabo)
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[20:16] Katzan's staff hit against the ground as soon as the stone bridge finally fell, the rumbling stone causing him to falter. He turned around, in order to assess damage, before noticing that Zabo was the one to fall.

He took calm, slow steps to the edge of the cliff, and his greyish flames, clinging to the walls, roped themselves downwards, lighting up the path. "If there's anything down there, we'll be with you in a bit."

And like that, he turned back again. So much for caring about him. He looked at the ore in the wall, and like he sought to do from a distance, he lifted his right hand, fingertips touching the node.

And like that, the greyish mass consumed the stone around it, carving a path for safe extraction of the ore.
(Katzan Xizoh)
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[20:18] After being across the bridge she looked on and towards Katzan expecting Zabo to make it across just as they did, However, with the crumbling sounds of rock and his plummeting screams she only barely glimpsed Zabo's form being swallowed by what seemed to be a never ending darkness, however shortly after the fall she heard a thud, hmm? Clearly the fall hadn't been as drastic after all.

The woman looks down into the darkness aiming her finger to just about where she had seen him falling to, shooting a small jet of fire in that direction mainly just to see if he was still alive down there, assuming he'd either move or get hit by the fire she'd notice, though her attention does go back towards Katzan, Zabo could handle himself but she couldn't allow herself to drop her guard, she still looked around while the Chieftain gathered what he could.
(Teuicui)
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[20:24] {NARRATION} Off by a short walk, there lay a collapsed part of said cliff, an easy route of recovery to the higher cliff in which Katzan stood. to come back, the group would be required to climb the ten foot wall.

In the ore deposit, however, there lay an admirable chunk of Mythril! The rock, much like the already collapsed bridge, lay rigid and brittle. It broke away with ease upon Katzan's flame-- Uncovering a rather large deposit of the silver metal!

However, faintly in the distance, if all were alert... The would be a small yowl of sorts. It wasn't the howl of a canine, or the aggression of a feline.. It was something different, one words could not pin to.


[20:25] {Item} You picked up Mythril x5.Dropped by Knawlidge. .
[20:31] He let out a small sigh, soon looking around though, the bridges rubble lay everywhere, and soon he was able to spot the easy route that could lead him back up to the others. Since it seemed safe enough, he figured he'd skipping the jump and just take said route, and upon making it up, Katzan probably already had the ore stashed or something of that sort. Zabo would simply continue to look about, wondering what noise had been ahead. His hand went to rest upon his blade, he ignoring the pain of his sprained leg for the time being though and simply looking about.

"Hm..." is all he could really say, continuing to basically look around, it was certain there was more ore gathering going on later on, and just because he had a sprained ankle most likely didn't mean things were going to be done for the day.
(Zabo)
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[20:33] With the flames receding and their work justified, she'd been just about to speak when something sounded off in the distance, her ear raised towards it before her eyes focused in the direction, her hand already resting on her weapon before turning towards Katzan.

'Heard?'

She asks plainly though her eyes are still looking in the direction of the noise, almost not even noticing Zabo's rearrival.
(Teuicui)
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[20:34] Katzan quirked an eyebrow upon hearing the yowl. A smile cracked open his lips, as he stored the mythril in whatever sort of storage people from Agartha managed to store their things. It was a mystery that perhaps one day would be cracked.

He looked forwards, hearing the question from Teuicui. He nodded, staff tapping against the ground as to become support for every step that he took. "Yes. Let's go."

And like that, he rose the staff forwards, greyish flames sticking to the walls as they sought to light up the path ahead of them, even if briefly. And after he felt the flames illuminated enough... He started walking forward.
(Katzan Xizoh)
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[20:38] {NARRATION} With that, mythril in the hands of Katzan, the group carries on! With every footstep, the ash underfoot grows thicker, much, much more dense, in sync with the walls which grew much more dark with sutt... May the donning smell of smoke be noted, aswell.

All was silent, until a small lizard quickly began running in the same direction as the group-- carrying on, whilst glowing slightly in the darkness... It was not going overly fast, being an easy feat to catch said lizard.
[20:42] Katzan looked back towards the two naguals as soon as he noticed the lizard going forth. A quick point of his staff was all that took, along with a simple question.

"You see that lizard, yes?" His staff continued pointing towards said glowing reptile, the flames almost beckoning to start moving towards it.

"Then get it. I think we might know what's waiting for us ahead." And like that, he waited to see if any of the naguals would put up their own predatory instincts to work.

Perhaps it was better to not fret with this for now, though.
(Katzan Xizoh)
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[20:50] The sticking steps of cold skin as the pasted and raised themselves up against the ashy pathway of the caves, Plop, Plop, the creature tip tapped before darting off by them, she'd already been rather fixated on it upon the arrival but figuring with it in such close proximity it wouldn't take long to catch, her head nodded and a firm dragging grip was placed on Zabo's wrist, rushing off towards the creature in hopes to catch up to it and capture it alive, they would however approach the creature with caution upon doing so.
(Teuicui)
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[20:53] Teuicui says, "Even though that's all he listens to"
[20:54] {NARRATION} The lizard truly was nothing impressive-- though as Teuicui continued to chase the lizard for a distance not too large, the cavern slowly began to heat up with each step.

Should one of the two nagual choose to pounce the creature, the met no resistance in its demise.

However! As it would die, it began to shrivel up at rapid speed-- condensing and condensing, into a crystalline figure that was warm to the touch!
[20:55] Zabo gestures for Teuicui to go ahead and take it.
(Zabo)
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[20:58] Upon greeting the aforementioned creature and coddling it within her palms, It would quite literally shrivel up into nothing, or so they though as the form hardened, shaping into something familiar, the woman placed the item within her pocket before moving back towards where Katzan had been.
(Teuicui)
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[20:59] Katzan merely continues walking forth, not even bothering to stop and wait for them almost.
(Katzan Xizoh)
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[21:02] {NARRATION} As the group press on further, the caverns only served to grow hotter and hotter, likely drawing the slightest account of sweat if one was prone to the temperature change...

While the cave remain silent for mere minutes after the death fo the small lizard-- The roar had reoccured. From their new position, they could hear the minor chirplike aspect of it-- Though it sounded nothing like a bird, whatsoever...

Without a doubt, there was something ahead.
[21:08] While the flames had still been around her, once they continued through the caves they could feel the warmth in the vicinity raising from a sunny summer day to, summer solstice in hell. Teuicui hadn't been much affected by it but she could feel the change in the atmosphere around her.

There's a loud screech but the sound is undiscernible she only keeps her sword ready as they approach cautiously, though she was ready for whatever threats may be laying in wait.
(Teuicui)
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[21:10] His hands could only stay rested at the hilt of his blade for the time being. As of now, the screeches ahead were head, and it was clear the group was going to head towards it. As of now, there didn't seem to be anything around that could catch their eye's or anything of that sort, so once the other two continued walking so would he. Doing his best to watch out for any more drop-off areas and what not, he didn't want to have another sprained ankle of course!

Hopefully Teuicui never told this story to their kids either. 'Oh ya two minutes in a cave and your cluts of a father falls into a pit and sprains his ankle'....oh how sad he'd be!
(Zabo)
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[21:10] His lips remained pursed into a line. Whatever it is that they came here for, it probably laid ahead. A monster, which Katzan could only imagine how he looked like.

Each tap of the staff sent greyish flames ablaze across the cavernous system, feeding off the heat that was sent to them, convoking a chilly breeze whenever the wind dared to stray too close.

"Let's be careful and swift. Whatever lays ahead, we kill it and we skin it." The Xizoh spoke, his voice filled with renewed potency upon the announcement of a new opponent, as his flames filled the room, trying to light up whatever it was before they arrived.
(Katzan Xizoh)
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[21:16] {NARRATION} With the decision of their chieftain, the group would press on. It was an eerie silence since the roar, without so much as a whisper aside from their own speech, and their own footsteps upon the growing layer of ash upon the ground.

Minutes pass, until the cave begins to grow larger, with many, countless bones sticking out of the ash, or managing to lay atop it... It was in this space, where the silence was broken.

The rushed hurrying of many, many footsteps came barreling towards the group, along with another screech! In a flash of flames-- a giant scorpion now lay present, as black as the surrounding walls, charred to the exoskeleton.

A stinger wave atop the beast, dripping with curdled venom-- whilst red eyes stare deep, deep at the group...

Combat was imminent, that much was certain.
[21:22] Through the walking in the dark cave there hadn't been even the faintest of directional clues as to where that roar had come from, though her eyes were still quite vigilant, until during their stepping she heard the crunching sounds under her feet, a glance down showed many... remains of the dead, there was no time to question, however, because it seemed their answer had been incoming.

Violent jabs into the interior of the came as something made their way towards them, it came before the loud and echoing screen, flames absorbing around the skeleton, it's form more menacing than anything she'd seen, comparable to what she'd heard lurked within the jungles of Gehenna.

She showed no fear however, matching the creatures deep red stare with some of her own, flames pressing out before gripping the hilt of her nyeshk sword something fresh to hunt it would seem.

Preparing for the instructions on when to strike, she didn't want to fumble in onher own after all.
(Teuicui)
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[21:23] "Huh...?" it had been a while since they came across anything. Special looking rocks, small glowing lizards, anything honestly. It wasn't up until minutes later that the large creature would suddenly appear, making their large footsteps apparent as they made their way closer to the three. "Hrng...." he growled, upset they actually even ran into the thing, whatever it had been. In all honesty, keeping away from danger seemed better, then again it was mainly because he was far to worried about Teuicui. Quite honestly he should just worry for himself, he was the one with the sprained ankle of course.

"Nothing rash, Teuicui...." he says as a warning, though with her he figured she wouldn't take it. He could at least feel a bit better knowing he gave her that advice at least. Once his hands were wrapped around his swords he quickly pulled them outwards. His eyes seemed to glow and focus solely upon the giant beast before them now as itsstinger slowly began to raise up into the air, it was surely going to attack.

"Here it comes."

He simply stated, hoping the other two were alert...They were stronger than him though, he probably didn't have to say a word and they'd know already of course. Whatever. Moving on though, there seemed to be a golden glow upon Zabo, it forming around his entire body as if an aura, though not, it grew, though slowly this time around. Zabo had been attempting new ways of gathering cosmic magic it seemed, and having it flow through his blade wasn't exactly the way to go. This time around, he wanted to have it be directed directly into himself, maybe this would be better? Only the time after this fight would actually tell.
(Zabo)
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[21:24] Katzan looked towards the scorpion who laid in front of them. Poison... Venom... All things he looked for. He had a fight scheduled, and this? This would be wonderful if it could be of any use. The red eyes were enough for him to see where it was located, and quickly, he tapped against the ground with his staff.

The greyish flames spread far and wide, consuming the room and the bones over it, turning everything it could into ash. "Be merciless, Atl! This scorpion shall feel the full force breaking its shallow shell."

He scowled slightly, the staff erupting from under the coat. The colors were drained near its tip, and his flames were already raging with the utter need and want for destruction.

Perhaps he should be a bit more careful?

But no matter what, he was powerful. His flames exuded just that. And no matter what happened, now that he saw the monster in front of them... He knew that he neededhim.

Dead, alive, or however it was. He needed something to help him against poison.
(Katzan Xizoh)
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[21:44]
{LOAD GAME}

[21:57] {NARRATION} While the creature of ash and sutt, moldded into the shape of a scorpion... They were more bark than bite. The overwhelming amount of magic's was simply too much for the ashen creature.

As it took a final hit from Teuicui, the creature took to stumbling into a backpedal, letting out a gravelly, gurgling excuse of a roar... This sound persisted for seconds, until the creature finally dropped.

Much like and unlike the prior lizard, the scorpion took to instantly decomposing, leaving behind various chunks of its shell, having the sutt and ash uncover the gleaming red bone.

Silence filled the caves one more as nil but a decomposed corpse lay presence.
[22:06] "Reow!"

He...roared..? Whatever, it was his way of letting out his first attack, soon sending a large thrust of physical force towards the giant beast, infusing such with mana and causing it to be in sort of a daze. In doing so, it allowed the group to attack freely, quickly dispersing and smacking the large creature around with their blades and magical attacks until it began to assault them once again. Zabo did his best, using his spirits, not as weapons, but as simple body shields in order to block many of the incoming attacks. It wasn't easy fighting with a sprained ankle of course, and it wasn't any easier fighting while he continued gathering cosmic magic.

There was a problem, a huge problem! No matter how he went about gathering cosmic magic in a bulk, there was always something going on, always something that lead him to feeling in pain and more sluggish than what he wanted, there was a problem and he knew it, but he wasn't going to give up. He wanted to tame the cosmic energy, but simply fighting with it was clearly not the way....there was something else that had to be done.

Once he recovered from the pain felt from the gathered cosmic energies he quickly rushed forward, supporting the others again by sending yet another gust of physical energy at the beast to knock it back, giving Teuicui and Katzan the opportunity to finish it.

Once the fighting had been over it seems even this giant beast decomposed and spread goodies about, just like the lizard. Zabo would look, though not grabbing anything unless Teuicui made it clear to, he had no idea what was even there actually.
(Zabo)
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[22:07] This creature was a worthy adversary, and had it been against either of them on a single one off occasion they'd have become nothing shy of the decomposing corpses scattered about the cave, that being said, it wasn't the case, unfortunately for this creation it was met with the strength of powerful magi, Katzan's flames alone were enough to stave off the scorpions. The constant battering from Zabo and Teuicui's weapon had left the beast's defences completely broken, it's hardened skeleton when forced to come up against there brutal blows.

The beast was not without it's fighting however, still it tried to best the group of them, firing off potent venomous and acidic shots, even surging fire from its very mouth at times. Intimidating but not too strong in a situation like this, her hand brought back and she put something short of her full strength into the force of her final chop, she was told to show compassion to the creature.

However, after she raised herself up to look at the gurgling sounds the erupted from the creature's mouth she noticed it starting to follow a similar process as the lizard from earlier, her brow raised thinking that perhaps the two... had been connected somehow.

She puts the heavy nyeshk blade away though she does have her hand close to being drawn as she approaches the area with the goodies, though she doesn't reach for anything immediately merely eyeing them for the time being.
(Teuicui)
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[22:13] Katzan's flames ate against the scorpion's shell, the greyish flames attacking and turning the shell to ash. His arm moved around, striking against it repeatedly, the tornado of flames moving around him and striking in many different angles.

As soon as he disintegrated, Katzan looked at the shells that erupted from it. He approached it carefully, the yellow irises analyzing it with extra care, a faint touch of the tip of his staff redirected at the bones.

He looked back to the duo of naguals that was with him, and crouched down to grab one of the red bones that were left behind by the decomposing corpse. What was left behind was a black-and-white scheme on the room, and Katzan...

... He was fucking happy as hell having done that. "Good job, tribesmen." He said, picking up whatever remains he thought to be useful.
(Katzan Xizoh)
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[22:13] Zabo says, " its nothin, muffin"
[22:14] {Item} You picked up Fire Crystal x15..
[22:19] {NARRATION} With the danger-turned-corpse well beyond dead at this point, the group would carry on... Minutes of walking and walking, the only sounds audible were that of their own footsteps or voices.

Minutes of this silence, and the group was faced with the hardest of choices-- the most distraughtful of dillemma's--

A two pronged fork in the road.

To the left, there lay the faint sound of... a crackling campfire..?

To the right, there lay silence, and everything that came with it.
[22:24] Each step from the chieftain was taken with utter magnificence. He stood on the fork, and then... His head turned to face left, where the sound of the campfire came. He leaned his head slightly leftwards, as if trying to observe something along it.

Pointing his staff to the halls of stone in front of him, he shot his flames there. Blindly. Uncaring. If anything was alive in there, for certain it would feel the cold grip of Katzan's all consuming flames.
(Katzan Xizoh)
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[22:28] {NARRATION} The flame's Katzan fired made their way down said pathways-- which seemed endless... By the time the fireballs would have seen anything, they were long, long out of sight... This decision would have to be based off of whim, so it would seem.
[22:29] A shrug given before he'd point towards the path which seems to have burning wood down it "Possibly someone down this path hm? I say we check it out."
(Zabo)
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[22:32] Katzan nodded upon Zabo's observation. He barely expected Teuicui to choose -- The majority had taken a choice, and even if they were against him, Katzan wouldn't let them stop him. The greyish flames spread through the walls, lighting up the path.

And like that, he started walking, each step taken calmly forwards while he spoke, a tone that cared naught for stealth or not being heard. He was, after all, certain that nothing that stood in his path would be able to stand against him.

"We're here for loot and plunder. The other side, nothing living laid. This?" He kept walking, yellow irises paying intense attention to the curves in the path forwards. "There is something here. We came here to hunt, didn't we?"

Obviously to hunt. Something that Naguals would love. After all, Katzan had a very specific goal in mind, always.

He had to make sure that they would follow him.
(Katzan Xizoh)
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[22:38] {NARRATION} With that, the group carried on further! Having taken the left route. The sound of cracking firewood only served to grow at the path continued on and on, the charring of the walls remaining constant.

Suddenly, there was a clearing in the cave, where knight donned in darkened, soot covered armor crouch by the fire. They had a small tent with them, though it was nothing overly major.
[22:39] A decision was likely already made and while it was the same path she had chosen there was no need to vocalize what was already being done. They did keep their positioning tight, watching around the darkness, occasionally allowing her gaze to look down towards the single lit campfire at the deeply long cave's end. Her chieftain's words brushing past her ears.

At the mention of a hunt, however, she's quick to respond.

'Yes.' though it's a single word there's a degree of excitement in her tone, her sword is no longer held by the hilt it is fully brandished, whatever was to come now and show their face or allow their presence to be known was likely going to be cut down be it by Zabo or Teuicui's sword or by Katzan's flames.
(Teuicui)
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[22:43] A knight clad in armor, covered head to heel, gauntlet to gauntlet, sat by the fire. Mattened black with soot, their armor shone no light from the fire, simply looking towards the group.

"..Ah... greetings."

"Come to have some fun...? Perhaps... a gamble?"

A slow, rusty movement towards a satchel of coins was made, the gauntlet lifting it upright, whilst shaking it left and right!
(Cave Dwelling Knight)
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[22:48] Zabo smiled as the group suddenly made their way in front of another, a cave dweller, a knight simply sitting by a fire, hurrah! "Mmm..." Zabo said, his eyes seeming to bulge as he focused upon the man before them, it had been so long since he and Teuicui hunted, though that was because of the pregnancy and the injuries. There was so much going on that they rarely had the time to actually do as they pleased and as Ixchel had wanted for them to do. A glance was given to Teuicui, he figured she had the same thoughts upon seeing them, and once looking to Katzan he'd point towards the Knight.

"A tent and such already set up here? They've possibly done all the scavenging of this place except for what we've come across til now, hm?" a glance was given back towards the knight then as he stared a while, the obvious malice and bloodlust coming off of the Nagual was rather clear. Others may see a knight, but the man was seeing someone marked by Ixchel and was ready to help have their soul be guided by Ixchel.
(Zabo)
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[22:48] Katzan rolled his eyes as he saw the knight sitting by the bonfire. A glance was thrown to the other two tribesmen. "Someone living in these lands? That's hardly even living." He said, the same neutral tone of always.

Each tap of his staff came with a step towards the man, the greyish flames spreading around him. It was obvious that Katzan wasn't happy with this simple greeting, but perhaps he wasn't going to be aggressive and so upfront.

"But you said a gamble. What's in it for us?" He said, and frowned slightly. "At what price?"

And like that, he rose one hand to the duo of naguals left behind him. For them to wait. A glare thrown at Zabo's way would make it more than clear: Disrespecting this order meant to disrespect Katzan. And he never liked being disrespected even in the least.

"Wait."
(Katzan Xizoh)
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[22:54] They'd happened upon the reason for their choice through this cave the campfire... Though when they properly approached it a knight or what she presumed them to look like sat beside the flames, he offered a greeting nothing more deserving than it needed to be.

Gambling? Was this some sort of underground tavern? How often did travelers come seeking fun? Especially after narrowly escaping a goring by one of those Scorpion's oversized claws. She heard Zabo's tone and intent but with the Chieftain already ready to 'engage' the man in his activities she'd held up her index finger, following just about the same word that Katzan used to follow up his glare towards Zabo 'Wait'.
(Teuicui)
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[22:57] The satchel of coins was rested aside, as the man stood upright, dusting their greaves off with equally as soot covered gauntlets-- bringing no avail. Oh well, force of habit, one could suppose.

"Indeed. Gambling. We both put in an equal amount of money, roll a dice, winner takes all. I've stashed myself quite a hefty collection over the years... Care to test your luck?"

With a shift of position, the knight now rested upon their knee's, producing two dice from the same gold pouch! A quick gesture was made in front of him, inviting Katzan to sit-- an overall vulnerable position, to say the least...

May it also be noted, that gold pouch that rested next to the knight... was rather large.
(Cave Dwelling Knight)
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[23:02] He gives a pout as Teuicui gives him the wait as well, heck once he had her approval he would've went in, though it seems they wanted to go about things a different way.

Listening on to the Knight, it seems it was going to be a simple dice roll for a certain amount of coins....He'd stare at the lot then, shaking his head as he clearly hadn't wanted to participate. If Exolo or Xoz should ever come back to him with stone he'd probably need money to buy it off of them unless they were nice enough to give it over. He had to still think of Nagaland of course.

He goes on to simply crossing his arms, staring at the man then and waiting for the time being. Though, the thought of years ago with Teuicui and her lesson came into his head, speaking what was wanted is simply taken. If this man had a lot of coin, then taking it was all Zabo would have to do. Would his boo thang and Katzan attempt to gamble though?

For now he'd simply wait and see, though it was clear he was on the more hostile-side of things when it came to the Knight and such.
(Zabo)
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[23:05] There was one question which would decide the poor knight's fate. Katzan wasn't exactly merciful, but perhaps he was getting affected by Joanne as of late. A weakness of sorts, perhaps, but he considered himself to be the savior and the merciful one.

And he knew that this mercy would extend to this man, were it available. He slowly walked in closer, gesturing for the nagual duo to come closer. A tranquil expression took on his face, as he sat on his knees...

And looked straight to the man, analyzing every piece of equipment, as if looking for something. To see if, beyond that large pouch of coins, there was something else of value to be found.

"Very well." He said, after yellow irises were done running over the body of the... Man? "But I do not gamble with coin alone. You have anything else to up the stakes?"

And obviously. The man couldn't see it, but his tribesmen obviously knew.

Katzan hated to lose.
(Katzan Xizoh)
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[23:08] With Katzan moving ever so closer to the knight she did the same, while Zabo might have been pouty in the back for his own reasons her attentions were focused on the situation they were still in, the sword that was once brandished was barely resting in the soil with her hand tightly on the hilt, allowing her freehand to just rest to her side, watching what would occur.
(Teuicui)
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[23:09] With that, the knight produced the bag of coins once more-- Pouring the entire satchel out!

"I have a thousand coins total... You may decide our total gamble."

As well as that, another satchel was produced, carrying an all-too familiar glass-clattering sound. Upon it being opened-- ten fire shards remain exposed!

"I can provide these into the gamble."
(Cave Dwelling Knight)
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[23:15] Katzan nodded. He brought his own satchel as well, and deposited it on the ground at his side. Yellow irises barely left the man's helmet, a hefty amount of coins hidden inside the leather. And after that, he gathered a hefty part of the scorpion's shell.

He put the satchel inside, and moved it forwards, towards the man. Perhaps the same amount of value? Probably. He did not know yet, but it could be. "I'll offer you that, for all you have. All the shards, all the coins."

And like that, he looked to the dice. "Shall we gamble?"
(Katzan Xizoh)
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[23:17] The dice were gently toyed with, rolled between iron digits with small clinking sounds....

"Hmm. I think you can provide a little better, in the case of all my coins."

"You aren't a poor man, are you?"
(Cave Dwelling Knight)
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[23:20] He rose his chin, yellow hues locking back on the knight's helmet. He tried to see anything on that. Anything. And yet, he was interested.

"I am obviously not a poor man. I am Katzan Xizoh. The chieftain of Atl." And like that, he looked around at the cave. He lurched in closer, eyebrows curled into a frown.

"And after we're done here, this will be my cave. So you can say I am definitely not a poor man."
(Katzan Xizoh)
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[23:23] "Cats-Ass Xizoh.... Got it."

A hardy chuckle was given behind the plates of sheet metal that guised the mans face. A gauntlet withdrew half the coin-- leaving five hundred, in the pairing of the fire shards.

"Final offer."
(Cave Dwelling Knight)
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[23:23] Zabo lets out a sigh, it was clear this whole gambling thing was boring him, and instead of it they could just make a move upon the man instead to take what he had! Though the Chief wanted to indulge himself in games, and Zabo merely sat back for the time being, watching and waiting.
(Zabo)
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[23:31] The man was trying to push him... Worse. And like that, Katzan took it personally. He frowned, and a single hand rose to move up the satchel. Yet, as he let the gold coins drop down on the shell of the scorpion, counting slightly over a thousand...

... Katzan looked up to the man. "Cats-Ass?" And like that, he scowled. It was true that the slightest of things often made Katzan drive himself further down into the madness that he indulged.

He looked down towards his own coins, the greyish flames erupting from around him. They closed between him and the man, a hand quickly taking back the coins and the shell. His single hand grabbed the staff, using it as support for him to stand back up.

"My. Name. Is. Katzan." And, like that, Katzan pointed his staff on the direction of the man. "Apologize. Now."
(Katzan Xizoh)
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[23:34] Practically ignoring the coins-- It would seem that fun would not be coming from gambling this beautiful, endless night. Drawing their sword, the knight quickly raised the blade upwards-- having an edge just as covered as soot as anything else within the cavern... Just how long had this man been down here?

Two words were said to Katzan, blank, dull, monotonic.

"Make me."


(Cave Dwelling Knight)
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[23:37] Zabo gives a little smile, things were finally heating up! Then again, it was very clear the aura Katzan had been giving off. Something tainted, unpure, and very....prideful...It was strange that Zabo could sense what such had been, though maybe it was just animal instincts...? Either way he'd start moving away somewhat, watching for the time being and simply gesturing for Teuicui to follow along, he didn't want her being hit in cross fire obviously.
(Zabo)
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[23:37] Katzan looked towards the man, a scowl formed largely on his face. He did not care for the money, he did not care for what the man found to be fair, or his gamble. This was something that the Knight would do for fun. For Katzan? That was merely a way of trying to get someone out of his way.

And now, these two words. These two words hit him to the core, and like that... He rose his single hand towards the other two nagual that accompanied him.

"Stand out." He spat through his lips, an order to the tribesmen. "I'll make him apologize." And like that, Katzan staff turned to the man, shooting an unannounced blast of flames in his direction.

No mercy.
(Katzan Xizoh)
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[23:40] Call it a coincidence, perhaps.

A blast of shadow flame met a counter-blast of holy fire... While the one blast was enough to block the unannounced, the oncoming fight would announce who was truly the stronger of the two.

No response... Just a chuckle, as a slash of the sword set flames flying back at Katzan.
(Cave Dwelling Knight)
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[23:48] ** Katzan Xizoh has inflicted an injury upon Cave Dwelling Knight. ("Permanent Injury", "Permanent Injury", "Permanent", "Severity: MODERATE (-20 Vit)") **
[23:53] {NARRATION} Holy fire versus shadow flame. Polar magic's, where one could argue the two were even rivalry in the sense of their nature... Katzan and this knight, they fought and fought, though one thing set the two apart, and caused the chieftan of Atl to win...

Pride.

While the knight held no pride, living in the confines of a soot covered cavern... This chieftan of Atl, this... Katzan Xizoh... He held so much pride-- an umbearable amount, an amount that... invoked fear.

Surely, one with that much pride... was not one to be reckoned with.

Now, the knight lay on the ground-- while not fatally wounded... They were dead, at the hands of pride.

Much like the former enemies of this forsaken cavern-- The man slowly gave into the heat, body beginning to decompose into char and ash-- leaving behind a skeleton of red crystaline.
[23:55] {Item} You picked up Fire Crystal x10.Dropped by Cave Dwelling Knight. .
[23:55] {Item} Picked up a bag of 1000 dropped by Cave Dwelling Knight.
[00:03] The skeleton of the man soon laid in front of him, consumed by his flames. He was above. He was superior. He had no way of losing. His expression remained nonetheless unchanging as his flames fought by themselves, often throwing himself in front of the strikes that the man exerted in his direction.

It was wonderful. The beautiful dance, the changing of colors, the black and white changing with the coallike color of the cave. And yet, even as they contrasted with the man's magic... There was one thing unchanging.

Katzan.

He stood in the middle of the inferno. The flames changed, they swirled around him, they danced... But he was still there. He was still visible. And as soon as the man fell down on the ground, he emitted a single word.

"Pitiful." And, like that, an inferno of flames rose to land a final blow -- Only to see his body already decomposing. A huff left his nostrils, before he leaned in closer, and collected the spoils.

And like that, Katzan gestured for the nagual couple that came with him.

"Let's go."
(Katzan Xizoh)
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[00:05] Zabo gives a long sigh, staring at the decomposition disatisfied "Does everyone in this cave do that...?" he questioned before moving on over towards the tent. A few kicks given to where the man had set up and such. Were there any coins or anything like that? If not he'd make one final stop over by the body, or well used to be body to see if there was still something left there as well rather than just all the cyrstals and such. If not though it seems they were on to the next section of this cavern.
(Zabo)
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[00:07] It was surprising but the night did very much hold his own against Katzan, there'd been a brief moment where the Atl Chieftain seemed to have been at the doors of defeat, but he kicked the knight through those very doors and slammed them shut, not before allowing him to hear his final words and retrieving the last of what was left on the holy clad gambling warrior.

'Only means couldn't eat, not flesh, just ash' She retrieved her sword before continuing along with Katzan, she was certain something in this cave had to bleed.
(Teuicui)
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[00:12] {NARRATION} With that, the knight lay a skeleton, slowly sinking into the ashy ground as if it were quicksand.... Infact, several things began to sink.

A small hole appeared in the ground-- causing a mass slinking of the ground itself... The entirety of the ash covered ground began to disappear into a sinkhole-- but to where?

The three would find out soon enough, as a violent cracking of the ground sent the entire floor falling down, bringing the adventurers with it!
[00:16] "Well, chief, great wor-OOOGA!"

He suddenly goes shouting whilst falling down along with the other two. What in the heck was currently happening!? He had no control over this sadly, and could only hope that he wasn't spraining yet another ankle after all of this damn falling! He'd look to Teuicui, hoping she'd be OK after the fall and all, but had to focus on his landing first of course. A quick tuck is made, he now rolling and doing his best to stay safe, and once done he'd look over to where Teuicui was only to hop that she had been OK.
(Zabo)
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[00:19] Katzan was almost prepared for the impact. Almost. As soon as the whole ground disappeared, he rode his flames to saf-- Nope. Katzan was thrown down to the ground, and quickly was dragged along with the ash to whatever they fell.

However, he barely lost his composure. He tried to remain still, to grasp the ground and rise back up, dragging as much as he could with him, but he failed ultimately.

And soon enough, Katzan fell down to the ground. All he could do was prepare for the impact -- His fire magic rose around him, this time taking a yellow tone, and instead of the usual stealing of heat, they emitted it, concentrating around his hand and feet, akin to thrusters and perhaps allowing him to fall down safely.
(Katzan Xizoh)
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[00:20] She starts moving before feeling the sucking of sand that starting sifting between her feet, with her blade in hand she attempted to jab it into the crumbling rock to hook herself unto steady land but alas with her poor angle and shifting weight she'd failed in doing so, she wasn't able to keep a proper footing as much as she tried, eventually falling due to the unstable grounds once again, this was almost like foreshadowing, the woman held her weapon firmly as she fell down to the depths below, the flames still around her as she tried to extend her fire before her to get enough sight of where she'd be landing and allowing her maybe an opportunity to react.

Once there however she'd rub the top of her head and brush the ash and debris from her hair and shoulder.

'Mrn…, where?' the woman inquired aloud but to herself mainly, eyes shifting about.
(Teuicui)
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[00:24] {NARRATION} There was silence at first, aside from the pained groans of the group, aswell as their intiial contact with the ashen floor... There lay about a foot of soot upon the ground, now, accompanied with a large cloud of the dust which had been kicked up from their fall-- aswell as the above grounds.

However, behind that giant, thick cloud... Red eyes stare. There were two, about head height, though bulbous, and the size of a head.

Slowly, the creature itself began to glow, as did the surrounding moat of magma that ran a cricle around this hidden cavern...

A newt, a salamander... Many words could be used to describe the atrocity that stood ahead of the group, though, one thing was for certain... It was dangerous.

Instantly, said creature donned a hungry look in its eyes, as yet another group of travellers fell upon the trap.
[00:31] Katzan managed to somehow land adeptly upon the ground. And like that, another burst of flames came forth, spreading his greyish aura farther as the flames were substituted by his more familiar gray emptiness.

As soon as he looked around, yellow irises met two red eyes. And definitely, these weren't Joanne's. Too big, too menacing... He almost felt himself threatened.

He would. Anyone would. But not Katzan Xizoh as he stood. He had vanished completely any sensation of fear, any sensation of shame. And this was no different. As the burly salamander started glowing...

He rotated the staff on his hand, moving around the giant monster with utmost care. Every single step was taken slowly, trying to find a single chink upon which to attack.

"Beware. Try to make a clean kill." And like that, he focused on the Salamander's head. "I want that as a trophy."

He said, voice filled with the certainty that they would win. And if they weren't going to win? Katzan was sure that he would do it anyway, be it accompanied by the other two or alone.


(Katzan Xizoh)
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[00:33] Teuicui was ok, excellent. He gave a smile and then limped over towards her, soon placing a hand on her back as he'd asked with a worried face "Is everything ok?" he raised a brow then and suddenly turned his head, danger was near. The sudden growls and heat felt from the beast beside them was felt. He'd turn, hands quickly gripping his blades then as he stared on at the giant dragon that had awaited them it seems. "Hrm...There's...Quite a lot within these ruins, aren't there...?" he raised a brow then and shook his head, upset with how much danger had been upon such a small little expedition.

".....That's big meat...." he'd say, it mainly said towards Teuicui though. "A bit too much...." he said shaking his head then, this type of beast, a newt, not being something Zabo was actually liking it seemed. "Though we seem to be just the right type for it. He laughed then before unsheathing hisswords and focusing upon the dragon now, eyes glowing yet again as he seemed ready to once more fight. The cosmic magic wasn't being gathered in mass like it was before, rather, he'd simply fight as normal, cosmic used whenever needed.

A glance was given to Katzan as well, the man seemed...well rather pushy. The entire time it was back and forth orders, and the type of magical feeling he'd been giving off as of now it was....it was extremely unsettling in the slightest. Still he'd keep quiet as of now, the problem was big and hungry and right in front of them, he'd focus on that instead.
(Zabo)
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[00:35] She'd eventually managed to get to her feet and while groggy she had gotten her bearings for the most part, the crumbling sound as bits of the ash and earth continuously fell from the hole in the ground, she looked about and saw nothing really of note except for the thick and increased amount of soot that they rested themselves in, just what had they fell into...

Eyes shifting about before finding two massive floating crimson orbs standing firm in the thick cloud, and with attention being brought to it, the creatures entire body began to glow magma crept from it's crevices and slowly it began to encircle them almost trapping them in some predetermined cage match with this... creature.

She didn't care to classify it she only felt the creatures might simply from being around it and was pleased, their efforts towards these caves would not have been wasted to her if this creature could put up the fight it seemed to be able to, and with the all clear from the chief deeming killing this beast as potential she couldn't help but grin with excitement.

Another victory to carve in the history books, or at least that's where her mind was even if they had to get through hell and high water, she knew they'd get there.
(Teuicui)
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[00:40] {NARRATION} Hunger flooded the demon... Three food items, fallen right in front of their face. Perhaps it was the beastly nature of such a creature, or perhaps it was the delicious, unique aura that Katzan provided... A delicacy of Nullification.

Regardless, the time had come... Four legs carry the molten salamander forth, dead sprinting at the group as molten magma dripped from the creature's lips as if it were drool!

[01:12] {NARRATION} The fight was a chaotic mess of flames and molten rock... The heat of the small cavern was comparable to an oven, whilst the soot itself kicked up wildly within the fight.

The salamander was tough-- very tough. At times, it seemed as if swords would break off the rock hide of the creature, yet in the end... it fell.

Before falling, it left its mark upon someone within the room, at least. A wave of magma shot towards the group... While the other's were able to dodge it, however, the one individual with a sprained ankle lay... inhibited.

His arm was quite rapidly torn off, and turned into molten flesh. The stench it gave was incredulous, before the final blow was lain.

The salamander gave a stumble, and rapidly began to warp about, hardening and softening, until the creature eventually shrunk in size, and--

Pop.

Magma was sent flying everywhere, upon every corner of the cave...

In the now absent spot of the cave, however: There lay... a stone?

It held a hue much like the eyes of said salamander, vibrantly red, and giving off an immense warmth, comparable to a freshly brewed cup of Jianghese tea.
[01:14] {NARRATION} With the absense of the arm, Zabo recieves -20 Vitality for life.
[01:14] {Item} You picked up Magma Shard.Dropped by Gyklarho . .
[01:20] He does his best yet again, fighting against such a large beast, though it doesn't prove to be as clean as he had hoped. With a mere sprained ankle, he wasn't able to actually do much though, and it seems the dragon could tell. He continuously charged forward, swinging his swords at the large dragon with as much force as he kid, though it wasn't enough, and it seems Zabo was one to fall for a trap.

Suddenly, before he could react, molten hit his arm, completely burning it off! Now he be there, on the ground in pain and agony, hopefully Teuicui could help.
(Zabo)
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[01:27] The creature was every bit the challenge she had made it up to be in her head, never disappointing her for a moment, the way it controlled the magma's surge with it's monstrous and violent shakes, it was easy to see chaos was this beast's muse, it thrived on the inefficiency of adventures those who had no tact, and no drive to push them.

An unfortunate situation it must have found itself in against such capable Gehennan's perhaps likely the first to ever put this one surely out of its misery. With each shot of flame and earthen sludge that was shot their way was dodged, all mainly except for Zabo who seemed to not be handling things so well with his 'sore' ankle in this situation, dodging such attacks were going to be challenging at best.. He was still alive however which meant he'd fight until he had nothing left to give. And so he did, giving it his all even when at the very precipice of death

The beast was retreating however like any creature it was starting to realize the unwinnable situation it had found itself in, her charge was rampant, sword firmly clutched, leaping towards the creature, she glimpsed him as if holding something in his mouth dripping magma from the maw's of this creature, it hurled a massive wad of magma, had she not used her wind magic to push herself out of the way her body would have been completely roasted, thankfully she was still on course. And with a reeled grip on the handle of her blade and a proper swing of her arms increasing force behind the blade with some of her winds as well, slicing the beast's head clean off, even the bone in its neck had been a perfect cut. Convulsing everywhere the beast erupts torrents of magma splattering it across various places within the cave.

'Chieftain what is?' the woman points towards the magma esc ore on the ground, she has a bit of labored breathing but all and all she'll manage, she looks over to Zabo, it seemed the wad she narrowly avoided had been his downfall, evaporating another of his arms, he was starting to go through them a lot more recently. She moved over towards him aiding him enough to carry him back over, it wasn't as though she could fix his arm or even needed to cauterize the wound, it'd likely have done that when It was burned away by magma, for now she only awaited Katzan.
(Teuicui)
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[01:34] Katzan's flames erupted around him, chasing around the Salamander intensely. The greyish flames surrounded the room, every time punishing the dragonlike being for just daring to move closer. And yet, even if his strikes made Katzan's skin burn... The burns were quickly healed by his own magic, flesh restored to its usual pristine state.

And soon, the beast started collapsing into an exploding mass of magma, shot throughout the room. His Nullification rose up as a shield to protect, absorbing the magma's heat and forcing it to cool down as the flames intensified, turning it into nothing but harmless stone.

As soon as the prize exposed itself, the red stone that he sought... Katzan immediately inched in closer to grab it. He held it in his hands, feeling the very magic that emanated from it leaving constantly.

A wide smile opened on his face. Obviously, this was something that he needed to have. He looked intently upon it, until Teuicui finally spoke to him, forcing his consciousness to slip back into the real world.

Unfortunately, no leather remains came as a result, yellow irises briefly glancing towards the monster. He held the magmatic stone in his hand, a warm akin to boiling water being given off from it, and approached the nagual.

"This is what I wanted." He said, before he looked towards her. "You'll be rewarded plenty for helping me, Teuicui. I'll--"

And, like that, Katzan looked under his cloak. The flames moved around him, taking it by the hilt and... Slowly dropped it in front of her. A jianghese sword, pristine and new. Formerly, belonging to Chi Ciao. Now? It was part of Atl.

"This. This is your reward, Teuicui. I have been looking for someone worthy of holding... And you seem to have achieved it."

And like that, Katzan stored the magmatic stone under a patch of leather that he kept on his armor, with utmost care. After all, it was his prize. And other than that... There was nothing else to be salvaged?

"Now, to go back to Atl. I believe there is nothing else left here for us." And like that, Katzan sought an exit.
(Katzan Xizoh)
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[01:34] {Item} You drop Tsubasa.
[01:36] {Item} You picked up Tsubasa.Dropped by Katzan Xizoh. .
[01:37] {Item} You drop Tsubasa.
[01:38] {Item} You picked up Tsubasa.Dropped by Katzan Xizoh. .
[01:40] {Item} You drop Tsubasa.
[01:42] {Item} You picked up Tsubasa.Dropped by Katzan Xizoh. .
[01:47] Her eyes look back towards Katzan, it seemed this was the object of his desire, and with it brought ever so close to her she could feel the heat comparable to what she'd felt beneath her feet at the start of this adventure.

'Hel-' the woman stops in the midst of her short speech before hearing of a reward, up until this point she'd mainly been skating by happy with a competent hunt despite it not amounting to a feast, satisfied with the mere ferocity of her combatant. She wouldn't decline it, however, it was a gift from her Chieftain one that he entrusted her with because he saw fit to have her be it's new owner.

The woman retrieves the blade examining the metal of it, motioning it through the air to gain a handle of it, before she rested it on her person.

'Thank, will put to use'

With everything retrieved she holds up Zabo in his injured state.

'Back Atl' she affirms before moving off with Katzan, this battle had brought her back to her first fight against beasts with real power, how fitting for it to have brought this one to her path as well.
(Teuicui)
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[01:47] {Item} You drop Tsubasa.
[01:48] Zabo has to just rely on Teuicui for the time being, grumbling in pain. His best bet was to wait for Xyz to come by yet again with..another freebie set of arms....
(Zabo)
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[01:48] {NARRATION} Left behind, the cave began to cool, almost to a bone-chilling extent, as most caves were. Light began to pour through a nearby crack in the wall, and what more...?

The sound of birds chirping could be heard outside-- Loud, vibrant, and full of life.

The group took their leave, departing from the once enflamed cave, yet now.. It was nothing more than a generically standard cave-- Having its heart ripped out, completely.

Though, there was the faint sound of a small lizard running-- too fas to be caught, however. It was gone in seconds.

As were the group, now on their way... Home.