[Exhibition] Foundation R&D-Ryugin

With the first round of Heaven or Hell concluded, half of the eight entering teams have been eliminated from the tournament, leaving many of this year's eager contenders stung with defeat. Some would walk away satisfied with their efforts, while others would think back bitterly on the outcome of their fights, left sorely unfulfilled. Many would find themselves lost in their reason, that there was now nothing left for them upon the Ark...

...until now.

As the eliminated competitors returned to their team suites to get their things together and ship off back to Latent, they would find a flyer posted on the door leading to their rooms. Obviously a simple piece of paper was far too easy to overlook, so if that wasn't enough, their FIGHTERs would suddenly spring to life as soon as they were in proximity of their rooms, beeping loudly with a new alert that more or less read the message of the flyer itself.

Quote:** Wrote:

ATTENTION ALL ELIMINATED ROUND 1 PARTICIPANTS!

We hope you are not discouraged by your loss this year and wish you the best of luck in next year's tournament. However, for those of you whose thirst for combat has not yet been quenched, all is not lost!

The Foundation welcomes any and all participants that lost in Round 1 that are interested to partake in a special one-time event! This event has been designed as a test of strength worthy of a champion and is sure to give any competitor the thrill and excitement that they so desperately seek from Heaven or Hell.

The teams who decide to partake in this event shall receive 100,000 gold for their participation, and each of them has the chance to win...

ANEWCAR!!!

So if you still feel you have some more fight left in you and you want to show the world what you're made of, head down to the Restricted Area aboard the Ark so that our staff may direct you to the Research and Development Department.

Don't miss out on this one-time offer!

While not exactly a second chance at the tournament, this was certainly a second chance to show the world what got these teams into the tournament to begin with and feel the thrill of battle that many competitors had yearned for. Plus there was some money and potential ANEWCAR to go with it, so even competitors with the basest of desires would have at least some motivation.

What could go wrong?

Restricted Area - Foundation R&D

In spite of the high praise given in the message and talk of "showing the world what they were made of", the Restricted Area looked about as unwelcoming as it always did. One would think there would at least have been some sort of decorum to signify the event and prepare them for the glory that was about to come, but there was nothing. Not even a crummy banner made of newsprint and magic marker. There was only the blast door leading into the public section of the Restricted Area, the corridors leading down to the not-so-aptly named "hospital". Upon arrival, the team would be approached by Foundation staff members and Judges, those who would have originally led them down said corridor and into the "infirmary" to meet with the two luchador doctors that "tended" to the wounded. This time, however, the escort made a detour, heading down a branching set of corridors that led to a small, windowless room at the end of a hallway. There were four, simple-looking chairs sitting in the middle of the room, facing a single, undecorated steel wall.

"Please have a seat while we initiate the event," said one of the suited staff members, before departing with the Judges and closing the door behind him. There would be an audible metallic clank as the door was bolted shut, locking the participants inside. Not exactly the most friendly of atmospheres, but it wasn't like they were being strapped into their seats. Hell, they weren't even required to sit down.

There was a faint twitch and hum of energy in the air that only those with the most acute of supernatural senses would have been able to notice, but there was no way to decipher what it was, exactly. Whatever it was, it didn't seem to be overtly threatening and was gone in moments. Perhaps it was nothing at all?

Suddenly, the flat, empty wall before them would start to rise like a hangar door, revealing the venue of the event to be, as it would seem, a theater of science.

Wrong theater.

Yeah, that's the ticket.

Or at least it was close to that. The competitors would find themselves in a large, empty arena that looked somewhat like a coliseum with high walls and a glossy floor, spanning 90 feet in diameter. It looked like one of those theaters where professors of biology and other sciences would display their experiments and surgeries for their students to observe above. As was to be expected, there were indeed people sitting up in the balcony, shielded by high-density reinforced fiberglass screens so that they could safely observe the event that would soon take place below. None of them appeared to be your run-of-the-mill spectator, not with how virtually all of them were dressed in lab coats, constantly scribbling away at their notes. They were observers, scientists from the Foundation's R&D Department, eying each competitor from high above as if they were lab rats in a maze.

There was no operating table in the middle of the arena for the scientists to observe an operation, no delicate machinery to be demonstrated. The only thing there that looked like any sort of outlandish device was a strange-looking contraption at the very top of the dome above them that almost looked like some sort of ornate light fixture, although there was no light coming from it. Clearly it was not meant to light up the room, especially since there were enough fluorescent light fixtures in the arena to keep the whole place nicely lit.

Suddenly, a door much like the one that led the competitors into the arena opened up on the other side, with a figure emerging from the shadows of the adjacent room. It was the man that many would remember from the opening ceremonies at the Crimson Hawk, the mysterious white-haired doctor with glasses reflected the light like two shining silver circles over his eyes. His mouth was still locked in that wide, scheming grin that he had on his face since the beginning of the tournament, walking with his hands casually folded behind his back. He certainly didn't look like much of a fighter, so he must've had quite a set of stones to approach a bunch of mostly disgruntled HoH competitors so calmly.

He stopped just a few yards short of the center of the arena before addressing the competitors.

"Welcome, welcome," he said, extending his arms to them in a deceptively warm greeting. "So nice of you all to join me here...at least, those of you who decided to attend. I am Dr. Minoru Aramaki, head of the Foundation's Research and Development Department. I must assume you are here because you find yourself somewhat...wanting after the conclusion of your Round 1 matches. Although I am afraid you will not be advancing further in the tournament from here on out, perhaps you can help me to advance something far more...fulfilling?"

Dr. Aramaki slowly began to pace about, gesturing to the room behind the competitors as the wall shut once more behind them, sealing them inside the demonstration theater. "I don't suppose either of you noticed that little change in atmosphere back in that room there. Quite a interesting explanation, really. You see, I specialize in applied sciences regarding metaphysics, the oh-so-unexplained world of what you plebeians refer to as "magic". This world is full of so many strange and fascinating occurrences, but in the end they're really nothing more than simple facets of reality yet to be explained. That little 'hum' of energy you felt back there was a temporal shift generated by one of my Space-Time Partition devices. It allows me to split the flow of the space-time continuum into separate 'instances' and have them converge back together in a seamless flow of temporal progression."

Dr. Aramaki adjusted the large, round glasses on his face."To put it in the simplest of terms, I've managed to capture the so-called 'time-paradox' phenomenon for practical use. Impressive, is it not?"

"Oh, but you didn't come here for that, did you? No, no, I must be foolish to think that any of you would be able to appreciate the ingenuity that went into the construction of such a device. You didn't come here to bask in the glory of scientific discovery. No...you came here looking to satisfy a much baser need, to beat your breasts and shake your fists in a display of strength like the very beasts left choking in the dust of natural selection. You came here to participate in the cathartic release that comes from mindlessly beating your opposition into submission. You came here to fight...and you will not be disappointed."

Dr. Aramaki snapped his fingers and the device attached to the ceiling steadily came to life. The black, unlit orbs attached to the device lit up like plasma balls, arcing with electricity until they glowed blue-white with the massive amount of power it drew from its generator. Suddenly, everything but the floor of the demonstration theater disappeared into blackness, reforming and reshaping into a vast expanse full of stars and nebulae, as if the entire floor was simply a platform drifting through space.

"You see," continued the doctor, "The Foundation has tasked me with creating a device that would alter the fabric of reality itself. I have studied many various instances of realspace alteration...reality marbles, psychic territories, pocket dimensions. Mages seem to make it look so easy, don't they?" As Aramaki continued to speak, something rather peculiar happened. His voice slowly began to change, deepening ever so slightly. His tone became smoother, his meter almost melodic. "But mages are nothing but children playing with a light switch. A chillld knows nothing about what causes a cirrrrcuit to function, they simply know what happens if they flllip the switch. All those rrrridiculous incantations and rrrrreagents are nothing more than user-frrrriendllly interfaces for the ignorant, superrrstitious masses of the worrrrlld. But I willlll not settle for such simplistic understanding! I will not settle for simply being 'gifted' by the gods with the 'traditions' passed down from one bllllind fool to another! I will take the flames of Prometheus, and thrrrough science, I will trrrrruuully achieve masterrry of the univerrrse!"

Aramaki threw his arms out wide in a gesture of triumphant glory as he shouted atop of his lungs in a voice that could not possibly have been his to begin with. Between the mesmerizing smoothness of his tone and the rolling of his r's and l's, the doctor had clearly become something much, much more than he was before.

With his grandiose speech ended, Dr. Aramaki let his left hand rest at his side while casually extending his right out to the combatants standing before him, as if he wanted them to step forward.

"Saaa, kakugo wa dekita ka na? Omae no chikara wo misete morau zo." (Now, are you prepared? Show me your power.)

...wait, what?

MagnusXL Wrote:

Ryugi Kazamaru Wrote:

Iyuesturu Wrote:

Sutiiven Wrote:

Closing his eyes for a moment, pressing the rim of his this glasses against the bridge of his nose with a single finger. He had no intention of playing the role of a science-project hamster; there was a big difference between putting on a display for the masses on the basis of enjoyment and doing so as a test subject.

"Doctor Aramaki, I'm afraid you vastly underestimate this plebeian. In a similar fashion, you underestimate my team's overwhelming ability and expertise."

Moonblade lowered his head slightly, peering over the top of his reading glasses towards his opponent directly. The noble-born knight certainly didn't appreciate being talked down to by someone who no doubt was ignorant of his magical superiority, much like he didn't appreciate being referred to as a mere peasant.

UNAUTHORIZED ABILITY USE DETECTED.

It seemed that despite his team being disqualified, his FIGHTER was still active and reporting rule violations. No matter.

Mystic Change Wrote:

-Mystic Change: Channeling his mystic magic throughout his own body rapidly, Moonblade is able to cause the Azurian blood cells in his system to become hyperactive, causing them to subvert the draconic blood in his system. This effectively causes Moonblade to undergo a rapid metaphysical change within a matter of seconds, temporarily turning him into something similar to a full Azurian Fey. While in this state, Moonblade's mana generation is doubled and his otherwise [SEALED] mystic spells become available to him once more. The biggest drawback to this change is that he cannot gain any stacks of Arcane Regression while his draconic blood is suppressed, leaving him with a crippling weakness to enemy magicks and relatively low physical stats. Due to the Azurians' nature as denizens of the Etheral Void, Ammiel is also far more susceptible to illusions and effects that alter his psyche (charm, etc). Fortunately, the massive increase in magical power more than makes up for its drawbacks. Moonblade resents the Azurian form, so this ability will only see use if Ammiel deems it absolutely necessary.

Cost: Special. Mystic Change empties Moonblade's entire mana pool, but has no actual mana cost.

Limiter: Moonblade must be at 0 stacks of Arcane Regression.

Much like their opponent's form underwent its own change, Moonblade's already somewhat effete form took on the even more delicate features of an Azurian Fae-kin. While the physical aspects of this change were hard to distinguish appearance wise, the magical aspects of this change would be immediately noticed by those who had the ability to detect such things. The draconic aspects of the homunculus were completely and utterly suppressed by this change, no longer registering on the FIGHTER whatsoever.

"As both the Captain of Team Ryugin and as a magus, I'm afraid that I can't simply resign and suffer this insult."

Here was the part where the indignant and elf-like magus felt the need to make his observations and hypothesis concerning the situation known.

"I will admit that the ability to perform multiple tasks at once is a fairly impressive feat in and of itself. Why... you could even fight every eliminated team simultaneously at full strength if you so desired."

Moonblade brought his hands together in a slow clap, legitimately impressed by this feat.

"Regardless of its technological origins, I must congratulate you."

The magus sighed. There was a reason why Ammiel was the team captain; contrary to popular belief, this reason wasn't only because Moonblade paid the entire team's expenses out of his own pocket. Now sporting a smug smirk, he continued.

"Sadly, this borrowed power of yours is little more than a fleeting dream. We will crush this paradox, and along with it your delusional aspirations of grandeur."

The fact that the Doctor revealed his trump card instantly in such a callous manner revealed that the man regarded Team Ryugin as little threat. With the intelligence the R&D team could no doubt bring up on the team's capabilities through both monitoring from the FIGHTER devices and past match videos, this could be seen as a little concerning. In Moonblade's eyes, the writing was on the wall: A magus didn't simply employ their Reality Marble at the beginning of an engagement unless they intended to snuff out their opponents entirely.

Raising his arm towards his opponent, Ammiel commanded his teammates like a proper captain, utilizing this opportunity to recuperate the magic he lost by undergoing his metaphysical change.

"Ryugin, let's show these pompous fools our UNBREAKABLE RESOLVE! Deadly force is authorized."

MURDEROUS INTENT DETECTED.

While Moonblade may have coined a phrase from Ryugi, he said it with faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar more malice than his vice captain could ever manage. If what his opponent said was correct and Moonblade had arrived at the correct conclusion, any damage they actually inflicted on him (and vice-versa) would be ultimately irrelevant. Even if this proved not to be the case, the Captain of the Silver Dragons would have no remorse ending an aberration such as this.

Character Status Wrote:

Unrefined Mana: 20% (0% + [2][5% Natural + 5% No Cast Bonus + 10% Mana Charge] - 20% Refinement)

Refined Mana: 20% (0% + 20% Refinement)

Arcane Regression Stacks: LOCKED

Moonblade Charges: 0/10

-Mystic Change is in effect. Arcane Regression is locked and all Azurian magic is available.

"Hou?"

In an instant, Team Ryugin practically exploded with intensity, breaking through the limiters they had placed upon themselves in order to fit within the tournaments parameters of acceptable power levels. Among all of the previous Heaven or Hell competitors, Ryugi and Ammiel were well known outside the tournament for their immense strength and magical power, respectively. Indeed, the Foundation had done much to make sure that their full power was not utilized, and it seemed to have worked up until this point. With neither of them no longer competing in the tournament, there was no need to hold themselves to the limitations put on them by the Foundation. They were ready to bring the full brunt of their force to bear upon whatever stood in their way, and Dr. Aramaki was very much in their way now.

How unfortunate it must have been for them to be so overconfident.

Dr. Aramaki's grin widened as Ryugi gave a speech of his own, breaking down the motives of the Foundation and Elia Noah as far as he could manage. The doctor wondered with some manner of sadistic satisfaction what Noah must have done to have brought so much ire upon him, though he himself knew only so much of the former chairman's dealings. He only knew parts of the ultimate purpose of Noah's actions, and Aramaki simply cared about his end of the bargain. What truly surprised him was Ryugi's supposition of the Judges themselves. Even if he was half correct, could the competitors really be that far away from the simple truth of the nature of the Judges after all this time?

Ryugi Kazamaru Wrote:

Just who the hell do you think we are?!

At this point Aramaki wasn't sure who he thought Ryugi was, but it sadly wasn't Kamina.

Moonblade, on the other hand, burned with a much different emotion. Of all the members of Ryugin, their captain was probably the most bound by his pride, as well he should as a man of his ability and intellect. It didn't surprise Dr. Aramaki at all that the homunculus would take the most offense from the doctor's words. Moonblade, a man who commonly looked down upon others in similar manner, would never take such words lying down, especially from someone whose disdain for others exceeded the homunculus' own. Of course, Moonblade's intellect was probably far more threatening than his own power with how calculating and analytical mages usually were. It was unfortunate that his hypotheses were falling just short of the bigger picture.

MagnusXL Wrote:

"Sadly, this borrowed power of yours is little more than a fleeting dream. We will crush this paradox, and along with it your delusional aspirations of grandeur."

Moonblade seemed to think that Aramaki had a trump card up his sleeve, that he hadn't laid all of his cards out on the table. But did the homunculus really know what the doctor's trump card was?

Iyuesturu Wrote:

"OOORRAHHH!"

"Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!"

Dr. Aramaki laughed, a decidedly evil-sounding laugh, albeit with the same smooth, powerful voice the doctor had mysteriously adopted. Aoi Kushinada was definitely a spirited one, indeed, much like the rest of his team. Aramaki may very well have been underestimating Ryugin's true might, but they seemed to be far too keen to underestimate the doctor's preparations. Whether they realized it or not, the Foundation had always been aware of the great power they were compelled to withhold in the tournament. Did they simply think those FIGHTERs were nothing more than fashionable digital time pieces? As they released their power, Aramaki reacted with mildly surprised curiosity rather than complete astonishment. If any of them thought that their sudden boost in power had caught him off guard, they were in for a rather rude awakening.

Now, with the vice captain surging forth in a powerful charge and his three teammates (I'm going to assume Sutiiven is standing with them) standing at the ready, Team Ryugin was preparing to make the first move, or at least close the distance in order to force Aramaki to make the first move himself.

They would soon regret that decision.

"Hmhmhmhm...You came here for my head?"

"SHHHHHOOOOOUUUUUSSSHHHIIIIAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!"

With but a word, the charging Ryugi and the rest of his team would find themselves buffeted by a sudden, overwhelming wave of force. It washed over them like a front of fierce, high-pressure wind that would be strong enough to knock any of them to the ground without properly bracing themselves. Ryugi had run straight into it, and although one could guess that the Strong Knight's indomitable spirit would be enough to press on through the shout like a bolt piercing the heavens, Ryugi would find no purchase here. The force of the buffet was enough that not even the powerful charging attacks he was well known for would allow him to break through the pressure. The best it'd do would be keeping him from being knocked over, although stopping his charge to brace himself might also similarly spare him.

Unfortunately, this wasn't all that Aramaki had in store for them. He immediately reared his hand back as if he were holding a weapon, poised to stab downward into the ground. In an instant, a large, broad-bladed sword with a angular, slightly curved tip materialized in his hand just before thrusting it down into the ground.

"Die now, and repent forever!"

Quote:** Wrote:

Calamity Thorns - Aramaki stabs his sword into the ground, causing a wave of countless spikes to spring up forward from the ground in order to trap and skewer his foes.

The ground beneath him broke as a latticework of red spikes shot out of the ground in a cone in front of Aramaki, heading straight for Ryugi and branching out to the rest of his team. These long, straight "thorns" would jut out of the ground in various directions facing towards the direction of the cone until it was about ten feet wide, starting at an initial five feet. Ryugi would be the first in the way of the wave, with Moonblade being second behind him. Aoi and Sutiiven may not have been close enough inward to face the brunt of the strike, but the spikes didn't jut upward like one would expect. They blossomed forward and outward, straight enough that they were still at risk of getting impaled if they didn't avoid it. The force of the attack combined with the density of each spike meant that counting on armor or physical resistance to negate the damage would have a meager effect, being strong enough to penetrate even Ryugi's unnaturally dense bones.

Just what sort of power did Aramaki grant himself with his accursed research?

Moonblade gritted his teeth as the pressure wave washed over Team Ryugin, instinctively raising his left arm in front of his face as though to prevent his eyes from getting damaged by the non-existent debris. Even while bracing himself, the light warrior was pushed back a considerable distance, sliding across the ground despite the traction afforded by his boots.

They were given little time to recover however. Aramaki raised his arms overhead, immediately slamming a freshly materialized sword into the ground. Moonblade, being one of the most agile and mobile fighters in the history tournament, naturally found it a simple matter to jump left side, bypassing the spread of the cone of deadly spikes entirely.

Or he would if it weren't simply easier to stand behind Ryugi and watch him destroy all the spikes himself.

There was one point at which the magus was already getting frustrated with, and it wasn't the Doctor's power base. The issue he had at hand was Dr. Aramaki's manner of speech. Contrary to popular belief, Moonblade didn't speak a word of Japanese. While a competent linguist in his own right, Moonblade couldn't understand anything that wasn't Common/English, Elvish, or Draconic. A spell to comprehend languages was something he was capable of casting, but one he shouldn't have to.

Adapting the elegant and song-like language of the lithe elves, Moonblade fired a retort towards the doctor, completely uncaring whether or not he was understood by anyone in observance. It was a language that a flowery and eloquent person like Moonblade was suited to speaking.

"Amin yestad delotha i' men tanya lle vora quena Japanese dona f*****t."

((Literally: I am beginning to hate the way that you continue to speak in Japanese like a f*****t.))

Ammiel wasted no time as he spoke, however. Drawing the Silver Moonblade with his right hand, the homunculus extended his left arm across his body in the direction of his fellow teammates. A two-foot tall ring of visible wind and mana swirled on the ground around him, causing his silver hair to blow methodically in the artificial breeze.

UNAUTHORIZED ABILITY DETECTED.

Lunar Zephyr Wrote:

-Lunar Zephyr: This spell grants the effects of Lunar Mystic to multiple people. A number of charges are granted to each target of Moonblade's choice within a sixty foot radius. For each 'use' of Lunar Mystic, one charge of Lunar Zephyr is expended from that person. All targets capable of independant thought are automatically granted knowledge on the spell's function and are competent in its use. This spell lasts for 10 minutes or until all charges have been expended, whichever occurs first. The number of charges granted are as follows: 3 Targets: 3 charges

Cost: 30%

Limiter: This ability is forbidden with 3+ stacks of Arcane Regression.

Lunar Mystic Wrote:

-Lunar Mystic: This technique allows Moonblade to use Lunar magic to propel himself in any direction for greater aerial mobility and speed, though this does not allow him to make blatantly unreasonable changes in direction, nor may this be used for flight in any form. When used at the start of his jump, the boost in momentum is extremely noticeable, effectively tripling his initial 'take-off' speed while increasing his maximum standing jump height to sixty feet. Each boost drains a small bit of mana from the Mystic Dragoon varying on how long the boost is maintained.

Cost: 5% initial with a 10% cumulative upkeep every turn maintained.

Limiter: This ability is forbidden with 4+ stacks of Arcane Regression.

Similar gusts of silver wind surrounded the feet of his allies, immediately imbuing their bodies with supernatural power. The capability to utilize "Lunar Mystic" was granted and along with it the mana to use it three times apiece (four if Sutiiven never shows up). The knowledge on how to use the spell was also granted, though it would do little to otherwise guide their hands in using it. They would also be given a general guideline as to its number of uses and limitations through 'gut feelings'. A good portion of Moonblade's potent mobility would be extended to his teammates.

Naturally, the brief aesthetic gusts of power and wind that accompanied Moonblade's spell casting were wholly unnecessary; he simply thought they looked cool and impressive.

Just to be annoying and reiterate the point, Moonblade changed languages again to the far more brutish language of Draconic. It wasn't uncommon for those well versed in magic to also learn the spoken language of dragons; it would be even less of a surprise for those who knew that Ammiel was a former Dragon Knight. Of course, it also meant that at the very least Ryugi would understand what he was saying, though he would note that Moonblade's pronunciation and fluency was a tad worse than his near flawless Elvish skillz.

"Si tor batobot wux renthisj persvek English. Pok thirkuir coi zahae!"

((Literally: I ask that you speak in English. Stop changing it around!))

Even if the Doctor didn't understand the spoken languages (likely), he would easily pick out the words 'Japanese', 'English', and 'f*****t'. Surely one with intelligence as high as his could infer the overall intent of Moonblade's speech.

Moonflair and Spellflair Wrote:

-Moonflair: The Silver Moonblade can utilize the excess magical energy left over by Ammiel's spells, channeling it back through the blade. This energy can either be used to increase the strength of his next spell by roughly 10% or to power any of the weapon's specific abilities, such as Silver Eclipse or Lunatic Spellflair. This power cannot re-absorb any energy from weapon encompassing effects like Wyvern Fang or Dragonblade, nor can he re-absorb energy from a spell empowered by this ability.

-Spellflair: The Silver Moonblade can utilize the excess magical energy left over by the opponent's spells, drawing the energy directly into the blade. This absorbed energy can either be transferred directly into Ammiel for 5% mana or to power any of the weapon's specific abilities, such as Silver Eclipse or Lunatic Spellflair. This power cannot absorb any energy from auras or passive effects.

Of course, the ever impressive Silver Moonblade didn't simply idle through the entire process, the residual magic from every spell-like effect being absorbed by the weapon. With five supernatural combatants in the fray, one of them being Ryugi Kazamaru, Moonblade was likely to charge the mana in his sword very rapidly.

Character Status Wrote:

Unrefined Mana: 0% (20% + [2][5% Natural] - 30% Lunar Zephyr)

Refined Mana: 20%

Arcane Regression Stacks: LOCKED

Moonblade Charges: 3/10

-Mystic Change is in effect. Arcane Regression is locked and all Azurian magic is available.

((I hope you appreciate the time it took to re-download the Elvish dictionary and actually look up the grammar rules. A detail no one will care about, but whatever.))

Aoi held his ground against the massive wave of force, the large man digging himself in against the power. There was naught but a that everpresent smile on his lips. It would take more then that to move the Raging Blue Storm. Of course, the same didn't apply to his captain, Moonblade, but he could be forgiven for having been pushed back by their eliminator's shout. He wasn't nearly as manly as Aoi, or as stout as Ryugi of course.

Speaking of being manly, Aoi himself didn't move as the spikes travelled toward him, instead, in a mirror of the good doctor's maneuver, he slammed both fists into the ground, causing a large shockwave of force to erupt forward and meet the encroaching spikes. The doctor's attack would find itself stalled on this front, as if it met an invisible barrier, as the force of Aoi's Tremor crashed into it and forced it to a standstill.

Aoi moved to circle around, looking for an opening as Ryugi preoccupied the majority of Aramaki's attentions. He could feel whatever magic his captain worked in his bones, and he was glad for it. Unlike the rest of Ryugin, Aoi, was more or less a normal human, albeit one that possessed enormous strength and stamina even for his size. It seems that the doctor didn't forget about him though, and as two of the orbs from his infernal weapon arced and homed in toward him, Aoi brought himself low to the ground, jumping up moments before the dark energy projectiles would make contact to dodge them, the balls exploding harmlessly where he had been standing just seconds before.

And he jumped a little bit too high. Not really knowing what he was empowered with, only that he was, Aoi floundered in the air as he tried to figure out why he was so high up. He didn't remember using this much force in take-off.

magickz, how do u use?

"Oh?"

The homunculus adopted a sort of bemused expression as the demonic visage manifested around the good doctor's form. Despite his earlier sentiments, Aramaki's current display intrigued the magus within Moonblade, bringing about a sort of dark and dangerous desire to see even deeper powers manifest. Alas, in the end he'd have to prove his own magic superior.

Doctor Aramaki wasted little time opening fire upon the entirety of Team Ryugin with his newly revealed toy. Moonblade similarly wasted no time, making a wide swipe with his open left hand towards the powerful dark projectile that was fired upon him from the monstrous weapon.

UNAUTHORIZED ABILITY DETECTED.

Mystic Glove Wrote:

-Mystic Glove: A veil of emerald Azurian magic surrounds one of the mage's hands, forming a glove of pure energy. Moonblade can then handle ranged magical attacks, catching them within the confides of the glove. Spells caught by the claw don't activate (or detonate in the case of exploding projectiles) until released and can be redirected back towards their original user. Additionally, Moonblade can add his own power to the spell caught, increasing its power by roughly 50% before it is redirected. He can also change the elemental properties of the attack to that of Emerald Fire/Frost if he chooses. Augmenting an ability caught by mystic claw adds 10% to the spell's overall mana cost.

Alternatively, Moonblade can break down any spell caught by this ability, converting it into raw useable energy. Magical attacks that deal light damage restore 15% of his mana, where as medium and heavy attacks restore 20% and 25% respectively.

Cost: 10% per round it remains active.

Limiter: [SEALED]

((*Note: Moonblade cannot blatantly catch beam attacks, area-of-effect spells, or unreasonably large projectiles.))

A veil of emerald green energy surrounded Moonblade's hand mid-swing as he literally snatched the cannon blast out of midair. The volatile energies of the attack would be confined within the grasp of mystic glove as the magus snapped back around, hurling the doctor's own projectile back at him with admirable force.

No doubt the good doctor would remember this spell from the years of Heaven or Hell past; the iconic Mystic Glove was once part of Moonblade's core kit and was something of his 'signature counter-spell.' Of course, with Moonblade's arcane regression and unwillingness to adopt the Azurian form in most circumstances, this spell has sadly fallen to the wayside.

"Try again."

It was at this point that Ryugi would utilize Titan Blade to blast the doctor with a clearly not copyright infringing technique of incredible power. Moonblade, on the other hand, was keeping an eye on their opponent, attempting to discern their opponent's next course of action. If anything crazy came out of the wood works, it would more than likely fall upon the magus to handle anyways.

Character Status Wrote:

Unrefined Mana: 0% (0% + [2][5% Natural] - 10% Mystic Glove)

Refined Mana: 20%

Arcane Regression Stacks: LOCKED

Moonblade Charges: 6/10

-Mystic Change is in effect. Arcane Regression is locked and all Azurian magic is available.

Tenkai Matsumoto Wrote:

"I must congrrrratullllate you," said Dr. Aramaki, "That was trruly a technique I've never seen before in any of the data I compiled on you. Unfortunately for you, it is something I've managed to see countlllless other times outside of the tournament. It wasn't even entirely unexpected given the parrrameters of your abilities. It wasn't any different than anything else you've ever done, except bigger and more powerfulll. Did you really expect to overpower me just by using more power, with a bigger sword? How...unoriginal..."

Dr. Aramaki sighed, adjusting the spectacles on his face. "But I suppose I'm one to talk. You probably haven't figured it out yet, have you? Perhaps you should take a look at that sword of yours..."

The doctor pointed at Ryugi's sword, Ragnarok, which would suddenly feel much...different as soon as Ryugi's attention shifted back to his weapon. Ragnarok was a sentient weapon, and the very sentience that gave such weapons their power was just as much a weakness as it was strength. Ryugi had made a grave mistake attempting to use Dr. Aramaki's power against him by absorbing the concentrated demonic power of his hand cannon's energy blasts. He would find that the "purification" if said energies was not as wholly successful as he had planned, and once that massive build-up of energy was expended with the use of the Titan Blade, Ryugi would find that the lingering traces of the absorbed power had remained within the blade, growing into an unholy presence that completely subjugated the spirit of his sword.

Even now, Ryugi would be able to see the images of the vast, overwhelming presence that held his blade in its sway, laughing maniacally and speaking in sounds never meant to be heard by mortal ears.

The presence was so overwhelming that Ragnarok's power would become completely stifled and sealed off, rendering Ryugi's trusted sword only as useful as its size and shape allowed it to be as a weapon. (Note: No, this is not a permanent change. :/ Don't get riled up.) Ryugi had wanted to see if Aramaki's power was really just for show and approach him for melee combat. How ironic, then, that the Strong Knight would find himself in that very position, unable to use the power of his own sword.

Ma-Master Ryu-Ryugi...! The telepathic call of Ragnarok sounded as the power of Aramaki dampened the power of his sword's spirit, rendering it sealed and unable to assist its partner as it used its power to fight off the influx of energy the doctor had managed to infect it with. Ryugi's hands curled into fists and his face twisted into the very visage of irritation and indignation. Ragnarok...thank you... Use your power to assist yourself. With a sigh, Ryugi's right hand released the blade, the honed edge cutting neatly into the broken ground at his feet. From this point on, this is my fight... The glow of the sword faded as the weapon's power surged to repel and keep its own presence alive within the blade as the voice spoke back to Ryugi. ...I understand. Use it well, Ryugi...

Ryugi's red eyes turned to the golden visage of the man before him, and his look of irritation grew even stronger. His breath hissed through his teeth. He had not wanted to do this, not here, and not now. It was still untested and unrefined. However, the words of a wise man echoed back through his mind...

Maximos Lucillien Dark Wrote:

"Stop moping. That's all in the past now, there's nothing you can do. You're the Strong Knight. You do what's right, what needs to be done. Look forward and hopeful for the future. Do your best. Now, let's see you grit those teeth."

Red eyes snapped to focus on the form of the doctor before him, his hands reaching the side of his coat before he pulled it off, along with the black jacket that usually covered it, leaving only his bare skin and scarf intact from the waist up. His upper body was crossed with scars from battle, from wounds that had gone too long without healing. It was a side of Ryugi that few would ever have seen, his body below the fireproof garments he wore. Seeing him like this, it became clear that the man, the dragon, that stood before the man had seen countless more battles, seen more death and destruction than he cared to remember. He'd been wounded way too many times to count, and though he was scarred, not all of them were truly visible to the naked eye. Staring down the abomination before him, his mind reminded him of yet another memory, this one more recent...

Quote:** Wrote:

The gout of power and flames struck Ryugi with such force that he was brought to his knees, even as he tried desperately to hold it off. The energy carved into his skin, drawing blood and shredding away parts of his trademark uniform. The ground around him indented and was torn away by the sheer power of his weapon’s fully unleashed power now turned against him. However, as blood was drawn, Ryugi felt a pulse deep inside his body. It emanated from his very core, the very innermost sanctum of his being. It was something powerful, primal, and untamed. Again, it pulsed, and as the energy ravaged his form, he called out to it, and as he did, the world went white, and it answered his call.

Energy surged through Ryugi’s body, burning with the searing power of flames and radiance, but also with something else: draconic might. A dome of power erupted free from the might of the attack as a second, distinctly different roar tore through the arena. In an instant a massive eruption of power surged across the arena and slammed into Ragnarok as the woman tried to defend, her battle aura absorbing much of the damage. As she looked on, she grinned knowingly. What emerged from the thunderous dome of energy was a sight never seen before. Ryugi Kazamaru stood his ground, the ground around him torn asunder, but surrounding him was a golden aura of energy that looked exactly like a massive golden dragon, and his eyes were burning with golden and white light from within. The aura let out a mighty roar and turned its head to the sky as it let off a pulse of energy and merged with Ryugi’s body. Immediately, Ryugi’s body was wreathed in an ethereal aura of white, gold, and red flames. It was his own draconic battle aura.

Ryugi stood facing Ragnarok, his mind going through a checklist of exactly what it was he was dealing with. He’d heard stories of how dragons, when pushed to the point of taking serious harm, would receive a burst of power. What he had felt, he understood, was his true draconic nature attempting to come to his rescue, and in answering the call, he had drawn upon his own latent draconic power. He could feel it charging him with many of the aspects of his true draconic state. His connection to his elements was stronger, and beyond that, he felt his body was even more resistant to magical spells in general. He even felt something recharging his body, as if the flames and radiant energies were rekindling his body’s very resilience. In essence, he had effectively merged with an aspect of his true draconic self, opening up more power to him, as well as more resilience. What was more, Ryugi felt almost as strong as he did when charged by Ragnarok’s own energies, only the power he felt now was not Ragnarok’s, it was his own.

Tenkai Matsumoto Wrote:

"You said I made a mistake in underestimating you, when it was all of you who made the mistake of overestimating yourselves! Regardless of how powerful your resolve is or was, you never had any hope of defeating me! Bear witness to my true glory, and despair!"

Dr. Aramaki spread his arms out as he was enveloped in a glorious, golden light, presenting Team Ryugin with a vision that bore the truth of the absolute power Aramaki's technology had given him.

It was time to show this jerk just Who the Hell he was messing with. Ryugi's eyes were stern as his arms crossed in front of his body and his eyes glinted with energy from within, his hair and scarf being whipped about as he let loose his own declaration loud enough that all his teammates would be able to hear him, his voice seeming to warp and warble with the power beginning to surge from him.

Not yet! We are not done!!

Ryugi's right arm shot outward in a dynamic and dramatic point as the energies of the multiverse contained within the chamber began to pulse around him, and his Unbreakable Resolve. His pointing finger challenged the abomination of power that rose before him, marking him as the threat that all of his willpower and might would rise against, rise to defeat.

We will win this fight! Count on it...

As if answering his call, the energy within Ryugi, his own latent power erupted forth, lancing about the field and striking each of his teammates, the gold and blue tinted with a hue of bright green, the color of willpower itself... Moonblade, Sutiiven (if you're here, bro), and Aoi would feel a dramatic surge of energy and strength, charging their bodies as the sheer might of Ryugi's willpower became unleashed, literally turning Ryugi's will itself into a weapon of incredible power that now surged and thundered around him as he unleashed his inner draconic strength, both abilities releasing simultaneously.

Quote:** Wrote:

Willpower Conversion -

In exceedingly rare cases, Ryugi's drive to overcome his opponents actually forces him to push himself to incredible limits. Usable only when Ragnarok is charging his body directly, or under extreme plot-based duress, Ryugi can actually make use of his "Unbreakable Resolve" to add power to his attacks. This is due to Ragnarok's Spirit allowing Ryugi to tap into his own spiritual energies, an offshoot of his light/holy elemental powers tapping into the "creation" domain of the divine. Attacks under the influence of this ability might damage foes against which they may normally be ineffective, or simply gain more damage, as Ryugi literally "wills them" to do more damage or strike harder. This ability is actually linked to Ryugi's single most powerful strike, not listed in this profile. In effect, the willpower actually alters reality via a conceptual framework to a small extent to alter the probability of events in question or make things "just so". Unlike Moonblade's warping of reality with his "Lunatic Wish Festival" spell, this manipulation of reality is localized and tied directly into Ryugi's willpower and resolve. As a result, it can only effect things relating to Ryugi or his abilities. The maximum boon of this alteration can increase the damage of Ryugi's abilities by 50%, including to targets that might otherwise be immune to them. On the downside, if Ryugi is utterly and completely demoralized while this ability is in effect, it can have a negative modifier of up to 50%.

Ryugin!! Lets do this TOGETHER!!

Even without Ragnarok, Ryugi could fight at a similar level of power, all by himself. For too long he had relied upon Ragnarok's power to push him to the forefront of attacks and damage. The sword, its spirit, had taken form that day to fight him, to show him the strength he had within him, the strength he was afraid to tap into, and afraid to believe that he had. But now, that ability had been unleashed...and his might refined. Moonblade, Aoi, and Sutiiven would feel a tremendous 50% increase to all of their abilities, magical or otherwise. Every single one of their physical, mental, and magical stats were amplified, granting all of them tremendous power. And, they would find that they too would be allowed the subtle "manipulation" of reality that Ryugi's own attacks would otherwise be granted. After all, true willpower did not come from just one person. It was shared among all their hearts...

And together, standing united under the same banner...

With the power of his Will and Unbreakable Resolve...

Team Ryugin, the Silver Dragons, would truly fight with the Will...

And the Heart...Of a Dragon.[/b]

Ryugi Kazamaru was powerful and heroic. His abilities were legendary for being over the top and incredibly powerful, and his will unbreakable. But, with that power and amplification spread across his allies, his friends and comrades, Ryugi gave the gift of his incredible strength to them, shared it with them so that, working together as one unified force against a single foe, they would truly be unbreakable...just like his will and drive to push ahead, and fight to win...the unyielding drive of a Hero. It was the single most powerful supporting ability that Ryugi had in his arsenal, hidden or otherwise. There was no "higher level" of this ability in Ryugi's moveset. For, with all his power, even Ryugi had a limit, and while he was beginning to reach his cap, he still had plenty more to give of himself before he'd allow the doctor to take victory this day.

For the moment, however, Aramaki would not receive an attack from Ryugi, as the activation of his Battle Aura and Willpower Conversion had taken up the time he would have otherwise used to attack. However, with their incredible power boost, Aramaki would find that the rest of Team Ryugin would have a much more severe edge to fight back, and overcome whatever crazy thing he would throw at them next... However, one had to wonder what might happen to the aura of willpower if the other members of Ryugin chose to fight with their own will as well...

Energy: 80+40 = 120/250

Willpower Conversion: +50% Ryugi

Aoi finally landed from his high-jumping endeavor, knocking down yet another projectile sent at him by the doctor with his fists, only to have to shield himself in the wake of the titanic clash of energies unleashed by Ryugi. For a moment, it seemed like the Strong Knight succeeded in harming the doctor.

Only except that was far from the actual case.

Unlike the rest of his teammates though, Aoi actually knew who Norio Wakamoto was. And far from being cowed, Aoi was impressed.

"I like Wakamoto! Very cool guy, that" he commented, grinning, to Moonblade even as Ryugi took center stage once more.

"I think I know what his weakness is though. I've watched all of Wakamoto's shows since I was a little kid. Like all posers, he's merely borrowing his current power. After all, nobody can be Wakamoto except Wakamoto himself."

In essence, Aoi was saying that Aramaki would be unable to contain the power he was using. There would be a time when he would be vulnerable from overabusing that sacred power, and that Ryugin had to strike at that moment with all of their strength. It was a surprising amount of insight coming from the Raging Blue Storm, who of course, could be wrong, but he was firm in his conviction.

After all, he did watch all of the shows Norio Wakamoto was in ever since he was a kid.

Tenkai Matsumoto Wrote:

Plot armor is fun!

Scarred and Battled - Plot Armor OP

One second, Ryugi was ready to fight. The next, he found himself flying through the air as if he was hit by a truck. It seemed that Aramaki was finally done messing around with Ryugin, and was actually ready to get down to business. That was a good thing, because he was being a pretty lackluster and uninspired villain before. Ryugi thought the guy was still pretty lackluster and silly, of course, because he had to use the power of others to make himself anything worthwhile. The power of the guy before him just made Ryugi angrier, and he was busy thinking how oddly unimpressive he was more than how much his chest hurt when he collided into the far wall, causing it to crumble around him.

As he hit, blood would fly free from Ryugi's mouth. Because, you know, that s**t hurt, and Ryugi couldn't instantly regenerate like a godlike and impossibly strong being to not take any damage and make things truly uninteresting. Being unable to block your opponent's moves, and them overcompensating for everything with instant regeneration was a pretty bad combo to get to deal with. Luckily Ryugi wasn't that kind of fighter. Sure, he could heal, but that took some time where a smart opponent could pummel him. He was as mortal as anyone else for all his strength, unlike the Docotr, apparently. And, truth be told, he was feeling pretty mortal right about now, covered completely by rubble. While the pain surged through his body, Ryugi was busy taking everything in.

The guy had infinite power. The guy couldn't be defeated because he could instantly regenerate any damage done to him instantaneously. He was pretty sure he saw him sealing away Moonblade's powers by talking to him, and he'd sealed away Ragnarok's powers already. So, that made him even more ridiculous. His Energy Sight provided Ryugi with a good look at the guy, or it would have if Ryugi could have focused on him without the BLINDING LIGHT OF ENERGY BULLSHIT nearly blinding him, causing him to not focus on the ability. Funny, had the guy always had that kind of aura? he hadn't seemed so strong about 5 seconds ago. Funny how that worked.

So, with all this stuff in mind, Ryugi had to admit this st was looking pretty lame, yo. Invincible Big Bad talking about uberness while be bends over his teammates one by one and proverbially ****** them. It was the kind of situation that no hero enjoyed. Mostly because it was a sign of bad decisions. He was a fighter, dammit. A hero. He wanted a good fight, not a fight against an invincible god. This situation was beyond stupid. Ryugi sighed under the pile of rocks. Oh, that hurt too, because cracked ribs hurt. Too bad the invincible conglomeration of plot armor didn't know what that was. Though Ryugi very much wished he did, because not being able to even injure your opponent was a sure-fire way to lose interest, and look for other options.

Anyway, sarcasm and terrible DMing aside, Ryugi had just taken a tremendous beating, instantly. His chest ached, his ribs where cracked, possibly broken, he'd had the wind knocked out of him, and he was covered in rubble from the wall within which he'd been "deposited" by TAIMU MANIPULATIONU. However, it could have been worse...had Moonblade's own desire to overcome not bolstered Ryugin's stats as well. Willpower was not contained by just one person, after all... Ryugi was hurt, but he had an answer for that, too, luckily.

Quote:** Wrote:

Adamants' Blessing –

Uses Holy/Light energy to heal wounds and injuries. Heals roughly a quarter of Ryugi's (or target's) HP, and requires Ryugi not to be attacking, or in the process of engaging an enemy in order to be used on himself, hindering his ability to use it during battle. Can be used to attack undead like a normal attack. It is similar to a Paladin's Lay-on-Hands ability. This technique can be used up to four times daily. ((Equal to a 50 Energy attack against Undead / costs 50 Energy))

That was better. But, Ryugi wasn't done.

Quote:** Wrote:

Energy Conversion –

This ability takes energy from Ryugi's Energy Bar and converts it into stamina. This takes no real time, and can be done in-between attacks or while Ryugi recovers from an attack. It cannot be done during an attack, or while Ryugi is attacking, however. It heals no wounds and fixes no damage done to Ryugi, but it CAN be used to offset draining damage to his life force or stamina done by Negative Energy. ((Adds an equal conversion of Energy to Ryugi's Stamina Bar.))

Super-Saturation –

An offshoot of Ryugi's Energy Conversion ability. Ryugi's body glows with ethereal golden-red flames as he OVERCHARGES his stamina with an abundance of energy. By doing this, Ryugi can actually enhance his speed and durability to attacks of any sort based upon the percentage of energy above 100 he places into his body. For example, 110 would be 110%. This ability can also enhance Ryugi's strength to it's maximum limit of 2000 pounds, and increase the ease by which he hefts such weight. This trick was something he gathered from fighting Joshua, and seeing how the man enhanced the strength of his physical form by super-saturating it with the essence of life itself. Unlike the above ability, however, this actually takes the place of an attack, and requires Ryugi to have an excess of energy to burn to supercharge his body. As with anything striking Ryugi, his stamina will be lessened by attacks striking him, and also serve to lessen the boon granted by this ability.

Every ounce of Ryugi's energy went to super-saturating his body with it, bolstering his physical abilities even higher. He was now running at 3 times his normal limits. Of course, that meant he had no energy with which to defend himself, but right now, making himself able to absorb or avoid damage was FAR more intelligent. With a huff and a grunt, Ryugi would push himself out of the rubble pile and simply wait...seeing what would happen next in this hellish, and truly ridiculous encounter. His determination was still unfaltering, but he had to buy his time and look for some kind of opening, anything, if for nothing else than to distract the doctor so his allies could escape... For the moment, however, he'd simply have to bask in the superiority of Doctor Aramaki's stolen power...

Dammitall... Just how insanely powerful can one being be...?

Ryugi cursed to himself as he began to ponder reaching into his pocket, and grabbing what could possibly be their only salvation at this point... Or their undoing...

Stamina:100+110 (+100% Willpower) = 310%

Energy: 120+40-50-110 = 0/250

Willpower Conversion: +50% Ryugi +50% Moonblade = 100%