Last Bastion (209)

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Alucard had given his powers(one of them) to his fellow kin. It felt.. good, it felt like he was contributing to something that would also gain him.

We’ll come with you.

Alucard grabbed his summonings and went with them through the portal. A new beginning dawnes and Alucards arc of self redemption.
 

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Coming from: Selva Oscura.




Muramasa arrives in Last Bastion, the Child still asleep in his makeshift baby-holster, and bundled up within his cloak. His first order of business is to secure a room for himself, and the Child, then to see what information is known about the Hokubu. If nothing was known, he'd certainly have plenty to tell, given his... "Adventure" within the corrupted waters, and experience with the "inhabitants" that now dwell within them. He did not want to cause panic though, so he stuck to his first objective, and sought accommodations.
 

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Coming from: https://animebase.me/threads/sirens-lair-210.768204/

Lucifer arrived at the last bastion, he could feel a considerable amount of human life around, the only familiar one here belonged to the person who was leaving the Hokubu ocean. This person may have some answers, following their life energy Lucifer would track the person down to what appeared to be an inn, a place where humans rest. Lucifer chose to watch him for now before interacting with him.
 

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Coming from: https://animebase.me/threads/sirens-lair-210.768204/

Lucifer arrived at the last bastion, he could feel a considerable amount of human life around, the only familiar one here belonged to the person who was leaving the Hokubu ocean. This person may have some answers, following their life energy Lucifer would track the person down to what appeared to be an inn, a place where humans rest. Lucifer chose to watch him for now before interacting with him.
It did not take the blacksmith long to find suitable accommodations, though he did have to utilize a touch of silver tongue to snag a room far enough away from other paying customers that a potential child wasn't going to disrupt them. Doing his best to assure that "his son" would remain as peaceful and content as he was right now, lodgings had been acquired. With that out of the way, Muramasa was going to head to the nearest noticeboard, to spread the news, but some part of him feared he may fall under scrutiny. Just how could someone enter those waters, and come out unfazed? How did he know what he "saw" if he could? Was he irresponsible enough to jump into the Hokubu with a child? That could call into question his judgement, and capacities as a parent, so the more he thought about it, the more he was talking himself out of the idea of warning the populace of Tobusekai about the monsters lurking within the depths of the Hokubu, and the tear in the veil they seemingly gathered around.

Instead he took the Child into the markets, looking for an assortment of goods to fulfill the Child's needs. From clothes, to food, to a proper carrier, though naturally expensive, Muramasa knew where to spend more, as he'd been helping Onui take care of her little brother this past year. Though not an expert in any regard, he was certainly more mentally prepared than any guardian. Within an hour, the smith had everything he needed, so looked to return to the inn he'd procured shelter within. On the return walk, as he perused the stalls absentmindedly, he caught a glimpse of the most peculiar figure. Pale complexion, and silvery hair, contrasted with a large pair of horns, and strikingly bold orange lips. While at first he could be presumed to be from any number of Clans, something didn't sit very well with Muramasa, and it was neither the horns, nor the way he dressed, but his complexion. It was immaculate. This wasn't in reference to the actual tone of his skin, but rather, the complete lack of scarlet present on virtually every other single person present. Either this man was vain enough to take certain measures to appear healthy, or, for whatever reason, he simply was. Healthy... As in, unaffected by the Red Fever... Muramasa felt it was the latter, and the rumor being that the Fever came as a result of Tiamat's awakening, the swordsmith blatantly stopped window shopping, and began to make a beeline back to the inn. Even if he was mistaken, and the figure was shopping just like him, he really didn't need prying eyes looking into his affairs right now. If he saw the figure again, it would confirm his suspicion, and his guard would most certainly be up, whether it was required or not.
 

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It did not take the blacksmith long to find suitable accommodations, though he did have to utilize a touch of silver tongue to snag a room far enough away from other paying customers that a potential child wasn't going to disrupt them. Doing his best to assure that "his son" would remain as peaceful and content as he was right now, lodgings had been acquired. With that out of the way, Muramasa was going to head to the nearest noticeboard, to spread the news, but some part of him feared he may fall under scrutiny. Just how could someone enter those waters, and come out unfazed? How did he know what he "saw" if he could? Was he irresponsible enough to jump into the Hokubu with a child? That could call into question his judgement, and capacities as a parent, so the more he thought about it, the more he was talking himself out of the idea of warning the populace of Tobusekai about the monsters lurking within the depths of the Hokubu, and the tear in the veil they seemingly gathered around.
Instead he took the Child into the markets, looking for an assortment of goods to fulfill the Child's needs. From clothes, to food, to a proper carrier, though naturally expensive, Muramasa knew where to spend more, as he'd been helping Onui take care of her little brother this past year. Though not an expert in any regard, he was certainly more mentally prepared than any guardian. Within an hour, the smith had everything he needed, so looked to return to the inn he'd procured shelter within. On the return walk, as he perused the stalls absentmindedly, he caught a glimpse of the most peculiar figure. Pale complexion, and silvery hair, contrasted with a large pair of horns, and strikingly bold orange lips. While at first he could be presumed to be from any number of Clans, something didn't sit very well with Muramasa, and it was neither the horns, nor the way he dressed, but his complexion. It was immaculate. This wasn't in reference to the actual tone of his skin, but rather, the complete lack of scarlet present on virtually every other single person present. Either this man was vain enough to take certain measures to appear healthy, or, for whatever reason, he simply was. Healthy... As in, unaffected by the Red Fever... Muramasa felt it was the latter, and the rumor being that the Fever came as a result of Tiamat's awakening, the swordsmith blatantly stopped window shopping, and began to make a beeline back to the inn. Even if he was mistaken, and the figure was shopping just like him, he really didn't need prying eyes looking into his affairs right now. If he saw the figure again, it would confirm his suspicion, and his guard would most certainly be up, whether it was required or not.
Lucifer stalked the man through the marketplace, he seemed to be carrying a child and shopping for items for it. That alone was strange in some ways, whenever Lucifer had seen humans with children before now they had always had the supplies they needed or at least some of them. This man seemed to be shopping for almost everything you could want for a child, it was unusual but perhaps they had been involved in some accident in the hokubu ocean, after all Lucifer was sure this was the life force of the one he sensed there earlier.

Stranger still was the child, he felt nothing from it, Lucifer could feel the lifeforce of everything, everything was linked to the mothers sea of primordial creation in one way or another no matter how diluted their existence was, but not this child. This was deeply intriguing to the white haired wanderer, the man suddenly seemed to conclude his shopping trip somewhat abruptly, Lucifer followed him as he travelled.

Reaching what appeared to be the lodgings the man and his mysterious lifeless child were staying at, Lucifer watched them go inside. He very much desired to approach and talk to them and saw no reason why he shouldn't, his curiosity after all was piqued indeed. Approaching the man he spoke calmly and casually.

"Hello, I'm sorry to disturb you like this human, but I simply must know something, why were you in the Hokubu ocean earlier today? I sensed your presence on my return home, yours was the only unusual presence there, something has changed in the ocean since my last visit, I'm investigating exactly what that is, and hoping you may hold answers."
 

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Arriving by boat on the small area of the Last Bastion, Strix kept her hat down as she avoided the majority of the public. She needed to resupply and went to the market to get everything she needed after a hard week of travel. As night came upon the world, Strix entered a place of rest, taking a room of lodging. Unpacking her things, she sat down in a corner having a drink, watching people come and go. Her eyes fell upon two people talking Lucifer and Muramasa.
 

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Lucifer stalked the man through the marketplace, he seemed to be carrying a child and shopping for items for it. That alone was strange in some ways, whenever Lucifer had seen humans with children before now they had always had the supplies they needed or at least some of them. This man seemed to be shopping for almost everything you could want for a child, it was unusual but perhaps they had been involved in some accident in the hokubu ocean, after all Lucifer was sure this was the life force of the one he sensed there earlier.

Stranger still was the child, he felt nothing from it, Lucifer could feel the lifeforce of everything, everything was linked to the mothers sea of primordial creation in one way or another no matter how diluted their existence was, but not this child. This was deeply intriguing to the white haired wanderer, the man suddenly seemed to conclude his shopping trip somewhat abruptly, Lucifer followed him as he travelled.

Reaching what appeared to be the lodgings the man and his mysterious lifeless child were staying at, Lucifer watched them go inside. He very much desired to approach and talk to them and saw no reason why he shouldn't, his curiosity after all was piqued indeed. Approaching the man he spoke calmly and casually.

"Hello, I'm sorry to disturb you like this human, but I simply must know something, why were you in the Hokubu ocean earlier today? I sensed your presence on my return home, yours was the only unusual presence there, something has changed in the ocean since my last visit, I'm investigating exactly what that is, and hoping you may hold answers."
Believing he'd made it home with his prior suspicions just being a delusion borne from a man's wish to appear his best, the man Muramasa had noticed had indeed followed him, and yet seemed to harbor no ill intent, at least on the surface. Waiting until they were in a secluded, yet still populated, public space before making their presence known. If they wished him harm, there were any number of dark alleys Muramasa could have been pulled into for interrogating purposes, and yet he decided, here, in the middle of an Inn's social space, was the best place to approach and ask about his own presence in the Hokubu. Wait... Did he say... Human? Was he himself not human? He held the appearance of one, albeit one that was crossed with a chicken that was crossing the road in the middle of the running of the bulls. His first thought was that the man belonged to a Clan like the Sage Transformation Clan, and just liked that appearance. But now signs pointed to something more extra-terrestrial, like the Otsutsuki. They did, after all, look down on "humans", so the usage of that word specifically, rather than "sir", or something along those lines gave Muramasa the idea he was dealing with one unfamiliar with human customs. However, unbeknownst to the blacksmith, that latter assumption was the only true fact in his entire shoddy guesswork. Turning to face the man directly, keeping his cloak closed for the most part, but clearly resting his hand lazily over the handle of his blade, more out of an attempt to prevent him from fidgeting with the limb than one of intimidation, Muramasa chose his words carefully.

"Hm? The Hokubu? Yeah, I was there earlier. Though it's dangerous, it's a pretty quick shortcut to here from the Land of Iron."

Muramasa opened his cloak further, revealing his Samurai-inspired garb, and blatantly Samurai-inspired blade, hoping that would be enough to satisfy the man's question regarding why he was there. As for what happened, Muramasa omitted certain facts, but told what could be seen as the objective truth. The Hokubu is one of the fastest ways to get to the Land of Iron from Tobusekai.

"As for anything that may have changed... Honestly? It's embarrassing, but I might have pissed off some of the 'wildlife' beneath the waves by dropping some of my son's supplies in... Haha ha... Like I said, it's dangerous, but it's a risk I thought was worth taking. We're still alive, but only just. I don't know what would have happened if we fell into those waters, or if one of those things got a hold of us..."

Muramasa continued to laugh the 'incident' off. Not a word of what he said was false either. He did technically piss off the monstrosities beneath the Hokubu, and that he really didn't know what would have happened if he'd been ensnared by the corrupted fauna. He was hoping that the operating assumption that he couldn't be have went beneath the ocean itself, because human's can't survive it, while still being "human" was enough to satisfy the man's probing, and throw him off the scent.

Looking the man over, Muramasa wanted to ask where he was headed, since he said his home was located around the Hokubu, hence his traversal of it, but doing so would probably cast more suspicion, and probably give him an answer he wasn't looking for, like the name of an actual island, or region, while his true question was more pointed, directed at the man's identity, and his interest in the Hokubu, and it's disturbance. After all, what did it mean to him if the Hokubu was disturbed? But Muramasa couldn't ask that question without sounding defensive, and suspicious himself, so he simply tried to end the discussion, answering the man's question truthfully, but not completely.

"Was there anything else? My son here's bound to get cranky after our journey, and I don't think anyone needs him screaming this place down."

Cradling the child's head, Muramasa looked towards the hallway that lead to the rooms, then back to his would-be interrogator expectantly.
 

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Believing he'd made it home with his prior suspicions just being a delusion borne from a man's wish to appear his best, the man Muramasa had noticed had indeed followed him, and yet seemed to harbor no ill intent, at least on the surface. Waiting until they were in a secluded, yet still populated, public space before making their presence known. If they wished him harm, there were any number of dark alleys Muramasa could have been pulled into for interrogating purposes, and yet he decided, here, in the middle of an Inn's social space, was the best place to approach and ask about his own presence in the Hokubu. Wait... Did he say... Human? Was he himself not human? He held the appearance of one, albeit one that was crossed with a chicken that was crossing the road in the middle of the running of the bulls. His first thought was that the man belonged to a Clan like the Sage Transformation Clan, and just liked that appearance. But now signs pointed to something more extra-terrestrial, like the Otsutsuki. They did, after all, look down on "humans", so the usage of that word specifically, rather than "sir", or something along those lines gave Muramasa the idea he was dealing with one unfamiliar with human customs. However, unbeknownst to the blacksmith, that latter assumption was the only true fact in his entire shoddy guesswork. Turning to face the man directly, keeping his cloak closed for the most part, but clearly resting his hand lazily over the handle of his blade, more out of an attempt to prevent him from fidgeting with the limb than one of intimidation, Muramasa chose his words carefully.
"Hm? The Hokubu? Yeah, I was there earlier. Though it's dangerous, it's a pretty quick shortcut to here from the Land of Iron."

Muramasa opened his cloak further, revealing his Samurai-inspired garb, and blatantly Samurai-inspired blade, hoping that would be enough to satisfy the man's question regarding why he was there. As for what happened, Muramasa omitted certain facts, but told what could be seen as the objective truth. The Hokubu is one of the fastest ways to get to the Land of Iron from Tobusekai.
"As for anything that may have changed... Honestly? It's embarrassing, but I might have pissed off some of the 'wildlife' beneath the waves by dropping some of my son's supplies in... Haha ha... Like I said, it's dangerous, but it's a risk I thought was worth taking. We're still alive, but only just. I don't know what would have happened if we fell into those waters, or if one of those things got a hold of us..."

Muramasa continued to laugh the 'incident' off. Not a word of what he said was false either. He did technically piss off the monstrosities beneath the Hokubu, and that he really didn't know what would have happened if he'd been ensnared by the corrupted fauna. He was hoping that the operating assumption that he couldn't be have went beneath the ocean itself, because human's can't survive it, while still being "human" was enough to satisfy the man's probing, and throw him off the scent.
Looking the man over, Muramasa wanted to ask where he was headed, since he said his home was located around the Hokubu, hence his traversal of it, but doing so would probably cast more suspicion, and probably give him an answer he wasn't looking for, like the name of an actual island, or region, while his true question was more pointed, directed at the man's identity, and his interest in the Hokubu, and it's disturbance. After all, what did it mean to him if the Hokubu was disturbed? But Muramasa couldn't ask that question without sounding defensive, and suspicious himself, so he simply tried to end the discussion, answering the man's question truthfully, but not completely.

"Was there anything else? My son here's bound to get cranky after our journey, and I don't think anyone needs him screaming this place down."

Cradling the child's head, Muramasa looked towards the hallway that lead to the rooms, then back to his would-be interrogator expectantly.
Lucifer listened to the man intently, he didn't seem particularly untrustworthy, at least not to Lucifer given his very limited experiences with the humans, the man opened his cloak revealing what appeared to be armour and a bladed weapon, though Lucifer was unfamiliar with either of these things but it seemed to be something the human was doing to provide backing to his story. The only armours that Lucifer held a memory of was of the ancient kingdom he had encountered in his shared memories and again in the form of undead raised by the cult, that armour was considerably different, far more antiquated than what this man currently wore.

Lucifer continued to listen politely, though little piqued his interest until the man mentioned something beneath the waves, sure some of the sea life had become altered by the salt sea but he hadn't encountered too many beasts, though it seemed the human was becoming impatient and wanted to tend to the child, the strange child who seemed to contain no life force, yet Lucifer could clearly see it's skin had a healthy tone to it, unlike a corpse.

"Thank you for your time, I won't trouble you or your child further, however may I confirm something?" Lucifer said this in a soft tone, but didn't wait for an answer, his curiosity surpassing his desire to be well mannered, he was rather impatient it seemed but that wasn't too surprising, he himself was a child after all.

Stepping in close to the child the man held, Lucifer stared at it, he could hear it breathing, it's skin indeed was flush and not some kind of trickery, what's more is it wasn't red like the other infected humans, it was like his own healthy pigmentation. This child was indeed a mystery, but he had no cause to interrupt this man further, he would simply keep an eye on them for now.

"Apologies, I simply wanted to ascertain something, thank you again, may we meet again under less auspicious circumstances."
 

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Merlin finally arrives at the Last Bastion. Walking through the great stone city, he spends hours searching for the young magus he rescued from death years ago. To his exasperation, Shirou was nowhere to be found. That was, until he entered an inn near the main markets in town. He would recognise that red hair anywhere. He would have waved, were it not for the stranger standing next to the young Surgebinder. Instead, Merlin quietly walked over, his staff in hand. "We meet again, Shirou." the incubus said, addressing the Hero of Justice as he turned his head to face the stranger. "And who might you be?"
 

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Merlin finally arrives at the Last Bastion. Walking through the great stone city, he spends hours searching for the young magus he rescued from death years ago. To his exasperation, Shirou was nowhere to be found. That was, until he entered an inn near the main markets in town. He would recognise that red hair anywhere. He would have waved, were it not for the stranger standing next to the young Surgebinder. Instead, Merlin quietly walked over, his staff in hand. "We meet again, Shirou." the incubus said, addressing the Hero of Justice as he turned his head to face the stranger. "And who might you be?"
A horrific chill ran down the swordsmith's spine as the door to the Inn was thrown open with pomp and circumstance. He knew he was in for some harrowing experience as a familiar, venomous, softly spoken voice greeted him. Turning to face the Magus of Flowers, Muramasa, with a face more straight than the edge on his blade, definitively spoke.

"You must be mistaken. Name's Muramasa, and I've never met you before in my life."

With a cautious look over to the strange man who had not introduced himself, Muramasa knew things were about to get weird. They always were with this flowery wizard who tripped over his own tongue as often as he stumbled into trouble. Whatever he was up to these days, Shirō... Muramasa would play no part in it.

With a swiftness akin to his Iaidō, Muramasa left the open area of the Inn, and retired to his room, locking, while seriously contemplating completely barricading the door, to keep that man at bay. Then again, he was a manipulator of the highest order, able to snake his way into the hearts and minds of those he deemed worthy of his "attention". If he was so inclined, an illusion placed upon a sleeping mind was just as good as a face to face. And the fact he was here, in the flesh, was indicative of something happening, though what he couldn't even begin to guess. While his tutelage was indeed welcome, it was his other habits, actions and... Proclivities, that gave Muramasa pause. That, and Merlin's training didn't help at all when it was most needed, when Muramasa was hundreds of feet beneath the Hokubu, and desperate for a way out. His Prana had failed him, and left him to fend for himself. A con artist of the highest order... That's who Merlin is, meaning a con was most certainly afoot. Better he let it be that odd man, who seemed so interested in what otherwise appeared to be a regular child, than himself.
 

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The confusion within the incubus began when Shirou corrected him on his name, calling himself Muramasa. Odd, but Merlin was not one to judge. He was taken aback, however, when the young man denied ever having met him before. He said nothing as the young magus quickly made for his room, slamming the door shut. Merlin rubbed his head sheepishly, unsure of what to make of what had just transpired "A-ah..." In the heat of recent events, Merlin had almost forgotten about the man who was just talking to Shirou. Turning to him again, he politely introduced himself "M-my apologies. I'm Merlin. You are?"
 

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Once he entered his room, and locked the door, Muramasa knew it was only a matter of time before Merlin made the reason for his presence known. He wasn't one to do things halfheartedly, after all, his last meeting was immediately following one of the toughest fights Shirō fought. Against an imitation of a hero of legend within a pocket dimension that pushed his own limits to their utmost, and even then, it was erased completely with a single swing. As the conceptual existence around him vaporized into nothing, he drifted into a cold, empty void, then the next thing he knew he was stood within the same Noble Phantasm, Merlin brazenly stood before him. It was a dream of course, a bitter pill to hide the crushing pain of defeat. That was the first time the pair met, so for him to simply "show up" this time, he was either lazy, or things were so dire as to require his full attention, and physical presence. Muramasa contemplated hearing him out, but knew it was the "Hero of Justice" in him talking; Shirō Emiya. It was beginning to frustrate the splintered personality that was Muramasa to no end how easily he was being swayed into the spotlight of another's role, with only small opportunities to act like one progressively persuading him to change his entire persona. How easily the mere concept of another "asking for his help" could force a mere smith to action... With a frustrated sigh, he knew what he'd have to do. A simple "correction" of his ideals and beliefs was just the trick he needed.

First he would take care of the Child. Placing the newborn down on the bed, and retrieving his sleeve for it's original intended purpose, he then produced a number of baby goods, the most important of which were the clothes he'd purchased. It wasn't right to keep the child wrapped up in a single layer, and more importantly, one that wasn't designed for such a use. So Muramasa spent the next 15 minutes or so making sure the Child was properly dressed, thankful that he was nowhere near as fussy or playful as Tasuke in the few times Muramasa assisted young Onui with her brother's essential needs. Then again, ever since the last words the voice spoke to him from within the Hokubu, he'd heard nothing since, nor any indicator that the Child was even aware of it's surroundings. The entire journey all he'd done was sleep, which wasn't exactly odd for a newborn, but this wasn't exactly your typical newborn, so perhaps it was a result of the energy exerted to facilitate their "meeting", combined with the Child's, arguably supernatural, arrival in this world, leaving him drained? If that was the case, it was only a matter of time before he became "active", and Muramasa had no idea how to even approach handling that...

So with a dour look on his face, Muramasa placed the Child at the head of the bed, making sure there was support on both sides, just in case he woke up, and rolled around, preventing a nasty fall. Then the swordsman took a seat at the side of the plain bed, crossing his legs, and assuming a meditative stance. For several moments he simply listened, to the world outside the window, the jovial banter coming from the inebriated patrons from the inn, the sound of his own heartbeat. Breath after breath, he calmly dulled his senses, drowning everything out. One after another, he experienced a familiar clarity, and oneness with everything by becoming "nothing". Inhale, exhale, each one slowing to the point a bystander would question if he was breathing any more. Once he'd reached a calm state, he gathered Chakra throughout his body, and released it in the form of a translucent mist around his form. While the ambient Prana found throughout his Chakra network automatically responded to external sources, this was his own Chakra he was working with, so there wasn't anything "alien" about it his Prana would respond to. With the mist, he disrupted his own Chakra flow, inducing a visual Genjutsu on himself.

(Genjutsu: Hyun Hwan Shim Yun Gon) Illusary Art: Outer Body Training Method
Type: Defensive/ Supplementary
Rank: B-Rank - S-Rank
Range: Self
Chakra: 20 - 40
Damage: N/A
Description: Created by a secretive group within the World of Murim known as the "Artists Society", the Outer Body Training Method is a Genjutsu that allows one to train and practice martial arts in an almost meditative trance placed upon themselves. The Genjutsu comes in several Ranks, with each one adding more strength to the Genjutsu. The user starts by gathering an amount of Chakra equivalent to the usage they'd like to perform, and releases it as a steam-like cloak around their body. With this "cloak" they disrupt their own Chakra flow, and place themselves under the Genjutsu. Within the Genjutsu the user experiences a black void with minimal features they can determine upon casting, from the perspective of an astral-projection like illusory clone of themselves, and finally an mental image of an opponent, or group of opponents. The users "projection" can perform all the same physical techniques the user themselves can, such as Taijutsu, Kenjutsu, etc, and if the user isn't affected by a Paralyzing Genjutsu, it can even copy the user's own movements. The same is true for their "projected opponent", allowing the user to utilize what information they have on them to visualize a battle between themselves and their opponent(s), like a mental exercise. This has the added benefit of allowing the user to "overwrite" other Genjutsu placed upon them, provided they are weaker than the Genjutsu the user casts upon themselves. In the case of equally ranked conflicting Genjutsu, as is stated within the "Illusionary Arts" thread, both are neutralized, and immediately disperse. This technique also has another usage within combat, besides overwriting Genjutsu. It can be used as a form of "movement prediction", as, if the user and their opponent are about to clash in close-quarters, the user can quickly use what information they have about their target, and mentally test their own moves out, and attempt to "predict" how the opponent will react. There are flaws with this technique however, for example, if the user doesn't know their opponent, and every move they can make, they can easily be caught off guard. Even something as a simple change is style can result in disastrous consequences if the user heavily relies on it within real combat. It also doesn't provide any addition benefit to the user's physical stats, like their tracking or reaction speed. It can only be used purely to mentally test one's style against another's.

Note: A-Rank and higher applications require two hand seals.
Note: The A-Rank application is limited to 4 times per battle, and the S-Rank is limited to 2 times per battle.
Note: This technique cannot be used to overpower Genjutsu of a higher nature, such as MS or Yin Genjutsu.
Note: When used to counter Genjutsu of B-Rank or higher, the user has to deal with the following side-effects.

B-Rank: Unable to use this Jutsu for 1 turn.
A-Rank: Unable to use this Jutsu for 2 turns.
S-Rank: Unable to use this Jutsu for 3 turns, and perform Genjutsu A-Rank or above for 2 turns.​

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All around him in every direction, there was nothing; that same black void he was cast adrift into after his fight with Angelica. But with an ominous rumble, and a rapidly raising heat, he knew what was coming. It was the stage where he'd fight for his ideals, his beliefs, his existence. Not Shirō Emiya's. Thus, in restructuring the Genjutsu around him, it was only natural what the battlefield would be.

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A burning hell based on the earliest memories of a frightened young man. A crucible, wherein Emiya was tempered within the flames, and emerged a different man at the end of it. Yet, while the naive, hopeful "Hero of Justice" was the one to emerge from that calamity, there were many paths he could have taken. One of indifference at the loss. Revelry in the face of destruction, for destruction's sake. Respect for the efficacy of the act itself, and how easily it erased thousands of lives. Each one had radically different outcomes for the young man, and his psyche, and within this illusion, each was personified as an entirely different "person", a fragment of a held belief of Shirō Emiya, of which Muramasa was one. Specifically, his interest in the creation of, and general love for swords, combined with his selfish desire to abandon the world for the sake of another person. Originally it was for his sister Miyu, now it was for Onui, Tasuke, and now the idiosyncratic child in his care. And before Muramasa now stood a number of apparition-like representations of Emiya's other beliefs, ideals, personality traits, etc, all splintered off from the original persona when he was completely broken after the arrival of Tiamat, and subsequent inability to be the "Hero" he always aspired to be. In the months that followed, each of these "Alter Ego's" vied for control and dominance of Emiya's body, and in the end, and the one who would come to call himself Muramasa won, picking up the pieces as it were, of the young man's mind, and giving him a life. Perhaps not the one he'd dreamed of, but one he could be content with. But now, with events conspiring to drag him back into his "role" as a "Hero of Justice", Muramasa would once again show his conviction; to protect the young man from himself, and his own self-sacrificing nature. All he had to do was reject the existence of his own other ideals...

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"I won't just lie down, and let any of you trample on this life I've made... Not even you."

As he pointed his blade at the "real" Emiya, broken though he was, Muramasa's intent to kill was just as palpable as any others. From the Magus Killer's imitator, to the one's whose body was covered in every curse and evil in the world, to the ultimate embodiment of Emiya's ideal; his older self. Completely unbeknownst to everyone else within Last Bastion, an entire proxy war of beliefs and ideas was taking place. A Battle Royale to see which "Emiya" was strongest... And not a single soul, bar Emiya's own, would ever know.
 

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Once he entered his room, and locked the door, Muramasa knew it was only a matter of time before Merlin made the reason for his presence known. He wasn't one to do things halfheartedly, after all, his last meeting was immediately following one of the toughest fights Shirō fought. Against an imitation of a hero of legend within a pocket dimension that pushed his own limits to their utmost, and even then, it was erased completely with a single swing. As the conceptual existence around him vaporized into nothing, he drifted into a cold, empty void, then the next thing he knew he was stood within the same Noble Phantasm, Merlin brazenly stood before him. It was a dream of course, a bitter pill to hide the crushing pain of defeat. That was the first time the pair met, so for him to simply "show up" this time, he was either lazy, or things were so dire as to require his full attention, and physical presence. Muramasa contemplated hearing him out, but knew it was the "Hero of Justice" in him talking; Shirō Emiya. It was beginning to frustrate the splintered personality that was Muramasa to no end how easily he was being swayed into the spotlight of another's role, with only small opportunities to act like one progressively persuading him to change his entire persona. How easily the mere concept of another "asking for his help" could force a mere smith to action... With a frustrated sigh, he knew what he'd have to do. A simple "correction" of his ideals and beliefs was just the trick he needed.
First he would take care of the Child. Placing the newborn down on the bed, and retrieving his sleeve for it's original intended purpose, he then produced a number of baby goods, the most important of which were the clothes he'd purchased. It wasn't right to keep the child wrapped up in a single layer, and more importantly, one that wasn't designed for such a use. So Muramasa spent the next 15 minutes or so making sure the Child was properly dressed, thankful that he was nowhere near as fussy or playful as Tasuke in the few times Muramasa assisted young Onui with her brother's essential needs. Then again, ever since the last words the voice spoke to him from within the Hokubu, he'd heard nothing since, nor any indicator that the Child was even aware of it's surroundings. The entire journey all he'd done was sleep, which wasn't exactly odd for a newborn, but this wasn't exactly your typical newborn, so perhaps it was a result of the energy exerted to facilitate their "meeting", combined with the Child's, arguably supernatural, arrival in this world, leaving him drained? If that was the case, it was only a matter of time before he became "active", and Muramasa had no idea how to even approach handling that...
So with a dour look on his face, Muramasa placed the Child at the head of the bed, making sure there was support on both sides, just in case he woke up, and rolled around, preventing a nasty fall. Then the swordsman took a seat at the side of the plain bed, crossing his legs, and assuming a meditative stance. For several moments he simply listened, to the world outside the window, the jovial banter coming from the inebriated patrons from the inn, the sound of his own heartbeat. Breath after breath, he calmly dulled his senses, drowning everything out. One after another, he experienced a familiar clarity, and oneness with everything by becoming "nothing". Inhale, exhale, each one slowing to the point a bystander would question if he was breathing any more. Once he'd reached a calm state, he gathered Chakra throughout his body, and released it in the form of a translucent mist around his form. While the ambient Prana found throughout his Chakra network automatically responded to external sources, this was his own Chakra he was working with, so there wasn't anything "alien" about it his Prana would respond to. With the mist, he disrupted his own Chakra flow, inducing a visual Genjutsu on himself.
(Genjutsu: Hyun Hwan Shim Yun Gon) Illusary Art: Outer Body Training Method
Type:
Defensive/ Supplementary
Rank: B-Rank - S-Rank
Range: Self
Chakra: 20 - 40
Damage: N/A
Description: Created by a secretive group within the World of Murim known as the "Artists Society", the Outer Body Training Method is a Genjutsu that allows one to train and practice martial arts in an almost meditative trance placed upon themselves. The Genjutsu comes in several Ranks, with each one adding more strength to the Genjutsu. The user starts by gathering an amount of Chakra equivalent to the usage they'd like to perform, and releases it as a steam-like cloak around their body. With this "cloak" they disrupt their own Chakra flow, and place themselves under the Genjutsu. Within the Genjutsu the user experiences a black void with minimal features they can determine upon casting, from the perspective of an astral-projection like illusory clone of themselves, and finally an mental image of an opponent, or group of opponents. The users "projection" can perform all the same physical techniques the user themselves can, such as Taijutsu, Kenjutsu, etc, and if the user isn't affected by a Paralyzing Genjutsu, it can even copy the user's own movements. The same is true for their "projected opponent", allowing the user to utilize what information they have on them to visualize a battle between themselves and their opponent(s), like a mental exercise. This has the added benefit of allowing the user to "overwrite" other Genjutsu placed upon them, provided they are weaker than the Genjutsu the user casts upon themselves. In the case of equally ranked conflicting Genjutsu, as is stated within the "Illusionary Arts" thread, both are neutralized, and immediately disperse. This technique also has another usage within combat, besides overwriting Genjutsu. It can be used as a form of "movement prediction", as, if the user and their opponent are about to clash in close-quarters, the user can quickly use what information they have about their target, and mentally test their own moves out, and attempt to "predict" how the opponent will react. There are flaws with this technique however, for example, if the user doesn't know their opponent, and every move they can make, they can easily be caught off guard. Even something as a simple change is style can result in disastrous consequences if the user heavily relies on it within real combat. It also doesn't provide any addition benefit to the user's physical stats, like their tracking or reaction speed. It can only be used purely to mentally test one's style against another's.
Note: A-Rank and higher applications require two hand seals.
Note: The A-Rank application is limited to 4 times per battle, and the S-Rank is limited to 2 times per battle.
Note: This technique cannot be used to overpower Genjutsu of a higher nature, such as MS or Yin Genjutsu.
Note: When used to counter Genjutsu of B-Rank or higher, the user has to deal with the following side-effects.
B-Rank: Unable to use this Jutsu for 1 turn.

A-Rank: Unable to use this Jutsu for 2 turns.

S-Rank: Unable to use this Jutsu for 3 turns, and perform Genjutsu A-Rank or above for 2 turns.

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All around him in every direction, there was nothing; that same black void he was cast adrift into after his fight with Angelica. But with an ominous rumble, and a rapidly raising heat, he knew what was coming. It was the stage where he'd fight for his ideals, his beliefs, his existence. Not Shirō Emiya's. Thus, in restructuring the Genjutsu around him, it was only natural what the battlefield would be.
You must be registered for see images

A burning hell based on the earliest memories of a frightened young man. A crucible, wherein Emiya was tempered within the flames, and emerged a different man at the end of it. Yet, while the naive, hopeful "Hero of Justice" was the one to emerge from that calamity, there were many paths he could have taken. One of indifference at the loss. Revelry in the face of destruction, for destruction's sake. Respect for the efficacy of the act itself, and how easily it erased thousands of lives. Each one had radically different outcomes for the young man, and his psyche, and within this illusion, each was personified as an entirely different "person", a fragment of a held belief of Shirō Emiya, of which Muramasa was one. Specifically, his interest in the creation of, and general love for swords, combined with his selfish desire to abandon the world for the sake of another person. Originally it was for his sister Miyu, now it was for Onui, Tasuke, and now the idiosyncratic child in his care. And before Muramasa now stood a number of apparition-like representations of Emiya's other beliefs, ideals, personality traits, etc, all splintered off from the original persona when he was completely broken after the arrival of Tiamat, and subsequent inability to be the "Hero" he always aspired to be. In the months that followed, each of these "Alter Ego's" vied for control and dominance of Emiya's body, and in the end, and the one who would come to call himself Muramasa won, picking up the pieces as it were, of the young man's mind, and giving him a life. Perhaps not the one he'd dreamed of, but one he could be content with. But now, with events conspiring to drag him back into his "role" as a "Hero of Justice", Muramasa would once again show his conviction; to protect the young man from himself, and his own self-sacrificing nature. All he had to do was reject the existence of his own other ideals...
You must be registered for see images
"I won't just lie down, and let any of you trample on this life I've made... Not even you."

As he pointed his blade at the "real" Emiya, broken though he was, Muramasa's intent to kill was just as palpable as any others. From the Magus Killer's imitator, to the one's whose body was covered in every curse and evil in the world, to the ultimate embodiment of Emiya's ideal; his older self. Completely unbeknownst to everyone else within Last Bastion, an entire proxy war of beliefs and ideas was taking place. A Battle Royale to see which "Emiya" was strongest... And not a single soul, bar Emiya's own, would ever know.
The man was familiar but she couldn't place her finger on it. It wasn't until a few citizens had rushed in outside looking for the man that it finally struck her that this was the man she had read about, from the paper. The man with the angel child.

Strix clicked her teeth. Angel Child. The everyday people may end up worshipping this child, causing it to start its own religion or cult with the powers it has. Supposedly to cure the Red Fever that has been plaguing the world. Strix wondered if it were some divine power that the child had or simply a unique ability. The child was interesting enough, the man, plain as he may be, may now be intertwined to the childs fate, whether he wanted to be or not.

Getting up from her table and walking towards the back rooms, Strix approached the man's room cautiously, her hood up with her hat drawn to cover her face. Strange or mysterious it may be, she held open arms to show no signs of hostility or intent for harm.

Knocking on the door she called out
Greetings, forgive me as well, but I have heard through print that you are the man carrying a child, one capable of curing the plague upon the world. That is quite a story. Is it true?

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It happened in nothing more than a brief moment. Despite the baby's seemingly endless slumber, it was very much aware of Strix's presence. It could feel her affliction. And, as if acting on instinct, reached out to her soul to use its Chaos to alter Strix's essence, curing her of the Red Fever. In her hand a broach would materialize after her affliction left her body, freeing her from the disease to live life freely.
 

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The man was familiar but she couldn't place her finger on it. It wasn't until a few citizens had rushed in outside looking for the man that it finally struck her that this was the man she had read about, from the paper. The man with the angel child.

Strix clicked her teeth. Angel Child. The everyday people may end up worshipping this child, causing it to start its own religion or cult with the powers it has. Supposedly to cure the Red Fever that has been plaguing the world. Strix wondered if it were some divine power that the child had or simply a unique ability. The child was interesting enough, the man, plain as he may be, may now be intertwined to the childs fate, whether he wanted to be or not.

Getting up from her table and walking towards the back rooms, Strix approached the man's room cautiously, her hood up with her hat drawn to cover her face. Strange or mysterious it may be, she held open arms to show no signs of hostility or intent for harm.

Knocking on the door she called out
Greetings, forgive me as well, but I have heard through print that you are the man carrying a child, one capable of curing the plague upon the world. That is quite a story. Is it true?

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A knock on the door was all it took. In an instant, the Genjutsu crumbled all around them. Who was the victor of that battle of ideals? Who was now in control? The result was unsure. As the man gathered his wits, and began to breathe more liberally, he gave a heavy sigh, and resigned himself to his fate. The Magus of Flowers had come a-knocking.

"Alright, alright. Jeez, you'd think the end of the world could wait for five minutes-..."

Stood there was not the flamboyant Mage he was expecting, but an inconspicuously conspicuous woman he'd seen hanging out in the Inn. Though the only notable feature about her, that he could see anyway, were her tattered garments, what little of her face Emiya saw, it was immaculate. Just like that man from before. Not a trace of Red Fever on her face. As she asked him if he was indeed the man carrying a fabled "Miracle Child", Emiya merely pointed to a mirror on the wall of the Inn's hallway.

"Um... See for yourself?"

Child in his new sling, Emiya walked back out into the Inn's social space, and approached Merlin, cutting off whatever he, and the unknown man were discussing.

"Okay, you've got about an hour to say what you came here to say. I can't get into it right now, but I reckon I have around that long before the 'Messiah' here becomes Tobusekai's most influential person, and your window of opportunity to get a word in closes."

As he spoke with Merlin, a confusing tone to his voice, partially confused, excited and fearful all at the same time. As he'd literally just witnessed the Child's powers in action, he kept a close watch on Merlin's face, for any indication that it was indeed the Child, and not some fluke. @Goetia
 

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A knock on the door was all it took. In an instant, the Genjutsu crumbled all around them. Who was the victor of that battle of ideals? Who was now in control? The result was unsure. As the man gathered his wits, and began to breathe more liberally, he gave a heavy sigh, and resigned himself to his fate. The Magus of Flowers had come a-knocking.
"Alright, alright. Jeez, you'd think the end of the world could wait for five minutes-..."

Stood there was not the flamboyant Mage he was expecting, but an inconspicuously conspicuous woman he'd seen hanging out in the Inn. Though the only notable feature about her, that he could see anyway, were her tattered garments, what little of her face Emiya saw, it was immaculate. Just like that man from before. Not a trace of Red Fever on her face. As she asked him if he was indeed the man carrying a fabled "Miracle Child", Emiya merely pointed to a mirror on the wall of the Inn's hallway.
"Um... See for yourself?"

Child in his new sling, Emiya walked back out into the Inn's social space, and approached Merlin, cutting off whatever he, and the unknown man were discussing.
"Okay, you've got about an hour to say what you came here to say. I can't get into it right now, but I reckon I have around that long before the 'Messiah' here becomes Tobusekai's most influential person, and your window of opportunity to get a word in closes."

As he spoke with Merlin, a confusing tone to his voice, partially confused, excited and fearful all at the same time. As he'd literally just witnessed the Child's powers in action, he kept a close watch on Merlin's face, for any indication that it was indeed the Child, and not some fluke. @Goetia
The man exited the room, indeed with a small infant in a sling wrapped around him, as he walked past Strix towards the commonplace where everyone else was. As he did, She could already feel lighter and healthier than before, stronger than she had been in weeks. Was this the effect of the newborn already in action? Strix' curiosity got the better of her, and she wanted to inspect the newborn, looking at it properly to see what it could actually do. There was no way for her to physically take the child, any action would draw guards, no doubt causing more trouble for her than she could bother to handle. She would perhaps go away to do some research first, see if she could read up on any other beings that had this ability that the infant was recreating, see if there was any links.

Strix mind wander back to her encounter with Phetra and wondered if the Lady was capable of such action. Whether she could or would want to were two issues separately, but the scale of being able to cure the disease no one else could just by proximity to the child was a feat unto itself.

Squinting towards Muramasa, she tossed her cloak over her should and without another word exited the Inn.

LLM.
 

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Switching bio. Cat Burglar to The White Dragon (both in sig)


Sting spawns here. He would go on with his day sitting in a bar in the city built of stone. As he sees keeps on drinking at the table, he notices a newspaper left untouched. Keenly interested he picks up to the paper to see what the fuss was about today's news. It would seem as there was a picture of an average man, holding a child in his arms, the child is said to cure the infamous Red Fever. Being shocked by what he just read, he reads it again to make sure. To find out the child was a miracle, as the citizens of this city have already been cured and the child is regarded as an Angel. Sting being pumped about hearing this. He would then put the newspaper to see that the tension inside the inn has risen. He would get up from his table and look around to see that it was none other than the man in the newspaper. Sting would waste no time and proceed cautiously to the man. Sting notices that a woman walking towards the child's guardian, the sting would go wait until the lady had gone inside and came out of the room. To his suprise even the guardian came out of the room.Then proceeding with a smile on his face and showing no intent of harm. He would approach the man:
"Greetings, I could see that you guys are the people of the hour, if the rumors are true and if you got enough time. Help me out with this horrible illness"
Indicating he had come seeking to get rid of the Red Fever, and meant no distress or harm.
 
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The confusion within the incubus began when Shirou corrected him on his name, calling himself Muramasa. Odd, but Merlin was not one to judge. He was taken aback, however, when the young man denied ever having met him before. He said nothing as the young magus quickly made for his room, slamming the door shut. Merlin rubbed his head sheepishly, unsure of what to make of what had just transpired "A-ah..." In the heat of recent events, Merlin had almost forgotten about the man who was just talking to Shirou. Turning to him again, he politely introduced himself "M-my apologies. I'm Merlin. You are?"
Lucifer turned to look at the curious human, it seemed that the interloper of the Hokubu ocean didn't really wish to speak to this man, at least he went through great effort to escape his presence rapidly anyway. Though the man didn't feel particularly dangerous, his life force was spectacular, reaching heights above many of his kind, almost as though he was some kind of superhuman, Lucifer absent mindedly considered how powerful humans could be if they all harnessed life in such a way.

"I am Lucifer, a pleasure to meet you Merlin."

It seemed like only moments had passed since introducing himself to this human Merlin, when the man left pursuing the Hokubu interloper that called himself Muramasa. Then before long the place seemed to be overflowing with humans come to see the baby, Lucifer was baffled previously that he was unable to feel that childs life presence, now it was healing the sick. Just what kind of child was this, it's humanity was coming in to question with each passing moment Lucifer dwelled on it.
 
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