Arc 1 ~ Canon S-1: New Generations: Fullbringer [Easy, DP]

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Name: Arc 1 ~ Canon S-1: New Generations: Fullbringer, Series 1

Participants: Max of 4 allowed. Restricted to Class 8-6

Location: New York City, New York

Difficulty Level: Easy

Threat Level: DP

Plotline: Many years ago, an organization of humans known as Cryptid began kidnapping children. Not much else is known. The participants must infiltrate one of Cryptid’s hideouts and gather as much information on their plans as possible.

Estimated Enemy Strength: Class 6

Estimated Time Until Completion: 3 pages

Starts: October 26, 2024

Special Conditions: Each character can only join one Canon thread at a time. There is a strict one-week posting timer that begins once a previous participant posts. If the next participant fails to post during their turn during this time period, they get skipped. This does not mean they get dropped, but that participant’s character will suffer the consequences (such as being forced to take whatever damage has occurred due to a previous poster’s actions). Participants are free to drop if they so choose and new participants can join, but there can only ever be a maximum of four participants at any time. If someone gets skipped, the DM will post who was skipped and whose turn it is to post. If any participant is skipped 3 times within the Canon thread, they will be automatically dropped and someone new may be permitted to join.

DISCLAIMER: I fully expect your characters' Classes to increase because of other threads outside of the Canon! That is okay, but you are required to use the stats and skills your character has at the time of Canon entry. They cannot be updated. If your character was Class 6 for an Easy thread, for example, and you post your stats and skills as they were at Class 6, then that is what they will be throughout the duration of the Canon thread. If your character's Class increases to 5, that is okay. They are still required to use their Class 6 values. Likewise, if your character was Class 8 at the time of entry and increased to Class 6 outside of the Canon, they must still use their Class 8 stat and skill values. The same rule applies for any power changes/additions.

[Ivan Raikov]

I'll jump in.

[Evelyn Diamond]

I would like to join!

[Alexander Keres]

I'll be joining as well.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

"Back off, kid. I don't want her dead."

"No! You can't take her! You can't have her! Remina, wake up!"

Memories clear as day. Flashes of nightmares. Sleep had been plagued.

"Remina, what happened? Remina? Why won't you answer me?"

"She can't hear you, kid. She's knocked out and bleeding. She won't be paying attention to you."

The bed wasn't comfortable anymore. How could it be? The frightening images persisted.

"Listen, kid. I can't take this anymore. I'm going to be late." The man pushed her away from the girl. "You need to shut up or else you'll be bleeding on the ground, and you won't just be unconscious." He tried picking Remina up again.

"Wait! No! Get away from my sister! Get away from her! Can't you see she's hurt? Can't you tell something is wrong with her?" Blair glanced around quickly. "No one else will help, and all you're doing is hurting her! Get away! Just get away! I said get away from her! Remina!"

"Kid! I told you to move it!" The man took his knife out again, threatening the young girl.

"No! How many times do I have to say it? For the last time, GET. AWAY!"

---

That had been the first time. Remina Aldaine was kidnapped at the age of sixteen, too young to defend herself from the likes of the ruthless organization known as Cryptid. These evil humans were just that; human. Nothing more. But what made them so horrifying was that they were all spiritually aware. Based out of New York City, Cryptid operated within the shadows, kidnapping children between the ages of seven and sixteen since this was the age that they typically developed their Fullbring abilities. Several had gone missing over the years, and a few were found in places like the woods, old caves, or even corners of the street. Unfortunately, those who were found had already been discarded, their bodies nothing more than lifeless failures. Those who never came home were the true problem.

The hideout, located beneath Central Park via a secret entrance, has been located by several spies within many organizations throughout all four worlds. These organizations sent their sentries to look into the mysterious actions of Cryptid, and the only reason why even the name of the group was leaked was because one of its members had been captured and tortured to death. Prior to his termination, all he said was the name of his allegiance and where one of their hideouts was. This would be more than enough for some of the more powerful spiritually aware people to infiltrate and look for answers.

Only time will tell if they're able to figure out what's going on, and Cryptid didn't make it easy. Full of tactical geniuses, the organization set up plenty of traps and puzzles, along with stationed guards, in order to prevent anyone from interfering. Unfortunately, that information was never explained to anyone else, so it is not common knowledge. The traitor specifically kept those details to himself before he died because he knew people would come looking, and he knew he needed to protect Cryptid. If he had survived his interrogation, then he was fully aware that his organization would have ended his life anyway. He was holding out for a sliver of hope that he'd make it out.

The setting for the beginning of this thread is midnight, and there are still plenty of night owls out and about in the park. You must find a way to Umpire Rock completely unnoticed and lift one of the massive boulders enough to spot the secret entrance. This entrance looks like a manhole cover, though the markings on it are quite strange. There is a massive block letter C on the top with what looks like rose thorns wrapped around it. These thorns protrude out in such a way that would puncture anyone's foot who stood on it incorrectly. Once you get inside, the real adventure will begin.

[Evelyn Diamond]

Ignoring her racing heart, Evelyn smiled to herself as she walked down the sidewalk quietly. This was probably one of the craziest things she had ever done in her life, especially considering it may involve the supernatural. Something she wasn’t all that familiar with. Sure she could see all the ghosts and ghoulies, but why were they there? And why were they so strange? Either way, those were questions for another time. She had something more important to address. Her whole reason for being out in the middle of the night in New York City. Cryptid.

The name itself was pretty cool. But they were up to something weird. What that was, she had no idea, nor did anyone else. Hence the reason why she was sent here by her boss. The Sanguine Syndicate needed to know what was going on. Whether the Cryptid was big or small didn’t matter. It was probably a small thing, which was why she was sent alone. But if it wasn’t, she would be the one to notify them. Hopefully it was, as that would be a more exciting prospect.

The most realistic option was that they were a small group doing strange things. Either way, her syndicate would want to get involved. Would it be fair to the Cryptids? Did it even matter? Who was to say. She didn’t get paid to worry about the morals of her job. But it was something to keep in mind. She worked for criminals. Criminals who killed. While she didn’t mind that aspect, it made her consider other things. Such as how the people she came up against would act. More than likely, they would try to kill her, rather than call the cops like your average person. Thus she needed to be prepared for such an outcome.

And she was, at least to the best of her ability. Hidden and strapped to the back of her waist was her dagger. It was made of spiritual steel, a danger to mortals and ghosts alike. In her pouch next to it was the most dangerous thing she had on hand, her grenades. They were more of a last resort scenario, so she needed to use them wisely. She only had five of them after all. Last but not least was something she picked up recently, her Soul Gauge. It resembled a wristwatch, but instead of telling time, it would tell her someone’s spiritual stats. It wasn’t perfect, but it was definitely better than nothing.

For this outing, Evee decided to go with something more devious than her norm. She didn’t know what she would be facing, so she’d rely on her best skills, deceit. Her current outfit was layered. The first thing she had on was her night outfit. Black leggings and a black shirt. It was a dark fit, something to hide her in the shadows. Obscuring this was a construction worker outfit she constructed herself. Gray pants, a dark blue shirt, safety helmet, and a lime green safety vest over the whole ensemble. Based on the information she received from her boss, the entrance to the Cryptid base was a manhole cover hidden by a rock. While her goal would be to remain unseen, if she was spotted, she had a backup plan with her disguise.

Sticking to the shadows, Evee made her way to Umpire Rock stealthily. There were several people out and about, making the quiet walk difficult. Whether she was seen or not was a mystery to her. Either way, what they saw would just be a construction worker going about their business, so she wasn’t too worried. The real problem was what was looming ominously over her currently, the massive boulder blocking her way. Ironically, this non living object was more annoying than people. She wasn’t that strong to begin with, so there was no way she’d be able to move the boulder a single inch. Certainly not enough to reveal the entrance. No, she needed to figure out another way. One more suited to her abilities.

Crouching in the shadow of the boulder, Evee stared at its marred surface with narrowed eyes. There were a few options she could choose from, but none of them were really that great compared to just moving it. Something she couldn’t really do. Either way, she was sure she could come up with something. It would be scuffed, but it would be possible. But for now, she’d consider all her options before making her decision.

---------------------------
[Stats & Skills]

SPOILER: Click to show

Type: Gadgeteer

Strength: 30
Speed: 50
Reiatsu Strength: 25
Spiritual Pressure: 50
Instinct: 50
Senses: 50
Energy sensory: 40
Healing Expertise: 0
[Total SP: 295]

- Strength of Will: 1
- Illusion Resist: 1
- Imitation: 1
- Acting: 1
- Charisma/Leadership: 1
- Pain Tolerance: 1
- Stealth: 1

[Equipment]

SPOILER: Click to show

[Class 7]
Name: Spiritual Steel Dagger
Description: A rather basic weapon, this dagger has a length of about twelve inches, and the entire weapon, including the hilt, is made out of spiritual steel.
Type of Item: Weapon
Class: 7-1
Item Power (IP): 100 + 100/Class (Max IP: 700)
Offense Type: Physical
Durability: 1.5x Base IP
Bonuses: Attacks with this weapon have their speed increased by 10% due to the lightness of the weapon. This does not apply to techniques.
Drawbacks: None
Costs: 2000 Ryo + 750/Class

Name: Soul Gauge
Description: A wrist-mounted device that almost looks like a small wristwatch, this device is used to monitor the spiritual levels of another individual by simply pressing the button on the side of the item when within thirty feet of an individual. The device targets an individual that the user focuses on, preventing crowds from disrupting its function.
Type of Item: Utility
Class: 7-1
Item Power (IP): N/A
Offense Type: N/A
Durability: 300 + 100/Class (Max Durability: 900)
Bonuses: When activated near an individual of equal or lower Class to the Soul Gauge, the target’s current Reiatsu Strength and Spiritual Pressure (after all changes, such as Type and technique alterations) are displayed on the watch face.
Drawbacks: If used against a target of greater Class than the Soul Gauge, the readout becomes fuzzy and inaccurate, increasing the range in each direction by 100 for every Class above. For example, if a Class 4 Soul Gauge was used against a Class 1 individual with 800 Reiatsu Strength, the readout would instead list 500-1100 Reiatsu Strength rather than the exact amount.
Costs: 2000 Ryo + 1500/Class Ryo

Name: Grenade (5)
Description: A small, egg-shaped object that, when its pin is pulled and the item is thrown, will explode exactly five seconds later with deadly force.
Type of Item: Weapon
Class: 7-4
Item Power (IP): 150 + 50/Class (Max IP: 300)
Offense Type: Physical
Durability: Equal to Base IP
Bonuses: When used, a Class 7 Grenade deals full damage at a range of 15 feet, with damage reduced to half from 16-40 feet from flying shrapnel. Both ranges increase by 5 feet with each Class, with a maximum full-damage range at 30 feet and a maximum partial-damage range at 55 feet at Class 4. When this explosion strikes an item in full-damage range, it ignores IP and automatically deals half of its IP to the item’s durability.
Drawbacks: Consumable items; once used, these items are lost, regardless of thread rating. Grenade will explode after five seconds regardless of where it is, so the user must throw it immediately or be struck by their own weapon.
Costs: 1500 Ryo + 500/Class.

[Techniques]

SPOILER: Click to show

[Class 8]
Technique Name: Advanced Air Arsenal: Air strings

Class:8-1

Technique Type: Reishi Technique

Usable By: Any

Technique Element: None

Technique Description and Effects (Explain appearance, powers, and effect): This technique is much more refined and eloquent than the other methods of Advanced Air Arsenal. This technique, rather than generating large structures, instead focuses on the production of condensed and fortified strings of reishi. Whether it's to help wire a trap, to manipulate a far-off object, or just to tie someone up, these threads are very useful.
At class 8, these threads are well...threads. They are considered to have an offensive durability of 25 and anyone with the physical strength to lift themselves off the ground can generally break these strings without any effort. There is nothing particularly special about these strings, other than that the fact that they have such a thin reishi composition and structure that they have literally zero reiatsu signature and can only be sensed physically through sight.

At class 7, these strings gain some utility. The strings can be manipulated by the user and have an offensive durability of 100, increasing by 100 for each class beyond this one (a maximum of 700 durability at class 1).

At class 5, these strings are more than just tools. In addition to being able to be used for a variety of common jobs, these threads actually have the spiritual durability to cut into materials they are braced against. However, due to their thinness, the cutting power of the thread is inferior to it's actual durability, boasting a mere cutting power of 275 at class 5, increasing by 75 per class ( 350 at class 4, 425 at class 3, 500 at class 2, 575 at class 1).

Finally, at class 2, these strings are pretty high-quality. Not only improving in durability and cutting power, but also holding the power to be spiritually conductive, allowing the user to channel other techniques through the strings as though they were an extension of the user's body.

Technique Drawbacks Reiatsu cost. Additionally, these strings can only last up to 5 posts, increasing to 10 posts at proficient, and 15 posts at mastered.

Made By:Nola Vilde

Reserved? (Yes/No): No

------------------

Technique Name: Advanced Air Platform

Class: 8-6

Technique Type : General Technique

Usable By (Technique is available to which races?): Any

Technique Element: None

Technique Description and Effects : This technique is based on the ability of various races to create reishi platforms in midair. This Technique is so simple and uncomplicated that even the most simple of brutes and lunatics can perform this ability flawlessly. However as time goes on, this technique however has a very deep history as to how it came to be so widespread, and also a much more progressive means of it's use.

Class 8: The Most simple and fundamental technique. This is simply the formation of platforms under the feet to form an artificial plane off of which to maneuver. This technique uses so little energy that it has almost no cost (25 reiatsu allows 3 steps at learned, 5 steps at profficient, and 7 steps on Mastery at this class). The user can only create horizontal steps exactly the side of the foot, and at this class can only do this thrice per post, either to run along this newmade surface, or to increase or decrease altitude.

Class 7: Advancement. Still ridiculously simple, this level of the technique does take some reiatsu. At 25 Reiatsu cost, the user can create a pair of constantly generating platforms under their feet which lasts the entire post, however at this class the techique is still limited to at least a general downward direction and cannot rise to an angle more than 65 Degrees upward from a flat surface.
This changes at class 6, at which point pannels can be created even at a 90 degree angle. Additionally, the panels can be created at any point in the body allowing one to push off with any limb and even slide along one's back, allowing a powerful boost in mobility. Cost increases to 50 per post.

How to use technique: The user focuses their spirit energy, creating platforms and surfaces.

Technique Drawbacks Reiatsu Cost.

Made By: N/A

Reserved? (Yes/No): No

[Ivan Raikov]

This wasn’t his type of shindig at all. This wasn’t at all the type of mission he’d excel at. He was more of a sledgehammer to a nail sort of guy. Subterfuge, sneaking around, and gathering intel was more the strength of his lazy ass Captain. Telling Ivan to sneak about and try to remain unseen was like telling an elephant to walk on its tiptoes. It just wasn’t plausible. But whether he liked it or not this was the mission he was given. Walking along the trail with his hands hidden in his grey sweatpants pockets, Ivan tried his best to act completely casual. Like an everyday dude going for a late night walk. The scowl on his face perfectly capturing the expression of someone doing something that they didn’t want to be doing. Or rather like someone who just got denied a woman at the bar, mad about work, or just needed to blow off steam.

With the way Ivan was dressed he looked like any other regular gymrat or fitness freak. A guy like him out at night could have just been explained away by being a late night exerciser. It had been his Captains recommendation that he wear civilian clothing. Not like Ivan cared much for the whole uniform thing. Or for the military thing at all. He just wanted strength and to get stronger and fight. Loyalty was just a means to an end. He wasn’t sure what his Captain was doing right now. Nor did he know where the other two Privates serving under Captain Alistair had gone. All he knew was that they each had their own missions they needed to attend to.

All Ivan knew was that he needed to infiltrate something called Umpire Rock. A base of operations for some group called Cryptid or whatever. From the information they had gathered, Cryptid had been kidnapping kids and teens for years now and doing some kind of experiments on them. Ivan was tasked with going in and getting as much information on these experiments as he could. Why the Vandenreich, or his Captain, wanted this information was anybodies guess. Passing through the light of a streetlamp along the path, Ivan looked around at the park around him. Thanks to the surrounding city and variety of lights it could hardly be called dark. He let out an exaggerating sigh followed by a ”This fucking sucks.” as he begrudgingly continued along the path towards his target.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and Skills}

• [Martial Arts: MMA] {1}
  
  
• [Battle Analysis] {1}
  
  
• [Strength of Will] {1}
  
  
• [Pain Tolerance] {1}
  
  
• [Damage Recovery] {1}
  
  
• [Battle Focus] {1}
  
  

Skill Points: 6 / 15


Ivan | Brave

Strength - 100 - 150 Points

Speed - 80 - 100 Points

Spiritual Pressure - 80 - 40  

Reiatsu Strength - 50 - 25  

Light Aura - 40 Points

Dark Aura - 60 Points

Instinct - 50 Points

Senses - 50 Points

Energy sensory - 0 Points

Healing Expertise - 0 Points

[Alexander Keres]

As he stepped into Central Park, Alexander Keres scanned his surroundings with a practiced eye, his instincts sharp from years spent navigating the treacherous waters of Armando Venturini's crime family. The late-night atmosphere was thick with tension; the sounds of distant traffic and the occasional rustle of leaves created an eerie backdrop that heightened his awareness. He was acutely aware of the stakes involved in this mission. The organization known as Cryptid had been snatching children and teens, and he felt a deep-seated urge to put an end to their twisted schemes. Although he was new to this world of spiritual beings and supernatural threats, he was determined to make his mark and prove himself.

He was dressed in dark, muted clothing, opting for a black hoodie that clung closely to his muscular frame, providing both warmth and concealment. The hood was pulled low over his long, wild purple hair, casting shadows over his piercing gold eyes, which scanned the environment for any signs of danger. Black cargo pants hugged his powerful legs, allowing for ease of movement as he navigated through the shadows. A pair of sturdy, scuffed combat boots completed his ensemble, each step muffled against the pavement. Slung across his back was a metal baseball bat—an unusual choice for a weapon, but one that suited his unique taste. The bat gleamed dully in the moonlight, its weight feeling comfortable and reassuring in his hands, a perfect blend of practicality and intimidation.

Employing the stealth techniques he had mastered during his formative years, he moved silently through the shadows, careful to stay out of sight. Each step was deliberate, a practiced dance of caution that came naturally to him, ingrained from a childhood spent in the gritty underbelly of the city. He knew that the cryptic whispers about Umpire Rock were more than mere rumors; they were a harbinger of danger. As he approached the rock formation, he felt a growing sense of urgency, knowing that his mission depended on remaining undetected. The weight of his past and the expectations of the present pushed him forward, propelling him into the heart of darkness.

The closer he got to Umpire Rock, the more he could sense the unseen eyes of Cryptid's sentries watching the area. Drawing on his training, he blended into the surroundings, keeping low and moving with an almost feline grace. His heart raced, but his mind remained focused. He recalled lessons from his adoptive father about the importance of patience and observation. He had to wait for the right moment to strike, to seize the opportunity to infiltrate their base and gather vital intelligence on their operations. As he edged closer to the massive boulder, he felt a surge of determination—he would not let this chance slip away.

As he neared the boulder that concealed the entrance to the hideout, Alexander's instincts prickled, alerting him to something unusual. The rock loomed over him, an ominous obstacle that could easily spell disaster if he wasn't careful. He crouched in the shadows, his golden brown reiatsu barely visible in the dark, blending in with the ambient energy of the park. In that moment, he couldn't help but wonder if anyone else was out there, equally intent on uncovering Cryptid's secrets. He couldn't shake the feeling that he might not be alone in this endeavor; the park was alive with whispers and possibilities.

With his heart pounding and his senses on high alert, Alexander surveyed the area for any signs of movement. He needed to find a way to move the rock without attracting attention. His mind raced with thoughts of his training; perhaps a well-placed distraction would create the opening he needed. The darkness around him felt both comforting and suffocating, an environment where shadows could easily conceal him. Just then, a flicker of movement caught his eye, and he peered through the darkness to see a figure lurking nearby, making their own cautious approach to Umpire Rock. The possibilities of their intentions raced through his mind, but he needed to focus on the task at hand. His mission depended on him finding that manhole cover, and he was determined not to be thwarted.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats & Skills}Type: Mystic

Strength: 50 [25]
Speed: 50 [25]
Reiatsu Strength: 100 [150]
Spiritual Pressure: 100 [125]
Instinct: 50
Senses: 50
Energy Sensory: 0
Healing Expertise: 0

Light Aura: 25
Dark Aura: 75
----------
Calm Mind: 1
Strength of Will: 1
Pain Tolerance: 1
Weapons (Firearms): 1
Martial Arts (Krav Maga): 1
Focused Eye: 1
Stealth: 1

SPOILER: Click to show

{Beat Stick (Baseball Bat)}Description: This can be made into any weapon the user wishes upon purchase. In short, this is a very strong, very durable weapon. What you see is what you get with this one.

Class: 8
Item Type: Weapon
Item Power (IP): 150
Offense Type: Physical
Durability: 450
Bonuses: N/A
Drawbacks: N/A

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Central Park, a sanctuary amid the sleepless cacophony of New York City, was somehow bustling with excitement despite the fact that it was midnight. The park itself was an oasis of calm, its pathways and lawns hushed under the blanket of darkness. The dim glow of lampposts casted long shadows, and the air was cool and crisp. Nights like these made the area a popular place for dates, and many young couples were out and about as they walked around like no one else was anywhere near them. Some sat on grass and benches as they whispered sweet nothings to each other, blissfully unaware of anything happening around them.

Yet, just beyond the park's borders, the city buzzed with frenetic energy. Cars zipped down Fifth Avenue and Central Park West, their horns blaring and engines roaring. Pedestrians chattered and laughed, the sounds bouncing off the high-rises. Sirens wailed in the distance, and the occasional rumble of the subway beneath could be felt more than heard. In contrast, within the park, the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze or the distant call of a night owl may have been heard. It's a stark juxtaposition, the peaceful heart of Central Park against the relentless rhythm of the city that surrounds it. Even at midnight, New York refuses to sleep, its noise a constant reminder of its undying vibrancy.

For anyone who was spiritually enhanced, everything around them could have practically been over-stimulating. These sounds and experiences were constant reminders that people were still there, still existed, still lived. They hadn't yet been influenced by anything Cryptid had done, especially since the organization kept their dealings as secret as possible. In fact, they were so secret, that no one in this group would have any information outside of where the entrance to their hideout was. That entrance, right under Umpire Rock, could only be opened using a secret passcode. With anyone around Central Park belonging to the organization, the group would need to be stealthy and careful in order to get by.

A couple of people spotted the rock, completely unaware of Alexander, Ivan, and Evelyn's presence. All three of them could be seen by normal, non-spiritual humans given that they were all humans, as well, so it was in their best interest to hide. Unfortunately, so long as the couple was there and on top of the rock, it would be impossible to enter properly without being noticed. Once the passageway was opened, the rock would move slightly on its own to reveal the manhole cover. If anyone was around, it would be incredibly obvious that something was going on and that would alert any sentries who were watching out. The second they were alerted, the group would fail their mission.

Upon further inspection of the rock, the group would see an inscription. To anyone else, it would just look like a little message meant for fun, but these three would know better. It was clearly a riddle that granted entry. What would solving it do, exactly? That much was unknown, at least until someone solved it. But if someone answered the riddle and it was wrong, that would also alert the sentries and the mission would result in a failure. The most important thing was not getting caught, and it seemed as if the odds were stacked against the group. What could they possibly do? For now, they must work to remove any civilians from the area without drawing suspicion and solve the riddle.

It read:

I glow bright in the light of day
With great power, I hear you say
From something cherished, I will form
Your guiding light, against the norm
Whisper what you think I am
to grant you entry, lest you be damned



OOC: The official posting order is Evelyn, Ivan, Alexander, then the Canon Master. This is the order we will go off of in the event of skipped posting turns. Each participant has a week since the previous participant's post to make their own post before they get skipped. The Canon Master counts as a participant in this case.

[Evelyn Diamond]

Inscribed upon the boulder she was under was a poem. A mystifying one, as most poems she founded tended to be. She had a few ideas in her head about the answer, but that could wait. She had a more important objective to deal with. One she was well suited for. Taking a deep breath and adjusting her safety helmet, she imitated a professional demeanor before climbing her way up the rock. Her destination? The couple idling on top of the rock. The entrance was below it, therefore even if she solved the poem now, she still had a problem with witnesses. They would need to go.

“Hey guys, sorry to interrupt your lovely evening, but I’m afraid I’ve come with a bit of bad news. There’s been some damage to some of the sewage pipes beneath the park, leaking out all the filth and such. There’s one such pipe nearby, and if you stay, there’s a high chance you might get contaminated with the flow over. Not a pleasant experience. I’ll have it all cleaned up by tomorrow, so if you come back then, everything should be good!”

As the couple looked at her and whispered to themselves with narrowed eyes, Evee waved them off as they climbed down the boulder and left. From the look in their eyes, it was clear they looked down on her for being a construction worker, but it didn’t matter. They didn’t have to respect her to listen. No one wanted to be by sewage, and who better to warn them than someone in her disguise?

Once she made sure there were no pedestrians lurking on the rock, Evee slid down into the shadows and back into her usual spot. This next part would be the hardest. From what she could tell, this was the only riddle on the boulder. Therefore if there were other people with the same objective as her, they would all have to meet here. How that meeting would end up was anyone’s guess. Would she even be able to tell the difference between them and normal pedestrians? She had no idea. There was only one way to find out.

---------------
[Skills In Use]

- Imitation: 1
- Acting: 1
- Charisma/Leadership: 1
- Stealth: 1

[Uli Babler]

Uli walked through Central Park with a careful ease, His normal get up of red leather and buckles covered up in a large trench coat of black velvet. His eyes, hidden behind his rose glasses, quickly looked around and began studying faces as he strode forth, hands in the pockets of the trench coat over his red leather one that hugged tightly against his body and was strapped down tight by the aforementioned buckles. His spiky blonde hair stuck straight up, making him look a little odd amongst the others wandering Central park along with his freakish height. Standing at six feet and two inches tall, Uli surely stuck out even more, but he kept a Laissez-faire attitude as he walked. He let others get passed him or walk in front of him, interrupting his strides as he did. His reasoning being that it allowed him to keep a distance from anyone who might actually make him and attempt to interrupt him, but none did.

Uli had been called to this location by his superiors due to a threat of spiritually aware humans possibly kidnapping kids. It was a low level priority to most in Xcution for some reason, but kids was a line Uli couldn’t let be crossed. He had soft spots for kids and, being someone who escaped a terrible organization as a child, Uli had a pit of coal in his chest burning with fury. He wore his fake smile currently, plastered on the outside for the strangers around him to keep them at ease. But beneath this smile was a furious grimace waiting to find the first member of this organization that might show their face to him. And his hands gripped against his pistols as well.

Uli followed his instruction and ventured near to the large rock guarding against the entrance to the hideout of the organization. He noticed a woman shooing away two lovebirds who were entertaining eachother atop it as they sat and, to Uli’s observations, were simply enjoying the sights. The woman, claiming to be a construction worker told them to move along due to a sewage pipe issue which made Uli’s face scrunch up. But he needed to atleast figure out if this was true if he was gonna go delving down into the underground of the city to find his targets. Uli approached cautiously and, upon saddling up next to the woman, whistled.

“So, we got a stinky situation. Was it caused by a.... Cryptid?”

Uli spoke softly as he revealed the name of the enemy to the woman, his eyes glancing at her from the side while cocking his right hand revolved beneath his jacket. He had to be careful still but he needed to get a lay of the land. He might not be the only one looking for these folks and if he could get some allies on board he might be better for it. While awaiting an answer, Uli spied the rock and the inscription upon it.

I glow bright in the light of day
With great power, I hear you say
From something cherished, I will form
Your guiding light, against the norm
Whisper what you think I am
to grant you entry, lest you be damned

The words tumbled through Uli’s head as he read them and read them again. And again and again. Each time his thoughts became a new thread in a river that seemed to flow in several ways. Each way it flowed also seemed to be wrong upon coming to a possible answer. First he thought of Hope, but hope doesn’t glow. Then he thought of a rainbow, but it didn’t really come from a place that was cherished, just water. Maybe glass, but sand wasn’t cherished either. Every answer was wrong even before he could utter it. Uli’s left hand left his pocket and he became wrapped up in the riddle before he even knew what it could possibly be. His left hand rubbed against his chin as he thought hard and began to feel as if fumes were leaving his ears while he stared at the rock, trying to not make it too obvious for anyone who might be watching that he was trying to guess at the riddle.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and Skills}Strength - 50 (72 - 30%)
Speed - 85
Spiritual Pressure - 45
Reiatsu Strength - 117 ( 78 + 50%)
Light Aura - 30 Percent
Dark Aura - 70 Percent
Instinct- 50 Points
Senses- 50 Points
Energy sensory - 50 Points
Healing Expertise - 0 Points
Reiatsu (Energy Bank)- 450

Martial Arts: Gun Fu (1): Gun Fu, a portmanteau of gun and kung fu (also known as gun kata, bullet ballet, gymnastic gunplay or bullet arts), is a style of sophisticated close-quarters gunfight resembling a martial arts combat that combines firearms with hand-to-hand combat and traditional melee weapons in an approximately 50/50 ratio. A 1 means that you have learned the basics and can simultaneously fire a firearm while performing simple hand-to-hand maneuvers. A 2 means that you have mastered the basics and can utilize firearms during acrobatic feats and dodging maneuvers. A 3 means that you are almost a fully realized weapon incarnate and may perform almost any action with your firearm. A 4 in the art of Gun Fu means your now live and breathe in the art. You know where each bullet can fly and what it takes to simply disarm or obliterate an opponent, ricocheting bullets and even firing at projectiles to counter them.


Battle Focus (1)- This allows the user to hone in on their enemy for advanced focusing. In a chaotic situation, those with this Skill can still recognize their enemy, actions they take, and how to combat them. Little distractions do not confuse the user. A 1 means you can resist small distractions and remain focused. A 2 means you can focus on every aspect of your enemy, such as steps and breathing. A 3 means you can find your enemies through illusions, invisibility, cloaking, and anything similar. A 4 means you are immune to weaker illusions so long as you remain focused on your enemy.


Lack of Fear (1)- Your character can either ignore fear or does not feel it at all depending on how many points are given. A 1 means you can ignore things that are mildly scary, like thriller movies. A 2 means you may be able to resist fear, but if you are exposed to it repeatedly, it may overwhelm you. A 3 means you can completely ignore any fears, including your own. A 4 means you feel no fear at all, no matter what. This can be used in tandem with Light Aura to make you unquestionably immune.


Calm Mind (1)- You are extremely good at calming yourself in battle. Anyone with the right personality can be calm and level-headed under pressure, but this Skill allows you to focus at inhuman levels to block out distractions entirely. They can even resist illusions to some degree and calm the agony that would come with a large stimulus from having high Senses. A 1 means you can block out most ambient noises. A 2 means you can resist distractions and anxiety. A 3 means you can resist weaker illusions. A 4 means you can completely avoid the pain that accompanies having high Senses.


Acrobatics (1)- You are inherently good at acrobatics. You pick up the motions and are good at learning them quickly. You can also apply them to many different situations. A 1 means you have the skills of an athlete. A 2 means you have the skills of an effortless Olympian. A 3 means you can use these skills in battle rather diversely. A 4 means you can use them in battle without trouble and can intertwine these skills with your fighting abilities.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Equipment}
x2
Name: The Boom Stick
Description: This is a high powered Firearm, able to be styled into any particular firearm the user requests at the time of purchase. It is able to shoot any ammunition that it is loaded with at a speed equal to its IP. Each clip has six shots.
Class: 7
Item Type: Weapon
Item Power (IP): 150+150 per Class (1,200 Max)
Offense Type: Physical
Durability: 3x IP
Bonuses: N/A
Drawbacks: N/A

x140:
Name: Kitai Brand Easy Bullets
Description: These bullets... are bullets! Quick and easy, comes in all shapes and sizes. Yes, you can fit these into any firearm of your choosing! You even get a complimentary box upon the purchase of any firearm from the Kitai Shop.
Class: Same as weapon
Item Type: Ammunition
Item Power (IP): Same as weapon
Offense Type: Same as weapon
Durability: Same as weapon
Bonuses: This is ammunition used for any weapon that uses ammunition.
Drawbacks: N/A

[Alexander Keres]

Alexander moved silently through Central Park, his body slipping through the dimly lit paths like a predator in its element. The cool air brushed against his skin, reminding him of the adrenaline that coursed through his veins. He was used to the thrill, whether it came from riding his sports bike at breakneck speed, engaging in an underground fight, or, in this case, sneaking toward a hidden objective. But tonight, something grated on his nerves—the amount of waiting, of watching, without yet throwing himself into the action. He was itching to make a move.

Drawing on the stealth he had mastered under Armando's ruthless tutelage, he approached Umpire Rock with deliberate caution. His eyes, narrow and predatory, flickered over the scene before him. The supposed lovebirds had already been chased off by a construction worker—her authority enough to make them leave. He smirked at that, wondering how long they'd keep away before curiosity got the better of them. His fingers brushed against the steel of the baseball bat strapped across his back. The weight was familiar, grounding him as he scanned the area.

A tall man had appeared beside the construction worker, dressed oddly enough that he almost stood out even more than Alex himself. "Real subtle," Alex muttered to himself, the sarcasm rolling off his tongue. He wasn't one for grand gestures, and whatever they were doing seemed like it could draw attention if they weren't careful. The only good part was that the lovebirds were gone, and now, maybe, they could focus on the task at hand.

He edged closer, stepping just into the cover of a nearby bush, his body low to the ground. The inscription on the boulder caught his eye, and he read the lines, his lips twisting into a grimace. A riddle. He wasn't a fan of riddles; they required the kind of patience he despised, the kind that made him wait instead of act. Still, he knew better than to try to force things without a plan. After all, this wasn't just a matter of busting in. It required tact, something Armando drilled into him, no matter how much Alex hated it.

His gaze moved back to the two strangers just as he strained to hear the tall man’s voice. “So, we got a stinky situation. Was it caused by a... Cryptid?” The words hung in the air, and Alex’s suspicion flared. There it was—the confirmation he’d been looking for. This wasn’t just some random duo hanging around; they had business here, same as him. It was starting to look like they were after Cryptid as well, which could either make things easier or lead to a hassle he didn’t have time for.

For now, he stayed hidden, keeping his presence low-key until he felt it was time to step in. He’d let the other two work at it, and if things got too complicated or if they seemed to be fumbling, he’d reveal himself. He was itching for action, but he wasn’t stupid. This mission wasn’t about just beating someone down; it was about precision. He was willing to wait—for now.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

With sheer luck, the couple who had perched themselves upon the boulder managed to move thanks to Evelyn's quick thinking. Though they sneered a bit at her, not understanding the sudden interest in this particular rock, they did leave where they had been sitting. Now the real challenge began - actually entering Cryptid's lair. It became evident very quickly that the organization was outrageously safe due to the lack of guesses made thus far as to what the answer to the riddle could be. It wouldn't be long before sentries would come back to their post from staking out other nearby locations, making sure no one suspicious came by and tried to enter the hideout.

Whispering the answer would grant anyone entry into the hideout. It did not discriminate, and there was no need to confirm any identification. The only danger this group needed to be aware of was the approaching sentries. Having confirmed a lack of activity from anyone wherever it was they wandered off to, three of them started making their way back to the giant rock. Within no time, they would be exposed to at least Evelyn and Uli, provided Alexander remained hidden and out of sight. None of the sentries had any skills in anti-stealth, so that would be helpful for anyone trying to hide, but the real goal should have been to open the entrance by answering the riddle.

If it wasn't whispered soon, the sentries would descend upon the group and eventually capture them, doing nothing but drag them all back to a torture chamber where they'd be sure no one was able to breath ever again. It would only be a few minutes until this happened, though the saving grace was the fact that the three who were trying to break in were still far enough away to be undetected immediately. If they didn't answer quickly, on the other hand, they'd have to face the consequences of being indecisive. Additionally, if they answered incorrectly, they'd be captured anyway. It was a tough spot to be in for sure.



OOC: You guys have this last round to make your guesses. If you get it wrong at all, alarms will notify the sentries of your location and you'll be captured. You have to try to solve the riddle or this thread fails by default. Don't think about it too hard. The answer is literally written in front of you! It's not some crazy out-of-pocket thing. These riddles are meant to be simple, and there's way more of them coming.

[Evelyn Diamond]

It was just one problem after another for her tonight. She shooed away one couple only for another stranger to appear. Although this one was a bit different. More dangerous than the last two that was for sure. And the trenchcoat clad man knew something about Cryptid. Why that was the case, she didn’t really know. The most likely answer was that he was part of another group looking into the Cryptids. Whether his presence would benefit or hinder her remained a mystery for now.

Looking at the man next to her, Evelyn answered his question as she scanned the nearby surroundings. She had a feeling they were running out of time, so she needed to be more efficient with how she did things. “Who's to say really? Strange things are certainly afoot. And underfoot, judging from where we are.”

While the stranger being so close to her was a tad concerning, she had more important issues to deal with currently. Like solving the poem. Something she wasn’t having too much fun with. She wasn’t a crazy fan of riddles, and she really didn’t know the right answer for this one. Still, she might as well try. The only answers she could come up with that she thought sounded correct was either a star or the sun.

“Sun.”

[Uli Babler]

Uli looked at the stone as he heard the young woman speak, rubbing his chin about how to get down and into the hideout. However, as he was thinking she went and decided to give a guess to the riddle before he could try and properly give a guess of his own, deciding to take the initiative and not rely on him as an ally in handling these villains. And her guess was something that didn’t quite feel right to Uli either, his guess having been more spiritually aligned. Uli gripped the guns inside of his trench coat and cocked the hammers back with both hands while sighing and turning vigilant.

“Well I hope you know what you’re doing…. I would have guessed Reiatsu in all honesty. The Sun doesn’t exactly glow in sunlight seeing as it’s what is creating that light. I wonder if they have this entrance alarmed ....”

Uli’s eyes turned from their usual glow of happiness and carefree attitude to a much colder and menacing silence. He would need to be the predator within if he were to handle these thugs and, looking over the rose-tinted glasses he wore, he scanned the surrounding area and reached out with his energy senses in order to keep his head on a swivel. The enemy was probably going to swarm hard if they got the answer wrong, especially with the kind of dealings they were involved with.