Glory or Ruin [Medium, NDE]

[Jorge Ramon Salazar]

Name: Glory or Ruin

Participants: Kyomei Kuchiki

Location: A massive, jet black tower not far from the town where the Kidou Corps commander regained consciousness. Dozens of floors in terms of sheer scale, the Oblivion Tower holds various deathtraps, small passageways and numerous prisons for those unfortunate enough to be imprisoned in its halls.

Synopsis: After three month's worth of capture and horrifying torment from a humiliating defeat, Kidou Corps Commander Kyomei Kuchiki recently regained consciousness. However, all he possesses are his wits and the clothes on his back for he soon remembers his tormentor's remark of having stripped the very knowledge and spells he possess! But there is hope-the Oblivion Tower, a massive, Vandreich affiliated edifice containing the very tools stripped from him. However, as he will soon find, the stakes will grow higher as he ascends-the greater the spell, the deadlier the foe (and perhaps much more). Shall he persevere or fall? The only two choices he shall find in this tower are...Glory.Or.Ruin.

Estimated Enemy Strength: 7-1

Estimated Time Completion: 6+ Pages

Starts: Within the Oblivion Tower

Special Conditions: No exact floor within the tower will the exact same. Upon entering a new floor the previous will seal itself away.

[Kyomei Kuchiki]

"So he's managed to take out the entrance guards... Interesting... Maybe this town will be rid of those Quincy after all..."

Kyomei Kuchiki had been a great man. A learned man who had spent years of his life dedicated to research and understanding of the Spirit. Magic. Kidou. The ways of destruction and binding and healing. He'd invented more than a few techniques, many remaining theoretical and never used, but some used frequently by many. But now... he was just a man. Not even a learned man. He had no knowledge to his name save for the secret arts he had worked so hard to perfect. He had his mastery of the inner workings of his own soul and the soul of techniques. He could activate his own aura and the aura of any techniques he knew. That is, if he knew a single one.

Oblivion Tower stood in front of him. A prison where his mind was kept slaves in the form of Quincy Arrows given life by the Kuchiki's power. If he could enter and kill one of each of the soldiers, he would have his whole mind back. Then he could burn this insufferable place to the ground. But first... first he had to enter the Tower. He was nervous, for sure, for he did not know what he would find inside. He would meet techniques he did not know the name of. He would be struck by countless blows because he was not aware of their skills... That would be the only way to advance in this forsaken place. And it would hurt. Hurt far more than anything he had ever done...

But it was vital. For at the very top there must be the target of his vengeance. Lutz the Right Hand of Baal.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats/Skills}

Stats:


Strength – [150] Points

Speed - [400] Points

Spiritual Pressure - [400 (x4.5)] 1800 Points

Reiatsu Strength - [400 (x4.5)] 1800 Points

Light Aura - 75 Points

Dark Aura - 25 Points

Instinct - [250] Points

Senses [125] Points

Energy sensory - [75] Points

Healing Expertise - 0 Points

Total SP: 1800 Points




Abilities



[Special Skill: Kidou] {3}

[Weapon Skill: Staff] {2}

[Calm mind] {3}

[Battle Skill: Other: Acrobatics] {3}

[Battle analysis] {3}

[Charisma/Leadership] {3}

[Mental Casting] {1}

Total SKP: 18

[✱Paiva "Amalia" Vollbrecht✱]

Many eyes peered through the darkness to gaze upon the frame of a man brazen enough to enter their domain. Bodies danced around the dimly lit hallways and rushed down the stairs to greet a most unwelcomed guest. There was notable excitement for they were all given strict instructions to "destroy" any who dare trespass. The one amendment to this was if a certain Shinigami were to make an appearance. If this condition was met, they were allowed to "torture, maim, and kill." In fact, they were instructed to prevent him from trespassing beyond the entrance. This moment was both exciting and unnerving, as it presented each of the inhabitants with the realization that they were expected to kill a man with his own abilities. 

The personalities that spawned from the notable man's abilities were teasingly diverse. In fact, he might be surprised himself to see what his own power resembled when embodied in the shell of another's. He would be in for quite a shock when confronted at the entrance to the tower. Their sole purpose, their reason for existing, was to stop him at all costs. They were prepared for just that. Failure was not an option. The entrance to the tower was unique, as was each floor. The walls were lined with small openings and the floor small grates. The absence of light made for treacherous surroundings, which is precisely what the inhabitants were hoping on.

A soft, female voice, directed at the intruder, seemed to echo throughout the space. "Disgraced and without many precious abilities. And yet, you seek further humiliation by standing before this holy structure." Another quickly chimed in. It was breathy, deep, and distinctive. "You'll find yourself in grave danger once you cross this threshold. Don't let me mislead you...I will kill you all the sssame." As the man approached, six specks of light flickered in the distance. It would be hard to determine what precisely these were, unless the observer was insightful and possessed precise energy sensory abilities. 

Time appeared to stand still as the light flickered in the distance. But as suddenly as they appeared, six individual beams of light rushed across the darkened landscape. Their target? Kyomei Kuchiki, the man who was so casually considered a disgrace. The bluish hue and crackling energy would be distinctive to someone of his standing. He was no novice. In fact, he was an expert in this particular field and so he would take notice of the attack. In fact, those directing the attack wanted him to feel insulted that he was being assaulted by his own techniques. Humiliating him was merely a second reward. The liquid energy made a distinctive sound as it traveled closer. The position of those responsible for firing was perfect because they had the advantage. They were shrouded in darkness and were able to fire upon him without much difficulty. 

Their staggered positions allowed them to fire in a formation that limited his mobility. The beams would occupy the space to both sides and above, while the other three beams were fired at his main body. He'd need to be quite agile to escape without being struck by his own technique. They were hoping that this ranged technique would keep him at a distance, but if he were to draw near, even more traps would be employed to take this notable figure down. At the entrance, a shadow figure stood guard. It possessed a body made from the lightest, most flexible material. It glided through the air almost effortlessly. This would be one its greatest advantages should he approach. 

Byakurai Arrows

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats}
Byakurai Arrows

strength 50
Speed 800
SpPR 1250
Reiatsu 1250
Instinct 100
Senses 100
ES 50
HE 0
-25x6 for Byakurai attack
=12,475 remaining for each byakurai arrow

[Kyomei Kuchiki]

As the Kidou Corps Commander walked into the Tower, he was greeted by some of Lutz’s arrows. They taunted him, an unwise decision given the man’s anger. But he couldn’t really do much. He had only taken his Aura techniques back. They gave him back his defensive power, but other than that they were created to harmonize with his other Kidou and pull out their true power. He was glad that he had run into those techniques first. Taking those back from the Vandenreich gave him hope for the rest of this endeavor.

Blue lights flashed in the air, speeding through the air with a crackle of lightning. The technique should be familiar to Kyomei, but Lutz’s meddling had stolen all of his knowledge. He couldn’t even remember what this technique was called, only could observe that it was a lance of pure electrical energy that was coming at him. Six similar blasts, even. Three were aimed around him to trap him and then three blasts aimed directly at him to maim him. However, even without his techniques the man was a competent fighter. His particular talent was in his acrobatic abilities.

Bending all the way back, Matrix style, the Kuchiki nearly touched the ground with the back of his head, holding himself up with nothing but his feet and his staff that remained pressed to the ground. Using the staff, he pulled himself right back up after the lasers had passed him. ”Is that all you’ve got? If you’re going to steal my knowledge, Lutz, at least teach your arrows to use them effectively.” Defiantly, the man continued to march forwards into the dark abyss of this floor of the Tower. Hopefully future floors would be better lit, since his senses weren’t the best.

[✱Paiva "Amalia" Vollbrecht✱]

"Hah." A voice scoffed from beyond the shadows. A pair of red eyes peered at him from the darkness, placing no weight in his words. "You speak to our master as if we're unworthy of conversing with." The voice muttered. "You should give us the attention we deserve. Doing otherwise might prove...lethal." With those words, a high-pitch humming began to sound off from the darkness. If Kyomei had been paying close attention, he'd realize exactly where the sound was originating from. Without warning, a storm of byakurai  assaulted Kyomei's general area.  The light from the so many Byakurai illuminated the location where the arrows in possession of his Byakurai stood. 

Each standing on separate pillars, they fired a continuous stream of byakurai. It would now become partially apparent how Lutz's arrows had manifested his Kido knowledge. They had taken on drastically new forms, but what did the others look like? Were they all the same? These are questions that one might ask, but how focused could one be on deciphering the arrow's appearance with machine-gun fire Byakurai. The powerful blasts of energy are like a hail fire on Kyomei, sizzling and crackling as they dart through the air. Each of the arrows continued to fire Byakurai on Kyomei. Their round faces were simple, with only an eye-piece in the center. It rotated violently as Byakurai were fired one after another. All together, each arrow had fired 30 bullets, for a total of 180 individual blasts. 

The blasts were meant to shower the entire area. The powerful blacks crashed against against the ground and hurtled all around his body. If Kyomei wasn't especially carefully, this would be over far sooner than he imagined. These searing beams of energy would be capable of slicing through his flesh, filling his with grievous wounds. The Byakurai arrows snicked as they fired the beams of energy. They suddenly halted, the light dimming. A tremendous heat bellowed from the location where the Byakurai originated on each of their bodies. They had unleashed an impressive attack, but at the cost of a lot of reiatsu. They had much to spare, however, and would therefore rest only momentarily. 

The voice that mocked Kyomei emerged from the shadows, but unlike the Byakurai, had an unusually ephemeral body. As the arrow approached, its body given shape by fluttering wisps of black and red smoke. "I detest men like you. You're much too head strong." The mysterious, smoky-bodied figure gradually approached Kyomei's location. Gaseous energy seemed to swirl around his body, but would Kyomei be able to decipher, just by appearance, which kido this form represented. "You come here, without any assistance, and expect to leave victorious. Such detestable arrogance." The voice was well-mannered and elegant, with a subtle hissing sound as he spoke.

"I wonder how he feels about us." A voice called out from the darkness. "Indeed." The smoky figure replied. "Does staring at the corporeal manifestations of your precious kido anger you? Does it leave you feeling humiliated?" He let out a small, breathy chuckle as he spoke. "Yes, yes, yes." The voice shouted confidently from the shadows. "He's feeling humiliated, angry, and, uhm...." The voice paused for a second before resuming. "...disoriented. Yes, disoriented. I mean, we were once his but now we are our own. It must feel disorienting." The voice ended her speech with a jolly laugh, further mocking Kyomei. "Is that blood I see? Or am I mistaken?" The smoky figure said proudly. Kyomei would be in for quite the surprise if he approached the figure cloaked in black and red smoke. Not only was he capable of harming Kyomei, but there was the strong possibility that Kyomei would be unsure of what to expect. What power could this be? There was only one way to find out, however. Attack! Attacking cautiously, however, would be wise. 

Byakurai
12,475
-25x30 (=750) for each arrow
Total reiatsu=11,725

Class 4 arrow (Smoky)
strength 300
Speed 800
SpPR 1250
Reiatsu 1250
Instinct 150
Senses 150
ES 100
HE 0
Total reiatsu = 12500
Mysterious Smoky Arrow

[Kyomei Kuchiki]

"Weak..."

A surge of reiatsu filled the air as Kyomei meditated to sharpen his Reiatsu Strength and activated his Aura Call technique. He knew that he needed to dwarf Lutz's power to be able to shrug off this barrage of lasers, so he gave himself an intense boost at the cost of his spiritual reserves. This would be draining over time, and possibly result in more than one wound, but he had to keep moving forward. He couldn't be stopped at the door, broken and defeated. With this new strength that now doubled the power of the arrows, his Aura allowed him to shrug off each Byakurai like they were rain drops. They simply bounced off of his Aura, incapable of piercing it.

But he wasn't done yet. During the barrage, he reached out to catch a laser, pool it in his hand into a ball, and then push it back at the arrows on the pillars. He moved quickly, with both hands, letting go of his staff in order to catch and redirect enough of the lasers to blast each and every turret that dared oppose him. A few of the blasts were also pushed at the mysterious smokey arrow in an attempt to threaten that one with the big mouth. And of course he drew the aura from the byakurai, covering himself in lightning. When the barrage was finished, the man didn't have a scratch on him. The turrets wouldn't even be able to see why, as his Aura was invisible to them with their insufficient energy sensory.

But the smokey one could see it. The Kuchiki glowing like an angel... or a demon.

Remaining Reiatsu: 8,600/9,000 (-300 Reiatsu Conversion, -100 Class 5 Aura Call)

New SpPr: 200 (900)
New RS: 600 (2,700)

SPOILER: Click to show

{Technique used, for Reference}
Technique Name: [Aura Call]

Class: [8-1] (Costs 250 TTP per stage)

Technique Type (Kido, Hollow/Arrancar Technique, Human World Dweller Technique, Other): [Other]

Usable By (Technique is available to which races?): [Shinigami, Arrancar, Quincy (TM Races)]

Technique Element: [Varies]

Technique Description and Effects (Explain appearance, powers, and effect): [Insert Below]

Techniques have very simplistic souls that are focused on one aspect. A Shakkaho's essence is to explode in fire. Living beings are much more complex. Kyomei has learned to not only harness the essence of techniques, but to harness his own essence. His own aura. This technique can be released at any class. This technique simply brings out Kyomei's Primal Aura. He appears to glow with a white light emerging from his body about an inch in size. The Primal Aura has one effect. It allows Kyomei to attempt to redirect spiritual techniques with his body. He can punch a Cero, kick a Shakkaho like a soccer ball, catch a Quincy arrow and throw it back, etc. This Aura has no effect on physical techniques, like Hakuda attacks. Just reiatsu-based techniques such as all Kidou, Cero, Ginto, etc.

If he has 2x more offensive power than the technique, he redirects it with no harm to himself and can absorb the elemental aura from the technique. If he does not have the 2x offensive power, he can still absorb the elemental aura, however he takes full situational damage from the technique then he suffers a jolt of pain as if he just used a technique of the class of the technique he just struck. Against techniques of 1-2 classes higher than his Aura, Kyomei would need 3x superiority to resist it. Against 3 classes higher, he cannot even absorb the elemental aura. If he has 2 or more Class superiority over the technique, he only needs simple superiority to deflect it and absorb from it. Cannot effect or absorb from Class 0 techniques at all.

The Primal Aura has a per post upkeep of the standard class cost per each post. He can fluctuate between Classes at will, but pays both costs on a post that he switches. Meaning, if he is maintaining the aura at Class 6 but needs to spike it to 2, that post he will pay 650 reiatsu and on the post that he downgrades to not suffer so much pain he also pays 650 reiatsu.

The elemental effects are equivalent to the Aural Pull technique's effects. Meaning, with a Water Aura Kyomei could extinguish fires with his whole body and with a Metal Aura he could cut into/through things with his blunt physical attacks. ((If you want me to make a list instead of making it situational, I'd be happy to. Just trying to make it more freeform instead of so rigid))

How to use technique (How is it activated?): [Insert Below]

First, stimulate the inner aura of the soul to exude a Primal Aura.

Technique Drawbacks (Limitations, repercussions for use, etc) (Insert Below)

Constant Reiatsu cost and TM pain. Has either a low class for Clash purposes or a significant per post reiatsu cost. Additionally, requires a fair superiority to not suffer for punching a raw attack. Requires a 3 in some sort of reiatsu study (Kidou, Cero, etc.) as well as being a Technique Master.

Made By: Kyomei Kuchiki

Reserved? (Yes/No) (Can others use your technique, or just your character?): [Yes.]

[✱Paiva "Amalia" Vollbrecht✱]

The smoky figure stood silently as Kyomei summoned his infamous aura technique to help ward off the thread of the rapid fire Byakurai. He observed closely as the aura enveloped his entire body, filling the air around his body. "Ah, so." He said softly to himself. Kyomei's reflexes and timing were impressive, far better than most would anticipate. However, he was briefed on the man. He knew who his opponent was. He expected something so death defying from a man of his position. Kyomei, however, would discover that his power, in the hands of another, could be used for cunning.

Kyomei, while powerful, was at a distinct disadvantage. Surely he knew this, however. The arrows, despite their varying appearances and personalities, knew of Kyomei. They knew more than he likely knew of them. In fact, the way they manifest his powers would come as a surprise to him, but even this wouldn't be enough for take down such a powerful foe. Kyomei wasn't the type of opponent you could surprise and expect that to be enough to subjugate him. It would take more ingenuity to accomplish such a task, even without his precious kido.

The nameless figure stood before Kyomei as he gracefully reflected the byakurai back at him and those that fired upon him. He took a moment to admire his great speed and precision, but this subsided as quickly as it began. It lifted its hand and rubbed its lower lip, though its form was partially indecipherable do the heavy smoke that swirled his frame. Placing his hand on his chin, he observed Kyomei with a dull, stoic gaze. "Hmm..." He said softly as an aura of his own manifested at the center of his body and expanded outward quickly. Would Kyomei see this suddle aura pulsating from his foe, and would he be able to decipher what Kido it might be? Only time would tell.

The energy swirled around him like churning waters, but suddenly became static. It hardened, like glass, but continued to remain invisible to the naked eye. Only someone with energy sensory skills could see it. The byakurai slammed into the the hardened sphere that encased the strange figure. The byakurai crackled and sizzled as they appeared to remain stationary, resembling nails firmly planted in a wall. They maintained their glow, but moved no closer to the smoky figure. The figure remained silent as many of the projectiles remained clustered in mid-air. Unfortunately, the reach the sphere was not large enough to catch all of the reflected Byakurai. They flew back and pierced the face's of two of the byakurai arrows.

The energy bore through them, likely gaining further speed when they were reflected back upon them. The four remaining sentry, noticiably shaken, backed away from their fallen brethren. They watched as their bodies lied motionless before disintegrating. "Don't take your guard down for even a moment. He's desperate, can't you see? And desperate men will do incredible things to accomplish their goals." The mysterious figure said politely to nearby allies. Suddenly multiple of the projectiles fired back upon Kyomei. They shot from their position as if they were spring-loaded and given movement with intense pressure.

Using quick movement, he darted toward Kyomei, who just had the many byakurai fired back at him. Like an explosion with shrapnel, the byakurai fired in multiple direction. Kyomei would likely find this peculiar, the ability to halt objects and then re-fire them in much the same way he did. However, the mysterious figure was boasting something unique while using Kyomei's own kido as a base. He appeared before Kyomei, but did not even attempt to touch him. He merely moved closer. So close in fact that we was only a single foot away. His reddish-yellow eyes glared at Kyomei with disdain. "Heh, you're in my personal space, so it seems." The figure said with a bit of jest in his tone.

A pulse of energy, containing impressive force behind it, would crash against Kyomei's body. He would observe that the ground beneath their feet was cracking and especially beneath Kyomei's feet. The ground beneath him all but shattered as the the force instantly intensified. It'd feel like an ocean was just poured upon his body, but instead of weighing down on him, it would force him back. He would discover that the force was capable of propelling him with such intensity and speed that he was literally thrown from his position. If he had no way of resisting the intensity of the push, he would be propelled with a speed of 2500. The ground suddenly exploded beneath them both as the figure was lifted in the air as Kyomei would be sent flying. The figure drifted into the air, staring down at what he hoped to be a speeding Kyomei, moving in the opposite direction.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Update}
12500
-150x2 for Surasorutoiera
-25 for movement
=12175

[Kyomei Kuchiki]

Two of the Byakurai sentries were destroyed, freeing the knowledge from their grasps. It flowed back into the Shinigami Commander like breath that had been restored to him. Hado #4: Byakurai... It's so simple, but I have missed it so much... As the knowledge was restored to him, the shade-like figure charged closer to Kyomei, getting within his personal space and lashing out with a furious blast. The wave of energy crashed over Kyomei, and he immediately locked onto the wind Aura of the Surasorutoeira to give him an ability that would hopefully enhance his survival chances. The Kuchiki could feel the wind energy filling his Spirit and enhancing his Aura to be able to push at things better. The Byakurai sentries would have no chance now of damaging him now, in their current states.

But there was still the problem of him being hurled back towards the wall at Shunpo speeds. All he could do was activate Aural Pull on his Aura Call, thus increasing the size of his Wind Aura to 1 yard in all directions. This provided a cushion for him to land against as he hit the wall, but it was not at all a painless journey. Not only did he feel the pain of being stabbed for using his techniques, he also hit the wall with considerable force, knocking the wind out of him. But at least he wasn't hurtling towards the ceiling like the Surasorutoeira Arrow was. Maybe smashing against the ceiling would be enough to loosen the knowledge of the technique from the arrow's grasp. If not... Then Kyomei would have little options as he only had Byakurai in his repertoire and if a ceiling couldn't destroy this arrow a little laser wasn't going to do much either...

Remaining Reiatsu: 8,475/9,000 (-125 Class 5 Aura Call with Aural Pull)

[✱Paiva "Amalia" Vollbrecht✱]

"Do you recognize me?" The figure asked humorously, further taunting Kyomei. As the figure drifted into the air, it seemed to dematerialize. It responded to Kyomei's situation with polite laughter as the ephemeral material dissipated in the air, rushing around the the currents of air caused by the pulse created from its power. The smoke seemed to descend from the air like fragments of clouds, settling and coalescing into a body. "While I do enjoy using my power, I can't say I enjoy the after effect." He stated briefly as his body reformed. His eyes glowed beneath the swirling smoke, watching as Kyomei struggled to contain his momentum and minimize the pain and damage. 

The arrow that embodied Kyomei's precious surasorutoiera was well-aware that he had few options for countering him up close. He still possessed his auras, but he planned to continue bombarding him until he exhausted himself by trying to defend. "This is awfully sad, especially for the head of the Kido Corp. You haven't even made it within the tower, though I suppose I am owed some congratulations in that respect." The smoky figure chuckled softly as he stepped forward. Slowly approaching Kyomei. It was rather clear that he was trying to keep Kyomei at a distance. Not from himself, but from the tower. Despite the Byakurai's ineffective performance, they could still provide a decent level of back-up.

Back-up. That is what should worry Kyomei. This arrow, in possession of a powerful Kido, is only the tip of the iceberg. More power lies within the castle. Many of those same foes are eager to reveal themselves and take part in the fun. However, it appears they were ordered to remain stationary. Was it the shadowy figure? He seemed to possess a modicum of authority, if not an authoritative presence and manner of speech. Regardless, a moment of rest was certainly not in Kyomei's future. As Kyomei was recovering his bearings from the intensity dealt by the embodiment of Surasorutoiera, he was confronted with yet another assault.

This time, however, the assault was intended not to harm him, but bind him. Dozens of tentacles began dripping from the ceiling. They descended slowly, at first, as their presence was likely not yet noticed. Kyomei, however, was an astute man and there was potential that he sensed such a deception. The tentacles crept from above and were prepared to ensnare a recovering and unsuspecting Kyomei. A dozen of these black tentacles abruptly picked-up their pace and rushed toward Kyomei at a speed of 800. They went from pure black to brightly colored tendrils. They positively glowed a orange-yellow as they attempted to encircle and bind Kyomei. Yet another attempt to immobilize him so the he can be disposed of with more finesse. If Kyomei could not recover quickly enough, the brightly shining tendrils would quickly wrap around his entire body. They would tightly squeeze him, bringing his arms close to his body and wrapping firmly around his legs.


Class 7 arrow 
strength 300
Speed 800
SpPR 1250
Reiatsu 1250
Instinct 150
Senses 150
ES 100
HE 0

12,500

-horin x 12 =300

reiatsu = 12,200

[Kyomei Kuchiki]

The smokey arrow survived the collision with the ceiling, much to Kyomei's dismay. He'd have to come up with a new way of defeating that enemy. As if by the hand of the Soul King, a new way to try and capture/defeat the Surasorutoiera came even as the Kuchiki was being taunted. Do you recognize me, it asked. Of course he didn't. His memories had been stolen from him. The thief was right in front of him, mocking him even, as tentacles dripped from the ceiling. Horin might be a technique that Kyomei could use to defeat the more powerful arrow. That is, if the Byakurai at his disposal could defeat the tentacled beast. He noticed the black snares moving towards him, but decided to wait until they wrapped around him.

He formed a byakurai in his hand as the tentacles wrapped around his legs and arms, holding onto the laser and forcing it to bend to his will using his Mastery of the technique that had been restored to him. Using it as a knife, he sliced through the bindings around his arms. With his other arm, he reached up and grabbed onto the tentacle and tried to pull it down towards him to put the arrow on the ceiling off balance and fly off the ceiling towards the Kuchiki. Another byakurai would be fired towards him, using Aural Pull to make it two feet wide. Hopefully the combination of putting it off balance and firing a laser at it would be sufficient to destroy it and restore Horin to Kyomei's knowledge.

"You're next..."

Remaining Reiatsu: 8,319/9,000 (-25 Byakurai, -100 Aural Call, -31 Byakurai with Aural Pull)

[✱Paiva "Amalia" Vollbrecht✱]

The shadowy figure scoffed as he watch Kyomei further wield byakurai. Even without the majority of his knowledge he was proving to be a formidable adversary. It didn't matter as he had already planned ahead. He suspected Kyomei would prove innovative even without his powers. As Kyomei was using his mastery of byakurai to slice through the tendrils, two creatures surfaced from above and released another barrage of tentacles. They resembled dog-type creatures as they scurried across what appeared to be a black ceiling. Their tendrils ensnared the figure that was the embodiment of Horin. It was to be sacrificed in order to deliver a painful reminder to Kyomei.

They began shining brightly as bolts of electricity surged throughout their body. The electricity swam along their skin before using the tendrils as pathways. The electrical charges rushed downward, striking horin. Kyomei had successfully landed an attack, but was remained in physical contact with horin, allowing the electricity to pass through it and into his body. He would feel the powerful jolts of electricity dancing on his skin before piecing his skin and entering his body like a swarm of fish. They'd travel through his veins and across his muscles, shocking his entire system. Kyomei was naturally spiritually gifted and therefore had built in defenses. Even with his superior spiritual body, he could not deny the energy invading his system. 

The shadowy figured knew something like would not take him down. He would need something stronger. They were merely here to distract and exhaust his stamina. More potent arrows would be required to deal a lethal blow, which meant venturing further into the castle. Despite his preparedness, the mysterious shadow had underestimated Kyomei. He began to walk away as he was dealing with the powerful jolts of electricity caused by Tzuzuri Raiden. It was as if he had given up on this. He knew his own strength was likely only going to serve as a deterrent. As he entered the large tower, he waved his hand, gesturing to something nearby. "Deal with him. Don't hold back."

With those words two large crystal beings, standing roughly 6'5'' emerged from the shadows by the entrance. The crystal golem had a large torso with what appeared to be a hump on its back. Its arms and legs were very long and slender. It has one large eye that looked more robotic than humanoid. The center of its chest had a large cavity that seemed to burrow inside its body. Their bodies began to emanate a beautiful light as the cavity on their chest began reacting. They straightened their posture as particles began collecting within the cavity. Something was charging in that space, and it certainly wasn't benign. Without much warning a burst of energy erupted from the central cavity in their chest. Two of these light bullets hurtled through the air at 800 speed and they were aimed directly for Kyomei. 

"Let's see him dodge that with what he has managed to acquire." The shadowy figured said bitterly. He climbed a set of stairs and peered out the window at Kyomei. He wanted to observe what was happening and hopefully guide them if he saw fault in their form. Unlike the others, these were more formidable arrows, with a lot more wit. This tended to be the case with the arrows. Their class of technique awarded them greater intelligence depending on where it fell. The bullet of energy rocketed toward Kyomei, but, surprisingly, were not aimed at his body. That'd be too easy. He'd merely dodge it. There was a chance he couldn't if the other techniques had subdued him. The crystal golems weren't the type for taking chances. The bullets strike the ground nearby, roughly five feet in front of him, one on the left and the righter. The bullets, like fragile balloons, popped and sent condensed shards of reiatsu speeding in every direction. Hundreds of these shards scattered, seeking to piece his skin and leave him porous and full of holes. Even as agile as he was, he wouldn't be able to escape all the shards, there were merely too many. He'd likely sustain damage. How much would be the question. Or did he have yet another trick up his sleeve?

SPOILER: Click to show

{Tszuzuri Raiden}
Class 7
Strength 100
speed 800
sppr 1250
RS 1250
instinct 100
sense 100
ES 50
HE 0

Tsuzuri Raiden image

SPOILER: Click to show

{Mabarash Dangan}
Class 4
Strength 300
speed 800
sppr 1250
RS 1250
instinct 150
sense 100
ES 100
HE 0

Mabarash Dangan Image

Arrow 1: 1250
-150
=1100
Arrow 2: 1250
-150
=1100

[Kyomei Kuchiki]

As Kyomei was severing the tentacles of Horin with his Byakurai dagger, two more figures reached out to blast him with electricity through the Horin arrow's tentacles. He couldn't cut fast enough as the electricity rushed down towards him. A small blast of the energy got through his shield, which thankfully would bear the brunt of the damage. But his shield wasn't perfect. He squirmed and writhed as his muscles fired uncontrollably from the stimulus of the electricity running across his body. However, this would not deter him from his mission. He had suffered worse pain, both physically and emotionally...

He had suffered much worse pain when he saw academy comrades turned into hell demons and was forced to purify them... He had suffered much worse pain when he spoke the name of the Devil in front of him and with each syllable was subjected to unimaginable insufferable burning... He had suffered much worse pain when his passion and life, kidou, became excruciatingly painful to cast. He had suffered much worse pain when he lost comrade after comrade after comrade, including one whom he had formed a blood pact with... This electrical attack was nothing compared to all of that.

Yet it wasn't ineffective. The Kuchiki was still temporarily paralyzed by the attack, but not long enough to prevent him from destroying the horin with his large byakurai that he had cast. The ability to cast Horin would flow back into his body through the tentacles that he had severed. It was then that two crystal monstrosities lumbered into the room from the back stairwell. They gathered up energy and cast really fast bullets of light at him. But they weren't aimed at him, that much he could see. Thus, there had to be something different about them. Perhaps they exploded.

They were aimed in front of him, aimed to hit the ground about five feet in front of him. The explosion that was assumed was going to be pretty big. Kyomei had now four techniques under his belt. His shield, his aura expansion, a laser, and a tentacle. He had electrical dogs above him, and these lumbering crystals in front of him. And projectiles hurtling towards him that were going to explode with... something. All he could do was apply his aura expansion to his shield again, increasing the thickness of the shield by a yard. It was still a windy shield from the earlier Surasorutoeira, so when the Mabarashi Dangan went off, the shards would be pushed away in all directions from Kyomei, very few of them hitting him.

Some would still cut into him though, eliciting a few bleeding cuts that would drain him of more energy... He would need to rest soon, but he needed to clear this floor first. Firing another large Byakurai towards the ceiling, he attempted to reclaim Tsuzuri Raiden as well so that he could add another technique to his arsenal before challenging Mabarashi Dangan. He was going to hold back for now and try to keep his energy high so that he could handle as many techniques as approached him. He was starting to get worried though about his chances of fighting this whole tower when he was struggling so much against the first floor...

Remaining Reiatsu: 8,163/9,000 (-125 Aura Call with Aural Pull, -31 Byakurai with Aural Pull)

[✱Paiva "Amalia" Vollbrecht✱]

The shadowy figure scoffed angrily as he watched Kyomei reclaim yet another of his techniques. There was simply no recourse from this distance, and he had not anticipated his aura techniques proving so effective. His knowledge of them was only from what he had observed. He abruptly demanded that the Mabarashi Dangan continue to fire. "Deplete your reiatsu for all I care. I simply want you to annihilate him where he stands." He began ascending the stairs and gesturing with his hands. "Don't let him past the second level. I need to prepare something for our unwelcome guest." He said with a mixture of bitterness and pleasure. 

The Mabarashi Dangan groaned as their bodies moved forward slowly. Energy began collecting in each of their bodies and they channeled it into the cavity in their chest. Their sole purpose was to overwhelm Kyomei. If they could weaken him and harm him he would be disadvantaged upon entering the tower. The shadowy figure knew he would gain entrance, that much became clear from their interaction. He couldn't risk losing to the former kido master. He had too many plans that needed to be shared. Instead, he used others to accomplish his goals. He simply wasn't suited for direct combat, only deflection of that which neared him. 

Admittedly, it was unclear how Kyomei was going to bypass the crystal-like giants. They were slow, but their offensive power was great. It took a while for the sluggish beasts to properly channel such large quantities of energy. Producing a single attack was easier, but three for each was more difficult. Each use required several seconds, which could potentially be exploited, but at great cost. A total of six spheres of energy were fired from their chests. The shimmering orbs of light rocketed through the air, but their trajectory was scattered to six different locations. Dodging such a thing would be challenging, but he did have that pesky shield, something that had proven effective so far.

Within the tower voices could be heard. "He is being dealt with below, but I'm not certain if his entry can be halted." The shadowy figured said regrettably. "Let him come. I can't wait to sink my teeth into him. Let the winds carry the scent of his blood afar." Said the voice of a confidant woman. "No." A bold voice interrupted. The clicks of feet on the ground grew closer as a slim, tightly dressed figure emerge from the shadows, a geometric mask glistening under the light. "We must not be brash. We must be logical. He designed us to be strong, but not stupid. I swapped some of your choices with my own, Surasorutoiera. I believe the changes I made will prove useful when he decides to descend to the second level."


Arrow 1: 
-450
=11,900
Arrow 2: 
-450
=11,900

[Kyomei Kuchiki]

Success! The knowledge of Horin and Tsuzuri Raiden flowed back into the Shinigami, unlocking portions of his shattered mind and making him feel more whole again. They were small techniques, true, but in the right hands they could be wielded with expert control. Were Kyomei's hands the right hands? He'd just have to see as his enemies continued to bear down on him. They were charging for a few seconds, giving him time to dash forwards and try to come up with a plan. First, list what he knew. These projectiles of the unknown technique were explosive, and fast moving. They hadn't required much charging time before, but this time was taking them longer to charge. Second, list what he could assume. Longer charging time meant more quantity, size, or speed of the projectiles. The Kuchiki needed a plan that would cover all of his bases.

Step one, get closer. Check. Since the projectiles were meant to overwhelm him, or seemed to at least, then if he was closer he could deal with more projectiles at the same time. Step two, get prepared. He reached out his hands and stretched out Horin tentacles from each of them. But these tentacles were the work of a master, an artist of Kidou even. They were thin tendrils that branched out like a spider web rather than being a thick solid mass. It was like twin nets emerged from his hands, stretching out to either side. Hopefully they'd hold, but he was confident in his reiatsu strength versus that of the projectiles. Step three, wait for the charging to be done and enact his plan. The Mabarashi Dangan were done faster than Kyomei expected, only a few seconds of charging was all he had to wait.

Six projectiles shot out towards Kyomei. He'd only be able to catch a few of them in his nets and try to throw them back at the hulking monstrosities. Keeping up his wind aura was starting to drain him, and hurt more than a little bit, but he had to press on until the whole entryway was cleared. Trying to throw back a few projectiles was his plan. Whether or not it would work... that remained to be seen. But he had hopes that the explosive shards could tear apart the beasts from the inside if he aimed it well enough. As for the others that he missed... those would still explode around him. His wind aura might push them to the side a bit, but he was probably going to get more than a few cuts along his back since he ran forwards past their targeted area. Now he just had to wait and see if his thrown projectiles struck true...

Remaining Reiatsu: 7,988 (-125 Aura Call with Aural Pull, -50 2x Horin)