Island Clockwork Island

Ichimonji · Jan 24, 2022

Clockwork Island #18
The Dark Surgeon’s Palace!

The woman quivered at the thought of fighting once more. But in that moment, she looked deep within Gehrman’s eyes. In those eyes, she found solace. Her face turned to that of determination as she dipped her scalpel in the poison. She grabbed a second one as insurance. The plan was set. Doni boarded the dumbwaiter. Her eyes trailed off before they made contact with the hunter. Somehow, she felt this was the time - who knows if they would see each other again.

The woman whispered to herself, though the hunter could likely read lips.

[Doni] “D-d-on’t die, my love.”

Doni grabbed the scalpel tight. She waited to see where they were positioned when she arrived. That would determine how she would approach.

The dumbwaiter was quieter than their loud conversation, a lucky break. When her head cleared the top, Doni saw them huddled in a circle, with the closest with his back to her. In the middle was Jigra. Doni was close enough she had a straight shot in the space between two of them. She thought rapidly. If she could hit Jigra, it would all be over. Gehrman would not have to risk it.

Taking a deep breath, Doni threw the poisoned scalpel with all her force. Unbelievably, it was on target. It flew in slow-motion, no one seeing it. Suddenly, one of them, Dim ”The Hammer”, turned. Dim caught the scalpel with his right forearm, it sticking into it like a dart board.

[Axel “The Blade”] “In the dumbwaiter! She’s getting away! Get her!”

Doni had ran towards the lower part of the room. Like moth to a flame, Bubblegum Kubrik chased Doni. Dim “The Hammer” wanted to follow, but his knees gave out. The poison acted quickly.

[Jigra] “Watch out!!!”

Suddenly, Gehrman cut through the floor. Dim, being disabled, bore the brunt. He would be dealt with easily by the hunter in his rising attack. 1 out. Axel pushed Jigra back, being hit in his back by Gehrman. Axel fell to one knee, turning now turning to confront Gehrman. In the corner, Kubrick was in front of Doni. Doni pulled her last scalpel, holding it shakily at him.

Guren · Jan 26, 2022

Clockwork Island #18
The Dark Surgeon’s Palace!

[Doni] “D-d-on’t die, my love.”

The woman spoke, which triggered a reaction unlike any other for the Hunter. Her voice, overlapping with that of another, would assault his head with a terrible headache. But he'd quickly persist and endure the throbbing pain that was plaguing him. What on earth? Gehrman thought to himself as the sharp pain would dull and eased into the background of his mind. There was no time to dwell upon it any further for he had to start with his plan.

The Hunter would blast through the floor, bashing Dim with his weapon dead centre. The draining poison together with Gehrman's strength was enough to defeat him in one swing. With a quick shove, the man known as Axel would defend Jigra from Gehrman's strike. The initial reaction showed that this opponent was a lot more resilient than the other one. Even with the poison and the physical strike, he was only reduced to a kneeling position. Gehrman would take a quick scan for Doni, eyes racing around the room. There! He thought to himself as he finally spotted her.

Pushed into a corner, Doni held her scalpel with twitching hands as the dominating aura of this surgeon beast was too much for her to handle. Gehrman still in his swinging momentum would keep it going and rotated his back the other way around. He'd also lower it if necessary, the flail now headed towards Kubrick's legs. An attack to sweep the man off his feet and perhaps wound/poison him at the same time. Should the fellow managed to avoid the strike it'd also miss Doni for Gehrman had timed it and calculated its strike thoroughly. The poison, however, would dilute quickly in open air. Should this strike be avoided, its potency would've been reduced to near negligible levels.

On the other hand, Gehrman kept his cleaver close with his left hand, anticipating a strike from one of the other beasts. He was almost back on the ground, almost...almost there.

“Don’t die, my love.”

The voice spoke again, echoing in his mind. But the hunter would endure and ignore it.

What was changing within the Hunter?

Ichimonji · Jan 27, 2022

Clockwork Island #19
Taking Down The Organ Dealer!

The plan went relatively smooth. One was down, and another wounded. Axel cut his back. He literally cut a second back off his own. Now it would be clear how he got away with the poison; Axel had an armor of body parts. A grim note. Kubrick jumped to avoid Gehrman’s attack. Gehrman’s entry was so loud, it drew all attention to him - Kubrick saw it coming.

Suddenly, Doni leaned forward as Kubrick jumped. He stabbed him on his right thigh with the scalpel, this one without poison, before running towards Gehrman. She would move behind him as he landed.

[Jigra] “So, you are the one who’s causing all this trouble. Save us the time of hunting you down! Today, you die!”

As Jigra spoke, Alex and Kubrick moved around Gehrman and Doni, about five meters around them. Though, Kubrick was limping, his movements severely limited by Doni’s stabbing him.

They now surrounded them, weapons loaded. They threw all sorts of insults at the, before weaponry followed. Jigra pulled out a revolver and with skill shot one to Gehrman’s chest and another one to Doni’s abdomen. Kubrick threw a knife at Gerhamn’s weapon wielding hand and another at Doni’s right leg. Meanwhile, Alex readied his trademark chain sickle.

[Jigra] “I’ll wear you like a hat!!”

Jigra DPS: 1-20: 1. Below Street Level
Kubrick DPS: 21-40: 2. Street Level

"Organ Dealer" Jigra
Level 25
25 x 5 = 125
Strength: 37+4=41
Speed: 37+4=41
41x2=82
-Reaction:41
-Movement:41
Vitality: 27+4=31
31x2=62
-Durability:41
-Stamina:21
Weapon Mastery: 24
24x2=48
-Ittoryu: 31
-Gunslinging: 17

"Bubblegum" Kubrick
Level 20
20 x 5 = 100
Strength: 25+4=29
Speed: 25+4=29
29x2=58
-Reaction: 29
-Movement: 29
Vitality: 25+4=29
29x2=58
-Durability: 29
-Stamina: 29
Martial Arts: 25
25x2=50
-Knife: 30
-Brawling: 20

Alex "The Blade"
Level 20
20 x 5 = 100
Strength: 25+4=29
Speed: 25+4=29
29x2=58
-Reaction: 29
-Movement: 29
Vitality: 25+4=29
29x2=58
-Durability: 29
-Stamina: 29
Martial Arts: 25
25x2=50
-Chain sickle: 30
-Brawling: 20

Guren · Jan 31, 2022

Things weren't looking too good for both Gehrman and Doni. Alex had escaped the draw of his poison due to the armour of body parts he was wearing. Only a disconnected limb would take the fall, if it even had the ability, for his poisonous strike. Doni and Gehrman stood nearly back to back as the 3 Surgeon beasts began to surround them. The Hunter would ignore their attempts to rattle him, Doni, however, was perhaps more susceptible to their remarks. It remained to be seen how she reacted towards it. The Hunter would quickly wrap the leather around his right hand by rotating the hand itself, so he could wrap a portion around it. This was so he could pull the flail closer to himself, at which point he'd start spinning it around in front of himself at a rapid pace, creating a makeshift like shield. Gehrman would position himself so that his spinning flail would clash with the attacks from the surrounding men.

41-60: 3. Wall/Tree Level VS Jigra DPS: 1-20: 1. Below Street Level
41-60: 3. Wall/Tree Level Kubrick DPS: 21-40: 2. Street Level

Gehrman's shield was hopefully enough, as both Jigra's pistol shot as Kubrick's knife throw would be deflected, hitting nearby walls or the roof itself. The hunter, however, did not stop spinning his flail as he afterwards threw it towards Kubrick with all the velocity it had built up, straight towards his chest. The Hunter would also let go of the flail, launching it like a deadly projectile. Hoping that the wound on his leg would impede him enough to allow the flail to hit its target head on. The Hunter afterwards would take a deep breath and drew his cleaver forward as he initiated a powerful dash towards Jigra. " Darkness Breathing: Second form."

"Call of the void!!" Gehrman shouted as his cleaver clicked open, increasing its range from short to mid-range. The attack, a deadly horizontal slash towards the man's chest. Should Jigra attempt to side or back step this move, the increased range would catch him in this movement. A huge gamble from Gehrman as he hoped that Jigra was important enough to force Alex to intercept. And with Kubrick occupied or, hopefully, incapacitated. There would only be two left. Doni if everything went according to plan, would be left unharmed. For now at least.

Gehrman DPS: 41: 3. Wall/Tree Level + C+(1) = 4. Small Building Level

Ichimonji · Feb 1, 2022

Clockwork Island #20
Taking Down The Organ Dealer!

Surrounded. The group readied for the final battle. Doni and Gehrman had defeated one and wounded the second, but they had a task in front of them. Gehrman pulled his weapon, deflecting the attacks. Doni moved behind Gehrman, her heart beating rapidly, eyes widening at Jigra’s words, but she held.

Gehrman’s flail would meet Kubrick’s body. The leg wound prevented him from moving quickly. His body was thrown backward. The man groaned on the ground and struggled up. Down but not out yet. Much to his dismay, the man saw the poison on the flail, his eyes widening in panic.

Meanwhile, Gehrman launched himself at Jigra. Jigra, with similar speed, reaction, and mastery as the hunter, lunged at him, sword sheathing and slashing quickly in a cross pattern. The two swords met at the middle,

[Jigra] “Ittoryu: Quick Slash!”

The two blades met in the middle, one horizontal and another diagonal. Their strength was comparable, and the two blades shook in a stalemate as the two met in the middle.

[Alex] “Locked in a clash? You’re open!”

Suddenly, Alex had transitioned to Gehrman’s non-wielding sword side and swung his trademark chain-sickle towards the Hunter’s exposed shoulder, aiming to dig into his shoulder blade. The chains, upon the end of the swing, were flipped and aimed to wrap around Gehrman’s wrist.

Doni had stepped back, in fear. Suddenly, images flooded her mind. Dona’s face, herself cutting her fingers off, and Gehrman’s kiss, all came to her at once. Her brow furrowed, gaining new valor. She ran towards the wounded Kubrick, screaming courageously.

Gehrman DPS: 41-60: 3. Wall/Tree Level
Kubrick Dura: 21-40: 2. Small Building Level

= DPR 1 below dura: somewhat effective

Gehrman DPS: 4. Small Building Level
Jigra DPS: 41-60: 3. Wall/Tree Level +1 (C Rank) = 4. Small Building Level

= Equal

Alex DPS: 21-40: 2. Street Level

Guren · Feb 4, 2022

The two attacks would clash, for the two men were of equal calibre. Something Gehrman honestly did not expect, he had expected for the man to be a weak fool, most of them were. Suddenly Alex shouted and forced Gehrman to observe his flank, a powerful attack towards his shoulder would arrive in but a moment's notice. The Hunter would use his height to his advantage and kicked Jigra away from him, with both of them locked, he hoped the kick was enough to shove the man away. The kick holding the man's normal strength, no technique was applied with it.

With hopefully that out of the way, Gehrman would turn only to find himself mere inches away from being stabbed in the shoulder. The sickle would hit the man's shoulder and wrapped Gehrman's wrist at the same time. Blood was drawn as it spurted out of his shoulder. Luckily, the man's constitution was formidable, and he could continue onward, and continue he did.

21-40: 2. Small Building Level vs Street level
DPR 2 or more below dura: Not very effective

The chain around his wrist was in proximity to his open hand, all the hunter had to do was to rotate it slightly and grip the chain with all his might. The strain on the chain was considerable and Alex would instantly know that the hunter's strength exceeded that of his own, for a quick tug would not budge the hunter in the slightest. In fact, what happened next would be a most shocking display.

Gehrman braced himself as every muscle in his being flexed to their upper limits, the strain they were on would've been extraordinary. But it was all the hunter would need to swing Alex towards Jigra, slamming them against one another. The sickle in his shoulder would make this an extremely painful move, but the hunter would bite through the pain. Showing that his grit was harder than steel.

"Uoaaaaaah!" Gehrman shouted with all his might.

Blood from the wound on his shoulder continued to drip onto the ground, the hunter wasn't in the best physical state. But he hoped that the swing would force Alex to let go of the sickle, allowing Gehrman to retrieve the weapon that was stuck in his shoulder.

Ichimonji · Feb 5, 2022

Clockwork Island #21
Taking Down The Organ Dealer!

Gehrman was attacked on both sides. Locked into a stalemate, Alex sought the shoulder. However, the man was formidable. Gehrman kicked Jigra away, using his monstrous strength to lift Alex off the ground and swing him into Jigra. The two collided, thrown and skidding across the room. Gehrman would pull the scythe from his bleeding shoulder.

[Jigra] “That’s it! I will no longer tolerate insolence! I am Jigra! The World’s Most Important Organ Dealer! Protected by Emperors!”

Rage. Jigra was used to be in control. Here, three Surgeon Beasts had fallen. Alex slowly stood next to his master, panting. He had lost a weapon, yet his hands curled into a stance of wrestling.

First came Alex, dashing valiantly towards Gehrman. He seems to be sacrificing his body. Alex’s shirt had torn, now revealing bulks of body armor, literally, on his body. Alex aimed to grab Gehrman in his waist. However, even Gehrman would see Alex was slower than normal, already tired with little stamina.

A voice called from above.

[Jigra] “Ittoryu: Surgeon’s Autopsy Slash!!!

Jigra had followed Alex. He had vaulted above him and a potential attack from Gehrman. Sword above his head, Jigra brought it down while the two, Alex and Gehrman, were at odds. The slash sought vertically against Gehrman’s wounded shoulder down to his waist, in the front part of his body. As the attack name suggests, it could cut someone bad, as if they were opening up a body for an autopsy.

Meanwhile, Doni rushed the fallen Kubrick. She grabbed the scalpel stuck on Kubrick leg and rose it up. The man, suffering from the poison, only looked up in horror. There was a shadow on Doni’s eyes. She snapped. She brought the scalpel blade against the man’s face again and again. Blood splurged, yet the woman did not stop. Again and again. Not even stopping when the blood did.

Doni screamed in bellowing manic state. Memories of this cruel island made her snap. Doni would not stop until her body gave out, falling forward in the pool of Kubrick’s blood.

Jigra DPS: 41-60: 3. Wall/Tree Level +1 (C Rank) = 4. Small Building Level

Guren · Feb 9, 2022

Clockwork Island @Ichimonji

Gehrman would observe closely how the two men collided against one another. Gehrman at this point had retrieved the scythe out of his shoulder and tossed it towards a corner of the room, relatively away from all the surgeons. Jigra who was clearly fed up would voice this in rage. His inability to combat a single person and his reputation to uphold with the big mom pirates were the source of his anger. Gehrman however remained silent as he prepared himself for combat once again keeping his saw cleaver at the ready. The blade still extended was kept tightly in his right hand. Alex came first. The hulk of a man would move towards Gehrman with a take-down move. However, he was clearly tired as exhaustion seemed to get the better of him, he was considerably slower. Which allowed the hunter to prepare accordingly to the incoming attack. While Alex went for his wrestling move, Jigra came from above with a powerful single sword slash.

First things first. Alex had been slowed down enough so Gehrman could react to the move properly. Exercising power on his right leg, Gehrman would dash to the side as he avoided the straight dash from Alex. Gehrman betting on the fact that the man wouldn't have the stamina any more to quickly shift and change his trajectory. That and the hunter also timed it so that he'd escape the movement at the last possible moment. In his new position, however, Gehrman would already stand eye to eye with Jigra's autopsy slash. The hunter's cleaver would retract as it switched to short range, bringing it up diagonally in front of him. "Hunter's cleave!" The hunter shouted before the two weapons clashed against one another.

41-60: 3. Wall/Tree Level +1 (C Rank) = 4. Small Building Level

The two techniques of equal strength and rank would nullify each other, resulting in a stalemate of some sorts. However, Gehrman had one advantage, he was grounded. With a bit of some slight body movement, the hunter would shift himself to the left, forcing Jigra's blade to grind off his cleaver. Sparks would fly left and right as the two metals clashed evenly, but gravity would do its work and force the surgeon down to the ground. A stationary deflect, using Jigra's momentum and gravity against him. Now with the man hopefully to his right open and wide, Gehrman could finally strike him dead and centre. On his left foot, Gehrman would pivot and spin around. As he spun, his cleaver would open up, increasing its range exponentially. Able to strike both Jigra and Alex, if the latter came in to intercept, at least. Jigra would be sliced at his back and right arm, while Alex would be attacked at his front and left arm. Like a clock, Gehrman moved in to strike both of them at once. "Hunter's cleave, rotation!"

41-60: 3. Wall/Tree Level +1 (C Rank) = 4. Small Building Level

"Dance, my little Pierrot." A voice called within Gehrman's head

Ichimonji · Feb 10, 2022

Clockwork Island #22
Taking Down The Organ Dealer!

The battle to take the Organ Dealer’s life continued. In one end of the room, both Kubrick and Doni were down, Kubrick down forever. Doni was exhausted, succumbing to exhaustion. At the other end of the room, Gehrman battled two by himself. Alex and Jigra attacked in tandem.

Gehrman dodged Alex. He was correct, Alex’s stamina had been limited. The clash between the two echoed in the floor, flashes of steel irrupting. Howevee, Gehrman was an assassin, fighting was as comfortable to him as breathing. With a dexterous move, Gehrman parried and attacked with a circular attack.

Blood splurged upwards.

[Alex] “Watch out, Master! Ugggghhhhh!!!!!!

The cleaver dug into Alex, who instead of re-directing his attack, threw himself in front of the attack as Gehrman attacked. A meat shield. Jigra rolled away unharmed, while Alex was blown to the side, a deep cut on his chest. Gehrman would see Alex had a body armor, literally, beneath his clothes in the front as well. This time, however, the cleaver had broken through. Alex stayed down. Whether by injuries or stamina. Was he down for good? Alex’s body thudded.

[Jigra] “What a waste! I’ll show you all what a true organ recipient can do!”

Jigra stood up, spitting at Alex. A disgusting act. He saw Alex as weak. Jigra turned to Gehrman. Suddenly, the organ dealer began to beat his chest. His breathing increased. Gehrman could see it, there were two hearts beating, one on his right and one on his left. The Organ Dealer had kept some for himself. With twice the blood pumping through him, Jigra’s physical abilities increased.

The Organ Dealer took a step forward. Beneath his feet, the ground cracked. It would hit Gehrman - this was what the Emperor wanted. What other secrets Jigra had? Round 2 was upon them.

Gerhman DPS: 4. Small Building Level
Alex Vit: 21-40: 2. Small Building Level +1 (Body Armor) = 41-60: 3. Large Building Level

= DPR 1 below dura: somewhat effective

Jigra Boost = +1 bracket to strength/speed for three turns (starting next turn). Decreased 1 bracket to vitality for five turns after boosted three turns. High stamina drain.

Guren · Feb 14, 2022

Clockwork Island @Ichimonji

Blood dripped from the hunter's cleaver after returning from his spinning motion. The blood, however, was not from Jigra but from Alex, who placed himself between Gehrman and his master. A fool's errand. Gehrman thought to himself. Exhaustion, several hits and perhaps the poison would eventually drag Alex down to the ground. Whether he was unconscious or not, Gehrman could not identify, he had to move up close to verify it personally. Something that would be nearly impossible to do right now. For, Jigra himself changed with a power boost. With two hearts beating at the same time, the man had increased his oxygen supply exponentially and in turn boosted his physical powers. Gehrman a man who practised in medicine knew what this meant and prepared himself accordingly.

"One heart or two, it will not make a difference. The Hunter's dream shall claim your life. Even the Big Mom Pirates shall not offer you aid, for they use our services as well. To intervene is a bannable offence. Fear the old blood." Gehrman said, as he placed himself in a fighting position. Whether the Emperor would react to this offence remained to be seen, but one thing was for certain, reinforcements at this point in time would be highly unlikely.

Gehrman narrowed his eyes at the crack when Jigra moved, an indication of the man's enhanced strength. With a quick glance Gehrman would observe the outcome of Doni her struggle which seemed to have been a win for the young lady. Both individuals out due to exhaustion, Gehrman too started to feel the drag of his adventures. But for now he had to endure, how long would Jigra's body handle this enhanced flow of oxygen? You can add a second heart all you want, but it is a double edged weapon if your whole body isn't adjusted to it.

With his arms raised, Gehrman held his saw cleaver like a baseball bat and swung with all his physical might. Unleashing a powerful gust of wind, aimed to daze and obscure, for it carried no cutting potential. All Gehrman wished it'd do was forcing Jigra to push up his arms. If he was successful, the man would appear on Jigra's right cleaver in short range mode again. "Hunter's Cleave!" He shouted, aiming an upwards strike towards Jigra's right shoulder.

41-60: 3. Wall/Tree Level +1 (C Rank) = 4. Small Building Level

No! Don't do it, Hei! Don't listen to him! A female voice echoed in his mind. Something was starting to resurface within Gehrman's mind.

Ichimonji · Feb 16, 2022

Clockwork Island #23
Taking Down The Organ Dealer!

The Organ Dealer had put his research and life on full display. Blood circulated through his muscles at twice the rate, increasing their effectiveness. The man was serious. The only two standing were the authors of the endgame. The hunter and the hunted.

Gehrman used wind as the first strike. Jigra‘s body trembled against it, but his increased strength favored; he was not moved. With his eyes trailing the hunter, the Organ Boss saw the upward strike. He normally would be unable to dodged. This time, however, he had the speed to twist outward, allowing the cleaver to just miss him.

The twist turned into a full spin, and, having the blade now backhanded, the Organ donor aimed to stab the man against the side of his exposed side upon at the end of his spin.

[Jigra] “Ittoryu: Douru Spin!”

Jigra’s momentum was incredible, his feet on its ball and spinning. The blade was gripped tightly and Jigra grinned. A counter.

Jigra DPS: 61-80: 2. Small Building Level +0 (D Rank)

[2 turns left of boost]

Guren · Feb 16, 2022

Clockwork @Ichimonji

Gehrman widened his eyes upon seeing that his strike whiffed its mark. And to make matters worse, Jigra was already preparing a counter attack. Having taken a lesson out of Gehrman's own rotation attack, the Hunter saw a deadly strike coming towards his unguarded side. Jigra's enhanced speed was more than the Hunter anticipated, but it still fell in Gehrman's reaction range to some extent. While not able to outright avoid it due to existing factors, Gehrman could move his body away from the strike to the best of his abilities. The attack would still hit but instead of stabbing it'd only slice the side of his body, having moved away far enough to prevent the blade from fully piercing his body. Still, the blade would carve a decent chunk of flesh off Gehrman's body. A solid hit to the already wounded Hunter.

21-40: 2. Small Building Level vs Small building level
Normal damage

With Jigra's spinning attack now having passed him, Gehrman would reposition himself and steeled his will, placing his cleaver in an equally similar back handed position. After having moving his cleaver, the hunter would bull rush Jigra with all his physical might, placing the cleaver in front of him as he'd attempt to tackle Jigra. The Hunter's aim was to use the full force of his body behind this strike, hoping it'd be enough to dig the teeth of his cleaver deep into Jigra and to pin him down onto the ground afterwards. "Hunter's Rend!" Gehrman shouted with bated breath, his was also reaching his limits in this fight. He had to endure, for fighting with two hearts had to have a faster limit than ordinary folk.

41-60: 1. Wall/Tree Level +1(C Rank) =2. Small Building Level

Using the new dpr scale

Ichimonji · Feb 17, 2022

Clockwork Island #24
Taking Down The Organ Dealer!

The battle was heating up. Round two had come. The whole expedition through the strange land and customs led the hunter to this place. He and Doni had taken everyone out. Everyone but the boss, the Great Organ Dealer, a man called by Yonko’s for his experimentations in augmentations of the body with added organs. Jigra showed that research in spades.

Gehrman was hit and came back with a quick counter. However, Jigra had anticipated it. It was why he was on the ball of his feet and still spinning. Jigra never stopped. Gehrman‘s cleaver met a dragon of wind protruding from his spinning blade. While his initial attack did cut Jigra’s abdomen, splurging blood, the man had continued to spin. Words echoed.

[Jigra] “Ittoryu: Max Power Tatsumaki!”

The spinning tornado of wind aimed to blow Gehrman away. It’s power had deflated when clashed against Gehrman’s attack, but the dragon spun nonetheless.

Regardless of the outcome, Jigra would jump back. Upon landing, he took a knee. Gehrman could observe Jigra’s color was red, blotched, and he was panting heavily. The blood from his wound poured out an unnatural rate, as oxygen ran twice through his blood vessels. Jigra bore through it and stood up. The man gripped his sword with both hands.

Jigra had only one more chance. His time was running out. Who would outlast who on the duel?

Gehrman DPS: 2. Small Building Level
Jigra DPS: 61-80: 2. Small Building Level +1 (C Rank) = 81-100: 3. Large Building Level

Remaining DPS to Gehrman: 41-60: 1. Wall/Tree Level

[1 turns left of boost]

Guren · Feb 19, 2022

Clockwork @Ichimonji

ʇoɹɹǝᴉd ǝlʇʇᴉl ʎɯ ǝɔuɐp

Gehrman's blade clashed against the full power tatsumaki. Metal against metal as the two forces grinded against each other, causing various sparks to fly in numerous directions. Jigra's new power was a force to be reckoned with, for even Gehrman's full power and putting his entire body behind his strikes still meant he lost the struggle. The two forces eventually reached their boiling point, pushing both warriors away from each other. Gehrman came to a screeching halt as he skidded through the area. Cutting and burnt marks all over his body, even his face mask was ripped apart. His hair also came tumbling down in front of his eyes. Jigra on the other hand was forced to take a knee after recovering himself from the blast. His heart and boosted abilities were nearing their limit and the man knew it, Gehrman knew it. This would most likely be the final clash before his hearts and body would give out. Gehrman too would prepare himself by clicking his weapon open, increasing its range, as he had done numerous time in this adventure. However, Jigra would notice an odd change within the man. The hunter's white hair would start to gain colour, the tips of his hair blackened, and Jigra could see a spirit manifest itself behind The Hunter.

noʎ ɹoɟ sdǝǝʍ ɐʎɐW

Voices would echo through the Hunter's mind. And he felt himself slipping, he had to finish this fight before he'd lose himself. He'd bend his knees and placed both his hands on the handle of his cleaver, preparing and funnelling strength to his legs. "Darkness breathing...." Gehrman whispered and dashed off with all his might towards Jigra. The hunter's blade was drawn and headed for an attack, only his right arm was extended, masking his intent for the time being. It could be a pierce or slash attack and Jigra had to predict or risk himself from coming in too late to intercept.

Ichimonji · Feb 19, 2022

Clockwork Island #25
Taking Down The Organ Dealer!

The battle had shifted to its final round. This clash would determine it all. Gehrman’s knowledge of medicine gave him insight like no other. Jigra was on his last leg, just off the side effect of the boost. The Organ Dealer sheathed his sword and placed both hands on it. Jigra prepared for his final attack. Everything rode on this moment.

A shadow appeared behind Gerhman. Jigra stopped for a moment, his hands trembling in fear. However, Jigra but his lip, screaming with intent. Words listed from his lips.

[Jigra] “Ittoryu Iai…”

Jigra‘s breathing became one with his body, moving on the outward exhale. The man performed a high-speed movement, pushing off and leaving the ground behind him cracked. Jigra aimed to pass by Gehrman’s right side, unsheathing his blade and bringing it in a swift movement unto the man’s torso before shesthing it. Jigra’s most powerful technique.

[Jigra] “Shishi Sonson!”

There was one big drawback. The speed was so fast, Jigra could not counter. His movement was also completely linear, unable to change direction given the speed. Regardless of the result, Jigra would be at the end of his rope. His body started to fail, the Organ Dealer dropping his sword; his vision blurring.

The Clock of the Tower gonged. The final curtain in the saga.

(minus black blade)

Jigra DPS: 61-80: 2. Small Building Level +1 (C Rank) = 81-100: 3. Large Building Level

[0 turns left of boost]
[5 turns left of -1 vit bracket]

Guren · Feb 20, 2022

Clockwork @Ichimonji

Jigra replied in kind and equally dashed forward with an iaido strike. Gehrman oozing the aura of a madman placed his left hand on the wrist of his right, aiming to yet again put his entire being into this single strike. The two warriors would meet in the middle, each unleashing their attacks.

“Shishi Sonson!”
"CALL OF THE VOID!"

Jigra blitzed by Gehrman's right and slashed the hunter with an incredibly swift attack, wounding the man's chest. But Jigra would see it, a flash of potential, the aura of a wicked being. The awakening of a monster. Gehrman's right eye was already locked onto the surgeon, flickering red combined with a grin that sported nothing but madness. Whatever awakened within Gehrman was something perhaps unknown to the surgeon, but after this tale, the hunter would come to terms with this newly found ability. An ability known as haki. It'd not specifically aid him in this encounter, but it allowed the young hunter to hone in on his prey and finally strike with all his might.

Trading attacks, Gehrman would equally slash the man at his right arm and shoulder after the surgeon's swift attack had been unleashed. The serrated edge on his weapon digging and cleaving in his flesh, it'd mean a gruesome wound.

41-60: 1. Wall/Tree Level +1(C) = 61-80: 2. Small Building Level

This clash to an untrained eye was delivered in but the blink of an eye. For the two men would stand on opposite sides of the room, dashing in their respective directions. At the end of his dash, Gehrman stood tall with a wound most terrifying on his chest. The clock tower gonged and blood finally spurted out of the wound, painting the walls and floor with the hunter's vitality. Forced to drop his weapon and pushed to a knee, Gehrman started to gasp for air as he too was at the end of his rope. Gehrman would turn around, observing Jigra and if his attack would've finally finished the contract.

Ichimonji · Feb 20, 2022

Clockwork Island #26
Taking Down The Organ Dealer!

The final strike. The clock gonged loud, signifying the two warriors‘ clash, careening past each other at high speeds. Instead of a clash of swords, the assassin was smart; there was an exchange of blows. Both men cut, Jigra more so with the serrated edge. The two appeared a few meters awa from each other, back to each other.

The gong echoed above them.

[Jigra] “Uuuuuuggghhhhhh!!!!!”

Boood splurged from Jigra’s body at an unnatural pace. The man’s body thudded, fallen to the ground face-down. The drawback from the second heart and Gehrman’s attack had shut down his body. The Organ Dealer had been defeated. A single man entered into an island and took down an Empire.

[Doni] “W-W-What happened…? Ahhhh!”

The woman had been woken by the gong, her head pounding. She looked around confused, screaming as she saw the man beneath her bloodied and disfigured, his blood on her hands. Doni turned and saw Gehrman. The Assassin stood in the sunlight coming in front the window, bathing him in an ethereal light.

Doni turned as she heard Jigra’s gurgle. Last words, perhaps. Would Gehrman finish the job? The defeated Organ Dealer droned on, holding on to the last of his perceived power, still making demands.

[Jigra] “Y-y-y-you don’t k-k-k-know what you did. I-I-I-I am the great O-O-Organ Dealer! This city. T-t-these lives are m-m-mine! G-g-give me a t-t-transplant of blood, you w-w-worm!”

The Organ Dealer was bleeding out. His second heart made his blood travel faster, now pouring out of his wounds like a faucet. The only way he would survive now would be with an immediate blood transfusion. In other words, a transplant.

How deservingly ironic.

Gehrman DPS: 61-80: 2. Small Building Level
Jigra DPS: 41-60: 3. Large Building Level -1 (drawback) = 21-40: 2. Small Building Level

= DPR equal to dura: normal damage

[4 turns left of -1 vit bracket]

Guren · Feb 21, 2022

Clockwork @Ichimonji

Gehrman witnessed the downfall of the last surgeon beast. The amount of blood loss and beating of two hearts at a rapid pace were enough to end a regular man. Jigra who had been fighting for his life had gone way beyond that threshold. Gehrman stood up, his face perked up with a sadistic grin. He'd pick up his cleaver and started to shuffle towards Jigra, the hunter was equally wounded to life threatening levels, but the man did not care. He had a job to finish, and when he heard the Surgeon beg for his life, the hunter started to chuckle.

"Kishishishi" The hunter laughed uncharacteristically.

Gehrman continued to shuffle towards Jigra finding himself teleported by the sound of the clock tower's gong. The scenery shifted entirely into a snowy landscape. A deeply sealed memory had finally managed to resurface, or perhaps pulled upwards by someone else. In front of Gehrman stood an unsightly figure, showcasing a grin from ear to ear. It was the earl, the man who had raised him to be his puppet. To be his little Pierrot.

"Kishishishi, I told you could not escape me. You are my little Pierrot, Hei-chan. Even Gehrman's magic cannot erase my presence."

The earl spoke with the hunter shuffling past the figure, who in turn continued to follow his most prized possession with his eyes and eventually with his body. The scenery shifted once more and the hunter found himself in front of the begging Jigra. The man was at death's door and needed only one saving grace. Gehrman unravelled his cleaver, and only now would Jigra finally notice what this weapon was actually designed for. Like the scythe of the grim reaper, it was designed to chop heads off.

"May the echoes guide you." Gehrman said toneless and ice-cold, what followed was a quick swing towards Jigra's neck. Hoping to end it once and for all.

And then it happened by design or right on cue the scenery shifted once again but this time Jigra's body was replaced by that of a young child. A young girl to be exact, sporting snow white hair. At an age of perhaps 13 or so, Jigra's head was replaced by the young girl's head, a sadistic memory again placed in front of him. This was it, this was the memory that had been buried for so long. But it was also the catalyst that made him join the Dream.

Back to reality after beheading Jigra the hunter would drop to his knees with his hands on his head, his hair continuing to turn darker and darker.

"Aaaaah. No not again. MAYA!"

The cage around the hunter's soul started to crack, and the man was starting to lose himself as memories from a forgotten life started to flow into his mind all at once. The dam burst open and there was no stopping it now. Doni confused to this event would see her saviour in some kind of pain she most likely would not understand. Suddenly, the glass from a nearby window would crack and break, revealing an individual who had jumped through it. Doni would not recognize this stranger, he was of average height and sported a unique set of clothing. His eyes would dance around the area, prompting him to quickly take up his snail phone.

"Sir, I'm afraid I'm too late. The fragment has been destroyed. Should I terminate him?"
"Uhu. Alright, understood. I'll do what I can."

This strange man would move towards the struggling hunter, who was at odds with himself. Two masters fighting for control over their vessel. He'd crouch down besides the hunter and began to speak. "What's your name, hunter?"

But the man did not respond, in fact he lashed out towards this stranger with the force he had been displaying this entire time. And what followed next, Doni would be unable to believe. This stranger effortlessly dodged the hunter's strike and gave him a little backhanded tap towards his chest. The force behind that little tap was enough to send the hunter flying, careening past Doni with amazing speed. Only stopping as he came crashing down into the wall behind Doni. From the force and wind, the stranger's jacket would fly open, revealing the amulet Doni had seen various times on this journey.

This man was someone who was from the same faction as her saviour. But just what on earth was going on?

Ichimonji · Feb 21, 2022

Clockwork Island #27
Taking Down The Organ Dealer!

The battle had culminated. Gehrman limped towards Jigra, who screamed in pleas and wanting for help. For a transplant. The Assassin saw the man quivering, coming into a flashback, tugging his soul. Yet, the cleaver came down, tearing into the Organ Dealer. Jigra the Organ Dealer had been executed in his marble tower.

Doni saw the execution, closing her eyes as the head rolled. She looked around the room, realizing they had won. Dona’s death had not been in vain. Suddenly, the window shattered. A man appeared with terrible aura. With an ease that would shock Doni, the man threw Gehrman across the room. Doni ran to the hunter.

[Doni] “My love! H-H-H-ey, you okay?! Come back to me!”

Doni turned Gehrman up. The jacket swung open, seeing the amulet. Doni turned to the man, bringing her bloodied scalpel up. She stood between them, her hand shaking, her words barked from her scarred face. She suggested she was to join the group Gehrman hailed from.

[Doni] “Who are you?! G-G-Get away from him! I’ll escape this evil island with him! D-d-don’t interfere!”

Guren · Feb 21, 2022

Clockwork @Ichimonji

The hunter had been flung towards the other side of the room and crashed down into one of the nearby wall. Doni, a witness to this event, would rush towards her love and saviour with almost reckless abandon. The hunter was turned and unconscious, his white hair nearly back to its original colour, black. Doni who had moved between her love and this stranger would bring up her bloodied dagger, shaking at the mere sight of the man. While also voicing her concerns for Gehrman.

"Hah! What a turn of events this is. Listen, Lady, I'm that guy's superior, see?" The man would say as he equally moved his jacket to the side, revealing the same amulet, dangling from his hip.
"I'm here so that he doesn't lose himself to the madness that's going on. An ancient is trying to claim control over him, and he's putting up a hell of a fight."

The man would say as he walked over towards Doni, she was no threat to him. He knew it, she knew it. It was all bravado from the young woman, trying her best to do whatever she could. And the man respected that. For he stood still in front of her, the scalpel a push away from piercing his chest.

"You want to leave with him? Very well. Bring him back to reality. Bring back the real Hei, not the one consumed by grief. Or the shell that was created to make him forget that his pain ever existed. Return him to the way he used to be. Do that, and I'll let you walk away with him."

The stranger said, giving Doni a chance to repay her debt. To save the saviour. Should she turn around, she'd observe that he was already changing. Giving truth to the stranger's explanation. His hair was already completely black, the whites and grays in his hairs completely gone. His complexity also started to slowly change. But besides that, he was still the regular old hunter she was introduced to in this story. But the man she knew back then was a sundered being, trapped and converted to fit a better use. Or rather to make him forget his pain, for it was too traumatizing to bare. A kind gesture to some and horrifying to others, depending on their beliefs.

"You should hurry, Lady. Before the Earl has consumed him entirely." The stranger said, giving urgency to the situation.

The hunter or Hei for that matter would find himself in front of a large black door, surrounded by nothing but white void. The door guarded by something or someone, for it had no unique characteristics. It was blank but looked unto the man with a wide grin.

"Where am I?" Hei spoke as he looked round.
"Kishishishi" The figure chuckled