Volcanic Forge
The three made it to the weaponry outfit. For a second, they were amazEd. The technology and potential was outstanding. They needed to report this to La Spada. As the man went on, Zalera pondered: was the forge through Acropolis? Truly, they were running blind. Then, the man asked why the Spada’s were there,
[Zalera] “Research. There is a weapon that we dare not fall into the wrong hands. Think of it as preventative measures for war.”
Zalera offered a half-lie. They followed the man, keeping their mantra open. They had no choice but to follow. But what would be awaiting them?
—————————————————
The Agora
The men’s drinking had gotten out of hand. Though she heard some details, they were much too drunk to get full coherent words without prompting. To that end, Sour attempted to pull one of the drunken men to the side, acting as if she had something to show him. If successful, she would seek to isolate him in a corner of the bar and interrogate him about the forge.
Should this fail, Sour would look for an exit deeper within the Agora and slip by and away.
—————————————————
Amphitheater
Following outside, La Spada saw Gotoi ahead. People prevented a long-range attack and her full speed. The skeleton quickly jumped to the nearest building and dashed from rooftop to rooftop, her negligible weight of her bones aiding her speed. With that, she pursued Gotoi at full speed.
Strumming the strings attacked to her sword like a violin, La Spada performed two songs: Ballad & Lullaby. The first increased her movement speed. The second, its range amplified by her soul, aimed at Gotoi, aimed to slow him down. With these factors in place, La Spada hoped to catch up and appear in front of him blocking his path.
[La Spada] “I SAID YAH’ WON’T ESCAPE!!!”
Ballad A piece of music that expresses a narrative. Makes listeners cheerful. Listeners that are cheerful get a speed buff in battle. Buff is mastery/10. If the user has 100 mastery then the buff is +10 speed. AoE is 5 meters (16 feet).
Lullaby A soothing piece of music that is played to put people to sleep. Makes enemies to drowsy. Drowsy gives a speed de-buff to enemies who are 1/2 level or less of the user's mastery. The de-buff is mastery/10. If the user has 100 mastery then the de-buff is -10 reaction and mobility. Enemies who are drowsy that are 1/3 level or less of the user's master will sleep. This lasts two turns or until they are hit. AoE is 10 meters (33 feet).
Volcanic Forge
Listening to Zalera words, the man could only take the words from face value – though his words doesn’t really make sense to the reporter, the man himself does not truly care about their objectives, only that he would able to find out Hephaestus’s secrets. As the trio would sneak their way around the factory, they would soon find a large metallic door – the first seemly out-of-place object in the midst of the volcano factory, and not only that but is guarded by several soldiers. There is no way to open this door as there are no buttons around, but one look from the reporter and he knew that something important is behind it. But fighting the soldiers right now would definitely raise an alarm. Unsure of what he could do to get behind the door quietly, the reporter continues to hide – trying to think of a plan.
The Agora
“Ahhhhhh??”
One of the men was surprised at Sour’s attempt to pull him away from the drinking, in which he would complied rather easily, however as the man stood up and took a step. He would simply fall upon down to Sour due to his extremely sluggish and weak movements after being so drunk. This prompted the remaining men to laugh, their thoughts are no longer processing well enough to consider this as a red flag, and sooner or later they would simply hit the haystack by slamming their heads on the ground, falling asleep. Unless Sour is willing to pull an adult man away from the bar with prying eyes, she may find this to be a daunting task, or not to be worth pulling information from. The man would continue to be sluggish, not yet fallen unconscious from all the drinking.
Amphitheatre
La Spada would use her music to create several effects, but the more important one seems to hit Gotoi as well, it is strange – for an Automation to be affected by music that is meant to affect living beings, it is possible such thoughts may have filled La Spada’s mind once. With Gotoi slowing down, allowing La Spada to get in front of him quite easily. However, even though Gotoi is being slowed down, the jet boosters aren’t – since Gotoi doesn’t quite possess a physical body. Ice would have finally melted, which finally allowed Gotoi to fully activate his remaining thrusters – allowing the Automation to quickly fly into the sky, hopefully preventing La Spada from attacking for the moment, though even if she has an attack that allows for range, given the speed and being a moving target, it will be difficult for La Spada to take out the most important mechanism to defeat Gotoi once and for all, the jet thrusters.
Gotoi would start flying back towards the Acropolis, where Hephaestus and his forge supposedly would be. It would appears that Hephaestus’s reign is about to be over, and perhaps a new reign, one of terror would begin shortly.
Volcanic Forge
The three made it a steel door guarded by soldiers. The reporter seemed intrigued - was this the entrance to the forge? The three looked around but found no buttons to open or key to insert. Shooting the guards here would raise the alarm given the echo of the bullets
Charon peered from his hiding spot and spoke.
[Charon] “Distract them. I shall dispose of them before they can make a sound. Charahahahaha. The River Styx is waiting...”
[Zalera] “No. Think. Even if we dispatched of them, we would not know how to get inside the door. The best bet is to capture one of them alive and make him talk.”
Zalera, ever the strategic, formulated the best plan he could think of with the limited information they had. However, with limited information, Zalera was in a bind. La Spada would have his head if he failed - literally. He pondered for a moment before turning to the reporter.
[Zalera] “What do you think, reporter? Do you have any information to share? Now would be the time...”
—————————————————
The Agora
Sour tried to isolate one of the men with another fared. This time, however, she was unsuccessful. Unable to do anything without arguably drawing attention, Sour instead looked for an exit. If she found one, she would take it.
Sour was seeking to go deeper in the Agora. She kept her ears open for the sound of destruction; a signal from her fellow Pirates.
—————————————————
Streets of Lemnos
La Spada gave chase. A mix of her abilities and speed got her right in front of Gotoi. However, in a jet thrust, the man took to the skies. La Spada looked above, her teeth gritting in anger. With no other measures, La a Spada followed by vaulting rooftop to rooftop. With her speed, her lightweight body, and wings to glide in, La Spada theoretically could keep up.
Whether on purpose or not, Gotoi led La Spada towards the Acropolis and the forge in a hot pursuit.
The ploy was to have La Spada draw out the army and have Zalera and Charon discover the forge, but alas plans are brittle. La Spada may have to make an appearance herself. Leaving behind a destroyer amphitheater and malfunctioning automatons loose on the public, the stage was set.
Volcanic Forge
Both Charon and Zalera give decent ideas, even if the forced entry might not sound the greatest, yet these two man are strong enough to deal with the guards. But Zalera seems to have the best way to handle this, the reporter thought – it is their best chance of getting inside given his plan. But the both of them seems to have left the final decision to the reporter himself, which prompted him to think a little more, seemly hesitant in any plan of action. Finally decided on Zalera’s plan, the reporter would finally spoke.
“Yeah…. Let’s take one of the guards an- Wait!”
Suddenly hushing his voice even more, a man would suddenly walk past them, a seemly bulky man, dressed in apron would walk towards the pair of guards. Though he would stop for a second and turn around, perhaps hearing the voice of the reporter and scan for a short moment. As he turns around, the trio, especially the reporter would be shocked – the man has only one single eye. A cyclops. Perhaps the cyclops have worked too hard in the forge and has hallucinated? Scratching his head with a finger, carrying a blacksmith hammer on the other hand – the cyclops turn back and face the guard.
“That must be either Brontes or Koppair! One of the cyclops assisting Hephaestus!”
The reporter whispers excitedly. Already taking his camera out and preparing to take photos – the journalist heart of the reporter could already feel how close they are to this forge’s secrets. Almost couldn’t contain himself as his heart beats rapidly.
“Brontes. Door!”
Speaking loudly to the guards, the cyclops prompts the guards to open the door – in which one of the guards would walked towards what seems to be a small protruded metallic box, hidden cleverly on the side, though not in an angle where the trio could have noticed. Pressing several buttons, the guards opened the metal door – opening slowly as a rather loud dragging sound would accompany the opening of the door, as what seems to be mist appears to spill out.
“Door! Not close!”
Brontes would speak once more, entering the metallic door which is now half-opened. It is hard to make out of the insides of the door, but it seems to be dark – and surprisingly, cold mist could be seen spilling out continuously from inside. Now it may be their chance to find a way in, if they could somehow make it past the guards unnoticed.
“This is our only opportunity!”
The reporter whispered to Charon and Zalera.
Agora
Sour would find herself looking to exit the bar. Thankfully for her, the bar is open-spaced – thus it is easy for her to get out of the bar. But once Sour would leave the Agora, a hand would suddenly appear, small and feminine – attempting to pull Sour to a quiet corner. It is the young girl from the orphanage that first took Sour’s hand to try and have her join the group! Perhaps the mysterious stalker that has been following her since Sour sneaked out of the orphanage.
“Pst! Hey! You don’t seem to be a normal kid!”
Almost speaking in a tone like an older sister, the young girl placed both hands on her waist, slightly pouting as she seems to try and take care of the ‘newcomer’ of the orphanage, though she too has seemed to disobey the rules that Dimitra have placed. But she is definitely the more matured and courageous one of the group of kids from the orphanage.
Streets of Lemnos
As Gotoi has escaped La Spada’s clutches, heading straight to the Acropolis – forcing the Grim Reaper to give chase, as La Spada would go from building to building which prevents Lemnos’s soldiers from getting a close shot effectively, this also led to the soldiers giving chase to La Spada as well, although they would end up far behind on her tail instead. Watching the entire act from afar, the same mysterious being, cloaked to hide the being’s appearance, continues to follow them. But even La Spada wouldn’t able to distinguish this being from normal civilians with her Haki, there was no difference, which makes it difficult to notice the being’s presence unless she would notice the stalking from the sea of people.
La Spada’s actions has caused panic and chaos throughout the city, forcing many civilians to run in terror, given the actions from the Amphitheatre – it has now spread wide and far throughout the city and a manhunt for La Spada has long started, the festival is now completely ruined – the worst day for Lemnos. Soon, La Spada would find herself at the base of the Acropolis, with a long flight of stairs up to where Hephaestus and Gotoi should be, Hephaestus's temple. Though with the soldiers running hard from behind, she would not have much time before she gets surrounded again.
Acropolis
Unrelenting hell. La Spada gave chase. The city was left behind in an uproar. The Grim did not notice the figure from the theater chasing her - she was dead set on Gotoi. Soon, La Spada made it to the Acropolis. Her mantra felt it - Hephestaus was here. Her soul boiled with intent.
That same power of soul was conductive through violin strings in her blade. La Spada suddenly took a deep breath and bellowed.
[La Spada] “ROOOOARRRRRRRR!!!”
The power of her soul, music, and her voice created a demonic roar that echoed through the island. The roar was such that it would shake the Acropolis. A warning or a signal...? The demon, fire now lighting her step, went up the stair and kicked the front door, blowing it off its hinges.
—————————————————
Volcanic Forge
The three were about to make their move when a cyclops appeared. Zalera was dumbfounded. Charon‘s eyes screamed excitement, but Zalera held him back. He felt the man’s power through mantra - they needed to proceed with caution. The mechanism was clearly hidden indeed.
The door opened and the cyclops went through. This was their chance! Charon employed a Soru-like technique and attempted to slice the guard’s jugular at the same time with his long blades scythe. The jugular being cut would prevent them from screaming.
Assuming, but not deciding, Charon was successful, the three would run past the door. Suddenly, a chilling demonic roar echoed stopping Charon and Zalera in their tracks.
[Zalera] “No... I-I-I though we had more time!”
[Charon] “Charahahahha! Your diplomacy plan is up! You know what that is! Time to let loose!”
Zalera was no longer in control. La Spada’s roar was the signal they were hoping would not come. Charon led the charge past the door and to the inside, blade in front - he would no longer be held back. Charon’s scythe began to glow - spirit poured in. Zalera followed, his signature rifle drawn, laser scope on.
Would La Spada’s roar draw the bulk of the enemies towards her while the duo slipped in? Or would this finally blow their covers and erupt into an all-out- war?
—————————————————
The Agora
Leaving the bar, Sour realized she had been found. The girl from the orphanage had tagged along, now making her presence known. It was the same girl who had addressed her times past. Sour quickly looked around, finding the girl had come alone. She sighed.
Suddenly, a demonic roar echoed.
Sour looked at her den den mushi watch and heard the roar. La Spada. the signal. Sour’s face turned white. Sour looked at the girl, her emotions bubbling. This girl reminder her of herself. Sour did not have a place like an orphanage, and fell into the clutches of Hell. Birthed from that feeling, Sour raised her voice, eyes watering.
[Sour] “Listen! I’m trying to find something valuable here to use as leverage and prevent the orphanage from falling into ruin!
[Sour] “I-I-I don’t know how to explain. But a plague has touched on this island! The Grim will destroy everything if she has to take the island by force! The orphanage will fall!”
[Sour] “I-I-I... you are well so nice to me. I must save the orphanage!”
Sour breathed heavily, at the end of her speech. She grabbed the girl and pulled her with her as she went down the room further into the Agora. She pleaded the girl to help, or at least not blow her cover. The emotions seemed real. But with someone with so many layers, it was hard to tell what was true.
Volcanic Forge
Charon would be successful in killing the guards – brutally cutting their jugular which not only cause the guards to drop their weapons, but any attempt to hold against the injury caused by Charon in order to save themselves would be futile – without any way to scream out their pain, the guards dropped on the floor and quickly bled out. Shocked. The reporter could not utter a single word as he could only look on in horror, even for pirates the man known as Charon is utterly brutal, a savage beyond what he has ever seen. However, having seen what the duo have done so far – he could only bite his lips in silence, so long as he survives this. That said, their path is now cleared as they could now proceed into the metallic door. Following the duo into the whole new area, the trio would now notice a complete 180 in terms of what they would expect in a volcano.
The very first thing they would notice is how cold it is, freezing even. The reporter would now notice, after the temperature change from hot to cold – he would notice how much he has perspired having being in the volcano for so long, the adrenaline of sneaking into this place has shown its results. Outside of how cold it is, the cold steel appearance of this room also shows interesting machinery, a lot of computer machines. Suddenly a loud roar could be heard – as if from a long distance away, one enough to send chills to the spine. This would prompt a series of strange conversation between the duo. What diplomacy? What does he mean by no time? It is fairly obvious to the reporter that this doesn’t sound like the situation at hand but something larger in the works. But the reporter couldn’t ask. Not if he wants to live. There is wisdom in not prying into their plans just to satiate his curiosity.
As the duo would now continue onto their way deeper into this whole new area – one would see a small narrow pathway leading into a corner. This would prompt the reporter to continue the linear path, though slowly. Should the trio take this path together, they would notice a new set of apparatus – a large container, filled with greenish-blue liquid and several unconscious men kept in each of the containers.
“What.. the…”
The reporter was shocked, if they could count – there are a few men in these containers, 4 to be exact. The reporter would walk and inspect each of the men, until he would notice one of them, prompting him to take out a photo and spoke to the duo.
“That’s the son… They say he fell into the lava… What is going with Hephaestus and his forge?”
While there are several empty ones, it seems like at least the fate of the 15 men is somewhat conclusive. Towards the end of the room, a small closed metal door awaits, and there is a loud sound of metal banging and screeching onto each other. It seems like behind the closed door, Brontes may be inside.
The Agora
A roar would echo through Agora, with their position even further those in the forge – but it is a testament of La Spada’s capabilities, or that she could have been an extremely fantastic vocalist. Regardless of which, such demonic roar that La Spada have shown to the City of Myrina caused fear and confusion to the citizens of Lemnos, bar mainly those whom have spent the whole time too drunk to care or figure what is going on, considering La Spada’s reputation – they might be in the most ignorant position or in the most enviable position amongst the citizens. But for the young girl with Sour, her face was expressive in that Sour herself could visually ascertain what is going on through the young girl’s mind. Fear and confusion.
The young girl couldn’t understand what is going on, but she is afraid and feeling unsafe, the combination of leaving the orphanage and into an area that she knew was not allowed, now the roar have placed her in a rather terrified state as well. Despite Sour’s words, not all words reached the ears of the young girl that has processed in proper. Luckily for Sour, the young girl is simply a kid – insignificant to the grand scheme of things and perhaps even to Lemnos. The fear of death terrifies her, and Sour managed to do worsen her mental state.
“I-I-I don’t know anything ok? This place isn’t safe! W-W-We should head back to the orphanage!”
Trying to drag Sour away from the bar area and return to the commonplace of the Agora, where the orphanage is located. Sour could felt the hands of the young girl shaking. She was deathly afraid. But her role as the elder sister means that she has to face certain fears if she wants to protect the younger kids.
“S-S-Sounds like H-H-Hades-sama is angry… With all the news about the d-d-deaths in the volcano… P-P-Perhaps Sister Eritha….. T-T-That’s it! We should go to big sister Eritha! I-I-It will be safer there! S-She is the high priestess of Athena-sama!”
Attempting to drag Sour again, the young girl changes direction, no longer towards the orphanage. However, the news of a temple of Athena might be certainly surprising, for Hephaestus ruled this island.
Acropolis
As La Spada took quick actions, after sending a powerful demonic roar through the city of Myrina – got to the front doors of the Acropolis, or more specifically Hephaestus’s temple. With a kick blew the doors beyond just wide open, destroying the door hinges as the doors crashes into nearby pillars, destroying them in the process before finally hitting the wall, leaving a large crack on both sides. However, that have to be the end of La Spada’s terrorism – for Hephaestus stood in her way. The man now donned in Greek armor. Gotoi stood beside him, its damage sustained from La Spada stood unrepaired – yet carried its large axe. Behind them, a large statue of Hephaestus stood, including a shield, breastplate and a spear in which placed on the pedestal. Hephaestus would speak, carrying a large hammer behind him – a thunderous and condescending voice, not one in which would expect of a kind and loving God in which the myths and legends spoke him of.
“YOU PIRATE! HOW DARE YOU RUIN THE DEBUT OF MY GRAND ARMY!”
Taking hold of his hammer, Hephaestus wields it with both hands - now overhead as he slams it down on to the floor, crackling the temple’s tiles as it splits open which aims to knock La Spada off-balanced. However, where La Spada would act Gotoi would come into play – his chest opens up to reveal a blue-coloured hole, where it suddenly charges up a yellow light where he would aim at La Spada’s position, lead his attack if he needs to. Almost immediately afterwards a laser very similar to Pacifista’s lasers would be fired upon to La Spada, where if hit would likely pierce through the skeleton flesh of La Spada.
“YOU WILL PAY FOR YOUR INSOLENCE. FOR DISREPECTING ME! HEPHAESTUS!”
Hephaestus DPR: 81-100: 5. Large Building Level
Gotoi's DPR: 81-100: 5. Large Building Level + A: +3 = 8. City Level
Lemnos Island
Unveiling Hephaestus’ Ruse! - #13 @Sea
The Agora
Fear. Sour was grabbed by the girl, and she felt her hand tremble. Sour knew that feeling too well. In a fit of desperation, the two girls in the middle of it all found themselves wanting. The girl was resolve to running back into the orphanage, until something moved her otherwise.
Athena’s Temple? Sour was dumbfounded. All the intel they gained of the island told of one Olympian here. Sour knew a little of Athena’s tale through dealings with La Spada, but never imagined it could be an impetus in this takeover.
[Sour] “Athena? What are you talking about? This island is ruled by Hephaestus, no?”
Sour was now more nervous than before. She followed the girl with all her speed. Sour had heard the name Hades in her outburst - she was now far too confused.
—————————————————
Volcanic Forge
Into the volcano the three would go. Or would they? The three entered a frozen icicle. Steel cold machinery ruled the rooms. The temperature dropped, forcing Charon to light a cigarette to warm himself. Zalera was star-struck by the technological marvel; this could be a promising base for armies of Hell.
Suddenly, they entered an area with vats. Connected to the ceiling, these held people. The reported called one of them missing. Hephaestus was turning people into automatons. Charon began to laugh at the irony. La Spada and Heapheastaus were cut from the same cloth.
[Zalera] “C-c-could they be alive? And if so, would they manipulated to seek revenge against their captors?”
[Charon] “Now you’re sounding like a Spada. Charahahaha!”
With no prompt, Charon used his blade to cut open the pods that held the five humans. Whether the lived, would be anyone’s guess. If they did, Zalera would try to convince them to join. At his behest, Charon opened the steel door seeking the cyclops and answers.
—————————————————
Acropolis
La Spada stood in front of Hephaestus himself. Gotoi had brought the God of Olympus to his death. The overbearing man declared the pirate a plague. His words and hammer were mighty, and a lesser being would quake. From beneath the cloak, a chuckle could be heard until it roared into maniatic laughter.
The Grim slowly took off her cloak before tossing it aside. A mafia-themed jacked over tight threads hung off bones. A golden hook on the right arm. Her grin was clad in excitement, clad in bloodlust, and Hephaestus was the prey.
[La Spada] “All I ask is for yah’ to forge me a weapon to slay Hades. Tha’ fool keeps the Underground below, a pawn of Zeus. Hades lacks vision! A world of darkness above! That is what is waiting after his death!”
Hephaestus rose his hammer, forcing the ground to quake. La Spada’s tail latched onto the ground, keeping her balanced, From Gotoi, a laser charged. Having seen it before, La Spada raised her blade in the direction it was pointed Before it fired, The laser exploded on the blade’s surface, obscuring the demon in black smoke.
From the smoke, La Spada’s voice slipped through.
[La Spada] “Howevah’ if yah’ like to join yah’ brother in Tartarus, who am I to turn down a fan’s request? Kuahahahaha!”
The smoke suddenly cleared by a gale of wind. La Spada had her blade pointed towards the ceiling, haki and soul power vibrating, wind collecting. With a bellow of rage, the woman cocked the spinning blade back and lunged it forward. From it came a large Gale of wind, a horizontal tornado filled with cutting wind and ice.
The tornado covered the whole room, with Hephaestus at the tornadoe’ eye. It took advantage that Gotoi would likely be charging back up. The attack had capability to cut and freeze. If they failed to block it all, the end of the room would be destroyed, including the statute. This time, the Grim was not holding back.
Spada Block v Gotoi Attack Gotoi's DPR: 8. City Level vs. Spada Block 101-119: 7. Town Level +3 A Rank Sword = 10. Island Level
Winner: Spada Block
Spada Attack
101-119: 7. Town Level +3 A Rank Sword +1 Invisible Haki = 11. Small Country Level
Agonia Mortal (Mortal Agony): The user leaves his sword trailing behind him, while picking up momentum. Around the blade, wind collects, and upon translating that momentum into a spin, the user swings the sword in a powerful diagonal swing. The wind collected explodes at the end of the swing, creating a gale of wind with great impact power. Adding Yomi creates a tornado of ice and blade.
Volcanic Forge
Charon has shown to have a good reasoning logic as he would quickly conclude that the Automations are not just robots, but essentially men in a suit. Charon would laugh, but is only met with disdain by the reporter, though the man’s face would revert as he quickly leaves his ‘bodyguard’ to his own world. Zalera would speak, wanting to manipulate them into fighting against Hephaestus, if they are still alive of course, only to be further met with Charon’s laugh before attempting to destroy the pods.
“W-Wait!”
The four vats would be broken – each following a pretty loud noise of glass shattering. Times four. This would result in the bodies falling down onto the ground, but neither of the men would wake up. As the reporter quickly walked up to the son, he would check his pulse – still alive.
“Hey! Wake up!”
The reporter would try to wake him up, but to no avail. The stealth aspect of this job is no longer an option when Charon destroyed the vats, he would just have to adjust as much as possible in this situation. A good skill for a field reporter to have in this circumstances. As the neither of the four men would wake up, the reporter needs to try and save them, for they are not just the sources of information, but they are also the source of what is going on. Hephaestus is doing something more than just sinister.
“We need to get these people out. Whatever Hephaestus have in mind, I don’t think he plans to end with just 15 people. If we don’t stop this, he might even force it upon the entire city!”
Carrying with great difficult of the son, the reporter has tries to move each of the body to a corner first, he would need help. But before the reporter could do any further, the door on the end finally opened. The loud banging and screeching has stop, and a figure – known as Brontes has stepped out of his room, he has heard the sound of broken glass and came to investigate, on his hand – a small hammer, black in colour. Surveying the room, the conclusion even for Brontes is clear: intruders.
“Hephaestus! NOT HAPPY! BRONTES! MAD! WOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRH”
With a loud scream, Brontes charges forward towards the trio – hammer raised overhead as the cyclops attempts to attack Charon and Zalera with a wide horizontal swing, aiming to smash them into the wall. HARD.
Brontes DPR: 81-100: 5. Large Building Level
The Agora -> Temple of Athena
As they left the Agora and move towards the temple – Sour’s confusion is well-founded, she isn’t really from Lemnos, or really understand much of their culture. The young girl would listen to the Sour’s question and thought about it. Soon her shaking would stop, perhaps just like a young kid with dreams, she would excitedly talk about the history of Lemnos as they continue their journey to the temple.
“Indeed! But I read in a book that our island used to be ruled by women before! In the past the wives were cheated on by their husbands for women from another island! So they killed their husbands and ruled the island! And since their time from them on till the men came from a ship called… what was it… the Argonauts! they decided to worship Athena-sama!”
Thankfully for Sour, her question piques the young girl interest in history, well not just history – the young girl is quite well-educated despite from an orphanage. Soon they would find themselves by a smaller temple, definitely not as big as Hephaestus’s. But it is modest and small, not much of a grandeur in comparison.
“Even though Hephaestus-sama eventually came to rule us, the temple of Athena-sama is made to worship not just Athena-sama but to honour what the ruling women did in the past! Though mostly women visit the temple nowadays…”
The young girl would continue to take Sour up short flight of stairs, and once they are by the entrance, they would notice several citizens of Lemnos but mostly women and children have already taken up refuge due to the chaos happening almost everywhere near the Amphitheatre, slowly spreading even close to the Agora. There are several attendants, all female, both young and old have attempt to take care of who they can, providing relief.
Soon an old attendant would notice the pair of children and walked up towards them, the old attendant treated the pair kindly, giving them blankets, food and water as they would request for. If Sour were to listen closely to the conversations around, she could catch a grasp on to the current situation in the city.
“T-Those machines! Lord Hephaestus have abandoned us….”
“He said those were to protect us…!”
“P-Protect us?! Those things…. KILLED EVERYONE!”
“O-Our army are doing their best!”
It sounded like whatever chaos La Spada have wrought, caused unimaginable bloodshed in Myrina – many deaths and now the city itself is attempting to defend themselves from the Automations. For the young girl, she would calm herself further – though her thoughts were on someplace else, she has to go back to the orphanage soon, Ms Dimitra and her other friends are going to be very worried for her. Looking around the young girl would notice something, prompting her to ask an attendant of Athena a question, a question which would even interest Sour.
“H-Hey. The statue of Athena-sama… wasn’t there a shield?”
“A-Ah… Eritha-sama took off with the shield… She said something about talking to Lord Hephaestus-sama, she hasn’t return since…”
The young girl, seemly disappointed – probably since Eritha isn’t here even though she has told Sour about this temple. But after a short while, the young girl would walk up to the statue and knelt, praying to Athena quietly. As for Sour, now that the young girl seems to be in her own world for the time being – she would find that unlike the orphanage, she could go anywhere and even leave, though if she were to do so, the attendant would highly encourage her not to do so until the army has taken down the Automations.
Acropolis
Although Hephaestus failed to knock La Spada off balance, Gotoi’s laser failed to damage La Spada as well, which surprised the both of them. One of Gotoi’s best weapon has not shown to be of effective. La Spada would speak, asking for a weapon to slay the Gods and that if not La Spada would kill him as well, or at least that is how Hephaestus understood her words – a threat. Soon Hephaestus would find La Spada conjuring a tornado, with him in the eye – relatively safe otherwise for the time being.
Not one to back down from the challenge, Hephaestus would jump up, spinning his hammer around him like a ball as Haki coated his weapon and arms – a jet black coloration to show the Haki hardening. Generating massive momentum and even changes in the wind, although with a stronger wind it is not noticeable in comparison. Spinning for several times, Hephaestus would land down, hammer first as a powerful shockwave would resonate throughout the temple – bursting forth and destroying La Spada’s attack, both equal force to negate each other, preventing the tornado from doing any more damage to the temple.
“Forge you a weapon to kill Hades? FORGE?! WHY WOULD I DO THAT, HAD YOU NOT DESTROY MY PLANS I WOULD HAVE AN ARMY OF MACHINES! THESE MACHINES WOULD’VE MARCH UPON OLYMPUS AND KILL ZEUS AND I WOULD HAVE TAKEN MY REVENGE.”
“YES ZEUS. HE TOOK PANDORA AWAY FROM ME! MY PANDORAAAAAAAAAA!!!!”
Deceit. Not only was Hephaestus was trying to create and army, he was also planning to betray Zeus. His rage overtook his misery, La Spada did not just ruined his plans, but it was a plan in making since God knows when. It is the fault of this women before him. Yes. He wasn’t the one in fault, La Spada have ruined everything. AND SHE MUST DIE. Hephaestus’s rage could only tunnel vision to La Spada, as long as she dies. He could redo everything, yes! She is the scapegoat he could use.
“DIEEEEE YOU PIRATE!”
“Lord Hephaestus-!”
Hephaestus would rush forward, surprising Gotoi – it was not in their plans to attack like this. Hephaestus would jump high up and hammer overhead as he slams down upon La Spada, another powerful attack to crush his foe in front of him. Hephaestus as long broken down, and La Spada only serves to further fuel his rage. The attacks, even if not successful, have all but quickly crumble the temple further, this temple is getting destroyed, even if not by La Spada, Hephaestus would have.
Hephaestus DPR vs La Spada’s attack: 81-100: 5. Large Building Level + S: +4 + CoA Hardening: +2 = 11. Small Country Level
Result: Equal force
Hephaestus DPR: 81-100: 5. Large Building Level + B:+ 2 + CoA Hardening: +2 = 9. Mountain Level
Lemnos Island
Unveiling Hephaestus’ Ruse! - #14 @Sea
The Agora
Sour listened intently to the girl. Athena. An Isle of women. Spada Pirates were seeking the forge and a weapon to help bring down Olympus itself, but now they found themselves amidst the Olympians. Sours eyes widened as she saw the temple of beautiful stone and marble.
Up the stairs, Sour saw the effect of La Spada on the island. That demonic roar could only mean one thing. Refugees in the dozens.
Soon, there was talk of Athena’s shield and saw it missing from the statute. A shield is what La Spada sought for Hepheastus to forge for her. This was was one of the gods. Sour knelt down in prayer with the young girl. Sour looked up and gestured to the attendant, following up on the shield.
[Sour] “Thank you for your help. The shield the one Eritha-Sama took. Was it in any way special? What I mean is, is there a possibility it was stolen if she hasn’t returned?”
[Sour] “I‘m just concerned the statue to Athena-Samoa is incomplete!”
A lie at the end to complete her inquiry. Sour sought more information in this strange world she now found herself in. Sour looked at her watch den den mushi hoping to get an update from the other side.
—————————————————
Volcanic Forge
The vats were cut open. The people unmoving. The reported asked the their help to move the bodies, arguing the horror of turning people to Automatome. Charon began to chuckle until iphe ended in a maniacal laughter. Zalera, usually composed, began to evilly chuckle as well. There was no more need for a ruse.
[Zalera] “You want something to report? The Spada Pirates have touched on the island and will claim in for the Underworld. Hephaestus is an amateur at torture. We will not only pick up Hephaestu’s work, but bring it global.”
[Charon] “Thank you for guiding us, ya fool. Charahahahahaha!!”
Charon used the end of his scythe to slit the throat of one of the unconscious males; the blood would pour all over the reporter. An act to show their true colors. The reporter had led death through Lemnos.
Suddenly, with a gamble lost, now they stood in front of the cyclops. He seemed not be smart, but a brute instead. Zalera began pondering for possibilities, formulating a strategy. The Beast, with a holler, charged. Charon stood in front and swung his scythe towards the hammer.
[Charon] “D-D-D-ammit, Zalera. This one here is s-s-strong! Figure us a way out of this!”
Charon clashed against Brontes on equal ground. The difference in size and Brontes momentum pushed Charon back against one of the machines. Charon eventually pushed the cyclops off him and side-stepped, now standing in front. Charon swung his scythe over his head, causing shockwaves to travel towards Brontes, hopefully get past his brute strength. Warcry.
Zalera jumped back to gain distance. Zalera had his custom rifle drawn. Zalera began to look around. He tried to find something to use. Broken glass was everywhere. Was there any electrical outlet, machinery, or button they could use. Zalera checked the door, how could they close it?
Brontes DPS = 5. Large Building Level Charon DPS = 81-100: 5. Large Building Level
Equal DPS
Charon Attack: 81-100: 5. Large Building Level +1 C Rank = 101-119: 6. City Block Level
Warcry
The user swings their weapon around them to create a small shockwave that does damage and pushes people back slightly.
DPR: D (31 mastery, 31 strength).
—————————————————
Acropolis
La Spada stood tall against the God Of Olympus. His strength and anger dissipated La Spada’s attack, rendering it null. In a fit or rage, he revealed his plan; the takeover of Olympus. He wanted to see Zeus crumble to rescue a named one: Pandora. La Spada knew this tale well, for one of the ones she resurrected was Daedelus himself.
La Spada began to laugh, her words pampering.
[La Spada] “Kuahahaha! And to the loser goes the spoils. My dear, Olympus’ fall is exactly in mah’ plan. Yah’ will join me in taking down Olympus... by force.”
La Spada’s last words were utter with confidence of of a God. A humming sound echoed, dark haki enveloping her sword, so black it would put the night to shame. The God stepped forth, and La Spada’s eyes glowed red; mantra, When Hephaestus stepped forward, La Spada lunged as well, sword held in a reverse-grip.
The hammer clashed with Sandai Kitetsu. A shockwave of black haki emanated from the point of impact, heard miles away. The clash of two powerful. From the sword, aiding in the block, was ice, absorbing some of the blow, encasing the hammer in ice all the way to Hephaestu’ fingers, This acted as an adhesive against the hammer and his hand, theoretically preventing it from moving.
La Spada had disappeared from behind the block of ice a mere moment after the hammer was theoretically glued.
[La Spada] “What about you, weakling? I’m quite the humanitarian, yah’ know, but my patience grows thin. Quell this advance or this temple shall be both yah’ graves.”
La Spada had appeared behind Hephaestus after the block, now in front of Gotoi. Her tone was now darker than before, losing her patience. her bones glowed with soul and haki. Presumably, Hepheasteus turned to face La Spada, hammer or not. Before he could move any further, a delayed slash would be apparent.
From Hepheatseus‘ rib to his hammer-wielding shoulder, a powerful slash appeared. La Spada had employed an iai slash as she passed Hepheasteus when his hammer got stuck, using that to prevent movement or a block. The attack would seek to sever his arm off by the shoulder, intent on handicapping the God. In addition, soul power imbued, Hephaestus’ hammer-wielding side, 1/4 of his body, would be encased in a block of ice.
La Spada’s confident words would now make sense, as she uttered the name of her attack.
Spada Block v Hephaestus Attack Hephaestus DPR: 11. Small Country Level vs. Spada Block 101-119: 7. Town Level +3 A Rank Sword + 1 Invisible Haki = 11. Small Country Level
Winner: Spada Block
Soul Parade - A defensive maneuver, the user holds the sword backhand while the Chill of the Underworld is imbued, and blocks an attack, freezing anything it touches. The ice slows down the attack and muffles the power behind it. The defensive effect depends on the user’s DF against the power source of the attack.
If DF is two or more brackets higher: -3 DPS
If DF is one bracket higher: -2 DPS
If DF is equal: -1 DPS
If DF is lower: No effect
Requirements: 70 DF, 61 Fencing
Rank: B
Spada Attack
101-119: 7. Town Level +4 S Rank Attack +2 Black Haki = 13. Small Continent Level
Soul Solid:Hanauta Sancho: Yahazu Giri - Combining Hanauta Sancho: Yahazu Giri with the Chill of the Underworld, the user employs an iai resheathe technique upon the user’s body. A few seconds will pass before the user realizes he’s been slashed, freezing the opponent in a block of ice after cutting them.
Volcanic Forge
Zalera and Charon would finally show their true colours to the reporter, it was all a clever ruse to achieve their goals. This was what the reporter was afraid of, and that it being a reality hits him harder than he would have realized. He was the one that brought the pair to their goal, even though it is a beneficial partnership where both parties stand to gain something, the reporter have made brought the greater evil to the city of Lemnos, replacing Hephaestus with the Spada Pirates is more than likely the worst outcome – at least from the stories he has heard throughout his career. However, right now his own survival is important as it should be for any living creatures with a self-preservation, with blood spilled by Charon as he would murder these innocent victims.
As for the confrontation with Brontes, two equal force would collide – but given the cyclops larger statue, he is bulky enough not to be pushed around. That much was obvious. Charon would sidestep towards the front and swings his scythe towards Brontes’s head, generating a minor shockwave at the same time. However, such movements are easily read by the cyclops whom immediately clad his free hand in Haki, indicated by the black coloration around his fist and slammed the scythe and the shockwave away – aiming to knock Charon off-balanced, and with that his other hand still wielding the hammer clad in invisible Haki would came crashing down onto his head, alongside with a step forward to ensure he closed up the distance. A scythe at this distance isn’t as effective as it would be with some distance between two fighters.
“BRONTES HEAD SMASSSSSSH!”
Zalera would jump back, attempting to find a way out of their situation – but perhaps they have shown their cards too early? Upon looking around, Zalera would not find anything beyond a small panel near the entrance of this room, with a few switches – but neither of them would be closing any doors, since there weren’t any doors to the room they are in bar the one that Brontes came out from. Any actions that Zalera wishes to take should be done without any hesitation – for another figure has appeared, coming from the entrance of this whole lab, another cyclops – Koppair. They are surrounded.
“UHHHHHHH. WUHHHHHH. (Sorry I don’t know how to make grunting noise but please imagine it.)”
Upon looking at Zalera, the other cyclops appeared to shove his hands up to Zalera’s throat, or at least attempt to – especially if Zalera is surprised by the entrance of another cyclops. The Spada Pirates will now have to content with the possibility of a full-on battle with the dumb and dumber brothers. As for the reporter, he would hide in a corner, waiting for the opportunity to escape.
Brontes DPR vs Charon = 5. Large Building Level + CoA Hardening: +2 = 120: 7. Town Level
Result: Brontes win
Brontes DPR: 5. Large Building Level + C: +1 + Invisible CoA: +1 = 120: 7. Town Level
Koppair DPR: 5. Large Building Level
Temple of Athena
Sour’s words are an indication that she isn’t from Lemnos, that much is rather obvious by the attendant, else she would have likely known about the history of Lemnos, Athena and Eritha. That said, the attendant has no trouble clarifying and assuring her worries.
“Indeed, the shield is called Aegis. It is said to be forged by Hephaestus-sama for Athena-sama, but after many years, he wanted it back but Athena-sama wanted to keep it. As such after a long discussion, the shield is to be placed here in Lemnos with Hephaestus-sama but kept on this temple as a compromise between them.”
“Eritha-sama is our high priestress. She is devoted to Athena-sama.”
Even though Sour’s secondary question isn’t answered properly, the attendant’s praise of Eritha should be clear enough she wouldn’t just take it away. However, Sour’s problem is just the beginning, for a sudden scream would occur behind her, a young lady screamed as she looked out of the temple of Athena.
“KYAAAAA! THE MACHINE IS HERE!”
This would trigger the rest of the refugees to panic, as the refugees now starts going deeper within the temple of Athena, closer to the statue as they look more and more towards the Goddess for protection, the attendants started to move around chaotically, trying to look for a way to hide everyone from the machine, or at least a way to protect themselves, the temple of Athena is sacred, falling to Hephaestus automations can be disastrous. Should Sour looked out of the temple as well, she would find a single Automation, slightly damaged and in combat with a group of soldiers, whilst the leaving behind several bodies in its wake.
Acropolis
As both attacks clashed, La Spada would freeze the God’s hand all the way from the hammer, thanks to the successful block by her. Freezing his weapon and arm in place, La Spada would seemly disappear, only to reappear in between Gotoi and Hephaestus, just directly in front of Gotoi. However, before La Spada could complete her sentence, she would find it Gotoi’s loyalty unwavering – as the result would be a powerful overhead slam with his axe down onto La Spada, the difference this time was his arms, now with fire expelling out of his arm exhaust ports as if the attack accompanied jet thrusters to increase the potency of the attack. Before Hephaestus could figure out what happened, a slash would appear on his arm, deep and powerful enough to cleanly slice off the God’s arm, completely removing it from the shoulder. Rage has its consequences.
“ARGHHHHHHH!”
Blood would spill profusely from the arm – but given the vitality of the God, it wouldn’t be enough to kill him, yet. Dropping to his knees, the pain has cause enough to grant the God moments of clarity, adrenaline coursing through his veins. It took even Hephaestus awhile before he could turn around, no longer wielding his hammer, his arm clutching the severed side of his shoulder. In just moments, whether La Spada have noticed for quite a while before – a battalion of soldiers have marched up to the crumbling temple, in phalanx formation as they now guard the exit. Hephaestus, in his agony would shout to the soldiers.
“KILL HER!!!!!”
However, his command met no response, confusing the God at what was happening. Did the City of Myrina turn against him?! HIM?! The God?!
“I ORDER YOU TO KILL HER.”
“They won’t listen to you anymore, Lord Hephaestus – nor will the citizens believe in you.”
“YOU?!”
A feminine voice could be heard loudly from the soldiers, as they would now give way to what seems to be a cloaked figure. Recognizing the voice, Hephaestus was in greater shock than possibly La Spada could have been. Removing her hood, revealed a rather beautiful lady – within her cloak seems to be of a white dress of sorts.
“ERITHA. HOW DARE YOU COME TO MY TEMPLE. HOW DARE YOU TURN MY CITY AGAINST ME. IS THIS WHAT ATHENA HAS BEEN WAITING FOR? A CHANCE TO TAKE OVER LEMNOS?!”
“Athena-sama has no desire to take over any island. Your Automations.. no those victims that you have cruelly placed into these machines… You have betrayed your own people for selfish gains! You are no longer Lemnos’s God! Even I can sense something in Gotoi! Athena-sama has ordered for you to be face your crimes in the name of justice!”
Taking a deep breath, the high priestess would address to La Spada herself instead.
“Please! I know you aren’t here to help us, but help us put a stop to Hephaestus! You whom struck a deal with the God of Underworld!”
“SHUT IT FOLLOWER OF ATHENA. I WILL KILLLL YOU! ALL OF YOU!!!”
Hephaestus even in his state of agony would rush forward to smack Eritha, only for the priestess at the last second to reveal a shield – with the face of a gorgon design on it. It is the shield that La Spada have sought after, that their belief in which Hephaestus possessed the shield within his forge turns out to be in the possession of Eritha and the Temple of Athena. With a backhanded slap towards the shield, Eritha would safely block the attack – but the force of the attack sent her flying back, towards the soldiers and even knocking several of them down the stairs. Eritha would be send sliding towards the very edge of the top of the stairs.
“YOU DARE USE THE SHIELD I FORGE AGAINST ME?!!”
“Ahh!!!!”
With La Spada goal in sight, how will the pirate weave through the situation, she could potentially take Aegis from Eritha and call it a day, but helping Eritha and the citizens of Lemnos may have a large impact on her future plans. Regardless of how La Spada would feel in terms of her leniency towards Lemnos, Eritha knew of La Spada and her past – and that she seems to know a lot more than one would expect.
Gotoi DPR: 81-100: 5. Large Building Level + B: +2 = 120: 7. Town Level
Temple of Athena
Sour received the confirmation she had been waiting for. Quickly and incognito, as the others’s attention went to the entrance and the rogue automaton, Sour turned to her wrist den den mushi and spoke of the shield; that was the target. A three-pronged effort to find it, and it finally came to fruition.
Amidst that chaos, Sour stood up and placed her hand on the girl’s shoulder as comfort. Sour’s eyes stared at the automaton, bringing back memories of La Spada Pirates ravaging her hometown. Sour was a girl trapped, but here, she posited, she could do what no one did for her.
[Sour] “Stay behind me. No one will take away your home too.”
Sour had sprinted towards the automaton. Her forearm blades had been drawn. The girl showed incredible acorbatic agility as she flipped and weaved by the automaton to reach inside his arm reach, already in a hand-stand. Sour sprung up to kick the automaton in its chin to the sky. Sour suddenly appeared above him, coming down with both forearm blades against his exposed abdomen with purpose.
[Sour] “SKULL SMASH!!”
Sour was a prisoner in the Spada Pirates. In her first show of free will in years, she intended to save the girl who saw through her evil and was nice to her.
Sour Attack
81-100: 5. Large Building Level +3 A Rank + 2 Hardening = 10. Island Level
Skull Smash
Smashes the target with a lot of force, can break through buildings and skulls.
DPR A (61 mastery and 61 strength or 71 air slash).
—————————————————
Volcanic Forge
Brontes swatted away the shockwave like child’s play. The size and weight of the cyclops was significant. While he was incredibly dumb, his might in battle went far. Knocked off balance, Charon saw the hammer coming down, and could do nothing but widen his eyes.
Charon’s teeth shot out from his mouth along with blood and was forced to his knees. A shooting pain went up his spine. For a moment, Charon’s eyes blurred and he saw two cyclops He wasn’t seeing double - a second one appeared. Charon could only jump back and gain distance, in incredible pain.
Zalera was able to escape being grabbed by jumping back, but the mere movement hit him like a wrecking ball. Zalera was pushed back to where Charon was. He too spat out blood. Both hurt, Charon gurgled blood and spoke:
[Charon] “Ugh! Are you done working that damn noggin’ of yours?! Haven’t seen so much strength since ‘The Shadow’! What’s the plan, genius?! I can’t take more hits like that!”
[Zalera] “Haaa... haaa... I know. If only Sour was here, her agility would make short work of these monsters. You see, they must have tunnel vision - they have one eye. But we’re not as agile as she.”
[Zalera] “Still, I have an idea, reckless as it is - you would love it. These two, have mighty brawn, but they lack brains. We will use that.”
Zalera whispered to Charon. The two ended up back against back, and given from where Koppair entered, the two positioned themselves in a way where Charon was staring at Brontes and Zalera was staring at Koppair. In other words, they were surrounded, with each brother coming from the direct opposite direction as the other one.
[Charon] “Come get it, you UGLY ONE EYED FREAK!”
[Zalera] “You and that one eye are DISGUSTING! FREAK!”
A taunt. They taunted the brothers to rage. Ones with such an abnormal eye likely suffered much prejudice and ridicule. Would this set them off? Zalera had changed his rifle for two small handguns, light gathering at their nozzle. Charon had began spinning his scythe, picking up wind, haki all over his weapon. What was their plan?
A reckless plan. Do or die.
Brontes DPS = 7. Town Level Charon Vit = 81-100: 5. Town Level
DPR equal to dura: normal damage
Koppair DPS = 5. Large Building Level Charon Vit = 81-100: 5. Town Level
DPR 2 or more below dura: Not very effective
—————————————————
Acropolis
Wicked laughter came to prove Gotoi’s loyalty. Against all odds, Gotoi stood tall. With conviction, the cyborg brought his axe down to La Spada. Another would have fallen, but in front of him stood a monster. La Spada did not move an inch, the axe blade clanking against her skull. The blade would not move an inch, stopped cold and frozen upon touch, literally.
Instead, Gotoi would meet La Spada’s gaze, staring deep into his soul. Fear would creep up, of a monster unmoved and beset with will to turn the world to ruin.
[Eritha] “They won’t listen to you anymore, Lord Hephaestus – nor will the citizens believe in you.”
[Hephaestus] “YOU?!”
A woman Hephaestus called Eritha entered the sacred temple, and with her, soldiers. La Spada recognized the name, but never imagined here of all places. Justice, Eritha called it. Hephaestus had been using humans as lambs for the automatons. How delicious, thought La Spada. Just then, as if fate, Sour’s words came through the den den mushi watch; the shield was there.
Eritha pleaded with the Grim - it must have been she who watched at the amphitheater. La Spada took it all in, until Eritha said a word too much; she knew about the deal La Spada had made with Hades. The deal wherein La Spada traded a piece of her very soul to resurrect. The deal to make the Underworld rise. A deal she would renege.
La Spada disappeared from her position, appearing between Eritha and Hephaestus, leaving Gotoi potentially under scared status. La Spada’s eyes tracked the shield, with Hepeastus words confirming Sour’s statement; that was Aegis. Yet, La Spada was preoccupied, and the strum of a violin, the strings attached to her sword, echoed as she spoke.
The Grim spoke to Eritha commandingly.
[La Spada] “YAH’ DARE GIVE ME ORDERS, WEAKLING?! I care not about your filthy city. This fool’ will fall because he dared to stand against mah’.
[La Spada] “Howevah’, yah’ will pay me once this is finished with an offering of mah’ choosing. Yah’ will tell me how yah’ know about Hades’s deal. If not, well, yah’ know the rest...”
An offering. Eritha would not know it, but La Spada meant the shield.
The violin strummed a dark song as a chorus to her words. La Spada’s aura had exploded. Her whole body glowed with a green light, a ghost-like apparition carrying the song towards Hepheasteus. a song of Lament. It theoretically made Hephasteus realize his doom, unable to activate haki to protect himself.
La Spada’s voice changed entirely to one Hepheastus and Eritha may recognize; Hade’s voice.
[La Spada] “Hades has a piece of mah’ soul, yes. What he dosen’t know is I can “resurrect” it for a brief period of time. Each time, it brings what is guarding it; a piece of Hade’s own soul.”
La Spada’s hair rose up, a dark aura enveloped her. In the palm of her outstretched arm, La Spada held a dark flame. Black lightning crackled around it, compressed to a single point. The very air became thick with wickedness. The ground surrounding La Spada did not just freeze, it withered away. An aura of woe. Every light would be snuffed out, only the light of the dark flame illuminated the temple.
Suddenly, two red eyes appeared on that dark flame as if it was a dragon; the Dragon of Hades’ Flame.
[La Spada] “You know, it’s impossible to control it completely. Once I release it, I have no say. I have the power to pull you into oblivion. Resisting it is not something I would do...”
[La Spada] “Kuhahahahahahahaha!!!!!”
La Spada’s laughter, or rather, Hades’ laughter, echoed through the Agropolis. The Grim held the dragon in her palm, staring deep into Hephaestus soul. With the god potentially unable to use haki and missing an arm, Eritha, and perhaps Hephaestus himself, would realize this was not a battle - this was an execution.
Gotoi Attack: 7. Town Level Spada Dura: 101-119: 7. Mountain Level +1 DF perk = 8.Island Level
DPR 2 or more below dura: Not very effective
Fear Scared: affected is nauseated, has reduced observation Haki and finds it hard to concentrate on anything but the thing scaring them. lasts for 3-6 turns. Requires at least 71 mastery
Lament(requires 61 musicianship mastery, acoustic instrument): a piece of music that expresses grief or sorrow typically accompanied by a descending bass line.
-Makes enemies depressed. Enemies who are depressed lose haki activation turns equal to the de-buff length (at 41 musicianship enemies lose 2 turns)
[Note: Not actually attacking with Dragon of Hades’ Flame] Dragon of Hades‘ Flame- The user calls the very soul of Hades to his palm, roaring with malevolence and the Chill of the Underworld. By coating Hades with Haki, the user creates an entirely new force: a dark dragon. The dragon can freeze and then shatter it’s target, creating a giant explosion. This attack leaves the user’s hand immobile for one turn. Requirements: 100 Devil Fruit, 100 Speed, 100 Haki Rank: S+
Volcanic Forge – Lab
The evil brothers would find a slightly different method to get the upper hand against the dumb and dumber brother – provocation and taunts, a solid strategy. With Zalera and Charon at each other backs, they would resort to taunting, trying to provoke the cyclops brothers into a fit of rage by calling them freaks, essentially. Thankfully, they would find their strategy working – although to what extent remains to be seen. As Zalera and Charon would mock the physicality of the cyclops, Koppair flew into a fit of mad rage, though his words continues to be of unintelligible grunting. Running forward to the pair with his hammer in hand – the cyclops simply attempts to charge and bash through the both of them, his entire upper body coated in Haki. Should Koppair managed to tackle successfully with his shoulder, it will not go well for the Spada Pirates, since their physical strength are overwhelming.
Meanwhile, Brontes whom is also provoked, but instead of charging blindly into Spada Pirates – he seems to be a little calmer, the less dumb of the pair. Instead, he walked up briskly to Zalera and Charon, his face already showing anger. With Koppair charging recklessly, it wouldn’t take much for Brontes to wait, already expecting what his enemies planned to do.
“YOU. APOLOGISE!”
Brontes gripped his hammer, raising it high up but not attacking yet. Another reaction could be seen on Brontes face not just anger, tears. A combination of anger and tears rolling down the cheeks, it seems that this particular cyclops is more emotional than one might realize on first impressions. Sometime after Koppair attacked the pair, the reporter has seemed to use the chance to sneak away…
Koppair DPR: 5. Large Building Level + CoA: +2 = 120: 7. Town Level
Temple of Athena
Sour’s words came at a surprise, even for the attendant and for the young girl – a child willing to protect against an enemy that threatens to destroy Lemnos. This shocks the young girl the most, although she already has an intuition that Sour is no simple kid, this would only further prove what the girl had in mind. Although no further words from anyone were said, Sour would go on ahead to deal with the Automation. With a kick up the chin, the Automation whom was dealing with the soldiers was not able to notice Sour up till the very last moment. Luckily for Sour, with the Automation already damaged, its reaction has completely slowed down thus even when she went up above the Automation in the air, the machine wasn’t able to react to it much – thus allowing Sour to attack through the exposed abdomen – essentially destroying the machines and splitting the machine into half.
A large force of shockwave would erupt, forcing the soldiers to cover their eyes with the resulting attack. But once things have settled down, the soldiers and Sour would notice blood and oil spilling out in large quantities. The upper half of the machine, still barely moving – start to crawl towards the temple, no longer even attempting to fight back. But after a short moment of crawling, the machine would stop dead in the tracks, no longer moving.
The soldiers would look at Sour, some would recognize her, especially one – that if Sour were to notice, was the same man that took her to the Agora. But neither would express any fear or attempt to take down Sour. They couldn’t. Whether any of the soldiers like it or not, Sour has saved the lives of many in Lemnos. As one of the soldiers would approach the now destroyed Automation to look closer, the soldier gasp in shock – through the exposed parts that should Sour look closely into, she may find what shocked the soldier, a brain on the Automation’s head in which connected to not just electrical parts but even red tubes could be seen.
“B—B-B-Brain? B-Blood?! What the hell is going on?!”
Acropolis
Gotoi would attempt to cut down La Spada, his loyalty unwavering – however his attack soon came to a stop as La Spada’s skull was seemly strong enough to deal with Gotoi’s physical strength. Impossible. Gotoi thought, his system and parts became worked up, unable to process the situation as errors start popping up in his mechanical sights. Soon, Gotoi’s eyes met with La Spada’s own – a lingering feels immediately crept up, along with his system acting out. No. Gotoi thought, the system was perfect – but Gotoi himself isn’t. His very soul, even despite ‘merged’ as an Automation became affected, afraid of La Spada. Whether La Spada was aware of it from the start, Gotoi is ultimately not a complete robot. As La Spada may have predicted in regards to her attack – Gotoi’s body started to make whirling noises within its body, but remain static in-place.
La Spada would finally find herself in the centre of attention, the front row seats of the story – with Eritha’s words La Spada would spoke in a very commanding tone, even scary. But despite knowing the risks, the fact that the woman in front of her could so easily snap her neck, just like Hephaestus – understood that not just her life but also the fate of the city lies with her. Athena has spoken, and that only Eritha could only trust in the wisdom of the Goddess. Understanding the pirate’s deal, Eritha put herself in risk, without any fear seemly she would not hesitate to accept La Spada’s deal.
“I understand. I will do what I can as long as the city and its people are safe. Even my life as an offering.”
La Spada would strum the violin, causing La Spada to explode in a green aura around her, showing apparitions of evil that surrounds La Spada. She was right, Eritha thought to herself, the woman in front of her was truly the one whom struck a deal with Hades, it was partially a gamble but Eritha’s theory was correct. It wasn’t that Eritha recognize Hades, she in fact does not know Hades well enough beyond stories, and that she has never met him. But the aura was simply dark and evil enough that she would believe to be the case. How did Eritha knew about the deal given the circumstances?
“T-T-That voice!!!!!”
Having struck with a song that further indulges Hephaestus’s misery, now turn into desperation and depression, and then… the voice he had heard before – Hades. He wasn’t aware of Hades’s deal with La Spada, but Hades is someone he knew personally, and that voice is unmistakeably him. As La Spada generate flames in the shape of a dragon from her hand, fear and desperation started to overtook him, the shock of losing his arm, his city betrayed him and now with no one standing by his side – it was a mixed bag of emotions and that he couldn’t withstand all the emotions flooding in. Hephaestus stood up from his knees, head looking downwards as he turned away from La Spada, limping towards Gotoi, towards his forge.
“Hah… Hah… I will not die…. It is not done…! My revenge…! GOTOI!!!!! SAVE ME!!!”
A god has looked upon his mortality, a sight to behold for Eritha and the on looking soldiers, unable to do anything further – whatever La Spada has conjured up has caused an unpleasant and wicked atmosphere towards the observers, they could do nothing but watch.
Temple of Athena
The automaton was severed in half. The machine crawled before it could crawl no more. Sour looked at the ones watching her; she was not who she seemed. Even the soldier, whom she recognized, watched her. Sour tried to ignore him, moving towards the machine.
The solider called out what he saw. This one was once human. Normal girls would be disgusted for killing a human, but Sour did not bat an eye; nor the first or the last. In fact, it wasn’t the first time she had seen humans tinkered with. La Spada did it all the time, though the ingredient was more demon parts than machine.
[Sour] “I’ve never seen something like this... so advanced of a transmutation. The way the blood thins... it was once human!”
Sour said what everyone else was thinking. Her mind started putting the pieces together. She quickly turned to the girl and tried to comfort her. Sour’s mind trailed, where was La Spada?
—————————————————
Volcanic Forge
Koppair flew into a rage as planned. Brontes raised his hammer instead. He was more calm. Zalera cursed and deviated his plan. Zalera had a Gun pointed at each cyclops, glowing. When Koppair was but a few feet close, Zalera‘s guns let out a blinding light; a refracted laser. The light aimed to blind both of them.
Charon had brought his spinning scythe down, forcing wind to propel Zalera and Charon up; an effective dodge. The wind also acted as a suction around them, sucking the charging Koppair and Brontes towards each other, blind.
The duo aimed to have each of the brothers hit each other by mistake as they were shot upwards. Zalera, to make sure, would shoot out a well-placed shot per gun to each of the brothers; his most special ammunition.
One bullet per cyclops. Zalera’s aim true, taking into account the inevitable crabs. The gullets aimed to hit their eyes and put them down.
Zalera DPS
81-100: 5. Large Building Level + 3 A Rank bullets + 2 CoA = 10. Island Level
—————————————————
Acropolis
Wicked laughter crackled around the flames of Hades, the flame had morphed into a dragon that withered the very air. Black lightning spawned off it, haki infused and compressed into the wicked. The very flame seems to be alive, with a desire to drink the world dry.
Hephaestus ran and called to Gotoi; buy Gotoi was under La Spada’s fear spell. With a screeching roar, the dragon followed, ballooning into a large being, closing the gap in moments, leaving a trail of sorrow.
[La Spada] “DRAGON OF HADES' FLAAAAMMMEEEE!!!!!!"
Big enough to cover almost all of Hephaestus’s body, the dragon aimed to overtake the god. On contact it would freeze and explode with concussive impact, causing an explosion of wickedness. An execution from Hell.
In the background, La Spada’s voice would echo, laughing maniacally. He was the first god in the Spada Pirates’ trail of death towards the top of Mount Olympus.
Spada Attack
81-100: 5. Large Building Level + 5 S+ Rank + 2 CoA = 13. Small Continent Level
Dragon of Hades‘ Flame- The user calls the very soul of Hades to his palm, roaring with malevolence and the Chill of the Underworld. By coating Hades with Haki, the user creates an entirely new force: a dark dragon. The dragon can freeze and then shatter it’s target, creating a giant explosion. This attack leaves the user’s hand immobile for one turn.
Volcanic Forge
The two cyclops brothers approached Zalera and Charon in their own ways, which while it wasn’t really part of the plan – Zalera would find their plan worked pretty well. As they took the air, the suction would pull the Cyclops closer together. For Brontes, since he wasn’t being reckless, it was fairly easy for him to try and pull himself away, but for Koppair, the suction would only result in the cyclops charging straight on, even unable to stop himself from crashing into Brontes. This would result in the cyclops brother hitting each other as Brontes starts to get pushed back – With Koppair attempting to stop himself on the tracks, too late it was as Brontes would ultimately fall on his back as Koppair drops onto him. Because of their positioning, this allowed Zalera to fire two bullets towards each cyclops eye, for Koppair since he drop down onto Brontes, he was unable to see what is going on – where a bullet immediately pierced through the back of Koppair’s skull and out through the eye, causing massive bleeding to Koppair. The second bullet would instead find them unable to do so, for Brontes would quickly raise arm to try and block the bullet, using the large bulky muscled arm and with Haki coated upon it, would find the bullet piercing into the arm, but not enough to go through the cyclop’s powerful muscles.
“WARRRRRGGHHH”
“AAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGWHHHH”
Suprisingly, Brontes would scream in pain but the true surprise is that Koppair is still alive, whom is in even greater pain, a pain that a normal human wouldn’t be able to feel. Indeed, the vitality of a mythological creature was incredible, no humans would be able to survive a bullet through the head – but a powerful cyclops was able to survive it, although not by much. Zalera’s decision was spot on to aim for the most vulnerable part of the cyclops, as Koppair would drop to the side from Brontes, his eye closed as he covered with his arms – Koppair couldn’t see any longer, for his eye popped like a balloon. With one cyclops essentially down for the count – it is unlikely Koppair would recover enough to fight, assuming he would live long enough to bleed out. But the other brother survived, whom saw the situation and started crying, the opposite of the emotional spectrum is Brontes whom no longer cares about Zalera and Charon, instead trying to carry Koppair away. The cyclops brothers have been together since birth and they wouldn’t abandon each other up till the very end. Whether Zalera and Charon would try to put them out of their misery is up to them for the cyclops brothers have lost their will to fight. With the fight done for now, they could now explore the lab further if they wish.
Temple of Athena
Sour would notice the human parts of the Automation and in a way she was right, the actions of Hephaestus is deplorable, downright inhumane. This would even put into the perspective of how Hephaestus wanted to make an army of Automations for their glory. This very thought also occurs with the soldiers, as one of the soldiers upon looking at the Automation would vomit – disgusting, evil, vile. Their God has not just abandon them, but also attempted to do something so horrifying to them. The soldiers started to report their actions and findings through the Den Den Mushi.
“Seems.. like we got the last one….”
As Sour would leave back to the temple of Athena, she may overhear conversations between the soldiers, very briefly.
“We need to go to the forge now, everything must be stopped!”
The soldiers quickly regroup, with a couple of soldiers staying near the Temple of Athena to protect the citizens in case of anything further were to occur. But the rest seems to have left, with another couple staying behind to take care of the defeated soldiers. As Sour came back to the young girl, only the look of extreme shock and confusion could be seen, not just on her but at the rest of the people in the temple – it’s almost as if they are afraid of Sour now.
But perhaps before she might realize – the young girl immediately hugged Sour, with some tears rolling onto her cheeks. The remaining citizens started to run towards Sour as well, their expression change into not just relief but happiness, some even running to hug the soldiers.
“T-THANK YOU!!!! I’M GLAD YOU ARE SAFE!!!”
The young girl cried as she loudly hugged Sour. It was good news, for despite her actions showing her powers, the citizen of Lemnos did not try to push Sour away, though whether or not they are afraid of Sour remains to be unseen, but for now the citizens would essentially sort of crowd surf Sour in happiness.
Acropolis
The words of Hephaestus would only continue to fuel La Spada’s mood, the God has fallen so far that everyone, including the soldiers and Eritha could tell – their God is defeated. As La Spada fires a flame the shape of a dragon towards Hephaestus, she would find Hephaestus too slow to react, the God would only turn back just seconds before the dragon would devour him – only his large shocked facial expression could be seen, and only an agonizing scream could be heard before it cut short.
“ARRRRRRRGGGG-”
Eritha couldn’t watch, Gotoi could only stood still, the soldiers couldn’t comprehend. The powerful dragon would generate such a powerful force no one could really see what is going on, powerful wind burst and emanate from its impact, crumbling the temple even further. As dust rises to obscure the view for a short while before settling back down, Hephaestus could no longer be seen, only shattered ice chunks was left behind, which even then seems to be breaking into smaller pieces in the process.
“H-Hephaestus…”
Eritha could only speak, the woman in front of her has completely defeated a God, is she a God as well? A demi-god? She couldn’t be sure. But soon, the temple started to crumble down, with debris falling upon the ground, it is finally giving way. Gotoi continues to stood, unmoving – no words have been spoken as dust would start to obscure him, making it difficult to make out whatever happen to Gotoi. Is the golden Automation still alive? Eritha didn’t have time to think, they need to get out.
“Quick, the temple if crumbling down! Please come with us!”
Eritha’s words would prompt the soldiers to back away from the temple as a whole, the soldiers and Eritha now made their way back down to the base of the temple stairs, with Eritha’s second part of her sentence referring to La Spada. Regardless of what La Spada wants with Eritha, it is best done when they have fully evacuated from the temple. Once the temple has completely crumbled down, Eritha would kneel by the base of the stairs, perhaps prayers for Hephaestus.
Temple of Athena
As soldiers willed themselves to save their city by rushing the forge, Sour stayed with the girl. The girl looked at Sour with a face she had seen many times before. Sour frowned, the reality sinking in; she would always be the “Cursed Child”, doomed to curse anyone she touches, as he epiteth suggest.
Suddenly, the girl hugged Sour. Those eyes of pedantic turned to joy. Acceptance. Is that what it felt like? In this forgotten crew of evil there was still a soul among them, chained by The Grim.
[Sour] “T-T-T-Thank y-y-y-you. Don’t worry, Hephaestus will be stopped.”
Sour was alien to the kindness shown to her. Am inside look to the lives of Spada. Sour assured Hephaestus would be stopped, that much she knew was certain; La Spada had set her sights on him. What she worried was how the Grim would treat the island.
Sour vowed to herself to try to stop any further suffering to befall on the girl who gave her kindness, though she tried to grasp on how she would do that. Sour would have to stand up to Death.
—————————————————
Volcanic Forge
Koppair fell to his rage. A normal human would have fallen, but these were beings mythologiCal. Zalera and Charon landed, turning to each other. They were both wounded, Charon in critical condition. They need not discuss it. The duo turned towards the lab and ran. They too wanted to escape.
Koppair and Brontes would find themselves alone, hopefully saving the cyclops’ life, for a powerful ally of the island they could be.
[Charon] “B-b-arely survived. Is it done yet?!”
[Zalera] “It’s been a while. Captain should have felled Hephaestus by now. Let’s focus on getting to the forge... or else she’ll turn on us.”
Words Spada Pirates would understand. Fear drove the plagues. They would venture deeper into the lab, hoping to find the forge and any weapon they could scavenge. Anything to satisfy the otherworldly craving. If they could do it, and slave the island, they could take over the operations. What would they trade for humans, remained to be seen.
—————————————————
Acropolis
Wicked laughter crackled as a background to Hephaestus’s last words. The dragon of Hades consumed all, and with it, more of La Spada’s humanity. The god fell, turned to pieces and broken. La Spada felled a god. Could that have been possible? Or was it because another god, Hades, was the weapon? Flame extinguished.
The temple crumbled and La Spada only moved forward, towards Hephaestus’s remains in ice. The temple fell upon her.
Minutes of eerie tension passed. Suddenly, rocks were blown aside. From the rubble, La Spada appeared, holding something on her hand. She approached Eritha, coming down the stairs. Behind her, the moon began to cast - the transition of this island’s fate. What evil had come forth?
La Spada opened her palm, grinning at what she held.
[La Spada] “How delicious! I feel it. Desire for Pandora. To tear Olympus down. A palpable hate! A piece of thah’ soul of a God. Forever bound to mah’ eternal flame. Let yah ’ hate live on!”
In a palm-sized block of ice was Hephaestus’s heart. The Grim tucked it away in her bosom. Would a new flame awaken, like the dragon made from Hades’ soul, but filled with Hephaestus’s hate instead? A tool to resurrect a piece of the god’s soul; a weapon against Olympus’ immortals.
The deed was done. La Spada turned to Eritha, peering into her eyes and soul. Her lip bit and aura rising once more. She demanded the offering promised, pointing at Ageis.
Volcanic Forge - Lab
With Koppair and Brontes left alone, it is only that the duo would find themselves venture deeper into the lab, the door where Brontes came out from – remains to be a mystery. As the duo now enters the next section of the lab, only a medium size room remains, with no other exit. In the middle of the room lies a human a surgical bed, with his chest and head cut opened completely, beside the human stood a single Automation, the final secret of the Automation army Hephaestus created, the process. Thanks to the Automation parts exposed, one could see in a closer view, a beating heart and a brain in their respective slots of the Automation, several tubing could be seen connected through the brains and the heart – it is what powered the machines. The heart monitor near it shows the heart still beats. This was Hephaestus’s method of creating the Automation, but in this room there was no files nor papers that indicates the process of Automation creation beyond what they have seen. Perhaps Hephaestus have kept this secret into the graves?
However, there is one remaining section of the room – a computer by the back of the room with several folders, perhaps the duo’s last chance to dig out any more information. Their time is short however…
Volcanic Forge
In the volcanic forge, the Lemnos army has arrived and started destroying Hephaestus’s works, machinery has been met with weapons that aims to destroy its circuitry, one by one the Automations were being dropped, carried and finally tossed into the lava. The people of Lemnos has decided to put a stop to this evil plans that Hephaestus have secretly crafted out of. Soon, all of Hephaestus works and plans will be forgotten to the people of Lemnos. Zalera and Charon, for any information they need to acquire of it, they need to be quick.
Temple of Athena
Sour would find the kindness of the people of Lemnos to be rather heart-warming, the citizens of the Greek islands are said to be one of the friendlier people after all. The refugees hiding in the Temple would soon start their own prayers, before they would slowly leave the temple – emptying out the place one by one. The young girl started her prayers once more, soon she would need to return to the orphanage, everyone would be incredibly worried by now and she needs to know that they are safe as well. With that in mind, Sour is once more free to go wherever she wishes, no eyes would be upon her considering she has saved the lives of many in Lemnos.
Acropolis
Unfortunately for Eritha, La Spada did not follow her request – instead continue on towards Hephaestus’s remains. Leaving the priestess, no choice but to leave the area for her own safety. Once the temple has crumbled Eritha began her prayers, though she would sudden sense the soul within the temple, a dark and powerful one – La Spada is still alive. She would appear from the crumbled temple in one piece, surprising Eritha, but not one that is simply impossible given her show of prowess and feats. La Spada would spoke, now taking Hephaestus soul as her own as she slowly approaches Eritha. Being a mere priestess, Eritha couldn’t think too much upon what would happen with Hephaestus’s soul, but it would be rude to ask, and probably less likely to be killed for prying, she could only trust in Athena’s wisdom.
La Spada would finally reveal her intentions to Eritha, the shield of Aegis. It was a little shocking even for Eritha. A few seconds would pass as Eritha looked at the shield. Before she would take a deep breath, still on her knees from her prayers, Eritha took hold of the shield and raised her hands up, a very formal way of giving La Spada the shield. Once La Spada have taken the shield, Eritha would finally speak, upholding the second part of the deal.
“The truth is… I don’t know the specifics about your deal with Hades-sama, but Athena-sama herself have prophesied that a powerful woman would soon come to our city and stop Hephaestus. She said the woman is also a person whom bargained with Hades-sama. That was weeks ago when I found out Hephaestus have begun turning those working the volcanic forge into the machines. Perhaps what has happened between you and Hades-sama has been known to all the Gods.”
“The last time we spoke, Athena-sama spoke of something bad has happen to all of the Gods, even Zeus-sama and Hades-sama. She said someone has opened the box and has affected all of the Gods… Hephaestus used to be kind and humble, now turn into a God whom gave into his rage and became deceitful.”
Eritha quieten down, her thoughts are clouded – she is also worried about something else but chose not to say it.
Lemnos Island
End of Hepheasteus Reign! - #18 @Sea
Volcanic Forge
The two made way inside the lab. There, they saw an automaton mid-way. Zalera took out a camera den den mushi and took pictures to memorialize. They looked around, until Charon pointed out the computers. Suddenly, they heard a ruckus outside.
[Charon] “Charahahaha! Looks like the people caught on!!
[Zalera] “That means we don’t have much time. Take the camera.”
Zalera took to the computer. He attempted to crack it and enter. Anything that came up, plans and blueprinted, they intern dead to take pictures of. The secret of how to turn automatons; they wanted it. It would be the last piece of the puzzle.
Sour, meanwhile, had gone back to the orphanage, to try to hide her inevitable doom when La Spada is finished.
—————————————————
Acropolis
The boney fingers clanged on the shield. Upon touch, even La Spada could feel its power. The Grim yanked it off Eritha, admiring it as she held it upwards. Eritha could see an aura, haki, drawn from La Spada ro the shield, absorbing it. It would take a green light to yank La Spada’s haki from Aegis.
Eritha would bare, explaining what she knew. The Grim’s smile turned wide when she heard of the sacrifices; the weapon technology surrounding that must be massive. La Spada could feel by her fear that Eritha was telling the truth. Words that had meaning; gods knew. Moreover, something had spilled towards the gods. Daedelus, one of the plagues, was the first name that came to mind.
La Spada would respond in kind.
[La Spada] “Pandora... Hephaestus’s screams her name upon your words. We all have darkness within us. It’s just a matter of the right enticement. Kuahahahahaha!!!”
La Spada cackled. In the face of grave news, she laughed with excitement. Perhaps also to hide her annoyance that the gods knew. Perhaps souls in struggle tasted better. Whatever the reason, Eritha was not looking at a normal soul.
La Spada turned to the other business at hand, speaking authoritative.
[La Spada] “Tell that brat Athena she can keep her filthy city. But now, it falls under the Spada Pirates. Once words spreads, that shall keep the other Gods at bay. Do with the city what you’d like, but every month I expect tribute of a cache of weapons. A Plague shall be stationed here as the Spada’s liaison.”
La Spada laid down the law. She cared not for the filthy city, only the technological marvels in the form of weapons. The forge shall stay open, automatons or not. Whether that was from human sacrifice or not, The Grim did not care. Humans were poor weapons after all. All she needed was that cache of weapons. The last sentence, the Grim leaned in and whispered threateningly.
[La Spada] “One monthly tribute missing, and I shall come back. Come back for Athena’s head too.”
Volcanic Forge
Pictures were taken, it is so far their only source of information regarding the Automatons. As they started to look through the computers, it was of no time that the computer could be easily accessed. Here Zalera and Charon would find Hephaestus stash of weaponry, plans and blueprints, most of them seems to be weapons that Hephaestus have created from scratch, some were modifications to their military weaponry that meant to further improve them, even armours, battleship plans were all kept in it. However, they would not find the information they truly wanted, the Automatons that they sought for. However, one information was a plan for several other types of Automatons, one that does not require human sacrifice. If Zalera and Charon knew of the stories of Hephaestus, two blueprints can be seen and relate from: they have codenames which is very different from what the rest of weapon plans are: ‘TALOS’ and ‘KHALKOTAUROI’
Outside the forge, most of the Automatons have already been dumped into the lava, but a den den mushi came, and the soldiers have new orders. Preserve the forge. Only remove those of Hephaestus evil work.
Acropolis
La Spada’s words seems to make sense, Eritha couldn’t refute it – not because she was afraid but because the woman before her spoke the truth. Darkness is dangerous power that hides at every corner of a person’s heart, not even the Gods are immune from it. Does Athena-sama’s heart have the same darkness as well? Eritha couldn’t think further. Soon afterwards, La Spada would finally speak with authority, having decided to take over Lemnos with the absence of a leader quite literally. But La Spada expected weapon tributes for the protection of the island. Eritha’s heart sunk, given how strong La Spada is, Lemnos have no way of fighting back their freedom, despite La Spada’s words – she assures their safety and freedom as long as they uphold the end of their deal.
“I-I see…. I-”
Before she could speak further, the commander of the army came forward – dressed in full battle armour as he would speak for Lemnos.
“We do not the ability to defend ourselves, not just from you but also the Gods. The news of Lord Hephaestus demise will surely reach them and they will not be happy about it.”
Taking a deep breath, the commander spoke once more.
“I understand, as long as it does not require any more human deaths we will produce weapons for you. Back in the past, Lord Hephaestus kept many weapons blueprints and plans in the event of a possible war. Battleship, guns, armour, weapons, he has them all. However, it will take some time to convince everyone on this, if you would give us.”
Bowing to La Spada as a form of respect – whether begrudgingly or not the Commander kept his professionalism and for the sake of his city. Leaving La Spada alone, the commander walked away and took a den den mushi, new orders were given. As for Eritha, she would finally speak.
“The people of Lemnos, when motivated works really hard… Here.”
Eritha would hand La Spada a piece of paper, which when read indicates the location of several islands – Olympus, Palla and Eclipsio Islands, with the name of Gods given that resides the islands, all of them were far – located in the New World.
“Athena-sama has instructed me to tell you of the islands where the Gods reside. I’m sure you would want to know more what happen with the Gods, and how they know about your deal with Hades-sama. Unfortunately, I do not know where did Poseidon-sama and Hades-sama resides beyond the names: Atlantia and Serapis, forgive me.”
Eritha would finally bow to La Spada herself as well, before leaving La Spada to her own devices. With new information, La Spada could now plan further regarding her plans to deal with the Gods. The news of Pandora’s box being opened is a concern, not just for the Greek islands but also the fate of the New World.
Acropolis
The commander stepped forth. He assured the monthly tribute. La Spada did not care for human sacrifice if it would impede production. She needed the humans to create weapons. Weapons to kill other humans and gods. The terms were accepted; protection for weapons. The Forge would forge on.
Eritha promised the people would work hard. They will, La Spada responded. Or else face death. Rule by fear.
La Spada took the piece of paper and read it. A list of gods. Her eyes widened with the possibilities, of the deaths and destruction.
[La Spada] “Yah’ left one name off here, Athena’s. Tell her she’ll be added to the list. Kuahahahahhaa!!!”
Post-Present
A new dawn would come upon Lemnos. Stationed in the island was Sour. The girl had pleaded to stay behind. La Spada granted the request for one reason: pig for slaughter. La Spada knew Sour would grow attached. When the time comes when Lemnos would be no longer useful, the destruction would cause Sour palpable pain.
La Spada had Daedelus tinker with Aegis. Using his talents, the man would embed the shield to La Spada’s golden hook.
Lemnos would fall under the protection of the Spada Pirates.
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