This physiology was a strange marvel. Daiko hadn’t given it too much attention before, but his body sure changed a lot when he channeled magic power inside of himself. A full-blown transformation of his limbs, skin, pretty much his whole appearance through this magic of his. He could’ve sworn that his magic had changed a lot as well as taken a lot of shapes and forms throughout the last 5 years - from ordinary Fire Magic to even more Fire Magic, and now a magic that let him transform into a combination of a human and what had been concluded to be a phoenix. You know, the fabled pheasant that shone like a sun, feathers dipped in flames, magical properties and pretty much a legendary creature who lived forever…

He sure hoped that it didn’t meant that he would live forever… then again, the bird was somewhere inside of him per Esperia’s explanation about Takeover Magic. A beast or high entity that was somehow hidden inside of you, which you could draw power and magic from. The only issue was that she also said that one could converse with their beast, and yet this lovely phoenix never seemed to have the time to even say ‘hello’ or ‘so we meet’ to the poor hunter. It definitely clawed down Daiko’s expectations of this wonderful creature from all the stories that his mum told him when he was younger.

He was still at the rocky beach. He kind of leapt his way to the main streets due to how light this transformation made him. His limbs were thinned out, and the feathers provided some buoyancy during each hop. His wide, majestic wings folded out to soften his landing each time only to fold in again when they weren’t used. To think that he had become some kind of birdman was, genuinely, ridiculous. However, now he could relate to Coda in many more ways.

Once he returned to the main streets and cancelled his transformation, which turned him back to normal with the exception of the two, large holes on the back of his jacket, he hurried over to a strange man who was transporting a lot of bricks. A good deed on top of another good deed that was heavily necessary due to the damages that still lingered in this town… just like Orchidia Town back then. The strange man had a trailer that Daiko supported up front with his back, in which he was greeted with words of gratitude: “T-Thanks for that, I almost lost balance there…!”

Once when the bricks were brought to a broken wall, Daiko lingered in his thoughts as he watched the workers recover. Man… first Orchidia, now Astera. And there was a portal, too… and yet, I can’t see any pattern. What place would they attack next…? Coda landed on his shoulder and pecked his head violently as he was lost in thought.

Scattered were his thoughts and feelings towards current events, particularly those of the Demonic Incursions and his “leaders” apparent “transformation.” Kon had grown wary of the constant conflict and political maneuvering even from that of Nerva, a self-proclaimed every-man that he had been developing distrust towards since the day he had joined his service. In truth he hadn’t been content since the moment he had left Orchidia unless he was fighting which was brief, to say the least. The unexpected downtime that he had been given since this latest incursion has left him itching to either lay down his arms or charge into battle and yet he knew he could do neither of them. In all honesty he simply wanted to defend his home, Orchidia town and finally set up a repore with the people of Orchidia. For now it was time for him to get something to eat and drink, it was somewhere between breakfast and lunch for the black-haired former holy knight and he might not have the chance to eat again for sometime.

Unsure as to whether he would be able to eat again before he began his journey, Kon haggled his way for a few loaves of bread, a triangle of soft cheese, some dates, pickled herring and a wineskin full of the regions local ale. He was quite well stocked for such a short journey that had been planned realistically he could have even just teleported himself there without a single moments thought but there was something liberating about walking amongst the rest of society while you’re capable of doing things that most would never be able to conceive.

Once the Nephilim was satisfied with his purchases he placed them all carefully into the top of his traveller’s backpack save for the wineskin that was slung around him. His bow meanwhile was wielded in his left hand, typically the man would strap his fearsome weapon to his backpack however with the busy crowds it was far easier just to hold it close. Bag now tight bound up he threw up onto his body causing the various pots, books, clothes and art material to bounce around. Finding his center of gravity with this new mass on his back, Kon would began his journey only to be stopped after only a few feet as he glanced over to the direction of a young man who was helping another. His appearance seemed familiar as did his aura, a wince of pain coursed through the back of his head as snap shoots ran through his mind recalling moments primarily blood, so much blood. Unsure what the cause was for his sudden outburst in memory recollection, he moved towards the man tracing his appearance further getting more detail with each step a bird equally came into definition shortly there after.

It was only until the crowd that separated the two parted that he finally greeted the man in a friendly manner. “You must get this a lot you seem familiar have we met before?, I’m trying to place your name it’s on the tip of my tongue…”

Word Count Reduction: 40% from 121 Intelligence

Spell Training:
Hands of Fire: 400/400
Ball of Fire: 117/400
Cleansing Flames: 0/400
Purifying Flames: 0/1200
Blur: 0/2400

… Anyway, Daiko would have to do his best. The next attack was unpredictable, yes, but that just meant that whenever and wherever it hit next time, he would double his efforts and exterminate the enemy once and for all. Ah, but that required him to develop his magic even further, for he still felt as if he hadn’t scraped the ceiling just yet. He had a lot to reach… Coda would make sure to remind him of that with her blazing-red plumage. Those feathers that resembled his Takeover…

He wondered at times if Coda was related to the phoenix. Maybe she would be able to communicate with it, since Daiko had tried his best to gain a single connection to the feathery entity.

“Anyway, I’ll be going. Thanks for the help, lad!” the brick man thanked him before bidding his farewell. Daiko waved him goodbye as well and watched the worker stroll away with the trailer, and just after that, he was greeted by another friendly tone right behind him. Turning around, Daiko met a slightly taller man with smooth, black hair whose first words to him were of an unsure recognition. Had they… met before?

And why did his issue feel oddly familiar, as well?

“O-Oh, uhh, it’s Daiko…” He couldn’t help but take a veeeeeeeeery good look at the man, given that he did say that he found the Fire Mage familiar. It wasn’t random to just find familiarity in strangers, but… he couldn’t really find any keys that helped him remember the man. Maybe he really was… uh…

That golden eye, though… no way.

A scowl drew upon his unmolested right face as the man revealed himself as Daiko, a foreign name to be sure. Wanting to explore the matter further and recognising the power disparity of this Daiko individual and himself, he volunteered information regarding his own identity. “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Daiko, My name is Konstantin, Konstantin Sokolov.” He hoped that by revealing even something as small as his name that this unknown individual would gain some insight on himself. Of course, if he did know of Kon there’s no telling what his reaction would be as he had done countless acts of evil and good to different people and it would not be impossible for him to run into those he had hurt in some way or another. But still his guard was raised with the free hand drawing up to his face innocently scratching behind his ear and letting it linger there, just in case he needed to avoid anything should the dark-skinned man decide to attack him rather than talk.

There was no telling whether Daiko did know of him as, Kon did look radically different compared to many years ago all expect for his golden eye which was arguably the most identifying part of him. Afterall how many people walked around with a piece of shiny metal instead of an eye. Hoping for the best outcome, Kon continued talking drawing closer as to open a more friendly dialogue between them, at least as friendly as a person could while wielding a great long bow in their hand. “If we have meet I hope it was on good terms, I certainly apologise had it not been the case.” Why Kon had developed such a strong show of openness he couldn’t say however the man’s appearance definitely left him wanting to know more.

Word Count Reduction: 40% from 121 Intelligence

Spell Training:
Hands of Fire: 400/400
Ball of Fire: 400/400
Cleansing Flames: 22/400
Purifying Flames: 0/1200
Blur: 0/2400

Daiko’s eyes widened by the revelation of Kon’s name. It did linger in his mind, since not so many people walked around with what looked like some islandic treasure engraved into their eye sock. Kon… Alice’s husband. They had met a couple times before, and those times were rather nostalgic. Although, why did his hair turn black now? Daiko couldn’t even recognize him properly without the golden eye to mark the surprising fact. “Oh, I… oh wow, d-don’t be worried or anything, but…”

It was still strange that Kon didn’t remember him. Yes, it had been over a year, but Daiko hadn’t changed that much, had he? Other people whom he met again like Alisa could still recognize the dark Fire Mage, so why not Kon? He wasn’t the dumb type.

“… We’ve met before. As a matter of fact, we’re friends.” He couldn’t help but feel a tad offended by the fact that Kon treated him like a stranger now, but then again, the golden-eyed archer did take the initiative to greet Daiko here and now as if he did want to talk with him. As if he did have lingering memories of him. “… I can’t help but think that someone hit your head too hard. D-Don’t you remember me? It’s me, Daiko. Uhh…” He looked to the right and to the left before whispering, “Hyōen, but I don’t use that name anymore. It was kind of cringy…”

Ah, yes, a dumb nickname he gave himself back when he thought that he possessed Ice Magic along with his Fire Magic. That was… an experience that he wanted to forget as quickly as possible. Coda kept pecking his head as if she sensed some walnuts hiding in his skull, but Daiko completely ignored that. What worried him was Kon’s state right now… a good friend - given that Daiko attended his *darn* wedding - shouldn’t just walk up to him all polite and oblivious of who he was. Was that normal?

“… Oh no,” Daiko let out in a change of tone, one filled with fear as he strolled around Kon to check if he had any injuries on the back of his head, “Don’t tell me… s-shit, the demons hurt you or anything? I heard that there was an attack here too, but if they injured your memory, then…”

His demeanour and tact towards the man proved fruitful as Daiko continued to reveal that, yes, in fact, they were friends. It was a surprise to be sure that he, Konstantin would be able to consider a man such as the one standing in front of him to be a friend. “How could that have happened?” He thought to himself, catching a glimpse of his wedding ring on his hand gripped tightly around his bow. Was there some connection between this man and whoever he had unknowingly married?, No matter for now Hyoen seemed more concerned about Kon’s wellbeing questioning him as to whether he had been struck on the head or some such as a result of the Demon Incursion. A mere wave of his right hand finally removing it from his face as he smirked in response. “My memories haven’t been fragmented from quite some time Daiko, I had only come to Astera to defend its people and to stop the Demons from spreading into the rest of Fiore.” Looking up and down at the man he continued. “I’m sure a man of your talents was doing the very same given your attitude towards helping your fellow man.” His comment was by no means said to denigrate the man’s values but commend them but given his tone it might have implied otherwise. “Given we were or should I say are friends would you like to share a drink with me to help me regain my memories before I depart for Orchidia?”

Word Count Reduction: 40% from 121 Intelligence

Spell Training:
Hands of Fire: 400/400
Ball of Fire: 400/400
Cleansing Flames: 275/400
Purifying Flames: 0/1200
Blur: 0/2400

That was so weird… Kon didn’t recognize him at all. Imagine if someone else, like Kerii, wouldn’t recognize Daiko when he returned to Lamia Scale? Oh man, he would cry pearls if that happened. He felt genuine sadness now, for Kon truly showcased memory loss… either that or Daiko had been having a dream of meeting him and Alice, plus attending to their wedding with his attire and everything else concerning those two. However, that was very unlikely and much stranger than just Kon having memory issues.

At least, he mentioned that it wasn’t a result of the Demon Incursion that had been going on throughout some of Fiore’s cities - up until now two. He still aided in the defense against the invading demons, so he was still a capable wizard… that did remind him of the bow on Kon’s grasp. Daiko had never seen a bow like that; it was clad in golden features and had what looked like a bolt-like figure for one half of the arcs. “Y-Yeah. By the way… I don’t remember that bow. That’s a pretty cool bow that you got there… don’t tell me that the bow caused your memory loss- I-I’m still a bit thrown off by, uhh, what did you call it… memory loss, but it had a term…” he remarked on the master-level build that the bow showcased plus expressing his confused state.

This really felt… repeatable. Daiko couldn’t help but feel a tad déjà vu from this event.

“… O-Oh, sure, if you want to,” he replied merrily to Kon’s request for a drink, “I know a… actually, I don’t really know a good place, but you might. Meanwhile… what are you going to do in Or-“ His words were cut off by Coda’s buzzer-like pecking onto his skull, “… in Orchidia, yes.”

The conversation was sidetracked with Daiko now beginning a line of questioning regarding his bow something that seemed to attract everyone’s attention rather than his golden eye. Perhaps they were well acquainted when he had it in the first place. But following through with his inquiry into the bow and whether it had been the cause of his memory loss, kon twisted and turned his hand to reveal more parts of the bow while looking at the legendary bow. “This bow?, I had acquired it during a mission while I was a part of the Holy Knights, a particularly skilled cultist used it before I destroyed him.” Muttering towards the end. “After cleansing it from the cryptic symbols that ran down the frame I took it for myself.” Pulling back the bow string without drawing an arrow he continued. “As for whether it had been the reason for my amnesia that was a result of something far worse that really would need to be discussed over a drink.”

While Daiko took up his offer, his lack of knowledge about the town quickly became apparent with him suggesting Kon decided, nodding understandingly Kon replied. “It would be my pleasure, however as for what I am planning to do in Orchidia town, there’s a few things I need to do, visit my home I haven’t been back since it was damaged weeks ago as well as see Lamia Scale to see whether it suits me, the philosophies of the group I’m associated with no longer suit my own.”  Waving away those matters, Kon returned back to his original proposal with a single clap. “Now for a place to drink, there’s an okay place nearby just around the corner, come follow me, I'll take you to it.” Said firmly as if an order.

Word Count Reduction: 40% from 121 Intelligence

Spell Training:
Hands of Fire: 400/400
Ball of Fire: 400/400
Cleansing Flames: 175/400
Purifying Flames: 0/1200
Blur: 0/2400

Huh… so the bow was a kind of bounty? Well, if it displayed quite a show for Kon to consider keeping it for himself, then… that bow might have been especially powerful. With the lightning bolt feature, Daiko could guess that it was Lightning-based in a way or more. Lightning was infamous for frying up people’s minds, though, according to tales. However, Kon quickly dismissed its possible fault in his lack of ‘what happened back then’. And fair enough, Daiko didn’t want to guilt-trip such an awesome-looking bow… especially since he used to make his own bows out of wood. They were, underline, NOTHING compared to this marvel. It was a bow that could survive the test of time… or millennia.

… Now, Daiko tilted his head when he heard of Kon having left a group called the Holy Knights. It sounded like a group associated with something holy - say, a church or perhaps the same type of church that he discovered in Orchidia - in some way, but Daiko’s knowledge was limited. In the end, it didn’t really matter now as Kon mentioned why he was planning to go to Orchidia and that he had left his previous organization. Following suit, Daiko’s eyes widened a little by hearing that Kon had his eyes on Lamia Scale, a very specific guild that a very specific person accompanying Kon was part of. “Well… after the Incursion in Orchidia, we’d gladly accept new members,” Daiko informed him, making it present that he was a member of Lamia Scale himself if Kon had forgotten that too - which he most likely had, “Hehe, I’m sure a capable wizard such as yourself would be a great member. We, uh… I don’t know if you remembered, but-“ Turning his head, he pointed at the Guild Crest on the back of his neck, a black version of the crest that symbolized the guild known as Lamia Scale. “I’m a Lamia Scale Wizard, myself. So I know my guild well.”

Rather than following Kon’s lead to his recommended establishment, Daiko chose to reveal mid-way that not only was he a member of Lamia Scale but also readily accepting Konstantin within the guild itself. He was humbled by his acceptance, he was curious however about how much Daiko knew of his abilities. “Tell me, Daiko, when we knew each-other what magic was I using?” His question would reveal an approximate date of when they had first met one another. “I’m curious as I have been through a variety of changes in the short span having gaining the ability to use magic in the first place.” Illustrating said changes by raising his empty right hand with a coating of flames gentle flicking at his sleeve. “Even now I can feel changes within myself, it’s an incredible feeling something everyone should be able to experience.” His comments were full of gusto and sincerity. It was truly enlightening to be able to see one’s progress on display even if it was due to tragic circumstances that he could now manipulate fire as easily as he could light. Attempts had been made to control Lightning as well in the hopes to gain a better understanding of his weapon, the storm-caller but it had been in vain, perhaps conflict with a lightning-elemental being would allow him to gain insight.

For now however he would reflect upon the knowledge of his forgotten friend being a part of Lamia Scale as illustrated by his oddly positioned guild tattoo. Curious about his decision to put such an identifying marker there, he commented. “Back of the neck, eh?, I would have gone for something a bit more subtle, the bicep of an arm, one of the pecs perhaps…” Moving past the odd location Kon returned to prospect of him joining Lamia Scale. “You certainly have piqued my interests Daiko, could you tell me more about your guild and guild master if possible?” His inquiry in the leadership of the guild was a significant as without a strong and charismatic leader you end up with a rag-tag group of mis-fits just as the Fairy Tail guild seemed. Kon would not be apart of Lamia Scale had that been the case unless...

Word Count Reduction: 40% from 121 Intelligence


Word Count Reduction: 40% from 121 Intelligence

Spell Training:
Hands of Fire: 400/400
Ball of Fire: 400/400
Cleansing Flames: 400/400
Purifying Flames: 145/1200
Blur: 0/2400

Huh… that was a tad difficult to answer. Daiko hadn’t paid much attention due to the fact that Kon had a habit for moving fast and stuff. He would assume that he still had a, say, Lightning-based magic. “U-Uh, wait… you had a gun back then,” he recalled from his faint memories, “It was a fancy kind of gun, but I think you also had a thunder-based magic on top of that…” Yeah, his brain was a little rusty today. This wouldn’t help much without a lot more details. And it did feel futile, since per Kon’s explanation, he had changed. Drastically. By his words, it could be assumed that Kon was better at using magic now, but the lack of fancy gun put Daiko off a bit.

“I get that… although, I’ve used so much magic for so long that I barely pay attention to how it feels,” he replied with an awkward grin on his face. Ye, Daiko saw himself as an experienced wizard… uhh, then again, he had lots of space for improvement, and he would rather avoid putting himself on a pedestal since that type of things expected more responsibility from him than he wanted to bear at the moment. Besides, he wasn’t a dick.

“… W-Well, I thought it was a nice place, hmpf,” Daiko scuffed at Kon’s comment about the location of his Guild Crest, “People can look at it when I walk away from them, so they know where I’m from…” Moving on from that, Kon showed more interest in the guild and Guildmaster now, and Daiko could satisfy his request. “… Lamia Scale is a bounty-hunter guild, essentially. I think that our keyword should be ‘keep getting stronger’, for physical effort is showered down on us every day.” What he meant was that Lamia Scale, simply, valued strength and prowess, both outer strength on your body and magic, as well as inner strength in patience and insight. “Our Guildmaster is Shahrbaraz… or just Raz. Much easier to remember,” he informed Kon while scratching his cheek with an index finger, “Strict from the get-go. His first decree as Guildmaster was to send all of us on a training journey throughout Fiore where we had to undergo several, back-breaking challenges. As… frustrating as that was, I still think it lingers in me. All the things I learned from it… b-but anyway, he’s quite scary to look at first glance, but he’s actually very honorable and a great role model. Ever since I met him at Worth Woodsea, I had wanted to be just like him… b-but that’s not really going well.”

A jarring sensation thumped the back of Kon’s head as Daiko revealed his past. Memories were warped and he couldn’t connect what Daiko told him but he knew what he was saying was true or what he thought was the truth. It was all so oddly familiar with him wielding a gun rather than a bow when they interacted with one another. Where he gathered lightning from he didn’t know as even with his twisted memories he could remember the transition from his original necromancy abilities to his holy living abilities to now his Heavenly body. He was overall thankful to have gained his unparalleled movement even if it did mean sacrificing the ability to raise the dead. Better to save those in need than be late and risk losing them while resurrecting them.

Nodding to confirm his statement while biting the side of his cheek to quell the pain. “While I don’t have any memories of having a gun, there’s something that’s just so familiar with the idea.” Looking down at his bow, he continued with a mumble. “Perhaps this is why I was so attracted to you.” Before speaking up once more. “Are you sure I had lightning?, as this is something I certainly don’t recall, even in my broken mind, I see a distinct series of abilities that were used at some point before unceremoniously being taken away.” A mental note was made as to how Daiko perceived his magic whether it was something he could idly use or abuse was not for him to decide.

The location of his tattoo seemed to be a hot topic for the dark-skinned Lamia Scale Mage, Kon recognising there was not need to irritate him, he merely let out a soft chuckle as Daiko gave his reasoning. “Alright, Alright…” This did allow the two to get back on the matter at hand, Lamia Scale with him informing Kon that it was a Bounty Hunting guild that focused on physical prowess. Something he could respect assuming they were criminals that they were hunting of course and no escaped slaves as while it was made illegal slavery remained rampant. Curiously Daiko continued to provide him with far more information about his guild and his guild master, Shahrbaraz.

Curious about the origins of the man, He broke down his name out loud. “Shahr-bar-az, hmm, What land does he hail from, that’s not Fiorian, Icebergian, Boscoi, Minstrel, Caelum or Joyan, Is he from Seven?, If so how did he come to be in Fiore?” Equally curious about these challenges that Daiko spoke of Kon followed up with. “You spoke of a training journey with back-breaking challenges, what did that involve?”


Word Count Reduction: 40% from 121 Intelligence

Spell Training:
Hands of Fire: 400/400
Ball of Fire: 400/400
Cleansing Flames: 400/400
Purifying Flames: 591/1200
Blur: 0/2400

“… U-Uhh, actually, funny you ask,” Daiko replied back to Kon after hearing his request to know about Shahrbaraz’ origins, “I… uh, he never really told me. Rather, I never really asked him about his, uh, origin. I can say that he’s not Fiorian, but that’s as far as I know…” That was an oof to his belly, though, as Daiko realized how little he knew of his own Guildmaster… but then again, could you blame him? He was a traveler, he was mainly in other cities and areas where he spent most of his time as a wizard. He only recently spent more time in the guild hall itself and only recently got to speak with Shahrbaraz, and that was purely about the training journey that he and Káilètte were going to take. It was kind of worrying, not knowing about Shahrbaraz as much as he should’ve… or was he even obliged to know more than this at all?

“He was a close friend of another Guildmaster, Aguero… but he also spends most of his time in other places, working out and dealing with some crazy quests,” he elaborated, “But he did return to the guild recently… and the special training that he brought to us was inspired by his own journey. First, we had to spend a day in a deserted forest area without starving. Second, we went to Sieghart Mountains to find a special jewel. Third, we swam from Hargeon to an offset island to find a rare fruit. And at last, we were sent to Dahlia Town to spend a day in its own, deserted wilderness… t-that was infinitely worse than Orchidia’s forests, I’ll tell ya that.” And that, just about, summed up his journey. Of course, there was much more filler between the challenges, but he cut it short.

“Given the circumstances that he put on us, we… we couldn’t rest a single minute. It felt like we ripped our arms and legs apart just to finish our missions. Thankfully… everything else felt easier afterwards, and I do feel a huge improvement from it even today,” he assured Kon, not wanting to scare him of this ‘pilgrimage’ of theirs.

Not much was to be said about the Lamia Scale guild master from Daiko, at least nothing overly useful to Kon. The fact that he was indeed not from Fiorian didn’t really impact things as he too was not from Fiore rather Bosco. That the former Guild Master was familiar with Shahrbaraz didn’t really matter as it could have been assumed that the torch would be passed to someone they trusted. What Daiko did explore upon was how they were treated by the man which was awful to the lay-man, but it did give him some insight on how the guild operated. While the Lamia Scale Mage continue his revelation upon his guild, Kon thought over how whether it would be possible for him to stress his body to the point of exhaustion. A cocky thing for him to think as there were definitely people stronger than him, but it would take so much for him to reach the same level of muscle fatigue.

Recalling back the last time he strained his body was up against the demons back in Orchidia where he was burning mana rather than his body itself. Whether that sort of group was best for him, Kon wasn’t sure, however Daiko seemed sincere and friendly enough. Nodding to Daiko’s comments, He reflected upon the isolation and loneliness he felt while in both the Holy Knights and the Nerva’s Inquisition, he sensed that while the guild has a harsh side that they would be far more inclusive given Daiko’s Optimistic outlook on his training.

Wanting to ensure that the guild was worth his time, Kon halted mid-step to deviate from their shared destination. “Daiko, you’ve told me quite a lot about Lamia Scale and your leader with a surprisingly large amount of openness.” Casting a gaze at Daiko once more to reassess the young man, he continued. “I’m curious to see what this training has offered to you as an individual and how loyal you are to your guild, would you be willing to spar with me to show your mettle?” The outcome of this spar would determine whether Kon seeked to join the guild, recognising the raw power difference between the two, Kon slid his bow back into his backpack in a clean swing still looking at Daiko throughout the process. As he put away his bow, Kon rose up a hand resting it upon the Lamia Scale's shoulder before drawing up his free hand onto his face. "Perhaps we shall see in the battleground of Era." He mentioned before tapping his forehead sending Konstantin hundreds of miles away from his original location with Daiko in toe.

[Exit]

Word Count Reduction: 40% from 121 Intelligence

Spell Training:
Hands of Fire: 400/400
Ball of Fire: 400/400
Cleansing Flames: 400/400
Purifying Flames: 1,037/1200 - Ignore Purchased.
Blur: 0/2400 - Ignore Purchased.

Spells Used: