Battle 7: vs Dreadnought of Bertilia Lv 17

As the forces of Castle High continued their battle against the Dreadnought, they might have been able to see a glimmering light in the blue sky above, like a star refusing to disappear despite the day time sun. As the Commander-In-Chief of Bertila's forces prepared his deadly assault, that star had become close enough to reveal its true form: a figure clad in dragonscale armor, wielding a mighty bronze spear! A number of soldiers opened fire on the figure with their guns, but found their shots swatted from the air with agile strikes.

With a sound not unlike a mighty wyvern's warcry, the warrior impales the command tower of the Bertila, piercing straight through with an explosive burst of red-violet energy! Slowed only slightly by the destructive impact, the armored figure slams onto the Upper Deck, a rain of sparks as their greaves scrape against the metal tile! Leaving long, burning streaks in their wake, the dragoon finally comes to a stop, turning to face the Bertilan forces!

"What the--!?" Russel exclaims, finding a moment to gawk in his furious melee against a band of three mechanical foes. "What just happened!?"

One of his mechanical foes shudders as three small needles embedded themselves into a fuel line, causing the mech to slow to a crawl--Scarlett leapt over them, landing with her back to her brother. She smirks at the entrance of the new draconic warrior, "something I thought too optimistic to work out. That there's Nathalia the Dragoon, a local legend to this part of the country. Intel reported something about her family living around here; looks like they were spot on. Those legends say she's as strong as the dragons her power comes from."

"Oh, nice!" Russel cheers as he rotates to her side, cleaving through another of their foes. "Then she'll fit right in with Regiment 1-31."

Nathalia has joined Castle High's forces!!!

Wielding the power of the nearly completely lost Dragoons, her Draconic Momentum favors an all-out assault on one enemy at a time, breaking through their defenses with Battle Precision and Dragon Horn Strike, and dealing massive amounts of single-target physical damage to overkill foes and activate Vigor of Victory to gain Momentum and Advantage! She's also somewhat tanky, able to shrug off elemental attacks and punish enemies who aren't attacking her,  especially if she gains Flying through her most powerful Technique, Meteoric Impact! Though she lacks reliable defensive tools and struggles against large groups of enemies, few can challenge the sheer force of her mighty spear!

During her entrance, she also dealt 1000 damage to the Dreadnought of Bertila!

The time for toying with the enemy and playing games was done.

Heeding Arthur's words, Erika played a low melody. It wasn't loud or forceful, rather soft and almost like moaning or crying. She would dwell on the sadness of it all adding her pain to its. Use Dragon's Lament

Once that was over she turned her attention to the Commander-in-Chief, waiting for Vince to finish his attacks before moving forward.

"So... You're the leader here? That's interesting... I've met a handful of leaders. One of them was almost literally made of smoke and fire and they did a much better job than this sorry piece of shit I'm looking at. My dead body did a better job than this! Come at me, bro... Come at me." Provoke Selvenade into a duel of cool attacking Erika, and attack him with a lightning attack.

Erika's low melody echoes out across the Bertilan forces, carrying a memory of loss and pain. The enemy units feel a growing sensation of listlessness, their zeal and agency diminishing! All enemy forces except Selvenade are inflicted with Dragonic Binding, making them unable to avoid attacks or use any Spirit or Faith-based actions!

She then targets Selvenade with a jeering taunt, earning a shake of the head from the enemy commander. "Tsh... do not take me lightly, musician. My blade not only stands for my own pride, but that of my entire country." He levels the otherworldly weapon on her, "I shall be happy to remind you what it feels like to be a dead body!" Selvenade is Taunted to attack Erika this turn!

Erika then launches a streaking bolt of lightning at the commander--which bounces off him, slamming into G4 "Hot Stuff" up above! The crackling electricity deals 286 damage to Selvenade, and 110 damage to Hot Stuff!

TRAINING MISSION COMPLETE! Erika has learned how to reduce and weaken enemies in order to defend her allies, giving her a new Technique! She gains Metal Head! Whenever she lands an exceptional hit on an enemy, she also inflicts Metal Headache for the remainder of the turn, reducing their Power by 10!

Selvenade's Battlefield Tactician activates! He charges straight back at Erika! "Taste this!" The commander's legendary blade Bolevask moves so quickly Erika can't even see it--but she quickly feels it, as she suffers 588 damage! The wound feels like it's trying to rip her body apart!

Erika is exhausted from her efforts... (-3 Adv)

Severa, her entire form rippling with overloading mana, opens her mouth and calls upon the divine power of Rragnus' wrath! As her words sing out across the Bertilan forces, they feel a growing sense of dream, fear... and terror. A sensation like the eyes of the divine squarely upon their shoulders...

And very displeased.

All enemies feel a crushing, divine pressure upon them, causing Divine Terror! All enemy attacks have their Power decreased by 30% and their defense reduced by 2!

Bran holds his staff aloft before levelling it squarely on the enemy commander. As he wills his mana, Commander-in-Chief Selvenade begins to feel a crushing weight pressing down on him, as if being sucked into the dark depths! He gains Frozen Depths, giving him a 25% weakness to various elements and losing 15% HP every turn!

"Ergh... mages..." he grumbles, muscles straining as he tries to keep himself upright...!

Bran's Arcane Expertise then activates, trying to slow down the enemy commander! Selvenade slashes at the ice, but some manages to creep up his heels, binding him up to his knees! Selvenade is Slowed, reducing his Agility by 2!

Bran then, with a shaking hand, releases the chained seal on his staff--and instantly, like a bomb going off, he's thrown backwards, a whirling storm surrounding Perkyst!

Fighters on both sides of the conflict stop for a moment, looking to the growing squall. The sky above turns pitch black in moments, as Perkeen's small form begins to grow, tentacles extending into long, frigid tendrils, the storm spirit's singular eye becoming a churning, destructive whirlpool!

With rain and hail slamming the deck and all upon it, Perkeen screeches, bone-shakingly deep and powerful sound, as they unleash the fury of their storm upon the Bertilan forces!!

Commander-In-Chief Selvenade plants his feet and blade, buffeting 391 damage from the deadly storm! Around him, due to Draconic Binding, no enemies have a chance of escape! They all take 524 damage!!

Tea and G3 "Sky Splitter" are both defeated!! Bran gains +2 Adv as the warriors are washed away, sent deep into the Dreadnought or over the side! Even as the storm subsides and the staff returns to its inanimate state, the skies remain dark and storming...

"No!" Selvenade calls after them, turning back to Bran. "You'll regret that, mage!"

Selvenade's Battlefield Tactician activates! Despite being near entirely locked in place, the commander whirls his blade around and slashes straight at the downed Bran--a disturbance in space radiates outward and collides painfully with the mage! Bran recieves 474 damage!

Bran is fatigued from his efforts... (-1 Adv)

TRAINING COMPLETE! Bran's magical expertise has taken him to the very edges of magic--from controlling the cataclysmic power of a storm spirit, to reviving others with the breath of life. The magical has almost become more "real" to him than the physical... and like a bolt of lightning, he realizes he can make himself more magical than physical as well!

Bran gains the Signature Technique Avatar of Arcana! At any time, by spending an action, he may partially submerge himself into the realm of magic, turning his body into a mixture of matter and mana. While an Avatar of Arcana, all physical damage he recieves is reduced by 30%, his Power when using magic is increased by 30%! While in this form, however, he gains a 30% vulnerability to magic attacks, and if he falls below 50% HP, he will be unable to use the form. He may leave the form without consuming an action.

Nathalia zeroes in on Grett! Grett smashes their piston-powered fists together, letting out a snarl -- Nathalia notes their diminished weapons and plans to focus her assault there, lowering Grett's Strength by 1 with her Battle Precision!

Nathalia unleashes a Flurry of Fury, throwing forward countless spear thrusts! Grett's massive fists move rapidly, intercepting some of the first strikes, but soon, they find their armor pierced numerous times, recieving 288 damage! (+1 DM)

Grett clutches at their failing defenses, letting out a hacking cough and sending one last glare at Severa before collapsing. Grett is defeated! Nathalia gains +1 Adv from the defeat, and then another +1 Adv and +2 DM thanks to Vigor of Victory!

Arthur soars off the lower deck, kicking off pipes and catwalks as he ascends to the storming skies above! With G3 defeated, Arthur prepares Counter Swing, keeping a close eye on G1 and preparing to counter...!

Vince ignites himself in spectacular fashion, losing 800 HP as his Power rises by +50 and gains +1 Adv! The roaring flames around his body immediately dry him, turning the falling raindrops to steam!

Bringing his hands together, he conjures an immense, blindingly-bright fireball and hurls it straight at Commander-In-Chief Selvenade!

"Fine then! Show me your power!" The commander roars, bracing himself! The flames engulf his entire form, dealing 554 damage to the commander, even despite his magic resistance and defenses! Because this was an exceptional hit, it inflicts both Burning and Silence!

TRAINING MISSION COMPLETE! Vince has become more effective at unleashing a volley of attacks one after another, resulting in yet another fiery Technique! He gains White Hot Fire: when the Technique is activated (using an action), the Burning status is able to stack, increasing the per-turn damage and effectively making all fire attacks substantially stronger!

Vince prepares a second shot--!

As the commander moves, Battlefield Tactician activating! With a thrust of his blade, he sends a spatial disturbance straight for Vince! He's struck right in the chest, his body crumbling around the attack as he's slashed and torn for 375 damage! The fire around him fades and wavers, his attack cut short as he fades from conscioussness...

"Vince!!" Rosemary screams up at him in disbelief, her sympathetic heart aching. "God... DAMN it, why!? Why do you keep doing this to yourself!?"

Vince is Incapacitated! Selvenade gains +1 Adv!

Zaffre sets his sights on the now-burning command tower of the Dreadnought. He closes his eyes, his astral gears turning faster and faster as he mutters, "all you have created... all you have strove for... hangs by the barest of threads in the cosmic sea... and now..." The gears suddenly stop as he opens his eyes, a dark grin. "They are forefeit."

With a sudden cacophany, the command tower begins to crumble and buckle! The communications relay for all the Dreadnought's forces has been disabled! The Dreadnought of Bertila gains Logistics in Disarray, causing it to take 800 damage each turn and +25% additional damage from all sources!

Rosemary looks to Vince's defeated body, raising her hand--!

"What are you doing!?" Zaffre suddenly criticizes her. "Now isn't the time to bring back that fire starter!"

The healer doesn't dignify him with a look. "Urgh, not now Zaffre! I don't care what rude words you decide to call me: I am the castle's chief medical officer, a-and right now, Vince needs my--"

"They all need your help," the astromancer cuts in again. "They are all bleeding out from that commander's attacks. That mana you've charged should go to them."

Her voice a bit less sharp, she replies, "and what, leave him like that? Every moment that goes by, his condition will worsen!"

"Just a moment's delay," he patiently returns. "Your abilities are exceptional enough to revive him once you've cared for the others. And if you wait too long on them, you'll simply find more in need of revival." When he sees her still hesitating, he adds, with uncharacteristsic softness, "I know it must be painful for one as good-hearted as you to turn away from someone in need, but... just for a moment."

She repeats the words, a mantra, "just... just for a moment." She nods, solidifying her choice--and sending Vince a silent wish. "Hang on just a bit longer..."

Rosemary raises her ringed hand, a lime light fanning out as she expends Charged Magic Circuits! With a wish and a wave, the gentle magic spirals and soars through the ranks of Castle High! Erika, Arthur, Bran, and Rosemary each heal for 203 HP and gain Aura of Life, allowing them to regenerate 100 HP every turn!

Giada raises her Arm-Mounted Repeater and fires on Selvenade! With his reduced Agility, he's entirely unable to avoid the attack, recieving 335 damage!

Selvenade's Battlefield Tactician activates... but as Giada stands there, ready to meet his sword, he holds back! He decides not to use the counter attack!

Giada then taps a series of codes into the transciever on her wrist--a few moments later, a metallic disk pops off her shoulder. She tosses the disk behind her, where it extends in front of Bran! The mage is now in Cover, reducing ranged damage against him by 25% and giving him a +1 to all defenses!

Giada is fatigued from her actions... (-1 Adv)

Selvenade, unable to speak, simply grips his blade tighter as he unleashes a sweeping strike on Erika! She braces for the impact... but only suffers 202 damage! A moment later, however, she realizes what the commander did: he's slashed the strings of her Axe of the Storm! The weapon has been substantially weakened, it's Power dropping to 55 and its Charisma bonus falling to +2! This debuff will last until she can repair the instrument!

The Commander-In-Chief then accesses a panel on his own armored suit: floodlights suddenly come to life on the sides of the Dreadnought, pointing down at the Upper Deck! Apparently recognizing some agreed-upon signal, several Bertilan forces engaged in other combats surge forward to support their commander!

Several new enemies have appeared! However, due to them leaving other engagements, Bertila gains the Dwindling Forces debuff, increasing all damage it recieves by an additional +50%!

Selvenade is fatigued from his efforts... (-1 Adv)

G1 "Far Sights" and G4 "Hot Stuff" enter formation, preparing to attack! They begin by opening fire on Castle High, unleashing a volley of gun fire on the castle's towers and gates! They deal a combined 1870 damage, ripping apart bricks and external supports!

They then sweep around to fire down on Rosemary, readying another barrage--!

When Arthur cuts in against G1's attack while Giada interrupts G4's! Giada raises her armored gauntlets and buffets the storm of bullets, recieving 287 damage. Arthur, meanwhile, meets the attack in mid-air, his sword ready as he faces the coming bullets. Whirling, he slashes through the assault, knocking away most all the bullets as he activates Counter-Swing! With a surge of strength, Arthur brings his blade straight through G1's mech-suit and deals a devestating 1321 damage!! The suit is cut in twaine, its pilot sent spiralling from the sky and landing on the Upper Deck in a heap!

As he fades from consciousness, Despair taking his heart, he hears Arthur's words and realizes, attacking Castle High was a grave mistake...

Arthur gains +1 Adv, and an additional +1 Adv thanks to Fox Robber! He only suffered 31 damage from a stray round as well. He's at the precipice of his technique--one that uses his relentless momentum and Power to cleave apart any attack aimed his way...!

TRAINING MISSION COMPLETE! Despite his lonely background, Arthur has learned to work with and team up with his allies, granting him a new Technique! He gains Supportive Defender: whenever he performs an action together with an ally, he may activate this Technique (without using an action) to automatically redirect the first attack aimed at that ally to Arthur instead!

Telsee, overwhelmed with fear and despair, curls up into a ball and begins to sob uncontrollably! Selvenade, however, slams his foot, getting the youth's attention. Though unable to speak, his very presence seems to bring the electric mage the slightest bit of composure. Selvenade gives Telsee a slow nod... and he returns it back.

Telsee's Lightning Catalyst activates due to being below 100 HP, greatly boosting his Power! He raises his hands to the dark sky above... and catches a lightning bolt, drawing it directly into himself! He seems barely able to stand, yet still manages it!

Telsee gains Electro Mine! Whenever he's defeated, the static electricity in his body will explode, dealing significant electric magic damage to whoever attacked him!

Castle High fires on The Dreadnought of Bertila with its arcane batteries! The castle suffers 695 damage!

The Dreadnought of Bertila activates Overdrive All Engines! All the mechanical suits and weapons of the Bertilan forces become overclocked! The Dreadnought suffers 2000 damage, and all enemies gain an additional +20 Power!

"Thanks for waiting," Rosemary sighed, returning to catch Vince's now-descending form in her arms, "sorry about that. Now, let's get you back in the fight..."

Rosemary: Cast Soul Renewal on Vince.

(Note: This means Vince will be allowed to take an action this turn, have 556 HP, and have +1 Advantage).

rest now, and watch:

>Arthur: As Warrior, prepare Focused Defender (Magic). Swap places with Erika, challenging Selvenade to a duel with Brawler's Challenge--admonishing him for blazing through the country's weak, but offering him a chance to defend his pride by allowing Arthur to stand in for the people who did not get a chance to fight. Bow your head and stand passively.

If Selvenade accepts, allow Selvenade to attack first. Accept the first strike as a handicap, but counterattack afterwards and guard against Selvenade's counterattack by attacking it with your sword--aiming to stop it in its tracks with your own Weapon Power. If Selvenade has Arthur attack first, strike firmly to try and break Selvenade's armor, then guard against the counterattack by striking back at it.

If Selvenade does not accept, hold his attention with a powerful strike--aiming to break his armor--and prepare to guard against his counterattack by striking back at it.

he tried not to focus on his thinning breath:

As he raised his head to face the incoming danger, his expression was gentle... if Giada looked his way, she would find his silent promise in the tranquility that settled around his passive form. He wasn't here to cut down her friend: he was here to stand in his way until Selvenade's sword and spirit broke upon the immovable mountain which planted itself before him...

>The beginning of tranquility is paved by a life-giving blade.

Signature Technique:
Ult#mare
3/4

Seeing the true might of Perkyst visibly disturbs Bran... but he pushes those thoughts aside from now. Their adversaries were weakening, but their commander seemed as strong as ever and they were receiving reinforcements.
"I wish there was something else I could do..." He sighs.
Bran: Begin charging up with lightning magic while attempting to stun Selvenade using Arcane Expertise. Activate Avatar of Arcana, before unleashing built-up magical energy in an Arcane Storm

Vince's eyes didn't have a chance to shut before life was thrust back into him. They blinked, and watched the healer mend his body. He felt shame and guilt. "You... Y'didn't h-... I mean thanks, Rose."

I don't think I deserve this, let alone your attention.

He looked onward at the man who struck him down. "I ain't finished with you..." He muttered.

Pulling something new from his soul, Vince raised a hand towards the Commander-In-Chief.
>Vince: Cast White Hot Fire on Selvenade [2/4] and... (ew) rest.

TURN 5

Rosemary holds on to a warm, glowing memory of life and living... taking a deep breath, she focuses all her battle spirit and energy into her ring, illuminating a pale green glow... and presses it to Vince's heart! Ripples of healing energy spread throughout his body, sealing his wounds and regenerating his broken chest!

Vince is no longer Incapacitated! He gains 556 HP and +1 Advantage!

Arthur uses Brawler's Challenge on Selvenade! The Commander-In-Chief's eyes dart toward Castle High, his blade hesitantly pointing toward it, before rotating back toward Arthur. His challenge succeeds!

"Rgghhh... enough of your pointless rambling, cur!" Selvenade curses, wringing frost off one of his armored gauntlets. "My agents told me of you, Silver Lion. A gladiator, a wanderer, a mercenary, dares speak to me of honor!? Do you believe that standing with the failing forces of Rosalia redeems your sins or changes your past? Restores the honor you claim I lack?" The commander swings his sword as a thunderbolt cracks, shredding a volume of rain from existence. "You mistake strategem for cowardice! One as small as you cannot appreciate the sacrifices of war." He gazes off the side of the Dreadnought, to the ravaged path they leave in their wake. "I do not hate the people of Rosalia, but they have the misfortune of standing with the wrong nation. A decisive strike to your people's core shall save a million lives from a drawn-out bloodshed."

He returns his gaze to Arthur, raising his twisting blade overhead. "But enough! I feel no remorse for my choices! I shall demonstrate the strength and resolve of Bertila, here and now!"

Brawler's Challenge grants Arthur +1 Physical Defense and +10 Power! He prepares to intercept the commander's attack...!

Nathalia focuses her aim on Telsee's wavering magical ability, lowering his Spirit! She then advances on the electro-mage!

"I-I'm not afraid anymore!" he yells over the wavering wind, holding one of his arms as he tries to stop his trembling. "No matter what happens, I'll do everything for my home! For Bertila!"

The dragoon charges, bracing her arms against her spear as she strikes! Offering little resistance, the youth is pierced just below their clavicle, dealing 423 damage! His knees immediately buckle, his body collapsing forward as electrical energy builds up! Telsee is Incapacitated! (+1 DM, +1 Advantage)

Vigor of Victory activates, granting Nathalia +1 Advantage and +2 DM!

Electro Mine begins to activate! Moving quickly, Nathalia leaps backward, trying her best to reduce the impact's damage! Despite her best efforts, the surging lightning still manages to singe her for 431 damage!

Nathalia is fatigued from her efforts... (-1 Adv)

Bran taps into the surging currents in the air above, gaining Charged Magic Circuits - Lightning! Arcane Expertise allows him to fire off a stunning bolt on Selvenade!

The bolt dances across Selvenade's armor, managing to reduce his Magical Resistance by 15%!

Bran then activates Avatar of Arcana! His body gains a light-blue glow, mana flickering and ebbing across his form! Bolts of electricity surge through and across his body as he unleashes an Arcane Storm! The surging power fires out at all enemies, striking the grounded foes for 423 damage each as it arcs between their mechanical implements and armor! The electrical energy weakens and damages their armor, inflicting a -1 to Agility!

G4 "Hot Stuff" takes 212 damage! The attack blasts off the flyer's wing, sending him circling down to the countryside below! He strikes a hill and his aerial suit explodes! G4 "Hot Stuff" is defeated! Bran gains +1 Advantage!

Selvenade himself is struck for 388 damage--the damage knocks him to his knees for a moment, but he pulls himself back to his feet! Battlefield Tactician activates, allowing the commander to unleash a whirling blade strike! Bran's Avatar of Arcana is still pierced by the commander's Bolevask, dealing 421 damage!

Bran is exhausted from his efforts... (-2 Adv)

Severa uses Guidance on Rosemary, protecting her from the next instance of damage she receives! She then uses Crystalline Barrier, creating a barrier to protect Vince! Damage he receives will be reduced, the barrier will harm a melee attacker, and due to Healing Glow, he is healed for 176 HP!

TRAINING MISSION COMPLETE! Severa has gained a particular talent for inflicting status effects on friend and foe alike, granting her a new Technique! She gains Magus of Change: the first action she performs each turn will additionally grant a minor buff or debuff to its target! She can either describe the effect she desires, but it will always somewhat match the action she performed.

Erika steps back as Arthur and Selvenade square off and examines her Axe of the Storm. While the strings are broken, Erika recognizes she can do something about it. Taking the split strings and focusing a pulsing, purple power, she conjures replacement material out of pure rock! Her weapon is now repaired.

Vince takes the turn to rest. He manages to catch his breath, regaining 206 HP!

Yam deals 752 damage to the Dreadnought!

Zaffre gains a wicked grin, raising his whirling gears as they generate a pale blue magic! Ethereal gears and constellations appear around the mage as he focuses his arcane power!

"Finally... pieces are finally in their positions..." he floats into the air, churning gales and frost circling his form as raises his hands toward the Dreadnought. "While you keep that man occupied, Arthur... I'll bring his country's hope to its knees."

The magus begins by revealing Werzop from his robe--running a finger over the orb's surface, Werzop's eye turns the same pale blue as Zaffre's magic! The probe begins speaking, "multiple fractures and points of damage detected across the Dreadnought's hull. Notable vulnerabilities include its munitions supply, electrical grid, and spider leg suspension." Zaffre has revealed the Dreadnought's Weak Points! Attacks on these points will gain +10 Power and +1 EA!

Zaffre begins by using one of those exposed weakpoints: the constellations formed around him release threads, which surge down toward the Engine Room! With the reduced forces, the threads successfully manage to ensnare multiple boxes of ammo and explosives! With a flourish, the explosives and ammunitions scatter across the Upper Deck! The Upper Deck is now Covered In Explosives! Direct attacks against the explosives will lead to significantly more powerful siege attacks against the Dreadnought! Additionally, any Fire or Electric attacks will automatically ignite some of these explosives! There are 4 sets of explosives remaining.

Zaffre then focuses upon both Bertilan Gunner and Erika! He casts Embrace the Infinite! They each feel a strange energy building around them...

...and both Bertilan Gunner and Erika gain Charged Magic Circuits! They will gain increased power and effectiveness to their next action!

The mage finally surround Vince with a shimmering blue light... and grants him Destined! This status will automatically reroll all of Vince's attack rolls and damage rolls, and take the highest result!

"Hear me, boy! Take that power and bring this battle to its end!"

Zaffre is exhausted from his efforts... (-2 Advantage)

"Now then, Lion..." Selvenade's armor suddenly bursts, chunks of ice flying off! "Face me!"

Selvenade charges Arthur! Holding nothing back, Selvenade brings Bolevask straight down in an overhead slash! Arthur takes the blow, suffering 393 damage as it draws a thick streak of blood!

A moment after suffering the blow, Arthur strikes back in kind! He and the commander trade sword strikes, lightning-quick flurries and teeth-shaking clashes, before Arthur is able to work in a pommel strike, creating an opening! With a surge of fighting spirit, he counterattacks, cleaving straight through Selvenade's armor as a lightning bolt turns the sky pitch white! When the flash subsides, Selvenade is clutching at his chest, trying his best to remaining standing after recieving 596 damage! Selvenade only has 320 HP remaining!

"Ggrrrrhhhh...!" Selvenade manages to get out, a sliver of his determined eyes now visible through his damaged helmet. "You... won't... make me fall!"

Battlefield Tactician triggers, as Selvenade pushes past his limits, mustering all his strength once more! Bolevask, able to ignore any defense, aims straight for Arthur's heart...!

...And impossibly, finds its attack halted by Arthur's mundane blade!

"What!? I... refuse!" The Commander-In-Chief pushes harder, attempting to pierce Arthur, but still finds no purchase! Although Bolevask is tearing apart the very space Arthur's sword is occupying, the sheer Power of Arthur's spirit keeps it from passing!

TRAINING COMPLETE! Having become a master swordsman and ardent protector, Arthur has created an incredible Technique, one that turns his very fighting spirit into an unbreakable defense! He gains Ultimare, an ultimate defensive Technique! By consuming an extra Advantage, he can subtract the Power of any attack by his own Power, allowing him to completely nullify any attack with a Power less than his own, even unstoppable attacks! This potent Technique requires a great deal of discipline and concentration, and so cannot be used two turns in a row.

"So... this is the strength of Rosalia..." Selvenade mutters into the wind, feeling his consciousness already begin to fade. "Bertila... I... I'm sorry... I was not strong enough to be your salvation..."

Selvenade receives damage from Burning and Maw of the Frozen Sea, dealing 475 damage! Even defeated, the Commander-In-Chief manages to stay standing, but he moves no more, flames and light blue chains still tearing apart his armor!

Giada runs forward, operating mechanisms on her gauntlets--they fall away, revealing her bare arms and hands. Fighting against the howling storm, she reaches the backside of Selvenade's suit, forcing its parts. After a few seconds of grunts and yanks, a cloud of steam emerges from Selvenade's armor as Giada pulls him free! His armor still burning, she takes the enemy commander in her arms and pulls back from the fray.

She pushes away the matted black hair from the man's face, revealing a black-skinned, noble visage twisted into a conflicted expression. She shakes her head with a sigh, "I still got no idea who you are, Selvenade... but no use leaving you there like that. Guess we'll have to see what to do with you later..."

Commander-In-Chief Selvenade is Incapacitated! Conduit of Bertila activates, triggering a chain reaction across the Dreadnought! Without Selvenade's armor to direct the actions of the castle, it begins to go haywire! A massive explosion rocks the Lower Deck, sending burning shrapnel and debris flying through the air, embers mixing with the swirling snow and rain! The Dreadnought of Bertila receives 5000 damage and loses its Unflinching Construct of Steel buff! It's now incredibly vulnerable!! All those fighting upon its deck have to take a moment to stop from falling due to the massive tremors rocking the Dreadnought!

Arthur is fatigued from his efforts... (-1 Advantage)

"T-the commander has fallen!" Bertilan Warrior yells in disbelief. "The Dreadnought is falling apart!"
"We can't give up yet!" Bertilan Gunner responds. "C'mon, what would the commander think if he saw us cowering!? We have to fight to our last breath! If we can't beat them, maybe we can take down their castle!!"
"Yes, come now!" Bertilan Disruptor adds in. "For our homes and families!"

Bertilan Disruptor raises a curious mechanical implement toward Castle High--a number of red laser beams cut through the mist and debris, pointing out weak spots scattered across Castle High! Castle High has gained Weakpoints, increasing all attacks to those regions by +10 Power and +1 EA!

Bertilan Warrior, with few options, spins in a tight circle and ejects their mechanical suit's blade add-on, sending it straight for one of Castle High's exposed weakpoints! It cleaves through a wooden support beam, causing a portion of the castle's outer wall to collapse as it takes 846 damage!

Bertilan Gunner unleashes their Charged Magic Circuits, imbuing their gatling gun shots with a dark, magical power! They streak across Castle High's ramparts and towers and detonate, dealing 989 damage!

A Bertilan Bomber emerges from the ruins of the command tower, ready for their final stand!

Castle High fires on The Dreadnought of Bertila with its arcane batteries! They blast one of the Dreadnought's spidery legs clean off, sending it tumbling into the countryside for 1485 damage!

"Um, everyone?" Rosemary calls out, bracing herself against a metal strut as she looks toward where the Dreadnought is careening. "We might want to wrap this up! I... I think I can see Castle Low!"

Sure enough, just peeking over the next hillside, you see the imposing rooftops of Castle Low! The Dreadnought is dangerously close to the country's capital! You need to defeat the Dreadnought this turn!

Ultimare:

"Let's put an end to this, then..." Arthur's ghostly figure slipped across the deck until he stopped at a position between Severa and Erika. "Together--if you'll have me."

>Arthur: As Watcher, work with Severa to convince the soldiers of Bertila to stop fighting and find new hope. If they aren't convinced, use Ultimare and protect Castle High, then help finish off the Dreadnought.

"You're grasping at straws," Arthur roared--his low, regal tenor rumbling past the thunder crackling all around. "You think this desperation is hope? Look at me, then look at the machine crumbling beneath our feet... look at how you've lowered your guards to push your weapons to the limit, and tell me you have hope!"

He levelled his dangerous gaze on the four soldiers: "...or for that matter, your 'homes and families'. There's a boy behind you who turned himself into a bomb--a flying woman down in the cistern who threw herself desperately at us to make final use of her life... and for what?"

"This?" He threw a gloved hand out towards the weatherbeaten battlefield. "You've lost sight of the point."

"When you walk home... or when you don't walk home... will this sight make you--or those who care for you--smile? I don't know what sort of lies your Commander has been feeding you... but I won't allow someone far away to have to suffer the despair of loss to finally realize how EMPTY fighting is! That is the reason why there is peace after war... that is the reason people strive to find new happiness."

His breaths grew thin and labored--and he felt the strain in his chest as his heart struggled within... but he wouldn't stop.  

"...if you won't hear my words... hear my sword..." With a grunt, Arthur raised his body and his sword. Standing straight, his shoulders broad, feet strong, chin up, he held the blade perpendicular to his body. "So long as hope rides on Castle High... I will stand. I refuse to die. No death shall pass me. And there will be no need for history books to keep us alive... because we will live in the future we have chosen."

"The road ends here," he rasped. "There is nothing more... to be found here. The battle is over... and we are no longer enemies. Lower your weapons... they no longer have any use. Perhaps when this crisis is over with... we might search together for something better. I wouldn't be opposed..."

"I always enjoyed..." he shut his eyes, catching his breath, then opened them again--a new, lively spark shining bright behind them. "...a good challenge."