Fate's Blades in Orario (DANMACHI x SENJI MURAMASA)

Chapter 16: The War Game

The preparations for the impending war game have commenced. Bell returned from his rigorous training with the Loki Familia, and, with the entire group assembled, along with some additional support, they departed Orario to embark on their way to the war game.

Muramasa assumed the role of a historian, delivering an enlightening lecture to Bell, Lili, and Mikoto about the castle they were poised to raid and conquer. Ryuu watched in bemusement, as the rest of the group, excluding her and Muramasa, huddled together, attentively gazing upward at their knowledgeable guide.

"These castles, much like the one we are to target, are strewn throughout the region as remnants of a bygone war. Abandoned and left to the elements, they only come to life for war games. The architectural design of these castles, fashioned in a simpler time, is a testament to the era's construction techniques, which were less intricate due to a scarcity of skilled labor" Muramasa explained, his audience nodding in agreement, while Ryuu let out a sigh.

Gathering at their designated rendezvous point, the group meticulously devised a strategy. Lili was to undergo a skill transformation, turning into the audacious young troublemaker who had taunted them at the tavern not long ago. Her task was to infiltrate the enemy's plan, punctuating it with vulnerabilities and openings, enabling their assault team to exploit these weaknesses and catch the opposition off guard. This tactical maneuver effectively neutralized any numerical advantage their foes might have held.

One pressing concern was the durability of the blades, notably a striking red Kanata without a hilt, which Ryuu held in her hands. She gazed quizzically at Muramasa, seeking assurance.

"Will these blades not shatter after a single use?" she inquired, her skepticism evident. Muramasa, wearing a sly grin, addressed her concerns.

"While conventional magic blades may break, the ones I've crafted many years ago are an exception. They are designed to withstand relentless use without yielding" he explained. The revelation left the group astounded, for blades of such exceptional quality, capable of maintaining their integrity regardless of usage, possessed extraordinary value. A single such blade had the potential to shift the balance of power in any conflict, rendering wars essentially moot, should one side possess them.

Ryuu voiced her concerns about using such precious blades, to which Muramasa nodded reassuringly. "You are a valued ally, so please make use of it" he replied with a warm smile, endorsing her use of the blade.

With that, he stood up, gazing at the darkening sky as night approached. He then turned to Lili, and his nod was mirrored by the determined transformation of the young troublemaker. Lili promptly departed, morphing into the bratty character and making her way toward the Apollo Familia. As they ventured inside the castle, preparations were set in motion for the forthcoming day, ready to commence as soon as the sun graced the horizon.

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The Wargame has begun. Ryuu pushed ahead to start the brawl. As she played both the distraction and the role of breaking into the walls for Mikoto to play her part, Ryuu used the magic swords expertly. Each slash of the blades carved nervousness into the hearts of the enemy. A single swing blocked a multitude of arrows shooting towards her, while the same fire blast emanating from the swords hit the castle walls.

"Good luck, Mikoto" Bell said as he wished the same for both of them. They then went their separate ways, with Bell and Muramasa grouping up and waiting for the other part of the plan to unfold.

"Make sure to use your speed in the upcoming fight, Bell" Muramasa advised his leader.

"I will, though will you be fine? You're a high-level, but you will be facing around 40 adventurer's" Bell inquired as this was some information they received from someone that is currently bonded up, looking at Muramasa. However, the gaze of the blacksmith was the only answer he needed. Muramasa would be perfectly fine.