The Tempest Archives: Project Exokuro (Mangascript)

Chapter 34: The Champion Falls

Alea and Caeda stand face to face before gatekeeper

Gatekeeper: "So we meet again. Caeda, the shield of the people along with Alea, her tag along"

Alea: "Your words don't phase me one bit. You should totally just chill out"

Caeda: "She's right, if you and that army of scales fought properly, we wouldn't have to meet on multiple battle fields like this."

Gatekeeper: "Hmph, you simply don't understand the concept of strategy. Would it be better to let your soldiers fight until their last breath in an invasion if you are certain to lose? The lives of your comrades only to be considered expendables on a hopeless siege. Some commanders believe in this theory, however I differ."

Caeda: "Great, a history lesson"

Gatekeeper: "Let the wise open their ears. Sometimes it's better to weaken the enemy and then regroup. Don't you get it? When the odds aren't in your favor, it's time to return to the drawing board."

Caeda: "The way you put it, it sounds like cowardice"

Gatekeeper closes her eyes and then stares down Caeda

Gatekeeper: "Not everyone will understand. And while I admit your technology is far superior, we more easily regain the numbers we've lost. And today, my plan was to capture East Ifisera. And currently, you 2 are the only things standing in my way."

Caeda: "Yeah, and while I'm standing I can introduce you to my foot"

Alea: "Her lecture is reminding me of poor Dannah on a stressful university day"

Caeda: "So for once, seems like you're actually being a general and challenging your adversaries"

Gatekeeper: "Unlike previous battles of ours, It won't be so easy."

She looks behind her and another lizard approaches. This Lizard is a bit more muscular and is brown compared to most of the clan being green.

The lizardman stands beside gatekeeper

Gatekeeper: "Let me introduce to you the recently promoted Captain Hook."

Hook takes out a battle hammer

Hook: "Honestly General, an ambush attack would have been better instead of a formal introduction."

Gatekeeper: "Patience Hook, examine them before you strike"

Hook sighs and begins to examine the 2. His eyes squint a bit.

Hook: "I see"

The lizards assume a battle stance along with the elves.

Gatekeeper: "Ready yours-elves, get it? I plan to draw blood today"

Caeda nor Alea have a chance to respond as Hook and Gatekeeper charge towards them. Hook tries to swipe his hammer towards Caeda but her shield blocks it. Gatekeeper tries to do the same with Alea who also blocks the attack. Hook strikes heavy hit after heavy hit, trying to batter Caeda's shield. However, her shield is just as strong and way more durable. Caeda pushes each of his hammer strikes away from her before trying to counter attack by ramming into him. Hook did not expect this as Caeda flips and kicks him in his head causing him to fall to the ground.

Caeda: "Damn, I wanted the other one to meet my foot"

Hook holds his head and looks at her as she stands triumphantly close to him

Hook: "Why do you use a shield as an offense weapon"

Caeda: "If you want another reason, stand up"

He stands back to his feet and prepares himself again. Meanwhile, Gatekeeper is trying her best to look for weaknesses in Alea's style. The 2 strike each other after strike, but neither make progression. Alea's eyes glow a bit as she changes into a state of dodging rather than trying to parry. She tries to find openings, being wary of the range of her opponent's spear. Alea does several mock charges in which Gatekeeper falls for. Then she stands still, planning something.