Eleanor
*It would be a long, cold trip for Mevis and Hitoshi, though the end of it would be decently warmer. Where they likely weathered the grievous snowstorm for the first day of travel, their second and third day would see much less trouble with the storm. The path they reached would just be on the border of Lymia and the Salvainian Empire, where a lone figure stood atop a watch tower. The roof was raised with waist high walls and no windows on the top level, though the very top offered shade that made a silhouette of the figure. It loomed statically, likely watching the two come up the road if they didn't spot it first. The wooden door below was shut, and the walls of the tower were stone and had multiple loops to fire from. The position was great defensively, though the path was beset by forestry on either side. It rose at least 10ft higher than the trees, a total of 40ft high. By the time it would come into view, the pair would still have another bend in the road to walk before reaching it, 120ft away as the crow flies. There was no longer any harsh winds or snowfall, but the ground and trees were wall white with the storm.*
Wilbert
Mevis would look at Hitoshi with a bit of concern
Mary
"So uh, this is the place right? Do you think he knows we're coming? Should we start hiding?"
Sally
*Hitoshi nods his head.

That's what the two were good at, right? Hitoshi thought it was best to get the drop on the man. Might get some good attacks in. Finish him off quickly. And no doubt, the paladin knew of his own bounty. Even if he didn't, it was always best to act for the worst case scenario.*
Richard
"Yes. We should hide."
Mary
"Alright... Be careful
Wilbert
With that Mevis would activate his blurry and silent perks. He didn't know if it would do much as it seems the figure had already seen them, but it was worth a try. Mevis attempt to trail up the path to get closer to figure using the trees as cover if possible.
Sally
*Hitoshi's stealth was incredible. With a click of his fingers, he becomes borderline invisible and silent, the shadows he draws his power from aiding him greatly. He sneaks closer to the figure, naginata in his hands, and kunai strapped to his side. Of course, the knives were borderline useless. Or at least, they would be if not for Hitoshi's set of magic.*

``Hitoshi uses Level 5 Silent and Blurry.``
Eleanor
*The figure wouldn't move as the pair moved closer to the trees for cover. Their white armor assisted their efforts to blend in. Coming around the bend and now on the straightaway to the tower, they were about 80ft away. The figure had not shifted from its spot.*
Sally
*Hitoshi continues to grip his Naginata, holding it incredibly tightly. Without much longer range attacks, Hitoshi had little choice but to head on into the watchtower. He constantly looks at the figure, making sure that it isn't aware of him or Mevis.*
Wilbert
Mevis would notice that Hitoshi had gotten much better at stealth. At this distance, Mevis would be able to launch a Sonic Blast, but doubted it would do much except make their presence known. In that case, he would attempt to coordinate his Sonic Blast at the figure at the same he sees Hitoshi attack, so for now he will creep a bit closer while prioritizing his stealth.
Eleanor
*The two would come another 30ft closer, 50ft from the base of the tower. They were still unnoticed, and the figure was easier to see. It was a Macen wearing plate armor and holding a winged spear, blankly staring off into the distance. A voice would come from the tower, more clear for Hitoshi than for Mevis.* "Hey, lamebrain, quit staring at the same spot and actually look around." *The figure would then noticeably look from side to side, then start slowly walking around the perimeter of the top level, looking below and into the trees.*
Wilbert
Macen would curse under his breath. Looks like the paladin wasn't alone. Would Hitoshi be able to deal with the second target? Or should they solely focus on the paladin as he is the objective of the quest? Mevis decided to focus on the latter option. There was no guarantee that the voice was even capable of fighting, and might just be a waste of effort if they were to focus on it. Instead they should focus on what they do know and handle the situation as it changes if need be. Mevis would stay still but has his fist poised ready to launch a sonic blast once he sees Hitoshi take action. He knew the macen at least was sensitive to movement, so he hoped by him staying still with his stealth perks active he would go notice.
Sally
*Hitoshi's brow furrows when he hears the paladin speak. He decides to warn his friend of what's about to happen.

Hitoshi would kill the other voice too, if he had to. Not that he necessarily wanted to. He approaches the watch tower, and pauses for a minute. He nods to Mevis, and allows his silhouette to be more visible as he approaches.*
Richard
"I can bait them down. Want to do that?"
Wilbert
Mevis shakes his head
Mary
"Our target is only the paladin. That being said if you could gather some more information on them that would be helpful. Then we could be prepared for them to join the battle or not"
Sally
*Hitoshi nods and continues to sit right next to the watchtower door, listening to the conversation.*
Eleanor
*With the figure actively looking for people and Hitoshi making himself more visible, the armored Macen called out.* "I see someone!" 

"What? How close?" *The voice seemed alarmed, and the sound of metal shifting over wood could be heard.*

"Someone in white armor is at the base of the tower."

"Gods above, man, I told you to warn me off anyone within a hundred feet, not five feet. Deal with it." *With that, the armored figure moved away from the edge and began. Presumably by the noise, walking down the stairs. A large dark elf in chainmail and steel armor came up to the edge of the short wall now, looking around and below. He couldn't currently see Hitoshi, who was directly below him, or Mevis, who remained in cover 30ft away.*
Sally
*Hitoshi readies himself for a fight, getting his back right up to the watchtower wall and utilising his superior stealth to be incredibly hard to see. If the man from up above sees him... Shit, but he was going to try to eke out all the gains from this ambush that he could. He now moves his position away from the door, in such a way that he is now at the side of the watchtower.*
Wilbert
Mevis would curse under his breath. Seems like the paladin caught sight of Hitoshi. He couldn't see exactly where Hitoshi was right now, but Mevis decided instead of waiting to let Hitoshi be attacked, he would strike now and be the distraction. He would launch a Sonic Blast at the guard's head, knowing it will likely not do much but hopefully distract him from Hitoshi. Mevis would then start running toward the paladin preparing himself for the attacks to come.

``Sonic Blast used 112.5/120 mana remain``
Eleanor
*The Dark Elf above would look in Mevis' direction and barely raise his arms over his face when the spell struck him, making him stagger out of view as the steel gauntlets ate the hit.*

*Hitoshi could hear another set of steel boots coming down the stairs as the door to the tower unlatched. The door was pulled inwards, revealing the armored Macen in Almain Rivet armor and steel bascinet, and holding a heater shield and a winged spear. He held the spear with a short grip as he stepped out of the doorway, looking right and left as he blocks the entrance. Seeing Mevis running towards him, the Macen lowers his stance and raises his shield with one stand while lengthening his grip on the spear with the other.*
Wilbert
Damn, looks like there is another one. Things were getting messy quickly, but as a hero he would need to overcome it. A few stab woulds here and there is but a small price to pay to relieve Juniper's anxiety. Mevis would then activate Air Renforcement, coating his hands and feet with reinforced air. He would then pull out caltrops from his bag, place them on the palm of his hand and attempt to slap it onto the macen's face in hopes of getting the caltrops into the slits on the eyes while raising his reinforced leg to deflect the incoming spear thrust.
``Air Reinforcement cast 102.5/110 mana remain``
Sally
*Hitoshi chuckles, a bitter, acrid sound. This was gonna be fun. He immediately utilises Shadow Step and then thrusts with his naginata at the back of the man's neck. If this works, great. If it doesn't, he looks further at the man, trying to assess for a weak spot, as he backs off, trusting in Mevis to take them on alone for now. He wasn't lying when he said he thought Mevis was a capable kid. Hell, he's more capable at martial arts than Hitoshi is **Now**, let alone when he was 18.*

``Shadow Step used. 100/130 Mana left. Two turns of SS remaining.``
Eleanor
*Mevis' leg would meet the spear, with the blade of the weapon scratching against the aura. However, the Macen would raise his heater shield and bash Mevis' incoming hand, blocking the caltrop-palm strike. Before the armored defender could do more, though, Hitoshi's Naginata would cut clean into the weak point of the armor, with no gorget to block the strike. The Macen would stumble to his knees, fall on his face, and... Fade away.*

*From within the doorway would be the Dark Elf, still wearing his chainmail, steel cuirass, gauntlets, boots, and now a sallet. A white aura shone from the elf, and in his left hand, where a heater was strapped on, a bright red light began to glow. With only Mevis visible from his position, the elf raised his hand at him. Two more red lights appeared on either side of his hand as a fireball flew from his palm, with the pair of lights forming into fireballs as well. All three were headed towards Mevis, the first in the middle and two on either side, lagging one second behind.*
Wilbert
Mevis would be once more grateful for Hitoshi's assistance. Once more he had saved Mevis from serious harm. He knew that bringing him on this mission was the best choice. Mevis would then notice 3 firebolts flying toward him. Damn, how many people were here? Were they all working with the paladin? Mevis would turn his body sideways to reduce his surface area in hopes of getting only the middle one to hit him and raise his reinforced hand and attempt to shoot a sonic blast to intercept it. He hoped that even if it got through his attack his reinforced hand could take the weakened blast

``5 mana regained Sonic Blast cast 97.5 mana/110 remain``
Sally
*Hitoshi notices the attack performed towards Mevis.

That bastard was obviously hiding from within the tower. Pussy. Hitoshi will take the fight to him, then...

He takes a wide berth as he sprints to slightly behind Mevis, still utilising his incredible stealth. Of course, by this point it wouldn't work so well. But that was fine. He's adaptable, as a ninja should be. He doesn't attack yet, opting to examine his target first.

**105/130 Mana, as 5 regenerated. 1 turn of SS remaining.**
Eleanor
*Mevis would be able to intercept the middle on by using his spell to strike it midair, but the other two would leave minor burns on his backs and chest as they went by, only grazing him.*

*Hitoshi could see clearly into the doorway, spotting the armored attacker. He wouldn't be able to tell his race as his helmet was now on. The white aura on the fighter resurged as he made his way out of the entrance, heater shield in one hand and a pollaxe in the other. He would immediately break left, keeping both Hitoshi and Mevis in his line of sight.*
Wilbert
Mevis was more concerned about the the elven caster as he cringed from the burns on his chest and back. He could only hope the caster was shitty at melee combat. He would try to take advantage of his speed and sprint toward the caster with his signature flying kick to the head, however this time he was prepared to grab the caster's head if he missed.
Sally
*Alright... This didn't seem good, but then again, it was two on one. And they were both competent.

Hitoshi grabs two kunai and is about to throw them, until he notices Mevis launching himself at the Elf. Change of plan. Hitoshi puts them back, utilises his tendril, and sprints forward, throwing the tendril at the elf's leg. If it connects, he pulls forward, hoping to trip him up. After that, him and Mevis would have it fairly easy. Hopefully.*

**Get Over Here used. 95/130 remaining. This is the last turn of Shadow Step.**
Eleanor
*The Elf would raise his heater shield to connect with Mevis' flying kick, pushing back enough to hopefully destabilize his maneuver. Cautious of his second attacker, the Elf would shorten the grip on his poleaxe and smash the tendril with the hammer end before it could pull his leg. The poleaxe then crackles with electricity as the Dark Elf lengthens and loosens his grip for more agility with the weapon.*
Wilbert
Well then, looks like the elf can hold his own in combat as well, at least to a certain extent. Mevis hoping that he is more agile than the elf would put all his movement to sweep the elf's feet so that Hitoshi could hopefully finish the job.
Sally
*Hitoshi glares at the man as he effortlessly prevents the attack from connecting. Shit.

Willing to forgo Shadow Step for now, he simply takes an almighty thrust at the man's neck, knowing it's unlikely to hit but trying anyway, and then jumps, trying to land behind or at least out of the Elf's vision and utilise his stealth skills.*

``5 mana regen. 100/130 Mana, Level 5 Stealth utilised.``
Eleanor
*With Mevis landing to his left after the blocked attack and Hitoshi striking at his neck, the Elf ducked beneath the stab and dove forward and over Mevis' sweep, landing in a roll. At completion of the movement, he turned and steadied himself in a low, defensive stance, keeping both of his opponents in his view. The elf growled now, breathing heavily, enough that his deep breaths were reflected in his movements. They were wearing him out.*
Wilbert
Mevis took note of the elves exhaustion, pleased to know that his physical training allowed him to have physical superiority this time around. This whole time he had been launching sonic blast with his fist, so Mevis would feint a punch before following up with a Sonic Blast from his legs to the body, hoping it would catch the elf off guard and knock the wind out of him, especially at this close range.
Sally
*Alright... Good. Although his armour is good, if not great, Hitoshi and Mevis still have a chance.

Hitoshi charges up a kunai with Nerve Killer surreptitiously by waving only slightly at the weapon and muttering quietly, hoping his mask hides the fact that he's casting a spell, before first thrusting with the Naginata at his enemy's face and then quickly throwing the charged kunai at the man's right leg. Sure, disabling the man's right side only wasn't ideal, but it was probably Hitoshi's best bet in disabling him.*

``Nerve Killer casted. 77.5/130 Mana left.``
Eleanor
*Mevis' feint would pay off, with the Elf raising his shield to block the punch, but not moving fast enough to intercept the real hit. The cuirass served its purpose well, though, taking the brunt of the hit without damaging the wearer much. The Elf's weapon crackled once more as he caught the naginata thrust with the shaft of the poleaxe before twisting the weapon, attempting to catch Hitoshi's hand in its extended grip with the bladed end of the weapon's head. If he could, it might mean losing a finger and paralyzing the arm temporarily. The Elf would have no defense to the kunai, though, and would drop his weapon and slump to one knee upon being hit.*
Sally
*Hitoshi lets go of the naginata as the man catches it, trying to avoid losing any more fingers than his right hand's middle finger. He draws his longsword, and casts Shadow Step on himself again, allowing that to greatly enhance his own attack prowess and help him finish the rogue off. The longsword was a poor weapon against plate, to be sure, and Hitoshi knew how to use katanas more, but it was either that or use a borderline useless blade.

He grabs his longsword blade and thrusts into the paladin's eye slit in his sallet.*

``Shadow Step casted, but since 5 mana regenerates only 25 mana is expended. 52.5/130 Mana``
Wilbert
Seeing Hitoshi aiming for the paladin's eye slit, Mevis decided to make good use of the fact that is he is martial artist, with one of the advantages being that he can grapple. Mevis would quickly attempt to hold the paladin's head in place while using his elbows to keep the elf's arms from blocking Hitoshi's attack. Mevis knew he himself lacked any definite attack power to land a killing blow, but he can at least help support Hitoshi in anyway possible. 
``5 mana recovered 102.5/120 mana remaining``
Eleanor
*The white aura around the Elf would return as he was grabbed from behind. Hitoshi's blade would strike against the aura, stopping. The aura would remain as the rogue tried to jerk his head backward and headbutt Mevis. He wasn't as strong as Mevis, but he wasn't going down easy. He was also regaining mobility in his limbs, slowing getting his feet beneath him.*
Wilbert
Damn, looked like the elf had a defensive spell like him. Mevis would wince in pain as his forehead is bruised from the elf's headbutt. He would try again, but this time he would try to wrap his inner arm underneath the elf's neck. Some spells required vocal components, so Mevis hoped that by choking the elf out he could prevent some of the spells and possibly strangle him unconscious. Else, he could at least try keep the elf in a headlock.
Sally
*Hitoshi sheathes the blade, draws two kunai, and casts Nerve Killer on his right handed one. First, he thrusts the nerve killing blade at the elf's chest, hoping to disable his arms. After that, he begins taking precise stabs at the eye slit and face area, trying to wear out the defense spell that the enemy was utilising and hopefully thrust into a vital area.*

``Nerve Killer casted. 30/130 Mana left. One turn of Shadow Step left.``
Eleanor
*The kunai would be the last strike needed to break the spell, canceling the aura. The armor was enough that Mevis wasn't able to strangle the Elf, and as he grabbed onto Mevis, he whispered,* "Crack the Sky." *A flash of red electricity danced across his body with a thunderclap sounding in the sky. As Hitoshi's blade went through the Elf's helmet, a red orb slipped from the dead rogue's hand and into the air, another sticking to Mevis.*
Wilbert
Mevis' eyes would grow wide as he heard the terrifying spell's name be muttered from the elf's lips and saw the familiar cackling of red electricity that he saw at the guild just a few days prior. Mevis knew he had to think fast and hard. He didn't mind dying to protect others, he infact didn't even fear death, he infact desired it. But what he feared was what came after that. Will he see those he failed, those whom he killed? If Mevis was to die, he wanted to die as a hero so that when he met them, he could say he tried to better his life, that their lives weren't wasted in vain. And right now Mevis was not a hero. Thus, Mevis resorted to what he knew best, a skill he knew better than martial arts, a skill he had before he even wanted to become a hero. The ability to run. 

Running like the coward he was, he would attempt to sprint and dive behind the corner of the tower, hoping he would make it in time and that the wall would block most of the lightning, and just keep on running. Running as fast as his pathetic feet could carry him, running till the skin ripped off. All that was on Mevis' mind right now was to run, run, and run.
Sally
*Oh, Gods. Hitoshi quickly grabs a kunai from his belt and throws it with all of the strength he can muster, trying to move the floating orb as far away from Mevis as humanly possible, or behind a wall, whichever is easier.

He didn't want his new friend to die so soon, to some lowlife rogue. And he was going to do everything in his power to stop it. He remembered this spell from the Guild. Remembered how the projectile was going to come from that small orb. And thus, he was going to ensure that it was away from Mevis. If Mevis was already running, and Hitoshi pushed it just beside a wall, Mevis might live.*
Eleanor
*Hitoshi kunai would attract the the higher orb, launching it into the sky at much greater speed. However, it didn't stop the inevitable. The red orb quickly shone bright, launching a red lightning bolt down to the second orb at, well, lightning fast speed. The force of the strike would obliterate the top of the watchtower, striking through the wood and scorching the stone floor of the top level. Mevis has managed to find cover in the small window of time. An immensely loud echo of the thunderclap followed as well, but then all was silent, aside from the soft trickle of blood from the Elf's helmet and the small flame building atop the watch tower.*
Wilbert
Mevis would stare in horror and shock at the destruction of the spell. If that hit him... Looking at the scorching roof Mevis would take a deep gulp. His heart was beating rapidly and he was breathing heavily. Mevis had ran long distances before without any sort of fatigue, but just now sprinting this short distance had completely drained him. He saw Hitoshi moving the orb away from him, and was certain without his help he wouldn't have gotten away even with his speed. He would look over to Hitoshi still trembling a bit from what just occurred.
Mary
"W-w-w-w-we did i-t-t-t... Th-th-th-thank you for sav-sav-sav-saving me..."
Sally
*Hitoshi is still clearly unnerved, to the point that, in a fit of absolute rage, he begins beating at the already dead paladin's body, cursing at it in his native tongue, describing all the horrible things that he wants to happen to that man in Hell.

Let's put it this way, maybe it's a good thing Mevis doesn't know much Runran, or his virgin ears would be forever tainted. After he calms down, he approaches Mevis.*
Richard
"Oh, thank God... Are you okay?"
Mary
"Y-y-yeah... Physical at l-l-least..."
Wilbert
Mevis would be a bit alarmed by Hitoshi's brutal beating of the paladin's body. He understood the frustration, but that was bit a much in his opinion, and he was the one that was almost killed by that paladin... Well, everyone has their faults so Mevis decided to accept the fact that Hitoshi might have extreme means of destressing himself. Perhaps Mevis could teach him other ways in the future when he got the chance...
Mary
"Th-The body is still salvageable right? Didn't get hit by the Cr-cr-cr- the spell?"
Sally
*Hitoshi examines the body, removing the helmet. He spits on the body one last time. Normally, he wouldn't be this abnormally angry. But he was livid that the paladin had just tried to kill Mevis, an 18 year old boy, despite dying himself, out of pure spite. That **Enraged** The ninja.*
Richard
"I would like to see that, though..."
Wilbert
Mevis would weakly smile and shake his head, his body now slightly more calmed as it realized it was no longer in danger
Mary
"N-no, the guild wants the body to confirm the target. So we g-g-got to bring him back."
Sally
*Hitoshi takes a deep breath as he looks at the dead paladin.

It wasn't the fight that made him so abnormally angry. Hitoshi is just fiercely protective of his friends. Hell, had it just been finished without that awful spell, Hitoshi would not have cared less. But the fucker nearly killed his friend.

He picks up the body by the head, looking at it with disdain.*
Richard
"Cut off the head, take the armour?"

"Weapon, too? Want that?"
Wilbert
Mevis shakes his head once more. Even though the elf had tried killing him, he didn't feel the need to mutilate the body anymore and he certainly didn't have any need for his armor or weapons as a martial artists. This man was a fanatic, causing terror in innocent people's lives, but there were surely people out there that also cared about him and will now be saddened to learn about his death. He had received his due punishment. Any more would just be cruel needless violence.
Mary
"No, the bounty said it needed the body. Not sure if they meant any part of the whole thing, but may as well be safe than sorry, that is if that's alright with you?...."
Sally
*Hitoshi nods his head. That was fine with him. He picks up the rogue paladin, straining a little.

He thought it was more practical to just take the head. Less storage space. But it's true. You know how some people are. He imagines the two coming back for absolutely nothing.

That would be awful.*
Richard
"Do you want to take him, or will I take him?"
Wilbert
Seeing Hitoshi sturrggle a bit to lift the elf, Mevis would actually chuckle a little. It would seem that Hitoshi could use some help.
Mary
"I'll take it. I am a bit more physically built than you. Don't want you to be exhausted"