Chapter 5: Tempestuous AttentionSummary:
Mary Sue's character arc commences, not with a bang, but with a cry of frustration. Keep your head up, Mary! And later... the King of Dwargon is here?! What could he want?
Notes:
In which the story begins in earnest, and I attempt to give Mary Sue actual character depth beyond fanaticism and "I hate Tanya". I took some liberties with her character from the time before this fic regarding Being X and his interference, but none of it is technically noncanonical.
Enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Mary Sue.
What a conundrum that girl is. I don't really know what to do with her, if I'm honest. She has the potential to be very useful, whether to me or to Tempest as a whole I haven't yet decided.
This world is nice. My mind is clearer than it's been in years, my body is stronger and healthier, and my life is, dare I say, peaceful.
Being X has disappeared off the face of existence, it seems. I am no longer in the midst of a world-spanning war. If I could only resolve this Mary Sue situation somehow… maybe I can finally fully enjoy that quiet, peaceful life of my dreams.
Dreams…
I don't… really know how to describe it, but my shoulders seem… heavier, lately. I'll freely admit that I'm tired. Years of war will take their toll on even the hardiest of souls.
Even though I claim to be disconnected from the whole affair, there are only so many atrocities, dead bodies, and burned husks of cities that one can see before feeling like a burnt-out husk themselves.
I'm not usually one to dwell on such things. Perhaps dying for a second time has truly rattled me. You could say that I've never been more aware of my own mortality.
It is… troubling, to say the least.
-=-
It took no time at all for life in the city of monsters to return to normal.
No, it's more accurate to say it hadn't been disrupted at all. Life in Tempest had been peaceful in the two months following the defeat of the Orc Disaster. Even after the arrival of Tanya von Degurechaff and Mary Sue, this was the case.
Truthfully, the addition of two new residents, though they were human, caused no immediate, salient change or disruption. Instead, they – or at least, Tanya – seamlessly integrated into the lifeblood of Tempest, at Rimuru Tempest's behest.
And Tanya wouldn't have had it any other way. Peace and productivity were the two main goals in life she had strove for, even against the will of a devilish, infantile-acting deity. Here in her third world, both goals were well and truly achievable.
Following Tanya and Mary's conversation outside Rimuru's home, Tanya and Rimuru met once again and discussed the situation going forward.
-=-
"So, you don't charge people to live here…?"
"Everyone does their part, so everyone gets a stay and a say. For example, the Orcs work mainly in construction, many of the Hobgoblins and Goblinas run stores, farm, or do handywork, and the Dragonnewts help cultivate magical herbs. It's more beneficial if we all work together and do our part, don't you think?"
That's a very optimistic view. Tanya held back a sigh. She had a feeling she'd be doing that a lot. But, with how deferent even Rimuru's stronger subordinates seem to be, I imagine it works well. Is strength equals power the rule among monsters? I'd bet on that being the case. Though they do seem to genuinely like each other as well. A mutually beneficial relationship, all things considered.
"Well, I understand that much. After all, it's not like the Army charged me to use their barracks. I contributed enough that they owed me instead."
"That's right!" Rimuru snapped his fingers, a sort of 'Ahah!' look on his face, "You have military experience, and you seem really well organized. You can be one of my Strategy Advisors!"
"Strategy Advisor?" Tanya blinked.
Oi oi, that sounds a bit too much like-
"We could definitely use your knowledge in the defense of Tempest. Benimaru is really capable as the Commander-in-Chief of our military forces, but I'm sure you'd be a great help to him. And, since you're more familiar with economic systems and production than I am, you'll be super valuable in the council room." Rimuru tilted his head as if listening to a voice, "Oh, I guess you mentioned experience with laws and resource management as well. Hm, I suppose you'd be more of a General Advisor than a Strategy Advisor then."
Why does he randomly space out like that? Also, hello? It seriously sounds like you finally found someone capable, so you're shoving the things you're bad at onto them! I can sort of respect that, as delegating work is one of the best parts of having subordinates. But why is it always me?
"It sounds like a lot, but everything I've heard says you're a capable person. In Tempest at least, you're probably the best person for this sort of job. Of course, you'll be provided with housing, food, pay, and such as does everyone who works around here. Is that all right?"
Crap! He's too earnest! I have to accept! This is where favor exchange relationships come back to bite you. Rimuru's being extremely generous with giving me a place to stay and a job, so to not accept would definitely be asking for too much without proper reciprocation. Dammit, I'm trapped by the rules of politeness and social exchange theory.
"Of course." Tanya held out her hand. "Though, we should discuss the specifics a bit more in a more formal setting."
"Great!" Rimuru reached out as well, shaking her hand. "Glad to have you on board!"
"Glad to be of service."
Well, at least it's not the frontlines. Maybe it'll even be fun.
Her eyes widened minutely as another thought occurred to her. "Rimuru? What are we going to do with Mary Sue? I'd rather let her live, but…"
"Oh, don't worry." Rimuru pulled back with a confident grin that had Tanya's stomach sinking, "I thought about it while you were talking with her outside."
-=-
From there, life proceeded as normal. At least, as normal as you could get in a city of monsters ran by a slime.
Tanya began her work in earnest, providing methods and ideas regarding warfare with Benimaru, assisting Geld in laying the framework for better transportation through grid-based systems, and occasionally stopping to talk with Hobgoblin and Goblina merchants to discuss business practices. She even sat in on some of Hakurou's training, quickly becoming fast acquaintances with the old Kijin over his similarly draconic teaching methods.
It was… nice. Peaceful.
For the perhaps first time since she'd been pushed onto train tracks in her first life, she'd regained a semblance of a peaceful, productive, non-dire-straits-influenced lifestyle. If Tanya had any say in the matter, she would have preferred it to stay like this forever.
But of course, nothing quite goes the way we want, does it?
-=-=-=-
One Month Later
Tanya's Home
Tempest, Jura Tempest Alliance
"Get up."
"Fuck you." Came the reply, muffled by the closed wooden door.
Tanya sighed, before moving to lean against the wall next to the door. With her loose white long sleeve V-neck, black shorts, and teal slip-ons – Shuna told her they matched her eyes. Tanya really didn't care. All that mattered was that they were comfortable – she appeared the epitome of casual. It was nice to have clothes that weren't some variation of a military uniform.
Made working out a much more enjoyable affair now that she didn't have to jog in boots and pants all the time, honestly. Especially now, when spring was slowly turning into summer.
Of course, all of this casualness and satisfaction only further helped disguise the annoyance she felt bubbling up at this very moment.
-=-
Art by Me (@tanjaded)
-=-
"I left early this morning, come back two hours later, and you're still moping in your room like fucking child, the same way you have been for the past month. We've discussed this already. Several times. Get up."
"I don't take orders from you." Mary called back. Though she couldn't see her, Tanya got the distinct impression she'd been flipped off. "Fuck off."
"You kind of do, since this is my house and all..." Tanya muttered under her breath.
Well, at least she isn't screaming anymore. Though, is that better or worse than intentionally holing yourself up in your room? Tanya rolled her eyes. Then again, it's only been a month. Going by our last world, this is remarkable progress. Rimuru's influence no doubt.
Rimuru's threat, to be specific.
Oddly enough, telling someone they'd "eat them" – and then demonstrating an ability that would make that statement appear much more like an understatement by consuming a small patch of forestland – made for a remarkably intimidating threat.
Tanya would almost be jealous, if she hadn't also found herself mildly intimidated. A Skill that let you absorb practically any attack? Given just how much of her arsenal relied on magic, projectiles, and magical projectiles, it was a good to know she'd allied herself with the slime right off the bat.
On an unrelated note, she'd spent a good chunk of time lately training her close combat and mana blade skills (not Skills) with Hakurou. Just to diversify her skillset, is all.
"I wonder if your God would appreciate your new habit of cursing at me every time we speak." Tanya shrugged. "No, knowing him, he probably would. Though he preferred 'Heretic' and 'Nonbeliever' over 'Fucking Bitch' and 'Devil'."
Tanya waited for a moment.
No response.
"Yeah, alright. Stay in there. I don't really care either way. Cry, mope, grieve. Stay pitiful, and don't get over it at all. It's your problem more than mine- hm?"
Tanya paused, raising an eyebrow.
"Uh, Tanya? There's apparently an aerial group approaching Tempest from the north. Could you meet us at the northern gate?
"Rimuru?" Tanya got off the wall, glancing out the living room's lone window. "I'll be right there. Out."
"Great! Uh, Rimuru out, I guess."
An aerial group? Why is it always air attacks? Well, I know why. Air superiority is king on the battlefield. But here? What the hell are they flying? Dragonnewts? Pegasi?
Tanya knocked once on Mary's door.
"Oi. There's an issue near the northern gate of Tempest, so I'll be out. Don't cause any trouble."
It's not like it really mattered. Mary had been tagged with a passive mana trace – a little spell she'd modified in her first week here – for a while now. If she ever needed to find the girl, all Tanya had to do was use Magic Sense and spot the trace.
A very useful little trick.
Tanya left then, not bothering to wait for a response.
No response came.
-=-
Mary sat quietly, listening to the sound of Tanya's retreating footsteps from the relative comfort of her… bed? No, it was more like a mat… right, her futon. She vaguely remembered that Devil calling it that.
When it seemed like Tanya was well and truly gone, Mary flopped backwards onto her futon with a frustrated groan.
A month… a whole month here, and I haven't woken up. Mary pinched her arm, the same way she had been every day for the past 30 days. Nothing happened, other than a sharp sting of pain. This… really isn't a dream, then? I'm stuck here, in some fantasy nation run by a blue blob of jelly. Stuck here with that damn Devil.
One month. 30 days. It was damning.
But possibly even more damning was the silence.
Ever since that day, when her father – was killed, killed himself – died, she'd heard them. The whispers from God himself. Quiet and indistinguishable at first, but clearer and more vocal as time went on. It's how she knew her father was dead on that exact day, despite being an ocean apart. It's how she found her purpose in life. Her God-given duty.
"You've been granted the power of miracles. Now, destroy that Devil of the Empire, the White Silver, Tanya von Degurechaff!"
But now, there was nothing. Not even a hint of a whisper. God's voice, a constant for years at this point, had remained silent ever since arriving in this world.
Even during her last moments, God hadn't spared her even a single word.
-=-
It was bright. So very, very bright. Mary didn't need to open her eyes to feel the light surrounding her on all sides.
Is this…?
It was quiet. Too quiet.
God? Where… your voice is… gone? Hello?
God did not respond, as he would have before.
No one responded. Not that she recognized.
Mary breathed in and out, testing this new feeling of 'death'.
…Father… I think I did it. The last thing I remember… is that damn Devil. A hot flash of mana, a bright burst of light, and then… nothing. She was almost too strong. If only I had been stronger, I could have survived as well… ah, that doesn't matter now, I guess.
Mary sighed, her eyes closed in acceptance. A smile flitted across her face, her mind and body feeling lighter than they had in what felt like forever.
Father, I'll see you soon. Have faith in your daughter and keep your arms open for me, okay? I should finally see you again soon. Let's hope I neutralized that Devil and her evil power for good, yeah? Hah…
-=-
God had stopped speaking to her.
It made sense, in a twisted sort of way. She'd served her purpose, hadn't she? And died in the process, but that was often the fate of God's warriors, was it not? If she were to be another Joan, then at least she could be happy that her burning stake had pierced a Devil's heart in the process.
There had been another voice though. It wasn't God's – or at least, not the God she knew – and it spoke what was at the time complete and utter nonsense.
"Skills"? "Preservation of Soul, Body, and Memories"? What did that even mean? Well, she sort of understood now, but back then was another story entirely.
Perceived nonsense aside, the voice of something that wasn't her God had been there in that moment, when she was left alone, floating in the light of death. Even that voice too, had faded. Now, everything was silent. More so than it ever had been.
Honestly, it was… peaceful. She had almost forgotten what it was like to live with only her own thoughts for company.
It was disturbing, but beyond that, the worst part of it all had to be the clarity. Her mind was clear and light in a way she couldn't ever remember it being. Which was mildly concerning in and of itself.
Looking back, her life up till her first death could be divided into two distinct sections: before her father's death and after it.
Before, she was a literal child. Between not knowing what was happening and not knowing why things were happening, much of her time before was colored by misconceptions and misunderstandings.
Of course, children aren't stupid. Mary knew her father was a soldier. Knew what a gun was, and why he'd need it. She knew these things, but there's a fine line between knowledge and wisdom. Knowing and understanding are two separate things entirely.
Knowing your father was going to kill and possibly be killed was one thing. Understanding why he would, and why he died was another.
She thought she understood. A Devil of that evil Empire, the same evil Empire that had destroyed her Fatherland, had killed her father. God told her as much, and God had told her to avenge him. To destroy the blasphemous Heretic that so stained God's name.
This is where the second section of her previous life began. A desperate, faith-fueled struggle of ideals and power against an entity of evil. A blur of conflict and hatred, fated clashing between the forces of God and the Devil.
This was her understanding for years. God's whispers only affirmed that understanding. He'd told her she was Chosen. Worthy. Told her that the path before her, the one ending in the broken and bloody corpse of that Devil in the form of a girl called Tanya, was the righteous path.
He had to be right. He was God. He had told her the truth of the world, had given her power to achieve her goals…
Were they even her own goals?
No, of course they were.
Right?
Oddly enough, the 'before' section of her life was easier to recall than the 'after'. Why was that? Even now, just trying to remember the finer details of her life as an aerial mage and God's chosen was headache-inducing. Calling it a "blur of conflict and hatred" was well and truly an understatement.
How much time had passed since she'd started hearing God's voice? A few months? A year? Several years? It had to be a long time, but for the life of her she couldn't recall much of it.
It was like there had been a haze over her mind, a veil that was now stripped away.
She… didn't understand the world at all, did she?
That Devil had killed her father. That was a fact. God had told her as much.
"You should know that I didn't actually kill your father."
It was a lie. It had to be. It was a fact. Or maybe, it was (as in, used to be) a fact.
"…during a battle, Anson Sue overloaded his computation orb and blew himself up in an attempt to take my life. You don't have to believe me, but it's the truth."
She had to be lying. She had to.
Because, if she wasn't…
If that Devil was telling the truth, then…
It didn't feel like a lie.
That was the one thing Mary couldn't help but focus on.
That Devil, for all her evil deeds and heretical ways, sounded truthful. She even said 'please' when asking Mary to listen.
How did that make any sense?
The truth, as Mary had unfortunately come to realize, was that there was no real reason for her foe to lie. She'd thought about this for a while now, which was made much easier with how much clearer her thoughts were now.
Really though, what purpose would lying about to her about her father's death serve?
To hurt her? Maybe. It would be extremely petty, but it was a possibility.
But was it even worth it? It's not like that Devil wanted to gain her favor or anything. No, she very clearly still hated Mary, and fuck, that feeling was certainly mutual.
Also, they were apparently in a whole another world for fuck's sake! And, shit, that was still something she hadn't quite been able to wrap her head around. She'd been reincarnated. And then almost immediately, she had fought her most hated enemy for the second time in a short span.
Only, while the first fight had ended in mutual destruction, the second had been so one-sided that it was laughable.
The truth of the matter was, if Tanya had wished it, Mary would have been dead. Again. But no, instead she'd spared her. Knocked her out instead of cutting her head off, then somehow convinced that terrifying blue jelly person that ran this place to let them live in his city.
What did that say about her? About Mary herself?
What did it say, when the Devil was merciful, and the Faithful was unrepentant? That her hated enemy had spared her life, even though she knew that Mary wouldn't even hesitate had the roles been reversed.
Mary didn't understand at all. None of this made sense.
Before, her hatred had been a roaring inferno, only stoked by the words of God in her ears.
Now?
God was gone. His miraculous power, as much as she hated to admit it, appeared to be gone.
All she had left were her morals, ideals, and motivations. Yet, these too were up in the air.
If that Devil truly was the merciful one, and she, a woman of Faith, was the merciless…
If God had lied to her…
What purpose did she serve?
…Was she the bad guy?
She had no real answers. Only questions, and a sense of emptiness pervading her very being.
Mary lay there for another moment, before forcing herself up.
Answers. I need…
She trudged to the corner and opened her room's dresser, pulling out various clothes and undergarments that had been provided along with the house. Loose black pants, a long sleeve crewneck the same shade of blue as her old military uniform, leather ankle boots, socks… she pulled them out and threw them all on one by one with purposed intent.
Nothing would be gained from remaining shut up in her room. A month had passed with nothing changing.
It was clear she needed to find these answers herself.
…the northern side of Tempest, right?
-=-
Late Morning
Outside Northern Gate
Tempest, Jura Tempest Alliance
A bit cliché to do the 'a fight will reveal your true nature' thing unironically. And completely irrational, all things considered. If it's a matter of who'd win in an actual battle, Rimuru would probably prevail, but a sword fight? Not everyone can or wants to use bladed weapons. It's merely a lucky coincidence that Hakurou trained them both.
For a moment, she thought about saying as much, but ultimately held back. No need to waste her breath getting on the bad side of the King of the Armed Nation of Dwargon. He had to be extremely powerful to hold such a position. No doubt challenging his methodology would be seen as insulting, especially from someone who appeared relatively unimposing like herself.
Tanya shrugged. Well, if it works. Still…
Though admittedly, she was playing that angle up intentionally, alongside suppressing her mana to seem less important. In any case, there was little doubt in her mind that the large man who represented a premier nation would not view her suggestions in the most favorable light. Such was the way of the powerful.
Also, why was he so huge? Weren't dwarves supposed to be short? Kaijin and his company all fit the mental image she'd had in her head, so what happened here? Furthermore, all of King Gazel's Pegasus knights were similarly well-sized.
Did the idea of "might makes right" extend to the humanoid races like dwarves as well? That would make sense though, gathering the strongest and most imposing for use in your most elite group of soldiers. A somewhat Spartan system all things considered.
In fact, that sounded oddly familiar now that she thought about it.
…we were lucky it worked out this time, but I refuse to allow the fate of Tempest to rest merely on luck going forward. If I have to step in next time to make sure my new home remains peaceful, then I damn sure will.
Unfortunately, it seemed all of Rimuru's other subordinates that had shown up were fully in favor of how such an important meeting went down.
Do they trust him that much, or are they just idiots?
Tanya glanced at Gobta, who was boasting about something or other to Hakurou.
…Maybe a bit of both. I really will have to step in next time. Unfortunate.
"Have you made an alliance with a human nation already, Rimuru?"
Tanya raised an eyebrow. Human nation? The only human here right now is me.
"Ah, no. Not yet at least."
"Interesting. So then, you have individual humans already living in your city of monsters."
He's talking about me. Okay then. And yeah, I was surprised too. I don't think Rimuru has quite realized the implications behind having humans willing to accept his city so soon after its birth. Even if Mary and I are reincarnates, all that really matters to the people of this world is the fact that we're human, and we're living among monsters. That's a hell of a political statement, especially to the more avid monster haters.
"Well, only two right now. See, that's Tanya. She's-"
"Very pleased to meet such an affluent figure." Tanya smoothly cut in, stepping forward to stand besides the two. "Your reputation precedes you, King Gazel."
This is a man who respects power, or at the very least, boldness and openness.
"Do you test every new nation's leader with a sword fight, or is Rimuru the exception?"
Rimuru shot her an incredulous look.
"Tanya, what-"
"HAHAHAHA!!!" Gazel burst into raucous laughter.
"King Gazel?!"
"Rimuru, I like this woman." The King turned to face her fully. "You're more than you appear, I can tell. Who are you?"
That's a loaded question if I've ever heard one. What's the best response here?
"I'm one of Rimuru's Executives."
Well, technically her position was as a 'General Advisor', but 'Executives' fit as a much more efficient blanket term to describe the close-knit group of Rimuru's closest subordinates. It also added a greater air of importance and cohesion to Tempest's organizational structure, something that was sorely lacking considering the Jura Tempest Alliance's rather abrupt and informal formation.
Really, Tanya was doing everyone a favor here.
"Tanya von Degurechaff. Pleased to make your acquaintance." She reached out for a handshake. "Please don't make a habit of challenging our leadership to duels that could determine the fate of our nation."
"No promises!" Gazel laughed again, clasping her hand tightly and shaking it.
"That is the opposite of reassuring." Tanya sweatdropped, before turning her head. "Rimuru, that goes for you as well. I'd hate to have to step in and resolve it myself next time when you're so capable by yourself."
"R-right."
"'Resolve it yourself'? Well now, that's certainly some tough talk." Gazel tightened his grip, forcing Tanya's attention back on him. "I've seen Rimuru's skill for myself, but I wonder if you can back any of that talk up yourself."
It's always the same with these guys. She refrained form rolling her eyes. Fine then. I can play that part too, and much better at that.
Tanya tightened her own grip, making use of a minor enhancement formula to further assert herself.
"Rest assured, King Gazel of the Armed Nation of Dwargon. Had you proved yourself an intentional threat to Tempest, I would have more than 'backed that talk up myself'."
They stared at each other for few tense moments, the faintest hints Gazel's Hero Haki clashing against Tanya's own fierce, glowing glare.
Then, it was over.
"Ha! I see! Tempest is truly the real deal." The King grinned and let go of Tanya's hand, "I was mostly sure of it before, with Rimuru and I's duel. But this, this is much better than I was expecting."
He waved a hand in Rimuru's direction.
"I can see your nation is in good hands, Rimuru. Now then, let us test just how tasteful your wine stores are."
…Just like that? Really?
Tanya watched the two leaders begin to walk away with a look almost akin to disappointment.
She sighed, idly activating Magic Sense to ensure King Gazel's pegasus knights were all accounted for. A bit of a paranoid gesture, perhaps, but then again, years of fighting in a massive world war combined with a spiteful devil-like deity out for your blood would make even the laziest individual overly cautious.
Was it really paranoia if you'd spent over decade with a target on your back? Tanya didn't think so. It was much more like "completely justified caution" than "paranoia" in her books.
If only the conflicts in my last world were so easily resolved. Then I'd have- Oh?
Tanya casually glanced over at the city of Tempest's northern gate.
Interesting…
A moment later, she shrugged.
Well, not that it matters. I have other business that doesn't involve babysitting. Wouldn't want Rimuru to get shortchanged in negotiations now, do I? That would be counterproductive to my goals.
With that thought, Tanya lifted high off the ground and flew back towards Tempest.
A bit dramatic perhaps… but hey, when you can fly, why not fly? There's no need to be confined to the ground unnecessarily.
-=-
Mary leaned against the side Tempest's northern gate, watching from the shadows as the scary jelly – Rimuru her mind helpfully supplied – led the similarly frightening King Gazel through the gate and into the city.
She continued to quietly observe as Rimuru's subordinates followed behind. There was the old man with horns that had knocked her out once, the tall red guy with horns that had carried her into Tempest and also had knocked her out once, a pink haired girl, again with horns, who was much more magically powerful than she appeared, a purple haired woman with-
God Almighty are those real? Mary mentally shook herself, quickly allotting to ignore the way her mind bounced- err, jumped to somewhat blasphemous thoughts. One crisis of faith at a time, please and thank you. Why do they all have horns? Are they all the same type of… monster? Creature? But, they look so human. I'm so confused.
Mary closed her eyes.
Lord, if you're listening, could you please tell me what is going on around here? Your ever faithful servant is feeling conflicted. Please, you've been silent for so long. Lord, please give me a sign that you're out there!
She waited, her brow furrowing as the seconds ticked by, and no answer came.
…I really am in another world, aren't I? Mary sighed, opening her eyes again. I'm all alone here. With that Devil.
She raised her hands, wiping roughly at her face as unshed tears glistened in her eyes.
For the perhaps first time since she'd gotten to this world, Mary had finally realized the truth. This was real. She was here now until she died again.
Would Heaven greet her then? Would it welcome her through its gates, when it hadn't given her a passing glance with her first death, even her after fulfilling her use as a tool of God?
When she was somehow less forgiving than the Devil she abhorred?
Her last life may not have been great, but it wasn't the worst. She had a purpose. She thought she understood the way the world worked. If she had any say in the matter, she would have preferred to stay like that.
But as it turns out, Mary didn't understand at all.
Nothing quite goes the way we want, does it?
Mary slid deeper into the shadowed corner of the northern gate, and wept.
-=-
Far up in the above in sky, the Devil that Mary so abhorred looked on with an expression that, if one were to view it at a specific angle in just the right lighting, would almost appear like something approaching pity.
Waking up to reality is never pretty affair, but it is a necessity. Human beings are not born to huddle and hide in the warmth of comforting lies, but rather to experience life and all the beautiful and painful truth therein. Such is the duty of human beings, to reach beyond themselves and grow.
A few seconds later, she turned and flew away, leaving Mary to her tears.
Will you stagnate here, or will you move forward, Mary Sue? Defy your dreaming, and make yourself useful to me? Or will I have to cut you down and make use of you as a stepping stone? I wonder…
~OPENING: FOREST DISTURBANCE ARC~
-=-=-=-=-=-
Known Skills List
Tanya:
Common Skill: Thought Communication
Extra Skill: Magic Sense
Extra Skill: Magic Aura
Extra Skill: Voice of the World Communication
Unique Skill: Formulaic Casting
Unique Skill: Tetrabattery Limit Enhancement
Mary:
Extra Skill: Magic Sense
Extra Skill: Magic Aura
Other Skills Unknown
Notes:
You kind of have to stretch things with Mary's character (i.e. blaming Being X for the worst of Mary to make her character sympathetic), since otherwise Mary really just seems like a raving, religious fanatic with no excuse for her actions other than "Ahhhh! You killed my dad even though you're both soldiers and that's how war works, but I'm still made about it!". Hell, if I wanted to write about a raving religious fanatics that didn't have a excuse for being that way, I'd just write about modern televangelism.
Anyways, there's the glimpse at Mary's reincarnation that I mentioned. Hints galore in that scene, though I'm still keeping her actual Skills under wraps. Feel free to guess or whatever. No one's guessed right
Thanks for reading!