Quest of Fate - Apocrypha Universe Grail War

[You]

yay thanks sunny

[RoydGolden]

PRAISE THE SUN(ny)

[Bird of Hermes]

Alrighty, votes are still open but right now things are in favour of the return of Mr A aka Everyone's favourite Coffee Gentleman Dandy and the survival of Seigi "Badly injured man not done partying yet" Nomikata however things.

However shout out to the real MvP, Sunny, for making good ol' lifesaver in the first place, giving me permission to use the character and making them likeable enough that want to see him promoted to temporary protagonist.

- - - Updated - - -

I need to make an entree for him on the OP now though.

[Bird of Hermes]

Lukas Adalbert
London: The Daily Ritual, Oxford Street
Day: 0?
Condition: Good



I awaken to the sound of buzzing. A clamorous ringing of the bedside alarm clock stirs me from my peaceful slumber. My body still heavy and eyes still laden with dreariness, I reach over and switch it off. Without any caffeine in my system, my brain is a little slow in processing information but after a few seconds where I drift further into consciousness, I could make out it was about five minutes past six. Right on schedule. As much as I would like to relax, sit outside in my garden in a comfortable robe and slippers whilst enjoying a good cup of coffee, I do not have that luxury today.

Instead of my home, I have spent the previous night in the attic of my coffee shop. Instead of my own bed, I had the lumpy and yet somehow also rigorously firm emergency back up I kept in the shop for just such an occasion. Forcing myself to arise, I go through the morning routine of preparing oneself in the morning.

[BGM]

After washing and dressing myself, I do the final checks of the shop, my pride and joy, to make sure it is safe and secure in my absence. It's extremely popular with my clientele, particularly those from Clock Tower but I like the way it is, humble and modest. Even though I am the best I know at my craft and it might not be egotistical that I might be the finest brewer of beans in this hemisphere, it's good to stay grounded. Getting too big for your britches never ends well for any fool.

I am going to be out of country on business at my longest estimate for two weeks, I’ve secured enough money in the meantime, so the business doesn’t suffer during this break period but fortunately I have a long list of customers, some of which are wealthy, influential and give good tips if given a substantial product. Naturally the lords and mages of Clock Tower will be heartbroken by my absence, particularly the student who rely upon my brews for studying and as much as my heart goes out to them, this is a matter that cannot go unattended.

Before leaving though, I make myself one last cup of coffee. Perfecting the measurements for the perfect brew has become like clockwork to me, the correct strength and flavour is paramount. Some of my younger patrons claim that I must be psychic as I can decide on what drink they need best for their current needs. Now while these claims are false, I am excellent at judging such things, especially my own needs.

The Blue Mountains of Jamaica have a unique climate and volcanic soil advantageous for growing their famous high-quality coffee. The coffee undergoes a rigorous inspection process and is harvested in small quantities. This produces a rich coffee with a full aroma. The strong flavour and aroma of Jamaican Blue Mountain is exactly what I need for this long day ahead.

After savouring the moment. I realise that in my eagerness to be prepared, I have some free time on my hands. My flight does not leave until mid afternoon and I don’t have to be at the airport until midday, I have a few free hours on my hands before leaving on business.

Hello, these are the options on the menu~

1. Go over my luggage and make sure I have everything I need – A quick choice that will allow for further activity later but a reduced amount.
2. Head to the bank to make sure enough Yen is possessed – You’ll find this to be a longer venture but may open up further avenues.
3. Prepare a magical brew for yourself, fit for a true magus – The most complicated option available but I believe you’ll find it provides the most direct benefit.
4. Head to Clock Tower and socialise – Although this may not provide bonuses, it may provide other benefits or at the very least some enjoyable interactions.
5. Write in! – Try something off menu, who knows what that may get for yourself.

Now, will that be all for your order?

Quest Masters Note

And so we begin this 'Rescue Arc' with something a little more relaxed than the previous chapters. Also with the current provisional protagonist taking spotlight, this is a good starting point if you're not yet caught up on the previous questing or haven't joined in on the voting yet.

Updates to the OP will come in time.

Once again, a thousand thanks to Sunny for all her help and making this happen.

[Zurvan]

Oh its the dandy man

[Zurvan]

3 and 4 are both decent choices I guess

Thanks again for Sunny for allowing this development

[RoydGolden]

3

[You]

4

[Spartacus]

4 slice of life all the way!

[SleepMode]

​4

[Bird of Hermes]

Quest Masters Note

For those of you who have been reading /Reclamation, which is probably most of you, this should be a treat. The Best Boy is here.

Lukas Adalbert
London: Clock Tower
Day: 0? - Morning
Condition: Good



The Mage Association. The secret international organisation formed by practitioners of magecraft for the purpose of controlling, concealing, and developing Magecraft. It has many laboratories and research bodies that seek to advance the progress of Thaumaturgy across the world, as well as institutions that transmit their secrets to the next generation

The Clock Tower is currently the headquarters and main branch of the Mage's Association. I myself studied here as a second generation magus, hoping to learn the secrets and establish my family's lineage by becoming the first in my bloodline to actually attend classes at the Clock Tower.

There are many words that would describe my time studying here: stressful, tense, disastrous, catastrophic, phantasmagorical… Calling me a terrible student would have quite likely been an unjustified compliment, not that I didn’t pay attention or anything of the like, I was merely a slow student and the cutthroat environment that tested the heirs of powerful families left the inexperienced runt that was me an anxious wreck.

It was for the best though. If I had succeeded as a magus, I still would not have progressed far at all and laid only a somewhat stable groundwork for the next generation. But I am not a magus. I am a human, merely a human that this community enjoy as though i could not succeed with Thaumaturgy I have succeeded in the art of coffee.

Ironically, I am far more influential in this world as a coffee maestro than I would have been if I became a magus.

With thoughts of the past on my mind, I lock up my beloved shop and make my way through the city streets of London to my destination. I have time to kill after all.

Taking a deliberately longer route than I normally would, one particular figure stands out among the others.

Large image

Large image

A rather dashing young lad with a very fine suit, his clothes suggest a rather progressed or affluent position in life but his features are so young and the way he carries himself clearly show one not yet shaped by the world just yet. My guess is a young man most likely in his early twenties. Most likely a recent graduate from university.

I’m not sure whether it’s his eyes or his general aura but I find myself making my way to him, and vice-versa

“Excuse me,” the lad begins, raising his hand and brow, “Aren’t you the owner for The Daily Ritual sir?”

“That I am, Lukas Adalbert at your service” As those last few words escape my mouth, my eyes glance to the side, I’ve already figured out what he wants but I cannot deliver.

“And who might you be? I don’t think I’ve seen you in my humble abode before?”

“Arwyn Cadfael Penrith, QC.”

Queen’s Counsel? Then he’s an eminent lawyer, either a barrister or an advocate most likely. Most impressive.

“Pardon me for being so bold but I’ve heard rumors that you have the best coffee shop in town and I was wondering when you’d be open next.”

Ah a keen eye. I’m not there, therefore the shop isn’t open.

“Not for two weeks I’m afraid my boy. I have some business to attend to overseas for a while.”

Something about him shifts, his overall figure and demeanor remain the same but through a little interjected sigh I can tell he had probably come out of his way to see if these rumours were true.

“Ah, a pity.” He rolls his head to the side, likely trying to play it off the best he can. “I certainly hope your foreign business goes well though.”

And the resignation makes it clear what the issue is, running on half energy was the issue from before and the facade had faded somewhat. Upon a keener inspection, I can see he has a lot of problems that a magi would have despite him having no connections to the arcane. This young lawyer is clearly overworking himself, if I were to take a step closer I’d probably see bags under his eyes.

“Thank you. I don’t believe I’ll be in Japan for too long and I look forward to serving you when I arrive back home.”

Ending it with a smile and a promise, I hope I’ve made his morning that little bit better.

“Japan you say? I’m quite interested with their judicial system. I hear it’s quite a beautiful place and culturally fascinating.”

And some life seems to return to his figure. Perhaps there’s another way I could help him… Perhaps it’s been a bad run at the office lately or something along those lines but the boy is clearly not sleeping well. A future patron is always nice but he does seem to be in genuine need of a little pick me up.

BONUS!

Offer to make a record of your time in Japan alongside some souvenirs to show Arwyn later.

1. Yes
2. No

After bidding farewell and moving along from my recent acquaintance, a little time has passed. With the warm glowing sun now definitely risen into the sky and the familiar clouds hanging above us, it feels like a rare picturesque summer’s day despite it being late spring.

I can recognise a number of the faculty out here in the open as regular patrons, my coffee being a delight to them, providing much needed energy and focus in more ways than one.

My shop is a lovely place to relax if I don’t say so myself, outside however my children seem in a rush all of the time unfortunately.

“Urgh. Hurry up dummy, we’re going to be late!”

“Ohohoh, only you would get so wound up over a trivial event like this.”

A fiery determination and somewhat juvenile authority I would recognise anywhere. The black hair and trademark red attire wizz past me in a blur but even without it I would recognise the heir of the Tohsaka family anywhere. The poor girl has seemed to be growing more and more tense since her last visit a month ago. I vaguely remember the name ‘Mol-Undi’ but i must admit i am unfamiliar with such an individual.

Looking over my shoulder at the individuals as they pass me, I will admit I was not expecting her to be attached to the hip with the Clock Towers most expert user of the Gandr curse. Their glow is not the barely tolerable ‘newlywed’ aura that almost deliberately makes others in public uncomfortable but rather a transition from petty childish rivals to something more.

I only hope they iron whatever issues they have out as I heard their scuffle in the Norwich dormitories was something else.

I smile as I move from out into the open into the hallways.

Students turn and smile at me, I nod and smile back. Others wave, and I return in kind. Groups of girls giggle and I pretend that it’s not incredibly obvious that one or two of them are staring. I can hear murmuring and whispers but that is not a conversation I believe I’d like to hear. Other students are far fortunately far more amicable. Some students and a few assistant lecturers strike up a conversation with me and as a whole they’re rather positive.

‘That last cramming session got me through that exam, I thought I was gonna die. Thanks for letting me stay a few extra hours sir!’

‘I must say, calling that a brew recommended by wise Solomon himself was no exaggeration’

‘I can’t believe you just put a blanket around me and let me sleep there.’

‘I think that Golden Midas brew gave me a breakthrough for my students.’

‘Dude, I slept for a week after that fast juice wore off but I’m not failing any more at least.’

‘Wanna make out in the broom cupboard?’

…

I’ll have to politely turn her down.

With my time well spent happily here, I make my way out but through the doors I see the face of a familiar magus and not for the best of reasons.





Great Big Ben London Star himself. Unambitious, lazy, irritating and full of bad opinions.

We both see each other down the hall, the only exit for me is past him and I assume he is in a similar situation as he doesn’t turn tail and walk away. Closer and close with every step, if I just focus on what is past and ignore-

“Having a good morning Master V?”

Oh, that just slipped out.

“Until you showed up I was.” the frail man retorts, his eyes glancing up and down as if he’s trying to size me up. “Did your coffee shop run out of business with people finally figuring out an energy drink can do everything your magecraft can do?”

I scoff “Energy drinks? You don’t need them, don’t you just play video games locked in your room all day? You must be getting good at them, you skin has grown so pale.”

“Still needlessly defensive and highly insecure?”

“Still banned for life?”

I pause for a moment, taking my own time to size up Lord El Melloi, the disappointing sequel. Not that I ever met Kayneth El Melloi Archibald, I just don’t particularly care for his successor. Now while i could easily trade catty insults and give worse than I get, I have more important things to do. Given his glancing to the side, he appears to be under the same situation.

We nod and come to a silent gentleman’s agreement so save this for another time.

Lucky prat.

Now as for myself…

Here is you main selection

1. Return to the shop and make sure everything is packed. Best make everything is secure as we should be on my way to leave soon.
2. Go over to the bank and make sure enough Yen is possessed. The last thing that should trouble us is finances.
3. Return to the shop and use your magecraft to make a brew for yourself. I have many skills in this art, you would have plenty to gain.
4. Stay at Clock Tower for a while longer. We’ve had some lovely and not-so-lovely conversations but I need to get a little more than just that to make my time here more worthwhile.
5. Write in. “Go Nuts”

- - - Updated - - -

Massive shoutout to Reiu for giving permission.

[Xaodzilla]

BONUS: 1.
Either 2. or 1., but I think I'm going to go with ​2.

[You]

1. Yes with a note to purchase fluffy anime handcuffs
5. Go back to shop and work on an experimental brew

[RoydGolden]

...Wait, did Hermes just not so subtly imply that Rin is dating Luvia in this timeline? Not that I can honestly say I'm surprised, but still. As for my votes:

A1: Offer to make a record of your time in Japan alongside some souvenirs to show Arwyn later.

B3: Return to the shop and use your magecraft to make a brew for yourself.

[Zurvan]

1 Yes
Joke suggestion
5 Find more Reclamation members, there should be a few in the Clock Tower

[Bird of Hermes]

...Wait, did Hermes just not so subtly imply that Rin is dating Luvia in this timeline? Not that I can honestly say I'm surprised, but still.

I was about as subtle as I was about Seigi also digging dudes earlier. Nowerdays i'm as subtle as the herd of buffalo that ran over Mufasa.

5 Find more Reclamation members, there should be a few in the Clock Tower

Now as much fun as that would be, it's really all that viable I'm afraid, I'd have to ask permission separately, see what they'd be comfortable with and if they'd even fit in.

- - - Updated - - -

Meanwhile, god knows what's happening to Seigi.

[SleepMode]

That’s it

Sub-goal is to make Seigi and Reiner into the most Bromantic Bromance ever conceived

Also, Yes for collecting souvenirs for Arwyn and 2 in checking finances.

[Bird of Hermes]

Lukas Adalbert
London: Oxford Street
Day: 0? - Morning
Condition: Good

With time spent at Clock Tower, I return to the west end to my shop.

Situated in Oxford Street, it is a major road in Westminster, running from Tottenham Court Road to Marble Arch via Oxford Circus. It is Europe's busiest shopping street, with around half a million daily visitors and well on it’s way to about 300 shops. Although quieter when I left in the morning, as the morning comes in proper, it’s far busier, bustling bodies filling the pavement as I make my way back. However

“Uhhh…”

I see a young man stumbling through the street, his movements are restrained and minimalistic so it’s not someone drunk or shot up. My guess is either a hand over or...

My, it’s that young lawyer again.

“Arwyn!,” I call out more authoritative than originally intended, my walk turning into a half-jog to catch up.

I don’t know if something happened He looks positively dead on his feet. It’s only now I notice just how dull and glazed his eyes are. Like a dead fish at a marketplace that had been left out with insufficient ice.

Fortunately he responds well enough with a slow turn and a dull nod.

“Are you ok? Has someone slipped you anything or-”

“Oh no, I’m fine I promise.” He says while weakly waving his arm, trying and failing to move my arm from his shoulder.

He’s not fine.

Not fine at all.

“Come follow me,” I say, gentle guiding him forwards. It’s not as if I can leave the poor fellow.

There are some odd looks from those who pass us by as I guide him back to my shop, likely due to Arwyn’s condition. Some sneers as well from teenage louts with blatant imitation designer clothes but worst of all was an almost predatory gaze to Arwyn from a group of middle aged women in spray-on tan and wearing clothes of people half their age. Cougars are a terrifying predatory creature in most instances but are far more dangerous as a pack and frankly I’m glad i’m here.

(In this instance, Lukas’ opinions on the matter entirely reflect that of the Quest Master.)

Regardless, I return to my shop to fix up the poor lad a drink.

Sitting him down on what I consider to be the comfiest sofa I possess in the establishment, it only takes him a single second for him to flop down onto his side with his body already curled up the right way to account that this is not a bed. I know that students after a long session, whether it be studying or late night partying will sleep on more or less anything.

Despite Arwyn’s youthful complexion, he is a fully grown man. It seems he’s still used to sleeping badly and has adjusted to manage it without even thinking.

“Arwyn, when do you finish your working hours?”

“Oh,” he murmurs through his sudden sleep-like haze ”people in criminal law can usually do about 42 hours a week.”

That’s a politicians answer, deliberately vague and not answering the question I asked. Only difference is that he didn’t spend five minutes giving his answer.

“Uhh,” a dull drone as consciousness starts to slip away, he’s clearly overworking himself and refusing to admit it.

“When are you supposed to leave the office?”

“About six-ish.”

“When do you actually leave?”
“Around midnight, sometime 1am.”

Oh lord.

“And what time do you wake up to get ready?”

“About 5.”

Oh good lord. It’s hard not to gasp and I manage to contain my reaction, I think at least.

“Have you considered-”

An aimless arm half-heartedly waves at me, cutting me off.

“I can’t, I’ve already had one day off this season and I have a pile of paperwork the size of a vase and no one wants me to go. Yes I have to manage my own and other people’s backlogs and there aren’t exactly many people who will take unpaid hours and watch videos of a teenager getting stabbed to death and bleed out in an alleyway for a cases’ evidence before going home. No one else will so someone’s got to.”

That is easily the most horrific thing I’ve heard in a long while. Lawyers are usually so composed but to say but to hear that said so nonchalantly… that makes it so much worse. I wonder how Arwyn hasn’t had a breakdown but almost collapsing in public like he did might be a sign

I take a step away and walk around for a blanket, after a minute of searching I find an old patchwork piece I had left behind a cupboard. After giving it a good hearty shakedown, I return and place it down on him. He’s all tuckered out, I should probably make him a drink.

I was thinking of making myself a more ‘enhanced’ brew before the trip but I’ve already invited him into my home away from home so I may as well extend my hospitality further. Besides even if he isn’t actually asleep there is no way he’ll be able to see what lays behind the counter…

Critical Choice!

Lukas has a final chance to bolster his abilities and chances before leaving. Make your choice and make it carefully.

1). Salomonis. A secret recipe said to be, or at least descended from, the very same brews that the wisest of all monarchs drank from in the Age of Gods. The very same man who modern magecraft can be said to be descended from. Also sold under the name ‘Midas Touch’, some clients have nicknamed it ‘Midnight Star’.

Effects: Drinking the substance will grant Lukas great wisdom and superior judgement. (In-game, the choices that are less likely to have a good outcome will be more clear.

2). Alcides. Named after the birth-name of the world’s most famed hero, Heracles. Also the origin of the world ‘Herculean’ meaning to require great strength or of a strong muscular build. Some claim the heir of the Edelfelt family drinks this to maintain her wrestling physique but all those who say this have lost a fight to her.

Effects: Will greatly enhance Lukas’s physique from that of an aging man to easily equal that of peak modern olympic athletes, consuming vast amounts will allow one to surpass the limits of modern humanity… at a cost. (In-game, hand to hand combat won’t result in a Dead End as Lukas’ combat capabilities are minimal compared to that of our previous protagonist)

3). Flamel. Named for a famous french alchemist said to have discovered the Philosopher's Stone and become immortal. Disclaimer: Does not actually grant immortality.

Effects: Will grant a temporary healing factor to repair physical and spiritual damage. (Will negate physical damage in certain situation and potentially even a Dead End if you lot consistently make Those Kinds of Bad Decisions.)

4). Draconis. Dragonkind possessed a mana reactor core that allowed them to generate mana by simply breathing, one of many traits that made them among the most powerful that walked the world.

Effects: Enhances magical circuits power and production of energy, allowing at a cost to increase his power vastly beyond that of a second generation washout.

5). Write in! Come up with something yourself.

Bonus!

1. Decaff sleepy brew. Make Arwyn a brew that will make him catch up on all the sleep he’s lost.
2. The strong stuff. Make Arwyn a brew that will let him ignore the debilitating effects of sleep.
3. Try a brew that will let him sleep and work at the same time.
4. Don’t bother.

- - - Updated - - -

Quest Master's Note

Sorry for lack of productivity, europe's heat wave kinda killed it, it's hard working at 35C with no AC. Also some more of the Best /Reclamation Boy and a joke from #Regalia to throw in there too because why not.

Also I still need to update the OP but I have a longer list of things I need to do for that.

[RoydGolden]

Salomonis: While it's not as flashy as the other options, the wisdom to discern the correct path and take it is pretty much the most useful ability to have in this kind of story.

Try a brew that will let him sleep and work at the same time: Sleepy brew would just make Arwyn miss work and quite possibly lose his job, and the implications of the second option are kind of fucked up when you examine them. Something that could let his mind gain the beneficial effects of sleep while still working would be a god-send in that kind of situation, even if I'm not entirely sure what it'd amount to in practical terms.

[34]

Estus Flamel; always good to have a healing potion

Brew that will let him sleep and work at the same time