Round 16 Transcript

The duplicates remain perfectly still and expressionless, their identical faces unreadable masks of whatever thoughts might lie behind them. The air in the basement grows thick with tension — magic crackles between Jeane's dark orb and Silra's hand hovering near her blade hilt, visible to anyone sensitive enough to see such things.

Jeane’s wings twitch with barely contained impatience as she listens to Silra’s measured assessment of the duplicates. You're right, of course — duplication magic at this level requires significant investment and focus. To maintain two corporeal forms would drain even a powerful sorceress over time. She circles them slowly, dark energy flickering along her fingertips like restless shadows. But that doesn't mean we can afford to lower our guard simply because they haven't attacked yet. Her crimson eyes fix on each duplicate in turn, searching for tells or inconsistencies. They claim protection from some unnamed threat? Preposterous. If they truly possessed such power and knowledge, why wouldn't they simply state the nature of this danger instead of hiding behind vague warnings and duplicated bodies? Jeane stops directly between them now, wings half-spread in a subtle intimidation display. No — I think this is merely another attempt to gain leverage over us through manipulation. She turns back to Silra, her expression unreadable. Very well. Let's hear their terms before we exhaust our own resources unnecessarily. But know this: Jeane’s voice drops to a dangerous purr, my patience for cryptic threats and magic shows is wearing thin. If they cannot provide concrete evidence of value beyond what we already possess, then I suggest we dispense with pleasantries and test the true limits of their duplication magic before someone upstairs grows curious about the commotion down here. Her dark orb pulses faster now, casting flickering shadows across the basement walls. We have perhaps minutes before whatever threat they claim to fear becomes relevant — or before our activities here draw unwanted attention. So speak quickly if you wish us to believe your story. Otherwise... Jeane lets the implication hang in the air, her wings rustling softly with barely restrained power.

She glances at Halie still bound in the center of the circle, then back to the duplicates. And make it convincing. My suspicion remains high for anyone who enters our sacred space uninvited and begins spouting warnings without substance. Prove your worth, or prove yourself a fool to be... dealt with accordingly. Jeane’s eyes narrow as she watches them closely, every muscle tensed and ready to respond if the duplicates make even the slightest aggressive move.

Silra shifts her weight subtly, hand still near her blade but not yet drawn. They're playing it close — duplication magic at this level requires major concentration, they can't keep up the conversation and maintain two bodies forever. She glances between Clarice and Julia, noting the slight variations in stance that betray which one is the real body. The one on the left, she's leading the dialogue but her right hand keeps twitching — that's where the real caster's power focus is. Her teal eyes narrow slightly as she studies them. If we push too hard they'll drop one form to defend themselves, and then we're in a proper fight instead of a negotiation. She raises an eyebrow at Jeane's barely-veiled threat. Careful sister — if this goes bad, whoever's upstairs investigating will be human authorities, not cult enemies. We need discretion over force right now. Silra circles slowly around the duplicates, maintaining distance but getting a full view of their positions relative to exits and threats. They're here for a reason beyond just showing off magic. The timing is too convenient — someone or something sensed our ritual energy and sent them to investigate or disrupt. She stops near the bookcase passage exit, positioning herself between it and Jeane's wings. Whatever this unnamed threat is, we need more information before deciding if they're friend or foe. Right now we have two unknown factors: their identity and their purpose here. Silra pulls out one of her smaller vibrators — a nondescript USB-charged toy that looks like a sleek pen — and holds it casually. We can play this smart instead of aggressive. Let them explain while I get us some leverage. If they lie or threaten us, I'll slip this into their pocket during the next close conversation. Then we have proof if needed. She meets Jeane's eyes evenly. Trust me on this — we're better off with information than a bloodstained basement floor right now. The cult needs allies more than enemies in this city, especially if something stronger is moving against us. Let me work them for a few minutes before you unleash the dark magic.