Forte/Stories

General Stories Misc

Quotes

On Sortied

I am the dark dragoon!

On Entering a Room

Preparations are complete. I fly!

When Quest Begins

We begin!

Have you prepared yourself?

Response to Beginning of a Quest

Very well. Leave all to me!

Hmph. Of course.

When Controlling Character in Quest

I shall go forth.

When Receiving a Heal

You have my gratitude.

I am in your debt.

When Entering a Boss' Room

I may be able to wring some enjoyment from this yet!

The hegemony of my strength is without end!

Response to Entering a Boss' Room

I shall bring about my conquest!

I shall never know defeat!

Upon Getting to Low Health

You think this is enough to make me lay down my lance?!

A glancing wound, nothing more.

Upon Opening a Chest

What have we here?

Not bad.

Boss on Low Health

We shall settle this for good and all!

The day is ours!

Boss Enters Break State

Opportunity lies before us!

Hmph. You're wide open.

Rare Enemy Spawns

This one looks worth felling.

I see you there. Face me!

Upon Death

An embarrassing defeat!

Is this it...?

Upon Revival

Defeat is a stranger to me.

When Using Weapon/Shared Skills

Damage: Taste my lance!

Buff Self: Perhaps I shall take this one seriously.

Buff Ally: Burn bright!

Debuff Enemy: Kneel!

Heal Ally: What are you doing?

Heal Self: The true battle begins now.

Player Uses Damaging Skill

Splendid.

Praiseworthy.

When Shape Shifting is Ready

So this is the strength of the dragon!

With that, the board is set!

Shape Shifting into Dragon

The time is now!

Idle During Quest

Let us make ready.

Be not careless.

Quest Clear

My wings are unbreakable!

Quest Failure

I acknowledge this defeat.

Home Screen Walking

I care not for friendship.

I am...unsettled.

Perhaps I will return to my training.

I sense the presence of one most strong...

With my lance...

Shall I take flight?

Home Screen Inside

I can feel the presence of a warrior, and would quite like to cross swords with them.

I am never careless. This is how I live.

You have potential— but what that amounts to is up to you alone.

To soar through the skies, one must be worthy.

All I strive for is flying higher and being stronger than everyone.

Should one not conquer their foes in a head-on battle, the victory has no meaning.

Home Screen Portrait

I have no need of friendship.

My might has no need for the week.

My lance yearns to challenge the powerful and best them.

I shall take the measure of your shapeshifting power.

I look forward to the day when I battle you on equal footing.

Collection Portrait

These skies are mine. If you would soar alongside me, then prove your strength.

I have but one desire: to battle the powerful and conquer them.

Friendship is foolish. What meaning do such bonds hold?

Power and pride alone are what make one deserving of strength.

If there were one who could surpass me... And no, it is yet too soon for you.

At The Halidom

What is it?

Have you need of me?

You wish to train?

New Mana Circle Unlocked

My lance knows only conquest.

On Mana Circle Fully Unbound

I am Lord of the Skies, and that is no mere affectation.

Adventurer Story Episodes

Episode 1

Lord of the Skies

The City of Appolonia
Outdoor Arena
The Appolonia Cup
Lea Vs The Enigmatic Knight
Oh man, this match is gonna be EPIC! All hail Lea, the Flower in the Fray! Due to the events in Alberia, she's had a long absence from the arena— but her skills are as sharp as ever! But the knight who registered last-minute is also amazing! She might even be BETTER than Lea! Time to amp this up with a cheer! WE LOVE BATTLE! YES WE DO! NOW FIGHT EACH OTHER TILL YOUR FACES TURN BLUE! With my next attack, I will finish this. I shall put the entirety of my body and soul into my blade. And I shall answer your challenge in kind. Now come for me, if you dare! Haaaaaah! Ohmigosh, who won?! Urgh... My wings are unbreakable. We have a winnah! Okay, Lea, up you go. We shall now name our winner and hold the awarding ceremony. Come and take your place before me, victor! I need no adulation from others. It is enough that the honor of victory burns bright within my breast. Uh, okay? Actually not sure how to respond to that... I felt something akin to the spirit of a dragon from that crimson knight. Could it be...? How depressing... I gave all that I had to that attack, yet it wasn't enough. Lea, that was a GREAT match! You were just one step away from winning it all! Thank you, Emma—although I fear the step I lack is a sizable one indeed. If you worry over your stride, you'll never take a step forward. It's you! I would ask you this, crimson knight: Know you the dragonblood prince? Oh! Your reaction betrays you. Where might I find him? Okay, slow down, mystery dude. What are you planning to DO with the prince when you find him? I have heard tell this prince fights by shapeshifting, and I know well a dragon's might. Perhaps he would be capable of defeating me. You wish to fight the prince? To what end? As a fellow knight, you should understand: There can be no substitute for the honor of defeating a powerful foe in battle.  ! Okay, so she doesn't seem BAD exactly, but I'm not totally sure we should just let her walk up and start wailing on the prince or whatever? I will make your introduction on one condition, knight: If the prince does not assent to combat, you will not force the issue. A battle coerced is no true contest. I agree to your terms. Then I will guide you to the Halidom. Merely tell me the location of this castle, if you would; I will arrive more swiftly if borne by my compatriot's wings. Holy freakin' snotballs! Is your compatriot this DRAGON?! Who are you, stranger, that you walk the land in the company of dragons? I am the dragonbrood warrior Forte. Ohmigosh, I've heard that name! You're the Lord of the Skies! Enough chatter. Which way to the castle? If you head due south from here, you will find it ere long. Then I shall take wing at once. Ah, but there is one more thing... Your approach on your final attack was far too slow, crimson knight. If you wish to employ such tactics in the future, you must focus on training your legs. Do this, for I will brook no mewling or complaint while there are actions a person can yet undertake to know victory. Okay, I'd heard rumors of a knight who rode around on a dragon, but I never actually thought I'd MEET her! Nor did I. But enough of this— let's get back to the castle! Well, YOU seem perky all of a sudden. What's the deal? The knight's words have lit a fire in me. No matter how large the final step is, I know that I will take it! Yes? What is it, spellwyrm? ...I seem to be enjoying myself? Obviously. I will face the dragonblood prince himself. And that crimson knight has quite some promise as well. I have discovered people who have the possibility of surpassing me. There is nothing quite so thrilling as— Move, spellwyrm! You have some nerve indeed to challenge me in the skies. Hmph. You ambush me, then take me on with superior numbers? Clearly, my demise is something you greatly desire. However, I have news for you... It matters not what means you resort to, because they will all come to naught in the face of my overwhelming strength! That's enough observation. We can take them now. What is this sinister presence...? Spellwyrm! What's wrong?! Maintain your composure, spellwyrm! Return to your senses! Are you well? It seems your wits are regained. Still, what IS this...? Hmm. It seems the amount of black mana was insufficient. No matter—I will simply have to employ more next time. That is the presence I felt earlier... So you sneak up on us under the cover of darkness, do you? I'll not be caught unaware again, villain. ...There! I have you now! You are a mere child! I will have your dragon. Look out, spellwyrm! Gaaaagh! F-flee, spellwyrm! You are his target! GOOOOO! It escaped. ...Hmm? Who...am I? What...do I seek? You are strong indeed to survive such a shower of black mana. Nevertheless... Strong... Yes... I am...the strongest! And to make my strength known, I will crush everything! Every knee shall bow! My very name will bring worlds to heel! Her reason and memories have been swallowed by the chaos of darkness, leaving naught but a destructive urge. Tell me, where were you headed? Upon whom were you attempting to rain down ruin? I seek the Halidom—and the one whose life will end upon the end of my lance is the dragonblood prince himself!

Episode 2

A Knight Stained Black

It's about time for Lea and the others to be getting back. I can't wait to hear how it went in the arena. If she won, we're gonna throw a party that brings the whole damn castle down! You are merely looking for an excuse to eat and make merry. Huh? The hell was that noise? It came from the courtyard! Victor! What happened?! A surprise attack from a considerably troublesome opponent, I'm afraid. My eyes were set on none but the prince, but this looks as though it will also be most enjoyable. En garde, all of you! You've a strange and hungry look about you, friend; I see a burning drive combined with pure malice. All who stand before me shall fall. If I am to proceed without mercy, then malice shall be my aegis. Then the path of strife is your way, is it? Take care, friend—for if you seek the prince, all that awaits you is a quick death at the end of my blade. Ravenous Fire! The match looks to be decided. No... This presence! A fair attack. Nonetheless, my wings are unbreakable. How the heck can she even be STANDING after an attack like that?! Your overflowing malice clads you in armor greater than any shield or helm. *gasp* Even I can't see the depths of this dark power! Could she be...? My prince, this woman is astoundingly dangerous! You must flee at once! At last, you turn your attentions—and in so doing, leave your wake exposed! MIKOTO, NO! She brought him to his damn knees... Who the hell IS this lady?! Her name is Forte. She is a knight who travels the world seeking to do battle with those of great strength. The Lord of the Skies? I'd heard she was an honorable warrior... Yes, it's strange—when I saw her fighting in the arena, she didn't seem the type to attack so indiscriminately. You there! Dragonblood prince! What do you want from me? The meaning of my existence is to strike fear into all and cow the very world itself into submission. And you shall be a flagstone upon the path of my conquest! Haaaaah! I guess we're done talking. Stay behind me, Your Highness! Bothersome insects. Uwaaaargh! You'll pay for that! Rising Circlet! Either you've vastly underestimated me, or you fail to take this seriously. Maybe spilling the blood of your comrades will encourage you to give me your all. That won't happen! Haaaah! Good. Crushing you is a meaningless act if you do not resist with all your being. This...this is impossible... She's fighting off the dragon! Dragonbrood Demonspear! Aaaagh! Don't disappoint me too much, Prince. Give all to your final blow. Hey, guys! We're back and— HOLY CRAP, EVERYONE'S DEAD! L-Lea... Emma... This is your doing, Forte. Keep my name from your mouth, dog! I'll not have it sullied by a stranger. I am no stranger—I am the crimson knight you fought in the arena previously! You are a fool if you think I hold tight to the memory of every gnat I've vanquished. Now prepare to... Unnnngh... M-my memories... What have you done here, Forte? Why have you hurt these people? These insects were a nuisance, so I merely batted them away. We had an agreement, you and I. If the prince did not consent to this, that agreement has been broken. What agreement? You said that a battle coerced is a battle without meaning. This is why we gave you the location of the Halidom; we believed you a woman of honor who would hold the righteous path. Your words grow more meaningless by the moment. My opponent's consent has no bearing on my desire to crush all that I see. Such a sentiment is naught but a violent urge to flatter your own sad vanity. Is this who you truly are? If you seek to fall before your prince, let your mouth continue to run. I'm not so weak as to yield to base threats. L-Lea, hang on a sec... I am a knight and their comrade... and I will NOT stand down! I see you are prepared for death. Then let me be the one to grant it. Spellwyrm?! Who the hell are you?! If you would stand in my way, you will fall like all the rest! Have you even forgotten your partner? Partner? I have no such... Hngh! Rrrgh! More of these...false memories! My head feels...ready to split asunder... Aaaah... AAAAARGH! What's happening to Forte?! Forte, what's going on? Enough... I must...withdraw. Forte, wait! No, spellwyrm! Hang in there! Lea, we need to heal everybody right now! Y-yes, of course.

Episode 3

Power Possessed

You there! Stop at once! We are the elite of the great Empire, and we shall lay low the prince who has so wronged our great leader! You come from the direction of the Halidom, stranger. If you are in league with the prince, you'll find no mercy he— Step aside, insects. Uwaaargh! Hnngh... What's wrong with me?! I feel...light-headed... Who...am I? What...do I seek? Everyone's wounds have been treated, including the spellwyrm—who was beat all to heck, lemme tell you. Thank you, Lea. And you, Emma. A moment, Prince. The Forte I challenged in the arena was a knight of pure valor. I cannot believe she would attack us in such a fashion. I sensed something amiss with her mana. It was almost like... Black mana? Cassandra! You're on the right track indeed, dearie. When I took a look at that there dragon, I found traces of black mana. Poor critter was probably possessed by it. Still, it likely has some sort of natural resistance, as it managed to fight it off. But if this Lord of the Skies character went and got herself possessed in much the same way... Oh man, that's IT! Forte's gone all cuckoo bananas because of black mana! That savage feeling I got from her WAS just like a possessed dragon... If so, we need to free her. Okay, sure. But how? If we fight her until she uses up all the black mana, that would likely do it... But we'll need to be fully prepared to take her on. Make it fast. The longer that gunk kicks around inside her, the less likely she is to recover from it. Then I'm going to track her down. Prince, make your people ready to fight! And I'm coming with you! I seek to crush everything... To smash... Eradicate... ...But what do I seek after that? There you are. If you pursued me, you truly must harbor a wish for death. In the contrary—I came here to save you. More of your nonsense. She's serious—and so am I! You are both considerable irritants. But no matter—if you wish to continue peddling your nonsense, do so in hell! Hrk! Mmm, that was a powerful attack— and yet, there was nothing in its core. What? Your assault in the arena was magnificent. It was filled with pride in your strength, as well as the dignity of a true warrior. But that attack just now was hollow. Meaningless. ...Wind. You're no better than a highwayman preying on passersby. Without dignity, your strength is but a cudgel wielded by a mewling babe. You dare mock me! You mock YOURSELF, Forte! You have allowed yourself to be consumed by black mana! Is that all the self-respect you have?! Is there no more to the Lord of the Skies?! Lord...of the Skies... HNNNGH! What have I...been doing? Are you back to normal yet? Tsk. That will not do—not when my brother has demonstrated a keen interest in you. Gaaaah! Okay, where's all this black mana even COMING from?! Hold on, Forte! ...Forte? I will...crush everything. That is... the meaning of my existence... Aaaaaaah! My lance shall run the pathetic dragonblood prince through! I won't...let you do this... For your sake...and his! ...... Yes, well, I used even more powerful black mana than last time, so the darkness of chaos is going to eat away at her mind and soul until nothing is left. Who are these women? Were they set upon by fiends? Captain, I know this lady knight! She turned against us, and is now known as the fiend-hating rebel. And the other is an ally of the Halidom, it seems. Interesting... Sir, should we arrest them and take them to the capital to face the judgment of our Empress? No. We should not. I've thought of a far better use for them... Heh heh heh!

Episode 4

Pride of the Strong

Mana Fount Near the Mistholt
How far did Lea and Emma wander in their search for Forte? Oh, those two are a scrappy pair— I'm sure they'll be juuust fine. You can relax about that. More pressing is our plan to deal with the Lord of the Skies. Per the theory, if we draw on the power in the mana fount, the procedure we tried earlier should work. But the fly in the ointment is how long it's going to take to see that little plan through to its conclusion. And how we even lure her all the way out here in the first place. Looks like we won't need to worry about that. Forte! ...... So much black mana... It's a wonder this girl is even alive! I'd wager her poor mind is little more than a gaggle of bats in a belfry now. In that case... Haaaaah! I'll fight to buy us time— you ready the magic!  ! O ye who preside over laws of the abyss! O mana, replete in this fell land! Swirl, take form, and become a cage! Now, all of you! Activate the sealing barrier!  ?! Forgive me for foregoing a frontal assault. You're a bit of a hot potato right now, so we opted to lock you up instead. Graaagh! That barrier comes from our combined strength; it won't be broken so easily as all that. *pant* And now if Forte tries to break free of the wall and uses up all of the black mana... She should return to her senses, yes. Though really, there's only about a fifty-fifty chance of that. ...Hrk! Are you okay?! I warned you this wouldn't be some stroll down the boardwalk, kiddo! Our magic has its limits, which means the question is whether the black mana gives out first...or we do... Oh, I'll answer that question for you: You're all going to die right now. Are you kidding me?! Why is the imperial army showing up NOW?! Hold still, you traitorous prince! Any sudden moves, and I will separate the heads of these two lovely ladies from the rest of their bodies. Lea! Emma! I am SO sorry about this! Enough talk! Drop your weapons or I will slay your comrades where they stand. Ignore them! There's no need to worry about us! SILENCE! All right. You win. Aaah ha ha! To think we have the Empire's most wanted criminal unarmed and weak like a fish in a barrel! But the question is, "sire," how shall we gut you...? Ah, I know. You there! Mages! Lower the barrier around that knight. Uh, sir? Is that really a good idea? Shouldn't we just kill 'em instead? They're clearly afraid of that woman, which should prove quite interesting. I think we've earned the right for a little entertainment, don't you? Do it! Lower the barrier! Hrk... I am the Lord of the Skies... I seek to crush everything... You will serve as a flagstone on my path of conquest, Prince! Kill him! Kill the prince! KIIIILL HIIIIIM! Who are you, Forte? Anyone can defeat an enemy, but true victory is different. Only someone who boldly faces a foe head-on can do that! Only one who wields not just strength, but HONOR, can hope to do that! I told you to be SILENT! The black mana uses you to its own ends, just as these blackguards seek to do! You can find no victory here! I... I... I seek... Answer me, Forte! Who are you?! What is it you seek?! You're spoiling the fun, you wretch! Enough of this! Kill the fiend-hating rebel! One hostage will serve our purposes as well as two, after all. Yes, sir! Hrk! I am the Lord of the Skies... I confront and defeat strong warriors! For that reason alone does my lance shine! Forte! ...Fascinating. I can't believe she shook off the effects of that much black mana all on her own. Still, this provides satisfying verification. We can now move on to our next step. Indeed, Brother. I must offer my apologies for the rudeness I have incurred upon you. But first... Right. Let's knock some sense into these underhanded imperial goons. We're with you, Prince! Huh. Perhaps this wasn't the finest idea I've ever had. ...Oh well! Bring out the secret weapon, men! Those fiends! They are... Surprised, are you? This is our force of selectively bred fiends—the strongest anywhere! You will fall before them like chaff beneath the farmer's scythe! You would deign name something "strongest" while standing before the Lord of the Skies? Well enough. Let us see just how strong these beasts of yours are. A fair fight! Strength against strength! Haaaaah!

Episode 5

The Nature of Those Who Fight

A few days after the battle
with the imperial army...
It seems as though your wounds are largely healed, spellwyrm. I must apologize again, old friend; I made no end of trouble for you. My memories from before I was possessed are hazy, but I clearly have growing yet to do if I would allow myself to be so encroached upon by black mana. Ah! The crimson knight! If it's rest you seek, we have more comfortable quarters at the Halidom. I cannot make further trouble for you all. Come now, we are past all of that. Besides, you already showed your gratitude to everyone involved. The prince knows you lost your wits due to the black mana and not any manner of personal vendetta. There's no need whatsoever for you to worry about troubling us. On the contrary, I think those in the castle would quite like to hear tales of your gallantry. Even so, I fear I must decline. And further, I don't particularly care to make friends. A shame. So then, what will you do next? I will continue my journey. I intend to take flight tomorrow. Isn't there something you ought see done before that happens? What do you mean? Was a duel with the prince not the objective that took you to the Halidom? I cannot hope to ask him for a duel after all I put him through. I explained your reason for coming to the Halidom to the prince, and he has accepted. Your consideration was unnecessary. Do not get the wrong idea—this is for me. I fail to understand. I want everyone to see for themselves what true strength looks like. I have no small amount of my own pride, and I want them to know the warrior who defeated me in the arena was a woman both strong and dignified. I want the person who defeated me to be honorable and high-minded. For if not, there is no value in my pursuing you. Hmm. Or does the Lord the Skies not have the magnanimity to abide the silly talk of her defeated foes? If you insist, I cannot back down. This duel is sillier than a hat store for fish! That prince really is a soft touch. I don't think mere good will caused the prince to accept this challenge. There are two kinds of defeat. Honest ones...and the other. All of us—including the prince—were overwhelmed by the Lord of the Skies while she was possessed. However... That was not what she truly is as a knight. And if we don't ascertain her true worth, we'll never be satisfied, either. My, but you two are a couple of pugs! Clearly the spirit of the fighting man is beyond us simple court sorceresses. I will serve as judge in this matter. Are the two of you prepared? I'm going to give this everything I have. And I will meet your efforts blow for blow. And now...begin! I expected no less of a dragon's power! This is different from when you were consumed by black mana—you move much more shrewdly and quickly! That gal's got some serious moves. Even in her regular state, she's still givin' the boss all he can handle. His Highness is no slouch either. See how he matches her every feint and thrust! LET'S GO FORTE! LET'S GO PRINCE! TURN 'EM INTO THE MEAT THAT'S MINCE! It has been some time since my blood burned so hot. Still, I think it is time we ended this match. Then let the next attack decide the victor. Tornado Tail! Dragonbrood Demonspear! My wings are unbreakable. ...There. Consider yourself healed from that epic bout of foolishness. Sorry, Cleo—but I had to give her my all. And I have to tell you, it felt GOOD. So where do you think Forte's flying off to now, huh? I know not—though I feel quite confident we will meet again someday. After all... Hmm? What is it, spellwyrm? ...I look like I'm enjoying myself? Heh. That is only natural. The prince's power in his shapeshifted form is still rough, but it will shine ever brighter once polished. And when I made to leave the castle, the crimson knight told me something... She said she and her allies would be stronger when next we meet. There are many in that group with the possibility to surpass me, and there is nothing quite so thrilling as that. Now, I've heard rumor of a ruin in which rests a person of considerable ability. Shall we go and test just how great that power of theirs truly is? Come, spellwyrm! We fly!