*The path ends in the usual groove. It seems a cottage is in the middle, but it remains half built, two walls and most of the top floor and roof missing. Fenrir, resting outside, opens one eye to see who entered the grove before closing it and returning to sleep. Cu Chulainn can be seen through part of an uncompleted wall, playing his piano as Morgana and Red sit listening. Chulainn looks up.* Chulainn: Guests, Morgana It's your challenge. You greet them Chulainn: Red, get the door. Red: Ugh. Fine. *Red gets up and opens the cottage door, despite the walk you could probably walk through the gap in the wall up to Morgana and Chulainn*

Luard sighs and glances around, seems he’s the only visitor at the moment. Disappointing, but oh well. The cloaked figure walks up to the cottage door, for politeness sake, and nods to Red as he walks inside I will admit, I was hoping to have more chance to... Observe. Regardless, you may refer to me as Luard. Luard bows to his presumed host Cu Chulainn, soon straightening back up and adjusting his collar Now then, in what manner may I assist you today?

Chulainn: Are you... it? How is it when you ask for help like 4 people show up, but when I want to fight some people only 1 guy shows up. Just lucky I guess Chulainn: Your luck is bullshit. But I digress. I wanna challenge the people of this place to a fight. You'll do. Not a problem, is it?

Luard chuckles briefly glancing around, for better or for worse it looks like he’s it If it makes you feel better I’m no less disappointed than you are, I was hoping to act as a mere observer, yet it seems if I were to do that I’d have nothing to observe. Luard takes a step back, opening his cloak a little to give sight of a long, silver sword with a golden hilt Very well then, if it is a fight you seek, a fight you shall..... You know, we might want to go out into the grove for this. Luard briefly glances at the half-built cottage, would be a shame to accidentally reset their progress so soon

Chulainn: That was the plan. And for the record, you weren't getting away with sitting the fight out. I'd have dragged ya in, observer or not. *Chulainn steps out of the space where the rooms back wall should be, grabbing his spear off the piano and entering the grove proper. Red climbs onto Fenrir to watch the fight as Morgana remains where she was, watching from inside the half-constructed cottage.* Chulainn: If you want, we can wait for a bit so you're not fighting alone.

Luard doesn’t seem to have noticed Chulainn’s offer, stepping out through the building’s side rather than its back to get a little extra distance. Luard types rapidly into a screen at the end of his left hand Commence experiment Researcher: Luard Subject Chulainn Experiment type: full spectrum ability analysis. Record. With that last word, the computer screen vanishes, replaces by a simple magic circle. In a split second, Luard inscribes a rune into the circle, before thrusting his left palm into it, sending a weak bolt of dark energy in Chulainn’s direction. It would likely sting painfully more than cause any real damage

*Chulaiin is struck by the bolt.* Oh. So, we're not waiting then? I like duels, so I'm fine with this. *Chulainn spins his spear around, pointing it at Luard.* I am Cu Chulainn, Ireland's Child of Light and the guard dog of Ulster. I hope you know how to fight *Chulainn runs at Luard, with the intention of stabbing him in the arm* Chulainn: 99% (Rage 5%)

Depends on your definition of fighting With the distance he gained earlier, Luard has time to inscribe another circle in the grass at his feet, before backpedaling to get out of the area, if Chulainn were to step on the circle, it would trigger a massive gust of wind, aiming to blow him off his feet and back a fair distance I’ve no sword arm if that’s what you meant

*Chulainn steps on the circle, blowing him high in the air. Though initially surprised, he quickly regains his composure. He spins in the air, allowing him to land seemlessly on his feet.* I was referring to your skill set. Mage. Swordsman. Archer. Gunman, but those weapons are so primitive. I'm guessing mage. Am I close? *Chulainn throws Gae Bolg at Luard from a distance, before chasing after it, circling around from the side.* Chulainn: 97% (Rage 10%)

We're typically referred to as wizards back home Luard spins to the side opposite Chulainn, receiving a rather wide gash from Gae Bolg on his left side for his effort, still, better than being impaled. Luard gasps for a moment, before holding one hand on the wound and sending a jet of flame to cauterize and stop the bleeding but yes, mage is accurate enough His injury dealt with, Luard would finally draw the silver blade from beneath his cloak, he was already prepared to channel fire, so he sends fire along the sword before swinging it in a wide, horizontal arc to send a massive horizontal wave of blue flame across the grove

Eito found himself travelling to the Grove a lot lately. Ordinarily, he would have ignored it, choosing to just continue on his walk through the woods but the sounds of battle intrigue him enough to get him to sigh and walk in, cracking his neck. "Well then, if this ain't interesting, I don't know what is..." He smiles and sits down next to Red and Fenrir to watch. "Heya."

Red: Heya. You might want to help mage guy. He's not doing so hot. *Chulainn leaps through the flames at Luard, winding up a punch.* Try this on for size. Chulainn: 93% (Rage: 15%)

Looking around, Eito shrugs and gets up, gripping his sheathed swords. "I'd rather sit and watch, but it's not like I have anything better to do with my time, so sure." He smiles and walks onto the battlefield, unsheathing both weapons. "Let's try a classic..." Eito dashes towards Cu, aiming for a strike from above with both swords, only to feint and fall low to the ground and try to slash his enemy from both sides.

*The punch would send Luard across the ground. However, his attack means he doesn't have enough time to defend against Eito's attack.* Oh. So the cavalry finally shows up. Heh. A bit later than expected, but at least your here. *Chulainn leaps over Eito and grabs Gae Bolg from its place stuck in the ground. He spins it around and points it at Eito with a smirk* Come on then, kid. Let's see if ya know how to use those old artefacts o yours, eh? Chulainn: 85% (Rage: 20%)

"Mind if I come by too?" A familiar figure asked as he stepped forward. "One persona user on his own isn't usually good..." he said as he fires a few rounds at Chulain's feet before comming next to Eito. "Perhaps I could help out, if you'd mind?" He said, drawing his sword.

"I know my mythology, pal. The last thing I want is that thing-" He motions to Gae Bold with Murgleis. "-Anywhere inside my body. But damn if i'm not a suicidal bastard." Grinning, Eito immediatey dashes for Chulainn, attacking wildly from all sides with both swords, though at somewhat diminished power as Eito keeps his distance and tries to keep his momentum under control so that he may retreat at a moment's notice. He also nods at Naoya. "Aye, the more the merrier!"

Heh. 3 on 1. Hardly fair on you all, is it? * Seeing more attackers, Chulainn grins before leaping into the air and throwing Gae Bolg down into the ground in the centre of the arena. The ground shakes and begins to unearth itself in various places. Fenrir jumps to the top of the half-built cottage to keep Red safe as Chulainn comes down from the ground, readying a kick to the back of Naoya's head.* Chulainn: 85% (Rage 25%)

"So I thought..." Naoya said to himself as he steps aside to avoid Chulain's kick and attempts to slash at him with his sword. "Don't worry, I got this." He smirks

Seeing the waves Chulainn put through the ground, Luard rapidly scribbles through his circle, altering it to form a different spell, shortly before the tremors reach him, Luard touches the circle to the ground and whispers silence And with that word, Luard would counteract the tremors with his own force, restabilizing the ground in a matter of seconds I shall act as support in this instance. Please, none of you hold back.

Eito jumps into the air, his eyes flashing green for a second as he backflips away from the sink holes in the ground, nodding once he lands. "Crafty." Sheathing his swords, Eito draws his pistol and takes aim at Cu before emptying the 15 bullet clip.

*Chulainn is knocked out of the air and to the floor by Naoya before being shot 15 times. He sighs.* Well, that was humiliating. *Chulainn tries to sweep Naoya to the ground before flipping to his feet and reclaiming his spear.* Let's try something new. Hmm hmm hmm hmm. Chulain: 65% (Rage: 50%)

"Gh!" Naoya gets sweeped and lands on the floor, before standing up shortly, saying, "Persona." And a Purple humanoid being floats behind him as blue flames encircle it and Naoya, "Delyte, Seimen Kongou!" he says, as the Persona behind him sends a spell that may render Chulain temporarilly blind while delivering some damage to him. "Let's see if you can hit us while you can't see..."

Eito steps backward, reloading but putting his gun back in it's holster. Instead, he extends his hand and closes it around the floating blue card that appears on it. "Persona!" This summons a tall humanoid being with it's head hidden under a bronze helmet and it's body mostly hidden by a red cloak. It points it's spear towards Cu Chulainn. "Brave Blade, Odysseus." The Persona dashes towards Cu, rearing back it's spear in preparation of a devastating stab.

*Chulainn winces in pain at the electrified spear, but keeps his hand on it as the two Personas attack.* Thanks for your help, kid. * Being blinded by Naoya's spell, Chulainn is unable to see Odysseus coming. However, as it strikes, Chulainn stabs the electrified spear in the direction of Odysseus, hoping to run him through.* Chulainn: 50% (Rage: 60%)

Odysseus withdraws his spear immediately upon scoring a hit, twirling it to turn away Gae Bolg. Ordinarily, he would have been able to turn away the blinded man's blade easily, but with it being electrified and with Odysseus' spear along with his entire body being metallic,a small shock weakens the twirl, merely sending Gae Bold towards the Persona's shoulder instead of it's torso. "Fuck's sake! He's a goddamn demigod, why would you give him electricity?" After shaking of the pain, Odysseus disappears as Eito takes aim once again, this time towards Cu's head. He shoots again and again, emptying another clip, this one full of Ice Dust enhanced bullets. "Let's see how well you can fight when you have to deal with brain freeze!"

Would you rather I gave him ice? Luard grins satisfactorily as he takes a few extra steps away from the main fight. He may not have been able to get Chulainn to drop the spear, but it was an easy target. With his ally using... Some sort of enhanced gun, Luard once again focuses on support, Luard prepares another magic circle, before sending out a massive gust of wind to guide the bullets into Cu Chulainn Besides, I'm more a researcher than a fighter. You're doing just fine as it is

"Didn't work as much, huh?" Naoya complements Chulain as he takes out his SMG again, "But seriously though, why the electricity?" He asks Luard as he empties a clip at Chulain before summoning Seimen Kongou again, "Garu!" He says, as the persona unleashes a light wind attack...not much at the moment, but he'll have to switch to other persona later if Garu doesn't do anything

God. So fucking primitive. Can you can shoot those mini arrows o yours all ya like, ya ain't gonna do much to me. *Cu Chulainn spins his spear around, deflecting most of the bullets. However, the garu spell knocks his spear high into the air and allowing some of the bullets to strike him. As Gae Bolg falls, Chulainn jumps into the air and kicks it at Luard.* Chulainn: 45% (Rage: 70%)

"Primitive? Shows what you know, this thing is damn advanced." Sighing, Eito brings forth Odysseus once again, motioning to Cu. "Marakunda. You can't resist forever!" Odysseus thrusts his spear into the air, resulting in Cu Chulainn feeling a sudden weakness. As if he could be damaged a lot more.

"Look out!" Naoya said, as he shot Gae Bolg multiple times with his SMG, making sure it diverts its direction away from Luard, "Alright, Seigfried!" He yells as another Persona comes out. A red armored man with a shield and a sword, wearing a red helmet and blond hair. "Vorpal Blade!" he yells, as he takes out his sword in conjunction with Seigfried's and slash multiple times, as blue lines cross through the air, before a blinding light flashes by, as the attack dealt a lot of damage to Chulain himself.

*Chulainn is struck hard by Seigfried's attack thanks to Eito's debuff. Gae Bolg disrupts the shockwave, but is sent spinning across the ground to Chulainn's feet.* Well. This is a surprise. I wouldn't have thought ya capable of keeping up with my spearmanship. I think it's about time I get serious. *Chulainn flips his spear up in the air with his foot and catches it before roaring to the sky. A shockwave of power is unleashed. Chulainn cracks his neck before seemingly vanishing and appearing behind Eito and slamming him in the back with Gae Bolg.* I'll show the true might of Cu Chulainn, the student of Scathach, Ulster's loyal dog and Ireland's mightiest spearman. Believe me. The battle's just begun. Chulainn: 50% (Rage: 100%)

Eito, not entirely expecting the attack, manages to turn around and barely brace himself before being struck and thrown to the ground. Combat instincts kick in as he rolls upon touching the ground and rising carefully, though atill staying close to the ground. "Couldn't let us have too much fun, could you?" Eito sighs and brushes any dirt on his jacket away, summoning Odysseus once again. "Cyclops' Demise!" Appearing with his spear pointed towards Cu as always, Odysseus dashes forward, going for another stab, this time aiming for Chulainn's eyes or at least one of them.

Luard raises the blade, making sure to hold the flat of it to brace himself for the shockwave. Looks like the fight's really starting, indeed, Chulainn's putting out much more force than he had been earlier. Luard grins, hopefully this will force his allies to give more effort to it as well. As for Luard himself, Luard keeps himself busy by beginning a larger magic circle in the air in front of him, it would be difficult to miss if you were to look in Luard's direction I do hope you're not holding back anymore, it would be disappointing to go through all this for partial data

*Chulainn deflects Odysseus' spear with his own, getting knicked in the shoulder by Cyclop' Demise. He then notices Luard' magical circle.* Oh no ya don't *Chulainn seems to vanish and reappears in front of the magical circle. He takes Gae Bolg and thrusts it at the circle's centre, trying to impale Luard through the circle.* Chulainn: 45% (Rage: 90%)

I get the feeling you won't like this one as much. his circle mostly complete, Luard thrusts his right palm at the circle's center to meet Gae Bolg, as soon as they both meet the circle, an electric shock travels through both Luard and the spear, before something more... Interesting happens. A chain of small explosions riddle down Luard's arm, his own energy backlashing into him, Luard manages to blow himself back from the circle, falling onto his back. Something similar happens to Cu Chulainn, his own energy going haywire and backfiring into his body. In essence, the stronger you are, the more it hurts, as Chulainn's incredible magical energy flows back into him in a harmful form

"As if I'd let up yet!" Naoya said, as now...he's starting to get serious too. "Amen RA!" Naoya yelled, as his ultimate persona materialized, the egyptian god of the sun, holding his cane staff. "Azure Cessation!" he yells as the god sends a blue flame attack towards Chulain.

*Cu Chulainn is knocked across the field. As he comes to rest next to the cottage, he sits up and is immediately blown up.* Alright. So we're gonna be like that, huh? Well, I can't say I didn't warn ya. The fun has just started, but you won't see the sunrise. I'm unleashing my true power right now. *Chulainn's spear starts shining and an aura of pure power starts emanating from Chulainn. He appears to be trying to obliterate everyone in the grove in a single strike.* Chulainn: 10% (Rage: MAX)

Luard slowly sits up, body riddled with burns from his earlier backlash, he begins to draw another circle, only for a shock to run up his arm, Luard winces, before going back to making the circle Looks like I'm just about useless after that one. C... Continue analysis. With another leftover jolt rocking his body, the circle fades, Luard gives up on casting again, instead slowly working his way to his feet, using the silver blade as a crutch of sorts

"Well...bring it on!" Naoya said, as the heat of the battle gets him excited for a bit. He summons Amon-Ra again, to place down his final spell against Chulainn, "Alright, here we go! Hieroglyphein!" he yells, as his persona sends a light like attack that will certainly obliterate Chulain in one hit.

Fight over! *A wall of mist appears between the Chulainn and the other fighters. Morgana steps out of the cottage through the broken wall.* I'm not having you destroying my house before it's even finished building, thank you very much. Chulainn: Spoilsport. *Fenrir jumps down from the roof, pinning Chulainn under one paw to stop him from doing something stupid.* Well, you guys can fight. It's a word for it. Mindless flailing also counts as words for it.

With a sigh, Luard extends his right hand, reaching out to a computer screen and type a few final notes Experiment end Results.... Inconclusive. His research done for now, Luard proceeds to sit down, letting his sword clatter to the ground at his side. The cloaked man looks back up to Morgana with a grin I'm not a fighter, remember? This sort of result was inevitable. Though I am glad I was able to get some results... I'll have to analyze it later. That said, Luard soon takes a small tablet out from under his cloak. He begins typing on it, making some final notes on the events.

"Oh...well, alright..." Naoya said as he sat down with a sigh, desummoning his persona. "That was a good fight though, don't you agree?" he said, as he lays down on the ground, being sorely exhausted for using his persona alot.

Chulainn: Yeah. Yeah. Good tie. Be humble, Fitzpatrick Chulainn: I AM NOT FITZPATRICK! AND GET YOUR DAMN PAW OFF ME! Red: Hmm... Nah. *Fenrir shakes his head.* Chulainn: GAH!!! Anyway, seems the battle is over and I've construction shit to do. See you around. *Mist envelopes the area. When the mist fades, the party finds themselves at the end of the path. Except the path is gone, the sign included, the forest returning to it's natural position.*