A Challenge | un: vainglorious (video)

[erschlagen]

Champions of foreign lands and worlds of names I have yet to know–hearken unto me!

[This video starts off with a bang! No, literally. There’s a loud explosion in the background as towering flames suddenly jut out from all corners of the arena forming an orange-red haze around the entire colosseum. For any unfortunate souls here, it’s going to feel hotter than hell but for others just watching from afar; you’re relatively safe for now. Those wild orange flames won’t scorch anyone as long as Rosen has control of them.

Oh, for those of you wondering who’s talking right now–that would be the dapper old bastard with the long flowing hair dressed in bright red and blue tunic standing at the center of the colosseum. Don’t ask how he’s managing to film the entire stunt. He’s just doing what he does best, causing a disturbance. It’s been a little too peaceful here and he’s bloody determined to change all that. If there’s one thing Rosen hates more is peace and quiet.]

Many of you proclaim to be warriors of realms I have yet to explore. Some of you even pretend to be likened to gods all for the sake of vanity and nothing else!

[It’s amazing how this crazed fellow can project his voice. He’s not talking into a microphone or anything. No, he’s literally projecting his voice throughout the entire colosseum over the roar of the fire. That actually takes talent and a lack of shame for being that damn LOUD! Then again, the colosseum has great acoustics.]

Therefore, I challenge you!

[In a flash of brilliant white light, a magical fiery red spear suddenly appears within his right hand. He dramatically points it towards the direction of the camera, making sure that this prized relic is on display for all to see. While it might come into question as of how he’s recording all this, Rosen at least knows how to put on a good show.]

I am called Rosenkrantz, and I formally challenge every capable warrior and legend here to face in armed combat! Only the strong need to apply for those without strength will be turned at the gate!

[He’s not kidding either. If he finds any of you fools lacking, he’ll toss you out of the colosseum on your ass. That is an unspoken rule here.]

With that said, if you seek a worthy challenge–then face me.

[And just like that, the footage goes black.]

Comments

[erschlagen]

[Hijikata has nerves of steel. Rosen can’t help but silently commend the man for that. Mortal or no mortal, not many would be this calm after facing Death right in the eye. It’s truly commendable and enough to make Rosen feel a little less apologetic for his little mistake.]

You would’ve impaled me right in the abdomen with that move.

[He chuckles as he rests his lance over his shoulder. The flames dwindle a bit, leaving this enchanted relic somewhat exposed to the elements. Without the bright colorful flames, this lance looks more burgundy in hue. It’s dormant for now.]

I would’ve been in real trouble there even with my regenerative abilities.

[A stomach wound is notoriously hard to heal from. It’s typically fatal for various reasons and even for an immortal like him, that would’ve hurt like hell. Even so, Rosen isn’t too sure if Hijikata would’ve stabbed him there. While the man is indeed a warrior, it doesn’t seem like Hijikata is a killer. Then again, he could be wrong. It’s not like Rosen knows the man but he’s interested in knowing more about him.

Nevertheless, he accepts the handshake with a cheerful grin. No hard feelings here, just mutual respect.]

I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name earlier. My memory is a little bad at times.

[That’s an understatement…]

[mayoninofukucho]

[Hijikata takes his uniform jacket off, crouches down and starts collecting the remains of his weapon into it.]

Hijikata.

[He doesn't mind repeating it. Given the bombastic challenge Rosen issued he's probably fought more people today than one would meet at an office party, and even at the latter type of event no one can always remember everybody's names!

His comments on the trouble Hijikata would have caused him in a mutual impalement scenario do make the samurai feel good. Rosen is both right and wrong in his assessment of him - he has killed many people in his life, and without hesitation too; such is life in the service of the shogunate. But he's never killed anyone who wouldn't have killed him too, and he knows how to fight with honour... it's just very situational.]

I like your weapon. What's its name?

[Surely it has one, striking and fiery as it is!]

[erschlagen]

Ah, right! Hijikata.

[Forgive him for the mispronunciation. He’s a Celt who never practiced Japanese a day in his life. He’s quite unused to such names but give him a week and he’ll nail it.]

Hey, hey! Stop! [Rosen quickly stabs the spear into the ground next to him before kneeling down to help Hijikata pick up the shards. He’s immortal, after all. It doesn’t matter if those sharp little shards cut him up since he heals so quickly.] You’ll cut your bloody hand open doing this yourself.

[He places all of the broken shards within the folds of Hijikata’s jacket before offering the rest to him. His fingers are briefly covered in little nasty cuts before suddenly healing right before Hijikata’s eyes. The broken flesh mends together on its own without any aid. It’s almost as if Rosen isn’t entirely human, nevertheless mortal. He gives Hijikata a little smile before glancing over towards his spear.]

Oh, that old thing? It’s called the “Lúin of Celtchar”, the pride and joy of Ulster.

[Rosen hops back onto his feet and offers Hijikata a hand.]

Legends say that this famous spear once belonged to two legendary heroes hailing from Ulster. One such hero being the Hound himself, Cú Chulainn, the fiercest man to ever walk the earth!

[He reaches over towards his spear and wrenches it out of the ground with a bit of a grunt. The spear suddenly ignites, casting those orange-red flames all around it.]

[mayoninofukucho]

[Hijikata is probably going to pronounce Rosen's name along the lines of 'Rosenkurantsu', so it's all good! He lets him take care of the shards for him, too wiped out to argue and fuss over such a little thing. The opportunity to observe Rosen's healing ability up close is neat, too. How handy that would be to have!

He listens to the explanation regarding the spear, letting the other man help him up, but the names and places ring no bell in his head. Back on his homeworld Ireland is currently part of the United Kingdom, and he never learned about the particulars of its states and regions. For the time being he's going to assume that Ulster is its own country on a world that's not Earth!]

Well, it looks like you're on your best way to become a legend too. Cú Chulainn would probably be proud of you.

[Rosen seriously is about the fiercest person he's met so far, and that really says a lot. He admires the reignited weapon.]

Almost makes me want to try spear-fighting, but I think I'm better off with my swords.

[Even if his main sword just broke on him.]