Acero's shot, directed at the ground, finally brought Kei's attention to the lava spout--which he was standing right over. That, and Acero's hasty retreat, only meant one thing. Eyes widening in panic, Kei thumbed the Dust button on his lance, praying that he had the right kind of Dust within, or he would be blown to kingdom co--
The lava erupted in a large, scorching pillar, engulfing the right-hand side of Kei's body for several seconds, before steam started billowing in thick clouds from the base of the hole, the pillar gradually spluttering out. The steam would remain, thick enough to obscure any vision for a short duration, and spread over the entirety of the volcanic area. When the steam rises, Acero would see one of Kei's lances, embedded tip first into the hole, and a puddle of water pooling around it. A tiny shard of ice lay, hidden from all but the most prying eyes, a short distance from the hole.
Using the steam as cover, Kei staggered back behind a tree, clutching his right arm, his face a rictus of pain. His lance shaft was empty, his Ice Dust lance having served it's purpose--albeit a bit too late. This was not looking good for him. His right arm felt like it was still being charbroiled, and any movement sent pain lancing up into his chest, despite his Aura shielding him from the otherwise fatal hit. Slowly, his arm moved to withdraw another lance from his sheath, but it wouldn't be much use in his current state. He needed time.
Battle Stats: ▫ Aura Status:
Direct hit! Aura down to
46% (
51% from lava spout)
▫ Lance Type:
Unknown (
Ice Dust lance expended)
Immediate Surroundings: ▫
Steam in effect
Guess I got unlucky. Randomiser triggered the eruption.