(Completed(Finally!))[PP-10] <<Wail of the Banshee>> Earplugs are OP

[Baldur 0]

Baldur got the response he expected, but he had to admit he was a bit disappointed.

"A dungeon, huh?" Baldur looked around at the literal dungeon they were in, but a moment later something ticked in the corner of his mind.

"Oh, do you mean one of those hidden dungeons I've heard about? I've never managed to find one of those before... would you mind if we tagged along?" Baldur indicated himself and Macradon. They would probably be useless to him, but at least they could watch his back. There was some safety in numbers.

I wouldn't mind having someone around that's so experienced with this place that they can find a hidden door in the middle of a pitch black underground hellscape.

He had heard little about Takao, other than that he was a frontliner, and that he was apparently the person who was constantly finding the new boss rooms on every floor. The man always seemed to be a bit bored with whatever was going on around him, but judging by his gear and performance, he must outclass Baldur by quite a few levels.

[Takao 0]

"Yeah, one'a the sub-dungeons." Takao confirmed. His sword was lifted and rested over his shoulder in a lazy fashion, though his eyes watched the two of them carefully.

His ocular skills were dampened considerably in the dark, forcing him to use them creatively in conjunction with other senses. The game was good about enhancing them in certain ways, yet the creativity of the player would always be the catalyst of success. Only through the combination of his freshly activated «Reveal» modulation, which was further augmented by the presence of its brother skill «Detect» and their parent skill, did Takao spot the dungeon. He glanced back to Baldur and gestured with his head, which he realized a moment afterward would've been rather difficult to see in the dark.

"S'over there." He said, turning and approaching the dungeon entrance, which had taken the form of a stone crypt in ruin. He didn't look back and check to see if they had followed, and instead immediately set about fighting the monsters he had taken notice of almost immediately. Four rapid cuts divided among the four monsters left each shattering into fragments, leaving behind colourful pieces that fluttered into oblivion.

ID: 62114
BD: 10 + 3(ACC) - 1(Environment)
LD: 11 (3(LD) + 5(S&D) + 3(HoM))

Takao: 269/269 (58/66) (-8)
Sword Art: «Vertical Square»
Damage: 13(base) + 5(charge) = 18 * 4 = 72

Shambling Undead: 0/40 (72 - 10(MIT) = 62)
Shambling Undead: 0/40 (72 - 10(MIT) = 62)
Shambling Undead: 0/40 (72 - 10(MIT) = 62)
Shambling Undead: 0/40 (72 - 10(MIT) = 62)

11/15 Remaining

[Baldur 0]

Baldur couldn't really tell where Takao meant when he gestured in the dark, but Baldur followed quickly when the man headed off quickly and then sprang into attack, immediately making short work of the mobs that were present. Baldur was impressed. Normally when he led these missions, he was typically at level or higher than most of his group, and while this quest was certainly an exception to that, Baldur had never seen someone who so completely eclipsed the skills of everyone. No wonder the player seemed to always be bored, or at least nonchalant, about everything. He was so far ahead of everyone else, even the castle itself, that there was nothing for him to worry about.

He wasn't just a member of the frontline, he was the frontline of it.

Following closely on his heels, Baldur turned a corner and caught sight of another group of mobs. Crouching down into his <<charge>> skin, Baldur lauched his AoE attack to try and keep from being left behind. His sword became a flurry of blue arcs cut through the air and through undead alike until the four around him shattered into polygons.

 

---

ID: 62143
BD: 9 + 3(ACC) - 1(Environment) +1 (food)

Baldur: 92/92 (12/23) (-12/+1)
Sword Art: «Gen Getsu»
Damage: 9(base) + 2(charge) +1(stinger) = 12 * 6 = 72

Shambling Undead: 0/40 (72 - 10(MIT) = 62)
Shambling Undead: 0/40 (72 - 10(MIT) = 62)
Shambling Undead: 0/40 (72 - 10(MIT) = 62)
Shambling Undead: 0/40 (72 - 10(MIT) = 62)

7/15 Remaining

Edited June 30, 2016 by Baldur

[Takao 0]

Wordlessly, Takao continued onward into the dungeon. Despite the torches that illuminated the path forward, lighting themselves aflame as each one was passed, the detrimental environmental effects to his accuracy persisted. He persevered regardless, the grasp on his sword tightening as four more monsters shambled into view. The process that destroyed them was simple, and one he had practiced countless times. Undead monsters were predictable and slow, and their patterns easy to read and memorize. They swung hard and they swung wide, leaving plenty of opportunity to strike, and Takao was no stranger to taking advantage of interim opportunities. Each of his strikes were timed with careful precision, and each of the monsters were cleaved in twain one at a time. He left a field of colourful shapes and fragments in his wake, and continued on without so much as a sound.

ID: 62153
BD: 10 + 3(ACC) - 1(Environment)
LD: 14 (6(LD) + 5(S&D) + 3(HoM))

Takao: 269/269 (51/66) (+1/-8)
Sword Art: «Vertical Square»
Damage: 13(base) + 5(charge) = 18 * 4 = 72

Shambling Undead: 0/40 (72 - 10(MIT) = 62)
Shambling Undead: 0/40 (72 - 10(MIT) = 62)
Shambling Undead: 0/40 (72 - 10(MIT) = 62)
Shambling Undead: 0/40 (72 - 10(MIT) = 62)

3/15 Remaining

[Macradon 0]

As the group would stumble upon a group of undead creatures, the three would charge in, Takao and Baldur would take out a large amount of the skeletal creatures. Even though Macradon would try to get in and kill the last few skeletons, it was to no use as he missed them entirely. Though his reckless movements were easily dodged, it was more difficult to actually get a hit on to him. The three skeletal soldiers charged Macradon, but to no avail as he dodged out of the way with his big ans clunky swings.

ID: 62212
BD: 4-1=3, miss.
MD: 4, miss.

Shambling Undead: 40/40
Shambling Undead: 40/40
Shambling Undead: 40/40

Edited June 26, 2016 by Macradon

[Baldur 0]

Baldur saw Macradon heroically charge into another group of <<Shambling Undead>> and try to take aggro, but he was forced to go on the defensive. Thankfully the tank appeared to be unaffected by the savage attacks of the horde. Spinning into the frey, Baldur released his AoE attack as he danced around the friendly player, careful not to let him get caught up in Baldur's sword art.

When the last of the undead finally shattered into polygons, Baldur looked to Takao for guidance.

"Well, that was easier than I expected. Aren't there some boss mobs in here somewhere?"

 

---

ID: 62315
BD: 10 + 3(ACC) - 1(Environment) +1 (food)

Baldur: 92/92 (1/23) (+1)(-12)
Sword Art: «Gen Getsu»
Damage: 9(base) + 2(charge) +1(stinger) +2 Crit = 14 * 6 = 84

Shambling Undead: 0/40 (84 - 10(MIT) = 74)
Shambling Undead: 0/40 (84 - 10(MIT) = 74)
Shambling Undead: 0/40 (84 - 10(MIT) = 74)
 

Edited June 30, 2016 by Baldur

[Takao 0]

Takao lifted his sword up to his shoulder and slid the blade into its scabbard as Baldur finished the last three monsters. He was already sorting through his inventory window when the last of the fragments disappeared and Baldur had looked to him, switching out his Inundator with its shorter counterpart, Serpent's Bite. The sword and its scabbard disappeared in a flash of blue light, and was replaced by a second flash when the dagger and its scabbard appeared in its place on his lower back. He reached with his right hand and grasped its handle, pulling the steel free of its leather housing and spinning it once to take proper hold.

"There's just the one boss at the end up this way. It's gonna hit hard, so you should probably let me take the first hit." Takao said as he started off in the direction of the boss room.

- -

Inundator unequipped.
Serpent's Bite equipped.

Hands of Midas unequipped.
Huntsman's Set equipped.

[Baldur 0]

Baldur watches at Takao switched out his gear to that of a dagger. For some reason the tiny weapon had the highest DPS of all the sword arts. It didn't make much sense to him in a game called Sword Art Online, and in which players mostly wielded swords, but he hadn't chosen his weapon for the efficiency of DPS anyways. He nodded to the young man and loosened the katana in his saya.

"I'll be right behind you, and Macradon will be somewhere along with me. You think we can take it out with three charges?"

 

---

(2/23) +1 Energy [1/3 rounds out of combat]

Edited June 30, 2016 by Baldur

[Macradon 0]

After listening to what the other two talked about, Macradon just nodded and would follow Takao as he seemingly knew where the boss was. Macradon was quite certain that someone at a level as Takao telling someone a boss hits hard, there's something to be afraid of. Nonetheless, Macradon would just follow on and do as much damage as needed. He might not be the one doing the most, but he at least did something. Quickly glancing over the GUI, he would spot out if he was in need of anything, Energy, Health or the like, but none of the bars were low, nearly untouched at all. He would let out a slight sigh as he just ran after Takao.

[Baldur 0]

As Baldur and Macradon prepared to follow Takao, the brown haired Samurai looked over at the armored knight for a long moment, then gave him a meaningful nod.

"By the way, Macradon. I haven't said it yet, but I really do appreciate you joining me on this quest. We may be both getting carried now, but your offer to help out is what brought us out here. So thank you." Giving the man a friendly smile, Baldur turned to look at his own bars. His energy was pitifully low. That was something only levels would really help out with. He could start farming materials for energy items, but until he conquered the balance of sword arts and energy, it would be a waste of resources for him to devour energy regen items when he wasn't in a floor boss fight. It was all about pacing.

---

(3/23 NRG) (+1) 2/3 out of combat posts

[Macradon 0]

Looking over at Baldur, Macradon smiled. He lifted up the visor on his helmet to show his gratitude "Don't mention it, man" he said with a smile "I needed to do this quest as well, so helping others was kind of a must" he continued. Having nearly regenerated all of his energy again, Macradon would just follow along and see where Takao would bring them. Thinking about the boss, he wasn't too sure about it, nor was he fully aware of its possible attacks or damage potential. Sighed from that, he would let Takao, like Baldur said, carry them.

[Takao 0]

Takao's grip on the blade tightened upon seeing the large wooden doors, vaguely reminiscent of those found before a floor boss. They were similar in appearance, although the scale differed greatly. After casting a fleeting glance over his shoulder to Baldur and Macradon, Takao stepped up to the doors and pressed his off-hand against the rough surface. He tensed and pushed them open, revealing the darkened room to the light of the hall before it. Similar to how the rest of the dungeon illuminated itself autonomously, the hidden dungeon boss's chambers was quickly lightened by the fires of torches circling the room. Standing in the middle was a massive beast, halfway clad with bandages and tattered rags while the rest was covered in grey skin and fungal growths.

Having been desensitized to the appearance of monsters since long ago, Takao wasted no time with taking the initiative. His legs tensed and his «Charge» skill was readied along side the strongest sword art he had in his available arsenal. The dagger in his hand shone bright green and emitted a low hum as he advanced forward in a flash, cleaving four gaping wounds in the monster's rotted flesh. As his attack ended, the beast raised a massive arm and swung down at Takao, who evaded with a simple tuck and roll out of its range.

"Alright, it's on me! Feel free to hit it!"

ID: 62620
BD: 7 + 3(ACC) - 1(Environment)
MD: 6 - 2(EVA)

Takao: 269/269 (37/66) (+1/-16)
Sword Art: «Eternal Cyclone»
Damage: 13(base) + 5(charge) = 18 * 16 = 288 DMG

Undead Behemoth: 412/700 (-288 HP)
Hate
1 : Takao
0 : Baldur
0 : Macradon

[Baldur 0]

Baldur saw Tak push open the giant, intimidating doors to the sub dungeon boss, but Baldur could hardly see what was in the room. A moment later Tak charged into the room. Baldur rushed in close on his heals and prepared to <<charge>> but when he tried to activate his sword arts, he heard the unfortunate noise that meant he didn't have enough energy.

"[censored]! Macradon! I'm out of energy! Cover Takao, I'm almost regened."

Baldur cursed himself for not at least carrying around an emergency energy item. At least if he had had something, he'd be able to contribute to the fight, but without energy the best he could do was stun the boss, and then he'd be useless. The prudent choice seemed to be to wait and get his energy back in case something else happened.

---

(23/23 NRG)(+1)(3/3 round out of combat. Full energy Regened)

Edited June 30, 2016 by Baldur

[Macradon 0]

Macradon rushed in on the giant undead. Takao had dealt the initial blow, somewhat grabbing the aggro of it. This was the chance for Baldur and Macradon to strike, though, Baldur had no energy to use to attack, therefore sitting behind for now. "I'm on it!" he shouted to Baldur as he rushed by with his <Charge>. He got up front and close to the behemoth of a creature they were fighting. He would swipe 4 times, dealing a small chunk of damage to the great monster. 4 great red slashes on the undead were marked, not only were they left on the monster, it was also somewhat bleeding. Macradon's sickle had been doing its job, opening wounds and making the bleed, but it only caused Macradon to become the center of attention. "Dammit" he muttered as he tried to go into a defensive stance.

Spoiler

ID: 62702
BD: Natural 9, crit +1. 
CD: 1, no proc.
Sword art used: Calamitous Tragedy 4x3x(13+2+1)=192 Damage + T2 Bleed effect

Undead Behemoth: 220/700 (-192 HP) Bleed
Hate
1 : Takao
0 : Baldur
3 : Macradon

Edited July 1, 2016 by Macradon

[Takao 0]

"Don't worry, I got it." Takao said as Macradon garnered the monster's attention, affording him the opportunity to attack unhindered. Utilizing the same skill as before but without his «Charge» skill to augment damage, Takao engaged the monster once more, cleaving an additional four wounds into its rotted flesh. The damage proved to be enough for Macradon's residual bleed effect to finish off, which resulted in the monster erupting into a shroud of fragments and colours. "Well, alright then. That's that." He said, sliding the dagger back into the scabbard on his back.

ID: 62717
BD: 8 + 3(ACC) - 1(Environment)
MD: 2

Takao: 269/269 (22/66) (+1/-16)
Sword Art: «Eternal Cyclone»
Damage: 13(base) = 13 * 16 = 208 DMG

Undead Behemoth: 0/700 (-208 HP (-16 HP from Bleed))
Hate
2 : Takao
0 : Baldur
3 : Macradon

[Baldur 0]

Baldur was a bit disappointed and embarrassed that he couldn't help out with the boss of the dungeon, but thankfully Takao and Macradon had been able to dispatch the creature without harm to either of them. Stepping out of the stance for his sword arts, Baldur then proceeded to look around.

"Now we just have to find the entrance to that damned Banshee's layer, but I can't see well in this darkness.. Takao, you seem to be able to find stuff even in this pitch blackness. Would you mind helping us find the entrance?"

Baldur spread his hands along the wall, trying to find another door or passage somewhere just outside the boss room.

"Tsk. I have no idea what I'm even looking for." He sounded annoyed, and perhaps a bit exasperated. 

---

[LD: 13 No entrance found]

Edited July 1, 2016 by Baldur

[Takao 0]

"Hm?" Takao said after Baldur captured his attention. He'd forgotten about the duo's plans to take on the Banshee and had been preparing to leave, although Baldur's question had halted him long enough for him to remember. "Oh, right. Forgot 'bout that. Yeah, I can help you find it." Takao said, gesturing lazily with his off-hand for them to follow. With his search skill at its maximum, the reveal skill active, and the detect skill providing a bit of help on the sidelines, Takao lead the duo to the entrance of the Banshee's lair with ease. "S'right there."

- -

[Entrance located.]

ID: 62917
LD: 15 (7(LD) + 5(S&D) + 3(HoM))

[Macradon 0]

The fight was over, for now. The dungeon boss was cleared, but they weren't finished yet, they still had to take out the banshee, and of course find the entrance to the damned banshee. With no hassle, Takao quickly found the entrance to the banshee. Chuckling slightly, Macradon put a smile on his face "No reason he's the top scout on Aincrad" he thought as Takao was also the one who nearly always found the floor boss dungeons. "If that's the way, then let's go" he said.

[Baldur 0]

When Takao opened the entrance to the Banshee's lair, Baldur burst into the room. He was ready to make sure he wasn't just a waste of space anymore. His blue eyes flashed around the darkened room and as soon as his vision locked onto the image of an Undead Guardian, Baldur crouched down and <<Charged>> the mobs, spinning into his standard <<Gen Getsu>> sword art.

The blue light of the system assist filled the room, darkening and flashing until all of the six blows had been dealt. The room went dark again until the shattering of polygons filled the chamber with soft light.

"Alright, let's kill these things and get out of here!"

 

---

[ID: 63133 BD: 3+3=6 (hit) LD 14]

Baldur: HP 92/92 NRG 23/23 (Uses Gen Getsu Base 9 + 2 Charge = 11 x 6 =66 - 15 = 51 DMG Dealt)
Undead Guardian Zombie HP 0/40 | MIT 15 | DMG 30
Undead Guardian Zombie HP 0/40 | MIT 15 | DMG 30
Undead Guardian Zombie HP 0/40 | MIT 15 | DMG 30
Undead Guardian Zombie HP 0/40 | MIT 15 | DMG 30

(4/8 Undead Guardian Zombies killed)

Edited July 5, 2016 by Baldur

[Macradon 0]

Only 4 skeletal soldiers remained, and Macradon was going in for the kill on the four, but it didn't seem like he was going to make it. With a deep sigh, he would miss the attack and leave the shambling skeletal soldiers standing as they were. He would try to get out of the way to let Baldur take care of the fodder. Macradon would just let it happen and await anything else that would happen. He would get out to the side so Baldur had more space to do his AOE sword art so he could take out the last 4.

ID: 63640
BD: 3+1=4, miss.
CD: 1, no proc.
Sword art used: Missed

Edited July 23, 2016 by Macradon