[PP-F17] Quest for the First Chest (Calrex, Rain, Baldur)

[Oikawa 1]

ID: 67323 LD: 30 (20+10) [Chest Found!]

"Aye," commented the blonde as he edged deeper into the cave. Cavern walls seemed slick with moisture as he patted his way along the dark area. Knowing that something had to be lurking in the shadows and lacking Night Vision, the blonde activated the Reveal Mod of his Search and Detect skill and scanned the surrounding area. His eyes suddenly glowed as he picked out a silhouette at the back of the cave tunnel. Stepping towards hit, his eyebrow raised as his gaze settled on wooden chest. Kneeling down, he tapped the lock and the option to dismantle became visible. Calling out, the blonde wasted no time in trying to open the chest.

"Guys I found the chest!"

[Calrex 0]

"Wait what?!"

Looking over down the tunnel that Oikawa had ventured down the bluenette heard his teammate call out saying he had located the chest. Giving a nod to his teammates, "Well, might as well check it out right?"

Turning to face the passageway Calrex went into a light jog to cover the distance. As the blonde had announced, there was indeed a chest where he was standing. He couldn't help but give a smirk at the sight. It had been some time since he last came across a chest, either out of negligence or lack of search skills.

Returning his hands to his jacket pockets the bluenette gave a nod, "Alright then, might as well open it up. Be careful Oikawa. A couple of times in the past the chests I found were rigged with traps that decided to blow up in my face. I wouldn't expect this to be any different."

[Oikawa 1]

ID: 67325 LD: 3 (2+1) [Mimic Spawned (RIP NO TREASURE)]

"Noted," chimed the blonde as he tapped the chain lock once more. A window immediately appearing giving him the option to pick the lock. A hovering index finger lightly tapped the blue circle; signifying his choice and causing the chest to shimmer and shake. This continued a few moments before the chest suddenly sprung open, revealing the contents inside. Peering within, Oikawa immediately backed away as the lid snapped show revealing two crimson orbs and a red crystal above the creatures head.

"Well guess there's no loot coming out of that until we kill it eh?" Reaching for his sword, Oikawa brought his off hand across the blade, slowly causing the steel to glow as he prepared his attack.

Chest Mimic (170/170) | 43 Mit | 51 DMG [Target: None]

[H: 0] @Xion: HP: 129/129 | EN: 31/31 | MIT: 101 | DMG: 9 | 28 Thorns | 18 Regen
[H: 0] Rain: HP: 108/108 | EN: 27/27 | MIT: 72 | DMG:  18 | ACC: 3 | LD: 5
[H: 0] Calrex: HP: 311/311 | EN: 69/69 | MIT: 30 | DMG: 13 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 
[H: 0] Baldur: HP: 132/132 | EN: 33/33 | MIT: 54 | DMG: 12 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3
[H: 0] Oikawa: HP: 221/221 | EN: 54/54 | MIT: 84 | DMG: 19 | ACC: 1 | LD: 10

[Calrex 0]

ID: 67668
Battle Dice: 8 (Accuracy +3) = 11
Sword Art <<Meteor Break>> Activated / <<Charge>> Activated (11 Energy Used / 58 Remaining)

"Well that I wasn't expecting!"

As the chest turned into a doppelgänger monster Calrex rushed forward, ripping the Grand Blade II from its sheath, the sword shining with his <<Meteor Break>> attack. Triggering <<Charge>> he rocketed forward and slammed into the creature full force, causing it to rock back while he cut into it with the blinding flurry of blows iconic of his Sword Art. The attack took away nearly all of its health before the bluenette took a step back.

He had accomplished the two things that were needed: 1. Damage the creature. 2. Gain Hate to put him at the top. From what he saw Xion had been distracted by one thing or another, so in order to fill the groups needed tank position he stepped in, "Alright, well let's sneeze on this thing and find out what we got, heh."

Chest Mimic (4/170) | 43 Mit | 51 DMG [Target: None] (13+5+1 DMG * 11 Art - 43 MIT = 166 DMG / Stunned Until Next Turn)

[H: 0] Xion: HP: 129/129 | EN: 31/31 | MIT: 101 | DMG: 9 | 28 Thorns | 18 Regen
[H: 0] Rain: HP: 108/108 | EN: 27/27 | MIT: 72 | DMG:  18 | ACC: 3 | LD: 5
[H: 1] Calrex: HP: 311/311 | EN: 69/69 | MIT: 30 | DMG: 13 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 
[H: 0] Baldur: HP: 132/132 | EN: 33/33 | MIT: 54 | DMG: 12 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3
[H: 0] Oikawa: HP: 221/221 | EN: 54/54 | MIT: 84 | DMG: 19 | ACC: 1 | LD: 10

[Baldur 0]

Like an ultramarine rocket, Cal shot forward and crashed into the Mimic with incredible power and ferocity, his rapid blows pummeling the inanimate object into submission, but he stopped just short of finish it off. Quickly, Baldur drew his sword and with a powerful hit, his blade cut through the chest.

"Come on Cal, finish what you started." Baldur said with a smile on his face as he tried to make his single blow look almost effortless as he finished off the tiny amount of HP the creature had.

"I was really hoping we'd get something great out of this chest. This feels a little anti-climactic. Maybe we should try the new floor, and see if we get a better result?"

Baldur was all for trying to keep this group together so that they could try and push himself and Rain up a little further towards the frontline. They needed all the reliable players they could get up there after all.

 

---

[ID#67671 BD: 7+3 (hit) LD: 6+3=9] Hi Ougi = 18*3= 54 - 43 = 11 DMG

Chest Mimic (0/170) | 43 Mit | 51 DMG [Target: None] (DEAD)

[H: 0] Xion: HP: 129/129 | EN: 31/31 | MIT: 101 | DMG: 9 | 28 Thorns | 18 Regen
[H: 0] Rain: HP: 108/108 | EN: 27/27 | MIT: 72 | DMG:  18 | ACC: 3 | LD: 5
[H: 0] Calrex: HP: 311/311 | EN: 69/69 | MIT: 30 | DMG: 13 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 
[H: 0] Baldur: HP: 129/132 | EN: 33/33 | MIT: 54 | DMG: 18 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 (+6 DMG from Alchemy)
[H: 0] Oikawa: HP: 221/221 | EN: 54/54 | MIT: 84 | DMG: 19 | ACC: 1 | LD: 1

[Oikawa 1]

(OOC: Gonna keep this chugging)

Just as the mimic was slain, a guttural howl exploded from behind them. Oikawa glanced past Cal and peered into the tunnel leading out. His crimson gaze was met with another though these eyes were attached to a drooling maw and armored body. Drawing his own blade, Oikawa pointed to the beast and spoke. "Guess we found the dungeon boss. Let's slay it quickly. That chest was a disappointment." Surging past the group, the blonde's blade flickered to life as he struck the beast with an Over Radiation. His blade pulsed with each strike, quickly cutting into the massive HP bars the beats hosted. "Rain, Calrex, Baldur, strike its chest. It seems weaker there."

ID: 68242 BD: 7 [Over Radiation: 19 + 4 = 23 x 14 = 322 - 50 = 272]

Kobold Conqueror: 918/1190 | 50 MIT | 187 DMG [Target: None]

[H: 0] Rain: HP: 108/108 | EN: 27/27 | MIT: 72 | DMG:  18 | ACC: 3 | LD: 5
[H: 0] Calrex: HP: 311/311 | EN: 69/69 | MIT: 30 | DMG: 13 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 
[H: 0] Baldur: HP: 129/132 | EN: 33/33 | MIT: 54 | DMG: 18 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 (+6 DMG from Alchemy)
[H: 1] Oikawa: HP: 221/221 | EN: 40/54 | MIT: 84 | DMG: 19 | ACC: 3 | LD: 1

[Calrex 0]

ID: 68254
Battle Dice: 2 (Accuracy +3 / Disguise +1) = 6
Sword Art <<Meteor Break>> Activated / <<Charge>> Activated (11 Energy Used / 58 Remaining)

"Got it!"

As Oikawa spotted and engaged the dungeon boss Calrex gave a quick calming exhale to center himself before executing <<Charge>>, rushing forward before coming into striking range. The Grand Blade II shined with the golden glow of the <<Meteor Break>> combination, the Ultramarine Knight slamming into the gigantic lizard's chest, then rapidly hacking away at it with his sword.

With his attack completed he leapt back, "Baldur, go for it!"

"This looks to be another quick fight. Just goes to show what happens when a bunch of high levels decide to explore a lower floor dungeon. Still, that chest was certainly a letdown. Hopefully we'll have better luck next time around."

Going from the bluenette's own judgement, it seemed that the boss may get another shot at them once his Stun effect ran out, but it was possible they could take it down beforehand if they were lucky.

Kobold Conqueror: 759/1190 | 50 MIT | 187 DMG [Target: None] (13+1+5 DMG * 11 Art - 50 MIT = 159 DMG / Stunned Until Next Turn)

[H: 0] Rain: HP: 108/108 | EN: 27/27 | MIT: 72 | DMG:  18 | ACC: 3 | LD: 5
[H: 1] Calrex: HP: 311/311 | EN: 58/69 | MIT: 30 | DMG: 13 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 
[H: 0] Baldur: HP: 129/132 | EN: 33/33 | MIT: 54 | DMG: 18 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 (+6 DMG from Alchemy)
[H: 1] Oikawa: HP: 221/221 | EN: 40/54 | MIT: 84 | DMG: 19 | ACC: 3 | LD: 1

[Baldur 0]

Calrex didn't have to say what was coming next, Baldur immediately jumped into action. He rushed forward, and as soon as Calrex finished chaining his attack, Baldur leapt over the ultramarine knight with his <<Charge>> skill, and as he landed, Baldur expertly flowed into his <<San Ge>> sword art, unloading his most powerful sword art attack into the Kobold boss with a whirlwind of azure after images following each slash of his blade.

It was only after the critical hit effect displayed that Baldur realized he had put himself at the top of the creature's aggro table, and his steel blue eyes grew wide. Even with his best blow, the beast was only at half damage at most, and their alpha strike was mostly concluded with him, unless Rain was able to step in and level his own blow, but with the creature stunned, it was possible for Calrex to Howl and steal aggro back.

He would just have to trust in his team-mates, and there was no better team to trust in than this one.

 

---

ID# 68256 BD: 10 (Hyper Crit) DMG 18+2(Charge)+2(Crit)=22x12=264 -50 MIT = 214 DMG

Kobold Conqueror: 545/1190 | 50 MIT | 187 DMG [Target: None] (Stunned Until Next Turn)

[H: 0] @Rain: HP: 108/108 | EN: 27/27 | MIT: 72 | DMG:  18 | ACC: 3 | LD: 5
[H: 1] Calrex: HP: 311/311 | EN: 58/69 | MIT: 30 | DMG: 13 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 
[H: 2] Baldur: HP: 129/132 | EN: 21/33 | MIT: 54 | DMG: 18 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 (+6 DMG from Alchemy)
[H: 1] @Oikawa: HP: 221/221 | EN: 40/54 | MIT: 84 | DMG: 19 | ACC: 3 | LD: 1

[Oikawa 1]

Just as Oikawa's blade ripped it's last thrust through the beast, a blue-ish blur surged past him confronting the Kobold head on. Unleashing his on flurry of slashes, the bluenette hacked away another portion of it's HP before disarming it with a stun. Turning to Baldur, Calrex entrusted the next blow to the waiting samurai. As his party rattled off one blow after the other, Oikawa stood by, waiting for Rain to take action since Xion had managed to disappear. Odd, thought the blonde.

Noticing that @Rain still hadn't made his move, Oikawa rushed back into the fray as they window of opportunity was coming to a close. Watching the radiant light expel from his sword, the rapier-wielder extended his form, attempting to riddle the chest of the Kobold once more before passing the torch to Calrex. As his blows seemingly missed every inch of the intended target, Oikawa sighed and looked towards the two active members of their little group.

"It's still stunned, capitalize on that since apparently I can't!"

ID: 68463 BD: 1 [Miss]

Kobold Conqueror: 545/1190 | 50 MIT | 187 DMG [Target: Baldur] [Stunned]

[H: 0] Rain: HP: 108/108 | EN: 27/27 | MIT: 72 | DMG:  18 | ACC: 3 | LD: 5
[H: 1] Calrex: HP: 311/311 | EN: 69/69 | MIT: 30 | DMG: 13 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 
[H: 2] Baldur: HP: 129/132 | EN: 33/33 | MIT: 54 | DMG: 18 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 (+6 DMG from Alchemy)
[H: 1] Oikawa: HP: 221/221 | EN: 40/54 | MIT: 84 | DMG: 19 | ACC: 3 | LD: 1

(OOC: Stunned until my next attack)

[Calrex 0]

ID: 68572
Battle Dice: 5 (Accuracy +3 / Disguise +1) = 8 (Disregarded Due to Howl)
<<Howl>> Activated (1 Energy Recovered / 59 Remaining)

With their first assault complete Calrex looked as he saw that Baldur's attack had scored a critical hit, meaning that he would gain the highest Hate. "That wouldn't be good..."

Right as the kobold began to turn its head to lock onto the samurai-themed warrior Calrex triggered <<Howl>> the Grand Blade II swirling with the energy of the technique before he slammed it into the ground, sending out a monstrous roar from the blade. The attack was enough to gain him the highest Hate as the creature locked eyes on his form again, "That should keep the heat off you Baldur. Keep up the attack."

"Just a couple more rotations and this thing should go down. We should have more than enough energy to do so. Let's just hope this thing doesn't have a trick up its sleeve."

Extracting his sword from the ground the bluenette gave a small sigh before returning his attention back to the battle, ready for combat once again.

Kobold Conqueror: 545/1190 | 50 MIT | 187 DMG [Target: Calrex] (Stun End, Will Act on Next Turn) 

[H: 0] Rain: HP: 108/108 | EN: 27/27 | MIT: 72 | DMG:  18 | ACC: 3 | LD: 5
[H: 4] Calrex: HP: 311/311 | EN: 59/69 | MIT: 30 | DMG: 13 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 
[H: 2] Baldur: HP: 129/132 | EN: 21/33 | MIT: 54 | DMG: 18 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 (+6 DMG from Alchemy)
[H: 1] Oikawa: HP: 221/221 | EN: 40/54 | MIT: 84 | DMG: 19 | ACC: 3 | LD: 1

   0

[Baldur 0]

Baldur watched as Cal <<Howled>> stealing the attention of the mob away from Baldur before it could act. Now, however, the stun had worn off, and the creature could evade their moves. However, Baldur was quick to engage the creature once again. He ran around behind Calrex and came at the creature from the otherside, his <<San Ge>> pushing the Kobold towards Oikawa as the azure light from his blade tore into the beady eyed, scaly creature.

"Come on guys, a few more hits and we should be able to have it literally rain cor down upon us!"

As the last slash of <<San Ge>> came down, Baldur leapt back, trying to disengage from the creature. He had, at best, one more good blow left on the creature, and to prepare for it, he sheathed his blade. It would still have stun immunity, but it was his second strongest attack.

"You got this Oikawa!"

---

Kobold Conqueror: 371/1190 | 50 MIT | 187 DMG [Target: Calrex] 
ID# 68674 BD: 5+3=8 (hit) - San Ge 12x18 = 216 DMG - 50 MIT = 166 Dealt

[H: 0] Rain: HP: 108/108 | EN: 27/27 | MIT: 72 | DMG:  18 | ACC: 3 | LD: 5
[H: 4] Calrex: HP: 311/311 | EN: 59/69 | MIT: 30 | DMG: 13 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 
[H: 3] Baldur: HP: 129/132 | EN: 10/33 | MIT: 54 | DMG: 18 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 (+1/-12)
[H: 1] Oikawa: HP: 221/221 | EN: 40/54 | MIT: 84 | DMG: 19 | ACC: 3 | LD: 1

[Oikawa 1]

Blades ripped through the maroon beast as Baldur and Calrex concluded their assaults. Red gashes rippling across Kobold like permanent tattoos as it roared out in agony. The two before him wouldn't take retreat unscathed however. Just as Calrex turned his back, the bulk of the Kobold's axe ripped into the ultramarine's frame before expunging nearly half of his health. Having sat back long enough, the blonde surged forward. Orochi glowed with the light of [Over Radiation] as he suddenly tore into the Conqueror. Several holes spotted the monsters frame, causing it's health to drop dramatically as he removed his blade from it's chest cavity.

"Calrex your move."

ID: 68765 BD: 8 (5+3) MD: 8 [Over Radiation: 19 x 14 = 266 - 50 = 216]

Kobold Conqueror: 155/1190 | 50 MIT | 187 DMG [Target: Calrex]

[H: 4] Calrex: HP: 154/311 | EN: 69/69 | MIT: 30 | DMG: 13 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 
[H: 3] Baldur: HP: 129/132 | EN: 33/33 | MIT: 54 | DMG: 18 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 (+6 DMG from Alchemy)
[H: 1] Oikawa: HP: 221/221 | EN: 40/54 | MIT: 84 | DMG: 19 | ACC: 3 | LD: 1

[Calrex 0]

ID: 69041
Battle Dice: 5 (Accuracy +3) = 8
Sword Art <<Meteor Break>> Activated (11 Energy Used / 1 Recovered / 49 Remaining)

It appeared that the kobold had finally managed to land a hit, and it was a big one at that. Calrex felt the massive axe blade rip into his avatar as he gritted his teeth, sliding back from the blow. In a single blow it managed to take a decent chunk of HP from his total, but not enough that the bluenette had to start worrying just yet. The creature itself was on its last legs, and with another combined assault they should be able to deal enough to eliminate it.

However, should things go bad and he takes another hit, he could also use a Safeguard or even <<Parry>> to reduce the damage further. His avatar became enveloped in a blue aura that shot out as <<Achilles>> triggered from the blow, while at the same time he released <<Meteor Break>> once again, the Grand Blade II shining golden as he rapidly cut through with his attacks before ending with a falling helm strike.

With a small sigh he gave a nod, "Alright Baldur, finish this thing off."

Kobold Conqueror: 50/1190 | 50 MIT | 187 DMG [Target: Calrex] (13+1 DMG * 11 Art - 50 MIT = 104 DMG / 1 Achilles)

[H: 4] Calrex: HP: 232/311 | EN: 49/69 | MIT: 30 | DMG: 13 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 
[H: 3] Baldur: HP: 129/132 | EN: 33/33 | MIT: 54 | DMG: 18 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 (+6 DMG from Alchemy)
[H: 1] Oikawa: HP: 221/221 | EN: 40/54 | MIT: 84 | DMG: 19 | ACC: 3 | LD: 1

[Baldur 0]

Baldur, his sword sheathed at his side, was waiting for just this moment.

"Nukiuchi" He muttered to himself as he took a powerful step forward and pushed the blade free from its saya, as each inch was bared azure light exploded even brighter around him until the blade almost burned with the light and he cut the <<Kobold Conqueror>> down with his <<Iai>> Skill, the light of the light from his sword leaving the full red model mesh of the boss monster exposed. Baldur quickly counted heart-beats in his head as he whipped the sword around and sheathed it, standing fully upright as the sword clicked into place and the boss shattered into polygons. The timing had just been barely a bit off, he stood up a second too soon, but it was almost close enough that it looked like the monster shattered when he sheathed his sword.

Sometimes it's the small things you gotta enjoy.

He turned around and smiled to his friends.

"Whew! All done!"

 

---

ID# 69126 BD: 3+3 (hit) CD: 11(for sheathing the blade) LD: 2+3 (cries) - Gains 1 Mat

Kobold Conqueror: 50/1190 | 50 MIT | 187 DMG [Target: Calrex] DEAD

[H: 5] Calrex: HP: 232/311 | EN: 49/69 | MIT: 30 | DMG: 13 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 
[H: 3] Baldur: HP: 129/132 | EN: 0/33 | MIT: 54 | DMG: 18 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 (+6 DMG from Alchemy)
[H: 1] Oikawa: HP: 221/221 | EN: 40/54 | MIT: 84 | DMG: 19 | ACC: 3 | LD: 1

[Calrex 0]

With Baldur's final strike the giant kobold finally fell, dissipating into crystals upon its HP reaching zero. Calrex breathed a sigh of relief as the ordeal was finished, flicking the Grand Blade II into a reverse grip before resheathing it into the scabbard on his back. It was an interesting undertaking they had done. Unfortunately, the chest they were after turned out to be a fake, so in the end their main goal might have to be left unaccomplished. Nonetheless, they were at least going to get some decent rewards from taking on the dungeon, which was a decent reward all on its own.

Looking over at his teammates the bluenette gave a nod, "Well, that was certainly interesting. Did you guys want to try and find another chest, or do you think we should start making out way out of here?"

"I'm really up for either. My health will recover fairly quickly, and it's not like I can't change out gear to boost my mitigation further."

Putting his hands into his jacket pockets Calrex continue to observe the area. They were in a dungeon after all, but the architecture and design of the interior was still something to behold.

[Oikawa 1]

As Baldur struck down the remainder of the Kobold's HP, the creature quickly dissipated into fractal polygons before disappearing altogether. Nodding his head at the samurai, Oikawa sheathed his own blade and turned to address the bluenette's question as they gathered closer together.

"I for one am disappointed with this find. I was really wanting to see how good treasure chests had gotten since their initial release back in the day. But I see I will just need to raise my looting skills. As for our course of action, I'm ready to head back. With the boss raid just days away, I would hate to go in unprepared. Especially with this boss. hat do you think Bal? Continue or head back?"

While he was ready to go home, if the two wanted to adventure a little more, he wouldn't be too pressed to go home as that meant more training, but he did have other preparations to make and a certain lass to check on. That said, he awaited the brunette's answer.

[Baldur 0]

Baldur made a funny shape with his lips as he considered what they have both proposed to him. He really wanted to continue on, it wasn't often they got rolling with a group like this, and he had more time left on his buffs, which he didn't want to waste.

"While I would love to keep going, especially since I used this his level consumable, I think you've hit the nail on the head Oikawa. The boss fight it coming up and we need to be prepped and ready. I'm practically broke, so I'm probably gonna have to farm out some materials to replenish my stock for this fight."

He tapped the side of his jaw in thought, and then shrugged his shoulders.

"Yea, I guess that's our best bet. Let's head back to town, and then once we nail this next boss, we can give it a shot on the next one. Maybe we'll have better luck finding a good chest in the next floor's labyrinth."

Smiling at his friends, Baldur turned to face the direction that they had come from.

"Sucks about the chest though, I was really hoping for a big haul, but we got some good XP out of this."

[Calrex 0]

"Yeah, if it's not mimics then it's traps rigged inside the chests. Sometimes I feel like Kayaba made the spread 90% false or trapped to 10% real just to mess with us. In any case, you're right Oikawa, the boss raid is soon, so we'd better spend the rest of our time getting ready."

Approving of his teammate's suggestion Calrex looked to determine the closest exit, which appeared just be on the other side of the room. After they had defeated the giant kobold, another hallway had appeared which appeared to head upwards. The interior was lit up with a natural light, giving the indication that it led back up and out of the sub-dungeon. With a small sigh of relief he took his hands out of his jacket pockets, grabbing his hands behind his back to stretch his shoulders before heading forward.

"As Baldur said, we definitely got a decent amount of experience out of this, hopefully enough that we might be a bit stronger for the boss fight. An increase in level means HP gains, and enough skill points can rank up a skill that might be the determining factor in a battle of life and death."

[Baldur 0]

"I appreciate you guys inviting me along for this excursion. I know I'm not necessarily gaining levels on you like this, but it does help me out. I feel like there's a point where you have enough SP to complete the core of your build, and then you can start branching out for the perks. Well, I'm almost done with the core of my build, and then I'll be much more useful and solid in the boss fights."

Baldur gave his friend a smile and then clasped them both on the shoulders as he walked between them towards the exit.

"So, we have basically a full compliment of people for a boss raid sans a support player. Do you guys know anyone that could fill that roll? We need to see if we can encourage some of the up-and-coming players to take up the rolls of tank and support so that every party in a raid can be balanced."

He knew there was little they could do, people would build however they felt the most comfortable, but raid composition would be important if they wanted to give everyone the best chance of victory and of survival. This death game would only continue to get harder, and if they did not evolve with it, then they would be left behind or worse.

[Oikawa 1]

"No worries mate," chimed the blonde in response to Baldur as the samurai grasped his shoulder. "My build is always evolving and I personally feel like it will never be complete nor will I ever be prepared for what Aincrad has in store for us. That said, your sentiments aren't too far off. SP at this point is just for nifty things here and there."

Shifting his gaze to the bluenette, he nodded and continued. "I agree with Cal, lets use these last few days to gather potions and crystals and what not. I imagine this raid will be one for the books as it's only one floor off from another milestone. So let us go and prepare, we have a boss awaiting it's demise."

With that, the blonde took off in the opposite direction of the two spectrum members as he had to travel by foot from floor to floor. Though he missed the uses of town teleportation portals, the cursor above his head reminded him just how awful this place could be and what he's done to make it worse.

I don't deserve redemption, mused the golden knight.