[F2-PP] Embers Encounter the Inferno -Embers and myself- -Long Live the Queen-

[Domarus 0]

The wasp attempted to strike him again, thrusting it's stinger three times in a row.  However Domarus was able to dodge the first two, and used the blade of his ax to deflect the last one, the blade continuing as it sliced through the abdomen and cut through the creature's heart, causing it to screech.  Domarus knew the creature wouldn't die from such a blow as it had health points instead of real life mechanics.  After that blow he was behind the creature and activated Screw Dimension, turning around instantly and releasing two fierce blasts that reduced it's health even further.  Unlike players, monsters and npc's could feel pain.  Thus the creature roared from the pain it felt on it's back.  When it turned around and tried to sting him again, Domarus twisted his body to avoid the attack and grabbed the center of it's body, using it's own momentum and lack of weight against it, slamming it into the ground.  Before he could land another strike there was a sudden swarm of new wasps that appeared from nowhere, all of them flying towards him.  None of them were able to pierce his armor and therefore dealt no damage to him.  However they were a nuisance and Domarus identified their level.
     "Embers, take care of the small fry.  I don't need distractions from this fight."  The wasps dispersed and there were three remaining, all of them pathetically weak.  They were about the size of a single hand each, and their stingers weren't fully developed.

Spoiler

Domarus:  720/720 || 48/72 || 15-18 dmg || 54 MIT || 3 Evasion || 3 Accuracy
Wasp Queen:  471/900 || 108 dmg || 1 Accuracy

ID#  88337  BD:  7  MD:  7-3+1=5  Sword art used:  Screw Dimension-  x13 dmg -12 en
15x13=195 dmg

@Embers:  100/100 || 10/10 || 27 MIT || 1 ACC
Waspling 1:  20/20 hp || 3 dmg || 1 EVA
Waspling 2:  20/20 hp || 3 dmg || 1 EVA
Waspling 3:  20/20 hp || 3 dmg || 1 EVA

 

Edited September 5, 2017 by Domarus

[Embers 0]

Watching Domarus fight this bug, it was something else. She'd seen battle within the game, and had often compared it to how she fought in the real world. However, Domarus moved with such fluidity within the game, movements her mind said were impossible. Then again, he WAS fighting a giant ass wasp so maybe realism was too much to aim at. Once again, he used some Sword Art to deal the core of his damage. It only confirmed in her mind, Sword Arts were how you fought. Regular attacks were not ideal, and energy consumption...Would have to be tracked to ensure you didn't burn through everything straight away. She looked at her weapon. Despite both fitting the category of 'Two-Handed Battle Axe', Embers weapon was actually a Scythe, which looked like the weapon of the Reaper itself. And her armour's now black colouring didn't make her look all-too friendly. 

She had been about to jump at the main boss, right as three smaller Wasps arrived onto the battle. Domarus pointed her at them, and the girl grinned. Much like a weapon, she had been given a target and, without a moments hesitation, she dived forwards. She knew a single Sword Art that was effective, and spinning around, her weapon connected. The Scythe cut half the HP out of one of the Wasplings, and the girl lept back with a grin. These three little' things, couldn't get to her. And with her Scythe, they were dead. 

Spoiler

@Domarus:  720/720 || 48/72 || 15-18 dmg || 54 MIT || 3 Evasion || 3 Accuracy
Wasp Queen:  471/900 || 108 dmg || 1 Accuracy

Embers: 100/100 || 8/10 || 27 MIT || 1 ACC
Waspling 1:  10/20 hp || 3 dmg || 1 EVA
Waspling 2:  20/20 hp || 3 dmg || 1 EVA
Waspling 3:  20/20 hp || 3 dmg || 1 EVA

ID: 88367 BD: 6(+1)=7. Damage: 5(X2)= 10

Sword Art Used: Whirlwind. 

 

Edited September 6, 2017 by Embers

[Domarus 0]

Domarus watched as she attacked them, using what appeared to be a scythe rather than an ax.  A rather interesting choice but Domarus respected her originality.  He would need to think of any other weapons he could have crafted that could be classified as an ax.  And he knew her weapon used the two handed ax skill from the sword art she used.  However he noted that she was only using the singular sword art.  Why she was using that when she could easily have health over half their health in damage with an AoE sword art was beyond him.  Still, if she needed aid, he could easily handle them as well.  This distraction however allowed the queen to land a hit on Domarus, a critical hit no less.  What was different with this however, was that Domarus never budged from his position, nor did he grunt from the attack.  He knew it wasn't nearly enough to take him down.  He turned his ax around and thrust the butt of it behind him, striking the wasp queen with enough force to knock her back, pulling her stinger out.  He then turned around and released the sword art again, dealing his damage onto her.  

Meanwhile the wasplings grew enraged, particularly the one who just got cleaved.  The injured creature seemed to wail in pain and whimper for a moment.  At least it seemed like a whimper as they were insects.  Afterwards however it quickly recovered and the three launched an all out assault on her, jabbing their stingers into her repeatedly from all sides.  They landed critical hits, however due to their level and her armor, they dealt no more than one point of damage each.

Spoiler

Domarus:  612/720 || 36/72 || 15-18 dmg || 54 MIT || 3 Evasion || 3 Accuracy
Wasp Queen:  276/900 || 108 dmg || 1 Accuracy

@Embers: 97/100 || 8/10 || 27 MIT || 1 ACC
Waspling 1:  10/20 hp || 3 dmg || 1 EVA
Waspling 2:  20/20 hp || 3 dmg || 1 EVA
Waspling 3:  20/20 hp || 3 dmg || 1 EVA

ID: 88375  BD:  3+3=6  MD:  10  Sword art used:  Screw Dimension  x13 -12 EN
15x13=195 dmg

 

Edited September 7, 2017 by Domarus

[Embers 0]

Despite being outnumbered 3 against 1, Embers put a lot of her focus on Domarus and his fight. For the main reason that, with her armour, she felt very confident that these little wasps simply wouldn't be able to kill her. Her assessment seemed correct as, while they did swarm on top of her, she took a grand total of only 3 damage. Her armour paying off it seemed. 

She noticed he was looking at her oddly, as if she'd made an error. While it did open him up to an attack, it did make her remember something. She had access to Three Sword Arts, only only Whirlwind. She quickly checked her list, and true enough there was her third. AoE. Those three letters explained everything to her. He had been looking at her oddly, because she'd opted to using a single taret, when she was outnumbered, instead of using an Area of Effect Sword Art. 

The Wasps attempted counter-attack had, however, made them come nice and close to her Scythe, which lit up as she called on Smash, the Area of Effect Sword Art. She spun around, and brought her weapon in a wide upwards motion, connecting with all 3 of them. The one she'd hit before exploded into pixals, and the other two backed away a little. The girl grinned a violent grin. One more hit like that, and they would be gone! 

 

Spoiler

@Domarus:  612/720 || 36/72 || 15-18 dmg || 54 MIT || 3 Evasion || 3 Accuracy
Wasp Queen:  276/900 || 108 dmg || 1 Accuracy

Embers: 97/100 || 4/10 || 27 MIT || 1 ACC
Waspling 1:  0/20 hp || 3 dmg || 1 EVA <Slain>
Waspling 2:  10/20 hp || 3 dmg || 1 EVA
Waspling 3:  10/20 hp || 3 dmg || 1 EVA

ID: 88378 BD: 7 Sword Art: Smash 

Damage: 5(1X2)= 10

 

Edited September 7, 2017 by Embers

[Domarus 0]

When she attacked again he saw through the corner of his eye that she had chosen to use her AoE sword art this time.  Improvement he thought.  Most likely she hadn't looked at all of her sword arts, or had forgotten about them in the heat of the moment.  As an Ax wielder she was strongest in fighting multiple foes.  The issue with being a multiple target hitting player was the serious energy consumption.  Domarus planned on doing everything he could to keep his energy from dropping too far, and while it would take time, it would allow Domarus to fight enemies for long periods of time.  He also intended to gain the howl skill to help tank if players needed it during bosses or against monsters.  He would be a dps tank essentially.  And the front lines would definitely have need of it.  Not only that but when he hit the front lines, he hoped to have players close to joining it as well in his ranks.  Things would change when he hit the top.

He focused on the boss again which was recovering from his attack.  The queen and her minions came at them, however while the queen struck at him multiple times with fierce speed, accuracy and ferocity, Domarus was able to dodge each of these blows simply by turning his torso sideways at the right moment.  When the creature attacked him again, he blocked her with his gauntlet, swinging his ax with only his right hand, activating the sword art Screw Dimension again.  The initial slash was enough force to knock her back, and he grabbed the ax with both hands this time, and released the curved energy that dealt the last of his damage and knocked her into the ground, breaking her wings completely.  Her underlings saw this and became infuriated, striking at Embers again for another three damage.

Spoiler

Domarus:  612/720 || 36/72 || 15-18 dmg || 54 MIT || 3 Evasion || 3 Accuracy
Wasp Queen:  276/900 || 108 dmg || 1 Accuracy

@Embers: 94/100 || 4/10 || 27 MIT || 1 ACC
Waspling 1:  0/20 hp || 3 dmg || 1 EVA <Slain>
Waspling 2:  10/20 hp || 3 dmg || 1 EVA
Waspling 3:  10/20 hp || 3 dmg || 1 EVA

ID#  88392  BD:  2+3+1(concentration) MD:  7
Sword art Activated:  Screw Dimension:  x13 dmg, -12 EN
15x13=195 dmg  Concentration Cooldown:  5 posts remaining

 

Edited September 8, 2017 by Domarus

[Embers 0]

Once again, Embers put a lot of her concentration of the fight between Domarus and the boss, over her own fight. The monsters dealt 1 damage, how threatening could they honestly bee? <Pun intended>. She hated it, but she was in awe at just how effortlessly he fought. She would get there, she had no choice but to get there. But seeing it now, seeing what could he done with the right skills and training, it set up a fire in her blood. And this fire got worse when the Wasplings tried to get her again. 

"G-get the Hell OFF ME!" She bellowed at the monsters, as her Scythe lights up and she uses the same Sword Art as before. In a single swipe of her Scythe, the raiming two Wasps exploded before her. She was breathing heavier, partly out of instinct to breathe in a fight. It hadn't been tough, and not even close, but better safe than sorry. 

With her monsters dead, she could Finally properly watch Domarus without being rudely interrupted. With her energy building back up, she did ponder jumping into the fight once again. After all, Domarus had been attacking it long enough right? Or did Boss monsters have different aggro systems? That one stray thought suddenly made jumping in, a lot less exciting of an idea.  

Spoiler

Domarus:  612/720 || 36/72 || 15-18 dmg || 54 MIT || 3 Evasion || 3 Accuracy
Wasp Queen:  276/900 || 108 dmg || 1 Accuracy

Embers: 94/100 || 0/10 || 27 MIT || 1 ACC
Waspling 1:  0/20 hp || 3 dmg || 1 EVA <Slain>
Waspling 2:  0/20 hp || 3 dmg || 1 EVA <Slain>
Waspling 3:  0/20 hp || 3 dmg || 1 EVA <Slain>

 

ID: 88412 Bd: 6 

Sword Art Used: Smash. 5(2X1)= 10 <10 Damage>

 

Edited September 10, 2017 by Embers

[Domarus 0]

Domarus took a moment to survey what was going on this instant.  Embers was watching his fight, and seemed torn between wanting the action and keeping out of it and the range of the queen's attacks, which was wise.  Especially since she had to deal with the pestering children.  With everything under his control, he returned to his attention to the queen.  With her wings destroyed and a leg missing, she couldn't stand at her full majestic height, which would have made her taller than Domarus.  Instead Domarus stood over her, with his ax that gleamed like an executioner's ax.  He started to activate Screw Dimension but while he was, something emerged.  Hiding in the underground hive, a second queen burst out behind Embers.  The queen had a rivalry with the damaged one Domarus was fighting and was pleased to see these creatures had weakened her to this point.  With that queen being weak, she believed she could take this chance to take over the hive.  She shot overhead towards Domarus, ignoring Embers entirely.  Domarus activated his sword art but when the second wasp queen struck from behind, although she didn't deal any damage she had applied enough force to throw him off, causing his ax to be buried deep into the ground beside the first queen.  He growled as he saw the second one, and the original queen didn't seem pleased to see her either.  Domarus stomped on one of the legs of the first queen, shattering this one as well and drawing a screech from her.  He then turned his attention to the new annoyance, making it clear that he would tear her apart if she came near him.  

Spoiler

Domarus:  612/720 || 24/72 || 15-18 dmg || 54 MIT || 3 Evasion || 3 Accuracy
Wasp Queen:  276/900 || 108 dmg || 1 Accuracy
Rebelling Queen:  50/50 || 20 dmg

@Embers: 94/100 || 4/10 || 27 MIT || 1 ACC
Waspling 1:  0/20 hp || 3 dmg || 1 EVA <Slain>
Waspling 2:  0/20 hp || 3 dmg || 1 EVA
Waspling 3:  0/20 hp || 3 dmg || 1 EVA

ID#  88540  BD:  2  MD:  1
Sword art Activated:  Screw Dimension:  x13 dmg, -12 EN
Concentration Cooldown:  4 posts remaining

 

Edited September 22, 2017 by Domarus

[Embers 0]

After successfully dispatching the three wasplings that had been pestering her, and could finally look back at the main fight. While she Did want to get involved, the risks were simply too many. The main wasp queen had already taken a bite out of Domarus, and he was much stronger than her in terms of levels alone. That meant if it turned onto her, well, it would probably kill her straight up. Not worth the risk.

BUT the newly arrived wasp, that seemed like a very possible target. It was Much weaker than the one Domarus was engaged with, meaning she had every chance to take it down. She looked over at him, seeing he probably had his hands full at it was. The real question was, however, did she have the abilities to attack? She knew her energy would need to recharge quickly, and maybe after letting it recharge she'd be able to use her Sword Arts to smash that damn bug into the dirt. After all, Domarus had taught her something. When it came to combat, Sword Arts were an absolute must if you wanted to be successful. And in order to use Sword Arts, you needed energy to use them. So she huffed and waited.

"I've got the smaller one!" She yelled to Domarus as she walked forwards, placing herself between the Rebelling Queen and Domarus, Scythe in hand. "Assuming you can take the big one still, eh?" In her tone, a challenge, a dare almost. He had to kill the big one, before she killed the small one. Her grin ate at the corner of her mouth, oh this was going to be fun!

Spoiler

Domarus:  612/720 || 24/72 || 15-18 dmg || 54 MIT || 3 Evasion || 3 Accuracy
Wasp Queen:  276/900 || 108 dmg || 1 Accuracy
Rebelling Queen:  50/50 || 20 dmg

@Embers: 100/100 || 5/10 || 27 MIT || 1 ACC
 

 

[Domarus 0]

Despite the fact that the elder queen had lost two limbs, as well as her wings, she was not helpless.  And seeing her youngling turn on her this way infuriated her even further.  She knew she should have just killed her at birth rather than use her later on.  The disgusting creature should be grateful for her mother's mercy rather than betray her like this.  Even though she would have done the same in her place.  The queen stood on her remaining four legs and rammed into Domarus head first, knocking him over.  She then stood over him before he could blink and pierced through his armored torso, causing his health to drop.  Domarus of course, didn't intend on falling to this queen, or losing the bet that Embers had evidently made just now, and punched the queen off of him.  He then stood up swiftly so he could attack, unawares that the younger wasp queen had already launched at the queen and now stabbed him near the same spot with her own stinger.  Since Embers had not yet attacked the queen, she struck what she had deemed the more immediate threat first...  Only to be interrupted by Domarus of course.  He struck her with his elbow, not even paying her any attention, and released Screw dimension with his two handed ax, dealing damage again.  One more hit would be all he needed to finish her off.
     "When you lose this bet, you buy me a round," He said with a grin under his helmet.

Spoiler

Domarus:  555/720 |1010-54=56 dmg - 22-54=1 dmg| 24/72 || 15-18 dmg || 54 MIT || 3 Evasion || 3 Accuracy
Wasp Queen:  81/900 || 108 dmg || 1 Accuracy
Rebelling Queen:  50/50 || 20 dmg

ID#  88941  BD:  5+3=8  MD:  10

@Embers: 100/100 || 5/10 || 27 MIT || 1 ACC
Sword Art Activated:  Screw Dimension - x13 -12
15x13=195 dmg  Concentration Cooldown:  3 posts remaining

 

Edited September 30, 2017 by Domarus

[Embers 0]

If Domarus had intended to get Embers fired up, he was successful. She grinned, and let out a loud yell as she spotted the wasp get punted back by Domarus, right into her line of sight. Ohhh, she'd make such a mess of this damn bugs face! Spinning her Scythe in her hands, she focused on her target, and charged forwards. Her Scythe lit up, the Sword Art, Whirlwind, kicking into effect as she lept forwards and swung, the blade connecting right into the chest of the damn insect. She landed and grinned, as the Rebelling Queen turned to her, and had been about to strike when the shockwave kicked into effect, dealing another 5 damage and throwing the queen backwards into the dirt. 10 damage down, 40 to go. 

Embers threw a look over at the queen Domarus was fighting, but wasn't entirely sure of its current HP. If she had, she wouldn't have opened her mouth. "Hah! You beat me, as if! You win this, i'll get you a round and whatever! But you lose, you owe me a hella-favour" It was the best form of currency, favours. Ones you could use to call on people when, if, you needed something from them. It was Embers favorite form of currency, an eye for an eye, a favour for a favour. Ohh whatever would she do, with Domarus serving her for whatever she desired? 

Spoiler

@Domarus:  555/720 |1010-54=56 dmg - 22-54=1 dmg| 24/72 || 15-18 dmg || 54 MIT || 3 Evasion || 3 Accuracy
Wasp Queen:  81/900 || 108 dmg || 1 Accuracy
Rebelling Queen:  40/50 || 20 dmg

Embers: 100/100 || 3/10 || 27 MIT || 1 ACC

ID: 88962

BD: 8 

Sword Art:  Whirlwind 2EN (2x1)5 = 10 Damage

 

Edited September 30, 2017 by Embers

[Domarus 0]

And that was it.  The challenge was set and locked.  The only way she would win this bet was by a miracle.  And Domarus did not believe in miracles.  Favors were good, however Domarus not only wanted to set a certain image of himself and solidify his reputation, but there was no favor he needed from her.  Or rather, not yet.  Once he was certain she had potential, was when he would force her into a debt to him.  After that he'd begin to make plans with the intention of luring her into his guild.  If she could be trusted, and if she was strong enough, perhaps she could be pulled deep into the inner circle.  That however, was a hard achievement.  Domarus chuckled in a devious manner as he found a way to shatter that arrogant attitude of hers, as well as make her recognize his strength and never doubt it.  He watched as the rebellious queen was stabbed and turned to attack but was knocked away from the shockwave.  The elder queen watched her daughter thrown back before attempting to ram Domarus again.  He grabbed her head with his free hand with no effort at all.  No trick worked on him twice.  He built up the potential energy in his arm and released it, thrusting his arm forward and therefore vaulting the queen towards her daughter.  Immediately afterwards, he gripped his ax with both hands and shot forward, faster than most wearing heavy armor would, and released Ordinal Cleave, striking ceaselessly with precision and ferocity at both of the targets, finishing off both of the queens simultaneously.  The Elder queen dropped two thousand seven hundred col, as well as unidentified rare armor.  The younger queen had dropped a stinger for both players to use.  The stinger amplified a player's damage by one point.  After killing them he turned to Embers.
     "Looks like your buying,"  He told her.

Spoiler

Domarus:  555/720 || 8/72 || 15-18 dmg || 54 MIT || 3 Evasion || 3 Accuracy
Wasp Queen:  0/900 || 108 dmg || 1 Accuracy
Rebelling Queen:  0/50 || 20 dmg

@Embers: 100/100 || 3/10 || 27 MIT || 1 ACC

ID: 88965  BD:  8
Sword Art:  Ordinal Cleave  x8  -16
14x8=112 dmg

 

Edited September 30, 2017 by Domarus

[Embers 0]

Embers watched as the Rebelling Wasp got back up from her attack. It wasn't too crippled, but with her Scythe in hand, she had every intention to change that. After all, with her armour and weapon, she was death incarnate. And everything would bow to her. She knelt down, not watching Domarus and blissfully ignorant to his plan, and his damage. She knew what she was going to do. Hit it with Whirlwind until it popped open. 

Of course, just as she charged in, she spotted Domarus throw his Wasp into hers! She tried to run faster, but she was too slow as Domarus cut both wasps down in a single swipe, both exploding. Embers paused, and her mouth paused half open. What The Hell Was That!? She turned to face him, looked angry, but accepted the fact she'd lost this battle. "...Urgh ok fine!" She was forced to admit she'd lost.  She did wonder just how he had hit both with a single overwhelming strike. Was that yet another Sword Art she simply didn't have access to? She was near certain it was, and if that was indeed the case, she had plenty of distance to cover. 

"Guess the first rounds on me.." It was a mutter, one of a defeated girl before she sighed, and smirked. She even pointed the tip of her Scythe at Domarus "Next time, you're screwed and you'll owe me big time. You got that Domarus!" 

 

[Domarus 0]

Domarus watched as the woman's face shifted from shock and confusion to outright anger towards him.  He held back a cackle as he saw this.  She should know better than anyone that if you had the opportunity, you take it before it's gone.  And Domarus made the best of his opportunity.  Despite this she was pissed that she had lost.  Let it be a lesson to her never to underestimate an opponent again he thought to himself with a grin.  He nodded when she mentioned that the next round would be on her, and was about to walk away when she pointed her scythe at him.  Her next words drew a chuckle from Domarus.
     "We'll see about that.  However I do indeed hope that you get stronger," he said before leading her back towards the town.  It was true.  He wanted her to get stronger.  Even if she wasn't good enough to be a member of his inner circle, she would be an excellent addition to his guild.  Her determination and raw passion would help them exceed their limits for certain, but not only this, she could help him encourage other players in the guild to get stronger.  Compete with them and such.  She would definitely be a worthy player to fight alongside with.  At any rate he had no intention of letting her slip through his fingers.  He would find out more about her, and find the best way to direct her towards a desire to join him, his guild, and if she proved trustworthy enough, his true goals and desires.
     "While this may not have gone entirely as you planned, how do you feel about your first actual combat in sword art online?"

OOC-  Deep apologies for the wait @Embers

[Embers 0]

Embers tried to be honest at all times, if to no one else, than to herself. So the more thought she allowed herself to put into about what had occured, the more she realized that Domarus had managed to 'snag' her by getting her to challenge him, when he damn well KNEW he could wipe out both at once. She growled as it dawned on her that, maybe, just maybe, she'd been completely outsmarted from the get-go. 

Of course, she did raise her eyebrow at Domurus when he said he hoped she got stronger. What the...? Why did he want that? Unless...Ember grinned, did he want someone who would push him in battle? Once she had a few levels under her belt, she had every intention of finding someone, or a few people, to fight constantly. Duels, to test herself. If he saw that in her, well, he was smart indeed. After all, she had every intention of getting everything back, her strength that she had honed back in the real world. 

"First time fighting in this game, i'll be honest. I expected it to be tougher" She confessed to him "I heard about how many people died early on, so i expected the how to be hella hard. Turns out they're all just bad at games like this" 

Her answer was, well, it wasn't subtle on her opinion. But it was the brutal honest truth, no lies, no skirting the edges. 

[Domarus 0]

Domarus heard her growl and smiled under his helmet mischievously.  He didn't know that she suspected him of manipulation, but what he did know was that she was beginning to learn just how far out of her depth she really was.  He would earn her respect and she would not make any attempt to undermine him.  He knew she'd be making plans to do so of course, very soon.  He couldn't wait.  Because when it happened he would be ready.  He always was.  And once she saw just how intelligent, tactful, resourceful, and informed he was, she would back off her attempts for good.  It was hopeless to defy him.  It was hopeless to undermine him.  It was hopeless to face him head on or in the shadows, for he owned both.  The only way left would be to join him.  And in doing so it would make Domarus stronger, in turn making those who followed him stronger.  She would help him show all of Aincrad who was the true winning side.  Bring on your worst Kayaba he thought to himself.  I'll make this game look like trash from a dumpster when I'm done with it.  He heard her frustrations stop soon after he had mentioned how he hoped she'd get stronger and was satisfied.  He could almost feel her smile growing on her lips, just as his curved in a more cruel fashion.  Prepare my dear little embers he thought.  For if you follow me, you choose to delve into a fire that will burn you to the point where you become a moldable tool that I will reshape into the most deadly weapon imaginable.  You want power?  While it will cost you your freedom, I will make you the greatest.
     "It will be tougher.  However you fail to realize that those monsters were five levels below you.  In addition you had me there if things went out of hand.  Do not expect it to go easy, especially with me fighting along side you.  However it's clear that you are more than capable of taking on hordes of foes without blinking an eye...  As for the others in this game it's humanity's downfall and nothing more.  Fear.  Arrogance.  Wrath.  Greed.  Laziness.  Most of the human population allows themselves to be succumbed to their inner flaws and fail to practice any form of control.  This is because they do not want to.  They take the easy path and become sheep, slaves to themselves and others above.  That's why they fall and die, and you rise, bored of the simplicity of the system."

[Embers 0]

Embers raised an eyebrow at Domarus. It seemed to her that, well, he hated people almost. He was going on, and putting a hella lot of emphasis on the flaws of those who were too weak to survive this game. She also promptly ignored that fact that she was a higher level than the monsters that had attacked her, it wasn't something to stress about. Soon, she'd have more levels than anyone, so why did it matter they were weaker? If they are weak, then they deserve to burn. 

She laughed as Domuars finished, what she considered, a rant. A somewhat insane tirade about all the flaws of people. Was he that, well, cynical? That's how she saw it at least,  after all, why else was he so concerned about the weaknesses of others? If they were fools who were too weak to survive, then that is on them and no one else. No point trying to shoulder that burden yourself. 

"And what, people like us are the wolves?" She asked casually "I get what you mean those. If they were smart, and not weak, they'd be alive right now. But instead, they're dead" 

That was the reality of the world, or at least, her world. It wasn't 'kill or be killed', but she couldn't understand being content with limitiations. Why spend every day doing the same routine when you could go running, get into a week long hiking trip in the snow, or in another country you've never seen before? Embers never could settle for just ordinary. Her blood burned for adventure, and why would someone like her settle for the same as the rest? 

 

[Domarus 0]

If only Embers knew the plans Domarus had in store for himself, for others, and for all of Aincrad in general, she would know that he was anything but ordinary.  The nights he spent in his shop, writing and planning his schemes, covering current events, near events, and events that may or may not happen in the distant future.  Nonstop questing, grinding, pushing for higher levels and thus strength.  He refused to be categorized with those pathetic imbeciles that took life as a joyride.  Domarus had an end goal in mind that would be met, no exception.  He would rule.  Aincrad wasn't even what he was targeting.  If he conquered Aincrad he could easily influence the players to unite and press further up the floors towards the final boss and escape this world, able to return to his true goal of seizing control of the real world.  Then Embers laughed and he listened to what she had to say.  His brows furrowed, but he would take it calmly, as if he wasn't being found out, just misheard.
     "Not necessarily.  Those who are weak are sheep.  Those who live for murder and torment of others are wolves.  Players who reach levels higher than nearly every other player?  In this world they could be considered Gods.  I can't save everyone in this world but if I spot an opportunity I'll help another out.  Not everyone is stupid, just ignorant and many times it's not even their own fault.  If they are beyond my help however then I don't bother."  He was lying of course but she would never be able to tell.  Not only was he excellent at speaking in such a way that prevents one from noticing that he is lying, but much of what he said was also true.  A perfect lie was made up of nearly all truth, and only a hint of a lie.  At the same time he knew this could make her believe he thought she needed help.  He had a backup for that as well.
     "It's a rare case I run into someone with your kind of strength.  I doubt you need my help at all.  Still if you wish it, I have no problem assisting you on occasion."

[Embers 0]

Ember had to admit, she didn't fully understand. Did Domarus see himself as some sort of god? Even within a game, that was a somewhat ridiculous notion to her. First of all, it required a god to exist, which there wasn't. Hell, even if he dreamed of god-hood, which Ember would snort at, she didn't care too much. If anything, she would promote the idea. Just so, she could in one way, defeat a god. She felt a grin escape as the idea grew in her mind. Her, fighting against someone who mimiced a god. Oh what a fight! She could feel her blood boiling already, at the idea. An idea she loved. 

"Hahh" She laughed as he explained his comparison fully "Sheep, wolves, gods? They're just titles Domarus. Words fancy people use to label crap" And titles, urgh. Some titles pissed her off more than anything. Mostly the titles that had been thrown at her when she was younger, when she was too emotionally weak and let the opinion of others affect her life. Now, well, she was the one often throwing them at people. "Call em, or even me, whatever the hell you wanna. End of the day, they're the same damn person they were before"

It was the reality of things. It didn't matter who you were. A leader, a cop, a 'cool person', a stud. All of those titles didn't mean anything, and they didn't stop a drunk girl from punching you in the face after you grab her ass. She smiled fondly at the memories of all the people who thought some title would protect them against her, and how every time, it failed horribly. 

"Need your help? Well, not often" There would be some times, like that first damn wasp being basically unkillable from her position "But, if i wouldn't say no to having you at my side from times" It wasn't him owing her a favour, BUT it was close enough for now. Soon, though. Well, she'd figure that one out as she went. For now, she needed better gear and more levels under her belt. 

[Domarus 0]

It was clear that Embers thought the idea of being a god was absurd, even snorted at the idea.  However he could see her inner gears turning, getting a glimpse of what he meant.  In this world if you became a strong enough level, then you were invincible.  You could do whatever you want and nobody could stop you.  You could quite literally become a god of power.  Of course Domarus would have more than that.  His influence would one day grant him an army at his disposal and command.  If things worked out, Embers would be one of the ones to command it.  Either that or she'd be his best warrior.  However way it turned out she was going to be useful.  Domarus listened to her call what he had just described a bunch of label crap, talking about how titles and positions meant absolutely nothing.  He grinned under his helmet but didn't voice his amusement.  How utterly foolish and ignorant she was.  While it was true that people like her don't care about what your title is, there are many fools out there who would believe your every word if your name held weight to it.  That's one of the reasons America was dying.  The people believed everything the media says.  Anything the leader states is their law.  However he'd play along for the time being.  One of these days he would show her just how wrong she truly was.
     "I suppose your right.  Still, in this world you can't hide where you are put in.  Whether your weak, a predator, or above all the others it shows quickly."  She was right about how individuals never changed of course.  The fact that he believed this made his words to her sound completely genuine.  Domarus was never going to just drop his cruelty and pick up this righteous philosophy.  He was never going to abandon his dream.  He was going to conquer Aincrad and he was going to conquer the real world.  Nothing would change or stop that.  Just as how someone who is weak will never become strong.  Individuals who cannot do anything on their own cannot grow stronger.  They require help and without it they are vulnerable.  He listened to her response and nearly laughed at her last comment, though he held his tongue.  Having him at her side?  Now he was becoming more aware that she was attempting something similar to what he was.  She wanted him on her side rather than she to be on his.  Oh how foolish was she?  He wondered what would happen when the day came she learned he had been manipulating her from the beginning, aware of ever single thing going on?
     "Alright then.  If your ever interested send me a message.  I have the time.  First things first though, let's go get that drink shall we?"  he finished with a chuckle.

[Embers 0]

Well, if nothing else, Domarus knew how the world worked. The weak, the strong, the pathetic, it was impossible to hide the nature with which you were born. Embers herself, was born with fire in her blood, a calling for adventure and excitement. From the day she could remember, that's how it had always been. Her dad often joked she traded her soul for that of a spirit of fire, much like himself. There was so much of him in her, it was never in question where she got her fire from. But Domarus and the rest of the world? Nothing, not nearly the same flames that lay within her. It didn't negate what they had, after all, some people, or even animals, were wonderful company on travels. Rowan, her bird came to mind. Oh how she adored that damn Hawk. 

"You're damn right. We're born the way we are. Some people like me, all heart. Some are are all brains, while others are cowards who lack either" It wasn't meant to be a direct insult, although she knew so many people who took it as it. But rather, a simple fact. In the forever debate of Nature v.s Nurture, Ember stood on the side of Nature. You were born to be, and while the world shapes, you are your own person and nothing can change that. Only you can change you. To hell the the world telling her she had to wear makeup and not get into fights, she could do both and still get the boys to get flustered for her. 

However, at the mention of the drinks came a glare. A reminder that she'd lost. Oh she hated losing with a passion. Sometimes, if it was a good fight, she'd exit with high spirits. But to not even be close, it sent fires of anger through her. But, at the end of the day, a bet is a bet, dammit. "Yeah yeah, laugh it up Dragon Boy" she said, the nickname was far from perfect, but it would work until she got something against him.   "Next time, when i have a few more levels, i'm gunna wipe the floor with you and that maid of yours"