⌈ Floor 1 ⋅ Solo Party ⌋ Your Strength Becomes Mine <<Training Your Friend>>

[MISERY 1]

Spoiler

MISERY Level: 5 HP: 100 Energy: 10 DMG: 1 MIT: 18 Thorns: 18 Bleed 2 Regen 2 EQUIPMENT Ordmordeo Tier One; Rare Two-Handed Battle Axe An amalgamation of mismatched bones held stiffly together by an unseen but foreboding force. They have taken the shape of a scythe. Bleed | Bleed Blood Veil Tier One; Perfect Heavy Armor Only a Grandmaster of the craft is capable of producing work such as this. Rather than typical plates of metal, it is thick iron content that whirls within the strange liquid concoction that masks the wearer that provides protection, as well as a bite against those foolish enough to attack them. MIT | MIT | Thorns Unsettling Mask Tier One; Perfect Heavy Armor The mask is basic and featureless, with only three small holes dotting its smooth surface. Two allow the wearer to see, while the third modulates their voice into a sinister cacophony. Thorns | Regen | Regen SKILLS Hiding; Rank One Blend into your surroundings, making it harder for monsters and other players to sense your presence and detect you. +1 Stealth rating

He'd acquired the bees. Now there was the matter of training them. It was one thing to have the minuscule beasts in his possession, but another entirely to compel them to bend to his will. Considering the possible length of the excursion before him, MISERY had set aside his entire day to set his little monsters on the right path. He only hoped they would be accommodating.

He'd once heard of a man that took an extraordinarily long time to train his familiar. According to legend, it had taken him from dawn until dusk to finish the deed, chasing a small animal around the fields of this very same floor until he'd cornered it and forced it into battle with his own familiar. MISERY wasn't sure how much stock he put in the story, considering there didn't seem to be any mobs on the floor that were so elusive. But it was something worth considering.

For now, there were the boars to deal with.

Spoiler

MISERY: HP: 100-1=99/100 | EN: 10-1=9/10 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 18 | THNS: 18 | BLD: 12 (8-10) | RGN: 10

MISERY used [x1] Basic Attack against Boar 1, -1 EN

Boar 1: HP: 50-1=49/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136188 | BD: 6, Hit for 1 DMG | MD: 2, Miss
Boar 2: HP: 50-18=32/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136189 | BD: x | MD: 6, Hit for 15-18=1 DMG | THORNS INFLICT 18 DMG | REGEN ACTIVATED

 

[MISERY 1]

MISERY had chosen the first floor because the mobs here were feeble. Even the floor maximum mobs - which he assumed he was facing now - hadn't a chance of depleting more than a single point of MISERY's health. 

The idea here was that the bees would hide beneath his bloody cloak and take the brunt of the attacks for him. When the enemy mob came into contact with their stingers, they would take damage reflected. It had worked well when they first encountered the boars, and it worked when one of them charged forward and collided with MISERY's frame again. MISERY remained steadfast, barely affected by the swine's assault, and their stingers worked to pick apart its health bar piece by piece. 

Marvelous. It was working exactly as intended. And by the time they were through, the bees would have gained the toughness necessary to not only deal damage back, but absorb it from their foes.
 

Spoiler

MISERY: HP: 99+10-1=99/100 | EN: 9+1-2=8/10 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 18 | THNS: 18 | BLD: 12 (8-10) | RGN: 10
Regen: 1/3

MISERY used [x1] Basic Attack against Boar 1, -2 EN FOR MISS

Boar 1: HP: 49-18=31/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136190 | BD: 5, Miss | MD: 8, Hit for 15-18=1 DMG | THORNS INFLICT 18 DMG | REGEN REFRESHED
Boar 2: HP: 32/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136191 | BD: x | MD: 6, Hit for 15-18=1 DMG

 

[MISERY 1]

It seemed that the reflected damage inflicted upon these numbskulls had beguiled them. They cocked their heads and stared at MISERY, hesitant to attack him further. Perhaps it was the incessant buzzing that had tipped them off, or the sting they felt that woefully outmatched the one they hoped to inflict. Regardless of what was going through their simulated brains, one thing was certain. If they wouldn't attack, MISERY would.

An amalgamation of bone suddenly protruded from beyond the bloody veil, its sickening blade slicing into one of the poor creatures. It yelped, then took a knee, its fresh wound leaking virtual blood into the grass below. It's health bar was waning now, much faster than it would have been had MISERY continued raking his scythe along its hide. Knowing this one wouldn't last much longer, he turned his attention to the other. It would be next to taste his blade.
 

Spoiler

MISERY: HP: 99+10=100/100 | EN: 8+1-1=8/10 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 18 | THNS: 18 | BLD: 12 (8-10) | RGN: 10
Regen: 1/3

MISERY used [x1] Basic Attack against Boar 1, -1 EN

Boar 1: HP: 31-2-12=17/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136192 | BD: 9, Crit for 2 DMG | BLEED INFLICTED | BLEED INFLICTS 12 DMG | MD: 3, Miss
Boar 2: HP: 32/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136193 | BD: x | MD: 2, Miss

 

[MISERY 1]

And taste his blade it did. It carved a wide arc through the air on its way to the second mob, the tip of the weapon lodging between the creature's ribs. There was a snapping sound, and then the telltale dripping of thick liquid against grass. He'd successfully inflicted a bleed effect against this one, as well. 

The problem with this was that now both mobs were too weak to fight back, writhing aimlessly as agony surged through their veins. It was a sight that brought a smile to MISERY's face, albeit slightly tinged with annoyance.

They were so weak. How was he to train his familiar if they couldn't even put up a worthwhile fight? He wasn't even using Sword Arts, for god's sake. He didn't even have any to use. The fact that these beasts couldn't so much as stand, let alone fight, after a few basic attacks was disheartening. Perhaps MISERY would become the second man to train his pet from dawn 'til dusk.
 

Spoiler

MISERY: HP: 100/100 | EN: 8+1-1=8/10 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 18 | THNS: 18 | BLD: 12 (8-10) | RGN: 10
Regen: 2/3

MISERY used [x1] Basic Attack against Boar 2, -1 EN

Boar 1: HP: 17-12=5/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136194 | BD: x | BLEED INFLICTS 12 DMG | BLEED EXPIRES | MD: 3, Miss
Boar 2: HP: 32-1-12=19/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136195 | BD: 8, Hit for 1 DMG | BLEED INFLICTED | BLEED INFLICTS 12 DMG | MD: 4, Miss

 

[MISERY 1]

They were both in the red. And they both still refused to fight back, despite the bleed having run its course. He'd scared them into a bizarre state of submission. Exactly the opposite of what he'd wanted, and not at all what he would expect from floor maximum mobs. Even all the way down here on the first floor.

Getting angry about it wouldn't resolve the issue. Once again, he'd had to play it patient. Such was the curse of a build like his. Had he chosen a Sword Art instead of stealth to start, he'd sure be rid of these pests by now. Sometimes, he wish he had. But, in the end, he knew this long haul strategy would pay off. He just needed to commit to it.

So he'd wait. And bide his time. And strike the boars, whittling them away one health point at a time, if he needed to. What was the rush? 

They had the rest of their lives to see it through to the end.
 

Spoiler

MISERY: HP: 100/100 | EN: 8+1-1=8/10 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 18 | THNS: 18 | BLD: 12 (8-10) | RGN: 10
Regen: 3/3

MISERY used [x1] Basic Attack against Boar 1, -1 EN

Boar 1: HP: 5-1=4/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136196 | BD: 7, Hit for 1 DMG | MD: 5, Miss
Boar 2: HP: 19-12=7/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136197 | BD: x | BLEED INFLICTS 12 DMG | BLEED EXPIRES | MD: 3, Miss

 

[MISERY 1]

Just as he'd considered before. If they refused to attack, he would attack for the both of them. His scythe reached out and plucked one of them from existence, its shattered polygonal remains scattering along the breeze. The other boar stand motionless, its stubby legs quivering, seemingly contemplating what endless nothingness would be like. Worry not, pig, you'll find out soon enough.

In the meantime, there was the loot to consider. Rare armor. Looked decent, too. MISERY hadn't had any luck with his usual Merchant on his last visit, but he'd head rumors of a hole in the wall on the tenth floor. Quite literally. Perhaps he'd take it there once this was all over and try his like with the violet-haired coward that lived there. A change of pace - and company - was never really a bad thing. And the place was PK accessible to boot. No more sneaking around guards.
 

Spoiler

MISERY: HP: 100/100 | EN: 8+1-1=8/10 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 18 | THNS: 18 | BLD: 12 (8-10) | RGN: 10

MISERY used [x1] Basic Attack against Boar 1, -1 EN

Boar 1: HP: 4-1-12=0/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136198 | BD: 8, Hit for 1 DMG | BLEED INFLICTED | BLEED INFLICTS 12 DMG | Boar 1 defeated
Boar 2: HP: 7/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136200 | BD: x | MD: 5, Miss

Looting
Boar 1
ID: 136199
LD: 12 | CD: 12
450 col
(1) Rare Armor/Shield [ID: 135199]

 

[MISERY 1]

Ah, yes. Here it was. The part of the battle that aggravated MISERY the most. That sinister moment when all of the cards fell in the wrong places, and the futility of the situation was drawn out to excruciating measure. The mob had no hope of defeating MISERY. It knew it. He knew it. Anyone with two brain cells to rub together knew it. And yet, it pushed the length of the battle beyond its logical closure point.

Yes. It had struct MISERY. And avoided the sting of his bees. Worse yet, MISERY had failed to retaliate adequately. A battle that should have ended several rotations ago now persisted for at the very least another. At the worst, many more.

MISERY knew that allowing this to anger him would serve no functional purpose. But it didn't stop that from happening. It was difficult to contain such fiery emotions in the face of stubborn pride.
 

Spoiler

MISERY: HP: 100-1=99/100 | EN: 8+1-2=7/10 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 18 | THNS: 18 | BLD: 12 (8-10) | RGN: 10

MISERY used [x1] Basic Attack against Boar 2, -2 EN FOR MISS

Boar 2: HP: 7/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136201 | BD: 1, Miss | MD: 10, Crit for 17-18=1 DMG | REGEN ACTIVATED

 

[MISERY 1]

Another turn passed. Another turn squandered. Still the boar stood, despite MISERY's best efforts to eliminate it. He knew that he had to be checking on the status of his bees right about now (or several rotations of attacks prior), but he couldn't very well do that when engaged in combat with one of Aincrad's most stubborn mobs.

That reminded MISERY of another tale he'd once heard. About the very same man who'd spent an entire day training his familiar, no less. Apparently, before the man had acquired his familiar, he'd encountered a particularly ornery boar that chased him to the edge of the fields and back. After he'd finally defeated the beast, just before it dealt the finishing blow against himself, he returned to these fields to capture its spawn and force it into a life of servitude.

MISERY now understood why he would feel compelled to do such a thing.
 

Spoiler

MISERY: HP: 99+10=100/100 | EN: 7+1-2=6/10 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 18 | THNS: 18 | BLD: 12 (8-10) | RGN: 10
Regen: 1/3

MISERY used [x1] Basic Attack against Boar 2, -2 EN FOR MISS

Boar 2: HP: 7/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136202 | BD: 1, Miss | MD: 2, Miss

 

[MISERY 1]

At long last, he'd done it. The beast charged forward, collided with the stingers of his bees, and disintegrated. The loot it dropped was maddeningly scarce, but MISERY was willing to grit and bear it if it meant the battle was over. Finally, he could move on.

There truly were times he'd wished he would have chosen a Sword Art. He had the weapon to put it to good use. It would have made things so much easier. Then again, easy wasn't the path that MISERY had chosen, was it? No, he'd intentionally chosen the path he knew would be difficult, because he fancied the payoff at the end. Whether or not that would turn out to be true remained to be seen.

He certainly hoped it would. It would be disappointing to find the strategy that he'd worked up to ineffective. But if that was what it came to, so be it.
 

Spoiler

MISERY: HP: 100-1=99/100 | EN: 6+1-1=6/10 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 18 | THNS: 18 | BLD: 12 (8-10) | RGN: 10
Regen: 2/3

MISERY used [x1] Basic Attack against Boar 2, -1 EN

Boar 2: HP: 7-1-18=0/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136203 | BD: 7, Hit for 1 DMG | MD: 8, Hit for 15-18=1 DMG | THORNS INFLICT 18 DMG | REGEN REFRESHED

Looting
Boar 2
ID: 136204
LD: 3 | CD: 6
250 col
(2) T1 Materials

 

[MISERY 1]

MISERY hastily snatched one of the bees buzzing around within his cloak, and held it up to the holes in his mask so he could scrutinize it. He looked it over and, after a moment of deliberation, squashed it between his thumb and index finger. Its puny exoskeleton gave with with little resistance, but MISERY could feel that it held up under the pressure better than it would have at the beginning of all of this.

Perfect. They were toughening up. It seemed that the battle had been a success, despite its needless length. The idea of going through yet another spat filled MISERY with a familiar dread, but he knew that it would be necessary if he were to achieve his goal. And, with any luck, a method such as this would be more effective than other attempts made by those less fortunate. Such as the man who chased around a boar for an entire day. 
 

Spoiler

Training Familiar.
ID: 136205
CD: 7
Attempt successful. (1/3)

 

[MISERY 1]

At the very least, it didn't take long for MISERY to make his next encounter against some mobs. Two boars spawned in nearby to replace those who had fallen only minutes before, and they took note of him almost immediately. As though able to smell the blood of their fallen brethen intermixed with the noxious liquid that cloaked MISERY's frame, one dashed forward and smacked its skull into him with all its might. Though it had put up a valiant effort - and avoided taking thorns damage - it was able to do little more than deduct a sliver from MISERY's health bar. 1% of his total health points, at most.

He didn't even bother fighting back. Not this time. He merely observed. These boars seemed much more aggressive than the last pair had been. Perhaps he got lucky, and they would kill themselves quicker on the thorns than those who came before? It was wishful thinking, but one was allowed to hope.
 

Spoiler

MISERY: HP: 100-1=99/100 | EN: 7+1-2=6/10 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 18 | THNS: 18 | BLD: 12 (8-10) | RGN: 10
Regen: 2/3

MISERY used [x1] Basic Attack against Boar 3, -2 EN FOR MISS

Boar 3: HP: 50/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136206 | BD: 1, Miss | MD: 10, Crit for 17-18=1 DMG | REGEN REFRESHED
Boar 4: HP: 50/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136207 | BD: x | MD: 4, Miss

 

[MISERY 1]

Wishful thinking indeed. No, they would just continue getting crits, from the looks of it. As though in an alternating pattern of some sort, the other boar charged forward and rammed its skull into MISERY. He hardly felt a thing, but noticed that, yet again, his bees had failed to reflect any damage back. Frustrated, MISERY lashed out, raking his scythe across one of the boars, which did a negligible amount of damage.

Patience could only carry a man so far. It was becoming more and more obvious that Cardinal was conspiring against him. He knew that his build relied on a certain luck aspect, but he'd played the odds before. Ran the numbers. He had been inordinately unlucky in just about every single battle since he started this whole ordeal. Perhaps it was divine punishment for so willingly adopting the mantle of the orange player. Or, maybe he was just putting too much thought into it.
 

Spoiler

MISERY: HP: 99+10-1=99/100 | EN: 6+1-1=6/10 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 18 | THNS: 18 | BLD: 12 (8-10) | RGN: 10
Regen: 1/3

MISERY used [x1] Basic Attack against Boar 3, -1 EN

Boar 3: HP: 50-1=49/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136208 | BD: 7, Hit for 1 DMG | MD: 3, Miss
Boar 4: HP: 50/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136209 | BD: x | MD: 9, Crit for 16-18=1 DMG | REGEN REFRESHED

 

[MISERY 1]

Finally, some headway. Following in line with the strange alternating pattern the boars seemed to be following, the other boar scraped its hooves across the earth before dashing forward. The bees fulfilled their duty, soaking the majority of the damage and stinging their opponent in the process. The boar shrieked, then snorted, then double back. Its health bar now drained to a significant degree, MISERY-s confidence in their ability to dispatch the mobs quickly was restored.

Whether due to a communication algorithm, or just from seeing the other boar take damage, the second boar stood on in bewilderment. Say what you will about the mobs of Aincrad, but when one of their own is damaged, they notice. Call it their aggro code. It seemed to shift their behavior, and make them less predictable. That was all fine and good, so long as they died all the same in the end.
 

Spoiler

MISERY: HP: 99+10-1=99/100 | EN: 6+1-2=5/10 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 18 | THNS: 18 | BLD: 12 (8-10) | RGN: 10
Regen: 1/3

MISERY used [x1] Basic Attack against Boar 3, -2 EN FOR MISS

Boar 3: HP: 49-18=31/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136226 | BD: 4, Miss | MD: 8, Hit for 15-18=1 DMG | THORNS INFLICT 18 DMG | REGEN REFRESHED
Boar 4: HP: 50/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136227 | BD: x | MD: 4, Miss

 

[MISERY 1]

As though willing to tempt fate, the same boar from before dashed forward and took another pass at MISERY. Just as they had before, his bees stood in the way of the animal's gallant jaunt, absorbing the damage and dealing back a chunk of their own. From the green to the red the health bar plunged, like a flashing Christmas light during the holiday season. Only this one wouldn't be going back to green before it blew completely.

The other boar, of course, stood on like an oblivious mushroom. What was going through its head, MISERY wondered? Nothing important, probably. Not that it mattered - MISERY would be getting to it soon enough. The full and vibrant verdant health bar it sported was just annoying enough to fill MISERY with the desire to snuff it out entirely. 

More trouble than they were worth, if not for the fact that this was a vital part of training his familiar. The loot didn't even excite him anymore.
 

Spoiler

MISERY: HP: 99+10-1=99/100 | EN: 5+1-1=5/10 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 18 | THNS: 18 | BLD: 12 (8-10) | RGN: 10
Regen: 1/3

MISERY used [x1] Basic Attack against Boar 3, -1 EN

Boar 3: HP: 31-1-18=12/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136228 | BD: 7, Hit for 1 DMG | MD: 6, Hit for 15-18=1 DMG | THORNS INFLICT 18 DMG | REGEN REFRESHED
Boar 4: HP: 50/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136229 | BD: x | MD: 2, Miss

 

[MISERY 1]

Though MISERY had now set his sights on the second boar in their tiny pack, the first boar seemed more frenzied and violent than ever. It charged forward while MISERY wasn't paying attention, but the bees formed a small wall between their master and the attack accosting him to absorb the damage. Their razor sharp stingers inflicted enough damage to smite the creature, and in a flash, it combusted into a cloud of polygonal blue fractals that slowly dissipated into nothingness.

Perfect, MISERY though to himself. It seemed as though, even without his guidance, the bees had come to understand their new role in the world. No longer did they exist simply to stockpile honey and pollinate flora. Now their purpose was the protect the monolithic giant that had conquered their queen. A crooked smile stretched beneath MISERY's mask as the contemplated the implications. They were his now.
 

Spoiler

MISERY: HP: 99+10-1=99/100 | EN: 5+1-2=4/10 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 18 | THNS: 18 | BLD: 12 (8-10) | RGN: 10
Regen: 1/3

MISERY used [x1] Basic Attack against Boar 4, -2 EN FOR MISS

Boar 3: HP: 12-18=0/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136232 | BD: x | MD: 6, Hit for 15-18=1 DMG | THORNS INFLICT 18 DMG | REGEN REFRESHED | Boar 3 defeated
Boar 4: HP: 50/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136234 | BD: 3, Miss | MD: 4, Miss

Looting
Boar 3
ID: 136233
LD: 6 | CD: 7
300 col
(2) T1 Materials
(1) T1 Rare Trinket [ID: 136233]

 

[MISERY 1]

Emboldened by the apparent progress of his training, MISERY lurched forward and struck the final remaining boar with his bony scythe. It yelped, then began to bleed, its health bar slowly draining as the status effect began to take hold. It seemed that finally being hit by something had spurred the small animal into action, however, and as though driven purely by instinct, it dashed forward and into MISERY.

Just as before, the bees sprung into action and took the brunt of the attack, dealing damage back as well. For the first time since he had assembled the pieces, his build was working at optimal efficiency. Every piece's effects were flowing together in perfect tandem to generate the ultimate killing machine. Or, at least, the highest caliber for someone of his level without any Sword Arts at his disposal. The bleed sapped the mob's health, as well as the thorns, while his mitigation soaked damage and regen healed off whatever made it through his impregnable defense. For the first time, he saw how powerful his build could be if the conditions were absolutely optimal.
 

Spoiler

MISERY: HP: 99+10-1=99/100 | EN: 4+1-1=4/10 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 18 | THNS: 18 | BLD: 12 (8-10) | RGN: 10
Regen: 1/3

MISERY used [x1] Basic Attack against Boar 4, -1 EN 

Boar 4: HP: 50-1-12-18=19/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136243 | BD: 8, Hit for 1 DMG | BLEED INFLICTED | BLEED INFLICTS 12 DMG | MD: 7, Hit for 15-18=1 DMG | THORNS INFLICT 18 DMG | REGEN REFRESHED

 

[MISERY 1]

Momentum was important when someone got into a stride such as this. MISERY kept the pressure on, dashing in toward the boar and raking his scythe across its hide. Just as before, bleed was inflicted - or, rather, it was refreshed The boar, who was now too weak to fight back, fell to its side and began breathing raggedly. This fight was as good as over. Now all that MISERY had to do was wait for bleed to finish the job.

It was pathetic. The boar was so weak that it wasn't even able to writhe, only occasionally twitching as pangs of pain ripped through its body. It looked at MISERY out of the corner of its eyes, a mixture of ferocious rage and quiet fear playing within them. It knew it was going to die, and there was nothing that either of them could do to stop it Not that MISERY would even attempt to stop it if he were able.
 

Spoiler

MISERY: HP: 99+10=100/100 | EN: 4+1-1=4/10 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 18 | THNS: 18 | BLD: 12 (8-10) | RGN: 10
Regen: 1/3

MISERY used [x1] Basic Attack against Boar 4, -1 EN 

Boar 4: HP: 19-1-12=6/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136244 | BD: 8, Hit for 1 DMG | BLEED REFRESHED | BLEED INFLICTS 12 DMG | MD: 3, Miss

 

[MISERY 1]

It didn't take long before the boar's health value reached zero, and it burst into a cloud of shattered blue confetti. Breaking glass accompanied the display, and before MISERY could watch the fractals dissipate into oblivion, a loot screen populated in front of him. It appeared as though he'd managed to make off with a rare weapon - though, whether or not it would be of any tangible use remained to be seen.

Another pair of boars down. Another stage in the development of the bees fulfilled. Things were going well so far, albeit a tad slow, but MISERY felt confident that it wouldn't be long before they saw the end of this charade. Once the bees had toughened up to the extent that was necessary, MISERY would be able to move on and pursue more engaging endeavors. He couldn't shamble about the fields of the first floor forever. He had to push himself to new heights.
 

Spoiler

MISERY: HP: 100/100 | EN: 4+1=5/10 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 18 | THNS: 18 | BLD: 12 (8-10) | RGN: 10
Regen: 2/3

MISERY took no action.

Boar 4: HP: 6-12=0/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: x | BD: x | BLEED INFLICTS 12 DMG | Boar 4 defeated

Looting
Boar 4
ID: 136245
LD: 15 | CD: 8
250 col
(2) T1 Materials
(1) T1 Rare Weapon [ID: 136245]
(1) T1 Uncommon Consumable

 

[MISERY 1]

Just as he had before, MISERY fumbled his hand through the interior of his cloak until he held one of the bees in his hand. He held it up to his mask and peered through the holes at it, investigating its tiny body for any notable changes, before applying pressure. Though its exoskeleton eventually gave way and the bug was squashed, the act faced quite a bit more resistance than it had the first time. It was more difficult than before, which meant that they were moving in the right direction. Splendid.

That didn't mean that there work was done, however. MISERY was convinced that they would be forced to face at least one more pack of mobs before they were through. Just to be safe. Just to ensure that, after this was all done, they would be able to protect him. It was what he needed before he moved on from this floor and investigated the remainder of the castle. Going ahead without a trained familiar was a fools errand.
 

Spoiler

Training Familiar.
ID: 136250
CD: 10
Attempt successful. (2/3)

 

[MISERY 1]

Things here were on a cycle of sorts. That much, MISERY understood. Just as before, two boars spawned in to replace the ones he'd slaughtered. The difference this time was that MISERY had been waiting for them, and was ready.

Before the shimmer of the mobs spawning had even began to wane, MISERY had his scythe poised, and brought it down on the boar nearest to him. Brought into life, only to find a blade lodged into its spine and its already minuscule health waning as quickly as it had populated. The boar, now spooked, lashed out at MISERY, only to find a collection of bees halting the attack and dishing the damage back. 

The other boar had only just noticed MISERY's presence, and began circling. It seemed as though it thought itself staring down its prey. It hadn't a clue how wrong it was. No matter, it would see the error of that train of thought soon enough.
 

Spoiler

MISERY: HP: 100-1=99/100 | EN: 6+1-1=6/10 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 18 | THNS: 18 | BLD: 12 (8-10) | RGN: 10

MISERY used [x1] Basic Attack against Boar 5, -1 EN 

Boar 5: HP: 50-1-12-18=19/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136251 | BD: 8, Hit for 1 DMG | BLEED INFLICTED | BLEED INFLICTS 12 DMG | MD: 8, Hit for 15-18=1 DMG | THORNS INFLICT 18 DMG | REGEN ACTIVATED
Boar 6: HP: 50/50 | DMG: 15 | ID: 136252 | BD: x | MD: 4, Miss