[PP|F22>23]<<Escaping the Underdark>> There's More...?

[Zajcica 0]

Yuki cuddled the little kitty that had been left with her. It rubbed up against her arm and purred quietly. Her family never owned a pet, but this was something that she never got to experience.

Several minutes went by, and she wondered if Night had left her house. No, wait, wouldn't leave her familiar here with her, plus her health bar was still connected to her HUD. If she wasn't around, their party would be disbanded. Her crying finally finished, she put the remaining food in a carryout tote for Night and carried Nyanko to the door with her. Once she stepped outside, she could see Aki, her tiny gryphon, bothering Night who was standing outside the door. Aki flew onto the pink nest of hair and got comfy while she held out the little cat to return to Night. Nyanko mewed quietly.

"I- ...I lost my feelings there for a moment, I apologize, for like the third time." The girl muttered. "Thank you. You and your familiar have helped me feel better... What I said is true, I am not a girl... yet. I did not mean for what I said to sound like a confession, I was simply asking if that sort of thing was a possibility, was all... I guess you already answered that though. We are still friends, if you want to be."

@NIGHT

Using Yui's Grace and Mega Slime Farm Benefit to gain +3(!) SP at the end of the thread!

Spoiler

General
Level: 28 | HP:  590/590 | Energy: 56/56 Hate: 1/3/4(M/H/C)

Stats
DMG: 4 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 62+30 | ACC: 0 | Thorns: 18 | Regen: +5

Skills
R2 OHAS, R5 Heavy Armor, R1 MIT Familiar, Fighting Spirit, Concentration

Mods
Athletics

Equipment(In use)
Regal Cuirass(Heavy Armor): 1MIT, 2 Thorns
Aegis(Shield): 2 MIT, 1 Regen
White Spear - Lux(OHAS): 2 Bleed, 1 Taunt

Equipment(Standby)
La Black Luna(Trinket): ACC 3

Consumables
(2x)Starter Healing Potions(50HP)
Fiery Dragon Roll - MIT 3 < Using +30 MIT

 

[NIGHT 0]

If she had the space to brood, she would've. Sat by the door with her knees together, pressed up against her face. Head bowed, a small box of a shadow to the side, NIGHT let alone to muse upon her own devices. She had a lot to think on that day, and even more if she were to return to trekking down memory lane. A friend's home was no place to execute on this, but still, the suffering called to her, an alluring siren amidst the darkness of her past.

Unfortunately, a little hippogryph seemed to be fluttering about, and noticing the stranger in its abode, made her the focus of its attention by pecking at her head lightly. Oh, great. Yuki's own familiar, perhaps?

She rose from her spot, trying to meet the wingling's gaze at eye level to stop its pestering. A finger held out to it, the gryphon seemed to hold onto her hand with two front paws and a dip of its head, resting its beak upon its new platform. NIGHT huffed, the best she could do of a chuckle at the moment. Maybe it was for the better that she wasn't obsessed over history so much.

When Yuki stepped out the kitchen, NIGHT still wasn't prepared to exchange words. An apology from her friend, to which the knight nodded, taking it in stride even though she felt like she didn't deserve it. And a return of Nyanko, in exchange for the paladin's companion. The little kitten snuggled up well into NIGHT's palm, biting gently at her own gloves.

"Yet?" The woman pointed out, directing her gaze over to her familiar, toying with it with a wiggling finger. "Because of the therapy, you mean?" A pause. "I still think you're every bit the woman you believe to be. If that's how you feel. It's only right for us to be comfortable with such."

"And I appreciate it. You... telling me." She kept Nyanko back into her bag, before resting her shoulder against the wall, sliding her hands into her pockets. "I know it means a lot to you. But I want you to know that doesn't change my perception of you. That... I think you're still the same old Yuki you carry yourself to be ever since the day we met. I... I hope that's fine with you."

NIGHT let out a breath, as she clamped her hand over the back of her neck. "And... yeah. We're definitely still friends -- I still would like to remain friends after this. Um..." Her eyes travelled down towards the tote bag, her expression tight once again. "Sorry about the food. I don't really feel like eating right now... But I appreciate your hard work...?"

@Zajcica

Spoiler

NIGHT
 | HP: 910/910 | EN: 88/88
 | ACC: 5 (4, +1) | DMG: 22 (16, +3+2+1*) | EVA: 2 | MIT: 0** (36, -30-15) | VAMP(OFF): 1 | BLEED: 24 | PARAV-D: 1 | LD: 2
 | Stealth Detection: 2
* [Filling] used to provide +1 Protein.
** WARNING: Mitigation cannot fall below 0!

---

[Skills]
 | Mod Count: 4/5

1. Two-Handed Straight Sword | Passive | RANK 5/5
   > Ferocity, Precision, Finesse
2. Heavy Armor | Passive | RANK 3/5 
   > Athletics
3. Searching | Passive | RANK 2/5
4. - - -
5. - - - 

-[Extra]

• Survival | Passive 
• Concentration | Active -- CD: 3
   
• Familiar Mastery: Fighter | Passive | RANK 3/3

---

[Equipment]

• Thunderstorm
  -- [ Paralytic Venom (Offensive) I | Natural successful attack rolls of 8-10 remove the enemy’s action on their next turn. Paralyzed opponents lose any evasion properties. ]
  -- [ Keen | After a successful attack, gain +1 BD until your next successful attack, at which point this bonus is removed. Another successful attack will reactivate this enhancement. ]
  -- [ Accuracy I | +1 ACC. ]
• Reminiscing The Lord
  -- [ Mitigation II | +18 MIT ]
  -- [ Paralytic Venom (Defensive) I | Natural successful attacks against you of 8-10 removes the enemy’s action on their next turn. Paralyzed opponents lose any evasion properties. ]
• Silver Crescent Necklace
  -- [ Accuracy II | +2 ACC ]
  -- [ Evasion II | +2 EVA ]

-[Battle-Ready Inventory]

• [T1E1] Super Sight Dried Bamboo Shoot (1) -- +1 ACC.   >> Empty Slot
• [T1E3] Strength (1) -- +3 DMG   >> Empty Slot
• [T1E2] Imagine if Azrael was a Hot Dog (1) -- +2 DMG, -30 MIT   >> Empty Slot
• Starter Healing Potions (3) -- +50 HP
• Tier 1 Uncommon Potions of Healing (3) -- +40 HP
• - - -
• - - -
• Dracbane
  -- [ Vampiric (Offensive) | Natural successful attack rolls of 9-10 heals the player for 10% of their Max HP. ]
  -- [ Bleed | Natural critical attack rolls of 9-10 deal 24 unmitigated bleed damage each enemy turn for 2 turns. Bleed damage does not stack, but can be refreshed. ]
  -- [ Accuracy | +1 ACC ]

---

[Misc]

• -- [ Dimensional Backpack, Item Stash | +2 Battle-Ready Inventory Slots ]
  -- [ Well Rested | -1 EN for the first three expenditures of each combat. ]
  -- [ Col Stash | +5% bonus col from monster kills and treasure chests. ]
  -- [ Relaxed | Increases out of combat health regeneration by (5 * Tier) per post. Full energy restoration occurs after two turns out of combat. ]
  -- [ Squeaky Clean | In a thread, -25% DoT damage taken from the first DoT applied to this player. ]
  -- [ Filling | In a thread, +1 T1 slot to a food consumed by this player. Can exceed Cook enhancement caps. ]

[Zajcica 0]

A heavy sigh fell from the girl's lips. She was glad that this wouldn't ruin her relationship with Night though. She made no reaction to the comment about her wanting to work towards furthering their relationship, so she was assuming that 'friends' was as far as that was going. How pitiful to think that she could convince someone to share feelings with her when she has hardly known them longer than a few days. Perhaps she could work towards that in the future and ask her again later.

"By right of sex, I am still a man. But, yes, I do happily portray as female because it has made me happier than anything in the world... and made me cry more than anything in the world..." The girl looked down at the floor and put the packaged food in her inventory. She motioned Night to follow her, so she could lead her out of the building. "Thank you for the help Night, and dealing with me... I hope I didn't upset you at all, if I did, I'm sorry. I want to quest with you more. Please invite me again if you need a tank."

The Paladin opened her shop door to see a dark elf standing right in front of her house, ready to knock on the door. The girl seem unexpected to find someone open the door before she knocked. "Uh, a letter for you, ma'am." The girl said, handing her a bound parchment and leaving. Yuki blinked, a bit surprised at what just happened. Nevertheless, she opened up.

"Uh, the woman that we saved from the wreckage is asking for our help again, along with her husband. They want out of the Underdark on floor 23. Do we...?" She asked, checking to see if she was interested in continuing the quest with her.

@NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

It's a double-edged sword, huh...?

Of course it would be. Changing something as important as that isn't all in a day's work, after all. People usually needed more time to adapt to differences as such. NIGHT nodded, stepping away from her support and after Yuki, understanding that perhaps her friend needed more time to herself. In turn, that would leave the knight her moments to fester in remorse of her own, too.

"You didn't upset me," were the start of her parting words. "And, sure, we could quest more. I'll see if I get any more missions fed to me. Thanks for helping out with today's..."

It was to the surprise of both players that an NPC from the 23rd would arrive on the 22nd.

"Um..."

As Yuki scanned through the pages, NIGHT rested her back against another wall, not wanting to put pressure on the wooden frame of the home's sliding door. She folded her arms, letting the woman take her time with the message. When the paladin was done, she relayed the missing information to the knight.

NIGHT was less than pleased by the turn of events.

"Again? Didn't we just..." A groan, and a shake of her head. "These quest givers really are something..."

The woman rubbed the back of her head with her palm. "Though, I guess staying in the dark all the time isn't exactly a fun plan. Alright, let's get to it then. Knock this chain out while we're at it."

And it'd better be the last, she mused, firing a query over to her broker with a quick popup from the side. "Uh, Yuki. Could I have my jacket back...?"

@Zajcica

[Zajcica 0]

The paladin tucked the note away and realized that she still had the other girls coat. She took it off quickly and handed it back to her with a light smile. "R-Right, sorry." Her body shimmered as she scrolled through to her inventory and removed her kimono to swap with the armor she once wore, and this time, the girl was actually wielding an aegis. The horn trinket that she had attached to her waist was missing now, however.

"The lost monsters hit me pretty hard last time and I know that they could have dealt some serious damage if you didn't stun them for me. I think I should be extra careful here and use my Shield. It'll make me able to tank more damage. I still do a lot of lower level quests, so to make up for mitigation I don't need I had an accuracy trinket made. Anyway, it will still be pretty dangerous for me. But, I'm not scared, you'll be there with me." The pinkette smiled happily to her friend. "Also, my name is Yuki Mikoto. Don't feel obligated to tell me yours, I just tell my better friends my full name. So call me Mikoto-san or Yuki or I guess whatever you want, I don't care." She looked like she had just gotten caught up rambling there.

Yuki led the way to Coral and the two of them teleported back to Floor 23 in the Underdark.

@NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

One drag of her coat over her form, and NIGHT was in fighting form once again.

Not really. But the jacket definitely helped her feel more like herself. She stepped out of the house, right behind Yuki, making sure the door was closed shut before tailing the paladin from behind.

"Ren." The word was uttered with a hint of malice, though it was directed to herself, the woman starting to draw parallels from Yuki with her other snowy friend. Where was he, anyway? NIGHT had to catch up with him some other day, though the thought of tracking him down stuck to her like a heavy weight. She shook it off in favour of continuing her speech, fingers reaching to adjust her silk choker for a moment. "Doesn't feel like much of an obligation; I'm telling you this out of sheer respect. My name's Ren, Jun Hui," the last of her name prickling her mouth as she said it, "But I go by Ren. It's a pleasure to meet you, Yuki."

In a flash, the two were back in the Underdark. NIGHT made a sweep across the environment with her eyes, wondering where their target couple were. Her hunch was back at where the duo had left them earlier, on the outcrop by the bench on some mountain side. Edging into the crowd a little, she raised her gaze upwards to make sure she could catch sight of them first before they proceeded.

Sure enough, they were there. The scout gestured over to their meeting point up to and hollered over to Yuki, before making her way over to the stairs once more.

@Zajcica

[Zajcica 0]

The girl didn't waste any time, making her way to the stairs that would lead them up to the mountain side where they had met the husband the first time. Her heavily armored feet clunked against the stone with every step. Stealth likely wouldn't be an easy option if it was included in any of the plans, she clanked like a freaking kitchen.

"Ren. Yoroshikune. My legal name, the one I was born with is Mikoto, Jun. So we actually share some syllables in our names." The paladin smiled at her happily, holding her familiar in her arms against her chest. It cawed quietly. "So, what are some of your hobbies Ren? Since you wear a tracksuit, I thought you might be into track and field or some kind of sport or something. I was never good at sports, but I've kept a pretty lean build thanks to a good diet and just keeping active. I can only imagine my body is a noodle in the real world now."

@NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

Up the stairs, NIGHT nodding along to Yuki's musings, though she bristled at the sound of of her syllable. To the next question, the player found herself wringing her wrists, looking away towards the city beneath them.

"I'm not a sporty person." A low-toned confession, laced with shame. "I guess you could say I used to be, but that was back in middle school."

She picked up the side of her jacket, looking down upon its state with a side glance. "A senior gave me theirs when they graduated once. I was a fan of them, so I hung onto it for a while. Then I grew out of it." NIGHT thought for a moment, before fumbling with the bottom ends of her suit, zipping herself up fully to her collar. Her hands found their home in her pockets once more, the woman bringing her attention back to Yuki. "Netball. Other kinds of sportswear don't exactly fit me too well. Too... revealing. This one's just right."

Sports, diets, figures-- oh my. It was difficult to reach out for another topic of conversation with this category, but NIGHT struggled and pulled through anyway. "How did you find time to squeeze in all that into your life? Weekend or evening runs...?"

@Zajcica

[Zajcica 0]

A gift from an idol? She didn't have anyone that she looked up to in the real world other than her mother. She was way too bullheaded to be like her mother is though. She was sweet and tender, while Yuki had gotten pretty much the exact opposite of her parent's mindset.

"I think that it suits you perfectly Ren." She through in that compliment really quick before touching on the question she was asked. "Well, Morning runs before college classes. After classes, I was stuck studying a lot, but any free time that I did have, I played video games, and that's kind of how I ended up here in Sword Art Online. I was generally pretty good with school work, so that's why my English is so good even though I'm from Japan. I was one of the best in my class."

Yuki's smile faded slightly, but at least she wasn't frowning. The stern expression she gave Night showed determination. "I miss my family. I wont let my story end here because they need me and I need them. I won't die." Her first was clenched tightly, balled up at her side while the thoughts of the worst boiled in her brain. Just as she finished her words, they had made it to the top of cliff side. The couple decided that the best course of action was to head back to the surface to get there as quickly as possible. That would mean more fights. A slightly distressful vibe came off Yuki, she looked worried about too much combat.

@NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

Good at classes? "Must be nice," NIGHT dropped, breathing envy. Her sights were stolen by the couple waiting for them, sitting side by side. "Neither of us will, I think. Let's do our best."

Upon the players' approach, the elves rose from their spot. Titus (was that his name, now?) trudged off up the steps connecting the higher walkway towards their exit, while Fonsa beckoned them to follow. One quick trip towards the surface, transportation provided, and the two warriors would have to act as their body guards. It sounded easy enough, though NIGHT wondered why assassins would be involved in the mix, the information handed over to her by one broker's mail.

It was Yuki whose face was contorted. NIGHT raised a brow upon reviewing her visage, as they'd stopped by the doorstep of the couple's mountain-side home, waiting for them to pack up their valuables before leaving. "The combat?" A query thrown her companion's way, as the knight kept an eye out for either elf's reappearance once again. "I've got a stun, remember? We'll take all the breathers we can get if it makes you feel better. And honestly I bet Cardinal won't throw the kitchen sink at us."

"Don't worry. I'll do my best to keep you safe, Yuki."

@Zajcica

[Zajcica 0]

A reassurance was exactly what the girl needed. Her smile came back pretty quickly, remembering how easy  it was to tank for Night's damage. Since her thorns wasn't as relevant at this level, stun and status effects were a massive boon to her. The girl returned a nod to her and made sure that all her belongings were in tow whilst the elves made their preparations. She removed a meal from her kit - a dragon roll, something really, really spicy - to buff up her resistance to damage. A glass of water was needed while she ate, downing a drink after almost every bite.

She stared into space momentarily, her gaze seemingly fixated on her friend, but not on purpose. She had still yet to understand any kind of feelings she was getting from men, and twice she had been let down by them. Was it best for her to stick with what she understood and continue to date only women? The thought of if she still had a chance with Night crept back up, but didn't stay long. Don't think about those sort of things so soon. If it was going to happen, let happen naturally and slowly. She would probably appreciate it more that way.

@NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

Here's where it gets tricky. Follow along.

As the couple shuffled out their home with a handful of sacks, the party began to travel, though in the direction opposite the path to the Surface. Transportation for players was stationed at the far end of the caverns in a long forgotten enclave, which made wandering to it a pain, but made more sense for the setting. No elf was supposed to get out and bend traitor, it appeared.

"I'll handle the reigns," NIGHT told her companion, though in truth she'd never handled horses before. Two were paired at the front of their wagon, as their escorts clambered on with the luggage at the back. It was an old vehicle, the wood a mossy, dirty green, and their goods weren't even protected by a shelter, only a blanket of cloth draped over the bundles of belongings. There was space for two on the coachman's seat, so one scoot over allowed both players on shotgun.

While Yuki got on, NIGHT was fussing over directing orders to their carriage animals. One click of her tongue -- an accidental move -- and they were off, much to the knight's surprise.

The main road was dense with elves on the walk, so for horse-drawn travelers, there was a much wider, secluded road for them to take. Their path merged with the tunnels the players had traversed through before, and its wide berth meant little problems with how they were to navigate the caverns. By the entrance, as the brown stone faded away into tarnished white, the watchmen that had once allowed them to pass through with nary a look finally stopped the vehicle. A line of weaponry forged with spears parted their entry between the black abyss and the dreary green outdoors, forcing NIGHT to stop the horses, wrangling with the reigns in a tug to get them to cede.

"What's all this about?"

"Export check," one of the called out, taking a step in front of their vehicle. The only sign of difference the elves indicated their authority by were their weapons and their helmets. Light armor decorated their frames in shades of brown and silver -- a pauldron here, a chestplate there. They acted a shining figure against the environment's scatter of moss, an obvious target in the desolate jungle. "We're in the middle of a war, don't you know? We can't have you bringing out anything of value to our enemies."

How awfully convenient, NIGHT jested, taking a peek at her mail from earlier with a spread of her middle finger and thumb. She watched the other guard make a round towards the back of their wagon, pulling over the blanket for a moment before searching around the sacks. As expected, the couple were nowhere to be seen.

Digging even further, all the elf found were a handful of provisions, potions, some tools and a set of books. Nothing out the ordinary. "Everything seems clear!"

Finally.

One replacement of the covers over their items, and the inspector started to make their way back to their post. Their counterpart nodded, turning over to NIGHT and Yuki, eyes barely visible under the shadows of their helm. "Where're you two headed?"

"Uh, the Surface?" Where else? Another joke, made to herself.

Unimpressive to her audience. Each word was emphasized with harshness, the sentry clearly growing impatient with their quarry. "Any location in specific?"

A glance to her menu, a new mail arriving from her messenger. NIGHT smirked, before looking back at the sentinel. "Death Valley, sir."

"There is no Death Valley up on the Surface."

"Really? Well, maybe you just haven't seen it yet." The player released her fingers from her interface, letting it shrink away, before fumbling around with the bottom of their seat, finding the slick handle of a leather tool. "Here," she began, as she pulled out a whip, drawing it backwards over her shoulder. "I'll show you--!"

A crack in the air, as NIGHT ushered the horses to will themselves forward. At the harsh noise above them, the animals spurred, their training and guidance taking over, pulling the carriage away at top speed. Their rush forced the guard out of the party's path, the elf throwing themselves to the side in a clatter, their colleague hollering for the smugglers to stop.

Too late, wardens. The fiends were already making their getaway, the knight herself cackling in their wake.

@Zajcica

[Zajcica 0]

Yuki braced herself and laughed as the horses took off at maximum speed.

"Woo! Hahaha!" Her voice called out, taking a look behind them. Her mockingly upbeat tune was cut short, seeing the horse bound riders that were charging them. "Uh...Night. We have company."

What to do. If they stopped here, they would get surrounded by a large group of enemies. Yuki's brow furrowed, here's where her reckless nature as a tank might prove a little useful.

"Let me take the reigns! I need you free to make attacks, I'll control the battle. Focus on what you do best!" With a wink, the pinkette took the reigns from Night's hands and jumped on the right most horse, grasping the leather reigns in her left hand, holding out her right to summon her lance. This was her territory.

When the first set of riders caught up, they attempted to cut their horse lose from the carriage. Not on this tanks watch. She circled her spear first to her right and nailed the helmed elf directly in the head. His ears rang, and he lost his focus falling behind. The left side, and thankfully her weapon was long enough to reach, she scrapped her blade around the 2nd rider and moved in an arc to hit the 3rd as he approached her right.

"Hahaha! Now this is some fun! Go, go!" She snapped the reigns to speed the duo of equine even more.

(3/3/4)Yuki:  590/590 | Energy: 48/56 | DMG: 4 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 92 | ACC: 0 | Thorns: 18 | Regen: +5
(0/0/0)NIGHT: 

Elven Rider 1: 249/250 (-1) | DMG: 80 | MIT: 15
Elven Rider 2: 249/250 (-1) | DMG: 80 | MIT: 15
Elven Rider 3: 237/250 (-1+(-12)) | DMG: 80 | MIT: 15 [BLEED: 1/2]

Edited May 8, 2020 by Zajcica

[NIGHT 0]

Well that was certainly quick. As the two players' laughter faded from the air, their sights were set upon their followers, a set of gallops upon dirt and stone behind them. Company indeed. It was inevitable that it would happen, according to their informant, so they might as well have made a show of it.

Her friend grabbed the loose reigns from NIGHT's hold, the latter still processing how the duo had been able and allowed to proceed this far thusly. She nodded at her pal's instructions, though the execution was easier said than done -- no sooner after the knight began to rise did the motion of the card shake her footing off. Fighting on a moving vehicle would be... difficult.

And Cardinal would ensure her humility from it.

The player didn't even notice that her partner in crime had saddled herself on horseback, jabbing at the foes that would threaten to halt their journey. Instead, her focus was on drawing her blade from her back, and trying not to stumble whenever one of the wheels hit a roadside rock.

Thunderstorm was out. And all its owner's flailing resulted in was sending out a blast of light to hit only one of their trailers, the ride characteristically knocking her aim off balance.

NIGHT growled, the wind stealing her words and her breath, the environment racing past them in a blur.

@Zajcica

Spoiler

ID: 147143 | BD: 6 (1, +5) | MD: 6
NIGHT missed!
Elven Rider #1 attacks Zajcica!
80 - 92 = 1 DMG
> Thorns proc'd. (-18 HP)

ID: 147142 | BD: 7 (2, +5)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Elven Rider #2.
22 * 12 = 264 DMG | 264 - 15 = 249 DMG

ID: 147141 | BD: 6 (1, +5) | MD: 2
NIGHT missed!
Elven Rider #3 missed!

Elven Rider #1 | HP: 249/250 | DMG: 80 | MIT: 15
Elven Rider #2 | HP: 0/250 (-249) | DMG: 80 | MIT: 15
Elven Rider #3 | HP: 219/250 (-18) | DMG: 80 | MIT: 15 | BLEEDING (12) [2/2]

[0, 1, 0] NIGHT | HP: 910/910 | EN: 78/88 (-10) | ACC: 5 | DMG: 22 | EVA: 2 | PARAV(O): 1 | PARAV-D: 1 | LD: 2
[3, 3, 4] Zajcica | HP: 589/590(-1) | EN: 48/56 | DMG: 4 | MIT: 92 | THORNS: 18 | REGEN: 5

[Zajcica 0]

"Hyah!" The laughing woman called out, spurring the horse to keep up it's gallop. Night's attacks were being thrown off, but she was still able to knock one of the soldiers off their horse and out of the race. Only two more, she turned to the horse-bound elf and stuck her tongue out at him. "Oi, ugly! Turn back now and my body guard here won't do your face in! Ahahaha!"

The girl swings her lance over the man's head, but he deflects it out of the way, making sure his horse stays undamaged from the blow. Yuki grinned big. Night could see the exhilaration on her face, like she hadn't had this much fun in a long while. "Oh, so the dung-on-the-bottom-of-the-shoe guardsman was trained after all!"

Her taunting seemed to be getting through to the man, he moved in closer to ready his attack. The grin on the paladin's face only invited him to try and hurt her.

Elven Rider #1 | HP: 249/250 | DMG: 80 | MIT: 15
Elven Rider #2 | HP: 0/250 (-249) | DMG: 80 | MIT: 15
Elven Rider #3 | HP: 219/250 (-18) | DMG: 80 | MIT: 15 | BLEEDING (12) [2/2]

[0, 1, 0] NIGHT | HP: 910/910 | EN: 78/88 (-10) | ACC: 5 | DMG: 22 | EVA: 2 | PARAV(O): 1 | PARAV-D: 1 | LD: 2
[4, 3, 4] Zajcica | HP: 590/590(+5) | EN: 47/56 | DMG: 4 | MIT: 92 | THORNS: 18 | REGEN: 5

[NIGHT 0]

Was one of them having fun? Good. The excitement radiating from Yuki over their getaway slaughter was proof of the adrenaline rush Aincrad was able to provide time and time again.

And when the system giveth, the system taketh away.

NIGHT was on the other side of the spectrum, her growls and grunts growing louder as once more her blade danced, but missing her opponents entirely. Instead, her wave of light struck fast upon one of the rider mount's hooves, severing their steed instead of the main body. In a topple, the elf fell to the floor, before rushing to rise, abandoning their mount in a heartless break to chase.

It was alarming just how far their pursuers would go to complete their mission. With another swing of her sword, the woman focusing much more on precision this time, she cut fierce into the runner's form, the ripple dicing her foe's form from their head towards their torso. Falling backwards, what was left of them were dancing lights upon stone, as their fallen companion dispersed with them, a sight left seen only by NIGHT and the darkened skies above them.

Back to the escape. One more left to go, so NIGHT had better make her shot count.

@Zajcica

Spoiler

ID: 147146 | BD: 10 (5, +5)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Elven Rider #1.
22 * 12 = 264 DMG | 264 - 15 = 249 DMG

ID: 147145 | BD: 6 (1, +5) | MD: 7
NIGHT missed!
Elven Rider #3 attacks Zajcica!
80 - 92 = 1 DMG
> Thorns proc'd. (-18 HP)

Elven Rider #1 | HP: 0/250 (-249) | DMG: 80 | MIT: 15
Elven Rider #3 | HP: 189/250(-12-18) | DMG: 80 | MIT: 15 | BLEEDING (12) [2/2]

[1, 0] NIGHT | HP: 910/910 | EN: 69/88 (+1, -10) | ACC: 5 | DMG: 22 | EVA: 2 | PARAV(O): 1 | PARAV-D: 1 | LD: 2
[3, 4] Zajcica | HP: 589/590 (-1) | EN: 48/56 | DMG: 4 | MIT: 92 | THORNS: 18 | REGEN: 5

[Zajcica 0]

With the hate in her control, the paladin had no need to make an attack this time. The rider would simply hit her and feel the point prick of her thorns causing her to chuckle some more. She looked back to Night and smiled, her voice could barely reach her through the heavy wind of the chase. It had been a bit of time since Yuki had the chance to ride a horse. She did when she was breaking her teenage years but fell out of it quickly when she started undergoing her transition. Not that she couldn't do it, just the changes were difficult on her body.

"Oi! Ren! Finish this guy and I think we'll be able to pull over and collect ourselves. Sorry my poor riding skill is making it difficult to land attacks!" The girl continued to brawl with the remaining rider, distracting him with taunts about how ugly he was and making inane faces at him. This was easily the best time she had in Aincrad since the game began.

@NIGHT

Elven Rider #3 | HP: 189/250 | DMG: 80 | MIT: 15

[1, 0] NIGHT | HP: 910/910 | EN: 69/88 (+1, -10) | ACC: 5 | DMG: 22 | EVA: 2 | PARAV(O): 1 | PARAV-D: 1 | LD: 2
[3, 4] Zajcica | HP: 589/590 | EN: 49/56 | DMG: 4 | MIT: 92 | THORNS: 18 | REGEN: 5

[NIGHT 0]

"We're pulling over?"

NIGHT adjusted her grasp on her sword. Looks like it was time to pull out the big guns, then.

With a foot, she placed it upon backing of the wagon's seat, her shoe's tip firm on the edge of the rotting wood. Her eyes tracked the rider, the elf missing wildly as Yuki kept them busy with obscene taunts of her own. It was refreshing to see the paladin in such high spirits this time, a security the knight found herself taking comfort in. She couldn't exactly fault her friend for the mishandling of their vehicle either -- NIGHT was doubtful that either of them had ever went horse riding before.

Right. Better get to it before the worst happened.

Pushing herself off the wagon in a leap, she brought her sword's hilt against the side of her cheek, her blade's tip angling downwards, ready to sink her weapon into her opponent from the skies. Her judgement was either incredibly accurate, or lucky -- and NIGHT was willing to bet on the latter -- because her strike sank true, digging deep into the scout's shoulder. The system construct letting out a bloodcurdling shriek as it began to fall off its mount sideways, cheek and helmet hitting the floor with a clang, dispersing in a degenerating flow of sparkles.

It was through NIGHT's last ditch effort in the jump that she managed to wrangle herself upon the horse, the entity slowly starting to fade away, though its intelligence still willed it forth to continue its pursuit. Clamouring upon its back as quickly as she could, the woman picked up what was left of its fading reigns, yanking at them for the creature to slow, and extending her arm out to grab onto anything on the side of the cart.

Whatever wood she'd hurt herself on while trying to reattach herself back onto the cart -- it hurt like a son of a gun. Her arm was not supposed to bend like that, NIGHT was sure. Uttering a set of curses, she pulled herself over onto the collection of sacks on their wagon's back and rubbed her shoulder, letting out a breath in finality, in relief.

@Zajcica

Spoiler

ID: 147147 | BD: 9 (4, +5)
<<Galaxy Destroyer>> vs Elven Rider #3.
22 * 13 = 286 DMG | 286 - 15 = 271 DMG

Elven Rider #3 | HP: -82/250 (-271) | DMG: 80 | MIT: 15

[1] NIGHT | HP: 910/910 | EN: 61/88 (+1, -9) | ACC: 5 | DMG: 22 | EVA: 2 | PARAV(O): 1 | PARAV-D: 1 | LD: 2
[4] Zajcica | HP: 590/590 | EN: 49/56 | DMG: 4 | MIT: 92 | THORNS: 18 | REGEN: 5

[Zajcica 0]

Once the remaining horseman was the driver, that would be Yuki, slowed their horses down. Thankfully they could take a breather.

"Ren! Are you alright? You think were far enough to pull over? Where are we even going? I hope we haven't gotten off track."

Just as the cart was slowing down, another set of riders came over the hill behind them. Yuki let out a groan of frustration when she noticed them coming, but it looked like the last of the riders. One more horsebound encounter? This was Yuki's territory, and she wasn't going to be beaten by a bunch of loser guards that couldn't even keep up with her.

"Hold on! Hyah!" Her boots spurred the horse back up to speed, slowly gaining the lead and matching the other horsemen. They caught up quickly with the team, the first two deflected her lance with ease and the second one slammed his horse into the one she was riding, trying to make swings on the tank while she tried to keep her balance on the horse and keep them going straight. She pulled him in and bashed her head against hers, forcing him off her. "Stay off me, bastard!"

@NIGHT

Elven Rider #1 | HP: 250/250 | DMG: 80 | MIT: 15
Elven Rider #2 | HP: 250/250 | DMG: 80 | MIT: 15
Elven Rider #3 | HP: 250/250 | DMG: 80 | MIT: 15 

[0, 0, 0] NIGHT | HP: 910/910 | EN: 78/88 (-10) | ACC: 5 | DMG: 22 | EVA: 2 | PARAV(O): 1 | PARAV-D: 1 | LD: 2
[1, 1, 1] Zajcica | HP: 590/590 | EN: 43/56 | DMG: 4 | MIT: 92 | THORNS: 18 | REGEN: 5

[NIGHT 0]

And here she thought their scuffle was over. Ah, well. C'est la vie, she supposed.

Careful not to use her blade to rise, NIGHT scrambled to her feet, slowly starting to get used to the rumblings of their carriage. She spied three more targets, coming up to Yuki's side, as the bluster of the wind set her hair aflutter, the rush of her risk taken from earlier waning off her systems now. Pulling Thunderstorm to her front, she rested her empty palm on its hilt once again, and channeled her will into setting it aflame.

The purple edge of her sword crackled with electrical energy, a vibrant cool hue pulsating down its darkened blade. Good. Watch them eat this--

Two swings of her weapon, NIGHT stepping onto the coachman's seat to close her distance between her opponents, and she blasted out two waves of sizzling light tainted in violet. As they crashed upon her targets, the riders and their equine mounts stalled in a scurry of yelps, the zaps of lightning rendering their forms immobile. They left the wagon behind, movements slowing, but that was only half the pursuers.

There was still one more standing, as they slowed and focused their attention onto NIGHT.

One jab through her armor -- though NIGHT wouldn't allow her attacker to walk away unharmed. A swipe of the levin edge was enough to cause the elf to rethink their efforts.

And then her armor's venom sank in. Her opponent's horse slowed, as their rider went slack, though the player didn't spend her time observing their fall. Her attention went back to Yuki, the knight worried her mounted friend was getting tired of the chase. "I think I'm doing fine," she hollered. "Just keep going, it's bound to be straight ahead!"

It was only a guess. She could check in with Fleur later on.

@Zajcica

Spoiler

ID: 147301 | BD: 7 (2, +5) | MD: 6 (8, -2)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Elven Rider #1.
22 * 12 = 264 DMG | 264 - 15 = 249 DMG
Elven Rider #1 attacks NIGHT! (-80 HP)
> Elven Rider #1 is paralyzed! It may be unable to move!

ID: 147299 | BD: 13 (8, +5)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Elven Rider #2.
22 * 12 = 264 DMG | 264 - 15 = 249 DMG
> Elven Rider #2 is paralyzed! It may be unable to move!

ID: 147297 | BD: 13 (8, +5)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Elven Rider #3.
22 * 12 = 264 DMG | 264 - 15 = 249 DMG
> Elven Rider #3 is paralyzed! It may be unable to move!

Elven Rider #1 | HP: 1/250 (-249) | DMG: 80 | MIT: 15 | PARALYZED
Elven Rider #2 | HP: 1/250 (-249) | DMG: 80 | MIT: 15 | PARALYZED
Elven Rider #3 | HP: 1/250 (-249) | DMG: 80 | MIT: 15 | PARALYZED

[1, 1, 1] NIGHT | HP: 830/910 (-80) | EN: 47/88 (+1, -15) | ACC: 5 | DMG: 22 | EVA: 2 | PARAV-O: 1 | PARAV-D: 1 | LD: 2
[1, 1, 1] Zajcica | HP: 590/590 | EN: 47/56 | DMG: 4 | MIT: 92 | THORNS: 18 | REGEN: 5

!!! Disclaimer: Discarding roll #147294. Reason: No purpose stated.