[F09 - SP] <<The Gatekeeper of Fire>>

[Bahr 0]

Spoiler

STATS
LEVEL - 61
HP - 1250
EN - 122
DMG - 19
MIT - 79
ACC - 3
EVA - 4
FALLEN - 12
HOLY - 6
HOLY BLESSING - 24
BATTLE HEALING - 62
PHASE

HOME BUFFS
» WELL RESTED
     ➥ -1 EN FOR THE FIRST THREE TURNS OF COMBAT
» RELAXED
     ➥ +15 TO OUT OF COMBAT HP REGENERATION
     ➥ FULL ENERGY REGENERATION AFTER TWO POSTS OUT OF COMBAT
» SQUEAKY CLEAN
     ➥ REDUCE INCOMING DOT DAMAGE BY 25% FOR FIRST INCOMING DOT INFLICTED IN THREAD
» FILLING
     ➥ INCREASE EFFECTIVENESS OF A SINGLE CONSUMED FOOD ITEM IN A THREAD BY +1 T1 SLOT
» ITEM STASH
     ➥ +1 BATTLE-READY INVENTORY SLOT
» DELICIOUS
     ➥ COMBINE 3 IDENTICAL FOOD ITEMS INTO A FEAST ONCE PER THREAD
» SKYLIGHT EXTENDED MOD LIMIT
     ➥ EXTENDED MOD LIMIT EXPERTISE INCREASE BY 1
» ANGLER
     ➥ +1 MATERIAL GAINED WHILE FISHING
» MULTIPURPOSE
     ➥ GAIN +1 TO LD, STEALTH RATING, STEALTH DETECTION, OR PROSPERITY TO ONE POST IN A THREAD
     ➥ CAN BE APPLIED AFTER THE ROLL
» DECOR: <<SPOOKY AMENITY>>
     ➥ REDUCE INCOMING DOT DAMAGE BY 5% FOR FIRST INCOMING DOT INFLICTED IN THREAD

SKILLS

NON-COMBAT SKILLS
» EXTENDED MOD LIMIT R1 >>> R2 WITH SKYLIGHT BUFF
     ➥ PASSIVE
     ➥ ALLOWS FOR THE USE ONE 1 >>> 2 ADDITIONAL MODS
» FISHING

COMBAT SKILLS
» PARRY
     ➥ POST ACTION
     ➥ REDUCE FINAL DAMAGE OF NEXT ATTACK AGAINST YOU BY 50% (ROUNDED DOWN) AND NEGATES STUN/PARALYSIS EFFECT OF THAT ATTACK
          ➥ COOLDOWN: 2 TURNS
» BATTLE HEALING R5
     ➥ PASSIVE
     ➥ WHILE IN COMBAT, USER HEALS FOR 5% (62 HP) OF THEIR MAX HP EACH TURN

EXTRA SKILLS
» DISGUISE
     ➥ FREE ACTION
     ➥ +1 EVA UNTIL START OF YOUR NEXT TURN
          ➥ COOLDOWN: 3 TURNS
» MEDITATION
     ➥ POST ACTION
     ➥ RECOVER AN ADDITIONAL 15 ENERGY - GETTING HIT BY AN ATTACK BEFORE YOUR NEXT TURN REDUCES ADDITIONAL ENERGY RECOVERY TO 9
          ➥ COOLDOWN: 3 TURNS

WEAPON SKILLS
» TWO-HANDED STRAIGHT SWORD R5
     ➥ +7 DMG WHEN TWO-HANDED WEAPON IS EQUIPPED

ARMOR SKILLS
» LIGHT ARMOR R5
     ➥ +25 MIT

MODS
» LIGHT ARMOR MOD: ATHLETICS
     ➥ PASSIVE
     ➥ +1 DMG WHEN WEARING LIGHT ARMOR
     ➥ +30 HP WHEN WEARING LIGHT ARMOR
» LIGHT ARMOR MOD: SPRINT & ACROBATICS
     ➥ PASSIVE
     ➥ +1 EVA WHEN WEARING LIGHT ARMOR
» PARRY MOD: JUSTIFIED RIPOSTE
     ➥ POST ACTION: COMBINE WITH PARRY
     ➥ SUCCESSFUL PARRY STUNS OPPONENT
          ➥ COOLDOWN: 3 TURNS
» WEAPON MOD: PRECISION
     ➥ PASSIVE
     ➥ +1 ACC
» WEAPON MOD: TWO-HANDED STRAIGHT SWORD FEROCITY
     ➥ PASSIVE
     ➥ +1 DMG WHEN USING 2HSS SWORD ARTS
» WEAPON MOD: TWO-HANDED STRAIGHT SWORD FINESSE R3
     ➥ PASSIVE
     ➥ REDUCES THE EN COST OF TWO-HANDED STRAIGHT SWORD SWORD ARTS BY 3

EQUIPMENT

WEAPON
» [EQUIPPED] "DAWN'S DEMISE" - TWO-HANDED STRAIGHT SWORD (T3 - DEMONIC)
     ➥ FALLEN 2
          ➥ +12 TO BASE DAMAGE ON NATURAL ROLLS OF 6-8
     ➥ HOLY
          ➥ +6 TO BASE DAMAGE ON NATURAL ROLLS OF 9 OR HIGHER
     ➥ PHASE
          ➥ IGNORES 50% OF MIT ON NATURAL ROLLS OF 9 OR HIGHER

ARMOR
» [EQUIPPED] "BLOODSTAINED COAT" - LIGHT ARMOR (T3 - DEMONIC)
     ➥ +54 MIT
     ➥ +1 EVA
     ➥ HOLY BLESSING
          ➥ AFTER TAKING DAMAGE, USER HEALS 24 HP AT THE BEGINNING OF THE FOLLOWING TURN

TRINKET
» [EQUIPPED] "EAGLE'S EYE" - TRINKET (T1 - DEMONIC)
     ➥ +2 EVA
     ➥ +2 ACC

FAMILIAR
» [EQUIPPED] SWINE BAJESUS R3
     ➥ +9 DMG

Yeah, he'd heard the rumors. 

New Cerberus, huh? Cute. There had been rumors stirring about how difficult this new iteration was. But, truthfully, how hard could it actually be? If it were truly as powerful as the info brokers would like for you to believe, then hopefully it would be a fair match for Bahr. Without even meaning to be arrogant - he hadn't seen much in the way of a challenge as of late. Things had been a little too easy. Though, to be fair, he had been coasting a bit.

Man, this heat. He'd almost forgotten what it was like.

When was the last time he'd come here? Well, it was the only time he had come here. To slay the original Cerberus. Bahr recalled that, even at his low level at the time, he still managed to fell the beast with a single swing. In Tier 1. With a rare weapon. Hopefully this one proved to be a tad more resilient.

TITAN'S STRENGTH CONSUMED. (+3 DMG)
 

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 1250-30=1220/1250 | EN: 122/122 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 79 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 4 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 62 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.

 

[Bahr 0]

Bahr had heard that there was a new Cerberus roaming the ninth floor. What he hadn't heard was that it came attached with a gaggle of Hell Hounds that protected its lair. Three in total, they came out of the proverbial woodwork one after another shortly after he'd started his journey, circling around the Crimson Marauder and waiting for an appropriate opening to strike. He'd be lying if he said their presence wasn't at least a little intimidating and oppressive, but he wasn't overly worried about it. They were, after all, simply the ads.

They all leapt toward him at the same time, apparently throwing caution to the wind in their impatience. He sidestepped the one that had been closest when it lunged, narrowly avoiding the attack while sizing up retaliation against the others. He let Dawn's Demise fly, and it let the dogs fly. Sparks flew from their bodies as the steel met with their hides, showering Bahr and sapping away a smidgen of his HP.
 

Spoiler

Encounter: Infernal Hell Hound 1
HP: 350
DMG: 125/150/175
MIT: 45
ACC: 2
EVA: 2
THNS: 25
<< Burning Bite >> : On successful attacks, the player is inflicted with "Burn" at Tier 3 maximum cap. [36 Unmitigatable Damage for 2 turns.]
<< Infernal Soul >> : On a critical attacks, this monster gains additional damage. [ 9 = 25 | 10 = 50 ]

Encounter: Infernal Hell Hound 2
HP: 350
DMG: 125/150/175
MIT: 45
ACC: 2
EVA: 2
THNS: 25
<< Burning Bite >> : On successful attacks, the player is inflicted with "Burn" at Tier 3 maximum cap. [36 Unmitigatable Damage for 2 turns.]
<< Infernal Soul >> : On a critical attacks, this monster gains additional damage. [ 9 = 25 | 10 = 50 ]

Encounter: Infernal Hell Hound 3
HP: 350
DMG: 125/150/175
MIT: 45
ACC: 2
EVA: 2
THNS: 25
<< Burning Bite >> : On successful attacks, the player is inflicted with "Burn" at Tier 3 maximum cap. [36 Unmitigatable Damage for 2 turns.]
<< Infernal Soul >> : On a critical attacks, this monster gains additional damage. [ 9 = 25 | 10 = 50 ]

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 1220+62+24=1250-30-25=1195/1250 | EN: 122-14=108/122 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 79 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 5 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 62 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
Bahr used Disguise, +1 EVA
Bahr used [x12 AoE] Calamity Disaster, -9 EN

Infernal Hell Hound 1: HP: 350/350 | DMG: 125/150/175 | MIT: 45 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 25 | BRN: 36
ID: 153646 | BD: 4+3-2=5, Miss | MD: 4, Miss

Infernal Hell Hound 2: HP: 350-219=131/350 | DMG: 125/150/175 | MIT: 45 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 25 | BRN: 36
ID: 153647 | BD: 5+3-2=6, Hit for 22x12=264-45=219 DMG | FLAME AURA DEALS 25 DMG | MD: 2, Miss

Infernal Hell Hound 3: HP: 350-303=47/350 | DMG: 125/150/175 | MIT: 45 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 25 | BRN: 36
ID: 153648 | BD: 9 | HOLY ACTIVATED | Crit for 29x12=348-45=303 DMG | MD: 6, Miss

-14 ENERGY TOTAL ("Well Rested" House Buff reduces EN expenditure by 1.)

 

[Bahr 0]

Come to think of it, there was something else draining his health, also. There was no way Flame Aura had dealt so much. A quick glance at his status bar revealed that he was indeed suffering a penalty from an outside source. "It's so hot I'm taking damage?" Bahr mused incredulously. Of course it was hot - he was basically standing in a volcano. But he'd never suffered damage just by merely being on this floor before, had he?

No time to the think about it. The Hounds had assembled in front of him, and were slowly inching forward. They bore their teeth to him and snarled, low rumbles emanating from each of their throats as they did everything they could to intimidate the man before them. Unfortunately for them, they'd revealed their hand with their last attack, and Bahr was now aware that they posed no true threat to him. So rather than wait for them to come to him, he dashed forward to them. A signature whine of a Sword Art charging up, and a glint from Dawn's Demise as it tore through the lot, and it was over.
 

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 1195+62+24=1250-30-25-25-25=1145/1250 | EN: 108+1-14=95/122 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 79 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 4 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 62 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
Disguise cooldown: 1/3
Bahr used [x12 AoE] Calamity Disaster, -9 EN

Infernal Hell Hound 1: HP: 350-363=0/350 | DMG: 125/150/175 | MIT: 45 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 25 | BRN: 36
ID: 153650 | BD: 7 | FALLEN ACTIVATED | Hit for 34x12=408-45=363 DMG | FLAME AURA DEALS 25 DMG | Infernal Hell Hound 1 defeated

Infernal Hell Hound 2: HP: 131-219=0/350 | DMG: 125/150/175 | MIT: 45 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 25 | BRN: 36
ID: 153651 | BD: 5+3-2=6, Hit for 22x12=264-45=219 DMG | FLAME AURA DEALS 25 DMG | Infernal Hell Hound 2 defeated

Infernal Hell Hound 3: HP: 47-363=0/350 | DMG: 125/150/175 | MIT: 45 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 25 | BRN: 36
ID: 153652 | BD: 7 | FALLEN ACTIVATED | Hit for 34x12=408-45=363 DMG | FLAME AURA DEALS 25 DMG | Infernal Hell Hound 3 defeated

-14 ENERGY TOTAL ("Well Rested" House Buff reduces EN expenditure by 1.)

 

[Bahr 0]

Now that the Hounds had been dispatched, Bahr could set his sights on the main prize. He remembered the first Cerberus he'd fought. How it had fallen so easily. And the banter they'd shared together. It was the first mob that he'd met that could talk and, come to think of it, probably the only mob he'd seen talk so far. A part of him wondered if this one was capable of speaking as well. There was somewhat of a hope that this was the case. 

For right now, recuperating was the right call. It wasn't that he'd sustained any sufficiently noteworthy damage during the short skirmish, just that there was no telling what laid in store for him up ahead. If it was indeed as powerful as the tales foretold, Bahr would want every molecule of energy his limit would allow. Going in against the beast with anything less but absolute maximum effort wouldn't only be reckless - it would be foolish.
 

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 1145+62+24-30=1201/1250 | EN: 95+1=96/122 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 79 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 4 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 62 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.

 

[Bahr 0]

On the other hand, there was the possibility that this thing might turn out to be a massive disappointment. The first had, so why was Bahr to assume that this one would be any different? Perhaps if he had talked to someone who had faced off against the creature once already, he would have been able to glean someone sort of understanding as to what his expectations should have been. No doubt, some of his peers had already hunted the creature down. He'd just been so out of touch that he hadn't thought to ask any of them.

That being said, there was a certain novelty in going after something like this without knowing what to expect. A sense of wonder that Bahr had long become numb to. Though he would never be able to reclaim the excitement of his earlier travels outside the walls of the Town of Beginnings, there was still a small spark there. Maybe, in heat like this, he could stoke it from a spark, to an ember, to a fire, and to an inferno.

But he wasn't holding his breath.
 

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 1201+62+24=1250-30=1220/1250 | EN: 122/122 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 79 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 4 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 62 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
"Relaxed" House Buff completely restores EN.

 

[Bahr 0]

Then he found it. It was a truly monstrous thing, much larger than the one he'd fought before. Bahr grinned up at the creature. 

"Aww, little puppy wanna go for a walk?" he taunted. The monster did not reply. "Ah. How boring. The last one talked."

Dawn's Demise began to burn with the same red-hot intensity that blanketed the rest of the landscape. Bahr took a single step back, then dashed forward, leaping into the air with his sights set on the most pronounced and closest head. Just as he was about to make contact, one of the other heads lurched forward and sunk its teeth deep into him sending a searing hot flash through his entire body before tossing him aside like a forgotten plaything.

"I REMEMBER YOU, MORTAL."

It's voice was deafening, causing the earth to tremble beneath its pressure. Bahr slowly pushed himself up, still feeling the heat coursing through him.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK OF ME NOW, I WONDER?"
 

Spoiler

Encounter: Cerberus, Inferno's Rage
<< Bringing Hell >> : "Cerberus, Inferno's Rage" gains 1 attack for each head alive.
<< One at a Time >> : Players can only target one Head at a time before hitting another. AoE's do not work on this boss.
<< Burning Bite >> : On successful attacks, the player is inflicted with "Burn" dealing 36 unmitigatable damage for 2 turns.
<< Infernal Punishment >> : On a critical attacks, this boss gains additional damage and will phase through 50% of the target's mitigation on all attacks this turn. [ 9 = 25 | 10 = 75 ]
<< Bloodless >> : This boss is immune to all status effects.

Cerberus Head 1
HP: 500
DMG: 175/200/250
MIT: 75
ACC: 3
EVA: 2
THNS: 30
PHASE

Cerberus Head 2
HP: 500
DMG: 175/200/250
MIT: 75
ACC: 3
EVA: 2
THNS: 30
PHASE

Cerberus Head 3
HP: 500
DMG: 175/200/250
MIT: 75
ACC: 3
EVA: 2
THNS: 30
PHASE

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 1220+62+24=1250-30-210=1010/1250 | EN: 122-1=121/122 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 79 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 4 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 62 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
Bahr used [x13] Galaxy Destroyer against Cerberus Head 1, -1 EN FOR MISS ("Well Rested" House Buff reduces EN expenditure by 1.)

Cerberus Head 1: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153654 | BD: 1, Miss | MD: 4

Cerberus Head 2: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153655 | BD: x | MD: 5

Cerberus Head 3: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153656 | BD: x | MD: 10, Crit for 250-40=210 DMG | BURN INFLICTED

 

[Bahr 0]

"I think you've been hitting the gym," Bahr muttered as he finally pushed him himself to stand up straight and regard his opponent. Cerberus, who'd been more talkative only a moment before, fell silent one again. "That was a neat trick. But I've got tricks of my own."

Just then, Bahr's figure became shrouded in infinitely cascading glitchy fractals. The components of his body swayed and ebbed and flowed, splintering off in endless directions. No sooner had the cloak of confusion been implemented than Bahr dashed forward again, aiming for the same head as before. But as he neared, it became clear that the other head he had neglected last time was closing in. 

So he twisted his body midair as best he could, planted Dawn's Demise between himself and the jagged rows of teeth that came uncomfortably close, and was repelled. He landed, and Disguise faded. Seemed even that wasn't necessarily going to work.
 

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 1010+62+24-30-36=1030/1250 | EN: 121+1-2=120/122 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 79 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 5 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 62 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
BURN inflicts 36 damage. (Turn 1/2)
Bahr used Disguise, +1 EVA
Bahr used [x13] Galaxy Destroyer against Cerberus Head 1, -2 EN FOR MISS

Cerberus Head 1: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153658 | BD: 3, Miss | MD: 4, Miss

Cerberus Head 2: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153659 | BD: x | MD: 7+3-5=5, Miss

Cerberus Head 3: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153660 | BD: x | MD: 1, Miss

 

[Bahr 0]

What was Bahr to do? When he'd fought Cerberus before, it was as easy as attacking all three heads at the same time. He managed to score a hit against all three, and they fell. It had been so easy, in fact, that he'd nearly forgotten about the quest until hearing this one existed. The way that this new Cerberus moved, it was clearly impossible to get a bead on all three of the heads at the same time. He'd need to be quick on his feet, and more elusive.

So he used his speed to his advantage. Dashed forward, then feinted to the right. Flanking from the side, Bahr leapt into the air and finally managed to score a hit against the damn thing. It was a good one, too, reducing its individual health bar by a substantial amount. One more good hit like that, and it would be toast.

Unfortunately for Bahr, a few more good hits from Cerberus, and he would be done in as well. Despite scoring a hit against one head, the others weren't dazed along with it, and one managed to gnash his frame between its teeth before spitting him back out again.
 

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 1030+62+24-30-36-210=840/1250 | EN: 120+1-10=111/122 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 79 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 4 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 62 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
BURN inflicts 36 damage, then expires. (Turn 2/2)
Disguise cooldown: Turn 1/3
Bahr used [x13] Galaxy Destroyer against Cerberus Head 1, -10 EN

Cerberus Head 1: HP: 500-352=148/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153661 | BD: 10 | HOLY ACTIVATES | 30x13=390-38=352 DMG | MD: 3, Miss

Cerberus Head 2: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153662 | BD: x | MD: 10, Crit for 250-40=210 DMG | BURN INFLICTED

Cerberus Head 3: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153663 | BD: x | MD: 3, Miss

 

[Bahr 0]

There was simply too many of them. They were more durable, more powerful, and more coordinated than before. Bahr knew that using the same technique over and over again wasn't a great way to go about it, considering his track record in the fight thus far, but he needed to get at least one of those heads removed. If he could do that, he stood a chance. 

So he repeated his strategy from the time before. Dashed forward, feinted to the left this time, took a flank, and leapt up toward the head he'd been thwacking this whole time. He used a quicker Sword Art this time - Calamitous Tragedy - in the hopes that it would allow him the speed to not only hit the thing before it evaded, but also enough time to recover and defend against whatever head decided to attack him thereafter. By the skin of his teeth, he managed to hit the thing, and the head consequently exploded into a cloud of polygonal fractals. 

He managed to recover quickly enough to not take the full brunt of another chomp, too. He still took damage as the beast raked its teeth across his shoulder, but it was unable to catch him in its maw this time. 

One down. Less threat. He could do this.
 

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 840+62+24-30-36-30-96=734/1250 | EN: 111+1-9=103/122 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 79 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 4 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 62 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
BURN inflicts 36 damage, then expires. (Turn 1/2)
Disguise cooldown: Turn 2/3
Bahr used [x12] Calamitous Tragedy against Cerberus Head 1, -9 EN

Cerberus Head 1: HP: 148-189=0/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153664 | BD: 5+3-2=6, Hit for 22x12=264-75=189 DMG | FLAME AURA INFLICTS 30 DMG | Cerberus Head 1 defeated

Cerberus Head 2: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153665 | BD: x | MD: 8+3-4=7, Hit for 175-79=96 | BURN REFRESHED

Cerberus Head 3: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153666 | BD: x | MD: 2, Miss

 

[Bahr 0]

Reinvigorated by having destroyed one of the heads, Bahr dashed forth with all of the tenacity he could muster. If he closed in on the beast before it recuperated, there was a possibility that he could score a hit unscathed. So he lit up his sword with Tempest, ran in, and promptly got his ass handed to him. 

They were ready. They knew exactly what he had planned. And not only had they managed to parry him, they both got to take turns taking him apart. One of the heads tossed his ragdollish body to the next in a proverbial game of catch before finally turning him loose.

He skittered across the ground, and didn't immediately get up once he had finally come to a stop. His heath was in the yellow, and he was losing more and more by the second. He had a plan, but if he couldn't get his damn attacks to hit, it wouldn't matter. It seemed that they were both absolutely capable of hitting him turn after turn after turn, but he wasn't similarly capable. 

He was, at one point. What had happened to him?
 

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 734+62+24-30-36-96-96=562/1250 | EN: 103+1-2=102/122 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 79 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 4 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 62 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
BURN inflicts 36 damage, then expires. (Turn 1/2)
Disguise cooldown: Turn 3/3
Bahr used [x8 AoE Stun] Tempest against Cerberus Head 2, -2 EN FOR MISS

Cerberus Head 2: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153667 | BD: 2, Miss | MD: 7+3-4=6, Hit for 175-79=96 | BURN REFRESHED

Cerberus Head 3: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153668 | BD: x | MD: 8+3-4=7, Hit for 175-79=96

 

[Bahr 0]

As he attempted to get back up, the beast was already upon him. Clawing at him, stomping on him, raking its massive teeth against his body. He was powerless to stop it. For a brief moment, he wondered if there was actually a chance that he might not make it out of this. He hadn't brought a teleport crystal, because he hadn't figured he would need it. After all, it was a level 50 mob. He was level 61. There was no reason to believe that it should have been able to beat him. In fact, it shouldn't have been able to beat him. Something had gone horribly awry.

For now, all he could do was suffer the abuse until he had an opportunity to free himself from it. In the meantime, he considered his options. He could continue to fight, and risk death. Or, he attempt a Parry, and see if that did anything for him. Or he could flee.

So far, fleeing was the only thing that sounded viable. 
 

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 562+62+24-30-36-96-160=326/1250 | EN: 102+1-2=101/122 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 79 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 4 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 62 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
BURN inflicts 36 damage, then expires. (Turn 1/2)
Bahr used [x8 AoE Stun] Tempest against Cerberus Head 2, -2 EN FOR MISS

Cerberus Head 2: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153669 | BD: 4, Miss | MD: 9, Hit for 200-40=160 DMG | BURN REFRESHED

Cerberus Head 3: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153670 | BD: x | MD: 8+3-4=7, Hit for 175-79=96 DMG

 

[Bahr 0]

At some point, he got a reprieve. And as soon as that reprieve occurred, he scrambled to his feet and started running. 

Bahr had never been the sort of person to flee in Aincrad. He'd always imagined that if he were to die here, he would die fighting. He never had any inclination, or desire, to run away from a fight. Even in the most dire of circumstances, he would press on, and things would always work out. But this time, he suspected that wasn't the case.

Had it missed even a single time yet? Bahr couldn't recall. He'd been thrashed so thoroughly that there was no telling. In his frenzy, it wasn't exactly like he had the time to stop and dissect the situation, either. All he had time to do was run.

But when he looked back over his shoulder, he could see that the Guardian of Fire was still chasing him. It scored a hit, but Bahr paid it as little mind as possible. He stayed focused on getting away.
 

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 326+62+24-30-36-96=250/1250 | EN: 102+1-2=101/122 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 79 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 4 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 62 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
BURN inflicts 36 damage, then expires. (Turn 1/2)
Bahr attempts to flee.
ID: 153672 | LD: 4, failed to flee.

Cerberus Head 2: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153672 | BD: x | MD: 3, Miss

Cerberus Head 3: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153673 | BD: x | MD: 8+3-4=7, Hit for 175-79=96 DMG | BURN REFRESHED

 

[Bahr 0]

It occurred to him somewhere amidst all the running that perhaps the reason Bahr had chosen now as a time to flee was because now he actually had something to live for. There were people counting on him. If he were to die now, he'd leave a gaping hole in the space he'd occupied in the lives of the many people he'd met. He wouldn't be able to forgive himself for that, and he knew that there were others who wouldn't be able to forgive him, either.

So he ran. And ran. And ran. Occasionally looking back over his shoulder, only to see that the creature was still giving chase. He'd put enough distance between himself and it at this point that he no longer feared taking additional damage - but knew that if he let up even a little bit, it would find him. His health was low enough now that one good chomp would do him in for good. The only way to prevent that was to keep running.
 

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 250+62+24-30-36=270/1250 | EN: 102+1-2=101/122 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 79 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 4 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 62 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
BURN inflicts 36 damage, then expires. (Turn 1/2)
Bahr attempts to flee.
ID: 153675 | LD: 9+1=10, partial success to flee.

Cerberus Head 2: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: x | BD: x | MD: x

Cerberus Head 3: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: x | BD: x | MD: x

 

[Bahr 0]

What would he be doing now if he'd never put on this damned NervGear? Going to college by now, maybe? Perhaps have started a life? Have kids? Maybe he was working a boring office job that wasn't interesting, but nonetheless cushy and comfortable. Maybe he'd be coaching a little league team. Maybe he'd be fighting with whoever his girlfriend was - if he even had one. Or maybe, they wouldn't be fighting at all.

Certainly, whatever he would be doing would not be running from the world's most stubborn goddamn fire dog thing.

Of course, if he hadn't have dawned the NerveGear, he wouldn't have experienced anything in Aincrad. Good or bad. And after having been stuck here for so many years, it had become as much a part of him as any other period in his life. A permanent fixture. Would he even be who he is today without having suffered through the perilous endeavors the floating castle had to offer?
 

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 270+62+24-30-36=290/1250 | EN: 102+1-2=101/122 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 79 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 4 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 62 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
BURN inflicts 36 damage, then expires. (Turn 2/2)
Bahr attempts to flee.
ID: 153677 | LD: 11+2=13, partial success to flee.

Cerberus Head 2: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: x | BD: x | MD: x

Cerberus Head 3: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: x | BD: x | MD: x

 

[Bahr 0]

He wouldn't have met Lessa, and changed in all of the ways that she had changed him. Then again, if he hadn't met her, he wouldn't be on the brink of crushing her heart right now. If he tripped, it was all over. If he got tired, it was all over. If he took a wrong turn and wound up in a dead end, it was all over. If the mob simply decided to become faster somehow, it was all over. Any one of these possibilities left her in the world without him. And though he knew she'd survive, he couldn't bear the thought of leaving her in a condition like that. 

So, he kept running. Just as he'd been doing for the past hour. Jaunting over the ledges. Skittering around the corners. Doing everything in his power to outrun a monster that didn't seem possible to outrun. Nobody around to help. No teleport crystal to call on. Virtually no hope.
 

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 290+62+24-30=346/1250 | EN: 102+1-2=101/122 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 79 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 4 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 62 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
Bahr attempts to flee.
ID: 153678 | LD: 11+3=14, partial success to flee.

Cerberus Head 2: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: x | BD: x | MD: x

Cerberus Head 3: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: x | BD: x | MD: x

 

[Bahr 0]

It had gotten to the point where Bahr's mind had gone completely blank. He didn't even know how his lung were still able to extrapolate enough oxygen from the hot and sticky air to keep his legs moving. Surely, if this were the real world, his body would have given out ages ago, and he would have been ripe for the slaughter. He had abandoned any notion of looking back behind him to see if the beast was still giving chase, as all it did was slow him down. What he needed was the speed. So he kept going.

Eventually, his body did give out. His legs had become tired and lost the rigidity that they'd had before, sending him tumbling out of control. The inertia caused him to roll for a bit, but eventually he did come to a stop. And when he did, he saw that there were no longer any mobs around him. Miraculously, one way or another, he'd managed to evade certain death.
 

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 346+62+24-30=402/1250 | EN: 102+1-2=101/122 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 79 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 4 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 62 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
Bahr attempts to flee.
ID: 153679 | LD: 13+4=17, fleed successfully.

 

[Bahr 0]

He laid there for awhile, in complete and utter disbelief. He'd only managed to destroy one of the heads of that creature, much less even touch one of the other ones. Had others managed to defeat this thing? And if they had, what did that say about Bahr? He'd always prided himself on being one of the strongest players in Aincrad. If others could beat it, but he couldn't what did that say?

Was he really anywhere near as powerful as he thought he was? 

His emotional state wasn't an easy one to describe. The adrenaline of his near death experience still coursed through his veins, and made it almost impossible to lay still on the ground. It was the exhaustion that filled that blank in for him. There was disgust, and embarrassment, and shame. An overwhelming feeling of inferiority. And underneath all of that, an unyielding rage. The sensation was unlike anything he'd ever felt before. 

[Bahr 0]

A closed fist pounded the ground beside him. He was sure that he could have beaten that thing. Absolutely sure of it. He'd taken on bigger, tougher mobs in the past without issue. And with inferior gear to what he was wearing now. An inferior level. Fewer skills. Less health. Why had this thing managed to trounce him so pitifully? What was it about this mob that forced Bahr to run away like a powerless vagrant, tail between his legs, absolutely useless over his own fate save for the ability to make his legs carry him in a direction marginally faster than the thing chasing him?

He'd never, ever experienced this before. And it was absolutely earth shattering. How was he to have the confidence to fight anything after that? It was one thing to be beaten. Another thing entirely to be dismissed like worthless trash, then chased to the edges of Aincrad. There wasn't a single moment Bahr could think of more humiliating than this. And though there was nobody around to witness it, it didn't suppress the sting.

[Bahr 0]

When he'd finally had his fill of laying around in the heat, he shakily pushed himself up and to his feet. A cursory glance around revealed no mobs or players, but his fight or flight response hadn't yet settled. He could feel eyes on him that he consciously knew weren't there. Judging him. Laughing at him. Or, perhaps, viewing him as weakened prey. He was still ripe for the picking. Who was to say that the moment he rounded that corner, he wouldn't be ambushed by any variety of mobs or players alike? Everything about this made his skin crawl.

The only thing he knew for certain was that he needed to get the hell out of there. Regroup. Figure out exactly what it was that he needed to kill that thing, then come back and annihilate it. Bahr had wanted a challenge, sure. But this sort of embarrassment? It had become personal.

There was no shame in admitting he was wrong. Bahr knew that. But he felt immense shame in having had to run the way he had. He needed to make sure that when he came back for round two, there would be no running.

[Bahr 0]

So he opened up his map to get his bearing, selected a route to the nearest town, and plotted the course. A trip to the guild vault and a trusty Merchant would do the trick. Buffs. Debuffs. A teleport cystal. Anything he could possibly need to put this dog in the ground where it belonged. He'd slaughtered it once before, and now it had gotten the upper hand on him. It was one to one. Bahr was going to make sure he won the tiebreaker.

Eventually, he made his way into town. Got to the teleport plaza. Announced his destination. And before he knew it, he was whisked away from the hell hole that was the ninth floor. He'd be back soon, but when he returned, things would be different. He wouldn't run. He wouldn't even be threatened. He would dominate.

Nothing was ever going to make him feel the way that he felt now ever again.

QUEST FAILED

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2 SP
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