[F09 - SP] Round Two, You Little Sh*t <<The Gatekeeper of Fire>>

[Bahr 0]

Spoiler

STATS
LEVEL - 62
HP - 1270
EN - 124
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% (63 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
» BATTLE HEALING MOD: EMERGENCY RECOVERY
     ➥ PASSIVE
     ➥ WHEN NON-LETHAL DAMAGE WOULD REDUCE THE USER'S HEALTH BELOW 25%, GAIN 10% HP BACK AFTER THE ATTACK RESOLVES
     ➥ CAN ONLY OCCUR ONCE PER THREAD

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

BATTLE-READY INVENTORY

» TELEPORT CRYSTAL (5)
     ➥ ALLOWS USER TO BYPASS ROLL DURING FLEE
» HYPNOSIS 2 INSTANT CRYSTAL (3)
     ➥ -2 ACC TO SINGLE TARGET
» LULLABY 2 INSTANT CRYSTAL (3)
     ➥ -2 EVA TO SINGLE TARGET
» MISPERCEPTION INSTANT CRYSTAL (3)
     ➥ REDUCE FINAL DAMAGE OF SINGLE TARGET BY 10%
» SELF HEAL RECOVERY ELIXIR COMPOUND (5)
     ➥ HEAL 180 HP

MEGA-SLIME FARM USED (+2 SP)
TITAN'S STRENGTH CONSUMED (+3 DMG)
POTION OF OBSIDIAN FLESH COMPOUND CONSUMED (+45 MIT >>> +50 MIT BY USE OF "FILLING" HOUSE BUFF)
FOCUSED DOG CONSUMED (+2 ACC)
EVASION DOG CONSUMED (+2 EVA)

"Time to settle the score, you f*cking dick," Bahr seethed as he stepped out of the teleport gate and back onto the ninth floor. He hadn't been gone long, just as promised, but he'd returned with a hasty vengeance. A fire that he hadn't felt in quite some time. He was feeling ornery, unpredictable, and powerful. When was the last time he'd consumed so many buffs, and brought along such a hefty battle ready inventory? When was the last time he'd needed to?

Truth be told, he probably actually didn't need to. He'd gotten woefully unlucky the attempt before, but he'd learned his lesson. In no way was he going to repeat the mistakes of the last time. He'd run the calcs, and though his base set should have done the job on the last attempt, there was virtually no way he could fail in his current condition.

That dog was about to turn into a bitch.

Stats

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 1270-30=1240/1250 | EN: 124/124 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 129 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 6 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 63 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.

 

[Bahr 0]

Just on time, the three precursor dogs entered the scene. Bahr didn't waste any time unsheathing Dawn's Demise and jumping straight into the fray. Perhaps he was a tad too eager to get into the fight, because not only did he miss one of his targets, but two of them managed to score hits against him. But with his enhanced mitigation, he hardly felt a thing. It was a little disappointing that these things managed to hit him this time around, though, considering they hadn't been able to lay a hand on him the time before. Perhaps this meant that this go around the luck had shifted, and the beginning ads would deal a bit of damage instead of the big bad. After all, the damn thing had managed to score a hit against him every single round the last time. That was just a mathematical improbability. Bahr knew, because he had checked the stats, and run the numbers.
 

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: 1240+62+24=1270-30-25-46-21=1148/1270 | EN: 124-14=110/124 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 129 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 6 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 63 | HB: 24

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

Infernal Hell Hound 1: HP: 350-303=47/350 | DMG: 125/150/175 | MIT: 45 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 25 | BRN: 36
ID: 153696 | BD: 9 | HOLY ACTIVATED | Crit for 29x12=348-45=303 DMG | MD: 10, Crit for 175-129=46 DMG | BURN INFLICTED

Infernal Hell Hound 2: HP: 350/350 | DMG: 125/150/175 | MIT: 45 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 25 | BRN: 36
ID: 153697 | BD: 2+5-2=5, Miss | MD: 9, Crit for 150-129=21 DMG

Infernal Hell Hound 3: HP: 350-219=131/350 | DMG: 125/150/175 | MIT: 45 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 25 | BRN: 36
ID: 153698 | BD: 5+5-2=8, Hit for 22x12=264-45=219 DMG | FLAME AURA DEALS 25 DMG | MD: 6+2-6=2, Miss

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

 

[Bahr 0]

And it was probably that, more than anything, that infuriated Bahr as much as it did. The likelihood of sustaining the damage that he did, while returning the paltry amount he managed to, was such a slim possibility that it should have never happened. If the timeline truly did splinter off in untold directions every time a decision was made, or a chance played out a certain way, then there were ninety nine version of Bahr that succeeded to each one that failed. Bahr just happened to be in this timeline.

That is, if that theory held any weight, anyways.

Dawn's Demise flicked forward, and two of the dogs met their end.One remained, but it was weakened and frightened. As Bahr approached, it cowered away. "What's the matter?" Bahr inquired as he rose his blade above his head. "You should be happy. The last batch didn't make it this far."
 

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 1148+63+24-30-36-25=1144/1270 | EN: 110+1-14=97/124 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 129 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 6 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 63 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
BURN inflicts 36 DMG. (Turn 1/2)
Bahr used [x12 AoE] Calamity Disaster, -9 EN

Infernal Hell Hound 1: HP: 47/350 | DMG: 125/150/175 | MIT: 45 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 25 | BRN: 36
ID: 153703 | BD: 1 | MD: 3, Miss

Infernal Hell Hound 2: HP: 350-363=0/350 | DMG: 125/150/175 | MIT: 45 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 25 | BRN: 36
ID: 153704 | BD: 7 | FALLEN ACTIVATED | Hit for 34x12=408-45=363 DMG | FLAME AURA DEALS 25 DMG | Infernal Hell Hound 2 defeated

Infernal Hell Hound 3: HP: 131=203=0/350 | DMG: 125/150/175 | MIT: 45 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 25 | BRN: 36
ID: 153705 | BD: 9 | HOLY ACTIVATED | Crit for 29x12=348-45=303 DMG | Infernal Hell Hound 3 defeated

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

 

[Bahr 0]

Splick!

With the dogs dispatched, Bahr took an extra moment to take inventory of his buffs, his strategy, and steel himself for what was to come. The last time he'd tangled with this beast, it had absolutely thrashed him. There wasn't a way in hell he was going to allow something like that to transpire again. He was here for the artifact it protected, and wouldn't be leaving without it. Come hell or high water, the Guardian of Fire would fall.

So he checked. Then doubled checked. Then triple checked. And just to be sure, checked again. He'd promised himself he'd never endure another embarrassment like the one he'd suffered at the hands of this monster the first go around. He was prepared, buffed, armed to the teeth, and ready to cause some mayhem. If the Guardian of Fire thought it was in for the same experience as the first time, it was in for a rude awakening. 
 

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 1144+63+24-30-36=1165/1270 | EN: 97+1-1=97/124 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 129 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 6 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 63 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
BURN inflicts 36 DMG. (Turn 2/2)
Bahr used [x5] Back Rush, -1 EN ("Well Rested" House Buff reduces EN expenditure by 1.)

Infernal Hell Hound 1: HP: 47-105=0/350 | DMG: 125/150/175 | MIT: 45 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 25 | BRN: 36
ID: 153707 | BD: 10 | HOLY ACTIVATED | 30x5=150-45=105 DMG | Infernal Hell Hound 1 defeated

 

[Bahr 0]

There was something to be said about preparation. Bahr was usually a man who liked to rely on his own strengths, without any outside influence. There were plenty of people in Aincrad that preferred to use buffs with every excursion, and more power to them. Bahr wasn't going to judge anyone for being safe. But it wasn't his style. The confidence he earned from being able to do things on his own, without any help, was what he felt really allowed him to pull off some of the more Herculean feats he'd managed.

But it also left him vulnerable.

There wasn't an eloquent way to summarize how his last encounter with the Guardian of Fire had gone, or how it had left him feeling. No clever quip that could make it all better. Vengeance was the key. Bahr had tried to stray from such concepts, as they were violent and often unproductive. But this? This required it. He wouldn't get his confidence back until he'd earned it my plucking it back out of the jaws that had consumed it last time.

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 1165+63+24-30=1222/1270 | EN: 97+1=98/124 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 129 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 6 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 63 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.

 

[Bahr 0]

He thought back to NIGHT, and their talk on the dock. Oh, if she could see him now. It wasn't that he'd abandoned the concepts that he was trying to teach her, nor did he doubt their efficacy. He'd known when they fought those fish that they could handle them without a modicum of trouble. But this boss was different. Perhaps, even, if it were simply him and NIGHT, they could go unbuffed and it could serve as a lesson in relying on your own strength, and the strength of your closest comrades, in its most raw form. Two people would definitely be able to take this hooligan on. But for one? 

Well, maybe one day Bahr would be able to do it. Hell, he probably could do it, even unbuffed. But if things went awry again and he failed for a second time, he'd never recover. He'd sulk, and moan, and just generally be pathetic. Which was pathetic in and of itself, but Bahr knew himself. He had to make sure that he did this right.

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 1222+63+24=1270-30=1240/1270 | EN: 124-5=119/124 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 129 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 6 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 63 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
Bahr activates Parry. 

 

[Bahr 0]

As Bahr approached the monster, it took note of his presence. 

"COME TO LOSE AGAIN, MORTAL?" it bellowed.

"You caught me off guard last time," Bahr admitted, holding his arms out at his sides as a half-assed, lackadaisical shrug. "But I came prepared this time."

The Guardian of Fire laughed, all three of its heads pitched to the sky in amusement, their thunderous chuckles merging together into a sickening cacophony. 

"NO MEASURE OF PREPARATION WILL SAVE YOU."

"Don't be so cocky," Bahr countered, wagging his finger. "That's how I got my ass kicked last time. And don't forget, I've beaten you before."

"COME THEN, INSECT. EMBRACE YOUR DEATH."

Having had enough of the smack talk, Bahr obliged. He charged toward the Guardian of Fire, Dawn's Demise flickering into existence in his palm before he leapt into the air and scored a menacing blow against the one of the creature's foreheads. The visage of that particular head grimaced as the others sprung into action, stealing nips at Bahr. But this time, he was too nimble - evading one, and Parrying the other. When it was all said and done, Bahr landed before the creature, his health hardly expended whatsoever. 

"Lesgo."
 

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: 1240+63+24=1270-30-68=1172/1270 | EN: 119+1-10=110/124 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 129 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 6 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 63 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
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: 153713 | BD: 10 | HOLY ACTIVATED | 30x13=390-38=352 DMG | MD: 9, Crit for 200-65=135-50% (Parry)=68 DMG | BURN INFLICTED

Cerberus Head 2: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153714 | BD: x | MD: 6+3-6=3, Miss

Cerberus Head 3: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153715 | BD: x | MD: 3, Miss

 

[Bahr 0]

With Parry having been popped, Bahr switched to a more defensive strategy. As much as he just wanted to tear into the monster without a second thought, that was exactly what had landed him in hot water the lost time. Pun not intended. There was no water here, anyways.

Instead, he began slowly circling the creature, waiting for either it to strike or an opening to become apparent. As he'd hoped, the Guardian of Fire grew impatient with the dance, and eventually lunged forward toward the Crimson Marauder. Bahr seized the opportunity to nimbly leap into the air above the mob, avoid the clumsy attack, and come back down with enough force to lop one of the heads clean off.

It landed on the ground with a thick thud before dispersing, and Bahr simply resumed his defensive posture. He had all the time in the world. If this continued to work, there was absolutely no reason to rush it. 
 

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 1172+63+24-30-36-30=1163/1270 | EN: 110+1-10=101/124 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 129 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 6 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 63 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
BURN inflicts 36 DMG: Turn 1/2
Parry cooldown: Turn 1/2
Bahr used [x13] Galaxy Destroyer against Cerberus Head 1, -10 EN

Cerberus Head 1: HP: 148-367=0/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153719 | BD: 6 | FALLEN ACTIVATED | 34x13=442-75=367 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: 153720 | BD: x | MD: 8+3-6=5, Miss

Cerberus Head 3: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153721 | BD: x | MD: 6+3-6=3, Miss

 

[Bahr 0]

But the Guardian of Fire, it seemed, was more than happy to rush things along. With one of its heads destroyed, the other two became enraged, pitching their maws up to the sky and letting loose a deafening howl. A moment later, the creature was sprinting toward Bahr with surprising agility - enough that he would have been clocked by them without fail. Had he not come prepared.

He retrieved the crystal. Tapped it. Tossed it forward. He didn't pay any attention to the music it played, only watched for the telltale signs that the mobs he was facing was slowing down. And indeed, it did slow down just enough for Bahr to dash to the side and issue an uppercut with Dawn's Demise to one of the two remaining heads.

The other, however, managed to grab ahold of Bahr's arm with its teeth and toss him to the side. Burn working its way through him again, he knew that this was the turning point in the battle where he would really start taking damage. He only hoped he could dish it out faster than he would take it.
 

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 1163+63+24-30-36-30-185=969/1270 | EN: 101+1-10=92/124 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 129 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 6 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 63 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
BURN inflicts 36 DMG, then expires.
Parry cooldown: Turn 2/2
Free Action: Bahr deploys Lullaby 2 Instant Crystal against Cerberus Head 2, -2 EVA
Bahr used [x13] Galaxy Destroyer against Cerberus Head 2, -10 EN

Cerberus Head 2: HP: 500-211=289/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 0 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153724 | BD: 2+5=7, Hit for 22x13=286-75=211 DMG | FLAME AURA INFLICTS 30 DMG | MD: 4, Miss

Cerberus Head 3: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153725 | BD: x | MD: 10, Crit for 250-65=185 DMG | BURN INFLICTED

 

[Bahr 0]

It was coming around for another attack, but thanks to the crystal Bahr had deployed, he could read its movements now. Tell where it was going to go. Follow the line it took from there to here. He waited, lined up his shot, and let Dawn's Demise rip. It scored a direct hit against his target, but didn't manage to do it in completely. To make matters worse, it clocked Bahr during its pass and drained even more of his health. From what he could see, the burn timer was reset as well. What a joy.

Even with his buffs, this was still proving to be a formidable adversary. Perhaps his new least favorite mob in all of Aincrad. He felt as though if he had chosen to drop his pride and bring someone else along with him, things may have gone differently. But alas, he'd chosen to be a stubborn jackass, and now he stood here alone. But that wasn't a problem.

He could handle it this time.
 

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 969+63+24-30-36-30-135=825/1270 | EN: 92+1-10=83/124 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 129 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 6 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 63 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
BURN inflicts 36 DMG: Turn 1/2
Bahr used [x13] Galaxy Destroyer against Cerberus Head 2, -10 EN

Cerberus Head 2: HP: 289-211=78/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 0 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153728 | BD: 2+5=7, Hit for 22x13=286-75=211 DMG | FLAME AURA INFLICTS 30 DMG | MD: 4, Miss

Cerberus Head 3: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153729 | BD: x | MD: 9, Crit for 200-65=135 DMG | BURN REFRESHED

 

[Bahr 0]

This was starting to get repetitive. Despite having slowed the bastard down, it was still so quick that all Bahr really had to do before its next pass was prepare. There was no opportunity to go on the offensive - or defensive, for that matter. All he could do was react as best he could. 

It came around for another strike, and Bahr did the only thing his body would allow him to do. Try to jump out of the way as best he could, land a glancing blow against the head he'd been targeting, and hope for the best. The good news was that this time, he'd actually managed to turn that head into azure dust. The bad news was that yet again the other head had managed to get its teeth around a part of him.

It gripped its ankle in his maw, chewed, then spat him out like he was garbage. And despite the chagrin Bahr felt, he knew that he'd made considerable progress. This one was the only one that was left, and his victory was basically assured. 
 

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 825+63+24-30-36-185=631/1270 | EN:83+1-10=74/124 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 129 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 6 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 63 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
BURN inflicts 36 DMG: Turn 1/2
Bahr used [x13] Galaxy Destroyer against Cerberus Head 2, -10 EN

Cerberus Head 2: HP: 78-211=0/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 0 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153731 | BD: 2+5=7, Hit for 22x13=286-75=211 DMG | FLAME AURA INFLICTS 30 DMG | Cerberus Head 2 defeated

Cerberus Head 3: HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153732 | BD: x | MD: 10, Crit for 250-65=185 DMG | BURN REFRESHED

 

[Bahr 0]

But it was still barreling along. Even faster than before, in fact. It was beginning to look like Bahr would need to slow it down even more than he already had. Luckily, he'd come prepared for that contingency as well. He produced yet another Lullaby crystal, tapped it, deployed it, and watched it work its magic.

The Guardian of Fire, who apparently wasn't expecting to get slowed down a second time, stumbled and tripped as the debuff took effect. It tumbled for a moment, then slid, before coming to a stop right in front of Bahr. He carved a nice deep gash into its face, planted a boot firmly against its snout, then leaned down so he could get a good look at his new nemesis.

"Hey, look at that. I can hit you now without another head coming to save the day. It's just you and me. One on one."

"And I don't think you're gonna like it."
 

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 631+63+24-30-36-30=622/1270 | EN: 74+1-10=65/124 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 129 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 6 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 63 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
BURN inflicts 36 DMG: Turn 1/2
Free Action: Bahr deploys Lullaby 2 Instant Crystal against Cerberus Head 3, -2 EVA
Bahr used [x13] Galaxy Destroyer against Cerberus Head 3, -10 EN

Cerberus Head 3: HP: 500-211=289/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 0 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153743 | BD: 2+5=7, Hit for 22x13=286-75=211 DMG | FLAME AURA INFLICTS 30 DMG | MD: 8+3-6=5, Miss

 

[Bahr 0]

"YOU DARE SET YOUR BOOT UPON ME, MORTAL?" the beast inquired incredulously before snarling and capturing said boot between its teeth. It stung, but Bahr merely shoved his foot down the creature's throat before slashing at its face again. The combined abuse forced the Guardian of Fire to release him, and he once again planted his boot - which was now slimy with giant dog spit - atop its head.

"Tough beast to wrangle," Bahr admitted as he wiped his brow. "But we got it done, aye?" He nodded to himself. "Any last words?"

The Guardian of Fire remained silent. Not that Bahr was complaining. Thing was loud. He wouldn't be particularly thrilled if it had a speech prepared for this very moment. He'd probably cut it off midway through. No, probably right at the very beginning. Yeah, no use listening if he wasn't actually going to listen, you know? Waste of time.
 

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 622+63+24-30-36-30-185=428/1270 | EN: 65+1-10=56/124 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 129 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 6 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 63 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
BURN inflicts 36 DMG, then expires.
Bahr used [x13] Galaxy Destroyer against Cerberus Head 3, -10 EN

Cerberus Head 3: HP: 289-211=78/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 0 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153754 | BD: 2+5=7, Hit for 22x13=286-75=211 DMG | FLAME AURA INFLICTS 30 DMG | MD: 10, Crit for 250-65=185 DMG | BURN INFLICTED

 

[Bahr 0]

"... YOU ARE NOT-"

"OOOOOOKAY!" Bahr shouted in interjection as he jammed the tip of Dawn's Demise through the monster's skull, piercing through with enough force to jam it into the earth that resided at the other side. Moments later, the beast's entire frame erupted into a massive shower of azure polygonal fractals, cascading down and outward before gradually disintegrating into oblivion.

Satisfied, Bahr sheathed Dawn's Demise and took a seat cross-legged on the ground. This creature had easily been the most agonizing he'd faced solo thus far, but it wasn't without its rewards. A loot panel populated in front of him after only a few moments, putting his spoils on display. Seventy five hundred col, a decent chunk of experience, and a Cerberus Etching. It was the final reward that was of particular interest to Bahr, and the piece that he had come here to get. With this, he could turn Blinkstrike into a truly respectable weapon.
 

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 428+63+24-30-36=449/1270 | EN: 56+1-10=47/124 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 129 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 6 | FLN: 12 | HLY: 6 | PHASE | BH: 63 | HB: 24

Bahr suffers 30 unmitigatable damage from extreme heat.
BURN inflicts 36 DMG, then expires.
Bahr used [x13] Galaxy Destroyer against Cerberus Head 3, -10 EN

Cerberus Head 3: HP: 78/500 | DMG: 175/200/250 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 0 | THNS: 30 | PHASE
ID: 153756 | BD: 10 | HOLY ACTIVATED | 30x13=390-38=352 DMG | Cerberus Head 3 defeated

 

[Bahr 0]

It wasn't that Dawn's Demise wasn't a fabulous weapon. It was! But there was a part of Bahr that was beginning to wonder whether or not he was becoming too attached to both it and the power it granted him. There were few tools in Aincrad that could stand up to its versatility and raw strength, and that's exactly what worried Bahr. The line between where his strength ended and Dawn's Demise's began was wearing thinner and thinner. There was nothing inherently wrong with recognizing that he may have started becoming reliant on it - but there was an issue in recognizing that and not doing anything about it.

So he'd assembled a new set of gear, and wore that out on occasion. Just to see how well he did. And, to his delight, he found that he performed amicably with that set. Most of the time. The end conclusion was that Dawn's Demise may simply be a weapon that's only worth bringing out in the most dire of circumstances. The rest of the time, what's the point if he can get along just fine without it?

[Bahr 0]

After he'd caught his breath, Bahr began to lift himself to his feet with an unflattering grunt. He was sore - if that was even a thing that could happen in Aincrad. Stiff, perhaps, was the correct nomenclature. Yeah, that sounded right. He was stiff. And when you're stiff, and apparently becoming an old man, that's what you do when you stand. Grunt. And if you're fortunate enough to be able to extrapolate the description of such an act into an unnecessarily large quantity of words, you might just be able to find a use for such a skill one day. Might. Don't get your hopes up. 

"Where am I?" Bahr inquired to himself aloud, further cementing the old man image. His menu opened with the swipe of a finger and a jingle, and he quickly navigated to the map panel so he could investigate just where exactly he'd ended up in this hellscape. Oddly enough, the skirmish had actually brought him closer to town than when he'd started. Splendid. He dismissed the windows and began making his way there. It was high time to get the hell out of this furnace.

[Bahr 0]

On his way back, he started to notice that it wasn't as hot anymore. In fact, it felt almost... cool. A trick of the mind, perhaps, because he could still see the heat ripples raising off of nearby rocks. Likely it was the heat of the mob that had made the environment so inhospitable that it dealt damage to him every turn. Would the quest have been easier had he not been eating thirty damage to the face every few seconds simply for existing? Probably. Was there a skill to deal with that? Probably. The world may never know.

Except it would. Of course there was an easier way to do this quest. Bahr had simply neglected it because he was too eager to get back to business slaying the mob that had almost killed him. And my, did it feel good to finally have it over and done with. Words weren't adequate to express how much of a relief it was to witness himself trouncing the creature that had brought him to his knees. 

[Bahr 0]

That feeling when you take off long socks after a long day at work and then scratch your legs where the socks were hugging? It was like that. That feeling you get when you're fresh out of the shower and you stick a Q-tip in your ear and swivel it around to get all the moisture out? It was like that. That feeling you get when someone scratches you back, and you didn't even need to ask? It was like that. 

That feeling you get when someone kicks your ass, but then you come back and kick their ass later? Yeah. You get the gist.

The long and short of it was that he'd succeeded. His failure had been nullified. His confidence was back, and he knew now that he could stare down most any mob in Aincrad and proclaim, "Hey! Screw you, dude! I can just, like, pop some buffs and stuff! Yeah! But I probably don't need them." Hopefully.

[Bahr 0]

Ah, there it was. A town. Thank Christ. Any longer down here and he'd turn into one of Oscar's consumables. 

As he made his way into town, he got some strange looks from the people there. What the hell were they looking at? As Bahr passed by a window and saw his reflection smeared across it, he got his answer. His face was covered with soot. But soot from what? There was nothing soot-y out there, and he hadn't come back with soot on his face the first time. Was it-

Oh.

It was when the thing blew up, after he killed it. He'd neglected to notice at the time, but now that he was thinking about it, there was a big cloud of smoke that billowed out when it finally met its end. That smoke had caked his face, and everything else he was wearing, in a fine layer of black soot. Wonderful.

Alright, then. To the tenth floor. He'd go home, freshen up, and then... probably pass out, or something.

[Bahr 0]

Once he was back on the tenth floor, he was freezing. From hot cave to dank cave. Not a good idea. He could ice skate on his nipples at this point, if he really felt like it.

Not that, uh, he'd do that. Or anything. Probably.

The trip back to his house was an arduous one, filled with much teeth chattering and shivering. Can you imagine going from the ninth floor to the fourth floor? Wait, Bahr had actually done that once upon a time. 

No, wait, that was from the fifth floor to the fourth floor. That's right. Desert to snowy wonderland. And as hot as it got on the fifth floor, it didn't hold a candle to the ninth. At least the fifth floor had a night time to cool off. The ninth floor was just... always night, and always hot.

As he ascended the steps to his house, he absently felt his jacket to make sure Swine Bajesus had also made the journey. Which, of course it had. It was just hiding the whole time. Silly goof.

QUEST COMPLETED

Thread Net Gains
8 SP
7900 col
Cerberus Etching