[F21-SP] Route Zero: Act I <<Nature's Treasure>>

[NIGHT 0]

All NIGHT hears from behind her once she turns around to face the rest of their quarry is the snarling of their axe-wielding companion. She swears she hears him bark.

She is afraid to verify.

Her assault on the plant matter results in her slamming the thin edge of her blade against their delicate forms, a red gash barely forming against their surfaces. They bounce and roll against a wall, before becoming undone. The room might've faded away with light and colour, but for some reason the atmosphere was kept generally stable -- the scatter of crystals only added to the clutter of their visions during battle.

NIGHT watches one of her struck targets fire a bolt towards her when she's recovering from her art. At the last second, the system frees her and she rolls away.

Poor Marquis gets splashed instead, the fur of her coat and cape soaking with cold, freezing water. She yelps.

Spoiler

ID: 163214 | BD: 12 (8, +4)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Lamp Marimo #9.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG

ID: 163213 | BD: 7 (3, +4)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Lamp Marimo #10.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG

ID: 163212 | BD: 7 (3, +4)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Lamp Marimo #11.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG

ID: 163211 | BD: 13 (9, +4) | MD: 1
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Lamp Marimo #12.
26 + 1 = 27 DMG | 27 * 12 = 324 DMG
Lamp Marimo #12 missed!

Lamp Marimo #9 | HP: 0/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Lamp Marimo #10 | HP: 0/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Lamp Marimo #11 | HP: 0/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Lamp Marimo #12 | HP: 300/624 (-324) | DMG: 183

[2, 2, 2, 2] NIGHT | HP: 1400/1400 (+17) | EN: 30/122 (+1, -17) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BH: 42 | LD: 8 | PROSP: 6

Loot:
ID: [163226] | LD: 28 (20, +8) | CD: 9 | 7,862col, Tier 3 Materials (3), Intermediate Dungeon Map: Floor 21 (1)
ID: [163225] | LD: 10 (2, +8) | CD: 5 | 8,517col, Tier 3 Materials (3), [T3E2] Unidentified Trinket (1)
ID: [163224] | LD: 26 (18, +8) | CD: 3 | 7,862col, Tier 3 Materials (3), [T3E3] Unidentified Consumable (2), [T3E3] Unidentified Armor (2)

[NIGHT 0]

Only a few more remain. DAY's pace of clearance only barely manages to catch up with NIGHT's own; granted, they were playing MVP by sweeping K9 off his feet. The warhammer in their hand experiences whirls and twirls like a baton, and only after evasive maneuvers to lead the marimo's water jets elsewhere do they deliver hell upon the balls of moss.

A swift handful of taps at the top of their form, and they fall apart like glass. As their crumbs fade away, DAY's cursory scan for the next pack to sunder is immediately interrupted by a douse of salt water to their face.

NIGHT bursts out laughing. There's no stopping the grin on her face as she turns back towards the jewels and gives her current target a swipe. It's easy for Marquis to tell that this was on purpose even in the aftermath -- the position of the marimo and the player's position was clearly in DAY's line of sight.

Spoiler

ID: 163217 | BD: 10 (6, +4)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Lamp Marimo #12.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG

ID: 163216 | BD: 9 (5, +4) | MD: 0 (2, -2)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Lamp Marimo #13.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG
Lamp Marimo #13 missed!

ID: 163215 | BD: 7 (3, +4) | MD: 5 (7, -2)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Lamp Marimo #14.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG
Lamp Marimo #14 missed!

Lamp Marimo #12 | HP: 0/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Lamp Marimo #13 | HP: 312/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Lamp Marimo #14 | HP: 312/624 (-312) | DMG: 183

[3, 1, 1] NIGHT | HP: 1400/1400 | EN: 16/122 (+1, -15) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BH: 42 | LD: 8 | PROSP: 6

Loot:
ID: [163223] | LD: 9 (1, +8) | CD: 9 | 7,207col, Tier 3 Materials (5), [T3E2] Unidentified Trinket (1)

[NIGHT 0]

DAY wastes no time correcting their appearance, summoning a towel from thin air and drying their face off with it. It was fine by the other players -- the marimos were nothing more than target practice by this point, and K9 takes out the majority of the leftovers with a large swinging catapult to the grouped-up foes. They shatter in zig-zag order as he teeters on the balls of his feet, axe upon his shoulders as he rises to recover. Marquis' quarry had been smoothly wrapped up a few seconds before his, and NIGHT's clean up had been caught in between the two.

K9 turns back to a smug NIGHT.

• [K9]: Did I miss something?

She tries to suppress her smirk, but it doesn't come easy to the player. Her violets meeting DAY only further exacerbate her grins, and she locks her mouth behind a cupped hand.

• [NIGHT]: Nothing important.

The thrown towel NIGHT receives from DAY causes the woman to recoil.

She's still cheerful.

Spoiler

ID: 163219 | BD: 7 (3, +4)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Lamp Marimo #13.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG

ID: 163218 | BD: 9 (5, +4)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Lamp Marimo #14.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG

Lamp Marimo #13 | HP: 0/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Lamp Marimo #14 | HP: 0/624 (-312) | DMG: 183

[2, 2] NIGHT | HP: 1400/1400 | EN: 4/122 (+1, -13) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BH: 42 | LD: 8 | PROSP: 6

Loot:
ID: [163222] | LD: 27 (19, +8) | CD: 6 | 12,448col, Tier 3 Materials (3), [T3E3] Unidentified Weapon (3)
ID: [163221] | LD: 15 (7, +8) | CD: 4 | 7,862col, Tier 3 Materials (3), [T3E2] Unidentified Trinket (1)

[NIGHT 0]

A brief moment's pause nets the party time to examine the room. It's in shambles, what with the dampness from the marimo's repeated drenching of the walls and floor. NIGHT struggles to stay steady when her feet meet a puddle as the group diverges to investigate the torn books on the floor, the traces of wood that might've once been furniture.

She stops looking, letting her companions take in the room's details for her. Marquis grabs a book off the floor -- it's sullied with the water completely smearing ink over the sticky paper, but it doesn't stop her from trying to flip through the brittle pages.

They fall apart in her hands anyway. It's what she gets for trying.

• [Marquis]: Yikes.

K9's focus is on scavenging the crates and stakes out of parts. There's nothing noteworthy to be found, even to the trained eye of a craftsman, and a dive into a few broken boxes yields nothing but dust and atmospheric cob webs.

Spoiler

NIGHT | HP: 1400/1400 | EN: 5/122 (+1) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BH: 42 | LD: 8 | PROSP: 6

[NIGHT 0]

He finds a single ration after a moment. Looks it over, deems it suitable enough to eat. The man stashes it in his inventory, a cheeky grin pulling at his lips. He chuckles to himself too, for good measure.

DAY stands by NIGHT's side with a hollow glare, an expression that the player noticed but had pretended not to register. They glance at the player's menu, watching them summon yet another blank scrap of paper.

It worries them.

• [DAY]: How many do you think you have now?

NIGHT shrugs as the darkness loads onto her display. She jabs at the obvious revealed spot for a dungeon and waves away the resultant item.

• [NIGHT]: I haven't been keeping count. But the more the merrier, at this point.
• [DAY]: Right.

With K9 feeling satisfied with his efforts, he shuffles over to the base of the next set of steps, gesturing for the women to follow.

• [K9]: Shall we head upwards?

Spoiler

ID: 163220 | LD: 20 (9, +8+2+1) | Dungeon Search: Intermediate Dungeon found.
> Applying Multipurpose to this roll.
Caching dungeon find in a Blank Tier 3 Map. Received item: [Intermediate Dungeon Map: Floor 21 (#163220)].
> Next Dungeon Search available at #55.

> Two turns have passed since combat. EN has been restored to full.
NIGHT | HP: 1400/1400 | EN: 122/122 (+117) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BH: 42 | LD: 8 | PROSP: 6

[NIGHT 0]

The group climbs up the stairs, DAY keeping to NIGHT's side while maintaining a short lead. K9's approach was much more delicate this time; pointed ears sharp, eyes set to the top of the steps from where he could spy it end. A sound of flopping feet gives him enough reason to pause and hold the party up in their ascent.

Marquis tilts her head, fully unaware of the situation at hand.

• [Marquis]: What is it?
• [K9]: Shh.

A growl of alert from a monstrosity's throat begs K9 to summon his weapon, and in turn everyone present prepares for combat. The party's leader is slow in his steps -- but the moment he spies a familiar iridescent blue gleaming against the greyed stone walls, he picks up his pace with a violent charge against the enemy.

It was very obviously a foe. Especially for someone who'd been lurking about the Zero -- anyone would be able to tell apart a Sahagin from other entities.

Spoiler

ID: 163406 | BD: 6 (2, +4) | MD: 5 (7, -2)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #15.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG
Sahagin #15 missed!

ID: 163405 | BD: 10 (6, +4) | MD: 8 (10, -2)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #16.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG
Sahagin #16 attacks NIGHT!
183 + 2 = 185 DMG | 185 - 84 = 101 DMG

ID: 163404 | BD: 5 (1, +4) | MD: 1 (3, -2)
NIGHT missed!
Sahagin #17 missed!

ID: 163403 | BD: 13 (9, +4) | MD: 4 (6, -2)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #18.
26 + 1 = 27 DMG | 27 * 12 = 324 DMG
Sahagin #18 missed!

Sahagin #15 | HP: 312/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #16 | HP: 312/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #17 | HP: 624/624 | DMG: 183
Sahagin #18 | HP: 300/624 (-324) | DMG: 183

[1, 1, 0, 2] NIGHT | HP: 1299/1400 (-101) | EN: 108/122 (-14) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BH: 42 | LD: 8 | PROSP: 6

[NIGHT 0]

As K9 draws first blood, his momentary glance to the party ties with a shove of his head to beckon them move forward. The duo needn't be asked -- NIGHT and DAY burst upwards past his form, and by the time they had cleared for Marquis to get the picture, her hand was already on the hilt of her blade.

So they get to work.

The next set of patrolling guards are taken by surprise by the gold and white blur. DAY summons a bright tower shield in hand, pushing the group backwards in multiple sets at a time. It prompts NIGHT to join in the fray, although with some preparation; a leap towards the side of the tower with guidance from Cardinal nets her a better view of their opponents, and a jump towards the sahagin pack allows her the formality of performing a downwards slam with the tip of her sword.

Spoiler

ID: 163410 | BD: 14 (10, +4)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #15.
26 + 2 = 28 DMG | 28 * 12 = 336 DMG

ID: 163409 | BD: 10 (6, +4)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #16.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG

ID: 163408 | BD: 12 (8, +4) | MD: 8 (10, -2)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #17.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG
Sahagin #17 attacks NIGHT!
183 + 2 = 185 DMG | 185 - 84 = 101 DMG

ID: 163407 | BD: 14 (10, +4)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #18.
26 + 2 = 28 DMG | 28 * 12 = 336 DMG

Sahagin #15 | HP: -24/624 (-336) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #16 | HP: 0/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #17 | HP: 312/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #18 | HP: -36/624 (-336) | DMG: 183

[3, 2, 1, 4] NIGHT | HP: 1240/1400 (+42, -101) | EN: 93/122 (+1, -16) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BH: 42 | LD: 8 | PROSP: 6

Loot:
ID: [163437] | LD: 22 (14, +8) | CD: 9 | 11,138col, Tier 3 Materials (3), [T3E3] Unidentified Trinket (1)
ID: [163436] | LD: 24 (16, +8) | CD: 5 | 7,862col, Tier 3 Materials (3), [T3E3] Unidentified Armor (1), [T3E3] Unidentified Weapon (2)
ID: [163435] | LD: 19 (11, +8) | CD: 6 | 7,862col, Tier 3 Materials (3), [T3E3] Unidentified Armor (1), [T3E3] Unidentified Trinket (1)

[NIGHT 0]

It's not enough to slay every single patrol member. One of them stumbles backwards, just barely avoiding the crushing weight of her blade's impact, and begins its retreat upwards, a garbled cry being the only thing that now stands between the party and their next wave of foes.

• [Marquis]: Oh no you don't!

Marquis clears the tower shield DAY had propped up with relative ease -- she lands with a somersault, grip still tight on her katana and scabbard. Her drawing action is once again faster than the eye could see.

A moment ago, the sahagin was standing. When Marquis rises, fingers finally tracing out the cloth on her hilt, it falls to the ground unceremoniously, before bursting out into further data fragments, now a shell of its former self.

K9 approaches the party once he's done with his own menace.

• [K9]: Did we get them all?

The snarling from above informs them otherwise.

Spoiler

ID: 163414 | BD: 7 (3, +4)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #17.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG

ID: 163413 | BD: 11 (7, +4) | MD: 1 (3, -2)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #19.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG
Sahagin #19 missed!

ID: 163412 | BD: 7 (3, +4) | MD: -1 (1, -2)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #20.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG
Sahagin #20 missed!

ID: 163411 | BD: 8 (4, +4) | MD: 7 (9, -2)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #21.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG
Sahagin #21 attacks NIGHT!
183 + 1 = 184 DMG | 184 - 84 = 100 DMG

Sahagin #17 | HP: 0/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #19 | HP: 312/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #20 | HP: 312/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #21 | HP: 312/624 (-312) | DMG: 183

[2, 1, 1, 1] NIGHT | HP: 1182/1400 (+42, -100) | EN: 78/122 (+1, -16) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BH: 42 | LD: 8 | PROSP: 6

Loot:
ID: [163438] | LD: 20 (12, +8) | CD: 6 | 9,172col, Tier 3 Materials (1), [T3E3] Unidentified Armor (1), [T3E3] Unidentified Trinket (1)

[NIGHT 0]

Another wave of sahagin approach the party from the edge of the horizon, and yet all members of combat were locked in a vicious fight upon the tower steps. While the players were likely to best their foes, the sahagin kept coming with the advantage -- a higher elevation in the field was one. Their unknown numbers was another for them to worry about.

• [K9]: Let's take these things down upstairs!

DAY takes a moment to repurpose their weaponry. In their downtime, K9 bolts past her and follows Marquis back into the thick of battle. NIGHT's eagerness is only surpassed by her concern of leaving the entity behind, even though she's sure they would catch up with them in no time.

It was better to keep an eye on them, she reasons with herself, after considering all things.

A one handed sword flashes in their hands. They give her a nod and the two head upwards together.

Spoiler

ID: 163417 | BD: 13 (9, +4)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #19.
26 + 1 = 27 DMG | 27 * 12 = 324 DMG

ID: 163416 | BD: 9 (5, +4)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #20.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG

ID: 163415 | BD: 13 (9, +4)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #21.
26 + = 27 DMG | 27 * 12 = 324 DMG

ID: 163418 | BD: 12 (8, +4) | MD: 1
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #22.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG
Sahagin #22 missed!

Sahagin #19 | HP: -12/624 (-324) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #20 | HP: 0/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #21 | HP: -12/624 (-324) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #22 | HP: 312/624 (-312) | DMG: 183

[3, 2, 3, 1] NIGHT | HP: 1224/1400 (+42) | EN: 62/122 (+1, -17) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BH: 42 | LD: 8 | PROSP: 6

Loot:
ID: [163441] | LD: 22 (14, +8) | CD: 11 | 11,138col, Tier 3 Materials (3), [T3E3] Unidentified Trinket (1)
ID: [163440] | LD: 9 (1, +8) | CD: 3 | 6,552col, Tier 3 Materials (5), [T3E1] Unidentified Consumable (1)
ID: [163439] | LD: 12 (4, +8) | CD: 10 | 10,483col, Tier 3 Materials (1), [T3E2] Unidentified Armor (1)

[NIGHT 0]

The two players clears out the collection of foes in record time -- when NIGHT and DAY return to their side, it is upon the next floor, where countless sahagin have taken up arms against their interlopers, K9 and Marquis wrecking hell against a set in the center of the room.

NIGHT wastes no time gathering the fish men from the room's sidelines, her sword arts tearing against their flesh in the motion of an arc. Within seconds her first batch falls to the ground, showering the vicinity with stars, the collective lights making the room nearly impossible to see into without a squint of her eyes. It's just then when another set dives at her in rage, and she takes the brunt of their force of damage -- while her health bar dips at their assault, its not nearly enough for the player to worry about her defenses just yet. She could take a good couple hits more.

Spoiler

ID: 163422 | BD: 6 (2, +4)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #22.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG

ID: 163421 | BD: 7 (3, +4) | MD: 7 (9, -2)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #23.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG
Sahagin #23 attacks NIGHT!
183 + 1 = 184 DMG | 184 - 84 = 100 DMG

ID: 163420 | BD: 9 (5, +4) | MD: 2 (4, -2)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #24.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG
Sahagin #24 missed!

ID: 163419 | BD: 14 (10, +4) | MD: 2 (4, -2)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #25.
26 + 2 = 28 DMG | 28 * 12 = 336 DMG
Sahagin #25 missed!

Sahagin #22 | HP: 0/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #23 | HP: 312/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #24 | HP: 312/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #25 | HP: 288/624 (-336) | DMG: 183

[2, 1, 1, 2] NIGHT | HP: 1166/1400 (+42, -100) | EN: 46/122 (+1, -17) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BH: 42 | LD: 8 | PROSP: 6

Loot:
ID: [163442] | LD: 16 (8, +8) | CD: 8 | 9,172col, Tier 3 Materials (1), [T3E2] Unidentified Consumable (1), [T3E2] Unidentified Armor (1)

[NIGHT 0]

Her next attack fries the handful of sahagin that had dared challenge her, leaving only one unfortunate witness caught in the sudden strike alive. They bark back disdain in a fishy language Cardinal wasn't quite so willing to entertain translating, but that was fine by the player. She scans the room for any inbound enemies headed her way, and sure enough there happens to be a few.

DAY rudely intercepts them with a lashing of their own, pulling the pack back towards their side of the room. Her vision is obscured by the sight of K9 breaking one of his enemy's trident upright with the crash of his cleaver, the sunder of which passes through and falls cleanly against the monstrosity's chest. The creature shrills as it tears apart in two, the burst and scattering of its ashes marking another of the group vanishing from the realm to join its passed brethren.

Spoiler

ID: 163426 | BD: 13 (9, +4)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #23.
26 + 1 = 27 DMG | 27 * 12 = 324 DMG

ID: 163425 | BD: 11 (7, +4)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #24.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG

ID: 163424 | BD: 12 (8, +4)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #25.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG

ID: 163423 | BD: 13 (9, +4) | MD: 5
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #26.
26 + 1 = 27 DMG | 27 * 12 = 324 DMG
Sahagin #26 missed!

Sahagin #23 | HP: -12/624 (-324) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #24 | HP: 0/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #25 | HP: -24/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #26 | HP: 300/624 (-324) | DMG: 183

[3, 2, 3, 2] NIGHT | HP: 1208/1400 (+42) | EN: 30/122 (+1, -17) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BH: 42 | LD: 8 | PROSP: 6

Loot:
ID: [163445] | LD: 17 (9, +8) | CD: 3 | 6,552col, Tier 3 Materials (5), [T3E2] Unidentified Consumable (1), [T3E2] Unidentified Weapon (1)
ID: [163444] | LD: 15 (7, +8) | CD: 8 | 7,862col, Tier 3 Materials (3), [T3E2] Unidentified Weapon (1), [T3E1] Unidentified Consumable (1)
ID: [163443] | LD: 18 (10, +8) | CD: 9 | 9,828col, Tier 3 Materials (3), [T3E2] Unidentified Trinket (1)

[NIGHT 0]

Together, K9 and Marquis seem to be clearing out a majority of the fish men together. With every swing K9 takes, the swordswoman was able to follow up with another slash, another slice. What mattered more at this point, by the center of their arena, was how many sahagin had been crammed in here, ready to be put to the sword. The floor had almost been brimming with them, ready to spill -- perhaps that was why the patrol packs were sent out in the first place.

To leave or risk immobility amongst the numbers of its others.

NIGHT ponders on this as she cuts down her next opponent, spying another appear from the shadows by her side. Should there be this many enemies in one single area? Hasn't there been any other passing traveler to venture in and wipe these foes out? The one she tears through unfortunately returns her no answers.

Spoiler

ID: 163429 | BD: 12 (8, +4)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #26.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG

ID: 163428 | BD: 14 (10, +4) | MD: 7 (9, -2)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #27.
26 + 2 = 28 DMG | 28 * 12 = 336 DMG
Sahagin #27 attacks NIGHT!
183 + 1 = 184 DMG | 184 - 84 = 100 DMG

ID: 163427 | BD: 14 (10, +4) | MD: 3 (5, -2)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #28.
26 + 2 = 28 DMG | 28 * 12 = 336 DMG
Sahagin #28 missed!

Sahagin #26 | HP: -12/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #27 | HP: 288/624 (-336) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #28 | HP: 288/624 (-336) | DMG: 183

[3, 2, 2] NIGHT | HP: 1150/1400 (+42, -100) | EN: 16/122 (+1, -15) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BH: 42 | LD: 8 | PROSP: 6

Loot:
ID: [163446] | LD: 16 (8, +8) | CD: 8 | 9,172col, Tier 3 Materials (1), [T3E2] Unidentified Consumable (1), [T3E2] Unidentified Armor (1)

[NIGHT 0]

So she turns to the others that had stood by its side while it lived. One crumples to the floor after a moment's questioning. The other was entirely negligent of her query, returning a scattered response in its other's stead. NIGHT waves it away, only then realizing that her energy tank was completely depleted.

Another breather for her it seems. And on the heart of the floor, Marquis's steel digs into the scales of another few aquatic monsters, dicing their visages up into auxiliary pixels. She turns to K9 with a flutter of her cape and coat, hands set on her hips as the man finishes yet another sahagin, this one buried face down to the ground before dissipating.

• [Marquis]: Got enough in you to scout ahead?
• [K9]: Just barely. There were so many in here!

Marquis turns to check in on her other party members. She hollers to the duo with a smile.

Spoiler

ID: 163431 | BD: 6 (2, +4)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #27.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG

ID: 163430 | BD: 5 (1, +4) | MD: 0 (2, -2)
NIGHT missed!
Sahagin #28 missed!

Sahagin #27 | HP: -24/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #28 | HP: 288/624 | DMG: 183

[3, 2] NIGHT | HP: 1192/1400 (+42) | EN: 6/122 (+1, -11) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BH: 42 | LD: 8 | PROSP: 6

Loot:
ID: [163447] | LD: 9 (1, +8) | CD: 6 | 8,517col, Tier 3 Materials (3), [T3E2] Unidentified Trinket (1)

[NIGHT 0]

• [Marquis]: Can you two handle yourselves?

NIGHT takes a bite out of the piece of squid in her hand, the other batting back an attempted strike by her enemy. DAY answers for her instead, once she's done jabbing her blade into the heart of one of her quarry.

• [DAY]: Yeah, I think we've got this.
• [Marquis]: That's good! Then I guess I'll be heading on then. You coming, wolf boy?
• [K9]: Wolf boy...?

There is sadness in K9's eyes, a picture of disbelief. Marquis laughs, raising a palm to gesture.

• [Marquis]: You were barking earlier, weren't you?
• [K9]: No...? The joke's pretty old, does everyone who fight with me have to bring it up at some point?
• [Marquis]: Maybe you should watch yourself better. In any case, I'll let you guys know if I see anything.

When she storms off, K9 lags behind after her. His axe rests comfortably on his shoulder as he jogs.

• [K9]: W-wait! There's safety in numbers!

Spoiler

POST ACTION: Using the following item:
> [T3E2] Ikayaki Slice (1) | VITALITY II [+12 EN]

ID: 163432 | MD: 0 (2, -2)
Sahagin #28 missed!

Sahagin #28 | HP: 288/624 | DMG: 183

[2] NIGHT | HP: 1234/1400 (+42) | EN: 19/122 (+1, +12) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BH: 42 | LD: 8 | PROSP: 6

[NIGHT 0]

Her energy gauged refilled sufficiently, just in time for her to dodge her way out of another attack. No weapons for this sahagin; only claws and teeth, the fish man bearing its own against her steel. NIGHT pours her will into the sword just as she attempts another strike at her foe. It lands without mercy, bringing the monster to its knees before its model breaks away into pieces.

She brandishes her sword, satisfied at the kill, but is cut off by DAY's own advance towards her, the fancy blade work doing wonders to potentially cut the entity in front of her. NIGHT lets her weapon fade out instead, tilting her head towards the next set of stairs.

• [DAY]: Ready?

The player pauses, brow furrowing at their question. Why wouldn't she be prepared to move? She takes the moment to run through her interface, before a realization strikes the woman upon checking her inventory.

Spoiler

ID: 163433 | BD: 13 (9, +4)
<<Calamitous Tragedy>> vs Sahagin #28.
26 + 1 = 27 DMG | 27 * 12 = 324 DMG

Sahagin #28 | HP: -36/624 (-324) | DMG: 183

[4] NIGHT | HP: 1276/1400 (+42) | EN: 11/122 (+1, -9) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BH: 42 | LD: 8 | PROSP: 6

Loot:
ID: [163448] | LD: 9 (1, +8) | CD: 8 | 8,517col, Tier 3 Materials (3), [T3E2] Unidentified Trinket (1)

[NIGHT 0]

A scroll unfurls in her hands. She takes down the location of yet another white dot in the abyss before stashing the changed item back into hammer space. NIGHT takes the occasion to deposit another slice of squid back into her pockets while she has the chance, and as the boxes fade from her vision, she nods to her entity finally, silently thankful of them looking out for her.

The smile she receives is nothing short of heart pounding. NIGHT obscures her expression by taking the lead once more, trekking up the stairs ahead. Their climb is significantly shorter this time, she notices, as the duo meet the scouting pair partway through their ascent, and they motion to her to stop and stay quiet.

Their eyes are large and wild. Marquis turns to the group as K9 continues to watch whatever is ahead.

• [Marquis]: There's what we think is a brood mother up here.

Spoiler

ID: 163434 | LD: 27 (17, +8+2) | Dungeon Search: Advanced Dungeon found.
Caching dungeon find in a Blank Tier 3 Map. Received item: [Advanced Dungeon Map: Floor 21 (#163434)].
> Next Dungeon Search available at #66.

NIGHT | HP: 1336/1400 (+60) | EN: 12/122 (+1) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BH: 42 | LD: 8 | PROSP: 6

[NIGHT 0]

• [DAY]: A- a what?
• [Marquis]: A brood mother? Apparently there's this quest on Floor 24 where you have to destroy one...?

NIGHT tilts her head at their suggestion, before shaking it.

• [NIGHT]: Never heard of it.

Marquis turns to K9 with a look of irritation.

• [Marquis]: Told you it was obscure.

The man frowns.

• [Marquis]: Apparently it's this massive beast that looks after the spawn of the sahagin.
• [K9]: Err... my mistake on that part--

K9 finally turns Marquis' way with a troubled look.

• [K9]: This one's a sea devil's guardian. It's on all four legs and has one hell of a bite. So it's more like a guard dog that also makes more sea devils in its stead.
• [Marquis]: Guard dog?
• [K9]: Something like that -- any way, we have reason to believe that this is the top floor of the tower by now. Sahagin brood mothers are more likely to remain underwater than their pets' counterparts. It's likely why the basement of this lighthouse is submerged...

Spoiler

ITEMS USED DURING COMBAT
- [T3E2] Ikayaki Slice (1) | VITALITY II [+12 EN]			153300
POST ACTION: Changing Battle-Ready Inventory
+ [T3E2] Ikayaki Slice (1) | VITALITY II [+12 EN]
CURRENT INVENTORY
[T1E3] Teleport Crystal (2) | Instant | TELEPORT [T3E2] Ikayaki Slice (5) | VITALITY II [+12 EN] [T3E3] Cold Brew Coffee (5) | HP RECOVERY III [+180 HP] [T2E2] [ref] Für Elise (1) | Instant | HP RECOVERY II [+80 HP] [T2E3] Insta-Life++ (1) | Instant | HP RECOVERY III [+120 HP] [T1E3] Imugi's Inspiration (5) | Instant | MASS HP RECOVERY [+30*Tier HP] - - -

> Two turns have passed since combat. EN has been restored to full.
NIGHT | HP: 1396/1400 (+60) | EN: 122/122 (+110) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BH: 42 | LD: 8 | PROSP: 6

[NIGHT 0]

• [NIGHT]: I'm not keen on underwater combat.
• [K9]: We're in agreement here about that, then. On the other hand, there's got to be some nifty reason why it's up here on the surface, you feel?

Marquis puts a hand to her chin.

• [Marquis]: 'Every guardian needs a reason for guarding its treasure, every dungeon's got its loot reward'... That kind of thing?
• [K9]: Yeah. I bet if we take it out, we can explore the room it's in with better ease. How about it?
• [K9]: It's not the only threat in the room, though. There seems to be quite the number of sahagin as well... We're going to need to play to our specialties here if we want to get rid of this thing.
• [NIGHT]: I can crowd control. And DAY here's a good fill.
• [Marquis]: Katanas are good at single-target. Shall I focus on the beast then?
• [K9]: With my experience alongside your sword. Everyone good on that?

The moment the entity summons their two-hander, K9 takes it as an affirmative.

• [K9]: Alright, let's roll.

Spoiler

ID: 164160 | BD: 5 (1, +4) | MD: 1 (3, -2)
NIGHT missed!
Sahagin #29 missed!

ID: 164159 | BD: 13 (9, +4) | MD: 6 (8, -2)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #30.
26 + 1 = 27 DMG | 27 * 12 = 324 DMG
Sahagin #30 attacks NIGHT!
183 - 84 = 99 DMG

ID: 164158 | BD: 7 (3, +4) | MD: 4 (6, -2)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #31.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG
Sahagin #31 missed!

ID: 164157 | BD: 7 (3, +4) | MD: -1 (1, -2)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #32.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG
Sahagin #32 missed!

Sahagin #29 | HP: 624/624 | DMG: 183
Sahagin #30 | HP: 300/624 (-324) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #31 | HP: 312/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #32 | HP: 312/624 (-312) | DMG: 183

[0, 2, 1, 1] NIGHT | HP: 1301/1400 (+4, -99) | EN: 108/122 (-14) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BH: 42 | LD: 8 | PROSP: 6

[NIGHT 0]

[♫] K9 starts off their advance with a battle cry, the ornaments on his axe glittering gold as he raises it up in a show of his fervor. It draws attention to the party immediately, but with their enemy's overwhelming numbers, it matters little to the warrior. He takes the attention off his followers simply by his gaudy outfit alone.

The next moment, he shows them why it's important that he be paid attention to. Just as the devil guardian rises from its rest, its snout is instantly tackled by the metal of K9's cleaver, the weapon leaving enough of an impact to have cracked its head plate slightly. The beast recoils, a fearsome snarl acting as the best of its threats that it could muster against the players unseen before. And as the sahagin start to pick up their weaponry to come to its defense, two blasts steal their focus away from the axe user and onto their more problematic foes.

Spoiler

ID: 164164 | BD: 7 (3, +4) | MD: 3 (5, -2)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #29.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG
Sahagin #29 missed!

ID: 164163 | BD: 10 (6, +4)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #30.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG

ID: 164162 | BD: 11 (7, +4)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #31.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG

ID: 164161 | BD: 13 (9, +4)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #32.
26 + 1 = 27 DMG | 27 * 12 = 324 DMG

Sahagin #29 | HP: 312/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #30 | HP: -12/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #31 | HP: 0/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #32 | HP: -12/624 (-324) | DMG: 183

[1, 3, 2, 3] NIGHT | HP: 1343/1400 (+42) | EN: 93/122 (+1, -16) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BH: 42 | LD: 8 | PROSP: 6

Loot:
ID: [164172] | LD: 27 (19, +8) | CD: 4 | 7,862col, Tier 3 Materials (3), [T3E3] Unidentified Consumable (2), [T3E3] Unidentified Armor (2)
ID: [164171] | LD: 21 (13, +8) | CD: 11 | 9,828col, Tier 3 Materials (5), [T3E3] Unidentified Trinket (1)
ID: [164170] | LD: 27 (19, +8) | CD: 9 | 6,552col, Tier 3 Materials (5), Intermediate Dungeon Map: Floor 21 (1)

[NIGHT 0]

The smears of darkness and light draw ever closer to the fish men and their strikes take out half the available pack simultaneously. Perhaps K9 had miscounted, or perhaps they had attempted not to over estimate their opposing forces -- either way, nearly half the fight was over in a flash from both the player and her entity's point of view, almost guaranteeing the duo some participation in facing the great guardian itself had it not been taken care of by the time they were done with culling the support group.

The guardian takes its first few snaps at K9, none of them striking his extremities, the player deft with their footwork. Then comes Marquis' own stun, the classic Iai-jutsu, and the blow lands square against the devil's temple, the beast letting out a whine as it attempts to recover from its stagger. A good pair of players wouldn't even let it try.

Spoiler

ID: 164167 | BD: 10 (6, +4)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #29.
26 * 12 = 312 DMG

ID: 164166 | BD: 14 (10, +4) | MD: 6 (8, -2)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #33.
26 + 2 = 28 DMG | 28 * 12 = 336 DMG
Sahagin #33 attacks NIGHT!
183 - 84 = 99 DMG

ID: 164165 | BD: 13 (9, +4) | MD: -1 (1, -2)
<<Calamity Disaster>> vs Sahagin #34.
26 + 2 = 27 DMG | 27 * 12 = 324 DMG
Sahagin #34 missed!

Sahagin #29 | HP: 0/624 (-312) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #33 | HP: 288/624 (-336) | DMG: 183
Sahagin #34 | HP: 300/624 (-324) | DMG: 183

[2, 2, 2] NIGHT | HP: 1286/1400 (+42, -99) | EN: 80/122 (+1, -14) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BH: 42 | LD: 8 | PROSP: 6

Loot:
ID: [164173] | LD: 17 (9, +8) | CD: 6 | 7,862col, Tier 3 Materials (3), [T3E2] Unidentified Consumable (1), [T3E2] Unidentified Armor (1)