[PP|F22] <<Witch of the West>> Back at It Again

[ChaseR 0]

<<Witch of the West>>

"B-Beta..? The greek letter..?", he blurted out, starting to scratch the back of his head. He knew of that one floor based on Ancient Greece, but had never heard the word beta beforehand. Maybe it was a common term he just never got to using. "Well, things keep changing all the time... Me and another frontliner had completely different experiences with the same quests twice, so I can't trust older information.", he clarified, and stopped in front of the teleporter alongside the other. "Either way, quests. There's another easy one. Monkeys and a witch on the 22nd. Don't let the floor scare you."

Chase didn't warn him because he wanted him to feel at ease as much as it was because he didn't want Alkor to make the same mistake he did. While numbers were... well, mostly everything in this world, the floors didn't mean a thing. Some quests on the fourth were harder than any he'd faced all the way up to here, while others over in these floors were the easiest quests in the game. Especially the one in the floor above with the blind troll... "In the worst case scenario, I'll heal any damage I take. There's only one attack that can hit you, and it's weak. Rest easy.", he tried to reassure him even further, waiting for the green light before stepping on it.

Spoiler

Name: ChaseR
Level: 50
HP: 1030/1030
EN: 100/100

Stats:
Damage: 18
Mitigation: 43
Evasion: 3
Accuracy: 3
BH:30
VAMP DEF:51
FRZ:24
BLD:24
HLY BLS:16
LD:2

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: <<Zero Degree Icicle>> (T2/Perfect/2HSS): ACC I, FRZ I, BLD I
Armor: <<Wind Dweller>> (T2/Perfect/Light Armor): EVA I, REC II
Misc: <<Chained Bracelet>> (T2/Perfect/Trinket): EVA II, ACC I

Skills:
Two-Handed Straight Sword [Rank 5]
Light Armor [Rank 5]
Battle Healing [Rank 3]
Searching [Rank 1]
Fighting Spirit [Obtained]

Extra Skills:
Familiar Mastery: Fighter
Survival
Disguise

Mods:
2HSS Finesse [R3]
Precision
Athletics
Sprint & Acrobatics

Battle Ready Inventory:
Starter Healing Potions(heal 50HP)*3
Insta-Life ++ (T2/Perfect/HP REC III)*1
Woodland Armor (T2/Perfect) MIT III (1/3)*1
Teleport Crystal [F21]*1
Imugi's Inspiration (Mass HP Recovery)*3
Requires Extended Weight Limit 1
Requires Extended Weight Limit 2
Requires Extended Weight Limit 3
Obtained via Item Stash (Housing)
Obtained via Dimensional Backpack

Housing Buffs:
Filling: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot.
Relaxed: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
Skylight (Searching): +1 Rank to the Searching skill.
Advanced Training: +2 SP to a thread. Limit one use per month [0/1]
Multipurpose: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll

Guild Hall Buffs:

Scents of the Wild:

Wedding Ring:

 

[Alkor 0]

"Yeah, exactly," Alkor iterated, "with regard to games, especially ones run off of large designated servers, developers usually have their teams draw up what's called alpha and beta versions. Alpha versions are usually tested internally by people hired within the company, but companies often open beta testing to the public in order to spread the word and cultivate an initial Player base."When it came to gaming, Alkor could talk to anyone for hours and lose track of time. When he realized his newfound ally had no interest in the processes which game designers fine tuned their final products, he stopped himself.

'Twenty second, huh,' the last time Alkor had been even remotely that high, Bahr had chastised him and punched him in the face. This was different, though. Now he had a strong Player with him and a good idea of what he was doing, if not where exactly he was headed. "Yeah, alright," he said. "Twenty second floor sounds perfect. I've been meaning to get a work out or two in on higher floors, so that suits me just fine."

Name: ChaseR
Level: 35
HP: 720/720
EN: 70/70

Stats:
Damage: 10
Mitigation: 48
Evasion: 1
Accuracy: 4

 

Blight: 24

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: <<Blightsteel>> (T2/Demonic/Curved Sword): DMG 2, BLT 1, Cursed
Armor: <<Nightmare Bomber>> (T2/Perfect/Light Armor): EVA I, MIT 2
Misc: <<Eye of Osiris>> (T2/Perfect/Trinket): ACC III

Skills:
Two-Handed Straight Sword [Rank 5]
Light Armor [Rank 3]

Mods:
Precision
Athletics

Battle Ready Inventory:
Imugi's Inspiration (Mass HP Recovery)*1

[ChaseR 0]

A small frown followed his remark about wanting a 'work out' on the higher floors. "High is dangerous. It's just this quest that's easy. I swear, the floors mean something early on and now you have quests on the twenty second easier than the ones on the fourth. Just... don't look for trouble. Let it go looking for you at worst.", he advised, before stepping onto the teleporter and shouting out with a firm grasp on Alkor's wrist. "Coral.". And like so, a bright blue light enveloped them before they appeared all the way to the floor with the lake- where the festival had happened. Now the floor meant much more than it normally would.

Regardless, he let go of him and started to move west of the main settlement, both hands behind his head. "We have three enemies. Four flying monkeys, two elite versions of them and then the witch who's created them. If you ever try to redo the quest, the witch won't show up.", he warned him ahead of time and kept an eye out for the primates, slowly sliding a hand towards the hilt of his blade and drawing it out to be prepared for any monster that might want a bite out of him- mostly the monkeys though.

[Alkor 0]

"Wicked witch? Flying monkeys?" Alkor stared at Chase, dumbfounded. He had followed this far instinctively, unquestioning, but the source material for this quest... while not impossible, seemed a little out of bounds for Aincrad's normal. "Are we going to follow the yellow brick road?" he asked. "Do I need some magical slippers? Do I get to go home at the end? ....is your name actually Toto?" he rounded on the man with a dubious expression as he spoke the last words, a critical eye locked steadily on his questing partner.

It occurred to Alkor that Chase might not appreciate the humor as much as he did, but honestly, it relaxed him to be able to goof off a little. In this world where a single step could spell the end, if you couldn't laugh then the game had already broken your spirit. He had been in a place for a long time where he could not laugh. 

But there was a time for serious, and a time for silly, and as Chase drew his own weapon, Alkor followed suit. The quest location couldn't be far, now.

[ChaseR 0]

The more specific his questions got, the more he realized that Alkor was joking, and hinting towards some children's story probably. Then again, this smartass right here had spent most of his time studying other countries' stories rather than classics and only realized he was referring to the Wizard of Oz because of some vague tidbits he picked up left and right. "W-Wait, you mean to tell me this is about the Wizard of Oz..? I knew Kayaba's inspiration was off, but what the fuck..?", he grumbled under his own breath and scratched the back of his head thoughtfully.

No matter, he couldn't think about it much more. Well, he could, but with an angered monkey flying right their way, it was hard to say really. Four of them appeared out of nowhere, circling the duo from up in the skies and preparing to divebomb them. If anything, they'd already started diving down, just rather slowly- they were picking up speed as they went. "Watch out, I'll take their attention.", he offered and prepared to slash right at them, lowering his blade to the ground and letting it glow a bright yellow while his sword art was prepared.

Spoiler

[0,0,0,0] ChaseR: HP: 1030/1030 | EN: 100/100 | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 30 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 51 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[0,0,0,0] Alkor:

Flying Monkey 1: HP: 150/150 | DMG: 70 (min 35) | MIT: 20
Flying Monkey 2: HP: 150/150 | DMG: 70 (min 35) | MIT: 20
Flying Monkey 3: HP: 150/150 | DMG: 70 (min 35) | MIT: 20
Flying Monkey 4: HP: 150/150 | DMG: 70 (min 35) | MIT: 20

 

Edited September 11, 2020 by ChaseR

[Alkor 0]

Alkor let out a hearty laugh as the monkeys came winging into view from above. So, he hadn't been pulling his leg after all. "Here we go, fighting against our childhood!" the roguish swordsman called out as he started to initialize his sword art. The enemy seemed strong enough to soak a hit or two each, even if he went full bore- as expected of enemies on higher floors. Still, if they worked in tandem and skewered everything all at once, there was a chance that they could blow through them with relative ease.

"Okay, let's start with some AoE attacks," he barked as he ducked and dove out to one side. The monkeys swooped in and dove, as if attempting to grapple him and take to the air, but Alkor evaded their attempts. These were dangerous little buggers after all. "The faster they fall, the less chance we have of anything going wrong."

When his blade finally glowed a hot orange, Alkor was ready. He exploded forward in a swath of carving blows, intent on raking each and every one of the monkeys.

Like a dervish, the dark colored Player ripped and tore through his quarry with extreme precision. He was fast, but two of the strikes carried with them accelerated power as he pumped out and afflicted the first and third monkeys with Blight. Their skin fouled upon touch, the areas torn open by his attacks unhealing, infected as he landed in a low crouch.

 

ID# 167984 Battle: 9 <Critical> 

ID# 167985 Battle: 7 <Hit>

ID# 167986 Battle: 9 <Critical>

ID# 167987 Battle: 4 +4 <Hit>

[0,0,0,0] ChaseR: HP: 1030/1030 | EN: 100/100 | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 30 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 51 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[2,1,2,1] Alkor: HP: 720/720 | EN: 56/70 (-14) | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | Blight: 24

Flying Monkey 1: HP: 58/150 (-92) | DMG: 70 (min 35) | MIT: 20 | BLT: 24 [1/2]
Flying Monkey 2: HP: 90/150 (-60) | DMG: 70 (min 35) | MIT: 20
Flying Monkey 3: HP: 58/150 (-92) | DMG: 70 (min 35) | MIT: 20 | BLT: 24 [1/2]
Flying Monkey 4: HP: 90/150 (-60) | DMG: 70 (min 35) | MIT: 20

 

 

 

Edited September 11, 2020 by Alkor

[ChaseR 0]

With a nod, Chase replied as his sword art was ready to go. "That's the spirit.". As soon as Alkor's attacks landed, he made note of the infection that appeared on every monster, narrowing his eyes and slashing upwards. Despite it being a completely new technique, a shockwave flew three out of the four slashes he sent at the monsters, splitting them in half an leaving only one behind. That one divebombed Alkor at that very moment, missing its attack despite all the desperate attempts of clawing at the man.

"Hmph, I missed one. Here come the elites.", he commented and pointed just behind the only flying monkey left, seeing two elites narrow in on them from the distance. They didn't make a move yet, but much like the first monkeys, they seemed to be calculating their course of action on the duo, constantly switching between the bluehead and the raven-haired rogue, inspecting their equipments and characteristics. "Their numbers are just slightly higher, that's all there is to it."

Spoiler

ChaseR uses Calamity Disaster on Flying Monkey 1!
19 * 13 - 20 = 227

ChaseR uses Calamity Disaster on Flying Monkey 2!
18 * 13 - 20 = 214

ChaseR uses Calamity Disaster on Flying Monkey 3!
ChaseR missed!

ChaseR uses Calamity Disaster on Flying Monkey 4!
20 * 13 - 20 = 240

[1,0,0] ChaseR: HP: 1030/1030 | EN: 85/100 (-15) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 30 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 51 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[2,0,0] Alkor: HP: 720/720 | EN: 70/70 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | Blight: 24

Flying Monkey 1: HP: 0/150 (-227) | DMG: 70 (min 35) | MIT: 20 | BLT: 24 [1/2]
Flying Monkey 2: HP: 90/150 | DMG: 70 (min 35) | MIT: 20
Flying Monkey 3: HP: 0/150 (-214) | DMG: 70 (min 35) | MIT: 20 | BLT: 24 [1/2]
Flying Monkey 4: HP: 0/150 (-240) | DMG: 70 (min 35) | MIT: 20
Elite Flying Monkey 1: HP: 220/220 | DMG: 90 (min 45) | MIT: 35
Elite Flying Monkey 2: HP: 220/220 | DMG: 90 (min 45) | MIT: 35

 

Edited September 11, 2020 by ChaseR

[Alkor 0]

This pair was visibly more adjusted than the creatures that attacked initially, but Alkor knew better than to back down just because the enemy looked intimidating. What they were capable of had yet to be revealed; if they could take more hits, that just meant extra time on the heavy bag. But if they hit harder, well...

"Lets see if I can go two for two," he called out as his blade whipped around and he mustered his Sword Art once more. The orange light engulfed his weapon as he flung himself into the fray, twisting and lashing out with heavy blows that were intended to lacerate and spread the affliction with reckless abandon. 

The last of the original attackers expired first. It was a pitiful death, agony apparent as it withered, shriveled, and fell to dust that scattered away. The other two, the elites, proved to be made of more resilient stuff. They recoiled from the attack swiftly, and Alkor managed to twist his way back into a defensive posture due to their enhanced caution. 

The manner in which the other creature had died apparently gave them pause. They were thoughtful and able to reason. That was much different than most mobs Alkor had been faced with. 

 

 

ID# 167994 Battle: 10 <Really big Hit>

ID# 167995 Battle: 4 +4 <hit>

ID# 167996 Battle: 3 +4 <hit>

[1,0,0] ChaseR: HP: 1030/1030 | EN: 100/100 | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 30 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 51 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[2,1,1] Alkor: HP: 720/720 | EN: 45/70 (-12) | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | Blight: 24

Flying Monkey 2: HP: 90/150 (-104) | DMG: 70 (min 35) | MIT: 20
Elite Flying Monkey 1: HP: 175/220 (-45) | DMG: 90 (min 45) | MIT: 35
Elite Flying Monkey 2: HP: 175/220 (-45)| DMG: 90 (min 45) | MIT: 35

 

Edited September 11, 2020 by Alkor

[ChaseR 0]

Once more, Cardinal had stopped being so kind to him. It was almost as if it were rubbing in his face that his previous partner had absolute accuracy and couldn't miss, while he on the other hand kept failing out of nowhere against enemies as frail as these. His attack was proof enough- most of the monkey's health was wiped out immediately, leaving it to drop to the ground and shatter before it could even hit it. The other one however, maneuvered unrealistically quickly around his slash.

It then honed in on the bluehead, clawing right at his chest. Despite how painful the attack might have seemed though, that barely did him any. If anything, it triggered his holy blessing as a faint white aura appeared around his overcoat and his health started to regenerate at half the speed it had back during the fight with the sea wyvern. "Having fun with the small fries? The witch is just as weak, just has more health than these ones do.", he informed his companion, curious to see whether he was appreciating the light combat or not.

Spoiler

ChaseR uses Calamity Disaster on Elite Flying Monkey 1! (BD: 1)
ChaseR missed!

ChaseR uses Calamity Disaster on Elite Flying Monkey 2! (BD: 4 + 3 = 7)
18 * 12 - 35 = 181

Elite Flying Monkey 1 attacks ChaseR! (MD: 10)

[1] ChaseR: HP: 981/1030 (-49) | EN: 74/100 (-11) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 30 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 51 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[1] Alkor: HP: 720/720 | EN: 45/70 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | Blight: 24

Elite Flying Monkey 1: HP: 175/220 | DMG: 90 (min 45) | MIT: 35
Elite Flying Monkey 2: HP: 0/220 (-181)| DMG: 90 (min 45) | MIT: 35

 

Edited September 11, 2020 by ChaseR

[Alkor 0]

Once the majority were taken care of, Alkor was left with a single target. That was where his damage really shined. With potential to combine his max damage and multipliers to full effect, he activated a Sword Art that would really capitalize in this situation. It was his highest learned art, from his Grandmastered sword skill in the Curved Sword.

The blade was faster than anything he'd managed yet, and while the number of blows was consistent with his AoE attack, they were all focused on a single target. It was more intense, more volatile, and the damage tore a chunk out of the enemy's health bare, bringing it down to the yellow. With that, it would be easy work for Chase.

"If that's really the worst of it, we're going to finish here quickly," Alkor observed. It wasn't bad with two of them, especially two Players would could dish out serious damage in a fairly consistent manner. Chase was an ideal partner for this type of Grinding because he didn't make Alkor seem totally useless. In fact, he seemed to play yin to the Black Swordsman's yang.

Not that Alkor would say that aloud. The man didn't seem to be the most sociable, and Alkor didn't want to scare him off.

ID# 168000 Battle: 4 +4 <hit>

[1] ChaseR: HP: 981/1030 (-49) | EN: 74/100 (-11) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 30 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 51 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[2] Alkor: HP: 720/720 | EN: 45/70 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | Blight: 24

Elite Flying Monkey 1: HP: 100/220 (-75) | DMG: 90 (min 45) | MIT: 35

Edited September 11, 2020 by Alkor

[ChaseR 0]

"Yeah, that's the absolute worst. Though, she has a lot of mitigation. You might not deal much damage.", he warned his new friend. Now was where he'd show his superiority not as a higher level, but as a two-handed weapon user. Alkor had underestimated the two handed weapons for dealing more damage and weighing the user down, where mitigation in quests like this could work as a complete roadblock for any one handed users, such as himself. If the most he could dish out was around the hundreds, it would get cut down heavily.

As soon as he jumped up and slashed the final monkey down before it could get a hit in on either- or at least try-, the witch emerged from the distance on her broom, flying over the two and starting to conjure a spell. It appeared as if she was preparing to attack already, having no introduction before engaging in combat. Several vials could be seen attached to her belt, and that was when the bluehead remembered to give one more warning. "She might use these to attack. They can poison or set you aflame. Be careful."

Spoiler

ChaseR uses Calamitous Tragedy on Elite Flying Monkey 1! (BD: 7 + 3)
18 * 12 - 35 = 181

[1] ChaseR: HP: 1027/1030 (+46) | EN: 66/100 (+1, -9) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 30 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 51 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[2] Alkor: HP: 720/720 | EN: 45/70 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | Blight: 24

Elite Flying Monkey 1: HP: 0/220 (-181) | DMG: 90 (min 45) | MIT: 35
The Witch: HP: 700/700 | DMG: 100 (min 50) | MIT: 70

*On MD 9, The Witch deals 120 AoE damage and applies T2 burn (-24) to targets hit for 2 turns.
** On MD 10, The Witch critically hits the player that has dealt the most damage to her, paralyzing them and poisoning them for 16 damage per turn, for 3 turns.
*** When The Witch's health reaches 200 or lower, she gains +1 EVA.

 

Edited September 11, 2020 by ChaseR

[Alkor 0]

On the one hand, Alkor thought he was ready when she came cackling down from the firmament. He checked his weapons and stayed low to the ground, ready for any attempt she might make to sweep down and take him by surprise. To his credit, she did not undermine his guard; but he was unable to discern a proper attack pattern that might allow him to get a hit while she was airborne.

So, though his Sword Art was ready, he dismissed it and shook his head. "No sloppy shots," he said. "Never give an enemy a chance to take your back. You start this time, I'll follow your lead."

Generally against a boss, it was smarter to let the tank get some aggro before you started pouring on the DPS anyway. Alkor was just being pragmatic at this point and reverting to standard battle protocols. Though, it did feel like he might let the other man run away with damage totals if he weren't careful.

ID# 168022 Battle: 1 <miss>

[0] ChaseR: HP: 1027/1030 | EN: 66/100 (+1, -9) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 30 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 51 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[0] Alkor: HP: 720/720 | EN: 43/70 (-2) | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | Blight: 24

The Witch: HP: 700/700 | DMG: 100 (min 50) | MIT: 70

Edited September 11, 2020 by Alkor

[ChaseR 0]

Chase gave him a nod. There was no need to be that overcautious, but he would be the same if he were with NIGHT instead- Alkor was basically already following in his steps and it hadn't been more than a day or two at most that he'd done the quest for himself. He crouched slightly, almost preparing himself as he waited for the witch to lower her form closer to the ground. The moment she began her descent, he jumped up and with a stretch, slashed downwards only for his icy blade to leave a blue trail behind.

While he didn't hit the witch too hard, he'd managed to cut her, and along with the damage went a fair chunk of her health. She tried to return an attack with one of her potions, but thankfully he managed to slam it with the flat of his blade and avoid getting hit by it altogether. Once he was back on the ground, now sure that he had her attention exclusively, he turned back to Alkor and gestured him towards it. "Let's get this over with and move on to the next quest."

Spoiler

ChaseR uses Galaxy Destroyer on The Witch! (BD: 5 + 3 = 8)
18 * 13 - 70 = 164

The Witch attacks ChaseR! (MD: 8 - 3 = 5)
The Witch missed!

[2] ChaseR: HP: 1030/1030 (+81) | EN: 57/100 (+1, -9) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 30 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 51 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[0] Alkor: HP: 720/720 | EN: 43/70 (-2) | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | Blight: 24

The Witch: HP: 536/700 (-164) | DMG: 100 (min 50) | MIT: 70

*On MD 9, The Witch deals 120 AoE damage and applies T2 burn (-24) to targets hit for 2 turns.
** On MD 10, The Witch critically hits the player that has dealt the most damage to her, paralyzing them and poisoning them for 16 damage per turn, for 3 turns.
*** When The Witch's health reaches 200 or lower, she gains +1 EVA.

 

Edited September 11, 2020 by ChaseR

[Alkor 0]

"Sounds good."

Alkor wasted no time as Chase shook the Witch down. She seemed to destabilize as the large amount of damage rocked her, and that was perfect for a DPS Player. Capitalize on weakness. Compound strengths. Adapt, conspire, overwhelm. Where Tanks were the Players who kept other Players alive, DPS were the Players who actively learned and fought the creatures of Aincrad to clear the way for others. Both roles were important, and perhaps the tank moreso- but a Tank without a blade to deliver the killing blow would be worn down, and on their own, perhaps make no headway.

Determined, motivated, completely insane: whatever you called him, watching Alkor tear into the meat of his enemies and harvest the seeds of retribution was awe inspiring.

If not terrifying. 

"Not too much up front," he observed of his last blow, "but I left some for you."

He felt like a cat toying with a mouse, amusingly. The Witch teetered in air as her sickness took hold, and it became visibly apparent that both Player's blows had caused her more than mild discomfort. 

"Better get ready."

 

ID# 168024 Battle: 10 <Critical Hit>

Witch is afflicted with Blight

[2] ChaseR: HP: 1030/1030 (+81) | EN: 57/100 (+1, -9) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 30 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 51 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[2] Alkor: HP: 720/720 | EN: 33/70 (-11) | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | Blight: 24

The Witch: HP: 461/700 (-75) | DMG: 100 (min 50) | MIT: 70 | BLT 24 [1/2]

 

Edited September 12, 2020 by Alkor

[ChaseR 0]

Hearing that little comment about leaving some for the higher leveled player got him to cock an eyebrow up. "Oh? You're cocky for your level, you know. Don't let it get to your head.", he added in, sounding more harsh than he wanted to but no matter. He was bad with words as is- with the next jump at the disoriented witch, he was welcomed right off the bat with another attempt at hitting him with a potion right to the face. He quickly slammed it out of the way with his blade and then proceeded to run a quick slash towards the witch's shoulder.

The wound was deep, and the jagged edges only made it even harsher than it initially was. By the time he was back on the ground, the witch was fiddling around her belt, looking for a specific potion that she'd consume to make her evasion go up. Of course, her health threshold that allowed her to consume it hadn't been reached quite yet, but Chase saw it as the AI wasting time to be more realistic. "She's almost going to get remotely challenging. Keep an eye out once we drop her health a tiny bit more."

Spoiler

ChaseR uses Galaxy Destroyer on The Witch! (BD: 7 + 3 = 10)
18 * 13 - 70 = 164

The Witch attacks ChaseR! (MD: 5 - 3 = 2)
The Witch missed!

[4] ChaseR: HP: 1030/1030 | EN: 48/100 (+1, -10) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 30 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 51 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[2] Alkor: HP: 720/720 | EN: 43/70 (-2) | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | Blight: 24

The Witch: HP: 297/700 (-164) | DMG: 100 (min 50) | MIT: 70 | BLT 24 [1/2]

*On MD 9, The Witch deals 120 AoE damage and applies T2 burn (-24) to targets hit for 2 turns.
** On MD 10, The Witch critically hits the player that has dealt the most damage to her, paralyzing them and poisoning them for 16 damage per turn, for 3 turns.
*** When The Witch's health reaches 200 or lower, she gains +1 EVA.

 

Edited September 11, 2020 by ChaseR

[Alkor 0]

Alkor watched the witch carefully as she rebounded toward Chase and poised himself to intercept her. He waited for the attack, and as if on cue, the woman recoiled from the stroke and careened off in another direction. He reflexively twisted and threw himself out in that direction, readying a sword art to bat her back toward the higher level Player.

"Well, it'd be a little different if I was actually worried for my safety," he admitted, "but when you have a good team and you trust your allies, you can afford to have a little more fun with things." That was how his guild had always done things in other games. Once they sharpened themselves to a point where endgame content wasn't overwhelming, they started to goof off and formed bonds of real friendship. Cocky though he could get at times, it was just another aspect of a man who had never had friends trying to reach out and socialize. Worlds like this, Roleplaying games, were where he felt most himself. It was almost like he belonged.

With a burst of speed and a flash of steel, he sent the witch sprawling. With her attention fully on Chase, it was easy to get in the way and volley her back at him. Not like a mob with an AI that separated dangers and prioritized them, like a floor boss. This creature was formidable in how it was able to soak damage and perhaps it had a few other tricks... 

But ultimately, it had not taken him by surprise.

ID# 168029 Battle: 7 <hit>

[4] ChaseR: HP: 1030/1030 | EN: 48/100 (+1, -10) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 30 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 51 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[3| Alkor: HP: 720/720 | EN: 23/70 (-11) | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | Blight: 24

The Witch: HP: 222/700 (-75) | DMG: 100 (min 50) | MIT: 70 | BLT 24 [2/2]

Edited September 12, 2020 by Alkor

[ChaseR 0]

The compliment felt rather... kind, given how little the two knew one another. It didn't come off as Alkor was sucking up to him and trying to be that sort of a guy either, but... "I see. Thanks.", Chase replied with a small smile and kept his blade just above the ground, jumping up at the witch once more while it was left in a daze. It already tried to preemptively consume the potion that she had on her belt once she found it, as a last ditch effort to dodge the boy's attack.

However, nothing worked. The hit was clean right to the chest, a quick stab that left some wider gashes than usual due to the spikes out of the sides of his blade. A bleed effect could be seen from the side of her broom, and her health bar was not even visible anymore. A single hit would be enough for her to die as ice emerged from the wound, encasing her and the broom whole into a living ice cube. As she began to drop and Chase landed, he looked at her and grinned. "Any attack will do. The freeze damage will take her out. Look cool when taking her out.", he chuckled at the last remark, watching in anticipation of an amusing finale to this fight.

Spoiler

ChaseR uses Galaxy Destroyer on The Witch!
20 * 13 - 70 = 190 + 24 = 214

[7] ChaseR: HP: 1030/1030 | EN: 39/100 (+1, -10) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 30 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 51 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[3| Alkor: HP: 720/720 | EN: 23/70 (-11) | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | Blight: 24

The Witch: HP: 8/700 (-214) | DMG: 100 (min 50) | MIT: 70 | EVA: 0 | BLEED 24 [1/2] | FROZEN [24]

*On MD 9, The Witch deals 120 AoE damage and applies T2 burn (-24) to targets hit for 2 turns.
** On MD 10, The Witch critically hits the player that has dealt the most damage to her, paralyzing them and poisoning them for 16 damage per turn, for 3 turns.
*** When The Witch's health reaches 200 or lower, she gains +1 EVA.

 

Edited September 12, 2020 by ChaseR

[Alkor 0]

It was over any way you looked at it.

When the attack from Chase hit, something strange happened to the Witch. She seemed to stop moving, slowly creaking and straightening until perfectly rigid. When he got close enough to realize what had happened, and the crystalline sheen flickered underneath the strange lighting, Alkor smirked.

What a wicked weapon the other man had. Where his own steel could rot away life and cause decay, the weapon that Chase held could freeze them outright. One was slow and agonizing, and the other... 

When the final stroke fell, Alkor watched the Witch disappear in a haze of crystal, ash, and red data. What a hideous way to go out.

"Looks like we did it," he said quietly as he slid the curved sword back into its sheath. "I actually enjoyed that quest more. Killing a single enemy doesn't seem as fulfilling as it used to."

ID# 168032 Battle: 7 <hit>

[7] ChaseR: HP: 1030/1030 | EN: 39/100 (+1, -10) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 30 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 51 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[4| Alkor: HP: 720/720 | EN: 13/70 (-11) | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | Blight: 24

The Witch: HP: 0/700 (-35) | DMG: 100 (min 50) | MIT: 70 | EVA: 0 | BLEED 24 [1/2] | FROZEN [24]

Edited September 12, 2020 by Alkor

[ChaseR 0]

The bluehead nodded in agreement whilst he holstered his blade in his back once more. "Uhuh. It's boring to kill the same enemy in two hits with just different appearances, while small monsters like that lead to a climax when the big bad isn't easy to take down in the first place. Right?", he asked and looked to the side at Alkor as he began to head back towards the town. Around then, the loot window appeared before the both of them and Chase quickly dismissed it. He already knew exactly what this was about and smirked.

"Save that Witch's Brew for a merchant's identifications on your items. It increases their odd at finding goods- or any crafter's, but best spent on a merchant. Next time you come here, kill the monkeys and you'll get another Witch's Brew. The witch won't show up unless you're with somebody who hasn't killed her before.", he reminded him of the quest once more, watching him inspect the window before closing it by himself. Given that this was his first time doing the quest though, that must have meant it's a hefty amount of SP to boot, alongside the nifty consumable that he now had at his will. "Let me think of what other quest to do for some fast SP."

[Alkor 0]

"Hell, that's actually super handy," Alkor remarked as the window appeared and he drew the Witches' Brew into his inventory. He knew he'd need something like that eventually, especially if he wanted to improve a weapon or armor. Though at this point, he hadn't reached a place where he absolutely needed a powerful weapon, having the item in reserve was always a plus.

Since Alkor wasn't a tradesman himself, it made perfect sense to him to just hang on to various items that he picked up. Maybe he'd look into the merchant profession himself at some point. There was a lot of loose change in that. Either way, they had finished a quest and they were ready to head to the next one.

It sounded like Chase might have an idea of what to do next. That was a relief, because Alkor was really lost when it came to the higher floors. "Oh, yeah, and here's my armor skills, as promised..."