[SP | F24] <<Incognito Assassination>> Duel of the Ages

[Freyd 0]

Time was of the essence.  Freyd needed to reach the appointed ambush site within a matter of minutes or his quarry might escape.  There was no other suitable location where he could hope to bottle them up and prevent their passage, and he still didn't know how many foes he would be dealing with.  Uso-Tsuki was ultimately his prey, but guards were to be expected.

Racing through the streets of Paraneze, he soon reached the outskirts and shot towards the selected island, the vast expanse of the floors seemingly endless waters opening out beneath him.  The brilliant yellow sun shining above would make the use of stealth difficult, but he needed haste more than concealment.

It was all still a long shot to think that Use-Tsuki held any useful intel on the Sundered Spire.  Even if he didn't raw SP and a pocket full of col were never a bad thing.  

***

Freyd Consumes: Cotton Candy Puffs (ACC 2) [169215]; Mega-Duper Anti-Everything Sauce (Antidote 3) [163933]; Armageddon Juice (DMG 3) [169217]; Red Velvet Meringue (EVA 2 + Filled) [166163]; Max Level Courage (T3 OH 3) [166210]; Assortment of Fuzzy-Looking Meatballs (Protein 2) [165674]; Divinity's Wait (T3 MIT 3]

Activating Advanced Training (Mega-Slime Farm)

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1365/1365 | EN:135/135 | DMG:24 | MIT:94 | EVA:5 | ACC:6 | KEEN:1 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | BH:68 | Antidote:3/3

Spoiler

Name: Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows
Level: 60
HP: 1365/1365
EN: 135/135

Stats:
Damage: 24
Mitigation: 94
Evasion: 5
Accuracy: 6
BH:68
KEEN:1
HLY:6
FLN:6

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Samael's Pride (T3-2HSS, ACC 1, HOLY 1, FLN 1)
Armor: Skirmisher's Garb [T3 LA, MIT 2, EVA 1]
Misc: Assassin's Cowl (T2-Trinket, ACC 2, KEEN 1)

Skills:
2H Straight Sword [Rank 5]
Light Armor [Rank 5]
Searching [Rank 3]
Battle Healing [Rank 5]
Parry [Obtained]
Energist [Obtained]

Extra Skills:
Disguise
Familiar Mastery: Fighter 3
Survival
Meditation

Mods:
Precision
Finesse - Rank 3
LA Athletics
Ferocity
LA Sprint and Acrobatics

Battle Ready Inventory:
Teleport Crystals*2
Concentrated Joy (T3 Vitality 2)*1
Missing You (Instant T3 HP Recovery)*2
Fruit-Infused Tea (T3 HP Recovery)*5
Mega-Duper Anti-Everything Sauce (T3 Perfect Antidote)*1
Viperion (T3 Toxic Venom)*5

Housing Buffs:
Rested: -1 energy cost for the first two expenditures of each combat
Clean: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 20% (rounded down)
Hard Working: +2 EXP per crafting attempt and +1 crafting attempt per day
Filling: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot.
Item Stash: +1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot
Relaxed: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
Col Stash: +5% bonus col from monster kills and treasure chests
Advanced Training: +2 SP to a thread. Limit one use per month [APPLIED TO THIS THREAD]
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:
Lucrative: Reduce LD needed for Salvage by 5 (10+ for Alchemist crystals, 6+ for everything else). +2 EXP per craft. Rank 9 crafters receive +1 crafting attempt per day. Rank 10 crafters receive +2 crafting attempts per day.
Col Deposit: +5% bonus col from last-hit monster kills and +10% bonus col from treasure chests.

Scents of the Wild:

Wedding Ring:

 

[Freyd 0]

The two brutes serving as bodyguards stepped forward first.  Both reminded him a lot of that ogre-man, Hogo-Sha.  They were large, hulking things, each hefting a large shield and wicked looking axes.  Thick hides covered most of their bodies, draping about them like trophies to intimidate and distract their foes.  Uso-Tsuki analyzed Freyd from beyond his two minions, uncertain of what he was facing and unwilling to let himself be deterred from his ambitions.

"Deal with him,"  the growled at them.  The mooks chuckled in low, rumbling voices and that made them sound even larger than they already were.  Freyd remained on guard, blocking their way.  The face off lasted almost a minute as each side sized up the other.  Freyd decided to make the first move and struck at the one with the greater defensive posture.  His blow was blocked and damage reflected back at him, as he'd expected.

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1361/1365 | EN:126/135 | DMG:24 | MIT:94 | EVA:5 | ACC:6 | KEEN:1 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | BH:68 | Antidote:3/3

Galaxy Destroyer (x13): 13 EN - (Rested, Finesse 3) = 9 EN

ID 169284 BD: 7 + 6 -2 = 11 (hit, Fallen 6).  Purotekuta parries half.  Freyd deals (13*30*0.5 = 195 - 25 = 170) damage to Purotekuta.  Purotekuta reflects (98-94 = 4) damage back onto Freyd.

ID 169285: MD: 7 + [ACC negated by Charge] - 5 =  2 (miss).  Difenda misses Freyd.  Wild Charged used.

ID 169286: MD: 2 + 1 - 5 = -2 (miss).  Purotekuta misses Freyd. Well-trained used.

Difenda | HP: 1,100/1,100 | DMG: 25 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 2 | EVA: -1

Defender: Difendā does what his name implies. He will defend Uso-Tsuki from any oncoming attacks. If you try to attack Uso-Tsuki, Difendā will take the damage instead

Wild Charge: Every 3 Rounds (Starting with his first turn),  Difendā will wildly charge the attacking the player, losing his accuracy, but gaining 25 damage and stunning the opponent.

Purotekuta | HP: 830/1,000 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 (1,000 - 170)

Eagle-Eye: Purotekutā is fully expecting an attack from an enemy of some sorts. This negates all auto-attack bonuses and Purotekutā will parry the first attack by the player onto any opponent, blocking the damage and dealing 25% of your attack back at you

Well-Trained: Every 5 Rounds (Starting on his first turn), Purotekutā will go into the way of the oncoming attack, blocking all of the damage and dealing half of it back to the player

 

 

 

[Freyd 0]

Now that the initial clash was out of the way, Freyd's movements flowed naturally into a sequence of precisely timed maneuvers.  Unfortunately for him, Purotekuta's parry that already thrown off his rhythm and he was forced to try and adjust his motions mid-swing.   A low cut and upward strike caught the other one - Difenda, judging by the name tag - below his guard and gave him a nasty cut across his torso.  Both villains struggled to regain their stances and composure.  Their counterstrikes over-reached and were easily deflected by Freyd's blade.  He noticed how they remained entrenched between him and their master, noting that they went so far as to forego the potential advantage of flanking him.  These guys were mob tanks, not DPS.

Behind them, Uso-Tsuki merely watched his massive, bulging forearms crossed before him in a pose that signified both defiance and study.  He wanted to know this shadowy enemy, in case the guards failed.

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1365/1365 | EN:117/135 | DMG:24 | MIT:94 | EVA:5 | ACC:6 | KEEN:1 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | BH:68 | Antidote:3/3

Freyd recovers 4 HP from Battle Healing.

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE, +2 for hit): 14 EN - (Rested, Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 9 EN

ID 169287 BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy 6).  Freyd deals (13*31 = 403 - 75 = 328) damage to Difenda.

ID 169288 BD: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses Purotekuta.

ID 169289: MD: 4 + 2 - 5 =  1 (miss).  Difenda misses Freyd.  Wild Charge recharging (1/3)

ID 169290: MD: 3 + 1 - 5 = -1 (miss).  Purotekuta misses Freyd.  Well-Trained recharging (1/5)

Difenda | HP: 772/1,100 | DMG: 25 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 2 | EVA: -1 (1,100 - 328)

Wild Charge: Every 3 Rounds (Starting with his first turn),  Difendā will wildly charge the attacking the player, losing his accuracy, but gaining 25 damage and stunning the opponent.

Purotekuta | HP: 830/1,000 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 

Well-Trained: Every 5 Rounds (Starting on his first turn), Purotekutā will go into the way of the oncoming attack, blocking all of the damage and dealing half of it back to the player

 

[Freyd 0]

Freyd read their patterns and calculated their vulnerabilities.  Pressing a leg against Difenda's shield, he shoved hard and forced his opponent to spin, exposing him to attack.  Purotekuta sought to compensate for his companion's vulnerability.  So, they work as a team.  Excellent.

A series of quick and precise thrusts broke their ranks a second time, the mobs scrambling to try and recover their footing and positions.  Despite his strategems, the villains recovered more quickly than expected and Difenda managed to swat a Freyd with his axe.  His mad, gleeful cackle faded when, despite the might of his massive muscles, the weapon failed to find any more purchase than simple contact.  Freyd, looking at the same absence of would, grinned back.  

"So that's what it feels like, is it?  Must be funny to have it happen on your end."

Uso-Tsuki's eyes narrowed as he watched this turn of events.  If his guards were so ineffective, it might be best to cut his losses.

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1364/1365 | EN:105/135 | DMG:24 | MIT:94 | EVA:5 | ACC:6 | KEEN:1 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | BH:68 | Antidote:3/3

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE, +4 for hit): 16 EN - (Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 12 EN

ID 169291 BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy 6).  Freyd deals (13*32 = 416 - 75 = 341) damage to Difenda.

ID 169292 BD: 3 + 6 - 2 = 7 (hit).  Freyd deals (13*24 = 312 = 25 = 287) damage to Purotekua.

ID 169293: MD: 10 (Crit +2).  Difenda deals (77 - 94 = 1) damage to Freyd.  Wild Charge recharging (2/3)

ID 169294: MD: 8 + 1 - 5 = 4 (miss).  Purotekuta misses Freyd.  Well-Trained recharging (2/5)

Difenda | HP: 431/1,100 | DMG: 25 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 2 | EVA: -1 (772 - 341)

Wild Charge: Every 3 Rounds (Starting with his first turn),  Difendā will wildly charge the attacking the player, losing his accuracy, but gaining 25 damage and stunning the opponent.

Purotekuta | HP: 543/1,000 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 (830 - 287)

Well-Trained: Every 5 Rounds (Starting on his first turn), Purotekutā will go into the way of the oncoming attack, blocking all of the damage and dealing half of it back to the player

 

[Freyd 0]

Difenda looked ready to unleash some sort of special attack.  Sensing that he needed to prevent it, along with their recovery, Freyd unleashed a tempest of blows and stunned them both under his relentless assault.   It also bought him enough of a reprieve to realize that Uso-Tsuki had also fled.  Damn.  He needed to finish these goons off quickly and get after their boss.  It was too risky to leave them behind.  They'd just heal and be right on his back, leaving him to fight them all at once.  That would be far from ideal.

Both were looking worse for wear.  Settling into a low crouch, Freyd held his wicked holy blade level at his side, the bottom edges of his eyes only just visible beneath the tip of his cowl.  If his enemies had any sense of self-preservation, they would have fled right then and there.  Perhaps they were counting on the Spire's powers to restore them, or they were just too dumb to know any better.  Either one worked.

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1365/1365 | EN:97/135 | DMG:24 | MIT:94 | EVA:5 | ACC:6 | KEEN:1 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | BH:68 | Antidote:3/3

Freyd recovers 1 HP from Battle Healing.

Tempest (x8 AoE Stun, +4 for hit): 12 EN - (Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 8 EN

ID 169295 BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy 6).  Freyd deals (8*32 = 256 - 75 = 181) damage to Difenda.  Stunned.

ID 169296 BD: 8 + 6 - 2 = 12 (hit, Fallen 6).  Freyd deals (8*30 = 240 = 25 = 215) damage to Purotekua. Stunned.

Keen triggers.

ID n/a: Difenda is stunned. Wild Charge recharging (3/3)

ID n/a.  Purotekua is stunned. Well-Trained recharging (3/5)

Difenda | HP: 250/1,100 | DMG: 25 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 2 | EVA: -1 (431 - 181)

Wild Charge: Every 3 Rounds (Starting with his first turn),  Difendā will wildly charge the attacking the player, losing his accuracy, but gaining 25 damage and stunning the opponent.

Purotekuta | HP: 328/1,000 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 (543 - 215)

Well-Trained: Every 5 Rounds (Starting on his first turn), Purotekutā will go into the way of the oncoming attack, blocking all of the damage and dealing half of it back to the player

 

[Freyd 0]

A series of savage strikes instantly pushed Difenda and Purotekuta back into disarray.  For tanks, they weren't proving to be terribly effective, save at buying Uso-Tsuki a few more moments in his head start.  Freyd wondered if they thought that worthwhile at this very moment.  Samael's Pride clashed gleefully against its foes, biting deep into their digital flesh, eager to send their motes on to whatever judgment might await.

"Purr, old buddy.  I think da boss gone and 'bandoned us again."  Difenda's tone rang more of disappointment than fear.  Perhaps they were members of the Spire after all?  Or, maybe Uso-Tsuki was just a really major untrustworthy jerk.

"I know, I know," replied Purotekuta.  "We ain't getting paid this time, I think."

"Sorry boys," Freyd chimed in.  "It's nothing personal, but I can't really have you fine fellows following me.  Besides, if I catch up to your boss, I suspect that it would be best if neither of you was around for awhile."

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1365/1365 | EN:85/135 | DMG:24 | MIT:94 | EVA:5 | ACC:6 | KEEN:1 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | BH:68 | Antidote:3/3

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE, +4 for hit): 16 EN - (Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 12 EN

ID 169297 BD: 5 + 5 + 1 + 1 = 12 (hit).  Freyd deals (12*24 = 288 - 75 = 213) damage to Difenda. 

ID 169298 BD: 2 + 5 + 1 - 2 = 6 (hit).  Freyd deals (12*24 = 288 - 25 = 263) damage to Purotekua. 

Keen triggers.

ID 169299: MD: 6 [ACC negated by Charge] - 5 =  1 (miss). Difenda misses Freyd. Wild Charge used.

ID 169300:  MD: 1 (miss).  Purotekua misses Freyd. Well-Trained recharging (4/5)

Difenda | HP: 37/1,100 | DMG: 25 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 2 | EVA: -1 (250 - 213)

Wild Charge: Every 3 Rounds (Starting with his first turn),  Difendā will wildly charge the attacking the player, losing his accuracy, but gaining 25 damage and stunning the opponent.

Purotekuta | HP: 65/1,000 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 (328 - 263)

Well-Trained: Every 5 Rounds (Starting on his first turn), Purotekutā will go into the way of the oncoming attack, blocking all of the damage and dealing half of it back to the player

 

[Freyd 0]

A sharply thrust blade slipped just over Purotekuta's shield as it slumped with disappointment, piercing him through the neck.  The ogre-like man stumbled to one knee and shattered into a thousand brilliant shards of light.

"Oh.  IT.  IS. ON!"  Difenda raged with furious bluster at the death of his companion.  It was enough to give him a momentary influx of strength to deflect Freyd's blade, but not enough to save his companion.

"It is?  Is it really?  I don't really believe that you have enough left to throw anything more into this fight.  Your health bar also seems to agree with me."  Freyd pointed over Difenda's head.  The idiot actually looked up, as if it was somehow a good idea to turn its attention away from its foe.  Rolling his eyes, Freyd sliced at his exposed Achille's tendon, causing him to stumble and fall to his knees.

"Sorry, I don't generally prefer to work this way, but time is of the essence."

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1315/1365 | EN:75/135 | DMG:24 | MIT:94 | EVA:5 | ACC:6 | KEEN:1 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | BH:68 | Antidote:3/3

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE, +2 for hit): 14 EN - (Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 10 EN

ID 169301 BD: 1 (miss) Freyd misses Difenda. 

ID 169302 BD: 5 + 5 + 1 - 2 = 9 (hit).  Purotekuta parried.  Freyd deals (12*24*0.5 = 144 - 25 = 119) damage to Purotekua.  Freyd takes (144 - 94 = 50) damage.

ID 169303: MD: 2 + 2 - 5 =  -1 (miss). Difenda misses Freyd. Wild Charge recharging [1/3].

Difenda | HP: 37/1,100 | DMG: 25 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 2 | EVA: -1 

Wild Charge: Every 3 Rounds (Starting with his first turn),  Difendā will wildly charge the attacking the player, losing his accuracy, but gaining 25 damage and stunning the opponent.

Purotekuta | HP: 0/1,000 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 (65 - 119)

Well-Trained: Every 5 Rounds (Starting on his first turn), Purotekutā will go into the way of the oncoming attack, blocking all of the damage and dealing half of it back to the player

 

[Freyd 0]

Freyd raced forward leaping high into the air and came slicing down like a crashing meteor, cutting right through the last of Difenda's defenses.  The poor mob burst into motes and vanished before Freyd had even regained his footing.  Unfortunately, the delay had given his quarry a longer head start than he had intended.  Wasting no more time, Freyd raced after the wayward renegade still wondering what the whole connection here was supposed to be to the Spire.  He didn't really know anything about whatever scheme was playing out here and couldn't convince himself that he actually cared, except to deny the Spire whatever it was they desired.

His chase led him to the next island at the far end of the span.  Iso-Tsuki could't have gone far.  This particular island seemed to be under the effects of a permanent rain storm, and largely rocky and barren.  It was an odd contrast to the rest of the floor, but a good location for a showdown.

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1365/1365 | EN:66/135 | DMG:24 | MIT:94 | EVA:5 | ACC:6 | KEEN:1 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | BH:68 | Antidote:3/3

Freyd recovers 50 HP from Battle Healing.

Galaxy Destroyer (x13): 13 EN - (Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 9 EN

ID 169304 BD: 10 (crit +2, holy +6). Freyd deals (13*32 = 416 - 75 = 341) damage to Difenda. 

Difenda | HP: 0/1,100 | DMG: 25 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 2 | EVA: -1 (37 - 341)

Wild Charge: Every 3 Rounds (Starting with his first turn),  Difendā will wildly charge the attacking the player, losing his accuracy, but gaining 25 damage and stunning the opponent.

 

 

[Freyd 0]

The broken grey and brown stone strata that made up the island's rocky composition also made it difficult to attempt to track his enemy.  The rain made it outright impossible.

"Damn."

He had one chance to corner this guy, and he blew it because of a pair of nit-wit bodyguards.  Giant gobs of water fell down, all around and over him, quickly drenching his clothes and running in rivulets down the front of his sopping cowl.  Nobody likes a wet cowl.  Freyd got outright peeved when it happened to his.  Climbing onto a low rise to get a better vantage didn't help much.  The rain was just too thick.  There was only one other span off of this particular island.  If he could somehow beat Uso-Tsuki there...  Freyd was already running, water sprays in great waves as he cleaved through various puddles and pools that had accumulated beneath the constant deluge.

[Freyd 0]

There!  He could see the next span stretching out into the open and brilliant azure waters of the rest of the open floor.  The edge of the shadow from the overcast storm would be where he needed to make his stand.  If Uso-Tsuki made it past him, he'd never catch him in time.  Jumping and skidding between rocks, Freyd moved with reckless speed towards his objective.  Like a shadow among shadows, he seemed like just another part of the stormy terrain, flowing downhill towards the shore.

Uso-Tsuki, for his part, had assumed that his minions were doomed and spent their lives to gain time.  He was agile, but he wasn't especially fast.  Time and age had seen to that.  Moving as fast as he dared, he crossed the rocky isle as flashes of lightning struck all around him, eerily set against the bright sunlight just beyond the clouds.  The gods had clearly declared this site for epic battle.

[Freyd 0]

Uso-Tsuki's prize was within reach.  The final span in his journey lay a mere hundred feet ahead.  His rival sat, unprotected and unsuspected on the far side.  This was his moment to rise, and spread the cause of the Spire to the rest of the mobs on this floor.  A crash of thunder momentarily drew his attention to the sky.  When he returned them to his path a new shadow stood in his way.

"YOU!  Why aren't you dead?  Where are those two oafs I left to finish you off?"

"They're... uh... how do I put this: respawning."  

Uso-Tsuki growled in displeasure.  His window would not remain open indefinitely.  He had to get across now.  Grunting as he came to the conclusion that his options had run out, he reached behind his head and drew forth a giant sword shaped like a meat-cleaver.  Freyd was amazed that he could wield it in a single hand.  Even more impressively, he swung it with such speed that he managed to get under Freyd's guard.  Both them pause, staring at the minimal damage of the wound.

 

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1358/1365 | EN:133/135 | DMG:24 | MIT:94 | EVA:5 | ACC:6 | KEEN:1 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | BH:68 | Antidote:3/3

Galaxy Destroyer (x13): 13 EN - (Rested, Finesse 3) = 9 EN > miss -2 EN

ID 169305, BD: 6 + [ACC n/a] -2 = 4 (miss).  Freyd misses Uso-Tsuki.

ID 169306, MD: 9 (Crit +1).  Uso-Tsuki deals (101 - 94 = 7) damage to Freyd.

Uso-Tsuki | HP: 1,200/1,200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2

Master's-Eye: Uso-Tsuki knows that you are coming, and is already prepared. Uso-Tsuki negates accuracy and auto-hit bonuses.

Warrior-Trained: On his first roll, if Uso-Tsuki gets a natural 1 on their attack roll, they make a second attack [with 0 ACC].

Ultimate Warrior: Every 5 Rounds (Starting on his second turn) Uso-Tsuki will gain a charge against you, getting +25 Damage on a successful hit against you that turn

 

[Freyd 0]

"So," Freyd started, stepping back and resetting his guard, "I'm guessing that changes things a bit for you?"

Uso-Tsuki glowered.  This wasn't how things were meant to have gone.  Now he had this troublesome boy to get out of his way.  

"Not in the slightest.  You're an obstacle, nothing more.  I am the tribe's warmaster for a reason.  The Chief is right to fear me.  You will learn the same, and ultimately fall."

Their blades clashed in a quick series of blows.  Both were remarkably able swordsmen, but there was something uncanny about Uso-Tsuki's ability to predict Freyd's movements.  He studied the man's eyes and realized that he was being studied himself.  Trying a different sequence of attacks produced the same inconclusive results.  This guy was good, not just lucky.  It was going to take some ingenuity and a bit of luck to get through his defenses.  Freyd grinned, relishing the challenge presented before him.

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1365/1365 | EN:134/135 | DMG:24 | MIT:94 | EVA:5 | ACC:6 | KEEN:1 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | BH:68 | Antidote:3/3

Freyd recovers 7 HP from Battle Healing.

Galaxy Destroyer (x13): 13 EN - (Rested, Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 9 EN > miss -2 EN only.

ID 169307, BD: 5 + [ACC n/a] -2 = 3 (miss).  Freyd misses Uso-Tsuki.

ID 169308, MD: 4 + 2 - 5 = 1 (miss).  Uso-Tsuki misses Freyd.  Charge used [0/5]

Uso-Tsuki | HP: 1,200/1,200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2

Master's-Eye: Uso-Tsuki knows that you are coming, and is already prepared. Uso-Tsuki negates accuracy and auto-hit bonuses.

Warrior-Trained: On his first roll, if Uso-Tsuki gets a natural 1 on their attack roll, they make a second attack [with 0 ACC].

Ultimate Warrior: Every 5 Rounds (Starting on his second turn) Uso-Tsuki will gain a charge against you, getting +25 Damage on a successful hit against you that turn

 

[Freyd 0]

Uso-Tsuki, for his part, was watching and analyzing his opponent's action.  There was no real threat here.  He knew every possible move in the system.  Even if he lacked the power to overwhelm his opponent's defenses directly, he could wear him down.  Players had one key witness: their dependence on energy.  It might take some time, but he could eventually exhaust his reserved and then toss him into the surrounding sea, where other lurking mobs could finish his job for him.

Freyd launched another sword-art infuse barrage, hammering away at Uso-Tsuki's defenses in search of a weakness.  He found none, but had the patience to perform a meticulous option-by-option search, if necessary.  The warmaster was aware of the degree of persistence and resolve he was facing.  It matched his own, in many ways.

The two locked blades for a moment, until the larger man twisted his footing to throw Freyd off momentum.  A sharp left cross sent the Whisper in Shadows sliding sideways without doing any damage, save to expose his enemy's awareness of his vulnerabilities.

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1365/1365 | EN:133/135 | DMG:24 | MIT:94 | EVA:5 | ACC:6 | KEEN:1 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | BH:68 | Antidote:3/3

Galaxy Destroyer (x13): 13 EN - (Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 9 EN > miss -2 EN only.

ID 169309, BD: 3 + [ACC n/a] -2 = 1 (miss).  Freyd misses Uso-Tsuki.

ID 169310, MD: 4 + 2 - 5 = 1 (miss).  Uso-Tsuki misses Freyd.  Charge recharging [1/5]

Uso-Tsuki | HP: 1,200/1,200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2

Master's-Eye: Uso-Tsuki knows that you are coming, and is already prepared. Uso-Tsuki negates accuracy and auto-hit bonuses.

Warrior-Trained: On his first roll, if Uso-Tsuki gets a natural 1 on their attack roll, they make a second attack [with 0 ACC].

Ultimate Warrior: Every 5 Rounds (Starting on his second turn) Uso-Tsuki will gain a charge against you, getting +25 Damage on a successful hit against you that turn

 

[Freyd 0]

Scrambling to get back into position, Freyd feet slipped on the loose shale beneath him.  He was forced instead to pivot on his hand, redirecting his movement to avoid Uso-Tsuki's follow up strike.  The massive metal cleaver swung just over his face as Freyd threw himself prone onto his back at the last second.

"Stay still, maggot!"  Grumbled his opponent, trying to stomp him with his heavy, iron-clad boots instead.  A quick elbow thrust propelled the light, slimmer Freyd away from the blow and back onto his feet.

"You've left the exit open, fool!"  Cackled the warmaster.  Freyd smiled and taunted him back.

"Yes.  So I did.  Why don't you turn your back and try to use it."

Their engagement would not end with one or the other simply walking away.  The stakes had already gone well beyond that point.  Locking eyes, both opponents recognized the depths of their mutual resolve.  This was never going to be over in two or three moves.

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1365/1365 | EN:132/135 | DMG:24 | MIT:94 | EVA:5 | ACC:6 | KEEN:1 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | BH:68 | Antidote:3/3

Galaxy Destroyer (x13): 13 EN - (Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 9 EN > miss -2 EN only.

ID 169311, BD: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses Uso-Tsuki.

ID 169312, MD: 2 + 2 - 5 = -1 (miss).  Uso-Tsuki misses Freyd.  Charge recharging [1/5]

Uso-Tsuki | HP: 1,200/1,200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2

Master's-Eye: Uso-Tsuki knows that you are coming, and is already prepared. Uso-Tsuki negates accuracy and auto-hit bonuses.

Warrior-Trained: On his first roll, if Uso-Tsuki gets a natural 1 on their attack roll, they make a second attack [with 0 ACC].

Ultimate Warrior: Every 5 Rounds (Starting on his second turn) Uso-Tsuki will gain a charge against you, getting +25 Damage on a successful hit against you that turn

 

[Freyd 0]

Uso-Tsuki finally chose to take a more aggressive approach and charged the smaller swordsman.  The warmaster was so large that Freyd's minor height advantage from being on a rise was effectively negated.  He dashed sideways at the last second, as the massive iron cleaver struck where he had stood a moment before.  The impact sprayed stone shrapnel all over the area, several bouncing off Freyd's back and delaying his own swing by just enough to let Uso parry.

They clashed faster now, as both combatants sought to seize the initiative and force their opponent to give ground.  Uso's best chance at victory was to drive Freyd over the edge of the island and into the monster-filled sea.  His direct attacks had no hope of piercing the smaller man's defenses.  Freyd, meanwhile, still hadn't landed a single blow, and was coming to recognize the level of skill his foe actually possessed.

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1365/1365 | EN:131/135 | DMG:24 | MIT:94 | EVA:5 | ACC:6 | KEEN:1 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | BH:68 | Antidote:3/3

Galaxy Destroyer (x13): 13 EN - (Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 9 EN > miss -2 EN only.

ID 169313, BD: 4 + [ACC n/a] -2 = 1 (miss).  Freyd misses Uso-Tsuki.

ID 169314, MD: 3 + 2 - 5 = 0 (miss).  Uso-Tsuki misses Freyd.  Charge recharging [2/5]

Uso-Tsuki | HP: 1,200/1,200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2

Master's-Eye: Uso-Tsuki knows that you are coming, and is already prepared. Uso-Tsuki negates accuracy and auto-hit bonuses.

Warrior-Trained: On his first roll, if Uso-Tsuki gets a natural 1 on their attack roll, they make a second attack [with 0 ACC].

Ultimate Warrior: Every 5 Rounds (Starting on his second turn) Uso-Tsuki will gain a charge against you, getting +25 Damage on a successful hit against you that turn

 

[Freyd 0]

The battle raged all over the island, gradually moving closer to a series of jagged bluffs by the shoreline.  The rain still raged all about them, making it hard for both opponents to gauge the lay of the land much beyond the area of their immediate melee.  Uso-Tsuki, though, knew all of these lands like the back of his hand.  It was his entire purpose for being, even though he seemed prepared to betray the part associated with his supposed loyalties.

The rain continued unabated, and mixed here with the crashing waves of seawater upon the bluffs.  Between the sharp, loose rocks and the to-and-fro pulls of the tides upon their legs and the constant battering precipitation, it was about that last spot any two reasonable people would choose to have a sword fight.  Fortunately, no such participants were involved.  This had become a contest of wills.

Both opponents slogged through the churlish waters trying to strike each other down, without much success, though Uso-Tsuko managed to nick Freyd's arm to keep him from heading back inland.  

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1358/1365 | EN:130/135 | DMG:24 | MIT:94 | EVA:5 | ACC:6 | KEEN:1 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | BH:68 | Antidote:3/3

Galaxy Destroyer (x13): 13 EN - (Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 9 EN > miss -2 EN only.

ID 169315, BD: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses Uso-Tsuki.

ID 169316, MD: 1(miss).  Uso-Tsuki misses Freyd.  Charge recharging [3/5].  Warrior-trained triggers.

ID 169317, MD: 9 (crit +1).  Uso-Tsuki deals (101 - 94 = 7) damage to Freyd.

Uso-Tsuki | HP: 1,200/1,200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2

Master's-Eye: Uso-Tsuki knows that you are coming, and is already prepared. Uso-Tsuki negates accuracy and auto-hit bonuses.

Warrior-Trained: On his first roll, if Uso-Tsuki gets a natural 1 on their attack roll, they make a second attack [with 0 ACC].

Ultimate Warrior: Every 5 Rounds (Starting on his second turn) Uso-Tsuki will gain a charge against you, getting +25 Damage on a successful hit against you that turn

 

[Freyd 0]

Uso-Tsuki swung his cleaver low, showering Freyd with both sparks and water, forcing to dash blindly to his side.  His hip scraped against rough, jagged stone while his arms barely lifted up his silver blade in time to block his assailant's strike.  Taking quick advantage of the opening, he ran straight at the larger man and rammed his should into his chest, sending them both bowling over onto the drenched and lethal terrain.

Both men grumbled as they struggles to find their footing, their sopping wet clothes clinging awkwardly and spreading a numbing chill straight down into their bones.  Thunder and lightning continued to flash overhead, as unrelenting as both obstinate combatants.

"You cannot win," Uso-Tsuki taunted, "I know every move you can make."

"And yet," Freyd countered, "you know that you can only lose."

They renewed their dance, circling each other once more, each looking for an opening and wary of a duplicitous feint.

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1365/1365 | EN:129/135 | DMG:24 | MIT:94 | EVA:5 | ACC:6 | KEEN:1 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | BH:68 | Antidote:3/3

Freyd recovers 7 HP from Battle Healing.

Galaxy Destroyer (x13): 13 EN - (Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 9 EN > miss -2 EN only.

ID 169318, BD: 6 + [ACC n/a] -2 = 4 (miss).  Freyd misses Uso-Tsuki.

ID 169319, MD: 3 + 2 - 5 = 0 (miss).  Uso-Tsuki misses Freyd.  Charge recharging [4/5]. 

Uso-Tsuki | HP: 1,200/1,200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2

Master's-Eye: Uso-Tsuki knows that you are coming, and is already prepared. Uso-Tsuki negates accuracy and auto-hit bonuses.

Warrior-Trained: On his first roll, if Uso-Tsuki gets a natural 1 on their attack roll, they make a second attack [with 0 ACC].

Ultimate Warrior: Every 5 Rounds (Starting on his second turn) Uso-Tsuki will gain a charge against you, getting +25 Damage on a successful hit against you that turn

 

[Freyd 0]

Lightning crackled through the skies above as their blades met anew, thunder threatening to sunder the very ground beneath their feet.  Freyd seemed to have taken the advantage now, and was pushing Uso-Tsuki steadily back towards a nearby ridge, with a small waterfall cresting over it.  The ring of steel on steel echoed the storm's anger and steadily increased in tempo as Freyd found his groove and pressed his perceived advantage.

Despite his greater size and unique skills, Uso-Tsuki couldn't match his smaller opponent's speed.  It was all he could do just to counter it, which meant that it was time to try a different tactic.

"You're the same one that helped foil the Spire's assault on Coral, yes?"  he laughed a deep, rumbling laugh.  "You did us all a favour that day."

Freyd said nothing in response, curious to  see what Uso-Tsuki might let slip as he sought to distract him.

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1365/1365 | EN:128/135 | DMG:24 | MIT:94 | EVA:5 | ACC:6 | KEEN:1 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | BH:68 | Antidote:3/3

Galaxy Destroyer (x13): 13 EN - (Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 9 EN > miss -2 EN only.

ID 169320, BD: 5 + [ACC n/a] -2 = 3 (miss).  Freyd misses Uso-Tsuki.

ID 169321, MD: 5 + 2 - 5 = 0 (miss).  Uso-Tsuki misses Freyd.  Charge used [5/5]. 

Uso-Tsuki | HP: 1,200/1,200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2

Master's-Eye: Uso-Tsuki knows that you are coming, and is already prepared. Uso-Tsuki negates accuracy and auto-hit bonuses.

Warrior-Trained: On his first roll, if Uso-Tsuki gets a natural 1 on their attack roll, they make a second attack [with 0 ACC].

Ultimate Warrior: Every 5 Rounds (Starting on his second turn) Uso-Tsuki will gain a charge against you, getting +25 Damage on a successful hit against you that turn

 

[Freyd 0]

"Skalaugh and his pawns were fools, with small goals.  He used his followers as fodder and undermined his own efforts with his tyrannical ambitions.  Without him..."  Uso-Tsuki cackled maniacally, "There is nothing stopping our more insidious plans from moving forward."

Freyd lunged, hoping that the man's monologuing had made him sloppy, but it was a ruse.  His attack went wide and Uso-Tsuki nearly carved him in half for his trouble.  Speed alone had saved him, again.  

"'Frayed', wasn't it?"  Uso-Tsuki took great pleasure in mocking him, assuming that his taunts were getting purchase.  "It will be a pleasure to claim credit for your death."

Freyd simply made a jabbering mouth-like motion with his hand and grinned at his opponent, who glowered again in return.

"If the Spire is such hot shit, then you'd think they could accomplish more than trying to talk me to death, yeah?  Come on, big man, we can dance all day if we have to.  You're never leaving this island."

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1365/1365 | EN:127/135 | DMG:24 | MIT:94 | EVA:5 | ACC:6 | KEEN:1 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | BH:68 | Antidote:3/3

Galaxy Destroyer (x13): 13 EN - (Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 9 EN > miss -2 EN only.

ID 169322, BD: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses Uso-Tsuki.

ID 169323, MD: 2 + 2 - 5 = -1 (miss).  Uso-Tsuki misses Freyd.  Charge recharging [1/5]. 

Uso-Tsuki | HP: 1,200/1,200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2

Master's-Eye: Uso-Tsuki knows that you are coming, and is already prepared. Uso-Tsuki negates accuracy and auto-hit bonuses.

Warrior-Trained: On his first roll, if Uso-Tsuki gets a natural 1 on their attack roll, they make a second attack [with 0 ACC].

Ultimate Warrior: Every 5 Rounds (Starting on his second turn) Uso-Tsuki will gain a charge against you, getting +25 Damage on a successful hit against you that turn

 

[Freyd 0]

Uso-Tsuki's bravado quickly turned to anger and he charged forward, recklessly hacking and slashing away at this enemy.  Freyd 's grasp on the initiative vanished in an instant, forcing him to his limit to keep up with this monstrous fighter's sheer skill.  Both had long since been chilled to the bones by the endless waves of rain that pounded down around and upon them.  Long trails of water followed the movements of their weapons, like bizarre contrails.  Sparks flew wherever their blades collided at dizzying speed, but neither swordsman could seem to gain advantage over the other.  After another series of thrusts and ripostes, they locked blades again, both of them leaning in to lock gazes and continue their contest of wills.  

Considering how long they'd been fighting, it was remarkable that neither of them had yet suffered any notable injuries.  The warmth of their mutual breaths plumed from their heads like great chimney stacks as their inner engines gave it their all to break through, without success.

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1365/1365 | EN:126/135 | DMG:24 | MIT:94 | EVA:5 | ACC:6 | KEEN:1 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | BH:68 | Antidote:3/3

Galaxy Destroyer (x13): 13 EN - (Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 9 EN > miss -2 EN only.

ID 169324, BD: 4 + [ACC n/a] -2 = 2 (miss).  Freyd misses Uso-Tsuki.[Note: roll 169325 is duplicate and void]

ID 169326, MD: 2 + 2 - 5 = -1 (miss).  Uso-Tsuki misses Freyd.  Charge recharging [2/5]. 

Uso-Tsuki | HP: 1,200/1,200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2

Master's-Eye: Uso-Tsuki knows that you are coming, and is already prepared. Uso-Tsuki negates accuracy and auto-hit bonuses.

Warrior-Trained: On his first roll, if Uso-Tsuki gets a natural 1 on their attack roll, they make a second attack [with 0 ACC].

Ultimate Warrior: Every 5 Rounds (Starting on his second turn) Uso-Tsuki will gain a charge against you, getting +25 Damage on a successful hit against you that turn