[SP-F26] A Clash in the Skies

[Krysta 0]

A young woman, tired of how slow progress has become, looks to her guild to bring herself solace. The structure and order of her rising organization, now seeking to deal with the qualms of this world. At long last, they've gotten their hands on a Ladonian Airship. She had caught wind of rumors about some crimson haired pirate that had taken control of one, and how said pirate player sought for her airship to go beyond just the twenty-sixth floor...

The young woman knew that she had to do the same, if she was to get the players back into shape and clear this game under proper command. While she might inevitably clash with this other bearer of an Airship, it mattered not, as long as the playerbase was willing to do their due diligence towards clearing this game in a faster, more orderly fashion.

She stood tall, as to address her guild. "Heroes and Hirelings of the Titanium Knights!" She called out. Her underlings would all stop what they were doing at once, to look to their superior.

"The time is approaching. Mobilize our Airship, the Bardiche!  It is time we bring an end to the state of things!"

Surely, this slow progress...what a lazy lifestyle the playerbase was leading.

The young woman, Ellyria, would be the one to put an end to it.

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Krysta was walking in the streets of Taft, wondering what her next task would be. If she didn't actively seek it, it would come to her soon enough.

But before she could set out herself, she would receive a message.

Quote

To: Krysta

Subject: Urgent Matters

Krysta, we need to talk. Meet me over in the usual spot.

-Keita

With this message, Krysta would make haste for the plaza, and indeed, Keita was there. 

"How dire is the situation?" Krysta would ask upon her arrival. Keita looked over in Krysta's direction, arms crossed and leaning her back against the wall. "...I planted a spy over in the twenty-sixth floor, and by what he'd sent me, it seems that there's an Airship that's being prepared for takeoff...and the fact that many individuals are going in, someone might need to go investigate." She explained. Pulling out a piece of paper, she would continue. "I'd have taken a look into it myself, but there's this other thing that has my attention...also, you might want to read this."

Krysta took the paper that was handed to her, and would proceed to read it.

Spoiler

The individuals in question are all armed, Player and NPC alike. Whether they're going in towards an event, or if something nefarious is going on, that's for you to figure out. Either way, you might want to go in prepared for battle.

Upon having finished reading the note, Krysta walked right over to the Teleport Gate. "Teleport: Ladonia!"

Whichever matter this was, it was likely to be urgent.

 

Stats and Equipment:

Spoiler

Level: 32

Paragon Level: 22(paragon stat bonus totals: +80 HP, +8 EN)

Paragon Rewards:

Lv. 5 | Gain additional col equivalent to 15% of EXP earned in that thread.

Lv. 10 | +1 LD to Loot and Chest rolls

 

 

Battle Stats:

HP: 760(Base[720], Resolve[40])

Energy: 110(Base[90], Energist[20])

Base Damage: 23(THSS R5[7], Combat Mastery: DMG[12], SS Ferocity[2], Meticulous[1])

Mitigation: 78(Lumino Regalia[48], Light Armor R5[30])

Accuracy: 2(Alediel's Grace[1], SS Precision[1])

Evasion: 3(Gold Rings)

Loot Die: 0

Holy Damage: +8 Damage on BD 9-10

T4 Bleed: Inflicts Bleed on BD 9-10, deals 48 DMG per turn for two turns

 

Additional conditions:

-2 on all stealth rolls(Light Armor Rank 5)

 

Equipment:

[T4] Alediel's Grace(Holy, Accuracy, Bleed)[Equipped]

[T4] Lumino Regalia(2 MIT, 1 REC)[Equipped]

[T1] Gold Rings(3 EVA)[Equipped]

 

Consumables:

Teleport Crystal x1

[T1]Berry Crumb Bar(LD 3)

[T1]Mousse(3 Prosperity)

[T3] Mini Cheesecake(Mitigation III)

 

Skills:

Straight Sword Rank 5(30 SP)

Light Armor Rank 5(30 SP)

Combat Mastery: Damage Rank 3(13 SP)

Battle Healing Rank 3(14 SP)

Energist(8 SP)

 

Shift: AoE(10 SP)

 

Extra Skills:

First aid Rank 5(30 SP)

Familiar Mastery: Healing(10 SP)

Meditation

 

 

Mods:

Purify(4 SP)

Barrier(6 SP)

Field Medic(6 SP)

Meticulous(4 SP)

 

Addons:

Resolve(6 SP)

SS Ferocity(6 SP)

SS Precision(2 SP)

SS Stamina(4 SP)

 

Edited August 6, 2023 by Krysta
SP miscalculations from long ago. I messed up so bad.

[Krysta 0]

Appearing at Ladonia's Teleport Gate, Krysta would begin making her way to the skyport. If there was anything having to do with Airships, it was likely to be found there.

Along the way, she would take a short stop or two to eat a consumable or two. If there was indeed going to be combat of some kind, she would need to be ready for it. The trip to the skyport wasn't as long as it first was, as she didn't have to fight and charge through numerous sets of enemies, just an occasional foe. It would surely take time before the actual "Safe Zones" of the floor would actually get to become safe zones free of enemies...perhaps this was the cost of having to deal with the sort of floor this one happened to be.

For now, she needed to be ready for what she was making her way towards.

 

Consumed:

[T1]Berry Crumb Bar(LD 3)
[T1]Mousse(3 Prosperity)
[T3] Mini Cheesecake(+45 MIT)

[Krysta 0]

Upon reaching the Skyport, Krysta would notice one large Airship preparing to take off. This was the one that was spoken of, and she would miss it if she didn't do something soon.

However, once she reached the craft, it lifted into the air. It was too late to board it...from on foot. She quickly turned to seek out one of the more minuscule aircrafts meant for transporting up to one party of players. When the NPC asked where Krysta wanted to go, she would state, "That larger Airship over there!" as she pointed towards it.

Coming close to it for the first time would be the easiest part of this endeavor. The Airship was quite a sight, larger than it first seemed to be, and outfitted for war. On the hull of the Airship, Krysta could make out the word "Bardiche". She then saw a single player, a young woman, coming out of a door and to the Airship's deck, escorted by three other players.

Spoiler

 

[Krysta 0]

This player walked up to the front of the deck, ready to make her declaration. "The time is now. I will bring an end to the playerbase's consistent fear and laziness. ...And I will be the one to lead us all to victory!"

This...this wasn't spoken literally, was it? Was this player intending to put every player in sight underneath her? Krysta had to have been hearing things.

But as Krysta drew nearer from the transport, she was spotted by the player in question. "Who might you be?" The player inquired. At first, the escorts were wary, but they seemed to lower their guard when looking towards where Krysta's cursor probably was. The player escorts left, and a trio of NPCs would rush to her side and take their place.

"My name is Krysta." Krysta began. "You travel armed and ready for battle, may I ask what your intentions are as of the moment?" She asked. For all Krysta knew, it could easily be a grinding session...but it would be best to make sure she knew what was going on, to clarify what it is that she had heard.

The young woman would look the young noble in the eyes, as if sizing her up and trying to find what drove her to ask such a question. "Under normal circumstances, one might tell you it is none of your business." She responded. "...But these are not normal circumstances, as it is time for change. Loose, individual groups have gotten us nowhere, and fear is crippling all. Some of the playerbase has dared to become too comfortable, leading them to pitiful, lazy lifestyles. It is my aim to change that. The playerbase will soon be united under one banner that will actually get the job done. Disorganization for 'freedom' has failed us all, so it's time for a more organized, strong and stable approach...regardless if everyone else likes it or not. I will lead us to victory in this castle of worlds."

[Krysta 0]

Krysta's gaze slowly grew a slight agitation. Not that being organized was an issue, but that she was sacrificing the playerbase's freedom to choose by taking the road she was walking. "I'm afraid taking away people's right to make choices in their lives is not something I can tolerate." Krysta began. "Therefore, I highly suggest that this stop, before someone chooses to take extreme measures against you." 

The player did not lose her composure, but she seemed disappointed by Krysta's response. She looked to the NPC beside her, and all three were awaiting orders. "We have encountered resistance. You know what to do." She commanded, before walking towards the ship's interior.

The Three NPCs' cursors changed from yellow to red, combat had begun. If Krysta did not jump to board the Bardiche, they would surely use the ship's artillery to shoot down the Aircraft she was on. "Fly over the ship! I'll jump down from here!" Krysta told the friendly NPC that was driving the transport. "Get away from the ship once you can, it's me that they seek to kill!"

Maneuvering above the Bardiche proved to be more difficult than anticipated, as all of the ship's weaponry took aim as soon as it was possible. Krysta had a Teleport Crystal in case all else failed, but she was unwilling to let the innocent suffer for the actions of her new enemies. "...Now!"

Krysta managed to jump off at just the right moment, giving both her and the transport, without realizing it, just the required movements to dodge incoming fire from the ship's weaponry. Upon landing, four of the hostile NPCs were already making their way towards Krysta as to face her head on. Krysta would activate one of her Sword Arts, Celestial Sweep, striking all but one, who managed to catch the blade. One of the enemies cried out as he was hit, as holy energy arced from the weapon to damage him further, and dropping his HP to zero.

 

ID# 209969 BD: 1(critical fail), MD: 8-3=5(miss)

ID# 209970 BD: 10(Critical, +2 Base DMG, Holy Activates! Inflicted T4 Bleed), MD: 5-3=2(miss)

ID# 209971 BD: 5+2=7(hit), MD: 4-3=1(miss)

ID# 209972 BD: 4+2=6(hit), MD: 4-3=1(miss)

Celestial Sweep(AoE-I):

23x15=345 Damage to Hired Mercenaries 3 and 4!

32x15=480 Damage to Hired Mercenary 2!

ID# 209979 CD: 9, LD: 6+3=9(3456 Col, 2 Materials, T4 Rare Trinket)

 

Krysta: HP 760/760, EN 87/110 | 23 DMG | 123 MIT | 2 ACC | 3 EVA | 3 LD | 3 Pros. | Holy: 8 | T4 Bleed

 

                Enemies:

Hired Mercenary 1: HP 384/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 2: HP 0/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 3: HP 39/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 4: HP 39/384, 128 DMG

Edited December 24, 2022 by Krysta

[Krysta 0]

      The enemies Krysta was facing attempted to strike back, but even though she had to pull her weapon out of an enemy's grip, she was able to avoid every attempted strike. The other NPC enemies were moving in to surround Krysta, and they all had their weapons drawn, as if their only goal was to prevent Krysta from progressing any further. The few players who were on the deck had all gone belowdecks for some particular reason, with the exception of one who looked upon the NPC enemies as though to command them if need be. If all these hired mercenaries were indeed hired by the player leading this group, perhaps it wouldn't be too far fetched for them to accept orders from said player's subordinates.

What confused Krysta, however, was why did the NPCs leave their artillery behind to take on Krysta in melee? The most likely reason was that they were unwilling to risk harming their own, which would make sense for them, regardless if they were to respawn or not. Another Celestial Sweep, only one target was struck, holy energy surging as the weapon slew its target. Once again, the weapon was caught by the first of the enemies. Krysta took a moment to get a better look at this opponent. He not only had an armored glove attached to a gauntlet, but his weapon of choice seemed to be a swordcatcher. This time, the swordcatcher was used to stop Krysta's blade.

 

ID# 209975 BD: 1(Critical Fail), MD: 7-3=4(miss)

ID# 209977 BD: 3+2=5(miss), MD: 6-3=3(miss)

ID# 209978 BD: 10(Critical, +2 Base DMG, Holy Activates! Inflicted T4 Bleed), MD: 8-3=5(miss)

Celestial Sweep(AoE-I): 32x15=480 Damage to Hired Mercenary 4!

ID# 209980 CD: 8, LD: 2+3=5(3840 Col)

 

Krysta: HP 760/760, EN 78/110 | 23 DMG | 123 MIT | 2 ACC | 3 EVA | 3 LD | 3 Pros. | Holy: 8 | T4 Bleed

 

                Enemies:

Hired Mercenary 1: HP 384/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 3: HP 39/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 4: HP 0/384, 128 DMG

Edited December 24, 2022 by Krysta

[Krysta 0]

       Krysta put her immediate focus in removing her weapon from the swordcatcher safely, as in a game like this, it was likely that such a weapon might have more devastating effects on certain weapons' durability. This NPC seemed to be a cut above the others, perhaps he was a greater threat. He attempted to make a certain movement as to put stress onto Krysta's weapon, but he seemed to only encounter frustration. "Wha? The hell? ...The hell's this thing made of?"

    Krysta removed her blade from the swordcatcher. "It's a mystery if you ask me, I did not witness this weapon's origin." She answered. "Not that its origin would matter in a scenario such as this." She added.

  No further words were necessary as two more hired hands entered the fray, taking the places of their fallen allies, and Krysta activated Celestial sweep yet again, albeit this time, she did so with some slight difference. This difference turned out to be the key in dealing with this first entity, as he was unable to block, deflect, or catch this attack. The two newcomer enemies were also stricken by Krysta's blade, and all active enemies' health was in the lower yellow. Krysta utilized a low sweep to knock two of her enemies off balance, while deflecting the first one's swordcatcher. One of the newcomers managed to strike Krysta upon the head with his warhammer, but it would seem that most of the damage dealt was mitigated.

 

ID# 209981 BD: 6+2=8(hit), MD: 6-3=3(miss)

ID# 209982 BD: 2+2=4(miss), MD: 1(Critical Fail)

ID# 209983 BD: 7+2=9(hit), MD: 10(Critical, +2 Damage)

ID# 209984 BD: 7+2=9(hit), MD: 1(Critical Fail)

Celestial Sweep: 23x15=345 Damage to Hired Mercenaries 1, 5, and 6!

 

Krysta: HP 753/760, EN 65/110 | 23 DMG | 123 MIT | 2 ACC | 3 EVA | 3 LD | 3 Pros. | Holy: 8 | T4 Bleed

 

                Enemies:

Hired Mercenary 1: HP 39/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 3: HP 39/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 5: HP 39/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 6: HP 39/384, 128 DMG

Edited December 24, 2022 by Krysta

[Krysta 0]

Krysta's HP would quickly recover, and with another usage of Celestial Sweep, the only opponent remaining within melee range was the first of her opponents, who proceeded to Strike Krysta with his weapon.

Surely, there must have been more to this opponent than what meets the eye. "I've broken many a blade in my time, but I suppose I have yet to face an opponent such as yourself. I was among the best, once. Maybe by defeating you, I can prove to this realm that I still am!" The mercenary remarked. Krysta would deflect his next attempt to strike, but her following swing of her weapon was blocked by the foe's swordcatcher. "I would say you still have far to go. You know you cannot possibly defeat me alone." Krysta pointed out. 

The Princess and the mercenary would keep their eyes looking towards their opponent, a mild standoff as they both tried to predict what the other would do next.

 

Battle Healing: Krysta recovers 22 HP

 

ID# 209998 BD: 3+2=5(miss), MD: 10(Critical, +2 Damage)

ID# 209999 BD: 8+2=10(hit), MD: 5-3=2(miss)

ID# 210000 BD: 10(Critical, +2 Base Damage, Holy Activates! Inflicted Bleed), MD: 5-3=2(miss)

ID# 210001 BD: 7+2=9(hit), MD: 1(critical fail)

 

Celestial Sweep(AoE-I):

23x15=345 Damage to Hired Mercenaries 3 and 6!

32x15=480 Damage to Hired Mercenary 5!

 

ID# 210002 CD: 2, LD: 2+3=5(3840 Col)

ID# 210003 CD: 11, LD: 4+3=7(3456 Col, 2 Materials, Rare Trinket)

ID# 210004 CD: 4, LD: 18+3=21(3840 Col, Perfect Weapon, Perfect Armor)

 

Krysta: HP 753/760, EN 52/110 | 23 DMG | 123 MIT | 2 ACC | 3 EVA | 22 BH | 3 LD | 3 Pros. | Holy: 8 | T4 Bleed

 

                Enemies:

Hired Mercenary 1: HP 39/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 3: HP 0/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 5:  HP 0/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 6: HP 0/384, 128 DMG

Edited August 6, 2023 by Krysta

[Krysta 0]

Krysta was right, her opponent stood no chance on his own. "For once, I think you're right. Come on, boys, together now!" 

As the three other enemies entered the fray, Krysta readied another Sword Art. When she activated and used it, it stuck only one, before it was caught by the persistent opponent's swordcatcher. Once again, Krysta found herself having to free her blade from her foe's choice of weapon. "Hah, you're starting to become predictable at this rate!" Her foe remarked.

Krysta knew this wasn't a fight she could lose, nor could she afford to lose this fight. Who knows what could possibly hang in the balance in this moment? Simply the players of this floor? Surely, that might only be the first step of twenty seven. Krysta did not know how this player intended to subjugate the players not on the twenty sixth floor, but Krysta would do what little she could while she was here, to prevent such forceful subjugation from happening.

 

Battle Healing: Krysta Recovers 22 HP

 

ID# 210279 BD: 1(Critical Fail!), MD: 6-3=3(miss)

ID# 210280 BD: 2+2=4(miss), MD: 8-3=5(miss)

ID# 210281 BD: 4+2=6(hit), MD: 8-3=5(miss)

ID# 210282 BD: 2+2=4(miss), MD: 10(Critical! +2 DMG)

 

Celestial Sweep(AoE-I): 23x15=345 Damage to Hired Mercenary 8!

 

Krysta: HP 753/760, EN 43/110 | 23 DMG | 123 MIT | 2 ACC | 3 EVA | 22 BH | 3 LD | 3 Pros. | Holy: 8 | T4 Bleed

 

                Enemies:

Hired Mercenary 1: HP 39/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 7: HP 384/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 8: HP 39/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 9: HP 384/384, 128 DMG

Edited August 6, 2023 by Krysta

[Krysta 0]

Krysta would speak to her opponent once more. "Then perhaps it is time I changed things up a little, and stopped playing around." She said before activating a different Sword Art, Luna Regalia. Three enemies were stricken by this sword art, and Holy Energy arced along the blade to smite the eighth foe, and all stricken foes were slain. The ninth mercenary caught the weapon with his own swordcatcher, but the distance between him and Krysta's blade, as well as what the weapon had just done against his allies, left him shaking and incapable of landing an attack properly.

Three more mercenaries began heading over to the scene, but the other mercenaries in the vicinity, well, their cursors reverted to yellow as it came across to them that whatever payments they were promised was not worth the risk of being killed in battle...or perhaps they were being told to retreat by their employer's subordinate? Krysta wasn't certain in this moment just yet.

 

Battle Healing: Krysta Recovers 22 HP

ID# 210506 BD: 5+2=7(hit), MD: 2

ID# 210507 BD: 8+2=10(hit), MD: 1(Critical Fail)

ID# 210508 BD: 10(Critical, +2 Base DMG, Holy Activates! Inflicted Bleed), MD: 7-3=4(miss)

ID# 210509 BD: 1(Critical Fail), MD: 6-3=3(miss)

 

Luna Regalia(AoE-II):

23x18=414 Damage to Hired Mercenaries 1 and 7!

33x18=594 Damage to Hired Mercenary 8!

ID# 210510 CD: 9, LD: 12+3=15(3840 Col, 2 Materials, <<Unidentified T4 Rare Armor>>)

ID# 210511 CD: 3, LD: 8+3=11(3072 Col, 2 Materials, <<Unidentified T4 Rare Trinket>>)

ID# 210512 CD: 10, LD: 12+3=15(4608 Col, 2 Materials, <<Unidentified T4 Rare Armor>>)

 

Krysta: HP 760/760, EN 23/110 | 23 DMG | 123 MIT | 2 ACC | 3 EVA | 22 BH | 3 LD | 3 Pros. | Holy: 8 | T4 Bleed

 

                Enemies:

Hired Mercenary 1: HP 0/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 7: HP 0/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 8: HP 0/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 9: HP 384/384, 128 DMG

Edited August 6, 2023 by Krysta

[Krysta 0]

  Krysta's onslaught against these mercenaries was taking a toll on her energy, though she was uncertain if her enemies were able to notice. As the last three mercenaries of those who remained joined in the fray, Krysta's next attack devastated all four that were present, with holy energy arcing from her blade to finish off the ninth mercenary.

  Krysta's attack had knocked the remaining three enemies back, so they began making their way back towards her, not that it would do them any good at this rate, but their sense of loyalty was astonishingly admirable. "Your loyalty to your employers, I find surprisingly admirable, but are you truly willing to die for this?" Krysta questioned. The mercenaries would look to each other, then back to Krysta. "We don't just fight for pay." One of them began. Unlike the common sellsword, we fight for glory, that our actions play a part in history. We are but three people among dozens of thousands, if we are to die, may it be in glorious battle." He declared. 

 

ID# 210513 BD: 10(Critical, +2 Base DMG, Holy Activates! Inflicted Bleed), MD: 8-3=5(miss)

ID# 210514 BD: 5+2=7(hit), MD: 2-3=1(miss)

ID# 210515 BD: 6+2=8(hit), MD: 2-3=1(miss)

ID# 210516 BD: 5+2=7(hit), MD: 7-3=4(miss)

Celestial Sweep(AoE-I):

23x15=345 Damage to Hired Mercenaries 10, 11, and 12!

33x15=495 Damage to Hired Mercenary 9!

ID# 210517 CD: 4, LD: 18+3=21(3840 Col, <<Unidentified T4 Perfect Armor 210517a>>, <<Unidentified T4 Perfect Weapon>>)

 

 

Krysta: HP 760/760, EN 1/110 | 23 DMG | 123 MIT | 2 ACC | 3 EVA | 22 BH | 3 LD | 3 Pros. | Holy: 8 | T4 Bleed

 

                Enemies:

Hired Mercenary 9: HP 0/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 10: HP 39/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 11: HP 39/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 12: HP 39/384, 128 DMG

Edited August 6, 2023 by Krysta

[Krysta 0]

      Krysta gave her head a slight nod in understanding. She felt fatigued, and looked to her energy. She couldn't use any Sword Arts with this amount...so perhaps it was time for Krysta to revitalize herself. She would first deal with the incoming attacks, as it didn't cost her any energy for her to dodge...but, then again, Krysta's HP was recovering at a higher value than the damage her enemies could deal against her.

    She positioned her blade, the tip facing the ground, her hands holding it in place, and she closed her eyes. She felt only a damaging impact from one strike against her, the rest didn't seem to do anything. She, of course, didn't seem to show acknowledgment of her adversaries' attacks, for she was busy activating the Meditation skill.

..........

      Krysta could hear voices, and the chaos from the world she was in seemingly faded for twelve seconds. The peaceful sound of flowing water echoed in her mind, and she was able to hear a voice she recognized. "You are not alone." Spoke the familiar voice. She knew she'd heard it before. "Follow the path of the light, I know you'll find yourself in it." Krysta remembered these words very fondly. These words did come to her from her own mother, after all. "..."
                The voice would finish the words of reassurance. "I know you're going to do great things one day, Jewel. I can feel it. You can do it, Jewel, at least one person out there, they're counting on you."

...........

   Krysta's focus then slowly shifted back to her current reality.   

[Krysta uses Meditation, recovering an additional 16 Energy]

 

(OOC: I forgot what Krysta's Energy was at before making the rolls, so their listed roll purposes are only half-true, as can be seen below)

ID# 212502 MD: 10(Critical!! +2 DMG)

ID# 212503 MD: 2-3=1(Miss)

ID# 212504 MD: 2-3=1(Miss)

 

 

Krysta: HP 753/760, EN 21/110 | 23 DMG | 123 MIT | 2 ACC | 3 EVA | 22 BH | 3 LD | 3 Pros. | Holy: 8 | T4 Bleed

 

                Enemies:

Hired Mercenary 9: HP 0/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 10: HP 39/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 11: HP 39/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 12: HP 39/384, 128 DMG

Edited August 6, 2023 by Krysta

[Krysta 0]

     The three mercenaries looked surprised over how unfazed Krysta seemed to be after their attacks. Krysta took position and readied her sword art. "They're all counting on me..." She noted under her breath. Her attack would finish off all but one of the remaining enemies. Said remaining enemy would attempt to make an attack against Krysta, but she would deflect his attack with her weapon. Krysta then began to slowly make her advance towards her remaining opponent, whose morale was starting to falter, based on their expression. 

        "Fates aren't favoring me, it seems..." They noted grimly. "Dying for my cause...seems rather foolish, now that I think about it. ...But I swore an oath, and I'm gonna stick with it the best I can. Your victory might be almost inevitable, girl, but that won't stop me from at least trying."

      Krysta understood. "So be it." It was their fate, their choice.

 

Battle Healing: Krysta recovers 22 HP

ID# 212505 BD: 3+2=5(miss), MD: 7-3=4(miss)

ID# 212506 BD: 4+2=6(hit), MD: 5-3=2(miss)

ID# 212507 BD: 9(Critical, +1 Base DMG, Holy Activates! Inflicted Bleed), MD: 6-3=3(miss)

 

Celestial Sweep:

23x15=345 Damage to Hired Mercenary 11!
32x15=480 Damage to Hired Mercenary 12!

ID# 212508 CD: 9, LD: 8+3=11(3840 Col, 2 Materials, <<Unidentified T4 Rare Armor 212508>>)

ID# 212509 CD: 11, LD: 7+3=10(2688 Col, 4 Materials, <<Unidentified T4 Rare Trinket 212509>>)

 

Krysta: HP 760/760, EN 8/110 | 23 DMG | 123 MIT | 2 ACC | 3 EVA | 22 BH | 3 LD | 3 Pros. | Holy: 8 | T4 Bleed

 

                Enemies:

Hired Mercenary 10: HP 39/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 11: HP 0/384, 128 DMG

Hired Mercenary 12: HP 0/384, 128 DMG

Edited August 6, 2023 by Krysta

[Krysta 0]

     Krysta had just enough energy for one sword art, hopefully it would work. Krysta readied her weapon, though it would seem that her attack would be sidestepped at just the right moment. Krysta then prevented her enemy's attack by a quick move to disarm them. Krysta stayed where she was. "Go on." Krysta spoke. "Pick it up."

        The mercenary, at first, was confused as to why Krysta would allow her foe in combat to retrieve their weapon. Perhaps it was to give her a short breather, or a moment to strategize, or a window of opportunity. Slowly, they moved towards their weapon, and picked it up.

Over inside the ship itself, rather than the deck, within its control room, Ellyria was watching this unfold. "...She has a sense of honor. I wasn't expecting that, honestly..." She remarked. The NPC stationed at the main controls looked to her, before looking back outside to where Krysta was. "Taking her on personally looks like suicide, we'll have to try other tactics. Permission to ready the Bardiche's Primary Weapon?" He asked. Ellyria thought for a moment before answering. "...Granted. Just make sure all personnel in the area are evacuated first."

 The last mercenary Krysta was facing in combat took position to face Krysta. They had a newfound respect for her, even though they were going to die by her hand.

 

 

ID# 212510 BD: 3+2=5(miss), MD: 1(Critical fail)

Krysta: HP 760/760, EN 10/110 | 23 DMG | 123 MIT | 2 ACC | 3 EVA | 22 BH | 3 LD | 3 Pros. | Holy: 8 | T4 Bleed

 

                Enemies:

Hired Mercenary 10: HP 39/384, 128 DMG

Edited August 6, 2023 by Krysta

[Krysta 0]

      Just because Krysta's victory was inevitable, did not mean it would take time to achieve.

   While those within the control room were making preparations to activate the ship's primary weapon, Krysta and the last mercenary in combat with her were still fighting. After some time of having a bit of a standoff, the mercenary looked towards a certain direction, and Krysta attempted to strike. Krysta's attack was blocked, but the impact knocked the weapon out of their hand. Once again, Krysta would give her opponent a chance to pick up their weapon so that this fight could continue honorably. Not every fight was a moment in which there was nothing dirty, there were certainly times when it was good to hold onto standards of honorable combat, especially when the feeling was mutual, despite the opposition between two figures. The mercenary seemed to take their time in retrieving their weapon, however. Were they stalling for time? What could stalling for time accomplish?

 

ID# 213021 BD: 2+2=4(miss), MD: 1(Critical Fail)

 

Krysta: HP 760/760, EN 12/110 | 23 DMG | 123 MIT | 2 ACC | 3 EVA | 22 BH | 3 LD | 3 Pros. | Holy: 8 | T4 Bleed

 

                Enemies:

Hired Mercenary 10: HP 39/384, 128 DMG

Edited August 6, 2023 by Krysta

[Krysta 0]

      Once Krysta's final opponent had picked up their weapon, Krysta would attack with Radiant Strike, finishing her opponent. "You fought well. I hope you find yourself in a better place..." She remarked. The princess would then take the chance to look around and see that people were retreating into other areas of the ship. There had to be a reason for this. Of course, until she saw evidence of there being another reason, she could only conclude that it must have been their unwillingness to fight Krysta. She didn't mind, of course, and this was also a good thing, for she now needed to recover her energy once more. If her assault on The Bardiche was to continue, she'd need to energy to make use of all those sword arts.

        But for now, she had to avoid showing signs of fatigue, for if any enemies were watching, the more difficult opponents might realize that she couldn't go on forever.

 

ID# 213022 BD: 8+2=10(hit), MD: 3-3=1(miss)

Radiant Strike(ST-I): 23x12=276 Damage to Hired Mercenary 10!

ID# 213023 CD: 2, LD: 20+3=23(3840 Col, <<Unidentified T4 Perfect Trinket 213023a>>, and <<Unidentified T4 Perfect Weapon 213023b>>)

Krysta: HP 760/760, EN 4/110 | 23 DMG | 123 MIT | 2 ACC | 3 EVA | 22 BH | 3 LD | 3 Pros. | Holy: 8 | T4 Bleed

 

                Enemies:

Hired Mercenary 10: HP 0/384, 128 DMG

Edited August 6, 2023 by Krysta

[Krysta 0]

   Krysta was fully aware that she was far from victorious in the long run of this battle. She may have defeated waves of underlings, but she would need to continue onward if she had any hopes of stopping this airship and the player-ran organization that was on board. What the princess needed to do next was find out where she should go next, there was likely something she could try and put a stop to, someway, somehow. Surely defeating underlings would not bring much progress to her current goal.

              NPCs were still leaving the area, and Krysta considered following them in, but to do so would likely push her into further combat, which she was to fatigued to do so at the current moment, and therefore it would be unwise. So...then what? Krysta had to come up with something, and she would very likely need to have at least a slight idea the moment her energy fully recovered...

[Krysta 0]

       The NPC stationed at the control room was with his subordinate, who was finishing up preparations for their weapon. "It seems everyone there has been evacuated, and our target's decided not to follow. This is perfect, activate the weapon!" He ordered. Ellyria was willing to watch this unfold. She did not believe Krysta to stick around if her HP dropped too low, and expected Krysta to be forced to retreat. the amount of hirelings she had killed so far was able to show a part of what she was capable of, both offensively and defensively. The Bardiche's main cannon, if it was powerful as it was initially promised to be, should be able to get past those defenses.

               Krysta could hear sounds of something emerging from the top of the front surface deck. That could not have been good. This did appear to be a military airship, after all, not that Krysta had any clue of whether or not it was legally obtained, in which it was very likely that Ellyria had paid a considerably hefty sum to obtain ownership of this airship.

[Krysta 0]

             Ellyria and the Captain of The Bardiche were curious to see the ship's main cannon in action against a player. While it was nothing close to the devastating power held by the mysterious flagship that disappeared a long while ago, it had to have some capability against both opposing ships and groups respectively, though the NPCs would be the ones to actually use it. This was part of why Ellyria hired NPCs into her guild, anyway, for players couldn't take every possible action to do what what necessary without breaching morality, while certain NPCs might have been the tools she and her player underlings needed to bypass this. While the AI given to them wasn't as intellectual as certain humans, they were skilled enough to get the job done, last she checked. So far, the simpler hirelings were clearly no match for Krysta, so it was time to see how she would fare against the Bardiche Main Cannon.

         Krysta could feel her energy returning. The time was coming, and the princess would need to make her move...at about right now, for the NPC manning the cannon's aim from the control room had just taken aim. "Steady....aim..."

      Krysta would notice something was off. She would look around, then notice a large object resembling a cannon of sorts. when she saw the interior of the cannon starting to glow, her eyes widened with shock as she realized what was happening.
                     "FIRE!!!!"
                Krysta found herself leaping to her right, and landing with a roll, but even then it was still a near miss. Had she not acted sooner, the blast would surely have at least damaged her considerably, and the radius of the impact suggested that it was an Area of Effect attack that was even capable of damaging a whole party. This moment was a short burst of fear, and highly reminiscent of the days when she played Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and had to avoid blasts from the Guardians within that game. Surely there was a way she could apply similar defensive maneuvers from there into this scenario, right...?

[Krysta 0]

          "Missed! Just barely, missed!" called out the NPC manning the weapon's controls. "Don't worry yet, what we do next depends on what she does now. If she retreats, we'll be free to continue the operation. If she tries to escape the range of our weapon and enter the decks, our peers will block her." The captain noted, hoping to reassure his ally. 

              Krysta knew she had to do something. She then looked to the weapon itself...maybe it was time she took a bit of a gambit... She began making her way over to the cannon itself, running up the steps towards the upper surface deck.

                   "Captain...what's she doing?" The NPC underling asked. "I'm really not sure," The captain began, scratching his mildly bearded chin as he did so. "...but she's in range of the artillery we have attached to the main cannon. Open Fire!"

                Krysta would reach the top of the steps, then ready her blade as she prepared a sword art. What she did not expect, however, was for a cannonball to strike her on the stomach at high speed, the impact knocking wind out of her and sending her hurtling down to the lower surface deck.

                     The captain and the NPC would let out a few laughs at this surprising turn of events. "Good shot, Ethan! I bet she didn't even know what hit her!" The captain complimented. "Ah ha ha ha, you're a genius, Captain Vulban!" The NPC replied.

 

ID# 213025 BD: 2+2-1=3(miss)

ID# 213026 LD: 17(+17 Charge), MD: 10(Critical!! +2 DMG, inflicted stun)

 

Krysta: HP 701/760, EN 108/110 | 23 DMG | 123 MIT | 2 ACC | 3 EVA | 22 BH | 3 LD | 3 Pros. | Holy: 8 | T4 Bleed | [Stunned]

 

                Enemies:

Bardiche Main Cannon: HP 2200/2200, 180 DMG |1 ACC | 1 EVA | Charge: 17/60

Abilities:

Cannon Fire: A typical attack from one of the side cannons attached to the main. Fires simple cannonballs that stuns a target on a MD roll of 9-10.
Primary Weapon: The Main Cannon's fearsome, powerful blast, becomes available when <<Charge>> Reaches 60, in which it will then be used on the next turn. An AoE attack dealing 200 damage that inflicts T4 Burn on any successful hit and ignores half the target's mitigation on a MD roll of 9-10.
<<Charge>>: <<Charge>> will increase in value equal to the LD on <<Bardiche Main Cannon>>'s roll, and resets to 0 when <<Primary Weapon>> is used.
Machine, not Man: <<Bardiche Main Cannon>> is immune to Stun, Delay, Bleed, Paralytic Venom and Envenom status ailments.

Edited August 6, 2023 by Krysta