[F05-PP] Dusty Days <<Bloodstained Land>>

[Kyot0 0]

It was just another breezy day on the 5th floor of the death game. It wasn't long until Kyoto already hated it here. This was one of the floors Kyoto hated the most out of all the floors. And mostly because it was dead and boring here. But there was a quest here he was wanting to do and that he was going to.

Walking up to the square of Fortaleza he would look around to see many people here both NPC and as well as players.

"It shouldn't be to hard to find a party with how many people are here. At least one person here would be interested in helping me"

The boy said to himself before taking a deep breath.

"Would anyone like to aid me with a quest? I'm afraid I'm not capable doing int on my own."

With nothing else he can do he waits to see if anyone would be interested in helping him with this request before going up to Abdullah to get the quest up and going.

Kyoto was a teen boy that was wearing a black coat that would be in the real world the worst mistake in a desert but in the video game it didn't really bother him much. He also had his straight sword on the right side of his hip. Switching it from his back as it was getting in his way after a while in the past.

 

«Kyoto» 280/280 | ENG: 46/46 | DMG: 6 | Keen: 2 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 3 | Bleed: 1 | Recover: 2 | Regen: 1

Spoiler

General

Level:14

HP: 280

Energy: 46

DMG: 6

Keen: 2

ACC: 3

MIT: 20

EVA: 3

Bleed: 1

Recover: 2

Regen: 1

SP Available:  8

Total SP: 70

EXP: 5700

Equipped Items

Nachtwächter (+2 Keen | +1 Bleed)

 Mitternachtsschrecken (+2 Recovery | +1 Regen)

Absolute Zero (+3 EVA)

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

Nachtwächter (+2 Keen | +1 Bleed)

Black Compression Shirt (+3 LD)

The "Holy" Cross  (+3 ACC)

 Mitternachtsschrecken (+2 Recovery | +1 Regen)

Absolute Zero (+3 EVA)

Skills: 

» Combat Mastery: Accuracy (Rank 3) 

» Light Armor (Rank 4)

» One Handed Long Sword (Rank 5)

Mods:

 

 

 

Extra/locked Skills: 

 

 

 

Mithril:   T1 = 33 <> T2  = 7 <> T3 = 30

 

Profession:  Tailor

@Freyd

 

Edited March 22 by Kyot0

[Freyd 0]

Freyd leaned casually against the open air bar of one of the small shops lining the outskirts of Fortaleza's main square, a tiny white porcelain cup gingerly pinched between two fingers and containing the locally brewed equivalent to espresso.  Rumour had it that the drink could wire a player enough to keep awake for three days, even in such a simple sampling.  Rumour was wrong.  It was actually closer to five, and then you slept for an equal period of time afterwards.  He'd experienced it first hand during his foray to this floor, searching for his elusive and aptly named familiar: Persistence.  The little blue shadow mongoose had proven most difficult to find, let alone befriend.  Most who watched the two of them together could easily debate which was the servant and which the master.  Both were equally strong-willed and stubborn.  Neither would acknowledge it.  Theirs was a partnership more often described as an ongoing and never-ending contest.  Whoever died first lost.  Most agreed that Persi had a leg-up in the contest. 

Slurping back the viscous black sludge, a string of it linking his lips to the cup like a strand of sloggy molasses, he heard white-haired boy calling out his request and pondered it a while.  Visits to floor 5 were a rare sojourn for Persi, who favoured the warm and dry climate of her native floor.  It was also a rare opportunity for her to visit with family, though they could be a tricky bunch to find.  Lately, it had also become a revolving door of escorting new players through one or another local quest to help jump-start their development.  Though few would suspect it, Firm Anima's most secretive captain spent an inordinate amount of time orchestrating such investments.  New players were vulnerable.  They were also needed on the front lines to help everyone's common goal of getting out.  

"Why not one more, eh, Persi?"

The small pool of shadow curled at his feet opened the tiniest pair of blue slivers as eyes, twin slotted irises groaning at the prospect of another task on what should have been her vacation.  Cowl up and dressed in a tight-fitting leather outfit ranging in colour from charcoal to black, Freyd could convincingly pass as a desert nomad himself.  He'd spent more than enough time here to fit in with the natives.

"I can help you," he offered to Kyoto, scanning him from top to bottom, as if evaluating a rare gem or suspicious slice of meatloaf.  It was hard to be sure which.  Turning behind him, he barked something at a gaudy-looking young man who looked like a reject from the anime version of Arabian Nights. 

"Yo, Abdullah, jacket-boy and I are doing the thing.  Make a note."  Scowling the NPC rolled his eyes and gave Freyd the finger.  Oddly, it seemed to do the trick as a quest objective box chimed as complete.  Chuckling as he confirmed it, Freyd shared the mission with his new companion, along with a bit of dessert.  "Here.  Have some.  You're going to want the extra accuracy.  This fish is extra slippery."

***

Freyd consumes:

Gugnir’s Shard (Untradeable/Unique/Reusable Consumable): Crème Brûlée Tray | ACC 2 | Feast (6/6) - takes 1 portion (filled)
Liquor of Light (Potion) | Damage 3 | 183085-3
Red Velvet Meringue (Snack) | Evasion 2 | 197247
Mini Cheesecake (Meal) | T3 Mitigation 3 | 177647

Freyd shares:

Gugnir’s Shard (Untradeable/Unique/Reusable Consumable): Crème Brûlée Tray | ACC 2 | Feast (5/6)

Freyd | HP: 1160/1160 | EN: 150/150 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 148 | ACC: 8 | EVA: 2 | BH: 63 | LD: 5 | AA | BLGT: 32 | PARA IMMUNE | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40    
                                                

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadow
Level: 32
Paragon Level: 120
HP: 1160/1160
EN: 150/150

Stats:
Damage: 23+3
Mitigation: 103+45
Accuracy: 5+2+1
Evasion: 0+2
Battle Healing: 63
Loot Dice: 5
AA
BLGT: 32
PARA IMMUNE
P.V.O
REC: 8
STK: 40

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: The Thing Behind All Lies (T4 Demonic MA, AA, Blight, Static, Para.Ven (Off))
Armor: Fallen Angel Garb | T4 Demonic LA | MIT 2 | REC 2
Misc: The Shadowed Rose| T3 Demonic Trinket | ACC 3 | Para.Imm

Combat Mastery: Damage R3
Combat Shift: AOE
Familiar Skill: Grappling Familiar

Skills:
Martial Arts R5
Battle Healing R5
Light Armor R5
Searching R4
Charge
Energist
Quick Change
Extended Mod Limit
Extended Weight Limit
Fighting Spirit
Howl

Active Mods:
Night Vision
Tracking
Meticulous
Emergency Recovery
Untraceable

Inactive Mods:

Addons:
Ferocity
Precision
Resolve
Reveal
Stamina
Focused Howl

Active Extra Skills:
Disguise
Survival
Forgotten King’s Authority
Brawler

Inactive Extra Skills:
Meditation
Frozen Hide
Photosynthesize
Hiding R2

Battle Ready Inventory:
Teleport Crystals x7
Mass HP Rec [Inst] (+10% HP) x7
Mass HP Rec [Inst] (+10% HP) x7
Crystal of Divine Light (Reusable) x1
Rhino's Horn (Reusable) x1
Hmr.Pk: Samael's Pride | T4 MA | FLN 2 | HLY 2 x1
EWL: Hope's Covenant - Resolve +4 (T4 Demonic Weapon (MA) - AA, Phase, Frostbite, VO) x1
EWL: Glow Stone x1

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
Delicious: Turn 3 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Feast. A Feast contains 6 portions of the food items sacrificed.
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.
Angler: +2 Fishing EXP per attempt
Practiced Angler: +2 Fishing EXP per attempt, addition +1 LD/CD to fishing attempts
Advanced Training: +10% Exp to a thread. Limit one use per month [1/1]
Multipurpose: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll
Decor [Potted Tanabata Bamboo Tree]: This buff affects the player and their choice of up to two party members.

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:
Tanos Statue: +25 Mitigation for a thread.

Wedding Ring: n/a

Fishing: Level 4 | 461XP

 

Edited March 23 by Freyd

[Kyot0 0]

It didn't take long before Kyoto would hear a response for a request of aid for this quest. Matter of fact it seems like this guy been here before doing it for all the other newer players.

As before Kyoto would speak he suddenly saw the man evaluate him. It didn't feel to kind but at the same time at this point he didn't really care. He just wanted this quest done and find himself closer to the front lines.

"Please to meet you. I'm assuming you've done this plenty of times to know what to expect."

It was a kind offer that the mystery man shared some consumables to boost up Kyoto's stats a little.

It wasn't until the what the man said the the NPC quest giver is when Kyoto realize who this man was. This man was from the front lines. Assuming that he's down here to help newer players out to get them to the front lines as well.

"Seems like the front line is getting short staff here lately don't you think? Is that why I've been seeing more of them down at the lower floors to help level up the new players so we can finally beat this death game?"

***

Post Action | None

Free Action | None

Freyd | HP: 1160/1160 | EN: 150/150 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 148 | ACC: 8 | BH: 63 | LD: 5 | AA | BLGT: 32 | PARA IMMUNE | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40 

Kyoto | HP: 280/280 | ENG: 46/46 | DMG: 6 | Keen: 2 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 3 | Bleed: 1 | Recover: 2 | Regen: 1

(0,0) Terra Firma | HP: 950/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 (-20, 1/3) | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4

This boss uses its own BD roll when attacking.

Abilities:

Move Swiftly | This boss is impervious to benefits provided by the Concentration skill. Additionally, all players suffer a -1 penalty to BD when attacking this boss.

Hard-Scaled | Paralysis, Paralytic Venom, and Freeze are ineffectual against this boss.

Deaf | This mob has no ears, and therefore is immune to the effects of debuff songs.

Weak Spots | On a Player's natural BD of 9 or 10 when attacking this creature, they will gain 50% Phase for that attack. This does not stack with the Phase enhancement.

Assault Mode | If a Player has exploited one of Terra Firma's <<Weak Spots>> during the battle, Terra Firma will activate <<Assault Mode>>. On an LD of 11+, this mob will identify stealthed Players. Its ACC and EVA will swap for the duration of its attack, then revert to normal. It will gain 50% Phase on a BD of 9, and 100% Phase on a BD of 10 or higher. BD modifiers such as ACC can activate these Phase attributes.

@Freyd

Edited September 6, 2023 by Kyot0

[Freyd 0]

"Name's Freyd, by the way.  Persi and I were just hanging around to visit some of her family.  They're hanging about around here somewhere.  Not always to spot blue shadow mongooses when they don't want to be found, isn't that true girl?"  

The elusively inky little creature darted from shadow to shadow with near invisibility, only her burning azure eyes giving any true presence to her form when in darkness.  Even in daylight her edges morphed and shifted constantly, making her especially hard to pin down.  She was the first to leave town, racing from boulder to cactus to rock - anything casting a bit of shade for concealment.  Freyd just laughed, watching her staccato zoomies like a deflating balloon that paused after every zig and zag.

"Don't mind her.  She mostly harmless, except to boss mobs.  You're interest in the front lines?  I wouldn't say they're short staffed.  The numbers have been fairly steady for the past three raids, but we're always looking for new people.  If you're looking to make your way up the ranks, I'm happy to assist.  And it's always good to meet new people.  What's your story then?"  Freyd maintained their small talk until they reach the sand pit where Terra Firma often spawned. 

Sure enough, the mutant sand shark's massive dorsal find ground through the fine silt and sand like a great white prowling for unsuspecting prey.  The mob didn't seem to realize that it was the one being hunted today.

"Let me go in first and get its attention.  It if went after you... well, let's just say that would be 'bad.'"

Issuing a shrill whistle, Freyd summoned Persi from her latest hidey-hole.  The tiny terror streaked towards the much large mob, splaying into multiple tentacle-like prongs that struck Terra Firma from multiple directions at once.  Her onslaught overwhelmed her larger foe, leaving it twitching and writhing in the sands and vulnerable to Freyd follow up attacks.

"Okay, we should be good now... err... whatever your name was.  Or should I just pick one?"

***

Post Action | TECH-D (x12, 12 EN, Shatter): 12 EN - (Rested 2/2; Stamina) = 9 EN.  
Free Action | Activate Grappling Familiar (CD 0/5)

ID #217792 | BD:8+8-1-4=11 (hit).  DMG (26*12=312-130=182)  to Terra Firma.  Familiar Stun applied. (CD 8 | ST-B locked)

Terra Firma is stunned.  Stun fades.

Freyd | HP: 1160/1160 | EN: 141/150 (150-9) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 148 | ACC: 8 | EVA: 2 | BH: 63 | LD: 5 | AA | BLGT: 32 | PARA IMMUNE | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40  
Kyoto | HP: 280/280 | ENG: 46/46 | DMG: 6 | Keen: 2 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 3 | Bleed: 1 | Recover: 2 | Regen: 1

(2,0) Terra Firma | HP: 768/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 (-20, 1/3) | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4 | F.Stun.Imm (1/3) (950-182)
This boss uses its own BD roll when attacking.

Abilities:

• Move Swiftly | This boss is impervious to benefits provided by the Concentration skill. Additionally, all players suffer a -1 penalty to BD when attacking this boss.
• Hard-Scaled | Paralysis, Paralytic Venom, and Freeze are ineffectual against this boss.
• Deaf | This mob has no ears, and therefore is immune to the effects of debuff songs.
• Weak Spots | On a Player's natural BD of 9 or 10 when attacking this creature, they will gain 50% Phase for that attack. This does not stack with the Phase enhancement.
• Assault Mode | If a Player has exploited one of Terra Firma's <<Weak Spots>> during the battle, Terra Firma will activate <<Assault Mode>>. On an LD of 11+, this mob will identify stealthed Players. Its ACC and EVA will swap for the duration of its attack, then revert to normal. It will gain 50% Phase on a BD of 9, and 100% Phase on a BD of 10 or higher. BD modifiers such as ACC can activate these Phase attributes.

Edited March 23 by Freyd

[Kyot0 0]

The man said his name was Freyd. The name sounded familiar but he wasn't sure where he heard the name from. The next thing he knew the man was talking to a strange creature. What he called Persi was a mongoose. They were vicious creatures but would be a great companion in a game like this.

It didn't take long though before the two found the objective they were suppose to be slaying. It also didn't take long before Freyd went into action. That being said though, Kyoto went into action as well by pulling his sword out of the sheathe from his hip. The teen boy was left handed which sometimes made it look weird in the game. Not many people are left-handed and most these game don't program in the ability to use there left hand. But thankfully this death game was so intense in the development that it didn't matter what hand you decide to hold your weapon. The only question was, is this the reason why he kept missing as it could be considered as his off-hand if he uses the sword with the left-hand. But he didn't believe it. He thinks is the worst of luck he has when fighting enemies.

"Name is Kyoto."

He replies to the man. The only thing is this creature was strong so Kyoto would hold off on attacking and observe while Freyd took the aggro from the beast.

 

***

Post Action | None
Free Action | None

 

Freyd | HP: 1160/1160 | EN: 141/150 (150-9) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 148 | ACC: 8 | BH: 63 | LD: 5 | AA | BLGT: 32 | PARA IMMUNE | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40  

Kyoto | HP: 280/280 | ENG: 46/46 | DMG: 6 | Keen: 2 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 3 | Bleed: 1 | Recover: 2 | Regen: 1

(2,0) Terra Firma | HP: 768/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 (-20, 1/3) | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4 | Stun.Imm (1/3) (950-182)

@Freyd
This boss uses its own BD roll when attacking.

Abilities:

• Move Swiftly | This boss is impervious to benefits provided by the Concentration skill. Additionally, all players suffer a -1 penalty to BD when attacking this boss.
• Hard-Scaled | Paralysis, Paralytic Venom, and Freeze are ineffectual against this boss.
• Deaf | This mob has no ears, and therefore is immune to the effects of debuff songs.
• Weak Spots | On a Player's natural BD of 9 or 10 when attacking this creature, they will gain 50% Phase for that attack. This does not stack with the Phase enhancement.
• Assault Mode | If a Player has exploited one of Terra Firma's <<Weak Spots>> during the battle, Terra Firma will activate <<Assault Mode>>. On an LD of 11+, this mob will identify stealthed Players. Its ACC and EVA will swap for the duration of its attack, then revert to normal. It will gain 50% Phase on a BD of 9, and 100% Phase on a BD of 10 or higher. BD modifiers such as ACC can activate these Phase attributes.

[Freyd 0]

Watching his companion and foe alike, Freyd darted around the natural desert arena like a veteran, dodging and weaving around the angry mobile maw that was Terra Firma.  He'd fought this beast many times - enough to learn to respect the thing's remarkable agility.  Heavily armored and fast, there were few mobs in the game that could match it without being considered field bosses or higher tier quest mobs.  Randomly changing directions, as easily as a shadow might, Freyd's movements were erratic and unpredictable, and served to good advantage.  As quick as the sand shark was, it tended to charge repeatedly in straight lines.  As long as he kept himself mobile, there was a chance he could keep out of its reach.

"Kyoto, huh?  I had an uncle there.  Worked all the time.  My dad liked him.  I never got to know him.  Hope you're not like the city."  Chuckling as he spoke, breathing steady but lungs burning at the pace he was being forced to keep, this place was rapidly becoming his personal practice dojo, except the test dummies had more teeth than a great white.  "Watch it!  He's veering."  Rolling left, then leaping and tumbling by the mob's flank, Freyd managed to tag it hard enough to leave a nasty orange streak along its side.  "That's it, big boi.  Keep your attention on me and let my man Kyoto, here, do his thing." 

***

Spoiler

Note: Freyd's EVA was missing from stat block.  Added it.

Freyd regains +4 EN
CD 8 (+8 REC proc) ID #220529
Cooldowns: Grappling Familiar (CD 1/5)

Post Action | AoE-I (x15, 11 EN, +2 shift, +2/hit): 15 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 12 EN.  
Free Action | None

ID #220528 | BD:5+8-4-1=8 (hit).  DMG (15*26=390-130=260) to Terra Firma. (CD 7 | ST-B locked)

ID #220530 | MD:5+1-2=4 (miss).  Terra Firma misses Freyd.  

Freyd | HP: 1160/1160 | EN: 141/150 (141+4+8-12) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 148 | ACC: 8 | EVA: 2 | BH: 63 | LD: 5 | AA | BLGT: 32 | PARA IMMUNE | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40  
Kyoto | HP: 280/280 | ENG: 46/46 | DMG: 6 | Keen: 2 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 3 | Bleed: 1 | Recover: 2 | Regen: 1

(4,0) Terra Firma | HP: 508/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 (-20, 2/3) | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4 | Stun.Imm (2/3) (768-260)

Abilities:

• Move Swiftly | This boss is impervious to benefits provided by the Concentration skill. Additionally, all players suffer a -1 penalty to BD when attacking this boss.
• Hard-Scaled | Paralysis, Paralytic Venom, and Freeze are ineffectual against this boss.
• Deaf | This mob has no ears, and therefore is immune to the effects of debuff songs.
• Weak Spots | On a Player's natural BD of 9 or 10 when attacking this creature, they will gain 50% Phase for that attack. This does not stack with the Phase enhancement.
• Assault Mode | If a Player has exploited one of Terra Firma's <<Weak Spots>> during the battle, Terra Firma will activate <<Assault Mode>>. On an LD of 11+, this mob will identify stealthed Players. Its ACC and EVA will swap for the duration of its attack, then revert to normal. It will gain 50% Phase on a BD of 9, and 100% Phase on a BD of 10 or higher. BD modifiers such as ACC can activate these Phase attributes.

 

Edited March 24 by Freyd

[Kyot0 0]

He chuckled as he hears Freyd mention about family and Kyoto. Kyoto was a city of ancient Japanese culture and history that is much different than how it is now. Things got modernized over the years to the point that the historic capital felt like you walked into a time machine.

Kyoto kept watching Freyd shuffle around the area avoiding the moves of the monster. It looked like he's done this quest a few times as he knew the attack patterns very well. This though was Kyoto's first time doing this quest and knew it would of been a challenge by himself.

That being said, Kyoto didn't hesitate. He knew that if he just stood here he wouldn't feel like he did his share of work for this fight so he stood into an attack position and lunged towards the monster activating a sword art. Landing a hit felt good. It wasn't to often he can manage to hit something that would be way to tough for him. It just shows how much he's capable in attacking.

"How about that Freyd? Didn't think I would actually hit him."

It was quite a reward to land the first hit but he can't let up now he still has more fighting to go.

***

Post Action | ST-1, x12, 12 ENG |
Free Action | None

ID# 220643 | BD: 7+3-4=6 (hit) | DMG: 6*12=72-130= 1 DMG to Terra Firma

 

Freyd | HP: 1160/1160 | EN: 141/150 (150-9) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 148 | ACC: 8 | BH: 63 | LD: 5 | AA | BLGT: 32 | PARA IMMUNE | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40  

Kyoto | HP: 280/280 | ENG: 34/46 | DMG: 6 | Keen: 2 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 3 | Bleed: 1 | Recover: 2 | Regen: 1

(4,1) Terra Firma | HP: 507/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 (-20, 2/3) | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4 | Stun.Imm (2/3) (508-1)

@Freyd
This boss uses its own BD roll when attacking.

Abilities:

• Move Swiftly | This boss is impervious to benefits provided by the Concentration skill. Additionally, all players suffer a -1 penalty to BD when attacking this boss.
• Hard-Scaled | Paralysis, Paralytic Venom, and Freeze are ineffectual against this boss.
• Deaf | This mob has no ears, and therefore is immune to the effects of debuff songs.
• Weak Spots | On a Player's natural BD of 9 or 10 when attacking this creature, they will gain 50% Phase for that attack. This does not stack with the Phase enhancement.
• Assault Mode | If a Player has exploited one of Terra Firma's <<Weak Spots>> during the battle, Terra Firma will activate <<Assault Mode>>. On an LD of 11+, this mob will identify stealthed Players. Its ACC and EVA will swap for the duration of its attack, then revert to normal. It will gain 50% Phase on a BD of 9, and 100% Phase on a BD of 10 or higher. BD modifiers such as ACC can activate these Phase attributes.

Edited March 24 by Kyot0

[Freyd 0]

Sparing a moment to share a thumbs up for his ally was all it took.  He'd taken his eyes off the ball, and it rose up and bit him, literally.  Terra Firma burst forth from the sands, doing what no one ever wants to see from any shark, and flew through the air to chomp down on Freyd's shoulder.  

"GAH!  Get off!" 

The thing's sheer weight toppled the Whisper head over heels backwards and flat onto his back.  Instinct drove him.  Before he could even think, Freyd reeled back and drove his forehead straight into the beasts midnight eye, his sword art miraculously triggering in the process.  Nasty orange grooves in the patterns of its teeth ripped out of his shoulders as the mob was sent flying into the far wall of the arena, sinking back into the sands in a dazed state, but ready to resume their combat.

"Darnit," Freyd muttered, poking his already healing shoulder and wrenching it back into its socket with a sickening crunch.  Wiping his nose with his good arm, he spat on the sands and resumed his fighting stance, daring the shark to come at him again.  Whatever happened, he could not let it focus on his companion.

"Give it another love tap, will ya?"  The grin he gave Kyoto looked almost feral from beneath his cowl.

***

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
CD 11 (+8 REC proc) ID #220649
Cooldowns: Grappling Familiar (CD 2/5)

Post Action | AoE-II (x18, 14 EN, +2 shift, +2/hit): 18 EN - (Stamina) = 16 EN.  
Free Action | None

ID #220648 | BD:4+7-4-1=6 (hit).  DMG (18*26=468-130=338) to Terra Firma (CD 11 | ST-B unlocked)

ID #220650 | MD:9 (Crit +1).  DMG (300-148=152) to Freyd.

Freyd | HP: 1008/1160 (1160-152) | EN: 137/150 (141+4+8-16) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 148 | ACC: 8 | EVA: 2 | BH: 63 | LD: 5 | AA | BLGT: 32 | PARA IMMUNE | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40  
Kyoto | HP: 280/280 | ENG: 34/46 | DMG: 6 | Keen: 2 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 3 | Bleed: 1 | Recover: 2 | Regen: 1

(6,1) Terra Firma | HP: 169/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 (-20, 3/3) | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4 | Stun.Imm (2/3) (507-338)

Abilities:

• Move Swiftly | This boss is impervious to benefits provided by the Concentration skill. Additionally, all players suffer a -1 penalty to BD when attacking this boss.
• Hard-Scaled | Paralysis, Paralytic Venom, and Freeze are ineffectual against this boss.
• Deaf | This mob has no ears, and therefore is immune to the effects of debuff songs.
• Weak Spots | On a Player's natural BD of 9 or 10 when attacking this creature, they will gain 50% Phase for that attack. This does not stack with the Phase enhancement.
• Assault Mode | If a Player has exploited one of Terra Firma's <<Weak Spots>> during the battle, Terra Firma will activate <<Assault Mode>>. On an LD of 11+, this mob will identify stealthed Players. Its ACC and EVA will swap for the duration of its attack, then revert to normal. It will gain 50% Phase on a BD of 9, and 100% Phase on a BD of 10 or higher. BD modifiers such as ACC can activate these Phase attributes.

Edited March 24 by Freyd

[Kyot0 0]

That moment when he hit Freyd took the brief moment to give him a thumbs up. But doing that drop his guard enough for the creature to gang up and attack him. Kyoto was shocked said the least but at the same time he wasn't to worried. Freyd seem to be a strong player and with his experience should means he has more hit point.

That being said, Kyoto would attempt to strike once more. charging into the creature he activated his sword art but fail to connect and would misty step back.

"Ah doesn't look like I do have the luck that I thought I had for today."

He kept calm as he looks over at Freyd.

"How are you doing? That bite look like it would of hurt."

Waiting for his repsonse, Kyoto quickly get ready for his next attack. Although with how things are going he might not even have to worry about another attack if Freyd keeps hitting high damage to this creature.

Spoiler

Kyoto regains +2 EN

CD 12 (+4 REC proc) ID#: 220665

Post Action | ST-II (x15, 15 EN |
Free Action | None

ID #220663 | BD: 2+3+2(keen) -4-1=2 (miss).

Freyd | HP: 1008/1160 (1160-152) | EN: 141/150 (141+4+8-16) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 148 | ACC: 8 | EVA: 2 | BH: 63 | LD: 5 | AA | BLGT: 32 | PARA IMMUNE | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40  
Kyoto | HP: 280/280 | ENG: 25/46 | DMG: 6 | Keen: 2 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 3 | Bleed: 1 | Recover: 2 | Regen: 1

(6,1) Terra Firma | HP: 169/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 (-20, 3/3) | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4 | Stun.Imm (2/3)

Abilities:

• Move Swiftly | This boss is impervious to benefits provided by the Concentration skill. Additionally, all players suffer a -1 penalty to BD when attacking this boss.
• Hard-Scaled | Paralysis, Paralytic Venom, and Freeze are ineffectual against this boss.
• Deaf | This mob has no ears, and therefore is immune to the effects of debuff songs.
• Weak Spots | On a Player's natural BD of 9 or 10 when attacking this creature, they will gain 50% Phase for that attack. This does not stack with the Phase enhancement.
• Assault Mode | If a Player has exploited one of Terra Firma's <<Weak Spots>> during the battle, Terra Firma will activate <<Assault Mode>>. On an LD of 11+, this mob will identify stealthed Players. Its ACC and EVA will swap for the duration of its attack, then revert to normal. It will gain 50% Phase on a BD of 9, and 100% Phase on a BD of 10 or higher. BD modifiers such as ACC can activate these Phase attributes.

 

Edited March 24 by Kyot0

[Freyd 0]

"I'll be fine," Freyd replied, not even bothering to look at the injury.  It wasn't clear whether he wasn't feeling it, or somehow simply managed to fight through whatever pain seeped through the suppressor algorithms.  "But I need to borrow this for a second."  Snapping his fingers, he summoned Kyoto's shadow to his side, pairing it with his own and directing them both to flank the sand shark from opposite direction.  The beast was virtually blind and shadows made no sound, but all it took was contrast between light and dark for it to recognize a threat or meal.  Thrashing violently as the two silhouetted danced and darted around it, independent of their owners, Freyd used the distraction to close the distance.

Terra Firma's beady eyes went wide as something grabbed hold of its tail and everything went white.  Snaring the beast, Freyd spun and flung it clear across the sand pit, smashing it hard against the rocky wall face on the opposite side from where he stood.  The mob popped like a pinata or water balloon, incapable of withstanding that sort of impact. Soon after a shower of blue fractal motes rained down open them, looking a bit like digital chum of their very own making.

"Good job there, Kyoto," Freyd said, his shadow back where it should be.  Kyoto's had also returned.  "You never know what you're going to get with this thing, but I think we can call that a relatively easy win for today.  We just need to go tell Abdullah about it, preferably in the most annoying way possible."

***

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
Freyd regains 63 HP from BH
CD 1 (No REC proc) ID #220667
CD 2 (No VD proc) ID #220668

Post Action | ST-B (x20, 20 EN): 20 EN - (Stamina) = 18 EN.  
Free Action | None

ID #220669 | BD:5+8-4-1=8 (hit).  DMG (20*26=520-150=370) to Terra Firma.  Dead.

Freyd | HP: 1071/1160 (1008+63) | EN: 123/150 (137+4-18) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 148 | ACC: 8 | EVA: 2 | BH: 63 | LD: 5 | AA | BLGT: 32 | PARA IMMUNE | P.V.O | REC: 8 | STK: 40  
Kyoto | HP: 280/280 | ENG: 21/46 | DMG: 6 | Keen: 2 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 3 | Bleed: 1 | Recover: 2 | Regen: 1

(8,1) Terra Firma | HP: 169/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4 | Stun.Imm (3/3) (169-370)

Abilities:

• Move Swiftly | This boss is impervious to benefits provided by the Concentration skill. Additionally, all players suffer a -1 penalty to BD when attacking this boss.
• Hard-Scaled | Paralysis, Paralytic Venom, and Freeze are ineffectual against this boss.
• Deaf | This mob has no ears, and therefore is immune to the effects of debuff songs.
• Weak Spots | On a Player's natural BD of 9 or 10 when attacking this creature, they will gain 50% Phase for that attack. This does not stack with the Phase enhancement.
• Assault Mode | If a Player has exploited one of Terra Firma's <<Weak Spots>> during the battle, Terra Firma will activate <<Assault Mode>>. On an LD of 11+, this mob will identify stealthed Players. Its ACC and EVA will swap for the duration of its attack, then revert to normal. It will gain 50% Phase on a BD of 9, and 100% Phase on a BD of 10 or higher. BD modifiers such as ACC can activate these Phase attributes.

Loot Terra Firma: ID #220670 | LD: 8+6=14 | CD: 11
+2 materials (+2 CD odd)
7600 col (HP[950]*8 - incl. +2 LD even, +2 from roll, +1 Prosperity {multipurpose])
T4 Rare Armor/Shield 220670

Edited April 9 by Freyd

[Kyot0 0]

It was a relief when he hard that Freyd was alright from that bite. But there again when you're in the heat of battle you don't feel pain. But like Kyoto predicted it didn't take long to beat this shark. It was only now that they have to go back and turn in the quest to finally finish the quest.

"So what now? I'm assuming we're just heading back to the village and talk to the quest giver to finish this thing?"

The thing is. It seems like Freyd doesn't really like Abdullah all that much. I guess with the first impression he doesn't really blame the man.

"So I'm assuming you're heading back to the front lines after this? Or are you planning on sticking around and hang out in the lower levels."

This would be the chance to try and make a few friend since most of Kyoto's guild members gave up and stopped trying to clear the death game.

[Freyd 0]

"Well, we do have to head back to Fortaleza at some point, but it doesn't have to be right away.  I guess that depends on what you have in mind?  I routine patrol this floor with Persi.  There are less notable sand sharks and other beasts around to be fought, not to mention bandits, carnivorous cacti and a whole slew of different scorpions.  Can't say that I favour any one floor over the rest, you know?  I just go wherever the action happens to be."  Stuffing his hands into a pair of concealed pockets in his hoodie-like top, Freyd strode casually as they chatted, seeming neither rushed nor overly concerned by the slowly healing injuries on his left shoulder.

"What's your deal, anyway, Kyoto? Are you rushing to get to the front lines, like so many others, or do you have some other plan in mind?"  He kicked a loose rock ahead, causing it to rebound off a larger boulder and go skittering into a small fissure in the stony ground of their surroundings.  Persi darted after it, like it was meant for her to chase, her shadowy form flitting by so fast that you could blink and miss it.

[Kyot0 0]

It was shocking to hear the fact that he would do a routine through this area if there's any action going on on this floor. The route was interesting as it takes you through areas that are high in bandits and other creatures crawling around on this floor.

It wasn't long after though he hears Freyd ask about his objective. His objective.... That's a question even Kyoto ask himself.

"I guess I'm not sure what I'm wanting to do. I want to beat the game to send everyone back but at the same time this is the only place where I have friends. Unlike the real world where I have no friends and family that could care less about me I wouldn't mind staying in this world as long as I can and enjoy my life."

He paused for a moment. "But I guess yeah I'm in a rush to get to the front line. I want to feel like I'm doing something for everyone that doesn't have the mindset to beat a game that they don't know if they will even live if they participate on."

Edited April 3 by Kyot0

[Freyd 0]

A sullen, empty smile lined Freyd's face with weariness as he heard Kyoto repeat an all-too-familiar story.  

"I've heard a similar story from more players than I could have ever imagined," he added with regret.  "We so many people miserable in our other world?  Is that why people were so eager to enter this one, only to fall into Kayaba's trap?"  Sighing at the lines of thinking that inevitably followed.  "Whatever you do, Kyot0, don't let it get you down, okay?  That's more important than you can possibly imagine - the need to feel like you have purpose and belonging.  We're all going to need that same sense if we're going to work together to climb out of this pit.  And, maybe, we need to bring a little of that spirit back with us to liven up the place we're trying to get back to?"

What had been done to the players stuck in this murder game was monstrous, but perhaps his companion had clued into an overlooked silver lining. 

"Hardship can bring out the very worst in people, but also the very best.  Given the options, wouldn't the latter be a better choice?"

[Kyot0 0]

Listening to what Freyd said made him think. The man was right everyone would think the same way because we're all some type of loser that wanted to be in a different world that what we were dealt with. Grand it, this game is the death game but it's also a world where all these gamers are able to do the thing they love while being in a different world. Playing games probably meant everything to these players and the ones that got stuck in here because of there curiosity of what a VR game would be.

"You know you're right. Maybe when we get out of here our lives would be better. Not because of the compensation and treatment but because we got to see a different side of us that we didn't know was there. Like I didn't think I would meet new friends. I was expecting to be a solo player the entire time but I've met lots of cool players and was in a cool guild before it disbanded."

[Freyd 0]

"Guild?"  That one piqued his curiosity especially.  There had been so many since the game first loaded, but he knew little about most of them.  "Which one were you in?  Maybe I recognize it, or could point you towards some of its old members.  Tracking has its uses, after all."  They were already within sights of the walls of Fortaleza, feeble as they might be.  Parched and sun-bleached, the packed earthen ramparts were literally baked to the point of crumbling and resembled little more than berms after so much deterioration.

"My own guild has also gone largely dormant lately."  It was a difficult admission, mostly to his own ears, but Firm Anima's members had scattered each to deal with their own long overdue affairs.  Should something threaten the whole, they would surely resurface.  "I guess they're all a little like the moon: sometimes full and sometimes nearly vanished, but ready to rebuild."

[Kyot0 0]

The fact that Freyd was asking about his guild name was a shock. The sad thing is it seems like what happen to the guild happen so long ago he can't even remember the guild name anymore. But he remembers the name of a couple of the members...

"I unfortunately don't remember the name of the name of my old guild. But I do remember the name of a few of them. Like Itzal, Kaiser, and Beatbox."

It wasn't to long then that Freyd talked about is guild. the fact that so many kind of disappear to deal with there own things is what he missed about the guild because at the end of the day. Everyone in the guild was close and found a way to come back and do things together once more.

"Say... How many of your members do you say on a daily bases?"

It was a strange question but he hasn't seen any of his old friends since that day when the guild was ambushed and attacked.

[Freyd 0]

"Itzal I recall only vaguely.  We were in the raid against Shadow the Malevolent together, clearing the way to floor 26.  Beatbox... I've heard the name, but always got him confused with Beat, who hung around with Shield.  Can't say that we ever met.  Same with Kaiser."  Scratching at the back of his cowl as if to pry something loose from his memory, Freyd couldn't manage to find anything more.  "Nothing's coming back about Itzal's guild.  I just vaguely recall that we had the same look - like we went to the same tailor or something."  He shrugged, not being able to find anything more.  "I can give them a ping via Tracking, if you'd like.  Itzal was the spoopy type and might not show up, but the others could.  It's your call."  Freezing mid-step, Freyd felt like his brain had possibly missed a step. 

"All of that said, it might just be easier to message them directly, especially if they were once your guildmates."

Resuming pace as they entered the derelict town's either gates, the Whisper seemed to muse for a moment.

"I've been out in the field a lot lately, so haven't been checking in much, but there are often several members around.  We're primarily a crafting guild, so there are always a few working at some project or other, or trying to blow the place up with some secret pancake syrup that somehow required black powder."  Rolling his eyes, he still couldn't believe someone had actually fallen for that.

[Kyot0 0]

It didn't surprised Kyoto that he knew Itzal. Seems like everyone knew who Itzal was. As for the rest it made sense. Most of the guild mates tend to keep low-key for obvious reason. Beatbox died in a fight before the guild fold and Kaiser went off to do her own solo thing for personal reason. As for Beat and Shield... they were also in the guild but Kyoto hardly knew them but recalls seeing them in the guild meetings. Like Freyd said. Kyoto never not seen those two away from each other. It wouldn't surprise him that they are somewhere doing other adventures away from the front lines.

After all said and done though. He was right Kyoto could always message them and see how they're doing. Besides Itzal that somehow manage to disappear off the game as he's nowhere on his friends list.

Afterwards Freyd talked about his guild. Although they sound like a fun group of people they all have there own things they want to do before they either die in this game or finally gets released from the game.

"Sounds like you have an interesting group of guild mates. I don't really have anyone anymore so I kind of just run solo until I need help, then I start asking around for help like I did with you."

[Freyd 0]

"They're a weird bunch, that's for sure, but good people and it works."  Poking his head through a beaded curtain marking the entrance to one of the few luxurious buildings to actually exist in Fortaleza, Freyd yelled something at an NPC inside.  Both players instantly received a quest completion pop-up message, certifying that Abdullah's task had been done.  "Give me a call anytime, Kyoto.  You seem like a good guy, and I'm always happy to help.  If I hear anything about Itzal or the others I'll be sure to let you know, but your best bet may be to retrace their steps and see if you can pick up where they left off."

Nodding respectfully, Freyd politely withdrew and started walking towards the portal arch in the centra plaza, it's pristine polish shining with a piercing glare as it reflected the afternoon sun.  

"Oh, and go see Ren at The Knight Shift, on floor 21 - Tomoika.  He should be able to set you up with gear, if you need any.  Just tell him to put it on my tab."

***

Thread Closing:

Note: Conditions were not met to unlock Assault Mode extra skill

Kyoto receives:

3,134 EXP (Word Count [4534/10*2*0.7] + Quest [2500])
13,000 col (1 page [400] + Loot [7600 from Freyd] + Quest [5000])
1x Terra Firma Scale 221735a (T3 - Unique Consumable - Gain additional Mitigation equal to one T3 slot of the Mitigation Enhancement. This can exceed Mitigation Enhancement caps. The effect lasts one thread.)

Freyd receives:

5,073 EXP (Word Count [4534/10*16*0.7] + Quest [n/a])
761 col (1 page [0] + Loot [Given to Kyoto] + Quest [n/a] + 15% P5 Reward [761])
2 Materials (Loot [2])
1x Terra Firma Scale 221735b (T3 - Unique Consumable - Gain additional Mitigation equal to one T3 slot of the Mitigation Enhancement. This can exceed Mitigation Enhancement caps. The effect lasts one thread.)T4 Rare Armor/Shield 220670

Edited April 9 by Freyd