[PP-F08] Bear Down for Boss Fights | <<Scents of the Wild: Ferocious Foe>>

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus felt out of place in the ethereal beauty of Ellesmera. The buildings blended with the verdant forest that she swore some of them had been grown rather than built. Even the sounds of the city seemed orchestrated. The gentle hum of the crowd flowed through the streets, peppered by warbling songbirds and bubbling streams. She wasn’t in a video game, she was in some kind of perfectly-curated picture. It’s a shame that there isn’t much housing down here. Although floor 24 is still beautiful. And it will be nice to stay close to my shop.

She adjusted her armor uncomfortably. It was a new set she had acquired from a veteran. It was slightly heavier than her simple breastplate, and had many more details. The chestpiece was an inky blue, reminiscent of the night sky. Underneath the plate was some light leather, featuring more belts than necessary to tie the outfit together. It wasn’t entirely her style, but Acanthus was a firm believer in practical over aesthetic. If her new sword and armor clashed with her style, they would keep her alive all the same.

She waited near the main plaza, watching the teleportation crystal for Pinball. It was time for the second leg of the quest. Rather than dreading the danger, she was looking forward to it. Obviously, she didn’t want any more danger than necessary. But she felt confident they could handle Kumatetsu.

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lvl 21 | HP: 450/450 | EN: 60/60 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 66 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | LD: 3 | BLD: 36 | PARA

Equipment Meteor | T3 Perfect Straight Sword | BLD 2 PAR 1 In Noctem | T3 Perfect Light Armor | MIT 2 EVA 1 Vow of Return | Trinket ACC 3	Battle-Ready Inventory (3) Starter Healing Potion (2) Big Bertha Braciole (4 EN) Drowsy Waltz (Hypnosis 2 | 226910) Sudden Sonata (Instant HP Recovery 1 | 224389) Interesting Intermezzo (HP Recovery 2 | 226368)
Skills and Mods Straight Sword R5 Add-on: Focus (edit: stg I meant focus not ferocity because I'm leaning DoT build, I just get my f-words mixed up) Add-on: Precision Light Armor R5 Add-on: Resolve Searching R3 Mod: Night Vision Hiding R3 Combat Mastery: DMG R1

 

 

Edited August 22 by Acanthus

[Pinball 1]

He hadn't told her how difficult it was for him to navigate safezones. Maybe it was because she was new, and this was only really the start of their interactions, and he hadn't wanted to make her worry about something other than the quests. But the unfortunate reality was that orange cursors and safezones mixed like oil and water. 

There came the flash of a player teleporting into the safezone, but Pinball was not there. 

He was used to this song and dance. Use the teleporter, flash onto the floor, and the very instant his body rematerialized, he'd vanish. He had to make it quick. He'd find a side street, or an alleyway, somewhere not patrolled (or rarely patrolled) by the city's guards, and make his way out of the city that way. It wasn't always that easy. Pinball thought that he preferred walking. 

But that's how he found himself in Ellesmera. He'd seemingly step out of thin air beside Acanthus, like a shadow given form. 

"Come. This way." And without missing a beat, he'd hurry off onto a side street. If he stood around the plaza, or the main roads, it was only a matter of time before an NPC, Player, or guard found him. And that would inevitably become an annoying mess. 

***

ID#227030 LD: 13+6= 19 {Hidden} 

Pinball | HP: 820/820 | EN: 120/120 | DMG: 20 | ACC:4 | EVA:3 | BH:45 | LD:5 

Player Stats: 

Spoiler

Level: 33 (Paragon Level 40)
Health: 820 | Energy: 120
DMG: 20  | ACC: 4  | EVA: 3  | BH: 45 | LD: 5 
Shift: Tech

Skills:

Combat Skills:
► Battle Healing [30/30]
► Energist [8/8]
► Combat Mastery: Damage [13/13]

Weapon Skills:
► Thrown Weapons [30/30] 
    Add Ons: 
►Focus 
►Precision 
►Stamina 

Utility Skills:
► Quick Change [8/8] 
► Searching: [22/30] -> (Skylight: R5) 

Extra Skills:
► Disguise
► Survival
► Forgotten King’s Authority 
► Hiding [30/30]

Familiar Skill: 
► Rending Familiar [10/10]

Armor Skills:
►N/A

Modifiers:
► Sneak Attack: Trickster 
► Vanish 
► Tracking
► Untraceable

Miscellaneous: 
► +1 LD to Looting, Searching for/Opening Treasure Chests (Paragon) 
► Earn Col Equivalent to 15% of player’s EXP earned in a thread (Paragon) 

Inventory:
»[Equipped] [Demonic] Cold Fervor: +2 Freeze, Phase, Cursed 
»[Equipped] [Perfect] Warrior’s Focus: +3 ACC
»[Equipped] [Perfect] Black Cloak: +3 EVA 

Battle Ready: 
» [Reusable Consumable] Rhino’s Horn 
» [2x] Teleportation Crystal 
» [x4] Lacrimosa - HP Recovery III Crystal {Instant}
» [Demonic TW] Hellfire: Burn, Bleed, Blight, Static
» [Demonic TW] Astral Blade: Holy, Fallen, Phase, Damage
» [Uncommon TW] Tyrfing: Absolute Accuracy 
» [Perfect Cloth] Cloak of the Harbingers: +3 LD

 

Edited August 18 by Pinball

[Acanthus 0]

Quote

"Come. This way." 

Pinball vanished into a side street, and Acanthus nearly tripped over herself to stand up and follow. She thought it was odd the way he hurried through the alleys. To her, the path felt erratic, almost like he was trying to shake some unknown source. They might have only taken a turn or two in reality, but his speed kept her preoccupied. She was busy just trying to match pace.

After winding through Ellesmera’s alleys, the two arrived at the edge of the city. It was odd not to exit through the main gate. Pinball must hate crowds more than me. The next time I pick a spot to meet, I’ll make sure it’s out of the way.

Or maybe there's something he isn't telling you. She pushed those thoughts deep down. If he doesn't want to talk, he doesn't want to talk. I don't plan to pry into his charity.

“Thanks for bringing me along again. I hope this time I am a little more useful.” She pulled on a few of the arm straps along her right arm. The armor still didn’t seem to fit quite right, but she was probably just imagining things. “Kumatetsu is in the Forest of the Great Tree, I think. My search skill is still mediocre, but it shouldn’t be too hard to find a bear the size of a small elephant, right?”

[Pinball 1]

As they exited Ellesmera, Pinball's pace would finally slow. He'd stop and allow Acanthus to catch up and nod as she did. She thanked him for bringing her along. She was wearing new armor. She must have leveled up a bit. "It's no problem," he replied. He left it at that and began to walk again. They'd have quite a bit of walking ahead of them, if his information was correct. It was at that moment Acanthus mentioned the Forest of the Great Tree, and how it shouldn't be hard to find a bear the size of an elephant. "Right. No. Shouldn't be hard at all." He didn't tell her that he also had the search skill. He didn't need to. He did believe that Kumatetsu was going to be easy to find -- and from what he had heard, Kumatetsu was going to be easy to take care of, as well. 

They'd travel down the lightly wooded path, making their way to the Forest of the Great Tree where their first foe, Kumatetsu, surely resides. Pinball's eyes were on the road, his expression, as always, blank. In the distance, the trail became more heavily wooded, the path encroached upon by overgrown flora. It was a pretty sight, if you liked that sort of thing. And Pinball certainly did, but his mind was currently elsewhere.

"It'll be a bit of a hike before we're in deep enough to start searching." 

And with those bland final words, he'd let silence fall between them. 

 

[Acanthus 0]

She was getting used to the silence they shared as they hiked deeper into the woods. The obligation of small talk waned in her mind; after all, you can only kill so many things with a stranger before you stop being total strangers. And it had become apparent to her that both of them preferred quiet. So the journey settled into comfortable quiet.

Unburdened by small talk, Acanthus was left to wonder at the myriad of trees and flowers all around. Every bend in the path brought something new. Small blue-budded flowers draped over distant fir trees. Under her feet were some brilliant red Camellias that she did her best to step around. If she squinted enough, the whole forest seemed like a brilliant, yet carefully muted array of colors. She recalled the time she visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum with her friend and stood fascinated by the exhibit of Claude Monet’s works. It’s like I’m walking through a painting. A painting hiding a giant bear that wants to kill me. Unbidden, the thought of a gargantuan bear in an otherwise-dignified Monet rose to her mind. She laughed, and quickly tried to turn it into a cough. Pinball didn’t seem like the type to ask questions, but trying to explain that last train of thought might be difficult.

[Pinball 1]

Their little journey was quiet, and unimpeded. Pinball wasn't paying much attention to the scenery, however. Not because its beauty was lost on him, or the fact that he'd seen it a million times before; but because nothing was jumping out at him. He hadn't been assaulted by a single mob since they'd gone deeper into the forest. No wolves, no ents, no forest spirits... in fact, he hadn't even seen a single one. It was enough to confirm his suspicions. The mobs in the area probably weren't spawning because they'd been scared off by something bigger. 

"Alright," Pinball suddenly said, slowing, "take point. It's near." 

She hadn't participated in their earlier wolf hunt, but she was wearing new armor now, and at least to him, seemed a lot more confident in herself. He wanted to see how she handled Kumatetsu. It would allow him to better gauge how they'd need to approach the quests following, too. He'd fall back, allowing Acanthus to take the lead. Pinball had said that Kumatetsu was nearby -- but the beast's exact location was still a mystery. 

Pinball made a short clicking sound. On queue, a pitch black, shadowlike substance began to envelop his form. "I'll be close." 

And without so much as a whisper, Pinball vanished into thin air. 

***

Stealth: ID#227323 LD: 18+6= 24 {HIDDEN} 

Edited August 20 by Pinball

[Acanthus 0]

“Point? Yes, I can take point.” No response. She looked over her shoulder. He had disappeared completely.

And she panicked. This was it. This was the moment he had been waiting for. Here she was, out in the wilds, no one would be able to come and save her. His last words echoed in her mind. "I'll be close."

SO TRUSTING. TOO TRUSTING, SHE IS.

She broke into a cold sweat. No. Go away.

SHE REALIZES WHY HE TOOK SO LONG TO TURN. IT WAS NEVER ABOUT WAITING FOR THE OPPORTUNE MOMENT. “Stop,” she whispered to herself. NO, HE JUST WANTED TO PLAY WITH HIS FOOD.

She choked back her frustration. Nothing the Hatred said made sense, but it shook loose some primal fear, something that reached deeper than logical thought. In the blink of an eye, Acanthus had gone from predator to prey. Rigidly, she drew her sword and adopted a defensive, almost pleading posture. Her eyes darted around the opening. She wasn’t looking for Kumatetsu anymore—she was looking for Pinball.

NEW ARMOR. NEW SWORD. TRAPPINGS DO NOT CHANGE HER. UNDERNEATH THE GLEAMING ARMOR, SHE IS STILL SCARED. STILL WORTHLESS.

She shut her eyes firmly. Breathe—

YOU WILL NOT “breathe” ME AWAY THIS TIME, LITTLE GIRL. Let the feeling pass over you and through you. SAVE YOUR MANTRAS.

Her right side twinged with a phantom pain. This isn’t right; the game shouldn't let me feel pain like this. My mind is playing tricks on me. But her rationality was trampled in a stampede of panicked thoughts. The twinge intensified, and she fought a growing cramp. Her hand creeped down towards the knife on her leg. She grasped at air; that’s right, she hadn’t replaced it since her first encounter with Hatred. No knife—her heart skipped a few beats, that familiar feeling of death was rushing at her through the trees—it was Kumatetsu, it was the Hatred, it was PINBALL—it didn’t matter, because she was about to die and there was nothing she could do about it—she fought a sob, it was just another physical reaction—fight, please, just fight it

Breathe in. She was sitting underneath the waterfall at the Monastery. Breathe out. She was back in the forest, standing amid a dazzling array of colors. Breathe in. The rushing flow drowned out the Hatred. She could hear it seething, words lost in the steady drumming beat of water on rock. Breathe out.

Acanthus opened her eyes again. Barely a moment had passed since she drew her sword. Pinball was still nowhere in sight. And she reassured herself that it was ok. She had trusted him so far, and he’d never given her a reason to doubt. If she doubted him here, in the middle of this quest, it could spell death. For them both, maybe just for her. But either way, it was not the time to doubt.

Shakily, she slid her sword back into its sheath. She hoped Pinball hadn’t seen her become scared by seemingly nothing. But on his word, he was nearby, keeping close watch. At best, their collegial silence would hold, and he would keep any thoughts to himself. Pretending like nothing happened, she began to investigate the space around her. By no stretch of the imagination was she an accomplished tracker, but the game system graced her with some abilities. Because she had few ranks in the search skill, parts of the environment leapt out at her. Some broken branches from nearby wildlife, scratches on trees to indicate territorial disputes between larger creatures…

There. She moved up to three large trees growing out of the same trunk. At the far side of the fused tree, a large tuft of fur was highlighted. It must belong to Kumatetsu. Confident that Pinball would be able to keep track of her, she moved deeper into the woods without a word.
 

 

Spoiler

Post Action: Looking for Kumatetsu
Roll ID 227586 | LD 11 + 3 = 14. Failure.

 

Edited August 20 by Acanthus

[Pinball 1]

When people were alone, they did strange things. 

Pinball knew this for a fact. He'd been hiding for as long as he could remember. He'd watched countless people from afar, and many from up close, too. It was both interesting and strange to see a person for who they were when they thought nobody else was around. But Acanthus did know this. Pinball frowned. Her reaction was alarming. He almost broke stealth to rejoin her, if not just to put her mind at ease -- but he didn't. A crueler part of him wanted to see how she handled it, it being whatever invisible battle she was fighting. He had a couple ideas, but he was going to keep them to himself. Like he'd said he would, Pinball kept close. 

It wasn't long after she'd recovered that she'd discovered a tuft of fur snagged on a branch. Kumatetsu's, no doubt. But she moved on too quickly. She must have assumed that the bear resided somewhere deeper in the woods. Pinball would have too, if not for the fact that he saw the damn thing. He was hidden behind a thick cluster of trees, obscured by similarly bushy foliage. It was no wonder she'd missed it. She almost hadn't. Pinball whistled sharply, still stealthed. This was to get Acanthus' attention, but it would also get Kumatetsu's. 

Pinball's voice whispered from somewhere nearby. 

"Strike first. I've got you." 

With eyes of fury locked onto Acanthus, the giant bear angrily clawed the earth and roared. 

*** 

Maintaining Stealth: ID#227647 LD: 14+6 = 20 Stealth Rating 

Searching for Kumatetsu: ID#227648 LD: 14+5= 19 (Kumatetsu Discovered!) 

Edited August 21 by Pinball

[Acanthus 0]

First a rustle, then a whistle. Then with a roar, all hell broke loose.

"Strike first. I've got you." This is not the time to doubt.

In a flash, Acanthus had freed her sword. Pulling her right foot back, she prepared to dodge when the bear inevitably charged. Let’s try something a little different. As the bear sprinted toward her, she twisted her sword around in her hand. It began to glow a faint honey-yellow. The bear lept toward her with its mouth open wide, ready to crush Acanthus in her armor. This is fine. Trust the sword art to do its job.

The bear was so close she could smell its breath. Releasing the sword art, she followed the game’s guiding movements. With all her weight on her left foot, she crouched down and exploded in a neat roll underneath Kumatetsu. She heard the audible clack of Kumatetsu’s jaws as it crashed into where she was moments before. She lifted her sword, and thrust its golden glow deep into the boss’ fur.

Kumatetsu howled in pain. Distracted by its fresh wound, it landed awkwardly and tumbled into trees nearby. The entire forest seemed to shake. Kumatetsu was slow to rise; it seemed dazed from the strike.Acanthus yelled, “All yours, Pinball!” She kept her eyes trained on the bear.

Spoiler

Start of Combat Stats

Acanthus | HP: 450/450 | EN: 60/60 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 66 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | LD: 3 | BLD: 36 | PARA Pinball | Lvl 33 (PL40) | HP: 820/820 | Energy: 120/120 | DMG: 20  | ACC: 4  | EVA: 3  | BH: 45 | LD: 5 <<Kumatestu>> HP: 500/500 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 50 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 This boss uses its own BD roll when attacking. Dodge and Parry | On a player's natural attack roll of 10, the attack will miss <<Kumatetsu>>. Instead <<Kumatetsu>> will gain a +2 Accuracy and +15 Damage for his next attack. These buffs expire after the attack has been resolved. Beast Form | When <<Kumatetsu>> is reduced to 250 (or lower) health, he will transform and turn into a bulked-up creature, increasing his damage to 250, but also reducing his ACC by 1 and MIT to 25. Ferocious Roar | When <<Kumatetsu>> rolls a CD of 10+, he lets out a mighty roar instead of his attack, paralyzing the party.

Post Action: TECH-A -> Kumatetsu
227695 | BD 6 + 5 - 2 = 9. Hit! (13 * 12) - 50 = 106 damage. Stunned!

Round 1: After Acanthus

Acanthus | HP: 450/450 | EN: 47/60 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 66 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | LD: 3 | BLD: 36 | PARA Pinball | Lvl 33 (PL40) | HP: 820/820 | Energy: 120/120 | DMG: 20  | ACC: 4  | EVA: 3  | BH: 45 | LD: 5 <<Kumatestu>> Stunned! Hate (1,0) HP: 394/500 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 50 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2

 

 

Edited August 22 by Acanthus

[Pinball 1]

She'd already stunned it -- good. That'd let Pinball focus on chopping down its defenses. With a flash, Pinball appeared, vaulting over Kumatetsu's back and raining throwing knives down on the bear's prone form. Many landed -- those that didn't scattered in the dirt, disappearing shortly after. Kumatetsu, brought low by Acanthus' stun, was now bombarded by a colorful array of status effects that absolutely tore through its health. Pinball landed, hopped backwards for distance, and watched as the bear struggled to its feet, it's HP bar dropping in big, dramatic chunks. 

The bear's form bulged and grew more monstrous, more feral. It was transforming into something bigger, stronger. It had a second phase. 

Too little, too late. Kumatetsu's health was a sliver now, and in just a few moments, it would hit 0. 

Pinball stowed his weapons and stood aside, allowing Acanthus the option to finish the job should she want to. 

*** 

Maintaining Stealth: ID#227783 LD: 8+6= 14 Stealth Rating

Free Action: [Quick Change] - {Cold Fervor} -> {Hellfire} 
Action Taken: {Well Rested} {Sneak Attack: Trickster} [TECH-D] [-9 EN] - 20*16= 320/2 = 160-10 = 150 DMG, {DoTs Applied}
ID#227784 BD: 7 (Hit) MD: 8 (Stunned) 

(H:1) Acanthus | HP: 450/450 | EN: 47/60 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 66 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | LD: 3 | BLD: 36 | PARA
(H:1) Pinball | Lvl 33 | HP: 820/820 | Energy: 111/120 | DMG: 20  | ACC: 4  | EVA: 3  | BH: 45 | LD: 5

Kumatetsu: HP: 44/500 | DMG: 250 (Transformation) | MIT: 0 (-20, -20, Transformation) | ACC: 0 (Transformation) | EVA: 2 {STUNNED} [Shatter: 1/3] [BlitReduc: 1/2] [48 BLD: 1/2] [32 BLT: 1/2] [56 BRN: 1/2] [40 STC: 1/2] [28 RND: 1/2] 

Edited August 22 by Pinball

[Acanthus 0]

With a small flourish, Acanthus put her sword away, and watched Kumatetsu. She saw a few openings as the bear struggled to its feet, but there was no need to strike. She saw the litany of effects Pinball had placed on the bear. She briefly thought about moving in for some grand finisher, but why bother? The bear would be dead whether she expended the effort or not. Acanthus had nothing to gain by striking, and everything to lose by risking an attack. Also, the bear had increased in size and ferocity after Pinball’s strike. She doubted that a single hit would finish her off, but level be damned, she wasn’t going to take any risks. Complacency would be the last mistake she ever made.

Stepping back to avoid Kumatetsu’s thrashing, she watched as the health bar drained, tick after tick. The effects combined were doing more to the bear per tick than her entire attack. It was impressive.

There was nothing left to do but wait. Acanthus crossed her arms as Kumatestu lived its final moments.

 

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Chill -> Kumatetsu
No effect.

Round 2: After Acanthus

Acanthus | Lvl 21 | HP: 450/450 | EN: 47/60 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 66 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | LD: 3 | BLD: 36 | PARA Pinball | Lvl 33 (PL40) | HP: 820/820 | Energy: 111/120 | DMG: 20  | ACC: 4  | EVA: 3  | BH: 45 | LD: 5 <<Kumatestu>> Hate (1,1) HP: 44/500 | DMG: 250 (Transformation) | MIT: 0 (-20, -20, Transformation) | ACC: 0 (Transformation) | EVA: 2 {STUNNED} [Shatter: 1/3] [BlitReduc: 1/2] [48 BLD: 1/2] [32 BLT: 1/2] [56 BRN: 1/2] [40 STC: 1/2] [28 RND: 1/2]

 

 

Edited August 22 by Acanthus

[Pinball 1]

The bear was as good as dead. For a moment he watched as the boss's health bar ticked away in chunks. Then his attention turned to Acanthus. 

She was not putting the bear out of its misery. 

Not that there was any need to. It was as good as dead anyway -- why get in close and risk taking a hit for no reason? In life or death scenarios -- and boss fights, regardless of what floor or tier or whatever should always be treated as such -- you should always take every precaution to mitigate risks. You only needed to make one bad mistake, and your life was forfeit. You would die, your avatar turned to dust, your brains soupified by the NerveGear. 

That being said, the pathetic pained grunts and whines coming from Kumatetsu were pretty sad. It tried helplessly to get its footing again, stumbling, collapsing under its own weight, before eventually the bear seemed to accept its fate. Its breathing became labored, quiet, the giant rampaging monster a shell of its former self. It tried to lift its head but couldn't. Beneath its matted fur were eyes that betrayed a sad recognition of the inevitable. Its health emptied out, the bear sighed almost acceptingly, and the ferocious Kumatetsu was no more. Pinball stared at Acanthus as Kumatetsu's dying breaths were carried away by the wind. 

A menu popped up in front of the both of them, listing their rewards. 

"Alright, well. Let's get moving." 

Pinball turned on his heel and began to walk back the way they'd came. 

***

Action Taken: None. 

Acanthus | Lvl 21 | HP: 450/450 | EN: 47/60 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 66 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | LD: 3 | BLD: 36 | PARA
Pinball | Lvl 33 (PL40) | HP: 820/820 | Energy: 115/120 | DMG: 20  | ACC: 4  | EVA: 3  | BH: 45 | LD: 5

<<Kumatestu>>
Hate (1,1)
HP: 0/500 | DMG: 250 (Transformation) | MIT: 0 (-20, -20, Transformation) | ACC: 0 (Transformation) | EVA: 2 [Shatter: 1/3] [BlitReduc: 2/2] [48 BLD: 2/2] [32 BLT: 2/2] [56 BRN: 2/2] [40 STC: 2/2] [28 RND: 2/2] 

[Acanthus 0]

She hadn’t been prepared for how real Kumatetsu’s death was. When she watched Koji play games, everything was so… clean. The way people fell over quietly when shot, and they disappeared. When he hit people with a sword in his JRPGs, they just flashed red and disappeared. But SAO seemed to pride itself on realism, particularly the worst parts; and whatever pain indicators the players had did not extend to the bosses.

Kumatestu labored to breathe. It struggled to stand, crashed back into the earth again, and let out a mournful roar. With the last of its strength, it dragged its head to look at Acanthus, and it pleaded. God, it’s pleading. Here was a few bits of code that had been trying to kill her—for real—and all she could think about was how sorry she felt. Why hadn’t she just gone in for the strike and made the kill clean?

The quest menu popped up, interrupting her worried thoughts. The bear was dead.

Quote

"Alright, well. Let's get moving." 

“…Right.” Acanthus followed closely.

Edited August 25 by Acanthus

[Pinball 1]

Pinball was quiet as he walked. That is to say, nothing was different in that regard. His fingers raced across his menu interface, stopping only to start scrolling through an inventory that seemed almost endless. He finally found what it was he was looking for, and he equipped both items to help him. In a flash, Pinball wore both Tyrfing, his simple yet elegant looking set of knives, and an old, tattered cloak sporting the insignia of a guild that he figured had likely faded from all minds but his. 

"Same plan," Pinball began to ask, "hunt down a few mobs on the way back?" 

It was a quick way to make a little extra loot on the way back to the starting city. Pinball didn't plan on following her there, but he'd make sure she got there safely. 

"We'll take on the next quest tomorrow. My home's on this floor. I'll walk you back to Ellesmera." 

*** 

Equipped: 
Black Cloak: +3 EVA -> Cloak of the Harbingers: +3 LD 
Hellfire: Static, Burn, Blight, Bleed -> Tyrfing: Absolute Accuracy 

[Acanthus 0]

“Mobs sounds good. Maybe I can take my mind off that last fight. And maybe,” a hint of confidence surfaced in her voice, “I'll be able to earn my share this time.”

"We'll take on the next quest tomorrow. My home's on this floor. I'll walk you back to Ellesmera." 

“Oh? Housing is hard to come by on these first few floors, isn’t it? I bet it’s beautiful. I assume it’s outside Ellesmera? You seemed a little on edge in town, so…” She fumbled her words. “I’m sorry, sometimes I speak without thinking. Please ignore me.” Thankful, she noticed a pack of monsters nearby; she quickly changed the subject. “I think we’ve found our mobs. Let’s go.”

She had hoped this combat would take her mind off Kumatetsu’s last moments, but the game was eager to have her relive them. The monsters turned out to be “smaller” bears (so, normal grizzly bears), which was normal enough. But their names… if she ever believed the game was alive, it was at this moment. Cardinal has a sick sense of humor.

Drawing Meteor, she told herself she wouldn't wait this time. She charged her sword skill—one she hadn't had the opportunity to test yet—and focused on the frontmost bear. She saw the game chart her path from monster to monster, and when it finished, she unleashed the sword art. Wielding Meteor with both hands, she drove it into the frontmost bear, and tore it free with a splash of translucent "blood." The bear howled as the open wounds continued to bleed, but Acanthus had already moved on. Feeling the energy of the sword art channeling to her hands and feet, she ducked through the mobs, alternating between slashes, kicks and punches. Finding weak spots on each of the bears, they appeared slow and dazed from her assault. After what seemed like an hour, she arrived breathless on the other side of the pack. She didn't even spare the energy to turn around; Pinball was certain to finish them off.

 

Spoiler   Start of Combat Stats Acanthus | Lvl 21 | HP: 450/450 | EN: 60/60 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 66 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | LD: 3 | BLD: 36 | PARA Pinball | Lvl 33 (PL40) | HP: 820/820 | Energy: 120/120 | DMG: 20  | ACC: 4  | BH: 45 | LD: 8 | AA (You changed some equips so if I missed anything, I'll edit it when I double check your next post) <<Kumatestu Cub 1>> HP: 396/396 | DMG: 132 <<Kumatestu Cub 2>> HP: 396/396 | DMG: 132 <<Kumatestu Cub 3>> HP: 396/396 | DMG: 132 <<Kumatestu Cub 4>> HP: 396/396 | DMG: 132 Post Action: TECH-F -> Kumatetsu Cubs 1-4 <<Kumatestu Cub 1>> 228257| BD 4 + 5 = 9. Hit! (13 * 8) = 104 damage. Stunned! <<Kumatestu Cub 2>> 228258 | BD 5 + 5 = 10. Hit! (13 * 8) = 104 damage. Stunned! <<Kumatestu Cub 3>> 228259 | BD 9 + 5 = 14. Minor Critical!  (14 * 8) = 112 damage. Paralysis Applied. Bleed Applied. Stunned! <<Kumatestu Cub 4>> 228260| BD 2 + 5 = 7. Hit! (13 * 8) = 104 damage. Stunned! Round 1: After Acanthus Acanthus | HP: 450/450 | EN: 44/60 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 66 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | LD: 3 | BLD: 36 | PARA Pinball | Lvl 33 (PL40) | HP: 820/820 | Energy: 120/120 | DMG: 20  | ACC: 4  | EVA: 3  | BH: 45 | LD: 5 <<Kumatestu Cub 1>>Hate (1,0) HP: 292/396 | DMG: 132 (Stunned) <<Kumatestu Cub 2>>Hate (1,0) HP: 292/396 | DMG: 132 (Stunned) <<Kumatestu Cub 3>>Hate (2,0) HP: 284/396 | DMG: 132 (Stunned; Paralyze; BLD 36) <<Kumatestu Cub 4>>Hate (1,0) HP: 292/396 | DMG: 132 (Stunned)

 

Edited August 25 by Acanthus

[Pinball 1]

This time, Acanthus joined him. A far cry from herself just a matter of hours prior, she launched herself into the crowd of bears without a hint of hesitation. Pinball watched as she cut through the group of them, her Sword Art cleaving her a path through the bloodthirsty bear cubs (cubs? they were pretty big for cubs).  

Despite the vague interest he felt by Acanthus' display of competence, Pinball wasted no time in following up with his own attack. He'd been in this exact scenario countless times, and he wasn't the type to be slowed by emotion in the first place (not anymore, at least). His daggers flew. Each of them were struck with impunity; their health bars were dropped to the red, but they were not killed. Acanthus had used the TECH-F Sword Art, which sacrificed raw damage in exchange for a Stun effect. But the bears were stunned no longer, and as they struggled to their feet, Pinball whistled sharply. 

It was up to Acanthus to finish the job. 

*** 

Spoiler

Action Taken: [TECH-F] [-13 EN] 
Cub 1: ID#228485 BD: 2+5 MD: Stunned - 20*12= 240 DMG 
Cub 2: ID#228486 BD: 2+5 MD: Stunned - 20*12= 240 DMG 
Cub 3: ID#228487 BD: 4+5 MD: Stunned - 20*12= 240 DMG 
Cub 4: ID#228488 BD: 4+5 MD: Stunned - 20*12= 240 DMG 

Acanthus | HP: 450/450 | EN: 44/60 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 66 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | LD: 3 | BLD: 36 | PARA
Pinball | Lvl 33 (PL40) | HP: 820/820 | Energy: 107/120 | DMG: 20  | ACC: 4  | EVA: 3  | BH: 45 | LD: 5

<<Kumatestu Cub 1>>Hate (1,1) HP: 52/396 | DMG: 132 
<<Kumatestu Cub 2>>Hate (1,1) HP: 52/396 | DMG: 132 
<<Kumatestu Cub 3>>Hate (2,1) HP: 52/396 | DMG: 132 
<<Kumatestu Cub 4>>Hate (1,1) HP: 52/396 | DMG: 132 

 

Edited August 26 by Pinball

[Acanthus 0]

She heard the whoosh of the knives and the bears’ agonized roaring. But the roaring didn’t stop. And if it didn’t stop, then that meant the bears weren’t dead.

Not bears—cubs. Despite their size, the game had decided that they would be fighting cubs. And it got the details right: the uncertain gait, the way they fought awkwardly and without experience. And the eyes. They weren’t pleading like their mother. The cubs were confused. Aggressive, but confused.

Diving between two of the limping bears, she lashed out with all her misplaced anger. Her sword caught one cub monster, shattering it into digital shards. Acanthus ripped the blade free and plunged it into the back of the second. It vaporized with a pitiful groan. Why can’t we fight something disgusting or unsympathetic! She finished the sword art with a horizontal flash across the third bears face. The lower jaw vanished, followed by the rest of the bear as it tumbled into the ground. Give me a monster or a boar or something else, but no! It’s pleading eyes and lost bear cubs. Fuck this game, and FUCK everyone who programmed it!

Her sword art dissipated as she lost control, and Acanthus began to watch herself from a distance as she closed in on the final bear cub. She experienced a strange, floating sensation just like the banquet on floor 17. She was no longer acting; she was simply observing.

A strange girl, dressed in her armor and wielding her sword, approached the monster bear cub. That girl was even using the martial arts Acanthus had learned from the Monastery on floor 2. Fist drawn to the waist, driven from the hips. The punch twisted into the cub’s side and it collapsed, pawing at the ground as it attempted to roll away from the stranger. No damage though—the girl ended her sword art too early. She is sloppy, Acanthus thought disdainfully. Nor was the girl finishing the bear quickly as Acanthus had hoped. Instead, she waited while the cub struggled back to its feet. An unfamiliar voice dripped from the girl’s lips. 

“Get up, you useless scrap of code. You’re just some trash mob on a beginner floor. I can’t feel sorry for you. I won’t. So GET UP, and come here so I can finish you off.”

 

Spoiler

 

Post Action: AoE-I -> Kumatetsu Cubs 1-4
<<Kumatestu Cub 1>> 228498 | BD 1 + 5 = 6. Critical Miss.
<<Kumatestu Cub 2>> 228499 | BD 9 + 5 = 14. Minor Critical! (14 * 11) = 154 damage.  Paralysis Applied. Bleed Applied.
<<Kumatestu Cub 3>> 228500 | BD 6 + 5 = 11. Hit!  (13 * 8) = 112 damage.
<<Kumatestu Cub 4>> 228501 | BD 9 + 5 = 14. Minor Critical! (14 * 11) = 154 damage.  Paralysis Applied. Bleed Applied.

Round 1: After Acanthus

Acanthus | HP: 450/450 | EN: 25/60 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 66 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | LD: 3 | BLD: 36 | PARA Pinball | Lvl 33 (PL40) | HP: 820/820 | Energy: 107/120 | DMG: 20  | ACC: 4  | EVA: 3  | BH: 45 | LD: 5 <<Kumatestu Cub 1>>Hate (1,1) HP: 52/396 | DMG: 132  <<Kumatestu Cub 2>>Hate (1,1) HP: -102/396 | DMG: 132  <<Kumatestu Cub 3>>Hate (2,1) HP: -96/396 | DMG: 132 BLD 36 (Turn 2/2) <<Kumatestu Cub 4>>Hate (1,1) HP: -102/396 | DMG: 132

Loot Results

ID: 228502 | LD: 7+3=10 | CD:10+0=10 | Col:2376, Mats:2, [228502a] T4 Rare Trinket
ID: 228503 | LD: 14+3=17 | CD:9+0=9 | Col:2376, Mats:2, [228503a] T4 Rare Trinket
ID: 228504 | LD: 13+3=16 | CD:1+0=1 | Col:2376, Mats:4, [228504a] T4 Rare Consumable, [228504b] T4 Rare Weapon

 

 

Edited August 26 by Acanthus

[Pinball 1]

His knife hissed through the air and embedded itself in the soft spot between the bear cub's skull and neck. It almost unceremoniously exploded into crystalline fragments, leaving just the two of them in the forest clearing. Pinball stood, knives out -- a flash -- and Tyrfing was replaced with the sickly crimson-black blades he used to inflict his DoTs. They disappeared beneath his cloak. 

First on their way here, and now this. There had been signs before too, hadn't there? He just hadn't noticed. Or maybe he hadn't wanted to notice. Maybe he had always known.

Now there's a thought.

She was slipping. He wasn't sure why. Her past? His presence? The general stress of living in a never-ending nightmare? Whatever it was, he couldn't blame her. But it was getting to her. That much was plain to see. Especially to someone like him. He couldn't keep ignoring it. 

"Acanthus." His voice was firm, and far colder than he realized. "Are you alright?" 

***

Action Taken: {Well Rested} [TECH-F] [-7 EN] 
Cub 1: ID#228520 BD: 2+5 - 20*12= 240 DMG 

Acanthus | HP: 450/450 | EN: 25/60 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 66 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | LD: 3 | BLD: 36 | PARA
Pinball | Lvl 33 (PL40) | HP: 820/820 | Energy: 104/120 | DMG: 20  | ACC: 5 | BH: 45 | LD: 8

<<Kumatestu Cub 1>>Hate (1,1) HP: 0/396 | DMG: 132

Looting: 

Cub 1: ID: 228531 | LD: 23 (15, +8) | CD: 1 (1, +0) | 1188col, Materials (4), Tier 4 Perfect Weapon (1), Tier 4 Perfect Trinket (1)

Edited August 27 by Pinball

[Acanthus 0]

The Stranger stared down the bear cub. The blade tensed up in her hand; the blade began to glow a deep red as she channeled the sword art. From the look in her eyes, Acanthus could tell the girl was about to enjoy this.

A single knife flashed, and the bear exploded into crystalline fragments.

"Are you alright?" 

I feel great. “I’m… I’m fine. I’m fine.” The Stranger had left; Acanthus had returned. Her whole body ached. Slowly, she wiped her blade on her cloak. “Thanks. For asking.”

She knew it was apparent that the experience had rattled her, but it wasn't a conversation she was ready for. Acanthus had always prided herself on her sense of calm and composure, but she had exhibited very little of either in the last battle. And that wasn’t anything more than a few low-level monsters. But it wasn’t really about the fight itself. The game had twisted her compassion against her. She had felt her psyche bend under the tension of treating this world both like a game, and treating it like real life. It was something she needed to address before she went on any truly dangerous quests. Like the latter half of this one. I owe it to Pinball to get myself figured out.

Finally, she looked back to Pinball. He said very little, but he had said enough. His voice had been the splash of cold water that had shocked her awake. She didn't know how to express her thanks.

“I think my nerves are just a little frayed, that’s all. This was one of my first boss fights.” She sheathed her sword. “Let’s walk back to Ellesmera. I’ll... I plan to find an inn on this floor to spend the night. Do you have any suggestions?”

Edited August 27 by Acanthus

[Pinball 1]

He didn't believe her. 

But he also didn't push it. After waiting a moment to see if she had anything else to say, Pinball finally relented with a nod. "Okay." He wasn't sure how she would act in the quests going forward. She presented this strange, unpredictable variable that he wasn't entirely comfortable introducing into his life. But he also didn't want to leave her alone. Not after that display. 

As they walked, Pinball's eyes were drawn to a path through the bushes... a dungeon? He withdrew a blank dungeon map and recorded the location. He was of a mind to collect as many dungeon locations as he could -- from what he understood, they were dangerous, but the experience gain was pretty great. Pinball responded to Acanthus' question about inn suggestions as he did this. 

"The Gilded Dove if you're feeling lavish," he said, stowing the map. "There's also the Honeydew Inn for something a little quieter." Those were the ones that he remembered, silly names and all. Elves were a little pretentious like that. For half a second he considered inviting her to rest at his home, Green Garden, but he had the feeling that would be the last place she wanted to be. Her reaction to him vanishing earlier had told him all he needed to know about that. 

Pinball walked with her until the gates were in sight, where he'd stop. 

"I'll send you a message in a couple days about the next quest," Pinball said. He wanted her to take that break. "Take care." 

*** 

Action: [Searching for Dungeon] 
ID#228623 LD: 11+8= 19 (Success) 
Used x1 Blank Dungeon Map -> x1 T4 Dungeon Map 

Edited August 27 by Pinball