[F09 | SP] Into the Flames | <<Into the Fire>>

Nymoria · August 25

She’d been told that everyone who entered the frontlines, or who had a desire to help along the frontlines, had completed the quest. In fact, from what she’d heard, most of those still on the lower levels who were only just beginning their journey towards the frontlines had completed at least the first part of the quest itself. Nymoria hadn’t considered the quest previously, the few portions of information that she had gleamed about it making her think it was far beyond her skill set as it had stood. At least, when she had first learnt about the quest, she had considered it well above anything she could handle. Now, however, she knew that she had come a long ways since her starting days, and as she eyed the information she had been sent, she couldn’t help the nagging doubt that it wasn’t within her reach.

A trio of dogs, and then a three headed dog…they certainly do like their trios, don’t think? She giggled at the thought even as she signed to Musei, the weasel having been relaxing on its small bed in comfort and luxury. She’d been combing over the information she’d received – she’d finally paid for an actual broker’s information this time, information on par with that being given to those on the frontlines themselves – a sign of how her fortunes had already been changing. Only weeks ago she would’ve baulked at the amounts being requested by the brokers, and now she was staring at the very information that had been well outside of her reach in the days long past.

Just…don’t go spending your col needlessly. It can disappear as quickly as you’ve been receiving it lately. The voice inside her head didn’t scorn her or try and belittle her in any way, and yet Nymoria knew that it was reminding her of an important fact. A fact that she could ill afford to ignore. Still…this information was worth every single piece of col I handed over. With this…with this I think I stand an actual chance. She hummed in acceptance of that fact, before waving the menu away. She’d already memorised all the information that she could from what she had, and knew that there was little more to be gained from it all. Now, she needed to prepare.

A quick motion of her hand, and Musei had left the small bed he had been sleeping in, his form appearing at her side as she summoned him. Smiling to the weasel, she waved at hand at the room around them, before signing the words she’d been holding back for the last few moments. We have some preparing to do, Musei. We’re going to head up to the nineth floor, and do some hunting. Would you be interested in coming along?

Musei’s eyes seemed to glint slightly in response, as much of an acknowledgement as she could expect from the semi-mute creature that had become her friend and companion. Content with the answer, Nymoria gave another wave around the room, her own smile taking on an appearance of excitement. Well, then. Let’s get ready, shall we?

----

Statblock

Spoiler

Notes

[Theme]

Nymoria | Lv. 26 | P. 0 | HP [535/535] | EN [85/85] | ACC [5] | DMG [19] | EVA [4] | MIT [0] | BH [+28] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1]
Tier 3 | Tier 3

Equipment

Silence [Rapier | Tier 3]
Enhancement: Bleed [1 Slot]
Enhancement: Keen [2 Slots]
Ring of Evasion
[Jewelry | Tier 1]
Enhancement: Evasion [3 Slots]
Hearing Aid
[Trinket | Tier 1]
Enhancement: Accuracy [3 Slots]

Battle-Ready Inventory

Uncommon Health Potion {5} [Potion | Tier 1 | Heals 5% Maximum HP]
Spyglass {2} | Reduce Search Posts x5 [Dungeon, Familiar, Field Boss] for one thread
bento {2} [Meal | Tierless | Oveerhealth III]
Teleport Crystal {1}
Honey Cookie {5} [Snack | Tier 1 | Vitality II]

Skills

Spoiler

Utility Skills
N/A

Combat Skills
Battle Healing [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: While in combat, recover 1% per rank of your maximum HP (rounded down) at the beginning of your turn.]
Energist [Active: Passive. Effect: Increase base Energy by 5*Tier.]
Rapiers [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: +7 DMG]
[Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Stamina [Active: Passive. Effect: Reduces EN of all attacks by 2.]
[Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Precision [Active: Passive. Effect: +1 ACC.]
[Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Rapier Ferocity [Active: Passive. Effect: +2 DMG when using the weapon of your choice. Players cannot use Focus and Ferocity at the same time for the same Weapon Type.]

Armour Skills
Unhindered [Active: Passive. Effect: +1 Accuracy, +1 Loot Dice, +1 Evasion, +5*Tier HP. Your mitigation is capped at 0 equipment slots.]

Active Extra Skills
Leadership [Rank: 1. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain access to Leadership Arts every rank. In order to use a Leadership Art, it must take up a mod slot. Each Leadership Art takes up a different mod slot. Leadership Arts from different sources do not stack.]
[Rank 1 Leadership Art] Elusive [Active: Post Action. Energy: 4 EN. Cooldown: 2 turns. Effect: Increase the Evasion of all players in your party by 1 for a single turn.]
[Rank 2 Leadership Art] Rally [Active: Post Action. Energy: 6 EN. Cooldown: 2 turns. Effect: Increase the Accuracy of all players in your party by 1 for a single turn.]
Survival [Active: Passive. Effect: Increases Healing effects received from all sources by 10%. Grants immunity to all damage dealing environmental attacks/effects.]

Inactive Extra Skills
Concentration [Active: Free Action. Cooldown: 5 turns. Effect: As a free action, gain Absolute Accuracy on your next attack. In the case Absolute Accuracy is already present, increase your Accuracy by 1 instead. Effect lasts until the start of next turn.]
Frozen Hide [Active: Free Action. Energy: 5 EN. Cooldown: 4 turns. Effect: As a free action, apply one slot of Frost Aura and one slot of Frost Thorns equal to your tier to yourself until the start of your next turn.]

Combat Mastery
Damage [Rank: 3. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 * Tier additional Base Damage per rank. Ranks of this Skill obey Damage enhancement caps.]

Familiar Skills
Hunting Familiar [Active: Free Action. Cooldown: 5 turns. : Effect: Your familiar has a nose for treasure. Roll LD/CD (without bonuses) as if you had slain a loot-minimum mob.]

Estate Buffs
N/A

Sword Arts

Spoiler

[x12] ST-I (12 10 EN) | A single-target sword art.
[x15] ST-II (15 13EN) | A powerful single-target sword art. Only available for use when ST-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if ST-II had been used and had missed the previous turn.
[x20] ST-B (20 18 EN) | A devastating single-target sword art. Can only be used if the sword art used the previous turn is not ST-B and had rolled a natural CD9+. When performing an AoE attack, this CD check applies to only the first roll.
[x11] AOE-I (11 9 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once.
[x14] AOE-II (14 12 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A powerful sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. Only available for use when AOE-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if AOE-II had been used and had missed all intended targets the previous turn.
[x12] TECH-A (13 11 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy.
[x12] TECH-B (13 11 EN) | DELAY | A single-target sword art that, on a successful strike, applies [Delay] on the enemy. [Delay] is a debuff that reduces the enemy’s ACC by 1 for one turn.
[x8] TECH-F (8 6 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE STUN | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. All struck targets are stunned for one turn.

Estate Buffs

Spoiler

N/A

Nymoria · August 25

Her eyes passed over the various items she had laid out on the table and bed in the inn. A variety of snacks and other goods stacked nicely on the table, while her sabre and assorted accessories had been laid on the bed; her chest plate discarded and off to the side. She’d been meaning to sell the piece, but hadn’t quite come to terms with departing from it yet.

Her assortment of goods and pieces reminded her of how little she actually owned in this game. She’d kept her items on hand small, due to her limited space and available storage. She’d been meaning to buy a house, at some point, especially now that she had begun to make true gains in her wealth. That, however, had been held back due to the various adjustments and continuous purchases she’d needed to make in order to assure her continued success. Nothing comes free in this world, not even the items we need to continue pushing forwards and getting better. Like the real world, in a way. Her eyes passed over the various consumables, maps and other goods she’d recently purchased from various shops. None of it was spectacular in any way – most of it being regular items that would simply give her an edge in combat, or in finding things – but it was important to her that she maintained it all. That, and it reminded her that she wasn’t simply standing still in her progress anymore, she was now able to afford things without needing to rely on others. As much.

She scowled at the final thought, knowing that it was at least partially true and hating every ounce of it. She still needed help with many things, still needed to rely on others for some of the basics in life. Which is why you’re so desperate to do this quest alone, isn’t it? To prove that you don’t need others. That you can take care of yourself. But what will they say if you die doing this? What does that prove? She knew where the voice was going, what it was going to tell her next. Instead of hearing it out, she decided instead to simply shut it off. To ignore it, placing it in a corner of her mind that she didn’t need to look at, at least not now. For now, she needed to believe that she would be able to do this on her own. Besides, it’s not that hard of a quest. Others have done it alone, and you should be able to as well. The creatures aren’t anything harder than some of the other stuff you’ve faced before, and look at how that went!

She smiled slightly, a broken smile if anything at all. Previously she’d had help with a lot of her fights, especially those which could be considered anything close to this one. Still, she’d managed to survive them, and she was stronger now than she ever was before, which meant she should be able to do this quest without too much trouble. At least, that’s the hope. Shrugging aside the doubt, she packed up her things, deciding which boosts to take immediately before putting everything else away.

Once she was ready to go, she corralled Musei into her breast pocket, catching the weasel even as he tried to race around the room in his excitement. A final glance back into the room was all Nymoria took before heading out the door. She knew she would return to it shortly, that there was no need to do anything more than close the door and be on her way, and yet she felt a dreadful feeling within her, a foreboding that made her question – once again – if she was making the right decision.

----
Nymoria consumes bento {1} [Meal | Tierless | Oveerhealth III]
Nymoria consumes crème brûlée {1} [Dessert | Tierless | Accuracy II]

Nymoria | Lv. 26 | P. 0 | HP [615/615] | EN [85/85] | ACC [7] | DMG [19] | EVA [4] | MIT [0] | BH [+33] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1]

Nymoria · August 25

It had taken her well over three hours to make her way from the teleportation pad in Yōgan Village, out through the flaming fields of the ninth floor and into the sweat inducing areas within the walls of Knorilt Village. Nymoria had found the entire time of travel to be highly uncomfortable; warm enough to cause her to sweat with the smallest amount of exertion, enough so that she was extremely happy to have left the chest plate behind her. She couldn’t imagine trying to wander through the heats of the floor while wearing confining armour. And to think there would be players who tank, wearing all that heavy armour, travelling through this. I can’t even empathise with that…it sounds horrible.

Pushing through the heat, she had passed through the small entryway – a simplistic gate that stood open in order to entice travellers through in an orderly fashion. She waved slightly to the short guards standing at the entryway – Dwarvenfolk, from the looks of them – but received nothing more than a glare in response. Tucking her head, she passed on through and beyond, moving through the village in search of the NPC that would initiate the quest in earnest for her.

She slid through the streets, keeping an eye on those she passed. The information she had paid for had informed her she would be looking for an NPC broker; a man who appeared injured after having attempted to locate the lair of Cerberus itself. Her eyes scanned the area even as she wondered why an NPC would both to try and hunt down a quest boss, before coming to the realisation that the NPC likely hadn’t actually tried hunting it down, but rather was simply designed to appear that way.

Her hunt didn’t take long, the broker sitting against a wall just outside of what appeared to be a local tavern. Nymoria had approached slowly, her hands moving in greeting as she tried to verify if the man was whom she had been looking for in actuality.

Hello. I’m looking for someone who might know something about Cerberus. The NPC’s eyes had locked onto her hands as soon as they had started moving, a reaction that she had long since become used to and ignorant of now.

”Cerberus? Yes, I was looking for the lair. Found it too…just a ways out from here…” Nymoria nodded slowly as the man continued to explain what he had found, bringing up her menu and taking notes as he explained not only how to find the cave, but also about the three hellhounds that guarded it. The broker was more than happy to answer most of the questions she had, at least those that he seemed to have knowledge about.

Thank you. This information has been very helpful. Nymoria gave a respectful bow as she gave her thanks, before leaving the broker behind. She gave a glance over her notes as she made her way back through the village, more confident of her ability to overcome the quest now than she had been before. The hardest part was finding this broker, I think. The hellhounds I can lure out and face alone…and than Cerberus within the cave itself. It shouldn’t be that hard, I think. So long as I can separate them all, and fight them in small groups, I think I should be fine.

Nymoria · August 25

The heat hadn’t been nearly as strong within the village, a fact which Nymoria had only noticed upon her retreat from its walls back into the open areas that made up the various fields and lava-filled rivers of the floor itself. It had hit her like a wall the moment she’d walked through the gates of the village, a wave washing over her that caused sweat to immediately cover her body in places that she would have rather been dry.

Nymoria had a hard time trying to figure out which floor she disliked the most, the fourth with its frigid snow covered expanse, or the nineth with its boiling temperatures that reminded her of the worst summers she had ever encountered. Neither, she realised, seemed very appealing in the moment. Although the thought of snow certainly helps to cool me down a bit. Not much, but definitely a bit. She felt herself giggle slight at the thought, knowing it was entirely ridiculous and nothing more than a fallacy within her mind. Still, she would take any fallacy that made the heat of the floor more bearable, even if only for a time.

The view remained barren and boring as far as Nymoria could see. Flowing rivers of liquid lava and fire swept passed and around, leading off into the distance and out of sight, as tall mountains rose to the peaks of the sky. The rocky terrain provided pathways through the floor, safe to step on so long as one was careful not to twist their foot. All in all, Nymoria found the place rather unpleasant, and as she continued along the pathway that led towards Cerberus’ supposed lair, she realised that there was little in the way that would bring her here, aside from the quest itself.

Musei seemed to be almost as displeased with their current environment as Nymoria was, his form dashing across the hot rocks in a sluggish manner compared to his regular movements. She couldn’t help but feel a moment of pity for the fur covered creature, realising that he must be suffering as much, if not more, than Nymoria herself was. She made a promise to herself that she would make it up to him once they were done here, in some way or form.

----

ID228255 | Foraging
ID228256 | Hunting Familiar | Cooldown: 5 turns (Post #9)

Spoiler

Loot Rolls
ID228255 | LD: 19 | CD: 5 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 89/149 EXP]
ID228256 | LD: 10 | CD: 8 | 2,496 (936+1,248+312) col, Rare Trinket {1}

Loot Totals
2,496 col
1 material
Rare Trinket {1} | 228256

Nymoria · August 25

As her eyes swept over the rocky terrain that made up the floor’s general atmosphere and land, Nymoria spotted something glittering against the otherwise harsh light. She deviated from her path, stepping closer and inspecting the portion of stone that seemed to shimmer with an oddly red colouring. It was only as she carefully extracted it from the rock around it that she realised what the gemstone was. Ruby. And a very fine looking one, too. Just…sitting out here in the open like this? Maybe this floor has more to offer than I thought… Her eyes glanced over the area with a sudden change in attitude towards the heat covered floor.

Musei, as well, appeared to have some luck with his own hunting experience. Returning with a variety of goods and col, the weasel proudly displayed the items for Nymoria’s eye, before she collected them and put them away. A quick thanks, as well as a comment on the surprising success that the enflamed area was providing to them, and then she found herself standing once more.

Carefully, with her eyes roaming the area in search of more goods to be found along their pathway, Nymoria returned to the trail she had been following. Her pace slowed only slightly as she continued her preoccupied glancing about for anything more that could be harvested from the rocky terrain, determined not to let anything slip by unnoticed if she could help it.

It was due to this distraction that she came about the cave that had been marked and described by the broker through sudden, abrupt greeting. Her foot smacked off the nearby cusp of the lip that led down into the cave itself, the trail she had been following ending immediately at it’s fore. Taking a deep breath, shaking out the foot she had stubbed and looking around to make sure she hadn’t accidentally walked into a trap, Nymoria paused at the entrance. She wanted nothing more than to delve into its depths, and yet she remembered the broker specifying that the three hellhounds had waited outside the cavern itself, guarding the entrance against any who tried to enter.

----

ID228255 | Foraging

Spoiler

Loot Rolls
ID228255 | LD: 19 | CD: 5 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 89/149 EXP]
ID228256 | LD: 10 | CD: 8 | 2,496 (936+1,248+312) col, Rare Trinket {1}
ID228255 | LD: 17 | CD: 7 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 105/149 EXP]

Loot Totals
2,496 col
3 material
Rare Trinket {1} | 228256

Nymoria · August 25

Where are they then? Nymoria glanced around in confusion, the open and empty rock face clearly void of any guardian hellhounds. Nothing but the wind, and the soft glow of the flowing lava river off in the near distance caught her sight. Confused, uncertain as to what to do now that she had arrived and things weren’t exactly as they should have been, Nymoria found herself rooted to the spot. Her mind raced as she tried to make sense of it, wondering if she had someone come to the wrong location during her distracted travels.

A quick check of her map, however, confirmed that she was exactly where she was supposed to be, based upon the marker it displayed. With no other directions or information to go on, Nymoria drew her sabre and stepped towards the entrance of the cave itself, deciding that the best path for her was simple to head forwards, directly into the area that she was meant to approach. Maybe they’re all inside, and I can draw a couple of them out at a time. Not exactly what I had originally planned, but I can certainly make it work. It’s not like I haven’t had to think on my feet before. I’m still okay here. I’ve still got this.

Her mind’s voice tried to reassure her even as the darker edges of the cave entrance came closer. Her feet moved carefully, testing the sturdiness of the small lip leading downwards even as she crouched slightly to give herself better balance. It was only a half dozen centimeters in drop, but Nymoria knew that even a small falter here could spell danger later on.

A shifting of shadows across the edges of the cave’s entrance caught Nymoria’s eye, and she glanced up just in time to see a form pull itself free of the shadows that seemed to cover the entrance. The hellhound – for Nymoria had no doubts that the flaming dog before her was a hellhound – snarled slightly at the player’s form, stepping towards her in a menacing way. A quick glance to either side of her confirmed that the two other hellhounds had appeared, drawn in by her existence in their area.

Nymoria stepped back up from the ledge drop, stabilising her footing as she brought her sabre up in front of her in preparation of the conflict that was about to erupt. She knew, now, that there would be no obtaining the element of surprise – which left her only with the option of fighting for her life against the trio of hounds. Her eyes danced around her, confirming their positions before she launched herself into motion.

----

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 26 | P. 0 | HP [615/615] | EN [75/85] | ACC [7] | DMG [19] | EVA [4] | MIT [0] | BH [+33] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] | -10 EN
Hellhound 1 | HP: 48/200 | DMG: 50 | Stunned
Hellhound 2 | HP: 200/200 | DMG: 50
Hellhound 3 | HP: 48/200 | DMG: 50 | Stunned

Nymoria · August 25

The hound in front of her and to her left fell victim to her sabre’s sting as she rushed forward, a wide swing catching both in the same arc, leaving them stunned in place as she turned her attention to the third creature. It had managed to dodge out of the way of her attack, leaping backwards and placing distance between itself and her even as it lashed out with its own swipe with its paw. The distance, however, meant that the attack had been less than successful – nowhere near her form, in fact, even without her having dodged it at all.

Her feet carried her further away from the trio, spinning in place as she brought herself back to focus on them. She leveled her sabre in preparation, letting her feet glide across the ground as she forced them to bunch up slightly – her own movements mimicked by their forms as they tried to circle her in retaliation, attempting to keep her surrounded without success. She was careful with her footing even as she moved, letting each footfall secure itself before starting the next, and yet her speed meant that she was moving nearly as fast as the hounds could move.

A shift in their body language signified their attempt to rush forward, and Nymoria retreated slightly in order to better prepare herself. The ground had been insecure where she’d last stepped, and she didn’t want to fall into the trap of having the ground give way beneath her as she tried to sweep around an attack – a mistake that could be deadly in the wrong instance. Instead of rushing in to face them, she lured them further from the safety of the cave’s entrance, bringing them out into the open as they gave chase without a second thought.

Nymoria was careful, planning her attack with a precision that she had learnt over the years, waiting for the trio to clump together in a way that would assure her the best possible chance of hitting all three with a wide slashing strike, while not impeding her ability to target any of them. It was a careful balance, and one that she had worked to perfect during her time training with the sabre in her hand.

----

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 26 | P. 0 | HP [615/615] | EN [63/85] | ACC [7] | DMG [19] | EVA [4] | MIT [0] | BH [+33] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] | +3 EN | -15 EN
Hellhound 1 | HP: 0/200 | DMG: 50 | Stun Immunity [1/3]
Hellhound 2 | HP: 0/200 | DMG: 50
Hellhound 3 | HP: 0/200 | DMG: 50 | Stun Immunity [1/3]

Nymoria · August 25

The trio of hellhounds launched themselves at her even as Nymoria dug her feet into the rocks beneath her. Her body lowered slightly as she prepared to meet them, her sabre coming back slightly in preparation of the sweeping movement it was going to take to slash across their forms, hoping to land a strong blow even as they leapt into the air. She pushed off at the last possible second, sweeping outwards with her weapon as she strove to strike the trio back towards the cave and away from her.

The sparkling of shards left her shocked, however, as the trio exploded into nothingness; brought down entirely by her singular attack against them. It left Nymoria staring at her blade in a mixture of awe and confusion, trying to piece together what had just occurred. She knew that she had become stronger over the last little while, but it had never been her expectations to be able to take down something in a single blow; an action that she still assumed was beyond her skill, reserved only for those who had made their way towards the frontlines.

Yet, before her was the obvious proof that she was able and capable of doing so herself. Or, rather, the lack of proof, now that the shards from the creatures had disappeared fully. The sabre in her hand shook only slightly from the exertion of the fight, and Nymoria glanced at her visible HUD, confirming that she had burned through a lot less than she had expected. Not that she hadn’t downed herself more than she’d have liked, but all things considered she was better suited to continue onwards than she had expected when she had first been planning this encounter.

Moments passed and nothing else leapt out at Nymoria, her presence the only one in the area now that the hounds were gone. Not entirely certain that all threats were gone, she decided to press ahead regardless, knowing that Cerberus likely awaited for her somewhere in the cave itself. If nothing else, she knew it would mean that the quest would be completed a lot sooner than she original expected. She did, however, ensure to check the area for any further gemstones embedded in the rocky terrain, hoping that being this close to a lair of flaming dogs that something of value would appear before her.

----

ID228277 | Foraging

Spoiler

Loot Rolls
ID228255 | LD: 19 | CD: 5 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 89/149 EXP]
ID228256 | LD: 10 | CD: 8 | 2,496 (936+1,248+312) col, Rare Trinket {1}
ID228255 | LD: 17 | CD: 7 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 105/149 EXP]
ID228277 | LD: 13 | CD: 8 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 121/149 EXP]

Loot Totals
2,496 col
5 material
Rare Trinket {1} | 228256

Nymoria · August 25

Another pair of rubies stood out as Nymoria wandered closer to the edges of the cave’s entrance, their appearance signifying at least some form of confirmation that her belief and expectations had been correct; at least to some degree. Whether it was from the presence of the flame hounds or not, Nymoria gladly pocketed away the rubies, placing them into her inventory with the others that she had collected on her way to the lair of Cerberus.

If nothing else, the journey here will be profitable for my artisan work. She felt the smile spread across her face as she stepped into the cave proper, her eyes flitting about even as Musei leapt from her shoulder shirt’s pocket, climbing down her form and leaping onto the ground before racing off into the distance. Nymoria worried, for a single moment, about the weasel’s safety before realising that he was slippery enough to avoid most danger. That, and she could easily rush after him if need be.

For the time being, however, she moved with care and ease into the semi darkness. The tunnel – as the entrance had led into a tall tunnel which seemed to slope slightly downwards – ran alongside another river of liquid lava, providing a red glow that enlightened the area just enough for her to see a dozen steps in front of her. It was better than the pitch black that she had been worried about, although the heat from the liquid lava river meant that the sweat had returned to her form with a vengeance.

In no real rush, Nymoria took her time passing through the tunnel, side stepping off to the sides numerous times over in search of any gemstones that could be worth collecting, or any other materials that she could come across. She knew that the creature Cerberus was waiting somewhere ahead – her map marker at least signified that she was going in the right direction – but she saw no need to rush onwards and face the creature when she could take full advantage of the environment around her. It’s not like there’s any sort of time limit on the quest, anyways. So there’s no need to rush here and there, and miss out on all the other goods along the way. Better to take my time and profit a bit, rather than rush into something and miss out on the journey along the way. Isn’t that what people always say? She gave a soft shrug to herself in response to the voice, realising that it was absolutely pointless to answer herself anyways.

----

ID228280 | Foraging
ID228281 | Hunting Familiar | Cooldown: 5 turns (Post # 14)

Spoiler

Loot Rolls
ID228255 | LD: 19 | CD: 5 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 89/149 EXP]
ID228256 | LD: 10 | CD: 8 | 2,496 (936+1,248+312) col, Rare Trinket {1}
ID228255 | LD: 17 | CD: 7 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 105/149 EXP]
ID228277 | LD: 13 | CD: 8 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 121/149 EXP]
ID228280 | LD: 16 | CD: 2 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 129/149 EXP]
ID228281 | LD: 7 | CD: 3 | 936 col, 4 materials, Uncommon Consumable {1}

Loot Totals
3,432 col
10 material
Uncommon Consumable {1} | 228281
Rare Trinket {1} | 228256

Nymoria · August 25

The sudden shift in brightness was all the warning Nymoria needed to know that she had left behind the tunnel itself, and entered into the true lair of the three headed dog that she had come hunting. The tunnel had, over time, widened to a point where the walls were barely visible on either side. The last corner she had turned had led into a wide open area, an obvious sign that Nymoria had finally reached her destination. Confirmed in actuality when she noticed the body of the creature laying in the centre of the chamber, the trio of heads laid down upon folded paws and hard rock, resting gently in a very dog like behaviour.

She’d paused on the edges of the cavernous area in order to take in the view and determine her next steps, not wanting to rush into the fight and possibly trigger some as of yet unseen trap within the area. Not that I’d even recognise it unless it was clearly marked in broad daylight. Which…it doesn’t look like there’s anything like that around here. So…what am I waiting for?

Urged on by the voice, she decided there was nothing more to do beyond simply confronting Cerberus. Stepping into the cavernous area more fully, she let her sabre fall to her side in a ready position, stepping towards the larger hound as she prepared herself to rush forward and greet it more fully. Unsurprisingly, her presence seemed to have an effect on the creature, and Nymoria watched as it stirred into wakefulness as she drew it from whatever semi eternal rest it had been enjoying until her arrival.

The large hound shook itself, the trio of heads rising in an oddly smoothly and clearly controlled manner, each movement as terrifying in a way as it was beautiful to see. The fur flowed as the body moved, as lethal in appearance as it was gorgeous. Nymoria didn’t let the image before her stop her, however, pushing herself into motion as the creature’s health bars appeared above it, signifying to her what she already knew; each head carried its own health, its own action and its own danger. Thankfully those brokers were super helpful, but this just confirms it. I need to bring each head down before this will be over…I can do that, it won’t be any harder than those trio outside.

She’d already noticed that the health bars looked to be around the same size as the guardians that had stood outside the cave – a fact that she had read in one of the reports she had received, but had been reluctant to believe. Now, standing before it, she wondered if it weren’t entirely accurate. The beast before her was, in its appearance and own way, formidable. But somehow Nymoria felt that it was no more dangerous than those that she had already faced. New found courage coursing through her, she decided to put all caution to the wind, leaping towards the creature as her sabre soared through the air beside her, ready to connect with giant dog in an attempt to bring it down in a single hit.

----

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 26 | P. 0 | HP [615/615] | EN [70/85] | ACC [7] | DMG [19] | EVA [4] | MIT [0] | BH [+33] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] | -15 EN
Cerberus Head 1 | HP: 0/200 | DMG: 40
Cerberus Head 2 | HP: 0/200 | DMG: 40
Cerberus Head 3 | HP: 0/200 | DMG: 40

Nymoria · August 25

In the blink of an eye her sabre had connected with the first head, tearing through it and continuing onwards through the other two as her blade tore them to pieces. Shards rained down around her as Nymoria landed on the ground once more, her feet nimbly dancing as she caught her momentum and brought it to a stop. In front of her the entire form of Cerberus had disappeared, the shards lasting only a few moments as they fell through the air towards the ground, before disappearing forever from view. The confirmation banner of her success appeared only briefly, telling Nymoria that she had been successful in her endeavour.

Well, that was easy…what now? She knew that the quest itself wouldn’t be completed until such time as she made her way back to the village – it had been clear in that, at least. Still, she knew it would be a complete waste not to spend some time exploring the cavernous area that the large dog had called home until only a few moments ago.

If there’s bound to be some good gemstones anywhere, they’re going to be in here where he rested and existed. At least, that seems like the most logical conclusion. She glanced about as she considered the large cavern, noticing that the river of liquid lava encircled the entire area, providing a light to every corner of the cavern without failure. Content that she’d be able to see, Nymoria headed off towards the far side of the cavern, deciding that it would be best to work her way from the outside inwards in her search. She knew it would be less likely to find the gemstones further away, but figured that she could at least quickly eliminate those areas that would be – in her mind – less profitable than those closer to her original goal.

Even as she stepped away, her eyes lingered back towards where Cerberus had been mere moments before, processing the facts of what she had just done. Her strength had clearly grown, to a point where she could no longer doubt her capabilities – even slightly. She felt a moment of pleasure at the realisation, the fact that she was coming closer and closer each day to her eventual goal.

----

ID228286 | Foraging

Spoiler

Loot Rolls
ID228255 | LD: 19 | CD: 5 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 89/149 EXP]
ID228256 | LD: 10 | CD: 8 | 2,496 (936+1,248+312) col, Rare Trinket {1}
ID228255 | LD: 17 | CD: 7 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 105/149 EXP]
ID228277 | LD: 13 | CD: 8 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 121/149 EXP]
ID228280 | LD: 16 | CD: 2 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 129/149 EXP]
ID228281 | LD: 7 | CD: 3 | 936 col, 4 materials, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID228286 | LD: 17 | CD: 12 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 145/149 EXP]

Loot Totals
3,432 col
12 material
Uncommon Consumable {1} | 228281
Rare Trinket {1} | 228256

Nymoria · August 25

The smile returned to her face as she collected another pair of rubies from within the slightly darker areas of the cavern, unsurprised by their appearance against the softly glowing river that passed by and around them. Her guess had, in this instance, been at least somewhat correct – a fact that Nymoria was thrilled to learn. She hadn’t been entirely certain if the basic laws of physics and sciences would apply within the game itself, and she still wasn’t entirely certain of it if she were being wholly honest, but her recent success at least suggested that she was on the right path, if only for the moment.

Tucking away the pair of rubies, she glanced down towards her pocket which contained the sleeping weasel. His form caused the piece to bulge significantly, and she wondered if she wouldn’t have to find something a bit more comforting for the weasel’s continuous travels with her. Perhaps I could get some sort of carrying cage made, like a shoulder or backpack that he could rest in. She pictured various designs as she sat for a moment, deciding to take a break to catch her breath as much as to plan out the new travelling case she had in mind for the weasel. Numerous designs popped in and out of her mind’s eye, from various containers and packs, to pieces that reminded her of the infant carrying cloths that she’d seen in the real world. She wasn’t entirely sure which would work best for them, and after a time decided that the only way to know for certain would be to let Musei decide.

Plan in place, she pulled herself to her feet, feeling as the muscles had begun to tense up from the rest she had taken. The last thing she wanted to do was become stuck in one place simply because she’d become lazy for the few moments. Determination driving her as much as the excitement of all her finds, Nymoria pushed herself back into motion, combing over the area thoroughly as she looked about for more of the gemstones. Her travels carried her slowly around the ring that was the liquid lava river, the flow of the red, molten stuff within giving a bright glow that allowed her to see as well as she would have beneath the false sun that sat in the skies of the various floor’s ceilings.

----

ID228287 | Foraging

Hide contents

Loot Rolls
ID228255 | LD: 19 | CD: 5 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 89/149 EXP]
ID228256 | LD: 10 | CD: 8 | 2,496 (936+1,248+312) col, Rare Trinket {1}
ID228255 | LD: 17 | CD: 7 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 105/149 EXP]
ID228277 | LD: 13 | CD: 8 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 121/149 EXP]
ID228280 | LD: 16 | CD: 2 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 129/149 EXP]
ID228281 | LD: 7 | CD: 3 | 936 col, 4 materials, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID228286 | LD: 17 | CD: 12 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 145/149 EXP]
ID228287 | LD: 11 | CD: 3 | Failure [+3 EXP | 148/149 EXP]

Loot Totals
3,432 col
12 material
Uncommon Consumable {1} | 228281
Rare Trinket {1} | 228256

Nymoria · August 25

The area that she had been combing through was clearly picked clean. Nymoria straightened, placing her hands against her lower back as she stretched away the discomfort of having been lowered to the ground so much during her search. Even with the discomfort crawling through her spine and back, she felt a measure of peace and happiness at what she’d already managed to find – her collection growing by the moment had been a strong surprise to her already, and striking out once or twice in an area wasn’t going to immediately bring her down.

Besides, I’ve barely checked a quarter of this area, there’s likely lots more here to be found. I just have to keep searching, and spend a little time doing so. Her eyes shifted back to the centre area of the cavern, wondering for the first time if there was a chance that the form of Cerberus could reappear. She highly doubted it, considering she was still within the area of effect for the quest. Her experiences previously had taught her that she needed to leave the cavern entirely, before Cerberus could reappear – which meant that it should remain safe so long as she stayed within the encirclement of the liquid lava river. I should be okay then, but let’s not stay here too long and test our luck.

The area should’ve been locked off to other players arriving, but Nymoria didn’t want to take the risk of someone else coming and dragging her into another fight, as well. Her mind made up, she continued her search with a slightly more hurried pace, taking care not to move too quickly while still combing over the areas with an increased speed compared to how she had been moving earlier.

----

ID228288 | Foraging

Hide contents

Loot Rolls
ID228255 | LD: 19 | CD: 5 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 89/149 EXP]
ID228256 | LD: 10 | CD: 8 | 2,496 (936+1,248+312) col, Rare Trinket {1}
ID228255 | LD: 17 | CD: 7 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 105/149 EXP]
ID228277 | LD: 13 | CD: 8 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 121/149 EXP]
ID228280 | LD: 16 | CD: 2 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 129/149 EXP]
ID228281 | LD: 7 | CD: 3 | 936 col, 4 materials, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID228286 | LD: 17 | CD: 12 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 145/149 EXP]
ID228287 | LD: 11 | CD: 3 | Failure [+3 EXP | 148/149 EXP]
ID228288 | LD: 4 | CD: 10 | Failure [+3 EXP | 151/299 EXP]

Loot Totals
3,432 col
12 material
Uncommon Consumable {1} | 228281
Rare Trinket {1} | 228256

Nymoria · August 25

Her success seemed to have been running out as she neared the far side of the cavern from where she had begun. Turning her gaze towards the centre, as much to confirm that the form of Cerberus still had not reappeared as to take in the general landscape itself, Nymoria decided that the time had come to attempt searching the very centre of the cavern – the spot where Cerberus had laid upon her original entry into the area. She’d been putting it off as she moved around the outside, slowly circling her way closer and closer, but as her hands came up empty once more, she knew that she couldn’t ignore it any longer.

Sighing slightly, she took a step towards the area, her eyes moving over the rocks and bouncing across the area, searching as much for the gemstones that she desired as to confirm that the location was still safe to approach. As much as she knew, in the back of her mind, that the three headed dog wouldn’t appear so long as Nymoria’s presence remained in the area, she also wasn’t willing to place her life upon that sense of false security. Her movements were both slow and steady, providing her with a speed that seemed somehow in contrast to the slow pace she had set as she closed the distance.

Musei had, at some point, shifted in her pocket and reappeared on her shoulder, his own eyes combing the area as he seemed to consider leaping down and beginning his own hunt for treasures of value. Nymoria paused only long enough to let him down when his form had shifted in anticipation, his little paws and claws providing him and easy path down her form and onto the ground before he raced off into some crevices and spaces, as determined to find anything of value as Nymoria herself was.

Alright, I’ll just finish up here, and then we’ll look at heading out. There’s no point in over staying our welcome if I don’t have to. She nodded in response to the thought – a futile action, but one that came naturally for some reason. She had no reason to stay beyond the final sweep of the central area, and for reasons unknown to her she had begun to tense as she came closer and closer, as if expecting something to leap out and attack her. A thought that she knew was absolutely silly, and yet couldn’t quite clear from her mind.

----

ID228289 | Foraging
ID228290 | Hunting Familiar | Cooldown: 5 posts (Post # 19)

Hide contents

Loot Rolls
ID228255 | LD: 19 | CD: 5 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 89/149 EXP]
ID228256 | LD: 10 | CD: 8 | 2,496 (936+1,248+312) col, Rare Trinket {1}
ID228255 | LD: 17 | CD: 7 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 105/149 EXP]
ID228277 | LD: 13 | CD: 8 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 121/149 EXP]
ID228280 | LD: 16 | CD: 2 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 129/149 EXP]
ID228281 | LD: 7 | CD: 3 | 936 col, 4 materials, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID228286 | LD: 17 | CD: 12 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 145/149 EXP]
ID228287 | LD: 11 | CD: 3 | Failure [+3 EXP | 148/149 EXP]
ID228288 | LD: 4 | CD: 10 | Failure [+3 EXP | 151/299 EXP]
ID228289 | LD: 19 | CD: 9 | Success; 3 materials, 1,500 col [+16 EXP | 167/299 EXP]
ID228290 | LD: 14 | CD: 9 | 2,184 (936+624+624) col, 2 materials, Rare Armor/Shield {1}

Loot Totals
7,116 col
17 material
Uncommon Consumable {1} | 228281
Rare Trinket {1} | 228256
Rare Armor/Shield {1} | 228290

Nymoria · August 25

Nymoria couldn’t help but grin in excitement at the success of her findings. She’d already found more than she’d expected, but as she began canvassing the central area of the chamber, she nearly tripped over the collection of gemstones and col that had been piled in one small area; a plethora of goods just waiting for her to arrive and locate them all. Her excitement was only accented as Musei returned with a various collection in his own teeth, only making their search more worthwhile.

This was worth hanging around for. Definitely. With this…well, with this I’m doing so well. Alright, one more sweep. Nymoria pushed herself up from where she had kneeled when Musei had returned, her grin broadening as she glanced around in hopes of finding more in the area. One more sweep and then we should get out of here. I don’t want to push my luck more than I need to…and I’ve already done so well. It would be a shame- She cut off the thought, unwilling to let it sour her moment of victory. Instead, she stepped around the small crevice that she had halted at, determined to at least make her time here as best as she possibly could.

Another half-glance towards the area where the dog had lain confirmed that she was still alone in the chamber. A nagging feeling at the back of her mind caused Nymoria to stop, her eyes staring at the spot with a sudden desire and need. She knew, in most games, that the creature considered the boss of the area generally laid directly upon its greatest treasures. While Aincrad hadn’t entirely lived up to the cliché, it hadn’t proven it wrong either. Biting her lip and giving in to the thought, Nymoria found herself stepping across the short distance towards where Cerberus had been, hoping that his final resting spot would hold something of value and worth in this chamber of gems and col.

----

ID228291 | Foraging

Hide contents

Loot Rolls
ID228255 | LD: 19 | CD: 5 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 89/149 EXP]
ID228256 | LD: 10 | CD: 8 | 2,496 (936+1,248+312) col, Rare Trinket {1}
ID228255 | LD: 17 | CD: 7 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 105/149 EXP]
ID228277 | LD: 13 | CD: 8 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 121/149 EXP]
ID228280 | LD: 16 | CD: 2 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 129/149 EXP]
ID228281 | LD: 7 | CD: 3 | 936 col, 4 materials, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID228286 | LD: 17 | CD: 12 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 145/149 EXP]
ID228287 | LD: 11 | CD: 3 | Failure [+3 EXP | 148/149 EXP]
ID228288 | LD: 4 | CD: 10 | Failure [+3 EXP | 151/299 EXP]
ID228289 | LD: 19 | CD: 9 | Success; 2 materials, 1,500 col [+16 EXP | 167/299 EXP]
ID228290 | LD: 14 | CD: 9 | 2,184 (936+624+624) col, 2 materials, Rare Armor/Shield {1}
ID228291 | LD: 12 | CD: 4 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 175/299 EXP]

Loot Totals
7,116 col
18 material
Uncommon Consumable {1} | 228281
Rare Trinket {1} | 228256
Rare Armor/Shield {1} | 228290

Nymoria · August 25

A singular gem, larger than the others she had found, had rested where the three headed dog had once been. Its core contained a flowing kaleidoscope of oranges, reds and blues that seemed to resemble the flames within a fire. Nymoria stared at the piece for a few breaths before placing it gently into her inventory, wondering if the piece was some sort of rare treasure, rather than a simple gemstone to be used in her artisan’s work. Either way, she knew that it was a lucky find, and one that she would put to good use when the time came.

Another quick glance confirmed nothing else in the area, and Nymoria sighed as she realised the time had come to leave the chamber behind. She’d managed to find a large number of goods within, alongside completing the quest to bring the three headed dog of fire and doom down, and as she turned towards the corridor leading back out into the world of flames, mountains and lava, she couldn’t help but let the grin spread across her face once more.

Her feet carried her back along a familiar path, moving as she retraced the steps that had brought her here in the first place. Already her mind was racing with the plans for her next small adventure, seeing things that had once been locked behind a wall of belief that she was incapable opening up for her. Her doubts, still entirely present in various forms, had receded slightly for the moment, and Nymoria was taking full advantage of the situation. Even Musei, riding on her shoulder for once, seemed to feel the highlight of her mood – his own behaviour seemingly more energised compared to the previous walk in the dark.

----

ID228292 | LD: 14+1 = 15 | Dungeon Search | Success
Nymoria maps the Dungeon on a Blank Dungeon Map

Hide contents

Loot Rolls
ID228255 | LD: 19 | CD: 5 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 89/149 EXP]
ID228256 | LD: 10 | CD: 8 | 2,496 (936+1,248+312) col, Rare Trinket {1}
ID228255 | LD: 17 | CD: 7 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 105/149 EXP]
ID228277 | LD: 13 | CD: 8 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 121/149 EXP]
ID228280 | LD: 16 | CD: 2 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 129/149 EXP]
ID228281 | LD: 7 | CD: 3 | 936 col, 4 materials, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID228286 | LD: 17 | CD: 12 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 145/149 EXP]
ID228287 | LD: 11 | CD: 3 | Failure [+3 EXP | 148/149 EXP]
ID228288 | LD: 4 | CD: 10 | Failure [+3 EXP | 151/299 EXP]
ID228289 | LD: 19 | CD: 9 | Success; 2 materials, 1,500 col [+16 EXP | 167/299 EXP]
ID228290 | LD: 14 | CD: 9 | 2,184 (936+624+624) col, 2 materials, Rare Armor/Shield {1}
ID228291 | LD: 12 | CD: 4 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 175/299 EXP]

Loot Totals
7,116 col
18 material
Uncommon Consumable {1} | 228281
Rare Trinket {1} | 228256
Rare Armor/Shield {1} | 228290
T3 Dungeon Map {1} | 228292

Nymoria · August 25

A divergence in the tunnel had caught Nymoria’s attention, bringing her regular pace to a sudden halt as she stared down the newly found tunnel entrance. The area had been angled in such a way that it was clearly invisible to the passing eye on the way into the cave system. She’d been peering down it for a few moments when she suddenly realised what it was; an entrance to a dungeon that could be used to obtain various loots and other goods. Dangerous, but highly profitable if she made her way into it.

Highly dangerous, even with how well I’ve been doing as of late. It’s not worth throwing everything away just because I’ve been doing well on these smaller quests…still, it seems like such a waste to just ignor- Her thoughts stopped as she remembered the purchases she’d made prior to heading to the nineth floor. A quick flick of her menu and she brought up the maps she’d purchased, obtaining one and activating it in order to record the area for later use. She grinned even more broadly as she tucked away the now marked map, excitement at her newest find only making her day go that much better. Defeated a boss, collected a bunch of gemstones, found some col…and now I even marked the entrance to a dungeon. This could possibly be my best ever adventure into the wildlands…ever.

She wasn’t sure if there was any way to top the find she had just made, but she knew that she could at least spend her passing moments looking for anything else of value. Her eyes scanned the walls as she continued onwards, looking for anything of value even as she came out into the open air that was the nineth floor. The heat seemed to peel back ever so slightly as she stepped into the open, the confining rock tunnel that had been absorbing and rebounding the warmth from the flowing liquid magma being left behind. A soft sigh escaped her as she stretched, enjoying the change in a way that she hadn’t before, even if she was still within the floor itself. For the time being, she’d found a measure of comfort, and she was going to enjoy it as long as she possibly could.

Alright, let’s head back to that village, complete this quest and then go celebrate. She gave a quick, firm nod to herself as she stepped off, determined to leave the area on a good note. There was still a fairly decent walk ahead of her, but her spirits were high and she figured she could face anything along the way without any hesitation or concern – she’d already brought down Cerberus, the few minions and mob creatures of the lava plains wouldn’t do much against her, now.

----

ID228293 | Foraging

Hide contents

Loot Rolls
ID228255 | LD: 19 | CD: 5 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 89/149 EXP]
ID228256 | LD: 10 | CD: 8 | 2,496 (936+1,248+312) col, Rare Trinket {1}
ID228255 | LD: 17 | CD: 7 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 105/149 EXP]
ID228277 | LD: 13 | CD: 8 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 121/149 EXP]
ID228280 | LD: 16 | CD: 2 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 129/149 EXP]
ID228281 | LD: 7 | CD: 3 | 936 col, 4 materials, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID228286 | LD: 17 | CD: 12 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 145/149 EXP]
ID228287 | LD: 11 | CD: 3 | Failure [+3 EXP | 148/149 EXP]
ID228288 | LD: 4 | CD: 10 | Failure [+3 EXP | 151/299 EXP]
ID228289 | LD: 19 | CD: 9 | Success; 3 materials, 1,500 col [+16 EXP | 167/299 EXP]
ID228290 | LD: 14 | CD: 9 | 2,184 (936+624+624) col, 2 materials, Rare Armor/Shield {1}
ID228291 | LD: 12 | CD: 4 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 175/299 EXP]
ID228293 | LD: 14 | CD: 10 | Success; 3 material, 1,500 col [+16 EXP | 191/299 EXP]

Loot Totals
8,616 col
21 material
Uncommon Consumable {1} | 228281
Rare Trinket {1} | 228256
Rare Armor/Shield {1} | 228290
T3 Dungeon Map {1} | 228292

Nymoria · August 25

Her steps had carried her towards the base of the hills that contained the village she needed to return to, and it was here that she had come to a stop. Above her, standing on the edges of a nearby edge, were a small flock of vulture like creatures that seemed to stare down at Nymoria with a vicious eye. She’d stopped several steps outside of their obvious sphere of influence, considering her next step carefully. The creatures didn’t look overtly dangerous, but she’d long ago learnt not to judge anything simply by its appearance.

Still, she’d defeated the big bad Cerberus, and was feeling confident in her abilities in the moment. Which was likely why she’d drawn her sabre, preparing it in her hand as she considered her vector of approach. The creatures were only slightly above her – the hill angling upwards in a way that would allow her to leap high enough to catch them all in a jumping spin with her blade, should they remain in their current position.

If they’re too difficult, I can just run. I’m not that far from the village’s walls, which means safety is well within reach. She bit her lip as she glanced at the vultures once more, confirming that they were keeping as much of an eye on her as she was of them. The fact that they hadn’t rushed forward – as well as the pinkish colouring to their markers – was enough to convince Nymoria that they weren’t overly concerning of an opponent. Still, she knew that they would at least help fill her pockets if she was lucky, and that was more than enough to make her decision for her.

Stepping forwards she brought up her sabre, preparing herself to charge the creatures and bring them down in a quick collection of slashes. She wasn’t sure that they would be any more difficult than Cerberus and its guardians, but she wasn’t going to risk any of them catching her off guard. Pulling back her arm, she waited just long enough to activate the sword art before lunging forwards, aiming for the birds with a sudden burst of speed that brought her towards them.

----

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 26 | P. 0 | HP [615/615] | EN [71/85] | ACC [7] | DMG [19] | EVA [4] | MIT [0] | BH [+33] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] | -14 EN
Pyre Vulture 1 | HP: 144/312 | DMG: 104 | Stunned
Pyre Vulture 2 | HP: 144/312 | DMG: 104 | Stunned
Pyre Vulture 3 | HP: 108/312 | DMG: 104 | Bleed [36 | 1/2] | Stunned
Pyre Vulture 4 | HP: 144/312 | DMG: 104 | Stunned

Nymoria · August 25

Her aim was true as her strike lashed out across the collection of vultures, cutting into them with precision and near perfection. The blade dipped further into the form of one of the creatures as she passed through and beyond towards the next, leaving a mark of her bleeding skill across it as she continued to slam its final friend.

Landing on her feet, Nymoria stepped backwards and allowed some space to grow between herself and the creatures, knowing that timing was everything. The few seconds they were stunned would pass quickly, leaving her fighting against fully autonomous forms once more; a fact that she didn’t take lightly. Her blade wavered in her hand as she prepared herself to meet the creatures once more, knowing that only one more quick connection would bring an end to the fight.

She was still amazed, in many ways, at how different she was now compared to herself mere weeks ago. The growth that had occurred – obvious even now as she paced the ground before the vultures, eyeing for any opening that would give her an advantage over their forms. She moved like a refined fighter, a true master of the blade in her hand. If she hadn’t been so consumed by the fight, Nymoria knew that she would’ve been entranced by the person she had become; so different from her reserved and normally subdued character.

She wasn’t given a chance to consider and see that, however, as the vultures began to move once more. Their forms snapping into movement and flowing directly towards her as they took flight and attempted to overwhelm her as a single group. She danced backwards and to the side, allowing them to pass through and beyond her without any sort of retaliation or connection. She knew that a fight came down, in the end, to timing her attacks properly. Knowing when to strike and when to avoid. A keen balance that came with practiced ease and control, and one that she had spent far more years perfecting than she would care to admit to. It was that practice, however, that had taught her well enough to be able to fell something like Cerberus so easily, and it was that practice that she called upon now as she prepared to leap forward to meet the vultures.

Their sudden turn towards her was exactly as she expected – a smooth movement that used their own momentum to carry their forward movement into a tight turn, bringing them back around and towards her as quickly as they had passed through. Nymoria brought her blade up to meet them even as they soared above her, ready for their talons and beaks.

----

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 26 | P. 0 | HP [615/615] | EN [74/85] | ACC [7] | DMG [19] | EVA [4] | MIT [0] | BH [+33] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] | +3 EN | -17 EN
Pyre Vulture 1 | HP: 0/312 | DMG: 104 | Stun Immunity [1/3]
Pyre Vulture 2 | HP: 0/312 | DMG: 104 | Stun Immunity [1/3]
Pyre Vulture 3 | HP: 0/312 | DMG: 104 | Bleed [36 | 1/2] | Stun Immunity [1/3]
Pyre Vulture 4 | HP: 0/312 | DMG: 104 | Stun Immunity [1/3]

Hide contents

Loot Rolls
ID228255 | LD: 19 | CD: 5 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 89/149 EXP]
ID228256 | LD: 10 | CD: 8 | 2,496 (936+1,248+312) col, Rare Trinket {1}
ID228255 | LD: 17 | CD: 7 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 105/149 EXP]
ID228277 | LD: 13 | CD: 8 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 121/149 EXP]
ID228280 | LD: 16 | CD: 2 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 129/149 EXP]
ID228281 | LD: 7 | CD: 3 | 936 col, 4 materials, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID228286 | LD: 17 | CD: 12 | Success; 2 material [+16 EXP | 145/149 EXP]
ID228287 | LD: 11 | CD: 3 | Failure [+3 EXP | 148/149 EXP]
ID228288 | LD: 4 | CD: 10 | Failure [+3 EXP | 151/299 EXP]
ID228289 | LD: 19 | CD: 9 | Success; 3 materials, 1,500 col [+16 EXP | 167/299 EXP]
ID228290 | LD: 14 | CD: 9 | 2,184 (936+624+624) col, 2 materials, Rare Armor/Shield {1}
ID228291 | LD: 12 | CD: 4 | Success; 1 material [+8 EXP | 175/299 EXP]
ID228293 | LD: 14 | CD: 10 | Success; 3 material, 1,500 col [+16 EXP | 191/299 EXP]
ID228302 | LD: 5 | CD: 3 | 1,560 (936+624) col, 2 materials
ID228303 | LD: 11 | CD: 1 | 1,560 (936+624) col, 2 materials, Rare Trinket {1}
ID228304 | LD: 8 | CD: 2 | 1,560 (936+624) col, 2 materials, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID228305 | LD: 11 | CD: 8 | 2,496 (936+1,248+312) col, Rare Weapon {1}, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID228307 | LD: 7 | CD: 7 | 1,248 (936+312) col, 4 materials, Rare Trinket {1}

Loot Totals
17,040 col
31 material
Uncommon Consumable {3} | 228281, 228304, 228305
Rare Trinket {3} | 228256, 228303, 228307
Rare Armor/Shield {1} | 228290
Rare Weapon {1} | 228305
T3 Dungeon Map {1} | 228292

Nymoria · August 25

She’d met them in a flurry of strikes and slashes, her sabre parrying each of their attempts to strike her even as it returned her assault in turn. The vultures barely had time to register their demise before they had exploded into shards, leaving Nymoria standing and panting in success as the field was once more empty, alone aside from herself and Musei’s presence. The weasel had, at some point, managed to find more loot within the area and returned to Nymoria’s shoulder with a pleased appearance across his otherwise weasely face.

She shook her head in limited surprise, content that they had easily survived the conflict, before turning her attention back towards the climb that still waited. She needed to return to the village and complete the Cerberus quest before heading home, and although a part of her wanted to continue pushing through the wildlands and hunting down more materials, she knew that she was growing tired. A sign that it would be best for her to stop for the day, before she made a mistake and threw away everything she had completed.

There is no benefit in over reaching the hand, for the viper will strike and take away all that you hold in achievement. The saying passed through her mind, the voice of her father augmented by the memory against reality. Still, she couldn’t help but acknowledge the truth behind it all, a fact that she knew meant as much about her growth as the conflicts she had managed to overcome all on her own. Taking pride in all of it, she stepped forward towards the mountain’s climb, determined to make her way back to the village safely and complete everything in short time.

The broker had been more than happy with her results, repeatedly thanking her for helping to find out more information about the three headed dog that had fallen beneath her blade. Nymoria had waited pleasantly as he’d shared his gratitude, before making a quick escape and heading back out of the village towards the main settlement. The heat had finally begun to truly get to her, and she found herself wanting nothing more than a reprise from it all. The walk across the open plains had been quick, albeit careful lest she accidentally run into any further fights along the way. She’d skirted around an area that had been clearly overtaken by the local wildlife, deciding that it was best not to try her luck by cutting through them.

It had been with as much a sigh of relief as a shudder of exhaustion as she had passed through the gates of the settlement, not stopping at any of the local attractions of shops as she made her way back towards the teleportation pad. She wanted nothing more, at this point, beyond being back in her inn’s bed, resting the night away. Even as the shimmer had begun, she’d closed her eyes, picturing the small bed and the comfort it brought to her after a long day in the field.

The inn had been, unexpectantly, busy when Nymoria had returned to it. The tavern that provided the easiest access to food bustling with an early night’s crowd as they all tried to obtain some sort of substance after their busy days. Nymoria’s eyes spotted a collection of familiar faces; players that she had come to know throughout her time in Aincrad, although none that she would call friends. Few of them had scaled the levels as quickly as she had in the last while, and she felt a pang of regret as she wondered whether she should spend more time helping them, rather than pushing herself forwards so heavily.

Maybe I’ll focus on doing that, in the coming days. I need to be strong to help others though…stronger than any who came before me, and helped me. That’s my goal. Not to reach the frontlines to fight with the big names, and the strongest fighters…but to help those back here attain a level of power and capability that they didn’t have before. To help them get to the frontlines… She smiled as she accepted her meal, content with the answer she had given herself. It would be as much her own growth, as her paying it forward to the next players. That was all she wanted to do, to help others as she had always been helped in her own life. A lofty goal, perhaps, but one that she knew she could attain with the right push forward.

Her room was empty as it always had been, the reservation on it holding with her continued payments. Nymoria had glanced around it earlier, wondering at the emptiness of it. Now, as she entered it once more, she couldn’t help but think it would shortly be time to leave the room behind. She needed to find a more permanent place of residence, somewhere that she could call home – not a room within an inn that provided nothing more than a bed for sleeping, but somewhere that she could make her own. The idea had, not so long ago, been well outside of her reach of attainment. When she had been struggling to just maintain what she had, but now that she had begun to truly flourish her ideals and plans for the future had changed as well.

I don’t need anything super fancy. A small little apartment, even, would do for what I need. Just somewhere that I can store everything without worry, and come home to at night with a smile on my face. That would be nice. She spent the rest of her night drawing out a collection of images, working with Musei on a carrying piece that would provide him comfort and flexibility as they continued to journey, as well as trying to draw up the designs for her future home. The smile on her face was earnest and true, no pleasant pretence behind it for once in her life as she worked with her new friend, the future holding nothing but happiness as far as she could see.

----

Thread Summary
Word Count: 9,011
EXP: 9,011/10x3x1 = 2,703 [Thread Progression] + 1,000 [Quest] = 3,703 EXP
Col: 400 [Thread Progression] + 17,040 [Loot] = 17,440 col
31 material
Uncommon Consumable {3} | 228281, 228304, 228305
Rare Trinket {3} | 228256, 228303, 228307
Rare Armor/Shield {1} | 228290
Rare Weapon {1} | 228305
T3 Dungeon Map {1} | 228292
Cerberus Soul (T1/Unique/Consumable/Single-Use) | For the duration of a thread, natural successful attack rolls of 8-10 deal 12 unmitigated Burn damage each enemy turn for 2 turns. Burn damage does not stack, but can be refreshed. The Burn enhancement overrides this effect.
Unlocked: <<Gatekeeper of Fire>> Quest

Linked Accounts

[F09 | SP] Into the Flames | <<Into the Fire>>

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