[PP-F9] Old Yeller <<Guardian of Fire>>

[Omen 0]

Omen and Circe found themselves on the Ninth Floor, a fiery hellscape of smog, lava, and volcanic rock. In his quest for quests, Omen had heard rumor of a Tier One quest he figured he could handle pretty handily if Circe joined him. He'd sent a message and joined her, and together they'd traveled to Knorilt Village to speak to an injured info broker. Hellhounds and the Cerberus had claimed Inferno Cavern as their territory, and it was up to them to clear it out. Apparently Inferno Cavern's heat damaged whoever entered without the Survival skill. Omen hadn't realized that, but he figured that between the two of them, they'd be able to handle it. 

"We'll go in buffed, and we'll leave to heal and recover energy between fights if we need to." He sent a handful of consumables over to Circe for her own use, and dismissed his menu interface. They walked together across a volcanic plain, the first step in their journey to the notorious Inferno Cavern. "It may take a while, but it will be done." 

*** 

Consuming: 

x1 (tierless dessert) creme brulee: +2 acc 
x1 (perfect t1 meal) yaki hatahata: +15 mit 
x1 Immolation Potion: +10 thorns 
x1 (tierless potion) Liquor of Might: +3 DMG 
x1 (tierless potion) Bubbling Bourbon: +15% Overhealth 
x1 (1 charge) Water Canister [2/3 Charges Remaining]: Increases out of combat healing by 5*tier per post. 

Sending the following to Circe: 

x1 (tierless potion) Liquor of Might: +3 DMG 
x1 (tierless meal) skewer roll: protein ii (+2 dmg, -10 mit) 
x1 Water Canister [2/3 Charges]: Increases out of combat healing by 5*tier per post. 

Omen's Stats: 

[Omen | HP: 100/100 | EN: 28/28 | DMG: 7 | MIT:34 | THORNS:18 | REGEN: 2]
[Omen | HP: 115/115 | EN: 28/28 | DMG: 10 | MIT:49 | ACC:2 | THORNS:28 | REGEN: 2]

Player Stats (unbuffed):

Spoiler

Level: 5
Health: 100 | Energy: 28
DMG: 7 | MIT: 18 | THORNS: 18 | REGEN: - 

Skills:

Combat Skills:
► Howl 

Weapon Skills:
► Axe [4/30] - Rank 1

Utility Skills:
► Empty

Extra Skills:
► Empty

Familiar Skill: 
► Empty

Armor Skills:
► Heavy Armor [8/30] - Rank 2

Modifiers:
► Empty

Miscellaneous: 
► Empty

Inventory:
» [Equipped] [Perfect] Steel Axe: +3 DMG 
» [Equipped] [Perfect] Survival Armor: +3 MIT
» [Equipped] [Perfect] Iron Shield: +2 Thorns, +1 Regen

Battle Ready: 
» x5 Rumbling Rum Party Favor: Instant Mass HP Recovery (10%) 
» x5 Rumbling Rum Party Favor: Instant Mass HP Recovery (10%)
» x5 Soothing Spirits: Perfect Healing Potion (+15%) 

 

Edited September 14 by Omen

[Circe 0]

Circe glanced at the volcanic landscape around them, her silver eyes narrowing against the intense heat radiating off the fiery plains. The Ninth Floor was no joke—a true hellscape of molten lava and volcanic rock, where even the air seemed to burn. She could already feel the oppressive heat making her sweat, and they hadn't even entered Inferno Cavern yet. Omen had messaged her earlier, and the promise of a Tier One quest had piqued her interest. He was competent enough, and the rewards might make it worth trudging through this blazing wasteland.

As they walked, she heard the familiar ping of items being transferred to her inventory. Buff foods. Circe smirked, opening her menu and checking what Omen had sent over.

"Not bad," she muttered, inspecting the stats. A quick tap, and she activated the consumables, feeling an immediate surge of power course through her. Her damage output rose, and more importantly, her out-of-battle health regeneration increased—something that would definitely come in handy if they had to retreat and heal between fights.

Circe popped the last of the buff food into her mouth, chewing thoughtfully as she shot Omen a sidelong glance. "You really think we can handle this?" she asked, her voice casual, but there was a spark of challenge in her eyes. "I mean, I’m all for a bit of a fight, but we’re walking into a den of hellhounds and a Cerberus. Not exactly your average day of grinding."

She twirled one of her daggers absentmindedly, the edge gleaming in the fiery light. "Don’t get me wrong, though. I’m not backing out now. I’d just hate for us to get roasted alive without a plan."

 

****

CONSUMING:
x1 (tierless potion) Liquor of Might: +3 DMG
x1 (tierless meal) skewer roll: protein ii (+2 dmg, -10 mit)
x1 (1 charge ) Water Canister [1/3 Charges]: Increases out of combat healing by 5*tier per post.

Circe Stats:
Circe | HP: 100/100 | EN: 28/28 | DMG: 10 | MIT:6 | ACC:3 | EVA:2
Circe | HP: 100/100 | EN: 28/28 | DMG: 15 | MIT:0 | ACC:3 | EVA:2  

Player Stats (Unbuffed):

Spoiler

 

Level: 5
Health: 100 | Energy: 28
DMG: 10 | MIT:6 | ACC:3 | EVA:2

Skills:

Combat Skills:
► Empty

Weapon Skills:
► Throwing Knives [22/30] - Rank 4

Utility Skills:
► Empty

Extra Skills:
► Empty

Familiar Skill:
► Empty

Armor Skills:
► Empty

Modifiers:
► Empty

Miscellaneous:
► Empty

Inventory:
» [Equipped] [T1 Perfect Throwing Knives] Initiate’s Draw: +3 DMG
» [Equipped] [T1 Perfect Light Armor] Initiate’s Draw: +2 EVA, +1 MIT
» [Equipped] Wolf Pendant. | TIER 1 JEWELRY | +3 ACC

Battle Ready:
» (3) Starter Healing Potions (Heals 50 HP)
» (1) Potion - Zackariah’s Special Draught: +15% HP Heal
» (5) T1 Rare Big Bertha Braciole: +4 EN

 

 

[Omen 0]

“No, it is not your average day of grinding,” Omen agreed, “but I do. It might take some time. We will be careful. The experience makes it worth the trouble.” 

Omen adjusted the axe stowed across his back. His eyes were on that hellish horizon, and Inferno Cavern in the distance. He squinted. “Alright,” he said, “here’s the plan.

“The information I’ve received states that there will be three Hellhounds per person. We cannot handle six at once. We have neither the health or the energy. So we will approach them two at a time, defeating them in thirds before retreating to heal and recover.” 

Omen paused. “And we will need to heal. I was not aware that the heat actually damages you.  It makes recovery time all the more important. Afterwards there is Cerberus. It’s crucial that we fight him completely fresh.”

And with that Omen finished, and Inferno Cavern was well within view. As they began their approach, Omen added, “I have healing crystals in case of emergency.” 

Edited September 15 by Omen

[Circe 0]

Circe’s gaze followed Omen’s, locking onto the distant mouth of Inferno Cavern. Even from this distance, she could feel the oppressive heat radiating from it, like standing too close to a furnace with no escape. The plan sounded reasonable enough—careful, methodical, and calculated. But still, she couldn’t help the flicker of excitement that sparked beneath her cautious exterior.

“Six Hellhounds and a Cerberus,” she mused, her voice tinged with dry amusement as she tossed one of her daggers lightly in her hand. “Yeah, sounds like a blast.”

The fire in her eyes didn’t match her words. She wasn’t the type to back down, and despite the danger ahead, she could feel the adrenaline beginning to rise.

She shot Omen a sideways glance. He was calm as ever, already adjusting his axe and mentally preparing for the battles ahead. Circe smirked. Omen was steady, predictable in his methods—traits that could be useful in a place like this. She, on the other hand, thrived in the chaos, leaning into it when others would break.

"Sounds like a solid plan," she said, rolling her shoulders back in preparation. "We take it slow, deal with the hounds in manageable chunks, heal up, and then take on the big guy fresh." She twirled her dagger once more.

Her eyes narrowed as she spotted movement in the distance. Two Hellhounds prowled near a glowing pool of lava.  Without hesitation, she glanced at Omen and gave a sharp nod before taking the lead. She moved swiftly, her body low to the ground, knives at the ready.  With a sharp flick of her wrist, she sent out an AoE attack—a spread of throwing knives.

Her aim was true, and the first Hellhound let out a sharp yelp as one of the blades embedded itself deep in its flank, sending a burst of fiery sparks into the air.

But the second one, faster and more cunning, dodged at the last second, skirting to the side just as the second knife whizzed past its head, harmlessly clattering against the cavern wall.

*****

ACTION TAKEN:  [x9] AOE-I (9 + [1 * 2] EN)= -11 EN

 Hellhound 1: ID#231466 HP: 65/200 BD:  5+2=7   15*9= 135 DMG

 Hellhound 2: ID#231467 HP: 200/200 BD: 1 (Crit Miss)    0= 0 DMG

• -15 HP due to environmental dmg

 (H: 0,0) Circe Stats:
Circe | HP: 100/100 | EN: 28/28 | DMG: 10 | MIT:6 | ACC:3 | EVA:2
Circe | HP: 85/100 | EN: 17/28 | DMG: 15 | MIT:0 | ACC:3 | EVA:2  

Buffs in Effect:

Spoiler

x1 (tierless potion) Liquor of Might: +3 DMG
x1 (tierless meal) skewer roll: protein ii (+2 dmg, -10 mit)
x1 (1 charge ) Water Canister [1/3 Charges]: Increases out of combat healing by 5*tier per post.

Player Stats (Unbuffed):

 

Spoiler

Player Stats:
Level: 5
Health: 100 | Energy: 28
DMG: 10 | MIT:6 | ACC:3 | EVA:2

Skills:

 

Combat Skills:
► Empty

 

Weapon Skills:
► Throwing Knives [22/30] - Rank 4

 

Utility Skills:
► Empty

 

Extra Skills:
► Empty

 

Familiar Skill:
► Empty

 

Armor Skills:
► Empty

 

Modifiers:
► Empty

 

Miscellaneous:
► Empty

 

Inventory:
» [Equipped] [T1 Perfect Throwing Knives] Initiate’s Draw: +3 DMG
» [Equipped] [T1 Perfect Light Armor] Initiate’s Draw: +2 EVA, +1 MIT
» [Equipped] Wolf Pendant. | TIER 1 JEWELRY | +3 ACC

 

Battle Ready:
» (3) Starter Healing Potions (Heals 50 HP)
» (1) Potion - Zackariah’s Special Draught: +15% HP Heal
» (5) T1 Rare Big Bertha Braciole: +4 EN

 

 

Edited September 15 by Circe

[Omen 0]

They spotted the pair of Hellhounds prowling the banks of a lava pool. Circe led the charge, hurling a spread of throwing knives at the both of them -- one was struck, but the other was quicker, darting around, its eyes fire and its jaws dripping with magma. They both stopped and growled, barking a horrible sound, their eyes set on their attacker. 

That was, until, Omen filled the caverns with his own Howl. Deep and reverberating, it instantly took the attention off of Circe. Without wasting a moment, the Hellhounds lunged at him. One snapped at air, running past him. The other sunk its jaws into his calf with critical effectiveness. Not what he wanted. 

"Bad start," Omen growled. His axe wasn't out, but his shield was. With his free hand he produced a crystal, raised it into the air, and crushed it in his hand. The taste of rum filled the mouths of Circe and Omen. Omen would have thought it was a neat little trick, had he not been in the middle of a fight with Hellhounds while being slowly cooked alive. He stomped and kicked the Hellhounds back, his shield raised defensively before Circe, and finally drew his axe.

"Again!" 

*** 
{Omen takes 15 DMG from Inferno Cavern}
Action Taken: [HOWL] [-2 EN] 
Hellhound 1: ID#231518 MD: 10 - 50+2-49= 3 DMG to Omen 
Hellhound 2: ID#231519 MD: 1 - Critical Miss 
Free Action: Using x1 Rumbling Rum Party Favor: +10% HP to Party 

(H: 1,0) Circe: HP: 95/100 | EN: 17/28 | DMG: 15 | MIT:0 | ACC:3 | EVA:2  
(H: 2,2) Omen: 109/115 | EN: 26/28 | DMG: 10 | MIT:49 | ACC:2 | THORNS:28 | REGEN: 2 [2 Regen 1/3]

Hellhound 1: HP: 65/200 | DMG: 50
Hellhound 2: HP: 200/200 | DMG: 50

Edited September 15 by Omen

[Circe 0]

She narrowed her eyes as the beasts focused on Omen—his howl doing its job but at a painful cost. Watching the Hellhound's jaws sink into his leg, she felt a spike of urgency. This fight needed to end, and fast.

The taste of rum flooded her mouth as Omen crushed the crystal, the odd sensation catching her off guard for just a moment. But there was no time to reflect on it. The beasts were regrouping, and Omen’s shield was barely keeping them at bay.

"On it!" she shouted, leaping back to gain some distance. Her hands flew to her belt, pulling free another handful of knives. With a flick of her wrist, she sent them spinning through the air in a wide arc. The blades shimmered as they tore through the heat-soaked air, aimed at both Hellhounds.

The first Hellhound, already weakened from her initial attack, took the full brunt of the knives. It let out a guttural, pained howl before collapsing, its body dissolving into a smoldering pile of ash. One down.

The second Hellhound was more evasive, darting out of the way—but not fast enough this time. Her knives slashed across its side, drawing a pained snarl from the creature. It staggered, molten blood dripping from its wounds, but it wasn’t done yet. The beast’s glowing eyes locked onto her, full of fury and fire.  Just a little more.
***
{Circe takes 15 DMG from Inferno Cavern}
Action Taken: [x9] AOE-I (9 + [2 * 2] EN)= -13 EN
Hellhound 1: ID#231631 BD:4+2=6  15*9= 135 DMG
Hellhound 2: ID#231633 BD: 15*9=135  DMG

(H: 1) Circe: HP: 80/100 | EN: 5/28 | DMG: 15 | MIT:0 | ACC:3 | EVA:2  
(H: 2) Omen: 109/115 | EN: 26/28 | DMG: 10 | MIT:49 | ACC:2 | THORNS:28 | REGEN: 2 [2 Regen 1/3]

Hellhound 1: HP: 0/200 | DMG: 50
Hellhound 2: HP: 65/200 | DMG: 50

Looting:
ID: 231799 | LD: 15+0=15 | CD:9+0=9 | Col:1000, Mats:4, [231799a] T1 Rare Armor/Shield

Edited September 16 by Circe

[Omen 0]

As the battle raged, the flaws in their plan began to show themselves, bright as day, at least in Omen's mind. He was all too aware of the plan's shortcomings, and already he was considering the adjustments they would have to make going forward. Omen grimaced. It was unfortunate he had not realized those things sooner. 

Circe made short work of finishing off the first Hellhound and gravely wounded the second. The beast yelped, stumbling backwards with knives embedded in its pelt. Omen saw his opportunity and he took it, bringing his axe down on the head of the Hellhound in front of him. The creature let out a pained whimper, but did not seem to have the strength left to attack him. It was Omen's turn to growl. What a nuisance this one turned out to be. It was up to Circe to try and finish the job, but her energy was just about completely depleted -- she'd need a really good strike to do so, or the wolf would have to kill itself on its thorns. If it was to be the latter, Omen sincerely hoped that it chose to do so promptly. They'd only last so long in this oven.  

***

{Omen takes 15 DMG from Inferno Cavern}
Action Taken: [ST-1] [-4 EN] 
Hellhound 2: ID#231798 BD: 10 (Crit) MD: 5 (Miss) - 12*4 = 48 DMG 

(H: 1) Circe: HP: 80/100 | EN: 5/28 | DMG: 15 | MIT:0 | ACC:3 | EVA:2  
(H: 3) Omen: 96/115 | EN: 23/28 | DMG: 10 | MIT:49 | ACC:2 | THORNS:28 | REGEN: 2 [2 Regen 1/3]

Hellhound 2: HP: 17/200 | DMG: 50

Edited September 16 by Omen

[Circe 0]

Circe wiped the sweat from her brow, her chest rising and falling as she felt the toll the heat was taking on her. Her energy reserves were running low—she could feel it, and the oppressive heat of the Ninth Floor wasn’t doing her any favors.

Circe's lips curled in frustration, her silver eyes narrowing as she weighed her options. A more powerful strike might have done the job, but she didn’t have it in her right now. Instead, she pulled a throwing knife from her belt.  With a flick of her wrist, the knife flew through the hot air and embedded itself in the Hellhound’s side. The beast yelped, stumbling further back, its legs wobbling.

It was close—so close—but still not dead.

"Stubborn mutt," she growled, her voice low. Her energy was nearly spent, and they were running out of time in this sweltering cavern. The heat gnawed at them both, and the longer this dragged on, the more dangerous it would become.  She could only hope that Omen's thorns could finish it off, so they could take a break.

****

{Circe takes 15 DMG from Inferno Cavern}
Action Taken: Basic Attack on Hellhound #2 -1EN

Hellhound 2: ID#231874 BD:8+2=10  15DMG

(H: 1) Circe: HP: 65/100 | EN: 5/28 | DMG: 15 | MIT:0 | ACC:3 | EVA:2  
(H: 2) Omen: 109/115 | EN: 26/28 | DMG: 10 | MIT:49 | ACC:2 | THORNS:28 | REGEN: 2 [2 Regen 1/3]

Hellhound 2: HP: 2/200 | DMG: 50

Edited September 16 by Circe

[Omen 0]

Circe's attack landed, but it didn't finish the Hellhound off. Omen grimaced. The heat was getting to him, and it was getting to Circe even worse. They wouldn't be able to last much longer. Again, in the midst of battle, Omen was reminded of the things that they could have done better -- that he could have done better -- had he only thought harder on the strategy going into Inferno Cavern. It was no matter. They'd have another chance, after they left to heal and recoup. But first things first. The Hellhound had to die. 

Omen hoisted his axe. The Hellhound seemed to scrape together whatever fighting spirit that it had left and charged him, fire in its eyes, magma dripping between its jaws. Omen waited for his opportunity, and then he took it, bringing down his axe with the certainty of an executioner. Mid-stride, the Hellhound exploded into digital fractals, and was no more. Omen wasted no time in turning around and stowing his weapon. "Back out." Omen would lead their retreat out of the hellish Inferno Cavern. 

****

{Omen takes 15 DMG from Inferno Cavern}
Action Taken: [BASIC ATTACK] [-1 EN] 
Hellhound 2: ID#231898 BD: 8 (Hit) - 10 DMG 

(H: 1) Circe: HP: 65/100 | EN: 5/28 | DMG: 15 | MIT:0 | ACC:3 | EVA:2  
(H: 3) Omen: 83/115 | EN: 26/28 | DMG: 10 | MIT:49 | ACC:2 | THORNS:28 | REGEN: 2 [2 Regen 1/3]

Hellhound 2: HP: 0/200 | DMG: 50

Looting: 

Hellhound 2: ID: 231899 | LD: 4+0=4 | CD:11+0=11 | Col:1000, Mats:2 

Edited September 16 by Omen

[Circe 0]

The path out of Inferno Cavern felt longer than it had on the way in. Every step Circe took seemed to press the heat deeper into her skin, and her lungs felt like they were inhaling fire. She gritted her teeth, forcing herself to push on. The distant glow of the cavern's entrance was a small beacon of hope, and it was getting closer with every step.

When they finally breached the cavern’s mouth and stepped back onto the volcanic plain, the heat of the open air was almost refreshing in comparison to the suffocating oven they’d just left. Circe took a deep breath, letting the fresher air fill her lungs, even if it was still hot and acrid with the scent of sulfur.

She dropped to a crouch near a jagged rock formation, wiping sweat from her brow.  "That could have gone a little better, but at least that is two down."

****

Circe: HP: 80/100 | EN: 14/28 | DMG: 15 | MIT:0 | ACC:3 | EVA:2  
Omen: 83/115 | EN: 26/28 | DMG: 10 | MIT:49 | ACC:2 | THORNS:28 | REGEN: 2 [2 Regen 1/3]

[Omen 0]

"Yes. It could have gone better." 

Omen frowned. As soon as they were out of the cavern, he was scrolling through his inventory and moving things around. They'd flailed around fighting just two Hellhounds and it had been his fault -- in hindsight, he'd been foolish. Their approach was flawed. "My mistake," Omen said. As he said it, Circe would have a trade offer pop up in her vision. It was a single Accuracy consumable. "I should have given this to you before we'd entered. It slipped my mind." 

He crossed his arms and stroked his beard with one hand. 

"And I believe we must make some adjustments to the plan. And not for the reasons you may think." He stopped rubbing his chin and looked out across the crimson horizon, taking in the smog and spires of black, volcanic rock. "No. I believe we may need to be more aggressive." 

*** 

Sending x1 creme brulee | acc ii to Circe 

+15 HP 
1/3 EN Recovery 

[Circe 0]

Circe’s brow lifted slightly when the trade offer popped up in her vision, and she glanced at Omen with an amused smirk as she accepted the Accuracy consumable. "Better late than never," she said, though there was no bite to her tone. She quickly downed it, feeling the familiar boost kick in as her stats adjusted.

Still crouched resting, she listened to Omen’s assessment, watching as he frowned and crossed his arms, clearly replaying the fight in his head. She could tell the loss of efficiency was eating at him.

When he mentioned the need for a more aggressive strategy, she tilted her head, curious. "More aggressive, huh?" Her smirk faded as she considered it. "Interesting choice, given how that last fight went. I figured you’d be leaning toward playing it safer, maybe more hit-and-run tactics."

But then she looked at him more closely, seeing the glint in his eyes as he stared out at the volcanic horizon. Omen was a strategist, always calculating, always trying to see the bigger picture. If he thought aggression was the way forward, there had to be something to it.

"Alright, I’m listening. What’s the thinking behind going more aggressive?" she asked, her silver eyes sharp as they locked onto his. "If we’re gonna take bigger risks, we need to know exactly what we’re getting into."

***
CONSUMING x1 creme brulee | acc ii

+15HP

2/3 EN RECOVERY

Edited September 17 by Circe

[Omen 0]

Circe seemed surprised at first, but was willing to hear him out. Omen was thankful for that.

"Forget the crystals, forget the smaller groups," he said, "we need to take them all out at once. We are making it unnecessarily difficult on ourselves." He had felt their damage. It was not nearly as alarming as he had thought that they would be. 

"The only thing you need to worry about is the heat. The starter potions will heal you for half your health -- that is more than enough, though I doubt you will need to use it." Omen considered it further. "I will use the crystal in an emergency, but I also have the starter potions. We are not at risk fighting the Hellhounds. We are fighting the clock."

It had dawned on him in the middle of the battle and he had kicked himself for it after. He did believe that they would have needed to take two trips even if they had been aggressive from the start -- but that was neither here nor there. Omen was upset he hadn't realized that from the beginning. 

"But if all else fails," Omen said, materializing a purple crystal in his hand, "here. I assume you know how to use a Teleport Crystal." 

*** 

Sent x1 Warpstone [#230440] to Circe

2/3 EN Recovery 
+15 HP 

[Circe 0]

Circe leaned forward, listening intently as Omen laid out his revised plan. Her initial surprise faded, replaced by a look of understanding. He wasn’t talking recklessly; he’d thought this through, and the logic behind it was starting to click in her mind.

“Taking them all out at once…” she repeated, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. It was a bold strategy, but it made sense in the twisted way these floors worked. Fighting the Hellhounds in waves had stretched them too thin, not because the creatures were too tough but because the environment was working against them.

The heat was the real enemy, not the Hellhounds.

She gave a small nod as Omen mentioned the potions. "You’re right about that. The heat’s draining us more than the actual fights." She glanced down at her health bar, which was still slowly recovering from the last battle. The Hellhounds hit hard, but not hard enough to be a real threat as long as they stayed on top of healing.

Circe twirled the dagger in her hand, thinking it through. If they pushed harder, fought all the Hellhounds at once, they’d be in and out faster, and with fewer encounters dragging on, they’d burn through less energy overall. The risk was real, but so was the potential payoff.

When Omen materialized the purple Teleport Crystal in his hand, she raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Yeah, I know how to use it."

She reached out and took the crystal, the cool surface of it a stark contrast to the sweltering heat all around them. Circe inspected it for a moment, her smirk lingering before she tucked it into her belt. "Good to know we’ve got a quick escape, just in case."

***

Stored x1 Warpstone [#230440]

3/3 EN Recovery
+15HP
READY

[Omen 0]

"Alright. Then let's not waste anymore time." He rolled his neck and turned around, ready again to embark into that hellish hole in the mountains. 

It was back into Inferno Cavern with them. This time, however, they headed bravely into the heart of it, where the last of the Hellhounds still remained. They passed the lava pool and pushed in deeper still. Omen drew his axe and his shield, wielding them both at the ready. The Hellhounds descended upon them, magma dripping from their jowels, their eyes alight with the flame of their three-headed master. Some howled. Others snarled. Omen joined the former. The barbarian's roar filled the cavern and set it trembling, and he drew the attention of every single one of the remaining dogs within sight. They growled, hackles raised, and began circling their prey. 

Now it was up to Circe to take advantage of Omen's distraction. "Now!" 

*** 

{Omen takes 15 DMG from Inferno Cavern}
Action Taken: [HOWL] [-2 EN] 

(H: 2,2,2,2) Omen: 100/115 | EN: 26/28 | DMG: 10 | MIT:49 | ACC:2 | THORNS:28 | REGEN: 2 [2 Regen 1/3]
(H: 0,0,0,0) Circe: HP: 100/100 | EN: 28/28 | DMG: 15 | MIT:0 | ACC:3 | EVA:2  

Hellhound 1: HP: 200/200 | DMG: 50
Hellhound 2: HP: 200/200 | DMG: 50
Hellhound 3: HP: 200/200 | DMG: 50
Hellhound 4: HP: 200/200 | DMG: 50

[Circe 0]

The moment Omen’s roar shook the cavern, Circe felt a surge of adrenaline rush through her. The Hellhounds snarled and circled, their attention entirely fixated on Omen as he drew their aggro with his thunderous howl. This was her moment.

Without hesitation, she leaped into action, her hands moving swiftly to draw her daggers. A gleam of firelight caught the edges of the blades as she spun in a deadly arc, hurling a barrage of knives at the Hellhounds. Her movements were quick, precise, and vicious—she wasn’t holding back this time. The daggers cut through the air, striking true, embedding themselves in the pelts of all four Hellhounds.

The snarls turned to pained yelps as each of the beasts staggered from the assault, their health bars dropping drastically. Circe grinned, the heat of the battle momentarily distracting her from the oppressive atmosphere of the cavern. Every single one of the Hellhounds was now below half health, wounded and vulnerable.

"Perfect," she muttered, watching the digital fractals of damage numbers flicker over the creatures.  This is going smoother than anticipated..for now.

***

{Circe takes 15 DMG from Inferno Cavern}
Action Taken: [x9] AOE-I (9 + [2 *4] EN)= - 17EN

Hellhound 1: ID#232337  BD: 5+3=8  DMG: 15*9=135
Hellhound 2: ID#232338  BD: 2+3=5 DMG: 15*9=135 
Hellhound 3: ID#232339  BD: 9+3=14 (Minor Crit) DMG: 15*9+1=136
Hellhound 4: ID#232340  BD: 10+3=13 (Major Crit) DMG: 15*9+2=137

(H: 2,2,2,2) Omen: 100/115 | EN: 26/28 | DMG: 10 | MIT:49 | ACC:2 | THORNS:28 | REGEN: 2 [2 Regen 1/3]
(H: 1,1,1,1) Circe: HP: 85/100 | EN: 11/28 | DMG: 15 | MIT:0 | ACC:3 | EVA:2  

Hellhound 1: HP: 65/200 | DMG: 50
Hellhound 2: HP: 65/200 | DMG: 50
Hellhound 3: HP: 64/200 | DMG: 50
Hellhound 4: HP: 63/200 | DMG: 50

Edited September 20 by Circe

[Omen 0]

Their snapping jaws, their evasive maneuvers -- pack tactics, Omen decided. Was that why they weren't landing clean blows? He couldn't help but feel as though that that definitely played a role in it. He needed them to deliver him a clean hit, so they could take damage from his Thorns. But they weren't. They darted past him, nipping at his heals, faked a lunge, crunched hard on his leg. Aggravating. Though Omen didn't show it in his face, he showed it with his actions. He ditched the shield momentarily, lashing out wildly with his axe, cutting the remaining health values of the Hellhounds in half. He couldn't mow through them like Circe with her knives, but he could chip away at their health otherwise. If Circe couldn't finish one or two off, leaving stragglers behind, Omen figured that he would be able to handle the remaining. Efficiency. That pleased him. 

***

{Omen takes 15 DMG from Inferno Cavern}
Action Taken: [AOE-I] [-7 EN]

Hellhound 1: ID#232341 - BD: 2+2 (Miss) MD: 9 (Crit) - 51-49= 2 DMG to Omen 
Hellhound 2: ID#232342 BD: 5+2 (Hit) MD: 1 (Miss) - 10*3= 30 DMG 
Hellhound 3: ID#232343 BD: 5+2 (Hit) MD: 5 (Miss) - 10*3= 30 DMG 
Hellhound 4: ID#232344 BD: 9 (Crit) MD: 10 (Crit) - 11*3= 33 DMG || 52-49= 3 DMG to Omen 

(H: 2,3,3,4) Omen: 83/115 | EN: 19/28 | DMG: 10 | MIT:49 | ACC:2 | THORNS:28 | REGEN: 2 [2 Regen 1/3]
(H: 1,1,1,1) Circe: HP: 85/100 | EN: 11/28 | DMG: 15 | MIT:0 | ACC:3 | EVA:2  

Hellhound 1: HP: 65/200 | DMG: 50
Hellhound 2: HP: 35/200 | DMG: 50
Hellhound 3: HP: 35/200 | DMG: 50
Hellhound 4: HP: 30/200 | DMG: 50

Edited September 20 by Omen

[Circe 0]

Circe saw the Hellhounds weaving in and out of Omen’s reach, their pack tactics making it difficult for him to land a clean hit. She could tell it was starting to frustrate him, but his precision was still intact—he’d managed to chip away at their health, leaving them vulnerable. Now it was time for her to finish what they started.

Focusing on the closest Hellhound, Circe gathered what little energy she had left. With a swift, practiced motion, she hurled a dagger at the creature, and as it soared through the air, she followed up with a rapid flick of her wrist, sending another knife right after it. The daggers struck true, one embedding itself in the creature’s flank and the other finding its neck.

The Hellhound let out a pained yelp before exploding into a burst of digital shards, disintegrating in front of her. "One down," she muttered, her eyes already scanning the battlefield for the next target.

Three more Hellhounds still prowled around Omen, their snarling jaws dripping magma. Circe knew that her energy reserves were running low, but she still had enough to stay in the fight. She'd rely more on her basic attacks from here on out. If Omen could continue holding their attention, she could chip away at the others until they were all reduced to fractals.

***

{Circe takes 15 DMG from Inferno Cavern}
Action Taken: [x9] AOE-I (9 + [2 *1] EN)= - 12EN

Hellhound 1: ID#232347  BD:4+3=7   DMG: 15*9=135

(H: 2,3,3,4) Omen: 83/115 | EN: 19/28 | DMG: 10 | MIT:49 | ACC:2 | THORNS:28 | REGEN: 2 [2 Regen 1/3]
(H: 1,1,1,1) Circe: HP: 60/100 | EN: 0/28 | DMG: 15 | MIT:0 | ACC:3 | EVA:2  

Hellhound 1: HP: 0/200 | DMG: 50  LOOT ID#232374 LD:8 CD: 12 Rare Trinket (1) | 1200 col
Hellhound 2: HP: 35/200 | DMG: 50
Hellhound 3: HP: 35/200 | DMG: 50
Hellhound 4: HP: 30/200 | DMG: 50

 

Edited September 20 by Circe

[Omen 0]

Omen and Circe cut into them as if they were paper. What had they even been scared of in the first place? Omen had worried that with the numbers advantage, they would be easy pickings for Cerberus and its brood. That did not appear to be the case. They were hardly fighting the dogs -- they were fighting the clock. Inferno Cavern was slowly cooking them alive, but was there really anything to fear if they pushed the offensive? Omen roared again, swinging his axe wildly into the pack of Hellhounds. Twice, it connected, putting one of the hounds on death's door and burying the other. The third and remaining Hellhound bit into him but thankfully, his Thorns activated, putting it in a similar boat to its only living companion. 

Omen called out to Circe. "Don't be alarmed by your health. Remember the plan. Pick them off as you can. We're almost through." 

***

{Omen takes 15 DMG from Inferno Cavern}
Action Taken: [AOE-I] [-7 EN] 

Hellhound 2: ID#232375 BD: 1 (Miss) MD: 8 (Hit) - 50-49= 1 DMG | Hellhound 2 takes 28 THORNS DMG
Hellhound 3: ID#232376 BD: 6+2 (Hit) MD: 4 (Miss) - 10*3= 30 DMG 
Hellhound 4: ID#232377 BD: 10 (Crit) MD: 4 (Miss) - 12*3= 36 DMG 

(H: 3,3) Omen: 70/115 | EN: 13/28 | DMG: 10 | MIT:49 | ACC:2 | THORNS:28 | REGEN: 2 [2 Regen 1/3]
(H: 1,1) Circe: HP: 60/100 | EN: 0/28 | DMG: 15 | MIT:0 | ACC:3 | EVA:2  

Hellhound 1: HP: 0/200 | DMG: 50
Hellhound 2: HP: 7/200 | DMG: 50
Hellhound 3: HP: 5/200 | DMG: 50
Hellhound 4: HP: 0/200 | DMG: 50

Looting: 

Hellhound 4: ID: 232378 | LD: 19+0=19 | CD:6+0=6 | Col:1000, Mats:2, [232378a] T1 Perfect Armor/Shield, [232378b] T1 Perfect Trinket     

Edited September 20 by Omen

[Circe 0]

Circe’s breath was shallow, the intense heat making it hard to focus, but she remained sharp. Omen’s words cut through the chaos, grounding her in their plan.  Her health bar was dropping, but the strategy was still in play. They had this under control.. Just a little more.

Her eyes flickered to the Hellhound Omen had nearly finished off. Its snarling was more desperate now, the once-fierce creature on the verge of breaking down into fractals. Without hesitation, she shot it forward, her dagger gleaming in the glow of the cavern as it drove into the Hellhound’s side with a swift thud.

The Hellhound yelped once before it shattered into digital shards, its form dissolving into nothingness. Circe straightened up, wiping the sweat from her brow with a smirk of satisfaction. "That’s three," she muttered, her voice steady despite the heat gnawing at her stamina.

She could still hear the low growl of the last remaining Hellhound—wounded and barely standing. It wouldn’t last much longer.

***

{Circe takes 15 DMG from Inferno Cavern}
Action Taken: Basic Attack on Hellhound 2 [-1 EN]

Hellhound 2: ID#232478 BD: 5+3=8 (HIT)  DMG: 15 DMG

(H: 3) Omen: 70/115 | EN: 13/28 | DMG: 10 | MIT:49 | ACC:2 | THORNS:28 | REGEN: 2 [2 Regen 1/3]
(H: 1) Circe: HP: 45/100 | EN: 1/28 | DMG: 15 | MIT:0 | ACC:3 | EVA:2  

Hellhound 1: HP: 0/200 | DMG: 50
Hellhound 2: HP: 0/200 | DMG: 50
Hellhound 3: HP: 5/200 | DMG: 50
Hellhound 4: HP: 0/200 | DMG: 50

Looting: 

Hellhound 2: ID: 232479 | LD: 1 | CD:3 | Col:600, Mats:2

Edited September 20 by Circe