[SP | F-06] Ryo's Calming the Soul

[Ryo 0]

Ryo turned in his sleep, his body sweating as his dreams turned to nightmares. With a start, he wakes up not sure if what he saw was real or not. He throws a hand over his eyes, pressing into them to help relieve the pressure that was building behind them. Removing himself from his bed, he stepped into his home’s restroom and turned on the light. The momentarily blindness was somehow comforting to him as he reactively squinted.
    “The dreams again Sir?” Pennyworth asked from the hall.
“Yeah, nothing I can’t handle.” Ryo lied. He ran to the sink and collected some chilling water, splashing it over his face. He would frequent the church in Taft, and from time to time he felt like he belonged there. But he was never a religious sort, never one to believe in a higher power. And even if there was, would it forgive his vast multitude of sins? Ryo looked at his palms. The water was clear, but he could only imagine how much blood was spilt by his hands. Sure, he hadn’t killed anyone directly. But he led people to their doom, people who trusted him. And he did it for what? For his pride? For some Col? For safety? He let out a sigh of frustration. He splashed water in his face, attempting to wash away this feeling of his. It didn't help.
    Wake up Ryo, you were fine before. What’s happening now? He thought to himself. It wasn’t worth waking up early in the night to worry again. And as inviting as his bed looked, he wanted nothing more than to avoid more nightmares. Damned if he slept, damned if he didn’t. Sooner or later he’d be a liability on the field. And who heard of a hero having trouble sleeping? He laughed at his own thoughts, but then stopped suddenly. He’s no hero, and he’d never be one.
    “Master Ryo, if I may enter?” Pennyworth spoke from behind the door. Ryo opened it and was now face to face with his butler. “I believe I have an idea that may help your predicament. Now, some time ago Master Teion spoke of an old waterfall on the Sixth Floor. I don’t know what it could mean, but she seemed quite at peace afterwards.” Ryo rubbed his neck. Maybe, some relaxation is what he needed. “Perhaps a trip is in order. Thank you Pennyworth.” Ryo said, swiping open his menu and equipping his gear. “Now sir? At this hour?”
    “Of course.” Ryo replied. “I can sleep in once I’m done.”

 

[using Yui's Grace]     <quest link> Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 [TIER LOCK] PARTY STATS Spoiler Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 THREAD INFO Spoiler equipped »Gin Kin (+9 DMG) »Fierce Deities Coat (+36 MIT, +3EN Recovery) »Accuracy Charm (+3 Accuracy) battle-ready inventory » » » » » skills »Katana R5 (+7 DMG) »Heavy Armor R5 (+40 MIT, -5 Stealth) »Battle Healing R3 (18 healing per turn) »Searching R2 (+2 LD, +2 Stealth Detection) » extra skills »Survival (Healing effects 10% more, immune to environmental effects) »Leadership R1 (Grants access to Leadership Arts, takes 2 Extra Slots) »Leadership R1 » » addons »[Katana] Focus (Minor Crit on BD 8, reduce DoT threshold by 1) »[Katana] Stamina (-2 EN) »[Heavy Armor] Iron Skin (+15 MIT, +45 HP) mods »Impetus (+1 DMG) »Emergency Recovery (Heal 62 when brought below 156 | Once per thread | 10EN) »Night Vision (No penalties from low light/darkness) buffs » Yui's Grace Used (+ 600% EXP for this thread) » Dining Room: "Tasty" - Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread. » Basic Kitchen: "Filling" - Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.(Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.) » Living Room: "Relaxed" - Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.

Edited January 11 by Ryo

[Ryo 0]

On the sixth floor, it didn’t take long for him to find his bearings and directions. The layouts of the lower floors seemed to be nearly similar, and he was accustomed to them. It seemed the waterfall was a popular hot spot of information. Whatever NPC's that were around at night had plenty of information to guide him to the correct spot. Following the directions he received, he made his way out of the city and up the mountain. The way up the mountain wasn't particularly difficult, the cool breeze brushed against his skin. He shivered slightly, but shrugged off the cold. After his time running around each floor of this damnedable castle, temperature rarely got to him anymore.
    However something caught his attention and he stopped walking. “Someone there?” He asked out loud. He listened closely, attempting to hear anything. Nothing but the sounds of nature. He was already a ways away from town and it being this late at night no NPC should be in the area. He activated his Night Vision mod and scanned again. Still nothing. It must’ve been the wind, he thought. Deactivating his night vision mod he continued down the path. His boots crunching against the loose stones and debris.

“p l e a s e,  d o n ‘ t”

This time it wasn't the wind. Ryo gripped his katana and shouted. “Who's there!?” No response came back. He couldn't make out the words, but he definitely heard someone. His breathing picked up as he listened in. He couldn’t hear anything else moving or speaking. The only sound that was there was that of the waterfall further up the trail.

 

<quest link>

Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 [TIER LOCK] PARTY STATS Spoiler Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 THREAD INFO Spoiler equipped »Gin Kin (+9 DMG) »Fierce Deities Coat (+36 MIT, +3EN Recovery) »Accuracy Charm (+3 Accuracy) battle-ready inventory » » » » » skills »Katana R5 (+7 DMG) »Heavy Armor R5 (+40 MIT, -5 Stealth) »Battle Healing R3 (18 healing per turn) »Searching R2 (+2 LD, +2 Stealth Detection) » extra skills »Survival (Healing effects 10% more, immune to environmental effects) »Leadership R1 (Grants access to Leadership Arts, takes 2 Extra Slots) »Leadership R1 » » addons »[Katana] Focus (Minor Crit on BD 8, reduce DoT threshold by 1) »[Katana] Stamina (-2 EN) »[Heavy Armor] Iron Skin (+15 MIT, +45 HP) mods »Impetus (+1 DMG) »Emergency Recovery (Heal 62 when brought below 156 | Once per thread | 10EN) »Night Vision (No penalties from low light/darkness) buffs » Yui's Grace Used (+ 600% EXP for this thread) » Dining Room: "Tasty" - Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread. » Basic Kitchen: "Filling" - Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.(Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.) » Living Room: "Relaxed" - Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.

[Ryo 0]

Further up the trail he went, still wary of any other presence nearby. There hadn't been another voice in a small while, but he walked still. And it's here he finally saw the waterfall. It was smaller than he had anticipated. A small pool of water with a flat stone at the base of a short waterfall. The area looked more of a zen garden than a waterfall. Small clumps of flowers, vines, and moss decorated the standing area. Was he supposed to, meditate here?

He approached the pool of water with his hand still on his blade and looked around to study the area. Still no NPC in the area, but the place felt different. The air felt heavy on him, the water looked inviting, his arms and body were tired. He shook his head trying to gain his mind back. “w h y  w o u l d  y o u  d o  t h i s?” Another voice. Ryo spun around in place only to see nothing, and suddenly received a sharp pain behind his eyes. Yelping and throwing a hand to his temple Ryo heard more voices overlapping with each other as his ears rung.

“You’ve led us here!”

“Ryo, this is a joke right?”

“You bastard, we trusted you!”

“We thought you were our friend!”

“No, please.”

“Please, dont-”

“Ryo, please-”

“Please, I have a fam-”

“Ryo!”

“Ryo!”

“Ryo!”

Ryo fought against the pain, before raising himself to a knee and screaming. “S T O P!” Ryo shouted into the darkness, the voices ceased. But he recognized them all. People he led on. People he led into a life of slavery or their death. His body trembled, what was this place? The sound of the waterfall pulled him back into place. For the first time in a long time he felt fear. Not of something, of a place a concept. How could this place exist? His body still trembled, but he had an understanding on what to do. “This is, a bit cliche right?” He asked the air. Regardless, he stepped into the pool before him and sat on the stone. The water battered against his frame, instantly soaking his clothes causing them to stick to his skin. And after a deep breath, blackness.

 

<quest link>

Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 [TIER LOCK] PARTY STATS Spoiler Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 THREAD INFO Spoiler equipped »Gin Kin (+9 DMG) »Fierce Deities Coat (+36 MIT, +3EN Recovery) »Accuracy Charm (+3 Accuracy) battle-ready inventory » » » » » skills »Katana R5 (+7 DMG) »Heavy Armor R5 (+40 MIT, -5 Stealth) »Battle Healing R3 (18 healing per turn) »Searching R2 (+2 LD, +2 Stealth Detection) » extra skills »Survival (Healing effects 10% more, immune to environmental effects) »Leadership R1 (Grants access to Leadership Arts, takes 2 Extra Slots) »Leadership R1 » » addons »[Katana] Focus (Minor Crit on BD 8, reduce DoT threshold by 1) »[Katana] Stamina (-2 EN) »[Heavy Armor] Iron Skin (+15 MIT, +45 HP) mods »Impetus (+1 DMG) »Emergency Recovery (Heal 62 when brought below 156 | Once per thread | 10EN) »Night Vision (No penalties from low light/darkness) buffs » Yui's Grace Used (+ 600% EXP for this thread) » Dining Room: "Tasty" - Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread. » Basic Kitchen: "Filling" - Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.(Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.) » Living Room: "Relaxed" - Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.

[Ryo 0]

Opening his eyes Ryo was no longer under the waterfall. His eyes squinted as they shifted from the natural darkness of where he was, to the bright light of where he was now. Surrounding him was nothing but a void of inky white. The void had a texture of that of space, only visible if he squinted and stared in a spot for a time. The only direction to go was a black spot in the distance. Curious as to what it was, Ryo took a step closer to it. As his boot touched the ground it echoed, and Ryo heard another voice. The voice was louder and echoed outside of him and inside his mind. “Good work Ryo, here’s yer pay. See if you can get someone who knows Alchemy.”
Ryo felt a heavy pressure around him, desperate to hold him against the ground. “Wh-what is this?” He struggled against the force, it felt like hundred of hands pressing down on him desperate to keep him in place.

“Yeah, I got it. I’ll see if I can find anyone like that. For the guild right?” Ryo flinched as he heard his own voice. What the hell was going on here? He found himself to his feet, and struggled to take another step. And as he did, another echo and voice.

“Hey there, I’m Ryo. You guys looking to earn some spare Col? Easy way to do it is through professions.”
“Yeah, some spare Col wouldn’t hurt.”
“Careful Piera, we don’t know him.”

“Fuck!” Ryo cried out as he was thrown back onto the ground. The pressure all around him pinning him there. Almost immobile, Ryo screamed against his aching muscles as he stood again. A third step, another Echo and voice.
“I’m trustworthy, I’ve been helping out a lot of people to make sure no one’s starving to death. But there is a need for Alchemists for potions and elixirs.”
“Oh, those seem important. C’mon Lee, we can help people.” There was a sigh that echoed followed by groans of pain from Ryo. This was back when, when he was selling people off. Tricking them into a quest, helping them complete it then having them follow him into a trap. This was when he met Piera and Lee, and tricked them. Ryo struggled against the weight of the air around him, but he was pinned firmly against the ground. Completely unable to move. Looking ahead, he could see the black shape in the distance making it’s way towards him.

<quest link>

Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 [TIER LOCK] PARTY STATS Spoiler Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 THREAD INFO Spoiler equipped »Gin Kin (+9 DMG) »Fierce Deities Coat (+36 MIT, +3EN Recovery) »Accuracy Charm (+3 Accuracy) battle-ready inventory » » » » » skills »Katana R5 (+7 DMG) »Heavy Armor R5 (+40 MIT, -5 Stealth) »Battle Healing R3 (18 healing per turn) »Searching R2 (+2 LD, +2 Stealth Detection) » extra skills »Survival (Healing effects 10% more, immune to environmental effects) »Leadership R1 (Grants access to Leadership Arts, takes 2 Extra Slots) »Leadership R1 » » addons »[Katana] Focus (Minor Crit on BD 8, reduce DoT threshold by 1) »[Katana] Stamina (-2 EN) »[Heavy Armor] Iron Skin (+15 MIT, +45 HP) mods »Impetus (+1 DMG) »Emergency Recovery (Heal 62 when brought below 156 | Once per thread | 10EN) »Night Vision (No penalties from low light/darkness) buffs » Yui's Grace Used (+ 600% EXP for this thread) » Dining Room: "Tasty" - Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread. » Basic Kitchen: "Filling" - Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.(Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.) » Living Room: "Relaxed" - Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.

[Ryo 0]

And it was going to kill him. It must be. This was a trap, some sort of quest spot designed to lure in players and kill them while they were vulnerable. Well to hell with that. He struggled against the pain in his body, the weight of the air. He struggled to lift himself an inch or so off the floor before he lost his grip and slammed back into the ground. His chin bouncing off the hard floor, he could see the shape ever closer. Another attempt was made, as Ryo tried to slide his arms underneath him to push himself up. But it was too little too late, the shape was upon him now and he could see it clearly. A shape of black lines, and white eyes and mouth that mimicked a human. “Poor thing that you are. Please, allow me to assist you.” And the figure reached a hand down towards him. Ryo struggled but as the hand touched him the voices stopped, and the weight disappeared. Taking in a sudden breath of air Ryo quickly rolled to the side and stood up his hand on his katana. “What?” He asked, in between heavy breaths. “What, was that?” He demanded to know. The figure spoke again, it’s voice speaking in layers in languages he didn’t understand and ones he did. “That was a memory that weighed on you. How interesting. You seem to have others that do. Shall I show you another?” The being waved it's hand towards Ryo. He flinched and braced his body, fully expecting another wave of heavy air to slam into him. But there wasn’t any thing. No voices, no force, nothing. Nothing except. 

<quest link>

Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 [TIER LOCK] PARTY STATS Spoiler Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 THREAD INFO Spoiler equipped »Gin Kin (+9 DMG) »Fierce Deities Coat (+36 MIT, +3EN Recovery) »Accuracy Charm (+3 Accuracy) battle-ready inventory » » » » » skills »Katana R5 (+7 DMG) »Heavy Armor R5 (+40 MIT, -5 Stealth) »Battle Healing R3 (18 healing per turn) »Searching R2 (+2 LD, +2 Stealth Detection) » extra skills »Survival (Healing effects 10% more, immune to environmental effects) »Leadership R1 (Grants access to Leadership Arts, takes 2 Extra Slots) »Leadership R1 » » addons »[Katana] Focus (Minor Crit on BD 8, reduce DoT threshold by 1) »[Katana] Stamina (-2 EN) »[Heavy Armor] Iron Skin (+15 MIT, +45 HP) mods »Impetus (+1 DMG) »Emergency Recovery (Heal 62 when brought below 156 | Once per thread | 10EN) »Night Vision (No penalties from low light/darkness) buffs » Yui's Grace Used (+ 600% EXP for this thread) » Dining Room: "Tasty" - Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread. » Basic Kitchen: "Filling" - Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.(Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.) » Living Room: "Relaxed" - Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.

[Ryo 0]

A singular wooden door. “What’s that door?” Ryo said, pointing to it. “You come seeking peace within your mind, within your soul. Beyond that door is the first step.” The figure pointed to it, mimicking Ryo’s movements. Ryo stared at the door, his stomach dropped as he remembered it. “Where does this door lead?” The shape asked. Surprised, Ryo turned and scoffed. “You don’t know?”
“No." it answered plainly. "I know nothing of your past, only that I have access to them. There are other key moments like this one, then acceptance." 
“Riiiiight.” Ryo said, holding the word a few syllables longer. He sighed as he looked at the door. “This is her door. Quinzel’s.” Ryo said, memories flooding back of that women. 
“Who was she, to you?” The shape asked.
“She was, my partner. Before-” He stopped himself. Did he want to step through the door? Step through it and face, whatever it was that was awaiting him. “Before I left this life behind.”
“Why did you leave it? Did you think that you could be better than it? Or, was it sudden morality? Would you say that you came to your senses, if you had ever lost them.” The voice spoke, almost taunting Ryo. He shook his head. What did it mean by that? "Are you, mocking me? I left that place behind because it was evil."
"Then why stay as long as you did? Are you, evil?"
Ryo gritted his teeth. "What? No! Of course not!"
"Then what are you? Because the actions you did prior seem to align with what you would call evil." Ryo relented his argument and dropped his head. "It's not that simple. I don't know why I did what i did."
The voice spoke again. “You do know, you just need to see it for yourself.” It raised a hand, and motioned towards the door again.
 

  

<quest link>

Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 [TIER LOCK] PARTY STATS Spoiler Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 THREAD INFO Spoiler equipped »Gin Kin (+9 DMG) »Fierce Deities Coat (+36 MIT, +3EN Recovery) »Accuracy Charm (+3 Accuracy) battle-ready inventory » » » » » skills »Katana R5 (+7 DMG) »Heavy Armor R5 (+40 MIT, -5 Stealth) »Battle Healing R3 (18 healing per turn) »Searching R2 (+2 LD, +2 Stealth Detection) » extra skills »Survival (Healing effects 10% more, immune to environmental effects) »Leadership R1 (Grants access to Leadership Arts, takes 2 Extra Slots) »Leadership R1 » » addons »[Katana] Focus (Minor Crit on BD 8, reduce DoT threshold by 1) »[Katana] Stamina (-2 EN) »[Heavy Armor] Iron Skin (+15 MIT, +45 HP) mods »Impetus (+1 DMG) »Emergency Recovery (Heal 62 when brought below 156 | Once per thread | 10EN) »Night Vision (No penalties from low light/darkness) buffs » Yui's Grace Used (+ 600% EXP for this thread) » Dining Room: "Tasty" - Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread. » Basic Kitchen: "Filling" - Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.(Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.) » Living Room: "Relaxed" - Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.

[Ryo 0]

Ryo reached over and touched the handle. The familiar circle of cold iron tickled his hand as he pulled the door open and stepped inside. A flash of bright white mixed with opal blinded his vision. When the light cleared he was met with a familiar sight. Looking down he noticed his attire had changed. No longer was he in his deep violet garb, but the dull grey of his old gang. The sounds of singing and merriment were loud, nearly drowning out his thoughts. Ryo turned around to see that the door had disappeared. Where had it taken him to? No, when did it take him to? Before he could get his thoughts in order, he heard an all too familiar voice. “There he is! Number One Deceiver of Black Adder!” A female voice cried out. “Cheers, and free drinks for Ryo, eh!?” The room clinked mugs together, and cheers of celebration rang out. Ryo’s body locked in place. He had all but forgotten this feeling, this feeling of importance. He was a big help to Adder and his crew. Bringing in new people for them to extort. Was he, feeling nostalgic? He quickly replaced that feeling with disgust.

The woman who cried out for him stood from her spot and moved to him and threw an arm over his shoulder, her drink sloshing in its mug. “Hey there, handsome.~ Looking for some ‘relaxation’ time with ole’ Quin before heading back out?” Ryo moved out from under the woman’s arm, and recited what he had said those years ago. “Y’know me Quin. I’m just too busy.”
“Just too busy. Yeah yeah yeah, I’ve heard you say it again and again.” Quinzel said, matching Ryo’s words and adding her own. Her eyes squinted and looked at him deeply. “Hey, you good?” She asked. This caused Ryo to flinch. "Because, I wasn't meaning to be askin'." She said quietly, and threateningly.
“Actually, Quin." Ryo said, interrupting her. "I was hoping we could talk. Privately.” Ryo said, before making his way out to a different area.
  

<quest link>

Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 [TIER LOCK] PARTY STATS Spoiler Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 THREAD INFO Spoiler equipped »Gin Kin (+9 DMG) »Fierce Deities Coat (+36 MIT, +3EN Recovery) »Accuracy Charm (+3 Accuracy) battle-ready inventory » » » » » skills »Katana R5 (+7 DMG) »Heavy Armor R5 (+40 MIT, -5 Stealth) »Battle Healing R3 (18 healing per turn) »Searching R2 (+2 LD, +2 Stealth Detection) » extra skills »Survival (Healing effects 10% more, immune to environmental effects) »Leadership R1 (Grants access to Leadership Arts, takes 2 Extra Slots) »Leadership R1 » » addons »[Katana] Focus (Minor Crit on BD 8, reduce DoT threshold by 1) »[Katana] Stamina (-2 EN) »[Heavy Armor] Iron Skin (+15 MIT, +45 HP) mods »Impetus (+1 DMG) »Emergency Recovery (Heal 62 when brought below 156 | Once per thread | 10EN) »Night Vision (No penalties from low light/darkness) buffs » Yui's Grace Used (+ 600% EXP for this thread) » Dining Room: "Tasty" - Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread. » Basic Kitchen: "Filling" - Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.(Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.) » Living Room: "Relaxed" - Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.

Edited January 11 by Ryo

[Ryo 0]

Ryo led the woman to an outside balcony. As he stepped outside the cold winter air of floor four battered against him. He leaned against a railing that overlooked a massive gorge. The snow fell gently against his skin and melted as it met his body’s heat. Quinzel was following shortly behind and leaned against the railing. “What’s this all about handsome?” She asked, her hand reaching over and messing with his hair. Ryo flinched and swatted at her hand, knocking it away. “Is it because I’m orange now honey? I keep telling you not to worry about it.” Ryo flinched. “Look at me.” Quinzel said as she gripped under his chin and made him meet her vision. “It’s alright. They had to die, they were trying to escape. And if I had let them, Adder would’ve killed me. You know I still love you right?” Ryo looked down. “Yeah, that’s why I’ve made up my mind.” He said. He gripped the woman’s wrist, and shoved it aside.

“What? The fuck was that for Ryo?” Quinzel said, before giving a sly smirk. “Look, if you wanna top this time-”
“SHUT UP!” Ryo shouted, cutting her off. “You killed someone. Someone I betrayed. I spent days with them. Weeks! And they opened up to me in ways I’ll never be able to recover from!” Ryo spat out his words. “God I hate you. I don’t know if I have ever hated something this badly before. I have a lot of regrets since coming here.”
“Ryo, darling, what are you saying? You love being here with me. You-”
“Be, quiet! Murderer.” Ryo spat out the words, having them cut through the frigid air. “I’m leaving. I’m leaving you, I’m leaving this group, and I am done. I am done with being told what to do. By the guild, and by you. I'm not letting you, or anyone else control me!” He stared at her, his heart race increasing. He knew what was about to come. 
 

<quest link>

Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 [TIER LOCK] PARTY STATS Spoiler Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 THREAD INFO Spoiler equipped »Gin Kin (+9 DMG) »Fierce Deities Coat (+36 MIT, +3EN Recovery) »Accuracy Charm (+3 Accuracy) battle-ready inventory » » » » » skills »Katana R5 (+7 DMG) »Heavy Armor R5 (+40 MIT, -5 Stealth) »Battle Healing R3 (18 healing per turn) »Searching R2 (+2 LD, +2 Stealth Detection) » extra skills »Survival (Healing effects 10% more, immune to environmental effects) »Leadership R1 (Grants access to Leadership Arts, takes 2 Extra Slots) »Leadership R1 » » addons »[Katana] Focus (Minor Crit on BD 8, reduce DoT threshold by 1) »[Katana] Stamina (-2 EN) »[Heavy Armor] Iron Skin (+15 MIT, +45 HP) mods »Impetus (+1 DMG) »Emergency Recovery (Heal 62 when brought below 156 | Once per thread | 10EN) »Night Vision (No penalties from low light/darkness) buffs » Yui's Grace Used (+ 600% EXP for this thread) » Dining Room: "Tasty" - Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread. » Basic Kitchen: "Filling" - Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.(Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.) » Living Room: "Relaxed" - Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.

[Ryo 0]

“You aint leaving us…” Quinzel said under her breath. “You sure as hell aint leavin’ me!” She screamed as she reached over and grabbed Ryo’s wrists. She shoved him against the railing. Ryo fought against her grip and managed to wrench himself free by placing a leg against her abdomen and shoving. Looking now he saw that she was no longer an orange crystal, but an NPCs enemy health bar. Ryo reached down and reached for his katana and drew it, preparing to defend himself just like he did then. She in turn grabbed her dagger and entered a lower stance.

Looking at her now, Ryo noticed that the orange crystal had turned into a red, making it no longer a person but a monster. The nameplate showed above her changed from her username to The First Demon. This must've been an effect of the waterfall. Regardless, Ryo wouldn't let this play out any differently then before. Quin rushed him, using her speed to her advantage. Ryo drew his blade and parried the blow. Sparks danced off of the blades as Ryo side stepped and let lose a strong slash across Quin's back.

»Combat | ID: 240150| BD: [5+3=8 HIT!] | MD: 4 (Monster dead!)
»ST-1 used | Base 18 * 12 = 216 Damage | 216 - 4 Enemy Mitigation = 212 total damage.
»ST-1 Used | -12 Energy | Katana Stamina -2 Energy Usage | -10 Energy Total

Quinzel, the First Demon | HP: 0/156 | DMG: 80 | MIT: 4 |

<quest link>

Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 81/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 [TIER LOCK] PARTY STATS Spoiler Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 THREAD INFO Spoiler equipped »Gin Kin (+9 DMG) »Fierce Deities Coat (+36 MIT, +3EN Recovery) »Accuracy Charm (+3 Accuracy) battle-ready inventory » » » » » skills »Katana R5 (+7 DMG) »Heavy Armor R5 (+40 MIT, -5 Stealth) »Battle Healing R3 (18 healing per turn) »Searching R2 (+2 LD, +2 Stealth Detection) » extra skills »Survival (Healing effects 10% more, immune to environmental effects) »Leadership R1 (Grants access to Leadership Arts, takes 2 Extra Slots) »Leadership R1 » » addons »[Katana] Focus (Minor Crit on BD 8, reduce DoT threshold by 1) »[Katana] Stamina (-2 EN) »[Heavy Armor] Iron Skin (+15 MIT, +45 HP) mods »Impetus (+1 DMG) »Emergency Recovery (Heal 62 when brought below 156 | Once per thread | 10EN) »Night Vision (No penalties from low light/darkness) buffs » Yui's Grace Used (+ 600% EXP for this thread) » Dining Room: "Tasty" - Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread. » Basic Kitchen: "Filling" - Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.(Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.) » Living Room: "Relaxed" - Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.

Edited January 13 by Ryo

[Ryo 0]

The demon spun back around and slashed at Ryo again. Her dagger clashed with Ryo’s blade, and using her height advantage over him, thrust it aside. Ryo, now on the back foot, tried to make some distance from her blade so as to not get stabbed. Quinzel pressed her attack against him forcing him against the railing behind him, threatening to throw him over. Ryo struggled to to get his feet under him, but the snow and ice made his footing unsteady. Out of options, Ryo pushed back against Quin with all his strength and pushed her off of him for just a second. And that was all he needed as she attempted to get on top of him again and pressure him against the railing. Ryo used his small frame to his advantage and ducked at the last moment, throwing his shoulder into her abdomen and let her roll over him and over the railing.

Ryo reacted quickly and nearly threw himself over the railing and grabbed Quin by her wrist, her knife clattering into the crevice below. Ryo struggled to keep himself on the railing and keep Quinn from falling to her death. He gritted his teeth, and he spoke. “I didn’t want this dammit.”
 

+30HP, +3 Energy Recovered | Relaxed (1/2) OoC posts

<quest link>

Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 84/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 [TIER LOCK] PARTY STATS Spoiler Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 THREAD INFO Spoiler equipped »Gin Kin (+9 DMG) »Fierce Deities Coat (+36 MIT, +3EN Recovery) »Accuracy Charm (+3 Accuracy) battle-ready inventory » » » » » skills »Katana R5 (+7 DMG) »Heavy Armor R5 (+40 MIT, -5 Stealth) »Battle Healing R3 (18 healing per turn) »Searching R2 (+2 LD, +2 Stealth Detection) » extra skills »Survival (Healing effects 10% more, immune to environmental effects) »Leadership R1 (Grants access to Leadership Arts, takes 2 Extra Slots) »Leadership R1 » » addons »[Katana] Focus (Minor Crit on BD 8, reduce DoT threshold by 1) »[Katana] Stamina (-2 EN) »[Heavy Armor] Iron Skin (+15 MIT, +45 HP) mods »Impetus (+1 DMG) »Emergency Recovery (Heal 62 when brought below 156 | Once per thread | 10EN) »Night Vision (No penalties from low light/darkness) buffs » Yui's Grace Used (+ 600% EXP for this thread) » Dining Room: "Tasty" - Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread. » Basic Kitchen: "Filling" - Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.(Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.) » Living Room: "Relaxed" - Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.

[Ryo 0]

“Then, what did you want?” Quinzel asked. Ryo flinched at the sudden question.
“I, don’t know! You, you left me without a choice!” He screamed, his voice echoing against the rocks below. “I just wanted to stop. I couldn’t take it anymore. Being controlled, being told what to do, being abused by you!” He said still hanging on. “I just, wanted to be free. I felt as trapped as the people I sold to you. I hate you, for everything that you did to me. I hate this place, and everything it did to me. I hate that I thought I loved you, and what I hate the most is that I believed it when you said you loved me.”
“I never did though.” Quinzel said coldly. “You did good work for the guild, were a cute little thing to have around, you helped keep me entertained. And that’s all you were to me. A thing. A little boy too scared to leave and when you finally did grow the balls to try and leave we ended up just. Like. This.” The wind howled against the walls of the canyon, biting into Ryo’s skin causing him to slide. He doubled down, both on his footing and his grip. “And despite that, here we are still. You’re still trying to save me? Why?” Ryo looked at her confused. Then, he looked inward. Why was he trying to save her? Why was he putting his life at risk for someone as vile as her. “I-I don’t know.”
“You do know. Just, say what you’re feeling.”
Ryo fought against another chill, his grip on Quin slipping. “I didn’t want you to die! I left you without a choice! If I had just left without saying anything you would’ve lost the best trickster you had, and Adder would’ve probably killed you anyway. I hoped, I hoped that if I told you that I was leaving you’d want to go with me.” Ryo said, as his grip became more firm on her wrist. “But that was then. I wasn’t happy then. Actually happy. I recognize now that you abused me, that you used me. All for your own gain.”
 

+30HP, +3 Energy Recovered | Relaxed (2/2) OoC posts | Energy Fully Recovered!!

<quest link>

Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 [TIER LOCK] PARTY STATS Spoiler Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 THREAD INFO Spoiler equipped »Gin Kin (+9 DMG) »Fierce Deities Coat (+36 MIT, +3EN Recovery) »Accuracy Charm (+3 Accuracy) battle-ready inventory » » » » » skills »Katana R5 (+7 DMG) »Heavy Armor R5 (+40 MIT, -5 Stealth) »Battle Healing R3 (18 healing per turn) »Searching R2 (+2 LD, +2 Stealth Detection) » extra skills »Survival (Healing effects 10% more, immune to environmental effects) »Leadership R1 (Grants access to Leadership Arts, takes 2 Extra Slots) »Leadership R1 » » addons »[Katana] Focus (Minor Crit on BD 8, reduce DoT threshold by 1) »[Katana] Stamina (-2 EN) »[Heavy Armor] Iron Skin (+15 MIT, +45 HP) mods »Impetus (+1 DMG) »Emergency Recovery (Heal 62 when brought below 156 | Once per thread | 10EN) »Night Vision (No penalties from low light/darkness) buffs » Yui's Grace Used (+ 600% EXP for this thread) » Dining Room: "Tasty" - Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread. » Basic Kitchen: "Filling" - Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.(Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.) » Living Room: "Relaxed" - Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.

[Ryo 0]

“And even if you know that now, why are you fighting to hold on still?”
“Because if I drop you now, then I drop something of myself with you. Despite how shitty you were, despite how terrible this place was it helped shape me to who I am now. And if I just toss you aside, what else of myself would I be willing to throw away?” Ryo said still struggling to keep his balance. The wind threatened to throw them both down the ravine, and despite Ryo's best efforts he was unable to pull her up by himself. There was no way that calling for help would work, they were partying too much in the other room and the wind and snow would steal his voice before it even reached the door let alone get past it.
Quinzel was quiet for a moment. Not fighting against Ryo’s grip, nor was she trying to pull herself up. “Y’know Ryo, you’re really stupid.” Ryo looked down, seeing that Quin had equipped another knife. He knew what was happening. "No Quin, don't do it. I can make this different, I can change it." He pleaded with the facsimile. Ryo felt a sharp pain in his hand, and as he looked he saw the familiar red scratch across his wrist as Quin had cut against his hand. The sudden pain and discomfort caused his grip to loosen. And without a sound, she fell. Ryo stared as she fell into darkness her body disappearing deep below. Ryo, fell back against the cold cobblestone base of the floor. The world around him began to fade away, the door behind him fading from sight, the railing, and soon the platform he was on. He shielded his face and closed his eyes bracing for the worst.

<quest link>

Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 [TIER LOCK] PARTY STATS Spoiler Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 THREAD INFO Spoiler equipped »Gin Kin (+9 DMG) »Fierce Deities Coat (+36 MIT, +3EN Recovery) »Accuracy Charm (+3 Accuracy) battle-ready inventory » » » » » skills »Katana R5 (+7 DMG) »Heavy Armor R5 (+40 MIT, -5 Stealth) »Battle Healing R3 (18 healing per turn) »Searching R2 (+2 LD, +2 Stealth Detection) » extra skills »Survival (Healing effects 10% more, immune to environmental effects) »Leadership R1 (Grants access to Leadership Arts, takes 2 Extra Slots) »Leadership R1 » » addons »[Katana] Focus (Minor Crit on BD 8, reduce DoT threshold by 1) »[Katana] Stamina (-2 EN) »[Heavy Armor] Iron Skin (+15 MIT, +45 HP) mods »Impetus (+1 DMG) »Emergency Recovery (Heal 62 when brought below 156 | Once per thread | 10EN) »Night Vision (No penalties from low light/darkness) buffs » Yui's Grace Used (+ 600% EXP for this thread) » Dining Room: "Tasty" - Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread. » Basic Kitchen: "Filling" - Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.(Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.) » Living Room: "Relaxed" - Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.

[Ryo 0]

When he opened his eyes he was back in the void, the shape looming over him. “What an interesting memory.” It said. Ryo jolted up, backing away from the shape. Ryo got to his feet, ready for another sudden fight. “What, was that?” Ryo demanded of the shape in front of him. The shape, responded. “A glimpse into you. A piece that haunted you. A barb that stuck itself into your very soul. A rot that you successfully cleansed.” Ryo shook his head in disbelief. “I don’t feel cleansed. I just watched someone die for the second time!” He shouted. "What is this place?" The voice took a moment before speaking. "This is a window into your soul. A place that sits between dream and reality. Mind and matter. Your soul is tainted, covered by many scars and infections. If not properly taken care of, it will fester and destroy you." The shape said. It didn't explain well enough for Ryo. Would it kill for NPC's in this game to speak plainly from time to time? He rubbed his temple. "So in order to fix my soul, I'm reliving past events?" Ryo asked. "How is that going to help?"

"That woman. You failed to save her. Not because you were weak and your grip softened. But because you could not save her from herself. She had nothing to live for so to speak, and so chose to die. There was nothing you could have done to save her." The shape said.

  

<quest link>

Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 [TIER LOCK] PARTY STATS Spoiler Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 THREAD INFO Spoiler equipped »Gin Kin (+9 DMG) »Fierce Deities Coat (+36 MIT, +3EN Recovery) »Accuracy Charm (+3 Accuracy) battle-ready inventory » » » » » skills »Katana R5 (+7 DMG) »Heavy Armor R5 (+40 MIT, -5 Stealth) »Battle Healing R3 (18 healing per turn) »Searching R2 (+2 LD, +2 Stealth Detection) » extra skills »Survival (Healing effects 10% more, immune to environmental effects) »Leadership R1 (Grants access to Leadership Arts, takes 2 Extra Slots) »Leadership R1 » » addons »[Katana] Focus (Minor Crit on BD 8, reduce DoT threshold by 1) »[Katana] Stamina (-2 EN) »[Heavy Armor] Iron Skin (+15 MIT, +45 HP) mods »Impetus (+1 DMG) »Emergency Recovery (Heal 62 when brought below 156 | Once per thread | 10EN) »Night Vision (No penalties from low light/darkness) buffs » Yui's Grace Used (+ 600% EXP for this thread) » Dining Room: "Tasty" - Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread. » Basic Kitchen: "Filling" - Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.(Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.) » Living Room: "Relaxed" - Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.

[Ryo 0]

“Maybe you’re right.” Ryo said, thinking on it. “Maybe she did deserve to fall for what she had done. To other people, to me. But, I didn’t want her to die. But I didn’t, want her to suffer either.”
“You wanted her to understand. Understand you, your frustrations, your needs and your wants. To be how you imagined her. And then-”
“She tried to kill me.” Ryo said, finishing the sentence. “When she hung over that railing she knew she was going to die. She just chose sooner, rather than later.”
“And with that realization, another door has appeared.” The shape said moving a hand into empty space to where another door appeared from nothing. Another familiar door. Ryo took a deep breath and stood up. The shape held up a hand halting Ryo. “Your memories will only become more violent and unstable from here on. Their barbs will have hooked much more flesh then previously and each removal will be immensely more painful than the last. I offer you this.” The shape provided an archway instead of a door, the muffled sound of crashing water permeated from it. “An exit, if it becomes too painful to bear. If you are not ready for what lies within.” Ryo looked back at the archway, and nodded. “Thanks.” And gripped the handle to the second door and opened it.
  

<quest link>

Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 [TIER LOCK] PARTY STATS Spoiler Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 THREAD INFO Spoiler equipped »Gin Kin (+9 DMG) »Fierce Deities Coat (+36 MIT, +3EN Recovery) »Accuracy Charm (+3 Accuracy) battle-ready inventory » » » » » skills »Katana R5 (+7 DMG) »Heavy Armor R5 (+40 MIT, -5 Stealth) »Battle Healing R3 (18 healing per turn) »Searching R2 (+2 LD, +2 Stealth Detection) » extra skills »Survival (Healing effects 10% more, immune to environmental effects) »Leadership R1 (Grants access to Leadership Arts, takes 2 Extra Slots) »Leadership R1 » » addons »[Katana] Focus (Minor Crit on BD 8, reduce DoT threshold by 1) »[Katana] Stamina (-2 EN) »[Heavy Armor] Iron Skin (+15 MIT, +45 HP) mods »Impetus (+1 DMG) »Emergency Recovery (Heal 62 when brought below 156 | Once per thread | 10EN) »Night Vision (No penalties from low light/darkness) buffs » Yui's Grace Used (+ 600% EXP for this thread) » Dining Room: "Tasty" - Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread. » Basic Kitchen: "Filling" - Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.(Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.) » Living Room: "Relaxed" - Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.

[Ryo 0]

A blinding light had him shield his eyes, and when he removed his hands he could see where he was. A cave, more specifically a passageway. He knew this route, this is where he would promise to take players from the third floor to the fourth one to gather some high end materials. Which would mean, behind him would be someone who didn’t deserve what was going to happen to them. Ryo turned around, not quite sure what he was expecting but went white as a sheet to see them again.
“Ryo, are you okay? You look, sick.” The woman said. He brunette hair went to just past her shoulder, the earthen green cloak obscuring most of it. And whatever light was in these passageways reflected off the lenses of her glasses. Another shape moved up. “Ryo, c’mon we should keep moving. Just to be safe.” The masculine voice came from a head of silvery hair and stubble.
 

<quest link>

Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 [TIER LOCK] PARTY STATS Spoiler Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 THREAD INFO Spoiler equipped »Gin Kin (+9 DMG) »Fierce Deities Coat (+36 MIT, +3EN Recovery) »Accuracy Charm (+3 Accuracy) battle-ready inventory » » » » » skills »Katana R5 (+7 DMG) »Heavy Armor R5 (+40 MIT, -5 Stealth) »Battle Healing R3 (18 healing per turn) »Searching R2 (+2 LD, +2 Stealth Detection) » extra skills »Survival (Healing effects 10% more, immune to environmental effects) »Leadership R1 (Grants access to Leadership Arts, takes 2 Extra Slots) »Leadership R1 » » addons »[Katana] Focus (Minor Crit on BD 8, reduce DoT threshold by 1) »[Katana] Stamina (-2 EN) »[Heavy Armor] Iron Skin (+15 MIT, +45 HP) mods »Impetus (+1 DMG) »Emergency Recovery (Heal 62 when brought below 156 | Once per thread | 10EN) »Night Vision (No penalties from low light/darkness) buffs » Yui's Grace Used (+ 600% EXP for this thread) » Dining Room: "Tasty" - Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread. » Basic Kitchen: "Filling" - Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.(Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.) » Living Room: "Relaxed" - Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.

[Ryo 0]

Ryo took a half step back. “Piera, Lee?” He spoke in a hushed whisper. “No. No no no no no.” Ryo said, now realizing what he was doing. What he was about to do. What was about to happen to them.
“Uhh, yeah?”
“What’s got you all bothered?”
Ryo didn’t think, he acted. “BOTH OF YOU RUN AWAY FROM ME NOW!” He said, taking a demanding step forward.
The woman flinched, and the man stepped in front. “Whoa pal, what’s going on?” But it was too late. The nets came first, then the manacle team, then the knifes.
“Ehh Ryo. Da fuck tha about, eh? You almost let them get away!” A thick accent said from the shadows. Ryo grabbed his katana and raised it at the nearest person, eager to cut them down. He didn’t care if it made him a murderer. He didn’t care if it wasn’t what had happened. He needed to save them, they were going to be tortured, they were going to be hurt, and they were his friends and he was going to save them!
 

<quest link>

Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 [TIER LOCK] PARTY STATS Spoiler Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 THREAD INFO Spoiler equipped »Gin Kin (+9 DMG) »Fierce Deities Coat (+36 MIT, +3EN Recovery) »Accuracy Charm (+3 Accuracy) battle-ready inventory » » » » » skills »Katana R5 (+7 DMG) »Heavy Armor R5 (+40 MIT, -5 Stealth) »Battle Healing R3 (18 healing per turn) »Searching R2 (+2 LD, +2 Stealth Detection) » extra skills »Survival (Healing effects 10% more, immune to environmental effects) »Leadership R1 (Grants access to Leadership Arts, takes 2 Extra Slots) »Leadership R1 » » addons »[Katana] Focus (Minor Crit on BD 8, reduce DoT threshold by 1) »[Katana] Stamina (-2 EN) »[Heavy Armor] Iron Skin (+15 MIT, +45 HP) mods »Impetus (+1 DMG) »Emergency Recovery (Heal 62 when brought below 156 | Once per thread | 10EN) »Night Vision (No penalties from low light/darkness) buffs » Yui's Grace Used (+ 600% EXP for this thread) » Dining Room: "Tasty" - Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread. » Basic Kitchen: "Filling" - Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.(Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.) » Living Room: "Relaxed" - Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.

[Ryo 0]

Ryo felt an immense pain shoot over his body as he lost his vision. Darkness, followed by deep crimson as the pressure grew inside his skull and when it finally subsided he was back in the void. “Those two meant a lot to you it seems. So much so that you wish you acted differently.” Ryo, drenched in sweat yelled at the shape. “Of course I do! Piera, and Lee they’re-”
“You’re friends. So you believe.” Ryo gritted his teeth, and closed the gap between him and the shape. He grabbed the thing by the neck and held it aloft by what passed for it’s collar. “You wanted to help them, to save them. Why were they the first to make you feel differently?” The shape asked, unbothered. Ryo’s knuckles turned white from his own grip. “What, do you mean by that?” He growled.

“Every other person you took down those tunnels you never gave a second thought about. You never truly cared about them until this pair. Why is that?” The shape spoke not in a condescending tone, but out of curiosity. Ryo loosened his grip, letting it go. “Piera and Lee were, different from the others.”
“Surely there must be something deeper than that? You sacrificed many couples to appease your guild.”
“I don’t know what that is then.”
“Then go again, and find that answer. But be warned, you cannot change the past. Only accept it for what it is.” Ryo took the warning to heart, nodded and entered the door yet again.

  

<quest link>

Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 [TIER LOCK] PARTY STATS Spoiler Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 THREAD INFO Spoiler equipped »Gin Kin (+9 DMG) »Fierce Deities Coat (+36 MIT, +3EN Recovery) »Accuracy Charm (+3 Accuracy) battle-ready inventory » » » » » skills »Katana R5 (+7 DMG) »Heavy Armor R5 (+40 MIT, -5 Stealth) »Battle Healing R3 (18 healing per turn) »Searching R2 (+2 LD, +2 Stealth Detection) » extra skills »Survival (Healing effects 10% more, immune to environmental effects) »Leadership R1 (Grants access to Leadership Arts, takes 2 Extra Slots) »Leadership R1 » » addons »[Katana] Focus (Minor Crit on BD 8, reduce DoT threshold by 1) »[Katana] Stamina (-2 EN) »[Heavy Armor] Iron Skin (+15 MIT, +45 HP) mods »Impetus (+1 DMG) »Emergency Recovery (Heal 62 when brought below 156 | Once per thread | 10EN) »Night Vision (No penalties from low light/darkness) buffs » Yui's Grace Used (+ 600% EXP for this thread) » Dining Room: "Tasty" - Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread. » Basic Kitchen: "Filling" - Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.(Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.) » Living Room: "Relaxed" - Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.

[Ryo 0]

A blinding light had him shield his eyes, and when he removed his hands he could see where he was. A cave, more specifically a passageway. He knew this route, this is where he would promise to take players from the third floor to the fourth one to gather some high end materials. Which would mean, behind him would be someone who didn’t deserve what was going to happen to them. Ryo turned around, knowing who would be there right behind him.
“Ryo, are you okay? You look, sick.” The woman said. Her brunette hair went just past her shoulder, the earthen green cloak obscuring most of it. And whatever light was in these passageways reflected off the lenses of her glasses. Another shape moved up. “Ryo, c’mon we should keep moving. Just to be safe.” The masculine voice came from a head of silvery hair and stubble.

Ryo let out a forced chuckle. “Yeah I’m fine. Besides, you can always look at me later.” He said rubbing the back of his neck. “C’mon, the exit’s this way.” He said, leading them a bit further down the way. “Say Ryo, we never really got a chance to say thank you for helping us. And, it means a lot that you’ve gone so far out of your way for us.” Piera said. Ryo rubbed at his eyes. He really didn’t need them to be talking like this, not using their voices. “Yeah Ryo. I know we got off on the wrong foot, but you’re pretty solid.” Lee said complimenting him. Ryo kept walking, leading them on. Steeling his heart he readied for what was about to happen. He stopped in his tracks. This wasn’t them, the two behind him aren’t actually them. He kept telling himself over and over. He fought every muscles, every synapse in his body to warn them. Instead, all he could murmur out was. “I’m sorry.” And raised his hand high into the air.

  

<quest link>

Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 [TIER LOCK] PARTY STATS Spoiler Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 THREAD INFO Spoiler equipped »Gin Kin (+9 DMG) »Fierce Deities Coat (+36 MIT, +3EN Recovery) »Accuracy Charm (+3 Accuracy) battle-ready inventory » » » » » skills »Katana R5 (+7 DMG) »Heavy Armor R5 (+40 MIT, -5 Stealth) »Battle Healing R3 (18 healing per turn) »Searching R2 (+2 LD, +2 Stealth Detection) » extra skills »Survival (Healing effects 10% more, immune to environmental effects) »Leadership R1 (Grants access to Leadership Arts, takes 2 Extra Slots) »Leadership R1 » » addons »[Katana] Focus (Minor Crit on BD 8, reduce DoT threshold by 1) »[Katana] Stamina (-2 EN) »[Heavy Armor] Iron Skin (+15 MIT, +45 HP) mods »Impetus (+1 DMG) »Emergency Recovery (Heal 62 when brought below 156 | Once per thread | 10EN) »Night Vision (No penalties from low light/darkness) buffs » Yui's Grace Used (+ 600% EXP for this thread) » Dining Room: "Tasty" - Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread. » Basic Kitchen: "Filling" - Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.(Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.) » Living Room: "Relaxed" - Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.

[Ryo 0]

Nets came, followed by the pikemen, then the alchemists with Stun toxins to subdue them. Lee was the first to go down, his heavy armor provided a decent barrier but with the amount of people used in these operations it never mattered.
“Ryo! Watch out!” Lee cried out as he raised a fist against his assailants. “Lee, careful!” Piera cried out. She was slammed onto the floor, her glasses sliding against the cold stone. Lee slammed against the wall, a poisoned knife buried into him to prevent him from moving.

“Well done Ryo, another fine catch.” A thick accent cut through the darkness, carrying a jingling purse of col. “Ryo?” Piera asked, concerned in her voice. Lee shouted. “Damn it! What is this? Ryo, what’s going on?”
Ryo didn’t say anything. How could he, lest his heart shatter again. The man spoke. “Ah did Ryo not tell you? He never does. See, things is. You two are ours now. 1 alchemist, and 1 blacksmith. Perfect timing, we needed the alchemist.” He turned to Ryo. “Lost 4 last week thanks to your master.”
Ryo gritted his teeth and spat his next words. “She’s not my master, Gant.” The man chuckled. “That’s odd, because last time I saw her and you together she gave you a nice hard tug on your leash.” And on the word tug he threw a strong right into Ryo’s stomach knocking the wind from him. “Right, take them away.” Gant said, waving a commanding hand at his men.
 

<quest link>

Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 [TIER LOCK] PARTY STATS Spoiler Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 THREAD INFO Spoiler equipped »Gin Kin (+9 DMG) »Fierce Deities Coat (+36 MIT, +3EN Recovery) »Accuracy Charm (+3 Accuracy) battle-ready inventory » » » » » skills »Katana R5 (+7 DMG) »Heavy Armor R5 (+40 MIT, -5 Stealth) »Battle Healing R3 (18 healing per turn) »Searching R2 (+2 LD, +2 Stealth Detection) » extra skills »Survival (Healing effects 10% more, immune to environmental effects) »Leadership R1 (Grants access to Leadership Arts, takes 2 Extra Slots) »Leadership R1 » » addons »[Katana] Focus (Minor Crit on BD 8, reduce DoT threshold by 1) »[Katana] Stamina (-2 EN) »[Heavy Armor] Iron Skin (+15 MIT, +45 HP) mods »Impetus (+1 DMG) »Emergency Recovery (Heal 62 when brought below 156 | Once per thread | 10EN) »Night Vision (No penalties from low light/darkness) buffs » Yui's Grace Used (+ 600% EXP for this thread) » Dining Room: "Tasty" - Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread. » Basic Kitchen: "Filling" - Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.(Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.) » Living Room: "Relaxed" - Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.

[Ryo 0]

Gasping for air, Ryo watched as Piera and Lee were carried away. Both of them were screaming at him. Piera in her confusion and calling for him to help her, and Lee in his anger damning him. Ryo knelt on the floor and tried to catch his breath. Gant leaned over, whispering into his ear. “If you’re getting soft, we cans just cut you off.” He threatened. He stepped around to the front of Ryo. “And this is where it ends. This little memory of yours. They get carted off and disappear for months. Your friends, if you should you still call them that. They’re separated from each other and can’t see each other. And the second one steps out of line-” He motioned a finger across his neck. “You know what happens. I mean, that’s why you kill Quin later right?” Gant said, pulling out a curved sword.

“So, Ryo I was always curious. Why those two? I mean, I can still hear them calling out for you. You had enough skill to take out this crew, free them and the three of you could’ve taken me. And I understand why you didn’t.” Ryo felt his face become aflame with pain and Gant threw a right hook across his face. Ryo bounced off the hard stone ground. “And so do you, so say it.”
“Because, I was afraid.”
Gant laughed. “Afraid? Certainly not of me? Or those chumps that jumped yer friends.”
“No, not of dying. Scared of what would happen to our friendship.”
“How unsurprisingly, selfish.” Gant mocked, stomping a foot onto Ryo. “Still gotta know. What’s about those two? What about them made you start down this rabbit hole of self righteousness?”

Ryo still didn’t know, what was it about Piera and Lee? What did they do that made him act the way he had, that set him down this road in the first place. “I don’t know.”
“Wrong answer!” Gant excitedly yelled out, as he took a swipe at Ryo. Ryo rolled out of the way, and up to his feet. And quickly deflected Gant's attack, before following up with his own attack driving his blade deep across Gant's torso.

»Combat | ID:240152 | BD: 3+3=6 [Hit!!] | MD: 7  Dead
»ST-1 used | Base 18 * 12 = 216 Damage | 216 - 5 Enemy Mitigation = 213 total damage.
»ST-1 Used | -12 Energy | Katana Stamina -2 Energy Usage | -10 Energy Total

Gant, the Second Demon | HP: 0/206 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 5 |

<quest link>

Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 81/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 [TIER LOCK] PARTY STATS Spoiler Ryo | HP: 625/625 | EN: 91/91 | DMG: 18 | MIT:91 | ACC:3 | BH:21 | REC: 3 | LD:2 THREAD INFO Spoiler equipped »Gin Kin (+9 DMG) »Fierce Deities Coat (+36 MIT, +3EN Recovery) »Accuracy Charm (+3 Accuracy) battle-ready inventory » » » » » skills »Katana R5 (+7 DMG) »Heavy Armor R5 (+40 MIT, -5 Stealth) »Battle Healing R3 (18 healing per turn) »Searching R2 (+2 LD, +2 Stealth Detection) » extra skills »Survival (Healing effects 10% more, immune to environmental effects) »Leadership R1 (Grants access to Leadership Arts, takes 2 Extra Slots) »Leadership R1 » » addons »[Katana] Focus (Minor Crit on BD 8, reduce DoT threshold by 1) »[Katana] Stamina (-2 EN) »[Heavy Armor] Iron Skin (+15 MIT, +45 HP) mods »Impetus (+1 DMG) »Emergency Recovery (Heal 62 when brought below 156 | Once per thread | 10EN) »Night Vision (No penalties from low light/darkness) buffs » Yui's Grace Used (+ 600% EXP for this thread) » Dining Room: "Tasty" - Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread. » Basic Kitchen: "Filling" - Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.(Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.) » Living Room: "Relaxed" - Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.

Edited January 13 by Ryo