Kiru

ph 

PH ID: 243502    LD, 3

After I pulled the dagger from Yue Hua's ribs, she seemed stunned for a moment- possibly shocked? I was shocked by my own ability to land a hit on the first go. The past couple of duels had not gone exactly in my favor due to one thing or another- mostly a mental blockage I put upon myself. Perhaps what was helping me this time was the scenery. She went to shove me back, and I accepted it in order to create distance between the two of us. I was fully comfortable being on the defensive end as long as it was face-to-face. My opponent then rushed at me, which I stepped back from. As she swung past me, I cut a long line into her back with my dagger. 

Come on...I thought to myself, and smirked slightly. This felt good. 

ph 

The architecture was magnificently breathtaking. I did not find myself in awe of much, especially recently but this? I was filled with a child-like sense of wonder upon arriving to the arena. This tournament had begun to feel more like a task rather than an opportunity recently, but the view up here almost made me forget about it. There were guardians around the entire place- which made a lot of sense. Although it no one built this, it was a video game, it seemed like no matter what it was at risk to be ruined by humans. Thus, the guards were to protect the carefully artificially curated structures that scream perfection. With this perfection came a chorus of instruments. I felt myself shiver with excitement at the prospect being in such a place. If this were the real world it might have been enough to make me smile or take a picture. Then, Kindling began their announcement. They introduced my opponent first, whose name was Yue-Hua. My gaze shifted from the beauty of the arena over to her. I had not heard her name or seen her before in my life within this game. Hmmmm, I softly smiled at her across the arena, remembering to be polite. Last week's battle was... interesting. Nonetheless, Kindling spoke as if they knew me. It still was strange to think about other people being able to recall who I was, as evidenced by the cheering and booing after my introduction. 

ID:243016, LD 6 

I equipped my dagger and turned it over in my fingers with a small smirk. There was no stupid ass creature trying to mess with me this week- I had to take this chance while I had it. The other woman bowed her head, and I took that as my mark to make my move. I shot forward and dug my small blade into her rib before pulling it out. 

ID: 243017, BD 7+2ACC -3EVA = 6*8=48-18 = 30DMG

Main Action -> STI -8 EN

Kiru | HP: 200/200 | EN: 30/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:30 | ACC:2 | EVA:1

Yue-Hua | 170/200 | EN: 38/38 | DMG: 9 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 | KEEN: 2

ph @Koga

ID: 242794, LD 1, CD 4 +1 Madness 

This arena was different. Overall the vibe was exclusive in the arena, given that I could barely see ahead of me. A couple of years ago, this place might have made me nervous- but now it excited me. This tournament was a test to myself and others in a way. This week's match did not have an audience, and my performance was not being watched. The seclusion of the arena made someone line me even more dangerous- stealth was something I used to pride myself in. A small exhale escaped my mouth as Minako began their announcement, "what's wrong with them?" 

Then, something appeared from the sky. It was disgusting. Suddenly, a voice tore through my head. I flinched, but realized the voice was the reason Minako was acting strange and probably why there was no audience. It affected me in a peculiar way. I was trying so hard to remove the voice from inside of my head that by the time I snapped out of it, the creature was gone, as well as Minako and her assistant. I put myself in as much of a defensive position as possible.  

Although I considered myself to be a confident person, I felt slightly embarrassed to even be participating in this event. On top of that, making a fool of myself on the sand was not helping me either. Last week’s battle was tumultuous, however victory was secured very suddenly. It gave me slight confidence, but otherwise nothing was gained from that interaction.  

“Shit,” I muttered under my breath after I managed to scrape my opponent. I left myself vulnerable for his counter. Before I could think of parrying, his knee connected with my chest. I let out a small exhale out of sheer surprise for his quickness. Almost instantly I felt another sensation tear through my chest. It was painful, for sure- but not the worst. At this point in my time here I barely flinched at such brash frontal attacks anymore. My opponent then materialized behind me and finished his move by forcing his blade in my back. I stiffened as he pushed me forward, “no need to stroke my ego- trust me, it’s already big enough.” 

My grip tightened on my dagger as he spoke, “maybe we should slow it down…” My gaze lowered as I concentrated on the sand below me. I spun around then, and in one motion I closed the gap between us and launched my dagger into his chest. “I like a man who takes his time.” Taunting him, I yanked the small blade from his chest and pushed him back with a smirk and an invitation to strike again.
 

ID: 241969, LD 18 [Win!] 

ID: 241667, LD 11 Kiru goes first 

ID: BD 2 [-1 EVA +2 ACC = 6, Hit] (6*10=60-42= 18DMG)  CD 2 [trap triggered]

Kiru | HP: 180/200 | EN: 38/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:36 | ACC:2 | EVA:3

Oscar | HP: 182/200 | EN: 40/40 | DMG: 10 | MIT:42 | ACC:2 | EVA:1

The thought of sand made my eyebrow twitch out of frustration. I was aware of the location where this third battle would be held, and truly I was not impressed. This was my own gripe, however I could not fathom how I was going to navigate this sand in a battle. Even so, I was trying to get over the mental block of using the sand as an excuse to lose. I lost the first week, and the second week was not that much better. This tournament was deep down something I needed to prove I can still stand with giants- but alas, it has twisted into some form of humiliation. I glanced at the hosts, Minako and Kindling. They seem like they’re into that kind of thing…

I sighed heavily and marched across the sand. I dug my heel into the soft terrain and gave my opponent a quite unhappy stare. I tossed my hair over my shoulders, grabbed my dagger and charged forth. On my second step, I felt the ground give way and damage my foot. Determined, I pushed through and managed to scrape my opponent, Oscar. 

It seemed as though my actions were all for naught- nothing was landing! I allowed an extremely frustrated sigh to leave me, but it came out more like a grumble. I was usually pretty level-headed these days, but this battle was doing something to my self-esteem I couldn't quite place. I looked over at my partner, who seemed to be holding her own. While I was missing every attack, she seemed to be landing some while taunting my target, Lessa. Though she was speaking towards Lessa, she kept placing attacks on the other woman I did not know. 

I swiped my bangs from my eyes with determination. I launched forward once again. There was zero confidence behind this swing- I was too blinded by my emotions to concentrate hard enough on an attack. A swing... and a miss! 

ID: 241643 BD 2

In this moment I realized I had not truly fought someone who was labelled as a support. The concept went over my head oftentimes due to the amount in which they left themselves vulnerable. I understood that on certain teams it was standard for the support players to be protected at all times, however it is never guaranteed they are safe. I wondered how someone could put that much trust in their teammates. Could I trust someone like that? Hmmm

I turned the blade over in my hand again. I let out a frustrated sigh and began another attack against Lessa. I truly was not trying to bully her, but our strategy thus far has been to separate the two. I glanced at Night. She seemed to be holding her own. The two of us might hold similar beliefs, but I felt a little bit bad I had not purchased any support items. I shook my head and once again pressed forward towards Lessa. She was out in the open, and using a support method for her teammate. Perfect! I swung... and missed, again! This was going to be a long battle. 

241634    BD: 2 [Miss] 

Almost suddenly, the match begun. Whatever interactions I was having with Night were halted- interrupted, by our green-haired opponent as she took the first strike against my partner. The tactic seemed rushed, but I was glad it was not directed towards me. I was quick, but not that quick. I shifted my gaze to my other opponent, Lessa. I smirked, recalling that I knew of Lessa but never truly interacted with her. Much like me, she had been around for awhile, "nice to finally meet your acquaintance" I shot forward towards Lessa. The dagger felt like a different weight in my hand, and unlike my previous battle, it was not a comfortable grab for me. Something was off, yet I pushed forward. I tried to hit Lessa in the arm to start, but missed completely. I hopped back a little ways away from Lessa and prepared for the defense. 

ID: 241542, BD 2 [Miss] 

“Huh? Why are we in a church?” I opened my invitation to double-check the address- and it was correct. The Grand Cathedral in Taft was where I was supposed to be. “Taft, huh…” The Eleventh floor held some weird memories for me, but I pushed them aside and walked in with confidence. Though I lost week one against Katoka, I wasn’t nervous for this one. It was a doubles fight, and now I got a feel for combat. Still, I had not met with my partner yet. 

I looked down at my dress. I chose to wear the St. Valentine’s dress that Ariel had made me some time ago because I felt it matched the occasion. Plus, this was technically a date. Upon entering I noticed Night was near our round table with an outstretched hand. I held her hand delicately and met her gaze with a soft smile. Night seemed focused- and I was too, however I might as well enjoy my time here. I did not take a seat and instead grabbed a piece of sushi off the table. 

“I’ve been solo for quite awhile, and honestly all I care about is damage. I’m good with up close combat, too” I considered whether or not Night knew of me, but I doubted it. It was hard to judge someone’s combat skills based on how they acted, but I could tell Night was not here to mess around. “Let’s separate them” I picked up another piece of sushi, this time with chopsticks and held it out towards Night playfully, “you want a bite?” 

+ Sushi: Each member of your team ignores the first negative status ailment that afflicts them.

241402; LD 10

"Perhaps this is so," I turned over my blade once again and prepared for Katoka's attack. It seemed she realized this was not a deadly fight after my second hit. I had been so close to death that I had accepted my fate many times; the prospect of dying itself was not that unnatural. However, dying in this fight was not even a consideration due to the rules. Would I have joined if this was to the death? That would be a flashy and stupid way to go out." She disappeared again, "You're like a little glow stick. Someone cracks you open and you light up, how fun" I teased, though not really knowing how her sword arts actually worked. Katoka then threw something at my feet when I was expecting a frontal blow. I waved my hand in front of my face to clear it, but it was messing with my vision and lungs. I coughed once and felt a sharp pain radiate through my back. I coughed again, expecting blood. I attempted to parry and hit her while she was close, but couldn't move. 

I snicked, "That wasn't very nice of you." I knew this match would be over soon. Whoever landed this last hit would surely win due to the back and forth of it all. 

Main Action: None
Swift Action: None

ID#: 240993 | Stunned 

Katoka | HP: 48/200 | EN: 36/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:30 | ACC:3 | EVA:1 | BH:6 | REC: 2 | FLN: 4 | HLY: 4
Kiru | HP: 6/200 | EN: 19/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:36 | ACC:2 | EVA:3 [Stunned] 

I stared across at Katoka for a brief moment, then the crowd. There were a lot of people watching. It made me wonder if anyone I knew was there. I’d like to think that somewhere I had something supporting me, but no evidence gave me that impression. Especially since I had distanced myself long ago, it was probably that case there wasn’t anyone here for me. Strange enough, I wasn’t bothered by it. The overall exhilaration of combat was coursing throughout my body. I returned my gaze back to Katoka when she started towards me. This time wasn't as quick as before. She swung, and missed me, sailing past me. I switched my dagger into my other hand and dug it into her shoulder blade. I yanked it out and retreated backwards to try and avoid another quick attack from her. Don't get ahead of yourself here...I reminded myself, though still feeling animated from the fight so far.
 

Main Action: [x11] ST-II (11 EN)

Swift Action: None

ID: 240974    10+12 (12x11=132-30=102 DMG) 

Katoka | HP: 48/200 | EN: 36/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:30 | ACC:3 | EVA:1 | BH:6 | REC: 2 | FLN: 4 | HLY: 4
Kiru | HP: 124/200 | EN: 19/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:36 | ACC:2 | EVA:3

Katoka shared a similar sentiment and kept the greeting brief. She found her place directly across from me. Much like others I had fought in the past, this woman had something flashy going on with her weaponry and overall guise. Goddamn. I’m like…ancient I thought, watching the heat around Katoka’s body change color. In the same instance, she was gone. 

My muscles tensed quite a bit, but I remained alert. I was completely aware of the fact that I was out of my element here, given the fact I hadn’t so much as killed a boar in a long time. It was difficult, but I shifted my foot slightly to reset myself mentally. It wasn’t enough though. Katoka was suddenly in front of me now. Before I could react or possibly evade her blow she ripped through half of my body. Suddenly, I thought of the last time I was cut open like this. “Shit” I whispered and bit my lip. Who knew if the damage to my body was real, it sure as hell felt like it. Before this match, I worried I would feel fear upon the first strike. However, right now I feel exhilarated. Katoka lept back, and as she did I flipped my dagger above my hand, caught it, and dove straight for her chest. The placement was perfect, but the impact was not what I was hoping for. Regardless, I set myself back defensively for her next attack. 
 

Main Action: [x8] ST-I : -8 EN
Swift Action: None

ID: 240963 (BD 10+2 (12x8=96-30=66 DMG))  

Katoka | HP: 144/200 | EN: 35/43 (43-8) | DMG: 10 | MIT:30 | ACC:3 | EVA:1 | BH:6 | REC: 2 | FLN: 4 | HLY: 4
KIRU | HP: 124/200 | EN: 38/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:36 | ACC:2 | EVA:3 (200-76)

Alkor’s stature made sense, given it had been a long time. I knew nothing about this person that stood in front of me now offering me an acknowledging nod. He then did the same greeting to Baldur then, which filled me with an immense sense of relief. There was something almost stoic about how they interacted. It did not raise alarms in my head, but was familiar. I recalled exchanging a similar look with Oikawa the last time I saw him; the overall tone of unfinished business lingered. 

All I could do was watch their interaction and test the waters of how truthful they were being. Baldur cut this slight tension by explaining I had not known Alkor was still alive and did not trust him. I bit my lip and stared at my shoes. 

I looked at Baldur, "I hope you do not take this personally, I have been hunted for a long time now by people I don't know- it's hard to look forward when you spend your days checking over your shoulders."   

“Yeah,” was what I managed to say. I crossed my arms over my chest and looked up at the two of them. “Alkor… I thought you died in that raid. It was all over so quickly and…” 

“And I honestly felt like I failed everyone- especially you. Then Zel forced me to lead another raid with him. That was my last one.” 

KIRU | HP: 200/200 | EN: 38/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:36 | ACC:2 | EVA:3

“What the fuck am I even doing here?” I said quietly. I turned slightly and scanned the small area for an exit, but there didn’t seem to be one. I had heard about this tournament through the grapevine somehow, and by some lapse of judgement I signed up. The concept of a tournament like this would have intrigued me some time ago- I would have been thrilled! I imagine the entire Azure team would have had a monopoly on an event like this. But now? Now I felt slightly out of place. My own insecurities from being away from combat for long were bubbling up to the surface of my consciousness. What if people think I am trying to relive my glory days? I cringed at the thought. However, deep down I felt I had something to prove. 

The door opened out to the sad excuse of an area located adjacently to the City of Beginners. It was not grand, but it was just enough. Somehow it was slightly comforting. It reminded me of a simpler time before we were dead set on advancing to Floor 100. I took a small breath in, and walked out into the Amphitheater as my name was introduced. I could not quite tell if the cheering was for me or my opponent, but it was enough to pump my adrenaline thankfully. 

I made my way over to my opponent, Katoka. Her nature immediately reminded me of the other women on the frontline, and probably what I was like. “Right. I bet they’re all expecting some big show.” I said with a sigh and looked around the area. With her last remark I simply nodded to acknowledge the comment. Hopefully she did not perceive it as rude, or in the actual case: as nervousness and the desire to prove something. I took a step back and defensively unsheathed my dagger. It felt good in my hands- “it’s been too long,” I smirked. 

240805 LD 6 

Spending -6 SP on Weapon Skills for Banshee Shiv to be Rank 3 + (6DMG?) 

Spending -10 SP of Rank 3 + enhancement for Light Armor - Rank 3

[Rank 3 Cloth Armor Mod] Athletics +18 MIT
- 4 SP
Effect: Gain +1 base Damage.

-13 SP to Rank 3 Grandmaster EVA  (Combat Mastery)

-23 SP overall

Signing up :-) 

After Baldur raised from his seat he put his weapons fully away. The small gesture made me feel only a little bit more at ease, but nonetheless eased. He did not seem much older than me, but he looked as though he had lived twice as many lives as I did. Something about him was worn. I took the lead from Baldur, but not too far ahead. Regardless of the outcome with Baldur and Alkor, my ego would not let me cower in the face of fear.

“I did not know him that well, either,” I said. I weighed the words in my head and considered asking Baldur a question or two, but our destination was not that far. We did not walk that far before I began to see a figure alone at the entrance of the fields. I glanced back at Baldur as we approached Alkor. Is this really okay? I breathed out through my nose- an anxious habit I picked up over the years. I was sure it was Alkor, even though I couldn’t see his face. Once again it was like a memory in the distance that I couldn’t place. It's really him...this could mean Keith is alive too. From the way he was standing, Alkor had changed- sullen somehow. I hadn’t considered myself an affectionate person, yet I felt a lingering desire to hug Alkor. This feeling was leftover from a long time ago, yet I still felt protective over him. 

"Long time no see" I said to Alkor. 
 

Current Level: 20
Current SP: 56
Link to SP Tracking: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NzAF6baj9-sOt7xq7SJJ0HeFcPKT2nBvjz8Pv70GPX8/edit?gid=0#gid=0
Item Upgrades: 

Baldur raised an eyebrow at my explanation of my time in the Azure guild. It was nonthreatening, coupled with a sigh that seemed exhaustive and pensive to me. A message then appeared on my HUD from Alkor. That was quick, I thought. I was not sure what I was expecting, given I thought he was dead from the boss raid. I was used to the concept of people answering my messages rather quickly, but I could not remember the last time I messaged someone. I avoided the urge to sift through my old messages and read Alkor’s instead while Baldur spoke about Oikawa’s involvement. 

“Is that right” I firmly with no room for emotion in either regard. Oikawa was enigmatic to me at the moment. There were feelings of deep, deep hatred that festered within me over the years. However, there was also a deep admiration and love that I could not understand. Either way, he was also missing from Baldur’s peripheral, so a question mark he would remain. I felt my eyebrow twitch slightly, “kindly relay that he would benefit from avoiding me” 

I massaged my eyebrow’s twitch and lowered my other hand from its defensive positioning. “Alkor would like to meet at the High Fields of Crossing soon” I was trying not to seem visibly annoyed, but this conversation was getting stickier by the minute. Additionally, Alkor was having me change locations. There was still a chance that this was a trap. Maybe Alkor is pissed at me about leading him to his death? I considered the possibility that Alkor and Baldur were both pissed at me- would my time come to an end from two ex-Azure members? Now that would be ironic.