Ariel - The Crowned Lion

Despite having an improvised scented mask the blonde would still hold her hand over her nose and mouth, trying to breath the minimum possible while walking past the sewers section where the scouting party found the floor boss entrance. Walking through the massive steel covered doors, the air seemed more agreeable as she got closer to the group of players forming at the entrance. It seems she was between the last to show up as she could already distinguish the different groups that were going to step forward. "Here we go again." she muttered as she tossed her mask to the side.
She'd stop next to Oscar, their designated tank and offer a small wave and a smile. Taking several of the offered feasts she'd use some of her own while inviting their tank and night to a party. As other would come, she would send them invites too. "Let's see how this goes!" she continued to mutter to no one in particular.

HP: 943/943 | EN: 100/100 | DMG: 33 (+8) | MIT: 0 | AA | ACC: 5(7) | EVA: 3 | +51 BH | +40 BH | +10 LD | Fallen (1) | Keen (2) | Risky (2) | ST Specialist

Ariel takes a ration of the ACC, EVA and OH Feasts from Oscar, one from Raidou's [Four Course Meal: Gourmet Wine] Loot Dice +3 Feast [1/6] +   [Four Course Meal: Beef Wellington] Protein +2 [1/6] and uses 2 potions of her own.

Lvl 31 +55 Paragon

Skill(s) Being Dropped: Curved Swords rank 1
Mod(s)/Addon(s) Being Dropped: none
SP Incurred Towards Limit: 4
SP Refunded: 4
Cost: 4000

"I got this!" replied the blonde with a smile as she was in the middle of preparing her next attack. The two moving next to each other gave the blonde the opening she needed as the mimic focused its attention on them and has seemed to forget about her. " Big mistake. " she muttered as after piercing the mob from behind, her dark blade poking through what seemed like it's chest. A dark flame flickered from her weapon's tip then enveloped the mob entirely. The pixelated death animation was replaced by one in which her target was flailing while burning alive before vanishing completely. The cursed katana seemed to had its share of game for now as soon afterwards, its flames extinguished and it reverted back to looking like a normal weapon. 

Soon after the blonde sheathed her weapon and went next to the two to ensure they were all right but a quick glance dispelled her worries as all of their HP bars were full. After she finished picking up the loot the hole in the wall left by the mob started expanding as it revealed a strange mirror like item that started glowing. It didn't give the players much time to react as their vision turned white and a few seconds after, they found themselves back in the floor's main settlement. A congratulation message pop-up and listed their rewards for clearing the dungeon.

ID# 201572 BD: 6 (4 +5 -3, hit) CD: 12 | ST-I | x15 (29) =435 -160 MIT =275 DMG > ≪Treasure Room Mimic≫

Fallen proc.
Keen proc.
Meikyo Shisui proc. ->  [ II  B ] charges stored
-13 EN (-14 +1) 

Hirru  | 896/896 HP | 73/112 EN (+4-11) | 24 DMG | 182 MIT | 6 ACC | 1 EVA | 9 LD | 40 THRN | 1 PAR | 32/4 ENVM | TRL BLD (Paralyzed)
Freyd | HP: 1058/1058 | EN: 105/126 (105+4+8-12) | DMG: 29 | MIT: 98 | EVA: 5 | ACC: 7 | BH: 57 | LD: 8 (+1 loot) | PROSP 3 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | TXV 32/3 | REC: 8
Ariel   | HP: 918/918 | EN: 57/100 | [ II  B - ] | DMG: 29 (+8) | MIT: 0 | AA | ACC: 3(5) | EVA: 5 | +49 BH | +8 LD (+1 loot) | Prosp. (3) | Fallen (1) | Keen (2) | TXV 24/3 | ST Specialist

[2/2/1] ≪Treasure Room Mimic≫ | HP: 182/2000 | DMG: 360 | MIT: 160 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 | Envenomed 32 3/4 | Stun Imm 0/3 | TXV 32 (0/3) (932-750

------Thread END------

Rewards: 

8356 words /30 = 278*5 = 1390 multiplier
8356 words /300 = 27 seeds
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U6Opa4TfRFRTNwQ0yj2xYYPUM9Ka-NEB3U0ebsDzPkc/edit?usp=sharing

Ariel

Col: 45000 +15400 +16000 +10000 +1600*20 +4000 = 122400 +3151 (15% XP) =125551 +37665 (30% event) =163216 
EXP: 5000 + 1390*9 = 17510 *1.20 (event) = 21012 XP
Material: 6 +42 +24(50% event) = 72
Unlocked <<Forgotten King's Authority>> Extra Skill

Hirru

Col: 2100 +10000 +400 +1600*20 +3000 =47500 +2401(15% XP) =49901 +14970 (30% event) =64871 
EXP: 5000 +1390*6 = 13340 *1.20(event) = 16008 xp
Materials: 4 +42 +10 +28(50% event) = 84 
Unlocked <<Forgotten King's Authority>> Extra Skill
Tag 1 #201576  CD: 11 (+5% party exp)

Freyd

Col: 5400 +2520 +4200 +1600*20 +3000 =47120 +2502(15% XP) =49622 +14886(30% event) =64508
EXP: 1390*10 *1.20(event) = 16680 xp
Materials: 16 +42 +29(50% event) = 87
2 gleaming scales

She barely had time to brush over the loot they received when the second mob was sent back to its source (code) by her jaded companion. "Nice one" she added as the wal started crumbling. It was only later that she realized that was because it was coming to life, she could only stare at it in mild amazement as the mob took form. "EH?" she claimed as she recovered as soon as she noticed Freyd going for the kill. "Beats me!" she then replied as she prepared for an attack herself. "For now let's turn it back to rubble before it collapses this place on us." probably the least of their worries but the blonde would take no chances of them being buried alive. A silly fear, I know, considering the other more horrible ways one's life can end in this pixelated world. 

Nonetheless, she steeled her nerves and grabbed hold of her weapon once more. The katana responded to her will, once more the two seeking a common goal, and released a dark blue-ish flame as Ariel charged at new opponent and performed a wide vertical slash, from bottom to top. As she left a deep cutting mark with residual flames along the wound, she was pleased to see that her one attack clipped off quarter of it's HP bar.

ID# 201430 BD: 8 (6 +5 -3 +1 -1, hit) CD: 6 | ST-II | x18 (29 +5 +8) =756 -160 MIT =596 DMG > ≪Treasure Room Mimic≫

Fallen proc.
Keen proc.
-16 EN (-17 +1) 

If at first you can't successes, try to cut them again. And that is exactly what Ariel did as she brushed off the earlier failure and went for a second attempt at the failed miners. She took some comfort in knowing that she wasn't alone in having missed their chance to attack from the shadows. Blade in hand, their taunts fell on deaf ears as she once again engaged the two humanoid mobs. Dead set in finishing one of them.

"You won't need treasure where you're going." replied the blonde, after finishing off the more bossier of the two. The other one grabbed tightly onto its pickaxe but one could see in its eyes that it completely lost the will to resist at the sight of it's partner's explosive death animation. "Well, are you going to use that?" asked the blonde, while casually pointing with the flaming tip of her katana at the mob's weapon.

ID# 201126 BD: 6 (4 +3 -1, hit) CD: 7 | ST-I | x15 (29) =435 -120 MIT =315 DMG > ≪Crazed Prospector#1≫
Keen proc.
Meikyo Shisui proc. ->  [ II ] charge stored
-11 EN (-12 +1)

 Hirru  | 896/896 HP | 87/112 EN | 24 DMG | 182 MIT | 6 ACC | 1 EVA | 9 LD | 40 THRN | 1 PAR | 32/4 ENVM | TRL BLD
 Freyd | HP: 1058/1058 | EN: 95/126 | DMG: 29 | MIT: 98 | EVA: 5 (-1) | ACC: 7 | BH: 57 | LD: 8 (+1 loot) | PROSP 3 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | TXV 32/3 | REC: 8
 Ariel   | HP: 918/918 | EN: 87/100 | [ II - - ] | DMG: 29 (+8) | MIT: 0 | AA | ACC: 3(5) | EVA: 5 | +49 BH | +8 LD (+1 loot) | Prosp. (3) | Fallen (1) | Keen (2) | TXV 24/3 | ST Specialist

Wave #2
(0/1/0) ≪Crazed Prospector#1≫ | HP: 265/700 | DMG: 280 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1
(0/1/0) ≪Crazed Prospector#2≫ | HP: 25/700 | DMG: 280 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1

@personal rant intro
One by one, more players arrived at the designated location. Ariel would do her best to welcome them with a smile and direct them towards the interior, making a conscious effort to ignoring the fact that the majority didn't take their shoes off at the entrance. She blamed herself for not instructing her students to remind their guests of this specific custom beforehand. She eyed Maugre from the 'welcoming committee', who looked at her with a worried expression as if he read her mind. He experience first hand the blonde's wrath when he first entered the dojo with his muddy boots. She offered him a smile and raised her index at her lips. They had more important matters to discuss.

@Baldur
While she offered to host the 'event' she didn't mean to directly take lead of it. The conversation, spearheaded by NIGHT, started on the subject of the cannons followed by Balsur's concern on the raid attendance. Followed by the topic of team formations and pooling resources to prepare all participants to the fight. While not the topics she wanted to linger on too much, the blonde listened to everyone's words and took mental notes on how she could contribute. She moved close to Baldur and pointed next to the role in his list, talking in a low tone with the fellow samurai just enough so he could hear her but not disturb the rest. "I'm afraid I can't tank anymore, following the update I decided to return to my roots and min-max my dps. I wield a katana now, so I'll have to ask you back for the weapon I gave you for safekeeping." She said with a smile, as she continued to listen to the conversation.
 

As Freyd presented Firm Anima's roster for the raid, she instinctively let out a surprised "Oh!" and slowly clapped, as she heard the names, personally knowing only two of them. A gesture that mostly didn't get noticed by the rest.

The arrival of a certain white haired latecomer seemed to affect a number of the players present. The point she made was meet with a nod from the blonde, despite not liking the accusatory feeling she perceived from her tone. While acquainted with her, Ariel was oblivious with the reason people reacted that way. Seems something happened with the 23rd raid, one she didn't participate in. From this point on things slightly degenerated onto worse.

@Zandra
Ariel wanted to intervene and meditate what she felt to be an impending argument to the one on the last meeting but didn't manage to react in time as Zandra used her familiar to try to get everyone's attention. While her concerns were valid and her heart in the right place, the blonde didn't like with how this meeting was evolving. Accusations started being thrown and voices raised, disturbing the amiable atmosphere they started in. As Baldur spoke, she took opportunity to get close to the dragoness and gently put her hand on her shoulder, giving it a small squeeze as she spoke: " Please have a sit, I appreciate the intention to re-center the discussion but I'm afraid that with this many people, this type of action will only serve as fuel for more unrest. "

@Freyd

She watched Freyd walk away and made a few hurried steps towards him in an attempt to catch up. "Please stay until the end, I'm not sure what got you riled up like this but you are the the only representative from Firm Anima. I would like to ask you to stay even if it's only to observe and take notes, then pass on whatever you deem relevant to Raidou. If he isn't here, so I'm sure that whatever info you can give him from this meeting will help him better organize your group." she spoke softly, so that only he could hear; almost pleading as she tried to switch his focus from his heart to reason. 

@ALL
Then she would turn back at the current topic. She would step forward and clap a few times. " Can I get everyone's attention for a second! " she claimed, cutting off any that wanted to interject after NIGHT.
She retrieved her cup of tea, took a sip of the delicious green tea prepared and set it back down, before continuing: " Baldur is on the right track, I believe we need a well-defined structure to these meetings and the time leading up to the raid itself. Instead of inviting a bunch of people that collectively throw in their two cents, potentially starting an unrelated argument like last meeting or wasting time coming up with an infinite amount of possibilities.
I kept quiet so far because I wanted to see if we learned something but I'm afraid that If I stayed quiet a little longer, either the meeting would've come to an abrupt end with little results for the raid party or it would've degenerated into an argument and speculations that would also not serve the raid."

Then a visible change came across her face as she seemed to have realized something. This was the topic she should've started this meeting with. Biting her lower lip, Ariel then bowed deeply before everyone present with her eyes closed, as she continued her voice softened: " I apologize for failing as a host and not clearly stating my intentions from the start. I know many would like to end the meeting here but If everyone is okay with it, I would like to start over. I want to construct on Baldur's words and propose a different way to conduct these gatherings and possibly the floor boss fight." She cleared her throat and straightened up, waiting for a a bit to see their response.

(much to write so I'll make another post with the rest in 24h-ish)

Before the blonde could even raise the question of passing by the mobs, they disappeared in a flash of sword arts lights. She discarded the though and nodded at the two gentlemen that cleared the way for her. "I'll take you up on that offer!" she replied to Freyd a little enthusiastically. She had researched about the various ways to obtain the new crafting consumables and by far the easiest way, in her opinion, was to acquire them via trade. She took lead while the two were recovering from the post-action delay and scouted ahead. Raising her palm first then two fingers vertically so they could see her signal, then pointing them forwards as small chatter could be heard ahead.

A few more steps ahead the source of the voices quickly reveals itself. "We hit the motherload!" claimed one of them in bliss while greedily rubbing his palms together. "Just a few more swings and we can breach in the treasure room!" replied the other, while swinging his pickaxe overhead then striking the stone wall in front of him. The two NPCs were a dark colored attire, each with a headlamp that pointed towards a dead-end in front of them. Red cursor above their heads, the blonde closed her hand into a fist and then brought it close to the hilt of her weapon. A long breath while she adjusted her posture was the only warning she gave before dashing towards the closest miner. Unfortunately, the debris on the floor next to the miners served two purposes: in her dash, Ariel kicked several pebbles that alerted the lazy npc and right before she was about to draw her katana she lost her footing. By the time she pulled her weapon out of it's sheath and made a wide horizontal slash in front of her, the mob was already alert and was able to dodge her attacks. The two players behind could hear a soft curse escaping her lips.

ID# 200062 BD: 5 (2 +3 +1 -1, miss)
-2 EN 

 Hirru  | 896/896 HP | 85/112 EN | 24 DMG | 182 MIT | 6 ACC | 1 EVA | 9 LD | 40 THRN | 1 PAR | 32/4 ENVM | TRL BLD
 Freyd | HP: 1058/1058 | EN: 113/126 (126-13) | DMG: 29 | MIT: 98 | EVA: 5 | ACC: 7 | BH: 57 | LD: 8 (+1 loot) | PROSP 3 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | TXV 32/3 | REC: 8
 Ariel   | HP: 918/918 | EN: 98/100 | [ - - - ] | DMG: 29 (+8) | MIT: 0 | AA | ACC: 3(5) | EVA: 5 | +49 BH | +8 LD (+1 loot) | Prosp. (3) | Fallen (1) | Keen (2) | TXV 24/3 | ST Specialist

Wave #2
(0/0/0) ≪Crazed Prospector#1≫ | HP: 700/700 | DMG: 280 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1
(0/0/0) ≪Crazed Prospector#2≫ | HP: 700/700 | DMG: 280 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1

With a few nodes and a 'mm-hm!' as a positive reply, she took their words at face value and continued forward in their, so far, uneventful trek to through the dungeon. A slight hum confirmed that she now had full energy once more, the blonde let out a crisp '"Ready!" before anything else. When confronted with Freyd's gratitude, she lightly wave her hand dismissively in front of her with a somewhat troubled expression while not rejecting it entirely. "I for one can't wait to get my hands on some of the new drops, I've only caught gleaming scales but I need to other one too in order to get some gear upgrades." she looked before them, slightly squinting her eyes. 

"Maybe if we make enough noise we might bump into ≪The Watcher≫ mini boss on this floor, I've been told that it's drop is really good." she added as she slightly got more serious. Rumbling stone noises could be heard nearby, her dominant hand instinctively reaching at her weapon's hilt while her overall posture lowered as well. A simple sound triggered the blonde to change from a casual attitude to her scouting mode.
Soon enough they were greeted by a handful of ≪Rock Golems≫ which didn't attack them off the bat but were doing... something that the blonde only saw it as 'chilling'.

3/3 EN full

To Hirru's question, the blonde crossed her hands and closed her eyes as her brows furrowed in thought. She remembered farming a few of them before the update and... purchasing the rest? or at least that was the faint memory she managed to pull. Walking inside someone's shop for the usual consumables then noticing maps on display as well. "I think I bought it from another player? she asked herself more than anyone in particular. I remember getting drops on floor 10 but since they're all the same now I can't tell you for sure." she added, her posture changing again as she looked around. 

She was motivated to see where these stairs lead to. Having done dungeons before but none after the recent updates she was interested to see what they had to offer, both in therms of challenge and rewards. "Did any of you finish a dungeon after the last floor boss fight? I'm tingling all over to see what's changed." Ariel asked, alternating her gaze from one to the other.

Ariel | HP: 918/918 | EN: 64/100 (+4) | [ - - - ] | DMG: 29 (+8) | MIT: 0 | AA | ACC: 3(5) | EVA: 5 | +39 HB | +49 BH | +8 LD (+1 loot) | Prosp. (3) | Fallen (1) | Keen (2) | TXV 24/3 | ST Specialist

EN 2/3

With her right hand slightly raised, she lightly shock it: "Unfortunately, they're not for sale. I have plans on using them sometime soon but you're welcome to tag along when I do, if you want." The dungeons that the maps lead to were, in her vision, controlled environment where she could practice using her custom skill. Some entrances were located in the residence's valley, literally in her backyard. A quick glance at the team's status made it painfully obvious what the cost of of her newfound skill was. Her energy bar already at half while the rest we're well enough to start a second fight. " I'm gonna need a moment here. " she said a little dejected but as soon as the subject of maps transitioned to using one here, she retrieved one from her inventory and held the talisman between her index and pointer. Before using it, she nodded at Freyd's statement on the possibility of having more than one dungeon present here.

Her eyes briefly glowed green as she used her ≪Searching≫ skill to scout their environment. This time focusing on any nooks and crannies rather than on hidden traps or mobs. Her brows furrowed in slight annoyance as she didn't see any hint of an entrance no matter how she swiveled her head around their surrounding. "Guess I'll have to use this..." she muttered. The next moment, the treasure map talisman burned between her fingers and somewhere, the sound of rocks shifting could be heard.

ID# 199230  LD: 1 +11 (NO Dungeon found!)

Ariel | HP: 918/918 | EN: 60/100 (+4) | [ - - - ] | DMG: 29 (+8) | MIT: 0 | AA | ACC: 3(5) | EVA: 5 | +39 HB | +49 BH | +8 LD (+1 loot) | Prosp. (3) | Fallen (1) | Keen (2) | TXV 24/3 | ST Specialist

EN 1/3

' one, two... seven ' Ariel watched them find a place to settle before the meeting would start. Pleasantly surprised that there were more people than she originally estimated, most of them players that she already had worked before or at least interacted in some way or another. From her seated position, she clapped twice hoping to get everyone's attention. The same action signalling the two students of her school that brought their guests to the dojo to start preparation. As she talked, they would try their best to inconspicuously place a tray in front of each person. The tray contained a small assortment of snacks and sweets, the main attraction being the wagashi.

The blonde open her arms as she spoke: " Welcome everyone and thank you for taking the time to be here today. Since I mostly see here members of the team that took down the labyrinth boss, I'd like to skip past introductions and jump straight to the reason why we are here. We can take our time with pleasantries after we outline some sort of plan, or two. " She took a second to review her mental map and the information she gathered after the small glance inside the boss toom.

"Filthy" she claimed with a sour face. "We'd fought the giant humanoid rat lab. boss in the sewers and even after, as we made our way towards the boss room. Past the fortified door I noticed a high ceiling and the floor had an irregular surface that looked hard to walk on and easy to trip on. Inside was dark enough to not see anything else except the four massive figures in the center. To me, they kind of looked like cannons." she closed her eyes, trying to get a clearer vision of what they saw and if she skipped on anything else: allowing others to intervene and complete the picture before she could continue with her own thoughts and suppositions.

Behind her, she could hear a small cough as the redhead in charge of preparing the tea signaled her that she was almost done. Ariel would noticeably nod and Claudia would start ceremoniously pouring tea in several ceramic cups that looked handmade. The two students would again distribute the green tea and slightly bow before going out of sight.

The sudden stillness of their resident tank took the blonde by surprise. Thinking that it was some new kind of attack, she instinctively was about to activate her parry skill but discarded the thought before her body started moving to that goal. She watched Freyd remove a significant chunk of the king's hp bar alongside it's 'physical' body via his flesh-eating? weapon. From her perspective it looked more like it tore through the boss rather than the traditional way of cutting off its limb. 

Nonetheless she heard the call and quickly glanced at her status bar to confirm the tools at her disposal. She tightened the grip around her katana, feeling the two wills aligning to achieve their common goal. The accursed blade, yearning to be used and the blonde's objective to finish off the enemy in front of them. Despite her initial impulse, Ariel noticed her energy consumption and mused over her next move for a moment. This custom skill proved to be more taxing, energy wise, so she decided to use an inferior rank sword art which hopefully was enough to finish it off. As the so called king was starting to recover from the earlier blow, the blonde stepped in its personal space once more and with a swift motion, she looped off its head before it could make any move.

A hard thud echoed as the head, then the decapitated body fell on the ground, the golden crown rolling at Ariel's feet. Unlike normal mobs, the undead's body started fading away slowly. "The king is dead. Long live the queen!" muttered the blonde with a cruel smile as she stomped on the crown, destroying it in the process. Next came a virtual window announce them of their victory and listed the rewards. Her smile broadened as she found the ≪Forgotten King's Authority≫ skill and it's description.

ID# 199208 BD: 7 (3 +5, hit)  CD: 2 | ST-I | x15 (29) =435 -100 Mit =335 DMG > ≪FTK≫
Keen proc.
Meikyo Shisui proc. ->  [ II ] charge stored
-11 EN (-12 -4 +4+1)

[2] Ariel   | HP: 918/918 | EN: 56/100 | [ B II - ] | DMG: 29 (+8) | MIT: 0 | AA | ACC: 3(5) | EVA: 5 | +39 HB | +49 BH | +8 LD (+1 loot) | Prosp. (3) | Fallen (1) | Keen (2) | TXV 24/3 | ST Specialist
[2] Freyd | HP: 1058/1058 | EN: 95/126 | DMG: 29 | MIT: 98 | EVA: 5 | ACC: 7 | BH: 57 | LD: 8 (+1 loot) | PROSP 3 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | TXV 32/3 | REC: 8
[2] Hirru  | 803/896 HP | 110/112 EN | 24 DMG | 182 MIT | 6 ACC | 1 EVA | 9 LD | 40 THRN | 1 PAR | 32/4 ENVM | TRL BLD

≪The Forgotten Time King≫ | HP: 275/3000 | DMG: 275 | MIT: 100 | ACC: 3 | Envenomed 32 2/4

• Forgotten King's Authority | This boss is immune to debuffs and disablements.
  Spoiler

  Loot ID# 199208  CD: 6  LD: 19 +9
  
  3000 x(3*3*2*7) =45000 Col
  2 bonus materials

  ≪Unid. T4 Perfect Weapon#199208≫
  ≪Unid. T4 Perfect Weapon#199208-1≫
  ≪Unid. T4 Perfect Weapon#199208-2≫

   

In a blink of an eye their group managed to gray out one of the three red HP bars that this boss had. From the lab boss fight she already knew that the two were capable players but it was a relief to see that even after a significant time that the blonde hadn't a actively participated in 'endgame' content. Her blade hadn't dulled as much as she thought and she could still keep up with top players. Internally, being the weakest link was one of her fears derived from her lifestyles both inside this game and in real life. Her relief was visible as she watched the two take action while she prepared for her next assault. She made a mental note to question the black familiar? origins and tactics later, being reminded of her own companion that was probably lazying at home and/or being spoiled by a certain redhead. 

Her next hit was another kendo move but this time she slashed three times at the boss' head right arm and shoulder, trying her best not to shout the names of the areas she struck like one would do during training. The boss slow and flamboyant movements made it easy to predict and even more so to dodge out of its scythe's arc so she took a moment to adjust her stance once again to deal the (presumably) final blow.

ID# 199151 BD: 7 (2 +5, hit)  CD: 9 | R5 ST-II | x18 (29) =522 -100 Mit =422 DMG > ≪FTK≫
Keen proc.
Meikyo Shisui proc. ->  [ B ] charge stored
-16 EN (-17 -4 +4+1)

[2] Ariel   | HP: 918/918 | EN: 67/100 | [ B - - ] | DMG: 29 (+8) | MIT: 0 | AA | ACC: 3(5) | EVA: 5 | +39 HB | +49 BH | +8 LD (+1 loot) | Prosp. (3) | Fallen (1) | Keen (2) | TXV 24/3 | ST Specialist
[1] Freyd | HP: 1058/1058 | EN: 106/126 | DMG: 29 | MIT: 98 | EVA: 5 | ACC: 7 | BH: 57 | LD: 8 (+1 loot) | PROSP 3 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | TXV 32/3 | REC: 8
[2] Hirru  | 803/896 HP | 102/112 EN | 24 DMG | 182 MIT | 6 ACC | 1 EVA | 9 LD | 40 THRN | 1 PAR | 32/4 ENVM | TRL BLD {Stunned}

≪The Forgotten Time King≫ | HP: 1017/3000 | DMG: 275 | MIT: 100 | ACC: 3 | Envenomed 32 4/4

• Forgotten King's Authority | This boss is immune to all status conditions, including unique ones. However, this boss is still affected by DoT effects.

She looked at the offering wrapped in leather and tapped to see what buff it gave. In her eyes one could see it wasn't anything out of the ordinary or something that she didn't had already but Ariel didn't want to refuse, so she took a small cup of the burned cream and enjoyed the sweet taste of it with a smile. She listened to the brief summary of their fight-to-come and nodded at his remark, her finger unconsciously tracing the golden etchings on her saya. "With the update, I had to either pick a tank build or to min-max my dps. A hybrid one like before wasn't a real option anymore, not with how scars skill point are now. But if the need arise, I still have the gear and a full skill reset ready to tank in the floor boss raid again." she answered, her expression hinting at her true feeling hidden behind her sense of duty. She lightly shook her head to recenter her thoughts, her hand now resting on top of the odachi's dark hilt. She made a semi-conscious effort to stop the fidgeting, refusing to answer the cursed weapon's subtle call.

Luckily the conversation changed topic and she found herself mentally asking herself who Percy was, then making a couple of assumptions. One on particular evoking a soft chuckle before answering Hirru. She materialized a small piece of paper in the shape of a talisman or envelope. " Not really sure about the tier, since I have a handful of these before the update. " she puffed her cheeks for a moment, proud of her collection of dungeon maps and continued: " It had a different name before including the floor number but now it's titled as a ≪Random Dungeon Map≫, they all are. " she kept hold of it for a couple of seconds before letting go and sending it to the inventory.

"But let's leave the main dish for later, we need to warm up before the dungeon." she said as she walked out in the open with a raised hand. "Yo King! I have a bone to pick with ya! Or several..." she taunted, earning herself a pop-in window that went like an introduction to their quest which she dismissed as soon as it appear. 

First, the seated skeleton's eye lit ablaze and directed it's focus towards them. With both hands on the throne's arms it raised itself slowly to build up atmosphere and with a voice that would make Darth Vader jealous it spoke, booming throughout the cathedral. "Who dares disturb my slumber? All those that defy the king will die by his blade! LIKE MANY BEFORE!" the boss extended it's right hand and gripped at the air, dark cyan flames concentrating in its grip and a second later, materializing into a scythe that stood taller than it: who was already towering over the players in it's tattered robe.

Despite her instinct, the blonde gave ≪The Forgotten Time King≫ all the time it needed, taking in his impressive display and watching as he gained three health bars: a tough cookie indeed, she nodded as she recalled Freyd's words "fight of attrition". Ariel took a step and lowered her center of gravity, hand over her weapon's grip, only a thin layer of air preventing it from making contact. She took a deep breath and cleared her mind, this would be the first on-field test of her custom skill. 'Practice makes perfect' she muttered before she started running at the boss. In moments she was in it's personal space and executing her opening move. It was a simple Iai where she drew her katana and slashed at the boss vertically in an arc before grabbing the hilt with both hands and assuming a standard stance. The 'personal touch' she brought, that a trained eye could distinguish, was that she timed the sword draw with the instant she stopped running, transferring all that momentum to her arm/hand as it directed the blade: making her slash more impactful that it looked at first glance. 

Black flames ate at the red mark she momentarily left on the 'king's chest as well as black remnants could be seen around the obsidian colored blade. A small smirk escaping the blonde as she saw the fallen effect after her opening move.

ID# 199115 BD: 8 (7 +3, FLN proc.)  CD:4 | R5 ST-I | x15 (29 +8) =555 -100 Mit =455 DMG > ≪FTK≫
Keen proc.
Meikyo Shisui proc. -> [II] charge stored
-17 EN (-14 -4+1)

[1] Ariel   | HP: 918/918 | EN: 83/100 | [ II - - ] | DMG: 29 (+8) | MIT: 0 | AA | ACC: 3(5) | EVA: 5 | +39 HB | +8 LD (+1 loot) | Prosp. (3) | Fallen (1) | Keen (2) | TXV 24/3 | ST Specialist
[0] Freyd | HP: 1058/1058 | EN: 126/126 | DMG: 29 | MIT: 98 | EVA: 5 | ACC: 7 | BH: 57 | LD: 8 (+1 loot) | PROSP 3 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | TXV 32/3 | REC: 8
[0] Hirru   | 896/896 HP | 112/112 EN | 24 DMG | 182 MIT | 6 ACC | 1 EVA | 9 LD | 40 THRN | 1 PAR | 32/4 ENVM | TRL BLD

≪The Forgotten Time King≫ | HP: 2545/3000 | DMG: 275 | MIT: 100 | ACC: 3

• Forgotten King's Authority | This boss is immune to all status conditions, including unique ones. However, this boss is still affected by DoT effects.

Purchasing the following items:

5x ≪Tier 4 Blank Dungeon Map≫ | [2000col]

Location you ask? A place out of sight in front of the Grand necropolis on floor twenty one. It was at times like this that the blonde missed her ≪Hiding≫ skill, now having to work harder to evade the cold gaze of the undead scouts and soldiers wandering around the caverns leading here. Despite having no visible eyeballs, just the sockets, these pesky trash mobs were vigilant to an unholy decree. Investigating even the faintest pebble sound that seemed to echo with the intensity of a city's earthquake alarm. The blonde would let a soft sigh as she would pick one up and throw it over their head into the opposite direction of where she was headed.

Why was she doing all this? Pretty straightforwards answer, to attain a new skill that looked like S tier on paper. Sure it's cooldown was pretty long compared to other ≪Extra Skills≫ but that only served to show that it's utility was solid. So what she did was to recruit a couple of people using the Player Bulletin Board/ LFG chat and try to sneak directly past the minions. The quest guide said that the skill's acquisition condition was only to defeat the boss that resided in the bowl of the Grand Necropolis, so that's what they were going to too. As an incentive to those willing to help, she promised to show the location and help complete a dungeon she had mapped on this floor long time ago.

"Looks like we're almost here." she said in a hushed tone while turning her gaze towards @Hirru and @Freyd. Her eyes glowed akin to her feline familiar as she used her ≪Searching≫ skill to the full of it's abilities. Nothing out of the ordinary as in hidden traps or mob ambushes around the interior. Slightly squinting her eyes towards the grand throne in the middle, she could see a large figure resting on it. "It looks like it's just the boss inside." she added, "Buff up and we can go in!" As she said that, she materialized a couple of consumables from her inventory and started munching on them. With a slight smile she would see the new additions to her status bar after the out of the ordinary [- - -] brackets from her ≪Meikyo Shisui≫.

Ariel | HP: 918/918 | EN: 100/100 | [ - - - ] | DMG: 29 (+8) | MIT: 0 | AA | ACC: 3(5) | EVA: 5 | +49 BH | +8 LD (+1 loot) | Prosp. (3) | Fallen (1) | Keen (2) | TXV 24/3 | ST Specialist

A simple message, an invitation alongside a marked location on the 22th floor, was sent by the blonde to the rest of the members of the labyrinth boss fight and her neighbour, the leader of Firm Anima. The message: "We had a short time to take in and digest what we saw in the floor 26 boss room. I wish to invite you all to an informal tea gathering to discuss and plan our next move. Unlike the last floor boss meeting, I'd rather keep the peanut gallery as small as possible but feel free to extend my invitation to whoever you deem relevant to the discussion, we'll prepare enough snacks and confections for everyone that'll come. I'll leave a marker with the location of the meeting place where u can get either by boat, following upstream from the « Lake of Reflection » through the forest; by taking the scenic route on foot or by horseback if you are in a hurry." (smol description + scuffed map)

For good measurement she sent two of her students to greet people at the front gate to guide them to the dojo and another one to usher anyone that came to her estate via boat. Each of them with their particularities (see notes below). Hank and Milicent, at the gate, could be heard casually talking about how exciting it was to have guests visit the valley. While Maugre could be heard asking in a loud voice what will they have for lunch later. The person who he's shouting at can't be seem and doesn't reply.

Inside the semi-open dojo there were already a couple of people that finished setting up the tools one of them was going to use, close to the wall. Near the middle of the dojo several small cushions were placed in case some of the guests preferred a more relaxed posture instead of seiza. The one performing the tea ceremony won't be the blonde but a redhead that for the occasion, swapped her maid outfit for a light orange kimono with a blue and orange accents obi. Ariel was wearing a more casual blue themed yukata as she sat next to Claudia, who was double checking that everything was in order. 
"Relax, it's not the first time you make me tea." said the blonde with a smile, trying to undervalue the meaning of a tea ceremony. But her bluff was called out as her words were meet with a raised eyebrow and a knowing look. With a small sight, Ariel rose and stepped outside to wave and welcome whoever arrived.

Ariel | HP: 820/820 | EN: 100/100 | [ - - -] | DMG: 26 (+8) | MIT: 12 | AA | ACC: 0(2) | EVA: 3 | +49 BH | +5 LD (+1 loot) | Fallen (1) | Keen (2) | ST Specialist

Writer's Notes:

A small bow towards the place that moments ago stood the labyrinth boss alongside a thank you that she didn't let escape her words. Similar to Baldur, she did a small swipe to the side with her weapon before slowly sheathing it, brows furrowed. It was only when the darkened blade was fully contained by its scabbard that the somewhat serious expression she wore, softened, as if a burden fell from her shoulders. "I'm pretty sure y'all didn't need me for this but I'm happy I got invited nonetheless." she said after a quick glance at everyone's status bars. She then quickly followed Baldur and peaked inside the what was supposedly the floor boss room. She let out a low whistle in awe while she took a mental note of it as she looked around. This looked like it was going to be an interesting fight to anticipate.

They were a solid team that worked almost flawlessly to dispatch this mini boss, these were the kind of players she wanted to inspire the current students of the Shiraijishi-ryu to become. Even if they had a long way to go before even stepping close to the labyrinth. But that's a story for another time.

THE END, for this thread. 

To be continued, in the F26 boss raid meeting...

REWARDS:
1 page - LINK
Word Count: 6689 // assuming 6690; crow needs to fill out 20 more words on post #23.
Multiplier: 222 // 223

1. NIGHT = 10035 EXP | 5x9x223
2. Baldur = 9812 EXP | 5x8x223 +892[0.1] "Advanced Training" 
3. Crozeph = 8585 EXP | 5x7x223 +780[0.1] "Advanced Training" 
4. Hirru = 6690 EXP & 1403 Col | 5x6x223 & 400 +1003[0.15] "Laurel Wreath"
5. Macradon = 10035 EXP | 5x9x223
6. Ariel = 11038 EXP | 5x9x223 +1003[0.1] "Advanced Training" 

► Meikyo Shisui
Cost: 10 SP
Passive
Debuff: +(Player)Tier*EN to all SAs / -3 ACC [Permanent]
Effect: During combat, allows the user to store up to 3 [II] or charges of any combination.

• [II] charges may be gained by using ST-I or AoE-I.
• charges may be gained by rolling CD9+ on any SA that isn't ST-B.
• [II] charges may be used to activate either ST-II or AoE-II without their necessary preconditions, while charges may be used to activate ST-B without its necessary preconditions.

A charge is expended when used. All charges are lost upon a fight's completion. If the user already has 3 charges and gains another, their additional charge will be lost.
Example:
• On a stat bar, the three slots should be represented as such: [ - - - ]
• As the slots are filled, each slot should be indicated with the type of charge it is carrying: [ II B - ]

Description: Through training and meditation, Ariel managed to distillate her battle experience into a skill that allows her to creatively use all Sword Arts at her disposal. 

Her eyebrow arching in annoyance, she looked over the shoulder at the rat. "The sickly and women for the last eh..." clearly dissatisfied with the mob's targeting criteria so far.

Needless to say that their target was quite the annoyance, evading a good amount of the weapons aimed at it. Ariel saw everyone else trying to stop it on its tracks and joined the quest, managing to blindside the sewer dweller and use a stunning Sword Art: both in effect and display, as the black flames ignited on her katana consumed the light around her and afterwards extended all over the boss' body. "Maybe you'll take me more seriously now." she mused with a grin as she turned her head towards her team and nodded at the immobile target. "All yours!" she added, a little upset that her strike left it with but a slither of red health. Old habits of chasing the final hit rewards fueling her bad mood.

ID# 199092 BD: 8 (7 +7 -5, FLN proc.)  CD:4 | R5 TECH-A | x12 (30 +8) =456 -175 Mit =281 DMG > Telicomys
Keen proc.
-7 EN (+4-13+1)

The blonde was about to retrieve one of the healing items she brought, leftovers from the previous raid. But Baldur managed to restore Crow's HP back with ease. With a long breath she let her worries go and focused once more on the task. The boss seemed to completely ignore her up to this point, she was glad about it because her armor was virtually inexistent though her eyebrow arched in slight annoyance at the same time. Once more she lowered her center of gravity and concentrated on her next move, with honestly was the easiest by now. If you blinked, you'd have missed her charge towards the rat.

"You're wide open!" she claimed as she whispered from behind the mob, her weapon's black tip poking through its tattered shirt right below its neck. Having hit the dangling cow bell, the blonde rotated the blade from left to right three times, hitting it more with the flat side: "Lunch time's over!" she added with a satisfied grin. The giant rat however, didn't seem to have registered what she did to it, as it barely reacted to her actions or words. 

"big one *sniffsniff* tasty feast. plenty meat and bones. kikikikikikikiki" it cackled and stepped forwards, sliding off the blonde's sword. A few seconds later, it continued its high pitched cackling and attacked Macradon, claws scratching at his shiny armor as it tried to peel it off him to get to his flesh. Greed even more visible on its visage as the whole mob gained a red hue and its fur started standing up on some places, as if electrified.

ID# 199068 BD: 6 (3 +7 -1+1 -4, hit!)  CD:12 (ST-B ok!) | R5 ST-B | x23 (30 +5) =690 -155 Mit =535 DMG > Telicomys (Vicious and Rowdy)
Keen proc.
-17 EN (+4-22+1)

ID# 199069 BD: 9 (nat. crit!)  CD: 2  MD: 8 (Rot proc.)  | Telicomys Attack |  280 -59 Mit =221 DMG > Macradon
-48 HP TXV
-112 HP BURN
-32 HP BLI
-8 HP FRT

Soon enough, she found out why she could see the reason for her summon with her own eyes. The creature before their eyes was repulsing to say the least and when it opened it's mouth to speak, the blonde lurched back and took a deep breath from her DIY mask. A couple of the players took initiative so the blonde decided to hold back and watch them. She was somewhat unfamiliar, an improvised straw training dummy being the only opponent that helped her keep her skill sharp since the new swords art updates. 

She kept an eye on Night, who took cover in the shadows and couldn't help but be reminded of an old friend that used similar techniques, though hers seemed more perfected and her bite more deadly as she was surprised to see the Burn status pop-up. She took note of the thing's high evasion after Crow's attempt and lowered her hand to her hilt after a small nod to no one in particular. In the same time she lowered in a crouching posture right hand on her hilt and almost charged at the target, remembering the changes before her first step.

Another nod, checking her mental list then she dashed in just as Baldur finished his display. She aimed at it's belly and started her assault with a simple Iai that connected. As she suspected it didn't see her attack as much of a thread since it barely bothered dodging it

" *sniffsniff* yes! Come to die! "

"ugh!" reacted the blonde and with her free hand she grabbed and threw her scented mask over it's face. The big rat didn't seem to like that as it started swinging its randomly and charged spontaneously. "Watch out!" she shouted as the boss went past her and charged into Crozeph.

ID# 199058 BD: 10 (nat. crit!)  CD:11 (ST-B ok!) | TECH-B | x12 (30 +2) =384 -175 Mit =209 DMG > Telicomys
Keen proc.
[Delay] applied (-1 ACC/ 1 turn)
TXV applied (x2 DMG > Incarceration)
-11 EN

ID# 199058 BD: 9 (nat. crit!)| Telicomys Attack |  280 -54 Mit =226 DMG > Crozeph

Another day like so many before it, enjoying a drink in front of the cherry blossoms in her yard. Today's plans were modest at best, though she would rigorously follow her routine. Until a almost unfamiliar bell reminded her that she was still a part of this virtual prison no matter the amount of daydreaming. With a soft sigh, she set the tea cup aside and opened the message. Her eyes widened with every word and her interest grew in the same time. Unexpected, was to say the least.. both the content and the sender. The message came as a blunt reality check as the blonde's feature slightly hardened. After reading, she took a moment to process while tapping her nail against the wooden table. Sensing her master's glance gaze at her, Kimba let out a lazy yawn as she returned the glance.

"Ready to get back into action?" Ariel finally asked after a few moments of silence between them. She need not wait for an answer as preparations were already being made via console and mental checklist were being crossed. She left the 'head maid' Claudia in charge of the school grounds and students, giving only the briefest of explanations on her way out. She didn't need say much, almost everyone knew the lioness' longing. She was sent off with smiles as she once more done the red spartan cape over her school's white uniform.

...

Navigating through the 26th floor proved to be more annoying than anything, especially when the target location was underground.. in a sewer. Luckily her profession came with its perks as she pulled out of her inventory a cherry scented bandana and wrapped it around her nose and mouth, mitigating some of the damage received to her senses. As she drew closer to the marker several figures revealed themselves and she was pleased to recognize most (if not all of them).

"I hope I'm not late to the party!" she claimed with a wink and a grin under her makeshift mask. then her silver eyes momentarily flashes green as the blonde scouted the area around them with her searching skill and mods. If there were any kind of traps or enemies hidden, her sharp gaze would notice them instantly.

ID# 198982  Active Stealth Detection: 18 +7   /   Passive Stealth Detection: 10 +7

Stats: HP: 918/918 | EN: 100/100 | DMG: 30 (+8)(+8) | MIT: 0 | AA | ACC: 5(7) | EVA: 2 | +39 HB | +49 BH | +6 LD | Fallen (1) | Keen (2) | Risky (2) | TXV 24/3

rolls