Jomei

A screech from the sky above, the fast moving mass of brown feathers definitely caught the hungry eyes of some of the lionesses that lingered to watch their male counterpart battle. Exiting her dive with outstretched wings, the owl zipped past the Nemean Lion, sharp talons raking into its body as she passed. With a twist in the space behind the large cat, she would shoot up to the safety of the skies once more. 

As the Nemean Lion quickly turned to counter the much smaller bird, and possibly catch himself a snack, he was instead met with a blur of green. Allowing the <Charge> skill to propel him forward, Jomei's knee would crash into the lower jaw of the beast, sending it barreling across the plain. Without skipping a beat, Jomei would then strike forth with his rapier, shattering the Lion's natural defenses in the process. 

Hitting the dirt and skidding to a halt, Jomei stood in a battle ready stance. Despite the high energy of his entrance, the bags under his eyes told a different story. 

"I definitely didn't sleep in, why would you say that?" 

It would be really nice if I could hit something

Recovery: Vamp D | ID 246831 | CD 3 | +4 EN, +54BH, +43HB
ST 1 vs Head 1 | ID 246832 | BD 2(+3)(-2) | Miss -2 EN

[2/4/2] <<Baldur>> HP: 1032/1137 (+55,-50, -56) | EN: 108/132 | DMG: 23(+4=27) | MIT:138 | ACC:7+1+1 | AA | KEEN: 1 | F-SPIRIT | EVA:3 | BH:55 | REC: 8 | FLN: 8 | BLI: 32/-20 | BRN: 56 | FRZ: 64 | LD:5 | Survival | Charge 1/3 | Burning 56 (1/2)
[0/0/0] <<Hirru>> HP: 970/1000 | EN: 87/112 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 187 | BH: 50 | HLY BLS: 40 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 8 | THRNS: 36 | LD: 8 | Hype 2/3 CD 2/3 PTA 0/3
[7/6/4] <<Jomei>> HP: 802/980 | EN: 127/136 | DMG: 21(+4=25) | MIT: 104 | ACC:3 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:54 | HB: 43 | VAMP-D: 108 | BLI: 32/-20 | LD:1 | BURN 56 (1/2) | Burning for 56 DMG [1/2 Turns Remain] 

Cerberus, Inferno's Rage (Head #1) HP: 56/650 | DMG: 175 | MIT: 55 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 (Shatter 3/3) 
Cerberus, Inferno's Rage (Head #2) HP: 116/650 | DMG: 175 | MIT: 55 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 (Shatter 2/3) 
Cerberus, Inferno's Rage (Head #3) HP: 45/650 | DMG: 175 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 

Hell Hound Summon 1 HP: 450/450 | DMG: 125 | MIT: 50 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2
Hell Hound Summon 2 HP: 450/450 | DMG: 125 | MIT: 50 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2
Hell Hound Summon 3 HP: 450/450 | DMG: 125 | MIT: 50 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2

Jomei receives: Rune of Cain | [No ID] | Deals 50 Thorns DMG to anything that deals a critical hit against the user. Lasts for one thread. Ignores passive abilities that would otherwise negate this effect.

Jomei the emerald duelist

Spoiler notes Level: 34 | Paragon: 84 | Tier: 4(12)  Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 138/138 | DMG: 21 | MIT:44 | ACC:3 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1  Equipment: Vicious Mockery : ACC II | Taunt | Blight  Fencer's Regalia - Trepidation: Vamp D II | HB | MIT  Token of Serenity: HB| EVA III   equipped Vicious Mockery Fencer's Regalia - Trepidation Token of Serenity battle-ready inventory skills Spoiler Skills Rapier R5 | TECH Spec. Combat Mastery DMG R3 Cloth Armor R5 Charge B Healing R5 Energist MA R2 Howl Fighting Spirit Quick Change Extra: Concentration Survival   Parry Forgotten King's Authority Assault Mode  Lady Luck Meditation Mods Athletics Emergency Recovery Vengeful Riposte Justified Riposte Addons Stamina  Focus Precision Nimble Focused Howl data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== buffs Spoiler Housing Buffs Well Rested: -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat     Squeaky Clean: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down)     Tasty: Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. Relaxed: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts. Filling: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.  Multipurpose: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll Item Stash: +1 BRI slot Advanced Training: +10% EXP to a thread. Limit one use per month. Must be used on a player's first post in a thread. Cooldown begins counting down when used in a post. data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==

Tired, bloodshot eyes must have stared at the message for over an hour at this point. The Floor Boss had been found, though not where expected. This time, there was no room to keep the guardian of the next floor at bay. Instead, it wandered off of the coast of the floor, waiting to be found. 

Waiting to be challenged. 

What was more peculiar was the message they had received, or, more so, who it was from. Hackman, a name that was completely unfamiliar to Jomei, apparently located the boss without much issue while the rest of them took down the Spectral Knights and wave after wave of eldritch abominations. Who was Hackman? What kind of monster did he see? And that message... 

The ginger would pinch the bridge of his nose as he exhaled a sigh as heavy as his eyelids. Every time they would close, his mind would race with what ifs and what he could do to prevent those what ifs. Before long, they would be open again, and the morning would come with little to no sleep. "I can't keep doing this." he would grumble to himself. Shortly after, another message would roll in, this one from Morningstar. A simple invitation to speak about the message and do their own planning while gathering some field boss drops. 

Quote

RE: Morningstar

yeah ill be there

Jomei

He didn't have much brain power for a long winded response, and once the light of his menus was no longer burning his eyes, he would hit the bed and find sleep. Restless, unfulfilling sleep.. but sleep regardless. 

//T3 Stats
 

He wore an expression of confusion, brows scrunching as he turned to look at Wulfrin. "The Gemini, you mean that that quest at the waterfall?" It had been a very very long time since he had heard of that quest, let alone complete it. Jomei never thought of it much more than some quest that makes you do some self reflecting. Movement in the tree line behind Wulfrin caught his attention, and Jomei rose to a knee while bracing himself on some of the roped down cargo. "We've got company." Jomei would say in voice only Freyd and Wulfrin could hear. 

Two wolves and something else, bigger and uglier, emerged from the brush and ran alongside the wagon. A mixture of teeth and claws ripped away some of the wood from the side of the cart, causing it to nearly topple as Gyrard struggled to get the steer under control. As the two men fought on, Freyd cleared up exactly how he had learned to control the shadows, or more specifically, The Shadow. Jomei nodded, "Yeah.. I remember. I also remember waking up that next day and everything felt.. different." He would rub his hand on the nape of his neck as memories of that day flooded his memory.. what he could remember, at least. 

"We can talk about this later, for now we should.." 

The wolves were gone.

The warg was gone.

The fight was over.

Jomei plopped back down in his seat with a chuckle, "You know, when you two showed up, I knew it would be a really simple quest run.. I wasn't expecting you both to make such quick work of that."

Guess he got a bit of the break he wanted after all. 

Thread Complete
Words: 2477 Words

Jomei | 495*12 = 5940+10% = 6453 EXP | 967 Col | Bizarre Antidote | 1 Mon
Freyd | 495*19 = 9405+5%= 9875 EXP | 1481+5% =1555 Col | Bizarre Antidote | 1 Mon
Wulfrin | 495*8 = 3960+1%= 3999 EXP | 599+1% = 605 Col | Bizarre Antidote | 1 Mon

Jomei's smile softened, "It's the beginnings of something.. We don't really know what to make of it yet but.." shoulders would fall, as if a weight was lifted off of them, "Its just nice something to have right now. A really nice something." His smile found his eyes as he reiterated it. He was happy with where they were, and, if it didn't go anywhere, he would still be happy. 

But he would be lying if he said he didn't want this relationship to blossom.

***
Securing a seat on the back of the wagon, Jomei would knock on the wooden surface twice to let Gyrard know they were ready to move. The steer-like animal at the front of the cart would snort and grunt as the merchant beckoned it to move. Its hooves would dig into the soft ground beneath them, dragging the cargo and passengers down the road towards Serpent's Pitch. From the rear of the wagon, Jomei looked down at the wheel tracks left in their wake, one leg dangled over the edge while the other pulled into his chest. He watched the landscape as they passed by, every bubbling swamp and low hanging tree. Narrowing his eyes, he started to notice the shadows. They were moving and shifting, just slightly, without regard for the suns position. He recognized this as Freyd's work, and Wulfrin too, if he recalled correctly. 

Turning in his seat, he would look towards his two comrades with a smirk, "Alright, I've been meaning to ask. How do you two do that? I've seen you both use the shadows to your advantage... but I've never seen anything like it before. Always felt limited to the skills the system allows." While shadow work may not be his cup of tea, if he could develop some new skill to give him a unique edge, he would take it.

// 1 Post Riding in Caravan

Freyd and Wulfrin were quick to respond, and in person too. When Jomei hadn't received any personal messages back, he figured everyone was either busy.. or just didn't want to accompany him. However, when the two men emerged from the warp gate - each looking just as soaked and exhausted as he - he would offer them a tired smile and a wave. He was relieved someone heeded the call, and if it was the two of them he was working with, they would be finished with this quest in no time.

"Yo" he called out to Freyd before walking over to greet them. "Honestly... surprised you showed up, given how many of those knights you took out. You're probably more exhausted than the rest of us." He would pat his friend on the shoulder, tilting his head slightly to look him in the eyes. "Remember, you're not invincible. I don't think Cardinal will be as graceful if you end up taking a hit like that again." His gaze would turn to Wulfrin, "Good to see you too Wulfrin. Lets not waste any time then. If we finish this up quick enough, maybe we can earn ourselves a quick rest before heading back into the fray." 

Jomei was unfamiliar with the quest, the fine details at least, but he knew who to talk to to initiate it. A traveling merchant just trying to get back home could be found with his face in a mug of ale within one of the taverns on the floor. Oh how Jomei wished the roles were reversed, but he would get his moment again soon. "Heard you're looking for an escort." Jomei sank into the space at the bar beside Gyrard, and their eyes met the ginger. They went over the specifics, how they needed protection from wolf-like creatures that attacked his caravan every time he's make the trip to and from Serpent's Pitch. Looking over his shoulder at Wulfrin and Freyd, Jomei would nod "Alright, you get the wagon ready. We'll meet you outside of town." 

//Jomei consumes: 
Gungir’s Shard (Untradeable/Unique/Reusable Consumable): Smokin' Hot Honey Bun Tray | ACC 2 | EVA 2 | Feast (4/6)

Thanks Freyd!

Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 138/138 | DMG: 21 | MIT:44 | ACC:5 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:6 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1 

Jomei the emerald duelist

Spoiler notes Level: 34 | Paragon: 84 | Tier: 4(12)  Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 138/138 | DMG: 21 | MIT:44 | ACC:3 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1  Equipment: Vicious Mockery : ACC II | Taunt | Blight  Fencer's Regalia - Trepidation: Vamp D II | HB | MIT  Token of Serenity: HB| EVA III   equipped Vicious Mockery Fencer's Regalia - Trepidation Token of Serenity battle-ready inventory skills Spoiler Skills Rapier R5 | TECH Spec. Combat Mastery DMG R3 Cloth Armor R5 Charge B Healing R5 Energist MA R2 Howl Fighting Spirit Quick Change Extra: Concentration Survival   Parry Forgotten King's Authority Assault Mode  Lady Luck Meditation Mods Athletics Emergency Recovery Vengeful Riposte Justified Riposte Addons Stamina  Focus Precision Nimble Focused Howl data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== buffs Spoiler Housing Buffs Well Rested: -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat     Squeaky Clean: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down)     Tasty: Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. Relaxed: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts. Filling: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.  Multipurpose: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll Item Stash: +1 BRI slot Advanced Training: +10% EXP to a thread. Limit one use per month. Must be used on a player's first post in a thread. Cooldown begins counting down when used in a post. data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==

// Mega Slime Farm Active | +10% EXP

How long did they have before the floor boss was found.. days, hours? While the information provided by this floor wasn't as typical as it had been in the past, there was an air about the 29th floor that carried with it a tension and anticipation. It was going to be soon, very very soon. Despite their goal being to keep the spectral knights, and any other wandering monsters, from using the warp gates to invade lower floors, Jomei needed to take the time to prepare himself. When it came to prepping for boss raids, he was very careless. Never purchasing consumables until the last minute, and never even looking into the unique items offered as rewards for quests. 

If he was going to be a frontline tank and keep his friends alive, that would need to change. 

Standing under the quick canopy that they had built over Floor 29th warp gate, a short respite from the rain, Jomei would send out a quick message to any frontliners. 

Quote

To : Frontliners
Looking to grab a Bizarre Antidote from a quest on Floor 18. Meet me in Eriwald if you're interested.

Jomei

Once the posting was out, Jomei would speak the name of the settlement on the 18th floor. He was looking forward to a little break from the storming rain, even if it wasn't the full break he needed. As his body materialized onto the new floor, he was greeted with the crack of thunder as droplets of rain fell onto the top of his head from the trees above.

"Gotta be fucking kidding me..." 

//Quest Details

"I remember" Jomei would remark with a nod, as he attempted to rush in to attack the single head that remained out of the threshold they needed. The best rose its heads, looking down at the players from a height they couldn't reach without risking falling into the lava. Jomei wasn't about to take that chance, so his boots would skid to a halt at the edge of the rocky surface. "Was a shit show, all I remember. Not that what happened wasn't significant, but.. all these boss fights, events, quests.. I'm hardly able to keep track anymore. Though, if I'm being honest, I may not have agreed with you at the time.. but it was definitely a wake up call. And either way, were all here now. We're all alive. That's all that matters."

A loose rock under his boot slipped and Jomei would lose his footing, allowing the Cerberus just enough time to land another attack on him. Another set of teeth tore into his his chest, leaving burning, red marks in their wake. "Ah, shit.. thanks Hirru." Jomei would call to his friend and comrade, who immediately healed the damage. 

"You're secret is safe with me, I promise. Not like I talk to many people outside my small circle anyways." he would say with a smirk.

Jomei wasn't sure what to say, let alone what to make of Hirru's predicament. He had never heard of anyone losing their memory after a full dive. Though with 10,000 people logging in using the new technology, he supposed it could have been possible. The only reason he knew how the Nerve Gear worked was from the instruction manual, but all of the science and possibly complications that could come from using it? Only the engineers behind it would really know. 

Ducking out of the way of a paw about the size of him, Jomei avoided a strike that would have easily knocked him off of his feet. And with pools of bubbling, molten rock threatening to burn them with just the slightest touch, he would rather not leave his fate in the hands (or paws) of the Cerberus. As a toothy maw of one of the Cerberus' outer heads tried to chomp down on him, Jomei stepped back out of the way, not before driving his rapier deep into the oversized snout of the beast. 

He would take a breath before speaking, "Thank you, for trusting me with this. If there's anyway I can help... If -" shoulders would rise and fall with a shrug. Its not like he knew much about Hirru's outside life to be able to help fill in the blanks. "You can rely on me. And I'm sorry, I do hope you find a way to get your memories back."

Jomei receives:

King's Core (1) | [245847b]

Blessing of the Wood (1) | [221413]

Teeth bite into his forearm, searing his skin as they sunk deeper The resounding hiss, like meat dropped on a hot pan, was much more sickening when it was your own skin and muscles burning. Magma oozed from the corners of its mouth like saliva, dribbling onto the ginger and the rock around him. Setting his shoulder region ablaze, Jomei ripped his arm free before it could cause any more damage to him. Thankfully enough, with all the dramatics of it landing an attack on Jomei, the damage wasn't enough to burn much past his battle healing. 

The underside of his cloak would pulse, the filigree stitched into the deep green fabric illuminated for a moment, and Jomei would instantly feel the relief of his armor's healing abilities. Although, it didn't do much to put out the fire. Using his free hand, he would pat at his shoulder and anywhere else where embers still burned. 

"God.. finding out the world you're living in was just a video game the entire time..." Jomei shook his head with a quick sigh, "Would definitely send me into a spiral."  

His eyes would turn back on Hirru, "Any idea how it happened?" 

The sparks of their weapons crashing against the metallic surface of the Spectral Knight doused and sizzled almost immediately as they launched into the pouring rain. Though in their brief moments, they provided enough light to illuminate their faces. Their expressions reading determined, but worn out with each strike. Jomei's was no different as his rapier carved into the knight's body, the lids of his eyes heavy and begging for rest. 

Freyd roared with anger as he barreled past the others and swung his weapon at the Knight. He used the shadows to his advantage ... at least that was what Jomei assumed. One moment, he saw a beast unlike any he had seen before, though definitely of similar fashion to those they have fought on this floor. The next, it was just Freyd again, sporting his new salt and pepper look. Assuming he was merely seeing things due to his exhaustion, Jomei fought on.

"Star, are you alright?" Jomei would ask his comrade, as he skipped back to avoid a backhanded slash from the Knight. Taking note of his hand, or lack of in this case, Jomei looked back up to Morningstar, "Ah, all left. Got it. I've never lost a limb before.. does it grow back all at once, or are you going to have a baby hand for a little bit?" While his breath didn't reek of alcohol ( but goddammit could he use a stiff drink ) the slight slur to his speech and stumble in his step gave off such an impression. 

Holy shit, he was about to collapse.

“I could definitely go for a drink after this is done.” He would peek over his shoulder to where others fought off Spectral Knights and waves of tentacle ridden monsters. “That is.. if we even get the chance. These things have been relentless.” He would sigh heavily before steeing his resolve, as Baldur had pointed out, the finish line was in sight. 
“Nice work everyone!” Jomei would call to his group as he readied himself for what, hopefully, would be one last attack. Instead of attempting to move through the mud, he stood in wait for the knight to make its move. He taunted the vaguely humanoid creature, drawing a circle with the tip of his rapier in the air. 
With a speed that reminded him much of his own, the knight launched at him, cutting through the pouring rain. A last minute dodge, Jomei turned his body and slashed at the back of the knight. It stumbled and shuddered, before its form fell apart and became one with the saturated earth. 

And that was that, another Spectral Knight slain.

Recovery: +4 EN
Post Action: TECH-C | ID 245846 | BD 9(+3)(-3) HIT (-13 EN)
21 x 16 = 336(-40) = 296 DMG

[8] Baldur | HP: 980/980 | EN: 104/132 | DMG: 26 | MIT:78 | ACC:8+1 | AA (Inc) | KEEN: 1 (Act) | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:54 | REC: 8 | FLN: 8 | BLI: 32/-20 | BRN: 56 | FRZ: 64 | LD:5 | Hype 3/3 | ST-B Unlocked
[3] Mari | HP: 940/940 | EN: 82/128 | DMG: 21+2=23 | ACC:5+2=7 | AA | EVA:3 | BH:52 | BLI: 32/-20 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:1 | -40 Mit
[-]Hirru | HP: 1160/1160 | EN: 102/112 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 187 | ACC: 1 | BH: 59 | HLY BLS: 47 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 8 | LD: 5 | THRNS: 76 | PARA | EV-0: 36 | CD hype 3/3 pta 1/3
[10]Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 103/138 | DMG: 21 | MIT:44 | ACC:3 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20 | LD:1 |  (CHG 1/3)

Spectral Knight | HP: 0/3700 | DMG: 300 | MIT:100 40 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | FRB [40/2] | BLD [48/2] | BLGT [32/2] | BRN [56/2] | Shattered [3/3 stacks] | Stuck Immun. (2/3) |

Getting a little bit of assistance up onto his feet was definitely appreciated, though unexpected. And if it wasn't for the familiar voice, followed by the even more familiar clanging of armor plates with every step, he would have been a bit more caught off guard. His olive gaze turned upon Lessa and a smile found his lips as he felt his woes wash away. She was just as filthy, worn out and exhausted as he was, but there was no sigs of damage. The two were separated briefly as they stumbled upon a group of players who needed assistance. Lessa helped with healing their wounded, while Jomei kept the monsters away. A quick look over her shoulder, and he could see the group retreating. All fine, all happy to be alive. 

Okay, maybe he didn't hate this as much as he thought. 

Fingers gently grazed the cheek where Lessa had kissed him as his smile widened, "More than you could imagine .. the pun didn't exactly help though." he teased with a playful wink. As much as he wanted to just remain in this moment, he knew they needed to get to work. "Just don't fall asleep in the bath or something. 'Killed by Bathtub' isn't exactly the best footnote to on the Monument." Some morbid humor, but maybe that was just today's vibe.

Moving to assist Freyd - wait, the Spectral Knight was gone. Had Freyd already taken it out on his own? The nauseating song of a blade cutting clean through flesh echoed over the storm and Jomei would spin around to see their enemy now standing in range of Acanthus and Morningstar, the latter missing one of their hands. "Star!" Jomei shouted, before rushing off in the opposite direction.
 

Jomei's torso twisted, the elongated, blade-like fingers of the Spectral Knight ripping through the green cloth at his chest, but missing the skin. The spectral warrior clad in a spectral armored shell and its spectral blade fingers that shimmer with spectral energy. This spectral being shifts through torrential downpours and spectral mists, bound to a spectral realm between life and death, its every move echoing with a spectral chill. It looked at the ginger, spectrally, of course, though Jomei's olive gaze shot towards Mari. "Wh- Jail?!" 

It was only then he remembered the orange crystal that set her apart from most of Aincrad, and his lips formed into a tight line. 

"What, did you get caught robbing a grandma or something?" he teased her with a soft smile and a wink. before flourishing his weapon and running the tip of his rapier through the chest of the knight. Once the damage had been done, he would shift his feet to feint a retreat to hopefully catch them off guard. Even spectral knights who thought spectral thoughts could be thrown off, right? Planting his front foot back down, he would deliver another slash across its face. A light red mark was left where it eyes would be. "Should make us a bit harder to hit before it recovers.. not that we're having a hard time avoiding it anyway." 

Recovery: +4 EN
Post Action: Tech B | ID 245766 | BD 9(+3)(-3) | Hit 13(-1 W.R) -12 EN
25 x 16 = 400(-40) = 360 DMG

[6] Baldur | HP: 980/980 | EN: 110/132 | DMG: 26(+4=30) | MIT:78 | ACC:8+1 | AA (Inc) | KEEN: 1 (Act) | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:54 | REC: 8 | FLN: 8 | BLI: 32/-20 | BRN: 56 | FRZ: 64 | LD:5 | Hype 2/3
[1] Mari | HP: 940/940 | EN: 89/128 | DMG: 21+2=23(+4=27) | ACC:5+2=7 | AA | EVA:3 | BH:52 | BLI: 32/-20 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:1 | -40 Mit
[-]Hirru | HP: 1160/1160 | EN: 100/112 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 187 | ACC: 1 | BH: 59 | HLY BLS: 47 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 8 | LD: 5 | THRNS: 76 | PARA | EV-0: 36 | CD hype 2/3
[7]Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 112/138 | DMG: 21(+4=25) | MIT:44 | ACC:3 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1 | (W.R. 3/3) (CHG 1/3)

Spectral Knight | HP: 899/3700  | DMG: 300 | MIT:100 40 | ACC:5 4 | EVA:3 | FRB [40/2] | BLD [48/2] | BLGT [32/2] | BRN [56/2] | Shattered [3/3 stacks] | Stuck Immun. (1/3)  | DELAY

Jomei the emerald duelist

Spoiler notes Level: 34 | Paragon: 83 | Tier: 4(12)  Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 138/138 | DMG: 21 | MIT:44 | ACC:3 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1  Equipment: Vicious Mockery : ACC II | Taunt | Blight  Fencer's Regalia - Trepidation: Vamp D II | HB | MIT  Token of Serenity: HB| EVA III   equipped Vicious Mockery Fencer's Regalia - Trepidation Token of Serenity battle-ready inventory skills Spoiler Skills Rapier R5 | TECH Spec. Combat Mastery DMG R3 Cloth Armor R5 Charge B Healing R5 Energist MA R2 Howl Fighting Spirit Quick Change Extra: Concentration Survival   Parry Forgotten King's Authority Assault Mode  Lady Luck Meditation Mods Athletics Emergency Recovery Vengeful Riposte Justified Riposte Addons Stamina  Focus Precision Nimble Focused Howl data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== buffs Spoiler Housing Buffs Well Rested: -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat     Squeaky Clean: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down)     Tasty: Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. Relaxed: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts. Filling: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.  Multipurpose: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll Item Stash: +1 BRI slot Advanced Training: +10% EXP to a thread. Limit one use per month. Must be used on a player's first post in a thread. Cooldown begins counting down when used in a post. data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==

Midnight, possibly, or close to it. The suns light had faded hours ago and the red canopy that made up the Fire Forest were a much less brilliant color in the dull moonlight. Branches swayed in the wind, the rustling of their leaves sounding very much like the pattering of rain - a sound that he had grown sick of after countless days fighting off wave after wave of monsters on the 29th floor. Jomei needed a break, even if just a day, just some time to rest and recuperate. None of them would be able to continue fighting if they continued like this.. and with all of the curveballs they had been pitched on that hellscape of a floor, who knows what tomorrow could bring. Nothing was ordinary about this floor, and the looming threat of the next floor boss was no different. The fight could be days away, it could be hours. They wouldn't know until the time came.

Despite how much his body wanted to give out, how every muscle and bone that made up his virtual form ached, he could not find sleep.

Jomei sat on the edge of his bed, staring down at the floorboards. With everything going on he needed something.. something real and concrete that he could anchor himself down to, before he was carried away by the stress and uncertainty of it all. Lower lip between his teeth, he would gently bite down as he hesitantly summoned his menus with a small flick of his finger. "I need to see her.." he would say to himself, his voice nearly a whisper. 

Hey, you up?  No, this wasn't some late night booty call.
Can we talk? Three of the most stressful words anyone could hear, definitely not.

Quote

To: Lessa

Hey,

Sorry I hope this message doesn't wake you up if you're sleeping.  I've got a lot on my mind.. boss fight and all that. You know, usual stuff for frontliners like us.

((Humor doesn't carry over so well in text..))

I'm having one of those restless nights. Funny how life does that, huh? Work yourself to the bone, and when you finally hit your pillow, you can't find sleep. 

((Now he was just stalling and rambling..))

Can we meet up? If you're awake, that is. I need the distraction and well, if I'm being honest. I don't really want to be alone tonight. Not like that but I just..

I could really use my favorite person right now. 

Jomei

"I have a weapon that can do holy damage" Jomei said with a nod, as he lifted a hand to search through his inventory. Making sure Fragarach was still nestled nicely within the confides of his virtual pockets, he would close the menus once more. "Since we were able to take down this bear pretty easily, I'm sure the next boss shouldn't be too difficult either. Might be able to swap out some of my new equipment for my old stuff. As long as we take it out quickly, we won't be in too deep without a full tank build." 

"But you may be right about holding off for now, I know we've all got our hands full getting ready for this raid battle. I believe I have a couple of items I need to arrange a pick up for anyway, so I suppose we could part ways and do our own things. Come on, lets at least get back to a settlement so we can warp out of here." 

Taking the lead, Jomei and Wulfrin retraced their steps through the forest, through Treant territory, and back to the main settlement that the Elves called their home. 

"Well then, I guess if I don't see you before then, I'll see you before the raid." He would gently pat Wulfrin's shoulder with the butt of his fist, "Stay safe out there." 

Thread Complete
3768 Words

Jomei -> (3768/5)*11 +1000= 8289 EXP | 2000 Col + 1243 Laurel Wreath = 3243 Col
Wulfrin -> (3768/5)*5 +1000= 3768 EXP | 2000 Col + 565 Laurel Wreath = 2565 Col

Kumatetsu Key Unlocked.

(Rewards Sent)

Jomei barked a laugh, and his rain soaked, raised eyebrows told enough of how he felt about their predicament without need for explanation. "Lately, more often than I'd like." 

The ginger would groan at the squelch of his boots in the mud as he shifted his feet. "Eugh." His tall boots felt just as useless as his hood in this weather, the muck and rain still saturating him to his core. "Why does this floor have to be so miserable?" His eyes glanced up from the ground to Mari once more, offering an apologetic smile. "Sorry that you're big re-debut is.. this" he gestures with a hand to the ruined, stormy landscape before them.

Using the rubble of a nearby fallen building, Jomei made his approach once more. Leaping from broken stone to stone, he avoided the ankle deep mud so that he could keep his speed up. As the sole of his boot pressed down on the last of the stepping stones, he would lose his footing on the slick surface. "Shit!" he'd curse to himself as he stumbled, and, though he managed to keep himself from falling face first into the muck, his rapier merely grazed off of the glossy surface of the knight.

Recovery: +4 EN
Post Action: 
-> Tech-C + Charge vs Spectral Knight (13-1 W.R) -12 EN
-> ID 245619 | BD 4(+3)(-3)(-1 Charge)  | Miss - 1+8 = 9 EN

[4] Baldur | HP: 980/980 | EN: 115/132 | DMG: 26(+4=30) | MIT:78 | ACC:8+1 | AA (Inc) | KEEN: 1 (Act) | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:54 | REC: 8 | FLN: 8 | BLI: 32/-20 | BRN: 56 | FRZ: 64 | LD:5 | Rested (2/2) | Hype 1/3
[1] Mari | HP: 940/940 | EN: 101/128 | DMG: 21+2=23(+4=27) | ACC:5+2=7 | AA | EVA:3 | BH:52 | BLI: 32/-20 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:1 | -40 Mit
[-]Hirru | HP: 1160/1160 | EN: 100/112 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 187 | ACC: 1 | BH: 59 | HLY BLS: 47 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 8 | LD: 5 | THRNS: 76 | PARA | EV-0: 36 | CD hype 2/3
[4]Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 120/138 | DMG: 21(+4=25) | MIT:44 | ACC:3 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1 | (W.R. 2/3) (CHG 0/3)

Spectral Knight | HP: 1983/3700  | DMG: 300 | MIT:100 60 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | FRB [40/2] | BLD [48/2] | BLGT [32/2] | BRN [56/2] | Shattered [2/3 stacks] | Stuck Immun. (1/3) 

-> ID 245627 | BD 2(+5)(-4) | Miss

"Are you kidding me?

Was Lessa repeating herself, or did the wine hit his system faster than he was used to? Since when had he become such a lightweight. It took a short moment for the room to stop spinning after she had shaken him up like a soda can to get her point across... 

..what was her point again? He was a bit distracted when tavern returned to its rightful state, though the space between Lessa and himself had definitely gotten smaller. Much smaller. 

The breath he had planned to exhale caught within his lungs as he caught her gaze, diving head first into the cerulean pools of her eyes. They shimmered slightly in the dull lantern light as tiny tears welled, threatening to spill over and roll down her cheeks. The grip on his arms softened, and the moment become much more tender within an instant. There was something there, like a flame burning between them in the little distance between them, threatening to engulf the two and consume them. 

His fingers dug into the saturated cloth of his pants, fighting every urge to reach out and caress her the soft skin of her cheeks with his thumbs, wipe away the tears that had yet to fall. Before he knew it, he was studying the features of her face as she spoke. Though he listened to her speak, olive orbs bounced back and forth between her eyes and her lips. Watching her speak felt like watching silk unravel: smooth, intimate, and almost too personal to watch. But her words were meant for him, and him alone, so he couldn't pull away. 

What if he just kissed her, right now? 

Heavy lids blinked, shying away the though almost immediately. They were friends.. these were encouraging words from one friend to another. They had been through a lot together and, yes Jomei wanted that, more than anything, but.. he couldn't be so certain that she did. And the last thing he wanted was to ruin their friendship because of his feelings. 

"Really?" he laughed a breathy chuckle, "I've been thinking of trying out some yellow, maybe purple." he would smirk to let her know he was joking. 

"I feel like, we've got this bond, you know?" did he even realize he was drinking another drink as he spoke. "Allll the way back when we first met.. doing that bandit quest.. I just felt like I could be myself around you. And every time after, it just felt as if no time had passed, and we just worked on that bond." Shoulders rose with a shrug, "I dunno, maybe I'm just rambling on.. but I said it before and I'll say it again. I care about you. You can take that as you will but.." he would cut his sentence short with another sip of his drink. "Its the truth. And has been for awhile now. So I'm going to continue to be there for you, come running when you find some cool new place to explore, pick you up when you're down. And if that makes me special, then, I guess I'll continue to be special." 

Opening his mouth to speak, instinctually wanting to argue Baldur's leadership claim, he would hold his tongue and offer an appreciative smile instead. "I'm looking forward to it, especially if it gives me an excuse to hang around your estate more. I didn't spend enough time in the onsen last time. Not sure if I'm ready to learn the way of the katana though." he teased his friend. Though there was a bit of seriousness in his statement. 

That onsen though.. chef's kiss.

It was back to business, and the group discussed strategy. It seemed that both Hirru and Baldur had taken on this boss before. Jomei, on the other hand, still had plenty of quests to catch up on. At least he could soon cross this one off of his list.

"Hurt big bad, summons minions, take everything out. Got it. I doubt my damage output is high enough to clear one of those heads in a single shot anyway. So we should have no issue."

The molten lava behind them bubbled with an intensity before the surface broke. The Cerberus rose from the pool as if it were simply water, and while it would easily burn through the skin of a normal man, it ran off its fur without a hint of damage.  

While his gaze remained transfixed on the massive heads, and health bar, of the Cerberus, his attention was focused on Hirru. While now may not have been the greatest of times to have a serious revelation, their nonchalant attitude towards the boss was relieving. 

He would shoot Baldur a glance as Hirru paused for dramatic effect  turned to face their quarry, curious if he knew what the green haired man was getting at.

"You what?" the ginger's swung as if on a swivel to face Hirru once again. "I mean.. I understand we've been in here so long that some things start to get blurry but..."
"You mean.. at all?" he would gesture with his hand, akin to the sign for 'all done.'

"Hm, guess we're just fighting to the sound of pattering rain then." the ginger chuckled, before quickly returning the violin to his hip. Holding the intricately crafted bow in front of him, a flick of the wrist to his side would force the weapon to elongate. "Alright, get ready!" Hopping down from his position, his boots would hit the mire and muck before he rushed at the almost fluid form of the mercury-like knight. He struggled to pick up speed, each step felt like the ground was trying to pull him beneath the surface, but he pushed on. 

The long blade of Vicious Mockery illuminated with a blue hue as he readied a sword art that would stop the Knight in its tracks. Just as he had experienced with knight previous, however, it was fast, and moved unlike anything he'd ever seen. Its body twisting and bending, yet still somehow keeping its shape as it parried Jomei's weapon. Tit for tat, Jomei and the Spectral Knight traded blows, and while some of the power behind his sword art slowly faded, he still managed to strike true. 

The entire body of the knight shuddered and rippled as Jomei's rapier plunged into its shoulder region. For a brief moment, it had stopped moving. "Now!" 

Post Action: TECH A (14-1 Well Rested) -13 EN +3 Hate
-> ID 245568 | BD 9(+3)(-3) = 9 | Stun | Blight   Mist Body
-> 21 x 16 = 336(-80) = 256 DMG
 

[2] Baldur | HP: 980/980 | EN: 120/132 | DMG: 26 | MIT:78 | ACC:8+1 | AA (Inc) | KEEN: 1 (Act) | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:54 | REC: 8 | FLN: 8 | BLI: 32/-20 | BRN: 56 | FRZ: 64 | LD:5 | Rested (1/2) | Hype 0/3
[1] Mari | HP: 940/940 | EN: 116/128 | DMG: 21+2=23 | ACC:5+2=7 | AA | EVA:3 | BH:52 | BLI: 32/-20 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:1 | -40 Mit
[-]Hirru | HP: 1160/1160 | EN: 106/112 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 187 | ACC: 1 | BH: 59 | HLY BLS: 47 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 8 | LD: 5 | THRNS: 76 | PARA | EV-0: 36 | CD hype 1/3
[3]Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 125/138 | DMG: 21 | MIT:44 | ACC:3 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1 

Spectral Knight | HP: 2912/3700  | DMG: 300 | MIT:100 80 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | FRB [40/2] | BLD [48/2] | BLGT [32/2] | BRN [56/2] | Shattered [1/3 stacks] | STUN

• Splinter | Whenever the Spectral Knight critically hits (BD 9-10), its attack instead only deals 50 mitigated damage and 60 unmitigated damage to the entire party as the weapon splinters into a sharpened spray. This attack applies all applicable DoT's to all targets when this occurs.
• Mist Body | Natural BD 9 attacks made against Spectral Knight will no longer automatically hit and will use accuracy & damage calculations as normal due to the Spectral Knight bending and twisting to allow dangerous attacks to pass harmlessly through. All enhancements that would activate on a natural BD 9 (bleed, holy, burn, freeze) will not trigger when this occurs.
• Attempted Rewrite | On a CD 10+, the Spectral Knight will find another NPC nearby and manufacture that NPC into a clone of itself with the same stat block including remaining hit points and any applied status effects.

Edited 21 minutes ago by Hirru (see edit history)

Jomei the emerald duelist

Spoiler notes Level: 34 | Paragon: 82 | Tier: 4(12)  Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 138/138 | DMG: 21 | MIT:44 | ACC:3 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1  Equipment: Vicious Mockery : ACC II | Taunt | Blight  Fencer's Regalia - Trepidation: Vamp D II | HB | MIT  Token of Serenity: HB| EVA III   equipped Vicious Mockery Fencer's Regalia - Trepidation Token of Serenity battle-ready inventory skills Spoiler Skills Rapier R5 | TECH Spec. Combat Mastery DMG R3 Cloth Armor R5 Charge B Healing R5 Energist MA R2 Howl Fighting Spirit Quick Change Extra: Concentration Survival   Parry Forgotten King's Authority Assault Mode  Lady Luck Meditation Mods Athletics Emergency Recovery Vengeful Riposte Justified Riposte Addons Stamina  Focus Precision Nimble Focused Howl data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== buffs Spoiler Housing Buffs Well Rested: -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat     Squeaky Clean: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down)     Tasty: Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. Relaxed: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts. Filling: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.  Multipurpose: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll Item Stash: +1 BRI slot Advanced Training: +10% EXP to a thread. Limit one use per month. Must be used on a player's first post in a thread. Cooldown begins counting down when used in a post. data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==

Gasp

Knees sunk into the mud as his body nearly collapsed. Propped up slightly by his rapier, jabbed into the ground where a monster he had slain took their last breath. How long had he been fighting for? With finally a brief moment to catch his breath, Jomei shook his head. "I.." he barely managed to get out. "I don't.."

"I don't know how much longer I can do this." 

It was hard to admit, though he was sure if anyone was listening, they would agree. Morale was low, they were all exhausted, but everyone depended on them. And right now, he hated that.

Because it meant that he couldn't just give up and get that rest he so badly craved. 

He'd get over it, he was just tired. His muscles would ache if the system allowed pain, instead everything just felt numb. How he was even able to bring himself to his feet, let alone swing a sword, was a surprise even to him. "Just...a bit longer."

The sound of metal plates banging against each other drew his eyes to the source, Freyd rushing in (as much as he could in the muck, at least) to fend off another Spectral Knight.. surrounded by a group of smaller monsters.

"Another one.. great." he silently groaned before. "Freyd, slow down or you're going to get yourself killed... again!" Jomei shouted after his comrade. "I'm coming just.. don't draw too much aggro without me." 

Jomei consumes: 
Smokin' Hot Honey Bun Tray | ACC 2 | EVA 2 | Feast (4/6)

Thanks Freyd!

Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 138/138 | DMG: 21 | MIT:44 | ACC:5 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:6 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1 

Jomei the emerald duelist

Spoiler notes Level: 34 | Paragon: 82 | Tier: 4(12)  Jomei | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 138/138 | DMG: 21 | MIT:44 | ACC:3 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 | BH:55 | HB: 44 | VAMP-D: 110 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:1  Equipment: Vicious Mockery : ACC II | Taunt | Blight  Fencer's Regalia - Trepidation: Vamp D II | HB | MIT  Token of Serenity: HB| EVA III   equipped Vicious Mockery Fencer's Regalia - Trepidation Token of Serenity battle-ready inventory skills Spoiler Skills Rapier R5 | TECH Spec. Combat Mastery DMG R3 Cloth Armor R5 Charge B Healing R5 Energist MA R2 Howl Fighting Spirit Quick Change Extra: Concentration Survival   Parry Forgotten King's Authority Assault Mode  Lady Luck Meditation Mods Athletics Emergency Recovery Vengeful Riposte Justified Riposte Addons Stamina  Focus Precision Nimble Focused Howl data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== buffs Spoiler Housing Buffs Well Rested: -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat     Squeaky Clean: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down)     Tasty: Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. Relaxed: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts. Filling: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps.  Multipurpose: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll Item Stash: +1 BRI slot Advanced Training: +10% EXP to a thread. Limit one use per month. Must be used on a player's first post in a thread. Cooldown begins counting down when used in a post. data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==

When was the last time he had a full night's rest, a meal he actually enjoyed - not just something for necessity. Was there a day in the past (few) month(s) where he hadn't trudged home, clothes still soaked from the never-ending storms of this horrific floor? 

Did he even remember the last time he showered? 

He could sleep when this was over, bathe, actually enjoy the few things in this world that brought him job. He was a frontline fighter, like the rest of his squad. They had a job to do, despite how much the winds battered them down. They'd see it done.

"I see one!"

Jomei's attention snapped to where Baldur was looking, pulling him out of that 'auto-pilot trance' he had when he was tired. Olive eyes scanned the dark horizon, before a streak of lightning flashing through the sky revealed their target. 

"Got it!" Jomei shouted back, as he unclipped the violin from his hip. Resting the instrument on his shoulder, he would place himself at the center of their group. "I'll keep it off your backs!"