Hirru

"If you're providing, I'll only take a damage Potion, if you have any to spare.  I have my own MIT food, but I didn't think I needed it until now.  With A third tier dungeon, I'm positive our damage is enough, as is.  Though, I don'tknow anything about this Ugzeke, so I'll take my precautions. "

The hunter said as they walked towards the teleportation gate.  Standing upon the blue dais, the hunter spoke.

"Kalanaes!"

* * * * *

Upon reaching the capital of the dark elves, the hunter adjusted his headband revealing the small silver crescent emblem that was pinned upon it.  The elves that saw it varied in response, but most were keen to leave him alone without issue.  They did not want to feel the wrath of someone chosen by their queen.

"I know a place from a while back that should still be active.  Come on!"

Reaching the outskirts of the capital, taking the passage up to the surface, the hunter would pause for a moment at some ruins.  His search pings were showing that the ruin was false with something underneath.  Hirru pushed upon the ruin to collapse it..

Reveal Skill Activate -> Dungeon search 10+ post.
Search, Reveal, Detect, Favor = +11 LD on dungeon

[ID: 197036] [LD: 8+11=19] Dungeon Found

"I was considering either the twenty third or the twenty fourth.  Though, I haven't been to the twenty fifth, or twenty sixth yet.  Was thinking of finding both a dungeon and a field boss, but I would take your advice, if you suggest against any of those.  Didn't want you coming here without profiting somehow, though."

The hunter replied as they seemed to be blazing through the safe trails of the desert to reach Fortaleza.  It didn't really seem like it took a couple hours at most to full go through the whole ordeal.  It probably would have been worth more later, as they passed the entrance to the sprawling city.  Cassim would have cast his cowl down to cover his face as they passed by the guards.  Another reason to not trust these brothers anymore than he did.  Finally reaching the bar, Cassim would be forced through the door.

"Al'akh al'akbar!"

"Ali~"

It would seem like the brothers were about to reunite over a brotherly hug, but a quick grapple of the arm, and Cassim was down on the floor.  Ali had grabbed him by the arm and flung him down to the ground.  It seemed that the two of them were having a little family moment as it seemed they were whispering to each other.  Soon, Ali was back up to greet the two, though his gaze at Freyd seemed a bit more on the contemptable side.

"Thank you for bringing my shaqiq back.  I will assure you that he doesn't get into any more.."

He looked back to his brother before looking to the both of them, while pulling out a rolled parchment from under his sleeves.

"..problems.  Here is your reward, as promised."

As Hirru grabbed the parchment, the quest was completed.  He turned to Freyd after flipping the window away.

"So, which one do you prefer?  I'll follow your lead."

It seemed that they took care of all of the bandits for now, and all that was left was to get the brother back to Ali.  It would be rather simple, the hunter thought.  Just trekking back through the desert, back to Fortaleza, and presenting the brother back to Ali.  Afterwards, a new dungeon would be available to him.  He could also look into a dungeon nearby, or move to a new floor to look there.  Maybe look into bursting down some floor bosses.  With that in mind, the hunter switched out his Bulwark Armor for his near matching trinket, Favor of the Golden Dragon.  The silver and gold bangles that represented his Spirit and Favor respectively seemed to really catch the thief's attention.

When the hunter moved around to cut the bindings from Cassim, the man instantly turned around to Hirru.  Grabbing the hunter around the wrists, before Hirru could pull back.

"Thank you kindly stranger!  I wouldn't know what would happened if you had been any later."

"No problem, we're.."

He shook the hunter's arms in a show of exaggerated gratitude.  This action immediately sent several pings from Hirru's Detect skill.  Before Cassim could pull his hands away, the hunter had already grabbed them both back, in a similar gesture that Cassim did previously.  In both his hands were Hirru's Spirit of the Jade Dragon and Favor of the Golden Dragon.  Hirru's eyes looked nearly that of bloodlust, but the thief was quick to apologize.

"So..sorry!  S..s..sticky fingers."

"If I didn't need you, I would have taken these back, with your hands attached."

The hunter replied with spite, while taking back both bangles back from the thief, and placing them back upon his wrists.  Cassim would cower back before being led by both of them, making sure he stayed in front of them, at all times.  Hirru would turn to Freyd while walking back.

"I see what you meant."

Item switch: Bulwark -107 mit (72 armor & 35 skill) -> Favor of the Golden Dragon +3 LD

Keep Cassim Alive?

"It's fancier than this one here.  Fang does suit a nice niche, if it ever actually worked!"

He nodded to his side, which carried the sheathed Shelob's Fang.  His jade green hair fluttered slightly before settling once more, as he pat the sword's pommel.  The sword was okay, but the issue came from it's one enhancement of acc, which Hirru needed.  As a scout, he had to rush through mobs as quickly as possible, while keeping himself safe.  That was why he carried Spirit of the Jade Dragon, a two ACC one EVA trinket.  Although it wasn't much against bosses, it was perfect for regular mobs here and there.  These bandits should be no exception.

"Though, I'll take you up on your offer some time.  Trying to appraise my own gear is a gamble that is heavily lost."

With that said, the hunter rolled out of the cover of the dune, and raced into the building.  There were a few bandits that seemed to take notice of the hunter, but he wasn't going to let them continue on soon enough.  Hirru ripped the first four through with a sweeping flurry of side cuts.  Some seemed to actually become paralyzed for a second, but they died before it was needed.  The other two had enough breath left to call for help.  The hunter would turn his head, yelling behind them.

"You're right!  These ones are not too bad.  Maybe next quest they'll be better."

Hirru was glad to see that Freyd would come without hesitation, at least, as fast as one can travel across a desert full of twisting sands and harsh weather.  The hunter would nod to the fellow adventurer, giving his green hair a little shake in the wind.  He wasn't wearing his red cloak this time.  Only his red armor and clothes, while Fang hung upon his hip.  Quite contrasting colors upon the beige and browns that mesh in the sands.  What was quite contrasting though, was the splendid little dessert that appeared in the desert, which Freyd had brought out for Hirru to take part in.  The hunter wouldn't bat at eye at a gift, and took a part of the Crème Brulee. 

"Thank you!  I haven't had a proper buff in some time."

He felt that his senses were slightly sharper, he could probably cut a grain of sand in half.  Of course, that was an exaggeration, and a two handed straight sword probably couldn't do that with its large blade, but that was two separate thought processes.

Hirru would draw Fang and look towards Freyd.

"Let's beat some bandits."

Consumable feast portion 3/6 used -> +2 ACC

[H:0]<<Hirru>>  HP:806/806 | EN:110/110 | DMG: 23 | Mit: 107 | TRN: 30 | ACC: 7 | EVA: 1 | PAR: 1 | ENVENOM: 32

The demon lord was on it's last ropes, as Freyd and ChaseR kept the large chunk damage against Beelzebub while keeping him in a stunned stat.  It was a fairly productive method of combat.  If only the hunter could get Fang to properly activate the paralysis in its venomous strike, then he could probably work around that and stuns.  He would shake his head at the thought.  Too much was on his mind to really care for that.  For now, the hunter was on the move.  He didn't think he needed to stun anymore, as there was some stunning issues that would take place, mainly that a new stun could not take place right after the other, except for pets.

Passing by ChaseR's right, Hirru copied his first AOE sword art again.  This time wasn't as devastating as the last, but the damage did it's due as the last of the first health bar was depleted.  As soon as it shattered, Beelzebub quirked up.  Grabbing Hirru and throwing him back into the crowd, as he finally was free of the stunned effect, he looked rather pissed but also intrigued.  The demon lord cracked his neck twice before looking towards the three of them.

"To be pushed past my first phase before I even attacked?  How insulting!  I like it!  You're the first ones that I could say were a proper challenge!"

He would prop up his spectacles before grinning widely.

"In fact, I think you three are the first to truly complete this quest.  How curious..  are your fellow players just as powerful?  Maybe I should get rid of you now, and everyone else can pay the price when they face my true form."

In a blink of an eye, the demon lord's health bar reappeared, which seemed to piss the hunter off.  Was this something that the game was allowing?  Soon a small flame would appear from a pointed finger, that was pointed to the group.  It would start small but soon start growing larger before Beelzebub would flick it towards them.

"Feel the next phase starter, <<HellBlaze>>!  An AOE that leaves everyone at 1 health!"

As the flame neared them, the hunter stood forward ready to take the brunt of it, even if it was an AOE.  Was this really how he would die?  At the hands of a boss that seemed to be cheating.  No, the hunter had enough of this little shit.  The only thing he thought of was using the Sanctified Sword, somehow.  That enhancement, Blessed, must be have something to do with this.  However, what was Hirru to do?

His body made the call for him.  Almost as if the system was controlling his body into a sword art, Hirru threw the Sanctified Sword at the <<HellBlaze>> that barreled towards them.  It pierced the attack before light shone through the fire, before fire and blade exploded into little shards of light, which began to form into larger crystals, each with a small message.

<<System Maintenance In Progress>>
<<Please Stand By>>

"Oh no you don't, Cardinal!  I've worked too hard to have you interrupt my fun!"

The demon seemed to shout out to the little crystals, as if it knew what was about to happen next.  He would soon turn tail and vanish into a blume of smoke and ash, before the signs could reach him.  As soon as Beelzebub was gone, the crystals stopped and dissipated back into tiny light crystals again.  A quest finalization window would signal the end of their journey, giving each of them a new extra skill and TECH to be used in the event.  Hirru would see some extra col and some items for 'killing' the boss, but he would divide it between the others for fair gain.

All Hirru could do was wonder..

"What just happened?" 

Summary
Quest Complete!
All Members gain
2250 EXP
400 Col + 12500 Loot
(Hirru divides his looted Col)
<<Extra Skill: Restorative Strike>>

Event
Thread + Quest
3 Mon each
<<TECH-E Unlocked>>
 

Hirru
3142 EXP
[800+2250+92(3%)]
4614 Col
[12900/3=4300+314(10%)]
T2 Rare Weapon <<Unidentified>>[196991a]
T2 Uncommon Consumable <<Unidentified>>[196991b]

Freyd
3447 EXP
[800+2250+305(10% Slime)+92(3%)]
4645 Col
[12900/3=4300+345(10%)]

ChaseR
3447 EXP
[800+2250+305(10% Slime)+92(3%)]
4645 Col
[12900/3=4300+345(10%)]

Diamond in the Rough
<<Arabian Nights: First of Many>>

Tales tell of a dungeon that no one else can find, not even the luckiest of players were ever able to find the Cave of Wonders.  However, it seemed that an NPC by the name of Ali would have the location, and would be willing to give it away too, if one can get his dumb horse of a brother, Cassim, out of a predicament.  Although the hunter didn't like the fact that there was something that even he couldn't find, he was still up for some roughhousing to get his blood going.  Stepping into the alleged bar that housed the famed Ali, the hunter would soon be assailed by a rather sorrowfully drunken man.  He looks at Hirru with wistful eyes, seeking an ear to bend.  The hunter would easily oblige, even if he had heard enough from such quest givers, he was still entranced by some stories.  

"Did you get all that?  Get me my brother, and I'll give you your reward!"

"Sounds a little too good to be true, but I'll go with it."

After agreeing to the terms, the hunter reviewed the quest and the information for the next two in this quest line.  It seemed to get exponentially harder with each quest ending in a near guardian level boss fight on the last quest.  He would need powerful help.

Quote

Message sent!

To: @Freyd

From: Hirru

Hello, do you mind helping out with the Arabian questline?  You probably have more knowledge on this one than the last, which could help immensely.

We could also look for dungeons or floor bosses to better gain from this event.

 

--------------------------------------

That was how the hunter found himself crouched by a dune in the 5th floor's desert.  Nearby a cavern of ruins that seemed well lived in, called to him by his quest guide point.  This was where Cassim was, surely.  He munched on his rations and washed it all down with a thorny potion.  It wasn't much, but it was all he could afford right now.

Consumables used: Field Rations +86 HP, Immolation Potion +30 Thorns

Quest Info

Hirru Stats (After Consumables)

"Let's end this!"

Seeing that Baldur was doing well in ripping into the boss, the hunter would want to continue the onslaught as soon as he possibly could.  When the freezing effect from the cooldown had settled, Hirru had already set upon breaking the bosses armor.  With the new Shatter ability, he had been constantly trying to use it whenever possible.  This situation would be no exception, as the hunter jumped forward to allow the first thrust of Calamitous Disaster to have more power.  The hit was true as the thrust went straight into the dark elf's gut before the art pulled back and slashed down to the left, then immediately pulled back for another thrust.  This one would repeat the pull back and slash down, but to the right this time.  This process would repeat once more before the art was done.  It felt weird to the hunter, as it felt familiar in some way, but much slower than what he knew.  Where did he know that from?

Though, as the hunter was lost in thought, the Anti-Royalist finally took out his increasing anger.  Finally grabbing the long curved sword from his hip, similar to the one the blood crazed Rori from the third floor seemed to wield.  If this one had the bleeding and critical advantage that the floor boss had, then they were in trouble.  He seemed to slightly dance with the blade, but it was all just a trick of the eye.  Hirru's search and detect would find it as the after image left behind, in the dark ichor, would dissipate.  It used the mess to take advantage of Baldur's constant assault to rip into him as the samurai would come up for his next attack.

"A little somethin' *cough*cough*cough* ole Rori taught me."

"Baldur!"

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[ID: 196926] [BD: 6+3-1=8] (Passive +4 EN / Shatter -5 EN, -15 Mit before dmg) Hit
[Calamitous Disaster -10 EN] 23x15= 345-(150-15)= 210 Dmg
[MD: 8-2=6] Hit-> Baldur 270-78= 192 dmg

[H:3] Baldur | HP 628/820 | EN 73/96 | DMG 25 | ACC 5 | EVA 2 | BH 41 | REC +4 | MIT 78
[H:2] Hirru | HP 720/720 | EN 79/110 | DMG 23 | ACC 3 | EVA 1 | ENV 32 | MIT 107 
Dark Elf Antiroyalist | HP 118/1200 | DMG 270 | MIT 135 | ACC 1 | EVA 1 | Crit 9 = 300DMG + 150 AOE | Crit 10 = 330 DMG+225 AOE [Shatter I 3/3]

After a fair day's work, the hunter was travelling along in his caravan when he noticed something strange.  It seemed to be a small campsite, but he couldn't tell for sure.

"Merchant!  Stop!"

He called out to the stagecoach, whom was his merchant npc, to stop the carriage.  A pull of the reins, and some tossing and turning of goods that nearly fell on the hunter, Hirru jumped off of the back carriage.  It had been some time since he had seen a proper campsite that he thought it was another quest giver.  Instead, it seemed to be a player, a shopkeeper actually. 

"Well, salutations fellow caravanner!  Might I peruse your wares?"

It seemed like he was just like Hirru, a wayward shopkeep, but this one had much more available than the hunter would ever have.  Such is the perk of being a proper craft profession.  Hirru chose a few goodies that he would definitely need for later use, and paid the man.

Purchases:

• Crème Brûlée | ACCURACY II | 300col | [18/04/20] | TIER 1 | (5) [1500 Col]
• Yaki Hatahata | MITIGATION III | Price varies | 3 materials | [25/10/20] | TIER 4 | ( 4) [12 Mats]
• Berry Crumb Bars | LOOT DIE III | 500col | 2 materials | [18/04/20] | TIER 1 | ( 8) [4000 Col]

Total Expenditures:

• 5500 Col
• 12 Mats

"Baldur!"

The hunter called out as the door flew open, and threw his friend against the wall.  Everything happened rather fast.  From having questions asked to combat initiating, Hirru wasn't sure what happened.  However, what he did know was that this dungeon boss knew more than he let on.

"If you wanna know, I got it for services rendered."

He would then plant his foot hard into the D. Elf's foot, then used his charge ability at point blank range, using the speed instead upon his blade.  Galaxy Destroyer ripped through the antiroyalist's armor, as if it was wet clay.  Soon, though he would be thrown off by the heavy momentum, making him fall back a bit to accommodate the weight of his Fang.

"By helping kill your Council, except one."

The Antiroyalist would scream in pain as he got sliced through quite heavily from two different directions.  It wouldn't be much more until they kill the boss and be done with it all.  Hirru didn't want to continue talking about that time any more.

[ID: 196540] [BD: 7+3-1] (Charge -8 EN -1 ACC +5 DMG) Hit!
[Galaxy Destroyer -12 en] (23+5)x17=  476-150 = 326 DMG
D.Elf Antiroyalist = Stunned / No action.

[H:2] Baldur | HP 820/820 | EN 79/96 | DMG 25 | ACC 5 | EVA 2 | BH 41 | REC +4 | MIT 78
[H:1] Hirru | HP 720/720 | EN 90/110 | DMG 23 | ACC 3 | EVA 1 | ENV 32 | MIT 107 
Dark Elf Antiroyalist | HP 528/1200 | DMG 270 | MIT 150 | ACC 1 | EVA 1 | Crit 9 = 300DMG + 150 AOE | Crit 10 = 330 DMG+225 AOE [STUNNED]

"I'm not saying keep it up, but.."

Keeping in line with how the other two players have been, they all had brought the demon lord, Beelzebub, down quite a bit.  It seemed likely that they would be able to beat it within one or two more rotations of attacks.  Freyd seemed to have the good idea of things.  If Hirru could stun Beelzebub, then the other two could rain down he'll upon him.  They had the stronger attacks and higher accuracy.  

"..let's keep breaking him."

The hunter knew he was at a disadvantage, but he would try all the same.  His luck was spent on that last hit, so now he had to work with his eyes and force his body to submit to a new sword art.  However, it still didn't seem like it worked.  He could imitate another, like ChaseR, by watching them but he couldn't envision anything new.  It seemed like he couldn't come up with anything new at all, as if his creativity and adaptability were being suppress.

A small flicker of Flame seemed to harm Beelzebub, which in turn harmed Hirru too.  Including the heat, he was getting battered.

When Astreya missed, that signaled the end of their battle as the Fae and dodged her attack and had enough time to unlock one of the cells with the Tainted Ones.  He snickered before that started to grow into a maniacal laughter, as the cage door was pushed open in front of him, and the shambling mass came fumbling out.  Creatures that slightly share their Faune traits, but they are twisted and shriveled.  Their bodies seeming to be amalgamations of multiple faune combine in unnatural ways.  They seemed to crawl out of the cage quite slowly, but soon began to get very fast.  Several of them had locked on to the Fae that unlocked them, and had pounced upon him.  He shrieked in surprise and fear.

"No!  Not me!  Not here!  NnnOoOoooOOoo!"

He would shout as he was torn apart, limb by limb.  The Tainted Ones ripping away before the Fae shattered into crystalline death shards.  They seemed to bite out at the shards, as if seeking every single morsel left.  As for the rest, they seemed to take notice of Randal and his expletives.  Hirru had to think fast.  He couldn't handle all of them attack him without his armor.  Spying that Randal had put his armor on, the hunter did the same.  Running over to his armor, he would grab it while selecting to equip it immediately.  As soon as he did, he ran straight into the horde.  If he could get some of them to attack him, he would be able to save the two of them.  Instead, it seemed to split the entire swarm in three.  Four had latched onto Hirru; four were attacking Randal; and the last two had finished snacking upon the fae to leer at Astreya.

"If you have any armor, I would suggest equipping it now!"

He shouted as one tried to take a bite out of him.

"You'll need it!"

Was that boss really that weak?  Lilith seemed to be chucked for health from each of their attacks, but Freyds last seemed 'inhuman'.  Did Holy really have as much effect on her as it should have?  Regardless of Hirru's thoughts, the big bad evil was no more, and he would be having a moment more to settle down.  That was the plan, but there was something that had better plans.

Hirru heard it speak before Detect seemed to ping it.  Although he wasn't really hiding, the guy seemed to only just appear for the hunter, as if all his searchs skills were voided out.  Who was this guy?  The answer would come swiftly after.

Beelzebub, Bringer of Flame

A number of health bars followed underneath the title, giving Hirru a cold feeling.  Quest bosses didn't receive multiple health bars.  Was this something new due to the last couple updates?  This was his first quest for this new event.  Otherwise, the only ones that should have multiple health bars were... floor bosses.

They were ill prepared to fight a behemoth like that, but if it was just part of the quest, then it shouldn't be that bad.  Freyd and ChaseR could hold their own in DPS, and Hirru couldn't see any other way.

"We'll fight!"

"Your funeral."

The demon lord said before grinning slyly.  He then eyed them all.  He scoffed before snapping his fingers.  A low flame would appear upon everyone, releasing the stress of the fights before.

"I'd prefer a workout, not a warmup so hurry, if you will."

Leaving that as his explaination, the demon awaited the parties first strike.  Hirru would gladly oblige, attacking with the glowing sword.  It was a good hit, but the damage seemed like only a chunk of what it should be.

"I'll do what I can!  No promises!"

Hirru knew he wasn't as fast as the other two, but he could still pull his own when needed.  Although, he had put himself at heavy disadvantage by switching weapons.  Since Fang had his last point of Accuracy, his aim would be hindered slightly.  He didn't want to charge in, as that has failed him more times in the past.  The both of them seemed to be getting heavy damage out, but what could the hunter do. 

Taking a longer path around, the hunter tried to catch her from behind and deal a hit, but the art didn't go off.  He swung hard downwards, but Lilith was much faster than he thought.  It seemed like she was toying with him.  Knowing that this one was the weakest of the group.

Hirru couldn't make sense of what happened. It was as if he didn't have his old arts anymore.  Was this something that this floor also did?  No, he remembered that the update changed his Sword Arts.  He had to relearn them again.

Hirru was kind of relieved to finally get both of them talking to him, not in his general direction.  If only for a little bit.  ChaseR didn't seem to be the talkative one of the two, while Freyd seemed to really talk your ear off.  Reminded him of Shield and Beat, except more linguistic and fast.  Of course, they did say that they completed every quest before the update took place.  No wonder they were so strong.

"Your teamwork makes me feel ashamed for my training.  You guys must have pushed yourselves hard."

He would say before looking over to Freyd.

"Also, sorry for ignoring you earlier while we were heading here.  I used to question the state of the floors and wonder what and how things worked too.  Though, I feel I don't need to figure that out, anymore."

He stopped himself from saying any more.  If these guys were part of the new Frontline, they would know in time why he didn't see the world the same as he used to.  For now, they were adventurers on a quest.  Taking the moment to gather both of their approvals, Hirru would nod.

"Okay, I will make good use of it."

He said while replacing his primary weapon, Shelob's Fang, and switching it with the Sanctified Sword.  The sword and scabbard on his belt disappeared to be replaced with a newer scabbard of red and some metallic ornate pieces that were unfortunately grayed out.  Of course, that meant that he was now more red.

Following alongside the both of them, he would see the castle in the distance getting closer and closer until they were approaching the main gates.  ChaseR then told them to get down.  It seemed there were creatures close by.  Hirru nodded while pulling out the Sanctified Sword.

Swapping equipment Shelob's Fang -> Sanctified Sword

Stat Change

Hirru | HP: 806/806 | EN:110/110 | DMG: 24 | MIT: 107 | TRN: 30 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1 | HLY: 16 | BRN: 56/2

Although he was ignored by Freyd, it seemed the blue haired one was slightly more talkative, at least.  Looking upon his party listing, it seemed this player was called ChaseR. 

"Glad to know."

Walking through the grey toned ruins was starting to become a strain to his eyes.  Most was grey, but every so often a red or orange hued object would just pop out of the background, and your attention was easily pointed towards it.  Hirru was starting to notice that between the two others in this party, Freyd and ChaseR, he was about the only one that really stood out with his armor and cloak glowing red.  It kind of made him self conscious of himself.  Thankfully, he didn't have the taunting abilities or he would have much more to deal with.  Of course, they would find their way to their destination and searched inside.

Soon after they entered a specific area, there were suddenly multiple pings coming off of Hirru's detect.  He was about to say something before the duo of Freyd and ChaseR destroyed the three Red Cloak Revenants.  It was such a blinding speed that Hirru didn't know what happened.  He had only ever seen reaction speeds like that from Cal and Baldur.  Soon after he was told to go check on it, but they seemed to say his name wrong.  He shrugged, as it wasn't much, he had heard a few people do the same, but he corrected them after a while.

"Okay, I'll check it out."

He entered a small corridor through which he saw the faint light of the object in question.  A rather unusual blade seemed to be set in front of him, upon an odd looking pedestal.  Was this the 'sanctified sword' that was described before?  Seeing that this was probably something that could be better used by one of the other two better than him, he would grab the weapon by the hilt and pull it out of its resting place.  As soon as he did, the sword flashed a bright light before elongating into a two handed straight sword, it glowed light with a low flame licking the edges.  The info for it seemed to give more thought than anything.  He remembered the runes for Holy and would find the Burn rune for the first time, but the last one was weird.  'Blessed' was not a rune that that he had seen nor heard of.  He didn't know what any of that meant, but would take the sword over to the other two.

"Uh.. Have you guys taken this quest before?  Would this sword be better for any of you?"

These guys were much more powerful than he was, so it was only right that they would use something this powerful.  He wondered if they were part of the 25th floor boss raid, as they seemed way too strong to not be helping us break through this world's illusion.

Obtained Sanctified Sword [Straight Sword] T4? Holy 16 | Burn 56/2 | Blessed (Weapon transforms into the weapon type of the user's choice and becomes the Tier of the weapon's carrier. This weapon is destroyed at the end of the thread)

It wasn't long until the hunter was placed into a predicament that, though weird in of itself, would probably prove to be fruitful.  At least, he hoped it would.  He considered testing this new system out outside of this weirdly constructed camp.  What came up was a straight up slaughter, as a female with very pale skin seemed to decimate the Red Cloaks.  He would have joined in, but the larger man, whom seemed to be speaking to a player, charged in.  Not too long after that, the hunter was set aback by the sudden request to join the unknown black haired player.  A party invite was sent to him, but he was still baffled by what happened.  Did this 'Freyd' seriously try buying Hirru's interests with experience and lore?  Because he was all about that lore!

"Well, I don't know about that, but I'll take the stories and the experience any day."

He would call back to Freyd.

While pressing the little blue circle to confirm, he noticed that there was someone else that seemed to join them.  A blue-ish hued could be seen from his hair, reminding the hunter of Calrex, as he didn't see too many players sporting colored hairstyles.  Though, he didn't seem to have much to say to Hirru, it seemed he knew Freyd as he talked a bit about the system change.  He would also check his quest log, to see if the hunter also gained this quest.  The minimap seemed to be pinging something in the distance, so it could be determined that that was their destination.

"Anymore coming or are we ready to set off?"

He asked in earnest, making sure that they were not going to leave someone behind.

Ending the Reign of Demon Kind

Following the defeat of Rohk, the fourteenth floor was reduced to ruin and rubble, as the undead forces started taking hold more and more.  Soon after a mysterious wave of destruction had passed among the floors, the demons of the thirteenth floor moved up to the next floor, and found a paradise.  No longer would they be oppressed and beaten by the angels that resided on the thirteenth floor.  They were their own masters now, and so they took it upon themselves to claim this land as their own.  Terraforming the land into a 'hell on earth', they sought to keep their home protected at all costs.  The one to truly claim this role to the fullest was a dark twisted demon by the name of Beelzebub, whom took advantage of Rohk's disappearance, and Shadow's manipulation, to take over as a newly appointed Floor Boss.  Cardinal will not allow this, and in it's corrupted state has called upon adventurers to lay low the demon lord, in a renewed Cull of the Dead.

-----------

A red cloaked figure stood among the broken rows and columns.  Many other red cloaked figures would pass him by, not giving him the time of day.  He was an outsider to them, even in his tattered red cloak, it was far too bright of red here than it used to be, and much brighter than anyone else would wear.  Still, it would help with working his way through the rows of tents and people to where he needed to be.  It was the first time that this man had ever stepped foot on this unholy ground, and he was beginning to regret it already.  Soon, he wouldn't be able to handle it anymore, and removed the facial cover and hood to reveal a young man with his hair held out of his face with a red headband.  Upon the headpiece was a crescent moon insignia that he kept close to his person.  He was slightly surprised to find that his hair, once green as a clover, was now grayed out.  In fact, the only things on his body that seemed to pop out was his old KoB Blades cloak, his crimson red armor, and his red headband.  The hunter sighed as he spoke:

"This is getting weirder by the minute.  First, a weird message and new system update, or event, was it?  Now I'm here?  Why am I here again?"

Hirru said before taking some of this buffing consumables items and scarfing as much as he physically could, while drowning them down with a few potions.  Something told him that he would be needing them.

Items used: Field Rations +12% (86) Max HP / Immolation Potion +30 Thorns / Potion of Minor Strength [194532] +1 Dmg

Quest Info

Hirru's Stats (After Consumables)

Purchasing the following items:

• 4 Teleportation Crystals [3200 Col]
• 4 Field Rations          [4000 Col]
• 3 Immolation Potions T3  [2700 Col]
• 5 Golden Keys            [5000 Col]
• 2 Spyglass (x6)          [1600 Col]

Total Expenditures:          [16500 Col]

• Shop Post: Traveling Flame
• Transaction Date: 6/8/21
• Cost of Transaction: 80 Col (160 For Entire Order)
• Crafter's Profession: Appraiser
• Crafter's Rank: R4
• Item Name: Potion of Minor Strength
• Item Tier: T1
• Item Type: Consumable (Potion)
• Item Rarity:  Uncommon
• Item Enhancements: Damage 1
• Craft/Appraisal/Obtainment IDs & Rolls: 
  • Obtained: [ID 194532]
  • Slot 1: ID 195238 | LD 10 | Damage +1
• Item Description: A light blue liquid fills this bottle.  When consumed, it bestows user with a small amount of strength.

------------------------------------

• Shop Post: Traveling Flame
• Transaction Date: 6/8/21
• Cost of Transaction: 80 Col (160 For Entire Order)
• Crafter's Profession: Appraiser
• Crafter's Rank: R4
• Item Name: Potion of Minor Immunity
• Item Tier: T1
• Item Type: Consumable (Potion)
• Item Rarity:  Uncommon
• Item Enhancements: Antidote
• Craft/Appraisal/Obtainment IDs & Rolls: 
  • Obtained: [ID 194532]
  • Slot 1: ID 195237 | LD 1 | Antidote
• Item Description: A normal bottle of herbal antidote that may taste quite bitter.

Pulling out the Emerald Flame, the hunter set up shop once more as the caravan had come to town.  The mysterious merchant climbed down from his seat and greeted the Rune Scribe as he normally would.  Hirru had just returned from a simple job, but nothing he couldn't handle all the same.  Still, he was disappointed by the lack of items he was gaining.  Hopefully, his luck would change for the better.

"Well, let's see what first tier consumables these will be."

He said while touching each one in succession.  Their little boxes would denote their rarity, these being both single box uncommon consumables.  Tapping on the boxes they began to glow before the roulette started.

Selling

Modifications (Appraisals 2 of 8) 

Modifications = 160 Col
Sold = 0 Col

Total Expenditures =  160 Col

Total Exp Gained = 8

As Astreya was letting Randal out of his cage, the Jade Hunter was still yelling to gain as much attention as he could.  He didn't have the tank skill <<Howl>>, but this would be enough for now to gain the attention of those around him.  That and his sweeping AOE attack that caused quite a bit of noise, too.  There were only three of the bloody Fae left to deal with, in the area.  There could be more as they go along, but that was for later.  This was now!   Taking his time, he would watch as the one that was torturing the paraded faune to places unknown would come towards him.  Another was coming around one of the cages that Hirru had not destroyed yet.  He could only assume that the third one was around where Randal and Astreya were.

"Well, what are you waiting for!  Come get me!"

He shouted before running over to where the other two were.  Rounding the corner, he could see the both of them were safe, for now.  As long as he could take care of these last few fae, they would be able to start looking into getting out of this dark depressing place.  Soon, he could see the pink crystal that wanted to hide in the shadows, and attacked.  His sword started to glow white before he started to spin like a top.  A very sharp and dangerous top.

Hirru slammed his blade into the stalagmites that made up a wall, which bounced him back and killed the two that were following him.  However, this gave the last Fae time to escape towards one of the jail cells that housed creatures within.

"Now you'll never get out of here alive!"

It said while cackling wildly while reaching out to unlock one of the cages that housed the 10's of unholy creatures within.

"Someone stop him!"

Cyclone (5+4=-9 EN) 23*7= 161 Dmg
[195233] [BD: 4+1+1(Concentration)=6] Hit 161 Dmg to Fae 3
[195234] [BD: 7+1=8] Hit 161 Dmg to Fae 4
[195235] [BD: 2+1=3] Miss
+4 passive en regen

Hirru | HP 720/720 | EN 85/110 | DMG 23 | 1 ACC (dim light) | 1 EVA
Fae 3 | HP 0/150 | DMG 45
Fae 4 | HP 0/150 | DMG 45
Fae 5 | HP 150/150 | DMG 45

Hirru pursed his lips while thinking upon the matter.  Was he really happy with two handed straight sword, as it was?  He would have to look into alternatives, or possibly making it better. 

"We've all come a long way from what we used to be.  Though, practice does help.  I'll certainly look into your dojo then.  If I'm staying there, I might as well train myself harder while looking for new ways to improve myself."

The hunter opened his menu with a swipe of his fingers, he would find the skills icon and tap it.  From there, he could see his entire skills layout lay before him.  Two handed straight sword, Heavy armor, and Search were his predominant skills that he had maxed out already, then his two newest additions: Energist and Combat Mastery: Damage.  The both of them together really started to help him with his energy conservation and weaponry options.

"I wouldn't mind Absolute Accuracy myself, if I could reroll Shelob's accuracy or paralysis for it, I would.  Though, I guess I could at any time really, since I'm an appraiser too.  It's just not worth the gamble right now."

While talking, Hirru was still looking at those skills, underneath his Charge skill and several mods, there was a weird blip that the hunter had been noticing recently.  He remembered that this was normally when a new skill was open to a player, and they could choose to accept or ignore it.  However, this one was different.  <<Custom Skill Acquisition>>, it was all that came up when he selected it, but he didn't understand it.  He would have to ask Baldur about it sometime.

However, as he was about to, the samurai seemed to be already energized and ready for battle.  That was much quicker than Hirru had anticipated.

"Whoa now!  I'm just getting there!  Is that another perk from housing?  I'm barely even finished with my most powerful art."

He asked while getting up himself, and stretching some nonexistent muscular tension out of his shoulders and arms.  He then rested Fang over his shoulder very carefully, as not to hit himself with his own poison.

"If you want to, you can start us off and I'll come in after.  Should be off it's cooldown by then."

HP regen +44 (Full Health achieved)/ Energy regen 3/3 (Full Energy recharge){SA Count: G.A.: 1/4 | TP: 0/2}

"It doesn't help that we didn't have many two handed sword users except Mac, until now.  Everyone was mostly one handed straight sword, or one of the more powerful two handed weaponry varieties.  So, my only model for my arts has been Mac."

He sighed while also pulling over a seat across from his azure friend.  While thinking about Mac, he grinned harder and harder before a little laugh came from his lips.  It must be the peaceful nature of the current situation, as they were in no real danger, but he felt much more open with Baldur around.

"You know, I was planning to go two handed for a while, but I never got to it in time.  I wanted to become an AOE duo with Macradon and just raze hell on floor bosses.  Remember that 'Galaxy Breaker' that the both of us conducted on the 20th floor boss?  Mothra, wasn't it?  Yeah, we were planning that so hard, but we didn't figure the creature's health was that much more, and Ariel got the kill."

Hirru's smile was genuinely wide and filled with happiness.  It fell into a somber note though.

"I guess that is a distant memory now.  Not just in my relationships, but with two handed straight sword no longer being one of the better AOE weapons.  I guess I chose poorly when I wanted to change my stats.  Maybe when I get join you guys, I can look into something a little more proper.  I haven't met Raidou or any of his guild members, but hopefully they could help me out with some proper gear and items too."

When the gesture towards his sword was given, the hunter pulled it up across his lap.  A bit longer than a longsword, but not as weighty as his other blades that he used.  The blade itself was straight until it reached the very tip which split into two curved points, like a snake's tongue, or a spider's fangs.  He didn't know what this 'Shelob' was, but it was Shield that appraised it.  Every so often, a yellowish green film could be seen covering the blade.

"I got this from Shield, it's called Shelob's Fang?  Apparently, it was one of many that he appraised a unique enhancement on.  Though, it was an perfect assault spear when I got it from him, the update gave me an equipment slot that could be upgraded into anything, so I made it into a tier 4 perfect Two Handed Straight Sword.  So far, it has a single slot of Accuracy, which helps with my trinket; a single slot of paralysis; and, it's unique enhancement of Envenom.  Supposedly, it's a DoT that would do 32 damage for 4 turns, however, I haven't had it ever affect anything yet."

HP regen +44 / Energy regen 2/3 {SA Count: G.A.: 2/4 | TP: 1/2}

Hirru heared a small cracking sound coming from one of the green markers, indicating that one of them was trying to break out.  He couldn't see the other two, but there was one that was near him.  He couldn't make out any figure or silhouette, so he hoped it was someone he knew.  Standing up fully, the hunter pulled out his sword just as the Fae that was keeping watch on him made notice.

"How did you get that, you.."

Before it could finish, Hirru giving a heavy grin before stomping hard on the ground, which activated his highest sword art: Galaxy Destroyer.  With a large sweeping strike, the hunter swung around once before ripping through his cage and the fae that was about to question him.  The art continued through and clipped both the next cage over and the Fae that was watching that one too.  A small chip was enough to kill them all.  As they shattered into little light particles, the hunter could see his old armor and sword on the ground.  He would leave them there for now.

"Astreya, Randall, everyone else in this cave!  We're breaking you out!"

Hirru could see from the sudden looks of confusion and hate from the Fae and Faune alike, that Hirru had everyone's attention.  That was good.  It was what the hunter wanted in the beginning, anyway.

Galaxy Destroyer [-12+8 EN}23x17= 391 DMG

[194584] [BD: 8+1] Hit 391-10= 381 Dmg to Cage (Hirru is Free)
[194585] [BD: 5+1] Hit 391-10= 381 Dmg to Astreya's Cage (Astreya is free)
[194586] [BD: 10] Crit +2 25x17= 425 Dmg to Fae 1
[194587] [BD: 7+1] 391 DMG to Fae 2

Combat Phase
Hirru | HP 720/720 | EN 90/110 | DMG 23 | 1 ACC (dim light) | 1 EVA
Cage | HP 0/200 | MIT 10
Cage (Astreya's) | HP 0/200 | MIT 10
Fae 1 | HP 0/150 | 45 DMG
Fae 2 | HP 0/150 | 45 DMG