Hirru

"I too will acknowledge that I am at a loss."

Hirru would look to his own health as the burn and blight would finish out and burn his health down to the smallest of blips that he had ever seen.  Though, had he seen smaller?  He could of sworn..  He did not need to look to memories that would follow him like a shadow, but just like a shadow, dim in the presence of light.  Never to be seen without the necessary harm to oneself, so what would matter to seek it out today.

"I doubt that I have the capabilities to stop you now.  So, I concede."

He said as he sheathed his blade and shield and raised his hands in a display of surrender.  This was a friendly match, or so he hoped.  Though, what was the measure of 'friendly'?  Did he go too far to have it as educational?  Informational?  He.. wasn't actually sure.  Though, in that he did want to have this a something posing as 'friendly'.  Maybe, he shouldn't let Mack and Freyd's definitions of fun and friendly meld together for that.

"Good job out there!"

He would say before hold a hand out to Vig to help him up.

"You've got a point.  I should put more thought into this, than just sitting pretty and trying to take damage that I shouldn't."

He would state as he wheeled around.  The shield would be used to spring around before it was gone from his arm in an instant, replaced by a green jeweled bracelet.  It had been some time since the hunter had last put that bracelet on and it would not be the last.  He would have to reminisce about better times in a bit, but there was one thing he wanted to try out.  With the momentum, he would try to perform the rarely used martial arts technical move;  sweep the leg.

The added focused accuracy that the tiny little dragons eye would give him was all he needed as his little dance would be enough to surprise the young man.  Kicking out his legs enough for the hunter to land the rest of the sword art.  His blade glowing orange, the sword would cut around the side as he fell before the hunter's kicking leg would reel back around to slam the man into the ground.  All in all a fun little art, but also one of the weakest and worthless arts out there.  It cost too much energy to use it to its fullest extent and didn't have any of the damage capabilities to make it worth getting either.  A player that just got Martial Arts would be surprised to even remember that this art existed, but it was there.

"Be aware that there will always be surprises, even if they don't seem to be all that bad."

He would chuckle to himself.

"Not that that probably even tickled you at all, I bet!  Ha ha!"

"Ha ha!  That's how you do it!"

Hirru knew that he wouldn't make it at all in this tournament after what he noticed here.  That didn't mean that he wasn't going to use this for his own opportunities.  There was quite a bit of time since the 23rd floor raid and since then, Hirru had not been keeping track of those that were front line worthy, nor was he keeping track of anyone that was in the front lines anymore.  He used to have most of their statistics figured out, as most didn't really stray too far from a specific build, and one could see what effects each player put on to a mob or boss.  This would be especially so when, even as a damage user, Hirru wasn't the greatest.  He would more than likely sitting to the side while watching for changes and calling them out.  Maybe, he really was more suited to the healer / leader type than he had once thought.

"First void creeping fallen, and now.."

Hirru looked to the armored gauntlet that held his shield up.  He was no longer stunned, but still stood where he was.  The attack before was much more pronounced than this one, even though it struck a key area on his person.  It felt hot, as if he were truly burning up in his armor while a dark green miasma seemed to be seeping from a crack in his shield.

"..blazing burn and sickly blight.  Quite a combination, must have taken some time to build that one up."

He would say before getting down on one knee and planting his shield closer to the ground.  A quick flash of the fingers would find a little light blue crystal in the shape of some spiraled creature.  It did not matter what it was, but it would be crushed behind his shield and his awareness and mitigation would soar.

"You have the capabilities to end this in one more round about.  Let's see if I can last through it."

As it should have been.

There wasn't much to a fight between an actual fighter compared to someone without much capabilities to do so.  He had thrown all of that away to be someone that stands behind the fighters, not with them.  He figured that there wouldn't be any way to work through it when push came to shove.  Especially when the black flames of Fallen come into play.  Hirru should have figured that into his planning, but immunities to the special attack uniques had not come to the player's usage.  There were bosses seen with it though, so it could be a matter of time until something like that would come about.

Though, the other part that kept non-fighters out was stuns.  Vig took such good measures to block any attempt at attempting anything against him, and the hunter was impressed.  He had heard that stuns and paralysis were some of the more worrying enhancements that someone could face in PVP, let alone against mobs.  Knocking his sword and shield away in two easy strikes, 'the dragon' had him where he wanted him.

The hunter could only smile.

"Good job, that's how you're supposed to do it."

The area wasn't really the best place he would call a battling ring, but what did he know.  He had earned an invitation to something that he thought would be fun, or at least test out some things that he had been wanting to work out.  The whole thing seemed to be a change from the last tournament that he went to, but that was more a friendly bout after the strange happenings of the 26th floor.  This was something slightly different.  There were heavy restrictions compared to Baldur's.  As soon as the dual began, the stats of the players would be equalized.  It would be awful to face someone with higher capabilities, just because they were higher leveled or better geared.

Hirru thought that this would be a chance to see how he could work some damage into his own capabilities.  Figure out the bigger flaws in his build, and fix them.  Though, he could also say that this was all just an excuse to wield a sword once more.  Looking upon the old Shelob's Fang attached to his belt, he felt nostalgic to an time where all he did was venture through dungeons day in and day out.  Most were on floors that were barely a problem for him, but that didn't mean that he could reap the rewards.

The announcement for his battle would take place and the hunter could only give a small smile.  He hadn't worn that armor in a while either.  Maybe he would too, if not for the Mastery he held.  No, he walked in not as the Jade Hunter, but as the healer he intended to be.  Taking that step into the rough stone and dirt ring, he felt his anxious for a bit.  It had been so long..

Looking over to his opponent, he had only ever really seen them once before.  Back when the 26th floor raid had finished, they had fallen from the sky before the air raid event happened.  He would smile as the breeze billowed his jade green hair with the very nature itself, before calling out to Vig;

"I'm not healing you this time.  I do hope you came prepared."

He would say before putting the helm under his other arm onto his head.  Sword and shield would then come out together, for once.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KZoLfU_13ipejduWYZh0EbCYq4oZ1WnojH8PBgvY6Rg/edit?gid=0#gid=0

Rolling -> [ID: 240755][LD: 10]

• Shop Post: Traveling Flame
• Transaction Date: 02/07/25
• Cost of Transaction: 3040
• Crafter's Profession: Appraiser
• Crafter's Rank: R5
• Item Name:
• Item Tier: 4
• Item Type: Weapon
• Item Rarity:  Perfect
• Item Enhancements: Burn / Bleed / Bleed
• Craft/Appraisal/Obtainment IDs & Rolls: 
  • Found ID: 223575a
  • ID  240589 | LD 9 | Unique -> Freeze or Burn
  • ID  240590 | LD 10 | Bleed or Paralyze
  • ID  240591 | LD 12 | Bleed or Paralyze
• Item Description: 
   
• Shop Post: Traveling Flame
• Transaction Date: 02/07/25
• Cost of Transaction: 3040
• Crafter's Profession: Appraiser
• Crafter's Rank: R5
• Item Name:
• Item Tier: 4
• Item Type: Heavy Armor
• Item Rarity:  Perfect
• Item Enhancements: BloodClot / Thorns / Thorns
• Craft/Appraisal/Obtainment IDs & Rolls: 
  • Found ID: 203715
  • ID  240592 | LD 6 | Unique -> Bloodclot or Paralytic Immunity
  • ID  240593 | LD 10 | Thorns or Heavy Momentum
  • ID  240594 | LD 13 | Thorns or Heavy Momentum
• Item Description: 

Melted for Essence x2

Name:  Phoenix Requiem

ID: 87636 [LD: 20] = MITIGATION
ID: 87637 [BD: 10] [CD: 10] [LD: 12] = [UNIQUE] FLAME THORNS

Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/11476-merchant-unknown-the-travelling-flame-open/?do=findComment&comment=522934

• Shop Post: Traveling Flame
• Transaction Date:  11/3/21
• Cost of Transaction: 2000 Col
• Crafter's Profession: Appraiser
• Crafter's Rank: Rank 4
• Item Name: Tenacity of the Violet Dragon
• Item Tier: 3
• Item Type: Trinket (1 Guarenteed Unique)
• Item Rarity:  Perfect
• Item Enhancements: Paralytic Immunity / Evasion / Luck Die
• Craft/Appraisal/Obtainment IDs & Rolls: 
  • Found ID: 197634
  • Rolled IDs: 200730 (Unique) - 7 = Para Immunity
  • 200732 - 2 = Loot Die
  • 200735 - 17 = Evasion
• Item Description: A silver necklace with a violet eyeball, reminiscent of a dragon's gaze. 
  • ~With a little luck and timing,  one can outrun even lightning.~

• Shop Post: Traveling Flame
• Transaction Date: 11/3/21
• Cost of Transaction: 2000 Col
• Crafter's Profession: Appraiser
• Crafter's Rank: R4
• Item Name: Ferocity of the Red Dragon
• Item Tier: 3
• Item Type: Trinket (1 Guarenteed Unique)
• Item Rarity:  Perfect
• Item Enhancements: Fireproof / Keen / Recovery
• Craft/Appraisal/Obtainment IDs & Rolls: 
  • Found ID: 197159a
  • Rolled IDs: 200737 (unique) - 5 = Fireproof
  • 200739 - 7 = Recovery
  • 200742 - 14 = Keen
• Item Description: A copper necklace with a red eyeball, reminiscent of a dragon's ire.
  • ~Fire can destroy, but it can also foster new life.~

Melting for Essences

Mystical Essences x 5 [[ID: 240595, 240595-1, 240595-2, 230595-3, 230595-4

Using 1 Demonic Shard on:

Item Name: Light's Embrace
Profession: Blacksmith
Rank: 6
Roll ID: [200934]
Roll Result: [Fusion]
Item Type: Shield
Tier: T4
Quality: Perfect -> Demonic
Enhancements: Recovery 2 / Thorns 1 -> Recovery 2 / Thorns 2
Description: A kite shield with two winged arms appearing to hold the shield in place.  The feathers are razor sharp to the touch.
~They say that a paladin's home is where they hold the highest faith.  Wouldn't that be in the arms of an angel?~
Post Link: https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18382-f01-r7-blacksmithr6-artisan-the-ring-and-sword/?do=findComment&comment=644829

The Traveling Flame was no longer traveling at the moment, and had now become the central camp for the 29th floor.  With that being said, it felt like whenever Hirru would come to check up on the Merchant, it seemed to be slightly more different each time.  When did it exactly have that weird symbol?  Was it part of the building or the previous tenants of the building?  Hirru didn't know, but it seemed odd.  Though what was odder was the new capabilities that he was going to try out.  A new way to get exactly what one would want?  Ridiculous!  However, he would look at the odd shield and amulets he had created so long ago, and a weapon and armor that had just come to his possession.  Each one would fall apart before becoming pure runic symbols that would be gathered by the Mysterious Merchant.

"Rune Scribe?  When did you learn to extract runes, instead of identify them?"  

Converting

Appraise (BD 10 | CD 8+ = Unique)

Total Expenditure - 6080 Col
EXP - 34 (max level doesn't matter)

Why is the healer joining a fighting tournament?

Not too long would they be joined by the third member of their party, Jomei.  It had been a while since they last interacted, but it was quite the fruitful one.  At least, the hunter thought it would be, if not for the things that they saw, and still see now.  His thoughts would go to the book, and the things that have happened since.  There have been many times that Hirru has been having to let his story rest, but each time there was someone that wished to hear it.  Baldur knew..

"Actually, we had one instance some time ago.  It was slightly after the 26th floor, if I remember right?  Asked Jomei to help with a dungeon, since I can't do any combat anymore."

He nodded to the shield tethered to the leather binding on his back.  Ever since he became a more supportive role in the front lines, he found that yearned for the action more than ever.  Wanting to help with the combat more than just sitting aside and keeping his partners health and energy up.  Though, as time went on, many have talked him through the feelings.  Showing him that what he does is just as important.  That what he can do, only amplifies the capabilities of the front.  Not just in buffs, nor in health.  The strange intricacies that his build had become made him into something that has pushed through each obstacle in their path.

"Still can't, but that's the trade of things."

He would say before pulling out a Gungnir shard.  It's form would blossom like a flower before a rather odd dish of slightly salty dry fish would appear.

"Eat up!  No matter where we are, you can't skip buffs.  Full mitigation, so take it as is."

Hirru would say as he would take a overly salted fish and rip into it.  As he did so, the two would notice that something was going on with Hirru's health, but it wasn't really noticeable.  It wouldn't be from the food, but the heat for the floor.  A sliver gone, but back within a microsecond.

Hirru uses and gives:

• Gungnir Shard [T4 MIT III FEAST] 5/6  https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/8406-found-item-recognition-hirru/?do=findComment&comment=644334

New stats

Hirru | HP: 1000/1000 | EN: 112/112 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 187 | BH: 50 | HLY BLS: 40 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 8 | THRNS: 36

The sound of thunder would be more than enough, but the sounds of screaming more than added to the situation.  There was something wrong and it wasn't just the stupid amount of people that seemed to think that a warning from the front liners didn't mean anything.  No, there was more to it after Freyd and a few others had tried to keep a few players away from the area.  The thunder turned into crashing and quakes, and before Hirru could say anything.. *ping*

Quote

*ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**̵͈̟̗̣̪͇̓̂̉p̷̨̺̙̜̞̑̈́ͅͅͅỉ̷̛͙̗̯͔̰̪̽͂n̶̢͔͓̗̐̄g̴̠̫̻̞͙̙̥̖̹̯̈́*̴̼͒̍̂̄̊̋͘̚͠*ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping**ping*

The hunter's eyes were going wide with the sudden realization, but the floor had more than taught them that nothing should be judged by the eye alone.  What were these results he was getting?  He had not had something like this happen since, he was first learning to use the search abilities.  Does that mean that these mobs have a higher sneak ability, or was there something about this floor that could hide them better than they could detect.  Damn.. that's cheating.

Running outside, the hunter surveyed the area.  Wulfrin and Kat were handing a huge lanky, beastial thing.  In another direction, it looked like Cro and Morningstar were taking care of the ugliest creature that he had ever seen.  It looked like the player, Arabelle, was soloing a large blob-like thing with.. were those mouths or eyes?  Baldur and Lessa seemed to be running in to give support.  Where was the songstress, Jomei, and Mina?

As quickly as he could, he would paint his targets for support.  Freyd would be his obvious choice, but there had to be two more that he would have to choose.  Looking around, there would be options all around, but he only had a enough for two.  Unfortunately, they were not in a raid and the buffed party sizes were gone, unless someone wasted time to use a map to strengthen their patrol power.  A message would quickly fly to the three that he would choose.

Quote

@Freyd  @Morningstar @Crozeph

Party Invitation?

O / X

"Accept those now!  This buff is yours to use!"

He would call out.  As soon as those that heard it had done so, he would raise his shield on high.  An iridescent glow would envelop it before casting itself to the other three.

"Keep attacking your respective targets if you have them.  Keep them back!  Freyd!  Slap the scaly one that no-one's paying attention to at bay until we can get Baldur out there with you!  @Baldur if you can hear me!  Follow through with Freyd! @Lessa, if you and Baldur are already partied up, send an invite to Kat and Wulf!  Buff them just like I am!  We can not let these players die!  @Jomei!  @tricolor_mina!  We need your assistance!  Help Arabelle out!  Cro!  Star!  I'm heading over!

She finally asked the right question.  The beginnings for everyone in this world should have been venturing out for a day, but find that they were trapped by some enigmatic being.  This thing, known as a GM or Game Master, had appeared to every single player in this world.  No matter where they were on the first floor, they were summoned back to the Town of Beginnings to heed the call of the creator, and soon to be prison warden:  Kayaba Akihiko.

Hirru would give a sly smirk before continuing on.

"That's the thing.  That was everyone's beginning, in Aincrad.  Everyone should remember that event, as everyone was supposedly summoned to hear the words of the creator.  So, why would it be that I never said anything about it in my story?  'Cause everyone else already knows?  That's bad story telling, especially if the speaker is trying to make a point."

The hunter would pull out the old blades cloak, a tattered and reasonably worn out red cloak.  The cloak had gold trim, though the luster had long since faded.  Though, this was an artistic choice that he asked to be remade for him, it is a cloak reminiscent of the very cloak that this creator had worn.

"Back when Crimson Blades first started, they would wear cloaks that looked eerily like the hooded robes that that specter had worn on that day.  Mac said it would be a statement, or something along those lines.  I didn't get it, 'cause on that day.."

Hirru gripped the cloak, almost to the point that its durability would probably break, but he would stop before that.  He didn't want to have a new one made.  It was as precious as his other two boss unique accessories.

"..It was the first time I had ever seen it, and had heard of the event happening all together."

There wasn't much to say after that except one last round about question.

"So, if my story of no beginnings, didn't include the very beginning that everyone knew of.  Where does that put the point that the story was made for?  Where is this red headed woman that I have never met?  Why didn't I know about the world being a death game, but understand that death is the end, if I never heard the speech that everyone heard it from."

There was only one solution, if she trusted every word that Hirru said.  If not, there is always the understanding that the story teller is just that:  weaving a tale of fiction.  Though, he knew that NIGHT would catch on.  She was smart and cunning, in ways that not many could see.

"If everyone remembers, why don't I?"

A message?  Hirru wanted to take care of issues pertaining to the new floor, and figured that this was one of those requests.  He had been wanting to become more active with the supply gathering on the front, but things seemed to take a turn with the 29th floors particular quirk.  If no one was constantly at their ramshackle base that they were still working on, then the mobs would easily swarm the main town.  They had much to deal with, so any time way would have to be good for..

"Oh.. Baldur."

The hunter didn't think twice from there.  He saw the 9th floor, and he was already on his way out towards the teleporter, disregarding the pings coming from the constantly active search skill.

"Don't succumb to the madness out there!"

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

The heat was always something that he had to learn to tank.  If he was to keep both of his healing and buffing capabilities, the extra skill <<Survival>> was no longer an option to use without excessive time being used to switch them out.  No, he was okay with the burning, as long as he had a fireproof amulet on him.  Though, willingness to wear one is another thing.  Coming out of the teleporter in Yogan Village, he would make a quick scan to find the familiar sound in the group.  Not many people come to this floor much without survival, but it's such an easy skill to get.  Still, not many people care about an ACTIVE VOLCANO with ever changing routes.

Approaching his old friend, the fully armored hunter would keep his helm off for ventilations sake.

"Baldur, I know the burning sword art is worth it, but.."

Hirru shook his head before smirking at the samurai.

"..just good to see you active out here."

Hirru stats

There was much to take care of and start to do to make this place a semi-safe zone for the front lines and the players that would dare to come up.  It would be have to be secure in most ways.  They did not need a breach where the mobs could easily get in and harm anyone within.  They would need room and board.  This building wasn't quite able to accommodate that, but this is what they would have for now until scouts and the others can come back with some useful areas to start setting up checkpoints and better rest stops.

Hirru would turn to hear the familiar voice that differed quite from the torrential rain, but would probably be a storm in of itself.  The owner of the voice was calling to him, but the individual was barely recognizable.  If the hunter had not known what had happened not a few hours before, then he would think this someone new.  No, this one was a friend.  No matter how much they change, nor what happens to them.  They would always be..

"Freyd!"

The hunter would call out to the oddly different looking man.  On much closer inspection, the whisperer could turn quite a head.  Even more so than before.  The gruff look seemed to work better for him, but the hair..  What made it go white like that?  Far too pallid for the someone so lively.  The grand adventurer would inquire about the Mysterious Merchant and his attire before coming closer to the <Emerald Flame>.

"Ah, that's the Merchant.  He's the NPC that takes care of the travelling shop, and taught me how to appraise.  I more or less help guard the shop, but it doesn't need much with a giant chameleon stealing lunches."

He would say as the blurred silhouette of the chameleon would slowly get out of the rain and try to get into an opportune position.

"I can summon him and the shop with the torch, but the reach is limited.  Can't do so too far away from a teleporter or safe zone."

The purple hooded NPC would look back when he was 'introduced' for only a few moments to address the new 'customer' on the topic of 'consumables'.  A small glint from beneath the cowl would have the NPC doing their thing.

"Ah, an Appraiser!  Our wares are not available at the moment, but we may talk trade in time, stranger."

"Quite an eye, as always."

He would say before shaking his head and looking back to the man that brushed with death not too long ago.

"Never mind that!  Are you doing.."

It was then that Freyd had swung at something nearby.  His speed was just as exact as he had been many times before during combat, but the hunter did not sense anything nearby.  Sending another ping out, the hunter would make sure that he wasn't being fooled by anything that was hiding.  Many things were nearby, but most were being taken care of several meters way by the perimeter and recon groups.  No, the issue seemed to be something that only Freyd could see.  He would not question it, but he ensuing sparks would scare Liz out of her camouflage.  In all of their interactions, Freyd had never looked more off.  

At last, the final hit was struck upon the foul creature, and they were free to continue on to the next floor.  Leaving behind a sole tree to help rebuild the grove, he would follow everyone else.  A silent affair, as people would collect their thoughts about the whole situation that had transpired in that dying grove.  Would no one stop and talk?  No, the stairs were far too narrow to do something like that, especially for the group that was coming through like this.  They would all have to continue until the light of the next floor would encourage them and welcome them to a whole new story.

That wasn't what they got.

"What is this place?"

The main thing that he could feel was the torrential rains that seemed to weep through the streets of this ramshackle town.  He no longer kept survival on, so the chilling cold was heavily apparent.  He would shiver under the armor and take off his helmet to keep the drumming of the rain from going deaf.  It would do little to help him, as he was now getting his hair drenched.  The water felt thick, almost slime like, or was it just him?  There seemed to be something off about it all. 

The buildings around the area seemed about like the ones that were on the previous floor, but there was an eerie void about them.  Lights would occasionally flicker and fade within some of the buildings, but there was nothing.  Hirru couldn't feel nor ping any signs of life on the floor.  It wasn't until Hirru switched around his skills and mods that he started getting something.  Pings in random directions all over the place, but very nearby.  Several ground level, but there was some that were below and something... above?  It was then that lightning flashed in the background and the shadow of something would block the light, and illuminate its silhouette. 

"We truly are not in a safe zone.  Multiple hostile signatures in several directions."

Baldur would start taking direction and having everyone start co-operating and securing the perimeter of the area.  The hunter would have wanted to join with someone, but there was a need to stay here.  Someone needed to be the guard and hold the fort.  Keep their home base safe.

"I will start setting up base camp, then.  If we can't keep safe, then we'll need a place to hold our own in."

The hunter called out to the surveying groups.  Some would already be much too far to hear him, or already be in combat.  He would start off by looking around, the hunter would find a building that wasn't as dilapidated as the others.  So far, there wasn't anything hostile near it, but that could always change as time goes on.  They would need to defend this place, if they were to continue on through the floor.  A place to heal, a place to sleep.  Then he would need something that some people could easily recognize or distinguish as a safe marker.  Looking through his inventory, he would find just the thing he needed.  The object would appear in his right hand, a long staff with a torch attached to the top.  Igniting the torch upon summoning, the flame that would flicker from the occasional rain droplets, but otherwise, it was protected under a canopied entrance.  The light of the torch had a minor effect to draw the attention of players to it.  A funny little thing, but it was something that could lead them back to where home would be.

"That should do it.  What do you think, Merchant"

As soon as the torch is lit, the shop would materialize outside of the building that it was situated in.  A decently sized wagon with a canopied top would spawn before the building.  Shelves and cabinets that extend out from the inner workings would start to come up, but a simple wave would cause them to go back.  The wave would come from an odd little merchant NPC.  The man was covered head to toe in a purple hooded cloak.  Barely able to tell the mans face from under the hood.  He would get down from the wagon and pat the visage of something invisible, but the rain would show its true self: a large chameleon.

"Get dry Liz.  You are not made for the cold."

The Merchant would speak before looking to Hirru.

"Rune Scribe, I assume that we will be making shop here?"

"Aye, the area isn't safe though.  We will need guards for the time being."

"I can't promise what I can't do, but we can spruce up the place, for a high price."

Hirru would sigh.

"Do as you will."

He would look out to whomever would have joined them from the front.

"We'll need volunteers to help keep this place up!  There will probably be constant need for fighting and pressuring mobs away from the forward base.  Will you help me here!"

null

Receiving: 2x Maddening Hex [239351a, 239351b]: (Unique Material); Removes an enhancement on a weapon and replaces it with [Madness]. (This cannot override the Madness enhancement cap. Consumed on use.)

The fight was nearing its end and it was\ beginning to show how much it was effecting everyone.  Some were getting too tired to continue, their energy levels had been brought down to the lowest one co\uld go.  He was not able to keep them up while keeping them They would be the victors here, but there was something that would be definitely addressed during the \next few days.  Quite a bit of strategy and upkeep that should have been done better.  Personal issues and more would be addressed.  Though more importantly, eve\ryone is going to question Freyd. 

That was not a feint, or at least, that proba/bly wasn't.  It was the first time Hirru had ever seen nor heard the sound of someone dying and it was fairly haunting; cause it sounded like everything else that/ dies in this game.  Though, that didn't happen as it should have.  There was nothing to know that could or would explain what had happened to the man that had f\aded once, but had now come back to them.

There would be words then, but not now.  T\here was still the boss in front of them.

"Let the earth take this creature.  It's cycle ends, but life continues anew.  Regardless of anything that man can do, the trees will keep growing and new life will flourish."

'cause this is just a game, and nothing they do can change it'

"I WILL NOT.."         \

Quote

“Nevermind, everyone\! Freyd got better!”.

The words seemed almost \too surreal to hear.  There was no way that what he just heard was going on.  First, the mad man was dead and now he isn't?  Was that a thing that could happen?  Hi\s shield was in mid air, ready to give the command for everyone to break their limits and burst through the last bit of health that the boss had.  Though, he would stall f\or just this moment, it would only be for that moment that he would get his resolve.  Standing there, where he shouldn't have been, was a player with white hair tha\t stood where Freyd had supposedly stood.

"I.. don't.. I.. WHAT!!?"

The leaves of blessing would swirl\ around him as Embrace and Fate would begin to glow once more.  There was no need to carry on with this battle any more.  There was no need to make things wait.  They we\re there for too long now, and they just had a near death experience.  This was enough.  There was just yelling, but it wasn't anyone that he recognized, until slightly after.  As\ iridescent light would flow from the shield, to the leaves, to the weapons upon which his party carried with them.  They would be the ones to deal the final blow.

"I'm done.  I've had enough of this worlds \bullshit.  We've toyed with this thing for too long!  Everyone!"

He would look towards being that was on/ce a majestic bear, but no longer.  It was an abomination.  He would point the way forward; through Callisto.

"Attack!"

What do you think of when time stands still?  When the world just seems to slow down to the point where even your thoughts don't seem to respond just right.  There is something there, but it just doesn't seem to fit just quite right.  It's almost like there is something that is pushing between the thoughts and what should be.  Was this what the others call 'lag'?  Though, that could not quite be what was truly happening.  It was almost as if there was a cra/ck that could not be seen.  In-between that crack, was only a split second, before it was gone.

Ringing from the roar once more.  Hirru could only shield his head once more, like before.  Though, there was something differ/ent about it.   It wasn't directed at them.  He'd heard it happen a few times before to the other teams.  So why was different?  Why was it so deafening?!  Why w//as it.. that he could hear something cracking.

Shattering..

The next thing he could hear was screaming.  So much screaming.  First it was Mina, then it was a voice farther away.  M/a\c?  What is everyone shouting about?  What is going on with everyone?  Hirru lowered his shield to be met with..

There was something missing.  Someone missing even.  He thought it was only a something off.  That someone got sp//irited awa\\y or were teleported away.  That sound from earlier.  It couldn't have been.

"F...

..r..eyd!"

The words pass his lips, but they are nothing more than a whisper.  The beast was still there, taunting them.  The vines were back, ready to bleed his team once more.  There was no time to grieve.  There was no time to think.  All there was time for, was to let go of what was in his hand. 

A single seed.

Falling from his hand, the seed would implant itself into the rotting and horrid ground.  The vines would give way to the blessing, as the hunter would step forward a bit.  There would be a slight rumble before nature would take form.  A tree of decent size would quickly grow from where the seed sprouted.  A large trunk being enraptured by the red vines that protruded from the group too.  It too would quickly die from the poison and corruption there, but it would keep them safe for the time beings.  It's leaves falling upon them all to shelter them from the future blows again them.

"..I..will not stand for this.."

Another one lost to him, before he could even tell him what he meant to him.  How he pulled the hunter out of many a rough mindset and brought him into being more himself.  That he didn't have to force himself to become something new, when the way he was was good enough.  His role to play was more than just fighting or healing.  He was more than that.

"I will not stand to lose more!"

The vines dug into them all, as they knew that they would.  The sting would be felt and the bleed would be seen through everyone, except two.  The golden fur that wrapped around the shoulders of Mina and Hirru were there to shoulder the burden put upon them.  They would not yield to any barbs nor thorns that would wish to take from them their life's water.  Though that did not mean that the others would be in woe either.  Yuki was quick to process a heal for them all, but there was still much to take care of.

"We're breaking through its waste and filth!  Ariel!  Take these and keep yourself going for as long as possible!"

Hirru would shout out as he would try to pass by the Chaos Sister; a hand out to them to share a form of light:  three glowing rings.  Each would rotate around the targets left arm for some time, before being absorbed whenever they perform any energy consuming action.  He would take care of his team for however long he could.  He just hoped that the others were doing well.  He could have sworn someone had.. been spirited away.

The changes that the lone bear was taking seemed to make it more and more a being of the undead.  Heck, maybe they were right in the meeting that they would be facing something not alive.  Though, that didn't really help them in this run of things.  Callisto was rotting as it went and it seemed that the boss' arena was starting to warp and change with it.  The earth around them seemed to shift as dark red vines would seem to enwrap themselves around them.  They seemed to have quite a bit of razor bit to them, as if they had a form of thorns or such.  Though, as everyone moved, it did not seem that they were being hurt when they tried to attack the mist covered monster, even more so as it pulled Yuki and two of the other parties players.

"This is where it gets interesting!  Hold on Yuki!  I'll try to force the shield to you!"doyouthinkthat willwork

Hirru tried to push Fate's Armament to where Yuki was pulled into.tothinkfatecanbecommandedsuch  The ring on his finger was burning even more now, and for some reason, it felt like it was growing into the rest of his fingers.  If it worked, it would be like Yuki's own shield would glow too, and they would be able to see it.  If not.. they had more problems to tend to.learnyourlessonwellchildofluck  He would have to deal with whatever the vines and a possible heavy healing into Yuki's heavily armored arse.

Seeing that the barrier was holding true, the hunter would sigh with relief.  Though that was only for one short and lonely breathe.  There was much work to do from here, if the fates were allowing the use of their shield to him.  If only he could bestow that power to everyone, or at least reawaken the fate's armaments of the players that he knew rightfully had them.  That way they could fight on par, but that probably wouldn't work out too well.  There were two of them that were not in that fight, Yuki and Acanthus.  Would they not get the power that the fates could introduce?  There was only one thing he could think to do, but to bolster their offense now, more than ever.

Even more so as the start of the half way point was soon to come.  Some boss' have shown significant changes around now, but quite a few more would wait until the last quarter of their health.  They would have to wait and see, but that was not what the hunter was planning.  Raising his shield, and in turn the spectral shield would return back to his side.  Both would glow a variable iridescent color that would shimmer slightly before each of his compatriots would have their weapons shine just the same. 

"The beast is close to half way!  Tear asunder and be prepared!  There should be changes in behavior around this point, if not around the last health bar!  I'll brace us for the worst of it soon!"

Expecting the roar once more, the hunter held his shield up to keep his himself safe, as if the shield could do anything against sound and madness.  Although there was no real reason to believe that it would, he could only hope that it would.  Though, there was a bigger problem that was now beginning to rear it's ugly head.  Quite literally.  The sound of quakes and bounding would come closer to the group before the visage of the rotten head became visible from behind the hunter's shield.  He was close by to Mina from the last few moments before, so he was fairly away from the others.  Though, the size of a large bear coming at one of his party members.

"NIGHT!"

He would shout as the bear's maw would clamp down upon NIGHT before being thrashed around the area.  He couldn't tell, but as it happened he was already running after them.  He needed to get close to keep her safe, but he couldn't do much at this distance.  He could use a barrier, but the effect was only good for those immediately around him.  If only he could..^{areyourequesting_fatesdesign}

Reaching out to NIGHT, a short shift would make the hunter pause.areyouworthy  He needed to reach her.forwhatprice  They could probably survive anything.wouldyougive  Though, there is that feeling that he could not fathom.tosavethem  For a moment, the dark hair had turned a shade.. of blue.interesting

becarefulwhatyouwishforchild

The ring upon Hirru's outstretched hand shimmered for a moment before a tall spectral shield started to encircle the hunter.  Fate's Armament had come to answer his call, once more.  The blue transparent shield would begin to glow, as if a sword art would play out from it.  A large shield would emit from each player in the party for a small moment, but the effect would be instant for NIGHT.  As the shield would force open the jaws of the bear, keeping it from slamming down upon her.  While this was going on, the ring seemed to be growing hot.

"NIGHT!  Are you okay!" 

"It looks like we're getting a bit of a reprieve.  Let's focus up, and keep this madness to a minimum."

He would call out as the attack from the great bear, Callisto, wasn't as easy to disrupt their formation.  Whatever that roar was, was definitely not something that they would be able to easily get around.  That being said, they were doing too well.  He could sense the other groups that were attacking from nearby, and there were some that got affected by another roar some moments ago.  Though, it may be that it was doing more to them than he would first think.  Images of hunters doing what hunters do best:  hunt the beings around them.  Though, these were doing more than that.  The creatures weren't being used properly.  Their mats.. were just left there.  Pooling and bubbling masses of excessive decay.  These were not hunters, but what would Hirru know.  He was only a hunter in name alone now.  He couldn't even go out somewhere on his own anymore.

^{he didn't quite know anything, _{nor could he do anything about it.}}

All he could do, was keep a certain pink haired fan thrower from burning through all of her non-existent energy reserves.  Three yellow rings would form around his arm before being transferred along his hand to the arm of Mina.  It would at least help until she got the hang of the recovery stats, if she ever got them to work properly.