Crozeph

As the place began to move as if someone is living inside it, Crozeph could only remain still as his crumpled paper was taken from him and felt like someone was taking his measures "this..." for a moment he heard a girl's voice and was surprised with how she said she didn't want visitors "well I'm not here to visit you, some people pointed this place so I went in and..." his item was already in front of him and her last words before disappearing was to deal with the payment and leave "why thank you for this, I'll visit next time and leave donuts. I'm sure you'll like them and might show your face" he told her before leaving the tailor shop.

Crozeph received Cloak of Evening Bells
Payment: x5 T3 materials

Her words where somewhat sounding a slightly like an aristocrat, given how her dress is looking really nice, Crozeph played along even though she changed her choice of words before she could finish "glad to be of good service to you mademoiselle"  he said as he bowed a little. Things went well for both and for a moment Crozeph thought that he'd get another dagger pointed between his eyes. It was also a good choice to tuck his katana away, no one is going to be intentionally wound themselves using his katana. The fate of the bandits were quite tragic but what is chaos to them is normal for Crozeph the girl who was with him. 

"Oh by the way if you ever need help I can lend a hand again"  he told her "I'm not that good when it comes to other things but i can help keep health bars in check and deal good damage" he added. Time for them to collect the rewards and at that point they would part ways with a high chance of never meeting again so at least Crozeph could introduce himself I'm Crozeph but some people call me Crow" he told her as he fixes his katana strapped in his waist and his yukata.

The snow of Floor four has always been a psychological pain to Crozeph. His dark brown hair covered with snow as he continues to traverse the place. Pramanix was walking beside him and upon noticing her master's reactions to the cold, the snow leopard transformed into a scarf and gently wrapped around his neck "thanks Pramanix" he said. Crozeph has been looking for a player-run shop in Snowfrost but the settlers seem to point him to a certain place where a player and a ghost resides and that player's profession was what he was looking for "that sounds like bullshit" he thought as he listened. Now the house is starting to be more visible than before, it looked more like a retired soldier's shack than a house for a ghost to him.

"The people are playing tricks on me" he thought as he now reached the front of it and a sign was written is what made him be more confused "go away?" he asked himself. He looked around him and saw no other entrances. He shrugged his shoulders, pushed the door, and entered the shop. It looked like a tailor shop indeed and Crozeph was ready to place his order when he remembered the "go away" sign. "Um, I would like to order something. The sign was unclear so I entered, should've said closed if it's not open"  he said but it felt like he was talking to himself. He took out a crumpled piece of paper from his inventory and held it up but began smoothing the paper on his thigh "I gotta put a stop crumpling these papers inside my inventory" he said as he stood at the center of the shop.

ID: 168049 LD: 15 + 1 [Searching] used inside the tailor shop

Item Name: Cloak of Evening Bells
Profession: Artisan | Rank 9
Roll ID & Result: - - -
Item Type: cloak [Light armor
Item Tier: 3
Item Quality: perfect
Enhancements: MIT I / EVA II
Description: "Once worn by a king or a monarch, whichever it was it doesn't matter for anyone who dons this cloak is tasked to take the head of anyone who dares to cross the line and kill, be it humans or monsters." A black cloak with fabric at the collar. It is worn to cover the dominant hand of the wearer and put up an air of monarchy. It can also serve as a protection against attacks though not as efficient as heavy armor but boast its lightweight features to add speed to the wearer.
reference:

Crozeph was startled when Night came out of nowhere to pick up his order "who are you? Ezio?"  he asked her as he watched Night read his order written on a paper."Well, that was expected," he thought as he caught glimpse of Night finding it a bit hard to read his order. How does someone crumple an item when they have a really nice inventory system? on possible for people like him. He scratched his head as and laughed it off as Night began to make his order. He needed one more item to upgrade, his clothes. A break from his yukata and put on an attire that would be reminiscent of the Meiji era.

Night came back with his order and asked if it was for Yuki. "Nah it's for me, upgrading some of my equipment and ordered a watch so I won't lose track of time and stay out too late. I'd miss Yuki's dinner if I did. having this is easier than paying attention to the in-game time HUD" he replied. He opened his menu and transferred the payment to the shop owner "I already gave her a gift, not sure if she liked it though" he added before thanking her and walking outside.

received Ars Paulina
payment: 1,100 col 

"I'm not sure how to say this but the alley looks really dangerous" he thought as he finally found Night's shop. Crozeph had been thinking about visiting again since she was the one who made his statue that he uses in his shop for buffs. An artisan who might be able to help him get a better set of equipment. Crozeph entered the shop and saw... well everything looked quite normal for him. it would be strange if he saw vials or musical instruments inside. He pulled out his inventory menu and took a piece of paper from inside it. The paper was crumpled, a blunder from him and he tried to smooth it out as if he was worried it won't be accepted as he placed it on the counter "um, I'd like to order something" he told Night, only that there's no one on the counter yet "talk to myself for now I guess" he thought.

Item Name: Ars Paulina
Profession: Artisan | Rank 9
Roll ID & Result: - - -
Item Type: Jewelry
Item Tier:  3 
Item Quality:  Perfect 
Enhancements: [ REC I/ ACC II ] [ Reference ]
Description: "There is a time for everything and to that there is also an end but there is no need to fret for it is to be accepted." A pocket watch made by a powerful mage who possesses ten rings. This silver watch has no intricate designs outside yet its structure inside is powerful enough to restore energy and even make time dilate making its user see things slightly slower than the usual. 
Post Link: - - -

I have one and I'm reading this. was planning to use it on myself but another player gave me an essence before I could even use mine so you can have it

handing item to @Cordelia

Essence of Steel [Quest Item]
acquisition thread: link

Chains, shadows, dragons, and some dude named Orgoth. The list goes on and on and from what this raven-haired player could deduce, the glow stone was the only thing that could give them an edge aside from the stats that all of them worked hard for. It also seemed that the situation involving @Zajcica has calmed down, now he can focus on how to attend to the guests yet somewhere deep down he wanted to join. He was afraid, probably since the facts laid down by Ariel and the others are all against odds for players of his level "I could work it out but with the way I am now I'm not sure if I could make it" he thought. Yuki would definitely survive, she was already getting all the stats she needed to be a good tank, that doesn't mean it would be an easy survival game and if someone like her along with Baldur and the others who were at the scout barely made it out then Crozeph would definitely be eradicated off the battlefield before situations could even turn hot. "I could ask Oikawa for help in training me…" it struck him all of a sudden. One of the most capable players that he knows was not in the room. "Damn it why didn't I noticed sooner. He looked at Mari and tried to see if he could get her attention but the only thing he could do was maybe send a message to her.

To: @Mari
Hey, where's Oikawa? I didn't notice right away but I was expecting him to be here

The stakes were also quite high with the talks of possessing players. It seemed impossible for Crozeph but inside Aincrad, anything can be possible, including bakeries with cats as bakers (maybe). There is also this list of what role would anyone take. Crozeph held Yuki's hand as he swiped and looked at his stats, a disappointing stack of skills not fit for a support type of player "why am I even looking at my stats? I'm not supposed to join" he told himself. If he could gain levels fast enough to reach tier 3, that would mean doing quests at the speed of light. "Should I? or maybe I can sit this one out" he thought as he closed his stat menu. He gave a deep sigh as he continues to ponder whether he'll join or not, his laziness once again backfiring at him.

"I'm not sure about this," he said as he looked at Baldur's list "I'd fall in the DPS section of this raid and that is if I could muster the courage to join," he said to himself, keeping his voice down or else he might get unwanted attention if they saw his level "there's a bunch of people I could entrust my life on but there's a fine line between that and being a deadweight" such thoughts swirled in his head.

"Contradictions, what a pitiful soul but you and I both know what you'll do and how stupid you can be that it's laughable and scary at the same time."

Crozeph placed his name on the DPS part of the list, along with Yuki and someone named Morgenstern "They don't seem to have a healer yet" his eyes fixated on his name "hum, quite hypocritical Crozeph, you don't want Yuki to join but we both see your name just below hers, trying to pull a stunt that costs your life?" his own voice was already mocking him as if trying to discourage himself. He bit his lip, he wanted to talk about volunteering with the healing and support but right now, he feels like a tadpole in a room full of big fishes. He continues to hold Yuki's hand as soon as he finished staring at the list.

"Nah I don’t think so…" Crozeph remained still as Skalaugh died in the first barrage of attacks it received from the players. He gently pulled up Pramanix who was still in form of a scarf to cover his mouth "something doesn't feel right, I guess this is too easy…" then it happened. The dragon who was disintegrated return once again and this time it opened not just a can but a keg of whoop-ass to an unfortunate player. As the girl was launched to a distance, Crozeph had something to worry about, an AoE attack. The damage was quite concerning as his mitigation was nothing against it "… yeah thought so" he muttered. He turned around to see if the girl is being tended and fortunately someone as within her reach.

"It's Taco Man" Crozeph said and the next thing was to hit Skalaugh again. He was too focused on the resurrection of the dragon and it didn't even take three days to happen. His health was also halved already along with the other players within his level "I messed it up by not taking some mass healing potions with me" he thought. Soon enough his health went up and saw one of his guild leader use a mass healing crystal. "Heh, last time I saw you use one was with Yamata No Orochi, never thought I see you use them healing crystals again" he told Mari.

Enough talk, they had to do something "I guess unlike people, dragons don't die if they are killed" Crozeph dashed again and tried to wound its wings "mess up its wings and move out of the area" he thought. He launched himself a few feet forward and slashed just beneath its wings. Would it be enough? No one knows but they need to take back the tempo of the fight or else they'll run out of luck, Taco Man and Mari could only do so much. The hate was reset also and that can only mean it would escape Yuki's reflecting damage, definitely concerning but it's too early to say that it's a win for Skalaugh.

ID: 167993 I BD: 5 + 4 - 2 EVA = 7 success I CD: 10 [recovery proc] +4 EN I Battle Healing +30 HP
Crozeph dealt 21 x 15 San Ge = 315 - 100 MIT = 215 damage to Skalaugh

[H: 0]Lessa HP: 1000/1210 | EN: 112/112 | 22 DMG | 5 ACC | 1 EVA | 171 MIT | 54 THN | 1 HM | 1 REC | 36 BH   +90HP
[H: 0] [REND 0/3] Haine HP:848/1270 | EN: 110/124 | 22 DMG | 6 ACC | 3 EVA | 111 MIT | 36 BLD | Antidote:3/3 | Antioxidant  +90HP
[H: 0] Raidou HP:1625/1625 | EN:130/144 | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 6 EVA | 176 MIT | TAUNT | 80 BH | Antidote:3/3 | Antioxidant | PARRY +90HP
[H: 1] Freyd HP: 1205/1205 | EN: 94/104 | 25 DMG  | 6 ACC | 4 EVA | 79 MIT | KEEN | 6 HLY | 36 BLD | 24 BH +90HP
[H: 0] Mari HP: 1570/1570  | EN: 138/154 | 22 DMG | 6 ACC | 5 EVA | 88 MIT | 24 BLD | 15 FLM-AURA | 72 BH+90HP  +1 EN
[H: 0] Oscar HP: 1370/1370 | EN: 119/134 [-4 EN] | 23 DMG | 5 ACC | 5 EVA | 151 MIT | 12 FLN | 36 BRN | 69 BH |+90HP
[H: 1] Hidden HP: 1060/1210 | EN: 100/118 | 19 DMG | 6 ACC | 5 EVA | 124 MIT | 8 HLY | 121 VAMP-OFF | 60 BH+90HP
[H: 1] Crozeph HP: 850/1030 | EN: 80/100 | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 1 EVA | 54 MIT | FRZ | 2 REC | 1 LD | 30 BH +90HP
[H: 0] Zajcica HP: 1305/1510 | EN: 130/130 | 6 DMG | 4 ACC | 279 MIT | 54 THN | 30 FLM-AURA | 21 FST-THN | Taunt | 36 BLD | 75 BH+90HP
[H: 0] Macradon HP: 1595/1805 | EN: 180/189 | 22 DMG | 4 ACC | 2 EVA | 152 MIT | 2 REC | 36 FST-THN | FRZ | 90 BH | 180 VMP-OFF | -3 EN Cost | -1 EN Cost 1/3+90HP
[H: 0] Kiluia HP: 840/1050 | EN: 88/102 | 25 DMG | 5 ACC | 4 EVA | 124 MIT | ABS-ACC | 36 BLD | 1 REC | KEEN +90HP
[H: 1] Night HP: 1490/1490 | EN: 143/161 | 23 DMG | 6 ACC | 6 EVA | 124 MIT | 1 KEEN | 1 PRYLZ | ABS-ACC | 24 TOX-VEN | 4 LD | 4 SD | 7 SR | 74 BH +90HP
[H: 0] Zandra HP: 1805/1805 | EN: 190/191 | 22 DMG | 5 ACC | 2 EVA | 197 MIT | 30 FLM-AURA | 90 BH | -3 HACT (1/3)- -WR (2/3)- +90HP
[H: 0] Morgenstern HP: 1510/1510  | EN: 127/142  | 22 DMG | 6 ACC | 1 EVA | 171 MIT | PAR-VNM | 25% DoT Reduce | FRPRF | PARA-IMN | BLDCLT | 76 BH

Name: Lamina De Skadi
Item Type: weapon [ katana]
Tier: 2
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: +1 Freeze +2 Accuracy
Description:  A katana with a black hilt and an azure blade like a clear,  blue, lake water. The name translates into "Blade of Skadi" a goddess who also represented hunting and winter, signifying its use as for hunting or attacking foes by freezing them. When equipped, the user's breath will be like one who is breathing in a cold place and the freeze effect is seen as some kind of water splashing that freezes upon contact with the target.

applying the following:
Cerberus etching x1 thread link
Handwritten letter of appreciation x1

Name: Regis Arma: Skadi Alter
Item Type: weapon [ katana]
Tier: 2
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: +1 Freeze +1 Burn +1 ACC
Description:  A huntress trapped in Dun Scaith, she survived and emerged victorious earning the respect of its ruler, Scathach. A huntress carrying the cold and harsh winter with her yet a ferocity likened to a flame now seen in her eyes. Skadi Alter combines two elements and fires it in one go should the wielder harness the same hunting instinct the huntress has. Either one would freeze in from its fierce flames or burn in its searing coldness.

The killing blow was dealt with and Cerberus died at the hand of Hidden with her dagger doing its stabbing thing. The last head along with its body shattered "well it had us on the first half, not gonna lie" he told them both "after all this heat we should get some ice cream to cool off" he added. His words however mean nothing as Hidden thanked them along with a half-smile. "I guess she doesn't like ice cream," he told Night, he was worried for a second there because of two things. Now that he's trying to cool things off by suggesting ice cream, maybe he wasn't the right person for that kind of job "Baldur or Yuki could've done a better job than me I guess" he thought. "How about you? We could ask Yuki for ice cream, fat chance though because she doesn't want me to eat something unhealthy like fried food. I wonder if fried ice cream exists" he said as they both stood there, not menacingly.

Familiar Name: Pramanix
Description: A 3ft. snow leopard, older than a cub but younger than a mature one. Grey fur with black patches, eyes are azure blue, and a large tail.
Familiar Mastery Skill: Fighter
Familiar acquisition: link
Training: link

Applying Galaxial Water Snake to Pramanix

Noble Phantasm: Pramanix EX
Description: A normal looking snow leopard at first but with the whim of her master, Pramanix's appearance changed into what would pass as a phantasmal creature. Capable of turning into some kind of fabric similar in color to her fur that wraps like a scarf around her master's neck, Pramanix shares the hunting instincts she was born with to Crozeph enabling him to be more effective in battle.

♪ I should laugh but I cry...♪

The place was beginning to look lively with the players slowly regaining composure or maybe they were, just wary. Crozeph nodded and had a smug look on his face as Yuki gave the speech trying to raise the morale of the team. Hidden gave him only a piece of advice which for all he knows might be warning disguised as one. He raised his thumb while still hiding behind Mari "got it, you have a free 'stab him' ticket if I mess this up" he told her. Macradon was also there, the last time he saw him was from a dream…

Wait what?

♪... because your love has passed me by... ♪

None of that matters though because the monster has shown itself before them. A dragon from the looks of it. Shame there was no crazy woman riding on top of it but that will do. The dragon came with an army and it seemed like they are all out for blood.  Crozeph knew he'd be needing someone for this, his familiar who is given an order to watch Shirogane in the background as she tries to enjoy the festival "not seeing Pramanix here is a sign that she managed to keep Shirogane out of this mess" he thought. If his gut feeling was correct the if he calls out to his familiar, it'll appear beside him, if not then he's sure to get into trouble. Crozeph whistled using his fingers, not too loud and not too weak. Soon enough his familiar appeared beside him as the others looked and readied their weapons "time to hunt again you two" he uttered. Pramanix made a low growl as she stared at the dragon and gave darting glances to the army "now, now, set your eyes to that one" Crozeph pointed at the dragon with his finger.

Then it began…

♪...you took me by surprise, you didn't realize... ♪

Players began making their way attack the dragon while the others are doing their best to keep the armies at bay and Yuki doing her specialty "Pramanix, time to show me that new thingy you have" he told his familiar. The familiar moved and its form changed which was the cue that Crozeph to join in. His familiar circled around him as he ran and then finally changing into a gray scarf that seemed to leave trails of light that lasts a few seconds as he moved  "let's aim for that" he said.

He unsheathed his katana revealing the crystal blue color of its blade and aimed at the chest of Skalaugh. The attack landed good but not enough for him to deal good damage "too shallow once again, I need to work on these cutting techniques right?" he muttered as he slowly regained balance after the attack talking to Pramanix who remained as a scarf. Crozeph moved again looking for another opening "if anyone needs a quick heal just call me, I'd gladly give up a chance to attack so I can…" Crozeph jumped back away from where its wings might reach him "…so I can heal someone" he told the other players.

♪... but I was waiting ♪

ID: 167672 I BD: 4 + 4 = 8 - 2 EVA = 6 success
Crozeph dealt 18(+3) x 15 San Ge = 315 - 75 MIT = 240 damage to Skalaugh

Lessa HP: 1210/1210 | EN: 112/112 | 22 DMG | 5 ACC | 1 EVA | 171 MIT | 54 THN | 1 HM | 1 REC | 36 BH
Haine HP: 1270/1270 | EN: 124/124 | 19 DMG | 4 ACC | 1 EVA | 66 MIT | 36 BLD 
Raidou HP:1625/1625 | EN:130/144 | 18 DMG | 4 ACC| 6 EVA | 176 MIT | TAUNT | 80 BH | Antidote:3/3 | Antioxidant
[H: 0] Freyd HP: 1205/1205 | EN: 102/104 | 25 DMG  | 6 ACC | 4 EVA | 79 MIT | KEEN | 6 HLY | 36 BLD | 24 BH
[H: 1] Mari HP: 1570/1570  | EN: 137/154 | 22 DMG | 6 ACC | 5 EVA | 88 MIT | 24 BLD | 15 FLM-AURA | 72 BH  -17 EN
[H: 2] Oscar HP: 1370/1370 | EN: 122/134 [-12 EN] | 23 DMG | 5 ACC | 5 EVA | 151 MIT | 12 FLN | 36 BRN | 69 BH | -3 EN Cost | -1 EN Cost 1/3
[H: 1] Hidden HP: 1210/1210 | EN: 109/118 | 19 DMG | 6 ACC | 5 EVA | 124 MIT | 8 HLY | 121 VAMP-OFF | 60 BH
[H: 1]Crozeph HP: 1030/1030 | EN: 88/100 | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 1 EVA | 54 MIT | FRZ | 2 REC | 1 LD | 30 BH
[Hate: Mark 11] Zajcica HP: 1510/1510 | EN: 130/130 | 6 DMG | 4 ACC | 279 MIT | 54 THN | 30 FLM-AURA | 21 FST-THN | Taunt | 36 BLD | 75 BH
Macradon HP: 1805/1805 | EN: 189/189 | 22 DMG | 4 ACC | 2 EVA | 152 MIT | 2 REC | 36 FST-THN | FRZ | 90 BH | 180 VMP-OFF
Kiluia HP: 1050/1050 | EN: 102/102 | 25 DMG | 5 ACC | 4 EVA | 124 MIT | ABS-ACC | 36 BLD | 1 REC | KEEN 
Night HP: 1490/1490 | EN: 152/161 | 23 DMG | 5 ACC | 6 EVA | 124 MIT | 36 BRN | 36 BLD | 72 BLIGHT | 24 TOX-VEN | 4 LD | 4 SD | 7 SR | 74 BH
Zandra HP: 1805/1805 | EN: 186/191 | 22 DMG | 5 ACC | 2 EVA | 197 MIT | 30 FLM-AURA | 90 BH
[H: 1] Morgenstern HP: 1510/1510  | EN: 128/142  | 22 DMG | 6 ACC | 1 EVA | 171 MIT | PAR-VNM | 25% DoT Reduce | FRPRF | PARA-IMN | BLDCLT | 76 BH 

Crozeph heard it, the girl clearly stated that she doesn't want to be called by random names. If sweat was real in the game he'd be filling a glass of it, all the clay lead to making bricks. A girl with a dagger who can vanish and kills skillfully and add that last statement, it was a recipe that points to Hidden. Crozeph looked at her, his eyes squinted a little as he grabbed the bandit and slammed him on the ground again "just kill me already" he told Crozeph. "Well so much for meeting someone new, why do I always end up meeting people who are quite scary," he thought. "Maybe you need to fight for your life or fight for your death, whichever," he told the bandit.

He placed his hands inside his sleeves and distanced himself from the bandit and Hidden but somehow he can't help but talk, a rare occurrence. "You remind me of someone, she seemed like a nice person if you play your cards right but I guess for people like me, it's nothing but a wish, for I can only pull joke cards," he told her. After the bandit is disposed of he'll make a run for it "shit! shit! shit! she's like Hidden 2.0"  he thought. The quest is about to end and Crozeph is already thinking of a hundred ways to escape, if there's something that Hidden thought him, learn to appreciate fear as a way of survival.

A few moments ago...

"Well, I guess that wraps things up with this event," he told her. "We should get home, I want to eat some home-cooked meals. The takoyaki and yakisoba wasn't enough to satisfy me" Crozeph's appetite was starting to show signs that he's less depressive or maybe it's just how he is, eat while he can. He didn't know if the system is making him healthy or malnourished, all he knows is that they can still continue the habit of eating. "Oh wait I gotta ask for another small boat from the boat guy, I'll be back really quick" with that Crozeph darted to the location of the boatswain and asked for another toy boat to which the man gave him another. Crozeph was happy with having two, something to put in the pond of Yuki's house. As he made his way back to his fiancé, fireworks suddenly appeared and everyone's attention was caught by it but not Crozeph. His eyes looked at what's happening around him and some kind of earthquake "spider-senses are tingling" he thought. He ran towards Yuki, dodging a few players along the way and he was still a few feet near the lake and then it happened. He stretched out his hand as he saw her pink hair and then he lost his balance, it might be something monstrous but it was too late to think, he fell into the water and sank. The darkness began wrapping around him "damn it."

Back to regular programming...

Crozeph rolled over and cough out the water that he drank as he sank deep. A good number of players are also in the area and from what it seems they're in an enemy territory "tch, so much for a peaceful event, Cardinal surely knows how to fuck shit up" he thought as his annoyance grew. He looked around for Yuki as he began changing into his battle gear. "Pink hair, pink hair, pink hair" he muttered as he continued to change. After a few minutes, he stomped his foot and opened his mail "damn it! How blind can I be?" he snapped at himself. Crozeph began typing his message and doing it quickly to send to Yuki but his message was interrupted by a message from one of the pillars, @Mari "she's in here as well?" he began turning his head left and right looking for her "a bit comforting but the location is still messed up for me" he walked and searched for her while eating some consumables he has in his inventory "orange hair, wielding a spear, might be wearing a kimono with a koi design" he thought that Mari would be dressed for the occasion and he must find her before she could change into her battle gear.

Three minutes was what it took to find her, Crozeph approached the woman and brushed his hair up trying to dry himself "unfortunately I fell here too, I'm looking for Yuki but I haven't found her yet." Crozeph opened his HUD and began scanning for his skillset "I have a rank 4 First Aid, I can prepare a life-mending trinket if necessary but other than that I only have consumables that can buff and a few debuff crystals" he told her. It was best to assess what he has in his pocket first. Crozeph saw that she might have assembled a group already. He was so occupied on finding Yuki that he just noticed two familiar faces, @Hidden and @Raidou. The guy was with him when Hidden organized a quest for them. Crozeph's eyes widened as he saw the girl who scared him shitless by doing a deceptive skill.

He quickly moved behind Mari and looked at Hidden "I-I see that you have a strong group now" he told her "h-hi Hidden and you too Red" he said to them. It was a bit absurd hiding behind his guild leader as he was a few inches taller "any plan? Oh wait I gotta message Yuki first" he turned his back from them and resumed on typing his message, making sure if she fell in or is she safe somewhere else "she might even jump in to save everyone," he thought.

Quote

To: @Zajcica
Where are you? I fell inside some kind of weird aquarium but instead of fish it's us players. Tell me if you fell in or if you can see a hole at the lake

.Crozeph consumed the following:

Woodland Armor [-1 Charge] 2/3 +45 MIT
Liquor of Light +3 damage
Le Beefus Pointus Healthus [T2 Overhealth III]
Udon Bowl +2 ACC

	Crozeph [Level 50]   | HP: 1030/1030 | EN: 100/100   | ACC: 4 | DMG: 18 | EVA: 1 | MIT: 54   | FRZ: 1 | REC: 2 | BH: 30 | LD: 1   Total SP: 207   Allocated: 202   Remaining: 5
** Rank 3 Merchant - The Night's Watch ** WARNING: Mitigation cannot fall below 0!
Hide contents [Equipment] Lamina De Skadi [T2 Perfect] -- Freeze +1 - Natural critical attack rolls of 9-10 (1 slot) or natural successful attack rolls of 8-10 (2 slots) remove the enemy’s action on their next turn. Frozen opponents lose any evasion properties. Striking a frozen enemy before the effect ends will end Freeze and deal an extra (12 * Tier) unmitigatable damage. [Must hit to activate the status condition.] -- ACC +2 -- A katana with a black hilt and an azure blade like a clear,  blue, lake water. The name translates into "Blade of Skadi" a goddess who also represented hunting and winter, signifying its use as for hunting or attacking foes by freezing them. When equipped, the user 's breath will be like one who is breathing in a cold place and the freeze effect is seen as some kind of water splashing that freezes upon contact with the target. Cloak of the Oath [T2 Perfect] -- MIT +2  -- EVA +1 -- A black haori who belonged to a vice-president of the Shinsengumi. Enables the wearer to withstand attacks and also evade it. Caster's Mystic Code [T2 Perfect] -- Recovery +2 -- ACC +1 -- A platinum band for the wrist with runic inscriptions worn by a Babylonian king who had access to magecraft. This item gives a boost on accuracy and ability to restore energy to cast more spells just like how the previous owner wanted it to work, it glows a vibrant blue when it activates through the lettering. [Battle-Ready Inventory] Blessed Marble [+1 EVA +1 Life-Mending]         Dimensional Backpack Skills   Hide contents Mod Count: 3/8 Katana | Passive | RANK 5/5 > Finesse R3 -3 EN on SA > Precision +1 ACC Light Armor | Passive | RANK 4/5  > Athletics +1 base damage I +(10*Tier) HP Battle Healing | Passive | RANK 3/5 [+27 HP regen] >  Curved Sword | Passive | RANK 1/5 >  First-Aid | Active | RANK 4/5 >  Extended Mod Limit | Passive | RANK 3 >  Searching | Passive | RANK 1 +1 LD >  [Extra] Survival | Passive I +15 Regen OOC Meditation | Active I +10 EN Familiar Mastery: Fighter | Passive | RANK 3/3 +6 base damage Misc. Buffs   Hide contents  Relaxed | Passive | House buff >

One more head to kill and they'll be able to finish the quest and get their rewards. While what happened to Hidden was not a minor hiccup, Crozeph felt relieved for her to be able to recover from that. If it was Crozeph then he'd be stomped like a dough by Cerberus. Night on the other hand is always proving her efficiency in combat and that is something he has seen through the many quests he has been with her along with Yuki. "Sometimes I feel irrelevant around these people" he muttered to himself as he raised his sword to chest level.

He dashed one step, his katana aimed at the Cerberus head again. The towering build of the monster was already common now for Crozeph, Ki'Raion and the ugly fish in the lake was much more bigger than this one but its agile movements and reflexes befitting a dog was enough for him to be cautious.

The second step and he was within and as soon as reach was calculated, his attack landed but if the Cerberus moved a few inches more then his attack would've missed "damn it, gotta finish this quick."

ID: 167072 BD: 2 + 7 (buffs) = 9  - 2 EVA = 7 success I CD: 8 [recovery proc] +4 EN
Crozeph dealt 18 x 15 San Ge = 270 - 75 MIT = 195 damage to Cerberus Head C

Cerberus Head C | HP: 305/500 | DMG: 175 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2

[5] NIGHT | HP: 1115/1345 (+30, -30) | EN: 88/130 (+1, -11) | DMG: 22 | MIT: 99 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 5 | BH: 65 | LD: 3 | FIREPROOF | TAUNT
[2] Hidden | HP: 536/1100 | EN: 78/108 | DMG: 16 | MIT: 79 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BH: 22 | HOLY: 8 | VAMP-O: 108 | [BURNING: 36] (0/2) | VANISH (1/3)
[2] Crozeph | HP: 962/1050 | EN: 73/94 | DMG: 15 | MIT: 54 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 1 | BH: 28 | FRZ: 1 | REC: 4 | LD: 1

Crozeph was startled when the girl appeared and crawl backward a few inches "goddamn it! I hate that skill" he uttered to himself. It would spell trouble if the girl heard what he said. "Bring him here alive to you? I guess we're like natural born killers for now" he thought. He stood up and dusted off some dirt off his yukata and turned his eyes to the escaping bandit.

Crozeph ran, with what evasion ability he has right now he managed to catch the bandit and grabbed him by the collar "a lady with would like to have a word with you so it's kinda rude to turn your back from her" he told the bandit. The last bandit brandished a dagger and swung around him trying to hit Crozeph but the player dodged and retaliated by tackling him to the ground.

A few minutes later Crozeph dragged the bandit and dropped him beside the girl, his hands tied behind him and a sock on his mouth, probably from Crozeph. "Here's the last one, how should we eat him?" he asked her. The bandit wriggle and mumbled as he heard him, it was a joke for Crozeph but not for the bandit "what is normal for a spider is chaos to a fly, such as the illusion of peace" Crozeph muttered. For some reason, he also fears a bit uneasy with her, something about killing with ease despite them having the semblance of being human, or were they? he never knows, only that the girl with him in the area is dangerous and the orange marker is proof of that.

"Yeah, I'm that guy" he told her. The quest they took was a bit dangerous for their level back then and his disappearance probably caused troubles but her expression only showed amusement "can't remember anything aside from waking up in one corner of that place which probably took me a few hours if I didn't have teleportation crystals" he said. Now with that detail settled, her mention of the new quest piqued his interest "there have been new ones lately, I managed to clean up some leftover quest and now I'm trying to also catch up" he said.

Now the amount of time and sweat (if they do sweat) he has poured out on doing it all along with his fiance has paid off with his current status. Maybe, just maybe, he and Hestia can clear a few quests while trying to perfect his build. "What quest are you going to take? If I remember correctly I know one quest here that involves a bear, a really annoying one" the bear he and Ariel faced a few weeks ago was quite the fighter. Maybe he can take on it again and this time with Hestia.

It would be nice if they could remain drifting peacefully in the boat on the lake. Peace was nothing but a temporary thing even inside the game. For someone like him who was accepting of reality or rather tries his best to take it all in like hard to swallow pills, he somehow wished that it would last. "Well I guess we have to hang the tanzaku now" he whispered to Yuki. "Will we reach land quick If I paddle with my hands?" he asked her. A dumb idea but that's the essence of being Crozeph, dumb ideas appear like a yawn. He stretched out his hand outside the boat and began paddling while making sure he won't splash water to Yuki's kimono.

A few minutes went by and it seemed like he hasn't even covered a feet of distance towards the bay "yeah this is dumb…" he grabbed one paddle and began rowing slowly but with strength enough for them to reach the boat guy and return the boat.  He got out of the boat first and held Yuki as she followed and before the two could leave he talked to the boat guy "can I take one boat home?"

The boat guy was surprised with the question and looked at the one Crozeph borrowed "I don't know about that but I can give you this…" he rummaged in the knapsack and pulled out one tiny boat. A miniature version which made Crozeph excited "wow thanks a lot! See you next time and don't go fighting some dude who wields a Chinese sword" he told boat guy. Shaking his head, boat guy resumed watching over the remaining players still drifting on the lake.

Crozeph walked holding Yuki's hand and followed the people who seemed like they are going to hang their tanzaku "shouldn't be that hard to find it" he thought. Soon enough they are in front of it and Crozeph saw papers hung and wishes written. He looked at his and hang it all in one place "it's still not as fun as people want me to see it but I get the purpose" he told her "wishes aren't my thing but it won't hurt having a few" he added. The night continues yet the festivity might end soon and they'll be returning to their normal routine, survival, and fight for freedom.

[Crozeph hangs tanzaku]

The fight was going smoothly than he imagined. He could remember giving one of his items he's been saving to Yuki so that she can upgrade her armor befitting a player who has reached a higher tier and now all that is paying off along with her hard work "I feel bad doubting her but this is not the time to bitch out" Crozeph wasn't agile enough but his reach with Skadi is what he needs to deal damage. With them three as a team he never had the chance to use his support skills except from earlier which made the first pack of enemies more fragile in Night's sword. "I also feel bad baiting Night with these kittens," he thought.

Two spinning moves were what he did and fortunately, all landed except for one in the pack "how fortunate, I'm not that much of a burden to them anymore I guess" he thought. The attacks however wasn't deep enough for them to actually deal good damage but chipping away isn't bad either.

A nervous smile was what Crozeph could only reply to her as Hidden began moving again. Night's comment to her before she attacked added more to the uneasy feeling he has right now "ugh they work well gameplay-wise but I don't know about team building stuff" he thought. Now he's thinking of choosing between healing and attacking but it seems they'll be doing just fine if he contributes on the damage more "I guess I gotta reserve my energy for the right moment" moving forward, Crozeph aimed for the second head which was still having a nice chunk of health. "Just make sure it doesn't hit you hard again" he yelled at Hidden as he moved "the numbers don't lie so I'm worried about your health points" he added.

With that out of his head he then focused on aiming at the neck "will it take more than a dozen hits from us to kill it?" he asked Night. It would suck if that's the case, his sword arts consume a lot of energy and he was grateful enough for finesse to lessen the price he has to pay unleashing attacks.

The scorching area, the cunning moves of the Cerberus that prevents them from hitting all heads at once was a handicap but not for people like him. Single target attacks, Crozeph planted one foot forward and made a quick chain of upward slashes wounding the neck of the second head. Damage was dealt considerably and his energy dropped and his health went down a few numbers from return damage "damn this dog" he muttered.

ID: 166608 BD: 7 + 4  = 11 -  2 EVA =  9 success I CD: 4
Crozeph dealt 18 x 15 San Ge = 207 - 75 MIT = 195 damage to Cerberus Head B
Battle Healing : +27 HP

Cerberus Head A | HP: -101/500 (-213) | DMG: 175 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THORNS: 30
Cerberus Head B | HP: 305/500 | DMG: 175 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THORNS: 30
Cerberus Head C | HP: 500/500 | DMG: 175 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | THORNS: 30

[3, 0, 0] NIGHT | HP: 1320/1345 (+65, -30) | EN: 98/130 (+1, -10) | DMG: 22 | MIT: 99 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 5 | BH: 65 | LD: 3 | FIREPROOF | TAUNT
[1, 0, 0] Hidden | HP: 568/1100 | EN: 99/108 | DMG: 16 | MIT: 79 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BH: 22 | HOLY: 8 | VAMP-O: 108 | Burn 36 (1/2) | Vanish (0/3)
[2, 0, 0] Crozeph | HP: 992/1050 | EN: 81/94 | DMG: 15 | MIT: 54 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 1 | BH: 28 | FRZ: 1 | REC: 4 | LD: 1

BRINGING HELL: Each head gains its own attack roll.
ONE AT A TIME: Players can only target one head before attacking another. AoEs do not work on this boss.
BURNING BITE: On Cerberus' successful attacks, the player is inflicted with [BURN: 36] (2).
INFERNAL PUNISHMENT: On critical attacks, gain PHASE (50%) and additional damage (BD9 = +25, BD10 = +75).
BLOODLESS: Immune to status effects.

He knew that it was the girl's doing as another one of the bandit died. That however doesn't diminish the quality of terror enveloping the area. It almost felt like they were inside a supernatural slasher movie and the remaining bandits kept on blaming him for the death of another one. "Let's kill this guy already before he kills us all" one of the two said "it's not my fault I don't have any weapon right now, you think I can just kill someone using my hands? Well, I could do it but not this…" one bandit took a swing and Crozeph managed to dodge by a hair's breadth "now our sanity is spiraling downwards" he told them.

"Don't you dare move!" a bandit rummage inside a sack lying down and took out a rope "tie him down" he said. The other bandit gave him an annoyed stare "this guy just killed two from our group without us knowing how and you want me to tie him?" he said. Crozeph scratched his head, he's been trying to sense the girl but she was already back in the shadows and if she keeps on toying with her prey including him as her side dish, then things will really go down to him getting attacked "if I try to pull out Skadi she might get mad" he thought.

Crozeph moved back again as the bandit swung an axe at him "seriously? That rope looks weak and there's only two of you and attacki…" the fight continued. Crozeph felt stupid putting himself in a handicap by having no weapon equipped but then he had to think about what the girl told him to not interfere with her killing the bandits. Crozeph pulled out crude Judo moves on the bandit with an axe but the second one hit him with a rock on the head "tie him down! We'll make sure he dies slowly" the bandit holding an axe stood up but to his dismay, the bandit ran away after landing that rock to the player's head shouting something about being protected by god or something. Crozeph stood on his knees and ran towards him spearing forward and tackling to the ground. It was like two kids fighting and without his katana, Crozeph could only hold them back and not kill them as much as he wanted to.

@Hidden

The Cerberus that emerged was indeed a much more terrifying version of what he and Yuki fought back then. Although with three of them dealing damage it won't be much of a problem even if it seemed like the monster can defend all three heads. Crozeph moved and waited for an opening while Hidden does the initiative "she's fast enough to dodge…" it was an assurance he had, it was obvious and Crozeph was confident.

"Always remember that confidence is a slow and insidious killer."

Three heads dealt critical blows when Hidden appeared and attacked it. Her health went down way too fast that it seemed like she had a low HP pool from the beginning. "Shit!" he muttered. There were two options on this sudden change of pace in favor of Cerberus.  Crozeph moved a few feet closer to Hidden and stretched out his hand "First Ai…" then it hit him. Healing Hidden would lessen the chance to kill one head "Hidden go vanish again, Night and I will try to finish off one head then I'll heal you" he told her in a cold yet calm manner as he kept his eyes on their target.

If she's isn't visible then it won't be able to attack her and the battle healing skill can help recover enough for her. Crozeph breathe in and slowly exhaled and then ran towards one of its head "if I lower its health then Night might just be able to land the killing blow and have one less head to worry about."

Its tails were flailing when he moved and as soon as he saw an opening he unleashed multiple slashes on its head down the shoulder. The attacks were given enough strength and is intended to be deep cuts but it was all shallow even when he landed his attack "thick skin, might as well…" he made one last stab and stomped his foot on its body to pull the sword out. If this goes well he'll cast one first aid to Hidden and lessen her chances of getting gnawed by it again. Damage was still dealt to him with its thorn also.

ID:166385 BD: 6 + 4 = 10 - 2 EVA = 8 success I CD: 6 [recovery] proc +4 EN
Crozeph dealt 18 damage x 15 San Ge = 270 - 75 = 195 damage to Cerberus head #1

Cerberus Head A | 133/500 | DMG: 175 | MIT:75 | Thorns: 30 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2
Cerberus Head B | 500/500 | DMG: 175 | MIT:75 | Thorns: 30 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2
Cerberus Head C | 500/500 | DMG: 175 | MIT:75 | Thorns: 30 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2
 Abilities:
<< Bringing Hell >> : "Cerberus, Inferno's Rage" gains 1 attack for each head alive.
<< One at a Time >> : Players can only target one Head at a time before hitting another. AoE's do not work on this boss.
<< Burning Bite >> : On successful attacks, the player is inflicted with "Burn" dealing 36 unmitigatable damage for 2 turns.
<< Infernal Punishment >> : On a critical attacks, this boss gains additional damage and will phase through 50% of the target's mitigation on all attacks this turn. [ 9 = 25 | 10 = 75 ]
<< Bloodless >> : This boss is immune to all status effects.

[0] NIGHT | HP: 1285/1345 (+65, -25-25) | EN: 107/130 (+1, -12) | DMG: 22 | MIT: 99 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 5 | BH: 65 | LD: 3 | FIREPROOF | TAUNT
[1] Hidden | HP: 462/1100 | EN: 90/108 | DMG: 16 | MIT: 79 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BH: 22 | HOLY: 8 | VAMP-O: 108 | RESTED (0/2) | Burn 36 2/2
[0] Crozeph | HP: 995/1050 | EN: 85/94 | DMG: 15 | MIT: 54 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 1 | BH: 28 | FRZ: 1 | REC: 4 | LD: 1

It was faint but Crozeph knew it was the girl, it seemed like some kind of stealth and while he felt it, he didn't see where and when she attacked. He only saw the one holding a pickaxe drop and shattered like his soul was robbed from him and the body just shriveled to nothingness. "H-hey I think one of your friends is…" the bandits turned hostile on him and asking what did he do. Crozeph raised both his hands assuring them he had no weapon "ch-chotto matte!" he uttered "I should be the one asking, I'm the hostage here" he told them.

One of the bandits quickly grabbed the pickaxe dropped by his accomplice and pointed it at Crozeph "lies! You are the only one who's not with us here" the bandit snarled at Crozeph who remained seated like a lost kid on the log "look Bandido, I have no weapon and if I did resist it would be too fucking obvious" Crozeph replied. The others began looking around them "are you sure there is only this half-wit there?" the third bandit asked "I am sure, we all have stealth detection here right?" his fellow bandit replied "I don't have stealth detection" Crozeph chimed in. "You shut your mouth! I'm gonna split your head if I hear another word!" the bandit holding the pickaxe yelled at him.

@Hidden

Clearly these two could handle mobs with large HP pools. Night had taken the initiative and dealt with impressive damage as always to multiple targets and Hidden is still proving that her dagger is like an exorcism tool that compliments her skills. They have a good start despite the hounds dealing some kind of thorns or return damage. While the place remained to be an annoyance with its burning temperature it was no excuse for them who were considerably high leveled to just croak so fast. A single high tier player is dangerous, add two to the mix and disaster is sure to erupt. They just have to make sure it was in favor of them.

Crozeph dashed forward, Skadi already unsheathed and ready to strike the two remaining targets "we've gotta put a little impression for them Skadi" he uttered. Launching himself a few feet off the ground, Crozeph made a plunging attack to the second infernal. The attack was strong enough that ice jutted on one gash he made as he pulled out his katana quick to attack the next one but unfortunately it wasn't a killing blow. Crozeph tried to hit the other and freeze it but the environment was proving to be a hindrance for consistent freeze effect. It even made him miss his attack on a stunned monster "can't hit them all huh" he muttered.

[2, 2, 2] @NIGHT | HP: 1270/1345 (-25-25-25) | EN: 120/130 (-10) | DMG: 22 | MIT: 99 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 5 | BH: 65 | LD: 3 | FIREPROOF | TAUNT
[1, 0, 0] Hidden | 1097/1100 HP | 99/108 EN | 16 DMG | 79 MIT | 4 ACC | 2 EVA | 22 BH | 8 Holy | 108 Vamp. Off [Rested 1/2]
[0, 2, 0] Crozeph| HP: 1,025/1,050 () | EN: 93/94(-5+4) | ACC: 4(+3) | DMG: 15(+3) | EVA: 1 | MIT: 54(+30) | FRZ: 1 | REC: 2 | BH: 28 | LD: 1 I -6 DoT damage

ID: 166172 BD: 9 I CD: 9 I Amatsu No homura hit! 18 + 1 critical x 8 SA = 152 - 45 MIT = 107 damage
ID: 166173 BD: 1 I critical fail

Infernal Hell Hound #1 | HP: 0/350 (-241) | DMG: 125 | MIT: 45 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | THORNS: 25 | STUNNED
Infernal Hell Hound #2 | HP: 112/350 (-107) | DMG: 125 | MIT: 45 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | THORNS: 25 | STUNNED I FREEZE
Infernal Hell Hound #3 | HP: 219/350 (-131) | DMG: 125 | MIT: 45 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | THORNS: 25 | STUNNED

Worried was an understatement but Crozeph was willing to let it all go now. His fiance just did a feat Crozeph would never even dare and the weird part is he got dragged along with her. While Yuki leveled up fast, Crozeph was able to gain levels also. It was like he mowed down quests yet he barely remembers he did it all. Body pain was non-existent inside the game yet Crozeph felt tired of it also. If someone as lazy as he was tired of doing it all, what more to Yuki who went through quests like a freight train.

"You deserve this for all that hard work," he told her as he continued to wrap his arms around her. While they quietly drifted on the lake in a boat, Crozeph gently tightened his arms as he hugged her "looks like both of us will be joining the frontlines at this rate" he told her, his voice almost matching the calm ripple of the lake water.

His thoughts were nowhere near to an epiphany but he now understands a few of his own feelings. It might be bliss or just a rush of chemicals in his brain but Crozeph was holding on to this person. Everything he has been planning so far was so wide it included people. Now as he and Yuki is almost lying down in the boat, he is starting to understand something that he easily misunderstands and that is holding on to someone.  "Hey Yuki, I have a gift for you," he told her. Crozeph opened his inventory menu and scrolled for something out of Yuki's sight.

"I got this for you, I was thinking of giving it before you go into the floor boss battle since I was a coward but somehow it is you again who helped me not to be one," he said "or to put it simply, stopped me from whining like a bitch" he added. Soon enough he held on to a necklace. While the trinket looked normal the pendant was quite intricate on its design. The pink gerbera daisy pendant looked liked it was a real daisy, Crozeph wasn't sure if Yuki would like it but instead of wasting seconds of his life thinking about it, Crozeph eased himself and made Yuki wear the necklace "I'm not really good at choosing gifts, I hope you liked it" he told her. "I hate all these crowds and how everyone is frolicking but with you here, things got better, they're all almost nonexistent" a poor attempt to act romantic, Crozeph should stick to spouting wildfire insults or sentences that lack coherence in thoughts.

"I'll keep on holding on to you Yuki, I guess its not just the good food or your contagious cheerfulness. If things happen or you know…" he leaned his head on hers almost whispering to her ear "…if shit hits the fan and I lose you, I can still live but I'm not sure if I can see myself as someone who is still alive. Our relationship might not be something that has been going on for years yet all of a sudden I just held on to you every time I get the chance to" the voice may be calm yet there was always a hint of sadness. A contradiction yet again and it made Crozeph mad at himself while at the same time he felt happiness with Yuki in his arms. It only took a few seconds as tears began to well up and with that Crozeph said it "I don't want to lose you."

Then it happened…

A meteor shower, while it's not impossible inside the game it was still enough to stop most from their tracks and get a lot of attention except Crozeph. He buried his face to Yuki's hair hiding his tears and holding on to her as if she was going to be taken from him. Quite a pathetic display maybe but does it really matter? He was quiet, at times foul-mouthed, a magnet for danger, yet with Yuki in his arms, he was all of a sudden vulnerable. He wanted to go home but kept it to himself, Yuki might be enjoying the meteor shower and he didn't want to ruin it.

@Zajcica