Hidden

ID: 218267 
CD: 8 - Recovery Activate
+12 EN
+53 HP

As the battle raged on, one couldn't help but notice that the large dragon was growing slowly. His attacks seemed more sluggish and it finally seemed to be noticing the various amounts of weapons that were striking it. The end was nearing. Brandishing her dagger, she would prepare to make a strike but found a large tail crushing down on her. A couple of acrobatically enhanced dodges would steer her clear of the brunt of force but serve her with the impact of the blow and the rubble that ensued from it. 

Picking herself up after regaining balance, the violet-eyed woman would find her team breaking through the barrier and taking advantage of the moment of weakness that Wushen was displaying. It seemed that the team wasn't completely hopeless after all. 

"I think this should do it." She whispered to herself. The frontlines were a thing of her past after this moment, for now at least. The rush and thrill it used to provide had dulled. It was time for some much-needed rest. Even if rest meant being terrorized by Shiina and her pet hamster. 

The flash of purple light would indicate a strike, the slash piercing through Wushen's hide. 

ID: 218266
BD: 3+5=8 Hit
CD: 12- ST-B Unlocked
DMG: 30*18=540-15=525 DMG to Wushen

(8) Hidden | HP: 769/966 | EN: 26/102 | DMG: 30 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | REC: 8 | PHASE | HLY: 16 | V.O.: 106 | V.D.: 53 | LD: 1.

Wushen, Elemental Warlord | HP: ????/???? | DMG: 200 | MITI: 15 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 0 (433 damage accumulated)

ID: 218143
CD: 4 No Recovery
+53 HP
+4 EN

The sound of shattering ice was barely met with any action. A confused glance would pass over the individuals. Was she not being loud enough? Were they frozen in fear? It didn't matter much as the moment of opportunity passed. A chilled wind would assault her as the ice began to reform between them a Wushen. Biting her tongue, the Lily would instead opt for a sigh. It seemed as if she would have to do this herself. 

Flipping that dagger in her hand, a white gleam would brighten the area around her. Shadows would dance on the ground around her before the woman suddenly vanishes... just to appear moments later above the dragon's head. A single stroke sends a black slash through the air, striking the head down. A thud would be heard and the ground would shudder as it bounced from the ground. Landing cleanly, violet eyes scanned her teammates to see if they would take advantage of the dazed creature.

ID: 218142
BD: 10 - Holy (+16 DMG) | Phase | Vamp. Off (+106 HP) | 
CD: 4 - No ST-B
DMG: 15*48=720-(55/2=28)=692 DMG to Overgrowth

(10) Hidden | HP: 966/966 | EN: 31/102 | DMG: 30 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | REC: 8 | PHASE | HLY: 16 | V.O.: 106 | V.D.: 53 | LD: 1

ID: 217979
CD: 5 No Recovery or Vamp Def
+4 EN
+53 HP

Heat would eat away at her stamina and flame would attempt to nip at her cloak as the creature recovered from the status that bound it. Raising a hand to bring forth a blow that would smite the creature back down, the woman faltered as she watched with anticipation as two others took the lead. Crozeph and Koga working in tandem, striking down the energy-born creature until it had fallen to the ground and faded to nothing. 

"Good work you two." she would mutter under her breath as her violet eyes flicked to the next objective—the wall.

Bringing her hand back up, shadow hands would coil and weave themselves together before spinning violently. Suddenly, the shadow would send itself forward, drilling through the barrier. Cracks would slowly form around the puncture as Hidden strained herself. Larger cracks began to form before the sound of shattering ice would fill the air. 

"It's up to you guys now." she would call out, looking to the individuals to her left.

ID: 217978
LD:16 - WALL BROKEN

(8) Hidden | HP: 966/966 | EN: 41/102 | DMG: 30 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | REC: 8 | PHASE | HLY: 16 | V.O.: 106 | V.D.: 53 | LD: 1

ID: 217747
CD: 3 - no Recovery
+53 HP
+4 EN

It would seem that they at least got their enemy's attention. On the downside, life was much more preferable when he had chosen to ignore them. As the ice wall repaired itself, Hidden found herself pushed back as she did her best not to get caught up in its wake. With the ice wall, a new elemental head grew to replace the old. This one was red and simply being near it seemed to increase the temperature of the boss room. 

"Can't get enough of this shit, now can we?"

A dagger would flash as a gash would appear in the head's side. Like a blur, the white-haired woman would dash out from under... foot? Head? Oh well. Out of harms way the best she could be, violet eyes began to scan the woman's surroundings. It seemed the others... were not doing great. Poor NIGHT had gotten caught up in the fissure created by the ice wall. Everyone other than Zandra seemed to be deliberating on the next best course of action at the moment. 

ID: 217746
BD: 7 - Hit
EN: 15+2=17 EN Used
CD: 3 - No ST-B
DMG: 18*30=540-35=505 DMG to the Red Head

(8) Hidden | HP: 966/966 | EN: 37/102 | DMG: 30 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | REC: 8 | PHASE | HLY: 16 | V.O.: 106 | V.D.: 53 | LD: 1

ID: 217378 
CD: 8 - 12(8+4) EN Recovered.

Things would not begin to calm down after she felled the head. In fact, it almost seemed as if they were put on a clock. Kill the big thing before heads start to grow back. Luckily, NIGHT seemed to be on the same page as she immediately began to break through the wall. As the ice shattered, a spray of fog and mist would sweep through the area, and when the dust cleared... all that was left was their target. 

The party charged through the broken barricade, beginning to hack and slash at the exposed dragon. Did she think they would be able to slay it? Not yet. This battle seemed to be more of a battle of attrition. Which would fall first? The enemy before them? Or would it be their energy reserves and inevitably them? For now, it wouldn't matter as her dagger slashed at what was simply a single scale. 

ID: 217379
BD: 6 - Hit
DMG: 30*15=450-75=375 DMG to Wushen | 14 EN Expended

(9) Hidden | HP: 966/966 | EN: 48/102 | DMG: 30 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | REC: 8 | PHASE | HLY: 16 | V.O.: 106 | V.D.: 53 | LD: 1

STK 2 activated, 80 DMG sustained

ID: 217245
CD: 9 - Vamp. Def and Recovery Activated. 106 HP Regained. 8 energy Regained.
80 STK damage received.  
 

Bad would only shift to become dire. Within mere moments, the entire situation had changed. The White Lily's eyes would widen slightly as several glowing heads spiral from Wushen's body. "What the hell?" the girl would mutter as she slowly backed away. A purple head would approach them, glaring menacing at her party. Hidden's eyes would begin to search the other parties' reactions to heads but she couldn't find them. The groups had become trapped in a cage of ice. 

It didn't seem like there was much escape for the parties. Weighing some options, the girl decided there was only one way to push in this scenario: forward. Keeping at range, Hidden would begin concentrating the energy for her attack within her weapon. The others were already beginning to batter the creature. Darting at high speed, the girl would duck through each party member's shadow for a short moment before suddenly she was in the air, behind the head.

Those same spectral hands that had protected Alkor would reach out and grab the head, restraining it. With it still, the white-haired woman's dagger would fall upon its neck, severing the creature's head from the body. Falling to the ground, the woman would land with the fallen head. Despite having lost its head, the neck was still moving and flailing. 'Is it a hydra? Did I simply make matters worse?' 

ID: 217243
BD: 8
SA: Grim Eclipse (x23) - 22 EN
DMG: 30*23=690-55=635 DMG. Head defeated!

(8) Hidden | HP: 886/966 | EN: 50/102 | DMG: 30 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | REC: 8 | PHASE | HLY: 16 | V.O.: 106 | V.D.: 53 | LD: 1 | STK 2 [80/0] | DSCH [2/0] FADED!

Caustic | HP: 0/2000 (617-635) | DMG: 250 | MITI: 55 (-20)| ACC: 4 | EVA: 0 | Envenom 2 [64/4] | TXC VNM 6 [64/3] | Neurotoxin 5 [5/3] | Shatter [1/3]

ID: 216258
CD:3 - No Regen
-80HP, Static | +53 BH

As if her thoughts willed it into being, the storm would only rage harder. Wushen, snapping to attention, would quite literally rain destruction itself. As waves of energy crashed onto the players, the White Lily did her best to dart away from the attacks. Unfortunately, there was no escape to be had. A stinging pain shot through her body as a searing electric surge forced its way through her. Her once straight hair was now quite frizzy from the sudden surge. 

Looking to her team and its health bars, Hidden would devise her own plan. With her repetitive attacks, she seemed to gain the boss's attention. She needed to sit back and let the tanks deal with that. Violet eyes shift to @Alkor before she calls to him, "Hey blondie, I'm gonna make an opening for you to get in there. Don't squander it." As she readied to <SWITCH> with Alkor, shadow hands began to slink over from her to cover the blonde, acting as a sort of umbrella. 

"NOW!"

As the command was called, the shadows would dart forward, acting as both a shield and spear. These shadows would collide with Wushen, tearing at the scales that would protect it, hopefully making an opening for the man. As her attack finished, Hidden would retreat her hands to prevent further energy drain. The rest was up to the boy now. 

ID: 216257
BD:9 | +17 DMG, Phase, +106 HP
CD:9 - ST-B Unlocked
DMG: 47*15=705 DMG
Activating <SWITCH> with @Alkor

(7) Hidden | HP: 705/966 | EN: 54/102 | DMG: 30 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | REC: 8 | PHASE | HLY: 16 | V.O.: 106 | V.D.: 53 | LD: 1 | STK 2 [80/1] | DSCH [1/2]

Wushen, Elemental Warlord | HP: ????/???? [705 DMG ACCUMALATED] | DMG: 200 | MITI: 0 75 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 0 | [Shatter 3 {2/3}] | TXC. [32/1] | BLGT [32/1] | STK [40/1]

ID: 215837
CD: 12 -Recovery and Vamp. Def procced
Rec: 8+4=12 EN Recovered
104 HP Recovered

A blonde man stepped forward, taking the 'attention' of the boss. What was his name again? Alfred? Perhaps she should take the time to learn that at some point. Another brief moment appeared in which the health bars appeared. This was the first boss she had seen that was hiding them for brief moments. In fact, this was also the first boss that seemed disinterested in the players. Something it was doing was off. 

"You think it is waiting for something specific to happen?"

The words were lost to the thundering sounds as a divine stomach ache shook the battlefield. Another hand would be raised, sending a pair of hands forward to spear themselves into a scale on Wushen's side. Hesitant to continue without more information, Hidden would step back, passing a NIGHT that seemed to be having a bit of difficulty. A flick of her eyes would catch Crozeph as the woman would see what antics he was up to at this moment. 

ID: 215835
BD: 5+5=10. Hit ST-II used.
DMG: 30*18=540-20=520 Dmg Dealt
EN: 17 EN Used

(5) Hidden | HP: 966/966 | EN: 64/102 | DMG: 30 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | REC: 8 | PHASE | HLY: 16 | V.O.: 106 | V.D.: 53 | LD: 1

ID: 215636 CD:11 -> Recovery + V.D Procced!
12 EN Recovered
106 HP Recovered

-Charge is now off cooldown-

The deafening sound of another tail strike aimed towards NIGHT shook the ground beneath her feet. 'How bothersome.' Lily would think. Stepping forward from her backseat position in the party, she would take front and center. "Many have found that ignoring me is a rather big mistake." Those same shadow-spectral arms began to sprout from her backside, pushing off the ground to assist with her leap upwards. A myriad of soon-fading white flowers were left in her wake as suddenly she was body-to-face with the boss. 

A white gleam would shine like a tiny star above the battlefield as she brought her dagger right down onto its snout. The blade cut through its scales like putty, leaving a gash where it had torn through. A smirk played itself on her face as she fell back, hurtling toward the ground. The dark cloak that covered the woman seemed to billow like dark smoke as her fall seemed to slow. Landing gracefully on the ground, she would look up at the beast, awaiting its retaliation. Normally this would be the moment when she would retreat back to the backlines. Instead, this time she would face her foe head-on. 

ID: 215635
BD: 9 -> CRIT! Holy Activated! Phase Activated! Vampiric Off. Activated! 47*15=705 DMG to Wushen
14 EN Expended

(4) Hidden | HP: 966/966 | EN: 69/102 | DMG: 30 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | REC: 8 | PHASE | HLY: 16 | V.O.: 106 | V.D.: 53 | LD: 1

Wushen, Elemental Warlord | ACCUMULATED DMG: 2003 | DMG: 200 | MITI: 0 75 | ACC: 4(+3) | EVA: 0 | [Shatter 3 {2/3}] | BLGT [32/1] | BRN [56/1] | FRB: [40/1] | TXC. [72/2] | STK [40/1] | [Rend 28/1] 

Combat ensued around her, with it, an underlying tone of pure chaos. Each player had their own fighting style and way of attacking. Crozeph and Koga found themselves high in the air, while NIGHT and Alkor seemed to be poking at the beast, testing out its true power and defenses. For now, she simply stood back and acted as the party's supporting attacker. Channeling the power of her "Lady Midnight" skill, shadows would begin to dance around her and form into hands around her. These hands would begin to clasp together, creating a fine point that she would fire off like a javelin toward the creature.

"Grim Embrace."

The words would be audible as the hands struck her target, disassembling to tear at Wushen's body. A sigh came to her lips as she was finished. 'this really isn't having the same feeling for me as it did before. Perhaps I really should throw in the towel after this fight. Violet eyes turned to watch the rest of her party complete their work. It would be best if she simply left these people to their devices.

ATTACK
ID: 215279
BD: 3+5=8. Hit.
SA: ST-B (Grim Embrace) x23 -> 22EN Cost
DMG: 30*23=690-15=675 DMG to Wushen

RECOVERY
ID: 215280
CD: 10 -> Recovery and Vamp. Def Activate. 
•8+4(natural)=12EN recovered
•53+53(BH)=106 HP Recovered

Wushen, Elemental Warlord | DMG ACCUMULATED: 2046 | DMG: 200 | MITI: 75(-60)= 15 | ACC: 3 (-1) | EVA: 0 | SHATTER 3 (1/3)

(2) Hidden | HP: 966/966 | EN: 71/102 | DMG: 30 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 5(+1) | BH: 53 | REC: 8 | PHASE | HLY: 16 | V.O.: 106 | V.D.: 53 | LD: 1 |

NIGHT would simply walk past her, ignoring her words. 'Perhaps just a little too straightforward. She is a shy one after all.' Pursing her lips as she passed, Hidden would turn her attention to the door. "Let's see if this gets me back into it." she would mutter to herself. The reason for her arrival at the raid was simply to do something she normally had. To feel that same sense of normality. She had become extremely lax as of late, with little seeming to motivate her. Maybe this endeavor would rekindle her fire. 

The large double doors would open, and her eyes would be met with those of an enormous creature. A dragon of huge scale would look down on the party that had come to join the festivities. Its very being seemed to almost draw in the life around it, stealing mana from the very world itself. It wanted to devour everything at its very essence. Unfortunately for it, the White Lily was also a devourer. It would have to eat her before she could eat it. 

A smile would draw itself on the woman's lips as shadows folded in on themselves to produce a weapon that she would gingerly fetch from the air. The weapon was cold to the touch, drawing in light and life around it as it began to charge. "Now, let's have some fun." she would mutter before darting forward at a blinding speed. Leaping forward, several shadowed hands would grasp out, tearing at the creature's body, draining it. A dagger would tear through energy and flesh alike. Satisfied with her work, she would leap off of the creature before attempting to shift into the shadows. To her dismay, it seemed the creature was preventing her from slipping back into the shadows as she normally would. 

ST-I + Charge Activated: 14+8=22-1(rested)=21 EN Expended

ID: 215025
BD: 5+5-1(Charge)=9. Hit.
CD: 9 -> ST-B Activated!
DMG: ST-I + Charge + Assassin = 30+7=37*15=555-15=540 DMG

[2] NIGHT | HP: 1299/1299 | EN: 129/146 | DMG: 30 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 4 | BH: 71 | BLD: 48 | BLGT: 32(-20) | FRB: 40(-1) | STK: 40 | HB: 57 | VD: 142 | HELL: 80 | LD: 3 | DOTE: 3/3
[2] Alkor | HP: 989/989 | EN: 103/118 (-15) | DMG: 12 | MITI: 193 | ACC: 4 | BH: 54 | TAUNT | HLY: 16 | FLN: 16 | LD: 3
[1] Koga | HP: 1035/1035 | EN: 112/124 (124 -12) | DMG: 28 | MIT: 50 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7 | BH: 56 | FLN: 16 | BRN: 56 | V.D.: 113 | LD: 3 | [CHARGE CD, 0/3]
[1] Hidden | HP: 966/966 | EN: 81/102 | DMG: 30 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | REC: 8 | PHASE | HLY: 16 | V.O.: 106 | V.D.: 53 | LD: 1 | [CHARGE CD, 0/3]

Wushen, Elemental Warlord | DMG ACCUMULATED: 1,726 (1186+540) | DMG: 200 | MITI: 75 15 (-20)(-20)(-20) | ACC: 3 (-1) | EVA: 0 | [DELAY] | [SHATTER 2, 0/3]

[ADVANCED TRAINING USED: +10% Thread EXP]

Quiet footsteps were hardly able to be heard echoing across the cavern. Voices were to be heard ahead of her as a group of players amassed in front of the boss room. It seemed she had managed to make it in time. Violet eyes passed onto the participants that had gathered. Freyd was of the people she knew well along with NIGHT, but there were several unfamiliar faces. Mina was also among the known but an individual she knew little of. Her attention became caught on a girl in a teal Haori. 

"Interesting... so that is her, huh?" 

As she strode into the room, a faint smile reached the lily's lips. Many players stood focused, their stances rigid as they prepared for the upcoming battle. Stepping past @Crozeph, a cold would wash over him. "Lighten up a bit, won't you?" Her voice was playful and teasing but she wouldn't wait for his reaction and instead continue forward. Reaching into her inventory, she would pull free one of her buff's beginning to munch on a candied apple that had recently been made from one of the apples Raidou had brought her. 

She would continue to advance until she was met with @NIGHT. "Hey cutie, sorry I missed your meeting. Where do you want me?" Hidden's voice was playfully curious, revealing she was teasing NIGHT as she had Cro. 

With Raidou not present, she would differ to NIGHT and then Freyd. The two were some of the most prominent players known to the frontlines and probably had the most knowledge of the current floor itself while Hidden spent a good deal of searching to get this far. 

ID: 214925 | LD:11+7=18 Stealth Rating

Hidden | HP: 966/966 | EN: 102/102 | DMG: 30 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 6 | BH: 53 | LD: 1 | HLY: 16 | PHASE | REC: 8 | V.D.: 53 | V.O.: 106 | Stealth: 18

Raidou had begun to show concern about how she had felt that day. "Perhaps sick isn't the correct word. I just... felt I had lost something that had been a part of me. A weight in my chest was lifted, but let a hole in its stead." Describing it wasn't easy when it was a feeling she had not yet felt before. 

Purple eyes drift onto a black feather as Raidou revealed it to her. She couldn't begin to guess the relevance of the object. "Have you attempted appraising the feather yet? Perhaps where it came from is where the ship went." It was by far the best guess she could come up with. Simmone? Worried? She needs to get her priorities straight. I've been here, not doing much. Been wondering if I should go do a quest to attempt to rekindle myself." The question came to be whether she and Simmone shared words. "We don't talk too much, but I feel like she knows a lot. Maybe even too much." 

Simmone's eyes were hard for even her to hide from. The APD had been rather easy but escaping Firm Anima's scouts was rather difficult. Her attention became redirected as a cup of cider was pushed into her hands, the smell itself beginning to entice her. Offering a smile as thanks, she would bring the cup to her lips. The taste was sweet and crisp. Her eyes fell onto Raidou for a moment as she wondered how good the tea he always liked to drink was. He was most definitely a pro at making it now. 

The White Lily would come to gloss over the detail regarding whether or not Raidou had been responsible for APD's silence, instead focusing on other things. When was the last time she had actually just sat down with Rai and enjoyed his company? Had she ever? Or had they always been focused on the bigger things? Was this improvement? Or was she simply not accomplishing the work she needed to?

"I do, he's a real good friend of mine. I owe him a great deal. I warned him, but he was persistent. Trust me Hilda."

Shrugging, the dark lines that had begun to form in her eyes faded as the shadows crept back to the corners where they had come from. "Remind me again, when did I tell you my real name?" Hidden would purse her lips as she heard the crunch from the bite of bread. 

24 minutes ago, Nari-Lanreth said:

Skill(s) Being Dropped: Enhanced Weight Limit, Searching, Quick Change, Battle Healing, Polearm, Dagger, Light Armour, Parry, Damage, Protector Familiar
Mod(s)/Addon(s)/Shift(s) Being Dropped: Detect, Stamina, Precision, Focus, Meticulous, Resolve, Vengeful Riposte, TECH specialist
SP Incurred Towards Limit: ~
SP Refunded: 225
Cost: Free Skill Respec Ticket (Paragon Reward)

Approved

Raidou would begin setting the table for two, bringing silverware and plates to the table. Fetching a heat pad, she would place the spaghetti and noodles atop finished with some slightly burnt garlic bread that had been cooking in the oven. "Well, I guess it looks better than it normally does..." Hidden would mumble to herself. A question would come from Raidou who had moved himself into the living room now. 

"How long have you been back?"

Hidden raised an eyebrow in response and stepped from the kitchen back into the living room. "Here? I guess about a month or two? I've noticed a couple of things off since...." A moment passed for her to think. The similarities between now and her dream were uncanny. If Simmone and Sey were here, it would be an exact replica. "I'd say the moment where we were force teleported from Razwell's ship. I felt extremely sick that day like I was seasick." The sickness had faded rather quickly, but at that exact same moment, it felt as if something were different. As if she wasn't really herself. Unfortunately, the white lily hadn't made any sense of it yet. 

Finding about another of Shiina's interests was intriguing. There was some fun to be had with that. Perhaps a trip to the river before forcibly stuffing her underwater? "Simmone huh?" Hidden would reply. "I'd invite her to dinner more but I'm pretty sure spaghetti would make her ass too fat." It was weird, it felt like Simmone had eaten spaghetti with her before. "I really ought to go out and see more. A lot of people have a hard time remembering little ol' me these days. To think I was the most wanted criminal in Aincrad at one point."

Hidden would close her eyes. Something... no... Someone had been standing outside for a few minutes now. How bothersome. "I don't need glasses either. Have a friend outside? Should've been smarter to stay out of the shadows if they wanted to hide." Shadows would pool at the intruder's feet, locking them in place. It was extremely faint, but a small trail of black ink would color one of the girl's sclerae. Her eyes seemed unenthused as they trained themselves on the door. 

In response to Raidou's question for his name, Hidden would simply sigh. "I've picked up some poor vocabulary from her. I don't get out much so she is most of the people I talk to." Bringing him inside, the man would immediately begin assuring her that no one had seen him. She would shrug in response. "Not too worried about it. If some weirdo finds my place I'll just kick them out." The room seemed to darken at the word 'kick' only to lighten back up a moment after. Returning to her cooking, she would quickly stir the food still cooking on the stove. 

"Me a cook? Don't make me laugh. It always tastes barely better than shit. Noodles always suck ass," she would reply distastefully. Using a finger, she would tuck white hair behind one ear before squinting at the noodles as if threatening them to taste good. 

"I brought you something. It's some delicacies from floor 1 and 4. Thought you could try them out."

Hidden would turn to inspect the gifts and nod in approval. "Thanks dude! Already know I'm going to fuck up the apples beyond recognition when I try to make them into Candy apples but I will get to at least taste the cider." Leaving them on the bar, the woman would begin turning off her stove. If Raidou got a good look, he would find that surprisingly, Hidden had made enough spaghetti for two to eat their fill. 

"Shiina? It really depends. Sometimes I feel like she's always here and then I don't hear from her for a week. Kinda just bursts through the door unannounced. I usually enjoy the company but sometimes I need someone to come that I don't fear is going to destroy my house." A small chuckle would escape the woman's lips. 

Shifting the conversation, violet eyes would turn on Raidou. It seemed some of her suspicions had bore some fruit. He seemed to be different today. "So no glasses today, huh? You have the free time to just make a trip out here too? Normally you are pretty busy doing who knows what." while he answered, Hidden would turn to begin straining the water from some stiff looking noodles. 

            Purple eyes squinted hard with focus as the woman stirred a pan of meat and tomato sauce. Long white hair fell back onto a black jacket and sweatpants giving her a bit of a lazy look. Finally, a white shirt would contrast the red of her apparel. It was a much different attire than the one she would normally wear, but it was a kind that she had found herself very comfortable in recently. Switching to her port of noodles for a moment, she would give it a quick stir before returning to the meat. 

*thunk thunk*

A jerk from her hand from surprise brought sauce splattering onto her white shirt. "Fucking Shiina... I told her to message me before she pops up." A sigh came to her lips as she set down her spatula and started walking over to the door. 'wait, Shiina doesn't knock.' The thought made her begin questioning who had come then. Some stranger somehow found the path to the house? Unlikely, but if that were the case they would pay for making her shirt needing an early wash. 

Footsteps could be heard faintly approaching the door, revealing she had no intention to be stealthy about her approach. Turning the doorknob, Raidou would find an expression mixed with confusion and searching. "Oh, it's you, Book Boi," she would say, stepping out to hold the door open for him. "Come in quickly, don't need onlookers thinking I'm letting random men into my abode." 

After ushering him inside, Hidden would trace herself around him, moving through the entrance, past the living room, and into the kitchen. Once in the kitchen, Raidou would be greeted by the sight of an ornate kitchen and dining table. A thin layer of dust lined the kitchen table as if it weren't used. The bar and its stools appeared to be used frequently enough, however. "Need something? Don't get many visitors these days, which I consider a blessing. Getting tired of fishing Sprinkles out from some random piece of furniture." 

@Raidou

In the ethereal realm of dreams, reality finds a reflection, obscured by a veil of imagination and symbolism. Within this surreal landscape, the mind's deepest desires, fears, and memories intertwine, creating a tapestry of experiences that mirrors the waking world.

What lay on that side of the mirror?

~

In the city of Taft, the evening sun's rays shone through the Grand Cathedral's stained glass, casting its mural on the city below. A meadow, blossoming with flowers and wisteria trees. A river passed by these trees, flowing endlessly from a location unknown to the mural. This mural was only visible in full for about thirty minutes a day as was the path that opened to this area. The eleventh floor was strange and many of its sights were completely obscure to most members of Aincrad. 

Nobody would guess that a player's lodging would be found within one of these places. A decent-sized house would be found past those flowers, past the wisteria trees. A house with white walls and ornate enough windows that one might consider it gaudy. A bed of lilies would be found outside along with a wooden porch. These flowers seemed to be well taken care of, not a single one wilted. In the evening sun, light glittered off of the passing river, giving the atmosphere a serene touch. The lights in this building were lit, the faint sound of music would be heard: a woman's voice singing softly. The sound of clattering could also be heard from within, revealing that someone was inside the building. 

The battle almost began to seem like a race against time. Raidou could cut the battle cold and freeze it while she restored energy slowly over time. That idea didn't interest her much. So when Raidou suggested falling back until she could recover, the assassin would shake her head. "I'll go until he or I can attack no longer." The shadow didn't have the energy to spare on any fancy tricks. Slipping into the shadows was no longer an option. She would strike head-on until her reserves gave out completely. 

Sparks flew through the air as amethyst began to carve through the bronze body of the Ancient Mechanical Construct. Unfortunately, even her second strongest attack couldn't put too much of a dent into the creature. The health bar of their enemy still rested safely within the green. Of course, Hidden herself was running out of options at this point. A single attack from now could be made. Stalling the beast would be inevitable. It almost made her wish she was fighting alongside Simmone or Shiina. A leap would put her out of the monster's reach as it seemed to begin to gravitate towards her. 

Players:
Hidden | HP: 840/840 | EN: 15/102 | DMG: 30 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 6 | BH: 46 | LD: 1 | HLY: 16 | PHASE | REC: 8 | V.D.: 46 | V.O.: 92 | Vanish [2/3] | Charge [3/3]
Raidou | HP: 760/1200 | EN: 110/138 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 304 | EVA: 7 | ACC: 4 | BH: 66 | LD: 6 | BLGT: 32 | REC: 8 | TAUNT | V.D.: 132 | V.O.: 198 | Bloodclot | Just/Vengeful [0/3] | Parry Duration [0/3]

Mobs:
[1,0] Ancient Mechanical Construct #1 | HP: 810/1250 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 100 | ACC: 3 | EVA: -3 | Status Immunity

Violet eyes trained on the last target, murderous intent lay within their depths. The graceful shadow splits its foe in two with a powerful slice of amethyst. The last of the Revenants were vanquished. Despite her small winnings, the victory bell had yet to play. The ground would begin to shake as the sounds of whirring gears and steel thuds filled the air. Slamming into the doors to the Ashen Keep, a bronze mechanical giant would rip them from their hinges. Standing several feet taller than either of the players, the Construct would focus its attention on the beings that had dispatched that which it sought to protect. 

 "Not quite." The words would ring in her ears. Where the hell had this thing come from? Just when she thought they were done, they were being forced to deal with yet another issue. An eye flicked to her energy reserves. She was getting rather low. The first time she wouldn't manage to proc recovery would be the last time she could get a good attack in. "That thing is made of pure metal. I doubt it cares too much for getting burned." She would note aloud to Raidou. The question really was 'could she put it down before running out of energy?' 

Players:
Hidden | HP: 840/840 | EN: 20/102 | DMG: 30 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 6 | BH: 46 | LD: 1 | HLY: 16 | PHASE | REC: 8 | V.D.: 46 | V.O.: 92 | Vanish [1/3] | Charge [3/3]
Raidou | HP: 1199/1200 | EN: 106/138 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 304 | EVA: 7 | ACC: 4 | BH: 66 | LD: 6 | BLGT: 32 | REC: 8 | TAUNT | V.D.: 132 | V.O.: 198 | Bloodclot  

Mobs:
[1,10] Red Cloak Revenant #5 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 | MIT: 75 | Paralytic Immunity | Activate [0/30] | [BRN: 56/1]
[0,0] Ancient Mechanical Construct #1 | HP: 1250/1250 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 100 | ACC: 3 | EVA: -3 | Status Immunity

The air grew darker and colder suddenly as Lady Midnight returned to play. The shadows, elongated by the flames that Raidou had produced, began to form together and enshroud Hidden before she would once again vanish without a trace. The sixth Revenant would strike Raidou's blade, casting a spray of sparks from its still smoldering hand. The man needed to remove the monster from his vicinity or risk getting caught up in her attack. Her control over her skill was still shaky. It still felt like she was merely borrowing it from Hokori despite the skill oddly displaying within her skill list. 

Moving unnoticed to the already blind opponents, Hidden would set up her attack. Her dagger would glow darkly within the shadows before a single slash would be made into the air. Sprouting from the ground, a shadow would soar through the battlefield before it would sever her opponent's body in two. From there, the shadow would slink back into the ground once more. Hidden would once again become visible, eyes traveling to focus on the last remaining target. "Set that one on fire too. I'll erase it." she would tell Raidou. To be honest, she doubted she needed him to even set it on fire. She would use Charge to finish it off. 

Players:
Hidden | HP: 840/840 | EN: 48/102 | DMG: 30 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 6 | BH: 46 | LD: 1 | HLY: 16 | PHASE | REC: 8 | V.D.: 46 | V.O.: 92 | Vanish [0/3] | Charge [2/3]
Raidou | HP: 1200/1200 | EN: 94/138 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 304 | EVA: 7 | ACC: 4 | BH: 66 | LD: 6 | BLGT: 32 | REC: 8 | TAUNT | V.D.: 132 | V.O.: 198 | Bloodclot  

Mobs:
[1,7] Red Cloak Revenant #5 | HP: 426/1000 | DMG: 150 | MIT: 75 | Paralytic Immunity | Activate [20/30] | Stun Immunity [2/3]
[0,7] Red Cloak Revenant #6 | HP: 0/1000 | DMG: 150 | MIT: 75 | Paralytic Immunity | Activate [10/30] | Stun Immunity [2/3] | [BRN: 56/1]

Not quite? Was there more than this? Just how many of them were left within the crypt? Regardless, what was important was that she dispose of the ones that were at home. Taking advantage of the enemy's backsides, a flurry of attacks would rip through the area as she activated an AoE attack once more. Horizontal ripples would fly up through the air, lacerating the backs of the Revenants. One would succumb to the attacks, but the other two would continue to shamble forward.

Pointing the Revenant with the most health out, Hidden would inform Raidou, "I am going to kill that one next. Keep the other one busy, I'll get to it next." Any moment, Lady Midnight would be available to her again. Without focusing on an AoE attack, there was a slim chance that she would manage to lose her attack again. No, she would massacre it. Groups of enemies were difficult, but a single one wouldn't stand much of a chance. 

Players:
Hidden | HP: 840/840 | EN: 48/102 | DMG: 30 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 6 | BH: 46 | LD: 1 | HLY: 16 | PHASE | REC: 8 | V.D.: 46 | V.O.: 92 | Vanish [3/3] | Charge [1/3]
Raidou | HP: 1199/1200 | EN: 103/138 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 304 | EVA: 7 | ACC: 4 | BH: 66 | LD: 6 | BLGT: 32 | REC: 8 | TAUNT | V.D.: 132 | V.O.: 198 | Bloodclot  

Mobs:
[0,7] Red Cloak Revenant #5 | HP: 514/1000 | DMG: 150 | MIT: 55 | Paralytic Immunity | Activate [10/30] | Stun Immunity [1/3] | [BRN: 56/1] [BLGT: 32/1]
[0,3] Red Cloak Revenant #6 | HP: 654/1000 | DMG: 150 | MIT: 75 | Paralytic Immunity | Activate [5/30] | Stun Immunity [1/3]
[2,3] Red Cloak Revenant #4 | HP: 0/1000 | DMG: 150 | MIT: 75 | Paralytic Immunity | Activate [20/30]

The air would flash in a red hue as lightning streaked across it and light the battlefield along with it. It appeared that two out of four of their original enemies still stood, shambling in Raidou's direction. Their clothing was made from red tattered cloth. A flash of orange lit the air as a dagger homed into the chest of a revenant. The assassin would rip the blade upwards and split the enemy in two before whipping it towards the other that stood within her vicinity. Amethyst tore through the right arm of her next victim as the previous exploded into light. Of course, this enemy had much more life left in it after having missed it previously. 

The undead creature lunged at her with its free arm outstretched, grasping for her face with broken nails. Pulling away, Hidden would dodge the attack and turn attention to the two new creatures that Raidou had let out. "Is that the last of them?" she would ask him. No longer was she able to hear the pounding of the door he had held tight. 

Players:
Hidden | HP: 840/840 | EN: 73/102 | DMG: 30 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 6 | BH: 46 | LD: 1 | HLY: 16 | PHASE | REC: 8 | V.D.: 46 | V.O.: 92 | Vanish [2/3] | Charge [1/3]
Raidou | HP: 1200/1200 | EN: 112/138 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 304 | EVA: 7 | ACC: 4 | BH: 66 | LD: 6 | BLGT: 32 | REC: 8 | TAUNT | V.D.: 132 | V.O.: 198 | Bloodclot  

Mobs:
[0,3] Red Cloak Revenant #5 | HP: 967/1000 | DMG: 150 | MIT: 55 | Paralytic Immunity | Activate [0/30] | Stun Immunity [0/3] | [BLGT: 32/1]
[2,4] Red Cloak Revenant #2 | HP: 0/1000 | DMG: 150 | MIT: 75 | Paralytic Immunity | Activate [15/30] | Stun Immunity [2/3]
[0,3] Red Cloak Revenant #6 | HP: 999/1000 | DMG: 150 | MIT: 75 | Paralytic Immunity | Activate [0/30] | Stun Immunity [0/3]
[2,3] Red Cloak Revenant #4 | HP: 253/1000 | DMG: 150 | MIT: 75 | Paralytic Immunity | Activate [15/30] | Stun Immunity [2/3]

Ladonian soldiers fell one by one at the Shadow's hands, amethyst cutting through steel like cheese. A voice would suddenly call out to her, "We need to leave. Quickly." An explosion would gather above her, a large airship falling directly towards them. Several events began to unfold as several of the Firm Anima members unknown to her would work together to hold the ship for as long as possible. Meanwhile, Simmone seemed to be working her usual voodoo which created a corridor of some sort for them to move through. 

"What the hell is that thing?" 

"GET IN, NOW ISN'T THE TIME TO BE DIFFICULT."

Raidou's voice would send her back into action and race into the opening after the others. For a moment, the assassin felt like she was falling. Then, she was falling. Their entire group managed to topple the area that @Koga had been occupying. Quickly recovering, the Shadow would quickly take note of her surroundings. Where were they? The big ship? The sound of fighting surrounded them as the players pushed into the Ladonian lines. "I think I've seen enough for one day..." Hidden would mumble. A boss fight and then a floor scale battle? Ridiculous. 

"What now?" Her question was answered as more soldiers began to pour into the area. Were these soldiers from the ships that had managed to regroup with the Ifrit? If so, the soldiers had managed to escape death only to run straight back into its clutches. 

Requesting Paragon 50 Rewards:

1x Demonic Shard, 1x Gleaming Scale, 3x Tier up Tickets