Dazia

                     Dazia wasn't too pleased when Vigilon admitted that he'd failed once again, though he did offer a hint as to these constant failures: Princess wasn't letting her guard down enough in terms of the situation. All it takes is a mention of her name, and Krysta's ready to fight. Is that princess really triggered by her name like this? what was up with that woman?

           Night made a trade offer as to have the weapon returned to her. Vigilon would agree, but Dazia couldn't help but be attentive to the scenario, and the offered weapon, as she started on a consumable or two. The offered weapon was far better than what Dazia currently had, and if what Vigilon had explained earlier was true, then he wouldn't be needing it anytime soon. It didn't look like Princess would ever dare use it, anyway, so what purpose would he possibly have for it? If she didn't speak now, she might never get the chance...well, no time like the present to be reckless.
            "I want it." She blurted out.

     Vigilon gave her a nearly blank stare with traces of confusion, then asked her to say it again. "You heard me." Dazia began. "Adjudicator. I want it. You can already handle yourself well with the weapon you're working on restoring, right? You'd have less use for Adjudicator at that point, it'll just be sitting there in your inventory." She explained. It would likely meet a similar fate that Oathkeeper nearly did, unless it was given to a better set of hands that needed it.
            Vigilon sighed and seemed to be in thought, before noting that it would be fine as long as Night was also fine with it. However, due to the item's tier, quality, and enhancements, it would be costly. He put the starting col offer on twenty two to twenty five col. "You don't seriously think I was born this morning, do you? Six thousand would be just fine." She shot back. Vigilon would then try to suggest a payment of a solid twenty thousand. Dazia shook her head. "If you really want more, I could offer nine thousand." She countered. Vigilon would make a stupid reference as he tried to turn the tables and try for eighteen thousand. Dazia scoffed. "Are you really going to nickel and dime me like this? No. Ten thousand." She stated. Vigilon then suggested sixteen thousand. Dazia was getting tired of this already. "Thirteen thousand, and that's my final offer." Dazia decided.
                        Vigilon decided he would be fine by this, though once again, it would only be fine as long as Night was willing to allow this. Adjudicator was originally Night's, after all, and was a necessary weapon for a coming battle she would be in.

       With all the necessary consumables taken and consumed, the platter of consumables was handed to Vigilon for him to take his pick. He took one of each, aside from one. Funny how both players didn't think they would need the protein enhancement for the coming battle. Then again, they had both taken the damage potions, so it may have once again been a decision of better safe than sorry, due to the protein enhancement's trade off of mitigation for damage. Vigilon then asked if there were any other preparations to make, other than forming a party. "I don't care who leads the party, as long as the job gets done." Dazia stated.

Consumed:

-Smores(EVA II)
-[T4]Yaki Hatahata((MIT III)
-Creme Brulee(ACC II)
-Beef Stew(Overhealth III)

         "No shit, Sherlock." Dazia remarked when Vigilon commented on her explanation of the situation to Night.

   All three players had a common enemy. This was just what Dazia needed, no sarcasm included. Night would pull out some consumables, for this would not be an easy task. Dazia knew this, otherwise she wouldn't be needing a party. Night asked about Vigilon and his equipment. Vigilon gave his explanation, including the fact that he would probably need some consumables for this coming fight. "This," Dazia began, gesturing to Vigilon, her eyes closed as her face showed, or, rather, what little her cowl let into vision, irritation. "is my idiot cousin. As I've noted before, he happens to be dating my current nemesis...speaking of which..." She then looked to Vigilon. "Have you convinced her to get over it yet, or is she still out there trying to find and kill me?" She asked, glaring at him as she did so. She was really getting tired of this whole charade.

         Vigilon drew his weapon to look at it, as if he was still studying it. This was the first time Dazia was seeing this weapon. He explained his reason for wanting to fight Cerberus, that apparently he needed a material it dropped in order to make a sacrificial item to repair it with by using the fusion process. She didn't know what stats it had, though the explanation gave her a hint as to what enhancement was missing.
              Night would offer a potion to Dazia, asking her if she would need this. "It would definitely help, I know that much." She answered, before accepting the potion. "Thanks."

             Vigilon would pull out a weapon to offer in case either of the other two had a weapon that was found lacking. "Unless it's better than a Rare weapon with accuracy and fallen, I doubt I'd-"
                                  Dazia's answer was cut off by the recognition of the weapon. Whether or not unique items could have duplicates was unknown, though this was an MMO, but current evidence would suggest that for there to be more than one of a particular unique item would be unlikely. "Where did you find that?" She asked. Then she looked over to Night. "Night, isn't that yours? I remember seeing you using it back on floor sixteen."

Consumed:

-Liquor of Light(3 DMG)

       A restrained sigh came out of Dazia upon hearing Vigilon's answer. She wasn't mad at him, just disappointed. It could just be towards this floor only, but she was really hoping that he'd improved in the aspects of information...and intelligence. Vigilon asked Dazia how her lead was going, to which she began with a glare from under her cowl. He wasn't mocking her or anything, but the search was becoming a bit sore. "It's...not going as well as I'd hoped. it's starting to look more like a goose chase than a shrike search." She responded, the irritation clear in her voice.

               The moment she looked to the side, originally out of frustration, she noticed a familiar face waving over to her. Then came a question. "...Yes. The Obsidian Cove exists, but only the shoreline is accessible at the moment, the area proper is blocked off by a damn gate." She revealed. "I need to fight strong monsters in a volcanic environment if I hope to get the Earthen Sun key, as it's apparently a rare drop from monsters of said environment, though the chances of it dropping are better the stronger the monster in question is." She explained. "Lesser Cerberus won't do in this case, so something else..." She continued, before looking back to Vigilon. "Such as a greater Cerberus, might have better chances at dropping the damn thing." 

     She looked to a different direction, spotting a familiar but unwelcome sight to Dazia's gaze. Set upon a pole, was a poster containing a remarkably accurate drawing of Dazia, along with...

Wanted: Dazia
Guilty of four unjust Player Kills, two within duels, two outside of duels
Extremely dangerous, contact any one of the following players if you happen to find her:
Krysta, Aerigor, Axeril, Khal
 

     No mention of Oku this time, which seemed to suggest he'd seen the light and left the chase alone. The lack of the name "Derenze" was indeed her fault, however, as the monument of life could easily prove. No, the only remaining contact options were Princess and the remaining three players from that party of idiots with an ulterior motive. Most likely, it was that trio that made this poster at all. Regardless, her response to it would be the same. Remove it in any way currently preferred...
        And Dazia was in the mood to cut it down. With an irritated sigh, she knew she needed to vent. "Stand back." She warned, despite this being a safe zone, and drew her weapon. Within two seconds, there was no poster left, not a trace of it to speak of. Sheathing her weapon, she would proceed to remark, "I normally just rip these off and dispose of them later, but this goose chase has left me in a less than desirable mood. If you're hoping to fight something like Cerberus, count me in."

Midnight. Blade. Earthen Sun.

         This lead was starting to become more trouble than it was worth. First there was the Cerberus Lead, then there was that cryptic set of words that must have been left behind by a player, found shortly after assassinating Cerberus. "Midnight. Blade. Earthen Sun. 16." This brought Dazia over to floor sixteen, where she played stowaway in a quest in search of the words' meaning, obtaining a possible location, the Obsidian Cove, located elsewhere on said floor. Then there was reaching and investigating the Obsidian Cove itself, only to be blocked by a gate.

            Those code words turned out to be referring to a bunch of damn keys.

     Would Dazia ever manage to find this "Shrike" of the Sky Swords Guild? What was he even doing? The Obsidian Cove, or whatever the hell was behind that stupid gate, had better lead directly to him.

        But until then, she needed to find those keys. After exchanging with an informant, she was able to get some rumors about the keys themselves. They could be found in different floors, it didn't have to be floor sixteen. As for the Earthen Sun Key, it was a rare drop, found only as a rare drop from powerful enemies in volcanic environments, probably major enemies, quest monsters and field bosses. The stronger the monster, the more likely it was to drop a key, so assassinating lesser Cerberus over and over wasn't an option. Killing the stronger one she'd recently heard of, that one might work. Being a stronger monster, it would have a higher chance to drop the Earthen Sun Key than the lesser.

      Here, back at Knorlit Village again, and who does she find just standing there in the middle of it all? Vigilon. Again.
   It wasn't like he was expecting her, though. So as long as Princess wasn't with him, she should be fine. She walked up to him, her cowl hiding her neutral expression. "I wasn't thinking I'd see you here again." She began.  "Is there anything interesting on this floor I don't already know? My search is coming up with complications." She added, her arms crossed with irritation. "You better have something good, though I won't blame you if you don't." She thought. She knew he wasn't expecting her, so she wasn't going to get her hopes up or act like it was his fault he didn't have anything for her.

Stats and Equipment:

       Dazia shook her head, equally disgusted by the thought. "Please, he doesn't even seem like the knight type." She remarked. "Even I don't know what's up with it all." Freyd might not have been "her knight" in all of this, but he was definitely one of Krysta's two most dangerous allies at this point. Dazia didn't know, nor did she care, about Freyd's motive. "It's not like he'd have a chance with her anyway, since she's taken...by my idiot cousin, Vigilon, of all people. Seriously, I don't understand what he sees in her, but it's not like I have a chance to actually see their dynamic when she goes into hostility just on the sight of me." She added. It was all so utterly stupid. "Not like he's the knight type either, though. He's not exactly a bad person, but he's such a dumbass." She finished, exasperated over the ridiculousness of it all. And to think it all began with self-defense...

       Night noted that if Freyd or the Assassin were to try coming after Dazia again, that she could always grab her, but wouldn't be willing to help in regards to the conflict with Princess, which she considered to be harassment at this point. To Dazia, it was more like a seemingly never ending chase, but the point remained understandable. Dazia accepted the friend request that was sent to her, and gave a subtle nod. "Fair enough, I'll keep you posted if Freyd goes in pursuit of me again."

              With the quest now complete, it was time for the two players to go their separate ways. Night declared over her shoulder that she won't tell anyone that Dazia was here, then she began heading over to the settlement proper. One last nod of her head in understanding, before Dazia would vanish from view, for she was hoping to take the scenic route for the time being. Who knows, maybe she'll catch a glimpse of this "Obsidian Isle" she'll soon be investigating along the way.

      Night agreed in the aspect that it wasn't her problem. Of course, she also seemed to suggest, despite the air of indifference in her words, that there was reason to hear out Dazia's perspective on the whole ordeal, over a common suspect between the two players. Only problem was, Dazia only had one encounter with Freyd, and thus wouldn't really have much to tell about him.

         As Dazia followed Night, mentally ready to finish the quest and begin gathering intel on this "Obsidian Isle" that was mentioned earlier, she did at least have some words to spare in regards to Freyd. "As far as I know, he and the assassin were the only ones that have outsmarted me in this game. After my latest kill made out of self defense, over in the fourth floor, I began making my way over to the Starglades, a monster free environment that I was hoping to take refuge in and lay low in case Krysta began looking for me. I don't know how he guessed my course of action, nor do I have a way to outsmart that assassin." She explained. There were more details about her newer adversaries, but hopefully she could explain them clearly. "During the encounter, I heard the assassin's voice only once, yet it's as though it were a disembodied voice. Until I get the disguise skill, which the Assassin seemed to just love using, I'll have to steer clear from the fourth floor, because said Assassin seems to prefer staying in that floor only, as if it's her territory or something...and she seems dead set on killing me the first chance she gets." As discouraging as this seemed, her exterior did not show signs of being unnerved, despite the fact that she was very much unnerved and had no clue how she was going to contend with self-righteous individuals who could outsmart her. What showed on the surface instead, was irritation. "I don't know if Freyd had an extra on hand, or if he'd known, but when I brought Krysta's spy as leverage for my freedom when forced to walk into an obvious trap, he tossed the spy a teleport crystal, which the spy caught and used to escape...funny, now that I say that, I'm pretty sure it was his hands were bound, not his wrists...it's like everything me and my two allies tried was completely useless. He forced me to comply to his little game, honestly I'm lucky I even got out alive, despite the trap and confrontation happening within the floor's safe zone." 

       Dazia didn't like to admit defeat in moments like this, and to her, there was nothing worse than being helpless in a world that demanded strength for those who wanted to get anywhere. Night added that she didn't know who Krysta was, nor did she care about the feud between them, but she had a mind to listen anyway. "...Well, as I've noted before, we've basically been enemies since before we even met. In our first confrontation, she tried to attack me, but I turned the tables quickly. Nobody took any damage, which was helpful since we were literally at a seasonal event hosted by an NPC, who didn't seem to like the idea of conflict showing up. It only got more complicated from there. A draw, a loss in which I barely escaped with my life, I still have yet to actually win a fight against her, duel or otherwise, now that I say it out loud." She explained, realizing just how lucky she was to still be alive after all this. "I mainly call her Princess because she just looks like one, and comes across as one to me. Seriously, it's like she walked out of a fairytale or something and lived in our world before coming here."

      None of this, not a single bit, was anything Night would be concerned about. But if she was willing to listen, maybe speaking was for the better after all. If there was anything left to do with the quest NPC, it was likely that the two players would have returned to them at this point, most likely with the objectives complete.

      Vigilon did what he was supposed to do, which helped, as the battle was now halfway over. 

                          The false Lupix shook her head. "Clearly, you wouldn't get it." The apparition most likely still intended to kill Vigilon and Dazia, but it seemed that the apparition had an expression showing...potential regret? That didn't make sense with this situation. "You weren't there, so you wouldn't know...but even if the girl was innocent, Dazia here was completely in the wrong by murdering me! Even you should be able to understand!" She claimed.

               Dazia had grown tired of this. "I've heard more than enough, let's just get this over with, the past should remain in the past."
                   With that, Dazia prepared her weapon to make another attack, but her foe would deflect her blade and proceed to disarm her, giving itself a chance to try taking on Vigilon without having to deal with Dazia for a quick moment at the very least.

ID# 212380 BD: 1(Critical Fail)

[2]Vigilon: HP 542/760 | EN 86/110 | 23 DMG | 78 MIT | 4 ACC | 2 EVA | PAR | 6 LD

[0]Dazia: HP 484/660 | EN 69/84 | 23 DMG | 44 MIT | 3 ACC | 4 EVA | 8 Fallen | 1 LD

Memory Wraith 3: HP 410/1000, 150 DMG, 50 MIT, 3 ACC, 3 EVA | Sneak Attack: Memory Wraith 3 attacks first when combat starts. This first attack deals an additional 70 DMG if it hits.

        Vigilon had no clue who this Apparition had taken the form of. Which was to be expected, as he was never there that day. "She looks like Lupix, though I know for a fact that she's not." Dazia stated. The Apparition shot a quick glare towards Dazia. "And what makes you think I'm not?" She demanded, before turning her attention back to Vigilon. "Because I killed Lupix. If I didn't, an innocent player named SkyBlastarr might not have lived to tell the tale." Dazia answered, as she held her weapon, looking for a proper opening to time her attack to as the enemy clashed with Vigilon. "Tell me, do you think a monster would save an innocent life?" Dazia questioned.

     The time to attack had come, but this was apparently expected, as the false Lupix blocked the attack with her dagger. "Killing, to save a life?" The Apparition shot back. "Bullshit." She growled. "You didn't have to keep going in that duel, but what did you do? You kept attacking. You didn't kill me because you had to, you killed me because it was easy for you."

Anguished, Dazia applied pressure and force to shove the false Lupix away. if Vigilon wasn't taking this chance now, his next attack would go just as well as the last.

ID# 212378 BD: 3+3-3=3(miss)

[1]Vigilon: HP 615/760 | EN 97/110 | 23 DMG | 78 MIT | 4 ACC | 2 EVA | PAR | 6 LD

[0]Dazia: HP 484/660 | EN 67/84 | 23 DMG | 44 MIT | 3 ACC | 4 EVA | 8 Fallen | 1 LD

Memory Wraith 3: HP 705/1000, 150 DMG, 50 MIT, 3 ACC, 3 EVA | Sneak Attack: Memory Wraith 3 attacks first when combat starts. This first attack deals an additional 70 DMG if it hits.

     Dazia heard something land behind her, but before she could turn around with her blade drawn, a dagger plunged into her avatar from behind. Dazia struggled to free herself from her assailant's grip as Vigilon was drawing his weapon. After struggling free, Dazia turned around to see her assailant.

      "Ugh, damn it..." Dazia muttered. "Another apparition."

        The apparition pulled off her cowl, revealing her face. Dazia knew this face, it was the second player she'd killed. "Apparition, you say? Well, that's not a very nice way to describe someone you fatally wounded." The apparition remarked. "You're gonna pay for what you did, you monster."

  Before the apparition could continue, Vigilon struck her with a sword art. The false Lupix would glare at him. "Alright...maybe you'll die first." She growled, before attacking Vigilon with her sharpened dagger. Dazia readied her sword art to attack, but for some reason, this was anticipated, for the Apparition nimbly dodged Dazia's attack.

ID# 212376 BD: 5+3-3=5(miss)

[1]Vigilon: HP 688/760 | EN 95/110 | 23 DMG | 78 MIT | 4 ACC | 2 EVA | PAR | 6 LD

[0]Dazia: HP 484/660 | EN 67/84 | 23 DMG | 44 MIT | 3 ACC | 4 EVA | 8 Fallen | 1 LD

Memory Wraith 3: HP 705/1000, 150 DMG, 50 MIT, 3 ACC, 3 EVA | Sneak Attack: Memory Wraith 3 attacks first when combat starts. This first attack deals an additional 70 DMG if it hits.

The room had literally nothing else of interest, save for a statue with some kind of token. Dazia would take the token, and the door would open.

Realizing she wasn't in the entryway, Dazia proceeded to wander cautiously, for that apparition might not have been alone. She soon noticed a familiar face, before checking above him for a non player cursor. Seeing the green player cursor, she then walked over to him.

"Apparitions." Dazia began. "If there's nothing here, they heard apparitions." She crossed her arms and looked to the side, her expression agitated. "I suppose the rumors of memories attacking players has been proven, at least. Let's move on before anything else shows up with the intent to ruin our day."

Oddly enough, it was during this moment that something was watching from higher ground. They did not remove their violet cowl, but hopefully silence was all they needed to keep from being seen.

"And an Assassin." Dazia repeated. "Both Freyd and this assassin's cursors were green, so it was likely they only hunted killers. The assassin is a greater threat, and I didn't catch their username. They always used disguise, so I know nothing of what they look like, either...but they only seem willing to remain in the fourth floor from what little I know. Freyd, however, might be willing to keep an eye out to try and find me." She explained, irritation in her expression as she realized she didn't know very much about the most dangerous of her potential assailants. "I don't know if either of them are willing to give up their green cursors to kill me, and I'm not gonna stick around to take any chances with them. As for Freyd himself, since you asked specifically, my guess is as good as yours, save for the theory that he was turned against me by Princess. I guess this because I saw both of them with her, and it became clear to me that they were on her side during a short exchange before I escaped."

Dazia's fists clenched around the oars. "Princess is another matter. Her username is Krysta, and she's been a thorn in my side ever since I first defended myself against another player...because she just so happened to be related to the very player who first tried to kill me." She added. "And every time I defend myself against a killer or would-be killer, every name I cross off the monument, just makes her want me dead that much more. Also, she refuses to listen to reason anytime I or my name is involved." She continued, her voice slowly beginning to seethe with anger as she did.

Dazia's teeth were grit, and her fists were shaking with fury. "So what if people think I might be shady? At this rate, it's the least of my worries, and both this world and the real world are overpopulated by idiots!"

Following that outburst, she then stopped, and took a deep breath. Her hands were still shaking and clenched tightly around the oars, but less intensely this time. "But it's not like it's your problem, though, is it?"

The green haired, armor clad player was confused as to what Dazia meant. This could be easily clarified. "A Player named Krysta. She's been a thorn in my side since before I even met her. I defended myself in combat against a player, and now she'll stop at nothing to kill me, simply because said player happened to be her cousin." Dazia explained.

The NPC specters were watching, though their stance on the players' presence wasn't easy to figure out. Who knows what they might be thinking? "...If you really want to hear more, we should move to a different spot of the safe zone. I know I'm leaving this spot, I didn't exactly come to make a mess." Dazia noted. If the green haired player was actually willing to hear her out and accept her side of the story, it would be a real help. As long as this didn't end with her getting dragged outside the safe zone and killed, she had nothing to worry about...so, for the time being, she simply needed to keep a fair enough distance away so she could vanish if need be.

The purple haired one didn't seem to be a problem, but the armor clad, green haired player was still a possible threat. Unfortunately, it seemed that both took her stance as one of offense, rather than defense.

Dazia rolled her eyes, not that this action could be easily seen from under her cowl. "This isn't about you being here." Dazia began. "I've just had enough of people coming after me because some Princess wants me dead." She finished, growling at that last part as she remembered the main source of her current frustrations.

Dazia kept her gaze on the green haired player for a bit longer before slowly sheathing her weapon. "So far, neither of you have tried anything. That's already much better than what I've been dealing with lately..." She revealed. Unfortunately, now Dazia's weapon was sheathed, so if the green haired player intended to try anything, this would be his chance.

All Dazia could hope was that her latest risk is worth it.

No time like the present to act. If even the NPC specters could see her, anyone would know something was around. Dazia slowly left her cover, coming into the view of the two players. Her weapon was still held in her left hand with a firm grip, and her cowl remained over her head. "I guess I should be in agreement with you." She remarked. "These specters don't seem to care who you are, as long as your cursor remains unchanged."

Dazia then shifted her stance to a defensive one that left her ready to counterattack if anything happened. "No sudden moves, or we're going to have a real problem." She warned. She couldn't be too careful. If either of them had spoken to Krysta, they were potential threats. She already had more than enough dealing with enemies, even in the "safety" of safe zones. She wished she could stop hiding for safety and start using her stealth skill for what she originally intended to use it for. She wasn't a coward, but caution was a necessity in situations where even a handful of players considered a single person as a wanted fugitive.

@Hirru@Nari-Lanreth

"Funny, I had the same thought myself..." Dazia thought.

She had to stay hidden, however. If either of these two knew, she'd be in for it. For the time being, she kept to the shadows, unwilling to leave until either she was forced out, or she could confirm whether or not it was safe.

Unfortunately, While her position was good, Aincrad itself decided to not leave her alone. A passing, silent NPC specter or two would glance to Dazia at her hidden position.

Wonderful, now anyone with an attentive eye would know she was here. She couldn't risk changing positions now, she could only stay put and hope that any potential adversaries don't find her. She kept her weapon within her left hand's grip, ready to strike if something went wrong, such as being recognized with hostility. Both players were now clad in armor, probably high in mitigation, not that it mattered as long as Dazia was in a safe zone, no one could deal damage within its borders. All she really had to do was avoid getting dragged outside of it.

ID# 209973 LD: 4+5=9

Stealth Value: 9

Everything is a risk.

That is what Dazia probably would have said if she were in the conversation. The purple haired player, as of the current moment, was of no threat unless she was among those who believed Princess and saw Dazia as an enemy. The green haired, armor clad player, it was harder to determine. He hadn't tried anything yet, but all the one player needed to do was get too comfortable while the other assured themselves that there would be either no resistance, or no witnesses. But if he spotted Dazia earlier, and hadn't done anything yet... then either he believed Dazia was a witness and couldn't do anything until either she left or revealed herself, or he was of no threat...again, that is, as long as he doesn't recognize Dazia in a way that would make him a threat.

So of course, Dazia would prefer to not take any chances.

As silent as the night itself, Dazia moved to a new position. While still behind cover, it just so happened to be at a position that would give Dazia an advantage if she was to act first if the situation between the two players was to somehow get messy. Dazia might have been doubting that now, but even if they're no threats to each other, they might still be to Dazia. Only one way to know for certain. With her left hand still gripping her weapon, all it would take is one wrong move and someone might be surprised. Otherwise, Dazia might actually be able to stop hiding. Maybe if there were any of those damn posters about, she might as well take them down if or when she's safe...

ID# 209967 LD: 20+5=25

Stealth Rating: 25

Due to the armor clad player's unique method of searching, Dazia had not realized she'd been discovered. She remained behind her cover, her weapon still drawn, waiting for something to happen. 

Until then, she would listen in to the conversation as to gauge the situation. The two players spoke of whether or not the playerbase had been forgotten by the Cardinal, or if there were few among the more active playerbase that the system could care about. It was most likely the latter, as some NPCs had begun to have certain...requests to ask when they saw Dazia. With certain individuals making life harder for Dazia, she'd been having to hide more often, take down any posters warning others about Dazia, and keep an eye out for that trio that keeps trying to find and eliminate her.

And to think it was all a vengeful little Princess's fault.

Ever since Dazia defended herself and made her first kill, she'd felt like she'd been on the run ever since. She'd "stepped out of line", so of course everyone who followed such foolishness would either be wary of her, or after her. Dazia would proceed to slowly shift her position and...refresh her stealth? Odd, she hadn't noticed any signs that she'd been spotted...So she began to slowly move to a new position that provided some cover.

She would then continue to listen in from behind the safety of her cover, her weapon still drawn, hoping she wouldn't be seen until she knew for certain it was safe to come out. If anyone tried anything too sudden, someone might regret it.

ID# 209958 LD: 11+5=16

Stealth Value: 16

So far, there didn't seem to be anyone trying to point out Dazia's position, but she had yet to see anyone look at her with the expression that showed that she'd been found. Dazia still gripped her weapon in her left hand, she would proceed with caution, ready to strike out at the nearest threat.

She heard a call, saying "Central Square", noting that it was a safe zone and while it didn't feel like one, there was no need to worry.

But anyone with enough sense would know that all it takes is a strong enough grasp to pull, and a future victim would be taken outside the safe zone and killed, either by forced duel or simple murder. Dazia wasn't nearly that stupid, so she would remain wary and try to stay hidden for the time being.

Step...step...step...

Dazia's footsteps, muffled by the material padding the exterior of her gear's footwear, were fairly slow, as to further reduce noise, all of this to keep moving towards a new position, as a female player came into view and greeted a male player clad in silver armor. If they could remain distracted, Dazia might be able to reach the other area undetected.

Clak!

A ragged pebble. Just her luck. "Damn it," She thought, as she immediately dashed, her footsteps remaining light, towards the closest source of cover. As long as they didn't see or hear Dazia, all three players should be fine. The cowl of her cloth armor remained over her head, and her weapon was still held by her left hand, ready to strike at any threat that came her way. Assaults only counted if they dealt damage, and damage couldn't be dealt in a safe zone. If anyone tried anything, she might be able to discourage them with a few swings, but that's only for if either of the two were a threat of any kind to Dazia.

ID# 209949 LD: 10+5=15

Stealth Value: 15

The Tenth Floor of Aincrad...

The year before, there was an apparent Monster Overpopulation scenario going on, in which Dazia and her much hated sister, Haimi, would attempt to cull the population. Whether it happened again this year or not has yet to be seen, but the apparent presence of some final traces seemed to show that whatever Dazia had come for, she was too late.

If only she hadn't gotten stuck in that cavern in the upper floors.

Dazia didn't want Haimi to have anything to gloat about, because if she did, then no one will ever be able to hear the end of it. However, Dazia's training was lacking severely and there was much elimination that she missed out on. Life, death, black, white, love, hate. Many things seem to oppose each other, and yet somehow the world is believed to exist in a gray scale. Dazia was growing restless, she needed some new motivation for herself...and maybe some more enemies to pour her growing wrath upon, maybe even some targets to assassinate.

She never worked with a guild until now, but not even a killer guild would suit her, as she'd probably much rather prefer to kill them instead. All of her targets have been non player entities so far, which was good for her cursor, but she didn't know how long it could help her hold out against her own self.

She began to reminisce about every player she'd killed so far, and the last things she heard from each one.

"...You...you really hate Humanity that much? Ha....I guess I was protecting them, by challenging you...I'm sorry everyone, I have...failed you all..."

"How could you do this...you monster..."

"I'll see you in Hell, you merciless bitch..."

"It would seem that we both made poor choices today...I'll see you in Hell, then..."

...How pathetic.

They never saw her as someone seeking to survive, they only saw a monster. Krysta also saw only a monster, same with that one player that essentially made the fourth floor impassable without some kind of disguise...

But they never cared about Dazia, they only cared about themselves and their agendas. Most of humanity pretends to care about someone other than themselves, but the moment someone steps out of line...it's either death, or lock 'em up and throw away the key. Detestable.

Dazia only began to act "selfishly" because what's the point of caring about others if almost everyone else are self-centered fools who deserve to die? It's been too many years since Dazia was really, genuinely willing to give a f*ck. As sad as it was, it would be foolish to keep dwelling on it.

...And yet, she wanted to kill again. Not just some random monster, but a more important figure, something that she could actually connect to her past and her hatred, so that she might finally find a way out that doesn't involve excessive player-killing...maybe she should become a PK-ker, earn herself a gray reputation that might still help her avoid being hunted down by the foolish.

All of which were potential thoughts that wouldn't stop crossing her mind.

But then her train of thought was interrupted by the sound of a male player's voice. Dazia drew her weapon and fled to the nearest cover. She then heard the sound of a female player, asking if anyone was there. Dazia remained, silent, with her blade drawn on the off chance that it was a threat. The sound of a weapon unsheathing might have given away her presence, but definitely not her position.

She wouldn't dare try to step out until she knew for sure that there wasn't a threat of any kind in the vicinity.

ID# 209935 LD: 17+5=22

Stealth Value: 22

Stats and Equipment:

Dazia got up, and stared daggers at her foe. "I'm done with this." She decided. "I've had it with you and your shit, this ends now!"

The false Wardege stood firm and readied himself for what was to come next...but instead of attacking, he would declare, "If you really want to end this now, do it right this time. Have you really changed at all? Do you understand what you're doing? Tell me, Dazia, are you still willing to kill me with hatred, or will you end this without malice?"

If this stupid apparition knew anything about Dazia, there wouldn't even be a need to say this. This apparition was not humanity, Wardege himself did not resemble or represent humanity in any way, shape or form...but if to be treated like the general population of humanity was what this thing wanted...then that's what it would get. Dazia may have used a weaker sword art, but it was still executed in a way that would cause excruciating pain. Dazia then thrust her weapon into her foe, and twisted the blade. "Humanity...in its current state, is beyond salvation. If I could do something about it, I would have done so long ago! Hardly anyone among humanity deserves to live, the rest can die in agony for all I care!" She declared. "And what I wouldn't give to see them bleed..." She growled, a seething hatred within her voice.

The false Wardege looked disappointed. "So...you see them as irredeemable monsters, then? Ha...I suppose that's why...you became one yourself..."

The false Wardege then shattered, and the loot menu would appear in front of Dazia.

"What a waste of time." She muttered.

@Vigilon

ID# 209482 BD: 4+3=7(hit), MD: 9

Shadow Cutter(ST-I): 23x12-200=76 Damage to Memory Wraith 1

ID# 209483 CD: 4, LD: 3+1=4(2150 Col, 2 materials)

Dazia: HP 660/660 | EN 61/84 | 23 DMG | 44 MIT | 3 ACC | 4 EVA | 8 Fallen | 1 LD

        Enemies:

Memory Wraith 1: HP 0/430, 128 DMG | 200 MIT | 2 ACC 

So much for making this quick.

Dazia made several attempts to attack and get past the enemy's armor, some of which almost didn't fail. The latest attempt, however, had the worst outcome. The enemy's weapon got caught on Dazia's cloth armor, despite not actually damaging her, but the enemy proceeded to move his weapon upwards, in a sudden, swift motion, effectively tossing Dazia several meters/yards in the air, flipping in midair about three times in the process. Dazia could only see the white of the room, so she was unable to tell where she'd land. For some reason, despite the shock of the impact, Dazia found herself not taking any fall damage from this. If anything, this was the only luck she had in this moment...and Dazia was agitated by this unprecedented development.

This wouldn't play out as Dazia originally intended, but she knew what she would do when she finally got another chance to attack.

ID# 209480 BD: 1(Critical fail), MD: 2+2-4=1(miss)

Dazia: HP 660/660 | EN 69/84 | 23 DMG | 44 MIT | 3 ACC | 4 EVA | 8 Fallen | 1 LD

        Enemies:

Memory Wraith 1: HP 35/430, 128 DMG | 200 MIT | 2 ACC 

Dazia could only hope that this fight wouldn't take nearly as long as the one it was trying to replicate. The false Wardege clearly wasn't willing to drop the act, based on what he did next. After getting back up, he readied himself to attack again. "Disbelief, then? Alright...it's your choice, as it won't matter in the end..." He would once again attempt an attack. Dazia would sidestep to avoid, and proceed to attack the enemy at its flank. The attack left his armor damaged, and just about anything could end this battle now...well, end it in Dazia's favor, that is.

"I guess you're right, it won't matter, since it's gonna end in the same way as it did before." Dazia remarked. "I'm put in a situation of kill or be killed, and I survive by killing the assailant."

Victory was assured at this point, there wasn't really much else to it.

ID# 209479 BD: 10(Critical, +2 Base DMG), MD: 4+2-4=2(miss)

25x18-200=250 Damage to Memory Wraith 1

Dazia: HP 660/660 | EN 67/84 | 23 DMG | 44 MIT | 3 ACC | 4 EVA | 8 Fallen | 1 LD

        Enemies:

Memory Wraith 1: HP 35/430, 128 DMG | 200 MIT | 2 ACC 

This was already getting tiring.

"Out of my sight, mirage." Dazia growled. "Oh, you see me as nothing more than an illusion? I can't say that I blame you, you'd think that whatever falls dead might stay dead...surprise." The apparition remarked.

"If that is an attempt to scare me, you're absolutely pathetic." Dazia shot back. "I know you're not him, so stop trying to be." The cursor color made it obvious, so why did this stupid AI construct of the Cardinal think she could possibly fall for its weak little parlor trick? Chances were, it probably couldn't see cursors and Dazia's meta knowledge was its first downfall in this fight. Regardless, this would all be over soon. She didn't know why this kind of entity existed in a place like this...maybe there are always places where danger dwells.

Dazia didn't manage to land any hits against her foe, but when the false Wardege tried to thrust his polearm into Dazia, she grabbed the weapon and attempted to pull it away before flinging it to the side.

What ended up happening, was Dazia swinging her opponent to the side, using his weapon against him.

ID# 209465 BD: 2+3=5(miss), MD: 1(critical fail)

Dazia: HP 660/660 | EN 71/84 | 23 DMG | 44 MIT | 3 ACC | 4 EVA | 8 Fallen | 1 LD

        Enemies:

Memory Wraith 1: HP 285/430, 128 DMG | 200 MIT | 2 ACC 

With the newfound surprises out of the way, Dazia now needed to destroy this apparition. The false Wardege would attempt another attack, but it would go just as well as the last attempt. Dazia, on the other hand, attacked with Infernal Crescent, tearing into her opponent with her blade. Dazia didn't know if the apparition was acting, or if it genuinely cried out in pain.

But she didn't care, either.

She only wanted to get this over with, so she could go back to exploring this "Ivory Citadel". As long as Dazia survived, and accomplished her goals, the bodies of her enemies will always fall where they may, and anyone who got in her way risked facing Dazia's lethal wrath. She'd already had enough of this, she'd had more than enough back in the actual moment, that this reliving of that struggle was nothing more than an irritating delay.

She'd make this quick, but it won't be pleasant either.

ID# 209461 BD: 3+3=6(hit), MD: 7+2-4=5(miss)

Infernal Crescent: 23x15-200=145 Damage to Memory Wraith 1

Dazia: HP 660/660 | EN 69/84 | 23 DMG | 44 MIT | 3 ACC | 4 EVA | 8 Fallen | 1 LD

        Enemies:

Memory Wraith 1: HP 285/430, 128 DMG | 200 MIT | 2 ACC 

How dare the system try to pull something like this on Dazia? How dare it force Dazia to relive that battle for her life against that fool? 

"I can't believe you."

"Surprised to see me? In all honesty, I expected such a response from you. Now then, why don't we settle this properly this time?" The entity spoke. Dazia shook her head. "Shut up, you damn apparition. The fact that the cursor above your head has a color that can't apply to players tells me you aren't Wardege, you just look like him...and you will suffer the same fate he did."

Dazia drew her blade and attacked, but her foe's defenses were sturdier than she expected. "Most disappointing." The entity spoke. "I thought for a moment you'd have known I'd be more prepared this time, and yet, here you are, trying the same old tactic as before."

Pulling out a polearm, the foe attempted to attack Dazia, but just as Dazia had underestimated the enemy's defenses, the enemy underestimated Dazia's agility.

ID# 209457 BD: 2+3=5(miss), MD: 5+2-4=3(miss)

Dazia: HP 660/660 | EN 82/84 | 23 DMG | 44 MIT | 3 ACC | 4 EVA | 8 Fallen | 1 LD

        Enemies:

Memory Wraith 1: HP 430/430, 128 DMG | 200 MIT | 2 ACC