NIGHT

thread closing.

[total]

NIGHT
+ 2760 xp | (336 * 0.5 * 15) + 240
+ 814 col | (xp * 0.15) + 400
+ Hellstorm (3)

Basuke, Demian
+ 576 xp | (336 * 0.5 * 2) + 240

Nian
+ 576 xp | (336 * 0.5 * 2) + 240
+ Hellstorm (1)

bistro: so how did it go?  
bistro: if you’re lying, i’ll know. demian already sent a report back to me.

night is typing…

bistro: just kidding.

night: it is so hard to know when you’re just kidding  
night: but yeah there was a stranger who tried to get an extra consumable from us through an almost last hit or something real big balls move

bistro is typing…

night: its okay i got it under control though  
night: just let me know if i’m wanted anywhere or whatever  
night: i’m allergic to witch hunts u know

bistro: demian never said anything about this.

night is typing…

night: well what did he say

bistro: he just said everything was alright

night: ?? he went back with basuke  
night: to yogan after we fought the phoenix

bistro: sorry, who’s basuke?

night is typing…

night: bro i think demian is lying to you?????  
night: and if you’re gonna confront him about it can u tell him im better than him :)

(bistro is now offline.)

maybe she would have to let demian take the responsibility over her own call, after all, grudge aside. because she was in no position to be lecturing someone about a judicial system when she could barely recall what had gone into one while she was still in her own body, rather than stuck inside a video game. instead, demian had offered to take basuke back to the teleporter instead, which was apt, because she believed that they both had teleport crystals in the same manner that their mystery stranger did. why not take them instead?

night put that aside though, focusing on the items she’d received from both of them. bistro would want the rest of the lot, she figured. and while she hated the ninth, it was a great excuse to go hunting just a little more, just to blow some steam off. she could really use it after the long day she’d had.

“who?”

“ace,” he reiterated, feeling proud of knowing something his peers seemed not to know. “like ace attorney. that’s his name, isn’t it?”

and it took demian a little longer to react, even though he’d hoped to make the man laugh. instead, that reaction came from night’s snort instead, her hand covering her mouth, looking towards the distance and trying her best not to show her emotions. “basuke,” night finally mentioned, with a sly smile. “his name is phoenix wright. he’s an ace attorney because he’s the best at his job.”

basuke turned to demian, just to see if he knew it. and his acquaintance nodded, slow, almost as though he’d expected basuke to have known better.

dammit, nevermind. though to be just as fair, neither did he know. “oh okay,” he returned, taking the L under his stride. as night started to tread down the mountain, so did basuke follow, and behind them, demian. “so what’s a court of law?”

and now was the question of whatever in the world they would do with the stranger that had just appeared. in total honesty, night couldn’t be bothered with trying to handle another player right now, and it seemed as though demian was having the time of his life trying to play sensibilities with whoever this nutjob was. ganking? that was so… no, she couldn’t remember how long it had been since they were trapped in her. but all she had to do was step closer and brandish her blade, and it was apparent that she was regaining control of the situation.

demian’s words rang at the back of her mind, and she knew she would have one over him in this regard, at the very least.

“look,” she put forward, with the edge of cosmic devourer set to the chin of her company, forcing the brat to look up towards her. “i’m not interested in dealing with you today. but i need you to know that you’re at a disadvantage against me before the rest of the party here.”

so in came night, frustrated and annoyed, with her hand on her blade’s handle at the ready – she was told that the phoenix would resurrect in time. was it preparing to do so already? with all the chaos, it was difficult to get a look at the health bar– so she unleashed an attack before the situation could get any worse. it paid off; the shudder of the phoenix was enough to send their ganker for a whirl, and as it dissipated into the ether, the perpetrator fell upon the ground with a disgraceful thud.

and she was the first to get a look at who had done it. night hovered over the strange form of human and part machine, the large claws looking awfully homely and, yet, grotesque. who was this player? forgetting that she was best suited for the task, it was demian instead who paced over for a talk.

oh come on, what now?!

night was already having one of the worst days ever. go kill the phoenix again. see day’s favourite chef again. his food wasn’t even that great! how did bistro manage to send him – and now basuke was getting tailed – and almost killed – by some random stranger in pursuit of his stupid behind!

except basuke was safe, if a little disoriented. leave it up to mister hero to run into the fight and pull her friend out of it – just as she was getting ready to understand the situation at hand proper.

with a huff, she let her sword do the talking for her instead. she wasn’t trying her best to get the last hit in, but with the tier lock enforced, she just might – a cut across the phoenix’s entire body and she was expecting a hit in from the bird itself. then – oh right they had to switch which meant–

<<f09-phoenix.>>

by bistro’s orders, she was going there. and damn, she was not at all interested in returning, at all.

to the ninth floor they had to go, with her broker’s promise that the trip would be worth the effort. funny, because nothing was worth the effort of attending the mountain top, to slay the same damn thing that had given her a nightmare ages and ages ago. still, if it was for the greater good, then perhaps it was worth some amount of effort. night never truly believed her thoughts, but she was ultimately there, weapon in hand, staring up towards the sky as the sun burned down upon the horizon.

she could see the red bird circling the sky. graceful? she wouldn’t have called it that. despicable, she imagined the creature, almost taunting – they couldn’t exactly come back to life after death in this game. in truth, all it was was a grim reminder.

[ lv. 142  ->   l. 32 / p. 110 ] NIGHT | HP: 1080/1080 | EN: 146/146 | DMG: 20 | ACC: 7 | EVA: 6 | BH+HB: 106 | AA | VAMP-D: 136 | TAUNT | Stealth Rating: 6 Spoiler notes. for distribution: Creme Brulee (3) | ACC 2 Spoiler equipped Cosmic Devourer+1  ABS. ACC, ACC III infinity.  EVA III, ACC pretense. HB II, VAMP-D II   battle-ready inventory Teleport Crystal (3) | TELEPORT Imugi's Inspiration (5) | MASS HP RECOVERY skills. Spoiler mod count: 5/7 2HSS | RANK 5/5 focus, stamina, precision shift: aoe CLOTH ARMOR | RANK 5/5 athletics, nimble COMBAT MASTERY: DMG | RANK 3/3 BATTLE HEALING | RANK 5/5 emergency recovery ENERGIST QUICK CHANGE CHARGE SCOUTING FAMILIAR EXTENDED MOD LIMIT extra SURVIVAL CONCENTRATION HIDING untraceable, vanish, surprise attack-t buffs. Spoiler statue BIALAS | TAUNT consumables   Liquor of Light (1) | DAMAGE III  Crème Brûlée (1) | ACCURACY II  Smores (1) | EVASION II  Breakfast Fry (1) | PROTEIN III filling paragon Lv. 5 | Gain additional col equivalent to 15% of EXP earned in that thread. Lv. 10 | +1 LD to looting. arts. Spoiler en cost matches multiplier unless stated otherwise. shift underlined. ST | x12 -> x15 | x20 AOE | x15 -> x18 TECH-A | x12 | STUN | 13EN TECH-B | x12 | DELAY TECH-D | x12 | SHATTER TECH-F | x8 | AOE STUN  TECH-G | x12 | BURN misc. Spoiler Dimensional Backpack, Item Stash | +2 Battle-Ready Inventory Slots. Well Rested | -1 EN for the first three expenditures of each combat.  Relaxed | +(5 * Tier) HP per out-of-combat post. Full energy restoration occurs after two turns out of combat. Squeaky Clean | -25% DoT damage taken from the first DoT applied to this player in a thread. Skylight: Searching | +1 Expertise to declared utility skill. Cooldown of 30 days to reassign. Multipurpose | +1 LD/Prosperity/Stealth/Detection to one post per thread. Can be applied after a roll. Filling | +1 T1 slot to a food consumed by this player in a thread. Can exceed Cook enhancement caps. Col Deposit | +5% col from loot-minimum mobs, +10% col from treasure chests. gathering Greenhouse | +2 G.EXP, +1 CD&LD to gathering attempts. Familiar: Profession | +2 G.EXP Demeter's Cornucopia | +1 CD to gathering attempts.

[16/07/23] | #e

"you know, i just had the weirdest encounter i'd ever experienced in aincrad thus far..."

it was a fib, far from the real truth, but the nugget that gave her story credibility was in the way night had felt unnerved. she'd strolled into nari's shop, distracted, again by the various wares on display. the player was looking for the stock she'd cleared out previously – because according to bistro, it may have been of adequate precaution. night was now in need of more.

"some guy with the same name as mine," she spat, picking up a crystal and examining it over. "could you imagine that?"

a rhetorical question. night left her col on the counter before she could be caught in conversation.

PURCHASING:

Oro Se Do Bheatha Bhaile (3) | Perpetuate | Instant | 213123, 213134, 213135

600 * 3 = 1800col

all night could do was wince and scowl at the man, her eyes narrowing into a squint. really? she chewed at a cheek just as a throw-away towel was summoned, and nyanko beeped once at the blacksmith, as though for communication, though his words couldn't precisely be deciphered. with the cloth wrapped around her own hand, she shook ren's, noting how much grime there was on the rag after she'd pulled away. "pleased enough," was all she said, before pulling up her interface and dropping another sack of col onto the counter.

with adjudicator in hand, she headed towards the door, only giving him a brief, "thanks," before leaving, with an unease preventing her from chat.

retrieving:

adjudicator. | [#212589] | TIER 4 DEMONIC STRAIGHT SWORD | ABS ACC, VAMP-O, FLN II
[desc.]: a dense, black matte sword. it has a separated hilt from the blade, and a thin neck, both made out of glossy steel. black cloth wraps around its handle. there is a small round marble attached to part of its guard.

how did she get here? ugh, don't ask. but if you had to, she was lured in by the sign, and night would end it at that.

the player dragged herself in, her entrance lead first and foremost by nyanko, once the door opened. if there was a counter, he'd surely had hopped onto it, watching his owner warily with wide green eyes. not that she minded her familiar's gaze, but she was just as surprised that he knew of an active blacksmith. with a sigh, she turned to the operator present, hand ruffling her hair before she set down her items.

two swords, a shard, a scale, and 25k col.

"the donation's doubled if you can make this quick."

item fusion request:

shard and scales sent directly to banker.

memorabilia. | [#210658b] | TIER 4 STRAIGHT SWORD | ACC, BLD, VAMP-O
adjudicator. | [#212589] | TIER 4 DEMONIC STRAIGHT SWORD | ABS ACC, PARA-V, FLN II

result:

adjudicator. | [#212589] | TIER 4 DEMONIC STRAIGHT SWORD | ABS ACC, VAMP-O, FLN II
[desc.]: a dense, black matte sword. it has a separated hilt from the blade, and a thin neck, both made out of glossy steel. black cloth wraps around its handle. there is a small round marble attached to part of its guard.

one of the last things she was expected to get: a new piece of equipment from iris, only she recognized it as somewhat a familiar component piece to one of her friends, who was now feeling ill.

so she examined the piece, touching it with caution, afraid to even give the broken blade a swing. night had almost wanted to speak up, in clarification of the plan, but as her gaze travelled across the table over to iris, hard at work examining the data she'd collected, the player opted to shut up, instead.

over by the lounge, even jean and a third stranger were lost in discussion over bistro's strategy. so, with little other choice, she took the piece, off to locate a blacksmith as instructed.

picking up: 

memorabilia. | [#210658b] | TIER 4 STRAIGHT SWORD | ACC, BLD, VAMP-O
[desc.]: a sword damaged beyond repair.

Skill(s) Being Dropped: 

• Searching 4 | 22SP
• Scouting Familiar | 10SP

Mod(s)/Addon(s)/Shift(s) Being Dropped: 

• From Searching:
  • Reveal | 6SP
  • Tracking | 4SP
  • Detect | 4SP
  • Night Vision | 3SP

SP Refunded: 39
Cost: 22,000 | paid w/ scouting familiar in mind, but i changed my mind. send it back maybe? :(c

r10 artisan | x14 daily crafting attempts | cd tool 

infinity. | [#210452-1] | TIER 1 JEWELRY | EVA III, ACC I
[desc.]: a small black braided tassel, lined with beads, meant to be looped onto sword handles or attached to clothing. 

costs: x1 shard

wow, tough crowd. night felt the weight of all eyes on her, and despite her experience, if she hadn't been in her tracksuit, she might've shriveled up from embarrassment.

in truth, night knew that her investigation would be going easier and faster if she did work at the case alone. but seeing how often her trail went cold (better; it never began at all) when it was simply herself present, it made sense to try and stick with a party... this time.

she gingerly, though reluctantly, pulled her hand off the npc.

"sure," night spoke aloud, though turning to star, as though her once-acquaintance was the only person of the group she was properly addressing. but her gaze slowly swept over the other players as she considered their next plan of action. "we're headed north then, to dagan. i don't suppose any of you would like to arrange your own transport over, unless you've got a knack for horse-riding." 

"fortunately, vesh suppliers travel often to and from ronbaru, so we can hitch a ride on one of their wagons." night folded her arms. "as for the potential travel fare... i'll foot the bill. consider it a sponsorship--" and she shrugged, wincing lightly, "-- that's been set aside for an opportunity like this."

admittedly, her attendance was delayed. but nyanko's memory (see, she knew he was the most efficient of their unit) meant that pending orders would not go unforgotten, and with a nip of her sleeve as she passed by the counter, night knew she had to get to work as soon as possible.

the name was unfamiliar, and the presence of a shard implied a player who knew what they were doing, or at least had gotten used to the newer system. a quick modification of one of her older pin templates, and it was ready for a paper wrapping and collection notice.

@Rencesvals

Lark & Nightingale Pin | [#208036] | TIER 1 TRINKET | ACC III, EVA
[desc.]: Twin birds circling one another in a Yin and Yang pattern, one in platinum and the other black tungsten, each in profile and set with a tiny amber eye.  Both figures clearly hold special meaning to the individual who commissioned the work.

 thread closing.

[total]

+ 15120 xp | (840 * 15 * 1) * 1.2
+ 78368 col | (xp * 0.15) + 76100
+ 18 materials
+ combat loot.

r10 artisan | x14 daily crafting attempts | cd tool

Lark & Nightingale Pin | [#208036] | TIER 1 TRINKET | ACC III, EVA
[desc.]: Twin birds circling one another in a Yin and Yang pattern, one in platinum and the other black tungsten, each in profile and set with a tiny amber eye.  Both figures clearly hold special meaning to the individual who commissioned the work.

costs: x1 shards | [paid.]

a slight itch more, and she would have the other elemental. so this time, night made sure to pay attention, lest she waste the absorbed gold sliver of energy she'd gotten from her companion earlier. in the rush past hirru, night made sure to lead the elemental's club swing away from her party member; it was the least she could do in trying to play tank. 

a quick round about the field and getting close enough to the wood's range meant night had to dive right in after the bait to take advantage of the spirit standing still, and the player launched an old-fashioned straight to bounce herself upwards, making sure to aim around the chest and shoulders when she finally unleashed her most-intended art. a cleave from one arm diagonally downwards, the tip of her blade grazing its almost incorporeal form, and the spirit let go of its weapon, falling over as the system reclaimed its dissolving form.

day eventually picked up her player with an extended palm towards her, and a tight, forceful pull of the downed fighter upwards. and night got an earful, a sensual whisper; “see? i told you i would do it,” enough to make the player recoil. then, and only then, did night find enough in herself to stick her tongue out with an unintentional grin. day but laughed, and the two slowly made their way across the room, if only to pick up nyanko from the chest, which was very well, and very certainly empty.

the familiar would know. he was the most efficient member of the trio, after all.

night scooped up the kitten as he clung onto her shoulder, enough to make the gemini coo and brush upon his fuzzy furry forehead. and he beeped, gently, hoping it would mark the end of their expedition as they shuffled towards the back of the room.

because, though it had been difficult to see, they were almost certain they had found the door to the guardian of the labyrinth.

hence, she was dropped upon by the guardian from the ceiling, the bite a single target strike that was not meant for her, but the weight of a statue pushed her onto the ground. it made sure that she wasn’t able to retaliate, nor prevent the next attack from her other from landing. not that she could have done much anyway, night realized, as she observed the construct round the player’s position and jump up into the air, angling her spear downwards, tip pointed towards the dog. with a rush and a spark of energy similar to that of an art, day finished off the threat with a final dive as her blow, enveloping night’s vision in complete white, before the room’s auspicious ambient colors started to fade back into view.

the sound of their crash alone was enough to send night into a dizzy spell. in her thoughts, she noted, rather reluctantly, that day always seemed to get her way in the end.

so night made the playing field even just the same, piercing the corner of its jaw with adjudicator, enough to spike its health bar into an unfortunate looking orange, and invite its strategy from ankle-biter to getting the zoomies with enough energy to physically bounce around the room – a feat for a dog as big as its size. night kept an eye out, trying to track its form, and despite her well-meaning intentions to ensure she didn’t just get out of the boss fight scott free, it was her mirror image that was the bait of the canine, and the one it dove towards just as night inched closer to her position. 

wasn’t that a grand plan? it left the player enough room to exit the area of impact – if she had been a little more prepared, a little more ready to remember that despite being alone, there were technically two targets on the field, and that she should’ve been treating the fight more like a co-operative battle rather than a fight.