Elora

With the ethereal head felled, Elora resolved to land another blow on Wushen. The elven player spared no hesitation before wailing on the monster with her higher sword art. Administering several slashes to the side of her target proved less effective than she had hoped. At least, he didn't seem to much react from the attack that was causing her to lose a substantial amount of energy. It's got to be nearly dead -- just keep kitting it., she tried to encourage herself. Despite her best efforts, Elora had already begun to teeter from the creeping fatigue. How did the other players seem to land hit after hit, all the while barely dipping into their energy? She spared a glance at Mina, who seemed to be showing some signs of exhaustion. Sick as it was, she felt some relief from that. At least I'm not the only one... Planting her heals once more into the soil below, Elora attempted to quell her nerves and prepare for whatever heads would rear themselves next.

***

Post Action: [x18] AOE-II (14 + 2(Enemy) + 2(Shift)= 18 EN)
Free Action: N/A

ID# 217316 | BD 5+8=13 HIT | DMG: 18*26=468 - 75 MIT = 393 DMG to Wushen

ID# 217317 | CD1 Failed recovery check, Elora recovers +4 EN passively

Elora regains +35HP from Battle Healing

(7) Freyd |  HP: 1326/1334 | EN: 124/150 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 188 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 5(6/AA) | BH: 73 | REC: 8 | THRN: 40 | PHASE | FLN: 8 | FRB: 40(-1) | ENV.O: 32 | V.O.: 146 | V.D.: 146 | HELL: 80 | STNG[x1] | LD: 8 | PRS: 3 | DOTE: 1/3
(0) Hirru | HP: 1104/1104 | EN: 94/104 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 182 | ACC: 2 | BH: 55 | REC: 8 | THRN: 76 | MENDING: 2 | HB: 44 | LD: 5 | DOTE: 1/3
(7) Katoka | HP: 637/720 (606+31) | EN: 74/106 (+4) (-12) | DMG: 28 | MIT: 98 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7(8/AA) | BH: 31 | REC: 8 | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | STK: 40 | HELL: 80
(6) Morningstar | HP: 826/851 | EN: 59/106 | DMG: 28 | MIT: 142 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 6(7/AA) | BH: 18 | STK: 40 | FRB: 40(-1) | VO: 140 | HELL: 80 | LD: 6
(7) Elora | HP: 700/700(+35) | EN: 41/104(+4)(-18) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 98 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7(8/AA) | BH: 35 | REC: 8 | FLN: 8 | BLGT: 32 | STK: 40 | LD: 3
(4) Tricolor_Mina | HP: 619/720 | EN: 43/106 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 78 | ACC: 7 | BLGT: 32 | BRN: 56 | FRB: 40(-1) | V.D.: 72 | TXC.: 32

"Thanks", she accepted the beverage with a lethargic reluctantly. After a couple of swings, she offered it in return, "You could use some too. You look pretty thirsty."  A poorly-concealed smirk was enough to reinforce the suggested double entendre. "You said a mile, right? Guess that's not so bad --"

Dragged soles soon morphed into an optimistic stride as Elora gradually regained her tolken enthusiasm. As they were walking, her mind couldn't help but conjure ideas of what this 'Mina' person was like. Who in their right mind would live in a VOLCANO? Did she grow up in a desert or something? Maybe she's got a hot-headed personality -- likes to barbecue a lot? , her mind was practically spinning like a Saturday-night slot machine in search of that winning prize. "I'm excited to meet her --", she finally revealed, "Thank you for inviting me -- I guess -- thank you for inviting me after she...invited you...?" The logistics were a bit confusing, but it didn't much matter. Elora was excited to be a part of this comforting call.

Soon, the duo found themselves swiftly approaching a lush cluster of deciduous trees, silhouetted starkly against a background of fire and brimstone. At least, Elora's pace had certainly quickened at the sight. "WOW!", she marveled at the swampy oasis as their pace spanned the transition between smoldering stones and spongy soil. Without hesitation, Elora had motioned to remove her ramshackled boots, allowing the cool moss to sink between the spaces of her toes. It felt so nice to hear the sounds of crickets, the croaks of toads -- she had started to miss them through the rundown walls of The Hummingbard Inn.

All around them, steam seemed to billow up and caress the stars above. Maybe 'Mina' wasn't such a strange person after all. Remembering her manners, the elven player returned her shoes as the two of them approached the doorway. What a mansion!, regarded Elora as her head tilted an exaggerated 80-degrees backwards to size up the building, Is this what people buy with that Frontliner money?  A series of blinks curtailed the curiosity. There was no reason to be nosey. Instead, she allowed herself in to the unlocked estate.

She found a fleeting solace in Mina's gesture of encouragement. Unexpectedly, the pink-hair player had offered additional consolation through the means of a purification spell. With a nod of appreciation, Elora allowed herself to savor the brief moment of restitution. It wouldn't last long, however, as the conflicted atmosphere began to change once again. "Could this thing just not scare us for half a second?", she groaned as her stomach churned with a compounded anxiety. "I miss when it was just sitting there -- letting us hit it -- not having multiple --", she gestured with a spinning wrist, "Whatever these things are!"

Clearly, they had at least managed to do some damage to it. If Wushen was like any other videogame boss, then they probably just had two more rounds to go! Two more rounds..., she grimaced at the realization, I don't know if I've got the stamina to keep up with this... "Well, whatever --", she tried to shoo away the worried notion, Just gotta keep wailing away at it 'til I'm out.

A deep inhaled proceeded her next attack. Just like before, she charged forward, slicing and dicing through the scales -- whisps? -- of the wooded mirage. She assumed that was what she was supposed to be hitting. After all, the others seemed to be focused on damaging it. Her attacks, unfortunately, fell just short of sending the specter head back to the shadow realm. Despite the sting of regret, Elora held her head high and prepared for her next move.

***

Post Action: [x15] AOE-I (11 + 2(Enemy) + 2(Shift)= 15 EN)
Free Action: N/A

NOTE: I accidentally targeted Wushen instead of Overgrowth for my roll.

ID# 217022 | BD 7+8=15 HIT |DMG: 15*34=510 - 75 MIT = 435 DMG to Overgrowth

ID# 217024 | CD12 Success | +8 EN, +4 EN recovered passively = Elora recovers +12 EN

Elora regains +35HP from Battle Healing

(8) Freyd |  HP: 1334/1334 | EN: 122/150 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 188 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 5(6/AA) | BH: 73 | REC: 8 | THRN: 40 | PHASE | FLN: 8 | FRB: 40(-1) | ENV.O: 32 | V.O.: 146 | V.D.: 146 | HELL: 80 | STNG[x1] | LD: 8 | PRS: 3 | DOTE: 1/3
(0) Hirru | HP: 1104/1104 | EN: 94/104 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 182 | ACC: 2 | BH: 55 | REC: 8 | THRN: 76 | MENDING: 2 | HB: 44 | LD: 5 | DOTE: 1/3
(6) Katoka | HP: 527/720 (608+31-112) | EN: 82/106 | DMG: 28 | MIT: 98 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7(8/AA) | BH: 31 | REC: 8 | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | STK: 40 | HELL: 80 | BRN 4 [112/0] | CONF [2/0] 
(6) Morningstar | HP: 733/851 (+18) (-112) | EN: 59/106 (+4) (-20) | DMG: 28 | MIT: 142 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 6(7/AA) | BH: 18 | STK: 40 | FRB: 40(-1) | VO: 140 | HELL: 80 | LD: 6 | BRN 4 [112/0] | CONF [2/0]
(6) Elora | HP: 623/700 (+35) | EN: 55/104 (+12)(-15) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 98 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7(8/AA) | BH: 35 | REC: 8 | FLN: 8 | BLGT: 32 | STK: 40 | LD: 3
(4) Tricolor_Mina | HP: 475/720 | EN: 54/106 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 78 | ACC: 7 | BLGT: 32 | BRN: 56 | FRB: 40(-1) | V.D.: 72 | TXC.: 32 | BRN 4 [112/0] | CONF [2/0]

Overgrowth | HP: 21/2000 (456-435) | DMG: 250 | MITI: 75 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 0 | Thorns 4 [144] [0/1] | Freeze 2 [96/2]
[Matches Blight, Fallen, Thorns]

Her fingers were splayed, combing through rows of ornamental robes and special-occasion dresses when she got the got the alert. Scrambling to open her HUD, Elora resigned to return the merchandise she was already carrying back on display. That's to say, she nonchalantly sloshed them over the head of the nearest mannequin.  'Mina'? Who's that? -- A friend? , she went on to read through squinted eyes, Geez, sounds like she could use the company. I guess I can figure something out -- Tapping a finger against her chin, she tried to recall if there was anything else she ought to be prioritizing. Dress shopping can wait -- besides, there's nothing really good here. I'll have to see if I can find somewhere else to get what I need for the wedding. Weddings? I can't keep track of all this matrimony!

A series of blinks extinguished her train of thought. OH!, she suddenly remembered, returning to the message at hand. 

"NO COWL?", she blurted aloud as a disgruntled employee huffed in annoyance. Does that mean -- did I actually destroy it that one time? What is he even wearing? A fleeting image of Freyd dawning a red bandana seared its way into her imagination and sent a shiver down her spine. OH GOD! No -- it can't be that! He said he's going cowl-less, cold turkey. That must mean -- he's dressing up? The prospect seemed unfathomable. 

Suddenly, she was panicking, sifting through racks at a speed she'd only seen shopaholics to be capable of. Finally, she found something remotely flattering. Brown -- a trusty color -- there's gotta be something to pair -- more brown! The endeavor proved fruitless as she turned one fringed skirt over another futuristic flannel. This isn't going to work! Alright -- plan B then!

Light green locks bobbed below the sea of fabrics as Elora ducked behind one of the rows to cobble together an outfit. Unequipping the outer layer of her usual garb, Elora resigned to wear the plain undershirt that wrapped below. Then, she slid each of her arms through the oversized robe she'd stolen off the shelf. Yeah -- that'll work!, she affirmed with a nod before her head turned to capture a glimpse of herself in nearby mirror. With heaps of disheveled hair, the scrawny elf looked more like a safari sighting than a sophisticated dinner guest. "Fuuuck...", she cursed beneath her breath. Fingers worked diligently to tame frizz and detangle the knots that twisted disparate strands together. After a series of unsuccessful attempts to groom her mane, she finally recalled that hair was considered an accessory onto itself. Shortly thereafter, she found herself perusing through a scrollable menu of various styles that were available to all players. A simple ponytail seemed enough to signal she was putting in some sort of effort. 

As Elora moved to exit the shop, she was met by the sound of an empathized, "AHEM!"

"Shit -- Sorry --!", she apologized to the clerk with a quick transfer of col.

---

To say she'd seriously misjudged the climate of Floor 9 would not be an understatement. Keeping no record of which levels she'd already visited was bound to land her in hot water, well -- hot lava, one of these days. Rarely a second went by where Elora wasn't fiddling with her hair or pinching her robe to billow air across her incubated boobs. At this point, she couldn't tell what sweat was due to nerves or to the hellish sauna that surrounded her. From Yōgan's central portal, she trudged around the plaza until her feet planted her beside a guy who looked vaguely Freyd-esque in appearance.

"I'm here --", she greeted with an exacerbated voice. Throwing back her head, Elora allowed the sleeves of her robe to roll off her shoulders and down to her elbows.

"Damn it's hot"

***

Elora | HP: 700/700 | EN: 104/104 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 98 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 8 | BH: 35 | LD: 3 | AA | BLGT: 32 | FLN: 8 | REC: 8 | STK: 40

"Thanks Kat --", Elora smiled softly with a sigh of relief, "For a second I was worried we wouldn't have anything to help..." Standing from her place, Elora dusted each of her kneecaps before answering Freyd. "Yeah, I think so -- at least anything that was physical.", she laughed half-heartedly to try and diffuse the soured atmosphere. Presumably, the mobs and npcs of this simulation couldn't feel any real sort of psychological distress, still, she couldn't help but wonder. A concerned side-eye at Freyd would go unnoticed as he wrestled among the wriggling wyrmlings.

The hike back was quiet, but not without excitement as the trio attempted to maintain control of all the little hatchlings. Returning them to their mother was a sentimental sight, and nearly a reward upon itself. Elora couldn't help but giggle at the clumsy creatures' fumbling sprints and dizzying tail wags.

"Thank you for rescuing my offspring and for returning them without harm.", Fuzziel bowed her head in appreciation. With opened maw, she presented them with the quest's reward. "Please, take this Topaz and carry it with you as you continue your adventures."

"T-Thanks --", Elora tried to seem grateful as she swiftly snatched the gemstone from between her serrated teeth.

***

ID# 216424 | LD 7+3 = 10 Failed to find Carsar's treasure trove

Elora's eyes darted between the faces of her fellow Frontliners as she attempted to discern the source of the whispers. The voices became more pervasive until, eventually, they seemed to permeate the very air that seeped between them. An acute ear would be able to distinguish the discord of an ensuing argument. But by who? Before she could mull it over further, the rumbling murmurs shifted into a cacophony of screams. Elora's heart nearly leapt out of her chest at the sound. She found no comfort amongst her peers, who were equally startled and confused by the undulating atmosphere. Is this the sort of thing Freyd was talking about -- when the frontlines could hear the screams of the other players as they tried to escape the Storm of Shadows? What if it's happening again? Could players be dying? Has a war broken out on the rest of the floor?, the waves of panic caused Elora's focus to waiver.

There was no chance for respite as a shower of gleaming blades plunged from the sky above, slicing through the bodies of her and her teammates. Elora couldn't conceal a cry of fear in response to the searing sensation of razor cuts and an afflicted burn. For as strong as the rookie player appeared to be, she possessed little exposure to many of the game's harshest attacks. Eyes began to sting with shame, and as the stage around them settled, she prayed that none of her teammates had witnessed her moment of weakness. I need to hit it and hit it hard, she rapidly resolved through trembling limbs, The longer it lives, the more we'll get hurt. You need to contribute more to this battle.

With staggered breaths, she tried to settle herself. Blessedly, Freyd soon activated a healing crystals that managed to sooth the majority of her pains. Flashing him a brief, but half-hearted smirk of relief, she hurled herself back into the fray. Move quickly. Attack. Retreat. , she internally repeated like some sort of manic mantra. Adrenaline-fueled heels found their way to the belly of the beast, where, upon readying her stance, she gauged the serrated blade of her spear deep into the thing's outer shell. A concentrated heft was enough to tear twice the length of her staff across its abdomen.

Finally free from Wushen's leathery flesh, her weapon drew back to be positioned by her side. The drumming in her ears eventually subsided to reveal a premature exhaustion. With the shake of her head, she lifted a hand to steady her spinning senses. You can't be tired already. Straightening her back, she did her best to appear like she could handle whatever came next.

***

Post Action: [x20] ST-B (20 EN)
Free Action: N/A

ID# 216422 | B2 2+8=10 HIT |DMG: 20*26=520 - 0 MIT = 520 DMG to Wushen

ID# 216423 | CD8 Success | +8 EN, +4 EN recovered passively = Elora recovers +12 EN

Elora regains +35HP from Battle Healing

(9) Freyd |  HP: 1334/1334 | EN: 122/150 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 188 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 5(6/AA) | BH: 73 | REC: 8 | THRN: 40 | PHASE | FLN: 8 | FRB: 40(-1) | ENV.O: 32 | V.O.: 146 | V.D.: 146 | HELL: 80 | STNG[x1] | LD: 8 | PRS: 3 | DOTE: 1/3
(0) Hirru | HP: 1104/1104 | EN: 94/104 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 182 | ACC: 2 | BH: 55 | REC: 8 | THRN: 76 | MENDING: 2 | HB: 44 | LD: 5 | DOTE: 1/3
(5) Katoka | HP: 720/720 (692+31) | EN: 90/106 (+12) (-12) | DMG: 28 | MIT: 98 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7(8/AA) | BH: 31 | REC: 8 | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | STK: 40 | HELL: 80 | BRN 4 [112/2] | CONF [2/2]
(5) Morningstar | HP: 851/851 | EN: 59/106 | DMG: 28 | MIT: 142 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 6(7/AA) | BH: 18 | STK: 40 | FRB: 40(-1) | VO: 140 | HELL: 80 | LD: 6 | BRN 4 [112/2] | CONF [2/2]
(5) Elora | HP: 700/700 | EN: 58/104(-20) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 98 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7(8/AA) | BH: 35 | REC: 8 | FLN: 8 | BLGT: 32 | STK: 40 | LD: 3 | BRN 4 [112/2] | CONF [2/2]
(3) Tricolor_Mina | HP: 699/720 | EN: 58/106 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 78 | ACC: 7 | BLGT: 32 | BRN: 56 | FRB: 40(-1) | V.D.: 72 | TXC.: 32 | BRN 4 [112/2] | CONF [2/2]

Expect me BITSHC!

She was practically sprinting, ducking and dodging between overhanging rockfaces and the occasional tree. Freyd bolted ahead of them like a bloodthirsty hound in pursuit of its next prey. His demeanor became feral, shifting from subdued frustration to outright fury before she even had the chance to recognize it. A quick glance to her side was enough to confirm that Katoka was keeping pace with her. For such a clumsy person, she had remarkable footwork when the occasion called for impeccable precision. With every passing second, her companion became more of a smudge than the shape of an actual person. 

"Jesus, Freyd!", she called ahead in a voice mixed with anger and concern, "Slow down already, we're not able to keep up!"

Either he was already out of earshot, or he had stubbornly chosen to ignore her. It wouldn't make a difference at this point. Freyd had already vanished completely among the many twists and turns that snaked their way between scattered stalagmites and precarious boulders. "Fucking hell--", Elora cussed beneath her breath as she and the samurai attempted to discern which direction he'd gone. A not-so-distant commotion quickly provided their answer. "That way!", she attempted to gesture to Kat with her spear.

It was an awkward climb to scale the sheer wall of stones which seemed to encompass his liar. Strewn across the field like toppled dominos, Elora first needed to take a running start, then fumble until her fingers found their way into a convenient hold. A series of successful hops and hoists eventually positioned her on the other side of the formidable formation. From such a height, it was easy to see the aftermath of the attack that had just transpired. She had just barely managed to make out the form of the sinister egg-snatcher as his haunted features crumpled, then exploded to dust. Strewn across the field below laid the dilapidated figures of what she could only assume to be the hatchlings. Wasting no time, Elora dropped from the perch above and hurried over to assist the creatures.

"Are the younglings safe?" 

"I-I don't know --", she stammered as her hands frantically resolved to overturn any that had been hurled by the beast. "This one's hurt!", she suddenly stated as her sights settled on a deep laceration carved through its side. Throwing open her menu, Elora scoured her inventory in search of remediation. "Dammit--", she spat, "I don't have anything to heal -- I used all my potions back there like a total dumbass!" Pointed breaths struggled to dispel the self-loathing she felt. Instead, she turned to Katoka in search of reprieve, "You've got healing potions?" The statement-question came out more like a plea than a candid curiosity.

***

ID# 215750 LD 9+3 = 12 Failed to find Carsar's treasure trove

The atmosphere around Elora was changing in a way she couldn't keep up with. Albeit, the dragon remained the same. Wushen bore a disdainful continence as it continued to brush off the efforts of the players attacking it. On the other hand, her comrades became increasingly concerned with combat mechanics she was, admittedly, all that familiar with. Without receiving any sort of further instruction, Elora figured it best to continue wailing on the thing. Even if she wasn't tactically savvy, she did know how to wield a weapon. 

Dashing toward their opponent once again, she swung in a fierce diagonal. The serrated blade of her gnarled spear crisscrossed from the space above her shoulder and into the wriggling form of the beast directly before her. Only a moment could be spared to step back and appreciate her work before her eyes caught sight of Wushen's sudden shift. Settling its gaze on Katoka, the boss had determined its next potential target. Turning to face her friend, she could immediately sense the significance of this moment.

"You've got this, Kat!", she shouted encouragement from afar, "Don't let it take you down!"

***

Post Action: [x18] AOE-II (14 + 2(Enemy) + 2(Shift)= 18 EN)
Free Action: N/A

ID#215737 | CD 11 unlocks ST-B | BD 4+8=12 HIT | DMG: 18*26=468 - 20 MIT = 448 DMG to Wushen

ID# 215738 | CD 4 Failed | Elora recovers +4 passive EN

(2) Freyd |  HP: 1322/1334 | EN: 120/150 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 188 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 5(6/AA) | BH: 73 | REC: 8 | THRN: 40 | PHASE | FLN: 8 | FRB: 40(-1) | ENV.O: 32 | V.O.: 146 | V.D.: 146 | HELL: 80 | STNG[x1] | LD: 8 | PRS: 3 | DOTE: 3/3
(0) Hirru | HP: 1104/1104 | EN: 99/104 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 182 | ACC: 2 | BH: 55 | REC: 8 | THRN: 76 | MENDING: 2 | HB: 44 | LD: 5 | DOTE: 3/3
(6) Katoka | HP: 720/720 | EN: 90/106 (+12) (-14)  | DMG: 28 | MIT: 98 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7(8/AA) | BH: 31 | REC: 8 | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | STK: 40 | HELL: 80
(3) Morningstar | HP: 851/851 | EN: 77/106 | DMG: 28 | MIT: 142 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 6(7/AA) | BH: 18 | STK: 40 | FRB: 40(-1) | VO: 140 | HELL: 80 | LD: 6
(4) Elora | HP: 700/700 | EN: 66/104(-18) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 98 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7(8/AA) | BH: 35 | REC: 8 | FLN: 8 | BLGT: 32 | STK: 40 | LD: 3
(5) Tricolor_Mina | HP: 720/720 | EN: 50/106 (74+4=78-28) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 78 | ACC: 7 | BLGT: 32 | BRN: 56 | FRB: 40(-1) | V.D.: 72 | TXC.: 32 | HYP: 3/3

Her eyes locked onto the beast's tail as it lackadaisically sloshed into Freyd. The sight of it made her skin crawl, not only because of its target, but because of the thing's disgustingly serpentine qualities. A sudden shiver ran down her spine before further inspection revealed that her companion was fine. Elora took a pointed breath. He's good. Barely even a scratch. Reorienting her attention back to the battle at hand, she tried to hone focus onto -- Health bars. Sure enough, six meaty HP menus now draped above Wushen. It was impossible to ignore the subsequent pit that formed in her stomach. That's a lot. She swallowed, trying to force it down. This wasn't the time to panic, it was the time progress. Planting a boot into the rocky ground below, she launched off with the other to free her weapon from the flesh of the legless lizard.

"I'll give it something to look at!", she half-taunted, half-reassured as another swipe of her spear dug into Wushen's side. 

***

Something seemed to synch in Elora's chest as her eyes darted between the different forms in the room. The hulking monster -- mother -- before them sounded beside herself with grief. What she'd only expected to be a typical fight was quickly recontextualized into desperate cry for help. Her hyperactive body tensed, appearing statuesque as her mind tried to make sense of it all. Memories of caged creatures, mutilated beyond recognition, came to the forefront of her mind. Floor 7. For as tough as she thought she was, she wasn't used to witnessing cruelty like this. Nails dug into the surface of crossed arms, reintroducing warmth to a soul that felt cold. 

"I have him.  Follow me.  No matter what, we're not letting him get off the ground." 

A tug at her core beckoned her to follow, to choose the path of least resistance. This was the natural order of things. People got hurt all of the time. She got hurt all the time. It wasn't her job to care for others. Blurred blinks began to frame scenes from her childhood -- of her mom teaching her how to ride her bike, patching up her cuts and bruises no matter how many times she happened to fall. Why did she give up? An accompanying ache seemed to thrum across her head. She managed to stifle a staggered exhale by sinking teeth into her lower lip. 

I can help this time.

A golden shadow stretching across her vision was enough to judge that she had come close enough. Despite the dragon's wounded appearance, Elora was scared shitless. For once in her life, a sensory overload was proving to be a hidden grace. The necessary materials took a moment to locate, their application thankfully much faster to complete. With shaking hands, she administered one bottle, than another, until nothing remained in her UI except the shell of an empty slot. The deed completed, Elora fiercely turned on one heel, making haste to catch up with Freyd in his effort to leave.

***

Elora administers x8 T1 Healing Potions to Fuzziel | Effect: Heals 50 HP each

"Oh, he's just bothered because he thinks I'm talking about capturing him -- not the Storm of Shadows.", she paused before adding, "Though that was a bit traumatic in it's own way. I wonder what came of that diva delinquent." Maybe she died during the cataclysm., Elora considered, I don't know what the orange players were doing while everyone else was scaling mountains or battling the boss.

Skidding down a shallow slope, Elora traversed the length of the stream's sandy shoreline in search of the supposed entrance. Sure enough, the trio soon found themselves overlooking a craggy passageway that twisted into darkness below. "Huh. That would be a cave alright.", she remarked rather plainly.

Placing one foot in front of the other, she began to scale her way down. The sound of falling waterdrops echoed throughout the cavern as Elora did her best to weave around the slimy strands of algae which seemed to dangle from every stalactite. Occasionally, she'd need to sweep an especially dense clump clear from her path with the length of her spear, not paying any mind to the way they'd immediately slosh back and trash into anyone trailing closely behind. 

Turning a particularly tight corner, Elora proudly exclaimed, "Oh! Found it!" Without hesitation, the excitable player leapt from a final ledge and into the brightly-lit basin below. Verdant vines ran and coiled above them, turning deep scarlet as they became bathed by a golden glow. Before she'd broken her fixation on the breath-taking scene, a powerful roar resounded from a room to her right. Elora practically flew out of her own skin as she startled with a shrill scream. Clutching her heart to subside the shock, she shakily declared, "B -- Big dragon!!"

The panic she had felt mere moments ago seemed to disappear on the spot. Is he...is he just fucking with it?, she tried to decipher Freyd's lackadaisical retorts through an uncharacteristically-stupefied expression. Surely enough, their intrepid captain was sauntering over to the serpent just to graffiti its scales. Had she not been holding her spear, Elora probably would have face-palmed at the sight. Regardless of his reasoning, she felt disarmed by the display. Maybe this is going to be easier than I thought. Tricolor_mina's playful banter further reinforced the change in tone. Alright, I can get behind this -- I'll have some fun! Following in the footsteps of her fuchsia-haired comrade, Elora decided to give stunning a go. Even if it didn't count as an elemental attack, at least it was taking a different approach. 

Now, where to attack., she tried to discern through the noise of everyone attacking in tandem, It's head? No -- too high up? I guess that just leaves the rest of the noodle --" Instead of slicing across, Elora decided to go horizontal. With one hefty thrust, she'd managed to plunge nearly half the length of her spear betwixt the keratin armor. In a way, the imagery was reminiscent of a comically oversized splinter. Her folly, however, was assuming the weapon would dislodge as easily as it'd entered. 

"Ah, geez --", she pouted as a boot planted against the thing's body to offer additional leverage.

***

  ♪  Torrent of Thorns  ♪  

For a moment, Elora's breath had caught in her throat. Staggering backward, she gaped at the colossal saurian who perched proudly along the stone walls that towered above them. Never before had she felt such a crippling sense of insignificance. The scale of such a creature was inconceivable and nearly nauseating for her to regard. He could squish us like insects --, alerted a primal and panicked urge to retreat. Reflex was stifled by the sounds of her comrades -- the barrage of commands that bolstered some fragile semblance of confidence. Terrified eyes watched as her best friend rushed to attack the behemoth. KAT--!, she wanted to cry out in warning. The small samurai had already outpaced her, charging toward their enemy head-on with saber unsheathed.

ACT!, a desperate plea screamed from within. She rapidly followed suit, sprinting faster than she ever knew her legs could carry her. Streaks of light blurred around her as an array of colors seemed to culminate into a cosmic kaleidoscope. For a suspended moment, Elora felt as though she was flying, her feet practically gliding across the ground. For once, the stimuli of everything around her became silent -- relegated to the background of a single, unbreakable focus. This was euphoria! The thing she was always capable of but could never seem to achieve.

Senses honed into a disruption ahead as Katoka leapt from the earth and soared into the heavens above. She needed to follow her, to ascend to a greater height. As if by some animalistic instinct, a possible solution revealed itself. Reorienting her spear, Elora drove the butt of its shaft into the ground, channeling the momentum of its energy to pole-vault herself into the air. The maneuver worked better than she had expected, propelling her body several meters forward and toward the beast. With a violent outcry, she spun her weapon. The extent of Essential Verdigris's gnarled staff seemed to twist and gleam hypnotically in the shattered light. Just as it slowed to be lodged within her grasp, a razory contact with reams of scales below. Elora jerked to a sudden stop as the weapon's head plummeted into the dragon. Steely eyes ignited with a fury that traced an invisible path toward escape. With a measured release, Elora pushed off of the dragon, propelling the length of its hip as carved flesh erupted into a torrent of pixels. Unsteady knees soon found themselves buckled by rocky land. She fell forward for a moment, then gathered her faculties to recover from the fumble. 

Just like that!, a reaffirming voice presented itself.

***

Post Action: [x15] AOE-I (11 + 2(Enemy) + 2(Shift)= 15 EN)
Free Action: N/A

ID# 215001 | BD 4+8=12 HIT | DMG: 15*26=390 - 75 mit =315 DMG to Wushen

Team [Freyd]
(5) Freyd |  HP: 1334/1334 | EN: 148/148 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 188 | EVA: 6 (+1) | ACC: 5(6/AA) | BH: 73 | REC: 8 | THRN: 40 | PHASE | FLN: 8 | FRB: 40(-1) | ENV.O: 32 | V.O.: 146 | V.D.: 146 | HELL: 80 | STNG[x1] | LD: 8 | PRS: 3 | DOTE: 3/3
(0) Hirru | HP: 1104/1104 | EN: 104/104 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 182 | ACC: 2 | BH: 55 | REC: 8 | THRN: 76 | MENDING: 2 | HB: 44 | LD: 5 | DOTE: 3/3
(1) Katoka | HP: 720/720 | EN: 95/106 (-11) | DMG: 28 | MIT: 98 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7(8/AA) | BH: 31 | REC: 8 | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | STK: 40 | HELL: 80
(0) Morningstar | HP: 851/851 | EN: 106/106 | DMG: 28 | MIT: 142 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 6(7/AA) | BH: 18 | STK: 40 | FRB: 40(-1) | VO: 140 | HELL: 80 | LD: 6
(1) Elora | HP: 700/700 | EN: 89/104 (-15) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 98 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7(8/AA) | BH: 35 | REC: 8 | FLN: 8 | BLGT: 32 | STK: 40 | LD: 3
(0) Tricolor_Mina | HP: 720/720 | EN: 106/106 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 78 | ACC: 7 | BLGT: 32 | BRN: 56 | FRB: 40(-1) | V.D.: 72 | TXC.: 72

@Freyd's affectionate gesture had caught Elora very off guard. A nervous flittering of her heart was quickly subsided as she resolved to hold him and reciprocate the kiss. The circumstances of this moment manifested an unusual equilibrium between two conflicting feelings -- a deep sense of contentment and an underlying terror that all of it could be destroyed in an instant. Each seemed to ebb and flow within her like waves cresting against a shoreline. Trembling hands anchored into his back, conserving only a few precious seconds before a fated release. Meeting his cerulean eyes, Róisín gave a resolute nod. Even if this goes to shit -- I can finally fight alongside you. No more wasting time, waiting for you to return. Her sluggish posture straightened as body and spear reoriented into an offensive stance. "I've got your back.", she declared to him and to the rest of their team. 

"I'm Elora", the fellow emerald-haired woman greeted @Hirruin return. "Like you're hair by the way.", she felt inclined to compliment as she accepted the bundle of items from him. It wasn't all that common to come across players who shared their hair color, maybe because it clashed with clothes, or perhaps because it sort of resembled seaweed. She tried to keep her mind from exploring other explanations as the man continued to give instructions to the other members of their party. Elven ears rose and drooped relative to how much of it she was able decipher. This is a lot more than just running in and swinging. Not really used to needing to do so much preparation before --well, anything. 

"Sounds good.", she responded as if she had understood any of it. "Stab the thing. Don't fuck around. Don't get killed." At least, she hoped that was an accurate summation.

***

Elora accepts the following items from Hirru

Elora diligently accompanied Kat on her approach to the other players. She couldn’t deny the uneasy feeling of being surrounded by less than familiar faces. Still, she gathered the decency to give each of them a nod or small greeting in return. These were the people she’d be fighting alongside. Could she trust them with her life?

If they can trust their’s to you…, her conscious rightfully reckoned.

She followed in line with their actions, accepting foods, potions, and other consumables from the player who would be their captain. @Freydseemed to hold himself well despite the reallocation of his role. Although he had a slender stature, Elora always regarded him as an extremely strong and competent fighter. At least, whenever he wasn’t tripping over his own heels or other environmental obstacles. 

“You ready, Tank?”, she asked, clasping his shoulder with a reassuring hand. Unintentionally, she had begun to mimic the gesture as a means to offer comfort in return. “You know if I can handle my first raid, there’s no way you won’t” That came out right, right? “And don’t worry, I’ll protect you if you end up slipping and falling on your ass”, she added seriously, but iced with a lighthearted smile. 

***

Elora Consumes Crafted Buffs from Freyd:

NEW STATS: Elora | HP: 700/700 | EN: 104/104 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 98 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7 | BH: 35 | LD: 3 | AA | BLGT: 32 | FLN: 8 | REC: 8 | STK: 40

"Damn, it's dark in here!", stated Elora as she gawked at the slippery stalagmites and shimmering gemstones, "I mean, people said this floor was all dark, but I didn't know it'd be like -- advanced darkness." Stumbling over her own two feet served as a good reminder to reorient her attention to the skirmish at hand. So, this is a floor boss., she regarded, designating the moment with isolated sentimentality. Lots of people have died fighting these. Lots of people have died fighting a lot of things. People have died from not fighting things -- either way, this seems like a bit deal. Turning her head, she made an effort to inspect the faces of those around her. It was difficult to surmise what each of them were thinking. Tense., was the only feeling that seemed to tether them all together. It surprised her. Weren't Frontlines supposed to be more confident, more sure of themselves? At least, that's what she'd gathered from seeing them socialize across different floors of Aincrad. The atmosphere added an undeniable amount of uneasiness to the whole ordeal. She searched for an opportunity to shake it off.

"Hey, Kat!", she jested with a playful elbow, "Don't look so worried, we're gonna do great!" A reassuring smile suppressed the anxiety that had begun to swirl inside her stomach. "We're strong enough to take out trebuchets and baby dragons --", somehow, the later hadn't seemed so encouraging, "And besides, we've got people like Freyd here to help us kick some serious ass!" Elora gave a resolutory nod at that.

Before the party had reached their destination, a sizeable rumble seemed to rattle through the cavern. Did they seriously already overcome the puzzle? Turning a series of corners soon placed them in the company of the other players. In their midst lay a stone whatcha'ma callit, plastered against the opposing floor. "Well --", she began and ended there with an impressed whistle. 

***

Elora | HP: 700/700 | EN: 104/104 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 98 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 8 | BH: 35 | LD: 3 | AA | BLGT: 32 | FLN: 8 | REC: 8 | STK: 40

It'd been a handful of days since Elora and Freyd had seen each other, though her mind would rest easy knowing he'd been alive enough to respond to a few of her messages. She was used to seeing him like this. Something about preparing for combat wound him up so tightly that conking out became his only excuse for a break. Admittedly, it was a little concerning. Part of her still speculated that he found some sort of perverse enjoyment through all of it. Scraping a few unruly hairs from the top of his forehead, she planted a gentle kiss in its place. You need some rest. Thank you for preparing all of this for us., she thought before collecting her gear from a nearby table. A smile crossed her face as she regarded how each neatly-wrapped package seemed to contrast greatly with the piles of unsorted supplies surrounding them. Dingo seemed to interpret her amusement, returning the observation with a befuddled shrug. That's just Freyd, they both seemed to admit.

***

Elora recieves:

"Eh, yeah.", she agreed, "It is in some ways and not in others. Honestly, I worry a lot more about new players' emotional states than I do about their physical wellbeing." With arms crossed, she leaned back to rest against the mossy walls of the slanted construction.

"Hearing the news...a lot of people take it pretty hard. Some grow distant, some completely snap." She spared a second to consider him, reassessing his complexion for warning signs. "You never know what someone's gonna do, who they're gonna hurt --"

A shrill series of creaks encouraged her to create some distance between herself and the structure she'd been resting against. "I'm glad to see you'll be fine...you know how to handle yourself."

Salem seemed to grant a nod at that.

She hesitated for a moment, wondering whether or not it was worth sharing how the adjustment had gone for her. No, he has no reason to know how long I spent sulking in that inn. A thought occurred to her. If he'll be returning to the Hummingbard...

"Something like that", the athletic player remarked with a semi-crazed grin.

Elora hadn't expected him to stay hot on her heels, let alone completely bludgeon the competition. Where she'd previously mired in the sting of shame, she now experienced the pangs of admiration. 

"Can't believe you left me in the dust like that --", she stammered to catch her breath, "Practice, my ass -- don't think I've ever seen another player run as fast as you."

The statement elicited an earnest chuckle from Salem who had already begun to dabble a procedural sweat from the arch of his brows.

Knocking caked mud from the canyons of her soles provided a few additional seconds to collect her wits. "Well, don't celebrate yet.", she began, "We'll soon have another victory on our hands. Just a quick scan of the flowerbeds should show us what we need."

A flick of her wrist coaxed him to accompany her. Within a few paces, the pair stopped beside a cobblestone-rimmed garden that laid beside the foundation of a weathered cottage.

"Lots of herbs and berries to be found. Practically the medieval medicine cabinet of whatever clinic is run outta here."

Silence soon blanketed the air in a way that Elora was unused to. It had been awhile since she spent time questing with someone so...reserved. Reminiscing, she supposed Salem wasn't to dissimilar to her early encounters with Freyd in that way. However, unlike him, he seemed to lack a certain levity towards life. Like some sort of sopping wet cat., she silently identified.

Elora did her best to match his stoic demeanor until a sequence of fidgeting prompted her to propose: "Why don't we race for it?"

"Race for -- the town?", his voice cracked in confusion.

"Yeah -- you gotta practice somehow"

"That's --"

"What? Worried you're gonna lose?" 

"No, I --", he huffed for a moment, a frustrated palm brushing back through his bangs, "Sure. Whatever -- Let's race for it."

A snarky smile curled from her lips. She had successfully egged him on. Now things will be more interesting. "Alright, first to the village wins. Shouldn't need a clearer benchmark than that."

A brief stretch of silence eventually prompted her to ask, "Well? What do you want?"

"I'd like to escape.", he answered succinctly. Although, confident-sounding in his decision, Elora suspected there were further details that went unspoken. Just like everyone else., she mused to herself.

"And if all of that starts with this stupid little quest --", he began as knees swung aside, then carried him into a stand, "Then I think we'd best continue."

She issued a reserved nod as legs positioned themselves to do the same. "Can't say I've seen jack shit since we've sat beside this stream. Maybe it's time we check out another location." With a liberal swing of her arm, Elora's index finger fell toward a distant grove. "That way!", she confidently barked. Whether or not she'd decided the direction on random chance was hardly left to reason. In either case, the two of them now carefully made their way up the sandy slope to abandon their failures, and the fatalistic conversation among the riverbanks below.

Elora opened her UI, scrolling diligently until she spotted a lingering item. Summoning it to her grasp, she reached out and slid the faux-cigarette between Salem's fingers. "I've long since given up on them. It's the same with the alcohol -- a lot more of a habit than an actual feeling." Her quest mate nodded in thanks, raising the already-ignited tube to rest between his lips. "Still, once in awhile...", she added with fingers tapping nervously across her knee. In another gesture, a second stick had swiftly materialized into her hand.

"It can be nice to do something familiar."

The two of them sat for awhile, enjoying the faint warmth emitted by the halo of embers. Drawing in a deep breath, Elora could feel its heat sink through her chest. Along with it came a sense of longing. Had she actually missed the absence of such an unconscious ritual?

"You're right...", Salem's voice interrupted her reflection, "That's pretty shit." With a flick of his wrist, he cast out the butt. For several seconds, it remained aglow, eventually despawning across the surface of the sand.

"I don't know. I try not to think about it.", she admitted, "But at the same time, a part of me almost doesn't care." The glimpse of a raised eyebrow prompted further explanation. "I...didn't have a lot of friends, honestly. And my parents were, well, kind of shit --" She stewed on that remark for a moment. Was it really them, or just you? "I feel the worst for my brother --", her voice cracked as quickly as it had raised, "If he's actually worried about me -- I don't want to get in the way. He has actual potential, going to university and shit -- He got a grant, you know. Did well enough to be invited into his program."

Salem seemed statuesque in appearance, offering little input aside from a fervent stare. "So, you know", she hurried to suppress her emotion, "Yeah, it's hard."

After a prolonged sigh, Salem assured her, "I understand how you feel." The solemn player leaned back in the sand and turned his gaze to the clouds above. By now, the sun had begun its downward dip towards the distant horizon.