Elora

"Oh yeah", she recalled with a thumb to her chin, "I always forget these things exist. I should really start packing one with me -- it's convenient you have two." Teleport crystals were something she rarely used. It seemed a lot more natural, no, more real just to walk everywhere she went. Still, it would be reckless for her not to keep some in her inventory. Just in case.

"I've had my share of companions in this world,", Bahr soon began to tell her, "but sometimes it's necessary to tackle a quest like this alone. Keeps things simpler, less room for distractions. Besides, it's not often I find someone as determined as you to accompany me through the darkest depths,"

Elora cracked a dismissive smile at his compliment. "Really?", she sounded somewhat surprised, "I feel like it's so much easier to do stuff with other people. When I'm alone, I just feel so unmotivated. Sure, the UI will lead me through the objectives, but it feels so boring to slog between them without any kind of entertainment. Not to mention -- what if I come across a puzzle I can't solve or a ton of annoying little mobs? I guess I just don't see the fun in doing quests for the sake of doing them." It was easy to count on one hand the number of times she'd attempted to do as much. No matter the rewards, it never felt worth it to spend a day with herself.

The air around them seemed to chill and become clammy with moisture as the two of them finished descending the stairs. By now, a faint-but-distant cerulean light had crept up the walls to saturate the chamber in color. Much like the structure itself, it seems to twist and refract an unsteady projection. 

"And what about you?", he finally goaded in return, "No bullshit this time."

Was it really that obvious?, she sighed with a silent regret. "My guildmates were busy.", came a blunt response, "The other group didn't want me, so I tried to chase after them. They'd already entered the maze...and I didn't realize -- I got separated from the exit before I could leave." The digits of her free hand twitched as she felt the urge to cross her arms, to curl up into herself. Luckily, an external reprieve readily presented itself.

"Big place -- I'll take this side", remarked Elora as the dank hallway opened up into a bioluminescent aqueduct. With careful steps, she carved her chalk across the slippery walls. A staggered pathway of squared-off stones was enough to allow her across the rumbling river. "I'm guessing we'll have to find a way past this massive door", she shouted from across the room, "It's locked, but there's probably a key nearby -- maybe some kind of puzzle" Perhaps the greatest indicator was that both of their trails had wrapped around the room, placing them directly across the stream from one another. 

"Yeah, we're completely enclosed.", she decided, finally deeming it safe enough to lift her chalk from its canvas. The echo of Elora's boots thrumming dully against the tiles was nearly indistinguishable under the static of the current. After pacing the length of the ravine, she crouched beside it and dipped her hand into the glowing water. Much to her surprise, the tips of her fingers barely submerged below the rushing surface before scrapping the basin below. "Huh...", she marveled at the discovery, "It's really shallow" 

Her attention turned to the hand that pinched the chalk. Could this...? Lowering the pigment into the water elicited a soft and soothing melody that preluded a stream of pure white light. Stretching from the source of contact, the beam rolled down the stream and spilled across its eventual retaining wall. The previously-opaque surface seemed to ripple from the light, revealing the ethereal river's eventual continuation.

"I think we're supposed to follow it --"

***

Elora laughed nervously from their adoration, sand spilling between her toes as she awkwardly shifted her weight from side to side. Her attire was, admittedly, outside of her comfort zone, but she did her best to wear it with confidence. 

"Let's just enjoy it and take it easy for awhile."

"Don't have to tell me twice!", she proclaimed before plopping onto the checkered picnic blanket. Quickly helping herself to the appetizing assortment of snacks, Elora spared a moment to fully inspect Freyd's features. His muscles were so much larger than before, though still flattering for his more slender frame. Unlike so many of the other male players, Freyd seemed more subversive in his appearance. Under his disheveled cowl and worn-down tracksuit was a formidable strength.

Her cracker crumbled in her hands.

"Ah, shit --", she muttered as her fingers scrambled to collect the ejected slices of cheese. By now, parts of the biscuit had been crushed to the size of sand. "Come on, sit down!", she invited before dusting away the crumbs. "Have either of you been in the water yet? It looks so warm --" She sat up and shaded her eyes to look out at the ocean, "In Ireland, the sea is always cold, so I didn't swim often."

"Alright. I get it. But you gotta cut it out with those eyes and the self-deprecation."

As if by instinct, Elora's pointed ears swung back up in concession. "Right!", she agreed with two determined fists, "I'll save those for anyone else who tries to fuck with us!" Who knew that womanly wiles actually worked!

And so, the reinvigorated player diligently paced behind Bahr's heels like an imprinted duckling, making sure not to become too fixated on the way each wall seemed to ungulate around them. The place definitely had a sense of majesty that both complemented and contrasted its bleak atmosphere. Elora still wasn't sure whether or not she should be intimidated by the dungeon or scoff at its edgy aesthetic.

She nearly slammed into her escort a second time as Bahr suddenly stopped to propose she utilize a piece of his chalk. 

"Sure, that seems like a good idea.", she agreed and accepted item. Tracing his line proved to demand more focus than she'd expected as her hand maneuvered around cobbled protrusions and cracks in the stone. At least the exercise had a way of keeping her grounded. "So...What's the plan when we get to the boss?", she spoke up as the pair rounded their umptieth corner, "Is one of us just supposed to keep holding this stuff against the wall, or are we gonna be granted some sort of magical exit?" Maybe it was a stupid question to ask, but Elora had never been in a dungeon like this before. All of her previously-pursued quests had lead her to open spaces or shallow caves, not remote boss rooms that stretched into the depths of Satan's asshole. "It'd be kind of dick move for them to make us walk all the way back."

Finally, the towering walls tapered down to prelude something more interesting, a sunken corridor. The warm glow of dozens of torches speckled the steep descent ahead. 

"Oh boy --", the green-haired player remarked sarcastically, "Stairs. Nothing says 'you're getting close to the boss' quite like hundreds of steps." With sluggish steps, Elora began to slink down the passageway, her chalk lazily bobbing across the stone in a series of waves. Guess this means we'll have some time to kill. "Why are you here alone, anyway?", she took a crack at initiating some small talk, "Don't you have some guild mates or friends you could do this quest with?"

***

Elora could feel her body become reinvigorated with the help of Hirru's spell. Although her exhaustion was far from cured, she felt strong enough to administer one final attack. "Thank you!", she shouted over to her green-haired companion. "I think we're gonna need to buy you a drink after this", she soon added with a weary chuckle. Elora could only hope that the battle would be over after this barrage of attacks. Otherwise, the next best thing she could contribute was a thumbs-up from the sidelines as the others carried on with the assault.

Setting her sights on the belly of the beast, she once again lashed forward to deepen the serrations she'd previously carved. Even if she couldn't deal a huge amount of damage to Wushen, she would still make it hurt where it counted. Feels like I'm doing more damage to myself at this point., she thought as she staggered back from his form. 

***

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

ID# 218228 | BD 6+8= 14 Hit | DMG: 15*38=570 - 15 MIT = 555 DMG to Wushen

ID# 218227 | CD12 Success +8 EN, +4 EN recovered passively = Elora recovers +12 EN

(15) Freyd |  HP: 1334[250]/1334 | EN: 97/150 (103+4+8-18) | DMG: 24 (0/1) | MIT: 188 | EVA: 6 (5) | ACC: 5 | BH: 73 | REC: 8 | THRN: 40 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | V.D.: 146 | HELL: 80 | STNG[x1] | LD: 8 | PRS: 3 | DOTE: 1/3
(0) Hirru | HP: 1104[250]/1104 | EN: 89/104 | DMG: -19 (0/1) | MIT: 182 | ACC: 2 | BH: 55 | REC: 8 | THRN: 76 | MENDING: 2 | HB: 44 | LD: 5 | DOTE: 1/3
(9) Katoka | HP: 720[250]/720 (699+31) | EN: 31/106 (+4) (-20) | DMG: 32 (0/1) | MIT: 98 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7(8/AA) | BH: 31 | REC: 8 | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | STK: 40 | HELL: 80
(10) Morningstar | HP: 844[250]/851  | EN: 32/106 | DMG: 32 (0/1) | MIT: 142 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 6(7/AA) | BH: 18 | STK: 40 | FRB: 40(-1) | VO: 140 | HELL: 80 | LD: 6
(13) Elora | HP: 700[250]/700 | EN: 6/104 (+12)(-15) | DMG: 30 (0/1) | MIT: 98 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7(8/AA) | BH: 35 | REC: 8 | FLN: 8 | BLGT: 32 | STK: 40 | LD: 3
(8) Tricolor_Mina | HP: 720[250]/720 | EN: 10/106 | DMG: 31 (0/1) |MIT: 78 | ACC: 7 | BLGT: 32 | BRN: 56 | FRB: 40(-1) | V.D.: 72 | TXC.: 32

Elora was momentarily taken aback by Mina's drastic shift in demeanor, but soon appreciated the metaphorical olive-branch to opening up. Honestly, this version of her seemed a lot more palatable than the one previous. There were only so many superficial niceties Elora could handle before she'd become frustrated or bored. Another spoonful of soggy rice prefaced the following conversation.

"...Its why he uses knuckle dusters and handwraps instead of bladed weapons."

Huh, just like Salem, she recalled her interactions with the unusually introverted new player, Seems like knuckle users really are a type. The observation made her wonder about polearm users. She didn't encounter them often, but they seemed a lot more common.

"I push people away because I don't want them to come closer. ", she tuned back in to their talk, "The last time I did that, it crippled me in a way I'll never recover from in the real world." 

Now that's interesting. Elora eagerly wanted to pry into whatever incident the boy was harkening back to. Whether or not it was justification enough for his distrust was still left to be decided. Unfortunately, his attention had returned to his papers as readily as it had been pulled away. It seemed the point was probably moot.

That said, I believe I haven't Properly introduced myself.", her focus was demanded by an intense set of rosy irises, "I am Tricolor_Mina, otherwise known simply as Mina, or Violet depending on whom I happen to be speaking to. I'm effectively an investigator, for a lack of a better term, and my preferred specialty is investigating people. Right now, I've been taking a vested interest in you two, especially Freyd and his shadowy lil friend, I believe he called himself Montjoy?"

That's a lot of names, considered Elora as she tried to decide which would be the most appropriate to use, Well Freyd's been calling her 'Mina', so I'm gonna go with that one. "I don't think he was that little --", she interrupted matter-of-factly, "Not like a tiny demon on your shoulder kind of of shadow -- more like a whole-ass guy." If Mina hadn't encountered him before, it was important to set the record straight. "Actually...", she added with a pause, "Is that right?" Elora turned to ask Freyd. After all, if anyone was to explain the mostly-doppelganger but not-quite-identical phenomena, it was probably him.

"Oh -- yeah --", she scrambled to set down her silverware before clapping her hands together and saying, "Eat a donkey mass!" She was still getting used to that custom.

"Forgive me for saying so, but I'm not sure that's the best idea..."

Elora's expression gradually shifted from one of excitement to dejection as the lone player began to discourage her accompaniment. With drooping ears and a deflated posture, the small elven woman started to look more like a wounded puppy than a confident combatant. He's right,, she regarded in response to his observation, Even if the Shadow increased my rank, I'm still just an inexperienced player who doesn't know how to handle a fight. Eyes drawn down to her weapon, Elora considered what the verdigris spear symbolized to her; a promise. Before Freyd gave me this, I was using the spear I started the game with. She could recall many adventures, shish-kabobing monsters and dismantling trebuchests with the glorified twig. It had always seemed fine, until recently. Suddenly, she was expected to handle all of the responsibilities of a tier four fighter. I'm supposed to be stronger now, to join The Frontliners in defeating the floor bosses. Worried hands traced the twisted metal vines that clambered up the weapon's hilt. I don't feel ready -- but I promised him that I would try... A hesitant gulp proceeded her reply.

"I don't want to hold you back.", she stated bluntly, clearly struggling to hide the hurt she felt at his dismissal. "But I want to join this battle. I'm --", she stammered for a moment in search of the proper explanation, "I'm not as experienced as the rest of the players -- The Frontliners, I mean. I wasn't -- expecting to be put in this position so quickly." Gaze still glued to her staff, Elora seemed to be avoiding Bahr's eye contact as she spoke. "When everything got changed, I jumped up an entire rank -- It shouldn't make a difference, but I just feel so behind. I wasn't meant to be here. I'm still -- I'm just trying to figure things out, where I fit in." She was doing a piss-poor job of advocating for her use, but it was the truth. All she wanted was to be good enough to deserve her new title.

With a weighted sigh, she admitted, "I'm probably being a dumbass, but that's not on you -- I want to do this, for myself. Otherwise, I'll never feel ready to face what lies on the floors ahead."

***

Vanity tag: @Freyd

A blur of shadow streaked across the battlefield as Freyd dashed forward to slash Wushen. Elora watched in awe as her partner's swing delivered more power than any she'd witnessed before. It was moments like these that she felt truly special to have been trained by him, and to have taught him inner strength in turn.

"I'm right behind you--!", she promised through a shaking voice that morphed to one of determination. Katoka was right, this was their opportunity! It wasn't long before a phantom head predictably arose to shield his form. Even if she didn't have the stamina to attack their boss, she would at least ensure its puppet's destruction. 

Absorbing what little recovery her armor had to offer, Elora rushed to sever the searing head. The swift zigzagging motion of her spear sliced through her opponent's stomach, neck, and snout. It was hardly enough to defeat the thing. Nonetheless, she hoped that her contribution would expedite the fight. With only one health bar left, Wushen could only attack them for so much longer. 

"I'll do what I can from here", she reassured her teammates, "It might not be much -- but I'm not giving up. Let's show this thing its maker"

***

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

ID#218123 | BD 4+8=12 Hit | DMG: 20*26=520 - 55 MIT = 465 DMG to Brimstone

ID# 218124 | CD9 Success +8 EN, +4 EN recovered passively = Elora recovers +12 EN

(10) Freyd |  HP: 1334[250]/1334 | EN: 105/150 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 188 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 5 | BH: 73 | REC: 8 | THRN: 40 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | V.D.: 146 | HELL: 80 | STNG[x1] | LD: 8 | PRS: 3 | DOTE: 1/3
(0) Hirru | HP: 1104[250]/1104 | EN: 104/104 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 182 | ACC: 2 | BH: 55 | REC: 8 | THRN: 76 | MENDING: 2 | HB: 44 | LD: 5 | DOTE: 1/3
(8) Katoka | HP: 668[250]/720 | EN: 47/106  | DMG: 28 | MIT: 98 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7(8/AA) | BH: 31 | REC: 8 | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | STK: 40 | HELL: 80
(9) Morningstar | HP: 844[250]/851  | EN: 38/106 | DMG: 28 | MIT: 142 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 6(7/AA) | BH: 18 | STK: 40 | FRB: 40(-1) | VO: 140 | HELL: 80 | LD: 6
(12) Elora | HP: 700[250]/700 | EN: 9/104(+12)(-20) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 98 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7(8/AA) | BH: 35 | REC: 8 | FLN: 8 | BLGT: 32 | STK: 40 | LD: 3
(7) Tricolor_Mina | HP: 720[250]/720 | EN: 24/106 | DMG: 27 |MIT: 78 | ACC: 7 | BLGT: 32 | BRN: 56 | FRB: 40(-1) | V.D.: 72 | TXC.: 32

Brimstone | HP: 1463/2000 | DMG: 250 | MITI: 55 75 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 0 | Scorch{H.M} [0/+20] | STK [40/1] | BLGT [32/1]

The exhaustion that gripped her body was undeniable in its subjugation. By now, buckled limbs and belated gasps had become a phantom of the past. Elora couldn't recall a time that she had felt this haggard, not since her fledgling days in SAO. Back then, every swing seemed to fully deplete her stamina in a moment's notice. I'm supposed to be better now., she reflected remorsefully, I need -- I need to prove that I'm meant to be here, that I can handle everything a boss has to throw at me. Or else, how could I even call myself a 'Frontliner?'

Bright flashes commanded her focus once more -- The battle!  While she was once again spiraling in self-doubt, Mina had, blessedly, mowed over the remainder of Serration's noodley body. The thing wriggled and writhed around before eventually dissipating into an array of pixels. Thank god..., Elora tiredly observed, I wasn't paying enough attention -- someone could have gotten hurt...We can finally wail on this edgy lizard again. That means--

"This is my turn", Elora told the rest of her team with a determined expression.

Reading her stance, she charged foreword, unleashing the next AoE attack in her sequence. With a somewhat-tipsy pirouette, Elora carried her weight forward, then plunged her spear into the abdomen of the beast. The serrated blade of her spear carved through Wushen's scales like butter on a hot knife. Or maybe, was it the other way around?

For what felt like an average attack, Elora was surprised to see that it had done more damage than any previous. "Guess I've been saving the best for last", she joked through a sequence of staggered steps. It was always her nature to save face during moments like this, times when vulnerability rose to the surface, threatened to cannibalize what little self-worth she'd scavenged together over the previous days, months, years. "And next round -- I'm gonna kill this motherfucker!" She needed to put up shields and prove to them that she was impenetrable. If she didn't, who knows what they would say, what they would do. Any fissure of weakness could be pried open just like the scales of their serpentine friend. 

Blurry vision framed the battlefield like a watery vignette. She raised a rattled hand and smeared it across her eyes just in time to regard the oncoming retribution. Wushen, still giant, but exponentially more pissed, had finally come to rest his sights on her.

Just. Her.

A heavy heave caught in her throat as she stood, clutching her spear like some sort of pathetic toy soldier. Ohhh...fuck me..., her mind immediately rebounded from its previous standoffishness. Sensations of searing flesh returned to her conscious, twisting up her skin and causing all of her hairs to stand on end. Try as she might, her fear of being targeted again had begun to overwhelm her.

So, there she was, communing with judgement through an unbreakable stare of terror. Rather than running, she felt completely immobilized in her position. There was no where to run. No, this was her role -- You fucked up. This is what you deserve.

"I don't think I've got much more in me, guys...", she quietly admitted in leu of her fate,  I'm sorry to leave you all hanging like this..."

***

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

ID#217921 | BD 8+8=16 Hit | DMG: 18*35=630 - 35 MIT = 595 DMG to Wushen

Blight and Static applied to Wushen! CD 11, ST-B unlocked for next round!

ID# 217922| CD6 Failed recovery check, Elora recovers +4 EN passively

(8) Freyd |  HP: 1334[250]/1334 | EN: 121/150 | 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[250]/1104 | EN: 104/104 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 182 | ACC: 2 | BH: 55 | REC: 8 | THRN: 76 | MENDING: 2 | HB: 44 | LD: 5 | DOTE: 1/3
(8) Katoka | HP: 668[250]/720 | EN: 63/106  | DMG: 28 | MIT: 98 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7(8/AA) | BH: 31 | REC: 8 | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | STK: 40 | HELL: 80
(8) Morningstar | HP: 844[250]/851  | EN: 44/106 | DMG: 28 | MIT: 142 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 6(7/AA) | BH: 18 | STK: 40 | FRB: 40(-1) | VO: 140 | HELL: 80 | LD: 6
(11) Elora | HP: 700[250]/700 | EN: 17/104(+4)(-18) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 98 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7(8/AA) | BH: 35 | REC: 8 | FLN: 8 | BLGT: 32 | STK: 40 | LD: 3
(7) Tricolor_Mina | HP: 720[250]/720 | EN: 24/106 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 78 | ACC: 7 | BLGT: 32 | BRN: 56 | FRB: 40(-1) | V.D.: 72 | TXC.: 32

Wushen, Elemental Warlord | HP: ????/???? | DMG: 200 | MITI: 35 75 | ACC: 4(+3) | EVA: 0 | Shatter 2 [2/3] | FOCUSED [1/2]

Elora seemed to brighten as the intricate wine glasses materialized in front of them. Eager to get to drinking, she poured herself a portion of the wine and brought it to her lips. It was such a pleasant taste to return to. Shame it doesn't get me drunk, nagged a passing thought. She could only hope that good company would elicit the same effect. 

"...We're here to eat and chat about things, not talk about murder~", percieved Elora as her focus returned to the conversation at hand.

Ironic that she just killed a crab, her mind seemed to refute. 

"...And murder, really?", Freyd soon teased, "A bit gauche for the dinner table, no?...Whatever else she does on the side is not for tonight's table..."

Oh -- that kind of work?, she found herself musing between sips of wine, I guess that makes sense. Plenty of people around here do that, especially at 'The Fur and Tackle'. Speculation was suddenly cut short at the sight of Mina slashing toward her brother with the better end of a knife. Doesn't she know that could make her go orange?! , worried Elora as sights shifted to Freyd in anticipation of a reaction. He seemed surprisingly nonchalant about it all -- had she just missed the joke? I guess, that was a long time ago, she reasoned with an unpleasant memory of the time they'd battled Nepents.

“What’s his deal anyway?  He’s about as moody as they Jon fellow was.  Are all of the Arbiters this grouchy?”, her partner instead chose to comment on.

Why not just ask him?, she wanted to challenge, but the conversation continued. The guy seemed fine enough, just like he didn't enjoy rubbing elbows with strangers. It struck her as rather petty to whisper about that behind his back. In spite of her objection, she continued through the motions. Another sip of drink followed the delegation of her meal. In following suit of the others' platings, Elora added rice, then stew to her personal dish. They really like their rice, she determined, What a strange thing to have with stew...I guess it's worth a try -- Before long, the chatty duo lead the way to a decently-sized dining table. Elora attempted the precarious act of pulling out a chair while maintaining the contents of her bowl. The awkward success left her cautiously descending, then scooting in to her place. 

"...The other order of business, would be chatting about this young lady right here~", Mina continued after rattling through the itinerary, "And me trying to puzzle out just what about her caught your fancy, other than how pretty she is of course!"

Why does she keep talking about me like I'm not here?, Elora found herself ruminating through spoonfulls of broth. The vegetables were, realistically, the approximate temperature of molten lava.

"...After we do that, Elora and I can teach you how to cook something nice."

"Oh --?", was all she managed to utter before Freyd took the floor again.

“Elora and I met by accident, as I recall, while she was undertaking the tutorial quests for the first time.  It turned into quite an adventure, and then more followed.  We’ve gone through quite a lot together.” 

Determined bites mellowed into wistful stirs as she recounted some of their earlier adventures together. When they had first met, she was sure that Freyd and Kiluia were trying to rope her into a cult. She had, ultimately, decided to join Firm Anima, so maybe the suspicion was true. There wasn't really a time or a place that she remembered developing feelings for him. It had all seemed to come so naturally. Well, aside from Katoka. Katoka had definitely schemed to put the two of them together like some sort of edo-period Cupid.

Elora's fingers curled around his in turn. Of course, she continued scooping away at her stew like the two of them weren't just holding hands beneath the table. If Mina didn't notice, then there was no reason to give it away.

"Please, before we begin, allow me to thank you for the invitation and hospitality.", Freyd began, "I'm also going to apologize in advance for the many feet that I will unintentionally force-feed into my mouth this evening.  I'm really not very good at this sort of thing."

"Yes, thank you ", she finally spoke up, "And, yeah, same --"

***

Vanity tags:

@Kiluia Seiko @Katoka

A blush found its way onto her face in response to Mina's compliments. "Thanks", she smiled in a shy withdrawal. This woman was certainly chatty, and significantly more upbeat than she had expected. At least that meant she'd be easy to converse with. Honestly, she was surprised that Freyd could get along with her so well. Shuffling closer to the dishes, Elora suddenly seemed to perk up, "Oh! I love quail stew! It's been so long since I've had it -- and never with wild rice." She listened attentively as their host recalled her process between careful stirs of the pot. "That sounds like a lot of work.", Elora admitted as she imagined scenes of a nimble Mina chasing down and strangling the little creatures before sending them into a giant cauldron. It was a little bit morbid, but also kind of cool. "At least the game probably makes things a bit easier.", she concluded more optomistically.

"Rosa?"

Elora's ears perked up as she turned to acknowledge Freyd.

"I've... heard about her specialties." 

Oh, another player. Maybe an NPC? , she'd be disappointed to find the conversation was dropped as soon as it'd been introduced. As Freyd carried on with a different subject, she spared a few moments to investigate the other ingredients. Each counter was speckled with various spices, vegetables, and...crabs? Sure enough, a slough of tiny, scuttling crustaceans were making a break for one of the opposing ledges. "You've -- got a crabs problem --!", Elora blurted out as she struggled to catch each falling shell as it plummeted over the meter-long drop. Thankfully, their holding cell wasn't far, and she was able to dump the determined dinner back into the basket before it started pinching her.

"So, you wanted to teach me a bit about normalcy?", Freyd asked in spite of the incident, "I admittedly have no idea what that means, but I'm curious.  Where do we start?"

"Probably here", the still-scattered elf answered with the pop of his party favor. "I guess we'll need some glasses --", she suggested once she realized they'd be sharing the beverage.

Another head..., sighed Elora, How many more are there gonna be? She did her best to straighten her stance, recenter her wavering focus. The rest of her team seemed to be handling it well. She spared a moment to glance at each of them. Freyd was stalling for something, Hirru was doing his best to keep everyone alive, the rest of them were relentless in their attacks. They were back to beating on an apparition that didn't have a health bar. "Is this thing gonna die already, or what?", she spat in frustration. Hell, even when she had been able to see the boss's stats, the progress felt slow. It didn't matter how much energy she put behind her swings, the damage was negligible. Was she really contributing to this fight? You're the weakest member of the team..., her conscious was quick to remind, Gotta do more...

Again, she stabbed at Wushen -- Serration -- whatever it was. Her spear made contact with the thing's golden scales, slicing them open to unleash a spray of reflective pixels. The chime denoting a critical attack did little to alleviate her encroaching doubts.

***

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

ID#217523 | BD 10+8=18 Critical Hit | DMG: 15*28=420 - 75 MIT = 345 DMG to Serration

ID# 217522 | CD6 Failed recovery check, Elora recovers +4 EN passively

(8) Freyd |  HP: 1334/1334 | EN: 118/150 | 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: 1/3
(0) Hirru | HP: 1104/1104 | EN: 103/104 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 182 | ACC: 2 | BH: 55 | REC: 8 | THRN: 76 | MENDING: 2 | HB: 44 | LD: 5 | DOTE: 1/3
(8) Katoka | HP: 668/720 (637+31) | EN: 63/106 (+4) (-15) | DMG: 28 | MIT: 98 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7(8/AA) | BH: 31 | REC: 8 | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | STK: 40 | HELL: 80
(7) Morningstar | HP: 844/851  | EN: 50/106  | DMG: 28 | MIT: 142 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 6(7/AA) | BH: 18 | STK: 40 | FRB: 40(-1) | VO: 140 | HELL: 80 | LD: 6
(9) Elora | HP: 700/700 | EN: 31/104 (+4)(-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: 720/720 | EN: 43/106 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 78 | ACC: 7 | BLGT: 32 | BRN: 56 | FRB: 40(-1) | V.D.: 72 | TXC.: 32

Blight and Static applied to Serration

Serration | HP: 1146/2000 | DMG: 250 | MITI: 75 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 0 | Shatter [-20] | FOCUSED [1/2] (2000-509)

An exceptionally-determined hop was just what the elven player had needed to interlace her fingers between the fibrous netting of a looming mangrove. Dangling mere feet above the ground, Elora swung her legs until the moss finally ripped free from its host. She quickly plunged into the murky slosh below. With a panicked crawl, she was back onto moist land. "All this for a stupid ingredient -- you better cure BURN, you glorified vine!", she spat as she rose to her feet. A timely alert called attention to her interface. Eyes sparkled as she swooned at the scenery before her. Here? No way -- he's totally messing with us. Well, jokes on him, I'm already ON Floor 12!, she snickered at the thought, The pin says he's close by, so this should be an easy hike. Elora spared a moment to scan the misty mire around her, I wonder -- maybe he was that alligator I thought I heard earlier...Regarding herself, she let out a sigh, Eh, whatever. I look pretty nasty, so might as well change out now. A passing thought reaffirmed that decision. Yeaaah, if this place really does exist, I probably shouldn't hold off to change directly in front of him. Kat might get there before me, and besides, I don't think we're on that base yet.

After a slough of gestures, she was out of her soiled adventure's gear and into the synched fit of a complicated one-piece, tankini? She'd never bother with such a contraption in the real world. Swimming was meant to be done in its simplicity -- everything on, or nothing on. It was just so much easier that way. Hooking her thumbs beneath the straps, she slid each around until it adjusted into a snug, yet flattering hold. That'll have to do. She could have sworn that the skimpier the attire became in SAO, the larger her breasts appeared. It lead her to wonder whether male clothing faced a similar dilemma. Banishing the ensuing imagery from her mind, Elora was on her way to the rendezvous point.

Mistakes had been made. The coordinates that had been shared with her were remarkably deceptive. Sure, they were nearby, just at the exact top of a sheer, impassible, vertical incline. Who needed a vacation when she could just scale Mount Fucking Everest itself to take a load off? Boy, if she had any energy left by the end of this climb, she swore she would ring his neck. We've earned some 'down time'? Who is he to decide?, she found her frustrations spiraling with each slipping foothold. Admittedly, it was all a bit contrived. Ever since they'd met, Elora was sure that Freyd had been stronger than her. Still, there were many times where she had felt she was his equal. Especially now that her and Kat were Frontliners, was all this team captain stuff really so necessary? Finally, hauling herself over a sizeable outcropping, she spared a few seconds to rest. Even Kat now -- she's becoming stronger than me...am I just...not able to keep up...? A dull thrum through her chest told her it was time to move on.

A sharp inhalation sucked in enough of her ethereal gut to sidle through the crack in the rockface. Elora temporarily relaxed in the cool air, then recoiled at the sound something slithering off to her side. Before she knew it, she had bolted, then slipped out into the rays of seaside sunlight. The air around her swirled into a muggy, salty stew. Dry lips lapped sprays of ocean waves, carried by an ever-present tropical breeze.

Distinguishing dots on the rippling horizon as her dearest friends, Elora made haste to meet them. Freyd -- was he not -- even wearing a swimsuit?! Don't tell me -- there's no way he just swims in that?!, a nagging voice argued to recall, "Everything or nothing"

She turned a pouting gaze toward Kat. What a sight for sore eyes! Her adorable blonde friend was wearing the cutest, most flattering swimsuit imaginable. "KAT!", she squealed with uncharacteristic adoration, "Oh my gosh! Your swimsuit is so cute! Where did you get it? Was it custom made?" This must be what having close female friends was like.

***

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

"Mina's a good egg and means well.  She's had her own share of troubles, in this world and before it.  I should warn you: she's been scarred by them, physically and emotionally.  She may wear a mask, depending on her level of comfort, and can be understandably sensitive about it, so be warned. You two will probably get along quite well as long as you both pick on me, so feel free to run with that." 

That seemed like a weird distinction to make, but she figured it made a bit of sense. She knew Freyd, Mina knew Freyd, -- he'd serve as a good buffer for both of them. Elora would consider herself to be somewhat of a socialite, at least, in situations where everyone was a stranger. Tonight felt different. Maybe it was being forewarned of Mina's especially dicey history, maybe it was because she was already a friend of Freyd's. Either way, she didn't want to sour her first impression. It was important that she got along with the people Freyd wanted her to meet. Nodding in agreement, Elora determined to make this work.

"Mina has it in her head to keep Rai and I from getting ourselves killed or dealing ourselves further psychological damage.  I have no idea where she got the notion, of course." 

"Probably from seeing you pass out before the start of every raid --", she offered in a half-serious tone.

Elora allowed herself to slip behind Freyd as he entered the home. It would be easier for him to handle the introductions. In the meantime, her eyes followed Persi into the rafters as the shadowy familiar claimed her new roost. The house was huge, but also welcoming. Each towering corridor seemed tidy, though dotted with various decorations that Elora couldn't quite distinguish. Her attention was drawn to the kitchen, abuzz with sounds, and saturated with the enticing scents of various spices. She couldn't recall the last time she had --

"Welcome to the Leblanc Chateau~"

Her mind snapped back to the present -- Before she knew it, they were being greeted by the bubbliest, pinkest-haired woman she had ever seen. Was this supposed to be Mina? Ever so slightly, she inched her way out from behind Freyd's shoulder until, "You must be Elora! Takeshi-kun told me about you~"

"Yeah, hi--", she confirmed coyly.

"I can't wait to learn more about you over the time old tradition of cooking with friends~! Oh, and don't mind Akame, she doesn't bite. She's just a curious lil' lady~"

Akame?, her eyes darted to the boy in the corner of the room, then to the dragon, then back to--

"Pretend like I don't exist.", the quiet player soon addressed her, "Not all that big on talking, just here to watch."

Elora simply nodded in understanding. Honestly, she envied him a bit for his earnest cop-out. Why did he come then if he's such a wallflower...unless... She spared a glance at Mina, who was busy accepting Freyd's contributions to their meal. Are they...related somehow...? It seemed strange to consider. They looked and acted nothing alike. Figuring it rude to ask, Elora floundered in search of something else to break the ice. "The food smells really good --", she piped up with her best impression at inoffensive small talk, "What did you make, exactly?"

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!!"