Katoka

"Spoke too soon!" the small samurai yelled as the dungeon boss formed behind her like a flesh tornado.

Sheathing her sword she dove into a roll out of the way as Freyd rushed in and delivered a devastating blow to the consolidated mass of decay. The hulking beast smashed into the nearby wall with a sickening crunch and splat of coagulated mess. While Katoka watched she was already readying her next attack, her body shifting almost on it's own into the perfect stance. She could feel the electricity gathering in the air, crackling and gathering into a single area.

Opening her eyes she drew lunched forward, drawing her sword as thunder rumbled in the sky. Her blade gave off the brilliant light of a charged sword art as she vanished once again from sight for the blink of an eye. When she appeared again there was a clap of thunder and she was already standing in front of the Corpse Horror, her katana outstretched from the attack. Her enemy now had an enormous slash cross it's body, exposing the red wireframe of it's insides.

For a moment there was silence, but it was broken shortly after as a bolt of lightning stuck the zombified creature, incinerating what was left of it into a charred mass on the stone floor. Katoka returned her weapon to it's saya and turned to face Freyd, her face was hard but not angry. This was the power of a frontliner, the strength of someone that was no longer terrified of leaving her home, but instead ready to face what this world threw at her with everything she had.

----

Katoka regains +7 EN
CD 8 (REC proc) ID #213783

Post Action | [x20] ST-B (20 EN +2 ST Shift)  - (Rested 2/2; Stamina) = 19 EN
Free Action | N/A

ID# 213752 | BD 10+8+1=19 CRITITCAL HIT! | DMG (20*28=560-160 MIT=400) + Static 40 (2 turns) + Blight 32 (2 turns) = 472 DMG to Corpse Horror

(3) Freyd | HP: 1311/1311 | EN: 63/148  | DMG: 26 | MIT: 163 | EVA: 4 (-1) | ACC: 7 | BH: 71 | LD: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | TXV 32 | REC: 8 | Para.Imm.
   (Rested (1/2), AoE Shift, TROLL, ST-B unlocked), VANISHED
(2) Katoka | HP: 828/828 | EN: 45/106 (57+7-19) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 138 | EVA: 5 | ACC: 8 | BH: 33 | AA | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | REC: 3 | STK: 40
   (Rested (2/2), ST Shift, ST-B unlocked)

Corpse Horror | HP: 432/2000 | DMG: 360 | MIT: 160 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 (432-472)
   Critical (MD 9): Deals (400) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (240) DMG to every other player.
   Critical (MD 10): Deals (440) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (340) DMG to every other player.

Loot:

Corpse Horror: ID# 213785 | LD: 7 | CD: 3

| Base Col: 2000*3+5% col stash= 6300
| CD Bonus: 2 Materials
| LD Bonus: 4000 col
| Loot Table: T4 Rare Trinket (1), Additional Col (2000)

Total:
+ 12,300 col
+ 2 Materials
+ T4 Rare Trinket (1)

7/22/23

Final Results: +34 exp, -6 Materials, T7 Uncommon Potions (1), T7 Rare Potions (1)

A smile pulled on her lips, this was her specialty after all.

Katoka adjusted her stance and her sword gave off a yellow light this time. Dashing forwards she let out a yell, drawing the amalgams attention to her. Her sword striking it at the knee and severing it's leg from it's body. The decaying creature began to fall in her direction, but she wasn't finished. She had held her sword art after the first hit in preparation for it's towering from to fall. In a fluid motion she let the system continue with the attack, a yellow light flashing as she cut her enemy into smaller chunks.

After a moment the creature once again ruptured into fine fractals of light.

"Well, I suppose that's that huh?" she shot a grin to Freyd as she placed a hand on her hip. "I thought this was supposed to be a little harder. Did you use the wrong dungeon map?"

----

Katoka regains +4 EN
CD 6 (No REC proc) ID #213751

Post Action | [x12] ST-I (12 EN +2 ST Shift) 14 - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 11 EN
Free Action | N/A

ID# 213752 | BD 7+8+1=16 HIT! DMG (12*26=312) 312 DMG to Corpse Amalgam #2 | CD 9 ST-B unlocked

(5,4) Freyd | HP: 1311/1311 | EN: 68/148 (83+4-14-5) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 163 | EVA: 4 (-1) | ACC: 7+AA | BH: 71 | LD: 8 | STK: 40/2 | BLGT: 32/2 | TXV 32/3 | PVO | REC: 8 | Para.Imm.
   (Rested (1/2), AoE Shift, TROLL, ST-B unlocked), VANISHED
(2,1) Katoka | HP: 828/828 | EN: 57/106 (64+4-11) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 138 | EVA: 5 | ACC: 8 | BH: 33 | AA | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | REC: 3 | STK: 40
   (Rested (1/2), ST Shift, ST-B unlocked)

Corpse Amalgam #1 | HP: 0/700  | DMG: 280 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1 | Blight (1/2) 32 DMG | Static (1/2) 40 DMG
Corpse Amalgam #2 | HP: 74/700 | DMG: 280 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1  (312-74)

Loot:

Corpse Amalgam #2: ID# 213753 | LD: 6 | CD: 5

| Base Col: 700*3+5% col stash= 2205
| CD Bonus: 2 Materials
| LD Bonus: 1400 col
| Loot Table: T4 Rare Trinket (1), Additional Col (700)

Total:
+ 4305 col
+ 2 Materials
+ T4 Rare Trinket (1)

Double checking the flyer in her hand, Katoka looked up once again at the building in front of her. She had passed it before in her times on the first floor but never made an attempt to go inside for one reason or another, there were so many shops and various buildings here in the Town of Beginnings after all. Putting the piece of paper away she fussed with her hair slightly, something she did on occasion when she was nervous, before opening the door and entering. Following the voices of conversation the samurai made her way into the room and found a spot in the back where she could attempt to see everyone while staying ever so slightly out of sight. This was her first floor boss meeting after all, and she wasn't familiar with most of the faces in the room.

One person did catch her eye, the cowled and perpetually shadowed Freyd, her friend and guildmate. She tried to catch his eye and gave him a meek wave as she stood nervously in the sea of unfamiliar people. "So these are the frontliners huh?" she thought to her self. They certainly were all a unique group of individuals.

When a girl in a track suit gave a run down of what information was gathered about the boss Kat listened intently. Opening a text window she began to take a few notes that she could reference in the future, just in case. Once the presentation was over a few people began to share a few of their theories on strategies and such. The small blonde looked around the room at each of them, making sure to soak up as much information as she could. She wasn't confident enough in herself to come up with anything worthwhile, but she wanted to listen to each of them just in case something did come to mind.

----

Katoka | HP: 720/720 | EN: 106/106 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 78 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | BH: 31 | AA | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | REC: 3 | STK: 40

"Now is coming!" Katoka yelled as she charged her next sword art. Her blade gave off a light blue light as she tensed her legs, the ground cracked beneath her as she kicked off the ground and disappeared once again. Appearing in the air behind the first monstrosity she swung her sword, cutting into it's back and exposing the red wireframe of it's body. Electricity arced from it's body, striking it's companion and singing it's flesh.

The samurai's eyes flashed to her second enemy as she landed on the floor. With another flash step she was by the second amalgamation, lading a blow to it's side, though this one not as forceful as the first. Kat retreated ever so slightly from their foes to survey her handywork; it wasn't as much damage as she would have liked to have done, but it would do.

"You're up blue eyes!" she called to Freyd, assuming her next stance in case he didn't finish them off.

----

Katoka regains +4 EN
CD 1 (No REC proc) ID #213540

Post Action | [x14] AOE-II (14 + 4) 18 EN - (Rested 2/2; Stamina) = 15
Free Action | N/A

ID# 213541 | BD 10+8+1= 19 CITICAL HIT! DMG (14*28=392-120=272) = 272 DMG to Corpse Amalgam #1 (Blight Proc 2/2) (Static Proc 2/2)
ID# 213542 | BD 3+8+1= 12 HIT! DMG (14*26=364-120=244) + (24 Static Transfer Damage) = 268 DMG to Corpse Amalgam #2

Corpse Amalgam #1 can not act due to PVO. Corpse Amalgam #1 takes 32 Blight DMG and 40 Static DMG.
Corpse Amalgam #2 can not act due to PVO.

(2,2) Freyd | HP: 1311/1311 | EN: 83/148 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 163 | EVA: 4 (-1) | ACC: 7+AA | BH: 71 | LD: 8 | STK: 40/2 | BLGT: 32/2 | TXV 32/3 | PVO | REC: 8 | Para.Imm.
   (Rested (1/2), AoE Shift, TROLL, ST-B unlocked)
(2,1) Katoka | HP: 828/828 (803+33) | EN: 64/106 (75+4-15) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 138 | EVA: 5 | ACC: 8 | BH: 33 | AA | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | REC: 3 | STK: 40
   (Rested (1/2), ST Shift, ST-B locked)

Corpse Amalgam #1 | HP: 268/700 (612-344) | DMG: 280 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1 (0) | Blight (1/2) 32 DMG | Static (1/2) 40 DMG
Corpse Amalgam #2 | HP: 344/700 (612-268) | DMG: 280 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1 (0) 

(Note: Forgot to label Corpse Amalgam #1 as #1 in roll ID# 213541)
(Additional Note: Roll IDs 213547 and 213548 invalid due to enemies being paralyzed)

7/20/23

Final Results: 34 exp, -6 Materials, T6 Uncommon Potions (2), T6 Rare Potions (5)

Level up! Rank 7 reached!

7/19/23

Final Results: 31 exp, -5 materials, T6 Uncommon Potions (3), T6 Rare Potions (2)

Katoka blushed in embarrassment and pouted, "Shut up! I didn't think to hit them all ok?" She leapt back and crouched down into a lower stance, her sword glowing from the sword art she back to charge. She let the system tell her when to move, her weapon buzzing ever so slightly in her hand. A fraction of a second later her body disappeared leaving a fading afterimage of her small frame, then reappeared next to the second Royal Guard as her sword stuck like a bolt of lightning piercing it's chest. She tore the blade upwards to the right, cutting a large gash from it's chest as her sword exited from it's shoulder. The samurai almost seemed to teleport to each enemy, cutting and slashing in similar motions on all three in the blink of an eye. The sound of her movement caught up once again like a clap of thunder as she concluded her onslaught of their enemies.

"I also didn't want to have to do that and leave you with nothing to do." she grinned at Freyd as the zombies twitched, black ichor oozing from their wounds that seemed to spark with flecks of electricity. Katoka swung her sword to her right, flinging any rotten blood that might have remained on her blade to the ground where after a moment it broke into wire mesh fragments and dissipated. The guards remained upright for a few moments as electricity snapped and crackled, jumping back and forth between them before they all collapsed to he ground in a heap before shattering into broken pieces.

"Oops, I didn't leave any for you." she cast wicked grin towards her friend.

----

Katoka regains +4 EN
CD 3 (No REC Proc) ID# 213378

Post Action | AOE-I (x11, 9 EN + 2/hit): 15 EN.  
Free Action | N/A

ID# 213374 | BD 10+8+1=19 CRITICAL HIT! DMG (11*28-60=248) = 248 + (24*2=48 Static) = 296 DMG to Zombified Royal Guard #2 | PVO, Blight, Static Activated
ID# 213375 | BD 9+8+1=18 CRITICAL HIT! DMG (11*27-60=237) = 237 + (24*2=48 Static) = 285 DMG to Zombified Royal Guard #3 | PVO, Blight, Static Activated
ID# 213376 | BD 10+8+1=19 CIRITICAL HIT! DMG (11*28-60=248) = 248 + (24*2=48 Static) = 296 DMG to Zombified Royal Guard #4 | PVO, Blight, Static Activated

(2,2,2) Freyd | HP: 1311/1311 | EN: 88/148 (102-14) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 163 | EVA: 4 (-1) | ACC: 7+AA | BH: 71 | LD: 8 | STK: 40/2 | BLGT: 32/2 | TXV 32/3 | PVO | REC: 8 | Para.Imm.
   (Rested (1/2), AoE Shift, TROLL, ST-B unlocked)
(2,2,2) Katoka | HP: 803/828 (770+33) | EN: 75/106 (86+4-15) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 138 | EVA: 5 | ACC: 8 | BH: 33 | AA | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | REC: 3 | STK: 40
   (Rested (0/2), ST Shift, ST-B locked)

Zombified Royal Guard #1 | HP: 0/400 | DMG: 180 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 | STUN.IMM (1/3)
Zombified Royal Guard #2 | HP: 0/400 | DMG: 180 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 (0) | STUN.IMM (1/3) | Blight (2/2) 32 DMG | Static (2/2) 40 DMG | Paralyzed (1/1) (252-296)
Zombified Royal Guard #3 | HP: 0/400 | DMG: 180 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 | STUN.IMM (1/3) | Blight (2/2) 32 DMG | Static (2/2) 40 DMG | Paralyzed (1/1) (252-285)
Zombified Royal Guard #4 | HP: 0/400 | DMG: 180 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 | STUN.IMM (1/3) | Blight (2/2) 32 DMG | Static (2/2) 40 DMG | Paralyzed (1/1) (252-296)

Loot:

Zombified Royal Guard #2: ID# 213420 | LD: 12 | CD: 1

| Base Col: 400*3+5% col stash= 1260
| CD Bonus: 2 Materials
| LD Bonus: 400*2= 800 col
| Loot Table: Rare Trinket (1) 213420a

Zombified Royal Guard #3: ID# 213421 | LD: 16 | CD: 4

| Base Col: 400*3+5% col stash= 1260
| CD Bonus: 400*2= 800 col
| LD Bonus: 2 Materials
| Loot Table: T4 Rare Consumable (1) 213421a, T4 Rare Weapon (1) 213421b

Zombified Royal Guard #4: ID# 213422 | LD: 13 | CD: 1

| Base Col: 400*3+5% col stash= 1260
| CD Bonus: 2 Materials
| LD Bonus: 2 Materials
| Loot Table: Rare Trinket (1) 213422a

Total:
+ 5380 col
+ 8 Materials
+ T4 Rare Trinket (2)
+ T4 Rare Consumable (1)
+ T4 Rare  Weapon (1)

"Katoka, you have the heart of a lion.  You've always been ready."

This caught her off guard for a split second. Freyd tended to be genuine when the time was right, and this was definitely one of those times. "A pint-sized lion, at least."

"That's it, I'm going taser on you." She grinned as sparks jumped between her fingers. She decided instead to give him a light elbow to the ribs that she knew he was prepared for, she appreciated his first comment and figured she'd save the zapping for a later time.

She wasn't surprised at his comment of ridiculous grinding on this floor. She knew that Freyd had to get strong doing something in his free time, and she knew it wasn't just fishing. As the ruins shifted before her she was intrigued at the intricacy of how the alleyway opened, but that thought was lost as she heard the screams echoing down the hallway. Her body reacted before the rest of her caught up as she rocketed down the path after Freyd and Persi, it seemed like there wasn't mush time to waste.

This proved to be more true than she realized as they rounded a corner and were met with the source of the screaming, three NPCs being herded into a corner by four ornately armored zombies. "Let's get this party started shall we?" the samurai said as she drew her blade and dove into action. Sliding on her feet to a stop she attacked the first Royal Guard with an upward slash from hip to shoulder, diverting it's attention from a terrified woman.

----

Post Action | [x12] ST-I (12 EN +2 ST Shift) 14 - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 11 EN
Free Action | N/A

ID# 213331 | BD: 1+8+1-1=9 HIT | DMG: (15*26=390) 390-60= 330 DMG to Zombified Royal Guard #1

(0) Freyd | HP: 1311/1311 | EN: 102/148 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 163 | EVA: 4 (-1) | ACC: 7 | BH: 71 | LD: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | TXV 32 | REC: 8 | Para.Imm.
   (Rested (2/2), AoE Shift, TROLL, ST-B locked)
(1) Katoka | HP: 770/828 | EN: 86/106 (97-11) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 138 | EVA: 5 | ACC: 8 | BH: 31 | AA | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | REC: 3 | STK: 40
   (Rested (1/2), ST Shift, ST-B locked)

Zombified Royal Guard #1 | HP: 70 | DMG: 180 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1
Zombified Royal Guard #2 | HP: 400 | DMG: 180 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1
Zombified Royal Guard #3 | HP: 400 | DMG: 180 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1
Zombified Royal Guard #4 | HP: 400 | DMG: 180 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1

"When the heck did that happen?"

"When had that happened?" she thought to herself. It seemed like not long ago that they had been small and vulnerable, now she could take a decent hit from a big quest boss with little trouble. "I guess times are changing. Maybe with a few more items and skills I could actually take a step out onto the frontlines." she patted Freyd on the shoulder, "Unless you think I'd take some of he spotlight away from you regulars." she grinned at him.

This trip was something she needed, it gave her back that bit of confidence she was missing. Was it really that far fetched for her to be on the frontlines? Her weapon certainly felt top of the line. Her armor and trinket could use a bit of an upgrade for sure. "It can't hurt to hit a dungeon, I could use the loot. I've been in need of an upgrade since the update." she had relied on her guildmates to craft and supply her with gear. It was high time she did something with the backlog of unidentified items she had stuffed away in her inventory. The samurai wouldn't admit it, but she had a bit of a hoarding problem.

It was over in an instant, but in that instant she could see every detail as if it was in slow motion. Katoka wasn't sure what shocked her the most, seeing Freyd absolutely obliterate an enemy with a single hit, or when the sound in the room seemed to return after the fact. It was definitely the sound, she always knew he was strong. Seeing her hooded friend react that way after she was hurt made her feel safe, and Freyd was always good about making those he cared about feel that way.

After a moment of blinking dumbfounded at the hole in the wall, Katoka looked around the room at what was left of the chambers. "Holy-- I-- Freyd what the hell did you hit him with?!" she managed to choke out. "That was absolutely insane! There isn't even a smear on the floor, you atomized him!" After another second she started laughing hysterically, "D-Did you see the look on his face? He didn't even know what him!" She stopped and laughed again at the accidental pun she made, laughing so hard that she had to sit down to catch her breath.

Wiping the tears from her eyes she glanced at her health bas as her battle healing added hit points back to her bar. "I know I took a decent hit, but I was ok you know." she looked up at Freyd and smiled, "But I appreciate your gallant response to such a rude attack." Standing up she brushed the dust and dirt from herself and put her hands on her hips as she looked through the hole in the side of the building and into the caves filled with various glowing fungi. "Well, I guess we can start heading back?"

7/16/23

Final Results: 30 exp, -6 materials, T6 Uncommon Potions (4), T6 Rare Potions (1)

It took very little effort to reach a respectable speed in order to avoid an unneeded attention in the crumbling ruins of the necropolis. By the time she had reached the inner chamber of the structure she managed to make out the crawling figure of her fellow guild member on the ceiling, albeit that was only because they were in a party together so she could see a faint outline of the cursor above his head. Within a millisecond of her entering the room she watched Freyd launch himself like a void driven rocket into the now rising figure of the Forgotten Time King. There was an explosion of dust, rubble, and other various debris from the attack.

"Nice job, now it's my turn." the samurai mused as the thumb of her left hand pushed her weapon from it's saya, her right hand snapping to the tsuka with purpose. Electricity crackle and snapped around her body just before she planted one last step. With a flash she was now behind the king, the smell of ozone filling the air just before the boom of thunder echoed through the chambers. Katoka's weapon was held in both of her hands now, small tendrils of electricity snapping out as if they were hungry snakes.

FTK twitched slightly, as if stunned for a moment before he turned and struck at Katoka viciously with his spear. She let out a yelp of pain as she was struck across the back, the action sending her tumbling to the ground. With a fluid motion she tucked into a roll before springing to her feet, now facing her opponent. "A rookie movie," she said wincing in pain, "I should have never turned my back on you. Forgive me your highness, I'm a bit rusty."

Looking to Freyd she nodded, signaling to him that it was his turn.

----

Post Action | [x12] ST-I (12 EN +2 ST Shift) 14 - (Rested 2/2; Stamina) = 11 EN
Free Action | N/A

ID# 213179 | BD: 10+8+1=19 CRITICAL HIT! DMG (15*28=420-100 mit=320) + Static 40 (2 turns) + Blight 32 (2 turns) = 392 DMG to FTK
CD 11 | ST-B Unlocked

----

FTK | ID# 213180 | BD: 9+3= 12 CRITICAL HIT! DMG (275+1= 276-138= 138 DMG) to Katoka

(2) Freyd | HP: 1311/1311 | EN: 127/148 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 163 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | BH: 71 | LD: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | TXV 32 | REC: 8 | Para.Imm.
   (Rested (1/2), AoE Shift, TROLL, ST-B unlocked)
(2) Katoka | HP: 690/828 | EN: 95/106 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 138 | EVA: 5 | ACC: 8 | BH: 31 | AA | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | REC: 3 | STK: 40
   (Rested (1/2), ST Shift, ST-B unlocked)

FTK | HP: 1898/3000 | DMG: 275 | MIT: 100 | ACC: 3

The thought that not just her and her friends were affected by the intense urge to hide under the nearest rock both comforted her and scared her at the same time, "Do you think it's something to do with the game? Like another system effecting boss like the Shadow?" She instinctively grasped her weapon at the thought of something like the storm again, the falling debris nearby didn't help her nerves. Despite being the captain of the Assault Team, Kat was not immune to being startled by bad memories.

"I'm glad she's doing well, I'm sure she'd like to see you at some point though. She does enjoy your company for some reason." she grinned as she poked fun at him. Taking on a more serious tone she looked off at the distant crumbled city, "I think about the future a lot to be honest with you. Getting stronger, fighting on the front lines at some point, getting out of this digital prison, finding Sam and the rest of you outside of this. It weighs on me almost every day depending on what comes to mind first." she kicked a nearby rock letting it clunk and skitter across the cave floor, "What brings up this deep topic from you Freyd?"

She turned to look at him and watched his shadow fade, "Ah, of course. Shadow dork. Let's crunch this skull." The samurai began walking towards the Necropolis, her hand still resting upon the hilt of her sword.

Katoka blinked several times as she watched Freyd's explosive entrance. She was dumbfounded by the fact that she was still surprised at how comical he could be without really meaning to. Unless he did mean to, then he would be a true genius. "Nah, there's no way" she thought to herself. As her cowled friend whipped out a blanket and began laying out a spread of food she smiled and sat down reached out to scritch Persi under the chin. "It's good to see you both again. It's honestly been far too long." she said as her own familiar Hanami coiled out from her sleeve to sniff Persi and investigate the various foods.

"Sam is back home I believe," the blonde blushed as Freyd's gesture, "we spent most of the day together, but like most of Firm Anima we've just been kind of reclusive and doing our own thing lately." Picking up some of the food she began to eat, feeding a few pieces here and there to her familiar and petting her softly. "So how have you been? Other than grinding what have you been up to? How are you and Elora doing?" she peppered him with questions, the last one an attempt to see how her other friend was doing since she felt guilty for being as solitary as she had been.

Once they had consumed their body weight in food stuffs Kat stood and brushed herself off, then outstretched her hand so that Hanami could crawl back up her sleeve and resume her preferred place as a tattoo on her arm. "Well, shall we start towards the Necropolis?"

---

Katoka | HP: 828/828 | EN: 106/106 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 138 | EVA: 5 | ACC: 8 | BH: 31 | AA | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | REC: 3 | STK: 40

Katoka consumes:
Gugnir’s Shard (Untradeable/Unique/Reusable Consumable): Crème Brûlée Tray | ACC 2 | Feast (4/6) 
ID 178124-1 | Liquor of Light (Potion) | Damage 3 
ID 197166 | Red Velvet Meringue (Snack) | Evasion 2 - FILLED
ID 188373-2 | Divinity's Wait (Meal)| T4 Mitigation 3
ID 176999-2 | Divinity's Protection (Meal)| Over-Health 3

<<Betrayal of the King>>

Dark, damp, and eerily quiet. These were the feelings Katoka got whenever she was on the 21st floor. Then again she had only ever really been there once before with Sam, and she had been enough of a distraction that she didn't think too much about the odd caves. Now she was alone as she waited for her friend and guild mate to join her for a long over due quest. For the past few months it seemed like the members of Firm Anima became secluded and almost entirely disappeared from the public eye; now a few of them were resurfacing to continue their lives as usual.

The samurai would have been lying if she said she hadn't checked her friends and guild list to be sure everyone was still alive. Even though she couldn't bring herself to do much outside a few daily activities, she still cared about their wellbeing. After a lunch date with Sam and a conversation about gathering the courage to step back unto the battlefield, Kat sent a message to Freyd asking if he'd be willing to help her take down an undead king. After all, what better way to sanctify her return than to take down a tyrannical zombie monarch with a health pool four times as large as hers.

As per usual she did as much research as she could before teleporting here. She slipped into the guild hall without much in the way of resistance, though she wasn't sure why she thought she would in the first place. Combing over the various info the the library she took notes and checked other guild member testimony on the king. She added a few of her own as she remembered the brief encounter she had with him when the entire guild showed up to help Raidou finish the King off. She smirked as she recalled everyone showing up like they were in an action movie to deliver one liners and kick the boss's ass.

Snapping back to the present Katoka checked her gear one more time and closed her game menu. Crossing her arms she said aloud, "Honestly, doesn't he know that arriving early is more polite than arriving on time."

---

Katoka | HP: 720/720 | EN: 106/106 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 78 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 6 | BH: 31 | AA | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | REC: 3 | STK: 40

"I can't say I've ever been to the edge. It's kind of... Weird." she made disgusted face as she thought about it, "I don't think I could look over the edge. I feel like vertigo would kick in pretty heavy." 

Elora's playful elbow jab gave her a bit more reassurance. The samurai shook her head and looked around expectantly, "Right, dragon lair." She walked in a separate direction from her friends in an attempt to widen their search area. She looked under a fallen log, in a few bushes, and even around a few piles of stones that seemed to be prominent in the area.

"I don't suppose we know if were looking for hatchlings this time around?" Elora's voice rang from some rock slabs she was looking beneath.

Katoka looked up from the new bush she was in, a few leaves and sticks in her hair, "Freyd? We lookin' for big dragons or baby dragons?"

The blonde continued her investigation of the area, not really finding much other than more rocks and even more foliage. She groaned and attempted to kick a smaller rock in frustration, realizing afterward as her foot collided with the object and a recreation of pain shot up her leg that it was in fact buried deeper in the ground.

"Fffffu--" she cursed as she hopped on one foot in a dance of discomfort.

***

Searching for Fuzziel's Lair (ID #206351 | LD: 4 (FAIL) - attempt 3 of 5

"If anything happens I think we're all strong enough now to put up a fight. I don't plan on going down without taking anything with me."

Katoka observed their surroundings, the trio seemed to be getting close to the edge of the floor as Freyd had mentioned. Despite traveling around extensively as a lower level player, Kat was certain that she had never really been this close to the floor's edge as they were now. There was a fair amount of greenery and various mobs that could be aggroed in the distance, but they were far enough away that they didn't notice them.

"It's oddly quite out here." the samurai said aloud to her companions, "It's kind of... unsettling." she rubbed her arm nervously. She knew deep down that she was safe with Freyd and Elora with her, but she couldn't help but feel odd. She was used to at least seeing passing players or NPC's in certain areas that she travelled, out here there weren't even players farming.

"Are we in the right area? I don't see anyone around." her voice had a tinge of nervousness to it that she wasn't able to hide.

It was hard for Katoka not to laugh. The energy she felt when meeting up with Freyd and Elora again, it felt good. She watched her green haired friend get excited  over her new weapon. She watched as Freyd smiled genuinely at her delight. These were the moments that kept her going. What got her out of bed in the morning and made her look forward to her day.

"I'm not actually sure if it's in the same spot or not." Kat replied, "I think the entire quest line as changed. At least that's what I've heard through the grapevine. Do you know anything Freyd?"

After what seemed like years the three of them were back at the Dragon Hunter quest line. It made Katoka excited again. After taking a peak at the guild's information archive she was certain that the three of them wouldn't be shooting straight through the story as quickly as last time, then again Elora and Kat were both stronger than before. A small smile formed on her face as she remembered the dance offs, slips ups, and loony adventures from their past.

"Well? Shall we walk and talk gang?"

Kat continued to dry the dishes she was given as Sam spoke. She felt her heart sink as she said she wanted to continue to put the wedding on hold, but she understood at the same time. Katoka would rather the both of them have their affairs in order and not have other things on their mind. "I think I understand. Of course I trust you, you're one of the few that I do."

The samurai gave Sam a sad smile, "I won't lie, I am a bit sad that we're holding off again, but if you need time to get sorted I can wait as long as you need." Taking the dried dishes, Kat began to put them back in their places. "What do you say we have some," she checked the clock, "lunch? We can spend some more time together and just be in each other presence for a bit."

Katoka pulled a few items from he fridge and began to make something for the tow of them to eat. It had been far too long since they enjoyed a meal together and it didn't matter to her what they ate as long as they were together for as long as possible.

It wasn't often that Katoka got down to the first floor anymore. She walked slowly from the teleport gate towards Freyd's favorite meet up spot, near Marv the guard. She decided that she would take her time today and take in the sights of the various players and NPCs going about their business. It was always nice to see that despite being trapped in this virtual world, people could still live their lives as normally as possible.

Rounding a corner the samurai saw her two friends, the cowled Freyd and the green haired Elora, picking up various pieces of paper from the ground while balancing items on the poor guard nearby. "I take my time and don't arrive first and they decide to litter." she shook her head as a smile pulled at the corner of her lips, "Honestly Hanami, what am I going to do with the two of them?" Her familiar, a while furred dragon with sakura wood horns, curled out from around her neck and purred in her ear. 

"Yeah, we gave them enough alone time." Kat pet the dragon as it chirped in delight, it's body beginning to radiate with light before shooting down he front of her clothes and wrapping around her upper arm to rest in it's tattoo form. Katoka took a quick glance over her new outfit, smoothing some of the wrinkles out. It seemed like she wasn't the only one with a wardrobe change. Advancing towards the two and called out, "You two done flirting or do you need more alone time?"

Taking a look over the two she arched a brow, "Wow Elora, interesting wardrobe choice. Really accentuates the assets." she grinned and looked own at her new clothes.

---
Katoka | HP: 700/700 | EN: 104/104 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 78 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 6 | BH: 30 | AA | BLGT: 32 | P.V.O | REC: 3 | STK: 40

Katoka Consumes: Crème Brûlée Tray | ACC 2 | Feast (6/6) - One Piece + Filling

Kat pouted in an attempt to still seem mad, but it didn't last long. "You're lucky you're cute, it's hard to stay mad at you." she kissed Sam on the cheek and curled up the best she could in her lap. She listened to Sam she told her story. The boss fight, the aftermath, it was definitely three days worth of hell it seemed. She could also tell that Sam was genuine in wanting to contact her and not being able to. She smiled softly and cupped her love's face with one hand, "I forgive you." She kissed her softly again and stood up.

"Now, as your punishment," she gave Sam a sly grin, "I think helping me with all these dishes should suffice." Katoka gathered up a few and made her way to the kitchen where more had filled the sink. "How did I make such a mess in such a short amount of time." she said to herself as she began sorting them.

The samurai felt whole again. She let out a soft sigh of relief, Sam was finally back. She was safe. She wasn't hurt or captured or all the other stupid scenarios Katoka had invented in her head. She was home.

With a yawn and a stretch Katoka awoke once again on her living room couch. Her body was stiff, her har a mess, and there was dried dross on her face. She hadn't slept like this in several days. Most of the time she woke with a start and looked around expecting to be somewhere else. This time however, Sam sat next to her, watching as she slept. "Were you watching me sleep?" she asked arching one brow and shaking her head. "Kinda creepy. I should report you to the town guards for being a peeping tom, or in this case a peeping Sam." she grinned and leaned in to kiss her quickly before sitting back.

"Alright, spill it. You better have a good excuse for running of to the floor raid and then not contacting me for so long." Kat's face was serious now. She needed to hear what happened. Why Same had come in so tired and had neglected to contact her in any way. It just wasn't like her.

Katoka turned and positioned herself so that she was sitting cross legged and facing Sam so that she could hear everything without missing a beat. She crossed her arms and waited, hoping that she wouldn't need to stay mad for very long, or at least act like she was.

Day three.

Three long days with no word. No message. Nothing.

Katoka was tired. She barely was getting any sleep. She had taken to spending her days on the couch, facing the door in the hopes that at many minute she would walk in. When she did sleep, it was for short periods of time on the couch as well. A blanket was tossed to the side for those times. Mugs upon empty mugs that had once held coffee accumulated on the coffee table, along with a few small plates here and there from when she could stomach to eat.

The small samurai opened her UI to check for a message that wasn't there. She didn't want to send one to Sam in case she was in the middle of a battle, she didn't need any distractions. Closing the window she sighed and took another sip of her lukewarm drink.

"Where are you?" she croaked aloud, pulling her legs up to her chest and hugging them. Her voice was nearly gone after the nights of crying. She needed her Sam.

As tears began to fall once again the front door swung open and Katoka looked up in shock. Standing there in the doorway was her wife to be, frantically trying to kick off her shoes before running to Kat. The blonde set her mug down in awe, tears flowing freely but this time out of happiness rather than fear or sorrow. Samantha was crying to as she crawled into Kat's lap, they sat in silence as the samurai softly pet her love's head. After a time she heard the soft but steady breathing that she recognized as sleep. A soft smile spread across her lips and she relaxed her tense shoulders, settling in to the warmth of the woman in her lap.

"Welcome home my love." she whispered softly before drifting off into a deep sleep.

"I love you too Sam."

Kat kissed her love, feeling the warmth of her body pressed against hers. Then the kiss was over, and she felt Sam's hand in her own. But soon that too was slowly taken away. She watched as her wife to be walked out of the house and off to fight in a battle that could cost her life. Katoka didn't want Sam to see that she was scared, now that she was gone tears spilled from her eyes and she pressed her fingers against her lips in an attempt to feel her touch again. A small sob escaped from her lips she the blonde slumped against the kitchen counter. All she could do now was wait.

----- 2 Days Later -----

Katoka was seated at the kitchen table, lying her head on it's surface as she stared at the clock on the wall. She hadn't slept well the past couple of days. She knew the raid party had conquered the 26th floor boss, but she still hadn't seen Sam. When she received the notification that the 27th floor was now open she quickly checked her friend list and saw that Sam was still 'Online', this was a good way to check and see if a player had been killed or not if they couldn't send or receive messages. 

And so she sat, excited, waiting for her fiancé to return to her. But she didn't. Not that day, or the next, and so far she was still waiting.

"You better have a good reason for not coming home the past two days." Kat pouted and twirled a butter knife in her hand before letting out an exasperated sigh.