[F09-SP] OneShot -- <<Guardian of Fire>>

[NIGHT 0]

This information came from a different source. Fleur would've never let her pick up the fight against this field boss right after the events of the player having defeated the Sand Shark. Unfortunately for her, NIGHT was incredibly close to her goal, and it was an achievement she couldn't make light of.

No stupid plans this time, she imagined, looking over her new equipment in the mirror. If I die to this one, which NIGHT was holding on fast to the hope that she wouldn't, at least I fall in white. That's... uh, something, right? I mean, I guess I'll be charred and everything...

Nyanko peeked his head out to see his owner donning a striking white armour piece, heaving a terrible sigh. The kitten mewed, curious, as the woman gave him a glance before smiling. With one hand, she brought the familiar close to her, smothering him with affection. "One more journey," she whispered to him. "It won't be my last, I hope."

Floor 9 was home to an extreme heat, and yet NIGHT felt more at home here than the desert on the fifth. She could only hope that her kitten could bear with the heat once more, as she tucked him into a small leather bag by her waist, a tentative test for the familiar to see if he would stay put.

He would. The player herself would have one quick meal, before they were off.

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> NIGHT consumes Curry. (+2 ACC, +1 EVA)

Spoiler

NIGHT 
Lv: 18 | HP: 360 | EN: 36 | SP: 47
DMG: 9 | MIT: 35 | ACC: 4 (2, +2) | EVA: 4 (3, +1)

[Skills]

1. Two-Handed Straight Sword | Passive | RANK 3/5
2. Heavy Armor | Passive | RANK 1/5
3. - - -
4. - - - 
    

• Survival | Passive 

[Examine]

• [T1E3] Doombringer
  "WEAPON: A black broadsword; large, heavy and sturdy. The edge is lined with silver, and its guards are decorated with gold. It looks like it's been sharpened to a tee, so handle it with care."
  -- [ Damage III | +3 DMG. ]
• [T1E3] Confiteor
  "HEAVY ARMOR: A large, bulky white cuirass. A soft silver scarf is wrapped around the collar. Above the plate's center is a black outline of a diamond, cut into four squares, a small sigil to mark a contrast to the rest of the armor's indifference."
  -- [ Mitigation III | +27 MIT ]
• [T1E3] Threads of Dexterity
  "LIGHT ARMOR: Black primarily, with accents of white, modeled like a set of running shoes. Feels like them too. Cleats are found at the sole, giving the user extra traction on smooth surfaces."
  -- [ Evasion III | +3 EVA ]

- - - - - -

• Starter Healing Potions (3) --- Heals 50 HP.
• [T1] Uncommon Health Potions (5) --- Heals 40 HP.
• [T1] Over-health Potion (1) --- Provides 50 temporary HP.
• [T1E3] Curry (1) --- Provides +2 ACC and +1 EVA for the duration of one thread.  >> Empty Slot
  "MEAL: I am a Pokemon. Sweet curry with a side of rice. Made with potatoes and carrots. Happy Meal toy sold separately."

[Misc]

• Familiar Mastery <Accurate> from Nyanko
  -- [ Accuracy II | +2 BD when attacking. Cannot be used to cause a critical hit. ]
• Aincrad Trading Post Guild Membership
  -- [ ATP Guild Bonus | +5% more col from killed mobs, +10% col from treasure chests. ]

Edited December 3, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

Vulcan Village. That was their starting point. Two days and three nights -- glad the player was already one of them -- to get to the cavern where her mark resided. They were headed south. No time like the present.

On such a treacherous, lava-laden floor, NIGHT had no reason to guess that her target would be unlike its habitat. It would mean fiery attacks, sure, but her informant hadn't mentioned a word about infliction that would damage her over time. And her broker this time seemed trustworthy enough. The player was sure she'd be able to handle it.

Under the dark sky, she was surprised to see stars out, what with the smog and volcanic ash supposedly cluttering up the airspace of the castle floor. After one look, though, she returned her gaze back to the ground beneath her feet. Best not to wonder at the stars when death could prominently be right by her footing.

She took a glance at a lava pool nearby, as she thought about it. Terrifying way to go out.

[NIGHT 0]

After a few minutes of walking, she got a notification -- a message. NIGHT continued treading onwards, making sure with a glance that the ground before her was even, before reading the mail's contents.

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To: NIGHT

How's Floor 9?

The information broker she was in contact with seemed to be a lot more of the active sort. It had barely been an hour before she'd sent her a message to check up on her progress already. Jeez, didn't she have anything else to do?

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To: Bistro

i'm fine chill
hmu again l8r

She sent the message off, eyes back to the road ahead of-- Already?

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To: NIGHT

Okay. Let me know when you get to the entrance of the cavern.

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To: Bistro

wait why do you need to know that

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To: NIGHT

To make sure you're safe?

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To: Bistro

im safe when i kill that boss tho??

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To: NIGHT

Just let me know when you get there. Thanks.

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To: Bistro

k

NIGHT sighed, closing her inbox, before setting her eyes back on the road ahead of her. Were all info brokers like that? Perhaps it was part of the human condition to end up worrying about your colleagues or peers. Or customers. Adventurers and active players did seem like they would have to fare pretty well to count as returning customers. She wasn't entirely a huge fan of the system, but she couldn't deny that it was keeping players alive.

Edited December 2, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

Since she had left at midnight, she wondered how much longer it would take before she'd see the sunrise. The night wasn't showing any signs of slowing down -- neither would she, the woman figured.

In the distance she could see a few large goats, with soot-black spiral horns pointed upwards. NIGHT wasn't in the pleasant mood for picking a fight, and decided to take a detour instead, making sure to stay out of her enemies' view.

Nyanko peeked his little head out, along with two tinsy paws, gripping the edge of the container he was sat in. With a squeak, he attracted everyone's attention to him -- and his owner. If the goats hadn't been so eager to leave, NIGHT might not have gotten away unscathed, sprinting forward when their eyes began to track her movements.

Thankfully, both parties managed to part ways unharmed, though the player found herself disheartened by her kitten's calls.

[NIGHT 0]

"Nyanko," she pleaded, picking the kitten up and smooshing her nose to his face. "We've talked about this, haven't we?"

"Mew!" The kitten seemed happy in doing his part, his tiny front paws now squishing against NIGHT's lips, to which the player felt obligated to stay quiet. She continued walking, though, as she lowered Nyanko's forehead to her lips, kissing the cat softly. "Okay," she replied, with an exhale of defeat. "I'm sorry. But you really should try not to do it again, okay?"

Nyanko said nothing, but looked around to observe the bubbling lava in the cavities nearby. The only comfort the player could give to him were gentle pats on his back, as he tensed and shrunk back into her hand further. "Yeah, it's a little dangerous on this floor, really," she added, solemn, before carrying him over to his bag space. "It's safer if you stay here," NIGHT promised, buckling the flap of the bag loosely.

[NIGHT 0]

The kitten ended up sticking his head underneath the flap by the bag's side. Cute little Nyanko.

"Watch out for anything of interest from there, alright?" she instructed him, decidedly taking some time to admire the scenery and recall the directions she'd followed as best she could. One adorable meep and she was back in her own head, only returning at the sight and sound of danger.

The hours passed by relatively uneventfully. Before NIGHT knew it, dawn had begun to break, assuming she had the freedom to look over the horizon. With the tall crags and smoke, it was genuinely difficult to tell what was happening with time, if not the world.

Three quarters of the journey left. NIGHT could only hope she'd be able to stand the sheer boredom of having to walk the whole way there.

[NIGHT 0]

In the morning, the player stopped to look for some materials. Maybe they'd make a great, explosive lunch for her, she imagined, jokingly. After a short moment of not finding anything, another notification came, and NIGHT gave up on her search to check on her mail.

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To: NIGHT

How was your NIGHT? :)

Might as well humor her, the player figured, standing up from her squat and beginning to form a reply.

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To: Bistro

only im allowed to make that joke
it was ok, theres not a lot happening, just a bunch of rocks and heat and lava
were there any escort services like with a wagon or something

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To: NIGHT

I wish that were true. But if you found anything like that, go ahead and tell me all about it! :)

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To: Bistro

pass
dont you have a dayjob

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To: NIGHT

Business is slow. Might as well bother someone during the day.

NIGHT grumbled a little, before moving onwards. A peep from Nyanko to check if she was alright, and she was. "Thanks, Nyanko."

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ID: 130908 | LD: 14 | Material Search failed.

Edited December 2, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

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To: NIGHT

What's there to do in the day?

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To: Bistro

have u never been outside b4 or

NIGHT was about to enter a chasm -- thankfully, there weren't any fire hazards around, but there were still spouts of heat that came from underground. Trying to get her timing down right, she began running past them, barely managing to stop in between them when they began hissing.

She was also incredibly lucky that Bistro had managed to find something at length to talk about. For a few minutes, she had the time she needed to focus. Right after passing the spouts was a dead end, save for a minor crack in the wall. NIGHT exhaled, before leaning up against it, shuffling into the darkness, hoping that she would return to the light in shape.

When all fell silent, the notification alert came up again. Gods, that was terrifying. Mumbling a curse, NIGHT crawled out towards the light, deciding to shrug off the mail for the moment.

Edited December 2, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

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To: NIGHT

If you're asking if I've gone adventuring before, not really? My sister does most of the work there. She tells me stories, but they're often incredibly exaggerated. I'd have more luck getting more reliable details from a stranger than her.

You draw, right? Send me some sketches some time!

That's kind of terrifying. NIGHT had a workshop, yes, but since not many visitors stopped by, she wondered how her agent had managed to get this information on her so easily. Wait, should info brokers be this casual and lenient with what they were saying anyway? It was all so difficult to tell. Maybe Bistro wasn't exactly following the shady, keep-in-the-dark practices as other info brokers did.

Sighing, she took a moment to respond, looking over the cliff as her backdrop.

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To: Bistro

why're you so persistent on this again? i mean fine if you want info i guess but why not try visiting the floors yourself
also who told you i could draw?

[NIGHT 0]

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To: NIGHT

I have my sources. ;)

Also, I may be able to wander around town, but not the outskirts. I'm not combat oriented.

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To: Bistro

should brokers like you be giving out so much information about yourself? what about the competition lmao

Another alert. Bistro must've been enjoying her free time chatting with her. Sighing, NIGHT pressed on, ignoring the red bauble by her interface. If her informant had time to talk, she must have time to wait too.

Up the cliff face to avoid traversing along the lava river. That was what the directions had mentioned, and as much as the player wanted to avoid the winding roads and to take the quicker, direct path... Magma and fire weren't exactly opponents she could take out easily. From her current position, it would take a trek for the rest of the day to clamber down the crag, along its tail and then to the ground floor.

[NIGHT 0]

One night to rest. At the tail's end, NIGHT found a cavern to hide in -- one devoid of any deathly creatures. At the bottom of her screen, the mail icon was practically jumping out of its circular slot. Sighing, the player found herself sitting by a rock, pulling out her inventory for some food of nourishment before looking over the messages she'd been sitting on for the day.

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To: NIGHT

It's fine! Information brokers like me trade around notes about the world anyway. Things like these about myself aren't exactly worth much. :)

You haven't told me much about the floor yet, by the way. How's everything going?

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To: NIGHT

You still there?

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To: NIGHT

You haven't died, right? Not like I've seen anyone die before. I'll send my sister over in a bit to check on you.

NIGHT really wanted to admire Bistro for her care and concern, but this just felt a little too much for her tastes. Rolling her eyes, she offered some kibble over to Nyanko, feeding him generously for the night ahead of them.

[NIGHT 0]

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To: Bistro

jesus chill im more than fine just taking a walk
two days and three nights arent even up yet remember? ill be even faster assuming you dont talk to me tomorrow, takin a break
dont send your sister -- what level is she even anyway?

Radio silence. That was her cue to get some shut eye, frankly. Turning off the notifications until she woke, she settled down into a sleeping bag and began to sleep.

- - -

5am. When did she sleep again last night? She could feel Nyanko's sleepy snoring on her eyes. NIGHT grumbled, wanting to move. Not because she had to, but more so because she couldn't sleep anymore. In as small a voice as she could muster, she mentioned, "Nyanko, we should make a move."

Nothing. NIGHT prodded the kitten gently, earning her a gentle surprised meep from the creature. A stretch, a yawn, and a bit of movement before the player took it as her cue to finally get up.

[NIGHT 0]

Two messages.

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To: NIGHT

Sorry. Just wanted to make sure. I was only told it would take two days and three nights. I'll try not to pester you with messages any more. Let me know when you're at the cavern entrance.

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To: NIGHT

Also, I couldn't get in contact with my sister anyway. ;/ Don't ask me about her level either, I'm not so confident about it myself. But she won't be going after you. Stay safe.

... Okay, good. At least now she could focus on the journey ahead. Picking up Nyanko from the cavern floor, she put him into her waist bag safely once more, before heading out. The lava river was just a little ways off, and she could see the spiked demonic turtles crawling out of the liquid from their swim. Must be waking hours for them too, she guessed, turning the other direction, beginning to take her first steps of the day.

Edited December 2, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

An uneventful day's trek, aside from getting past some fire elementals that had formed what seemed to be a conga line down one of the crags she'd passed. At the crossing past a spire, the player headed straight south till she reached her destination, <Inferno Cavern>.

NIGHT was certain the journey was already a test in itself. To go into battle this exhausted might be a death sentence, so she took yet another break near the entrance of the cave.

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To: Bistro

ive reached it, thanks for the silence
there's a lot more charring than i expected to see, like no magma but more fire. like permanent charcoal made from burnt trees and stuff
ill head in first thing in the morning

Almost immediately was a reply.

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To: NIGHT

Monsters don't seem to roam around the entrance. You'll be alright camping out there. Good luck.

With that, NIGHT muted her inbox once more, laying back in her sleeping bag and waiting for rest to catch up to her.

[NIGHT 0]

Daybreak meant one thing -- Combat. NIGHT had been itching to pull out her sword ever since her quest began, but stopping to fight would've delayed her from her mission. The heat radiating from inside the cave was more than enough to cook her alive if she'd stayed there long enough. It would be on her to decide her method of attack then.

She'd need to cull some Hell Hounds before her mark would spawn. One at a time was her best bet for safety, which was one of her gravest concerns going into this match.

From the entrance, she watched one pace about, idly standing by. When it was looking away, she jumped on it, activating Cyclone to shred it to pieces immediately. A success -- a flurry of light sprung upwards, along with a loud howl, the dying moan of one of the beasts. No signs of her mark just yet. Time to keep going.

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ID: 130950 | BD: 8 (4, +4) | CD: 8
<<Cyclone>> vs Hell Hound.
9 * 4 = 36 DMG
Hell Hound #1 has been defeated!

Hell Hound #1 | HP: -6/30 | DMG: 50 | CRIT: 75/100

NIGHT | HP: 360/360 | EN: 32/36 (-4) | ACC: 4 | DMG: 9 | EVA: 4 | MIT: 35

Edited December 2, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

A second beast, just a little further in. Its mangy defences were no match for her blade, with aid from the system to cut through its skin. As the hound shrieked, collapsing to the floor, NIGHT felt a searing heat burn at her back, as though a great fire was just right by her heels, lashing out towards her before retreating.

Must be the cavern's conditions, she imagined, taking a glance at her health bar, which proved the theory true. The player grimaced, checking in on Nyanko's well being. The kitten seemed to be doing alright, although she figured she'd leave the flap open. "Please be careful," she warned her familiar, who was desperate to look out at what was happening where he couldn't see before. "I wouldn't want you to fall out to where I am here."

"Mew," he cried, hesitantly returning his paws back to the safe confines of the bag. "Okay," she breathed, smiling. "Thank you very much."

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ID: 130951 | BD: 10 (6, +4) | CD: 1
> The heat is chipping away at NIGHT's health...
<<Cyclone>> vs Hell Hound.
9 * 4 = 36 DMG
Hell Hound #2 has been defeated!

Hell Hound #2 | HP: -6/30 | DMG: 50 | CRIT: 75/100

NIGHT | HP: 350/360 (-10) | EN: 29/36 (+1, -4) | ACC: 4 | DMG: 9 | EVA: 4 | MIT: 35

Edited December 2, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

In the moment that NIGHT had spoken with Nyanko, another Hell Hound must've gotten wind that there was an intruder in their lair. From behind her it snarled, and dived at her, leaping through the air. The player was too slow to react, her blade missing the hound by half a second too late, and by the time the hound had dived at her face with fang and claw, the tackle had caused her to tumble and fall.

She felt the rocky surface of the ground, hissing with pain from the impact and the heat of the flames near by. They licked close enough to NIGHT that their tips began to burn her hair. She cursed, with Nyanko mewing for his dear life, as she tried to think on her feet. This was the exact scenario she'd feared encountering, even with her preparations. It was all she could do to wrestle with the enemy, trying to get on top of them before her health bar depleted for good.

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ID: 130953 | BD: 5 (1, +4) | MD: 6 (10, -4) | CD: 4
> The heat is chipping away at NIGHT's health... (-10 HP)
NIGHT missed!
Hell Hound #3 attacks NIGHT!
100 - 35 = 65 DMG

Hell Hound #3 | HP: 30/30 | DMG: 50 | CRIT: 75/100

NIGHT | HP: 275/360 (-75) | EN: 28/36 (+1, -2) | ACC: 4 | DMG: 9 | EVA: 4 | MIT: 35

Edited December 2, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

One strong shove knocked the hound to the ground. They had a terrible bite, sure, but their own strength meant nothing compared to an adventurer of equal calibre. Rolling away, she picked up her blade, having dropped it in the scuffle earlier, and swung it at the enemy once more, spinning in position. The hound dove back towards her, just in time for her sword art to activate, shattering her opponent to pieces.

When Cyclone finally wore off, she stumbled, putting a hand to the scorched granitic wall beside her. If she was huffing, it was more so due to facing her fears and dehydration than anything else. Perhaps she should've taken a breather, stepped outside to regain her energy and confidence first, before facing down Cerberus himself. Nyanko might've thought that too, gently pawing and mewing for NIGHT's attention. "Yeah," she choked out, the heat getting to her in more ways than her numbers, "Let's take a break."

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ID: 130954 | BD: 12 (8, +4) | CD: 9
<<Cyclone>> vs Hell Hound #3.
9 * 4 = 36 DMG
Hell Hound #3 has been defeated!

Hell Hound #3 | HP: -6/30 | DMG: 50 | CRIT: 75/100

NIGHT | HP: 275/360 | EN: 25/36 (+1, -4) | ACC: 4 | DMG: 9 | EVA: 4 | MIT: 35

Edited December 2, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

In dire moments such as these, one need only look through their inventory and give themselves the permission to utilize the consumables stored away from earlier in the journey. Such was the way of survival in lengthy, cut throat role playing games such as these.

That was what NIGHT figured, pulling out her health potions to take a drink from them. Two bottles would have her health restored, but more importantly they would quench her thirst in this hellish and dry landscape. She let Nyanko take a bit of a sip from them too, making sure her kitten was as fully prepared as she was for the occasion.

"You don't have to say anything," she muttered, over to the cat. "Best to save your squeaks for when we get out of here. Also, it might attract Cerberus, and we wouldn't want that too early."

If Nyanko wasn't too busy licking up what was left of the bottle's contents, he'd mew in agreement, not knowing what he was agreeing to.

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> NIGHT consumes x2 Uncommon Health Potions. (+80HP)

ID: 130955 | CD: 2
> The heat is chipping away at NIGHT's health... (-10 HP)

NIGHT | HP: 350/360 (+15, +80, -10) | EN: 26/36 (+1) | ACC: 4 | DMG: 9 | EVA: 4 | MIT: 35

Edited December 2, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

Wait, what was that? One moment the cavern floor had been empty, but once NIGHT had blinked, a tall, menacing shadow had replaced the barren landscape.

The dark figure was also on fire. A tell tale sign of her mark, if the player hadn't been too intimidated to realize this. When her sights fell upon the beasts' faces, she felt their gazes rest on her, and she clambered to her feet, rushing to draw her sword to commence the fight.

One swipe for a sword art -- a dog's fangs sank into her shoulder in an instant. Her second slash went awry as she tried to strike at her attacker, causing the formed Blast to connect with only two of the heads, the middle ducking downwards to dodge it. Ripping Cerberus' first head off of her, she rushed away, feeling the surrounding heat grow more intense as the beast continued to charge after her.

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ID: 130956 | BD: 6 (2, +4) | MD: 5 (9, -4) | CD: 1
> The heat is chipping away at NIGHT's health... (-10 HP)
<<Blast>> vs Cerberus, Head #1.
9 * 2 = 18 DMG
Cerberus, Head #1 attacks NIGHT!
80 + 1 = 81 DMG

ID: 130957 | BD: 5 (1, +4) | MD: 4 (8, -4) | CD: 6
NIGHT misses!
Cerberus #2 misses!

ID: 130958 | BD: 13 (9, +4) | MD: 1 (5, -4) | CD: 2
> The heat is chipping away at NIGHT's health... (-10 HP)
<<Blast>> vs Cerberus, Head #3.
9 + 1 = 10 DMG | 10 * 2 = 20 DMG
Cerberus, Head #3 misses!

Cerberus, Head #1 | HP: 12/30 (-18) | DMG: 80 + 10 
Cerberus, Head #2 | HP: 30/30 | DMG: 80 + 10 
Cerberus, Head #3 | HP: 10/30 (-20) | DMG: 80 + 10 

NIGHT | HP: 249/360 (-102) | EN: 21/36 (+1, -6) | ACC: 4 | DMG: 9 | EVA: 4 | MIT: 35

Edited December 2, 2019 by NIGHT