[F09-SP] Taking the Long Way Home -- <<Bandit Camp>>

[NIGHT 0]

Back at Vulcan Village, NIGHT had figured it would be a quick hop, skip and a jump back to Yogan, and then to home. On the other hand, there was another quest nearby, and she was itching to test her new skills. Turns out the quest location in question happened to be on her way back, anyway, so it best she knock it out for some brownie points before returning home to bed.

Ah, home. She really did miss her bed.

NIGHT felt that she was pushing herself, though. It seemed really easy to slip up and fall, given just a slight margin of error. But what was life without a little risk?

She told herself that. It felt nigh uncomfortable still. Maybe because at this point, she'd grown so attached to living. To life, when she had the freedom to do what she wanted.

Counting down the moments by the entrance of the bandit camp, she breathed, before charging into their base, blade drawn.

Spoiler

NIGHT 
Lv: 19 | HP: 380 | EN: 38 | SP: 52
DMG: 10 | MIT: 35 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 3

[Skills]

1. Two-Handed Straight Sword | Passive | RANK 4/5
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 (3) --- Heals 40 HP.
• [T1] Over-health Potion (1) --- Provides 50 temporary HP.

[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]

Tempest had read that it utilized the blade's pommel, a powerful blow strong enough to stun enemies in a wide area. NIGHT's heart jumped when she attempted the maneuver mid-run, turning most of the blade's weight in her hand behind her. But the fear quickly turned into joy and surprise; her defensive stance was almost made to perform this move by instinct, and upon learning this, she couldn't stop smiling, eyes wide from the realization.

When the bandit pack had finally noticed an intruder on their territory, they began picking up nearby equipment, scattered about the camp. Most of them had barely managed to brandish their weapons before NIGHT made her move, the hilt of her sword glowing bright in the darkness of the hideout, crashing the end of her blade into the nearest bandit she could get to. In a wide, triangular arc, a wave ripped not only through the man, but down the ground in front of her, sending a shock down into the earth, back up her enemies' bodies.

Quote

ID: 131056 | BD: 10 (8, +2)
<<Tempest>> vs Bandit #1.
10 * 8 = 80 DMG
Bandit #1 has been stunned!

ID: 131057 | BD: 11 (9, +2)
<<Tempest>> vs Bandit #2.
10 + 1 = 11 | 11 * 8 = 88 DMG
Bandit #2 has been stunned!

ID: 131058 | BD: 11 (9, +2)
<<Tempest>> vs Bandit #3.
10 + 1 = 11 | 11 * 8 = 88 DMG
Bandit #3 has been stunned!

ID: 131059 | BD: 7 (5, +2)
<<Tempest>> vs Bandit #4.
10 * 8 = 80 DMG
Bandit #4 has been stunned!

Bandit #1 | HP: 20/100 (-80) | DMG: 90 | STUNNED
Bandit #2 | HP: 12/100 (-88) | DMG: 90 | STUNNED
Bandit #3 | HP: 12/100 (-88) | DMG: 90 | STUNNED
Bandit #4 | HP: 20/100 (-80) | DMG: 90 | STUNNED

NIGHT | HP: 380/380 | EN: 20/38 (-16) | ACC: 2 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 35

Edited December 3, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

NIGHT couldn't believe her eyes, when she beheld the stillness of the bandits, rooted in place. Taking a moment, she let out a loud, sincere laugh, seemingly letting her guard down. "Oh," she commented, with a grin, "This is so rich! I'm so, so sorry." With a few waves of her hand, she returned her focus back to combat, pulling her blade back into her open hand for two quick strikes to end her marks' misery.

Her humour had delayed most of the opportunity window for her to strike with utmost accuracy, however, so the blast she sent out towards her opponents only managed to sunder two of them. The lucky duo, reacting quickly enough, were able to duck and weave out the way of the charging light. NIGHT let out a breath of annoyance, but not losing her smirk, moving closer to harass her targets further, while dodging their swipes and swings.

Quote

ID: 131060 | BD: 10 (8, +2)
<<Blast>> vs Bandit #1.
10 * 2 = 20 DMG
Bandit #1 has been defeated!

ID: 131061 | BD: 4 (2, +2) | MD: 3 (6, -3)
NIGHT missed!
Bandit #2 missed!

ID: 131062 | BD: 11 (9, +2) | MD: 4 (7, -3)
<<Blast>> vs Bandit #3.
10 + 1 = 11 | 11 * 2 = 22 DMG
Bandit #3 has been defeated!

ID: 131063 | BD: 5 (3, +2) | MD: 1 (4, -3)
NIGHT missed!
Bandit #4 missed!

Bandit #1 | HP: 0/100 (-20) | DMG: 90 
Bandit #2 | HP: 12/100 | DMG: 90
Bandit #3 | HP: -10/100 (-22) | DMG: 90
Bandit #4 | HP: 20/100 | DMG: 90

NIGHT | HP: 380/380 | EN: 15/38 (+1, -6) | ACC: 2 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 35

Edited December 3, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

Her two combatants had a sword and a hand axe, fairly reasonable weapons as far as she was concerned. One slice from the hand axe wielder towards her face, which she ducked under, making two quick cuts to his side. The sword art's blast was strong enough to knock her off her feet, sending her a good few steps backwards and into the air. Bracing herself, she landed on the ground, knees bent, with her sword slamming down on the ground in front of her.

That left the sword user and his attack, coming back from the site of the explosion to charge towards her. A cut downwards was intended to strike her, but NIGHT jumped back and brought her greatsword up to counter the blow, the bandit's needle of a sword now pressing down against Doombringer's dull surface. "Your move. But I'm warning you," she stated, her smile leaving her face. "If you scratch my blade, you'll die quicker."

Quote

ID: 131064 | BD: 4 (2, +2) | MD: 1 (4, -3)
NIGHT missed!
Bandit #2 missed!

ID: 131065 | BD: 11 (9, +2)
<<Blast>> vs Bandit #4.
10 + 1 = 11 | 11 * 2 = 22 DMG
Bandit #4 has been defeated!

Bandit #2 | HP: 12/100 | DMG: 90
Bandit #4 | HP: -2/100 (-22) | DMG: 90 |

NIGHT | HP: 380/380 | EN: 12/38 (+1, -4) | ACC: 2 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 35

Edited December 3, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

Now it was time for her opponent to grin. He pressed further down on his blade, tilting it so that its edge faced Doombringer's surface straight down. NIGHT furrowed her brow as she pulled back her sword in the opposite direction, preparing a blow to strike back at the bandit.

Not fast enough. Her target feinted his move, stabbing into the woman as she took her time to strike. The needle sank in deep through her armour, leaving a large, bright red gash in her arm. The player found herself cursing through gritted teeth.

Of course fate would let this happen--!

Ripping her arm away, she let her sword drop to her side, shimmying away from the bandit. She took a moment to check her wound, raising her blade up to an unnatural defensive stance, before setting her open hand back to it, a dreadful anger burning for her opponent to fall.

Quote

ID: 131066 | BD: 5 (3, +2) | MD: 7 (10, -3)
NIGHT missed!
Bandit #2 attacks NIGHT!
90 + 2 = 92 | 92 - 35 = 57 DMG

Bandit #2 | HP: 12/100 | DMG: 90

NIGHT | HP: 323/380 (-57) | EN: 11/38 (+1, -2) | ACC: 2 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 35

Edited December 3, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

So the player stood still, almost beckoning the man to approach. With one yell, he charged forth, sword raised to slash diagonally at her.

But all it took was for NIGHT to heave the blade's weight upwards slightly, shifting the hand on her pommel back a little, before the system registered her tried and true sword art.

Maybe my stance isn't so bad after all.

When time seemed to slow as Cardinal pushed her body forward, her blade dropping down to sweep in a low arc to her side, she dove past the bandit, registering the look of horror on his face as she smirked back. The cut bore through his torso, marking out a red crescent right under his armpit, and as she stopped at the end of the movement, what was left of him were sparkles of blue and white light, giving some sense of brightness to the dim camp grounds.

Quote

ID: 131067 | BD: 6 (4, +2)
<<Straight>> vs Bandit #2.
10 * 2 = 20 DMG
Bandit #2 has been defeated!

Bandit #2 | HP: -8/100 (-20) | DMG: 90

NIGHT | HP: 323/380 | EN: 10/38 (+1, -2) | ACC: 2 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 35

Edited December 3, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

Well, that's that. NIGHT exhaled, sheathing her blade. She arched backwards, stretching and bending her back, before sighing when she returned to an upright position, stepping out of the camp grounds. Her kitten popped his head out, bright-eyed, wondering what the jostling was about.

"Oh, Nyanko," she spoke, picking up her familiar. "Hello! Sorry if I bothered you," she cooed, giving the cat some smooches. She wondered if she would ever bother her kitten with her affection, but as of right now, Nyanko was all too accepting of it. "It was just some awful men taking up resources meant for the public, no need to worry about them anymore."

"Mew!"

"Yes, you're right," she continued, meeting his eyes intently. "We are taking back the means of production. You're so smart, kitty!" Nyanko continued wriggling in her hands. "Mew!"

"Of course! We should go get something to eat! Back to Vulcan for now?" The kitten seemed to stay silent, at that, looking around their surroundings, before gazing towards what was on the horizon on the path to Yogan. "Okay, okay. We'll get something to eat when we get back."

Quote

NIGHT | HP: 338/380 (+15) | EN: 11/38 (+1) | ACC: 2 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 35

Edited December 3, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

Had her time on the floor be more eventful, NIGHT would've taken note about it. Instead, she found herself kicking at rocks and avoiding hostile floor inhabitants, trudging endlessly on foot. Eventually, she sat down by a collection of larger boulders, sighing tiredly and checking on Nyanko. "You seen anything special yet?"

A soft mew, but the kitten only looked at her with his wide eyes and a tilt of his head. NIGHT looked back, a wry smile on her face. "Me too," she replied with an exhale, looking around. Since the floor was just a wasteland of magma and stone, it felt incredibly uncomfortable to be here. The lack of vegetation was unsettling, having been surrounded by nature her whole life.

NIGHT didn't have to sit tight for long. After tickling Nyanko's head with a finger, she got up and continued walking, wondering when she'd see the town again.

Quote

NIGHT | HP: 353/380 (+15) | EN: 12/38 (+1) | ACC: 2 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 35

[NIGHT 0]

Maybe she should get a souvenir for herself. Down the path she walked was a quarry for Vulcan, where ashen-skinned folk were hammering away at deposits of obsidian, geared in some protective gear, helmet and boots particularly. It wouldn't be too much of a misstep if she took one of their efforts home, right?

At least, that's what she thought, but decided against it on the way over. Waving over to one of the supervisors overseeing the site, she asked, trying to keep her sights on their face than their bare grey skin, "Could I take a chunk of obsidian home myself?"

"I mean, sure?" The person replied, stuffing their hands into their dirtied pockets. "I really don't know what you'd do with it, since they're so plentiful, but go right ahead. You're uhh... the one who put a stop to the bandits earlier, right?"

She nodded, and they offered a chunk out for her to receive, retrieving it from an open crate to the side. "Here," they said, "it's the least we could do."

Quote

ID: 131093 | LD: 18 | Material Search
+ T1 Material (1)

> Three turns have passed since combat. Energy has been restored to full.

NIGHT | HP: 368/380 (+15) | EN: 38/38 (+26) | ACC: 2 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 35

Edited December 4, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

That... was quicker than she'd expected. After leaving the quarry behind with blessings from the floor inhabitants, she set herself back on her path, examining the obsidian piece. NIGHT genuinely wondered what she'd use it for. Kind of tough to tell, personally. Could she bore a hole into it and string it up for a necklace? She furrowed her brows, before returning the piece to her inventory, just in time to spy a group of goats she'd seen earlier, and that Nyanko had squealed at.

"Mew!" He squeaked again, upon sticking his head out. With a paw, he gingerly gestured over to the pack, mouth turning upwards. "Meew!"

"What is it?" The woman asked, completely puzzled. "I-I mean, I can hunt them, if you want!"

"Meeew!"

"Okay, okay!" NIGHT returned, wide-eyed, drawing out her blade and running headfirst into battle. Before the goats could notice her entrance, she smashed her pommel into the closest target.

Quote

ID: 131094 | BD: 7 (5, +2)
<<Tempest>> vs Markhor Goat #1.
10 * 8 = 80 DMG
Markhor Goat #1 is stunned!

ID: 131095 | BD: 7 (5, +2)
<<Tempest>> vs Markhor Goat #2.
10 * 8 = 80 DMG
Markhor Goat #2 is stunned!

ID: 131096 | BD: 7 (5, +2)
<<Tempest>> vs Markhor Goat #3.
10 * 8 = 80 DMG
Markhor Goat #3 is stunned!

ID: 131097 | BD: 12 (10, +2)
<<Tempest>> vs Markhor Goat #4.
10 + 2 = 12 | 12 * 8 = 96 DMG
Markhor Goat #4 is stunned!

Markhor Goat #1 | HP: 110/190 (-80) | DMG: 57 | STUNNED
Markhor Goat #2 | HP: 110/190 (-80) | DMG: 57 | STUNNED
Markhor Goat #3 | HP: 110/190 (-80) | DMG: 57 | STUNNED
Markhor Goat #4 | HP: 94/190 (-96) | DMG: 57 | STUNNED

NIGHT | HP: 368/380 | EN: 18/38 (-16) | ACC: 2 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 35

Edited December 4, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

The blow was incredibly fortunate, because NIGHT wasn't exactly prepared to land it, diving straight into combat at another squeak of Nyanko. The kitten continued squealing, trying to swipe at the fur of one of these spiral-horned goats as she paused to consider her next move. Tempest again? She prepared a second blow, striking harder into her nearest target, bracing herself for the blow's impact against the earth.

One of the markhors had managed to loosen itself from the system's grip, prancing away as Doombringer's pommel met the face of another goat, leaving a bright white light that faded into a depression. Nyanko seemed eager to chase it, wriggling himself out the leather bag he was kept in, stuck midway through his escape. NIGHT tugged him inwards, worried for the kitten. "What's gotten into you all of a sudden?" She asked, petting him softly before placing her hands back on her blade.

Quote

ID: 131104 | BD: 11 (9, +2) | MD: 3 (6, -3)
<<Tempest>> vs Markhor Goat #1.
10 + 1 = 11 | 11 * 8 = 88 DMG
Markhor Goat #1 missed!

ID: 131105 | BD: 6 (4, +2) | MD: 1 (4, -3)
<<Tempest>> vs Markhor Goat #2.
10 * 8 = 80 DMG
Markhor Goat #2 missed!

ID: 131106 | BD: 5 (3, +2) | MD: 4 (7, -3)
NIGHT missed!
Markhor Goat #3 missed!

ID: 131107 | BD: 6 (4, +2) | MD: 2 (5, -3)
<<Tempest>> vs Markhor Goat #4.
10 * 8 = 80 DMG
Markhor Goat #4 missed!

Markhor Goat #1 | HP: 22/190 (-88) | DMG: 57
Markhor Goat #2 | HP: 30/190 (-80) | DMG: 57
Markhor Goat #3 | HP: 110/190 | DMG: 57
Markhor Goat #4 | HP: 14/190 (-80) | DMG: 57

NIGHT | HP: 368/380 | EN: 5/38 (+1, -14) | ACC: 2 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 35

Edited December 4, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

As soon as they'd regained their movement, the goats began their attempt for escape. Nyanko squealed, clambering out of his bag with much more confidence this time, beeping madly after the goats. "Nyanko?" NIGHT asked, glancing at her bag, feeling the ruffling of movement.

It was empty.

"Nyanko!" She called out, only noticing the tiny scrap pawing against the rough dirt. Setting her blade to the ground, she picked up the little squirmer with both hands, as the kitten wriggled wildly attempting to escape. "Nyanko," NIGHT said, her tone of voice low as she tried to hold him steady. "What's up with you and those goats? I promise you we'll get them, right?"

"Mew!" His tiny paws pressed against her hands, trying to set himself free. The adventurer sighed, setting him in her bag again, this time making sure to close the flap on it. "I'll go after them, just hang on tight."

Quote

ID: 131108 | BD: 4 (2, +2) | MD: 2 (5, -3)
NIGHT missed!
Markhor Goat #4 missed!

ID: 131109 | MD: 2 (5, -3)
Markhor Goat #1 missed!

ID: 131110 | MD: -1 (2, -3)
Markhor Goat #2 missed!

ID: 131111 | MD: -1 (2, -3)
Markhor Goat #3 missed!

Markhor Goat #1 | HP: 22/190 | DMG: 57
Markhor Goat #2 | HP: 30/190 | DMG: 57
Markhor Goat #3 | HP: 110/190 | DMG: 57
Markhor Goat #4 | HP: 14/190 | DMG: 57

NIGHT | HP: 368/380 | EN: 4/38 (+1, -2) | ACC: 2 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 35

Edited December 4, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

NIGHT hadn't imagined that she'd catch up with the goats, but it seemed that they'd slowed their stampede. Sure, she could handle that. One Straight brought her towards the weakest one, striking fear into the rest of them as their guards went down. One of the horns nicked NIGHT on the arm as it turned to run. The body of the fallen toppled onto the ground, wool scattering into bits of light that reached out towards the sky.

"Meeeeeeww!!"

"Nyanko--!"

The adventurer checked her bag again, patting it to check if the flap had closed. Instead, the tiny kitten inside squeezed its face through the gap of the bag once again. One flick to get his ears out, and he had a front-row seat of his owner's events once more. NIGHT tried to manage her expectations for her kitten, making sure he was safe and also not-trying-to-escape, before kicking off the dirt of the ground, trying to catch up to the fleeing goats again.

Quote

ID: 131113 | BD: 10 (8, +2)
<<Straight>> vs Markhor Goat #4.
10 * 2 = 20 DMG
Markhor Goat #4 has been defeated!

ID: 131114 | MD: 2 (2, -3)
Markhor Goat #1 missed!

ID: 131115 | MD: 6 (9, -3)
Markhor Goat #2 attacks NIGHT!
57 + 1 = 58 DMG | 58 - 35 = 23 DMG

ID: 131116 | MD: 5 (8, -3)
Markhor Goat #3 missed!

Markhor Goat #1 | HP: 22/190 | DMG: 57
Markhor Goat #2 | HP: 30/190 | DMG: 57
Markhor Goat #3 | HP: 110/190 | DMG: 57
Markhor Goat #4 | HP: -6/190 (-2) | DMG: 57

NIGHT | HP: 325/380 (-23) | EN: 3/38 (+1, -2) | ACC: 2 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 35

 

Loot:
ID: 131113 | LD: 17 | CD: 1
> [ATP Guild Bonus] Lucrative active.
+ 598col, T1 Materials (4), [T1E2] Unidentified Consumable (1), [T1E2] 1 Rare Weapon (1)

Edited December 4, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

Perhaps they'd learned that the adventurer was on the pursuit. The chase lead the pack through a shor tunnel, terrain red by ambience and heat, before stepping out into the light, jumping over some magma laid out on the floor. NIGHT steeled herself to take the leap, landing well on her two feet before sprinting once again.

Nyanko continued squealing the whole way through.

I didn't know goats were so... persistent. On running. Gods, this is taking a while.

She'd contemplated on bringing out Straight again, but banked it all on the hind-most one falling to Scooped. Except, when she'd stopped to execute the move, the goat had sprinted off once again, leaving her in the dust, just a few more paces behind.

"Meeeeeww!!"

"Nyanko," NIGHT quipped, taking the time to catch her breath, "I don't know what you've been through, but you must have a vendetta on those goats."

Quote

ID: 131120 | BD: 4 (2, +2) | MD: -1 (2, -3)
NIGHT missed!
Markhor Goat #2 missed!

ID: 131121 | MD: 3 (6, -3)
Markhor Goat #1 missed!

ID: 131122 | MD: -2 (1, -3)
Markhor Goat #3 missed!

Markhor Goat #1 | HP: 22/190 | DMG: 57
Markhor Goat #2 | HP: 30/190 | DMG: 57
Markhor Goat #3 | HP: 110/190 | DMG: 57

NIGHT | HP: 325/380 | EN: 2/38 (+1, -2) | ACC: 2 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 35

Edited December 4, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

How did she get here? Where was she? Such were the questions any sane person would've asked by now, having chased some goats, but NIGHT was anything but a smart person, which lead her to this.

From a cliff's edge, she watched the goats race about. There had to be a way to stop them, or at least tackle them down, right?

She could quit. She thought about the option for a bit, watching the herd's movements. But the constant squeaking from Nyanko made her feel obligated to carry out the task. One way or another, the goats were going down, and if NIGHT was going down with them, so be it.

That was to say, she slid down the mountain she was on -- a perilous move, but it was the fastest way she could get to the goats -- oh no.

The adventurer ended up tumbling, rolling like a sphere, into the crowd of goats. Had she knocked into one of them, perhaps all would've been fine. Unfortunately, she was expelled backwards by a loose kick from one of the goats.

And so she had to try again.

Quote

ID: 131124 | BD: 5 (3, +2) | MD: 4 (7, -3)
NIGHT missed!
Markhor Goat #2 missed!

ID: 131125 | MD: 7 (10, -3)
Markhor Goat #1 attacks NIGHT!
57 + 2 = 59 DMG | 59 - 35 = 24 DMG

ID: 131126 | MD: 2 (5, -3)
Markhor Goat #3 missed!

Markhor Goat #1 | HP: 22/190 | DMG: 57
Markhor Goat #2 | HP: 30/190 | DMG: 57
Markhor Goat #3 | HP: 110/190 | DMG: 57

NIGHT | HP: 301/380 (-24) | EN: 1/38 (+1, -2) | ACC: 2 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 35

Edited December 4, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

NIGHT rolled and rolled, until she felt her back hit a rock, and fell over on her face. As she laid on the ground, mourning her defeat, she felt the intense wriggling in her bag, and a couple more softer squeaks of comfort from her familiar. She'd have to clean up her face, yes, but more importantly she'd have to admit that a handful of goats bested her right off the bat.

Also that her kitten really hated these goats for some reason. Maybe his squeals were warnings instead of hostility? Then why was he so eager to chase them down? As she mused on this, she heard a stomping growing closer. Were they boots? Curious, she felt compelled to look up and check, holding on hope for someone to come to her aid---

--- It was one of the goats.

It kicked her, purposefully with its front hooves.

Ow. Ow. Ow--Ouch! Okay---

Quote

> NIGHT does nothing. She's too busy crying.

ID: 131128 | MD: -2 (1, -3)
Markhor Goat #1 missed!

ID: 131129 | MD: -2 (1, -3)
Markhor Goat #2 missed!

ID: 131130 | MD: 6 (9, -3)
Markhor Goat #3 attacks NIGHT!
57 + 1 = 59 DMG | 59 - 35 = 24 DMG

Markhor Goat #1 | HP: 22/190 | DMG: 57
Markhor Goat #2 | HP: 30/190 | DMG: 57
Markhor Goat #3 | HP: 110/190 | DMG: 57

NIGHT | HP: 277/380 (-24) | EN: 2/38 (+1) | ACC: 2 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 35

Edited December 4, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

If you had told NIGHT at the start of her adventure that one day she would strike Cerberus down with relative ease, she would've not believed you. It would be just as likely if you had told her, at the same time, that her greatest bane thus far would have to have been a pack of goats, she would've looked upon you with disdain.

Unfortunately, you would've also been a time traveler, and hence might've ended the world in a time-unravelling paradox. Thankfully, we live in a universe where this doesn't happen, but it doesn't cushion NIGHT's temperament for the reality she found herself in today.

Either way, she found herself grabbing the hilt of her blade when the aggressive (vengeful) markhor had left, turning around to return to its allies, chilling by the side. With one swift movement, she forced herself by the side of one of them, striking it down into bits and pieces of its former self.

Quote

ID: 131131 | BD: 6 (4, +2)
<<Scooped>> vs Markhor Goat #2.
10 * 3 = 30 DMG
Markhor Goat #2 has been defeated!

ID: 131132 | MD: 2 (5, -3)
Markhor Goat #1 missed!

ID: 131133 | MD: -1 (2, -3)
Markhor Goat #3 missed!

Markhor Goat #1 | HP: 22/190 | DMG: 57
Markhor Goat #2 | HP: 0/190 (-30) | DMG: 57
Markhor Goat #3 | HP: 110/190 | DMG: 57

NIGHT | HP: 277/380 | EN: 0/38 (+1, -3) | ACC: 2 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 35

 

Loot:
ID: 131131 | LD: 10 | CD: 1
> [ATP Guild Bonus] Lucrative active.
+ 997col, T1 Materials (2), [T1E1] Unidentified Consumable (1)

Edited December 4, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

To say that NIGHT had cracked... would be a misstep, because NIGHT hadn't exactly... cracked. Whatever that means.

Instead, she was just angry. Full of jest, yes, but still uncomfortably mad at the goats. One extra swing after her sword art was too much to ask, and it landed her in a grappling match with the defensive markhor from earlier. This time, it let loose with its tackle, striking at her with its sharp horns and stomping at her with all its body weight. Thankfully, NIGHT was resilient. Thankfully, NIGHT had the system on her side, despite the system also jabbing at her sides with every blow.

The other goat looked distraught and exhausted. Nyanko, from his little gaps around the bag, could only make out a sliver of what was happening in the fight against the goats. Was the still one sad, or angry? He had to know. But also, he really, really wanted them to go down already.

Quote

ID: 131134 | BD: 5 (3, +2) | MD: 1
NIGHT missed!
Markhor Goat #1 missed!

ID: 131135 | MD: 7 (10, -3)
Markhor Goat #3 attacks NIGHT!
57 + 2 = 59 DMG | 59 - 35 = 24 DMG

Markhor Goat #1 | HP: 22/190 | DMG: 57
Markhor Goat #3 | HP: 110/190 | DMG: 57

NIGHT | HP: 253/380 (-24) | EN: 0/38 (+1, -1) | ACC: 2 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 35

Edited December 4, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

Was there a reason why Nyanko wanted the markhors dead? Well, somewhat. There was something in between his lines of code, the ephemeral tissue that tied them together that was begging to have the chance to strike at them. And only them. Maybe it was its spiral horns.

Only Cardinal knows, by now, because it was out of everyone's hands.

Speaking of hands, NIGHT was gripping her stomach with hers. As the two goats watched over her limp body, she could barely find the energy to laugh, despite her wanting to. It also hurt so, so bad when she tried to cough. While her humor was respectable, her comedic timing could use a little more work.

The two victims now looked at each other, one with rage and violence and the other in depressed confusion. They were wordless, but their exchange meant something, surely. A silent discussion between the two took place, over the squirming human that rested on the floor trying to squeeze a noise out of her.

Quote

ID: 131134 | BD: 4 (2, +2) | MD: -1 (2, -3)
NIGHT missed!
Markhor Goat #1 missed!

ID: 131135 | MD: 4 (7, -3)
Markhor Goat #3 missed!

Markhor Goat #1 | HP: 22/190 | DMG: 57
Markhor Goat #3 | HP: 110/190 | DMG: 57

NIGHT | HP: 253/380 | EN: 0/38 (+1, -1) | ACC: 2 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 35

Edited December 4, 2019 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

M-Move? Move...

Dammit...

The agony was a bit much, and even if it quickly wore off, NIGHT was still beating herself up over it. It appeared that the two goats had given up their assault -- for now -- in search of vegetation or nourishment around their immediate vicinity.

What was distressing to the player (and Nyanko himself) was how the system still counted them to be in combat despite no fighting actually taking place. The adventurer struggled to turn, her gut and sides aching from the blows, and when she did, the goats around her simply paid her no heed. Better news for her health, at least, since she didn't have to worry too much about falling to some random goats.

She unlocked the bag, allowing her kitten to crawl out to her side. He beeped with knowing eyes, watching the markhors intently for his owner. NIGHT exhaled, a staggered breath, trying to find her sword once again, just in case she would have any need for it soon.

Quote

> NIGHT does nothing. She tries to flee, but she's in perpetual pain.

ID: 131139 | LD: 4 (3, +1) | MD: 3 (6, -3)
> Enemy under 50% health. (+1 LD)
NIGHT fails to flee!
Markhor Goat #1 missed!

ID: 131140 | MD: 0 (3, -3)
Markhor Goat #3 missed!

Markhor Goat #1 | HP: 22/190 | DMG: 57
Markhor Goat #3 | HP: 110/190 | DMG: 57

NIGHT | HP: 253/380 | EN: 1/38 (+1) | ACC: 2 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 35

Edited December 4, 2019 by NIGHT