[SP-F6] «The Gemini» A Test of Heart

[Enryu 0]

Enryu had been traveling for days - no, weeks, it seems, traversing lush greenery like obstacles under this sweltering heat. All sense of direction is lost under the shade of these huicungo trees, and their leaves which seem to span endlessly across the sky like dark, green clouds. A glance up is enough to make out roughly what time it was -- "Noon," he whispers to himself. He knew he had to keep moving out of fear of another ambush. Those Kobold Riders knew the landscape much better than he did, coupled with the natural instinct of a hungry panther - they made for a terrifying duo. The occasional glance is tossed over his shoulder from time to time again.

This sucks.

A sigh of desperation escapes his lips as he trudges through knee-high muddy water, and what he can only assume to be more poisonous plants. He's padded in thick gear though, so the foliage is the least of his worries. A brush against the leg brings him nothing more than displeasure, and mild discomfort.

It wouldn't be long before he decides to pull out his map again, mentally retracing his steps as a finger slides across it's worn surface. It's an old map, one he's gathered from a run-in with the local Amazonian. He follows a road up north, and then takes a mental note of the twists and turns coming up ahead. It was as if this place were a maze, designed to never be beaten. Still, he holds his head up high and whispers, "Almost there," with a hint of hesitation. ".. I hope."

Immolation Potion Consumed!

Lost in the jungle.

Spoiler Enryu | HP: 80 | EN: 8 | DMG: 2 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 | [Equipment] Beginner Short Sword | OHSS | Uncommon | T1    [ Accuracy I | +1 ACC ] Black Padded Gambeson | LA | Uncommon | T1    [ Evasion I | +1 EVA ]   [Battle-Ready Inventory] Immolation Potion | T1    When used, successful non-critical attacks against you deal 10 unmitigated damage to the attacking enemy. - - - - - - Skills Spoiler Mod Count: 1/2 One-Handed Straight Sword | Passive | RANK 1/5 Consumed Buffs Spoiler No Consumed Buffs in effect Misc. Buffs Spoiler No Misc. Buffs in effect Sword Arts Spoiler      Rank 1     Rage Spike (2 Energy +2 per enemy hit)      Strike each target in the vicinity twice in a blinding fit of uncontrolled rage. [x2 AoE]     Snake Bite (3 Energy)      The user quickly strikes the target with three brisk angled slashes. [x3]

Edited October 10, 2020 by Enryu

[Enryu 0]

This trek across the Amazonian replica of Floor 6 was long and arduous, enough to make him fully believe that callouses grew on the bottom of his feet. The gear he had on was not appropriate for this kind of adventurer, but it wasn't exactly an option for him to change right here and now, nor did he have anything else worth putting on. All of these thoughts and more swarm his head like a plague in an attempt to deter him. His will is strong, so he shakes these thoughts right out of his head, and presses on, despite the circumstances he found himself in. "I can't give up now," says the voice in his head. "Not when I've already come this far. Not when I'm this close."

The map leads him to a fork in the road, split by a great tree that towers above the rest. It blocks his path, so he must decide, but this decision comes from a quick glance to the map. He finds himself, places a finger on his location, and ultimately comes up with a plan, saying, "Left. If the map looks right, I'll continue on. If not -- well," the answer was obvious. He'd have to double back if the information on his map was deemed inaccurate. Damn locals.

I hope this is right.

Edited October 9, 2020 by Enryu

[Enryu 0]

As the skies darkens, he realizes just how truly terrifying the nighttime can be. It wouldn't be long before the very ground beneath him became a black blur, and his hands invisible to even himself. A lingering sense of dread follows him, wherever he may step, that is, until -- "What is that?" the young adventurer asks himself. It seems like a faint illumination in the distance, like fire, wavering in the nighttime breeze. A few more steps bring him closer, and that light multiples. His first thought is some kind of insect mating ground, but it soon becomes clear that these are in fact fires, lit by a civilization. Life. An overwhelming sense of joy overcomes the man, and he immediately makes a break for it!

A dash through foliage and the vines of vicious deterrents leave his body cut and bruised, but he continues to press on. He had been searching for this place - or any, really, during his entire time on the floor. As he nears, he hopes his suspicions are right, and that this should be none of than the city of «Krycim» located in the center of Floor 6. A major settlement, home to hundreds of Amazonian villagers in this dense forest biome.

"I see it!"

A push through this layer of leaves bring him out unto an open field, the final stretch of land between him and this settlement.

Edited October 7, 2020 by Enryu

[Enryu 0]

Upon emerging from that dreaded maze of forest and fauna, his eyes light up like that of a star on Christmas Day. The look of pure joy that you see on a child's face when he believes that Santa is truly coming that night - the fact that this settlement was really there, in front of him - it meant the world. A few staggered steps bring him closer, until a full out sprint has him running for the village gate. He had brought enough supplies for the journey, but one mishaps after another left him starving, and willing to eat pretty much anything this place had available.

"FINALLY!"

He does not stop at the entrance, nor do these guards make any attempt to stop him. They were just like the rest - programmed to stand there and ward away any monsters that venture too close. They never did much good, honestly. The monsters had preprogrammed paths that they seemed to walk. If anything, they were purely aesthetic.

Women walk with children. The men are shirtless, and riddled in tattoos. Food is transported by cart, and water, by jugs held above the head.

It was interesting to see how the different floors all seemed to have their own culture, and feel. It was like a surprise every time he entered a new one, but a gargle in his gut has him focused on one thing only, and that was food.

Edited October 9, 2020 by Enryu

[Enryu 0]

There's a restaurant off to the side - or, something like that. It's closer to a shack that sells food, but the various aromas it offered are enough to attract the young adventurer on an empty stomach. The entry way is large, and carved from wood, undoubtedly a result of every man in this town being at least six feet tall. Upon entering this establishment, the mood would instantly change. The melodramatic setting of the outside world was immediately washed out as these men chanted a local ditty, over, and over again. Their high spirits lifted him up, though, despite whether or not these people be NPCs or players. Suddenly, he turns to the right --

There's an empty table.

"I guess I'll seat myself," he says. He pulls out a chair for himself, and not even a moment later, a beautifully tan waitress comes and drops out a crudely drawn menu. "Enjoy!"

[Enryu 0]

He reads over the menu time and time again, but these meals make no sense to him. Why would you put a banana on a piece of meat? He chalked it up to just being a cultural thing, but the more he read this thing over, the worse it got. There's a sickening sensation in the back of his gut, telling him that he just might not find anything to eat here. His stomach growls at him like a mangy mutt waiting to be fed, and so his curiosity gets the better of him. He glances up from his menu and scans the room, trying to get a better idea at what the -- pause.

On the far end of the room, he notices a hooded figure who just can't keep their eyes off of him. It's unsettling, but he figured it would be best to just ignore it for now. A hand is raised to call over a waitress, but after a few moments, he realizes that nobody was going to come to his aid. He almost forgot that these places were automated now. Dang. He gives the menu another glance over, but still, this feeling of dread looms over him like a dark cloud. Another glance up confirms that this person was still eyeballing him. Was that a smirk?

What did this person want?

Edited October 9, 2020 by Enryu

[Enryu 0]

Now the menu is held in front of him face, to not only distract himself, but to dissuade the stalker's eyes from laying upon him once more. A few moments go by, perhaps even minutes, and then - suddenly, Enryu glances up again!.. That smirk is still there, and those predatory eyes sink into him like daggers. In a fit of uncontrollable rage, this young adventurer raises him from his seat and marches directly over with a puff and a pout in his step. His eyes follow.

"Do we have a problem?!" he shouts, nearly face to face with that hooded figure.

"No. No problem at all," the stranger replies, but his tone is almost condescending. He's obviously thinking about something, or else this altercation would have never transpired.

And then the truth comes out.

"I was just fascinated by your appearance, is all. You're trying to climb all 100 floors, aren't you?" What an odd question. Weren't we all? That's when it hit him that this player just may in fact be - a quest.

[Enryu 0]

"I am," says Enryu, now a bit calmer than he was before. A hand is placed directly on the edge of that table as he leans in, just to get a better look at his face, but the NPC is having none of that. A sly turn on the head hides any facial features he might be able to recognize, and then the stranger speaks again, "How about a challenge?"

This peaks his interest. He turns his head with the curiosity of a cat, and asks him, "What kind of challenge?"

"Oh, it's quite simple, really. I'm looking to test my skills. If you beat me, I'll teach you a hidden skill. What do you say?"

This request lights a fire in the young man's eyes, but it also fills him with doubt, and a bit of hesitation. A short pause is all he needs to think this over, slowly raising his head back up as he says, "Deal," cementing this agreement in stone. "I'll make quick work of you," and then his confidence shows.

They both smile.

"Follow me, then."

Edited October 9, 2020 by Enryu

[Enryu 0]

They two of them depart from that dingy little shack on the side of the road, still, without Enryu getting as little as a piece of bread to eat after his venture. His stomach growls at him like an angry mutt, so he holds it, and caresses it, just enough to hold him over until this duel was done. He cries to himself. "Hnn. Where are we going, exactly?" A good question. It seems like this man was leading him out of the city he just arrived in, back into the uncertainty that was the jungle of Floor 6. A few wary glances around take in the scenery, because this NPC had no intentions of telling him anything. He just continues to walk ..

.. until the two of them come to an open area betwixt trees and greenery. It's big enough just for the two of them to have a little bit of space to themselves, with an opening in treeline to let the night sky flow in. The stars are mesmerizing, but he has no time to stare up at the clouds. Gulp. The stranger turns. With a hand pinched to either end of his hood, slowly, he begins to remove it, revealing just who exactly this man was.

"..What?"

It's him?

Edited October 9, 2020 by Enryu

[Enryu 0]

A devilish smirk, backed by the uncanny resemblance that this figure had to Enryu. It sends a shiver down his spine, but before he even has the opportunity to speak, the stranger charges - "Now, die!" leaving the young adventurer to fumble his blade as this attack catches him completely off guard. The way this thing moves, it was like nothing he had ever fought before. "Wait!--"

Those pleads fall unto deaf ears as The Gemini cuts through his body like butter. He's frozen. Was this caused by fear, or some other third-party intervention? He can already see The Gemini readying themselves for a second strike. His opening has vanished, but so has that debuff. He leaps back to safety - or, at least, what he could find for the moment. His guard is raised as he awaits an answer to this question;

"Who are you?!"

As if this would ease his mind at all.

Spoiler

Enryu | | HP: 56/80 (-24) | EN:8/8 | DMG: 2 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1

ID # 171582 | MD: 9

«The Gemini» strikes first, dealing 24 DMG to Enryu!
Critical Hit! (+1)

ID # 171582 | BD: 8

Enryu is paralyzed.
Immolation Potion inflicts 10 unmitigated damage to The Gemini!

The Gemini | HP: 30/40 (-10) | DMG: 20 | MIT: 7 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1

Edited October 10, 2020 by Enryu

[Enryu 0]

It was clear that this stranger had no intentions of talking with him.

From now on, it was only a fight.

He leans forward and grits his teeth, sword ready in his hand. He can see The Gemini do the same, almost as if it were mocking him. From copying his facial features, and equipment, to adopting the same battle-ready stance as he -- it was unnerving. Though, this only fueled Enryu's rage further. His short sword begins to suck in what one could only believe to be natural energy, adopting the same luscious green glow as the grass beneath their feet, but it's venomous, and ready to kill.

There are no words. Instead, he speaks only through his sword. The two of them charge forth, and just as Enryu swings his blade -- The Gemini ducks! The strike is narrowly avoided, but retaliated with ease as his sword slices through the leg of our young adventurer. It deals significant damage, and drops his health bar to over half.

It's yellow.

Spoiler

Enryu | | HP: 36/80 (-20) | EN:6/8 (-2) | DMG: 2 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1

ID #  171583 | BD: 4 (MISS!)

Enryu activates the sword art «Snake Bite» and misses!

ID #  171583 | MD: 6

«The Gemini» strikes Enryu, dealing 20 DMG!
Immolation Potion inflicts 10 unmitigated damage to The Gemini!

The Gemini | HP: 20/40 (-10) | DMG: 20 | MIT: 7 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1

 

Edited October 10, 2020 by Enryu

[Enryu 0]

Just as his HP bar drops, he notices that The Gemini's does as well, though he seems to be far less concerned about it than Enryu is. That's when he remembers -- "The potion I took!" from when he first started his trek across this jungle of a floor. He had taken it to deal with the countless wildlife that resides here, but he never would have expected himself to fight something like this. Thankfully, though, it's coming in handy, and it may just be enough to win him this duel.

Still, he can't shake the thought of defeat out of his head.

Adrenaline is building, and he just can't sit straight anymore. The two of them leap off their feet at the same time, and meet in the middle. They both go to swing, and - CLING! Sparks fly as their swords clash against one another. Did he swing for that on purpose? Was this all a mind game to him? It didn't help that this freak was smiling with Enryu's face. They stand there, face-to-face, but it's clear that his blood is boiling.

Spoiler

Enryu | | HP: 36/80 | EN:5/8 (-2) | DMG: 2 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1

ID #  171584 | MD: 1 (Critical MISS!)

«The Gemini» swings their sword and misses!

ID #  171584 | BD: 4 (MISS!)

Enryu activates the sword art «Snake Bite» and misses!

The Gemini | HP: 20/40 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 7 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1

 

Edited October 10, 2020 by Enryu

[Enryu 0]

The two of them break apart and make distance, feet skidding across this battlefield as they both come to a halt. Patience. He tries to level his breathing, but The Gemini gives him no quarter. Another lunge is made with that beginner short sword, but it was not Enryu who would swing it. No - this shapeshifter had perfectly mimicked his fighting style, and aimed to kill him with it. How ironic.

Enryu lifts his blade to parry the blow, but his efforts are rendered useless as that lunge slips right past his own defense, and digs itself into his shoulder. A wince, and a groan, followed by a most unpleasant look of pain, except he knew that everything he was feeling was completely mental. This was not physical pain, but rather, embarrassment. He was desperate to survive, and he cursed his own inability to fight back.

But still, he couldn't stop trying.

Spoiler

Enryu | | HP: 16/80 (-20) | EN:4/8 (-2) | DMG: 2 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1

ID #  171598 | BD: 5 (MISS!)

Enryu activates the sword art «Snake Bite» and misses!

ID # 171598 | MD: 6

«The Gemini» strikes Enryu, dealing 20 DMG!
Immolation Potion inflicts 10 unmitigated damage to The Gemini!

The Gemini | HP: 10/40 (-10) | DMG: 20 | MIT: 7 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1

 

Edited October 11, 2020 by Enryu

[Enryu 0]

That wicked smile.

The Gemini made it clear that he was superior, digging the sharp end of that blade further and further into Enryu's shoulder and he desperately pushed back. It's a struggle that he just can't seem to win, no matter how much he tries. With one hand, he holds the blade in place while the rears back. He has his own sword in hand, and it's getting ready to slice The Gemini's face completely in two. Adopting a light, venomous glow, his sword descends upon the NPC with any strength he had left, but it's all for naught as The Gemini pivots on his feet.

A shred, that blade is torn from our young adventurer's body, leaving him to fumble that attack, and stumble back. His HP is dropping, and quick - "No!" internal panic, but it sets him exactly at 1 HP. This was the first time he had ever seen his health bar drop that low.

But still, he falls, landing on his rear with a thump! The Gemini stand overhead, and smiles at his victory.

Spoiler

Enryu | | HP: 1/80 (-20) | EN:4/8 | DMG: 2 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1

ID # 171600 | MD: 6

«The Gemini» strikes Enryu, dealing 20 DMG!

ID # 171600 | BD: 2 (MISS!)

Enryu swings his blade and misses!
Enryu has been defeated!

The Gemini | HP: 10/40 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 7 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1

 

Edited October 11, 2020 by Enryu

[Enryu 0]

A look of utter despair is plastered the young man's face as he awaits that cruel fate. He closes his eyes in a panic, wincing all the while as The Gemini just refuses to end it. It was agonizing. The wait before a kill; expecting death, but not knowing when it'll strike. That's when a clean sheath rings his ears, signifying that The Gemini was finished fighting. He left Enryu there, crippled and beaten, as he drapes that hood back over his face.

He can't believe his eyes.

But yet, The Gemini continues on his way, walking past our fallen hero, down the road they had both just arrived on. Enryu watches, and waits, purely out of fear - paralyzed, and anticipation for something greater, but it just doesn't come. Suddenly, he finds the confidence to ask, "W-Why didn't you kill me?" with a quivering lip.

"I already got what I wanted. We're done here."

[Enryu 0]

With one hand on the ground, he turns, slowly clambering back to his feet. He's beaten and bruised, but his pride is hurt more than anything else. As he watches that stranger disappear back into the forest, a hundred scenarios run through his head. A sneak attack. A sucker punch. Something, or anything that could be used to redeem himself, but it all comes to end as he realizes that he's lucky enough to be alive. His health is low, and this is a dangerous area. He had to hold his suffering for now, and head back - quickly.

With gritted teeth, he follows that same path, but at a more hurried pace. He knew the dangerous of this floor, and he was a snack for the fauna. Why didn't he bring any potions?

"Shit," is the only thing he has to say. His jog is soon to turn into a full-blown sprint for safety!

[Enryu 0]

The crickets and growls are all left behind him as he nears the village gate, wasting no time to pass that checkpoint back into the arms of a Safe Zone. Exhausted, and trying desperately to catch his breath, he drops down to his knees and takes it in. He was lucky to be alive, this much was certain, but still, a restless anger boils inside of him. He wasn't sure if it were ambition, or hate, but the young adventurer knew that something had to be done. He needed to get stronger.

His palms a bit of dirt in his hand, then slowly rises back to his feet as the village people continue to walk by him as if nothing more than a rock in the road.

After a deep breath, he can find even a little bit of humor in it.

"That's the last time I accept a challenge from a stranger," he tells himself.

[Enryu 0]

As he walks, he shakes his head, almost as if trying to shake this reality away. He places a hand on the back of his neck, and caresses it softly, just to try and ease the pain. Off in the distance, he notices that same shack as before, but he can't seem to shake his curiosity away. He's lured inside by a sense of 'what-if,' and mystery. Though, it seems - while this place is still packed, and the usual group is still partying, that stranger is nowhere to be found. Not at his previous table, nor any of the tables anywhere in this establishment.

Sad, but it's probably for the best.

He finds his own seat among the crowd, and the same waitress comes to his aid with a menu of the same, unappetizing meals. He's trying to think of something to order, but this duel is gnawing at the back of his head like a mouse to a stray piece of cheese. Why? It's all he could ask himself, trying to make sense of the situation.

[Enryu 0]

Eventually, he orders the Bolinho de Bacalhau, a breaded mixture of eggs, potatoes, and parsley. With a single press of the button, a bit of Col is exchanged for instantaneous service. The meal just plops right down in front of him, set with a knife, fork, and tablecloth. A meal fit for a king, but he certainly felt like no king.

But still, he takes a bite. It eases the pain.

And then another.

He had almost forgotten how hungry he was, traveling for days without food as his rations seem to have ran out a few days before he arrived here. This steaming delicacy was enough to bring that smile back to his face, and make him almost completely forget about that entire exchange with The Gemini. For the first time in a long time, he's comfortable, eating away as delicious food, and making plans for his departure onto the next floor. This is nice.

[Enryu 0]

As he's stuffing his face, he reaches for a drink, completely sucking down that glass of water as if it were drained from the fountain of youth itself. Another meat ball is cut apart, and tossed into that abyss of a mouth - yum. "You know what?" he says, talking to himself. "I'm not even that upset. This could be like, a learning lesson, or something. Honestly, it's probably for the best."

He chuckles to himself, then takes another bite.

But, there's something that catches his attention in the corner of the room.  His eyes move, and he starts to tense up, but his curiosity is getting the better of him. No. He can't seem to fight it. He spots something on the other end of this room, something familiar. It's a man, sitting alone, and he's - smiling? A look of pure evil. It's a hooded figure, watching closely as he eats his dinner. That's when it clicks.

He's back.

Spoiler Quest Failed! Thread Summary +2 SP (+1 one page, +1 event) +400 Col (+400 one page)