[PT | F06 | SP] Shadowed Figures | <<The Gemini>>

[Sakura 0]

The Gemini

Nothing more than just a rumour. Aoi wanted to believe it more than anything, to ignore the shiver that had rushed down her back the moment she had thought about it, and yet her mind wouldn’t entirely push it away. The rumours had swept across Aincrad, talking about a hooded figure that took the appearance of the player, or death, or some other form that would inspire nothing short of fear into the player. It would challenge the player to a dual, no matter where they were, and would leave them shaken and broken – even if they managed to defeat the thing.

Aoi had come to the sixth specifically on the hunt for the thing. Not because she desired the ability to have herself entirely torn apart – physically and metaphysically akin – but because the rewards from completing the quest successfully were simply too much to pass upon. She’d reviewed the information thoroughly, taking into consideration the risks over the rewards. The one good piece of information everyone had agreed upon, was the fact that the phantom never killed those who faced it – rather, they were left to recover and attempt the conflict again once they had strengthened themselves.

It can’t hurt to try, then. The words echoed through Aoi’s head with a lack of conviction that reminded her of how inexperienced she was in Aincrad. She’d grown, certainly, and she was capable of taking care of herself for the most part, but she had yet to reach a point in here capabilities that she would consider dangerous. A fact that brought a frown to her face as she turned down yet another corridor.

There was little to do in Krycim that appealed to Aoi at the current time. She browsed a few bakeries, some nearby cooking points and a variety of tailoring shops that offered her nothing beyond ideas of what she didn’t want to replicate at any point in her career if she could avoid it. At least the fashion holds true to the general feel of the floor. Very authentic in that manner. Aoi shook her head as she stepped away from yet another shop window in disappointment. Everything here was the same, with little in the way of ingenuity and difference, as if cut from the same cloth.

---

Playtest Options
185 SP & No Selected Skills

Sakura | Lv. 18 | P. 0 | HP [360/360] | EN [54/54] | ACC [4] | DMG [17] | EVA [3] | MIT [20] | LD [7] | SD [2] | Keen [1] | Paralyse [8-10]   Hide contents Notes [Theme] Tier 2 | Tier 2 Equipment Vambrace Crossbow [Hand Crossbow | Tier 2]  Enhancement: Keen [1 Slot] Enhancement: Paralyse [2 Slot] Combat Uniform [Clothing | Tier 1]  Enhancement: Loot Die [3 Slots] Raven Pendant [Trinket | Tier 1] Enhancement: Accuracy [3 Slots] Battle-Ready Inventory Starter Healing Potion {3} [Potion | Tierless | Heals 50 HP] Big Bertha Braciole {4} [Snack | Tier 1 | Vitality II] [ID-NIL] Zackariah's Special Draught {1} [Potion | Tierless | HP Recovery III] [ID-NIL] Teleport Crystal [Crystal | Tierless | Post Action to Teleport to nearest Town.] Spyglass {2} [Reduce Posts to Locate Dungeon/Familiar/Field Boss by 5.] Skills   Hide contents Utility Skills Searching [Rank: 3. Active: Passive. Effect: +1 LD per rank, +1 Stealth Detection per rank.] Combat Skills Skill [Active: -. Effect: -.] Weapon Skills Projectile Weaponry [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: +7 DMG] Stamina [Rank 5 Weapon Add-on. Active: Passive. Effect: Reduce EN of all attacks by 2.] Precision [Rank 5 Weapon Add-on. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 ACC.] Armour Skills Cloth Armour [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: 12 Mitigation.] Athletics [Rank 3 Cloth Armour Mod. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 base Damage.] Nimble [Rank 5 Cloth Armour Add-on. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 Evasion while wearing Cloth Armour. Gain +1 LD.] Extra Skills Skill [Active: -. Effect: -.] Combat Mastery Evasion [Rank: 2. Active: Passive. Effect: +1 EVA per rank.] Familiar Skills Profession [Active: Passive. Effect: Your familiar is adept in the ways of your profession, and supports you. +2 crafting/gathering EXP per attempt, and one additional crafting attempt per day (two additional crafting attempts per day if you’re at max crafting rank).] Specialisation Skills Biting [Rank: 4. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +2 Base Damage.] Sword Arts   Hide contents [x10] ST-I (10 EN) | A single-target sword art. [x13] ST-II (13 EN) | A powerful single-target sword art. Only available for use when ST-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if ST-II had been used and had missed the previous turn. [x17] ST-B (17 EN) | A devastating single-target sword art. Can only be used if the sword art used the previous turn is not ST-B and had rolled a natural CD9+. When performing an AoE attack, use only the first roll. [x9] AOE-I (9 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. [x12] AOE-II (12 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. [x10] TECH-A (11 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy. Estate Buffs   Hide contents   [Home] Room [Effect.]

 

 

Edited 1 hour ago by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

A shift in the distance caught her attention, and Aoi turned to see a hooded figure standing at the end of the street, staring in her general direction. The hood sat low over the individual’s features, and though it gave no indication of violence, something about the entire thing’s presence and appearance sent a deep chill down Aoi’s back. She wanted to turn away, to leave the thing standing in the streets and be anywhere but where she was now – and yet, her body turned towards the NPC and closed the distance between them. Well, you’d die for sure in any horror movie.

’I’ve been awaiting you, Sakura.’ The thing’s voice was eerily normal. No chill tone, no hissing or scrapping raspy sound – it sounded like any other NPC she’d come across during her travels in Aincrad. What was off putting, however, was the fact that the thing knew her name without introduction of any words spoken between the two of them. It made Aoi’s skin crawl slightly, and she found herself smiling reflexively in response.

’You’ve been waiting for me? I’m sorry, I wasn’t aware I had any appointments today. Did we…book something earlier?’ Aoi was certain she’d not, but felt that failing to deign the thing’s interest could be more dangerous for her than simply playing along. The hood shifted, as if trying to signify something in the distance. Aoi didn’t move, instead remaining perfectly still and smiling at the thing as she awaited some sort of explanation. She wouldn’t be privy to one, however, as the thing simply turned and began walking away. Breaths passed and Aoi made her decision, stepping after the thing against every one of the warnings wondering through her mind instantly in response.

[Sakura 0]

’I’ve been watching your progress for quite some time. You’ve adjusted to the world, and strengthened yourself a lot since you first entered it.’ The figure had begun speaking as they’d left the boundaries of the settlement behind, suddenly becoming vocal and a measure of interested in sharing its thoughts as they’d continued onwards. Aoi had remained quiet, listening to what it had to say in an attempt to determine just how much danger she was in currently. ’When you first came here, you were scared and incapable of doing much of anything. Now though, now you’re a fighter. You go out and face danger. You’ve shown a lot of progress.’

Aoi shifted slightly to the side, making sure the crossbow was loaded as she tried to figure out what angle this NPC was taking. Her eyes shifted between its form and the surrounding woodlands, looking for any sign of danger that could be approaching their position. The air carried nothing but its words, and a collection of animal sounds that she believed were quite some distance away still.

’Nothing will come to harm you here. Not while you’re with me, anyways.’ Aoi didn’t like the sound of the words. While they may have been meant to comfort her nerves, they did anything but comfort her. Instead, she found herself tensing up even more as she realised the danger may be walking beside her for certain, rather than approaching from the distance.

[Sakura 0]

The forest’s deepening foliage had given way at some point, and Aoi found herself being led into a large area with a small pond at the base of a waterfall that flowed smoothly down from its high point. She barely glanced at it all, however, as she focused on the hooded figure that had come to a stop shortly after they’d entered the pool area. It shifted around, bringing its figure to face Aoi, while remaining hidden beneath hood and cloak. She could feel the tension growing as the hooded figure glanced towards her with a measure of something in its visage, though Aoi couldn’t quite discern what it might be.

’Why have you brought me here?’ Her voice was far stronger than she was feeling in the moment, and as Aoi shifted on the spot, she glanced about to ensure there were no other threats awaiting. She half expected it to be an ambush, one where she’d unwittingly followed a danger into the woodlands just to have herself robbed and left to die – or worse, killed for certain.

’To test you.’ The words were simple, and yet the tone of them set off warnings in her. Before she could move, however, the hooded figure had leapt forward, a dagger appearing in its hand as it attempted to close the distance between itself and Aoi with a sudden flow of movement.

---

Sakura | Lv. 18 | P. 0 | HP [236/360] | EN [54/54] | ACC [4] | DMG [17] | EVA [3] | MIT [20] | LD [7] | SD [2] | Keen [1] | Paralyse [8-10] | -124 HP
The Gemini | HP [540/540] | DMG [144] | MIT [36] | ACC [4] | EVA [3]
Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.
Fairness Check | For each consumable/temporary buff the player has when facing <<The Gemini>>, it will gain additional effects in accordance with the bullets listed below. For example, if the player has 3 buffs active, <<The Gemini>> will have Paralyze, Bleed, and bonus DMG. This ability will adjust mid-battle in the event that the player consumes buffs in the midst of combat.

ID245967 | BD [8+5-3] = 10 | <<Gemini vs. Sakura>> | Hit [144-20] = 124 damage

Edited 2 hours ago by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

She could feel as the dagger slammed into her side, sending her reeling and rolling away from the hooded figure. A health bar and name had appeared above its head, and Aoi caught sight of the words just as she was pulled away from the thing and tossed to the ground. The Gemini? I guess this is the boss thing I’m supposed to face…damned if that didn’t hurt. She’d glanced up at her own health bar, seeing the massive dip in her health and suddenly wondering if she’d bit off more than she could chew with this fight.

’Fear is natural. Fear of harm. Fear of pain. Fear of death. Have you overcome that fear?’ It was taunting her, knowing that she couldn’t do anything in response. That she was left without words. She was no more free of the fear of death than anyone else in Aincrad – but that hadn’t meant that she didn’t work to overcome it.

Aoi leapt to her feet with a rush, bringing the crossbow up and aiming it quickly before snapping her wrist backwards to release the bolt. She wasn’t fearless of the consequences. She wasn’t fearless of the death that would await her if she failed. But that didn’t stop her from pressing forwards, knowing that there were others who would rely upon her success, her actions – and perhaps even her sacrifice if it came to it. Others who would die, if she wasn’t willing to fight for herself.

---

Sakura | Lv. 18 | P. 0 | HP [236/360] | EN [43/54] | ACC [4] | DMG [17] | EVA [3] | MIT [20] | LD [7] | SD [2] | Keen [1] | Paralyse [8-10] | -11 EN | -0 HP
The Gemini | HP [386/540] | DMG [144] | MIT [36] | ACC [4] | EVA [3] | Paralysed
Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.
Fairness Check | For each consumable/temporary buff the player has when facing <<The Gemini>>, it will gain additional effects in accordance with the bullets listed below. For example, if the player has 3 buffs active, <<The Gemini>> will have Paralyze, Bleed, and bonus DMG. This ability will adjust mid-battle in the event that the player consumes buffs in the midst of combat.

ID246014 | BD [10+4-3] = 11 | CD [3/9] | <<Tech-A vs. Gemini>> | Major Critical Hit [{17+2}x10-36] = 154 damage | Paralysed | Keen [1]

Edited 1 hour ago by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

The bolt slammed directly into the thing’s throat, causing the hood to fall back and reveal the face beneath. Whoever the NPC was meant to be, the appearance was anything but what Aoi would have expected as she stared into familiar features. That’s…me.

The face was an exact replica of her own, the eyes staring back at her knowing what she was seeing, and apparently taking pleasure in her surprise and confusion. Aoi paused for a brief second, before remembering that she was still fighting. Moving backwards, she reloaded the crossbow as she tried to drive the oddness of the persona before her from her mind. She knew, from the first experiences within Aincrad, that the system was able to mimic their appearances – the mirrors at the announcement had been more than an obvious display of that power.

Don’t let it shock you. You need to defeat it, now. She tried to shake off the feeling, bringing the crossbow back up as she turned to face the thing that was only now beginning to dispel the paralysis that had ruptured through its entire body and frozen it into place.

---

Sakura | Lv. 18 | P. 0 | HP [236/360] | EN [43/54] | ACC [4] | DMG [17] | EVA [3] | MIT [20] | LD [7] | SD [2] | Keen [1] | Paralyse [8-10] | -2 EN | -0 HP | +2 EN
The Gemini | HP [386/540] | DMG [144] | MIT [36] | ACC [4] | EVA [3]
Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.
Fairness Check | For each consumable/temporary buff the player has when facing <<The Gemini>>, it will gain additional effects in accordance with the bullets listed below. For example, if the player has 3 buffs active, <<The Gemini>> will have Paralyze, Bleed, and bonus DMG. This ability will adjust mid-battle in the event that the player consumes buffs in the midst of combat.

ID246015 | BD [1+5-3] = 3 | CD [8/9] | <<Tech-A vs. Gemini>> | Miss | MOB [3+4-3] = 4 | Miss 

Edited 9 minutes ago by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

They’d both moved at the same time, Aoi’s crossbow hand coming up as the Gemini figure dove beneath her line of sight and rolled back to its feet. The bolt that Aoi had fired the moment they’d both moved launched into the distance, disappearing into a collection of shrubs and brush behind the Gemini, and ceasing to exist as far as Aoi was concerned. In response to the Gemini’s own attack, Aoi had launched herself backwards, slamming her back into the ground as she’d fallen – less than gracefully – to the ground before rolling to the side and popping back to her feet.

Rather than chase her as she’d sprinted slightly away, the Gemini had instead turned to face her, watching as Aoi reloaded the crossbow once more and slid to a step several steps away. Neither moved as silence fell between them once more, Aoi considering every possible attack route she could take, and those that could be used against her. She could feel her mind struggling to keep up with the ideas and patterns she was seeing, a wince spreading across her face as she realised it was well beyond her capabilities to image what the Gemini could do.

---

Sakura | Lv. 18 | P. 0 | HP [236/360] | EN [43/54] | ACC [4] | DMG [17] | EVA [3] | MIT [20] | LD [7] | SD [2] | Keen [1] | Paralyse [8-10] | -2 EN | -0 HP | +2 EN
The Gemini | HP [386/540] | DMG [144] | MIT [36] | ACC [4] | EVA [3]
Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.
Fairness Check | For each consumable/temporary buff the player has when facing <<The Gemini>>, it will gain additional effects in accordance with the bullets listed below. For example, if the player has 3 buffs active, <<The Gemini>> will have Paralyze, Bleed, and bonus DMG. This ability will adjust mid-battle in the event that the player consumes buffs in the midst of combat.

ID246016 | BD [2+4-3] = 3 | CD [8/9] | <<Tech-A vs. Gemini>> | Miss | MOB [1+4-3] = 2 | Critical Miss

Edited 2 minutes ago by Sakura