[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia's Epic Adventure (Featuring Team Snake Members)~[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Venom is a Level 17 Cleric, Karasu a Level 16 Ranger, and Kagamine a Level 16 Swordsman. This gave their party a decent balance with Artisia being a Brawler. Even if she is Level 14 and thus is a few levels below them, she has a benefit of being able to level up from more than just fighting Monsters. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Unfortunately being around people all of the time is giving her very little time to practice her Skills, since it doesn't seem to be something that these people do, doing so would be odd, especially since she had been asked why she was doing that one time before it was made clear that these 'Arcadians' had found no need or benefit in training their Skills like she did. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"We have Venom, so if any of us get hurt we can have him heal us. Thankfully at least our MP regenerates outside of Camps, so we can just wait around to get healed if need be. So lets go explore and try to have Artsia hit Level 15 as soon as we can." Karasu speaks up now, being the leader of this impromptu unit, although 'leader' is a word used very loosely here. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]There are several Clerics in Team Snake. At least seven of them. Clerics seemed rather important when it comes to outside of Camp exploration since they could heal using MP and thus simply had to wait for that to recover. Of course the Healing Prayers could fail if not executed correctly, but regardless they made for great conservers of precious Health Potions. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]So as they explored they encountered some Level 15 Gremlin Archers and even a couple of Level 17 Gremlin Rangers. A new form of monster that was starting to appear due to people being Level 16 and above. They all gave decent EXP. But not too special due to there being four of them. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Soon enough though, Karasu stops them as they crouch behind a house. They have come to the more entertainment oriented area of the Port Island District, which is this way due to its proximity to Gekkoukan. In particular, a small 'strip mall' type area, and in the plaza of this area fit with a movie theatre, arcade, couple of restaurants, and a few other things is a Camp. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]In the center of this Camp are two Orc Axman and three Gremlin Rangers. It seems that this Camp... is a little different than the others. Perhaps this is one of those 'encounters' that Arcadia talked about. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]If so... a proper plan of attack would be needed. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Going into that Camp is going to be dangerous. So we need to lure them out." Venom speaks up now, as the group crouches a distance away in an alleyway. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"And we can do that with my Arrows. If we go in there, the Flagpole will start firing, and that will leave us vulnerable. It'll be a bit of a ranged battle, but still... we need to get them outside." Karasu speaks up. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Me and Artisia can start taking whacks at them once they get outside." Kagamine grins now, having drawn her broadsword. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"What do you think Artsia? Shall we give these two guys a run for their money?"[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]--------[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia ventured with the group and quickly became aware of their battle tactics. The sword wielder, Kagamine, uses her broadsword in order to render enemies pretty beat up in just a few hits. He hit quick and hard, but he did leave some openings for Artisia to get some hits in, if she decided to team up with him. The ranger, Karasu, used his bow in order to keep to long-range combat, but wasn't afraid to use a longsword if an enemy got too close. Then Venom mostly focused on healing, but was able to get hits in with his mace, which seemed to strike true every time he swung.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia continued along with the group until they came upon one of the new encounters that Arcadia set up for the players. Artisia clenched her fists, ready to rush in, but waited for a plan of attack to get made. After the 'lesson' from Rei, she was sure never to rush into battle without some sort of attack plan in mind. Especially when going up against so many enemies that seemed formidable.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"I agree with everything that's been said, but that being said, we need somewhere that will let us deal with each enemy individually. If we take them on altogether, I think that's it for us. The two axemen seem like they're pretty formidable, especially in comparison to me, who is even two levels below all of you. If the enemy can only get dealt with one at a time, then they won't be able to team up on us, but we could definitely team up on them. Uh… There was this battle strategy I heard that could possibly work. I think it was called a pincher? Hmm… I don't know. Anyway, let's just find some place for this to work before we go."[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]In the end, its Kagamine who finds a good alleyway close by to the entrance of the plaza, using her knowledge of these streets to guide them through some back alleys so that they don't get caught by the monsters. They found a good alleyway. Had a turn after ten yards in. Plus given the fifteen foot high buildings, due to being just some basic fair, climbing up top would be easy for the Ranger, who does so quietly before getting into position with his bow. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Ok. So the Ranger will start pelting the Orcs, and hopefully that will draw them towards us, who will lead them to the alleyway." [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]A legitimate plan. The alleyway was narrow. Unfortunately it is only narrow enough for really one person to fight properly with one of those big, broad shouldered Orcs. So perhaps a bit more planning would be needed, to decide who would start off fighting the Orcs and how they would properly utilize the alleyway. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia follows Kagamine around to make sure they aren't detected and have to fight early on. As they move around, Artisia starts to get a feel for some of the landscaping and the different structures around the area. If she had to, she could flee and make an escape route where they came from.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia listened to whoever made the comment about their plan, but Artisia felt something was off. Their plan had a flaw. It didn't bring all of them together. This plan focused on separating the enemy, but it also separated them. Artisia looked at the alleyway and then toward the top of the building. "That corner definitely serves an advantage, but only for Karasu. Since only one of us can fight, we have to decide who'll take the Ogre on head-first. I think that'd be best for Kagamine, but leaving her alone isn't a good idea." Artisia hit herself on the head. "This could work. I know it. Does anybody else have any ideas about what we could do to increase our chances of killing one ogre and then moving on to the next?" Artisia looked up at the roof of one of the buildings. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]I'm missing something. What's missing?[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Well ill be up here. If anyone comes into the alleyway, I can shoot them directly from above." That was Karasu's idea. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"We could try and pincer them in. When one of them enters the alleyway, another comes from behind and ganks on them." Kagamine speaks up now, and Venom nods in agreement. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"And while I specialize in healing, I have my shield and armor, so I can also act as a wall in case the other one tries to come in. Hopefully though they won't both try to come out of here." [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Overall... the odds aren't too much in their favor, but things could work out. "We can always run away if need be as well, and hopefully they won't respawn if we do." [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]They get into position now, with Karasu on top of the building, Kagamine and Artisia outside of the alleyway, and Venom waiting inside of the alleyway. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"And if need be, lets get atop of the buildings to get a drop on the enemies. So... is everyone ready?" Asks Venom. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]-----[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia looks around with a look of worry on her face. This plan… It seemed flawed, but Artisia would trust that her teammates would help her make it work. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Kagamine, if you could throw me up into the air using your sword at some point, that would be great. It'd serve as a distraction for you to get a hit on their legs. I might also be able to get a hit on their head or something as well. If not, that's fine. Anyway, let's do this."[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Everyone was in place. Artisia and Kagamine were near one Alleyway Entrance while Venom was near another. Ouroboros was on the roof, an arrow knotched on his bow and drawn back. His first target was going to the Orcs. After all, he wanted to drain them of as much HP as possible since in the end those two are going to be the much harder opponents to contend with. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]He figures that in the time it takes for the Orcs to get to the alleyways where the group is positioned, he'll have time to get off three to six well placed shots in addition to this surprise shot he is about to get off. During their quick planning he gauged that with their speed the Orcs would be on them in about 10 - 15 seconds after he fires his second shot. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]And thankfully the enemies don't even seem to have a clue, as they have kept themselves very quiet the entire time. It seems these guys are just guarding this camp rather than patrolling. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Now with a bit of focusing, the arrow he notches begins to glow, before he fires it right towards an Orc. Thankfully, since its unawares, the shot hits despite it not being the best shot in the world. Not horrible, but it could have been better. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Thanks to his speed, he manages to notch yet another glowing arrow and fire it before the enemies can get fully on guard, focusing silently again since he doesn't want to give the Orcs any heads up as of yet. The 'Silent Activation' Skill did use up some HP and Mana, but for an ambush like this it is all worth it. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Another full on hit this time into the same Orc, it letting out another bellow of pain. Artisia can't see how much Damage it's done, due to her still being in the alleyway, but it sounds like it hurt judging by that bellow. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]It seems that the creatures are alert now and definitely starting to mobilize as the three Gremlin Rangers draw their bows and aim arrows towards the Ranger on the roof while the Orcs start to make their move towards the alleyways, but not before Ouroboros gets another two shots off at the same Orc. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Charge Mana Arrow!" He shouts with the first shot. Since the Orc is already filled with Arrows, and thus has a somewhat hard time moving properly, this allows the first arrow to hit. Another dead on shot in the creature's torso, this being followed by one more shot with the same Skill being used. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]This next arrow definitely stuck into its side, but not as deep as the first one did, but it still dealt some damage thanks to its barbed head and the Mana that was wreathing the arrow as it flew. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]The Orcs are starting to make their way forward, sprinting with all of their might towards the closest alleyway as predicted. They get about halfway there as they sprint even faster than what the Snake Ranger anticipated they could. This meant he really would only have time for two more shots. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]That is, if things don't go bad for him as three arrows fly his way from the Gremlins in the camp. The first misses as he quickly stands up from his position on one knee to dodge it. However; as if the two others were anticipating this, two arrows find purchase right in his sides, making the Snake Ranger let out cries of pain as they sink in. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]He decides to just fight through it. Still aiming for the unwounded Orc now despite the arrows in him. Unfortunately, while the arrows do hit, the shot wasn't well executed, so the arrows do get off the explosion of Mana into the Orc's side, but the arrows themselves do not stick, only bouncing harmlessly off of the Orc's tough hide due to the poor execution of both shots. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]So damage was done, but not nearly enough. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]The Orcs have neared the alleyway, but rather than both jumping in the second one goes towards the alleyway on the opposite side. It takes cover, taking this chance to pull the arrows out of its hide in two swift motions, gnashing its teeth as it takes more damage in the process. While this definitely would lower its health, it now freed it from the 'Stuck' Status. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]The second Orc, being much less wounded, heads straight for that alleyway, making a poor error in judgement as right when it gets close, Kagamine rises right from her position crouched against the wall, slashing at the beast with her broadsword. Her next slash hits dead on as well, but unfortunately her third two-handed strike is parried aside by the Orc's dual axes. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia, in the meantime, activates her in the time it takes for the Orc to get close, activating both Power Hand and Energize Legs, her hand and legs glowing with greenish-bluish energy. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Still, so far this battle is going quite nicely. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]At least for the fighters on the ground anyway, who unlike the Ranger aren't getting another three arrows fired at him, these glowing blue just like the one's he's been firing. All three of them are quite precise, glowing slightly green as they also pulsate with blue, mystical static and energy. The energy, as each arrow hits, seems to strike him first, followed by an arrow. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia can tell that the Ranger's health is not in good shape, as he has a mere 14 HP remaining after all of the damage that has been done to him. Also there is a small, black icon by his name that shows an arm with an arrow stuck through it, this having a small little 5 next to it, most likely indicating that he has five arrows stuck in him. Definitely not a good sign. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]The Orc also now attacks, swinging its dual axes at Kagamine with all of its might and rage. The first of its dual slashes hits right on, and Artisia who is behind Kagamine can see a nasty 55 points of damage dealt as the blade slashes right across her torso, definitely drawing 'blood'. She isn't able to parry at all as the next draws the same amount of damage. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]The other Orc who had pulled out its Arrows begins to move now, moving towards the building for now, but not to the other alleyway entrance, but instead getting closer to its counterpart. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Fortunately though she is barely able to parry the last of the dual slashes from the Orc she is fighting, thanks to its technique not being too great and its swing being spontaneous, and thus a bit sloppy. Still, Kagamine herself isn't doing too great. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]And neither is the Archer, as that small icon next to his name shakes, another -25 appearing as he takes more damage from the arrows being in him, this dropping his HP to -11. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Fortunately, despite the immense pain from the arrows, he is able to stay standing. He grits his teeth now, laying down to make himself a harder target for arrows and chugging down a potion for now to get his health back above 0, chugging down a second one as well to restore both Health and Mana. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Their Ranger will need time to recover before he can provide more support. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Kagamine strikes now as well once again. Two dead on slashes, the Orc gnashing its teeth. Artisia could perhaps rush in and attack as well right next to Kagamine, or she could choose to stand here for now and let Kagamine deal some more damage and absorb some more blows for her. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Deciding to move himself now, Venom goes from the alleyways' other entrance in order to provide support for Kagamine by getting at this Orc's back. He figures that the other Orc will just charge at all of them the moment it gets up from its position, so better to all be together and take out this first Orc as quickly as possible. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"All Out Strike!" He shouts, his Mace glowing as he charges forward. Thanks to Kagamine already being on the Orc, the Cleric is able to flank the Orc, his glowing Mace smashing right into the Orc's back, a loud sound of metal on flesh being heard, as well as cracking bone, as the strike definitely deals a very good blow. An entire 80 Damage in fact. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Unfortunately invoking both Dash and All Out Strike are all he can do in this moment, since utilizing Skills took time, and it seems like the Orc is about to move again. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Finish it off Artsia!" shouts Venom. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia watched as the entire situation played out. Unfortunately, their archer took an immense amount of damage. However, he did help almost take down an orc. The archers seemed to pose a huge threat to their plan, but it seemed that they were doing fine despite that fact. Artisia would have to focus on those archers later, since they seemed to be much more dangerous than they originally anticipated.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia watched as Kagamine took some damage, but she could soon hear the shout of Venom. He was telling her to make the finishing blow. Since she already had her powers activated, it would be easy to move toward the orc and strike. She thought it would be useful to attack toward the center of the orc. It might not anticipate her speed, so it would be hard for the orc to parry her attack. At least, that was Artisia's mentality.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]She rushed toward the orc, moving beside Kagamine, then readying her punch right toward the chest of the orc.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] Her first punch hits its chest dead on, dealing 22 Damage. Not... a lot, but this Orc seems to be in a lot of pain. So perhaps the next blow would finish it off. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]This second blow only deals 19 Damage, but it still makes the Orc bellow out once again, blackish-reddish smoke coming out of its mouth and from the wounds all over its being. The creature, unable to keep standing, falls backwards now from the force of Artisia's punch, disappearing into a plume of smoke. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]One Orc down. Three Gremlin Rangers and another wounded Orc to go. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]As for that other wounded Orc, it had taken the time it's comrade was fighting to move closer to the small store they are hiding in the alleyway of and that the Ranger is hiding atop of, stopping five yards away as its body begins to glow. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]In a move that surprises both Swordsman and Cleric, the creature suddenly runs forward a couple yards and jumps. It puts power in its legs as it moves forward, its incredibly strong physique carrying it upwards, enough to grip the top of the small family run store and pull itself up with just a few motions. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]This Orc definitely seems different now that its comrade was defeated. It seems faster now, as right after jumping and pulling its incredibly strong body atop the store, it moves towards the Ranger, who is quickly moving to get up in a panic at the Orc just suddenly pulling itself atop the building. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Whether or not any of them could get up there in time to help is a completely different story. They would have probably mere seconds to try and climb up there if they want to help. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia, Kagamine, and Venom all have poor luck in climbing up there, not managing to get good footholds at all to pull themselves up. So for now, all they can hope is that the Ranger can dodge the Orc's swings and dive for rolling off the building. He'd probably take fall damage, but at least it's better than dying. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]One slash is all it takes though, and the Ranger goes to collapse, not getting back up. But not before the Orc gets off one more bloody slash. A head is cleaved from its shoulders, falling to the ground below, making the expressions of both Venom and Kagamine pale. If this wasn't VR, there'd be no doubt that the two would probably pass out, vomit, or both. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]But since it is, they are able to steel themselves, especially since the head and body of Ouroboros disappear soon after. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]It is clear though that the two are unnerved. In fact, next to their names Artisia can see an icon has popped up. It shows a small human shape shivering and slightly hunched, as if afraid. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"W-We should get out of here. There's no way we can win now without our Ranger" Kagamine is taking steps back into the alleyway now away from the building so that they can start to make a quick retreat. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Yea, cmon Artsia. Lets get the hell out of here. This entire thing was a bust!" [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Venom is starting to retreat as well. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Will Artisia convince them to stay, or will she follow. After all, there is no way she can beat all of these enemies by herself. If only she was with Team JUSTICE. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia tried her best to climb up the building and help her teammate, but it was to no avail. She hadn't climbed in a while and it was impossible for her to even imagine footholds on the building. She grit her teeth and waited a moment to see what would happen to the archer.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Soon enough, a head came flying down, and she was sure that she would've looked away if it weren't for her unusually calming power. It seemed the other two players were unable to keep their composure, and they began to retreat. Artisia thought otherwise.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"YOU TWO. STOP. COME BACK HERE. NOW." Artisia looked toward the top of the building and clenched a fist. If this orc decided to chop off a player's head, she wouldn't be surprised if it would run after a few players who were trying to get away. They needed to find a way to beat the orc before they could escape. The archers didn't pose a threat for the time being, especially since they were still at the camp from what her mini-map said. The orc was on top of the building and it could probably jump after those two right as they decide to run. "IF YOU DON'T WANNA DIE, COME HERE."[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]They both pause right as Artisia shouts at them. Well... its just a game after all. Plus, they had this Orc wounded. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"She's right... lets just beat this damn thing!" Kagamine slaps Venom's back, which shakes off his lack of composure and he swallows, giving a nod as he picks back up his Mace and Shield. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"But if things look grim, then we need to get out of here as soon as we can. For now, lets kill the Orc at least." [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Upon this happening, a window appears before Artisia. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]A Skill has been created through a special action. By successfully altering one's state of mind with a command the ability to better do so, Commanding Voice, has been created. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Commanding Voice (Rank 10, Special) (Level 1, 0/3)[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]You give a commanding shout or remark of some sort to get something through to somebody else. The strength of your Command is based on 20% WIS (13) = 2. Note though that this won't work all of the time or against every target. Its best use is for inspiring or coercing others. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]During this time though that Artisia spent calming her friends down, the Orc has already jumped off of the roof, taking its time to avoid damaging itself upon its fall, and is now standing a few yards outside of the alleyway entrance, Axes brandished. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Even one of the Rangers has started moving up now to provide the Orc support. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Things seem to be on a turn for the worse at the current moment. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Lets just do this!" shouts the swordsman as she charges forward now, sword brandished as she goes to slash at the Orc with the hefty blade. The first of the two slashes hits, dealing another sixty damage, as she then goes for a quick second slash. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Unfortunately the slash is very poorly executed, not only allowing the Orc to easily parry her blow, but even use its mighty axe to disarm her in the process, her sword getting flung five yards to the east, leaving her without a weapon. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Venom curses and quickly executes the same attack pattern he used last time. Charging plus All Out Strike. It used a lot of Health, but it did a lot of damage. So as long as he didn't miss, it is quite the worthwhile Skill. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]He manages to charge forward right as Kagamine gets disarmed, his mace smashing once again right into the creature's stomach, making it cough out a huge amount of the same black smoke as before, having dealt 80 damage once again. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Now its just a repeat of before, with Artisia now having an opportunity to come in and finish it off, or perhaps try for something else. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia was about to tell Kagamine to do something for her, but Kagamine charged right toward the Orc. She almost yelled after her, but since she was already headed toward the Orc, it wouldn't have been worth the effort. Venom charged right after Kagamine and did some serious damage.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Honestly, she was weak in comparison to these two. She wondered why she was even allowed to be on a team with them. But, right now, that thought wasn't important. With the Gremlin archer approaching fast, Artisia needed to just head toward the Orc and hit it with all she had. Her ability would use up a bit too much health for her liking, so she just sprinted and readied a punch that would help them get away from this horrid situation.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]A 26 Critical! Appears right above the Orc's head, and it grits its teeth at the strong, for Artisia, hit, still standing despite the incredibly well executed strike. However, it is the next strike, which wasn't the best, but still enough that dealt 7 damage that did the creature in. It must have been on its last leg for a mere 33 Damage to do it in, the Orc's eyes widening before it falls back now, vanishing in a plume of smoke as well. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]A Skill has been created through a special action. By striking an opponent's weak point with both luck and Skill the ability to better do so, Critical Strike, has been created. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Critical Strike[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] (Rank 10, Special) (Level 30, 0/3 SP)[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Your ability to attempt to seek out and strike at an opponent's weaknesses. It only activates whenever you deal a Critical Strike with any attack. This special Critical Strike deals 25% more Damage than a regular strike. Furthermore, it ignores 20% of the opponent's Defenses. This Skill can be trained outside of combat. You get two SP for performing the Critical Strike, and then another SP if it defeats the enemy. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]No Items are dropped once again. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Still, for now the two main threats are taken care of. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Now for the Rangers. There seems to be two now that are both about twenty yards away, and each of them fires a glowing arrow right towards Kagamine. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Both arrows stick in deep, with the second one sticking right into her shoulder, much deeper than the other arrow, being a Critical Strike that did a nasty bit of damage, both Arrows having reduced her 140 Health to 68 in just a mere moment. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Venom curses, and he pushes Kagamine towards an alleyway, and she obliges. Here he begins to prepare his Healing Miracles while she carefully pulls the arrows out. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"We need to come up with a plan for getting closer to them quickly, but unfortunately there is no other way than the road itself, which they have those bows trained upon. His hand glows as the Prayer is complete, and Kagamine is washed in a soothing light that heals her for 50 HP. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"It'll just be Holy Touch and Potions for now. I can only use Prayer once a minute." [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]For now, another strategy meeting would be needed. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia ducks into the alleyway with the rest of the party and she curses. "Damn. I thought we would've had time before they could get a clear shot at us. Looks like I was wrong." Artisia looks around and tries to find the best way for them to survive this encounter. Without an archer, it's impossible to fight them with fair odds.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia decides it would be best to scale the building and try her best to fend off the enemies from a higher vantage point. That way, she could also potentially lead the archers away from Kagamine and buy them a little extra time. "Wait here. I'm going to go up to the top of the building to see if there's anything for us to defeat them with."[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia scaled the wall carefully and she took a good fifteen seconds getting up to the top. She was careful to keep very low while she was up on top of this building. Especially considering that their former archer was made into a pincushion while he was up there.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]She army crawled toward a pile of things that were on top of the building. It seems that the former player had left some of his gear behind. Seems he was still of some use, even if he was dead now. She grabbed the bow, his belt pouch, and the arrows that were there as well. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]Alright. What do I do now? I have a bow to fight them from a distance with now. But I haven't the slightest idea how to use it. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]But suddenly, an idea popped into Artisia's head. She needed to get back down to the ground before she tried anything else.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]She was able to make it down the building safely with the bow and she faced the others with it in hand. "Does either of you have Strength and Dexterity of 15? I'd like one of us to try and shoot at one of the Gremlins to provoke them closer."[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"We both have it, but the problem is that none of us can actually use a Bow. The Bow requires a Bow Skill. So neither of us will be able to use it." Kagamine just motions to her sword. "I picked a Sword for my Weapon, and Venom has his Shield and Mace." [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Venom nods. "They are twenty yards away. With my Charge Skill, I can get right in front of them. I won't attack, but instead raise my shield to just disrupt them, especially since Bows are at a disadvantage right close up. During this, you guys run up behind me. I have thick armor and a lot of health. I'll probably take some hits, but I'm a tank. It's what I do." [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Kagamine nods. "I like this plan, especially since none of us can use a Bow." She looks to Artisia. "So when I attack my Gremlin, you'll follow up and finish it off as we've been doing, since you still can't deal a lot of damage yet. Once you get your Class Change though that'll assuredly change. Thankfully though these guys don't have as much Damage Reduction as the Orcs do." [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]It seems a plan has been developed now. Whether or not Artisia would go along with it though is another thing entirely. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia looks to the group and mentally slaps herself. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]Right. They're right.[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] She listens to the plan that they present her and she wonders whether it would work or not. For the most part, it seems like it would be successful, but Artisia needed to make some adjustments. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"The plan seems good. Venom, I just need you to do something. Can you run a little hunched over? It'll help protect your legs. I highly doubt the archers would shoot right at your shield, so the things they could aim for mostly consist of your legs. Even if they do move around a lot, we'll be charging right at them, so it would give them a good chance to hit them. It might sound stupid, but if we're going to make this plan work, we have to make sure it works. If anything unexpected happens, then we might not be able to adapt." [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]And I might die, but they don't need to know that.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Also, my concern lies with one of the Gremlins that is staying in the camp. That Gremlin will be able to take shots at Kagamine and I while we're fighting the other Gremlins. If we're going to be successful, we also need to find a way to lure that Gremlin out. I know we need to run away, but if we're going to take out the other two Gremlins, we might as well take out the last one and clear this. Anyone have any ideas on how to do that?"[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Unfortunately no. Fortunately these guys, from what i've heard, don't have a lot of HP. So as long as we can blitz them, we can finish them off in about two or three strikes." [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Kagamine nods in agreement at Venom's assessment. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]He then readies his shield. "Ok, ill run out there. Wait until I am about five yards ahead before you two start running as well. I need you two to be behind me enough to get in strikes while I keep them occupied." [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]He runs out of the alleyway to prepare his charge, only to have two static covered arrows fly right at him. And both unfortunately hit dead on. However due to the thickness of his armor and his own defense, they don't do much at all. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]So he just yanks the arrows out quickly, before charging forward now, moving very swift thanks to the Skill that drains some of his Health, but allows him to barrel straight ahead. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Kagamine follows shortly after Venom goes, trailing behind him, but not nearly as fast as him. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia could do the same, being about a small bit faster than Kagamine at full speed. And she does the same. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Right as Venom arrives, he just holds his shield up right in front of the two, in a low, defensive stance. The Gremlins seem to note his Guarded stance though, and decided to quickly aim towards Kagamine, despite the Mace that he swings at one of them. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]And fumbles completely, his swing not only going completely off the mark, but he throws it to the side as well, cursing audibly. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]This allows for the two of them to take their shots towards Kagamine. The arrows aren't glowing at least, but still sail normally towards Kagamine. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]One arrow hits, stabbing right into her side, but the second arrow seems to harmlessly dink her armor and bounce off. Perhaps without whatever they were doing to their arrows, their arrows weren't as potent?[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Regardless, this allows the two of them to get closer now, closing the distance while Durin shoves his shield at them as they both try to take more shots at Kagamine. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]He doesn't do damage, but he does manage to shove one of the Gremlins back, thus throwing off its shot and wasting the arrow. The second Gremlin still fires its Arrow right at Kagamine, who is nearly atop of the Gremlin, right as she arrives. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]And once again it hits full on, stabbing right into the center of her torso, making her cough up a bit of blood, but she maintains her composure. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]The third Gremlin fires from fifteen yards away back in the safety of the camp, also aiming for Kagamine as well. Its arrow glowing with static. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]This leaves a third arrow stuck in her now as it impacts for 33 total damage, 11 of that being mystical. Still, now the two are atop of the Gremlins. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]So right now Durin continues to bash the first one with its shield to throw it off. And he succeeds, preventing it from doing anything as he pushes against it with his shield. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Kagamine now goes for a flurry of two blows against the second Gremlin. Despite the pain of the arrows draining her health, she manages to get in a very strong hit, dealing seventy damage. She then goes for a second hit. And just like the first, its very well executed, slashing right across the Gremlin's torso once again, smoting its essence from its body. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Finish it!" she shouts. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Now it is up to Artisia to once again deliver the finishing blow. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia decides against using her ability once again as she runs toward the Gremlin that Kagamine was attacking. In hopes of giving it a good punch, she rushes toward the Gremlin, then stops and puts all her willpower into the punch she delivers.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]The strategy seems to work. Stop at the last moment just like Kagamine did to prepare a more proper attack rather than just charge in foolishly to allow the Gremlin to escape in the event that either of them missed. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]This allows Artisia to deliver a punch that knocks the Gremlin over, dealing 25 Damage as she sends it sprawling, the creature vanishing right as it hits the ground. That is one down, two to go. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]And Durin seeks to quickly continue to bash at the Gremlin to make sure it can't fire again, so that the other two can run up and finish it. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]And it still can't escape as Venom pushes it to the left now, pushing it so that it won't get pushed into the Camp Domain. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]The third Gremlin fires another glowing arrow though right at Kagamine. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]It still sticks in her, but not as deeply as the other three arrows since it wasn't the best shot in the world. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Still, despite being riddled with arrows, Kagamine endures the health draining pain and in a blaze pushes forward, slashing with all of her might at the Grmelin that Venom is in a confrontation with. Unfortunately her first attack misses completely. In fact... [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]She unfortunately slashes Venom right in the side with her sloppy swing. Fortunately Venom endures the hit and keeps the creature pushed against his shield to allow Kagamine a second strike. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]She manages to deal 37 Damage to the creature at least, but in reality she should have stayed back, but in her impatience and fury just rushed in so she could finish it as soon as possible. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Hopefully though Artisia can mend the situation and finish the pinned Gremlin off. But it doesn't seem nearly as wounded as the previous enemies she has had to finish off have due to lack of distinct gashes. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia puts one of the gremlins out of commission by punching it right in the chest. It gets knocked down and then disappears. But the fight wasn't over yet. The other Gremlin being pinned by Venom still needed to be finished off. Artisia moved to the Gremlin while Kagamine was doing her few slashes at it. Artisia tried to move to a position where, if the Gremlin would run, it would run right into her. Once she did that, she delivered her punch.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Her first two hits were good and well, the first dealing 7 and the second dealing 25. Unfortunately the third wasn't done well at all, and she accidentally punches Venom with her full force. Fortunately all she really does is put a small dent in the chain of his armor, and thus it doesn't do much except be a waste of an attack and put more damage on Venom's armor. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Stop hitting me!" he shouts jokingly. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]They are doing good, so he feels like he should crack a joke in here to lighten things up. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]He would live through that, and he continues to push his shield against the Gremlin to try and keep it from doing anything. Unfortunately it manages to escape, scrambling backwards into the Camp Ring now, Venom cursing. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]At least they kept it from acting. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]The other Gremlin though fires another Arrow towards Kagamine. And hits for another full on shot, five arrows being stuck inside of her now. Unfortunately this is when the Arrow Damage hits, draining 25 points of health now, and she begins to drop due to being now at -16 Health. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]She isn't able to remain standing, falling down to the ground. She's still alive it seems, but bleeding out, so they would need to heal her as soon as possible. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Durin prepares his Holy Touch as he rushes over to her. As long as he could heal her once, he could at least prevent her from bleeding out so he could start pulling out the arrows. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Get a potion ready!" He shouts. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Holy Touch!" He encants as he kneels down, shield raised to protect him from the side as he touches her with a glowing hand. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]She's back at -1 for now. So not in danger unless one of the Gremlins comes and tries to finish her off. Well that, and they would need to pull the arrows from her so she wouldn't keep bleeding from those wounds. Those need to be removed carefully lest the damage would kill her. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]So Artisia could either chug a potion in her mouth, or crouch low and start pulling out arrows two at a time slowly. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Or do something else. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia watches as Venom heals Kagamine to -1 health. It seems like she's going to be okay, but she has five arrows in her. Venom seemed to want her to make her chug a potion, but Artisia didn't think that was the right choice. The arrows bleeding damage would cause the potion to go to waste in just a few seconds, so she needed to take the arrows out before she could go and make Kagamine drink a potion.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"PROTECT ME WHILE I PULL THESE ARROWS OUT OF HER!"[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia leaned over Kagamine and then realized something. Soon, these people were going to be her enemies. Artisia looked over Kagamine's weak body and she realized how easy it would be to make her disappear. She could pull out some of the arrows and she could say that she had just accidentally yanked them out because she didn't know what else to do. She could just slap Venom if it came to him pointing a finger at her too. That would make him come to his senses about the whole situation.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia looked over Kagamine and frowned a little. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]I'm sorry. I admire how strong you are, but you're too strong. I can't have you be my enemy in the future, so I have to make you disappear. At least, you won't actually be dying.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]He just nods, getting on one knee, his back to Artisia and Kagamine as he is in front of them, shield raised. "Alright, just be careful, but make it quick." After all, he realizes that if the arrows remain inside of her, their very few remaining potions will be a waste. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Of course, both Gremlins are firing arrows at Venom now. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Due to his Shield Block Skill, it seems like he takes less Damage from the Arrow that is now stuck in his side as it got by his defenses, but his toughened body seemed to block most of the damage, only taking a total of 13 Damage from the arrows stuck in him. Still, at least Shield Block also seemed to use HP as well. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia would 'carefully' manage to pull two arrows out, doing so in a manner that still dealt more damage, but made it seem like she's being careful. Just because Venom has his back to her, doesn't mean she can't be cautious. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Kagamine goes down to -21 Health now, and the remaining three arrows in her put her down to -36 Health, but she is still alive since she hasn't disappeared yet. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Shield Block" Venom uses the Skill once again, to keep protecting his teammates. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"How's it going back there?" He asks as two more arrows are fired at him. The first one merely bounces off of his armor, but the second one, since it was fired from a mere five yards away, gets right past his defenses. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]All it would take is probably two more arrows now and the bleeding damage would take care of the rest. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia pulls the two arrows out of Kagamine, trying her best to make her death swift, but the way she's going about doing it isn't working. She needs to make it go faster, and the only other way she could think of it would be to pull out the arrows slowly, but turn them as she pulled them out.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia hears Venom ask how she's doing on the pulling out of the arrows and she responds with, "It's going pretty smoothly. I think we'll be in the clear soon." She felt a little bad for having to lie, but to her, it wasn't really a lie. Her plan was going smoothly. And once Kagamine dies, they'll be able to handle the rest of the enemies by themselves. Half of their team is wiped out, of course, but they can at least share the loot and such when they're done. They also get to say they survived a special encounter.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia pulls another two arrows from Kagamine, but turns them as she pulls them out. She desperately hopes that Venom doesn't notice what she's actually doing, but she doubts that he'll see because he seems to trust her. Seems that was a big mistake on his part.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Twisting the arrows seem to work, and as she twists that second one her body finally vanishes, Kagamine being defeated by Artisia's hand even if she didn't put her on the ground. She put her in it. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"NO!" Venom turns his head. "Dammit... I thought you were being careful!" He yells at her, but keeps his stance as two more arrows fly. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]The first one is harmless, but the second one hits full on once again. He's only at 75 Health now, but he quickly reaches and grabs Kagamine's discarded Health Potion, chugging it down. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Che, doesn't matter, those arrows inflict a lot of Bleed Damage after all, but this will still be reported. We need to finish these guys now!" [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]He's mostly speaking out of anger, probably just pinning the blame on her out of momentary spite and anger. He doesn't seem to have actually noticed anything otherwise he would have moved away from her instead of keeping his back exposed to her as he drank down a Health Potion and pulled two close by arrows out, cringing at the 20 Damage dealt. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Go get me my mace!"[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia felt relieved when Kagamine finally vanished, but she tried to hold the expression of fear on her face. Shock was the only thing that she should display, especially if she was watching someone die who she was trying to save.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]But, unfortunately, Artisia's no actress. She couldn't help looking calm as a cucumber, but she did listen to everything Venom said and went to retrieve his mace for him, moving as quickly as she could. She would hand it to him, rather than throw it, since she wasn't the smoothest. Especially not in this situation.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]He doesn't really notice her... too calm expression, or perhaps he does, but given that they are still under attack he doesn't take it into consideration. Maybe afterwards he might, but not right now. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Two more arrows are notched, and he quickly moves in front of Artisia, Shield Blocking again. He can't really dodge or block the arrows in time, since he used the Skill last minute, but at least the extra resilience helps to make the arrows less harmful. The first one is a full hit, but the second just bounces harmlessly off of his shield this time. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]He quickly chugs down a potion from his pouch, restoring MP and HP, and then grabs his Mace. He moves forward into the Camp domain slowly, readying to step back at the last moment since he knows where the Pole is going to fire. As long as he's fast enough, then he can avoid it right when it fires.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Ill bait the pole to fire. After that, we'll go in and attack together."[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]He steps right into the domain, and a spiraling Magical Arrow swirls right at him. Thankfully his Shield is better, and he manages to block the magical attack with his shield as he steps back, him having readied himself. At the same time, another two arrows are fired. The first once again bounces off of his shield since he is using Shield Block, which drains health, but the second one hits full on. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Now!" he shouts, still having two arrows stuck in him, pulling both out now with his shield hand, just yanking them out, suffering another 20 Damage, but he just ignores it as he rushes forward the five yard distance and swings his mace at the more wounded Gremlin.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Smite!"[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]His Mace glows with holy power as it strikes the Gremlin. Unfortunately the holy power fails, but his strike is true at least, seventy damage being dealt to the creature. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Finish it!"[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia's fist rings true, 25 Damage knocking it onto its back and from this world as it vanishes in a plume of smoke. Five more EXP is gained, and with that Artisia finally reaches Level 15. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]The other one is still ten yards away though. So Durin activates 'Charge!' as his legs glow, and he rushes forward, before delivering a powerful blow towards the Gremlin. Unfortunately it misses, leaving Venom wide open. The Gremlin takes the opportunity to just dodge backwards instead and notch another arrow, readying itself for Venom. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Unfortunately Artisia is too far away as well to get in an accurate attack, but she could still sprint in and try and see what happens. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]That is, until the tower fires a magical arrow right at her. She barely dodges right out of the way. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia hits the Gremlin with as much strength as she can give and ends up killing the thing, which puts her up to level 15. One step closer to becoming a stronger member for Team JUSTICE.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]As soon as she finished that Gremlin off though, Venom charges toward the other. Artisia almost runs toward him when she sees an arrow flying right at her. She dodges it by shifting her torso just enough for the arrow to miss. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]Jeez. That was close.[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] Artisia runs toward the last Gremlin and swings two punches at it. The first is a critical, indicated by the text above the enemy's head, and the second is a bit weaker in comparison to the first. She steels herself to get in another few hits so that she can finally get out of this situation.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Venom runs forward now, moving in close to the Gremlin. Wanting to finish this so that they can quickly capture the Flag before it fires again, so he quickly moves forward, getting into tandem with Artisia as he swings. Unfortunately the swing misses, and thanks to how poor it is the creature is able to step back. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]He was hoping for a one two finish, but that didn't seem to work. So instead he calls out "All Out Strike!"[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]It may cost a lot of health, but it'll get the job done. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]He rushes forward, his mace glowing brightly with energy, before it then slams right into the creature's face. 94 Damage was dealt at the cost of 50 Health and 10 MP being taken away from his bars, the creature flying back about five yards from the impact before it finally stops moving and just vanishes. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Quickly, capture the Flag before it fires again!" shouts Venom. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]And all she had to do is just put her hand on it and shout "Capture!"[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia watches as Venom's first attack misses, but then he uses his power to finish the creature off. He tells her what to do, so she does exactly what she was told. She runs toward the pole, touches it with her hand, and shouts, "Capture!"[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]The Flag glows, and Team Snake's flag appears. The Purchase Chest also glows, and a window indicating for them to check the Chest and that they gained 8 EXP from this Encounter both appear. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Wanting to begin healing though, Venom sheaths his weapons and starts to mumble, starting to incant his Prayer so that he could get some of his HP back. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Venom seems to mumble something, which alerts Artisia. She needed to get rid of Venom too. He was a hard-hitter and the fact he could heal was invaluable to Team Snake. "Hey wait! Venom, maybe you should-" Before she finishes, she decides to punch him in the back twice. She needed him dead. This was the most efficient way to do it. No one could know what happened here, especially since Venom might have known that she killed Kagamine. It would ruin her chance to help Team JUSTICE and she couldn't have that.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]He hears her voice. It doesn't throw off his concentration, but suddenly getting punched in the back does. His Prayer is disrupted, and he lets out a loud gasp of pain as he quickly moves forward, spins around, and takes out his weapons. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"What the hell are you doing?! A-Aren't we on the same side?!" He seems rather confused, but is quickly taking a stance so that he can fight back, but is still right in front of her. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Her first punch that she throws bounces harmlessly off of his armor and skin as the brunt of the blow is redirected by his shield, but she quickly throws a second with her other hand. This catches him off guard, smacking him right in the face for a total of 13 Damage, plunging him into -9 Health. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]He remains standing though, and hits her once with his Mace. The heavy, one-handed weapon deals 26 Damage on the first hit, due to not being full contact, but the next one deals a very heavy 46 Damage. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]If Artisia takes two more hits like that its over, so she'll need to finish this next blow, lest everything be for naught and she be killed, since the Cleric probably isn't going to listen to any reason anymore. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]The first hit strikes true, but even through that his determination does not waver, his eyes glaring at her as he struggles to stay standing. The second hit, however; is what finally sends him spiraling to the floor, his consciousness gone as he collapses. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]He is only unconscious though, not dead. Artisia would need to hit him a few more times to finish the job, lest he wake up. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia looks down at Venom before she decides to punch him two more times in order to finish him off. She really couldn't have him telling anyone about this now. She can see that his armor has worn down to nothing and he's battered and beaten. She felt kind of bad for beating someone while they were down, but she needed him to stay quiet. The only way to ensure that was to kill him. Not literally, but just kick him from the game through death. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Surely, her Team would embrace her even further if she was able to tell them a story about how her team all died one-by-one as they fought the different guardians at the camp. One axemen killed the Ranger, the other axemen did in their swordswoman, and the Gremlins did in the Cleric. She was barely able to reach the pole to capture the camp, but she did it. That was the story that everyone was going to buy. With that, she sent her fists down on Venom's body. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"I'm sorry. I really am."[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]After his body disappeared, she picked up his weapon and his shield and put them in her inventory. She also walked over to Kagamine's sword and picked that up as well. She now had equipment from each team member, which people from Team JUSTICE could probably use.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]After she finished picking up these pieces of equipment, she opened her Stat page and noticed she had 10 AP to spend. Right now, with the armor penalty, she wasn't able to make as many attacks as she thought she was capable of. If she put Agility up to 20, she could make more attacks one round, as stated by the title "Swift". She decided it would also be wise for her to put her remaining AP into a point of Strength. She needed the damage she could do to go up even more than before. If she was going to be useful, she needed to hit harder. Artisia looked over her HP and MP. Both of those stats were relatively low. Especially when she would use abilities. If she ever wished to survive more battles by herself, she needed more HP and MP. That would have to come later though.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Artisia then walked over to the Purchase Chest to see what she, by herself, had won from the encounter.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]---[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]The Chest had a good number of things in it. There were five Rejuvenation Potions, definitely useful for Artisia since she uses both her Mana and HP for her Skills. Present in the chest was also 35 Gold Coins and 150,000 Yen. The Monsters here have been dropping yen for her, whenever she dealt the final blow anyway. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Of course, that wasn't all that was in the chest. There was also a [+5 Fighter's Belt], a [+5 Amulet of Natural Defense], and something called an [Ability Rune: Mana Point]. What the last one did, however; is something that wasn't appearing. All that appeared for the last one is the Item's name. Still, at least the first two Items had good Stats, which she could see when she puts them on. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]All that would be left now is getting back to Team Snake and reporting the 'tragic news'. That is, if the main force has already come back from the Station Boss Raid. [/BCOLOR]