A small, plump creature wiggle around in a red jacket adorned with gold buttons. His skin is covered in light green fur and he has large, captivating eyes. His four arms and legs are rounded at the ends, but that doesn’t stop him from holding a sort of microphone in the crook of his paws. He clears his throat apprehensively and then greets the audience in the arena and elsewhere. Music seems to come out of nowhere to accompany his words:
Welcome! Welcome!
Yes, welcome to the GM4 Arena!
Today, a new exciting match will pit two creatures against each other in a fight to the death! Well, rather two groups.
Who will emerge victorious? What magnificent moves will we see? Have you already placed your bets? For this last question, I hope the answer is yes, because it is too late now: the die is cast!
Here are the participants who are already teleported to the field.
On one side, a couple of desert Nagas:
The sinister metal portcullis creaked upwards, opening access to a new space, a large square covered in sand. Slipping cautiously into this new place, the Naga warrior used his detection skill to detect any traps that this new test could conceal. Nothing. Nothing visible at least.
His massive, scaled body slid easily over the sandy ground thanks to his thick tail protected by enchanted leather. Tightening his grip on his heavy spear and solid shield, he observed the fog that separated the arena into two parts. Nothing could be seen beyond it; he could not even detect sources of heat… However, it was obvious that danger lurked there. Apparently, they were going to have a little time to prepare before the test.
Raising his unblinking eyes, he glared furiously at the spectators in the arena and the presenter who was revealing his information sheet before their eyes.
!
Naga (Tank), Level 11 [Rank E]
Name: Zack-Jïazk
Race: [Naga]
Class: Tank [Rank E]; Level 11
Hit points (HP): 348/348
Energy Points (EP): 55/55
Vigor: 198/198
Armor: 8 (+9)/8 (+9)
Abilities:
Strength: 8 (+2!)
Agility: 5
Stamina: 18
Intelligence: 5
Mana: 1
Armor: 8 (+9!)
Description: In Naga society, men are trained from a young age to defend sorceress while they prepare their spells. It is rare to meet a classless naga.
Attributes (2):
Aquatic (Natural Modifier) Suffers penalties outside of an aquatic environment. Has doubled Agility underwater. Can breathe underwater. [In synergy with "Mutant"]
Mutant (Special modifier) [From the desert] Adapted to desert territories [Removes all penalties due to desert territories.] [In synergy with "Aquatic"]
Skills (6):
Scaly armor (F): (Natural power) Increases armor by 3.
Parry [F] (Natural Power) [Gain a 10% chance to parry an attack at the cost of 2 Vigor points. The higher the opponent's Agility is compared to yours, the more the percentage will decrease.]
Damage reduction (F) (Supernatural power) [1 point of damage taken is removed from Vigor instead of Vitality.]
Heat detection [F] (Magical power) Allows you to detect heat sources even through walls. [1 Energy point per 10 seconds]
Camouflage (E) [Supernatural Power] (Allows you to take on the color of your environment, only for your natural parts).
Detection (E): (Supernatural Power) Increases the probability of detecting traps, invisible things and points of interest.
Class Skills (8):
Provocation (E) (Supernatural Power) Annoys enemies [Costs 5 Vigor per use]
Intimidate (F) (Supernatural Power) Slightly worries enemies [Costs 2 Vigor per use]
Second Wind (E) (Supernatural Power) (You regain 1 Vigor Point per level every 10 seconds.) [Max +10]
Defensive Stance (F) [Natural Power] Temporarily increases Stamina and Armor by 1 while in this stance. Does not allow offensive actions.
Harden (F) (Supernatural Power) Temporarily increases armor by 3. Consumes 10 Vigor per minute.
Sacrifice (E) (Supernatural Power) [Quarters personal damage taken, prevents any dodge or parry, makes you immune to critical hits against you, you receive all damage inflicted on your allies in their place, without it being reduced by your skills. Costs 80 Energy or 800 Stamina per minute to maintain after one minute. Blocks Energy and Vigor regeneration. Can be used once per day.
Rush (F) (Supernatural Power) Allows you to move very quickly towards a target, in a straight line. Temporarily increases Agility and Strength by 1, costs 10 Vigor.
Piercing Blow (F) (Supernatural Power) [Special attack costing 1 Vigor and ignoring 1 Armor Point]
SPECIALIZATION:
Vindictive Tank Specialization => Grants a 1 damage reflection point. Grants a +1 bonus to accuracy and damage on the last five targets that caused you damage points.
ACTIVE EQUIPMENT:
Spear (E) [+2 Strength, +1 Armor] [2-handed weapon]
Solid Shield [E] [+3 Armor] [Weapon and Armor] [+5% chance to parry, double the total bonus to parry]
Protector's Armor (E) [+2 Armor, +1 damage reflection] [Chest Armor]
Enchanted Leather Tailguard (E) [+3 Armor] [Leg Armor]
Hidden Trait (1):
Specialization Affinity (Due to a significant expenditure of plausibility on the part of their protector, Nagas are assigned to a class from level 1)
!
As you can see, we have added a little bonus for you this time: we reveal “Hidden Traits” of creatures. As you probably already know, the different species receive additional and racial “Traits” that are rarely revealed by scrying skills…
Slipping cautiously behind her protector, the female Naga warily observed the surroundings, sifting them through with her Observation skill, without learning anything relevant.
Slenderer and smaller than the male, she moved in his tailsteps, ready to hide behind his back from enemy lines of sight. Due to her class, she wore lighter clothing, not risking interfering with the gestures necessary for her enchantments. The wand she held in her hand glowed with a faint blue light at its tip, ready to serve as a focus for her attacks.
“Zack-Jïazk!” she ordered. Stay on your guard[1]!”
!
Naga (Magician), Level 11 [Rank E]
Name: Nash-Jakkra
Race: [Naga]
Class: Magician [Rank E]; Level 11
Hit points (HP): 205/205
Energy Points (EP): 1584/1584
Vigor: 55/55
Armor: 4 (+2)/4 (+2)
Abilities:
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Stamina: 5
Intelligence: 12
Mana: 12
Armor: 4 (+2!)
Description: In Naga society, women are trained in the "magician" class from a young age. It is rare to meet a naga without a class.
Attributes (2):
Aquatic (Natural Modifier) Suffers penalties outside of an aquatic environment. Has doubled Agility underwater. Can breathe underwater. [In synergy with "Mutant"]
Mutant (Special modifier) [From the desert] Adapted to desert territories [Removes all penalties due to desert territories.] [In synergy with "Aquatic"]
Skills (6):
Scaly armor (F): (Natural power) Increases armor by 3.
Mana reserve (F) (Magical power) Increases the speed of regeneration of Energy points per hour by one point per rank of the skill. Increases the Energy reserve by 10.
Heat detection [F] (Magical power) Allows you to detect heat sources even through walls. [1 Energy point per 10 seconds]
Camouflage (E) [Supernatural Power] (Allows you to take on the color of your environment, only for your natural parts).
Observation (E) (Supernatural Power) [Allows you to obtain information on targets using the System [Allows you to see the target of the focus from afar; allows you to protect your information from an "Observation" skill of equal or lower level]] [Observation can make it easier to detect camouflaged enemies or points of interest.]
Magical Healing (E) [Magic Power, allows you to convert 5 Energy Points to heal Hit Point] [1d20 healing]
Class Skills (9):
Generalist Grimoire (F) [Magical Power, stores magical secondary skills, you can learn more by deciphering other grimoires]
* Control [Water] (F)
Charm (F) [Magical Power, takes control of the actions of a living target, transforming it into a servant. It is impossible to give a directly suicidal order or to personally perform an action that is visibly hostile towards the target.] [Costs 10 Energy Points to activate, then 1 Point per minute to maintain. It is possible to consume up to 10 additional points to strengthen control against a recalcitrant target.] [Each point of Intelligence above the target increases the chance of success, each point of Intelligence below decreases the chance of success. The hidden characteristic "Charisma" increases the chance of success.]
Ethereal Body (F) (Magical Power) Makes the user intangible to physical attacks for a certain duration and reduces their armor to 0. The user cannot launch physical attacks either and all Energy costs of other skills are tripled. The user can end the power at will. [F=10/10 seconds] [BLOCKS the regeneration of Energy, Vitality and Vigor; temporarily blocks physical states.]
Magic Armor (F) (Magic Power) Generates a magical armor of 3. The armor can block intangible blows. Consumes 5 Energy per minute and each blocked blow consumes 1 Energy point for every ten blocked damage.
Minor Illusions (F) [Sound] (Magic Power) Allows you to create an illusion concerning one of the six senses…
* Imaginary Sounds [F] (Magic Power) Allows you to make everyone hear sounds that do not exist and seem to originate from a specific point. Costs 1 Energy per second.
Summon Ethereal Weapon (F) (Magic Power) Summons an ethereal weapon that can strike and block in a tangible and ethereal way. It has no weight and inflicts the normal damage of its weapon type. Costs 10 Energy points per minute. [Quality varies depending on the skill rank.]
Invisibility (E) [Magical Power] Allows you to make the target (personnel, willing ally or object) disappear from sight, consuming 10 Energy per 20 seconds.
Sand Cloud [E] (Magical Power) [Air] Generates a cloud of sand that blurs most perception abilities. [Costs 20 Energy; +Additional Energy to extend the area; costs 5 Energy if the area is less than 1 meter; costs 10 Energy per minute to maintain]
Mana Regeneration (F) (Magical Power) Increases the speed of regeneration of Energy points by +1/Hour.
SPECIALIZATION:
Combat Mage Specialization => Your attack spells restore 1 Energy point for every 10 points of damage inflicted. Your spells inflict 1 bonus damage point.
ACTIVE EQUIPMENT:
Focus Wand [F] [+1 Spell Accuracy] [Weapon]
Mage’s Tunic (F) [+1 Armor] [Chest Armor]
Leather Tailguard (F) [+1 Armor] [Leg Armor]
Hidden Trait (1):
Specialization Affinity (Due to a significant expenditure of plausibility on the part of their protector, Nagas are assigned to a class from level 1)
!
Zack-Jïazk grimaced: of course he was on his guard. Who did she take him for, constantly giving advice? But he wasn’t going to argue with her on the eve of a fight, so he nodded:
“Yes Nash-Jakkra.”
And on the other side, we have a veteran champion, a terrible Minotaur who has defeated countless opponents in the arenas from which he originated!
Standing tall, the bull-headed monster stared emotionlessly at the fog that hid his future opponents. Hearing the announcer mention it, he turned to the audience, raising his gigantic two-handed axe high.
“MOOOOOOOOOO!”
The audience loved it.
He turned his attention back to the fog, indifferent to the display of his abilities to the audience, concentrating on his future opponents. All he could know was that they were Nagas and that there were two of them. What was it? He would see. That was also the game of the arenas: discovering exotic life forms and learning to gut them.
!
Minotaur Barbarian, Level 15 [Rank E]
Name: Mo-oh-gra the Champion
Race: [Minotaur]
Class: Barbarian [Rank E]; Level 15
Hit points (HP): 590/590
Vigor: 390 (+10)/ 390 (+10)
Armor: 6 (+10!)/6 (+10!)
Abilities:
Strength: 24 (+3!)
Agility: 4 (+1!)
Stamina: 26
Intelligence: 4
Armor: 6 (+10!)
Description: Minotaurs are a brutal people who believe that those who die deserve to die for their weakness. Despite their individualism, they often gather in powerful herds under the leadership of the one who hits the hardest and even manage to build a true civilization in this way. [An adult minotaur that has not reached level 10 is an exception.]
Attributes (0):
Skills (6):
Rage (E) (Natural Power) Partially clouds the user's discernment and increases their power at the expense of their ability to absorb damage. Immunizes against terror and pain. [Prohibits passive or defensive postures] [Strength x2, Intelligence %2, Damage taken x2, costs 1 Vigor/10 seconds]
Charge (D) (Natural Power) Allows you to move very quickly towards a target to strike it and try to jostle it. Temporarily increases Strength by 3 and increases accuracy by 6, costs 30 Vigor. Generates a Strength roll versus an Endurance roll for a projection of the target. It is possible to use it at a lower rank.
Superior Endurance (E) (Natural Power) [Your Endurance is permanently increased by 5]
Fur Armor (E) (Natural Power) Increases Armor by 5.
Sixth Sense (E) (Supernatural Power) [+5% to detecting nearby invisible or stealthed enemies] [+10 Perception]
Offensive Stance (E) (Natural Power) [Stance] Temporarily increases Strength and chance to hit by 2. Decreases Parry and Evasion by the same amount. [Cannot be used at the same time as defensive stance.]
Class Skills (3):
Intimidate (E) (Supernatural Power) Worries enemies [Costs 10 Vigor per use]
Second Wind (E) (Supernatural Power) (You regain 1 Vigor Point per level every 10 seconds.) [Max +10]
First Aid [E] (Natural Power) [Allows you to treat minor injuries and stop bleeding. Requires equipment. Allows you to heal up to 2 Hit Points outside of combat.]
SPECIALIZATION:
Champion Specialization => Increases actions against a well-known type of opponent by 1. Adds a bonus to courage when you are alone.
ACTIVE EQUIPMENT:
Massive War Axe (E) [+3 Strength, +1 Accuracy] [2-handed weapon]
Labyrinth Helm (E) [+1 Armor, -1 (-2) Accuracy to opponents] [Part of the Labyrinth set (2). Active set effect: Doubles the confusion of opponents] [Head armor]
Executioner's Gauntlets (F) [+2 Armor] [Part of the Executioner set] [Hand armor]
Labyrinth Armor (E) [+3 Armor, -1 (-2) Accuracy to opponents] [Part of the Labyrinth set (2). Active Set Effect: Doubles the confusion of enemies] [Chest Armor]
Vigorous Leggings (E) [+3 Armor, +10 Vigor] [Leg Armor]
Solid Boots (E) [+1 Armor, +1 Agility] [Foot Armor]
Hidden Trait (1):
Uncontrollable Rage (Below 10% of its Hit Points, the minotaur will use its rage skill to hit EVERYTHING that comes within its range, until it faints.)
!
As you can see, the difference in level is minimal, although level 15 represents an additional step compared to the previous level, it is not a sufficient step to change rank… But our Minotaur is rather well equipped with the spoils of his many victories and is used to this type of confrontation… Will it be enough?
LET THE FIGHT BEGIN!
The magical mist cleared, revealing to the fighters the danger they were about to face.
The two Nagas tensed, nervous, observing the monster in front of them. Massive, taller than them, this bipedal creature had legs with hooves, but a normal torso except that it was covered in fur... at least, from what could be guessed despite the presence of the armor.
Once was not customary, the Nagas blinked their lidless eyes, as when they adapted their sights to the passage in the marine element, or in a low-light environment. In fact, it was not really a blink, rather a kind of strange twitching of the eye that probably fulfilled a similar function. The horned monster was equipped with armor and a helmet with complicated patterns, a color close to sea green... or metal... or a kind of greenish-blue...
The simple fact of observing these pieces of armor caused a terrible headache to the couple. The monster advanced towards them; its body covered in metal shaking the earth during its peaceful movement... like that of a mountain with murderous intentions...
Without consulting each other, the two Nagas reacted immediately.
Mo-oh-gra advanced without fear or apprehension. He had learned long ago that there was a time for violence and a time for intimidation. There was no other time, except the time of victory.
Using his Intimidation skill, he mooed ferociously, shaking the confidence of his enemies. The male Naga used his own skill against him, hissing and sticking out his tongue, but without the slightest success.
These creatures that the minotaur was facing looked like large snakes with a fairly normal torso, but covered in scales. Their scales were yellow, almost the color of the sand of the arena… In fact, no: they had indeed taken on the color of the sand of the arena and they were difficult to distinguish, if not for their weapons and armor.
Accustomed to studying, in a very short time, new unknown species, the Minotaur observed from their dimorphism that they must be a male and a female. Perhaps mammals, from their physical appearance, but it was possible that they were still oviparous, because one never knew how an alien creature really functioned. Guessing what the life of individuals who would soon disappear was like was truly a fascinating pastime.
The male stood forward, brandishing a gigantic shield that he planted in the ground in a defensive posture. Shield and spear: optimal protection and reach, a dangerous combination. He was waiting for the assault and would not initiate it. A tank, probably.
Behind him, a short distance away, the female seemed more lightly armored and had a wand for only weapon. Probably an object intended to improve the precision and power of spells. A sorceress…
He growled: he did not like sorcerers. Their powers were too powerful, not fair in the least. She would have to be eliminated first, but the male might then intervene…
The female raised her wand and traced strange symbols in the air, with mysterious meanings…
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Nash-Jakkra raised her wand and drew a symbolic heart in the air, using her powers, she materialized a pink image surrounded by a shimmering purple glow. With her other hand, she took the magical construction and blew delicately on it, sending it into the air. The heart fell back on the enemy monster before it could make the slightest move: the action had not taken more than a second...
Skill “Charm [F]” used by Nash-Jakkra [E] on Minotaur [E]
Consumption 10 Energy
Oh! A Charm skill right off the bat! Ideal for dominating an enemy target and getting them into a position to receive a few critical hits! I love the visuals of this power! Unfortunately, our minotaur is used to combat: he had barely guessed that he was the target of the spell, when he used his rage skill. Not content with immunizing against terror and pain, this skill also protects against most mental control effects... In any case, as long as there are no allies to target in the vicinity...
The minotaur threw his head back and bellowed in anger. Lowering his head so that his horns pointed forward, he immediately charged at the magician. Given her position, this effectively meant that he was charging at the warrior first. The warrior prepared to take the blow.
Minotaur Barbarian deals 59 damage to Naga Tank
Naga Tank reflects 2 damage to Minotaur Barbarian
Dodging without noticing the spear brandished by his opponent, the minotaur hit him head on, striking with horns like with the axe. Under the violence of the blow, the Naga was lifted into the air and described an arc high in the air before crashing violently into the sand, suffering three additional damage points.
Barely taking the time to raise its head, the monster lowered it and continued its charge towards the magician. Still shaken by the previous intimidation, the female reacted too slowly and the monster hit her.
The magic armor, which Nash-Jakkra had discreetly wrapped her body in before the fight, sparkled as it absorbed a tiny portion of the shock.
Minotaur Barbarian deals 64 damage to Naga Magician
Unable to endure the shock, the magician was thrown far back, hitting the edges of the arena hard. Several of her scales flew into the air on the impact and she remained half-lying on the ground, confused.
The gigantic minotaur advanced heavily, raising his axe to deliver a powerful blow…
Suddenly, a strange rattling noise was heard, annoying the monster. Turning his furious gaze in that direction, he saw the male Naga who was provoking him. Having stood up, he remained in place, brandishing his shield and spear in a threatening manner. The thin tip of his tail was raised in front of him, waving curiously and emitting this annoying noise…
The still conscious part of the minotaur’s brain was screaming at him to finish off the spellcaster immediately… But this noise… Annoying… ANNOYING!
Enraged, the minotaur charged towards the defender, determined to tear off his tail.
But as the barbarian was about to strike his target, it moved at full speed towards him… No, not exactly: Zack-Jïazk had focused his Rush skill towards his companion, causing him to brush against the monster’s trajectory.
There was a shrill noise as the axe scraped the shield, leaving a long groove, but the impact had been avoided.
Taking advantage of the time it took for his opponent to stop running and charge in the opposite direction, Zack-Jïazk planted his shield in the sand and posed his spear, going to Nash-Jakkra’s bedside. She was bleeding a little, but nothing that the System considered a hemorrhage. Seeing her gradually regaining her senses, he gently lifted her up to help her stand up.
“Are you okay?”
She looked at him for a moment as if she didn’t understand anything, then her gaze hardened:
“Can’t you take the hits properly, you idiot? I only have 136 life points left!”
Resuming his weapons, Zack-Jïazk sighed with relief: she was fine. As for him, he knew he was going to have to be more efficient: the failure of his previous block was entirely his fault because he had let himself be shaken by the enemy’s intimidation. Gripping his shield tightly, still planted in the ground, he prepared to take the full force of the enormous monster that was hurtling towards him at full speed…
Well, it looks like our magician just pulled a scroll out of her inventory. Consuming this expensive item will allow her to cast a spell she doesn't know... Oh, I see what it is... Very good choice.
Nash-Jakkra took the parchment in one hand and pointed her wand at the assailant with the other. Her words echoed in the strange native language of the System as she read the document and channeled its power.
Parchment (E) [Slowness Wall] Used successfully. A slowness zone is generated for 1 minute at the designated location.
The air began to shimmer in front of the two Nagas and it seemed to become heavier, which is a visual effect that is quite hard to describe. The most visible aspect was a slight... a very slight slowdown in the Minotaur's charge... Well, at the same time it was a rank E scroll used on a monster moving at an extraordinary speed and having an extraordinary strength...
With all his raw power, the Minotaur struck Zack-Jïazk... who with a clever shield movement deflected all the power of the blow.
Wow! Great action! We just saw a perfect parry… I think it was the tank’s one and only chance to avoid repeating the initial scenario and he succeeded! However, his spear is poorly positioned and he won’t be able to take benefit of this advantage immediately. At least, from now on, the fight will be played out in close proximity and no longer with distance…
Enraged at being stopped like this, the massive barbarian mooed loudly in disappointment. With rage still animating his mind, he struck without waiting. The Naga struck as well despite the proximity which made the handling of his spear more complex.
Minor critical hit successful: damage x2
Naga Tank inflicts 36 damage to Barbarian Minotaur
Malus inflicted: Hemorrhage [F]
For his part, Zack-Jïazk had not suffered the slightest damage, having managed to deflect his opponent's axe again. The shield had nevertheless suffered impressive damage and, if it held up to the shock, it kept the mark, reducing its durability and its capacities.
Nash-Jakkra, for her part, moved slowly, cautiously, in order to have a line of sight on their enemy. In doing so, she used her healing ability to recover a little of her life.
Once again, the fighters clashed. Disturbed by the strange undulating curves of the Minotaur's armor, the tank missed it. He nevertheless remained focused enough to deflect another enemy strike, while this time preventing his shield from suffering too much damage. The magician, for her part, passed the wand to the ribbon that served as her belt and raised her hands, causing an ethereal bow to materialize out of nowhere. She pointed it at the enemy and fired in his direction… and completely missed her target.
Mo-oh-gra growled as his peripheral vision informed him of the passage of a projectile. His raging brain remained deeply accustomed to battle, so he felt, more than he thought, that the situation was beginning to escape him. His instinct taking over his rage, he turned towards the magician and charged.
The rattling sound coming from the other Naga intensified as he tried to distract him from his plan by provoking him, but the movement had already begun. The spear clumsily grazed the Minotaur's armor, but the next moment he was already in front of the magician.
Despite the red veil of terror, he could fully appreciate the expression of stupefaction on the female's face, her useless bow in her hands, as the axe fell violently...
Minotaur Barbarian deals 68 damage to Naga Mage
Then his target disappeared from his sight in a whirlwind of sand that continued to rise. He saw… Nothing.
Nash-Jakkra [Naga] Level 11
Hit Points (HP): 78/205
Energy Points (EP): 1534/1594
Vigor: 54/55
Armor: 4(+5)/4(+2)
Zack-Jïazk [Naga] Level 11
Hit Points (HP): 300/348
Energy Points (EP): 55/55
Vigor: 183/198
Armor: 8(+8)/8(+9)
Mo-oh-gra [Minotaur] Level 15
Hit Points (HP): 553/590
Vigor: 237/390(+10)
Armor: 6(+10)/6(+10)
The cloud of sand she had raised made it impossible for anyone to see where they were, or even detect anything. She could have opted for invisibility, but her “Observation” of the opponent had taught her that he had a “Sixth Sense” skill. Even though the probability of detecting invisible creatures was only 5%, many factors came into play, such as her recent position and the marks she left on the ground: even enraged, the beast could instinctively follow these clues.
She had been able to cast her spell in extremis, just before being injured again. In that short time, she had memorized the best route to reach Zack-Jïazk. They had to review their strategy: she would now hide right behind him and shoot over his shoulders, rather than being at a distance.
In fact, the main problem was the type of enemy they were facing and the environment. A barbarian should have been easy to defeat, but this one had thwarted her secret weapon from the start and managed to pierce their defenses. She really needed to find a way to develop a more powerful attack skill, like a chain lightning. Combined with her control of water, it could be devastating…
The cloud of sand dissipated as she emerged from the blindness it generated. She saw a dark shape advancing towards her:
“Ah, Zack-Jïazk, we're going to have to...”
But it wasn't her companion! As the axe flew straight towards her face, she barely had time to use her “Ethereal Body” skill. Her body became transparent, the universe taking on a purple hue, the enemy weapon passing through her body without doing her the slightest harm.
Minotaur Barbarian deals 1 damage to Naga Mage
Well, yes, a rank E weapon could cause minimal damage to an ethereal form because it was slightly magical. However, without a slightly more magical weapon, the Minotaur could do nothing for it.
However, it tripled all her Energy costs and made most of her attacks ineffective. Magic projectiles fired by an ethereal bow were considered physical, so that left, as an aggressive skill… Absolutely nothing?
Well... If Zack-Jïazk ever dared to make a comment about her specialization in combat mage, he was going to suffer... Where was he anyway? Oh.
As the cloud dissipated, she saw that her companion was... in the exact place where she was before she fled.
Mo-oh-gra managed to stop his rage skill. Perfect. Instead of standing there stupidly trying to hit an ethereal enemy, he was going to be able to find a solution.
With a glance, he assessed the distance to the second enemy and the time it would take for him to arrive using “Rush”. He had time.
Opening his inventory, he took out a pot filled with a mysterious luminous blue paste. Breaking the container with one hand, he spread its contents on his axe.
Faerie Dust (E) [oil] [Grants a weapon the “semi-ethereal” property. Halves damage but allows it to hit both material and ethereal targets while ignoring 50% of physical armor.]
He now had 10 minutes to eliminate the sorceress before the oil's property wore off. A sudden pain forced him to turn towards the second opponent.
Naga Tank deals 3 damage to Minotaur Barbarian
As Zack-Jïazk withdrew his weapon from the enemy’s wound and stepped back, ready to continue the fight, he felt his courage weaken in the face of the monster’s calm and merciless gaze.
Enraged until now, the Minotaur fought without fear of injury. He now seemed determined to make better use of his armor. Neglecting the tank, he turned his attention to the magician who was trying to get away as quickly as possible.
This was a disaster! The Charm would not work so quickly after a failure, effectively immunizing the monster against their greatest asset. Nash-Jakkra had no offensive spell she could manipulate in her state, unless she found a river, a pond, or even a puddle. Moreover, she had used their last scroll…
“Zack! Catch!”
An ethereal object described a curve in the air to fall at his feet, in the sand. It was a bottle filled with a black liquid that seemed to move on its own. His gaze brightened: it was their last potion, the one that gave its consumer the “Chaos” state. This would allow him to have a one in two chance of passing through his enemy's armor as if it did not exist! With the greatest vivacity, he extended his hand...
...which passed through the ethereal bottle.
Turning his gaze, once again panicked, towards his companion, he saw his expression transmit to her as she understood the dilemma: to be able to use this potion, she had to end her ethereal protection. She dodged, for the third time in recent times, the monster's axe and continued to crawl in circles with all her might around her bodyguard's position, pursued by the calm and merciless Minotaur. With a cry of rage, Zack-Jïazk rushed into combat.
Naga Tank deals 1 damage to Minotaur Barbarian
Ignoring him, the barbarian continued his attack, pursuing the ethereal magician who circled around her companion, himself pursuing the first pursuer in a round that would seem comical if one forgot the mortal aspect.
Minotaur Barbarian deals 16 damage to Naga Mage
While the magician had just hidden behind her protector, the minotaur had attacked him without worrying about receiving possible damage. Zack-Jïazk had tried.
His eyes stung, disturbed by the strange undulations of the cursed armor of this cursed Minotaur who was going to…
“Nash-Jakkra!” he shouted. “No choice, you have to take a risk! Potion, only hope.”
She gave him a furious look, indicating that she did not appreciate that he was making her take such an unreasonable risk, but she insensibly approved: she had also understood that it was their only hope.
Reintegrating a tangible form, she cried out when the axe struck her.
Fear gripped her companion’s heart because, turning his back to the scene, he leaned over to make his own the bottle filled with the black liquid, unable to follow the action except by sound. Turning quickly, he saw…
Minotaur Barbarian deals 9 damage to Naga Mage
His return to his material form had allowed her armor to function, while the raw damage inflicted by the monster’s weapon was reduced by half by the oil. Zack-Jïazk uncorked the bottle and swallowed the contents in one gulp. Immediately, a black vapor rose from his body as his eyes began to glow with a sinister glow.
Applied Property:
Chaos (Supernatural Bonus) [Adds the Chaos property to attacks. Chaos has a 50% chance to ignore armor (including magic). Chaos has a 10% chance to turn the attack back on its user.]
“Now it's our turn, you ugly monster!”
Mo-oh-gra considered the situation. Removing the oil from his weapon would cause the sorceress to become intangible again, thus taking away his chances of victory. It was obvious that, with his new property, the other Naga would throw himself body and soul in his path to slow down his attacks against the other serpent…
The Minotaur opened his massive mouth in an amused grin: okay, it was time to bet everything on violence again. Letting out a roar of rage, he let madness blind his vision as he charged towards his target. Even with his “Rush”, the Naga would not be able to block his path and would be reduced to continuing his pathetic attacks on his flanks.
Minotaur Barbarian deals 31 damage to Naga Mage
The sorceress cried out in pain, but survived the shock, allowing her protector to finally position himself between her and the unleashed beast. Annoyed by the constant rattling noise emanating from Zack-Jïazk, the Minotaur's foggy consciousness made him his main target again, allowing him to cement his companion's defense once again. He felt her behind him, trembling with fear and somewhat hindering his movements, but using her power to heal herself... unfortunately quite slowly...
Unleashed, the Minotaur made a sudden sideways movement that allowed him to avoid the spear, before bringing down his axe with all his might against the guardian's flank, thwarting his shield and delivering a violent critical blow.
Successful Critical Hit: Damage x3
Barbarian Minotaur deals 106 damage to Naga Tank
Malus inflicted: Hemorrhage [D]
Naga Tank returns 2 damage to Barbarian Minotaur
Zack-Jïazk spat out blood profusely. Despite his disgust and pain, he let it flow onto his armor and between his scales without paying too much attention to it: even if he should have some organs destroyed by the shock, the System was saving him from certain death and he was going to take advantage of it.
From the difficulty, he also saw another opportunity to be optimistic. After his attack, the Minotaur had taken a step back, preparing his next attack. If he could not optimally use his spear to keep an opponent who was not afraid of getting hurt at a distance, this distance between the two fighters would allow the tank to use his spear without the proximity penalty induced by the System…
Minotaur Barbarian deals 29 damage to Naga Tank
Naga Tank reflects 2 damage to Minotaur Barbarian
Naga Tank deals 16 damage to itself (armor avoided)
Zack-Jïazk cried out in surprise, more than in pain, as he felt like he was being pierced in a different place than the one hit by the enemy axe. He quickly guessed the source:
“Damned property of Chaos! 10% chance of having the damage reflected back, I understand now... But why from the first blow[2]? Filth!”
His mood improved slightly when he felt the caress of Nash-Jakkra's hand on his neck, warm because it was imbued with healing magic. If he had only recovered two Hit Points this time, it had stopped his hemorrhage. The enemy's hemorrhage was less serious, but it blocked his Vigor regeneration, increasing the chances of victory in the very long term... Well, that didn't change anything, but if he could inflict a more significant hemorrhage, without magical care his enemy would weaken steadily...
The fight intensified. The Minotaur hit first, dodging the spear again, more by luck than by intention. The monster's second blow was clumsier and bounced off the armor while the spear sank into its side... inflicting the damage on its owner who cursed loudly against the chaotic property. The pain seemed to restore his strength as he parried the blow with his shield and planted his opponent in a noticeably painful spot, worsening his previous hemorrhage.
Minotaur Barbarian deals 31 damage to Naga Tank
Naga Tank reflects 2 damage to Minotaur Barbarian
Successful critical hit: x3 damage
Naga Tank deals 59 damage to itself (armor avoided)
Malus inflicted: Hemorrhage [D]
Successful minor critical hit: x2 damage
Naga Tank deals 17 damage to Minotaur Barbarian (armor avoided)
Malus inflicted: Hemorrhage [F] ranks up to [E]
Throughout these passes of arms, the Naga saw small red or green numbers scroll before his eyes indicating the losses or gains of Life Points. “+7”, “+5”, “+10” indicated to him that his companion was not idle, concentrating entirely on taking care of her line of defense.
Nash-Jakkra [Naga] Level 11
Hit Points (HP): 33/205
Energy Points (EP): 1428/1594
Vigor: 55/55
Armor: 4(+5)/4(+2)
Zack-Jïazk [Naga] Level 11
Hit Points (HP): 83/348
Energy Points (EP): 55/55
Vigor: 126/198
Armor: 8(+8)/8(+9)
Mo-oh-gra [Minotaur] Level 15
Hit Points (HP): 526/590
Vigor: 184/390(+10)
Armor: 6(+10)/6(+10)
But was there even a chance of victory? Zack-Jïazk thought no more about it and threw himself headlong into the fight. However, the Minotaur prevailed. The visual disturbances induced by the powers of his armor prevented his opponent from aiming correctly while he himself struck several times with devastating precision.
Minotaur Barbarian deals 31 damage to Naga Tank
Naga Tank reflects 2 damage to Minotaur Barbarian
+12
Minotaur Barbarian deals 30 damage to Naga Tank
Naga Tank reflects 2 damage to Minotaur Barbarian
+7
Minotaur Barbarian deals 31 damage to Naga Tank
Naga Tank reflects 2 damage to Minotaur Barbarian
+13
But the fortunes of the fight came and went. As if galvanized by his imminent death, Zack-Jïazk threw himself with more violence against his gigantic opponent. Spinning from one side to the other, dragging his companion clinging to his tail like a dead weight (but a dead weight that healed him), the enemy axe seemed to caress him as it passed by barely scratching his armor. It is true that after an initial minor critical injury inflicted, the fight did not seem to turn immediately in favor of the Naga: the weapons clashed, repelling each other, without result for a moment…
However, gaining time without suffering an injury was probably all to the tank's advantage because he benefited from healing and watched his opponent slowly lose his breath… too slowly, but he would gladly take all the small victories to restore his morale.
The spear struck the axe again in a spray of sparks, shaking the very solidity of both weapons which cracked… But the spear had pierced the opponent.
Successful critical hit: damage x3
Naga Tank inflicts 42 damage to Minotaur Barbarian (armor avoided)
Malus inflicted: Hemorrhage [D]
Mooing with fury, the enemy launched a lightning riposte. Nevertheless, the defender parried with his shield before planting his weapon once again in the gap in the enemy's armor.
Naga Tank deals 16 damage to Minotaur Barbarian (armor avoided)
Nash-Jakkra [Naga] Level 11
Hit Points (HP): 33/205
Energy Points (EP): 1378/1594
Vigor: 55/55
Armor: 4(+5)/4(+2)
Zack-Jïazk [Naga] Level 11
Hit Points (HP): 86/348
Energy Points (EP): 55/55
Vigor: 123/198
Armor: 8(+8)/8(+9)
Mo-oh-gra [Minotaur] Level 15
Hit Points (HP): 432/590
Vigor: 172/390(+10)
Armor: 6(+10)/6(+10)
Again, the axe struck back, then the fight became uncertain before a new advance of the Naga. He pierced his enemy once again and deflected the blow, but this movement too wide left an opening for the monster who struck him violently twice. Again and again, the weapons clashed. The Naga struck once, but received two violent successive blows in return…
Naga Tank deals 3 damage to Minotaur Barbarian
Successful Minor critical hit: x2 damage
Minotaur Barbarian deals 65 damage to Naga Tank
Malus inflicted: Hemorrhage [F]
Naga Tank returns 2 damage to Minotaur Barbarian
Minotaur Barbarian deals 28 damage to Naga Tank
Naga Tank returns 2 damage to Minotaur Barbarian
Mo-oh-gra [Minotaur] Level 15
Hit Points (HP): 383/590
Vigor: 154/390(+10)
Armor: 6(+10)/6(+10)
Nash-Jakkra [Naga] Level 11
Hit Points (HP): 33/205
Energy Points (EP): 1358/1594
Vigor: 55/55
Armor: 4(+5)/4(+2)
Zack-Jïazk [Naga] Level 11
Hit Points (HP): -2/348
Energy Points (EP): 55/55
Vigor: 106/198
Armor: 8(+8)/8(+9)
Zack-Jïazk spun around before collapsing to the ground, motionless. A pool of blood spread before being quickly absorbed by the greedy sand.
Nash-Jakkra froze, her eyes wide open, unable to think clearly. She leaned over the inert body and did the only thing that crossed her mind: continue to heal him while encouraging him:
“Hey? What are you doing, moron? Get up right now! What are you... what are you doing to me now...”
Skill “Magical Healing [E]” used by Nash-Jakkra [E] on Zack-Jïazk [E]
Consumption 5 Energy.
This has no effect on a dead person.
Skill “Magical Healing [E]” used by Nash-Jakkra [E] on Zack-Jïazk [E]
Consumption 5 Energy.
This has no effect on a dead person.
Skill “Magical Healing [E]” used by Nash-Jakkra [E] on Zack-Jïazk [E]
Consumption 5 Energy.
This has no effect on a dead person. Do you read notifications or not?
“Get up! Get up! This… this is an order! Come on?”
Trembling with a terror she had never felt before, the magician weakly lifted her companion’s heavy body, trying to shake him awake. If her tear glands weren’t inside her serpentine eye, and if it wasn’t covered in a transparent protective scale, she would probably have cried.
Indifferent to the threatening shadow that hid the sun from her, she raised her head by pure instinct to observe a large metallic object approaching her head at high speed.
FINISHING ACTION: Damage x10
Minotaur Barbarian inflicts 300 damage to Naga Mage
OVERKILL!
The lack of a visible target helped Mo-oh-gra regain his composure. His brain starting to function again, he grabbed some pieces of half-clean clothing from the shredded mush that used to be a Naga sorceress, then used them to bandage his wounds using the skill “First Aid”. Although noted as a "natural power", it instantly stopped the multiple internal hemorrhages he was suffering from. It was better not to think too far into how the System worked and just accept it as it was.
The Minotaur then stood up, brandishing his bloody axe in a victorious pause and mooed in triumph under the applause of the audience. He smiled as he observed the many XP bonus brought by the audience thanks to one of the effects of his “Champion” specialty. He then collected the useful items dropped by the enemy bodies, notably the “Gold Coins”, filling his inventory.
And a superb victory for the Minotaur who finishes with 65% of his Hit Points!
A crushing victory… And yet, if our two Nagas had not been unlucky, they could have won… Perhaps if their battle mage had learned a real attack spell, that would have also changed the situation…
However, I would like to point out that she had impressive control and escape skills as well as a healing ability that is extremely rare in the “Magician” class!
Whether it is luck or talent, we have a winner, we have a loser.
Who will be the next opponents to face each other?
We will find out next time…
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
BONUS SCENE:
[She who is Lazy] protests the death of her champions.
[She who is Lazy] says, “Hey? I just fall asleep for a few days and find my champions dead? It’s unfair[3]!”
[She who is Lazy] accepts the System's offer to pay a large amount of probability to save her champions.
{The adventurers “Zack-Jïazk” and “Nash-Jakkra” are restored. The damage and loss of their equipment will not be compensated. An XP penalty has been inflicted. A penalty ordeal will be inflicted.}
Zack-Jïazk coughed as his vision returned. Oddly enough, he wasn’t in pain…
Glancing cautiously around him, he noticed that he no longer had his protector’s armor, nor his weapon and shield. He was in a large invisible cage, seemingly made of some kind of force field, floating far above the arena where his body should have been. Against his side, lay Nash-Jakkra.
She woke up suddenly and turned her gaze to him, a rare emotion painting itself on her features. Without saying a word, she embraced him, holding her trembling body against his, also still shaken by the violent events.
A System window told him what he needed to know:
[She who is Lazy] spent a large amount of probability to save her champions. An XP penalty has been inflicted. A penalty ordeal will be inflicted.
Ordeal Start: 00:19:34
“She who is Lazy”? He had no idea what it could be. One of those mysterious beings the System had been designed for? One of those creatures rumored to favor champions? It seemed they had been chosen...
He would think about that later. They had to prepare for the Ordeal... And they really needed to stay like that for at least five minutes...
“I thought...” Nash-Jakkra murmured, “I thought you were... That I had lost you...”
And they remained motionless for a long time, until they felt ready to face the trials that relentlessly threatened their world...
----------------------------------------
[1] The Naga language is long and sibilant, but for ease of understanding, this will not be represented here... Zack-Jïazk, for example, is pronounced something like this: Zassssck-Jsssïazzzzk.
[2] Well… it’s totally random actually.
[3] Well, AFK get what they deserve...