altimit | .:August Runs:.

Entry tags:

dungeon

.:August Runs:.

Who ⬤ Ganymede and Co.
What ⬤ Dungeon-crawlin' with four people pt. redux. What can go wrong?
When ⬤ Following this, and other times at misc. moments (accounting for the future.)
Where ⬤ Concealed Mourning Bulwark, Closed Failing Pilgrim, & Pulsating Black Old World
Content Warnings ⬤ None and not anticipating any!

[ Ganymede has spoken to at least...two of these people, once.

That's what probably makes it reasonable for him to come along on the party raid.

Following conversation on the network and elsewhere, all three responsible receive new emails bidding them to come to the Chaos Gate. Ganymede is already awaiting their appearances.

Fortunately, so is information regarding their keywords, which are "Concealed Mourning Bulwark".

Once the Chaos Gate warps them over, they'll find...

...That they are all in an area that's more or less a stormstruck plain stretching from end to end. Right in the middle of this field is a flesh wall dungeon, the beginning point of the actual dungeon itself. ]

RESULTS #1: For Concealed Mourning Bulwark!

RESULTS #2: For Pulsating Black Old World!

RESULTS #3: For Closed Failing Pilgrim!

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[ Another day, another imperious summons... Michel is becoming accustomed to it, although the amusement hasn't worn off yet.

What he isn't accustomed to yet is Ganymede being dressed like that for a dungeon run. He averts his eyes a tiny bit without really considering why — it's not as if it's particularly scandalous, especially compared to the Freedom dungeon. But it feels as if there's no safe place to rest his gaze somehow. ]

It always seems to be these volcanic dungeons...

[ He'll map the patterns properly another time. After a moment's further thought, covered by checking his other equipment, he gives in and swaps to his swimsuit skin as well: a simple open button down over swim trunks, with his hair tied back in a braid.

...He feels silly. But Ganymede did it first. ]

That should be everything. Let's go.

[ Ganymede considers himself maybe a bit fortunate that it hasn't. Though, he isn't going to go ahead and say anything like that, because even for him that is a bit of a step too far.

As for his own attire, he doesn't really care about showing off more skin than usual. He's adequately covered, and that's what matters. Though, the other male's diverting his gaze is noticeable—fortunately for Michel, he isn't the type to flirt in a scandalous manner or maybe he'd be probably taking critical damage right now, eh? ]

You've been to a lot of them so far?

[ Ganymede asks, though he looks at Michel's new appearance with the swimsuit. It looks nice on him...especially with the braid. But, even though he tossed the question towards Michel, it's evident that he doesn't let it stop him from moving forward. They have a little bit before their first enemy encounter... ]

So, you went ahead and got a swimsuit skin too? Who was the one who dunked you?

A few. None of the gear seemed to be better than the level cap set.

[ Ganymede did indeed spare Michel some critical hits there... and because of that, Michel relaxes into the normalcy of it again, glancing over at Ganymede more casually. Dressed like this, it's even more obvious how small and slight he is. But it's equally obvious that a dancer is an athlete, too. He wonders why that hadn't crossed his mind before. ]

Hm? Tylor did.

[ He might be answering somewhat at random, distracted by his lengthy internal contemplation of the way the light looks on Ganymede's hair and how the swimsuit drapes over his hips. But his thoughts catch up after a second. ]

Wait. I dunked him. Why would you assume it was the other way around?

[ Although he did let Tylor dunk him after that. But that doesn't count. ]

I think I've been to a varying amount of dungeon runs myself...but, I'd have to agree, actually.

[ Though, Ganymede keeps a tighter leash on the amount he's doing, actually ~~or I'd have to account for too many~~, but he thinks it's good not to have to run through hot areas all the time. Still a kind of terrain he finds himself easier to acclimate to rather than the freezing cold. Living along the beach shore certainly does that to somebody, one can say...

That said, there is a distracted tone in there. Which brings Ganymede's attention from their surroundings back to Michel's handsome face. ]

Why wouldn't I?

[ He asks, because of the dubious way the other male phrases the question. Maybe he's curious to see how he'll respond. Is this return of the circular questioning: Electric Boogoloo? You decide. ]

[ Ganymede had been a little luckier than most with the level cap gear, hadn't he? Struck by the thought -- and with perhaps a tiny bit of guilt crossing his face for prying like this -- Michel quickly pulls up the description. It's not as if he can stare more conspicuously than he already is, after all.

"Ancestral Garb"... No, all of this sounds harmless enough. Personal, perhaps, but not as hostile as some of the others. ]

Ah. Well... [ The topic, the topic. ] ...Do I seem that good-natured to you?

[ That he would subject himself to the silliness of being dunked. Although the same question in reverse seems fair, and he raises an eyebrow a little. ]

Did you? Allow someone to dunk you.

[ For once, Ganymede's abysmal luck was batted off by the blessings of some kind of fortunate force. Whatever can that be? We just don't know.

The other male's lingering stares do get the blond to raise a brow, before another hand to ~inconspicuously~ flip a portion of bangs from his hair. Clearly to improve what's lying before his eyes. ]

You really do seemed good-natured, actually. Who is to say you wouldn't let someone dunk you, especially if technically there might be a reward for it?

[ Prove him wrong, Michel. He dares you. ]

Hmm, that's a good question.

[ He says purposefully because they're doing this now, apparently. ]

[ His eyes track the graceful movement of those fingers, Ganymede's bright hair catching the sunlight. Has he been playing with his hair more often lately? Michel feels like he's been noticing it more. Or perhaps he's just been watching Ganymede more... ]

I wouldn't let someone dunk me, ordinarily. Even if there were a reward for it.

[ He's to say, apparently. He can clear that up for Ganymede right now! ]

...It isn't a good question. It's a very simple one.

[ Did Ganymede get dunked or did he not? Wait, is this really something to be coy about? It isn't as if he asked "Ganymede, did someone pull the clothes off of you and put that swimsuit on you themselves," for god's sake.

Hm. ]

Mhm. That's why you're wearing a swimsuit skin.

[ Ganymede giving Michel a look that reads 'you are a terrible liar, Michel' right across his face, clear as day. ]

I don't know. Who can say what is a simple question and what is a complex one?

[ He seems to be doing a dance around answering despite it, because Michel is also doing a dance. You know what they say...it takes two to tango.

But that being said, he definitely took notice of the way the other's eyes moved. It delights him, for a reason he can't quite understand.

And, oh hey is that a treasure box they're nearing straight from the start? Ganymede's attention is drawn to it as he comes closer...only for it to be revealed to be a Mimic! Wow, that's annoying. ]

[ What -- and he was being, in fact, completely truthful! They weren't ordinary circumstances. It was extraordinarily hot. And he was feeling more than the usual amount of guilt at having snapped at Tylor. ]

So this is how you choose to apply all that time spent reading Cratylus.

[ In ordinary circumstances, Michel certainly doesn't dance, either. But... he has, on occasion, found himself falling into following Ganymede's lead.

He pulls his gaze away from Ganymede to pay some grudging attention to the mimic instead, drawing his sword and giving it a good, unceremonious thwack. He's come to expect nothing good from treasure chests here. ]

[ It's fine, he has no idea that any of that happened...but of all things, the swimsuit discourse is a mighty one (no) ]

...Philosophy is a cornerstone of education in my upbringing, yes.

It seems Tylor was involved in both of our cases, though.

[ What a coincidence??

Why are treasure chests suddenly the enemy lately, he wonders? He's recalling un-fond memories of the tear trap, immediately. But not willing to underestimate it, he's immediately tossing a Dek Do to slow it down, followed by the upgraded La Corv to strength Michel's physical capabilities. ]

[ And this is how and why Ganymede can even turn swimsuits into a debate. Michel glances over at him quickly for that admission, blinking in surprise.

It's perfectly logical that it was Tylor. But the answer dispels the odd unsatisfied feeling that had been building. From... curiosity? ]

...He must have been pleased.

[ Michel isn't expounding on that when there are mimics to fight, however. Although he might watch Ganymede's macabre dancing for just a second before he steps in with the combo that is becoming more than second nature. Sword Flash, Cross Slash... the flurry of strikes is satisfying even though it's a game and not any skill of his guiding it. ]

[ Anything is possible, when one puts a mind to it. ]

Yes. He was having a lot of fun...it isn't something I normally engaged in myself, though.

I guess we can both thank the unfortunate heatwave for our willing participation?

[ He's doing a lot of hip wiggling per usual. Though if he adds in an extra twirl after noticing the additional attention...well, it's absolutely because he feels like it. Not due to anything else.

Right after Michel defeats that one, another Mimic sees fit to hop right into play, forcing Ganymede to toss another slow debuff its way. ]

What's this, a terrible attempt at an ambush?

[ Michel makes a wry noise of agreement at that. His handle might have been a nod to a — friend, but he really would prefer if the game had kept the weather a good season or two cooler. ]

It was beginning to make even the naked dungeon sound like an appealing idea.

[ It's a joke. Probably. Or a casualty of that spinning and hip wiggling. He's... never watched much dancing before, actually.

The slow debuff is well-timed, because Michel is experiencing a minor slow debuff of his own before he turns back to the newest Mimic. Right, fighting now. If he spams another skill the lapse won't be noticeable. ]

Ah... m-maybe the enemy AI was patched.

[ Ganymede is much used to heatwaves, honestly. He is only cranky he has to experience them in a game of all places. Like, hello???

Though the volcanic area definitely needs to go. He is going to submit that as a criticism to the developers for sure. ]

...Wait, what? There's a dungeon with naked people running around?!

[ Ganymede misunderstanding even as he's throwing another iteration of La Corv right at Michel. It's fortunate they're mid-fight because he has to still keep his eye on their surroundings instead of giving in completely to shenanigary.

As an aside, Michel really realizing those hips don't lie, eh? ]

Maybe?

It's... a dungeon effect. Like the grunty curse.

[ But nudity! Ganymede is free to unravel that however he likes. Michel needs a few more seconds to decide if he needs a way to backtrack, or if this story is firmly enough in the "not my fault" category that it isn't embarrassing.

A mimic is not a particularly impressive opponent, and a Blade Brandier has good attack output even before the buff. But Michel is fighting a little clumsily today -- enough to take a strange, tentacle-fang thing to the arm as he's stabbing this latest opponent. He jerks a tiny bit, because someone's been intermittently toying with setting the pain sensors on. ]

...Yes. It's certainly been patched.

[ That's his excuse and he's sticking to it. But those hips that don't lie have some restorative properties as well, so he's not feeling too stressed about this. ]

...So, it makes you naked?

[ The word almost doesn't come out because it's embarrassing to imagine. This is probably the worst topic they could be discussing mid-fight, in retrospect. But it might be a bit too late for backtracking.

He does frown when Michel takes a hit, because there does seem to be some startled movement on the other man's end... ]

Do you think you need a heal?

[ Because if so he's ready to throw one on over! Though, the Mimic's probably at least near being finished off already. ]

[ Oh. That quiet tone of voice on just that word... the fact that Ganymede is embarrassed makes Michel feel exponentially less flustered, actually. Finally, someone who understands him a little.

And... it's cute. ]

..."Freedom" keyword. Don't trust the random generator.

[ Although, well, that one was the forums. But the generator's pulled it on him since then. So it's only responsible to tell Ganymede.

He makes a slight noise of embarrassment for the offer, dropping a completely overkill Sword Flash on the mimic's head just for that. ]

It's fine. It's only chip damage. It will heal as fast as your SP would.

[ There are some ways that they can be considered, and some where they are very much the same. For this matter, they are definitely well attuned respectively and decisively in the latter. It also means that Ganymede (and Michel) possess(es) something whoever came up with that keyword's aspects does not:

Shame.

If not for his current preoccupation on his surroundings, the blond might have also been red completely in the face as well. ]

...I'll take your advice to heart.

[ No buts, cuts, or coconuts here. Ganymede doesn't doubt Michel is saying this to exact an unfortunate result on him. The same cannot be said of the Mimic who meets a fitting end at the other side of a very well-aimed special attack. But, it does fortunately clear the area temporarily of enemies—except for which foes lie ahead. ]

'Chip damage'? As in, 'the damage is so small it's like the size of a potato chip'?

[ An ask with a slight tilt of the head. Some terms are still beyond him, it seems. ]

[ Look at Michel's noble efforts to keep Ganymede's clothes on his body. Please remember this when Yael pulls his antics, Ganymede. At least one white-haired grump in this game in a gentleman.

Enough of a gentleman to try mightily not to laugh at the question. A little sound like a choked hiccup escapes him, more surprise than anything — he's not used to being caught off-guard by laughs. He's lucky he didn't choke on it. ]

...Yes. It is most certainly that.

[ It is not. Please pardon his tiny lie, Ganymede. His shoulders shake slightly as he imagines thinking of this as "potato chip damage" forevermore. He's trying to keep his expression solemn as they march on in this heat, with... mixed success. ]

[ ~~I had to check if this was a legit thread~~

Anyway, Ganymede would appreciate it. Yael-Gany's shenanigans are probably happening even as we speak, while Michel is a knight in shining armor.

He hears the sound of the choked hiccup, though, and wonders if something is actually amiss over yonder. Starting simple! Fish is seasoned with those Mediterranean spices too. ]

I knew it.

[ Now Ganymede's going to go running around stating he received 'chip damage' and if anyone asks he will explain it all excited know-it-all-like.

And, unfortunately, there are Three Flame Heads flying around, some distance from them. Which does get him to stare blankly before he's giving Michel a quick glance. ]

...I'll be counting on you. If you're all healed up, then we'll be ready to battle again.

[ That earnest expression combined with his enthusiastic exclamation is going to be the death of Michel. Something in his side might actually hurt from trying to hold in another laugh. He didn't know that was possible.

How can anyone be this trusting? At his age, with his experiences? Fortunately the arrival of more enemies cuts off deep contemplation on this. ]

I'm ready. Don't attack any until I've had a chance to hit all of them.

[ At that point he should be able to hold aggro over a support class without a problem. Already assured that Ganymede is on board with the plan, he lunges forward to do just that. ]

[ Yes, well, earlier on Ganymede didn't believe Michel in this thread and now he believes him at the exact wrong time. This is karma.

Besides, potato chips are small enough! ]

I won't. After you, then!

[ His attack power probably isn't totally peanuts now, but whenever he so decides to strike, it will be timed after Michel.

After, you know, he casts threw separate iterations of Dek do to slow these hotheads down, and also tosses another edition of La Corv straight at the other male. Perfection. ]

[ It's exactly because Ganymede's attack power is improving that it's helpful if he waits a moment. An Ogre Sword, a Sword Flash, and they're all picked up in short order. Michel doesn't want to play aggro tug-of-war with a delicate dancer...

~~unless, perhaps, Ganymede has the armor damage effect enabled. then he might have to think twice.~~ ]

...You've gotten comfortable with your class.

[ Well, Ganymede didn't even need him backseating on their first run. But the teamwork feels effortless now. ]

[ Instead, thanks to their well-coordinated team-work, the both of them are engaging with another far more enjoyable little game—whack-a-mole ala three enemies which are helpless in the form of their wonderful technique.

He may be delicate, but he is also good at twirling out of the way, or cartwheeling away in a pinch—unnecessary for the most part due to also the very viable tactic utilized. Just like that, the trio do not stand a chance. ]

Maybe because it's something not too far away from what I'm used to doing? Just a little more...fantastical with spells.

[ He has held sharp objects before, yes! But not in the form of fans. The memory of their chaotic first run still sets in a form of nostalgia—even with what happened right after. Still, the blond keeps on moving forward after no more sighting of hostiles happens to be confirmed... ]

But, you seem to have gotten better too. Or maybe I'm used to you prancing around like a knight in shining armor now.

[ Unnecessary, maybe. But would Michel say no to seeing a cartwheel? He needs an opportunity to decide. ]

Do you use fans in your dancing?

[ His tentative searches into Greek theatre dance haven't yielded very much information for someone with his lack of imagination. He's probably learning more getting to see Ganymede in motion here than he had from digging around.

...But that casual comment brings his line of thought to a screeching halt. ]

"Prancing"? [ He would swear to god that he's never pranced in his life. Also, "knight in shining armor"... isn't wrong but is making him about ten times more self-conscious in his class choice. ]

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me trying to type this tag but laughing so hard. the struggle

this is what ganymede has done to us

nyoro~n

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