one gate, endless possibilities

[ophidie]

Who • Miharu Mishima and strangers on the internet
What • Dungeon runs for science, exploration, and profit.
When • August - ?
Where • Coming to a combination of area keywords near you!
Content Warnings • None yet, will update as necessary!

Comments

[ophidie]

[She manages a small, polite smile of thanks at the compliment. Her heavy weapon returns to her side, but Miharu doesn't fully let her guard down, remaining alert.]

Haha, who would have thought you'd be so bloodthirsty?

[It's a surprise, but there's something appreciative in Miharu's voice, too, as if it was enjoyable to learn something so unexpected. She kind of likes how out of character it seems, even as the unexpected reveal perplexes her. Well, they are virtually strangers, even if they work remarkably well together.

The castle hallways appear to wind inward, the monster density picking up in one direction, so she gestures them forward, hand lifted in a "shall we?" gesture.]

[rebelles]

I suppose I've been a bit stressed lately. It's refreshing to let loose.

[ Haru admits she's lived a respectable, straight-laced life until now. The inherent escapism of virtual reality has brought out a new side to her. Who knew breaking the rules could be so thrilling, even if it's only pretend. ]

I hope it's not off-putting? Do not worry, I won't let myself get carried away.

[ Rest assured she won't be losing her cool in battle. Following Miharu, they continue their journey deeper into the dungeon, and Haru is true to her word even as she mercilessly guns down their enemies. ]

[ophidie]

No, not at all. I think I like that you can be ruthless even though you're kind. We'll revisit this if you start acting like you'll shoot me when my back is turned. [She chuckles again as they go to move on, brushing her hair back over her shoulder.

It's a little enviable, even, seeing someone who can melt into the escapism as easily as Noir does. For Miharu, the game often feels like the digital version of a mask she already wears daily.

While it'd be unwise to clear every nook and cranny, there are plenty of things to explore - and plenty of small scuffles where they can vent more violence - on the way to the large, open room that serves as the apex of the dungeon.]

I think we're close to claiming our prize. How are you on health? [She's feeling the effects of their combat a little bit by now, but she still has potions in her possession.]

[rebelles]

I wouldn't dream of it. I may be a thief, but there is honor even among thieves.

[ Noir says with a laugh and tip of her hat. She's going for the honorable outlaw archetype here.

With plenty of monsters to vent her frustrations on, Noir is in good spirits when they reach the heart of the castle. She has a feeling this is it. The last room, and the last guards standing in the way of their treasure. Her eyes shine with excitement.

Her HP has suffered a few hits from the long-ranged spores, and a rough encounter where they'd been swarmed, but she's mostly stayed out of harms way thanks to her partner. ]

This is it. I think it won't hurt to replenish our health before the final battle. [ She holds up her potion to Scitalis as if raising a glass. ] Cheers?

[ophidie]

[There was something endearing about how Noir progressively perked up as the violence continues, with thankfully enough challenges that she could stick to her promise to be an honorable thief. Hopefully this doesn't awaken anything in anybody like Haru.

As they stare down the Miharu dips into her inventory to retrieve a potion of her own. As long as they survive this, their health will recover gradually, and they can always refuel back in town.]

Cheers. [She clicks them together and quaffs the potion. Perhaps it's a little fatalistic, toasting over their pending injuries, but she also supposes it isn't unusual. Danger makes strange relationships form - and she already trusts Noir more than most of the other strangers playing this game.]

I have a feeling the big one's going to hurt, so I'll disarm that one first. [Please shoot the big mean-looking one. Scitalis is sure to set up her combo for as much damage as possible on the pull. Even after this short excursion, she's been able to refine and become more confident in her skills.]

[rebelles]

[ The potion feels cool and refreshing down her throat. Any fatigue she's sustained from the dungeon fades away as her HP is restored. At 100%, she's feeling excellent, like she can take on the castle all over again, the thrum of bloodlust excitement in her veins.

Noir smiles and nods in understanding. After running the dungeon together, she's gotten a feel for how to coordinate their moves. If she times her attacks just right, they'll be able to draw out the combo and deal a devastating first blow. ]

Let's do it, Scitalis! We'll knock the crown right off the king.

[ She brings her gun to eye level and fires her opening shots at the big bad. The king roars, turning on the intruders. ]