The Dark Knight Returns Once More!

As the Navi continued his deadly charge, the blade carved a patch in the earth, a line of magma spewing out from the lengthening fissure--

Volleys of bolts plunged into him, ripping holes in the fabric as the Navi locked on to Runeknight's path. Wordlessly, he brought the sword up, ripping it out of the ground and sending the wave of fire foward--

The animated hilt of the blade shrieked, as a second fiery blast emitted from the sword, joining with the column of magma to form a massive flaming arrow, headed straight for Runeknight!

With a gesture, the Navi calls up another sword--through the heat, Runeknight sees something... glittering from the tears in the fabric?

He probably wants to pay attention to the massive burst of fire coming towards him, though.

???: ??? (EQUIP: Sword!)
Cloak: 105 HP

BIGASS WAVE OF FIIIIIIRE!

Runeknight: 135
"Bah!" Runeknight shouted. "I tire of all this dodging about."

The Navi charged to his right, running at full speed. His opponent was a powerful one who's abilities seemed to be based in the element of fire. It was too bad that he had wasted his only ice based BattleChip in what had only become a feint. The knightly Navi dived forward a the end of his charge, landing in a roll that would hopefully take him out of the range of the wall of flames.

Runeknight came to his feet, another BattleChip already in his hands. It was a small golden ring that pulsed with an electrical current. He took aim at the powerful stranger, tossing the ring like a shuriken. The projectile picked up speed as soon as it left his armor clad hand, flying at unbelievable speeds toward its target. With any luck, it would stun the stranger long enough for the knightly Navi to strike a more decisive blow.

Another weapon formed in Runeknight's hand, a small sphere that shined with a wealth of colors. It was a bomb, formed from compressed energy. The Navi took aim, cocking back his arm, and hurled the bomb toward the strange Navi. He could only hope that the ZapRing had done its work and that his advisary was too stunned to dodge.

Summary:
1-2: Dodge
3. ZapRing(40 + Stun) to Navi
4. EnergyBomb(3x40) to Navi
Runeknight feels the heat from the fiery burst across his back as he barely makes the rolling leap--

Meanwhile, the blue glow of the Navi's new Sword intensifies, whiteish powder forming in the air around the blade--

"You've done better than expected." The smiley face's mouth expands, until it appears to laughing in mirth. "But I wonder... can you dodge this?"

A swish of the cloak, and the Navi is dancing left and right, the azure weapon flashing at his side. "Purification, Ice style!" Two prongs erupt from the hilt of the blade, nearly as wide as the sword is long--

The electric missile slams through the cloak, punching through it both entering and exiting. The figure slumps, as the prongs stop extending. "Let's end this charade..." A stream of white energy streams from the openings in the cloak, as the Navi seems suddenly revitalized!

Raising the blade to shoulder level, the warrior began spinning like a top, his sword forming a sapphire ring around him. "Kai!" With a cry, he stopped spinning, the sword pointed directly at Runeknight as a bomb sailed through the air at him. From the "sword", a sickle of ice emerged, cutting a freezing arc through the air as it slammed into the Energybomb.

The resulting explosion sent a shower of icy shrapnel at the NetPolice Navi, some striking him and others impeding his movement--

???: ??? (EQUIP: Sword!)
Cloak: 25 HP

Field of ice caltrops!

Runeknight: 95
"Damn it," Runeknight cursed as he examined the glittering field of tiny spikes that surrounded him. "Sire, there is no room for evasive maneuvers."

"Don't worry," Zan said encouragingly. "We still have those two Guards."

Runeknight felt the energy from the uploaded BattleChips surging through him, but what materialized was not a shield. First came his trusty crossbow, equipped with a glass scope. Perhaps a final shot would end the battle before the stranger could attack again. He aimed quickly, using the scope to adjust his shot for him. The targeting reticule within his visor flared crimson and Runeknight slipped his finger along the trigger. A beam of energy erupted from the crossbow, sailing straight toward the cloaked Navi.

The next two BattleChips to materialize were the Guards. Twin shields of black and cobalt steel formed along both arms. They were bulky, sure to impede his movement, but he had no where to run. Surrounded by shards of icy shrapnel, he could only stand where he was, hoping that his shields would protect him. He crouched down, raising one shield in front of him as he glared at the strange Navi over the black rim. The other shield he held at his side, in reserve as he watched his opponents movements. He would adjust his stance accordingly, to block whatever he could.

Runeknight's voice rang out in a low chant, his black armor beginning to glow with an azure aura. His voice grew louder as the glow brightened and a circle of darkness opened below his opponent. The darkness boiled as black flames erupted from within the circle, trying to engulf the cloaked figure and drag him down to hell.

Summary:
1. MarkCannon(70) to Navi
2. Guard
3. Guard
4. Rune Purge(70) to Navi with a Heal(25) to Runeknight.
"Lucky--" The Navi snarled, the face again a frowny for a mere second before it turned into a face of shock, a purple beam blasting through the right side of his cloak.

Rips spiderweb across the cloak, the fabric fraying and drifting apart in an explosion of white light--

Runeknight watches behind his wall of metal, the shock almost knocking him out of his concentration.

Almost.

A chrome and grey figure emerges from the light, a storm of blindingly white data clawing at the air around him. The real head is visored, a cocky smirk playing across the lips. His arms are elongated and wider than the usual Navi's, with a thick black line running from elbow to forearm, through the center of each arm. Supporting these arms are two massive shoulderpads, behind which are twin jet thrusters.

In the center of the Navi's chest, white data continues to stream out, filling the area around him-- "Feh. Didn't count on this." He scoffs, as a black vortex opened beneath him, attempting to bathe him in hellfire--

Black collided with white, before instantly fading away. Around the Navi, the white data rapidly regenerated, continuing to expand--

"Bothersome." Tetra.exe growled, as he suddenly looked at his opponent again. "Congratulations. You've managed to survive this far, at least..." With a glare, he continued: "I am known as Tetra.exe. As to what I am... Keep looking. I'm closer than you expect..."

With a dark laugh, Tetra turned his back on Runeknight, a new cloak descending upon his body before he disappeared off the Net...

Runeknight can't help but heave a sigh, as the caltops around him slowly shatter...

Runeknight: 120

Victory!
GET: 1600 zenny.
"Heh," Zan laughed as Tetra disappeared. "That guy was quite the contender."

"A true warrior." Runeknight agreed. "I wouldn't mind dueling him once more."

"Well, we should do our best to increase our arsenal and expand your abilities. Next time we'll show him just what we're made of."

Runeknight nodded silently as he collected the remaining zenny data. Behind his mask he smiled softly, comforted by the knowledge that a true challenge awaited him in the future. He brushed a bit of dust from his jet black armor and adjusted his cape so it fell over his shoulders. His spear appeared in his right hand and he slammed the butt against the earth as he saluted, fist to chest, with his left.

"I am ready and more than willing to continue on, Sire." he stated proudly.

"Good," Zan chuckled. "Let us see what other challenges await us deeper in the Net."

((Battle 6. And thanks a lot Demon!))
Why would any virus in its right mind attack after Runeknight had been able to so efficiently dispatch such a powerful foe?

You got it. They weren't in their right mind; in fact, the viruses that came lunging toward Runeknight were frothing at the mouths, looking decidedly crazy.

RABIES SHOT?!

SpikeyA: 90 HP
SpikeyB: 90 HP
SpikeyC: 90 HP
SpookyA: 50 HP
SpookyB: 50 HP
ShrubbyA: 50 HP (behind SpookyA)
ShrubbyB: 50 HP (behind SpookyB)
MetoolA: 40 HP

Runeknight.EXE: 120 HP

--FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE!--
Runeknight stared at the approaching viruses with a sense of dread. It was a large group, as massive as the army of Metools, but most of these viruses were far stronger. Each virus looked crazed, as though their minds were warped and they lusted only for the kill. There would be no parlay in this confrontation. With their minds lost, these viruses would only understand the taste of steel.

"Sire," Runeknight whispered as he examined the approaching horde. "I shall need our most powerful arsenal."

"No worries." Zan answered. "Hit them hard and fast and take out those Spikeys first if possible."

Runeknight nodded in response, rocking on his heels as the BattleChip energy surged through his systems. A familiar feeling of empowerment washed over him as he stared down the mass of viruses. His spear twitched, broadening as the tip became a massive blade. He rested the zanbato against his armored shoulder, waiting for his moment to strike. One of the Spikeys ran ahead of the pack, leading the viral charge. Runeknight chuckled softly to himself, gripping the handle of his sword with both hands, and charged.

He dashed forward, moving swiftly in a slight zigzag pattern to evade any attacks from the viruses, and leaped into the air. He slammed the massive blade down, aiming to slice the Spikey in twain. The zanbato shattered as it struck, throwing up a wall of data mist that obscured the Spikey from view. Runeknight landed with a roll, a second BattleChip already forming. His roll brought him back to his feet, a small azure sphere in his hands, and he continued his charge for a few feet before pivoting to the left. Another Spikey reared up and the knightly Navi hurled the icy crystal at the virus, the sphere exploding into a wave of ice and snow.

The Navi twirled around, surveying the battlefield quickly to gain his bearings. His crossbow materialized in his hands, the wooden weapon already loaded. He spotted a pair of strange, ghost-like viruses looming just ahead of him and he took careful aim. He strafed slightly to the right, attempting to line up both ghosts, and slipped his hand over the trigger. The arrow sailed from the crossbow and exploded into a hail of buckshot just a few feet from the Navi.

Runeknight turned, searching for the other Spikey. A low growl alerted him to the virus and he dashed forward. Cobalt flames erupted from his hand, wreathing his left arm before coalescing into a large, fiery sphere. He moved within feet of the virus, extending his palm forward and shouting a word of command. The fire exploded outward, engulfing the virus and obscuring in from Runeknight's view.

Summary:
1. BigHammer1(160) to SpikeyA
2. IceWave1(80x2) to SpikeyB
3. Shotgun(50) to SpookyA and SpookyB
4. Rune Blast(90) to SpikeyC
With a deafening sound that seemed like shattering bone, the BigHammer smashed the Spikey absolutely flat without so much as a whimper from the virus. The IceWave washed the next Spikey out with a wall of frozen fury that played havoc with its elemental weakness. The Shotgun annihilated the first of the Spookies, but its splash fell just short of his slavering clone. A log rolled out of nowhere and struck Runeknight in the leg just as his Rune Blast scalded the third Spikey to deletion.

SpikeyA: DELETED!
SpikeyB: DELETED!
SpikeyC: DELETED!
SpookyA: DELETED!
SpookyB: 50 HP
ShrubbyA: 50 HP (behind SpookyA)
ShrubbyB: 50 HP (behind SpookyB)
MetoolA: 40 HP

Runeknight.EXE: 110 HP
"Bah!" Runeknight grunted as a log came broadsided him.

The knightly Navi stumbled forward a few steps before pivoting on his steady leg. He twisted his armored body, moving to keep the rest of the viruses in his field of vision. There was not much left, just a handful of weak viruses driven mad with blood lust. Runeknight said as he thought about what he must do.

"I shall end your torment." The Navi whispered.

More data swirled through the knight's body, enhancing him and granting him the powers stored in his BattleChip arsenal. Runeknight held out his hand, a small golden ring appearing in a flash of light. Spark flew from the ring as a current of electricity traveled in a never-ending circle along its metallic surface. The Navi took aim at the single Metool, hurling the ring towards the virus. The metallic object left his hand with incredible speed, skimming swiftly over the earth to its target.

His crossbow was in his hands seconds later, a small glass scope affixed to the wooden base. Runeknight allowed the enchantment of the scope to aim for him, the weapon locking onto the ghost-like virus. Runeknight stared the creature in its eyes, its slobbering form floating gracefully over the ground, and pulled the trigger. A beam of light exploded from the crossbow, sailing toward the ghost with the enhanced accuracy granted by the scope.

Its enchantment ended, the scope shattered into a fine digital mist. A small clip appeared in Runeknight's free hand and he attached it to the crossbow, the weapon reloading automatically. The Navi strafed to the left, moving slowly and deliberately to steady his aim while he examined the remaining viruses. He took aim at one of the plant-like viruses, his lips moving as he mumbled the words to a spell. His armor began to glow with a soft blue light even as a field of darkness grew beneath one of the shrubby. Runeknight's chanting neared its end, his voice shouting over the sounds of battle, and jet black flames erupted from the darkness, threatening to engulf the shrubby. The Navi turned as he completed his spell, sliding his hand over the trigger and holding it down. He unloaded the clip into the other plant virus, a mass of small crossbow bolts spewing forth from the wooden weapon toward the small virus.

Summary:
1. Zapring(40 + Stun) to Metool
2. MarkCannon(70) to SpookyB
3. Rune Purge(70) to ShrubbyA with heal(25) to Runeknight
4. Vulcan2(15x5) to ShrubbyB
They all died.

GOOD JOB.

SpikeyA: DELETED!
SpikeyB: DELETED!
SpikeyC: DELETED!
SpookyA: DELETED!
SpookyB: DELETED!
ShrubbyA: DELETED!
ShrubbyB: DELETED!
MetoolA: DELETED!

Runeknight.EXE: 135 HP

--VICTORY ASSURED!--

Get: Heatshot, 300z!
"La ha!" Runeknight shouted as the final virus was dispersed into a cloud of data. "Sire, we have claimed another BattleChip for our arsenal. A fiery one at that."

"Great," Zan said, encouraging his Navi. "Want to continue on?"

"Of course, Sire. It is our duty at NetPolice, to protect this world from all that would intend to do it harm."

Runeknight gathered up the remaining data and transmitted it to the PET in a quick manner. He was eager to continue on, eager to see what evils awaited him around the next bend.

((Battle 7.))
"Rwaaar harr harr harr!"

A strange, rumbling laugh cut through the quiet of the back corner of the ACDC network that Runeknight had stumbled into. He looked around, but could see no source of the voice. When Runeknight faced front again, he realized that a number of small spheres had dropped into the middle of the road in front of him. Smoke began to leak from the spheres, and suddenly they exploded open, releasing a vertiable army of viruses.

MetoolA: 40 HP
MetoolB: 40 HP
MetoolC: 40 HP
MetoolD: 40 HP
CanodumbA: 50 HP
CanodumbB: 50 HP
CanodumbC: 50 HP
CanodumbD: 50 HP
SpookyA: 50 HP
SpookyB: 50 HP

Runeknight.EXE: 135 HP

--FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE!--
"Sire," Runeknight warned. "I have spotted a large group of viruses just ahead of me."

"Yeah," Zan had noticed them as well. "It seems like the further we go, the larger these groups become. My scans are picking up ten viral signatures."

"Yes Sire, I see ten as well. Two large groups of turrets and Metools along with a duo of those ghosts. How shall I proceed?"

"As always, though we may want to play it defensively this time around. We aren't equipped for taking down large groups quickly. I wouldn't want you to be worn down by a few stray shots."

"As you say, Sire."

Runeknight strode forward, already awash with the familiar feeling of empowerment as Zan uploaded a handful of BattleChips into the Pet. His spear vanished in a flash of light, being replaced by a black lacquered longbow. The Navi notched an arrow onto the string, holding it in place with two fingers. The tip of the arrow was wrapped in a damp white cloth that gave off a peculiar odor. Runeknight took up the bow, drawing back the string and taking careful aim at the group of Metool. The damp cloth burst into flames, the fire reflecting off of Runeknight's blackened armor. The knightly Navi released his hold on the arrow, the flaming shaft of wood arching high in the air before plummeting toward the Metools.

Runeknight tossed the longbow to the floor, charging forward as his crossbow materialized in a blast of cobalt light, already locked and loaded. The two Spookys loomed before him, each with a slobbering expression that seemed filled with madness in the light of the flames. Runeknight took aim, setting stock against shoulder to steady his arm, and eased back on the trigger. The small bolt exploded into a hail of buckshot as it left the crossbow, hopefully widening enough to shower both of the viruses in iron death.

From his belt, Runeknight produced a small glowing sphere. Within the crystal sphere, swirled a rainbow of colors. Those colors represented a chain reaction energy that would end in explosive results. The knightly Navi took aim at one of the stationary turrets and tossed the crystal bomb. With his right arm now free, he raised it to block his body, a black and cobalt shield forming quickly. Runeknight crouched down behind the shield, awaiting any response from the viral threat.

Summary:
Knightly Aura is always active.
1. Used HeatShot(40) to MetoolA and B
2. Used Shotgun(50) to SpookyA and B
3. Used Energybomb(3x40) to CannodumbA
4. Guard
The Metool was roasted by the Heatshot that Runeknight fired off at it. The other virus that stood behind it shrieked as its friend, standing right in front of it, was barbecued by the Heatshot, and it dove underneath its helmet before it could be claimed as a second victim. The Shotgun had significantly more luck; both Spookies never saw the buckshot coming, and both were wiped out by the attack. The Energybomb that Runeknight tossed into the fray landed squarely on top of the Canodumb, but only one blast rose from the crystal sphere, taking a number of large chunks out of the virus but not quite killing it. The rest of the Canodumbs locked on and started firing. One of the shots pinged off Runeknight's aura, while another bounced back off the face of the Guard he held. The third, though, slipped past both of the defenses and nailed Runeknight in the shoulder.

MetoolA: DELETED!
MetoolB: 40 HP [HELMET'D!]
MetoolC: 40 HP
MetoolD: 40 HP
CanodumbA: 50 HP
CanodumbB: 30 HP
CanodumbC: 50 HP
CanodumbD: 10 HP
SpookyA: DELETED!
SpookyB: DELETED!

Runeknight.EXE: 115 HP
Runeknight braced himself as a blast of energy zipped through the air and collided with his shield. The black and cobalt mass of metal flashed with a golden light as it absorbed the energy from the Canodumb's attack and ricocheted it right back in a beam of pure light. It's enchantment finished, the shield shattered into fine digital mist. Runeknight moved to stand, but a second cannon shot glanced off his armor and a third hit him square in the chest. The Navi was bowled over and he instinctively curled into a defensive roll.

Runeknight pushed himself to his feet, shaking his head to clear the dizziness. There were still several viruses alive and allied against him. Far more than he would be able to dispatch with any easy. He straightened his cape, the long cobalt cloth billowing out behind him, and took off in a charge toward the closest turret. Zan was already uploading BattleChips, Runeknight could feel them surging through his body, and the Navi was sure that his NetOp knew what he was doing.

Runeknight held out his left hand, a small blue crystal forming from a mass of data. The crystal was a perfect sphere, cold to the touch despite his armor, and it gave off an inner glow. Runeknight hurled the crystal toward the turret, the projectile transforming into a wave of ice and snow as it left the Navi's hand. The turret was obscured from Runeknight's view, possibly destroyed by the deadly wave.

The knightly Navi used the snowbank as cover, another BattleChip forming in his hands. It was a small cube that fluctuated between glowing red and glowing blue. He held the cube aloft, allowing it to rise into the air and grow to massive size. The Navi was unsure as to what the cube would do, it's effects completely random, so he decided not to worry about it. Instead he concentrated on the next turret, his crossbow already materializing in his hands.

Runeknight exploded from behind his cover, taking quick aim at the closest turret and pulling the trigger. A mass of crossbow bolts erupted from the weapon, fueled by a large clip attached to the wooden stock. The bolts ripped through the air in rapid succession, sailing straight toward the Canodumb. Runeknight allowed himself to fall into a roll, coming out on his knees with one arm held high. A large black and cobalt shield formed on his arm and he held it up in defense from any counter measures.

Summary:
Knightly Aura Active
1. Use IceWave1(80) on CanodumbA
2. Use DBLCube to either heal Runeknight(30) or hit all enemies(30)
3. Vulcan2(5x15) to CanodumbC
4. Guard to self
The Canodumb didn't stand a chance against the wave of winter that crashed into it. The DBLCUBE that Runeknight deployed scrolled between colours and finally settled on red, shooting lasers out in all directions to slice through viral data. Another two Canodumbs fell to the light show. The Vulcan shots tore apart the last Canodumb, leaving only the Mets to quiver amongst themselves. One summoned enough courage to fire a shockwave at Runeknight, while a second tried to talk it out of it, and the third simply lunged under its hat. The Navi's Guard sent the shockwave right back, tearing through the Met that had been trying to convince its partner.

MetoolA: DELETED!
MetoolB: DELETED!
MetoolC: 10 HP
MetoolD: 10 HP [HELMET'D!]
CanodumbA: DELETED!
CanodumbB: DELETED!
CanodumbC: DELETED!
CanodumbD: DELETED!
SpookyA: DELETED!
SpookyB: DELETED!

Runeknight.EXE: 115 HP
Runeknight stalked toward the remaining viral duo, one last BattleChip already uploading into his systems. His spear appeared in a flash of cobalt light, but it didn't stay for long. The long black shaft of the weapon seemed to disappear as the spear shrunk in on itself. The spear tip split into three claws that affixed themselves to the back of Runeknight's gauntleted fist.

The knightly Navi neared the first Metool, slashing down with his claws in an attempt to spear the virus and fling it away. The second Metool was crouched down, hiding under its helmet. Runeknight could feel the strength of the BattleChip running though his body. He reached down, wrapping his fingers around the shelled virus. He was going to lift the virus into the air and then spike it back down with his clawed hand.

Summary:
1. RageClaw(40) to MetoolC
2. Try and pick up MetoolD
3. RageClaw(40) to MetoolD
4. Whatever
The Rageclaw tore up the first remaining Metool, and the second poked its head out of its helmet just in time to be picked up and ripped to bits.

"DRATS! CURSES!" screeched the same voice that had done the laughing not long ago. Runeknight made another sweep of the area, but the source could not be found. Perhaps he was being stalked by something sinister...?

MetoolA: DELETED!
MetoolB: DELETED!
MetoolC: DELETED!
MetoolD: DELETED!
CanodumbA: DELETED!
CanodumbB: DELETED!
CanodumbC: DELETED!
CanodumbD: DELETED!
SpookyA: DELETED!
SpookyB: DELETED!

Runeknight.EXE: 115 HP

--VICTORY ASSURED!--

Get: Cannon x1, 350z!
"Well Runeknight," Zan interrupted as his Navi gathered up the remaining core data. "What do you want to do?"

"In what regard?" Runeknight asked.

"Well, with that voice. There is obviously someone following us and I doubt he or she wishes us a long and happy life. Add the fact that I am unable to scan for the origin point of the voice, and I believe we may have a problem. I would like your input."

"Well, Sire." Runeknight spoke slowly. "I believe we have little choice. It is our responsibility to patrol this Network...."

"And no sinister, disembodied body voice is going to stand in our way."

"Quite."

((Battle 8!))