Excursions into meetings

"Well, that was simple enough... now, for this. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, as they say..." Lancer muttered, hardly one to back down from a challenge, or least of all do much of anything he might consider 'weak' (strategic retreats, when necessary, did not fall under that). Thus he approached the lingering mystery data, placing a gauntlet-covered hand over it so it would show him its contents.

Stepping up and placing his gauntlet upon the diamond encased data file. It quickly activated and with a brilliant flash of light soon faded to reveal the essence of a new chip!

Lancer: Iceball1

"Hm... I can definitely use this..." the Navi muttered, carefully examining the chip data left behind. It didn't match his element and it wasn't the most accurate around considering the method of use, but... it couldn't be denied that it was quite powerful, and why shouldn't he, as an Elec-type, want ice panels that boosted such attacks scattered around?

"Let me guess... you're not done yet?"

"Not by any means; with what we have, I can still go on for a while now."

A light sigh was part of the response, before the Operator spoke again. "Alright... but at least be careful," Risa insisted.

"I always am. Shame about the lack of response to the BBS post you made me write, though," Lancer shrugged, not being entirely truthful. Nonetheless, all he could do at this point was press on.

(Ready for battle #4)

Lancer continues into the network, encountering a recently scorched down area that must've been the work of Fire-Elemental viruses! There were some walls scattered here and there but they wouldn't provide much cover if he was thinking of using them for whatever.

A ominous howl resounded through the area before Lancer could pick up any clues, not that he needed them. The culprits decided to show themselves as a pack of five Spikey viruses! They also... kind of had him surrounded.

-Viruses-
SpikeyA: 90 HP (Front)
SpikeyB: 90 HP (Right)
SpikeyC: 90 HP (Left)
SpikeyD: 90 HP (Back)
SpikeyE: 90 HP (Back Left)

-Area-
80% Normal
20% Cracked (Scattered)
WallA: 1 HP (2 actions to the left)
WallB: 1 HP (1 action to the right)
WallC: 1 HP (3 actions front left)

-Navi-
Lancer: 80HP

-BATTLE 4-
-ROUTINE, SET-
-EXECUTE-

"Hmph... this could be somewhat of a problem..." the Navi muttered as he soon turned out to be surrounded. Just him against the world, or something like that, and the previous incarnation of these viruses last battle, which had only been one, had given him minor trouble... hm.

Well, 'twas nothing the right attacks couldn't fix, and he'd already accumulated a fair amount of those as he'd gone along. Lest he deny its usefulness, there seemed no harm at all in starting with a Shotgun burst... which, upon that thought, he did, his right-hand gauntlet shifting quickly into the form of a gun. Quickly (though not too much so), he turned and whipped the gun up toward the Spikeys behind, the only two that seemed presently suitable for the weapon's spread effect. A small blast rang out as the Shotgun fired off straight toward the virus duo, at which point it was time to try something a little... different.

But then who went without defense when one was surrounded?

That thought in mind, and Risa having fortunately loaded some of the right battlechips already, thus it only took activating the Guard1 chip to draw up a light barrier around him. Which... wouldn't hold for long, he knew that much at least, so the least he could do was rush over to the side near one of the walls. Even if he couldn't fully escape, at least he could get a good vantage point.

Summary

>Variable ability Buff: Add +10 to next chip
1. Shotgun to SpikeyD/SpikeyE (50 + 10 damage, Spread 1)

2. Guard1 (1 Hit Shield) + (Reflect(up to 60 + Piercing + Line Attack): On Hit)

3. Dodge to the right, near the wall

Kicking things off with a quick assault against those viruses that tried to trap him in from behind, Lancer let loose a blast that nailed the Spikey dead on, though its brother seemed to just barely be out of range to avoid taking the hit. While each of the wolves in the pack started to let loose a barrage of fiery pain, which surprisingly enough must have been mostly a display of power as four of them seemed to not even be aimed at the navi. While the last had been trying to blast the knight, his quick movement kept him just out of harm's way as he dodges to the side and gets a wall guarding his back, hopefully.

Enemies
Spikey A: 90HP (Front)
Spikey B: 90HP (Right)
Spikey C: 90HP (Left)
Spikey D: 30HP (Back)
Spikey E: 90HP (Back Left)

Terrain
80% Normal
20% Cracked(Scattered)

Ally
Lancer: 80HP [Guard 1 equipped] (Behind Wall B)

Misc
Wall A: 1HP (2 actions to the left)
Wall B: 1HP
Wall C: 1HP (3 actions front left)

"Good so far... now to try a few new things..." Lancer muttered, taking a careful moment to take aim. With that moment soon past and an orb forming in his right hand from the newest chip to be loaded, up into the air it went, to drop right onto one of the Spikey's heads if all went as planned; and he fully intended it to, as it was the single strongest chip he currently had and he'd be in rather poor shape if it happened to miss. So far though, the viruses hadn't done much, so he was confident.

Nonetheless, there were some things he had and didn't like, others he had that he rather did like but others questioned; one of his customizer programs fell under the latter category. From where he was firmly standing, water emerged, washing over and altering the terrain itself and a sparking storm gauntlet standing ready for when it was soon complete. Removing himself from his safe spot, he took a moment to aim before sending a swift punch toward one of the next closest viruses a little to the right, a ring of pure electricity that seemed to react to the newly-altered terrain itself rushing out toward it.

And then there was the intent to eliminate not two, but three viruses within this period, and where one had been earlier harmed, now it was time for it to fall. With no more care for his little safe zone, he rushed out to that virus to lash out with the RageClaw that his gauntlet had edited itself into, specifically in a horizontal, swift slash.

Summary

1. IceBall1 to SpikeyA (120 + Break + Ice Panel Change)

>NaviCust: Set Sea used (Water Zone Change)
2. ZapRing1 to SpikeyC (40 + 5 damage, Stun 1)

3. RageClaw1 to SpikeyD (40 damage; use 1 of 6)

Starting things off with a very well placed, aimed orb of freezing cold, Lancer let it loose and it managed to strike its target hard enough to freeze and shatter that Spikey virus, and even froze up the panel it'd been standing on! Then he let loose a surprising flood of water, washing away ice, cracked and normal panels alike, suddenly leaving everything standing in that wet ground.

Which as it turned out surprised a beast long enough for that zapring to strike it, and with it standing in the water it was quickly fried to destruction. And while he made a quick attempt to strike down the weakened beast, it quickly leaped out of the watery terrain before it took any further damage, which as it happened, made it avoid his attack. The other two weren't so fearful, and quickly send fireballs to try and strike down the navi. The first of which slammed into his protective shield and bounced the attack right back. The second however managed to strike the navi, dealing a painful burn (-15) and even destroyed the wall he'd previously taken cover from.

Enemies
Spikey A: Deleted
Spikey B: 65HP (Sea)
Spikey C: Deleted
Spikey D: 20HP (Back) (Normal)
Spikey E: 80HP (Back Left) (Sea)

Terrain
50% Normal
10% Cracked (Scattered in Normal)
40% Sea (Center of Battlefield)

Ally
Lancer: 65HP [Guard 1 Broken] (Sea)

Misc
Wall A: 1HP (2 actions to the left) (Sea)
Wall B: Destroyed
Wall C: 1HP (3 actions front left) (Normal)

"Two down, three left, huh..." Lancer muttered, quickly surveying what was left of the opposition. Two down, three to go... it hadn't quite gone as hoped, and he was starting to hurt, but he could manage at least this much, surely. Who knew, maybe he could finish the rest while the chip-induced claw form of his gauntlet lingered on... 'twas worth a try, at least, was it not?

So on he charged, to a Spikey that the newly-formed sea panels hadn't made it to (not that it really mattered any more since he only yet had one elec-type chip). A quick swipe and that clawed gauntlet reached to grab at the Spikey, a little more force exerted thanks to a quick buff. Ability permitting, he fully intended it to toss it into another Spikey; it hadn't worked out last time he'd tried such a thing, but it certainly didn't feel it would hurt to try again.

So with that, he followed up with a quick movement, somewhat toward the Spikey he'd intended to throw its 'brother' toward but also a little to the side, making sure to try and elude any further attacks; he didn't need to be taking any more damage. A quick downward slash was the follow-up from that once he was near enough, fully intending to have two more of these viruses down during this period, and only one to go.

Summary

1. RageClaw1 to SpikeyD into SpikeyB (20 + Impacting, use 2 of 6)

2. Dodge to the side, somewhat toward SpikeyB

>Variable ability Buff: Add +10 to next chip
3. RageClaw1 to SpikeyB (40 + 10 damage, use 3 of 6)

Charging forth into battle once again, Lancer easily managed to both catch and manhandle one of those great beasts, slamming it into its own brother, which as it turned out seemed to cause enough damage to make the virus kick the bucket. And while the second was still swaying from the impact, a sudden slash from his mighty weapon quickly ended its suffering. Leaving the brave knight to stand tall, one on one with the final beast, and as he turned to face his adversary. It was already running off with its tail between its legs, so to speak.

Enemies
Spikey A: Deleted
Spikey B: Deleted
Spikey C: Deleted
Spikey D: Deleted
Spikey E: Escaped

Terrain
50% Normal
10% Cracked (Scattered in Normal)
40% Sea (Center of Battlefield)

Ally
Lancer: 65HP (Sea)

Misc
Wall A: 1HP (2 actions to the left) (Sea)
Wall B: Destroyed
Wall C: 1HP (3 actions front left) (Normal)

—Battle 4, Victory!—
Lancer: 440z

"Hm... unexpected, but I can't complain," Lancer muttered as the final virus ran off before he could really turn on the thing. "And let me guess, you're worrying out there?"

"Shouldn't I be? I know you're going to press on no matter what I say, so here, at least take this," Risa spoke from her safe® spot outside, loading into the PET one of the few subchips she had on-hand. They were cheap but efficient, and he was hurt... he really couldn't complain if she forced it.

"Fine... this once," the Navi sighed, feeling the subchip take effect without regard for his willingness or otherwise. "Though it's been as I figured... I don't really need a hand here, even if anyone had happened to come along."

"Alright, alright... but it'll do you good sometime to pair up with someone, I'm sure," the Operator suggested in turn.

"Perhaps, but for now I'm fine alone," Lancer shrugged, making his way onward to see what else he'd find.

(MiniEnergy subchip used to heal up to full; requesting battle #5)

(Modlocked, aka you get only me for duration of the following battle, not that you got many other mods anyway. xD sorry for the wait)

After a quick chat, and a sudden re-energizing, Lancer ventured deeper into the depths of ACDC network. Which as it turned out seemed to be hot on the heels of the escaped Spikey virus. For soon he'd see it in the distance, though its actions were quite different.

It seems the beast had stopped at a small pool of glowing, almost rainbow sheen liquid. Stepping closer it stopped long enough to take a drink from the pool, when suddenly the goo came to life and sprang around the virus! Quickly engulfing over it as the Spikey let out roar after roar and blasts of fire that quickly scorched the landscape around it as it fought desperately against the substance.

But soon, that glowing liquid finally started to sink and absorb into the beast, causing it to grow, it's already rigid fur grew thicker and almost metalic in color as the virus and unknown data fused. Easily doubling in size as those once red eyes suddenly took a bright shade of green and a longer, deeper cry of rage sounded out from the newly formed monster that stood before Lancer. Any thoughts of the situation were quickly interupted, as the beast spotted the navi, and let out a vicious battle cry before starting to charge!

Boss
Metal-Slime Spikey: 180HP

Terrain
60% Normal
40% Furnace (Scattered)

Ally
Lancer: 100HP

Battle Theme

—Battle 5, Start!—

Fire, and a big and apparently vicious slime-like creature...

"...this could be a bit of a problem..." Lancer muttered bitterly. It was... what was this creature that was before him? Water-element, considering the form? No, it wasn't very likely he'd be favored so greatly. Wood-element, considering the color?

No... forget the thinking, it didn't matter when it came to it. All he really had to do, ultimately, was crush this thing, and he had something good in mind to start things off. Now how would it like a little jolt...

"Going to need my two best. The elec-type and the ice-type," Lancer spoke, of which was obviously directed to the Operator standing outside in perfect safety.

"Right, right... coming right up. And be careful against this thing, it just ate a virus, I don't want it doing something like that to you," Risa warned, slipping the desired chips into their slot.

"Don't worry, you know I'm not so weak as that," Lancer replied, quite glad to see that his Storm Gauntlet was soon living up to its name with the crackling electricity that began to surround it. If this went well, maybe he could end this in a few swift moments... if not, well, at least he'd have tried. Regardless, to the end of his plan, a swift punch flew out in the direction of the bizarre virus he'd come upon; not near actually connecting itself, but he had a feeling that he wouldn't want it to after the show he'd just been audience to. Rather, it was the ring of purely charged electricity shooting out from that fist that he desired, further charged by his own element and a little further boost from within. The slime-like creature was... unusual, but the ring was sent relatively low to the ground; the Navi was certain enough that it would reach its target, and if so, it could well be over.

As to why, 'twas for the fact that he was already taking some aim as the ring of electricity flew. Replacing the crackling electricity lost to the gauntlet from the discharge was a ball of frosty ice, the cold air plainly radiating from it a testament to its power. Up to a low arc into the air it was soon flung, the target set to right where the opposing virus was as the ball crashed down, one way or another leaving parts of itself jutting into the ground below to alter even a small part of that into ice.

For his final move, it could not really be said that Lancer was truly foolish; reckless, perhaps, but not quite foolish. He knew well to avoid something like this that consumed a virus with apparent ease, and did precisely that, leaping back and away from the bizarre creature and pointedly watching out for the fiery areas on the ground that would definitely cause him some harm.

Summary

>Variable ability Buff: Add +10 to next chip
1. Zapring1 to Metal-Slime Spikey (40 + 5 + 10 damage, Stun 1)

2. Iceball1 to Metal-Slime Spikey (120 damage, Break, Ice panel change)

3. Dodge away from the Slime, watching out for furnace panels

Thanks to perhaps the creature's blind charge, that zapring hit right on target and stopped the monster cold in its tracks suddenly as it let out a surprisingly painful sounding cry. Sparks could be seen passing all across that metalic looking form, at for a moment it appeared the Iceball would no doubt hit its mark. Though it seemed luck was not on Lancer's side as at the last moment the beast freed itself from the stunning charge which allowed it to step forward just out of range of that falling icy bomb which shattered upon impact and froze the panels behind the creature. It wasn't going to let the knight get away with it however as it let loose a mighty fiery blast of rage that looked ready to envelop the navi, but his speedy footwork saved him in the last moments as he managed to get away with nothing more than the feel of high heat flowing right past him.

Boss
Metal-Slime Spikey: 70HP

Terrain
50%% Normal
40% Furnace (Scattered)
10% Ice (Behind Virus)

Ally
Lancer: 100HP

Battle Theme

Dangerously close, it seemed, but...

"...must be fire-type, it looks like," Lancer muttered, only needing but a short time to consider then reconsider his next course of action. He could flood part of the battlefield, but for a virus like this that would more likely be a boon than a bane.

No matter, he had other options.

"Need those last two ranged chips, besides the fire one. And that shield."

"Coming right up."

With that slight exchange, the Navi's gauntlet soon partly condensed upon itself, the now-rounded end opening to form a proper gun. Only somewhat carefully did Lancer bring his arm up to fire off a shotgun shot in the direction of the slime virus, counting on the spread to do its job and hit the thing, with a little added boost at that. Since the creature could apparently attack at some range, though... he had to be careful, at least, and to that end a mostly transparent shield emerged around him from the defensive Guard chip, which had already done its job well in an earlier conflict.

Then, finally, there was the growth of his gauntlet into more of a cannon than a mere gun. For this, he had to stick his lance partly into the ground nearby, his left hand moving instead to stabilize the arm that ended in the cannon being pointed forward. Even then there was a slight recoil from the powerful cannon shot that erupted out toward the slime-like creature; but at least, unlike the first time he'd used this chip, he could at least count on the recoil not taking too much out of his accuracy. And, with due luck, the cannon shot would assist in a little game of keep-away if it didn't manage to end this thing.

Summary

>Variable ability Buff: Add +10 to next chip
1. Shotgun to Metal-Slime Spikey (50 + 10 damage, Spread 1)

2. Guard1 active (1 Hit Shield) + (Reflect(up to 60 + Piercing + Line Attack): On Hit)

3. Cannon to Metal-Slime Spikey (40 damage + Knockback)

With a quick conversion Lancer kept up his tactics of keeping the pressure on with a powerful set of blasts to try and assault the beast. Though as that empowered shotgun blast struck the beast, rather than dealing any damage the metal beast seemed to almost liquefy and suddenly blew open from the impact, deforming the creature into a large hollow ring which the attack seemed to cause.

The beast was quick to reform itself back, and followed up with an attack right away, only for the exchange to be blocked by the knight's quickly summoned shield that shattered and blasted a wave back at the beast. Which seemed to deform again from the impact once more. Though as it was trying to reform and strike again, Lancer's cannon finally seemed to deal damage to it, causing it to cry out in pain and sent its second blast of fire off course, narrowly missing the navi once again.

Boss
Metal-Slime Spikey: 30HP

Terrain
50%% Normal
40% Furnace (Scattered)
10% Ice (Behind Virus)

Ally
Lancer: 100HP (Guard1 Broken)

Battle Theme

"Hmph... persistent creature, I'll give it that. Forget that fire-type chip, I'll be taking the claw," Lancer spoke, grumbling a little to himself at the fact that the bizarre virus hadn't died yet; or rather, that he hadn't been able to finish it off yet, even with all he'd thrown at it. 'Twas persistent, he had to give it that, but there were always ways to end precisely that.

For his next trick against the beast that was apparently able to malform and avoid damage, perhaps he could throw it off-guard and avoid that, and his lance itself was perfect for that job. A quick thrust forward and odd orbs erupted from the Storm Lance's tip to rush down the slime-like virus, coming at it from multiple points (despite only being within a mild radius). A tug back on his lance drew the orbs back to it, and with due luck forced the creature a little closer. It still didn't seem like a good idea, but the Navi really have anything else that would likely be effective against this thing except his claw, which his gauntlet formed into. With a quick, short rush forward, he swiped that claw downward toward the virus, hoping to either catch it off-guard or in a way that it couldn't deform away from. Barely was that singular swipe complete before he darted back away from the creature again, making sure to keep his footing away from the fire panels.

Summary

1. Lancet to Metal-Slime Spikey (15 drain, break, pull)

2. RageClaw1 to Metal-Slime Spikey (40 damage; use 1 of 6)

3. Dodge to the side, playing keep-away with furnace panels.

Moving in with hopes of the kill, Lancer thrust his lancer forth and sent a flurry of orbs forth, which as it turned out, had the same results as most the previous attacks, as the beast seemed to splash open and completely avoid the attack. Though as it was reforming, the navi had moved in with his mighty claws, slicing down the creature before it could completely form itself back to normal. At first the strike seemed to not quite finish it, as it let out a loud roar, but quickly it seemed to start destabilizing and soon began to melt. Sinking down into a mercury like pool that seeped down into the panels and disappeared. Leaving nothing behind but a surprisingly large pile of credit data.

Boss
Metal-Slime Spikey: Melted

Terrain
50%% Normal
40% Furnace (Scattered)
10% Ice (Ahead of Lancer)

Ally
Lancer: 100HP

—Battle 5, Victory!—
Lancer: 853z

(No longer modlocked)

"Alright, well... I think that's about enough of that. It's starting to get late, and after that slime thing, I think I've about had enough," Risa announced from her continued point of safety, eliciting an exasperated sigh from Lancer.

"So you'll basically have wasted that subchip," the Navi observed somewhat coldly.

"It's fine, I still have one more and they're cheap anyway. Now come on, I have things I need to do. Like a little shopping."

"Fine... but next time, you follow my lead."

"We'll see~," Risa simply replied, while the Navi meanwhile disappeared into a little burst of light and data, returning to his PET home.

(jacking out for SciLab)