Waiter! There's a Virus in my Battle!

((FROM undefined))

Torrent stepped out of the circular jack-in portal and into the Auto-Waiter's control room, and immediately things looked grim. The control room was much darker for one, the camera screen above the control panel showing nothing but static. The panel itself was covered in scratches and weird lights, and the eternally present Mr Prog was nowhere to be seen.

"What in..." Seeing such a familiar sight desecrated chilled her. Whatever had made the robot attack her was long gone. Torrent didn't have the programming to repair the damage herself... She'd have to find where the resident Mr Prog had gotten to.

<<How's it look?>> Hippie's voice spoke simultaneously through the PET link and the Auto-Waiter's microphone.

"The whole set up is fried, and the guy in charge is gone."

<<Mr Proggy!? Oh no! We have to find him!>>

"That's what the narration just said." Torrent looked behind her. Beyond the entrance portal was a maintenance doorway that led to the other parts of the Auto-Waiter's CPU. She'd never been in there before, but now the door had been removed and she could see a complex series of ladders leading in all directions. "How could this happen... BlitzMan cleared these machines out months ago."

<<Something must have broken through the firewall that leads to the internet.>> Hippie mused.

Torrent balked. "These things are linked to the internet? I never knew that." She was suddenly glad that what had happened here hadn't happened in her own machine.

<<Oh yeah! Melvin told me about it, since BlitzMan usually does these cleaning jobs. The rails that the waiters roll on connect to the cafe router.>>

"So the internet connection runs through the support shaft?" Torrent bit her lip. "Then that means the connection is going to be..." She looked up. "...at the top..."

<<Well? Get climbing!>> Hippie suddenly backpedaled. <<I-I-I mean, I'm not ordering you to or anything... I just... It's...>>

Torrent gritted her teeth. She had forgotten about the rut that had developed between the two of them. Perhaps busting some viruses would help Hippie out of her funk. Just as long as they weren't too ferocious... Hopefully they had fled when the robot lost power.

Torrent headed into the maintenance shaft and began climbing one of the ladders that lead upwards, not knowing where exactly she was headed within the machine.

((VIRUS BUSTING BEGIN))
The first ladder she climbed led torrent a little further up the dimmed and falteringly-lit space. Occasional bursts of sparks or the sound of electrical crackles broke the otherwise dark and quiet atmosphere. The ladder shaft emerged onto a junction plateau of some sort, with paths that branched in three ways out from the centre, and upward spiralling ramps at the end of each one. The central space was mostly circular, with two anomalies: first, a large, complicated device of some sort that looked important to the system, which crackled and sparked. Hovering just in front of it, poking one large finger into the mechanism's interior with curious motions, a handy virus didn't seem to be paying her arrival any attention just yet.

The other oddity on the floor was a raised platform on the opposite side, between two of the branching paths, which stepped up to a glowing solar floor space. A green crystal sat in the light, seemingly unmolested by the viral presence so far. There was no telling how long that would last, however. Rolling down the north-eastern path branch towards Torrent, a Typhoon virus seemed to have clocked her with more attention than the Handy, and just as she had the time to take these details in, a third shape dropped down from above, directly into front of Torrent so close that she felt it pass by as it clanked to the ground. The third virus was a Billy, sparks already crackling at the end of its prongs as it clicked them together in front of her.

-=Rotten Customers=-
TyphoonTyphoon (Typhoon)

This family is an upgrade to the viruses found in MMBN. Unlike their game version counterparts, these roll around on four wheels. They are thus able to move and dodge. All of their attacks have the Wind Type attribute, and thus deal extra damage and other added effects when used on Sand and Snow terrain. The viruses themselves are not able to summon this terrain, however. Their secondary attack is mainly used to counter Object chips or creatures that are closing in to attack them.

Area: SciLab, Yoka, Sharo, Netfrica

HP: 100
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: (10 Null x 3 Hits) + Homing
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Creates a tornado that chases the target. This attack is Wind Type.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Microburst
Secondary Attack Accuracy: A
Secondary Attack Description: Shoots a single target with a concentrated blast of air that is virtually guaranteed to send them flying. This attack is Wind Type.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Typhoon, AirShot1, Zenny
Special: Wind Type: This Attack counts as Wind Type for the purposes of Wind triggered effects, such as traps and terrain.
: 100Hp [Metal][North-East]
HandyHandy (Handy)

Handy Viruses attack by opening a dimensional gate below themselves, and dropping into it. The exit gate opens next to their destination, and they will rise out of it holding an explosive. This explosive is placed on an unbroken panel, and the Handy is free to move after. The use of gates does not count as teleporting, but can be used as a means of dodging as they attack. Gates are only used when attacking, and at no other time. Handy viruses will not set a new explosive until either a turn has passed, or they pass one action without setting a new bomb, whichever comes first. For more info on the bombs Handy viruses use, see below.

Area: SciLab, Yoka, Okuden Valley, Netopia, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Primary Attack Damage: 50 Null to all enemies after 2 turns
Primary Attack Accuracy: S
Primary Attack Description: Places a 100HP TimeBomb on the field, with a clearly visible digital timer on it. The bomb counts down for two turns, then explodes, dealing 50 damage to all enemies. If the bomb's HP is reduced to Zero before time expires, the bomb is harmlessly destroyed.
Secondary Attack Damage: 50 Null Counterattack + Blast2
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Places a 1HP DudBomb on the field, with a clearly visible digital X displayed on the side. The bomb remains on the field until the end of the turn after it was summoned, then self destructs harmlessly. If the DudBomb is attacked, it detonates whatever attacked it for 50 Null damage in a Blast2 area. This counterattack is indescriminate, and will trigger against the attacker no matter who or what it may be, without exception.
Element: Null.
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): TimeBomb1, Zenny
Special: This virus cannot attack unless there is at least 1 unbroken and unoccupied panel on the field for it to place bombs on.
: 80Hp [Metal][North-west, in front of Crackling Mechanism]
BillyBilly (Billy)

Billy viruses move and dodge at average rates. They attack by shooting electricity from their lightning-rod-like arms, either in the form of a homing thunderball or a pair of lightning bolts. They cannot attack while moving.

Area: SciLab, Electown, Netopia

HP: 80
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Elec + Stun 1 + Homing
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Generates a Thunderball, and fires it at the enemy. The thunderball travels slowly, but it homes in on the target. Causes stun on contact
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Elec + Seeking x 2 targets.
Secondary Accuracy: B
Secondary Description: Fires a lightning bolt from each lightning rod arm that pierces Invis. It cannot target the same enemy with both bolts.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Thunder1, ThunderBeam1 (Rare), Zenny
: 80Hp [Normal][Directly in front of Torrent, rather too close for comfort]

-=Hero in Waiting=-
Torren.Exe: 120Hp [Normal]

-=Terrain=-
60% Normal
  • No effects.

35% Metal
  • Cannot be Broken or Cracked except with Geddon/PanelShot, cannot be Burrowed into.
  • Elec attacks: +100% Source Damage.
  • 100 Damage Aqua attacks: Change terrain hit to Cracked.
  • 100 Damage Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to Furnace.
  • PanelShot: Imbue Elec + Break.

5% Solar
  • Elec Elementals get +5 HP/action.
  • Wood attacks: +100% Source Damage, change terrain hit to Cracked.
  • PanelShot: Imbue Elec + Stun1.


-=Objects=-
GMD: 15Hp [Solar]
Crackling Mechanism: 40Hp [Metal]

-=Battle 1: Proggy Where Art Thou! Start!=-

Huffing and puffing after her long climb, Torrent peeked over the lip of the ladder shaft and found herself in some kind of junction. This was dark, unfamiliar territory, possibly infested by dozens of data-munching monsters. She shivered, goosebumps popping up all along her software.

A crackling noise drew her attention, and she almost lost her grip on the ladder in fright. A lone Handy virus was fiddling with some kind of complex structure. As far as she could tell, it was alone.

"There's one virus..." Torrent whispered. "It's... messing around with some kind of machine."

<<Can you tell what it is?>> Hippie's loud voice spooked Torrent, and she quickly checked if her internal PET speaker was muted.

Torrent shook her head. "Not a clue. Looks important, though." She glanced around some more, noting a green data cluster hovering on an elevated platform, before gingerly climbing up from the ladder. The Handy virus was looking away from her. Well, 'looking' might not be the right word since it didn't have any eyes. "What's the plan?"

<<Hmm... a single virus... and it hasn't seen us... Got it!>> Torrent felt chip dating streaming through her, coursing into her hand in the shape of a fan with a short handle. <<Okay, Torry. You're going to sneak up on that Handy and slap it with the fan before it notices you!>>

Torrent trembled, immediately trepidatious. "A-alright, so-"

Before she could even take a step away from the ladder, the ambush descended. A large wind turbine on wheels rolled down one of the ramps, accelerating towards her. And even closer, an angry ball of menace and thunder fell from the sky. Or, more likely, from a ceiling beam. Torrent froze like cold concrete, the menacing dance of sparks from the Billy's conductors entrancing her like a deer in a disco. The Billy advanced, the Typhoon sped towards them both, and Torrent could do nothing more than gape, eyes wider than an eight-lane motorway.

<<HIT THE REBOUND, TORRENT!>> Hippie's peppy shriek momentarily jolted Torrent out of her mental block.

Torrent swung her racket like a pro tennis player in a turbulent plane, that is to say, sloppy and lacking balls to hit. Well, except for the Billy. It was sort of ball shaped. Flailing like a student that didn't study for an exam, Torrent lashed out with her weapon in wide arcs until the energy in it was spent, the fan dematerialising in her hands.

<<Go hide! And bubble up!>>

Torrents legs were eager to comply. She scampered away in the opposite direction from the Typhoon, half frenzied run, half flailing scuttle, like a cat that fell in the bathtub. In the midst of her scrambling flight Torrent took a deep breath, then exhaled through the nozzles all over her body suit. The electric bubbles inflating from each nozzle merged together, forming a protective barrier that covered her, head to waist, with a sphere of liquid electricity. Below that, the surface of the bubble covered her legs and boots, but did not expand outward.

Torrent cursed any past version of her that had wished for a fight. No matter how many times she herself got into a life-or-death scuffle, she would never, ever, get used to the gut-scrambling anxiety of potential deletion.



---TORRENT'S TURN SUMMARY---


[1]: WindRacket (100dmg + Northwind (On-Hit Only) + Microburst (On-Hit Only) + Gust + Wide Attack, A) -> Billy (and/or Typhoon if nearby)

[2]: CAT IN BATH! (Dodge -> Away from Typhoon's entrance)

[3]: {Sig, 2TCD} Hydro Power (50 HP Barrier + Counter (Melee Hit): Knockback) -> Torrent
The shrieking battlecry from her operator jolting the Navi to action caused the Handy to jump, right as Torrent whipped out the WindRacket her operator had given her, to an effective degree. The Billy went flying from her impulsive attack, and was deleted nearly instantly afterwards. The Typhoon reacted to her attack by expelling a powerful tornado from its fans, which caught her by surprise, and she was unable to avoid its wrath quickly enough. Thankfully, she managed to pull up her barrier in the nick of time to intercept the attack. Meanwhile, while she was distracted away from it, the Handy popped up in front of her from a portal in the ground, placing a giant device with a clearly visible "2" in front of it.

-=Rotten Customers=-
TyphoonTyphoon (Typhoon)

This family is an upgrade to the viruses found in MMBN. Unlike their game version counterparts, these roll around on four wheels. They are thus able to move and dodge. All of their attacks have the Wind Type attribute, and thus deal extra damage and other added effects when used on Sand and Snow terrain. The viruses themselves are not able to summon this terrain, however. Their secondary attack is mainly used to counter Object chips or creatures that are closing in to attack them.

Area: SciLab, Yoka, Sharo, Netfrica

HP: 100
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: (10 Null x 3 Hits) + Homing
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Creates a tornado that chases the target. This attack is Wind Type.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Microburst
Secondary Attack Accuracy: A
Secondary Attack Description: Shoots a single target with a concentrated blast of air that is virtually guaranteed to send them flying. This attack is Wind Type.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Typhoon, AirShot1, Zenny
Special: Wind Type: This Attack counts as Wind Type for the purposes of Wind triggered effects, such as traps and terrain.
: 100Hp [Metal][North-East]
HandyHandy (Handy)

Handy Viruses attack by opening a dimensional gate below themselves, and dropping into it. The exit gate opens next to their destination, and they will rise out of it holding an explosive. This explosive is placed on an unbroken panel, and the Handy is free to move after. The use of gates does not count as teleporting, but can be used as a means of dodging as they attack. Gates are only used when attacking, and at no other time. Handy viruses will not set a new explosive until either a turn has passed, or they pass one action without setting a new bomb, whichever comes first. For more info on the bombs Handy viruses use, see below.

Area: SciLab, Yoka, Okuden Valley, Netopia, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Primary Attack Damage: 50 Null to all enemies after 2 turns
Primary Attack Accuracy: S
Primary Attack Description: Places a 100HP TimeBomb on the field, with a clearly visible digital timer on it. The bomb counts down for two turns, then explodes, dealing 50 damage to all enemies. If the bomb's HP is reduced to Zero before time expires, the bomb is harmlessly destroyed.
Secondary Attack Damage: 50 Null Counterattack + Blast2
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Places a 1HP DudBomb on the field, with a clearly visible digital X displayed on the side. The bomb remains on the field until the end of the turn after it was summoned, then self destructs harmlessly. If the DudBomb is attacked, it detonates whatever attacked it for 50 Null damage in a Blast2 area. This counterattack is indescriminate, and will trigger against the attacker no matter who or what it may be, without exception.
Element: Null.
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): TimeBomb1, Zenny
Special: This virus cannot attack unless there is at least 1 unbroken and unoccupied panel on the field for it to place bombs on.
: 80Hp [Normal][Behind TimeBombA]
BillyBilly (Billy)

Billy viruses move and dodge at average rates. They attack by shooting electricity from their lightning-rod-like arms, either in the form of a homing thunderball or a pair of lightning bolts. They cannot attack while moving.

Area: SciLab, Electown, Netopia

HP: 80
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Elec + Stun 1 + Homing
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Generates a Thunderball, and fires it at the enemy. The thunderball travels slowly, but it homes in on the target. Causes stun on contact
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Elec + Seeking x 2 targets.
Secondary Accuracy: B
Secondary Description: Fires a lightning bolt from each lightning rod arm that pierces Invis. It cannot target the same enemy with both bolts.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Thunder1, ThunderBeam1 (Rare), Zenny
: DELETED

-=Hero in Waiting=-
Torrent.Exe: 120Hp [Normal][30HP Barrier][Counter(Melee Attack): Knockback]

-=Terrain=-
60% Normal
  • No effects.

35% Metal
  • Cannot be Broken or Cracked except with Geddon/PanelShot, cannot be Burrowed into.
  • Elec attacks: +100% Source Damage.
  • 100 Damage Aqua attacks: Change terrain hit to Cracked.
  • 100 Damage Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to Furnace.
  • PanelShot: Imbue Elec + Break.

5% Solar
  • Elec Elementals get +5 HP/action.
  • Wood attacks: +100% Source Damage, change terrain hit to Cracked.
  • PanelShot: Imbue Elec + Stun1.


-=Objects=-
GMD: 15Hp [Solar]
Crackling Mechanism: 40Hp [Metal]
TimeBombA: 100HP [In front of Torrent, Normal, 2]
The blast of wind struck Torrent's liquid barrier, making it wobble and wiggle like jelly. The force didn't knock her over, but she did stumble a little, and she grabbed onto the nearest object for support, steadying herself. She breathed short, hyperventilating breaths, causing groups of small bubbles to stream out of her nozzles. When she turned to find out what she had grabbed onto, her core almost blue screened. A great big number two stared right back at her. The TimeBomb just about reached her breast in height. Its very presence frightened the living drivers out of her, the giant number "2" counting down to her imminent demise.

"Smoking saints and celebrity-shaped sandwiches..." Torrent mumbled in horror, unable to let go of the giant bomb.

<<Torry! Forget the bomb! That stupid hand is going make more of them!>>

Fueled by Hippie's warnings, visions of numbers clouded her terrified head. Her future was a nightmarish void filled by the ark-load with an insane number of ticking and beeping explosives.

Torrent barely registered chip data surging through her, three of them. <<I'm giving you as much ammunition as you can handle! Take out the viruses first!>>

Torrent pushed herself off the ticking bomb and shook her head, feeling the first chip surging into her hand. A bubble filled with weapon energy sprouted from the nozzles in her palm. Grabbing a handful of the filmy bubble with her opposite hand, Torrent drew it back like a catapult aiming at the TimeBomb and the Handy beyond. The number stared into her soul, but she grit her teeth and lined up the shot. She let go, the bubble snapping off her palm like a golf ball off its tee. As soon as it had been launched, a second bubble sprouted like the most enthusiastic flower in the pot. Aiming higher so as to avoid the TimeBomb, Torrent snapped her wrist back, sending the lethal bubble to deliver its payload.

Hippie's third chip inflated in her hand when it became unoccupied. This one felt new. It had a strong font of energy with four smaller, seperate energy balls inside it. Torrent spun and knelt, almost slipping and falling on her face. She grabbed and drew back the bubble, feeling the energy balls spinning around in anticipation of their release. She could just make out the Typhoon virus through the murky film of the green bubble. Hoping that her barrier would hold up to any counter attack, Hippie took the time to aim and make sure the unfamiliar weapon hit its mark.

Torrent paused. The moment seemed ripe for a heroic action quote. "Go... blow... your face... wind..." She stumbled through her vocabulary, drunk on fear and anxiety, unable to conjure up anything that would make a neat tagline on the back of a DVD case. "I mean... Uuuuhhhhhrroh forget it..." Dejected, she fired, the bubble bursting mid flight and releasing five yellow beams of light that spiraled and streamed through the air, whistling a song of danger and death.



---TORRENT'S TURN SUMMARY---


[1]: Shotgun (50 dmg + Spread 1, A) -> TimeBomb (Towards Handy)
[1+]: Marksmanship (+1 Shot Accuracy)

[2]: Cannon (60 dmg + Knockback, A) -> Handy
[2+]: Marksmanship (+1 Shot Accuracy)

[3]: Arsenal1 (40(+5 STAB) dmg + 10(+5 STAB) dmg x4, Elec, A -> Typhoon
[3+]: Marksmanship (+1 Shot Accuracy)
[3+]: Snipe (+ Seeking, Negates Invisibility and High Altitude)


[Cooling] Hydro Power, 1 Turn Remaining
Bubbles galore were sent off at high speed towards the two remaining combatants, with the Handy meeting its demise quickly at the hands of a pair of weapon energy-infused suds. The Typhoon attempted to attack her once more, generating another tornado, but it was quickly nullified by the protective field that her defensive bubble granted her, while she retaliated with an impressive array of spiraling yellow lasers, destroying it handily as well.

-=Rotten Customers=-
TyphoonTyphoon (Typhoon)

This family is an upgrade to the viruses found in MMBN. Unlike their game version counterparts, these roll around on four wheels. They are thus able to move and dodge. All of their attacks have the Wind Type attribute, and thus deal extra damage and other added effects when used on Sand and Snow terrain. The viruses themselves are not able to summon this terrain, however. Their secondary attack is mainly used to counter Object chips or creatures that are closing in to attack them.

Area: SciLab, Yoka, Sharo, Netfrica

HP: 100
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: (10 Null x 3 Hits) + Homing
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Creates a tornado that chases the target. This attack is Wind Type.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Microburst
Secondary Attack Accuracy: A
Secondary Attack Description: Shoots a single target with a concentrated blast of air that is virtually guaranteed to send them flying. This attack is Wind Type.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Typhoon, AirShot1, Zenny
Special: Wind Type: This Attack counts as Wind Type for the purposes of Wind triggered effects, such as traps and terrain.
: DELETED
HandyHandy (Handy)

Handy Viruses attack by opening a dimensional gate below themselves, and dropping into it. The exit gate opens next to their destination, and they will rise out of it holding an explosive. This explosive is placed on an unbroken panel, and the Handy is free to move after. The use of gates does not count as teleporting, but can be used as a means of dodging as they attack. Gates are only used when attacking, and at no other time. Handy viruses will not set a new explosive until either a turn has passed, or they pass one action without setting a new bomb, whichever comes first. For more info on the bombs Handy viruses use, see below.

Area: SciLab, Yoka, Okuden Valley, Netopia, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Primary Attack Damage: 50 Null to all enemies after 2 turns
Primary Attack Accuracy: S
Primary Attack Description: Places a 100HP TimeBomb on the field, with a clearly visible digital timer on it. The bomb counts down for two turns, then explodes, dealing 50 damage to all enemies. If the bomb's HP is reduced to Zero before time expires, the bomb is harmlessly destroyed.
Secondary Attack Damage: 50 Null Counterattack + Blast2
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Places a 1HP DudBomb on the field, with a clearly visible digital X displayed on the side. The bomb remains on the field until the end of the turn after it was summoned, then self destructs harmlessly. If the DudBomb is attacked, it detonates whatever attacked it for 50 Null damage in a Blast2 area. This counterattack is indescriminate, and will trigger against the attacker no matter who or what it may be, without exception.
Element: Null.
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): TimeBomb1, Zenny
Special: This virus cannot attack unless there is at least 1 unbroken and unoccupied panel on the field for it to place bombs on.
: DELETED
BillyBilly (Billy)

Billy viruses move and dodge at average rates. They attack by shooting electricity from their lightning-rod-like arms, either in the form of a homing thunderball or a pair of lightning bolts. They cannot attack while moving.

Area: SciLab, Electown, Netopia

HP: 80
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Elec + Stun 1 + Homing
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Generates a Thunderball, and fires it at the enemy. The thunderball travels slowly, but it homes in on the target. Causes stun on contact
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Elec + Seeking x 2 targets.
Secondary Accuracy: B
Secondary Description: Fires a lightning bolt from each lightning rod arm that pierces Invis. It cannot target the same enemy with both bolts.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Thunder1, ThunderBeam1 (Rare), Zenny
: DELETED

-=Hero in Waiting=-
Torrent.Exe: 120Hp [Normal][20HP Barrier][Counter(Melee Attack): Knockback]

-=Terrain=-
60% Normal
  • No effects.

35% Metal
  • Cannot be Broken or Cracked except with Geddon/PanelShot, cannot be Burrowed into.
  • Elec attacks: +100% Source Damage.
  • 100 Damage Aqua attacks: Change terrain hit to Cracked.
  • 100 Damage Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to Furnace.
  • PanelShot: Imbue Elec + Break.

5% Solar
  • Elec Elementals get +5 HP/action.
  • Wood attacks: +100% Source Damage, change terrain hit to Cracked.
  • PanelShot: Imbue Elec + Stun1.


-=Objects=-
GMD: 15Hp [Solar]
Crackling Mechanism: 40Hp [Metal]
TimeBombA: DEFUSED

-=Battle 1, Victory!!=-
Rewards: 480z
Open GMD? [Y/N]
Despite the ever looming doom of the TimeBomb weighing on her mind, Torrent's attacks struck true. Core pulsing madly, she turned to check the timer on the bomb, but its display screen had gone dark. Without the influence of a virus, the bomb had been rendered inert.

"H-hah... hahah!" Torrent cheered, wiping her brow where some bubbles had gotten stuck. "The bomb's off. That's... that's really good." She stood straight and breathed deep, stretching. "Did you know it would do that?"

<<Oh, uh, s-sure did! Hahah... Uh... Hey! There's a mystery data!>>

Torrent perked up, remembering the little green cache of goodies. As she trotted over, she passed the large central machine. She took a quick peek inside the hole the Handy had been working away at, but couldn't quite make out anything useful. "Hmm. Still no idea what this is for. Maybe it's memory storage?"

<<No idea. It will forever be a myyysterryyy...>> Hippie crooned.

"Oooor, we could ask the Prog when we find him." Torrent reminded, making her way to the raised panel and climbing up. "Ooh, weird. This panel feels... good. Warm." She tapped her finger against one of the mystery data's faces to interface.

[Y]
The GMD opened to reveal a battlechip with a spray of confetti!

TORRENT GET: TyphoonDamage: 30 x 3 Hits
Accuracy: (Special)
Description: Drops a tornado upon the target.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Special: The accuracy of this attack is entirely dependent upon RP quality and current battle conditions, and it cannot be affected by stats boosts and nerfs.
Special: Wind Type: This chip counts as Wind Type for the purposes of Wind triggered effects, such as traps and terrain.
Trader Rank: D
.
The green data cracked open along its edges and gusty light spilled down Torrent's arm. "Neat. It's chip data."

<<Got it saved. The picture is...>> Hippie paused. <<I think... it's a blender?>>

"What? A blender?" Torrent mulled on the implications of this discovery, coming to a worrying conclusion. "Does that mean there's a blender virus running around?"

Hippie gasped. <<What if it got to Mr Proggy!? Torry! We've got to stop it before it turns him into a Prog smoothie!!>>

"Uh, sure. But, which way?" Torrent pondered the three spiral staircases leading upwards. Despite different colour schemes, they were mostly identical. And she couldn't see where they led.

<<Any up is good! Pick one!>>

Torrent picked the one that most resembled her own colours and began to climb, hoping to find the Prog sooner rather than later. After all, it was not in her nature to hang around broken robot waiters haunted with cruel bomb hands and vicious blenders...

((ENTERING BATTLE 2))
Torrent climbed the stairs and came upon a large plaza-like room with a giant square of glass in the middle and another staircase leading up on the directly opposite end of the room. Looking through the skygroundlight showed a complicated circuit board of various colored lights and pipes and transistors and the like. Floating above this large pane of glass was a red saucer-like alien spacecraft reminiscent of old sci-fi movies. As it slowly rotated above the glass it was beeping a warning to the other participants in today's battle. A orb like turret rose out of the ground, but kept its "mouth" closed. It was a dark blue color and looked hard to break while it kept its delicate innards concealed behind a tough metal shell. Though it probably couldn't attack while doing that. A floating head with fiery hair that was literally on fire, with matching flaming fists, made some flashy shadow-boxing moves as it floated toward the navi menacingly. Also nearby was a person in a miner's getup carrying a shovel. It reached into a sack on its back with its free hand and pulled forth what looked like a landmine. The explosive device had a little red light that flashed into activation moments later. The miner was also a mine-er.

-- Viruses --
ColdHeadColdHead (ColdHead)

ColdHeads alternate actions between attacking and guarding. These are the only actions ColdHeads may perform, and the first action of every battle is always guarding. ColdHeads will not break from this pattern unless forced to by status effects. ColdHeads cannot be lifted or thrown, even with Rageclaw.

Area: SciLab, Sharo, Hades Isle

HP: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Aqua + Break + Small Ice Terrain Change
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Fires Cannonball. Breaking. Creates Ice Terrain.
Element: Aqua
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): IceBall1, Zenny
Special: Immobile.
- Iron Body when not attacking.
: 60 HP [Immobile] [Normal] [Guarding: IronBody]
RedUFO (V1)RedUFO (V1) (ColorUFO)

ColorUFOs are able to temporarily steal chip data from their enemy, preventing the use of that battlechip until the end of the battle. ColorUFOs only attack once per turn, maximum, and spend the rest of the turn dodging. This attack is guaranteed to hit unless the target dodges when they attempt their attack, meaning it can be evaded with luck. The attack ignores every form of defence, including any form of stealth. ColorUFOs move and dodge at slightly better than average rates. They are capable of full flight. If there is no valid target with a chip for the UFO to attempt to steal, they will instead zap one target with a particle beam.

Area: SciLab, NAXA, NetVegas

HP: 80
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: Blocks enemy from using one chip.
Primary Attack Accuracy: S
Primary Attack Description: Steals enemy chip data, preventing him from using it in that battle.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null + Drop Attack
Secondary Attack Accuracy: B
Secondary Attack Description: Fires a particle beam straight down that has higher accuracy against flying targets.
Element: None.
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): PowerBolt1, Catcher, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes.
: 80 HP [OmniShoes] [Glass]
ChampuChampu (Champy)

Champy viruses teleport when they attack.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Kotobuki Town, Hades Isle

HP: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Fire + Impact x 2 Punches
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Punches twice with fire.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): FireHit1, Zenny
: 60 HP [Normal]
MinerMiner (Miner)

Area: SciLab, Hades Isle

HP: 100
Attack Damage/Effect: 50 Null + Ground (Trap)
Attack Accuracy: -- (See Description)
Attack Description: The virus dispenses a stack of mines, sinks into the ground, and randomly places them within various panels all across the field. Every time a stack of mines is placed, it covers 5% of the field. When stepped upon, they explode, and 5% of the field is freed up again.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Mine1, Zenny
Special: Immobile
- This virus may dodge by ducking an attack while placing a mine.
- Trap [Movement Triggered]: Whenever a Player Navi or allied character Dodges or Moves, there is a chance they will trigger the mines. Mods will roll 1d20 for every move action made by allied characters. A roll of 1 is always a hit, with the threat range increased by 1 for every 5% of the field covered in mines. The max coverage of the field is 90%. Characters with Omnishoes who are flying at High Altitude can ignore this effect entirely.
- Panel Breaking can destroy mines.
: 100 HP [Immobile] [Normal]

-- Navis --
Torrent.Exe: 120 HP [Normal]

-- Terrain --
25% Glass
  • Slip Effect: -10% Accuracy, -10% Evasion to all.
  • Non-Ice Aqua attacks causes it to be Wet, doubles slip effect for Non-Aqua Elementals for 1 turn. Wet can expire early with Fire attacks. Can cause slippage for poor RP or heavy impacts on Non-Aqua Elementals, 1-2 actions to recover.
  • 200 Damage attacks: Change terrain hit to Broken. Damage threshold cut in half for Ground, Break, and Impact, to a minimum threshold of 25 when all 3 are present. Null 25 + Slashing + Nova 2 per panel broken, up to 200 (8 panels).
  • Burrow: Change terrain to Broken, 50 Null + Slashing to burrower, Null 25 + Slashing + Nova2 to surroundings.
  • PanelShot: Spread1.

75% Normal
  • No effects.


-- Battle 2 Ready? Start!! --
Eventually, the landing for the spiraling staircase came into sight. At the last few steps, Torrent got on her hands and knees and crawled up to see what was ahead. The horizon of the final step relinquished to a wide-open flat plane with a glass center, complex circuitry beeping and whirring beneath. None of it seemed to be broken yet, but without Torrent's intervention that was likely to change.

Also present were a colourful quartet of viruses, each brimming with unique challenges and deadly ways to kill her. Torrent's head and eyes spun trying to keep track of them all and figure out which of them was the most threatening. Then one of them, a big-lipped, shovel-wielding miner pulled something out of its backpack. A... mine.

Visions of the Handy bomb swirled through her head, a nightmare she was not keen to relive again.

<<There! That one! Kill it first!>> Weapon data began to flow through Torrent, just as the alien spacecraft in the centre of the room spotted her and began wailing a warning.

Shoot! Shoot! Shoot! Torrent simultaneously cursed and prompted herself into action. She didn't check what the chip was, trusting that Hippie knew what she was doing. Torrent grabbed the bubble in her hand, pulled back and launched it at the Miner. The bubble popped, releasing five streams of golden light that spiraled towards the target, lightning arcing between them.

<<Move it, Torry! Get those feet snapping like alligators at a racing buffet!>>

Torrent scampered out of the stairwell, knowing that it made her an easy target. As she did, her foot caught on the lip of the landing, and she sprawled into a roll, smacking her face into the floor. Panicking, she crawled backwards on her hands, until she felt her palm squishing against something.

A new weapon had been transferred, reminding her that she should be fighting back. "Oh, r-right." She pulled it back and fired it at the one with the flaming head and angry eyes, the bubble hardening into a solid slug of pain as it flew.

Deciding that the floor was not the safest place to fight, and hurried to her feet, fearfully anxious of the viruses' deadly retort.


---TORRENT'S TURN SUMMARY---

[1]: Arsenal1 (40(+5 STAB) dmg + 10(+5 STAB) dmg x4, Elec, A -> Miner
[1+]: Marksmanship (+1 Shot Accuracy)

[b][2]: Feint

[3]: Cannon (60 dmg + Knockback, A) -> Champu
[3+]: Marksmanship (+1 Shot Accuracy)


[Cooling] Hydro Power, Ready Next Turn!
As Torrent got ready, the UFO virus was ready just the same, flying over to steal one of Torrent's chips as a bright light enveloped her, feeling the Arsenal chip she had prepared to use disappear from her queue of actions, the UFO letting out a hiss-like cackle at the navi's inability to evade the snatching of her data. The Champu however was more than happy to try and add fire to the festering wound by teleporting towards her, sending two fists of fire at the navi's face, who in turn not only dodged backwards, but managed to tag it with her Cannon, the virus evaporating into nothing. The ColdHead meanwhile would open it's mouth, a rumble emanating from it's metal body as fog slowly came out of the open orifice. And while it did that, the miner sank into the ground and soon came back up...Torrent should be just a bit more careful with her movements now, she may very well trip whatever the Miner set, which going from it's name, would likely be an explosive in the shape of a disk.

-- Viruses --
ColdHeadColdHead (ColdHead)

ColdHeads alternate actions between attacking and guarding. These are the only actions ColdHeads may perform, and the first action of every battle is always guarding. ColdHeads will not break from this pattern unless forced to by status effects. ColdHeads cannot be lifted or thrown, even with Rageclaw.

Area: SciLab, Sharo, Hades Isle

HP: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Aqua + Break + Small Ice Terrain Change
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Fires Cannonball. Breaking. Creates Ice Terrain.
Element: Aqua
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): IceBall1, Zenny
Special: Immobile.
- Iron Body when not attacking.
: 60 HP [Immobile] [Normal] [Mouth is open, preparing to attack!]
RedUFO (V1)RedUFO (V1) (ColorUFO)

ColorUFOs are able to temporarily steal chip data from their enemy, preventing the use of that battlechip until the end of the battle. ColorUFOs only attack once per turn, maximum, and spend the rest of the turn dodging. This attack is guaranteed to hit unless the target dodges when they attempt their attack, meaning it can be evaded with luck. The attack ignores every form of defence, including any form of stealth. ColorUFOs move and dodge at slightly better than average rates. They are capable of full flight. If there is no valid target with a chip for the UFO to attempt to steal, they will instead zap one target with a particle beam.

Area: SciLab, NAXA, NetVegas

HP: 80
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: Blocks enemy from using one chip.
Primary Attack Accuracy: S
Primary Attack Description: Steals enemy chip data, preventing him from using it in that battle.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null + Drop Attack
Secondary Attack Accuracy: B
Secondary Attack Description: Fires a particle beam straight down that has higher accuracy against flying targets.
Element: None.
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): PowerBolt1, Catcher, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes.
: 80 HP [OmniShoes] [Glass]
ChampuChampu (Champy)

Champy viruses teleport when they attack.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Kotobuki Town, Hades Isle

HP: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Fire + Impact x 2 Punches
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Punches twice with fire.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): FireHit1, Zenny
: BELEATED
MinerMiner (Miner)

Area: SciLab, Hades Isle

HP: 100
Attack Damage/Effect: 50 Null + Ground (Trap)
Attack Accuracy: -- (See Description)
Attack Description: The virus dispenses a stack of mines, sinks into the ground, and randomly places them within various panels all across the field. Every time a stack of mines is placed, it covers 5% of the field. When stepped upon, they explode, and 5% of the field is freed up again.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Mine1, Zenny
Special: Immobile
- This virus may dodge by ducking an attack while placing a mine.
- Trap [Movement Triggered]: Whenever a Player Navi or allied character Dodges or Moves, there is a chance they will trigger the mines. Mods will roll 1d20 for every move action made by allied characters. A roll of 1 is always a hit, with the threat range increased by 1 for every 5% of the field covered in mines. The max coverage of the field is 90%. Characters with Omnishoes who are flying at High Altitude can ignore this effect entirely.
- Panel Breaking can destroy mines.
: 100 HP [Immobile] [Normal]

-- Navis --
Torrent.Exe: 120 HP [Normal]

-- Terrain --
25% Glass
  • Slip Effect: -10% Accuracy, -10% Evasion to all.
  • Non-Ice Aqua attacks causes it to be Wet, doubles slip effect for Non-Aqua Elementals for 1 turn. Wet can expire early with Fire attacks. Can cause slippage for poor RP or heavy impacts on Non-Aqua Elementals, 1-2 actions to recover.
  • 200 Damage attacks: Change terrain hit to Broken. Damage threshold cut in half for Ground, Break, and Impact, to a minimum threshold of 25 when all 3 are present. Null 25 + Slashing + Nova 2 per panel broken, up to 200 (8 panels).
  • Burrow: Change terrain to Broken, 50 Null + Slashing to burrower, Null 25 + Slashing + Nova2 to surroundings.
  • PanelShot: Spread1.

75% Normal
  • No effects.

5% of Terrain has been Mined by the Miner virus, careful of those movements now!
As the fires of the exploded Champu subsided, Torrent took stock of the remaining viruses. She'd gotten a little bit (a whole lot) worried when the UFO had beamed her with light, but it didn't manage to hurt her so she assumed it had just messed up somehow. Then out of the ground rose the miner, who looked like it was giving Torrent a sly smile and a wink. She blanched. "What the- I... I was sure I'd hit it! Did I.... miss?" Doubt in her abilities started to creep into her cpu.

<<Holy No-Smoking, Torrent!>> Hippie peeped, <<That close-encounter criminal just sucked up your Arsenal like a bowl of Dr Noodles!>>

Torrent looked at her empty palm in horror, then up at the hovering thief as it jeered at her with hiss-like static. "You... giant donut-butt!"

There was a loud grinding of metal, and Torrent noticed the large ball with a mouth was opening up like a confession of love. <<Torrent! Watch out for the big ball-mouth thing! It barfs cannonballs!>>

Torrent prepared to scamper away from the imminent attack, but the miner's sly sneer caught her eye. "I... I can't move away! This whole place could be mined!"

<<Oh, then, use->>

Torrent flinched at the slightest sound and stuck out her hand. From the nozzles on her fingers and palm inflated a red, bell-shaped bubble, covering her completely from the front. <<No, not that, wait->> After a moment the shield dissipated, whether from an enemy's attack or from running out of energy, Torrent didn't know because she had her eyes closed the entire time.

The spacecraft's hiss drew her attention again. Torrent didn't want another chip stolen, but that meant her options were decidedly limited. Fortunately, she had her backup.

"Y-you like stealing chips, huh?" Torrent shouted, quivering slightly, at the UFO. "W-well just try to take this one, you g-glorified light bulb!" A bubble inflated in her palm, waving it at the virus to get its attention. She prepared to fire, grabbing the bubble and stretching it back. "This chip's gonna knock you out of the sky! Hi-Cannon! Go!" Torrent released the bubble and it snapped forward, spiraling oddly as it flew towards the UFO.

Torrent hoped her ruse worked. Of course, there was no chip in that bubble, just some raw damage data that Torrent had developed as a method of last resort, just in case she ran out of battle chips. If the UFO tried to delete it, like it had for the Arsenal, it'd be in for a rude surprise.

With what time she had to spare, Torrent slapped her cheeks with both hands, then pulled them back. The electric-film of her bubbles spread between her palms and face, growing and growing outward, absorbing her arms into a bubble that covered her whole upper-body. Her legs became covered with a less-inflated version of the bubble, making her look like a gobstopper with legs.


---TORRENT'S TURN SUMMARY---

[1]: Shield -> Aimed Toward ColdHead when it fires

[2]: {Sig, 1TCD} Spiral Splash (40 dmg + Shot Type) -> RedUFO
[2+]: Marksmanship (+1 Shot Accuracy)

[3]: {Sig, 2TCD} Hydro Power (50 HP Barrier + Counter (Melee Hit): Knockback) -> Torrent
Torrent positioned her shield between herself and the opposing Coldhead but it wouldn't matter because the virus lobbed it's bomb high into the sky. It'll landed harmlessly to her left, leaving a small patch of ice in its wake. She fired off a bubble shaped "HiCannon" spiraling towards the incoming UFO virus. The bubble collided with the enemy, causing it to falter just long enough for her to put her barrier up. The virus lashed out in anger with a sparking beam that buzzed against the barrier weaking it every so slightly. The Miner dipped into the ground once again, placing another hidden explosive device.

-- Viruses --
ColdHeadColdHead (ColdHead)

ColdHeads alternate actions between attacking and guarding. These are the only actions ColdHeads may perform, and the first action of every battle is always guarding. ColdHeads will not break from this pattern unless forced to by status effects. ColdHeads cannot be lifted or thrown, even with Rageclaw.

Area: SciLab, Sharo, Hades Isle

HP: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Aqua + Break + Small Ice Terrain Change
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Fires Cannonball. Breaking. Creates Ice Terrain.
Element: Aqua
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): IceBall1, Zenny
Special: Immobile.
- Iron Body when not attacking.
: 60 HP [Immobile] [Normal] [Mouth is closed, IronBody]
RedUFO (V1)RedUFO (V1) (ColorUFO)

ColorUFOs are able to temporarily steal chip data from their enemy, preventing the use of that battlechip until the end of the battle. ColorUFOs only attack once per turn, maximum, and spend the rest of the turn dodging. This attack is guaranteed to hit unless the target dodges when they attempt their attack, meaning it can be evaded with luck. The attack ignores every form of defence, including any form of stealth. ColorUFOs move and dodge at slightly better than average rates. They are capable of full flight. If there is no valid target with a chip for the UFO to attempt to steal, they will instead zap one target with a particle beam.

Area: SciLab, NAXA, NetVegas

HP: 80
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: Blocks enemy from using one chip.
Primary Attack Accuracy: S
Primary Attack Description: Steals enemy chip data, preventing him from using it in that battle.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null + Drop Attack
Secondary Attack Accuracy: B
Secondary Attack Description: Fires a particle beam straight down that has higher accuracy against flying targets.
Element: None.
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): PowerBolt1, Catcher, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes.
: 40 HP [OmniShoes] [Glass]
ChampuChampu (Champy)

Champy viruses teleport when they attack.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Kotobuki Town, Hades Isle

HP: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Fire + Impact x 2 Punches
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Punches twice with fire.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): FireHit1, Zenny
: BELEATED
MinerMiner (Miner)

Area: SciLab, Hades Isle

HP: 100
Attack Damage/Effect: 50 Null + Ground (Trap)
Attack Accuracy: -- (See Description)
Attack Description: The virus dispenses a stack of mines, sinks into the ground, and randomly places them within various panels all across the field. Every time a stack of mines is placed, it covers 5% of the field. When stepped upon, they explode, and 5% of the field is freed up again.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Mine1, Zenny
Special: Immobile
- This virus may dodge by ducking an attack while placing a mine.
- Trap [Movement Triggered]: Whenever a Player Navi or allied character Dodges or Moves, there is a chance they will trigger the mines. Mods will roll 1d20 for every move action made by allied characters. A roll of 1 is always a hit, with the threat range increased by 1 for every 5% of the field covered in mines. The max coverage of the field is 90%. Characters with Omnishoes who are flying at High Altitude can ignore this effect entirely.
- Panel Breaking can destroy mines.
: 100 HP [Immobile] [Normal]

-- Navis --
Torrent.Exe: 120 HP (1-Hit Shield, 30 HP Barrier, Melee Counter Active)[Normal]

-- Terrain --
25% Glass
  • Slip Effect: -10% Accuracy, -10% Evasion to all.
  • Non-Ice Aqua attacks causes it to be Wet, doubles slip effect for Non-Aqua Elementals for 1 turn. Wet can expire early with Fire attacks. Can cause slippage for poor RP or heavy impacts on Non-Aqua Elementals, 1-2 actions to recover.
  • 200 Damage attacks: Change terrain hit to Broken. Damage threshold cut in half for Ground, Break, and Impact, to a minimum threshold of 25 when all 3 are present. Null 25 + Slashing + Nova 2 per panel broken, up to 200 (8 panels).
  • Burrow: Change terrain to Broken, 50 Null + Slashing to burrower, Null 25 + Slashing + Nova2 to surroundings.
  • PanelShot: Spread1.

70% Normal
  • No effects.

5% Ice
  • +10% Evasion to all. Non-Aqua Elementals get -20% Accuracy.
  • Aqua attacks: 25% Freeze chance, change terrain hit to Normal if triggered. Boost chance to 100% if Ice-type.
  • Elec attacks: +100% Source Damage.
  • Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to Sea.
  • PanelShot: Imbue Aqua + Freeze1.

10% of Terrain has been Mined by the Miner virus, careful of those movements now!
Torrent's head turned slowly. To her side, the ground lay scarred with ice. She broke out in a cold sweat, imagining that there'd have been frozen pieces of her body scattered about the place if that cannonball had hit her. She mulled over this fact for an infinite amount of time, before Hippie interrupted.

<<That alien's a real pain in my stockings!>> Hippie grumbled, then notably perked up. <<Hold the gramophone. I've just come up with a cunning plan.>>

"Oh no."

<<Here, Torry.>> Hippie spoke with strange inflections, as though she were trying to sneakily tell her something. <<Take this ultra super chip and take out that ColdHead.>> She didn't understand why Hippie didn't just tell her outright. It wasn't like the viruses could hear her.

Or could they!?

Torrent felt the chip data queueing up inside her. The last two made sense, but... the first chip was a Mole. She'd never used it before, having only gotten it recently, but she understood the concept. She'd be able to hide under the floor if things got too heated. But... Torrent glanced at the miner virus. Most of the heat was already underground. It didn't make sense to use it in this context. She couldn't vanish and wait for the viruses to disperse because her job was to clean this place out. The Mole chip was... useless.

Then it clicked in her head. It was useless...

Torrent held the Mole data in a bubble in her hand. Loudly, she said, "I've got to stop that ColdHead before it blows me to piecessss~!"

If the RedUFO didn't take the bait, she'd just have to throw away the mole chip and continue with the strategy.

The red bubble shield in her hand made shooting with two hands a problem. Then an idea struck her like a baseball to the back of the head. Torrent placed the Shotgun bubble into the red film of the shield, concentrating with her tongue sticking out to get the two disparate materials to temporarily adhere to each other. Once the two bubbles had met, sat down together for drinks and had watched a movie, Torrent pulled back the Shotgun bubble. The red film of the shield bubble pulled back with it stretching even farther than what a regular bubble could do, turning the shield into a makeshift catapult. Torrent released the projectile, the red shield bubble launching the green Shotgun bubble at the UFO, the bubble bursting into tiny pellets of deletion.

<<Ooh, I never thought of that! Quick thinking, Bubble Buddy!>>

Torrent repeated the trick with her next chip. The MaruBlaster ammunition was harder to aim than her other chips. Something about its inherent bugginess caused the bubble to shift and wobble at random. When she inserted it into her shield, it too freaked out and starting spasming like one of those visual representations of sound you sometimes see in music videos, the ones where it goes all spiky and weird.

As Torrent held it, her hand jiggered and jolted trying to control the wild data. She waited for the opportune moment, letting fly whenever the ColdHead cranked open its jaw and revealed its sweet, soft interior.



---TORRENT'S TURN SUMMARY---


[1]: Mole1 (Burrow) -> BUT NOT REALLY, THIS IS JUST A CLEVER RUUUUUSE

[2]: Shotgun (50 dmg + Spread 1) -> RedUFO
[2+]: Marksmanship (+1 Shot Accuracy)

[3]: Marublaster1 (60 dmg + Glitch + 5 STAB dmg, Elec, B -> ColdHead (When it opens its giant gob)
[3+]: Marksmanship (+1 Shot Accuracy)


[Cooling] Hydro Power, 1 Turn Remaining

[Cooling] Spiral Splash, Ready Next Turn!
Torrent and hippie hatched a cunning plan to fool the irksome UFO and as the sometimes-heroic navi made her gambit the small craft took the bait wholesale, swooping into to abscond with her unwanted chip. As it backed off, Torrent was able to chase it with a far more dangerous chip, successfully blasting it from the sky.

The miner ducked down to rig more of the field, but Torrent was mostly focused on the ColdHead... however she watched and waited with her glitchy bubble struggling to escape her grip, to no avail. Having only just attacked, the ColdHead wasn't opening its mouth at the moment, preferring to defend itself soundly, and before she could wait any longer the bubble got free, launching itself at her intended target anyway. The sparks crackled over its protective shell, not managing to puncture it, but something else odd did occur. The virus started to colour-shift rapidly, as a wash of rainbow lights began to dance across its body in a wavy aurora. It cast a bright light in the dim space, though it was hard to tell if the glitch was having any other effect.

-=Viruses=-
ColdHeadColdHead (ColdHead)

ColdHeads alternate actions between attacking and guarding. These are the only actions ColdHeads may perform, and the first action of every battle is always guarding. ColdHeads will not break from this pattern unless forced to by status effects. ColdHeads cannot be lifted or thrown, even with Rageclaw.

Area: SciLab, Sharo, Hades Isle

HP: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Aqua + Break + Small Ice Terrain Change
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Fires Cannonball. Breaking. Creates Ice Terrain.
Element: Aqua
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): IceBall1, Zenny
Special: Immobile.
- Iron Body when not attacking.
: 60Hp [Immobile][Normal][Glitch: Rainbow Party (Victim is illuminated in a shifting aurora of rainbow colours. Accuracy of attacks against it are treated as one rank higher)][Preparing to Attack]
RedUFO (V1)RedUFO (V1) (ColorUFO)

ColorUFOs are able to temporarily steal chip data from their enemy, preventing the use of that battlechip until the end of the battle. ColorUFOs only attack once per turn, maximum, and spend the rest of the turn dodging. This attack is guaranteed to hit unless the target dodges when they attempt their attack, meaning it can be evaded with luck. The attack ignores every form of defence, including any form of stealth. ColorUFOs move and dodge at slightly better than average rates. They are capable of full flight. If there is no valid target with a chip for the UFO to attempt to steal, they will instead zap one target with a particle beam.

Area: SciLab, NAXA, NetVegas

HP: 80
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: Blocks enemy from using one chip.
Primary Attack Accuracy: S
Primary Attack Description: Steals enemy chip data, preventing him from using it in that battle.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null + Drop Attack
Secondary Attack Accuracy: B
Secondary Attack Description: Fires a particle beam straight down that has higher accuracy against flying targets.
Element: None.
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): PowerBolt1, Catcher, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes.
: DELETED
ChampuChampu (Champy)

Champy viruses teleport when they attack.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Kotobuki Town, Hades Isle

HP: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Fire + Impact x 2 Punches
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Punches twice with fire.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): FireHit1, Zenny
: BELEATED
MinerMiner (Miner)

Area: SciLab, Hades Isle

HP: 100
Attack Damage/Effect: 50 Null + Ground (Trap)
Attack Accuracy: -- (See Description)
Attack Description: The virus dispenses a stack of mines, sinks into the ground, and randomly places them within various panels all across the field. Every time a stack of mines is placed, it covers 5% of the field. When stepped upon, they explode, and 5% of the field is freed up again.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Mine1, Zenny
Special: Immobile
- This virus may dodge by ducking an attack while placing a mine.
- Trap [Movement Triggered]: Whenever a Player Navi or allied character Dodges or Moves, there is a chance they will trigger the mines. Mods will roll 1d20 for every move action made by allied characters. A roll of 1 is always a hit, with the threat range increased by 1 for every 5% of the field covered in mines. The max coverage of the field is 90%. Characters with Omnishoes who are flying at High Altitude can ignore this effect entirely.
- Panel Breaking can destroy mines.
: 100Hp [Immobile] [Normal]

-=Navis=-
Torrent.Exe: 120Hp [1-Hit Shield][30Hp Barrier][Hydro Power Counter: (On Melee Hit)][Normal]

-=Terrain=-
25% Glass
  • Slip Effect: -10% Accuracy, -10% Evasion to all.
  • Non-Ice Aqua attacks causes it to be Wet, doubles slip effect for Non-Aqua Elementals for 1 turn. Wet can expire early with Fire attacks. Can cause slippage for poor RP or heavy impacts on Non-Aqua Elementals, 1-2 actions to recover.
  • 200 Damage attacks: Change terrain hit to Broken. Damage threshold cut in half for Ground, Break, and Impact, to a minimum threshold of 25 when all 3 are present. Null 25 + Slashing + Nova 2 per panel broken, up to 200 (8 panels).
  • Burrow: Change terrain to Broken, 50 Null + Slashing to burrower, Null 25 + Slashing + Nova2 to surroundings.
  • PanelShot: Spread1.

70% Normal
  • No effects.

5% Ice
  • +10% Evasion to all. Non-Aqua Elementals get -20% Accuracy.
  • Aqua attacks: 25% Freeze chance, change terrain hit to Normal if triggered. Boost chance to 100% if Ice-type.
  • Elec attacks: +100% Source Damage.
  • Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to Sea.
  • PanelShot: Imbue Aqua + Freeze1.

15% of Terrain has been Mined by the Miner virus, careful of those movements now!
Torrent grit her teeth as the Maru bubble fought against her grip, but in the end it was too buggy to hold onto. Her fingers were just beginning to warp slightly, fading in and out of corporeality, when the volatile ammunition launched itself at the still protected ColdHead.

The yellow bubble splashed against the virus' protective shell, harmlessly dissipating in a shower of sparks. Unexpectedly, the wild data spread to the ColdHead's shell, polishing its spherical surface into a colourful mirror ball.

"Shieisse." Torrent scowled at the unhurt virus, wishing she could break its shell with her glare.

<<Bootlegs.>> Hippie grumbled in agreement. <<That's most of our shooty ammo gone.>> Torrent heard her partner rummaging around in plastic. <<We've got whatever this is, though.>>

The chip data streamed into her head. "Twister? Isn't that a horror movie?"

<<The horror is in the boredom!>> Hippie squealed, shivering at the memory.

The Twister data had a different feeling to it, like the feeling she got when nervous, except in the palm of her hand and not in her stomach. "Better than nothing. Here goes!"

The Twister didn't play well with the coding of her bubble catapult. No matter how she tried to adhere it, the windy power in her hand merely passed through. "How do... How do I shoot wind?"

<<With your mind, young Torrent.>> Hippie replied with sagacity. <<You must shoot it with your mind.>>

Torrent mulled over the usefulness of Hippies "advice", at least for the few seconds she had. The ColdHead made a "ka-chunk" noise, like a howitzer being reloaded. Torrent imagined herself looking into the terrible jaws of the spherical beast, before she was obliterated from the software. Instinctually, she closed her eyes and thrust her palm out at the virus to protect herself, but instead she felt the nervous fluttery feeling flow through her hands and vanish.

"Did... did it work?"

Torrent peeked through her fingers, staring straight into the eyes of the miner virus, which had chosen to pop up close by to sneer at her. She shrieked in surprise, and the fiend ducked down into the panels, reappearing near where it always did.

<<Ooh, I got something for that creepo. Crush him with all your earthly might, Torry!>>

The Rolling Log data manifested into a green bubble with two tiny logs floating within, much more solid than the Twister's bubble. At least she had used this chip before and kind of knew how it worked. The log's size meant it would be sure to clear up any mines on the way to the Miner virus. The downside was that the explosions might alter the trajectory of the finicky logs, or even destroy them.

In a perfect world, they wouldn't even detect the logs and the miner would be sitting vulnerable. Since this was only the second time she had used the chip, Torrent's expectations fluctuated wildly.

Torrent watched the miner disappear, likely to lay more mines. She wasn't a hundred percent sure, but as long as she didn't move, she wouldn't step on any mines. It wouldn't mine directly underneath her... right?

Torrent pulled back the green film of the RollingLog, waiting for the virus to show its face again. When the virus did eventually show, Torrent let loose the first log, shooting it with enough spin to let it rumble clumsily along the smooth flooring. Pulling back on the second log and firing, she hoped that this would finally wipe that dumb smirk off the virus' stupid face.


---TORRENT'S TURN SUMMARY---

[1]: Twister -> ColdHead when vulnerable

[2]: RollingLog1 (50dmg + Ground Attack + Wide Attack (2), Wood, C) -> Miner

[3]: Double Attack - RollingLog1 (50dmg + Ground Attack + Wide Attack (2), Wood, C) ->Miner


[Cooling] Hydro Power, Ready Next Turn!
Torrent's tactics proved effective, as just when it opened its mouth to attack, it was preempted by her own... mentally executed attack? Whatever it was, it tore up the disco ball-like virus quite effectively, as it was dismantled from the inside from a seemingly invisible attack. As its pieces fell to the ground, the Miner reared its head to lay more of its explosives into the flooring. However, Hippie was ready for the situation, and sent Torrent some assistance in the form of the RollingLog chip, which she put to use immediately, with the logs rolling across the floor and smashing into the masked virus's face. The virus bowled over before vanishing into the ether as junk data, as did the pieces of the ColdHead--she was safe now.

-=Viruses=-
ColdHeadColdHead (ColdHead)

ColdHeads alternate actions between attacking and guarding. These are the only actions ColdHeads may perform, and the first action of every battle is always guarding. ColdHeads will not break from this pattern unless forced to by status effects. ColdHeads cannot be lifted or thrown, even with Rageclaw.

Area: SciLab, Sharo, Hades Isle

HP: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Aqua + Break + Small Ice Terrain Change
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Fires Cannonball. Breaking. Creates Ice Terrain.
Element: Aqua
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): IceBall1, Zenny
Special: Immobile.
- Iron Body when not attacking.
: DELETED
RedUFO (V1)RedUFO (V1) (ColorUFO)

ColorUFOs are able to temporarily steal chip data from their enemy, preventing the use of that battlechip until the end of the battle. ColorUFOs only attack once per turn, maximum, and spend the rest of the turn dodging. This attack is guaranteed to hit unless the target dodges when they attempt their attack, meaning it can be evaded with luck. The attack ignores every form of defence, including any form of stealth. ColorUFOs move and dodge at slightly better than average rates. They are capable of full flight. If there is no valid target with a chip for the UFO to attempt to steal, they will instead zap one target with a particle beam.

Area: SciLab, NAXA, NetVegas

HP: 80
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: Blocks enemy from using one chip.
Primary Attack Accuracy: S
Primary Attack Description: Steals enemy chip data, preventing him from using it in that battle.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null + Drop Attack
Secondary Attack Accuracy: B
Secondary Attack Description: Fires a particle beam straight down that has higher accuracy against flying targets.
Element: None.
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): PowerBolt1, Catcher, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes.
: DELETED
ChampuChampu (Champy)

Champy viruses teleport when they attack.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Kotobuki Town, Hades Isle

HP: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Fire + Impact x 2 Punches
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Punches twice with fire.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): FireHit1, Zenny
: BELEATED
MinerMiner (Miner)

Area: SciLab, Hades Isle

HP: 100
Attack Damage/Effect: 50 Null + Ground (Trap)
Attack Accuracy: -- (See Description)
Attack Description: The virus dispenses a stack of mines, sinks into the ground, and randomly places them within various panels all across the field. Every time a stack of mines is placed, it covers 5% of the field. When stepped upon, they explode, and 5% of the field is freed up again.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Mine1, Zenny
Special: Immobile
- This virus may dodge by ducking an attack while placing a mine.
- Trap [Movement Triggered]: Whenever a Player Navi or allied character Dodges or Moves, there is a chance they will trigger the mines. Mods will roll 1d20 for every move action made by allied characters. A roll of 1 is always a hit, with the threat range increased by 1 for every 5% of the field covered in mines. The max coverage of the field is 90%. Characters with Omnishoes who are flying at High Altitude can ignore this effect entirely.
- Panel Breaking can destroy mines.
: DELETED

-=Navis=-
Torrent.Exe: 120Hp [1-Hit Shield][30Hp Barrier][Hydro Power Counter: (On Melee Hit)][Normal]

-=Terrain=-
25% Glass
  • Slip Effect: -10% Accuracy, -10% Evasion to all.
  • Non-Ice Aqua attacks causes it to be Wet, doubles slip effect for Non-Aqua Elementals for 1 turn. Wet can expire early with Fire attacks. Can cause slippage for poor RP or heavy impacts on Non-Aqua Elementals, 1-2 actions to recover.
  • 200 Damage attacks: Change terrain hit to Broken. Damage threshold cut in half for Ground, Break, and Impact, to a minimum threshold of 25 when all 3 are present. Null 25 + Slashing + Nova 2 per panel broken, up to 200 (8 panels).
  • Burrow: Change terrain to Broken, 50 Null + Slashing to burrower, Null 25 + Slashing + Nova2 to surroundings.
  • PanelShot: Spread1.

70% Normal
  • No effects.

5% Ice
  • +10% Evasion to all. Non-Aqua Elementals get -20% Accuracy.
  • Aqua attacks: 25% Freeze chance, change terrain hit to Normal if triggered. Boost chance to 100% if Ice-type.
  • Elec attacks: +100% Source Damage.
  • Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to Sea.
  • PanelShot: Imbue Aqua + Freeze1.

20% of Terrain has been Mined by the Miner virus, careful of those movements now!

-=Battle 2, Victory!!=-
Rewards: 880z
Torrent gulped in a huge amount of air, before releasing it in a massive sigh. She flopped to the ground-

<<DON'T DO THAT!>> Hippie shrieked, startling Torrent into performing a kind of desperate, windmilling flail as she caught herself with her hands. Upside down, and with her back arched, she looked like something out of a horror film.

"What?! What is it?!"

<<There could still be mines about! Just because a virus is dead doesn't mean it's byproducts are too.>>

Torrent peered at the flat surface of the large platform, trying to identify any bumps or mounds that would give away any potential hazards. "So, what do I do?!"

<<If late 19XX videogames have taught me anything, it's that you're immune to mines if you crawl on the ground!>>

Torrent's shaking arm's gave out and she collapsed, though thankfully not onto anything deadly or explosive. "You're basing my safety on stuff you learned from games?!"

<<Well, it's worked so far! After all, the modern internet was designed by old people who probably grew up with those kind of things.>>

Torrent stewed angrily for a moment, then rolled onto her belly and began shimmying across the floor, to the staircase and beyond. "I swear to dogs, Hippie. If this doesn't work…"


((ENTERING BATTLE 3))
After being thoroughly spooked by her operator, Torrent went with Hippie's ridiculous strategy of shuffling across the floor, in order to avoid triggering any of the mines. Whether it worked or not, she wouldn't be able to know, since she got through the room safely with a notable lack of destroyed body parts. The staircase at the other end of the room spiraled further upwards, and Torrent made her way up the steps. Eventually, she arrived at the top, where she emerged at a hallway, which was divided into two levels by a grand stairway with wide, glowing steps.

At the top of the stairway, she would be able to see a large sign hanging above a large double doorway. The sign read out "Chez Prog", with a jovial-looking neon green Prog in a white chef's hat next to the words. It seemed to be in some disrepair, with the backlight illuminating the words and the Prog image flickering in and out. The reason would be quite apparent, as the grand stairway leading up to the door was occupied by a quartet of viruses, spread out evenly on the stairs. A Catack tank at the top of the stairs, with a flaming Champu slightly below. Further below, a blue ColdHead and greyish CannonGuard pair stood immobile. All of them swiveled in Torrent's direction as soon as she emerged from the staircase, clearly hostile to the newcomer!

-- Cantankerous Comrades --
CatackCatack (Catack)

Catacks move at a slow rate and their dodges are generally bad. They can, however, attack in any direction while moving or attempting to dodge.

Area: SciLab, Electown, Dentech, Beach, Hades Isle

HP: 120
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null + Panel Crack + Blast2
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Blasts enemy with TankCannon.
Element: None.
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): TankCannon1, Zenny
Special: May Move/Dodge while attacking.
Special: Slow
: 120 HP (Solar, Top of staircase)
ChampuChampu (Champy)

Champy viruses teleport when they attack.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Kotobuki Town, Hades Isle

HP: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Fire + Impact x 2 Punches
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Punches twice with fire.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): FireHit1, Zenny
: 60 HP (Solar, Slightly below the top end of staircase)
ColdHeadColdHead (ColdHead)

ColdHeads alternate actions between attacking and guarding. These are the only actions ColdHeads may perform, and the first action of every battle is always guarding. ColdHeads will not break from this pattern unless forced to by status effects. ColdHeads cannot be lifted or thrown, even with Rageclaw.

Area: SciLab, Sharo, Hades Isle

HP: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Aqua + Break + Small Ice Terrain Change
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Fires Cannonball. Breaking. Creates Ice Terrain.
Element: Aqua
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): IceBall1, Zenny
Special: Immobile.
- Iron Body when not attacking.
: 60 HP (Solar, Slightly above the bottom end of staircase)
CannonGuardCannonGuard (CannonGuard)

CannonGuards are automatically in guard mode unless they are attacking. When guarding, the turret is protected by a shutter that will stop any and all non-breaking attacks from the front. This shutter cannot be destroyed, even by a breaking attack, so long as the virus exists. The shutter does not protect the turret portion of the virus against attacks from the back or sides. The base of the virus is also immune to non-breaking damage.

Area: SciLab, Kotobuki Town, Netopia, NAXA

HP: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Null + Lockon
Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Locks on and attacks
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): MarkCannon1, Zenny
Special: Immobile.
Special: Target's evasion counts less against this virus.
Special: Can guard against attacks.
: 60 HP (Solar, At the very bottom end of the staircase)

-- Nebulous Navis --
Torrent.EXE: 120 HP (Normal, bottom floor)

-- Auspicious Area --
40% Solar
  • Elec Elementals get +5 HP/action.
  • Wood attacks: +100% Source Damage, change terrain hit to Cracked.
  • PanelShot: Imbue Elec + Stun1.
(Stairway in the middle of the area)
60% Normal
  • No effects.
(Half on top floor, and half on bottom floor)

-- Battle 3 Ready? Start!! --