Runeknight's Escort Service

A wave of cobalt light spread through the skies above Yoka Net. The wave spread wide before collapsing in on itself, coalescing to a single pinprick of light that hovered above the ground. A pillar of cobalt energy emerged from the light, splashing down to collide with the floor of the net with an explosion of light and sound. Dark flames emerged from the pillar, swirling around the cobalt light in the form of flaming runic symbols. The flames and the light merged as one, the cobalt glow fading away to form a humanoid figure clad in dark armor. Runeknight stood in Yoka.

"It has been some time," The Navi spoke calmly as he gazed across the landscape. "Too long."

"Yeah," Zan responded. "I don't think we've been here since that box incident a few years ago. Wow, we've spent far too much time in the local Nets."

"True. I fear that my spear may not be enough for the viruses strewn about these strange lands."

"Don't worry about that. I have a few surprises in store for anything that comes our way during this mission."

"Surprises Sire?"

"You'll see. However, keep an eye out for any water based viruses."

"Water based?"

"Yes. After that battle with Twi, I've noticed some issues with your programming. You've developed a stronger affinity to your fire based spells and weaponry and I fear a newly adverse reaction when it comes to water."

"As you say, Sire. I shall be weary."

"Good. Now, we are supposed to encounter a NormalNavi somewhere around here. Once we make contact we are to escort him to ACDC while protecting him from anything that may wish him harm. Understand?"

"Aye Sire. Let us be off."
"Oh man... OOOOH MAN," came a voice from behind RuneKnight as the NormalNavi walked over towards him and then turned around him to look at his face. The color design on the NormalNavi was mostly red with white while having large yellow eyes on his head. He held his arms up against his chest, frantically looking around while his limbs were shivering of being scared. "Y-You're my bodyguard? Right?" asked the Navi with a shaky voice. But the Navi kneeled down on the ground with his hands on his head even before RuneKnight could answer to the question. "Don't hurt me!" the Navi shouted while keeping his hands up on his head while holding his head on the ground as if he was begging for mercy unknowing it was unnecessary, "I knew I shouldn't have taken this job!"
"Hold, citizen." Runeknight spoke calmly as he knelt down and attempted to calm the strange Navi. "There is no need to be afraid. I am called Runeknight and I and my lord have been summoned here to protect you as you make the journey to ACDC."

Runeknight hoped that the Navi understood his intent, knowing that escorting a Navi who was frightened of him through a virus infested network would be troublesome if not downright impossible. He reached out to touch the Navi's shoulder, hoping that the gesture would seem calming and reassuring and not threatening to the NormalNavi.

"Now now," His voice was still calm. "There is no need to worry. I have had countless virus battles and am quite experienced with transversing the networks. Just trust in me, do as I say and we'll both be fine. I shall get you to ACDC in no time at all, alright?"
"W-Well o-o-okay..." stuttered the Navi, still being in his previous position, "S-Soryu said you were s-strong..." Slowly, but surely, the Navi rose from his position and continued to look around frantically. "Let's get this over with quickly, OK?" he said, every single part of his body shivering and shaking of fright. He raised his arm to point into a direction after which he softly spoke at RuneKnight, "T-That way..." A path appeared that led to the same direction the Navi had pointed at and knowing it'd look weird, he quickly explained it to RuneKnight. "A-As chip trader Navi, y-you have t-to create paths between p-p-people for the chips to m-move along," he said and walked a few paces, but then stopped again. "Y-You first..." he said, looking around as if he thought he was being followed.
"As you say," Runeknight responded as he started down the lighted path. "Just remain behind me and I shall do everything in my power to keep you from harm."

As Runeknight moved, he raised his right arm out to his side. A gout of cobalt flame escaped from within his grasp and reached out to seven feet in length. The flames vanished almost as quickly as they had come, revealing a long black spear that had materialized in Runeknight's hand. The Navi adjusted his grip, swinging the spear so the tip pointed toward the floor and the shaft rested against the pit of his arm. He marched forward, eyes peering to the left and right in order to keep an eye out for any sign of danger.

"Soryu was correct in his estimation." He continued to offer his assurance. "I have adventured through the nets for many years, having even battled with Soryu's Navi on several occasions. My lord is quite skilled as well and has a variety of weapons that will aide us should we be forced to fight."
Still shivering, the Navi followed RuneKnight while looking backwards a lot of times to make sure nothing was following them. But seeing as this was the path he created, he could sense anything that was happening with it and who was walking upon it. "OOOOH MYYYY GOOOOOD!" shouted the Navi and hid behind RuneKnight's body, immediately grabbing tightly onto RuneKnight's cape to make the iron-clad Navi stop. A few seconds later he held out his arm over RuneKnight's shoulder to point forwards, while he continued to shout directly into his receptors. "I SENSE EEEEENEMIES! OH GOD! THEY'VE COME FOR ME!" The Navi dropped himself onto the ground on his back, while trying to curl up like a ball and stuck his thumb into his mouth.

And as the Navi had predicted, from the distance came a few viruses their way. A virus wielding a sword was on the front, while two enhanced Metools pushed a Cannondumb virus forwards. A Handy virus appeared from view, carrying a Cannondumb virus as well and dropped it on the ground. As final addition, a Slimer virus crawled out of the path made by the Navi.

"Mommy..." the Navi whimpered as he started to rock around on his position, whining softly and not making any visible attempts to move away or dodge. RuneKnight was on his own for this. Or was he?

Swordy 60HP
Cannondumb2A 90HP
Cannondumb2B 90HP
Handy 80HP
MetoolEXA 70HP
MetoolEXB 70HP
Slimer 150HP

RuneKnight 200HP
NormalNavi 200HP

100% Normal Terrain
"Calm yourself," Runeknight chided his companion. "If you lose your composure in battle, you run the risk of losing your head. There is no reason to fear such creatures as these."

"I'm not so sure," Zan spoke to Runeknight alone. "Keep an eye on that crawling snot creature."

"Sire?" Runeknight asked his NetOp over the private line. "Do you have concerns with that strangest of beasts?"

"Yeah, I think I do. That slime thing may not look like much, but I believe it to be aquatic in nature. The programming glitch that occured in your duel with Twi may allow that virus to eat away at your systems twice as fast."

"So, my armor is now attuned to the element of flame and those of the rivers and streams can move through my defenses as rain seeps through a thatched roof?"

"That's one way of putting it. Just avoid the slime thing for now."

"Nay Sire. Would it not be better to end the threat now so that I may concentrate on protecting my charge?"

"Well...Alright, I guess this is as good a time as any to bring out the surprise. You take care of the viruses and I'll concentrate on protecting the shopkeeper with a little help from Twi's invention." Zan ran his hand over the mouse of his laptop, clicking a small button on the corner of the screen. "Activating Support Program Code Name: RuneSteed. Jack in!"

"RuneSteed?" Runeknight barely formed the question when a circle of runic symbols opened a few feet to his left.

The circle opened upon the floor, the edge of the portal carved from various runic symbols that were crafted into a summoning spell. The symbols shined bright with cobalt light as the air within the circle crackled with discharging energy. A form appeared within the circle, a massive black stallion clad in cobalt armor engraved with markings similar to those that adorned Runeknight's own armor. The horse reared up on its hind legs, whinnying in triumph at being freed into the Net. The stallion was magnificent, of a well muscled breed and seemingly quite suited for combat. A saddle rested upon the horse's back and Runeknight longed to leap into place and charge into the oncoming wave of viruses.

"RuneSteed..." The Navi was in awe. "So, this is the magic of that mystic orb that we found within that creature."

"Yeah," Zan answered. "After the duel with Twi, I followed his instructions and crafted this horse for you. He isn't quite as powerful as Twi's pets, but he'll grow in time. I have found out that he feeds on the viral fragments left behind by viruses in order to enhance his programming."

"So, he feeds upon the souls of our enemies. An auspicious omen. Shall we proceed?"

"Not quite. I need to test some of his abilities before I throw him into actual combat so I figured that he'd best serve as defense for your charge."

"Aye, tis a good plan. How do I command him?"

"Just call him by name."

"RuneSteed?"

"If you wish. That was just the programming designation. You can name him whatever you want."

"Hmm...I shall call him Arion."

The horse responded to the knight's voice, hearing its master for the first time, and cantered over to him. It nuzzled against Runeknight's hand, the knight reaching out to pet the horse beneath its armored head. The horse turned from Runeknight to stare at the cowering Navi that lay on the floor and the oncoming viruses. It snorted derisively, as though it instinctively understood.

"Yes, Arion." Runeknight called. "I want you to protect this man while I deal with those creatures. See that he comes to no harm."

Arion whinnied in response and moved to stand directly over the cowering Navi. He would obey his master's commands and allow no harm to come to the small man huddled below him. His eyes flashed with a profound intelligence as he gazed at Runeknight and the viruses. The hordes would come for them and it was up to him to protect his master's charge. Runeknight was the sword and Arion was the shield.

The black knight strode forward, his eyes staring intently on the mass of viruses. They were close now, almost too close, and he would have to act soon if he was going to protect the shopkeeper. He held his spear gingerly in his grasp, knowing what he would have to do. The spear vanished in a flash of cobalt flames and Runeknight reached down at his side. There was nothing there, but he closed his hand as though he were grasping the hilt of a sword. Gouts of cobalt flames escaped his fingers, traveling down to outline the sword that was not there. The flames engulfed the nonexistent blade, the mystical fires summoning the weapon from the void. Runeknight drew his hand forth, pulling the sword from its sheath of flames. The weapon was a marvel of craftsmanship, a blade of black crystal engraved with runic symbols that flared with cobalt light. The hilt was silver, the grip wrapped in black leather and the cross guard was two simple prongs that ran perpendicular to the blade. A single sapphire sat in the pommel of the hilt, a mystical stone that served far more than to help balance the four foot blade.

Runeknight swung the sword through a short series of slashes and thrusts, refamiliarizing himself with the feel of the weapon in his hands. He would have to act quickly, have to be decisive in his movements if he wished to destroy the oncoming horde of viruses. He could feel Zan's motions; feel his Liege sending him the power that he needed to complete his duty. A sudden rush of energy surged through his body, channeling from his chest through his arm and into the sword. The weapon seemed to leap within his grasp, the blade elongating and widening until it gained massive proportions. It was now seven feet long and two feet wide with a single rune glowing harshly, the Rune of Breaking. Runeknight eyed his target, the crawling slime that was slowly moving toward him. That beast would be the first to fall. In a flash of light and a gout of cobalt flame, Runeknight was gone.
The dark knight reappeared behind the slime, the massive blade swinging down in a cruel arc. The Rune of Breaking shined wickedly in the light of the Net, leaving a blazing streak in the air as the sword flashed down. The blade shattered as it struck, sending a cloud of dust and debris hurdling in the air. The Navi could not tell if the slime was destroyed or not and, in reality, he didn't truly care. He was off, moving toward his next victim, the next virus who was in his way, who threatened his duty.

Runeknight muttered a quick spell, harness the next flow of energy that surged within him. He channeled the power to the remnants of the blade within his grasp, the shattered crystal giving way to a lancing jet of crimson flames. Runeknight guided the flames by hand and by will, sending the inferno to engulf the strange Metool and the floating hand that were closest to him. A second surge of energy flashed through his body and a second row of fire leapt from the hilt within Runeknight's hand. This jet of flames roared toward the second group of fires, threatening to devour the swordsman and the two cannons accompanying him. Runeknight knew the viruses would not all be destroyed. They were far too resistant for that, but he hoped that they would be disorientated and too weak to attack his horse or the Navi who hid under Arion.

Summary:
Knightly Aura and Rune of Vigor are active. ((DMG Reduction 20 and 20 Heal, passive)

1. Summon RuneSteed
2. Areagrab to behind Slimer
3. BigHammer1(160, Break) to Slimer
4. Flameline1(80, Fire) to MetoolEXA, B and Handy
5. Flameline1(80, Fire) to Swordy, Cannodumb2A, B

RuneSteed: Defend NormalNavi
The Slimer virus explodes in a thousand pieces, flying all over the place, as it gets the immense hammer on top of its body while cracks appear on the panel it had been standing on. The NormalNavi gets a few pieces of the remains on top of himself, causing him to shriek with a loud and squeeky voice and starts to tremble even more. Four viruses are swallowed alive by the flames while one emerges badly damaged.

The damaged one finds itself to be malfunctioning slightly because of the flames, while the two unharmed ones start their attacks. Knowing their goal, they both fire their attacks at the NormalNavi. A blast through the sky and a shockwave across the ground are headed for the Navi and RuneSteed as the Navi suddenly starts to scream out loud.

Random panels start to shine and disappear entirely, causing the shockwave to stop abruptly and the blast to hit RuneSteed. Slowly the Navi stood up, his legs shivering as if there was an earthquake within his programming and nodded at RuneKnight to show he was still alive.

Swordy DED
Cannondumb2A 90HP
Cannondumb2B 10HP
Handy DED
MetoolEXA DED
MetoolEXB 70HP
Slimer DED

RuneKnight 200HP
RuneSteed 35HP
NormalNavi 200HP

75% Normal Terrain, 20% Empty Terrain, 5% Broken Terrain
"Hah," Runeknight allowed himself a brief cheer as his fiery lances struck home. "We have them now, my friends."

He cast a quick glance back at the NormalNavi and Arion. The horse had been struck a cannon blow from one of the turrets, but he had done his job in protecting the merchant. The horse seemed alright, but Runeknight doubted that Arion could take much more punishment from such imposing viruses. He sent a silent signal to his liege and Zan responded quickly, sending a surge of energy flaring through Runeknight's body. A small vial materialized in Runeknight's hand, a glass container filled with a light blue liquid.

"Shopkeep!" Runeknight shouted at the NormalNavi. "Catch!" He tossed the small vial toward the Navi. "Allow the horse to drink that. It will strengthen him and allow him to continue offering his protection."

Runeknight turned his attention back to the three remaining viruses. A strangely colored Metool and two turrets, one malfunctioning and nearly destroyed, were all that remained. It shouldn't be much trouble to finish this battle. Runeknight tossed the remnants of his shattered sword to the side and raised his hand in anticipation. He was granted a second surge of energy as a wooden weight appeared within a gout of cobalt flames. It was a boomerang crafted from black lacquered wood and banded on either end with bluish steel. Runeknight hefted the weapon, testing its weight and balance, as he took aim at the trio of viruses.

The knight awaited his chance to strike, centering himself and steeling his form to allow for maximum accuracy. He swung his arm forward, releasing the boomerang at an arc, the wooden projectile flailing end over end toward the three viruses in a wide curve. With luck and a bit of skill, the boomerang would carve a path through all of his opponents. A third surge flowed through him seconds after the boomerang left his hand, a liquid aura of azure light surrounding the boomerang and strengthening it with the Rune of Water.

Runeknight stood back and waited, hoping his boomerang struck true and ended the battle here and now.

Summary:
Knightly Aura and Rune of Vigor are active.
1. Throw Recov30 to NormalNavi to use on Arion
2. Take aim with Boomerang
3. Take aim with Wideshot
4. Boomerang(60, Wood) to all remaining viruses
5. Wideshot(60, Aqua) to three remaining viruses

RuneSteed: maintain defense of NormalNavi
"Catch!?" the Navi shrieked and held his head up, getting the vial against his forehead with a bump as it fell in his hands afterwards. "T-That hurt!" he whined and stood up slowly, still looking around carefully for incoming things so he could run away when necessary. Slowly he approached the horse, which didn't react at all, but looked at the vial and started to talk, "Is this safe? Is this hygienic? Won't the horse get sick? Did something just move? Won't it go berserk? What if it dies? Is this okay? Do I insert in his mouth? Why do Navis drink?" A few seconds later, without realizing it himself as he was still questioning things, he had given the horse of RuneKnight the potion succesfully. "Oh..." he muttered afterwards and looked at RuneKnight fighting the enemies.

All of them had been defeated, except for the Metool who had withdrawn himself under his helmet before the attack could hit it. The Metool remained in its spot, not trying to attack, but suddenly felt the ground underneath him disappear and fall through it. The hole the way had made filled up after the Metool was out of sight completely, while the other empty panels filled up as well. "S-Shall we go? Continue?" the NormalNavi asked, his hands shining slightly from the energy he used to control the path.

Swordy DED
Cannondumb2A DED
Cannondumb2B DED
Handy DED
MetoolEXA DED
MetoolEXB DED
Slimer DED

RuneKnight 200HP
RuneSteed 60HP
NormalNavi 200HP

Bugfrags: 8
Rewards: 1080 zenny.
"Hm," Runeknight gathered the remaining data, stooping down to pick up several objects he had never seen before. "Sire, what are these?"

"Let me check," Zan answered as he scanned the eight strange objects. "Huh, they are some sort of viral fragments. This may be what Twi was referring to when he said that the SPs feed on the remnants of viruses. Test it out."

"As you say, Sire."

Runeknight moved toward his horse and help out the handful of viral fragments. Arion sniffed the objects and gave a snort of contentment before eating the handful of fragments from Runeknight's hand. Runeknight hoped that the fragments would aid his horse, would strengthen him just as his lord's mystical powers strengthened him.

"Come Arion," Runeknight whispered to his horse. "We must go." Runeknight turned to his companion, the skittish NormalNavi. "You did well. I applaud your strength. However, perhaps you should ride Arion? His swiftness will aid you if more villains appear."

((Lez go!))
((Ahem...Lez go!))
((Sigh.....Let's go?))
"ME!? GET ON THAT!?" shouted the Navi as he pointed at Arion, "H-HE JUST ATE T-T-THOSE PIECES! HE'S A-A VIRUS TOO!" He withdrew his hand and shook his head wildly, then muttered, "I-I'm safer on my o-own two l-legs." His head acted as if it was on a spring, bouncing sideways after he had stopped moving it, and looked down the road. "B-Besides," the Navi continued as he took a few careful steps to get closer to RuneKnight, "I can s-shift through t-t-the ground... It'd-d swallow y-your v-v-v-virus horse i-if I were on t-top of it." Afterwards he started to push RuneKnight's back to get him to move forwards as he wanted to get at his destination as fast as possible. "The viruses will g-get us if we s-s-stand still," he said while still pushing RuneKnight in the back.

While the Navi kept moving his feet to try and move RuneKnight, he suddenly felt a disturbance reaching down on his path. He calmed down for a few seconds as he only felt two viruses come on the path, but then noticed flames coming from the back of the path as he turned around his head. "R-R-RUNEKNIGHT!" he squeeked and pointed backwards with one hand at the rising wave of enemies. With a fierce tug, he held RuneKnight's cape towards himself and hid beneath it while keeping it in his hands tightly which, unfortunately, made it impossible for RuneKnight to move a lot from his position.

FirePhoenixA 110HP
FirePhoenixB 110HP
FirePhoenixC 110HP
FirePhoenixD 110HP
Bagworm 150 HP [Hidden]
HandyA 80HP
HandyB 80HP
MetoolEXA 70HP
MetoolEXB 70HP

RuneKnight 200HP [Limited Movement]
RuneSteed 60HP
NormalNavi 200HP

100% Normal Panels

(( Had a fight with my muse. ))
((No worries, though I was beginning to think you had died.))

"Damn," Zan cursed as he watched the viruses emerge on both sides of the small group. "Runeknight, can you get behind those fiery birds?"

"Nay Sire," The Navi answered. "My charge has entangled himself within my cape. I can barely move."

"Then use him to steady your aim," Zan answered. "I'm sending you a few choice BattleChips."

"As you say, Sire."

Runeknight twisted around, turning to face the NormalNavi that was hiding under his cape. He pushed the Navi down, resting his elbows on the Navi's back as his crossbow materialized within his hands. He attempted to steady himself, locking his arms to steady his aim.

"Be still," Runeknight hissed. "Your stance has inhibited my ability to effectively counter those beasts that appeared upon our flank. I must ask you to stay still so that I may use your body to aim my strike. If you move, I may miss, and we shall not enjoy what happens then."

Runeknight did not wait for a response, the surge of energy that signaled the arrival one of his lord's mystical weapons already running through his body. The tip of the arrow already set within the bow began to glisten with a liquid sheen. Runeknight took careful aim, setting his sights on the center most phoenix. He inched his finger along the trigger, waiting for the optimum moment. He squeezed. The lone arrow sprang from the bow, sailing through the air toward the group of birds. The arrowhead trailed a fine arc of azure light that extended a few feet on either side. If his aim was true, the arc would slice right through three of the birds, extinguishing their flames.

Runeknight grasped behind his back with his free hand, his fingers groping for an arrow that was not there. A thin line of cobalt flame extended from his fingertips, a fiery arrow forming from the inferno. The flames dissipated, leaving an arrow formed of a single, icy crystal. Runeknight loaded the arrow into his crossbow and took careful aim at the phoenix on the far side of the group. He pulled the trigger a second time, the icy arrow leaping from the crossbow to streak through the air toward the phoenix. The arrow of ice would freeze the fiery heart of the phoenix and send it tumbling to the floor.

Runeknight twisted back around, dropping his crossbow to the floor as he scanned the viruses in front of him. He concentrated on the strange hand-like viruses that floated just off the ground. Runeknight began a low chant, summoning his powers to form a whirlwind of cobalt flames that swirled around his arms. A third surge of energy rippled through him, strengthening him as he continued his spell and turning the flames a dark crimson. Runeknight channeled the flames into the palms of his hands, the infernos converging into twin spheres of fiery energy. Runeknight sliced one hand in a backhand slash, the orb twisting into a gout of flames that swirled toward the hands and the metool behind them. The knight thrust his second hand forward, the flames swirling toward the rest of the viruses.

"Arion," Runeknight shouted. "Protect my flank and I shall guard the front."

Runeknight lifted his hand, a massive black shield forming along his arm to guard him and his charge. The horse responded to his commands, moving to guard the flank of the two Navi.

Summary:
Knightly Aura and Rune of Vigor are active.
1. Wideshot1(60, Aqua) to Firephoenix A, B and C
2. IceWave1(80, Aqua) to FirephoenixD
3. Flameline1(80, Fire) to HandyA, B and MetoolEXA
4. FireHit(75, Fire) to MetoolEXB
5. Guard1

RuneSteed: Defend flank
"Be still? Oh man. Oh man. What are you doing? What's going on up there? Come on, man! Speak up! Do you prefer another position? I'm not moving! No way!" the Navi whined as he shivered under RuneKnight's cape, making the aim of the knight shiver as well. But before RuneKnight shot, the Navi turned into a massive chunk of stone and was entirely immobile. The battle scene had suddenly turned slightly favourable for RuneKnight as his attacks flew for their targets.

Stuff perished while some stuff remained and the previously hidden Bagworm fell from a black hole in the sky, hanging from a silver thread. A blast of fire comes from the opposition that singes RuneKnight's cape slightly but he himself is not damages as the blast gets taken by the Navi-formed rock under his cape. The MetoolEX then attacks, also signing the Bagworm virus that it's safe to attack. But as it turns its little face back, it sees the attack return right into his face. Towers of ancient wood appear from the path, headed for the trio. It narrowly misses Arion, but the other two get hit while the Navi only gets a minimum amount of damage. RuneKnight, on the other hand, is launched into the air by this but is also freed from the Navi. For now.

FirePhoenixA DED
FirePhoenixB 110HP
FirePhoenixC DED
FirePhoenixD DED
Bagworm 150 HP
HandyA DED
HandyB DED
MetoolEXA 30HP
MetoolEXB DED

RuneKnight 140HP
RuneSteed 60HP
NormalNavi 197HP [StoneBody]

100% Normal Panels
"Hmph," Runeknight shrugged as he pushed himself to his feet. "It seems my aim was a little off."

"Don't worry," Zan answered. "I didn't see that worm thing either. Looks like it just meted out of the floor."

"A strange beast, indeed." Runeknight turned to regard his charge and his horse. "Are you alright?"

Runeknight stared in shock as he gazed at the NormalNavi that had been concealed by Runeknight's cape. The Navi stood perfectly still, like a statue carved from marble by the finest of sculptors. Runeknight moved closer, startled by his discovery. The Navi he had been charged to protect had been turned to stone.

"Sire," Runeknight asked. "What trickery be this? Has some virus bewitched the lad?"

"No," Zan tried to calm his Navi. "He's just activated StoneBody. It's a defensive ability that lessens that damage inflicted by enemy attacks at the cost of accuracy and mobility. It seems our little friend has a few tricks up his sleeve."

"So he is alright, then? Well, then let us concentrate on the rest of these beasts that threaten our passage."

Runeknight concentrated, his eyes locking onto the buglike virus that had appeared so quietly. He was determined to slay the creature before it could melt back into the net and had just the spell to accomplish such an attack. He began a low chant, the words of his spell spreading to encompass the entirety of the battlefield like the ripple of a wave within a pond. His words grew louder, each syllable sending out a ripple of power that twisted the air around the knight. Runeknight's mystic armor began to shine with a faint azure light, his wounds sealing up and the armor repairing itself. The dark knight lifted his hand, fingers outstretched, and pointed toward the worm that sat a few yards away from him.

At Runeknight's shouted command, a portal to the Netherworld opened beneath the virus. The portal was akin to a mirror, perfectly round and flat, though its surface was darker than the darkest night. A current of crimson energy ran along the edge of the portal, the lines of energy resounding with faint crackles of power. The Demon of the Abyss had heard its summons. As the malign creature stalked closer to the portal, it's gateway to the Netscape, the surface of the mirror began to boil. The demon reached out, tentacles wreathed in black flames striking the surface of the portal. The demon demanded freedom, demanded release from the contract that held it enslaved. It struggled with the bonds of the portal, forcing its way through the mystic veil to exact its revenge. The portal opened and tentacles of darkness reached through to the Netscape, reaching out to drain the life from all within its reach. The Demon itself could never fit within the portal, but it was determined to drag as many victims as it could within its lair.

The snaking tentacles of flame reached out toward the worm like virus, the beast below hungering to rip asunder the virus and feast upon its energy. As it attempted to feed, Runeknight drew upon the energy being emitted from the demon of the Abyss, its lifeforce restoring the knight's vitality. Runeknight knew that he would have to sever his connection with the demon soon, to force it back into its netherworld, or else risk it fully emerging into the netspace. As the flailing tentacles grew wild, Runeknight halted his chant, dismissing the portal that allowed the demon access to this world.

Runeknight turned his attention to focus on the remaining beasts that had assaulted him and his companion. A wounded Metool lay ahead and a hovering phoenix soared behind the Navi duo and their mystical horse. Runeknight reached down to his side, a jet of flame arching from his fingertips to form a sword crafted from obsidian and set within a silver hilt. Runeknight heft the sword, feeling a familiar surge of energy move through his body and enter the magical relic of war. A single runic image carved along the blade flared to life with cobalt light, the Rune of Breaking. The sword seemed to leap within his grasp, the blade widening and growing to immense proportions. The knight charged toward the Metool that barred his path, leaping into the air and slicing the massive sword down in a wicked arc. The sword shattered at it struck, though Runeknight could not be sure if his aim was true as a cloud of dust rose up to obscure the wounded virus.

Runeknight jumped back, pulling his sword arm free. The massive blade had shattered with the impact of his strike, leaving behind a sword of regular proportions. The Navi flipped around, turning to face the phoenix that flew high above the battlefield. It would be difficult, but he thought he could bring down the bird.

"Arion," Runeknight called. "To me!"

The large stallion cantered over to his master and Runeknight leaped into the saddle. He kicked his feet against the horse's armored flanks and willed it forward. Arion galloped toward the phoenix at full speed, Runeknight moving into postion on the stallion's back. The knight placed his feet upon the saddle, crouched low so that he would not slow the horse. As the due passed under the phoenix, Runeknight leaped from the saddle, rising high into the air. He slashed with his sword, once, twice, trying desperately to cleave the phoenix in twain.

Seconds later, Runeknight fell to his feet, his body pitching forward into a roll to absorb the impact. He could not be sure if the fiery bird was destroyed, nor could he be sure if it would retaliate. He rose quickly to his feet, his sword vanishing in a puff of flames. He could feel another surge of energy and he brought a glass vial to his lips. The vial was filled with a cystal blue liquid that he downed ina single gulp. The liquid was a healing potion that would close his remaining wounds and restore his vitality.

Summary:
Knightly Aura and Rune of Vigor are active.
1. Rune Purge(80x2 Fire) to Bagworm, 30 heal to Runeknight
2. BigHammer1(160, break) to metoolEXA
3-4. Sword(80x2 = 160) to FirephoenixB
5. Recov30 to Runeknight

RuneSteed: Dodge
The viruses die swiftly after RuneKnight's done with them. A hand was placed on RuneKnight's shoulder, quickly followed by the NormalNavi's voice. "D-Did you get them?" The NormalNavi looked over the large knight's shoulder and nodded carefully, walking around him slowly and carefully while his hands trembled. "Guess s-so," he muttered and looked down at the statue of himself, "L-Let's take c-care of that." A large hole appeared below the Navi-shaped rock and was swallowed by the road whole. Afterwards, the Navi turned around to face RuneKnight again and stuttered at him, "L-Let's c-continue. We'r-re almost at the e-end of t-the path. A-After that i-it's a s-short w-way through ACDC." The Navi moved a few steps away from RuneKnight, heading down the road and continued speaking, "I-I'll m-move on a bit. I don't w-want to see t-t-that h-horse eating the v-viral remains."

FirePhoenixA DED
FirePhoenixB DED
FirePhoenixC DED
FirePhoenixD DED
Bagworm DED
HandyA DED
HandyB DED
MetoolEXA DED
MetoolEXB DED

RuneKnight 200HP
RuneSteed 60HP
NormalNavi 197HP

Bugfrags: 14
Rewards: PhoenixShot1 chip; 840 zenny.
"As you say," Runeknight said as he gathered up his rewards and the remnants of viral data.

The knight moved closer to his horse, holding out a handful of the strange BugFragments that were all that were left of the viruses he had just defeated. Arion sniffed the handful before eagerly devouring the fragments of viral data. Runeknight patted the horse on its head, whispering softly in its ear.

"You have done well, Arion." Runeknight said. "Your efforts have been truly amazing. Soon we shall have taken our friend to his destination and then you can rest. Lend me your strength for just a little longer, alright?"

The horse stared into Runeknight's eyes, a look of understanding flashed between the knight and his steed. Runeknight patted Arion once more and then followed after the NormalNavi, leading his horse by the leather reins.

"Hmm," Zan's voice sounded over the background of the Net. "A new fire chip."

"Oh?" Runeknight asked.

"Yeah, a BattleChip that responds to those Phoenixes that you defeated. It should come in handy."

"As you say, Sire."

Runeknight and his party continued on, moving along the road to ACDC and their destination.

((Wee! Battle on valiant warriors!))
"The r-road is quiet... For now..." the Navi stuttered as he walked closely behind RuneKnight, looking around him. Sometimes he glanced over at the horse known as Arion, thinking quietly and sometimes even muttering to himself but never loud enough for RuneKnight to hear the details of his words. After they had taking a lot of steps, almost reaching the end, the Navi suddenly spoke up at RuneKnight as he turned his head upwards at him. "H-Hey... D-Do you know w-what kind o-o-of person S-Soryu is?" the Navi asked. His body wasn't trembling anymore and he seemed to have calmed down slightly, although his voice remained the same. Fidgetting slightly with his hands, tumbling his fingers around each other, he kept looking sideways whenever he heard the slightest sound.