In Need of Rustoleum

Durandal appeared in Yoka Net in a flash of light. He glanced around him, taking stock of his surroundings. He had never been to Yoka Net before and was uncertain as to what he would find. His immediate thought was that it was wetter than he was comfortable with.

"Oh well," he sighed.

He wandered off into the network, wondering how long Katherine would spend unwinding in the onsen.

((Battle 1))

Walking through Yoka Net for a while, Durandal soon found himself treading lightly through a wide area of watery panels and steam. The steam didn't do much to obscure the Navi's vision, and he soon came across two fairly large shells sitting immobile ahead of him. Upon stepping closer to investigate, both shells popped open and revealed viruses with arrows ready to fire. A Shrimpy virus appeared from behind them, emerging from partial submersion in the water. As if the arrows weren't enough of a sign, the viruses sounded none too happy about their new visitor.

Shrimpy: 100HP
ShellgeekA: 100HP (Open)
ShellgeekB: 100HP (Open)

Terrain: 100% Onsen

Durandal.EXE: 150HP

Battle 1 Start!

Durandal found himself trudging through water that rose to just above his knees. His cloth tassets floated behind him as he made his way deeper into Yoka Net. The water was unusually warm with a layer of steam rising just above the surface. It was almost soothing really, though he worried about the effect all this water would have on his armor. He just hoped that the water wouldn't rise any higher or else he would be in trouble.

The knight saw movement in the distance and moved closer to investigate. He soon came upon a duo of what looked to be massive oysters or clams. Suffice to say, the large shellfish popped open to reveal dark viruses equipped with what looked like harpoons. A third virus, a large shrimp, emerged from the water behind the two shelled creatures.

"Damn," Durandal cursed. "Aquatic beasts."

"Hm?" Katherine asked as she glanced at the PET screen. "That's no good. We have a few electrical battlechips, but you are not well equipped to handle a liquid based offense."

"Aye," Durandal agreed. "I shall have to do my utmost to avoid their blows while delivering decisive strikes of my own."

"Sounds like a plan. I'll send you the ElecReel and the MagBolt to start you off. Then maybe your new shield."

Durandal could feel the surge of battlechip energy wash over him as he drew his sword. The silvery blade cut through the rolling steam as he brought the weapon to bear. Electricity sparked along the length of the sword and Durandal made certain to keep it well out of the water. He didn't want to accidentally electrocute himself or something equally silly.

Durandal took aim at the two shelled viruses in front of the shrimp and stepped forward. He sliced the sword through the air in a horizontal arc, hurling a blast of lightning toward one of the viruses. With luck, the surge of electricity would leap from one virus to the other and fry them both.

The Navi took off to his left, strafing the group of viruses in an effort to avoid any counter fire. The knee high water made movement difficult, but he fought his way through the warm liquid as he prepped another strike. Lighting flooded down the length of his sword once more and Durandal swung the sword around to point toward the lurking Shrimpy. Wisps of electrical current reached out in an attempt to bind the virus to Durandal, to link the two with magnetic force. The Navi tugged hard on the sword, hopefully activating the battlechip data and pulling the shrimp through the water toward him. He thrust forward once the virus was in range, hoping to impale it with little difficulty.

Durandal was on the move again, this time strafing to his right. He could feel a third surge of battlechip energy, but ignored it. He didn't want to weight himself down with a shield unless it was absolutely necessary. The water still dragged at him, but he was confident in his ability to avoid whatever the viruses could throw his way.

Summary:
1. ElecReel (80 Elec DMG) to ShellGeekB, Spread to ShellGeekA and Shrimpy (x2 for terrain)
2. Dodge
3. MagBolt1 (90 Elec DMG + Stun + Magnetic Pull) to Shrimpy (x2 for terrain)
4. Dodge

Executing a horizontal slash towards the Shellgeeks, Durandal fried them both into a crisp, though the Shrimpy was not included in the blast. The Shrimpy attempted to fire some bubbles to counter Durandal's advance, but the slow-moving attack was easily dodged. Later on, the MagBolt Durandal executed went awry when it managed to pull the Shrimpy towards him, but the virus managed to leap away in time before the knight could impale it.

Shrimpy: 100HP
ShellgeekA: DELETED
ShellgeekB: DELETED

Terrain: 100% Onsen

Durandal.EXE: 150HP

"Bah, quite the spry one," Durandal cursed as he moved in pursuit of the Shrimpy.

"You alright?" Katherine called.

"Aye, I am fine. My initial strike was not as planned, but I have more than evened the odds."

"Good. I'll go ahead and send you the FireHit then."

Durandal nodded and guided the surge of battlechip data into his sword. Flames ignited along the length of the blade, accompanied by a soft hiss as the heat burned away a fine layer of mist that had settled on the silver sword. Durandal held the sword aloft as he charged in after the fleeing Shrimpy. The Navi swung the fiery sword in a wide arc, hoping to cleave the virus' head from it's body.

Durandal moved to his right, picking up speed in an effort to cut off the virus. He turned sharply and strafed to his right, hopefully now in front of the virus. He attacked again, thrusting the flaming blade forward to impale the nimble virus. With luck, the two pronged attack would leave the prawn little room to maneuver.

The Navi switched tactics on the fly, cutting to his left in an effort to dodge any liquid onslaught that the virus had let in it. Another surge of battlechip energy sparked within Durandal's core and he quickly initiated it. Strength flooded his arms, granting him new found power, and he raised his sword with ease. He took sight of the virus, watching it's movements, and smashed downward with the heavy blade. If the virus didn't move away, there was no doubt that it would be decimated by the heavy-handed blow.

Summary:
1. FireHit1 (60 Fire DMG, Impact) to Shrimpy
2. FireHit1 (60 Fire DMG, Impact) to Shrimpy
3. Dodge
4. Rage Claw (40, Slashing) to Shrimpy

Durandal obtained: Roast Shrimp! [da-da-da-daa-da-daa-da-da-daaaaaa]

Shrimpy: DELETED
ShellgeekA: DELETED
ShellgeekB: DELETED

Terrain: 100% Onsen

Durandal.EXE: 150HP

-- BATTLE 01, VICTORY!! --

-- REWARDS --
480z

"Hm," Durandal mused as the virus vanished. "These aquatic viruses were not as troublesome as I had first believed."

"Then shall we continue?" Katherine asked.

"Aye."

Durandal gathered up his rewards and continued off further into the network.

((Battle 2))

Moving through the Yoka network, Durandal walked for a short while before finding himself at the edge of a large lake. He was about to leave when he saw something weird offshore; a large, ugly-looking fat fish was stranded on an island, while a group of Piranha-like viruses swarmed around it. The Piranha saw Durandal's figure shortly after his arrival, and re-focused their targeting on him instead!

-- ENEMIES --
Puffy-F: 100 HP (Coal)
Piranha A: 60 HP (Sea)
Piranha B: 60 HP (Sea)
Piranha C: 60 HP (Sea)

-- NAVIGATOR --
Durandal.EXE: 150 HP (Normal)

-- TERRAIN --
35% Normal (Edge of lake)
60% Sea (Lake)
5% Coal (Middle of lake)

-- BATTLE 02, READY? START!! --

"I do believe that I have stumbled upon something I shouldn't have," Durandal mused.

"Do you think those three fish were planning on eating the other one and it tried to escape by beaching itself on that island?" Katherine asked.

"Presumably, though it is also possible that the grounded fish is king and those others are its royal guard."

"Isn't that a tad farfetched?"

"Possibly, though one never knows with viruses. Shall I play it safe and focus on the three first? They seem to be the most immediate threat."

"Yeah, let's do that and see how the other fish responds. Since only the aggressive fish are in the water, I think it'll be pretty safe to send out the electrical chips again."

Durandal nodded. It was the most logical course of action, especially since he wasn't standing in the water himself and threatened with accidental electrocution. He felt the battlechip energy swell within his core, a warmth spreading from his chest out to his limbs. He guided the surge of energy, willing it through his arm and into the sword he held in a loose grip. Electricity sparked along the length of the blade, dancing arcs of bluish light that caused the sword to hum.

The knight stepped forward with his left foot, planting it firmly on the ground so he stood with his body turned slightly to the right. He raised his sword above his head in a two handed grip, poised for an overhead chop. A jolt of lightning shot into the air as Durandal sliced downward, the energy forming an arc that whipped down toward the closest of the piranha. The Navi hoped that the three viruses were close enough together that the dispersing electricity would spread to each in turn.

Durandal was on the move, strafing to his right along the edge of the lake. If any of the piranha survived his thunderous assault, he didn't want to be standing still to meet a counterstrike. He peered into the water, trying to make out the forms of the three fish viruses. He didn't know how this particular species of virus attacked, but he was determined to be ready to avoid whatever they could throw at him. Electricity still flowed along his sword and he was prepared to use it if he saw one of them still swimming.

Durandal thought he saw movement within the water and locked on with his sword, sending tendril of electricity into the water. He felt a magnetic pull in response to his search, a slight resistance when he moved his sword in a wide arc in front of him. He widened his stance, prepared to strike, and pulled back on the sword like an angler tugging on a fishing pole. If his magnetic lock worked, he would send the fish flying out of the water toward him. He waited, eyes scanning the water and ears straining for the telltale splash. If the fish came to him, he was prepared to bisect it cleanly.

"I'm not sure I trust that other fish," Durandal muttered. "I am uncertain of its motives."

"Then how about a little defense as well as offense?" Katherine asked. "I'll send you that shield chip."

Durandal adjusted his stance in response to a sudden weight forming on his arm. His right arm was now strapped to a tower shield that encompassed the whole of his front. A horizontal was cut into the steel of the shield to provide a relatively safe viewpoint. Durandal peered through the hole toward the island and its lone inhabitant. Would the other fish attack him? Or was it trying to escape the other three and be grateful for his aid?

Summary:
1. ElecReel (80 Elec DMG) to PiranhaA; Spread 3 to PiranhaB and C (x2 for element/terrain)
2. Dodge
3. Magbolt1 (90 Elec DMG + Stun + Magnetic Pull) to surviving Piranha
4. IronShield1 (2-hit shield + status guard) to self

((Bamp))

Starting off with a well-placed ElecReel, Durandal took out half his opposition as the Piranha were fried by the thundering attack. The remaining Piranha chose that time to attack, firing three separate needles at him. The initial one hit (5x2Aqua), but the subsequent two missed with his footwork. A retaliation in the form of a Magbolt pulled the Piranha out of the water and shocked it to death. The Puffy on the island looked hesitant to do anything much, not even move, looking merely grateful for the help. Was Durandal about to attack it as well?

-- ENEMIES --
Puffy-F: 100 HP (Coal)
Piranha A: DELETED
Piranha B: DELETED
Piranha C: DELETED

-- NAVIGATOR --
Durandal.EXE: 150 HP (Normal) (2-hit Shield)

-- TERRAIN --
35% Normal (Edge of lake)
60% Sea (Lake)
5% Coal (Middle of lake)

Durandal stared through the rectangular window cut into his shield, gazing across the lake toward the fish stranded on the small island. It didn't seem aggressive. It hadn't moved from its position, neither to attack or retreat. If anything, the Navi supposed the fish looked a little grateful.

"I see," Durandal said softly as he stepped out from behind his shield. "I do not wish to harm those not seeking battle. Go thy own way."

The knight slowly drew his sword up and inverted the blade, sliding it firmly in its sheath. He nodded to the fish on the island, attempting to use his body language to show no ill will. It seemed that Katherine had been correct in her estimation. The fish was being chased by those others and Durandal aided it by defeating its pursuers. The knight would not press an attack on a noncombatant.

Summary:
1-4. Let the Puffy go

As Durandal let the Puffy go, the virus did something like a grin with its fat face, though it didn't seem like it was going to go anywhere. However, it did release a small red bubble towards Durandal, which floated slowly towards him, and popped, to reveal the Puffy's signature battlechip data inside of it.

-- ENEMIES --
Puffy-F: 100 HP (Coal) (Surrendered)
Piranha A: DELETED
Piranha B: DELETED
Piranha C: DELETED

-- NAVIGATOR --
Durandal.EXE: 150 HP (Normal) (2-hit Shield)

-- TERRAIN --
35% Normal (Edge of lake)
60% Sea (Lake)
5% Coal (Middle of lake)

-- BATTLE 02, VICTORY!! --

-- REWARDS --
[HeatSpreader] Battlechip, 400z

Durandal accepted the battlechip data along with the left over zenny from the defeated piranha. He dismissed his shield and gave the lone Puffy a brisk salute. With that, he continued along the edge of the lake before moving on deeper into Yoka Net. He wasn't sure what he would find, but he felt he was prepared for whatever would come his way.

"Well, that turned out just fine." Katherine commented.

"Aye, it seems that thou were correct, Milady." Durandal said.

"Are you continuing on?"

"Aye. Thou art still relaxing, are thee not?"

((Battle 3))

Continuing along the edge of the lake, Durandal found the end of it, and walked off towards more unknowns. He found a rushing river, and after some time of walking downstream, came upon a bridge that linked the two sides. However, it was run over by Handy viruses, which immediately noticed his presence. What was worse was that a pair of other viruses, a Weather and a Raingear, had come up from further downstream.

-- ENEMIES --
Handy A: 80 HP (Metal)
Handy B: 80 HP (Metal)
Handy C: 80 HP (Metal)
Raingear: 80 HP (Normal)
Weather: 80 HP (Normal)

-- NAVIGATOR --
Durandal.EXE: 150 HP (Normal)

-- TERRAIN --
20% Metal (Bridge)
50% Sea (River)
30% Normal (This side of the river)

-- BATTLE 03, READY? START!! --

"Hm," Durandal muttered as he caught sight of the scene arrayed before him. "Another awkward situation."

"Oh yeah," Katherine agreed. "With your armor, you definitely don't want to try and ford the river. However, those viruses are guarding the bridge and it looks like some odd aquatic viruses are heading your way."

She was right of course. For a woman who spent much of her time in a room reading or writing, she was surprisingly accurate when it came to reading a situation. It allowed her to choose the correct battlechips at any given time. Durandal supposed that this ability was what allowed her to come up with elaborate plots for her novels.

With his heavy armor and fiery nature, a rushing river was one of the last places that Durandal wanted to find himself in. If he wanted to cross and move deeper into the wilds of Yoka, he would need access to that bridge. However, it was currently occupied by what looked like a trio of large, disembodied hands. He doubted that he could pass by them without engaging in combat, especially when he thought he could see an explosive device of some sort within easy reach of one of the hands.

However, that wasn't the worst of his problems. Two more viruses were currently moving toward his position from downstream. He wasn't sure if Katherine had been correct about them being aquatic in nature, but he didn't want to risk it. From what he could gather, most of the viruses in Yoka were aquatic and, as such, more than a little troublesome. He would need to find a way to deal with them as well.

"Shall I send you the two electrical chips?" Katherine asked.

"Aye, Milady. Yonder terrain is metallic in nature. The lightning should provide an advantage against those hands." Durandal answered as he drew his sword.

Durandal could already feel the burgeoning energy within his core. He directed the surge of battlechip energy through his body, guiding the wave through his hand and into the silvery blade. Lightning sparked to life, channeling along the length of the sword. Arcs of electricity danced along the sword, leaping from one spot to another and causing the weapon to hum with power. The knight locked eyes on the three hand-like viruses blocking his passage across the river. The metal of the bridge would allow for enhanced conductivity, perhaps even enough to send the voltage of his strike through the viruses multiple times.

He raised his sword into the air with a two-handed grip, focusing the brunt of the energy into the tip of his blade. He took a step forward, lowering the sword in a lightning fast vertical slash. The built up electricity leaped from the tip of the blade and whipped across the battlefield toward the three viruses. Like a snake poised to strike, the bolt of lightning struck down with deadly fangs bared. Durandal hoped that the bolt would strike one of the three Handy viruses and, using the conductive metallic bridge as a springboard, leap to its two partners. With luck and not a little skill, all three of the viruses would be nothing more than charred wrecks and allow him free access to the bridge.

Durandal turned to face the two viruses moving toward him along the side of the river. One was a round blue creature with a small head and what looked to be vents on each side that kept it aloft with blasts of water. A small horn that resembled a conch shell was sprouting from the creature's head. The second virus looked like a Halloween decoration in the form of a white cloth or tissue paper ghost. Durandal thought it odd that the ghost was wearing a conical straw hat, but didn't feel it appropriate to comment on it.

The pulse of electricity running along Durandal's sword was dwindling, so he transferred more battlechip data into the blade. The current of energy surged to life once more, this time accompanied by a halo of static electricity that radiated around the sword. The static reached out toward the two viruses and Durandal directed its movements by pointing the tip of the blade toward the Raingear. The static force locked on, linking the virus and Navi together with magnetic forces.

Durandal drew back on his sword, hoping to draw the virus toward him and within attacking distance. He held the sword poised to strike, waiting for the virus to be pulled toward him by their magnetic link. Once the Raingear moved within range of his strike, he slashed down in a diagonal chop designed to cleave the rotund virus in twain.

Hoping the Raingear was cut down, Durandal pivoted back toward the bridge and reversed his grip on his sword. His feet dug into the earth beneath him as he took off in a straight charge. He could feel a third surge of battlechip energy and smiled to himself. Yes, that girl really did know how to read a situation.

Durandal channeled the energy into his free arm and held it in front of him in a defensive position. The large tower shield materialized on his arm. It was heavy enough to slow him down, but also large enough to span the majority of the width of the bridge. With lucky, he could use the shield to knock any surviving hand viruses into the water. At the very least, it would protect him from a frontal assault.

Summary:
1. ElecReel1 (80 Elec DMG) to HandyA with Spread 3 to HandyB and C (x2 for terrain)
2. MagBolt1 (90 Elec DMG + Stun + Magnetic Pull) to Raingear (x2 for element?)
3. Dodge onto bridge
4. IronGuard1 (2-hit shield + Status Guard) to self, facing Handys

The electric blast from Durandal's weapon crackled across the bridge, killing the Handies that inhabited it. One of the viruses managed to get a bomb out before he died, but it looked like it was a dud anyways, so Durandal could probably afford to ignore it. His magbolt sword attack was also effective at killing the enemy Raingear, chopping it into two charmingly even pieces.

Durandal was unprotected from the side, allowing the Weather nearby him to drop down for an icy breath attack! The cold wind chilled the knight's body, but he managed to get off of the ice and onto the metal bridge. He knew he didn't want to get hit by that ice breath and end up frozen in the water, however.

-- ENEMIES --
Handy A: DELETED
Handy B: DELETED
Handy C: DELETED
Raingear: DELETED
Weather: 80 HP (Normal)

DudBomb: 1 HP (Metal)

-- NAVIGATOR --
Durandal.EXE: 130 HP (Ice) (2-hit shield)

-- TERRAIN --
20% Metal (Bridge)
50% Sea (River)
5% Normal (This side of the river)
25% Ice (This side of the river)

Durandal's initial assault had gone well, though not entirely as he had planned. He had managed to decimate the trio of viruses guarding the bridge and one of the two creatures attempting to flank him. However, the final virus had been more agile than Durandal had anticipated. The creature had managed to maneuver around his guard and deliver a blast of freezing cold that left a layer of frost across his breastplate.

"Bah," the Navi muttered. "Quicker than I thought."

Durandal moved along the bridge, avoiding the patched of ice and seeking studier ground. He kept a firm grasp on his shield, intent on using it to guard against any further attacks. He spotted an explosive device sitting on the bridge as he moved. There was a screen on the device, perhaps for a countdown of sorts; however, it was cracked and looked to be nonfunctional. Still, it was best to avoid such things and he continued past it along the bridge.

Durandal turned as he reached the far side of the bridge. He spotted the ghostlike virus behind him. He was unsure of the virus' intention, but he knew that he didn't want to fight it without ample space to maneuver. Still, the virus was obviously hostile and he couldn't allow it to do as it pleased.

"Come beast," Durandal shouted toward the Weather. "Thou art quick to strike from the shadows when thou hast thy opponent overwhelmed. Now let us see how thee fares in single combat. Come at me and taste steel!"

He wasn't used to taunting people in battle, but he needed to draw his opponent in to close quarters. He hoped his ploy would work and held his sword at the ready. He activated the battlechip data waiting within him, drawing the reserve of energy into his sword. When the virus moved within range of his blade, he would strike.

Durandal caught sight of the unexploded bomb once more and quickly adjusted his tactics. He didn't want to be anywhere near the bomb when it exploded, but perhaps he would be able to use it to his advantage. He tightened his grip on his sword, directing all of his strength into his arm. When the virus moved close enough, Durandal would pivot out from behind his shield, slashing in a diagonal upswing with the flat of his blade. With luck, the force of the blow would smash into the Weather and send it tumbling backward toward the bomb. Hopefully, the impact would set off the bomb and the force of the explosion would be enough to decimate the virus.

Whether the Weather was caught in the explosion of not, Durandal ducked back behind his shield. He activated the last battlechip that Katherine had slotted in. A dark aura washed over the length of the blade, a shadow that seemed to absorb the light around it. If the Weather still survived, Durandal was ready to attack.

The Navi kicked his shield forward and charged over the fallen length of steel to continue his assault. He raised his sword high and slashed downward in a quick chop. The shadow seemed to hang in the air behind the slash, a wave of pent up energy. Durandal released the wave, sending it hurdling across the bridge toward the virus. If the knight's aim was true, the shadow would slice through the Weather and end the battle.

Summary:
1. Move to far side of bridge
2. Taunt Weather
3. Rage Claw throw (20 + Impact) Weather into Dudbomb
4. Shotgun (50) to Weather

As the Weather realized it was the only one left on the field for Durandal to defeat, it got desperate, and switched tactics, attempting to leap back up into the air. Fortunately, Durandal managed to catch the Weather by surprise, and threw it into the bomb! This started off a reaction that made the bomb suddenly explode, and damage the Weather significantly. Durandal then finished it off easily with a shockwave from his sword.

-- ENEMIES --
Handy A: DELETED
Handy B: DELETED
Handy C: DELETED
Raingear: DELETED
Weather: DELETED

DudBomb: EXPLODED

-- NAVIGATOR --
Durandal.EXE: 130 HP (Ice) (2-hit shield)

-- TERRAIN --
20% Metal (Bridge)
50% Sea (River)
5% Normal (This side of the river)
25% Ice (This side of the river)

-- BATTLE 03, VICTORY!! --

-- REWARDS --
800z

Durandal sheathed his sword and wiped the frost from his armor. He collected whatever usable data was left over from the battle and continued on to the other side of the river. He had been injured, but it wasn't anything life threatening. The deeper he went into this network, the more cunning the viruses became. He imagined that soon he would be facing much more dangerous situations.

"Are you continuing?" Katherine asked.

"Aye," Durandal answered. "I think I might."

"Alright, but I'll be leaving here soon enough."

"As you say, Milady."

((Battle 4 please))