Posts made by MagicCereal

So, the thing in the chat yesterday with me and Rogan showed me a few things. The most important one being, things are never going to change between the two of us. Which would be rough, but whatever, if it was just between us. But it isn't. We're not above bringing the drama into the main chat, which is unacceptable. And yet, unless one of us has a total personality switch, it's probably not changing.

Another less important, but still relevant thing is that I'm going to have to change my entire battle style, RP wise. Up until now, I thought when you used dodges didn't matter, they just happened. But nope, apparently not, it just seldom mattered/I never noticed even when it did until now. Sure, in theory, I could just keep doing what I'm doing, but when I know that actually matters, how can I?

Well, both of these sorta point towards one thing, which is pretty obvious from the post title: I'm done. Done with RERN, done with the chat, done with arguing with Rogan, done with being made to feel like the bad guy after the arguments, earned or not, done with everything. As long as I'm here, the arguments will continue, and I'm kinda afraid that one of these days, there's going to be a big one right in the middle of everything, and that's not fair to anyone. I've tried the gentle approach, I've tried the tough approach, nothing works. The only solution I see is one of us leaving, and it's definitely not going to be her. I barely post anymore anyway, so I'm no huge loss.

If you want to chat with me for whatever reason, you can always PM me on Steam (username is RandomMan802).

...I had more to say, but I'm tired after a long day of work, and I still got the essentials out, I think. So, farewell, everyone. You will be missed.

D:

A waterfall, or a jungle...well, that was an easy decision. "Then it's settled. We go right. And, flamethrowers off for this part, please. We can't win this if everyone's burnt to a crisp, and, and I really want to emphasize this, I really, REALLY don't want to be burnt to a crisp." Zombies and vampires and the like tended to do poorly with fire. And since she sorta fell into that realm...oh, and that wasn't even considering the fact she was Wood elemental anyway.

"Lassoing? That sounds pretty handy for this part. And the flower I summon can create vines with pretty good reach...although while the vines are pretty quick, the flower itself moves really slow." It was probably at best a backup option to Rodeo's abilities, or for temporarily disabling someone.

The sound of a shot made Rose freeze in place, slightly relieved upon noting that not only was it meant for her, it didn't really harm her intended target, either. This was followed by...a scene that kinda looked like that action movie Leilani had watched not too long ago. But this time, she needed to root for the giant.

Root...hmm. An idea was forming in her head. "Quick change of plans! Wasteland, keep an eye out for anyone else! Rodeo, we need to get over there!" She motioned for her to follow, forgetting that the other Navi had a faster method of transportation. She'd accept any ride offers if that was pointed out, though.

Eventually, they'd reach the giant ninja, and the not-so-giant Navi attacking her. "Okay, Rodeo, I'm going to snatch that weapon from that red Navi. Once I have it, lasso her good!" Rose summoned her flower next to her, and pointed. A thorny vine extended from beneath it, though it seemed to stay close to the ground at first. Once it was underneath her target, it shot upward, until it got close. It began to wrap around the weapon, quickly rising up until it engulfed the whole thing. The other Navi tried to pull it away, but the tip of the vine responded by smacking her with a razor sharp spike, making her recoil in pain and let go of the weapon. As she lowered it down to the ground, Rodeo prepared for her role, flinging her rope forward with a hearty "YEEHAW!"...

...At least, that's how it went in her head. As the flower Navi's flower began to extend its vine upward, she could only hope that it'd go half as well in reality.

As she kept moving, OpticWoman couldn't help but notice the increasing amount of junk on the sides of the path as she proceeded. If nothing else, it made it pretty clear that she was entering seldom used territory.

"Stop for a moment."

Despite the suddenness of the order, the secret agent Navi came to a screeching, yet quiet, halt. "Hmm? Dis we miss an exit?"

"No, I just want you to quickly scan the clutter. See if there's any remnants that may be useful."

"I suppose SciLab isn't above throwing out things a civilian might be able to use...all right. Scanning now." OpticWoman's visor went fully opaque as she looked over the various garbage...for a moment. It quickly went back to normal as she noticed something moving to her left. She immediately pointed at it, ready to fire if needed, only to shift her focus straight ahead as a virus fell from above. "Incoming viruses! I can't risk being vulnerable long enough to scan until they're gone."

"True enough. And where there's one, there's bound to be others, so watch it."

As if on cue, a couple of Ratty appeared where she'd seen earlier movement, and she could make out what were clearly some Bunny ears at the edge of a wall. "I'm not short on company, it seems. What say we have them join the rest of the garbage?"

"I already have a plan on how to approach this. We'll start with this."

"...Ahem."

"What?

"Mind saying what the chip or chips are beforehand? Even a brief moment before helps me out."

"...Oh. Fine. I'm sending...Synapse first. After that, you'll be receiving a ThunderBeam." As soon as she finished saying ThunderBeam, Hina immediately inserted the other chip.

"See, that's very helpful. Thank you." Based on that order, it was pretty clear what she needed to hit with what. OpticWoman readied her not-quite-a-gun hand, aiming it straight ahead at the Billy before her. As she readied the chip data, she could feel her mind focusing, then felt a jolt move from her brain to her arm. Shortly afterward, her fingers sparked, and fired off a wave of electricity. If and when it hit the Billy, it'd use its body to quickly alter its direction, and fire itself at the semi-hidden Bunny, and the process would repeat with it to hit its partner in fighting.

"Good, you understood. Here's the other chip."

The electrical Navi widened her hand positioning, such that she was using an additional finger to mimic a gun. She aimed sideways, which would have been bad form for a real gun, but for something like a ThunderBeam chip, it'd actually be easier to aim this way. Soon enough, a bolt of lightning shot out from each of the three fingers. Two were shot out at each mouse-based virus, with the third veering off towards where the Billy had been. Even if it was still there, it wouldn't get away that easily.

"...Hmm. Perhaps we shouldn't press the offensive."

"Why not? Unlike that last fight, none of these can block my attacks."

"More haste, less speed. I think we can afford to be cautious here. But, if you insist on an extra attack, I think I have just the thing. Here, have CurseShield."

A Dominerd2 formed in front of OpticWoman, who shook her head, but wasn't exactly displeased to have protection with sharp, pointy fangs. The next thing that tried to hit her, was in all likelihood dead. Figuring the chip selection and lack of further instruction for clues that she wasn't going to get anything else, she readied herself for evasive action, just in case she had had horrible aim. ...Nope, nothing but silence. She was on her own for a few moments, until they could properly reassess the situation.

[Order of Turn:
1- Synapse1Damage: 80 + Piercing + Chain 2
Accuracy: B
Description: Produces a powerful ray through sheer force of thought, which arcs towards nearby enemies when it hits a target.
Duration: Once
Element: Elec
Special: Chain 2: This attack, upon striking a target, may change directions towards a new target. This may be done up to 2 times in one attack.
Trader Rank: D on Billy, BunnyA, and BunnyB (+5 same element bonus)
2- ThunderBeam1Damage: 60 + Seeking x 3 Targets
Accuracy: A
Description: Shoots three beams of electricity at three different enemies. Pierces Invis.
Duration: Once
Element: Elec
Trader Rank: D on RattyA, RattyB, and Billy (+5 same element bonus)
3- CurseShield2Damage: (1 Hit Shield) + (Counter(210): On-Hit)
Accuracy: A
Description: Blocks one attack, teleports to face the attacker, and then charges the target to deliver a crushing bite attack. Break attacks will pierce the defense, but only Impact will stop the Dominerd's Counter.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Special: Status Guard: This chip blocks debuffs.
Trader Rank: C on OpticWoman
4-Dodge
5-Dodge
6-Dodge]

Any and all peace and quiet in the shop would be immediately disrupted, as two Netopian high schoolers walked in, one of which would look familiar to Suitachi. "Welcome to Suitachi's!"

"So this is the shop you go to? It's a lot...er...plainer than I was expecting."

"Yeah, the layout's kinda boring. But he's got pretty good stock, and the prices aren't bad, either!"

"Is that so? Maybe I'll grab something for CourtMan, then. But how do you check his inventory? Do I need to download a list?"

"Nah, it's a little lower tech than that." Sabrina grabbed the binder from the counter, and carried it over to one of the tables. "Here it is!"

"A binder? Rather simple."

"Yeah, but it gets the job done. Check it out." The blue shirted girl opened it up to the first page. "See? Nice, big picture, and it even has customer reviews!"

"I'm not gonna lie. I'm surprised you come here, if you have to do so much reading."

"And just what is THAT supposed to mean?"

"Oh, don't worry about it, hee hee!"

Over the next 30 minutes, the two girls gave the various pages a good look, chatting about them, with their Navis playing the role of basic calculators. Eventually, they were satisfied with their decisions, and Sabrina returned the binder to its original spot. "Okay, we're ready!"

"You can go first. You're going to be the big spender, after all."

"That...may be a first for us. Me spending a ton, and you just getting a couple of small things."

"I know, right?"

"Ahem! All right Suitachi, prepare to be rich! I'll take 8 HPMemories, and 5 Process Upgrades!" She readied her PET for payment, as well as allowing the shopkeeper to see her already obtained upgrades...which were already numerous enough that her order would be quite expensive, indeed.

[Order of Purchase
1-HPMemory #13 - 6000z (8 NC Upgrades also owned)
2-HPMemory #14 - 6250z (8 NC Upgrades also owned)
3-HPMemory #15 - 6500z (8 NC Upgrades also owned)
4-HPMemory #16 - 6750z (8 NC Upgrades also owned)
5-HPMemory #17 - 7000z (8 NC Upgrades also owned)
6-HPMemory #18 - 7250z (8 NC Upgrades also owned)
7-HPMemory #19 - 7500z (8 NC Upgrades also owned)
8-HPMemory #20 - 7750z (8 NC Upgrades also owned)
9-Process Upgrade #25 - 2500z
10-Process Upgrade #26 - 2600z
11-Process Upgrade #27 - 2700z
12-Process Upgrade #28 - 2800z
13-Process Upgrade #29 - 2900z

Total Spent - 68500z
Money Before Purchase - 73860z
Money After Purchase - 5360z]

"Well, that's that." Her Navi now safely within the confines of her PET, Sabrina slumped in her chair a bit, though mostly out of relaxation more than relief that she didn't have to worry about any more Omega viruses. "So, when you get back, make sure everyone knows that I've got a Navi strong enough to go toe to toe in the Undernet!"

"Oh, trust me, I will! I don't think I'm going to forget that for a long time..."

"..." As she sat, the young Netopian woman quick realized something. "...So, what do you wanna do now?"

"Hmm...I dunno...oh, we can always do our nails!"

"Pass. I did my toes the other day."

"Really? Without me? I'm surprised AND proud! What color?"

"Uh...I forgot what it's called, but it's kind of a cobalt blue?"

"Yep, that sure sounds like the Sabrina I know."

"What can I say? I like blue." ...Hmm. What to do...

"Oh! I know what we can do!"

"What's that?"

"Electopia's considered the gold standard for NetBattling, right?"

"Well, yeah-"

"So, what do their Navi shops look like? What do their chip shops look like? How are they different from Netopian shops? I'm kinda curious, especially after seeing you and SplashMan battle."

"...Uh, I don't think they're really all that different?"

"Did you ever really pay attention before coming here?"

"Uh...not really."

"Then I wanna find out for myself!"

"All right, all right. We'll do it. Just, lemme get my pack on, and we'll go."

"Great! So, where's a good one we can visit?"

"The one I check out is at SciLab."

"You mean THE SciLab? Wow, we should check that out afterward!"

"I'm starting to feel like a tour guide..."

"Can you blame me? I get to check some some of DenCity's sights, and I don't have to worry about my translator program messing up, or getting lost, because the person I'm with is my best friend in the whole world!"

"True, I guess it'll be cool to check stuff out with MY best friend in the whole world. So, first off, SciLab."

"We'll check it out, and be back in time for supper cooked by your mom!"

"Isn't your dad going to be worried that you'll be gone for so long?"

"I told him what I was going to do beforehand. I'm pretty sure he suspected it, since he just said to make sure I'm back before he flies back."

"At least he trusts you."

"Yeah. ...Either that, or he figures he has seven other daughters, and can afford to miss one..."

"...Let's just go. And leave your paranoia at the door." Sabrina was ready to go, so she opened up the door and looked back. "Next stop, SciLab!"

(TO SCILAB)

Ooh, a YoYo2 would be pretty sweet to have. How about, uh...3600z for it? That seems pretty fair.

- Sabrina Jetto
ATTACHMENT: 3600z

"Other work, huh...?" It usually wasn't the easiest task in the world to figure out how SplashMan was feeling by looks alone, considering his lack of face, but between his eye language and tone, it was fairly obvious he wasn't thrilled at the idea of Prose continuing on alone. "I can't imagine who else is strong and/or crazy enough to hang out down here, but be careful! Although I guess I don't really need to tell you that."

Sabrina didn't seem to love the response aimed at her, either, but she was more a combination of puzzled and suspicious. "So what, this is just charity work? Awful lot of charity to be handing out rare chips, don't you think? ...Or was it the money that was in yours? I lost track of which is which...either way, it's a lot. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's appreciated no matter which one I got in your Mystery Data, but..." She trailed off as Prose finished, which softened her gaze a bit. "So, there's a whole group behind this? I guess that makes some sense." If nothing else, she got more of an answer than she expected, so she was content.

But with that, Prose was off. SplashMan stood still for a moment, but eventually raised an arm to wave at her. "Bye! See you around!"

"Huh. A group dedicated to watching over Navis, and rewarding them for their sacrifices. If that group really exists, I kinda wanna know more about them."

"Same here. If they're that selfless, I wouldn't mind helping to fund them a little!"

"Says the girl that gave me 30000 zenny like it was nothing."

"Hey, I had to save that up. By setting it aside from my last allowance, but still..."

"Well, she's out of sight. You don't need me to stay here any longer, right?"

"Nope, I think we proved our point. Come on back!"

"On it!" With that, the watery Navi became a blue beam of light, and vanished from the Undernet.

(JACKING OUT)

Much to OpticWoman's surprise, the decoding process took no effort on her part beyond the tap, though as it proceeded, she gave it a more and more puzzled look. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but that isn't typical of mystery data, is it?"

"No. No it is not."

"Well, at least we know it's chip data. Checking the ID...RollArrow. ...So it's an arrow that rolls?"

"BattleChips aren't exactly my forte, but it sounds like it. Send it over, and I'll check the defaults." A few moments later, some new chip data entered the PET. "Checking them now...well that's weird. The chip image appears to be some girl Navi with a bow for an arm. The actual attack has you gain that bow, and shooting an arrow with a heart shaped head."

"So it's not like Arrow, where I get a giant wasp to sting things to death. I basically become Ye Olde Secret Agent?"

"A bit. For what it's worth, the attack does disrupt selected enemy chip data."

"This is 20XX, what kind of moron just shoots a bow in the internet?"

"To be fair, that's just the default. After it's interacted with your systems, who knows how it'll manifest?"

"That's...marginally comforting. But who EVER thought that was a good idea to begin with? ...Don't answer, it's rhetorical."

"Then I'll just inform you how to proceed. Keep going straight for a while. The center of that wall should be able to be passed through."

"Should?" The secret agent Navi drew near the wall, picked up a nearby piece of debris data, and threw it at the wall. It went through without issue, answering that particular question. She nodded, and went through it to the other side, where thankfully there weren't any viruses for a potential ambush. "Odd that they'd take the false wall approach, instead of something like a password."

"In my experience, that means they're trying to not make it look too hush-hush. If you can go through without any effort, clearly it isn't hiding anything major. Of course, if my intel is right, that's far from the case here."

"Still seems odd for the likes of SciLab to rely on something so...crude. Ah well, it makes our job that much easier, since we're not fooled."

"Indeed. Now, keep going. It's even more important now to not get yourself caught."

"Noted." And so, OpticWoman raced forward, towards the goal of...well, she didn't know what the goal was yet. But she'd find out soon enough, she figured.

"Oh, and by the way...I doubt I need to say it, but let's not have a repeat of those lead feet, shall we?"

"...No, that's definitely not happening again." She kinda wanted to say something else, but that was probably a bad idea right now, with the increasing danger and said operator being the source of her chips.

(Searching for Battle #2)

It wasn't exactly the smoothest of battles, but OpticWoman had done it. "I suppose that was thrilling, but I think I'd prefer stealthily picking them off one by one, instead of running around, guns blazing."

"As would I, but unfortunately our means of doing so are...currently severely limited. With luck, over time we'll be able to change that. Now, as for your first battle...you have a lot of room for improvement, that's for sure. Your accuracy was quite good, actually, but when it comes to avoiding attacks, you...well, you sucked. No other way to put it. I suppose I should grade on a curve, though, since you had no prior practical experience."

"I should get better at that over time. And, I must say, this visor is excellent for locking on and targeting enemies."

"Good, I actually spent quite a bit of time programming some custom routines into it. If they prove useful, then it wasn't a waste of time."

"Now, as for the spoils..." With one more finger point, the remaining data was decoded and transferred over to the PET. "No chip data, just money and BugFrags. But perhaps more importantly..." She walked over to the translucent green crystal, and got down on one knee to take a better look at it. "What, exactly, should we do about this?"

"Do YOU trust a random rabbit creature allegedly leaving uncorrupted mystery data?"

"Of course not. But...by all outward appearances, it's a genuine Mystery Data. What's the worst that could happen, even if she gave us a trapped one for a prank?"

"...IF it's a geniune mystery data, that would be true. But if it's not? What if it's a virus that sends data on our activites?"

"You're the one that's proud about your untracable tech. If this managed to track that data, isn't that somewhat on you?"

"...You're not exactly wrong, but...hmph. Whatever. Go ahead, if you want. Should a problem arise, we'll take care of it then."

"Like I said, I don't see much of a downside here. Should something bad happen, I take full responsibility." With that, OpticWoman poked the data, and began the decoding process.

(Opening GMD)

"Tch." In the real word, Hina shook her head in disappointment. She made her Navi to be stealthy, but she took not one, but two hits that quickly? Maybe she wasn't as skilled at Navi customizing as she'd thought. "Disappointing."

"Disappointing?! This is my first ever battle, and-" OpticWoman went silent as she realized she wasn't alone with the virus. She pointed with two fingers at her immediately, though a bit confused at the fact she was now looking at some sort of rabbit. "Identify yourself!"

Instead, she reached into a basket...filled with mystery data? She flung it onto the field, though it seemed slightly less solid than it should've. By the time the secret agent Navi had looked back, the mysterious rabbit had already started to make her escape. She considered taking a shot or two...but eventually lowered her arm. "Damn, she's quick!"

"Are you insane? You just allowed a witness to escape!"

"Stay calm, she won't snitch. If she reports me to SciLab, I can easily report her for suspicious activity. And if she has half a brain, she'll realize that."

"..."

"In the meantime, send me something else that'll take out this Grinner in one shot. I'll leave the details to you."

Hina scowled at her PET screen, half-tempted to do otherwise...but doing so would be cutting her nose to spite her face. Instead, she sent over a chip. "Fine. Take this ElecPulse, and don't allow any more mistakes."

"...Understood." Though she felt the chip data enter her immediately, OpticWoman knew enough to not immediately fire. Instead, she'd run over to the other set of Solar panels, feeling a bit better once they were under foot. Then, she'd simply point at the remaining virus, and wait for it to get the bright idea to attack. Just like with the CannonGuard, once its defenses were down...bzzt! Except instead of a close range shock, she'd just shower it with powerful electromagnetic waves, strong enough to instantly erase it from the net forever.

Afterward, she'd be ready to avoid an attack if she somehow managed to miss at point blank range, and then ponder how to respond. But at that point, the bigger problem might be how her operator would respond to another failure of that level...

[Order of Turn:
1-Ensure GrinnerB is within melee range (Movement)
2-Wait for GrinnerB to drop its defense
3- ElecPulse2Damage: 120 + Seeking + Glitch + Cone Attack
Accuracy: C
Description: Blast up to 4 enemies with a cone of electromagnetic waves that disrupts invisibility and causes glitches.
Duration: Once
Element: Elec
Special: Close range only.
Trader Rank: C on GrinnerB
4-Dodge
---TURN SPLICE---

As it was becoming clearer that the bunny Navi wasn't an active threat, SplashMan raised his cannons, though he raised a metaphorical eyebrow at the idea of her having wings. She proceeded to give her name, after stating what she'd normally say in a time like this, and before the actual answer to one of his question. "Well, it's good thing you didn't bring up the mascot stuff, because I don't think I would've believed it. And I KNOW my operator wouldn't!"

Based on the single raised eyebrow on Sabrina's face, the watery Navi was almost certainly correct. "Hang on, her file extension's .lapin? How do you make a file extension that's literally just a Netopian word for rabbit? It's not even three letters long! And I'm not even touching that name!"

"Well, luckily for you, I'm a word nerd. Prosopopoeia is the act of an imaginary or absent person being represented as speaking or acting. Like, if you pretended to take a call because a guy you don't like is trying to hit on you."

"That doesn't really make me any less suspicious of her."

"I know...be careful, SplashMan!"

"Okay then, I guess it's nice to meet you, uh..." ...Nope, he wasn't even going to try to pronounce that name. "...Can I just call you Prose, for short? Me, my name's SplashMan!"

Navi and operator proceeded to get a lesson on the inner workings of mystery data, the former looking quite intently as she essentially created one. "Neat! I think I caught that...maybe I'll try it next time I get a break!"

"I'd say try it now, but I'd feel better about doing something new when you're not in the most screwed up place on the entire net."

"I'm with you on that..." And with that, both datas were ready to be opened. At least as soon as the Mimic occupying one of them quit milking its death and went away. And...there. "Okay, finally opening these things up!...This one's got...wow, a whole bunch of money!"

"What's a whole bunch-holy crap!" The amount most definitely qualified in her mind as a whole bunch. "That's a match for what May's giving us!"

"Wow, that's not bad at all, for deleting three whole viruses."

"And the other one? I kinda hope it's not cash, at this rate I'm gonna have more than I know what to do with..."

"Hmm...nope, it's a chip! One without any sort of virus data signature, either. It's called...Jealousy!"

"...Cool, but I have no idea what that would even do." Let's see what her PET said..."J...Jealousy! It does more damage when your opponent uses lots of BattleChips. So, I guess it's good against other Navis. Virus busting, not so much. Pretty rare, though, which is cool!"

"I don't think it's a chip a lot of people would have, at least. That's pretty neat." SplashMan transferred the bonuses over to the PET, then looked back over at Prose. "I'm probably going to leave in a minute. I dunno how good at virus busting you are, but if you're not feeling up to battling omega viruses, you should probably leave first. I'm still feeling mostly okay, so even if something else ambushes me before I can leave, I don't think I'll keel over easily!"

"Don't forget your smart, helpful, and beautiful operator's here to watch your back!"

"I think one of those isn't as important as the other two...anyway, Prose, you should go ahead. I'll be right behind you! And uh, I don't really know why you're going around giving mystery data to people, but I appreciate it!" Aside from casually looking off to either side, SplashMan didn't show much sign of being concerned about what might or might not be incoming. His lack of movement, however, seemed to indicate that he was serious about waiting until he was alone before he'd leave the Undernet behind. And the lack of questions from either human or Navi was probably a good sign they were content with what they knew. Although once the latter checked his operator feed..."Sabrina? You kinda look like you wanna say something."

She was biting her lip a little, but stopped once her Navi addressed her. "Well...honestly, I don't think I'll get an answer."

"Oh, come on, Sabrina! What's she going to do, say no?"

"...Fair enough. So uh, Pr...Miss Bunny Girl, you said this was a job, right? So then it'd stand to reason that someone hired you to do said job. So who's weird and rich enough to have you throw around tons of cash and chips out of the goodness of their heart?"

The water tank Navi seemed a bit puzzled by the question, but his focused gaze on Prose seemed to indicate that he was interested in an answer.

Somehow, someway, for some reason, it was over. No viruses in sight, bird-like or otherwise. SplashMan's external state returned to its usual water tank...ness, and started to make his way foward. "Uhhh...my head feels weird..."

Back in the real world, Sabrina leapt up, and raised her PET holding hand upward in victory. "Ha! How'd'ya like that, May?"

"W-Wow..." The other young woman decided to remain seated, her head swimming for very different reasons from SplashMan. "Th-That was incredible! That was like watching your dad virus bust! Except your Navi isn't a total ass! And he's water based."

"Oh, I dunno if I'd go THAT far. It was pretty rad, though!" The operator looked at her PET, noting something was a bit off with her Navi. "Are...you okay, SplashMan? You're not looking that great."

"Huh? That you, Sabrina? I'll be okay, I just need a minute..." The aquatic Navi reached over, grabbed the Mystery Data before it sank, and walked over to where he'd started the battle. "Those glitched out panels are weird...but I guess we did it, huh?"

"We sure did! I think May's in shock from it."

"I mean, how many people do you know that can fight in the Undernet, and come away ready for more? Of course I'm gonna be flustered!"

"What can I say? We're great!"

"Yeah! ...Okay, I think I'm starting to auto-repair those glitches. Everything's looking more normal now. ...Oh! There's the reward data! I'll send it over!" SplashMan waved an arm, making it vanish into the safe confines of his operator's PET. "Oh, wow...there was chip data in there!"

"Probably an ElecReel, knowing our luck. Oh well, it's better thaaaaa-" Now it was Sabrina's turn to be flustered, as she noticed what chip they'd acquired. "-aaaat's a MetaGel3!"

"MetaGel3? I've never even heard of that chip. Let me see what it does-ohhhhh wow that's quite the chip!"

"I know! And we got a ton of cash, too! And some BugFrag things, but c'mon, cash and MetaGel freakin' 3!"

"MetaGel3? Awesome! Totally worth coming here for!" He looked off to his side, and the red crystal that was there. "And that's before we open this guy up!"

But before anything could be done about that, a sound alerted SplashMan, who looked in that direction as he lowered his cannons. It was soon revealed to be some sort of...bunny Navi? Who proceeded to give him another Mystery Data? That was weird on so many levels..."Um, thanks...and no thanks on the healing. I'm fine, and I'll probably leave in a minute, anyway. But, uh...just who are you?"

"Hey, SplashMan? Are we sure taking Mystery Datas from weird bunny Navis is a good idea?"

"It's fine. There's no encryption that keeps a Navi from being able to tell if it's a Mimic or not, so I can definitely say that's not a problem. But, how'd you do it to begin with? I don't think this is what a Mystery Data's usually like after using an Untrap, so you had to have done something...sorry if I'm coming off as rude, but you're really making my head swim, and at this point it's not from glitches!"

"Well, if it's safe, you may as well open it. Oh, and here's something to make opening up the other one safe, too. SubChip, Untrap! Slot in!"

The aquatic Navi's hand glowed, and after touching the Mystery Data from his battle, it began to glow. As he did that, he placed his other hand on the offered data, and opened it up. The twin MDs would open at the same time, and reveal their contents...

(opening RMD; Untrap used)
(opening already untrapped RMD)
(declining healing)

It didn't take too long before SplashMan's venture into the worst Net of all resulted in some fruit, in the form of three gray viruses. A lot of Navis would flee immediately, or cower in fear...but he wasn't most Navis. He casually looked them over, and perhaps just as importantly, note the red burst of color in the middle of it all. "Oh, wow! I've never seen a Mystery Data of that color!"

"Oh man, could you even imagine how awesome the stuff in a Mystery Data from the Undernet could be? We've gotta try to get that!"

"Wow, you guys are...really nonchalant about this."

"Of course! We've got nothing to be scared of!"

"Maybe not nothing..." SplashMan leaned over to get a better glimpse of the virus behind the MD, and recognized its unique appearance. "That EleOgre's gonna hurt if it gets an attack off. Maybe we should handle it first?"

"Sounds like a good idea to me. Don't worry, I'll get you out of the way of the Mystery Data, so just focus on building up that water power!"

It was faint, but if anyone happened to be right next to SplashMan, they'd hear a faint sound of running water. A lot of it, like a waterfall or something. "Uh-oh...this is gonna take longer than usual. That doesn't make sense, I'm at full power..."

"That's an effect of the adjustments I had to make. Your charge time is slower, but...heh heh!"

"Heh heh...? I hope that's a good sign..." There wasn't much else to do, as his cannons were now filled with pressurized water. "All ready!"

"Get ready! BattleChip, AreaGrab! Slot in!"

The aquatic Navi vanished from where he stood, and equally instantly arrived at a new spot. From where he previously stood, he was now in front of the right Slimey, though with a bit of distance between them. Not that he particularly cared, as he locked eyes on the more electrical of the foes. His cannons lowered, built up that extra bit of water pressure, and launched his trademark attack. ...Though, launch would be a poor word choice, as it nearly looked like he shot twin blue lasers out of his cannons. Not much would be able to withstand that level of force, even in a place like this. "H-Holy cow! What happened?!"

"That's the tradeoff for your slower charge time! Before, you hit like a truck. Now, you hit like a truck full of other trucks moving at light speed!"

"Wow...who knew I could pull of that kind of water power?" He was still shocked, but in the back of SplashMan's mind, he knew he couldn't spend much time thinking about it. He shifted his focus to the nearby Slimey, whose very presence was making him feel a little more sluggish than usual. "I'm guessing I can't just fire that Water Splash any time, can I?"

"I mean, if you charge up, you kinda could? I don't really wanna overstrain you, though, so we'll just focus on using chips to attack for now. Although, first..." Sabrina kinda liked the chip she grabbed in order to use. It wasn't an attack, but the Navi on it was kinda wide, and didn't have much in the way of a face aside from eyes. Kinda like her own Navi. "This'll cushion whatever you might get hit by for a while! BattleChip, StoneBody! Slot in!"

Starting from his feet, the water tank Navi began to take on a gray, grainy texture, until he looked like a life-size statue. Luckily, there were no bird viruses nearby. "Well, this feels...weird."

"Weird, maybe, but it'll make even the strongest attack feel like a light punch!"

"Neat! Although I feel really heavy right now. I can barely walk, much less run over and attack something!"

"That's the price you pay for 99% damage reduction, I guess. Besides, we can just use chips that you don't need to move those feet to use!" And that was something they had no shortage of. A couple, in particular, randomly appealed to the operator, who grabbed them, and stuck one into her PET in short order. "Let's go ahead and use the one I got here before! BattleChip, BigWave! Slot in!"

A pickaxe appeared in SplashMan's hand, which he quickly raised over his head. Good thing that even though he was basically a living rock right now, his arms felt mostly unaffected. He then crashed it down onto the ground, and sent a shock wave traveling forward. It wasn't the fastest, but it had quite the trail; a Slimey hop probably wouldn't be enough to jump over it if it tried. It also had abnormal power, a level a Mettaur could only dream of. But, using the attack, the Navi noticed something he hadn't before. "Hey, Sabrina? I didn't notice it earlier, but isn't the ground over here kinda...weird looking?"

"I guess, yeah. But can it really be worse than that Furnace area? ...Don't answer that, famous last words, I know..."

"It's too late to do anything about it now, anyway. All we can do now is press on!"

"Right! Okay, I hope having stone for arms helps keep your aim steady!" Click! Another chip entered the appropriate slot. "BattleChip, MachineGun2! Slot in!"

The pickaxe vanished, and the Navi's right arm was replaced with an odd, double barreled gun. It wasn't necessarily hard to aim and fire, but...as soon as he activated the firing mechanism, the recoil struck. Using his free hand, he tried to steady it as he kept firing shot after shot at the Slimey. But once the ninth shot was set loose, it stopped, as though it'd never fired to begin with, and SplashMan ended up pointing it right at his foot from downward force. Fortunately, there was no need for it to exist at that point, and he just let it fade back into his hand.

Now, it was time for Navi and operator alike to survey the situation, to see what was there, and what wasn't...

[Order of Turn:
1-Stream Charge on SplashMan (Buster Charge x 2)
2- AreaGrabEffect: Teleport + Accuracy UP
Accuracy: S
Description: Allows the user to teleport to any spot on the field, and raises the accuracy of the next attack by 1 Rank.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Special: Accuracy UP: This effect raises the accuracy of the next attack by 10%, and is stackable with all other Accuracy buffs. In the case of AreaGrab, this replaces Teleport's RP-based accuracy bonus.
Trader Rank: D to a bit in front of SlimeyΩB
3-Water Splash charge attack on EleOgreSP (600, Aqua, Break)
4- StoneBodyEffect: StoneBody
Accuracy: S
Description: Turns the user to Stone, which reduces Non-Break damage to 1 point per hit, but also prevents them from Dodging.
Duration: 2 turns
Element: Null
Trader Rank: B on SplashMan
5- GigaWaveDamage: 160 + Line Attack + Ground Attack
Accuracy: C
Description: Sends a narrow, but long, shock wave rolling in front of an enemy. Slow, but difficult to jump over due to its length. Rare
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: A on SlimeyΩB (+1 accuracy rank; Pathfinder)
6- MachineGun2Damage: (50 x 9 Shots) + Spray Fire
Accuracy: D
Description: Creates a machine gun that fires 9 shots at a single enemy. While inaccurate, its missed shots are capable of hitting others.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Special: Spray Fire: If a shot from this attack misses its primary target, it has a chance to hit something near the enemy instead of completely missing. Good RP increases the chance of triggering this effect.
Trader Rank: C on SlimeyΩB]

Ah, good. OpticWoman could see that her stealth wouldn't be put to the test on her first leg, as she silently proceeded ahead, avoiding anyone that could see her. At least, until she ran into some sort of weapon...but it didn't look like it quite fit in with SciLab's aesthetic. "Looks like I've run into something. This can't be what you wanted to find, is it?"

"Of course not, it's a virus."

"Well, it's just one. Which means..." As if on cue, two panels with...faces, stood up. "...That there's more nearby. Of course." But something wasn't adding up. Weren't Billy supposed to be out of control in these parts? Why weren't there...

CLANG!

The sound of two lightning rod arms hitting each other annoyed her, both for not noticing the virus behind her sooner, and for having her train of thought interrupted twice in rapid succession. Her first ever real battle, and she was already letting her guard down. "So, a virus in each cardinal direction...how do you propose we tackle this?"

"By evening out the numbers." The sound of two chips being inserted into a PET could be heard, as Hina did so, alongside a small bit of typing. "And you won't even need to lift a finger yet."

Sure enough, two allies appeared, in the form of an Elebee and a Dominerd2. The former seemed to already know where to go, turning around to locate the Billy, then speeding forward as it extended its stinger. The Billy may have possessed longer pointy bits, but the stinger held far more stabbing power; a lesson it would hopefully experience firsthand. The rectangular summoned virus, on the other hand, seemed more content to hang around, keeping itself between the Navi and one of the panel-looking viruses. OpticWoman seemed...less than pleased by these developments, though. "So, am I really needed right now? Seems like you've got everything under control."

"Hmph. Very well then, you know the contents of your chip folder. If you feel you can do better, have at it."

"That's...not really what I was saying, but sure." Okay, bringing up a list in her mind of her folder contents was easy enough. What to use...and who to target...hmm. One thing came to mind soon enough, and it sufficiently combined practicality and coolness for her liking. "Send over that...MaruBlaster? What a stupid name for a chip...but it'll be perfect for my next move!"

"Fine. ...It's sent."

She could feel the chip data entering her this time, but the secret agent Navi didn't unload its contents immediately. Instead, she swiftly raced over to the CannonGuard, and extended her arm. At the end, a gun...or, at least, her index and middle fingers were extended, with her thumb forming a right angle with them. But still, she didn't attack. She patiently waited for the virus to open its shutters, as it undoubtedly would be unable to resist taking a shot at the Navi mere inches from its cannon...and as soon as its defenses were opened, a jolt of electricity would fire from her extended fingers, strong enough to electrocute the virus in a single go.

Regardless of her success, once the electrical chip data was used up, OpticWoman stood there, leering over at the Grinner. Her CurseShield had never wavered, solely keeping itself pointed at a specific one. As for the other...

"Well? Aren't you going to do anything else?"

"No need right now. Why risk taking potentially heavy damage when I'm relatively safe now? Like this, I can focus on avoiding enemy attacks, and if they hit the shield virus, they're as good as deleted."

An annoyed, warped sigh could be heard. "...Fine. But do try to avoid making a habit of this."

"Consider it a special situation. Enemies like this require a more cautious touch." Of course, right now, she'd prefer no touch at all, since it would involve...er...exactly how did those things attack? ...She'd know soon enough, most likely.

[Order of Turn:
1- Arrow1Damage: 100 + Homing
Accuracy: B
Description: Summons an Elebee virus, and sends it flying at an enemy. The Elebee is tenacious, and will hunt down its prey. It vanishes after stinging it's target, or after two turns.
Duration: Once
Element: Elec
Trader Rank: D on Billy (+10 elemental bonus)
2- CurseShield2Damage: (1 Hit Shield) + (Counter(210): On-Hit)
Accuracy: A
Description: Blocks one attack, teleports to face the attacker, and then charges the target to deliver a crushing bite attack. Break attacks will pierce the defense, but only Impact will stop the Dominerd's Counter.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Special: Status Guard: This chip blocks debuffs.
Trader Rank: C on OpticWoman
3-Get close to CannonGuard (Movement)
4- MaruBlaster1Damage: 60 + Glitch
Accuracy: B (Special)
Description: A taser shot that bugs the enemy's coding.
Duration: Once
Element: Elec
Special: If the user used a Melee or Sword chip immediately prior to MaruBlaster, this attack's accuracy is raised to A.
Trader Rank: D on CannonGuard (+10 elemental bonus)
5-Dodge
6-Dodge]

TO: 6NeoChipTrader6@SoryusChipShop.com
FROM: Unknown@Unknown.???
SUBJECT: Good Day

(no text)

- (no digital signature)
ATTACHMENT: GlassSeedDamage: 10 + Small Glass Terrain Change / Medium Glass Terrain Change
Accuracy: A
Description: Lob a seed that create a medium Glass area. Only a small area if it hits an opponent.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: E BattleChip data

TO: 6NeoChipTrader6@SoryusChipShop.com
FROM: LaniLaniFeelinBonnie@DenMail.net
Subject: Ooh!

I've heard good stuff about this event, but I've never really had anything to try it with. Now I do, so thanks, Rose!

- Leilani Ka'ana'ana
ATTACHMENT: EchoLocationEffect: Nullifies Invis on all Enemies and Objects, and dispels illusion effects.
Accuracy: S
Description: Sends out a sonic wave to bounce off of objects, revealing hidden things and illusory targets as what they truly are.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: C BattleChip data

TO: 6NeoChipTrader6@SoryusChipShop.com
FROM: LikeAMeichine@DenMail.net
Subject: Trader Event

I doubt Skye'll ever use this chip, so you can have it. Hopefully I'll get something nice in return, that I can surprise her with!

- Mei Fuujimoto
ATTACHMENT: HammerToss2Damage: 60 + Break + Spin Attack / 120 + Break
Accuracy: Depends on number of targets. / C
Description: The user swings a track and field hammer around, then throws it at an enemy.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Special: Spin Attack: Strikes at all enemies in an 8-panel circle around the user. Accuracy varies depending on the number of targets designated: 1-3 targets @ B Accuracy, 4-6 targets @ C Accuracy, 7-8 targets @ D Accuracy.
Trader Rank: C BattleChip data

TO: 6NeoChipTrader6@SoryusChipShop.com
FROM: FistGirl571@DenMail.net
Subject: Latest Event

Leslie isn't available, and I'm sure she won't mind if I give up a chip we'll never use for one of these events. Have a great day!

- Martia.EXE
ATTACHMENT: Lock-On2HP: 80
Properties: Omnishoes, Mobile
Object Damage: Not Applicable
Damage Method: Not Applicable
Attack Damage: 15 Null + Lock-On x 6 shots
Accuracy: A
Description: Summons an auto-targeting satellite cannon that fires a volley of 6 shots.
Duration: Until destroyed.
Element: Null
Special: RP quality does not boost or reduce this chip's accuracy. - This chip's accuracy cannot be boosted or reduced by any means.
Trader Rank: C BattleChip data

To: 6NeoChipTrader6@SoryusChips.com
From: SabrinaJetto@NetMail.net
Subject: Chip Trader Event

I love these things, but it always reminds me that I need to change my e-mail to something cooler than just my name...but let's get really crazy this year, with a super rare chip!

- Sabrina Jetto
ATTACHMENT: StaticDamage: 20 x 8 Hits + Bug Spreader
Accuracy: (Special)
Description: Attacks the enemy with a whirlwind of noise. Its range is improved by glitches. Rare
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Special: The accuracy of this attack is entirely dependent upon RP quality and current batle conditions, and it cannot be affected by stats boosts and nerfs.
Special: Bug Spreader: The number of targets this attack hits is increased by 1 for each bug or glitch the user has.
Special: Wind Type: This chip counts as Wind Type for the purposes of Wind triggered effects, such as traps and terrain.
Trader Rank: S BattleChip data

After several prompts confirming that the intended destination was, in fact, the Undernet, A blue beam of light appeared, and transformed into SplashMan. "Oof. This atmosphere..."

"You're not scared, are you?"

"Of course not! SplashLady did this, and so can I! But the Undernet feels different from any other area. How do I put it..."

"Well, it looks the same as last time. And if I had to describe it, it'd be, in a word...dead." It certainly looked dead compared to other Nets. If you excluded the criminal activity, it was basically unused. And the sky...in a lot of areas, it had a bright and cheery design, if not actually resembling the real world sky. But here, it was just static, like someone forgot to pay for upkeep.

"Dead...yeah, I think that's a good way to put it. And I can feel a certain pressure in the air. A low-level Navi could probably get overwhelmed just from it."

"Hey guys, I just want to make sure...you don't have to do this, you know? Honestly, I was going to give you the money anyway. I just wanted to help in your quest to get better at NetBattling, but I know you need some money to help with that, so..."

"Well, I'm all for giving me money, but we can do this. If I honestly didn't think we had a good shot at this, we wouldn't be doing it."

"I'm 100% with Sabrina. I know I can do this, so long as I've got Sabrina backing me up!"

"...All right, you two have your minds made up. I won't say anything else about it. Just, try not to get deleted out there, okay?"

"It's time, SplashMan. Let's show May just how good we've gotten!"

"I'll be back in the PET victorious before you know it!" The watery Navi started to slowly walk forward, keeping an eye out for anything. He was confident, but if there was ever a part of the Net where he needed to be cautious, it was here, where there were no limits to what he might encounter...

(Searching for Battle #1)