Foul odors were nothing new to Crypto in the delving of his tome. Nothing new in the delving of his insidious research, or his pragmatic way of life. Howard winced, only imagining how that could feel, being blasted by trash-odors and aerosol rubbish. "I'll clean you after this, Crypto, fear not." "I had none to begin with, and none to end. Pursuing targets on my own. Put that recover on standby, I may yet need it before the day is through." "Got it, Crypto. Hang in there." After their brief parley, Crypto scoffs. Hanging in there was his specialty, among other things. He turns, around, arms out as he drew in more of that power. A single arm thrust fires off the first volley of destructive force. The thrust forward drives the book out, sending out a wailing, grasping, gnashing energy globule at the Metool that had hid so precariously behind filth and garbage. Its deletion was nigh. Would it dream? Feel? Hopefully not.

The next order of business was twofold. A swung arm out, and Crypto requests simply. "A claw, sir." "On it." the fast reply filled out the RageClaw, that long weapon along his other hand. It was time to get a little creative. The hellacious, tenacious navi, having hopefully either deleted or scared the mettool behind him, now turns towards that bin. Oh it was time... time to give the last breath to this little bugger. He reaches that claw down, and turns the bin up-side down once he had a good grip on it. One could swear there was a glint of beastial hunger in his triclopian eyes. A bit of cruelty, but that was mere conjecture, right? He reaches upward to its full height, before throwing all his weight down, and slamming the bin down where the Mettool might be. It felt right to do this... Almost as though this raw, primal act was made for him. Perhaps it was?

Crypto stands back, seeing no further action necessary.

==Action Summary==
1. Charging Buster...
2. Charging Buster...
3. Buster Shot (40 DMG) at Metool B
4. RageClaw1Damage: 40 + Slashing (Attack) OR 20 + Impacting (Throw)
Accuracy: B / B then B
Description: Creates an impressive bear claw. Can be used to slash or throw enemies or objects.
Duration: Until Overridden/Broken. Breaks automatically after 6 uses.
Element: Null
Special: Throw: The wielder must first grab the target to be thrown, then the target is thrown in the direction/area indicated. A second check is made if against another object/enemy. Throw deals damage to both thrown object/enemy and the second object/enemy. Damage occurs at point of collision with the ground/wall/ceiling/etc. or an object/enemy, not during initial grab attempt. Objects deal their max HP in damage (instead of the chip's damage) if they hit an object/enemy, then break. If they miss, the object just takes the chip's damage. This chip has a variety of uses.
Trader Rank: D used on Recycling Bin to throw at Metool A.
==Status Screen==
Crypto.EXE: 140/150 HP
Wall of Flesh: 10/30 (Counter Spent)
Condition: N/A
Cooldowns: Hexed Wall of Flesh (0/1)

Here came the entourage, on all sides of Crypto, they marched, stomping in with their picks held high, believing themselves to be the ones to wipe this smudge in the name of ethics off the net. How wrong they were, to believe an entity separate from the greater whole. Whispers speak to Crypto, they're part of a greater piece, they're... A voice cuts in from the fog, as his battle routines kick up. Howard was there, bringing his friend back from the depths to get him to focus on the task at hand. "Crypto! Get in gear, we've got company." Howard informs him, getting the chip-folder set up, and ready to set him on the beasts. "Yes, sir. Now then..." He takes a breath, drawing close, and flourishing, book held out in hand, fluttering open. This first Metool would be simple, allow the mass to handle them. Crypto consults the book, quickly skimming as to not give them a chance... "Ah, here we are. Ruhast!" He calls out, swinging an arm up. The unknown, evil presence in the tome flares in a black-and-purple fire, summoning forth a mass of tendrils from beneath the surface of the net. They burrow out, taking hold of each other into a massive, wadded ball of undulating, oozing limbs. He puts his back to the limbs, which gently tread by his body, grazing their new master with a sense of familiarity, as though they'd always known him. Crypto takes his chances next, "Sir, lineup." "On it, Crypto." The response was rapid, and so was the deployment of the Cannon battlechip. Crypto lines up the shot, arm leveled, book tucked away in his robes for now. He places his free hand onto his forearm, and takes a breath in, and out. During the exhale, he fires that shot right at the second Mettool, the left one, just passed the garbage heap. If he misses, it's likely to blast the heap into bits. After the concussive blast, he takes a knee, moving with the recoil as he had in days passed. He swings his arm out, the second shot lined up with a shotgun. The same deal, breath in, arm braced, breath out, fire. The blast was choked slightly, set to the center of the two Metools. His shot intended to shred the two here. The fluid motion was unlike Crypto. Howard didn't comment on the matter, merely taking notes and observing his Navi moving mostly on his own. With the two shots out of the way. The first being more of a testing shot to see if this new knowledge was worthwhile, and the second a clear killing blow if need be, he strides casually around the corner, the book fluttering page from page, fitting into a new passage. One that didn't have a direct ritual tied. Rather, the book's pages begin glowing... Hell, the actual tome itself begins pulsing red..! Veins begin reaching across his arm, and the overload was too much to bear with how much energy he'd spent in this fight. He draws his hand across the current page, and fires off that vitriolic shot. The heavy, laden energy hisses and surges with malicious intent, screaming as it flies across the battlefield towards the final Metool.

==Action Summary==
1). Hexed Wall of Flesh
[30 HP Wall of Flesh, Counter (damage dealt): 10 Null {A}]; 1TCD
2). CannonDamage: 60 + Knockback
Accuracy: A
Description: A decent sized cannon with a single shot.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: E at Metool B
3). ShotgunDamage: 50 + Spread 1
Accuracy: A
Description: A gun whose shot penetrates an enemy to hit another one directly behind it.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: E at Metool B/C
4). Charge
5). Charge
6). Buster Shot at Metool A (40 DMG due to 1/1/1 Buster)
==Status Screen==
Crypto.EXE: 150/150 HP
Wall of Flesh: 30/30
Condition: N/A
Cooldowns: Hexed Wall of Flesh (0/1)

Jacked into the AC/DC network was that unusual, triclops navi. His three eyes push forward and back, like night-vision as the emerald-colored program adjusted his dark clothing, book hidden under one arm in the voluminous coverings. This was Crypto, ready to test the limits of the new techniques he'd recently uncovered with his operator in this, for lack of better words, tome. The motif of hiding such secrets inside a tome was nothing new. The novelty of it has existed in fact and fiction through the centuries, but Crypto in particular was made for such a thing. At least, was, before he learned its dark secrets. Keeping them to himself, he steps forward, eyes scanning to and fro. Was he looking for someone? Was he lost? In truth, he was looking for viruses to eliminate, little baddies to test the limits of his power on.

"Any signs of Virus activity, Crypto?" Quips his operator, who'd just come back from grabbing a brief snack from the fridge, and cracking open a small sports drink along with it. "Fleeting, sir. The path forks, life draws me towards two options." The fork in the road sits with two main hubs, both dusty and decrepit, leading to closed off barriers to each side of a bustling network. A perfect spot to be skulking around, if it were up to him. Crypto waits his operator's response, who simply gestures at the camera, a signal for him to choose. Crypto takes the path dead ahead rather than to his left, trekking along beside the false trees and green panels, rolling his shoulder idly. "Northward, dead ahead sir."

Crypto.EXE Ready!

Schoolwork. Who ever liked doing schoolwork? What good was it besides to reinforce the obvious? There was no true reason for it, so mankind gave it reason. This, of course, isn't a story of mankind's greater triumphs in the face of nihilistic dread. This is the story of a slightly gothic, normal-looking man coming home from a community campus. Going to school was often lauded as a noble, higher pursuit. As nice as it was to learn, and how easy it was to grasp, things were so... slow! Nothing was up to his voracious pace. His small-side apartment located in the only complex in ACDC was Howard's home, and alas, it wasn't impressive. Books upon books, organized loosely on the shelves lay with bookmarks in them all. Started projects he hadn't finished in the back, the kitchenette spotless however, and the little fridge still with that scrape he'd had no time to paint over. None of this was important in the end. Not with discoveries anew being made. Howard takes his seat at his desk, flicking open his PET.

"Status report, Crypto."
"Musing. Feeling. Fine, otherwise. Are we delving back into... it?"
"Right as ever. Let's get phase two started."

The quick interaction was all he needed before plugging his navi, hard line this time, into his PC. Too long had Howard connected his Navi via wireless or IF connections, unreliable at best, no matter how often he optimized. Now? Now it was time to slack on work, and hold off till the last second! A chuckle escapes Howard at this thought. Who in the right mind would actually do that?

This is Howard Layton's personal email.

If you are here for inquiries regarding lent books, or replies to published college research papers, please label your header with RE:SCHOLARLY:
If you are messaging for anything else, please label your header with INQUIRY: or a capitalized heading regarding the nature of your message (I.E. TRADING:, EMERGENCY ALERT:, ect)
Non-government email messages will be sent to a spam folder, and scoured for possibilities of viruses, before being deleted.
If you are replying about the profile on the Pyre Dating App, do not bother.

(When trying to reply to this email, there is a system message that displays with the following foreward.)
When writing a message in regards to non-essential personal matters, I would ask that you start your message with a proper heading, an indented paragraph format, and twelve point font, as well as double-spaced paragraphs and ending with proper conclusions (i.e. 'Sincerely'). Failure to do so will result in a lower likelihood of me reading your message. This may vary depending on the nature of your message.

NetNavi
Name: Crypto
Gender: Male
Element: Normal
Subtype: Summon
Appearance: A mostly normal, green navi shrouded in some dark robes, looking more like a sorcerer than a regular Navi. Crypto's triple-eye setup and goggle-like eye hole structures give him an unusual, alien feeling to his visage. His voice is low, deep, and some can swear Crypto's tone reverbs slightly. Clutched always at his side is a dark, old looking tome-program. A black book with carefully divots for inscriptions. For many, it's entirely indecipherable.
Personality: Once upon a time, Crypto was like Howard, but those times have changed. Finding this new power, this book of his, Crypto is somewhat distant, but also incredibly wise. He speaks low, soft, and finds no need for theatrics aside from the required movements to perform the rites listed in that old batch file he clutches between his fingers. He sees risks as no more than stepping stones to success, and can even get incredibly reckless in order to build a path to victory. Furthermore, Crypto is servile to a fault towards his operator. No matter how many times he may question the decision in the end, he'll shoot first and ask questions afterwards.
Custom Weapon: Dubious Relic - An old, dusty tome that was found after a scuffle between denizens of the UnderNet brought topside. It... whispers to Crypto. When triggered as a buster, it fires small globules of an unknown, highly erratic substance burning a bright red, which flashes into a sudden, chemical-like burn on contact. The burns are so quick, they deal damage immediately on contact, and fizzle away due to the lack of energy sustaining it. Charging causes the globules to last for longer.
Signature Points Used: 80/80

Invocation Of Hunger
Evoking the name of a fallen virus said to feed on the souls of Navis, Crypto enchants the next chip he uses with the spirit of a vengeful beast. Chanting it repeatedly is dangerous, and time must be taken between spoken words lest it be brought to the material plane, without any control.
Effects: Strengthen 30, Take Aim (30 + 10 = 40)
1 TCD

Hexed Wall Of Flesh
Residual data from an unknown source spawns tendrils in a straight wall across an entire panel, shielding its master from harm. The dark, deep tendrils ooze and contort with unusual motions, likely unnerving those who set their gaze on it for too long. Striking the tendrils often forces them to retreat, but not before lashing at their attackers with murderous intent.
Effects: Summon Immobile Object (30 HP), Counter(Normal Damage) 10 (30 + 10 = 40)
1 TCD

Starting Choices:
Battlechip - Recov30
Navicust - HP+50

Operator
Name: Howard Phillip Layton
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Appearance: Combed-over hair, a slim, long face, and centered eyes give this otherwise boringly average man a bit more of a rustic and old appearance. To some, Howard, looks as though he leaped out of some sort of fictional book, or perhaps just happens to look the way he does by unfortunate chance. Howard tries to dress normally, casually, to blend in. Being as he is, a modest 5'10", this is a little easier to do for the otherwise unusual man.
Personality: Behind the facade of a normal man lies a truly curious man. Feeling an unnatural draw to the acquisition of knowledge, Howard finds himself constantly nose-in on anything from books, scholarly articles, and wiki pages (to which he can check on other sources for proof). As such, decryption and cipher-decoding as a passtime falls to Howard as the most enjoyable. Let this not fool anyone, as Howard is always willing to pick up a new hobby or skillset for the sake of broadening his horizons.
PET Modifications: There are two portions that allow the PET containing Crypto to stand out besides that purple-trimmed, black case. A triple-camera setup allows the navi inside to view the world in multiple dimensions, and articulate distance, measurements, and precise makeup of some objects. As well as this, a small stand and wheel system allows the navi inside to act separately, prying eyes to look around while the operator reads.

Operator
Name: Howard Phillip Layton
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Appearance: Combed-over hair, a slim, long face, and centered eyes give this otherwise boringly average man a bit more of a rustic and old appearance. To some, Howard, looks as though he leaped out of some sort of fictional book, or perhaps just happens to look the way he does by unfortunate chance. Howard tries to dress normally, casually, to blend in. Being as he is, a modest 5'10", this is a little easier to do for the otherwise unusual man.
Personality: Behind the facade of a normal man lies a truly curious man. Feeling an unnatural draw to the acquisition of knowledge, Howard finds himself constantly nose-in on anything from books, scholarly articles, and wiki pages (to which he can check on other sources for proof). As such, decryption and cipher-decoding as a passtime falls to Howard as the most enjoyable. Let this not fool anyone, as Howard is always willing to pick up a new hobby or skillset for the sake of broadening his horizons.
PET Modifications: There are two portions that allow the PET containing Crypto to stand out besides that purple-trimmed, black case. A triple-camera setup allows the navi inside to view the world in multiple dimensions, and articulate distance, measurements, and precise makeup of some objects. As well as this, a small stand and wheel system allows the navi inside to act separately, prying eyes to look around while the operator reads.

NetNavi
Name: Crypto
Gender: Male
Element: Normal
Subtype: Summon
Appearance: A mostly normal, green navi shrouded in some dark robes, looking more like a sorcerer than a regular Navi. Crypto's triple-eye setup and goggle-like eye hole structures give him an unusual, alien feeling to his visage. His voice is low, deep, and some can swear Crypto's tone reverbs slightly. Clutched always at his side is a dark, old looking tome-program. A black book with carefully divots for inscriptions. For many, it's entirely indecipherable.
Personality: Once upon a time, Crypto was like Howard, but those times have changed. Finding this new power, this book of his, Crypto is somewhat distant, but also incredibly wise. He speaks low, soft, and finds no need for theatrics aside from the required movements to perform the rites listed in that old batch file he clutches between his fingers. He sees risks as no more than stepping stones to success, and can even get incredibly reckless in order to build a path to victory. Furthermore, Crypto is servile to a fault towards his operator. No matter how many times he may question the decision in the end, he'll shoot first and ask questions afterwards.
Custom Weapon: Dubious Relic - An old, dusty tome that was found after a scuffle between denizens of the UnderNet brought topside. It... whispers to Crypto. When triggered as a buster, it fires small globules of an unknown, highly erratic substance burning a bright red, which flashes into a sudden, chemical-like burn on contact. The burns are so quick, they deal damage immediately on contact, and fizzle away due to the lack of energy sustaining it. Charging causes the globules to last for longer.
Signature Points Used: 80/80

Invocation Of Hunger
Evoking the name of a fallen virus said to feed on the souls of Navis, Crypto enchants the next chip he uses with the spirit of a vengeful beast. Chanting it repeatedly is dangerous, and time must be taken between spoken words lest it be brought to the material plane, without any control.
Effects: Strengthen 30, Take Aim (30 + 10 = 40)
1 TCD

Hexed Wall Of Flesh
Residual data from an unknown source spawns tendrils in a straight wall across an entire panel, shielding its master from harm. The dark, deep tendrils ooze and contort with unusual motions, likely unnerving those who set their gaze on it for too long. Striking the tendrils often forces them to retreat, but not before lashing at their attackers with murderous intent.
Effects: Summon Immobile Object (30 HP), Counter(Normal Damage) 10 (30 + 10 = 40)
1 TCD

Starting Choices:
Battlechip - Recov30
Navicust - HP+50

Sorry not sorry, no STANDO memes.

VoodooMan lands in a surprising flourish, falling and letting his coattails slowly drift down. Sitting up, and dusting his coat off, the slim figured navi cocks his eyes around, letting those azure peepers steadily take in his environment. After a brief check, and a quick "Clear for now." to Mike, VoodooMan sets off, seeing the few waypoints that Mike had set down. The faintest rumbles can be heard on the other end... "Doll still wantin' some love, Mike baby?" "Yeah, poor thing. Mom must've ignored her today." To this, VoodooMan continues his chuckles, "You're gonna take that cat with you when you move out." "Probably."

The steady walking continues, and VoodooMan giving nods, tips of the hat, and letting other Navis pass by first, did his best to be the gentleman of the area. After all, what fun was it if he was going to just be selfish about how he moved. The world was already so rude, a little kindness never hurt anyone. The long strides finally cease at a dead-end, and he turns back around, making his way back through. "Net's quiet today, Mike." "Hopefully not for long. I was hoping to get you some upgrades here soon." "That's what a job's for, baby." "No, that's what able people get jobs for. You think anyone in ACDC wants to hire me?" A bit of silence falls... "I know a few. Don't count yourself short, Mike."

SNIPE - LOADED
MARKSMANSHIP - LOADED