Dungeon of the Dragon Kur

June 18th 2018

Ryuuji doesn’t have work today so he won’t be taking the train, but he still leaves the school together with Sun. They typically walk to the school gate where they then part ways. It became a habit even though Ryuuji only works 3 days during the week.

However, today isn’t going to end like any normal day. In the hall, they hear someone shout their names and turn around to see Seiji and Hanabi running through the crowd to reach them.

Despite only recently becoming acquainted, all of them prefer to be referred to by their given name, each for their own reason. Ryuuji doesn’t want to keep being reminded of his family’s lost company, Sun is used to being on first name basis after growing up in America, Seiji’s family name belongs to his mother who he doesn’t want to be associated with, and Hanabi isn’t picky, she’s just going along with the flow. Though Ryuuji plans to continue referring to Seiji as a brat.

“You got here fast, did you sprint to our classroom?” Ryuuji doesn’t hide that he’s less than pleased to see them. He successfully avoided running into either of them today, making him think this would be a day he didn’t have to deal with them.

“Seiji insisted we get here as soon as possible.” Hanabi says, admitting she’s tired from running.

Assuming it’s nothing important, Ryuuji attempts to say his goodbye, but Seiji stops him right away in an overly excited tone he never heard from him before.

“Wait up! Did you hear about the new dungeon that was added last night? The great dragon Kur, It’s supposed to be really difficult!”

“Since it’s new, hardly anyone knows anything about it! A fun adventure!” Hanabi says, just as enthused.

“Did your dad tell you anything about it before, Ryuuji?”

Since Sun was subjected to his awful bragging, she knows Ryuuji was told about many updates before they were implemented.

“My dad did mention before that they were working on a difficult monster with a unique trait that hasn’t been in a game before. He wanted to keep it a surprise and didn’t tell me much more than that.”

Ryuuji looks at Seiji and Hanabi, instantly regretting his words as it makes them more fired up.

It’s not like Ryuuji doesn’t have some interest in the new boss battle, but they only played together that one time when he was trying to cheer up Seiji, and they logged off shortly after. Ryuuji can’t help feeling skeptical that they’ll be able to work together to beat a ‘unique monster’. Not even Hargrave could change that idea.

“Actually, forget I said anything.”

Ryuuji turns around, attempting to escape once more, but Seiji places his hand on his shoulder and boasts.

“What do you have to fear with Hargrave in your party?”

Since they clearly won’t give up, Ryuuji sighs and agrees to join them. Seiji and Hanabi jump for joy. It’s the first time they will be playing in a larger party with people they know.

“We just have to hope Sun can find where we are going.” Ryuuji would rather make a jab at her inability to arrive on time, but he knows she doesn’t react much to that.

“Just tell me the place and I’ll figure out where it is.”

“We have to get you a map. One actually made of paper.” Ryuuji adds.

They decide to meet a few hours after dinner at the ‘Tree of Promise’ since it’s close to the dungeon. Legend says this is the largest tree on that planet, still growing even now with each promise that is made between people.

Hanabi tells Sun she will send directions to the location by sending a map in the private messages.

When the time arrives, Seiji is the first there, with Ryuuji and Sun following soon after, leaving them to wait for Hanabi.

“For once Sun isn’t the last one here.”

“Hana usually helps her brother with homework. She should be here soon.”

Just as Seiji said that. Hanabi appears, immediately apologizing for the delay. Of course, he doesn’t hold that against her.

After forming a party, they go around the large tree to the ‘Blackened Dungeon’. This was once a peaceful area, but after Calibash cast a spell on the mountain with his dark magic, mythical beasts began appearing, with there being a new one every year.

Since the new quest is within, there are many players wanting to try it. Hargrave’s party is able to easily push through, defeating a few lower level ghouls along the way.

Once they reach a large cavern, a small window pops up on each of their screens; ‘Do you wish to enter Kur’s domain? Yes or No’ (Suggested Level 120)

“Level 120? I’m only at 58, is my character really ready for this?” Sun asks.

“No, but Hana and I will help cover you.” Seiji says to reassure her.

“What about you, Ryuuji?”

“I may be able to here and there. I’m the quickest here so I’ll mostly be focusing on finding a weak point.” Ryuuji says.

“That would be for the best.” Seiji agrees with his plan. “We did good to conserve magical energy up to this point too.”

Standing before the new dungeon, the group feels a mix of emotions. Despite being inexperienced, Sun is optimistic about their odds of defeating it, Seiji is getting more and more excited as the seconds pass, meanwhile Ryuuji is more nervous instead.

After a moment of silence Hanabi, the most calm, speaks up; “Let’s stop stalling and goooo!!”

Almost simultaneously they all hit ‘YES’ and it only takes a few seconds until they’re in the dragon’s domain. They initially only see that it’s a large cavern with a few cliffs and then are suddenly alerted to the fact that everyone has been poisoned upon entering. They glance at their stats to notice the poison doesn’t even have a name, it’s listed as ‘unknown’, meaning it’s a new type they haven’t discovered yet. The group freaks out, with Sun being the most naive.

“It’s new so it won’t even tell us what it is? Since when did this game have a dumb feature like that?”

“Since the beginning!” Ryuuji shouts.

“Calm down everyone!” Hanabi tries to get their attention. “It’s not draining any of our health yet so there’s no point in worrying. Now here it comes!”

Too distracted by their health status, they didn’t notice the dragon Kur was steadily proceeding toward them. The dragon is a deep purple with holes in it’s wings and scars all over it’s body. It clearly can’t fly and crawls low on the ground, but still at a higher speed than one would expect. Its wings also hang down low, making it difficult for the players to reach its sides.

To avoid a collision, they scatter all over the field. Seiji signals Ryuuji to find a weak point and he rushes around, attacking the dragon in different areas, but hardly does any damage.

“Even with all those scars its skin is tough!” Ryuuji says.

“I may be able to weaken it a bit.” Hanabi scrolls through her list of spells, trying to find the right one. In the meantime, she casts the spell ‘Brave Warriors’ on the boys to boost their defense.

“That is a huge turtle. What should I do?” Besides dodging the first attack, Sun has yet to do anything.

“What did you just call it?” Seiji can’t help questioning.

“Just ignore her.” Ryuuji is used to her strange comments and chooses to give her a suggestion instead. “Get to higher ground and distract it so it doesn’t attack Flora.”

“Got it!”

Sun wastes no time jumping on one of the ledges above the dragon. She shoots arrows opposite where Hanabi is, hitting her target 70% of the time thanks to Ryuuji’s tutoring. Ryuuji himself reinforces his blade to help against the tough scales and gets back to attacking it all over.

“Have you found anything, Ninja?” Seiji asks.

“No luck, but I haven’t been able to reach its stomach or under the wings.”

“Here, I’ll lift it up so you can.”

“You’ll what?”

Ryuuji can’t comprehend what Seiji means, but with Hargrave’s strength, it’s an easy feat. He rushes towards the dragon with his weapon in front and slides under its neck. Sacrificing some health in the process, he successfully lifts the dragon with a swing of his large sword, giving them a clear view of its stomach. To their surprise, the same tough scales are there as well.

“No way, those scales are on the stomach too??” Ryuuji panics.

All of a sudden, an energy blast hits that area, with Hanabi having used the spell ‘Blunt Edge’. She then shouts, “Try attacking now!”

Seiji, also using simple reinforcement for now, attacks that area with his sword, and Ryuuji follows shortly after. They are able to scrape some scales off and deal a decent amount of damage as a result. “Alright!” they both shout, backing up as the dragon lands on its legs again.

After that, Ryuuji finally feels some confidence in the battle, “Let me know when you have another blast ready, Flora!”

“Alright, it will only take a moment. I’ll aim for the wings.” Hanabi builds her magical energy to prepare for the same spell and, not wanting to leave anyone out, she also adds “You’re a big help too, Sun!”

“Thanks!”

They continue their usual attacks to distract it, waiting for Hanabi. Once she’s finished charging, she signals for them to get ready and sends another blast behind its right wing. Seiji uses the skill ‘Blood Seal’ on Hargrave’s sword and attacks at the base where the wing attaches to the body, cutting it off with one swift strike.

With its health bar low and life in danger, the dragon Kur lets out an ear piercing roar in Hargrave’s direction. This activates the poison with his health dropping one point every 3 seconds. Seiji hits a few keys in an attempt to back step until he realizes that he’s also paralyzed.

The dragon attacks, simply crushing Hargrave under its front left leg, but still deals a lot of damage in addition to the poison.

“Watch when it gets near you. I can’t move!” Seiji alerts the others.

“What’s going on, is it the poison?” Ryuuji asks, starting to panic again.

“It must be.”

With his character pinned under the dragon, Seiji can only watch as the dragon turns to AkaNinja and roars, now paralyzing him and draining his health as well. It then gets off Hargrave and walks to its new target.

“Now I can’t move.” Ryuuji sits back in his chair as the battle unfolds. “What happened to not having to worry with Hargrave here??”

“Shut up!” That comment only further frustrates Seiji “There isn’t even a cure we can use.”

Sun continues to attack, but it no longer has any effect after it started paralyzing players. She stops for a moment and asks for their opinion.

“Should I keep attacking?”

The silent Hanabi speaks up after deciding on the best plan of action. “Yes Sun, keep attacking. I have the perfect spell to help us.”

“Be careful!” Seiji shouts.

Sun tries shooting arrows, but it still has no effect. The dragon stomps on AkaNinja in a similar fashion as it did with Hargrave, causing Ryuuji to shout after it drains much of his health.

It then sets its sights on Flora. Sun quickly aims for its head and charges another arrow, this time with a level 5 skill ‘Exploding Star’ that she recently learned. She releases the arrow and the powerful blast is enough to make the dragon turn to her instead. It roars in an attempt to activate the poison and Sun successfully leaps to dodge, but accidentally jumps above the dragon and lands on its back.

“No way I didn’t mean to jump here!”

“That’s actually perfect.” Seiji says, laughing at the odd turn of events.

“Just hold on and attack with your Myne Blade. It’s still a distraction!” Ryuuji advises.

Sun switches the bow for the blade and starts attacking random areas on the dragon’s back. It does no damage, but as Ryuuji says, it works as a distraction.

The dragon turns its body from side to side until it’s finally able to remove Sun, flinging her across the field. She apologizes to Hanabi, but it doesn’t matter as she just finished preparing the spell.

“No need to worry. The spell will activate and we will rise once more.”

Flora slams the bottom of her staff on the cavern floor and activates the celestial spell ‘Heaven’s Area’ which covers the entire battlefield. It removes the poison, allowing them to move, and steadily increases their health and magical energy. Ryuuji and Seiji are both surprised, neither having seen this spell before.

Hanabi speaks in a cheeky tone. “Try not to get hit again, boys.”

Ryuuji is surprised by what he just heard. I never thought I’d hear that type of comment from her of all people. She’s really arrogant in this game…though rightfully so.

“Now, let’s pick up where we left off!” Seiji tries to rally the party.

Back to their earlier attack pattern, Hanabi uses her spell to soften the scales and everyone else attacks to deal damage. It’s a slow but steady tactic. Despite there being no poison in their system anymore, they still dodge each roar just in case. After a few more minutes of fighting, the dragon Kur is defeated and they gather in the center to collect their rewards.

“I didn’t know you had a spell like that.” Seiji says.

“I was trying to surprise you!” Hanabi giggles, overjoyed to finally show him. “Celestial spells take a while to learn so I only got it recently.”

“Neat.”

“We really would have been defeated without it.” Ryuuji then teases, “To think Hargrave had to be rescued by a girl.”

“What are you talking about? To be saved by Hana is a blessing.”

Ryuuji can only roll his eyes at Seiji’s lovey-dovey comment. It’s something he hasn’t been able to get used to hearing, though he finds this to be tamer compared to Steve with Sun. I forgot, anything involving her is considered a good thing in his mind. How do I keep making weird friends like this?

Meanwhile, Sun is in awe of Hanabi’s play style. Ryuuji has only been teaching her simple attack spells and wonders if she could help her expand her range of spells or skills, whatever works best. She still gets the two mixed up, anyway.

In the real world, Hanabi is blushing from Seiji’s comment to Ryuuji, swishing back and forth in her chair. Seiji always says nice stuff like that, but it’s been a while since it was in front of other people. She is thankful no one can see her current reaction.

Hanabi is then alerted to a message from Sun; When you have time can you help me learn a cool spell like that? I need a good defensive spell.

Excited, Hanabi replies with; I would love to help!

They agree to meet during lunch tomorrow to discuss before playing the game later that night. However, they keep this meeting to themselves, forgetting to mention it to the boys as they are distracted upon receiving their rewards.

The drops include a few rare items including the tough dragon scales and claws to forge weapons, both of which are new items, and of course, meel. They are also given information regarding the name of the poison and how to create an antidote. While Seiji is simply satisfied with their reward, Ryuuji is most excited about the amount he received.

“Woah, that’s a lot of meel! Since it goes by involvement...does that mean Flora got the most?”

“Well, this is about how much I usually get.” Seiji says.

“We seriously have to play more if this is ‘the usual’ for you.”

“Good to know you won’t complain next time I bring it up.”

Sun remains unfazed as she doesn’t care about the ‘money’ as she still puts it, though she did have a lot of fun.

With defeating the new dungeon being their only goal, they all say their goodbye, logging off one by one. Ryuuji is the only one left playing as he sorts through the items he just received. He looks at his meel and laughs, having never received so much from a dungeon or quest before. He finally admits that playing with Hargrave really is worth it.

Once finished, he places his headset on the back of his chair and decides to get a drink in the kitchen. On the way, he is stopped by his father’s voice. He is awake, sitting on the same couch with the TV on, surrounded by the usual empty bottles. He speakings with a slur.

“What were you doing in there? You were very noisy.”

Even though they live in the same house, they haven’t spoken to each other in over 2 weeks. Ryuuji shrugs his shoulders and responds honestly.

“They released a new dungeon in Starfight, the dragon Kur’s domain.”

“That’s the last one I worked on before---” His father stops himself from finishing the sentence, trying to avoid the bad thoughts that go along with it. “How did you overcome the poison?”

Surprised he’s actually holding a conversation, Ryuuji takes a couple of seconds before responding. “My friend. She has a celestial spell called--”

However, his father interrupts and doesn’t hold back his disgust, “Celestial spells. I was against them from the start, they’re too overpowered...” his father then doses off.

Watching his father fall asleep mid-sentence, Ryuuji is left wondering what he was expecting. Whenever he speaks with his father, no matter how drunk, he can’t help feeling a sliver of hope that things will get better, but then he’s brought back to reality.

There’s no way it will be that easy.

He fills a glass with water at the sink, drinking it quickly before slamming the glass on the counter. He walks into the hall, taking one last look at his sleeping father before going to bed.

********************

Starfight Tips;;

Celestial Spells can only be obtained by completing 8-10 limited quests. There are 5 of that type in the game total, one for each class and 2 for mages. When these spells were first revealed, the quests were always available, but many players complained they made the game too easy. After hearing those complaints, the creators made the quests limited, having them appear randomly throughout the year.

When a poison is listed as unknown, that means the players have yet to encounter it and other antidotes won’t have any effect. You must defeat the beast to receive a sample of the antidote or learn how to create it.