The Eighth Sin

"Alone!?" Kristen exclaimed. "Are you serious!?" She stomped her way towards him. "You said so yourself, you lack information! The monsters here are various demon types and the boss monster is most likely stronger than you, yet you want to at this alone!?" Kristen was genuinely upset about this. Riyku would turn away from her, knowing full well what she meant and understanding how she felt. "I can't... With so little information, I don't want to put you all in any danger." Riyku would remark looking back at her. A heavy huff escaped her lips, "Riyku... We made a promise, a vow, that we would protect you just as you want to protect us. Let us come with you, okay?" Kristen seemed to have calmed down somewhat. Her tone of voice wasn't heightened nor was she exhibiting any upset body posture. Everyone would gather behind her, looking at Riyku firmly. Ther conviction in their eyes replicated their feelings towards him. The urge to protect someone precious to them. Seeing as how he was at a loss for this he would release a soft satisfied breath. "Alright, you can come along. But, none of you have a weapon. So..." Riyku would flick his wrist which brought up a cybernetic screen before him. This wasn't the first time the girls saw this, and wouldn't be the last but it never ceased to amaze him. Navigating towards the inventory tab he would look through a selection of various items he had managed himself. Approaching the table he would select a single item which brought up a side tab. There were various selections, equip, transmute, enchant, enhance, drop, and delete. Riyku would select the drop text which caused the item to vanish from its inventory slot and appear upon the table before him through dim pixelated lights. The weapon that appeared was a whip, simple in design since it appeared to be fully steel. Though when Riyku hovered his hand over the weapon a screen would appear before him.

Mystic Whip

Type- Specialization

Condition- Magical

Rarity- A

A whip said to host magical properties. Allowing the user to bathe their weapon in any form of magical property even if they can not use magical spells. Effect: Magical Enchantment - Bathes the weapon in a single magical property at the user's command. Magical properties are Flame, Chill, Plague.

"Kristen this is yours." Riyku would show her the screen for her to read over and when she did she blinked rapidly before looking to Riyku. "Where the hell did you get this kind of weapon?" Kristen was baffled to be honest which caused Riyku to chuckle lightly as Kristen moved to take up the weapon. "At Deyo's place. No one wanted it, so it picked it up. I have a few others for you all as well." Riyku stated before returning to his screen to select another weapon that would appear upon the table. When he hovered his hand over the weapon, the screen for the whip seemed to dismiss itself and a new screen for the new weapon appeared.

Sniper's Bow

Type- Bow

Condition- Excellent

Rarity- A

A composition bow with a sturdy string and a spell imbued into the weapon that gives the user the ability to magnify their perception which will allow them to zoom in on their target. Effect: Sniper's Eye - Allows one to expand their perception when aiming.

"Lira, this is yours." Riyku would state which caused Lira to come to the table when she did Riyku would show her the screen as she reached for the weapon. "This should allow you to support from a further distance or even vantage points." Riyku would add and Lira would nod softly. "Thank you." Even though she was suppressing her excitement, one could see how intrigued she was by just looking at the glitter in her eyes. Riyku would return his attention to his inventory screen and select two weapons this time. Both of them would appear on the table, but each one held a different design. Both were staves. The one on the left held a dark design with a purple gem at the top of that while the other was a lighter design with a green gem. "Mina, Vex, these weapons far for you. Vex takes the black one, Mina takes the white one." As Riyku offered weapons to each of them he would bring up their status screens.

Staff of SpellWeaving

Type- Staff

Condition- Magical

Rarity- S

A staff that shortens the cast time of spells by gathering in Mana at a hastened pace. It also allows the user to duel-cast spells, and keep a single spell in stock for a quick cast. Effect: Quick Cast- Shortens spell cast time, Duel Cast- Use two spells at the same time, Spell Storage- Hold a single spell for use later.

Staff of Rejuninvation

Type- Staff

Condition- Magical

Rarity- S

A staff that rejuvenates the user as well as increases the potency of healing attributes. Effect: Auto-Heal- Automatically heals minor wounds, and heals other wounds over time. Healer's Grace- Increases healing effects by x2.

The girls looked over the respective screens that Riyku showed them as they took their weapons. "Geez... it's almost like you went into the black market for these items." Vex stated though she wasn't complaining one bit. "Actually, I saw this one in Deyo's shop one day, but the price was over one million points, did you just recently buy this?" Mina inquired and Riyku nodded. "I did, I bought all of those items. Just in case you guys needed weapons. I am glad." Riyku answered her before moving to bring out one weapon. "For you, Skylar." Riyku would state as a set of weapons appeared on the table. He would bring up the screen for Skylar to review.

Assassin's Dagger +4

Type- Dagger

Rarity- A

Condition- Sharp

A blade used by the Assassins of old. It is said that these weapons were capable of silently piercing their target's flesh from any direction and easy to withdraw for a quick escape. Effect: Deals addition damage if used on Vital points.

Night Crawler +4

Type- Claw

Rarity- S

Condition- Lethal

Where this... thing came from is unknown. No one knows who used it but what they do know is that it was used to take out high priority targets without delay. Effect: Armor Piercing. Bleed Damage (Causes internal bleeding for several seconds). State of Shock (Paralyzes the target instantly for several seconds). Instill Fear (Will fear all non-boss mobs and monsters below the users Level when spotted while killing a target with Night Crawler).

Skylar would blink rapidly as he took in the status on the screen for each weapon. "Try it on," Riyku remarked and Skylar reached for the Claw first which seemed to fit perfectly to his hand, then he reached for the dagger which seemed to suit him quite well. "How do they feel? Give them a good swing." Riyku would step back and Skylar would move to an open space in the room before swinging both weapons around in a flourishing movement. "Light..." Skylar mused lightly. "Mhm, those were the weapons I used when I went to get Lira back. They suited well for my agile, stealthy approach. So I figured they would suit you well." Riyku would remark which caused Skylar to look back at him." Are you sure I can have them?" Skylar seemed a bit worried, but at the same time excited. "Yup. All of you can keep those weapons." Riyku would remark and everyone seemed quite shocked but happy to hear. "What about Cira?" Kristen had taken notice that Riyku did not give her a weapon. "I have just the weapon for her." Cira perched up, still sitting her chair in awe at everything that had happened. Riyku would bring out a single weapon, which would appear on the table.

Ion Gun +4

Type: Gun

Rarity: B

Condition: Piercing

The Ion gun is said to be one of the top model guns used by the military. What it lacks in magical power makes up for physical piercing. Effect: Armor Piercing.

"Take it." Riyku would slide the weapon in Cira's direction after bringing up the screen. Cira would look at the gun then up at Riyku. She had answers, but he had not the time to answer them. "I doubt you want to be here alone. So stay close to us. I have only been to the furthest point of each end of the hallway, but amongst the hall happen to be doors and other pathways." Riyku would explain to them as he looked through his inventory. His eyes hovered over one of the weapons in one of the slots.

Type: Harbinger

Rarity: SSS

A weapon hand-forged by Riyku Von Rosario himself. The two blades have special attributes, one for tearing the life force of his foes while the other tears through any protections bestowed upon one, be it normal armor or magical armor, even shields and buffs. The lantern in the middle holds the souls of those he has taken to either be used to strengthen his scythe or himself. +100 to all stats. Effect: consuming souls reservoir will either strengthen your weapon or yourself permanently. 10 souls = +1 stat.

Soul count: 9,230

Weapon Exclusive to the following: Mystic Form.

Narrowing his eyes at the exclusive to the following text and how it was exclusive to a single form made him a bit bitter. Then again... the weapon itself was heavy. Not in the sense of weight, but the burdens it carried. Perhaps it was for the best that he was unable to even use the said weapon. "What about you?" Kristen inquired of Riyku who moved his attention from the screen towards her. "Me? Well, we have all roles expect one." Riyku would remark as he pressed upon two slots which brought up two types of weapons, or more so one. A large durable shield around his height appeared attached to his left hand. While the Soluna Blade appeared in his right hand.

Shield of the Sun

Type: Speical

Rarity: S

Condition: Impenetrable

A shield said to have harnessed the rays of the sun and condensed them into an impenetrable wall. Those who attack the shield meet with the sun's flare, and those who bare witness to the flare are often not only scorched by blinded as well. Effects: Flare Counter - Anyone who strikes the shield would cause the shield to flare out scorching them, and those who bare witness to the flash of light will be briefly blinded. Tank's Roar - Instantly cause all enemies at your level or lower to focus upon you.

Soluna Blade

Type- Greatsword

Rarity- S

Condition- Sharp and Heavy

A large sword with a smaller sword that is retractable from inside of the blade. The smaller sword acts as a second blade for the user to allow them to overwhelm and overcome any predicament. +50 Strength.

"So I'll be our front line. Our goal right now is to look for a way out of this place, everything else is secondary." Riyku remarked firmly and everyone nodded and replied, "Yes!" Riyku would turn on his heel to look towards the door, but a screen appeared before him and caught his attention.

'Do you wish to form a party?'

Of course, the options were yes or no, but the fact that this appeared now and not earlier was baffling. Reaching to touch the yes button several cybernetic screens would appear in front of each person in the room.

'Do you wish to join, Riyku Von Rosario's party?'

They also had a yes or no option. "Umm..." Mina mused softly. "What is this?" Kristen inquired. "Accept it," Riyku remarked and they all hit yes. Suddenly their names, along with a green and blue bar appeared his own. "I see," Riyku muttered before turning to face them again. "If you look in the upper left-hand corner of your vision, you should see something along the lines of several names and two colorations of bars. This is known as a miniature status screen. The green bar is your health and the blue bar is your mana." Riyku would explain to them, though there seemed to be some confusion upon their faces they did grasp the basic concept. "But wait, you have a purple bar instead of a blue bar," Vex called out and Riyku nodded softly. "I do. Though the reason being is unknown to me." Riyku replied to her. "So, it's just like a video-game then? Everything you've done so far makes it seem that way. Well, I won't question about this place, or anything else until we get out of here. But when we are out..." Cira would reach for the gun and check it out before testing the hindsight and weight as a whole. "We should finish our conversation." She finished and everyone smiled at her.

"Alright, here is our formation. I'll take the front. Skylar, you will be the secondary frontline. Of course, you will also be doing damage alongside me. Our backline will be Vex and Cira. Mina, you will be our support and lastly Kristen." Riyku looked towards her and she walked up beside him with a smile. "Very well," Riyku replied softly. "Alright, everyone here we go." Riyku would turn back to the door and open it up only to peek outside to make sure the coast was clear before moving forward himself. The others would follow up behind him as he progresses onward towards the left. The place was similar to that of a dungeon, the walls appeared made some of the sorts of otherworldly material yet held the appearance of cobblestone. "Do you think we are underground?" Mina inquired of Vex who would shrug. "Not sure. I don't think Riyku knows either." Vex replied. "It could be an underground dungeon." Cira would remark which caused them to look at her, the sudden attention caused her to blush softly. "I mean going off the games I use to play. The walls are made of stone and hold mossy patches here and there as if they have not been maintained. I have ever entered a dungeon, so I am merely going based off of what speculation." Cira quickly gave out her opinion on the matter and they nodded. "What do you think, Skylar?" Mina asked and Skylar who would glance around. "Could be, the coloration is bizarre though so I am not sure," Skylar replied. "It most likely is," Riyku added though stopped moving about when he heard soft footsteps coming from around the corner. Leaning back against the wall caused them to do the same and Riyku peeked around the corner for a moment. "There are... more?" Riyku narrowed his eyes before exhaling a breath when he leaned back once more. "Is something wrong?" Kristen inquired of him. "No, it's simple goblins but there are at least ten or so more monsters than before," Riyku stated softly and Kristen nodded. "What do we do?" Kristen inquired. "Ambush them when they come around the corner," Riyku replied. "Skylar, can you do it?" Riyku looked towards him and Skylar nodded. "Of course, especially with these weapons." Skylar made the notion of his weapons and Riyku nodded. "Then you will be the one we rely on for ambushes, we'll back you up; however, don't go until I give the signal," Riyku stated.

They would wait, and wait, and wait until the group of monsters happened to be in the perfect spot. Riyku would give the silent signal and Skylar would dash around the corner and straight into the mob of monsters. However, the moment they saw him was a second too late since Skylar had already gutted one of the goblins with the Night Crawler which activated the special effect causing the remaining foes to become instilled with fear which caused them to cower. This allowed the party to follow up and take out the remaining monsters in the hallway. When all was said and done a screen appeared before in front of Riyku.

'400 Experience Points obtained.'

'200 Souls obtained.'

"Umm, Riyku what is this?" Kristen inquired which drew his attention towards them, his eyes widen when he saw that they held cybernetic screens in front of them. "That is a rewards screen. It displays what you earned. Do you not have them?" Riyku asked just to make sure and Kristen shook her head. "No," Kristen replied. "It's basically how you would normally level up through Gambit's Challenge but without the challenges and whatnot." Cira butted in. "Another thing from a videogame?" Vex asked and Cira nodded. "Yup, but it seems like Riyku over there already knew about this." What Cira responded with caused everyone to look at him and he would shrug. "I only know so much. Most of it was from memory fragments. So, what is on the screen?" Riyku inquired.

"Four-hundred experience points obtained and two-hundred souls sent to Riyku Von Rosario." Kristen would reply. "Same here," Skylar added. "Same with mine." Mina would add as well. "Same." Vex put in. "Yup, same here." Cira would also add. "I see, that's interesting." Riyku mused softly before something hit him. "Wait, Souls were sent to me?" Riyku repeated rhetorically. "So, what are these souls thing?" Cira inquired. "This world's currency. Though, it would seem you all are unable to use it. But, why am I allowed?" Riyku narrowed his eyes in thought. Said thought would drag on for a bit which caused Kristen to come and nudge him in the side. "Come on, let's go. We need to get out of here first, then you can hypothesize all you want." Kristen stated which drew him from his thought. "You are right. Let's keep going. As I said, I have only been up and down the previous hall. So who knows how long we'll be here." Riyku would remark and never nodded before they continued their venture.

Onward they went, through rooms and corridors, taking on monsters in their pathway and coming out on top throughout their journey. A heavy sigh would escape Kristen's lips, "Another dead end?" She seemed to complain and Riyku shook his head. "Nothing much we can do." He replied to her. "What is this, like the tenth dead end?" Kristen complained some more. "Did we skip any passages?" Vex inquired. "Yeah, we skipped over one fork path a few turns back," Mina answered her. "Then let's get going," Riyku added and the group would turn around though, as they did something made a click sound. "What?" Riyku narrowed his eyes and stopped in place which caused the rest of the group to hold their ground. "Is something wrong?" Skylar asked and Riyku placed a finger to his lips. "Shh..." He replied softly.

Click! Click! Click! Click! Several clicking noises went off as if some kind of mechanism was at work. Then it just stopped out of nowhere. "Umm..." Skylar mused lightly before the ground rose up to form a wall before them. The dead-end wall lowered which caused Riyku to turn back towards it. "Get behind me!" Riyku shouted as he dashed forward, getting a rather uneasy feeling in his gut. He would slam his shield down before him and everyone lined up behind him. "Mina cast a buffer spell, Vex create a multi-layer prison around us. Skylar, get ready to ambush and Lira cover him after the activation of my shield with a barrage of arrows. Cira and Kristen get ready to move on my mark!" Riyku gave his orders and everyone nodded in silence. "Elements of Earth, provide us with your graceful shield to aid us against our foes." Vex would chant, as she absorbed the mana around before unleashing a multi-layer barrier around them. "Holy Light, Nature's blessing, give us the strength to withstand our foe in this desperate time." Mina would chant as well before unleashing her spell which caused everyone's bodies to glow brightly. Skylar would grasp the hilt of his dagger and take to a low stance behind Riyku, meanwhile, Lira would tuck a single mana arrow in preparation herself.

"Is something coming?" Cira inquired when she noticed nothing was happening after a moment. "Yes, something big..." Riyku replied to her moments before a loud sound clashed against the earthen prison. Which caused them to give shocked expression. "Do not falter!" Riyku shouted as another layer was broken down it would seem. Another and another, it wasn't until Riyku bore witness to the streams of light that were breaking through the last earthen barrier did Riyku remark, "Here it comes!" Then the beam or ray of light slammed against his shield. The force causing him to grit his teeth as he steeled himself in place. "Riyku!" Kristen shouted. "I am fine! Just get ready, there is a platoon of monsters on the other side! I can feel them!" Riyku shouted out. His eyes shifted to his shield points bar, taking notice of a slowly decreasing pace though his teammates seemed to be perfectly fine. "Just a little bit longer..." Riyku would grit his teeth as the seconds felt like minutes. In truth, he had no idea how long it would be until this ray or beam or whatever it was would dimish and they would be able to retaliate. Sure he had the buff that Mina put on him, but even buffs go away after their duration ends. All it was now was a battle of attrition.