<Nocturnal Harmonia>

[Bloodedge]

Two Concubines were down shortly after Kaguya caught a glimpse of what the Players were up to. It didn't even seem to register that they were suddenly left alone, if it even registered that they weren't alone a few minutes before. Time would continue passing with uninterrupted debauchery, Hollow Knights, Assassins and Archers falling periodically to themselves, each other, and Miko's resonating voice. Thirty minutes and a couple of surges later, they'd finally be winding down... with another [LEVEL UP!] from the System to show for it. "That's a hell of a cheese strategy, actually. How are you on mana?" Yugi asked as he worked himself off the floor.

At the start of that 30 minute lapse, Ren was surprising that blonde lass in a way that surprised him in the moment, but certainly wasn't new for a greeting. Also to his surprise was the fact that she'd worn her Hunter clothes; he'd yet to manage the time to sully those. Whatever the case, an immediate outburst came with the question of why she visited him. "Ann... that one wasn't actually my fault. I can't explain. But... it always looks good on you," he said, not bothering to put his tool away. At this point, they both had use of a shower. "Back downstairs? We could both clean up," he suggested. Whether the girl called Ann agreed or not, Ren would be passing that time with a shower of his own.

[Apollymi]

Kaguya and Ren had both disappeared but Miko had only taken light notice and it was barely conscious. She'd only kept enough awareness for them to think of a way to keep them safe while they were present. When they disappeared she fully devoted the rest of her concentration to what was in front of her, driving himself into her womb and filling her up. It was magnificent and for 30 or so minutes, nothing really mattered. The creatures of this Dungeon spent a lot of time confused and unable to properly find their targets. Many fell to friendly fire and those that didn't were the ones doing the killing. By the end it was enough to give them a level and leave them in the afterglow pleased and sated by their actions. As Yugi worked himself off the floor, Miko sat up, enjoying a bit of stiffness from being curled up and moving her clothes back into place mostly. "It is quite cheesy but it's definitely a good strategy. Survival shouldn't be all murder, but it does that too♪~" Miko said seemingly pleased. As for her Mana she was looking at her status window and smirking. "Tehehe♪~ Considering you have dumped quite a bit of your mana into me, I'm at about 60 percent right now. I also still have one refresh, I am keeping stored in me as Jelly from using Drain Touch on the doctor♪~" Miko sang as she stood up on wobbly legs. Her clothing still a bit disheveled her reddened butt cheek with a large hand print on it, showing that purple thong and all. "Shit, my legs actually don't work right. Like a baby deer out here♪!~" Miko muttered trying to get herself together and ending up bent over at the waist with her hands on her knees for stabilization.

While the players got into their true stride, the blonde lass found herself covered in spunk. And what did Amamiya Ren even have to say for himself? Nothing really, that wasn't apparently his fault, but he couldn't explain... it appeared looked good on her though. "Hmphf, you would say something like that..." she said seemingly pouty but she was still just running under the assumption that he was like this because he liked her. It was the only thing that made any sense. Whatever the case, the lad invited her to shower with him, and she could only scoff, "I knew it, this was just a plan to get me naked and in the shower! I'm on to you Ren!" she said as if outraged. Even though she was also on her way downstairs, if only because... she did actually need that shower. No matter what they'd be carrying for for the foreseeable future, they were friends after all.

[Bloodedge]

As they prepared to confront their enemies again, the Players had only a little recoup to do. Miko's mana stores were fine, and she had one remaining top-up left from the doctor she'd taken from before. Yugi had a correction to that. "Three. You've got three refreshes. I wasted a good bit there, but using Ruler's Hand lets me save a lot on what I do. I say we run this down before calling in big goth tits," Yugi suggested, stretching his own legs and watching Miko take a most interesting position during her standing attempt. "I know that's not an intentional thing you're doing, but assuming one of the three prime twerking positions isn't conducive to starting the fight again," he said, choosing not to draw any attention to Miko's... skirt conundrum.

The Players would eventually have another Hollow Magician downed, and thus another golem spawned. Yugi expected this one to be weaker than the first, simply because less enemies had been defeated in this recent round. Instead, it was stronger ─ as though it had the first's strength in addition to the fallen enemies since it spawned. "Of fucking course!" Yugi griped as he slid back against his heel, stopping momentum with a blade in the ground. "Only one mage died in that shit too! Are they fucking protected from AoE?!" he complained further. "Fuck this quest!"

[Apollymi]

The pair of youngsters actually managed to separate themselves at some point and get try and get back to the fight. Miko for her part in this was a bit winded but still had enough mana and enough physical strength remaining to do a bit of fighting. As they got ready to go out into the fight again, it would seem that Miko had more refreshes than she thought, it took her a moment to realize what he was talking about and then she blushed and looked a bit sheepish. "Oh, right... snackpacks. I forgot about those... so two, I could still save the regular one for you then. And probably get a refresh on Indulgence, by eating one. But sure, there isn't an immediate need to call her, might as well stretch it out a bit," Miko said knowing from her exploration of F-list that such a thing was definitely considered a kink of some sort. No matter, she'd leave that to the side for a different moment. Soon after, it was pointed out that the position she took to steady herself was one of apparently three prime twerking positions. "Waaaah♪!~ I definitely didn't do it on purpose, but... it seems like a surprise tool that might help me later♪~ BOX IT♪!~" she chirped. Every day Miko created some number of boxes, and most didn't open, in anything resembling normal time. Some, had several other things added to them before they would open but one thing was certain... she'd not been... 'twerking' since that first time, when she backed herself up against him on purpose. The next time she tried such an experience would likely be something quite different from those rudimentary practices.

And so the Players went back to their task, managing to down another Hollow Magician and in so doing spawning another golem. But of course, for every success and relaxation they managed, a set back had to also appear. The golem that was summoned seemed to be stronger than the previous one, or rather it seemed like all of the parts went into it, not just the ones from this round. "Ugh, why the fuck does it need to be this difficult!♪~ Everytime we adjust another roadblock appears... " Miko complained of her own accord. Still, as she pulled those two catalysts nearer to her person she studied the room. The Hollow Mages might have had something else odd about them, given they'd not really died or been maimed by her screaming earlier. "They could be, or they're deaf and the sound based powers don't work. At this point I wouldn't be surprised if everything happening in here, is meant to counter some aspect of our already shown kits. Speaking of, do we know what that Hollow Magician dropped, no telling if it will help but it couldn't hurt," Miko said honestly. As she looked at this golem she rotated her shoulders, feeling a gentle breeze against that butt cheek that she still couldn't really place and didn't have time to think about. "So... next time, I use Go-sei's blue? Murder the remainder and get the one last super golem out of the way?" she pondered knowing they could use her voice and a few more key elements to work it apart at least, though it would take longer with just the two of them.

[Bloodedge]

The System and its administrator were such consistent annoyances, Yugi couldn't even put his thoughts on the matter into words. If Brainface wanted them stronger, this was a suboptimal method of creating motivation to the desired outcome. How were they supposed to defeat every golem that spawned if each one was stronger, and the first was already stronger than them? The golems at least didn't bring the amount of thought or skill presented by Igris, but that wouldn't make much difference past number three. "This is the dumbest way to do a thing! I know it's a survival quest, but winning is usually possible, Misohead!" he grumbled, renaming Brainface in the moment to something he deemed even more demeaning.

There was one silver lining to the situation. They had taken down another Hollow Magician, and could check its loot so long as it was done quickly enough. "Inventory," Yugi demanded, having a glance at a Skill Rune: Summon Knight. Considering the number of weapons they'd picked up from Hollow Knights in the last hour alone, he saw much potential in that. "I doubt that Blue thing would do much either. I definitely electrocuted two of them just now, but only one died. If there's a gap, it had to be measured in milliseconds. We've got just under 3 hours left... but we can definitely clear this thing if we take out every mage somehow. Maybe Blue could take the last magician along with the remaining knights?" he posited. "For this one, I've got an idea. I might be able to take Summon Knight and make it..." Yugi paused there. Why? Well, he was trying to activate the Skill Rune, but...

〔SYSTEM NOTICE — SKILL ACTIVATION FAILED〕

Skill: Summon Knight
Activation Attempt Detected.

Error: Incompatibility Detected.

This System does not support summoning magic for the current path.
External summoning contracts are restricted.

Skill Restriction Applied:
Summon Knight has been sealed.
This skill cannot be used.

System Remark:
Some powers are incompatible with your current trajectory.
Focus on what you can claim through your own strength.

"... Bitch what?" he questioned, grumbling, fuming. There was a long rant forming in Yugi's head. Alas, he didn't have the time to give it. "Okay... okay. No way are you allowed to give me a game-changing Skill I can't use. Fuck that and fuck you! Oi, can you buy me a second? I'm gonna fuck this System inside-out!"

[Apollymi]

The System and its Administrator were a special brand of problem in the lives of the Players. It was obvious that this System was designed at least in part to make the users stronger, but it was not made to balance the human psyche very well. No, it presented challenges that were layered, complex and wholly unnecessary if strength was what was looking for. It also ordered things in a ridiculous way making it much harder for the Players than it had to be. "Ooh♪~ Miso makes me want soup♪!~" Miko chirped, though she did agree in general. "It is definitely seeming like it's meant to be impossible... or we're supposed to think it is..." Miko said a slight furrowing of her brow occurring as she thought about it. But even the Hollow Canyon in Kingdom Hearts had been winnable.

While they continued to act and got ready to do something about the next golem, they discussed their potential plans. Blue might not be enough to kill the multiple Hollow Magicians according to Yugi, the timing window was really tight. "Well, I'm a lot better at timing than most things... I could always try a Red instead. Or we could try the GTA Heist Method," Miko commented trying to find the easiest way for them to kill multiple Mages and keep there golem count relatively low. "I could definitely take one mage and a bunch of knights with it..." Miko answered the idea of using it on the last Magician and the Knights. Whatever the case, it seemed that the skill rune had been for Summon Knight. But the pause in Yugi's sentence let Miko know it hadn't worked the way he wanted. A pause and then quickly reading she could pause a bit to gaze his way while kicking a nearby Knight out of her way as she landed on her feet still getting a feeling for her legs back. "Hai hai... I'll take over. I have another use of Megiddo up and I can use blue and work on my accuracy~" Miko said about shooting targets. she could at the very least keep attention off Yugi for a while. So... she did that. Doing a chant and making those water lenses in the air over head. Soon after she was using one of her catalysts to target the Golem and force it to divert its attention towards her the chirping notes escaping her lips... even though they were only being used to distract. Yugi would have several quiet minutes of uninterrupted time while Miko moved about drawing all aggro and doing targeted damage.

[Bloodedge]

"Joke's on him; I can go through an immovable object without an unstoppable force," Yugi boasted. He initially thought the Summon Knight Skill would be a wonderful stepping stone for a long-term victory against these waves, but the System said otherwise. No matter. The System's stupid restrictions had been worked around before, and it would be again. All he needed was a bit of time to figure out some interactions. First though, there was Miko's suggestion for dealing with multiple mages in the future. "Might sound weird, but I don't know if we should even try. We'd be jumping right into a bigger challenge with no buildup to it. With each one adding the strength of the old shit, maybe it's better to go one at a time. Still... killing less knights along the way would probably be for the best," he rambled.

Moving on, Yugi was allotted the time he required for Skill crafting. While Miko utilized her next available Megiddo, it seemed he could take up to five minutes if necessary. That wouldn't be necessary at all, however. "Good shit. Just a sec," he said. Why did the System refuse summoning magic? They did have the ability to call upon their Concubines and empower them, so evidence would have those people counted as familiars in some respect. Perhaps it was that? Something was off about that thought however, as one of Miko's Bondmates could utilize a summon. That just didn't work mathematically in Yugi's mind. While Yugi mulled over that, he played with Knight's Bastion, thinking to combine two 'Knight' Skills for better efficacy. It was high time he did something with a Skill's essence, so... Ruler's Hand could possibly make something work. Upon trying it, Yugi saw something quite interesting...

〔SYSTEM NOTICE — SKILL FUSION〕

Skill Sacrifice Detected.

Summon Knight rune has been consumed.
Essence of Ruler's Hand has been integrated.

Skill Evolution Triggered

Knight's Bastion has been reforged.

Skill Upgraded: Abyssal Frame (LV.2)

Description:
The spectral armor has evolved into a visible, ghostly ribcage that envelops the user, with a single spectral arm manifesting on the left side.

Effect:

• Summons a translucent ribcage barrier that can absorb a large amount of incoming damage before shattering
• The spectral arm can block, grab, or exert limited telekinetic force on nearby objects and enemies
• Enemies within 20 meters are mildly taunted. Weaker enemies are 'feared'.
• When the ribcage is destroyed, it releases a powerful shockwave that knocks back and damages enemies in a 12-meter radius

System Remark:
The knight’s power has been absorbed and reshaped.
The first bones of something greater begin to form.

After confirming that Skill creation, Yugi bore a wide grin. Ruler's Hand also reduced the mana consumption significantly, but it remained a channeled ability. Still... Yugi would soon be walking closer to Miko, a purple aura featuring a barrier of ribs surrounding him. "Immovable Object. Meet Immovable Object! We're back in skull-fucking territory, Onako!"

[Apollymi]

Apparently, Yugi didn't care about the philosophical issues of force and stopping power. He had other plans for the System and boasted about them without fail. Miko chuckled finding it amusing. "Chii♪~ If you say so... I look forward to seeing what it is♪!~" Miko said. Sticking it to Brainface was the highest order of business aside from their own activities of choice. Beyond that point the the oddity of the System's restrictions were so oddly placed. On a similar topic, Yugi seemed to think oddly of the idea of trying to get rid of all the mages at once. He cited the growth potential of their golem challenge and their lack of potential progress as a ramp up in challenge that was unnecessary. "We could definitely still go one at a time. I wouldn't want to cause us undo stress for a lack of reward..." Miko concluded. If she was going to stress herself out about something she wanted it to be worthwhile.

And with that she set herself up to be the main focus of their enemies for at least five minutes. She figured Yugi wouldn't need that much time, but thought to give them a proper cushion in case some other small things were necessary. Given their most recent conversation, her use of Megiddo was targeted, clearing out only the archers and and maiming bigger creatures for the sake of keeping the total kill count relatively low. Just the same she'd be making use of Ruler's Hand to pick up discarded runes, weapons, and armor pieces, thinking that she might have a better time with a different kind of equipment. No matter, she'd go through it in a bit. In the meantime, Yugi was working quite well doing his own thing and within a short amount of time he was walking up again. "Oohaa♪!~ That was fast..." she chirped happily. A second immovable object was his answer to the philosophical question. "Oh, the fighting fire with fire answer... understood. OOOoh♪~ It's like the Fairy Tail thing... the dark hero had~" Miko mentioned while giving a heavy visual inspection. "Box it," she murmured something in her head felt oddly about what she'd just said. But if they were taking things from multiple series she couldn't even argue. "Alright, Omen-kun♪~ what kind of approach are we taking to this golem? I've been maiming knights instead of killing them and only killing archers with Megiddo for GP," she mentioned.

[Bloodedge]

When Yugi finally returned, he did so with renewed confidence. This new Skill was going to carry a lot of weight ─ literally in some cases. Upon joining Miko, the ribcage had them both well-protected. Yugi even noted the connection of an assassin's blade against the rear of that defense, to no avail. "Gotcha~" he chimed, reaching back with his right hand ─ using Ruler's Hand to grab a previously-invisible assassin. Once he had it, he pulled that assassin into the safe zone, holding it in front of Miko. Yugi didn't hesitate before his left hand slammed against Miko's exposed rear, if only to kill the assassin with her voice.

Miko made a comparison to a known character from one of the Aeons' more underrated series, noting the character called Sasuke as a dark hero archetype. "You think so too, huh? Not bad," he commented regarding Miko's thought process. As for what their approach could be, Yugi didn't have too much of a plan. He did, however, have a means. "Oh, I added Ruler's Hand to this as a concept. I can do this~" he said as that ribcage manifested the full bone structure of a left arm in proper place. If made full, the structure would be roughly fifteen times the size of a human ─ very similar to the golem they had to face. "Did you also notice how Ruler's Hand feels a little too natural? It made me wonder if I couldn't do something else. Remember the Kaiba Corps prototype for the Mobile Trace System?" he hinted.

[Apollymi]

Yugi made his way back to Miko and when he did she found one of the first uses of his newly upgraded skill. It would seem it was outright resistance to physical attacks in addition to giving him a better understanding. A single assassin was snatched up as it tried to attack, and then while it was held, Yugi turned to to Miko before swiftly reaching out to slap her behind. Such was done in a way that caused an immediate sting and an outcry. "THAAAAAAAAAAANK YOOOOOOOU♪~" she sang in a way that would shatter that poor Assassin in a moment, it's death a painful musical crescendo. Maybe if she wasn't so into the moments of contact, Miko might have noticed his hand came in contact with her rear a bit too quickly? She definitely didn't notice it quickly enough to do something about that skirt still stuck in her little purple thong.

Soon after they were discussing the likeness of his abilities to ones present in a story called 'Fairy Tail', an Aeons work that as all others didn't see completion but still had some very appreciable themes and concepts. The 'Dark Hero' she spoke of she thought of as an obvious point. "Iia, that one's pretty obvious with even a second of thought. He's not evil and Aine isn't just upset at a turncoat. She feels a betrayal in that... and he is too invested in her new boy for him to be able to play brooding despondent ex," Miko said looking at the situation from the perspective of involved emotions and relationships. "Basically, the love triangle with the old boyfriend being the guy who had to do something bad for everyone else's sake. Can't really call it a trope but it does happen a few times in the Aeons works. I think Chrysaor also does that in a less straightforward way. Anyway my guess is the old Guildmaster was a fuck... of some undescribed nature," Miko said filling in the gaps with her mental fanfic, after realizing she'd said a lot more about it. Beyond that point it seemed Ruler's hand was added to his new thing, which he claimed felt a bit too much like a real hand. "Hai, noticed it, put it in a box..." Miko said about the sensation and it's likeness to normal movement. Beyond that he asked about Kaiba Corps Mobile Trace System. She did know somethign about that, one of the earliest tries of getting into more active gaming experiences. It was shut down due to potential cruelty. "Yeah, he wasn't allowed to finish working on that, but it sounded like some deep dive anime stuff. Especially the idea of being able to control an 'avatar' like thing outside of yourself... are you gonna..." she paused giving it thought. That skeleton was huge, if he could use it as an extension of his powers, they basically could win a Kaijuu fight.