Buddy Rush: Arena Season 13 Ends

Arena Season 13 ended today. There was no official reward list posted again so here is my unofficial list of rewards based on Rank (there may be a mistake):
1-100 => Purple profile frame + Accessory (Wings of the Phoenix A)
101-200 => Red profile frame + Accessory (Wings of the Phoenix B)
201-500 => Blue profile frame + Accessory (Wings of Honor A)
501-1000 => Green profile frame + Accessory (Wings of Honor B)
1001-2000 => White profile frame + Accessory (Wings of Honor C)

I received the Wings of the Phoenix B:

Reward in the Postbox!

After the first Tuesday (the double Honor Point day), I had 7945 Honor Points that put me at the 175th Rank. That was after 226 Arena fights.

After Tuesday 16 July 2013.

A few hours before the end of the Season, I had 10874 Honor Points and Rank 182. I only needed 443 Arena fights to make it that far.

A few hours before the end of Season 13.

443 fights were enough to get me the Grade 2 reward. It may require even fewer fights than that, but I am not willing to take the chance. It seems easier to get Grade 2 nowadays.

No, 443 fights is still a lot of work!

I put the Wings of the Phoenix B on Nagne. Flaming wings match the pizza on his hat.

Wings still too wide to display fully.

Nagne can now go deliver pizzas.

Pizza's are baked on the way!

I am not sure if there will be a new Accessory reward for Season 14. If there is, it will likely be easy to get in Season 14 with fewer players competing. However, if there is indeed a new reward on Season 14, I expect that they will be more players on Season 15, trying to get the new reward.

Buddy Rush: Contents

Nuclear Outrun on the iPhone

I had the chance to play Nuclear Outrun on the iPhone. It was much better than the original, which was a game about driving a truck as far as possible before the bomb drops. And there are zombies to shoot on the way.

The iPhone version is an improvement. The truck does not get stuck on zombies and blocks anymore. With that, I can concentrate on shooting things that would slow the truck. And there are things to buy with coins earned from playing. And there are survivors to rescue, who can drive the truck and give it special abilities. And there are different trucks. And the cyborg T-Rex is there, and it does not take the weapon slot this time!

How many 'And's was that?

I wish I had an iPhone so that I can write a proper review for the game. (And of course to play it lots!)

Buddy Rush: July 2013 Attendance Reward

There was no problem with Attendance this month. Thus I received my Attendance Reward on time.

20-day Attendance Reward

This month's Attendance Reward is the Kendama A, which gives Att+2%.

Reward in the Postbox!

I equipped it on Nagne since the Kendama is an Eastern toy, matching Nagne's Eastern background.

Nagne with Kendama A

I am curious, however, about the A in the Accessory's name. Is there a Kendama B? Or C?

Buddies want to know too.

Buddy Rush: Contents

Lady in the City, Interlude

Hello, there. This is Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow here in the Narration Room and this is how I normally talk, er, type - when I'm not in character.

You may have read my previous work when I acted as Selina in Handful of Sand. That story is long done so I was free to guest star as Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow.

Well, we have this cool character who's the mother of Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace and, uh... her character file was quite thin. When the people upstairs asked me to play her part, I was a bit surprised when they handed me her file, which had only a few pages in it.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace's character file had more details about Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow.

So, Scarlet-Wrapped- okay, this is too much to type! I'm calling them Mummy and Archer and I can get away with it since this is the Interlude and I don't have to be in character!

As I was saying, Mummy is someone that Archer looks up to, according to Archer's file. Despite that, Archer doesn't seem to be emulating her mother, or taking any of Mummy's advice except for one: Archer is avoiding any relationship with Immortal-Class characters.

Maybe Archer takes more after her father than she would care to admit. Oh, and while Archer really dislikes her father, I found no reference on Mummy's feelings for him in the files.

We won't be seeing Mummy for a while so I'm going to have more time on my hands.

Bye for now, until we meet again, whenever that is.

***

Part 6: The Minced Oath

Adventures of Heroes Who Talk Too Much

Lady in the City, Part 6: The Minced Oath

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
The luxury suite at the Obligatory Town Inn has a delightfully roomy bathroom with a large tub that is a beauty of porcelain. And once the tub is filled with warm water and covered with lots of bubbles, it becomes absolutely dreamy! Gentle music, from a smartphone, will set a peaceful mood, perfect for casting all the day's care out. With a glass of wine, the soothing scent of incense and the ambiance provided by soft-colored candlelight, a lady could relax in perfect bliss.

...It is just too bad that I can't afford the luxury suite.

Lady in the Luxurious Bath
Eeek! There's someone peeping outside!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Oh, snapped bubbles! Hmmm, that did not sound bad-

Heroic Person with Manly Voice
I shall charge outside to confront the interloper!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Soap suds, time to run! ... I think 'soap suds' sounded better as a minced oath.

Heroic Person with Manly Voice
I have spotted a suspicious shadow!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Run!

***

Seriously Cheating Player
You're a late today, again.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I had to get rid of a certain smell, the dangers of my profession. Certainly, you wouldn't want to spend the night in an enclosed room with someone that has a horrible fragrance.

Insignificant Fourth Player
Your beauty will banish any distracting odor!

Prince of Charming Cards
Smells do not matter, it's the game that matters!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Try saying those statements again without those Cheap Gas Masks on your faces!

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Full House!

Insignificant Fourth Player
Fold.

Seriously Cheating Player
Sorry, but I've a Full Mansion!

Prince of Charming Cards
I've a complete Celestial Palace!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Oh, porridge!

Seriously Cheating Player
'Porridge', really?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
It's a cheap food.

Seriously Cheating Player
You're not very good at making up minced oaths, are you?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
That's because I'm to be graceful, in appearance, and in speech.

Seriously Cheating Player
Then what are you doing looking for a minced oath to begin with!?

Prince of Charming Cards
Can we start the next hand?

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I'm out of gold. Can I borrow more?

Insignificant Fourth Player
Why certainly!

Prince of Charming Cards
You've been borrowing quite a lot from Insignificant Fourth Player. I don't think you should fall into debt over cards.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Don't worry, I'll pay him back once I win everything!

Prince of Charming Cards
I doubt that will happen the way you expect it to. Take it from an experienced player.

Seriously Cheating Player
Can we start playing already!?

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Is it morning already!? I need to go!

Seriously Cheating Player
It's been fun playing with you!

Prince of Charming Cards
I still don't think you should borrow gold to play cards.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
One day, I'll win it all back and pay my debts! I really need to go now, bye!

Seriously Cheating Player
There she goes.

Prince of Charming Cards
We're still playing, right?

Seriously Cheating Player
Oh, definitely, once Another Fourth Player joins us!

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
It's a new day and I'd like to complain that it had been a horrible night!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Why? What happened?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I lost... uh... hey, it's morning and I'm at Some Town Tavern!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
It's the afternoon and don't change the subject. You didn't lose anything important, did you?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I lost, uh... sleep! The room next door was really noisy!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
It certainly was. I had to go to Some Town Tavern, which was filled with people bragging about their Quests, just to read in peace!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Oh, so there really was a noisy room.

***

Taciturn Female Healer
We've met your Mummy. Who's the Daddy who can charm an Epic-Class character such as her?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
She doesn't like him much. While you were away adventuring, back when Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman, Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace and I were stuck at Reasonably Comfortable Inn at Some Backwater Crossroad, we talked about him.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
He kind of left Mummy after he had his way with her. That bronze daddy!

Taciturn Female Healer
Who?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Hey, bronze daddy! That'd make a swell minced oath! It has a hint of Daddy's coolness and it also takes the name of a Demigod in vain!

Taciturn Female Healer
She's changed the subject, didn't she?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Yes, she did.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
'Bronze daddy' still sounds a little clumsy... It just needs a little tweak... 'bronze pop'!

***

Taciturn Female Healer
Explain to me something...

Typical Bespectacled Mage
If I may.

Taciturn Female Healer
What has 'bronze pop' to do with Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace's Daddy?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Her Daddy is Heavenly Bronze Narcissus.

Taciturn Female Healer
That obnoxious self-worshiping Level-9999 Demigod of Glory!?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I'm glad we agree on something!

***

Part 5: The Evening Argument
Interlude

Adventures of Heroes Who Talk Too Much

Lady in the City, Part 5: The Evening Argument

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
What a good time to go shopping after a satisfying dinner! And it's a beautiful evening too!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
I don't get what's with you and shopping.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
You didn't have to come, you know. It's just a quick look around the shops before they close for the day.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
The Town Megamall that is Popular with Teens opens till late so there's still plenty of time if you shop there.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I want my beauty sleep. Besides, that place's expensive and has a huge variety of randomly selected products. You never know what you'll find there... hmmm, maybe I'll take a look later.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Maybe I shouldn't have mentioned the Town Megamall that is Popular with Teens. What are you looking for, by the way?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
The specialty shops may have Equipment that has a Star on it.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
To match that Horned Helm that we won.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman gave me a sizable budget to buy one.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
And here I thought you're just going to shop for useless things.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Actually, I am. :p

***

Typical Bespectacled Mage
That Silver Breastplate of Greater Defense had a Star - it would have been perfect for Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Too bad it costs a whole lot more than our budget.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
I think, even with this sizable budget, we won't be able to afford anything useful.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I wouldn't say that. Take a look at this Ivory Monocle.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
What's so special about... Oh my, it has two Pluses!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Matches the two Pluses on your Azure Rod of Frozen Fury, doesn't it? It's well within our budget and it'll boost your contribution to the party by a whole lot!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
If I hadn't known better, you're trying to bribe me for some reason.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Actually, I am. ;)

***

Typical Bespectacled Mage
I can't wait to try out my Ice Spells now that my Azure Rod of Frozen Fury has its Stats boosted by the Ivory Monocle we just bought!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Your eyes are sparkling again.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Hmm... my skin's feeling itchy.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
And you still smell a little of the sewer too. Why don't you go clean up at the Obligatory Town Inn?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
I can do that later. Why are you suggesting that now?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Your fragrance from our adventure is starting to bother me.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
I notice that we are suspiciously standing in front of a shop selling Non-Equipment clothes.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Maybe I didn't bribe him enough...

***

Typical Bespectacled Mage
We're not going into that stop!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
It's just for a quick look!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Non-Equipment clothes don't provide any Stats in a fight! You don't need any!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
That was so wrong of you to suggest that I don't! In case you didn't notice, I don't have any Equipment for my lower body since The Rules limits the number of Equipment I can use! The Rules don't restrict Non-Equipment clothes so I need them for decency's sake!

Little Town Girl
Mummy, that lady is arguing with her husband again!

***

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Those Leather Pants you have are just fine, aren't they?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I want to build a collection so I'll always have something to match whatever Equipment I have on!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
But they don't do anything for you in a fight!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
They make me look elegant!

Little Town Girl
Mummy, will you teach me how to argue with my husband?

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I don't get what you have against a girl looking good!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
I... I don't! I'm just... against you using party funds for something that's useless in a fight! You should be using your own personal funds for that! Come to think of it, how much do you have in your personal funds? Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman always gives us our share of the loot so you should have some gold of your own.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Er... I'm hungry! Let's meet the others for dinner!

Little Town Girl
Mummy, that lady is running away! Does that mean she lost the argument?

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
It's a good thing that I got away from Typical Bespectacled Mage. Now, to go meet the others for dinner, like I said... where Typical Bespectacled Mage will also be...

... We just had dinner, didn't we...?

... Typical Bespectacled Mage must think me a glutton... or senile...

... I need more practice making excuses.

***

Part 4: The Quest Reward
Part 6: The Minced Oath

Adventures of Heroes Who Talk Too Much

Lady in the City, Part 4: The Quest Reward

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Let's start the next Quest already! There's still time before dinner!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
You just ate.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Oh yeah...

Typical Bespectacled Mage
What's your urgency anyway?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
We need to earn gold and score loot!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
You're unusually enthusiastic today. Are you feeling all right?

***

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Speaking of loot, there's a little matter we've to decide as a party.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
How to divide the loot?

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
That is indeed  the situation. It is by great fortune that the Horned Helm that was part of the reward for the Quest to defeat Dreaded Spitting Slug in Absolutely Disgusting Sewers-

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Don't remind me of that place.

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
-has been blessed by the addition of a Star!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
A what now?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
A Star! You know how a Plus adds 20% to an item's Stats? A Star is the equivalent of 5 Pluses!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
So? The Horned Helm is a low-level Equipment. The extra 100% to the Stats isn't going to be much.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Like the Pluses, the Star forms a Set Bonus with other Equipment with Stars. The bonus is an additional 100% to Stats for each other piece of Equipment with a Star! And the Star is a modifier that is possible in both Weapons and Equipment!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
How does this make the Horned Helm of any use?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Now say if we were to find a high-level item with a Star on it! This Horned Helm will further boost that item's Stats!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
This is great and all, but we still have to find that high-level item with a Star, don't we?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Um, yes.

***

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
For an item of great promise, we should as a party come to a decision of what is to be done with said item.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
It's useless on its own.

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
That is indeed true. May I suggest we add it to the party inventory until we find some other similarly blessed item?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Wow, so you are capable of sensible suggestions!

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
I thank you, Gorgeous Lady Acher of Epic Grace, for the kind compliment!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Actually, that was biting sarcasm.

***

Taciturn Female Healer
Can I borrow that Horned Helm with the Star? It has double the Stats of my regular Horned Helm.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Wait, you've been wearing that low-level piece of Equipment this whole time!? How long has it been since you've upgraded your headgear!?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
I do not wish to hear that outburst from someone who buys pretty clothes instead of useful Equipment!

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Now that that's settled, what do we have for our next Quest?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
You're unusually enthusiastic today.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
You've already done that joke.

Taciturn Female Healer
I have a Quest to Patrol Absolutely Disgusting Sewers! It pays good gold!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Not that place again! And a patrol means we'll be there for a long time!

Taciturn Female Healer
I have a Quest to Defeat a Swarm of Killer Bees! It'll give a lot of Experience Points!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
That pays too little gold!

Taciturn Female Healer
I have a Quest to Find a Pointy Hat! And we can keep the Pointy Hat as a bonus reward!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
And what are we going to do with the low-level item that is the bonus reward?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
She's being picky about the Quests again.

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
That is indeed the norm for our fellow companion, Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace.

***

Typical Bespectacled Mage
I hate to interrupt but-

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Shhh... I'm still deciding on a Quest!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
-it's dinnertime.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
What, already!? Hey, the time on my smartphone says it is so!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
We don't have time for any Quests now.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Just a quick one! Taciturn Female Healer, what's the shortest Quest you have?

Taciturn Female Healer
Here! Deliver a Bag of Groceries from the Roadside Fruit Stall to the Small Hut behind the Roadside Fruit Stall!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
What!? Such a simple Quest exists? Can't the person in charge of the Roadside Fruit Stall just step away for a few minutes to deliver the Bag of Groceries himself?

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
This Quest does seem to lack the possibility of displaying one's valor.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I'll just go complete this Quest and claim the tiny gold reward all to myself!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
People are just abusing the Quest system by having other people do even the most insignificant of tasks. What's next? Quests to go fetch the kids playing at the door for dinner, or pick flowers from the garden outside for the table?

Taciturn Female Healer
Actually, I have one such Quest here on my list. The one to fetch the kids, that is.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
People are unbelievable!

Wandering Grumpy Ogre
If I may interrupt and suggest that you should stay away from such Quests if you don't like them. With you Hero-types beating some of us so often, simple Quests like these are the only way we can earn gold!

Erm, did someone mention a Quest about fetching kids? I love kids!

***

Part 3: The Afternoon After
Part 5: The Evening Argument

Adventures of Heroes Who Talk Too Much

Lady in the City, Part 3: The Afternoon After

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Good afternoon, sleepyhead.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Afternoon. How did your day go yesterday?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
We decided to Raid a Dungeon.

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
It seemed an excellent idea at the time to Raid the Eeriely Dark Garden and by good fortune, Red-Shirted Healer was available and in search of a party!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Wasn't she Out?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
She paid for her Resurrect, again.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
This girl is very rich. I should really marry her. Anyway, did that Raid go any better?

Taciturn Female Healer
Nope. She didn't even reach the first Mid-Boss.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
'First' Mid-Boss?

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
We had struggled mightily and prevailed against two Mid-Bosses and the Dungeon Boss!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Sounds like you people had fun. Loot?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Check out my new Azure Rod of Frozen Fury! It boosts the effectiveness of Ice Spells! It even has two Pluses on it! I'll be throwing Ice Spells for a while!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Your eyes are sparkling, literally.

***

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Your bonding session with Mummy didn't go well?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I didn't get any Experience Points! Mummy finished everything with one shot!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
As expected.

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I want some lunch. Hand over some party funds for food.

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
Certainly, Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
You keep asking for gold to buy food. What about your personal funds?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Oh, look at the time! We should start a Quest and get going!

Taciturn Female Healer
I've a Quest that pays gold! As a bonus, we'll also get a Horned Helm!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Okay, let's go!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Wait, you're actually interested in a Quest with a simple Horned Helm as a reward? And what about your food?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
No time to eat, we need to be earning! I'll just buy a couple of that yummy roast beef sandwiches and some juice for later!

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I think I'm going to be sick. This place stinks!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Stop whining and keep walking.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Let's hurry up and finish the Quest already!

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
It is but a part of the Quest to search Absolutely Disgusting Sewers for our quarry, Dreaded Spitting Slug! Great indeed is the glory of hunting an Advanced-class monster! And at the climax of our Quest, a heroic battle awaits us!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Try saying that again without that Cheap Gas Mask on your face!

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I think I'm sick.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Just keep walking.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Absolutely Disgusting Sewers is beyond disgusting! It reeks! And I'm hungry!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
You've those sandwiches.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Yes, but I can't enjoy them with this stench!

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
We've been searching for so long already...

Typical Bespectacled Mage
It's only been five minutes.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
And I can't stand the smell already, and my stomach's growling already...

Typical Bespectacled Mage
You should've eaten something before we left.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Where is Dreaded Spitting Slug already? I want to beat it and get out of here already...

Dreaded Spitting Slug
Ambush Round!

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Oh no, Dreaded Spitting Slug is attacking from the back! Someone stand between it and me!

Dreaded Spitting Slug
Sorry to interrupt, but I'm a 'he'.

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
Common Slugs do assail us from the front! It is right that the leader should be at the front, facing the bulk of the opposing force!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
It is also right that the leader should face the opposing leader in a direct struggle for supremacy! That is, you should be facing their leader, Dreaded Spitting Slug!

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
That is indeed true! I shall move to engage Dreaded Spitting Slug at the rear in direct combat!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
I've seen her convince him to do things her way many times and I still don't get how she gets him to listen.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
It's a gift.

***

Common Slug #1
Their leader has gone to face our boss at the back

Common Slug #2
We're left with a Thief dual-wielding Daggers.

Common Slug #1
She's a Thief, right?

Common Slug #3
I don't like the way that Thief is smiling!

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I think I can leave the Common Slugs to Taciturn Female Healer. That leaves me free to concentrate on Dreaded Spitting Slug, who is worth more Experience Points.

Dreaded Spitting Slug
I attack at range with my Stinking Spittle!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Ow, the Stinking Spittle hit me! Yuck! Gross! It's slimy and it's sticky and it smells and, oh oh, I'm Stunned!

***

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
I engage the leader of the opposition, Dreaded Spitting Slug, in direct combat! Dreaded Spitting Slug is now unable to use any range attacks to harass my companions!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Next time, do that before it spits at me!

Dreaded Spitting Slug
I told you, I'm a 'he'!

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Dreaded Spitting Slug is fighting our fearless leader. The Common Slugs are engaged with Taciturn Female Healer in combat. It's a rare event that I've no one chasing me...

It's so unfair that I'm Stunned and can't shoot anything! Dread Spitting Slug is just right there and I want to shoot it and gain Experience Points!

Dreaded Spitting Slug
I am a 'he'! Seriously, can't you refer to me as 'him' and just say 'I want to shoot him'!?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I think I'll use my time to think of better minced oaths.

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Rotten apples!
Sour grapes!
Hmm... no, no. Too much food. Must be the smell.

Foul birdies...

Damn it, this sewer stinks! And this slime is totally gross!
Stinky sewage!
Stinky slime!
Slimy yuckiness!
Excrement on a plate!
Breeding excrement!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Will you shut that potty mouth over there!?

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
And, just my luck, they defeated Dreaded Spitting Slug and the Common Slugs before I had recovered from my Stun. Not that I can concentrate with all this smell!

I really want to get out of here! I'm hungry and I need a shower!

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I want my sandwiches, but I should rid myself of the smell first. So it's a quick dash to the Obligatory Town Inn for a shower.

And damn it, the slime of Dreaded Spitting Slug is just impossible to get rid of! It's sticky and it's in my hair and though I shampooed my hair twice, it still smells! I want to wash it some more but I'm hungry so I dig into the roast beef sandwiches. The sandwiches were yummy with layers of juicy meat and crunchy salad with lots of gravy. Along with the sandwiches, I have refreshing orange juice, sweet with a tinge of sourness. Cleaning my Equipment after that was easy.

Having satisfied my needs, I rush back to my party members and find that Taciturn Female Healer still has that satisfied grin on her face. In fact, everyone else still smells faintly of sewage as if they had done nothing to clean themselves. It's highly unlikely that they had patiently waited for my return which leads to one conclusion:

You people went on another Quest without me!?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
You cleaned yourself and fed your hunger and did all that running without a pause in your speech?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Don't change the subject!

***

Part 2: The Night's Indiscretion
Part 4: The Quest Reward

Adventures of Heroes Who Talk Too Much

Lady in the City, Part 2: The Night's Indiscretion

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
That was a great dinner, Mummy!

Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow
The evening meal was nourishing. Shall we journey to Some Town Tavern where we may spend the night in conversation and drink?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
(yawn)... Actually, I'm tired. I'd like to go to my bed.

Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow
My child, you have never been an early sleeper. Is something the matter?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Well... I kind of want to avoid my friends tonight...

Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow
If that is indeed the situation, may I suggest that we visit Another Town Tavern instead?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Mmm... I don't want to. I just want to go to sleep...

Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow
Then it must be that you wish to partake in an activity that you would rather your mother not be aware of.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
...

Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow
Very well, then. You are, after all, a grown woman. I do urge you to exercise caution and use protection. Take guard that no character of Immortal-class would take advantage of you.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
What...? Oh, um, don't worry, Mummy, I won't make the same mistake you did.

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
After bidding Mummy goodnight, it's time to sneak out into the night.

While I didn't gain any Experience Points today, Mummy let me have all the gold reward and that useless Oak Wand that was a bonus for one of the Quests. After all, she'd earn a lot more loot from her exploits in harder adventures.

That spikey-haired idiot usually spends the night at Some Town Tavern with drink, exchanging tales with other heroes. Typical Bespectacled Mage usually reads, either in a quiet corner of the Tavern or in his room. I have to watch out for Taciturn Female Healer, however, since she sometimes wanders around to look for information. There's no telling where she may-

Taciturn Female Healer
Hi, what are you doing?

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
After giving Taciturn Female Healer some excuse about taking a night walk, I've given her the slip and arrived at the door of my destination.

Hidden Doorkeeper
Password?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I don't get why we've this secrecy. What goes on in there isn't illegal in That Other Town.

Hidden Doorkeeper
It may not be illegal, but you wouldn't want your husband to know what you're doing here, would you?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Good point. And he's not my husband.

Hidden Doorkeeper
Oops, sorry, then.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Now let me in!

Hidden Doorkeeper
Okay, okay, let me unbolt the door first.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Thank you for letting me in. And the password is 'Rose of Midnight'.

Hidden Doorkeeper
...

Any chance you'd go back out again so we can do this password thing the right way?

***

Seriously Cheating Player
You're a little late today.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I had something on. Certainly you can afford some consideration for my glorious presence.

Insignificant Fourth Player
Why certainly! Anything for a lady of your charm!

Prince of Charming Cards
The night's not going to stop for you no matter how pretty you may be! Let's start the game already!

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I've three Jacks!

Seriously Cheating Player
Sorry, I've three Kings.

Insignificant Fourth Player
Fold.

Prince of Charming Cards
Quadruple Deuces.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Sugar plums!

Seriously Cheating Player
'Sugar plums'? What happened to your usual 'damn it'?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Just trying out a new minced oath. I'm looking for something more graceful.

Seriously Cheating Player
I really doubt a minced oath can be graceful.

Prince of Charming Cards
Can we get started with the next hand already?

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Four Aces!

Insignificant Fourth Player
I fold.

Prince of Charming Cards
Five Aces!

Seriously Cheating Player
Sorry to disappoint everyone, but I've Eight-and-a-half Aces!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Double Deuces!

Seriously Cheating Player
Is that what you have? I thought it was-

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
No, I'm trying another minced oath.

Prince of Charming Cards
Please don't use that here. It's confusing.

Seriously Cheating Player
Plus, it'll hint that you play cards. You don't want people to know that, right?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Hmm... that's a good point.

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Cherry tarts!

Seriously Cheating Player
Please stop using food as minced oaths. You're making me hungry.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I'm out of gold.

Seriously Cheating Player
You're going to stop?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Don't be silly. Can I borrow some gold? Pretty please?

Insignificant Fourth Player
Why, certainly! Anything for you!

Seriously Cheating Player
Now that's done, let's start the next hand!

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
One more game!

Seriously Cheating Player
I'd like to but isn't it sunrise soon?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Damn it! I'd better go!

Seriously Cheating Player
What happened to trying out a new minced oath?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
No time to think of one!

Prince of Charming Cards
She's gone.

... We're still playing, right?

Seriously Cheating Player
Oh, most definitely! Let's invite Another Fourth Player to join us.

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I made it back before sunrise! It's good that I had insisted on my own room. It's easier for me to sneak back in-

Taciturn Female Healer
You're up early today!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Eek! Erm... (Yawn), I'm just back from the washroom... back to sleep...

... (Sigh) What rotten luck to run into Taciturn Female Healer...

... Hope she bought my excuse... Ah, sweet comfy bed...

Damn it, Taciturn Female Healer saw me in my full adventuring gear!

***

Part 1: The Bonding Session
Part 3: The Afternoon After

Adventures of Heroes Who Talk Too Much

Lady in the City, Part 1: The Bonding Session

Note: This story assumes that the reader is familiar with the previous stories in the series. Take a look at the earlier Adventures if you haven't. You'll miss out on a lot of the jokes if you don't. :)

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I am Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace! On this very day, after completing my incredibly short Epic Quest, I am now in Some Town Tavern where I watch as Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow Reclassifies into an S-Rank Deadly-Eye Mummy! She's my Mummy, by the way, in the maternal sense.

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace does seem more assertive than is the norm on this day. Do I not get an opportunity for a momentous introduction to announce my name and my Big-Ass Sword?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
With Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow here, no. Mummy's renown overshadows the fame any of us have. The fact that she was part of the party that recently defeated the Dungeon Boss Horror Beyond Your Imagination in the Battle-Scarred Land where Heavenly Blue-Flamed Sword Saint Cleaved the Earthed Nightmare with his Lordly Berserker Blade certainly adds to her name.

Taciturn Female Healer
I am Taciturn Female Healer! I'm a classed as a Thief!

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Mummy, now that you've Reclassified into an S-Rank Deadly-Eye Mummy, will you be adventuring with a lower-Level group until you've built up a few Levels?

Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow
That would seem to be the best course of development to take. Having completed Reclassification, I am now of Level 1 and must earn my Levels and Stats again.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
So... may I join you?

Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow
My child, that may not be a wise decision.

Taciturn Female Healer
I think Mummy may be right about that.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Mummy, think of it as mother-daughter bonding time.

Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow
Perhaps just for one day. However, my child, you should find your own way in life.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Yes, fast-track to higher Levels, here I come!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
She's going to be so disappointed.

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Are you three sure you don't want to join me and Mummy?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
That's all right. We'll just attempt a Quest on Taciturn Female Healer's list.

Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow
May I peruse that list?

Taciturn Female Healer
Sure, I'll mail it to your smartphone. What's your contact?

Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow
It is as shown on this device.

Taciturn Female Healer
Wow, I've the contact of Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow! Fangirl mode, on!

Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow
Perusing this list, I think it best to attempt these five Quests.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Two of the Quests she selected are the toughest on that list!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
That means more Experience and loot! Are you three still sure you don't want to come along?

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I am now with Mummy on the first Quest. Our Quest is to eliminate three Goblins with Levels around mine! Let's see, Mummy can take two and I...

Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow
Multi-Shot. This Quest is done. Shall we advance to the next?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Mummy shot a wave of arrows that defeated all three Goblins. You're Level 1, Mummy! Why are your shots so powerful?

Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow
I was indeed a Level 1 S-Rank Deadly-Eye Mummy with equipment that befits an Epic-Class character.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I wish I had Epic-level equipment too.

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Okay, we're at the second Quest. We're to eliminate lots of low-Level Common Poisonous Snakes. They're not worth much Experience each but because of their numbers, it'll still take some time, even with Multi-Shot.

Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow
Exploding Arrow. This Quest is done. Shall we advance to the next?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
... Damn it, the explosion blew away all the Common Poisonous Snakes!

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
The third Quest. The target this time's a Greater Forest Giant, an Advanced-Class monster at a Level greater than mine. It should be able to take a few hits, which gives me plenty of chances to...

Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow
Arrow Fusion. Homing Arrow and Penetrating Shot.

This Quest is done. Shall we advance to the next?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
What was that!? Your arrow just repeatedly stabbed through the Greater Forest Giant! What's this Arrow Fusion?

Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow
It is a Skill that allows me to combine different arrow Skills. The first of such Skills are only available to certain Prestige Classes.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
It's going to be forever before I can do that at this rate.

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
We've been spending more time traveling than fighting.

Now we're at the fourth Quest and we're up against a whole Goblin Assault Team. Can Mummy really finish them all with one attack?

Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow
Arrow Fusion. Rain of Arrows and Exploding Shot.

This Quest is done. Shall we advance to the last?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
... Wave after wave of explosives fell from above... Arrow Fusion is overpowered.

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Okay, the last Quest. We've to defend this farmhouse from approaching Greater Treants. They are Advanced-Class monsters with Levels so high up I would not dare to approach them!

Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow
Arrow Fusion. Multi-shot, Exploding Arrow, Penetrating Shot and Homing Arrow.

This Quest is done. Shall we return to That Other Town?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
... You can combine four types of arrows?

Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow
With several Skills of Arrow Fusion, it certainly is possible.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
What a massacre! Epic Classes are scary!

***

Part 2: The Night's Indiscretion

Adventures of Heroes Who Talk Too Much

Buddy Rush: Arena Season 12 Ends

Arena Season 12 ended today. There was no official reward list posted again so here is my unofficial list of rewards based on Rank (there may be a mistake):
1-100 => Purple profile frame + Accessory (Wings of the Phoenix A)
101-200 => Red profile frame + Accessory (Wings of the Phoenix B)
201-500 => Blue profile frame + Accessory (Wings of Honor A)
501-1000 => Green profile frame + Accessory (Wings of Honor B)
1001-2000 => White profile frame + Accessory (Wings of Honor C)

I received the Grade 2 reward, which is the Red profile frame and the Wings of the Phoenix B.

Wings of the Phoenix B in the postbox.

"Yay!"

This time, I had entered 782 Arena fights. My Rank was 168 a few hours before the end of the Season. Maybe it is possible to achieve Grade 2 with even fewer fights.

Loading near the end of Season 12.

I equipped the Wings of the Phoenix B on Boorseye:

The Wings were too wide to be displayed fully.

More screenshots:

"Will the Wings let me fly if I jump?"

Beware, Wings may slap other people's faces.

Wings of the Phoenix B

Buddy Rush: Contents

Super Invaders (shooter)

Super Invaders

Super Invaders is a shooter where the player controls a tank to shoot aliens. Upgrades are available for the tank and weapons. The game is short and easy to learn. Super Invaders was inspired by the classic game Space Invaders.

The player controls a tank, which moves on a 1-dimensional line (left and right only). The tank's turret may be freely aimed. Defeating aliens will drop coins, which can be used to pay for upgrades to the tank and weapons. The tank can be upgraded to be more durable and faster, along with better ability to pick up coins. And the coins can be upgraded to be worth more.

Upgrading durability is important since the tank is quite big, making it hard to dodge bullets shot by aliens.

There are different types of weapons available. Early in the game, the first weapon, the machine gun, is good for everything. However, later in the game, certain enemies are easier to defeat with certain weapons.

For example, a stationary alien with high durability is easily beaten with the cannon, which has high damage but low rate of fire. On the other hand, a few aliens have heavily armored hulls at the bottom. To defeat these, the player has to guide rockets (which follows the cursor) around the alien onto its weak spot above.

The game is not too difficult. It is easy to figure out which weapon to use against certain aliens and with a little practice, it is possible to beat the game. Also, the game can be completed in a short time.