Cradle of Delusion

Cradle of Delusion is a Raid Event scheduled to start on September 30, 2015 at 8:00 PM (PST) and end on October ?, 2015 at 7:59 PM (PST).

Half-time Reward Calculation Period is from October 2nd 7:00 PM to 7:59 PM (PST).

Feature Changes

 * Crystal Exchange Reward has been adjusted: 20-PWR & Up UR Ticket for 22,000 Crystals.
 * No ATK PWR will be used for the first regular attack on the Raid Boss of a Friend or Guild Member.

Raid Bosses Skill Cards

 * Halia, Sly Darkwalker (UR) Anti-Raid Boss Skill Card, obtained from the Oath of Survival Card Pack
 * t.b.a (UR) Anti-Hidden Raid Boss Skill Card
 * t.b.a (UR) Anti-Secret Raid Boss Skill Card
 * t.b.a (UR) Special Evolution Card blocks Bosses attacks

Story
"*Sigh* I hope we come across someone charming soon. ...Ah!"

Elimval, whose expression was that of someone who realized they had said something improper, turned to look at you. In contrast, you turned away.

"Wait! P-please don't be offended...!"

She was frantic, judging from the desperate pleas you heard behind your back which brought a subtle smile to your face.

"I beg of you to listen! I apologize if I sounded ungrateful! I truly enjoy traveling with you!"

Perhaps because you had given no reaction, her voice became even more agitated. You were not insulted; rather, you were sympathetic, if less particular about appearance, as her remark had only come about as a result of weeks in isolation.

The region through which you were traveling was balmy and free of goblins and other antagonistic elements. You had decided upon this road after taking to the innkeeper from before with was no specific motive save for mere compulsion. The innkeeper's warning after you made known your intent was regarded as excessive concern, which seemed even more likely when you first started out. Yet as the peaceful, relaxing journey continued on... and on... and on...

"We haven't met a single soul!"

It had been two weeks after the start when Elimval gave that outburst. Though you repeatedly assured her that you would eventually encounter another in the days that followed, there was absolutely no sign of life, hostile or amiable. Before long, you began to you wish that something would threaten you to break up the monotony. And those conditions led to Elimval's careless comment.

Examining the road, it was undoubtedly in disrepair and long abandoned. You then reconsidered what exactly drove you to follow it as you allowed Elimval to continue her profuse apologizing, but could not find an answer. It was simply the first impulse you felt and decided to see it through to the end. So absorbed were you in thought that you forgot to pretend you were sulking.

"I didn't mean that I don't like you, Hero! It's just that I'm getting somewhat homesick..."

You realized you were approaching her tolerance for teasing. Putting aside your thoughts, you turned to Elimval.

"And Lady Engset was so incredibly lovely... My eyes never tired in her presence..."

You put a hand before Elimval's face, motioning for her to stop.

"What's the matter?"

Harmless it was, you regretted carrying on for so long. You faked a smile and looked into her eyes again.

"Oh, thank you for your forgiveness!"

That was not quite correct, but her honest relief only rubbed salt in your mental wound. Yet before the pain could linger...

"Are you two travelers?"

Snapping to look towards the source of the voice, you saw the figure of a young girl... floating in the air.

"Um, who might you be?"

"Are you two travelers? Are you strong?" Ignoring Elimval's question, she asked again with pleading eyes.

"If you are, I need your help. I'll be waiting in the forest, so please follow me..."

With those words, she melted into a stream of blue light.

"Was that a mirage, or did you see it too, Hero?"

You were unsure at first, but then you noticed the blue light was leading you to a forest a little further ahead. Declaring it was not a mirage, you saw vigor return to her eyes.

"Let's go, Hero!"

Elimval stood on the tips of her toes with excitement, perhaps due to the notion of fresh company. Though somewhat cautious, you felt that the impulse from earlier may have been directing you towards this very matter.

You entered the shady forest and began searching for the girl. It was silent except for the rustling vegetation and your own footsteps, giving you a similar sensation from when you were walking down the road: bleak and lonely, if even more so due to the location.

"Is she actually here?"

Elimval remained close to you, constantly looking around for the girl.

"I'm glad you came."

"Ouch!"

The abrupt return of the voice caused you to stop short, and you felt a light thump on your back. It seemed that Elimval had bumped into you. Turning around, you saw her holding her forehead, eyes watery.

"Are you okay?"

The ghostly girl covered her mouth with a hand and spoke in a concerned tone. You apologized in a similar manner.

"I-I'm perfectly fine! Please don't worry about it."

Willing to move on yet somewhat nervous, Elimval stood before the girl.

"I am Elimval, and this is the Hero."

The girl bowed in response to the introduction.

"My name is Arieya."

Elimval squealed with delight, likely unable to hide her elation in meeting one so adorable after weeks alone.

"So, with what did you need help?"

"I'm... I'm being trapped by a scary person!"

"Huh? But... aren't you right here? ...Oh!"

Elimval noticed that though she seemed human, her being suspended in midair and having transparent legs were proof she was not. She turned to look at you, and you shook your head, telling her to never mind the faux pas.

"Is that why you were looking for strong travelers?"

"...Yes. Many have tried to help me before, but..."

She trailed off, but it was not difficult to imagine what she left unsaid. It was then you realized that the strange compulsion was to answer the troubled girl's wish. And if what she said was true, it explained why the road had been abandoned, for after seeing countless travelers never return from it, everyone believed it to be cursed. The lack of monsters, too, was explained as was the strength of whatever was holding her hostage.

"I'm sorry if I said something bad, but... I really need your help! Please!"

Before you could respond, she lifted her hand and a butterfly gently landed upon her finger.

"If you agree, this will show you the way."

The blue butterfly took flight, circling your head before advancing into the forest a short way and floating in one spot as if beckoning you.

"How pretty..."

Elimval gave a sigh of wonderment. The insect left a trail of luminescence that lit up the leaves with a beauty different from that of sunlight.

"Um, Arieya... Arieya?"

In the brief moment your attention was focused on the butterfly, Arieya had disappeared.

...

The blue butterfly guided you to a place seemingly inhospitable to humans. Night-black crows flew through the air, fighting over territory, utterly indifferent to your arrival. And in the center of the dreary scene, almost blending into the heavy air, sat a ruined castle.

"So she's being held there? We must save her without a moment's delay!"

You nodded at the enthusiastic Elimval's remark, yet you felt a tinge of unease. Her eyes held an uncharacteristic determination and pity, while her smile was as unhindered as always. Perhaps she did not notice her own feelings.

"Is something wrong?"

She looked at you with curiosity, but you did not know how to properly convey your concern. You told yourself you could only move forward, and the butterfly, as if sensing your resolve, continued towards the ruins. Its trail of light stood out even more against the wastelands.

Soon after stepping into the ruined castle, the sound of something dragging across the floor could be heard, and a woman stepped out of the darkness. As pale as a corpse, her body was pierced with several arrows, yet she seemed unmindful of them. She then spoke in a firm voice.

"Gongorth, uphold your pact, and protect my daughter..."

With that command, the phantasmal figure retreated into the inky depths.