Dark Roars

Dark Roars is a Raid Event scheduled to start on May 31, 2016 at 12:00 PM (PST) and end on June ?, 2016 at 7:59 PM (PST). It is the fifth episode of the Dark Stigma story and third in the Malice Canon storyline.

Half-time Reward Calculation Period is from June ? 7:00 PM to 7:59 PM (PST).

Feature Changes
PWR 22 UR as High Ranking Reward.

Raid Bosses Skill Cards

 * Volkrinter the Star-Eater (UR) Anti-Raid Boss Skill Card, obtained from the Oath of Survival Card Pack
 * ? (UR) Anti-Hidden Raid Boss Skill Card, obtained from the Oath of Survival Card Pack
 * ? (UR) Anti-Secret Raid Boss Skill Card, obtained from the Oath of Survival Card Pack
 * Attuning Belgantier (UR) Special Evolution Card, Skill against all Raid Bosses of the event, obtained from the Master of Fate Card Pack

Story
"Not every day you get to feast your eyes on a smorgasbord like this, right?"

Situated atop a cliff overlooking a scenic landscape, the man made conversation after setting a small cooking fire. Elimval offered a token affirmation, but you could see the worry within her eyes. The vista was indeed gorgeous, with sunlight streaming down upon the jutting mountain peaks and the valley caressed by gentle breezes. In the midst of the greenery lay the modest but historical domain of Drakeshire. However, the view did nothing to soothe your anxiety, for it had been a number of days since Salvador left, claiming he would bring you the Dragons' Chalice.

It was one of three Blessed Chalices, given to the three subjugated races when Ildanev's rule was established. Between them, they held the entire records of the planet's history. You had already discovered the massive Giants' Chalice held within the treasure stores of Loftgygs, and as it allowed you to recover a portion of your missing memory, you hoped to locate the others. Regardless, it would have been tragic for Salvador to perish for your sake. The night before his departure, when Elimval had already fallen asleep, he suddenly spoke to you while huddled around the burning campfire to stave off the evening chill.

"I'm headin' out at the crack of dawn to get the Dragons' Chalice for you. It's best I go it alone since there's no way they'll give a warm welcome to a wanted fugitive. And the place's lousy with dragons, since they've been trainin' them for everythin' from transport to combat since way back when. It's usually pretty calm, but they're always on edge. I should know..."

Then, the next morning, you awoke to find he had indeed departed.

......

"Looks like the water's ready. Fancy some tea?"

The traveler opened a container of fragrant tea leaves, but you politely declined as you were soon to leave for Drakeshire. However, as you walked to the cliff's edge to better study the village's layout, you glanced over at the man's strange covered wagon. In the place of a beast of burden was a torn harness. Taking notice, he explained the circumstances with a remorseful sigh.

"Yup, my horse had enough of hauling me around and decided to take a permanent vacation, so I pulled that wagon here all by myself. Maybe I should try a Cryptid next time, since they have stamina and fighting spirit to spare. With any luck, that town will have a spare dragon handy..."

Taking another look at his wagon, you saw a number of instruments and scrolls suspended from the canvas. It might have been carrying a considerable load, for the wheels had sunk into the soil.

"I try to pack light, but when you're in my line of work, that's a bit of a tall order. I know what you're thinking, but I'm not a peddler; I'm more of a handyman, you could say. I go wherever I feel like it and take jobs for anyone willing to throw down some coin: fixing books and magic items, private investigation, playing music, interpreting... you name it."

His garb was indeed weathered, but it was of surprisingly fine quality. Perhaps with proper washing, the white color of the embroidered fabric would return brighter than the sun. That only lent further mystery to his background, but before you could consider it too deeply, Elimval began to panic.

"H-Hero! Look at the sky over there! Something's not right!"

She pointed at the far horizon, where you could see the once blue skies had been enshrouded by dark clouds. Although they crackled like thunderclouds, the speed of their formation was decidedly abnormal.

"I can also see something is flying towards us... It's a dragon!"

The winged figure approached bearing a rider, and for a moment, you assumed it to be Salvador. However, the person atop the dragon was not a man, but a young woman. More concerning was the dragon that carried her. Its eyes were clouded, spittle hung from its slackened jaws, and its wings were turning darker by the moment. It was clearly becoming a Stigmal. You unsheathed your blade as it began to writhe erratically.

"It's trying to throw her off! We need to help her before she... Oh no!"

......

"Thank Heavens... It seems she has only lost consciousness."

The moment before she reached the ground, you caught her with a diving leap. Her fall was not fatal, but her face was pale and damp with perspiration.

"Hello? Are you okay?"

Elimval spoke to her, and the woman's eyelids flickered as she weakly opened them.

"S-Salvador..."

Your body tensed up at the name and Elimval's eyes widened.

"Did she just say...?"

The woman groggily turned her head towards you and suddenly bolted upright.

"It's you!"

She reached out to your neckerchief and pulled it aside, revealing the Stigma upon your chest.

"Yeah, there's no mistaking it! You must be the one Salvador was talking about!"

She seemed to be acquainted with him somehow, but before you could inquire as to how, words leapt from her tongue in rapid succession.

"He told me to find you to tell you to run away, but I can't leave him alone! I just know Brigg's going to kill him for releasing those dragons, no matter how many years ago it was! They have him locked up in jail, but it's only a matter of time until...!"

The woman started shaking all over, but she soon recovered her nerves and continued.

"Anyway, I was going to break him out, but before I could, the dragons..."

A terrifying roar rent the air. It was the dragon that had thrown the woman off its body.

"...Turned into Stigmals... Nearly all of them..."

As she spoke, more dragons appeared in the darkened skies, their sinister howls echoing far and wide. Furthermore, from the north you could see more dragons approaching, each one carrying a battle-ready soldier.

"Hero... are they...?"

Elimval quailed with fear. They were unquestionably the Lightholders. They must had been informed of the spread of the Stigmals the moment the outbreak occurred. While you were focused upon them, the woman clutched at your sleeves.

"If you're Salvador's friend, you got to be worried about him, aren't you? Me too. We were childhood friends, but I haven't seen him in years, not since the day he... In any case, he's still in confinement, but Brigg is plotting to kill him in the chaos if the dragons don't destroy the jail first. Please, we need to hurry!"

You nodded reassuringly. Both you and Elimval had every intention of rushing to Salvador's rescue. It did not matter how many dragons obstructed your path or if the Lightholders found you, you owed a debt to him which honor demanded you repay. You helped the relieved woman to her feet.

"Thank you so much! Oh, I realized I haven't introduced myself yet. You can call me Libeth. Now, let's get back to..."

"Actually, could I trouble you to include me in your little party?"

The freelancing traveler from before called out from behind. The proximity of his voice came as a surprise, as you had been completely unaware of his approach.

"How do you do, miss? My name is Ripley, a wandering jack-of-all-trades. I couldn't help overhearing your plight and would be willing to offer my services. More hands make for light work, as the saying goes. I'm not exactly one for strength, but I'm confident in my speed, so I won't be a burden, if nothing else. ...What's the matter, my dear elf? There's no need to be suspicious, haha."

He gave a good-natured smile as he continued.

"I may not be a selfless paragon of justice, but I'm a rational, honest type. So, if we manage to find your friend, I only ask for some help in procuring a dragon. There, now my dark ulterior motive has come to light. Still think I'm untrustworthy? Then let's say I'll even be willing to overlook 'that'..."

He cast his gaze over the Stigma upon your breast.

"Of course, this is all assuming there are still dragons unaffected by the Stigma..."

He appeared to be rather experienced, giving no sign of apprehension despite the imminent danger and instead maintaining a veneer of composure and geniality. Libeth boldly replied to his proposition.

"Yeah, some of the other breeders took as many as they could away from the town once the Stigma started spreading. That's even why Salvador got caught, because he also went back to check for more. Anyway, I think we have a deal, Mr. Ripley! Let's get moving!"

The skies above Drakeshire grew more tempestuous, a strange atmosphere filling the air. As the four of you descended from the cliff and ran towards the town, you swore you would not rest until Salvador had been freed.