[LOG FILE 056: DARK TORVUS BOG, DARK AETHER]
I entered the upper level of the chamber this time, dropping down from my current ledge to the grated floor below. On opposite sides of the room were power conduits, providing energy to somewhere. I didn't get much time to process my thoughts, as heavy footsteps shook the floor I stood on. Looking to my right I saw a giant Grenchler lumbering slowly toward me.
I turned on my scan visor to gain some insight on the target, discovering the beast was a Grapple Guardian. It appeared that this alpha Grenchler had taken my Grapple Beam, and could use the weapon to pull its prey in. I didn't want to be on the receiving end of that, so I tried to figure out the best way to kill it. Like all Grenchlers its main weak point appeared to be under its back shell, but that shell was protected when the creature wasn't using its grapple attack. I needed to coax it into using that attack, a prospect I did not look forward to.
As luck would have it, the eye section of the Grapple Guardian's head was softer than the rest of its body. A few charged shots there eventually led to my foe prep the Grapple Beam. Remembering the power conduits in the chamber I stood in front of one, dodging to the side just as the Guardian launched its tether. The strategy was a success; the beam stuck to the conduit, giving me a chance to circle around and fire a Super Missile at its back shell. I had figured out my method to reclaim my gear.
Unfortunately, I had not paid attention to my ammo supply before entering the chamber. After a few Super Missiles I realized my stock of missiles was too low to continue with that strategy. I would have to rely on Charged Shots from my Power Beam; not ideal, but it'd have to do. Eventually I managed to crack the outer shell on the Grapple Guardian's back, exposing its primary weak point. The beast then started using the grapple energy to shield that part of its body, so I had to come up with an alternate plan.
I returned to focusing on the eye area, eventually creating a brief disruption in the protective energy. Firing more charged shots and repeating the cycle, the Grapple Guardian eventually let out a pained howl. It collapsed to the ground with a thud before bursting into a cloud of dark particles, leaving only my Grapple Beam module when it was slain. I quickly moved over and recovered my stolen equipment, slotting it onto my left forearm and giving it a quick test. Satisfied with the result I used the Grapple Beam to leave the chamber the way I entered, heading back to the nearest portal and returning to Aether…
[END LOG FILE_