Hermit (SF2)

Hermit (SF2)
Basic Information
Name	Hermit
Type	Boss
Role	Teacher
Gender	Male
Further Information
Act	Act II: Secret Path
Status	Unknown
Level	12
Combat Stats
Weapon	Hermit's Swords
Ranged Weapon	Throwing Spikes Hunting Knives Needles
Magic	Lightning Arrow Water Ball
Abilities	Lightning Storm

“	Everyone was so afraid of my magic, but there are far more powerful forces at work here - things we do not fully understand, but we know they should be feared.	”
–Hermit expressing his fears before fighting him in Interlude.

Hermit is a demon boss. He is the second demon encountered in Shadow Fight 2. Hermit is an elderly and wise teacher who is feared for his devastating, mysterious powers. Hermit runs a martial arts school which he built himself, from scratch. Upon building his school, Hermit held a competition to find the one he deems worthy to be taught his secret power. Hermit's bodyguards are the competitors of his competition. Four of these competitors are fighters who want to discover what his hidden power is and use it for their own benefits, while the other one only aims to destroy it.

Appearance

Hermit has long white facial hair and wears a light green tunic that is decorated with the symbol of the demons (the gilded symbol that is also on Lynx's body armor), and a big conical hat.

In the Old Wounds timeline, he remains the same, with only slight changes, such as modified designs on his attire, and visible pupils.

Story

Sensei's Story Part 2: Shadow of the Future

After saving the Prince from Lynx and hearing his story about Hermit who trained his soldiers, Sensei is certain that must be the reason the Prince become an assassination target. He, accompanied by Prince, decides to confront Hermit.

When they met, Hermit is displeased to find that Prince is still alive. He admits that it is true that he betrayed Prince and has hired Lynx to eliminate him, but he needs to do it all for his school's future, which is at stake. Hermit then chooses to eliminate Prince with the help of his disciples, saying that Prince is a sacrificial needed to attain glory for his school. However, Sensei proceeds to stop Hermit and fights him and his disciples. After Sensei is victorious, he berates Hermit for selling his honor by betraying someone, stating that no one would want to follow a traitor's lead. Hermit retorts that this is the only way to save his school, and he reveals that Shogun has ordered him to train his men and promised him protection. Prince corrects him that they are his men, and asks Hermit to tell him the bandit's hideout location, if he still has honor. Hermit replies by telling them where to find Butcher, the Prince's kidnapper who was hired by Shogun.

Act II: Secret Path

After Shadow's victory against Lynx, Sensei tells the group about his disciple who left to try the new schools in the next town. He says that the town is known for its fighting academies and the group travels there. However, when they reach the town, Sensei finds the academies in ruins and is distressed. He is shocked to find that there is only one functional fighting school there which is being run by Hermit. According to Dragon, one of the competitors, there is a competition, full of aspiring warriors that are trying to get a place at Hermit's academy. The winner will get to know what Hermit's secret power is.

Shadow then participates in the competition and defeats more and more of the competitors, all the while learning more about Hermit, his school, his teachings and the competitors themselves. It is revealed that they actually resent him and only want to discover his secret in order to use it for their own benefits. Later, they also find out from Mantis that Hermit secret power is magic, which is even more powerful than that of the much greater demons.

Shadow finally meets Crane, Sensei's missing disciple who is now competing in Hermit's competition in hopes of learning the secrets to his power. Sensei is shattered upon finding out what Crane has done. When Shadow bests Crane in a fight, he comes to his senses and apologizes to Sensei.

At last, Shadow meets Hermit himself. Hermit invites Shadow to do battle against him and test his skills. During the fight, Hermit holds back initially but when Shadow shows his talent, Hermit immediately steps up his game, using extremely advanced techniques. Hermit then introduces his legendary magic, firing electric bolts and water blasts. He also unleashes his own self-controlled thunderstorm which makes lightning zap the ground.

Shadow, however, still manages to defeat Hermit. Hermit is impressed and negotiates with Shadow. He asks Shadow to visit the next town, battle the band of outlaws there, and eliminate their leader - who is none other than the gang leader Butcher who is harassing him, trying to discover the secret to his combat prowess. As gratitude to Shadow's willingness to help, Hermit taught him the secret to his power, Magic.

Interlude

Shadow aims to defeat Hermit in order to re-open the Gates of Shadows, so he can rescue May. Before the fight, Hermit warns Shadow that there was a time when everyone was afraid of his magic, but now there are far powerful forces-things that even he, Hermit, does not know about. All he knows is that they should be feared. Shadow still fights with Hermit's bodyguards and then Hermit, defeating them all. Hermit realizes Shadow simply will not stop and warns him that Titan can control people's will and Shadow will not be able to fight that.

Abilities

Hermit wields a pair of Chinese one-handed swords (A.K.A. Jian swords) as weapon. However, he uses it like Sai. Hermit's secret power is his magic attacks. Not only is Hermit's magic advanced, in the sense that magic spells of the calibre which he uses will not be unlocked for more than three acts, but Hermit is also the first enemy to use magic. He switches his ranged weapon for each round the player defeats him.

Also, like his fellow demons, Hermit has a special perk which allows him to summon a lightning storm. He activates it by propelling himself into the air. He then appears to meditate, and whilst levitating, he summons lightning bolts to strike where the player is. To interrupt Hermit's storm perk, the player can either hit him with a ranged weapon while he is levitating or attack him with melee attacks. The latter is a risky move though, because his spinning swords can hit the player, leaving them vulnerable to his first lightning.

Personality

Hermit is one of the less aggressive demons. He does not often insult, and most of the things he says are benevolent, such as his frequent combat advice. Hermit, being a teacher, believes strongly in his teachings, and he only fights for the benefit of the challenger - to teach the challenger. Hermit acknowledges a strong fighter when he meets one, and places trust in those who he believes are reliable. He entrusts Shadow of dealing with the Butcher, in exchange for his magic.

However, Hermit shows a cautious side in addition to his calm, benevolent side. His personality becomes adamant when he is warning Shadow not to reopen the Gates of Shadow and release Titan, and even goes as far as assigning all of his disciples and bringing himself along to fight Shadow to stop him. Hermit also shows his fear, as he warns Shadow that Titan is dangerous.

In addition, Hermit leaps into action very quickly, instantly challenging Shadow to a duel the first time he meets him.

Quotes

• Could you be the one I have been waiting for? Let us test your skills! - Challenging the player
• You lack focus! Pay attention now and try again. - After the player is defeated
• You are very skilled for someone so young. I will share my secret with you, but you must complete a task in return. - The player defeats Hermit.
• Butcher, the gang leader in the nearby village, threatens me. He wants my magic. Get rid of him, and you'll have earned my favor. - Hermit tells his secret.
• Now go and sow destruction! - After he is defeated
• You don't belong to this world. No one is that powerful... - After being defeated in Gates of Shadows

Interlude

• Do not think that you can fully comprehend Titan's powers! He can change one's thoughts, feelings, and memories! How do you fight that? - After defeated

Old Wounds

• You are between a rock and a hard place, my lord. I admit having betrayed you. I had no choice though, for the future of my school is at stake. - Hermit appears
• Lynx, this arrogant youth, hasn’t coped with his task. I’ll have to do his job. Disciples, front and center!
• You’re a victim of circumstances, Prince, a sacrifice needed for common good. My school shall attain greatness, and the golden age of martial arts shall begin! - Before fighting him
• Try to understand: our art is at it’s end! In order to survive it needs to change. I know how. And Shogun promised me protection for training his men. - Upon defeat
• Butcher dwells with his gang not far from here. They were your kidnappers, sire. Go—I wish you finding your answers.

Bodyguards

Hermit's bodyguards are his experienced disciples and are competitors in his tournament. All of them hold no genuine respect for Hermit: Four of them only want his secret power, while one aims to destroy it.

1. Dragon: Bodyguard armed with Staff
2. Buffalo: Bodyguard armed with Crescent Knives
3. Mantis: Bodyguard armed with Oriental Sabers
4. Tiger: Bodyguard armed with Steel Claws
5. Crane: Unarmed Bodyguard

Equipment

Hermit wields a pair of Chinese swords or Jian swords as weapon, which he uses like Sais as above. He uses Lightning Arrow as magic, and switches to Water Ball after defeated twice. Hermit uses various ranged weapons; he uses Throwing Spikes, Hunting Knives (after defeated once), and Needles (after defeated twice). In Gates of Shadows and Interlude, Hermit uses Needles and Water Ball. He also wears Old Leather Jacket and a modified Conical Hat.

Perks and Enchantments

• Lightning Storm

Hermit can use a deadly magic by levitating and meditating. While levitating, he spins his swords to hit Shadow, knocking him down or preventing him from interrupting the skill. He summons a storm wherein lightning from the sky perpetually attempts to hit Shadow, instantly knocking him to the ground and dealing damage on impact. Hermit remains in this state until knocked off by the player using any form of attack, or until the round ends. The lightning bolt is counted as a magic attack; therefore, it cannot shock the player, or deal head hit or critical damage. Hermit will start using this perk after being defeated once.

• Magic Recharge

Hermit's Armor and helm are enchanted with Magic Recharge, which grants him a chance to allow him to increase his magic recharge by 700% from getting hit.

• Enfeeble

Hermit's Swords and ranged weapons are enchanted with Enfeeble - this allows him to weaken the player's attacks by 75% for several seconds after a successful hit. Appears after defeated twice.

It is important to remember Hermit will have his magic charged and ready much faster than other opponents. Quick movement is advised because of this. When Hermit begins meditating one is advised to dish out a high-hitting kick while avoiding his spinning swords so that they do not get knocked down and in a compromising position to be struck by lightning. Aside from this, Hermit's damage output is lower than a usual boss. Heavy weapons with huge burst damage is a good option.

Reward

• Green Seal
• 3 gems
• 5000 XP
• Magic unlocked

Shadow Orbs

• Normal:
  • 11 Green Orbs
  • 4 Red Orbs
• Eclipse:
  • 137 Green Orbs
  • 63 Red Orbs
  • 2 Purple Orbs

Eclipse Mode reward

• Hermit's Swords

Player can obtain Hermit's Swords by defeating him once more in Eclipse mode. It can be obtained at any level, as early as level 12. The swords are enchanted with Enfeeble. The formula for the power of the Enfeeble enchantment is as follows:

$\frac{3639}{100} \times \mathrm{level} + 105$

Achievements

• Taught The Teacher

Awarded for defeating Hermit.

• Secret Knowledge

Awarded for winning a fight with Hermit once more in Eclipse mode.

Soundtrack

During the battle with Hermit and his bodyguards, the track “Old Sensei” plays.

Gallery

• Storyline
• Old Wounds

Victory in eclipse

Trivia

• Hermit's Conical Hat is similar to the one in the shop, but is larger in size. His hair is also visible under the hat.
• Hermit is the least aggressive demon, which is reflected by his speech.
• Hermit's weapon is based on the Chinese double-edged straight sword, the Jian Sword.
• Hermit can be seen fighting Shadow at Ivory City (where Shogun's empire and Shogun himself is located) in the intro.
• When Hermit wins a round while he is still in Lightning Storm mode, he will instantly snap to his end-of-fight stance on the ground, while still retaining the blue aura around him.
• His counterpart in Shadow Fight 1 is Wanderer.
  • In the German version of the game, Hermit is called Wanderer which has no direct translation but relates to Walker.
  • Hermit is the only demon who has 2 Magic abilities.
• As with other demons, what happened to Hermit remains unknown after the defeat of Titan at Shadow's hands. However, it is highly unlikely that they died, but more likely turned back into a normal human just like Shadow.
• All his bodyguards have names of animals.