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[F04-SP] Walking in a Winter Wonderland -- <<Training Your Friend>>


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See, the issue was that, before she got trapped in the game, NIGHT had lived in a tropical country.

And this was a snowy, winter floor.

And NIGHT had never seen either of those things before. When she first appeared on the fourth floor, kitten in tow, she squealed at the immediate contact of frost, wondering how she hadn't collapsed on the ground right there and then, and immediately vanished back to warmer pastures.

So, Cardinal forgive her if today, and only just recently today, marked her third try on entering the floor. NIGHT was layered, from top to bottom, in thick winter clothes. Undergarments padded her body down, keeping her skin nice and toasty while her coat and trousers kept her safe from the elements. Hidden in a pocket was Nyanko, blanketed by cotton, and he watched the dazzling white beyond from his safe, warm and little home.

Today was a day of training for NIGHT. Training herself how to withstand the cold, and training Nyanko to observe her hunts.

Oh, and uh, bottoms up. NIGHT chugged a bottle of Damage Potion, just so she could get rid of it.

Quote

NIGHT uses a Damage Potion. (+1 DMG for the rest of the thread)

 

Spoiler

NIGHT 
Lv: 11 | HP: 220 | EN: 22 | SP: 27
DMG: 9 (8 + 1) | MIT: 8 | ACC: 2 | EVA: -
 
THORNS: 2

[Skills]

  1. Two-Handed Straight Sword | Passive | RANK 2/5
  2. Heavy Armor | Passive | RANK 1/5
  3. - - -

[Examine]

  • [T1E3] Doombringer
    "WEAPON: A black broadsword; large, heavy and sturdy. The edge is lined with silver, and its guards are decorated with gold. It looks like it's been sharpened to a tee, so handle it with care."
    -- [ Damage III | +3 DMG. ]
  • [T1E2] Cross-hair Lapel Pin
    "TRINKET: A crimson pin with a golden trim, one out of a few, made for the collar. It's shaped into a cross-hair."
    -- [ Accuracy II | +2 BD when attacking. Cannot be used to cause a critical hit. ]
  • [T1E2] Spiked Metal Pauldron
    "HEAVY ARMOR: A round, silver, metal pauldron. for some odd reason, it's got obvious spikes jutting out of it. This probably isn't very safe to handle... It has a bell attached for unknown reasons."
    [ Thorns II | Successful non-critical attacks against you deal 18 unmitigated damage to the attacking enemy. Only activates on damage dealing, melee attacks. ]

- - - - - -

  • Starter Healing Potions (3) --- Heals 50 HP.
  • [T1] Uncommon Health Potions (5) --- Heals 40 HP.
  • [T1E2] Standard-Issue Heavy Armor
    -- [ Mitigation I | + 9 MIT ]
    -- [ Thorns I | Successful non-critical attacks against you deal 9 unmitigated damage to the attacking enemy. Only activates on damage dealing, melee attacks. ]
  • [T1] Damage Potion (1) --- +1 DMG for the duration of 1 thread.  >> Empty Slot

[Misc]

  • Aincrad Trading Post Guild Membership
    -- [ ATP Guild Bonus | +5% more col from killed mobs, +10% col from treasure chests. ]
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The fourth floor. Home to the village of Snowfrost and the only floor snowing all year-round, available for beginners.

At least, as far as NIGHT knew. She had already been to Floor 3, and wanting to avoid the faction wars that lurked amidst their forests, she went upwards, interested in Aincrad had to offer. So, she supposed, being wrapped up in bundles of cloth like this was on her to answer for.

Checking in on Nyanko, she held him up, all wrapped up like a burrito, and kissed him gently on the forehead. One squeak, and her answer was, "Hang in there, sweetie," as she tucked him back into the pocket, wondering if the blanket was enough for him.

NIGHT began on her journey into town from her elevated platform, watching the cloudy skies hang over her. She pulled up her scarf to cover her cheeks better, but to no avail, wincing at the nip of the cold against her face.

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NIGHT took off her gloves partway down the slope into town. She wasn't about to let the cold get the best of her touching snow for once. How did it feel? Soft and pliable? Scatter-y like finely crushed ice?

The answer, of course, was a secret only NIGHT knew. After a short moment, she put her hand in her coat, warming it up before putting her glove back on again. Her eyes rested on the village the whole time, wondering what was down there, and what may lie in the forest.

On her trek down, she watched the leafless branches of the flora around her sway gently in the wind, getting distracted when she sighed, the frost billowing from her guttural efforts. There was something so magical about snow, so clean and pristine, distant and gentle about the whole atmosphere. As she reached the bottom, she wondering how many players felt the same, not having seen the magic of winter before.

Edited by NIGHT
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Feeling the snow crunch below her feet was something she would never get used to, NIGHT guessed. The village was small, having a square, an armory, a handful of buildings and a few empty stalls. It seemed easy to be in and out at a moment's notice. Perhaps, one day, it would be nice to check herself into one of the taverns, and get a feel of how it was to live in such cold climate for a few days.

The idea sparked some partiality in her. Just a single day's room would be enough for today, and any longer than that would have to be saved for the future. Spying several quest markers in the vicinity of the town, NIGHT guessed that they were of too much danger to put herself through at the moment, but made a mental note to return to them, maybe upon her next visit.

Glancing down at Nyanko, she shuffled over to the Long Barrow, ready to check into a base of operations that she could return to at the end of the day.

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Admittedly, NIGHT didn't bring a lot with her on today's outing. But the coziness of the room wasn't to be undersold -- rooming in here was worth the effort. For tradition's sake, after she closed the door to the room behind her, she set Nyanko down to wriggle about and explore, before running forth and leaping into the cozy bed in the corner. How lovely it was, finally, to rent a room that wasn't dilapidated!

The soft pillowy mattress gave under her weight, and she buried her face into the woolen blankets, smothering herself under the warm comforts. Nyanko meowed loudly, in confusion and shock, and it took NIGHT a beat before she raised her head, checking in on her baby of a friend.

"Mew," she responded, a huge grin plastered over her face. "Mew, mew, mew..."

The player picked up her familiar, holding him close in his blankets, kissing and coddling and fussing over him, herself clearly in high spirits.

Edited by NIGHT
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The two found themselves on the front porch of the tavern soon after. NIGHT checked her belongings, ensuring she still had the access key for her room, before pulling Nyanko over to her lap, keeping the kitten close for warmth.

"So today," she whispered, leaning into the cat gently, "we'll be hunting? Right?" NIGHT fidgeted with the kitten's paws, taking note of their inherent fragility, and also because toesies. "And while we're out there, I want you to look carefully, and watch out for any signs of movement, okay?" The kitten mewed, and the two exchanged glances. "Can you do that for me?" The woman asked, before leaning down and kissing the cat's forehead.

NIGHT let go of Nyanko's paws, but cupped her hands around his body, ensuring he had ample movement to pointedly look at the environment. She watched his movements carefully, judging the environment alongside him. Nyanko was quick to react to strolling passerbys, and mewed in alarm, front paw outstretched and eyes back at her, when a door was opening in the distance.

"Attaboy," she responded, gently brushing the falling snow off his head with a smile.

Quote

ID: 129426 | CD: 9
1/3 Training attempts succeeded.

Edited by NIGHT
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Out to the wilderness, then. NIGHT wasn't sure how dexterous she was going to be with the layers of clothing she had on, but it theoretically was better than her last attempt coming up on this floor. She shuddered at the thought of rolling off the platform again... no. She wouldn't try that again for a long time.

Nyanko seemed rather receptive to his owner's actions. One mew, and NIGHT turned to him with assurance that everything was alright. The kitten, seemingly grinning, looked back in the direction they were heading.

The snowy peace didn't last for long, however. Among the coniferous trees were wild beasts, and though the one she spotted wasn't exactly ferocious on first look, it never hurt to be careful. A lone stag was passing through the forest, idly looking about.

So NIGHT took the first strike. With a lunge, she zipped past the creature, into its field of view. Unfortunately, she didn't manage to strike at it, and toppled when the creature turned, its horns shoving her whilst she was down.

Quote

ID: 129433 | BD: 4 (2, +2) | MD: 10
NIGHT missed!
Stag attacks NIGHT!
33 + 2 = 35 DMG | 35 - 8 = 27 DMG

Stag | HP: 110/110 | DMG: 33

NIGHT | HP: 193/220 (-27) | EN: 20/22 (-2) | DMG: 9 | MIT: 8 | ACC: 2 | THORNS: 2

Edited by NIGHT
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"Mew!!" Nyanko exclaimed, surprised at the attack.

"No," NIGHT replied, wincing. She hadn't felt a blow like that in quite a while. "I'm okay... Are you hurt, though?" She checked her pocket for any signs of damage to her friend, but the kitten merely squirmed into a better position for warmth when she did. A sigh of relief escaped her, as she retrieved her blade from the floor, turning back to the confused stag. It... looked a lot smaller before...

Maybe I should get some of Nyanko's training in for myself too, she figured, judging the blade's weight in her hands.

With one swing, she attempted to strike at the beast yet again, but falling short when the stag simply... stepped backwards. Oh. Maybe an overhead blow wasn't exactly the best way to cut down her opponent in this scenario. Heaving the blade up again, she readied herself for her next strike, wondering if the stag was as clueless as it seemed

Quote

ID: 129434 | BD: 5 (3, +2) | MD: 3
NIGHT missed!
Stag missed!

Stag | HP: 110/110 | DMG: 33

NIGHT | HP: 193/220 | EN: 19/22 (+1, -2) | DMG: 9 | MIT: 8 | ACC: 2 | THORNS: 2

Edited by NIGHT
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Another blow wouldn't hurt to find out the truth then. Carefully slinging her sword to the side, she faced the stag, positioning her reticle right between its eyes.

And then she closed hers.

One sweeping swing, and she felt the cool wind take stabs at her face. Maybe a ski mask might help in the future, she thought, feeling the system manipulate her actions to accommodate for the sword art. A shift here, a pull there, and she found her other foot on solid ground again. Lowering her blade in caution and for stability, she opened her eyes.

Wait, where was the stag? It should be in the distance, assuming Cyclone knocked it backwards. Taking a breather, she heaved the sword to her shoulder before stepping forward, looking around. Nyanko let out a mew, shuffling in the pocket. NIGHT glanced down, looking at where her kitten's paw was towards.

Did it run away?

Quote

ID: 129435 | BD: 7 (5, +2) | MD: 3
<<Cyclone>> on Stag.
9 * 4 = 36 DMG
Stag missed!

Stag | HP: 74/110 (-36) | DMG: 33

NIGHT | HP: 193/220 | EN: 16/22 (+1, -4) | DMG: 9 | MIT: 8 | ACC: 2 | THORNS: 2

Edited by NIGHT
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It must've. The snow wouldn't lie about the stag's movements. Bracing herself for a run, she set Doombringer to her side, taking off after the creature with the blade cutting through the white snow. Weaving through the trees was a bit of an issue, but in time she saw it -- the stag's pale grey skin bobbing up and down as it skittered off somewhere.

Yeah, no dice. She accelerated her footwork, eyes on her prize. Nyanko must've ducked into the pocket to take cover from the blistering wind, and NIGHT strained to keep her sights steady on her prey. But soon she found herself running side by side the animal, and with one swift arc, activated her sword art.

-- Stay on the dot stay on the dot --

The world blurred into a mess of colors around her, and the player felt her head spin, as the light, in its red and blue, merged together in one, singular white.

Quote

ID: 129455 | BD: 7 (5, +2) | MD: 2
<<Cyclone>> on Stag.
9 * 4 = 36 DMG
Stag missed!

Stag | HP: 38/110 (-36) | DMG: 33

NIGHT | HP: 193/220 | EN: 13/22 (+1, -4) | DMG: 9 | MIT: 8 | ACC: 2 | THORNS: 2

Edited by NIGHT
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This time, when NIGHT was done, she started running again. She'd seen her mark yelp and stagger from her blows, before taking off in yet another direction when she steadied herself. It was so close -- so close to being brought down, that it would be a shame to let it go after all the effort.

Thankfully, the stag seemed to have slowed down from its wounds, and so it was easier for her to catch up. One meow of protest from Nyanko made their prey stagger, twisting its body to redirect itself from where it imagined the threat was coming from.

But it set up the kill much easier for NIGHT. She leapt onto a rock as it began running to the side, down a path near her. One jump was all it took -- as she swung her blade and her foot spun out of memory, she sliced through the creature, crashing on top of it as her sword art made quick work of its health bar.

Quote

ID: 129456 | BD: 12 (10, +2) | LD: 7 | CD: 4
<<Cyclone>> on Stag.
9 + 2 = 11 | 11 * 4 = 44 DMG
Stag has been defeated!

Stag | HP: -6/110 (-44) | DMG: 33

NIGHT | HP: 193/220 | EN: 10/22 (+1, -4) | DMG: 9 | MIT: 8 | ACC: 2 | THORNS: 2

Loot:
> Lucrative active from ATP Guild Membership.
+ 577col, Tier 1 Materials (2), [T1E1] Unidentified Consumable (1)

Edited by NIGHT
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"Ow, owowow..." NIGHT groaned from the impact, slowly rising to check on herself -- and Nyanko. A tiny meep was her own reassurance that everything was alright, and his head popped out of the pocket, ears twitching, curious about where they were. With a cheerful breath, she petted and ruffled the kitten's fur with care, watching his eyes close in delight.

Collecting the loot she had gotten from the kill, NIGHT rose, stretching, before picking up Doombringer from the snowy floor and sheathing it once more. "This is a place as good as any," she mentioned, giving the trees around her a glance. With two hands, she scooped him out from his home away from home, ensuring he was sufficiently warm enough in the snowy weather. "Now," she whispered, adjusting her grip, "Let's try again, okay? See if you can hear or sense anything out there."

Nyanko tilted his head to the side, his ears twitching. Then his gaze shot in the noise's direction, and he pawed at his owner's fingers gently. NIGHT looked over. There was definitely some movement in the darkness, if she looked hard enough.

"Okay," she breathed. "I'll give you that one." With a kiss, she returned the kitten to her side before venturing forth.

Quote

ID: 129458 | CD: 10
2/3 Training attempts succeeded.

NIGHT | HP: 203/220 (+10) | EN: 11/22 (+1) | DMG: 9 | MIT: 8 | ACC: 2 | THORNS: 2

Edited by NIGHT
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So that's why neither of them could tell what it was -- an ice elemental.

If it were up to NIGHT, she'd have dubbed it as a golem and left it, since it was walking solidly. Her impression of an elemental were 'almost incorporeal mischief makers', but since it couldn't have been made by man... well. A construct definition of golem wouldn't have fit, would it?

In pure, translucent blue, the elemental stood, appearing to be on lookout for something -- or someone. NIGHT had slowed her breathing for this very reason, keeping an eye on the being, thinking about her first move.

Straight didn't work last time... But Cyclone did.

When the being got close, she lunged at it, twirling in midair to bring the weight of her sword over her, before slicing downwards to form an arc. NIGHT shifted her feet as well, and for a moment, she wondered if the system would even register the attack.

-- Ping!

Quote

ID: 129462 | BD: 11 (9, +2) | MD: 7
<<Cyclone>> on Ice Elemental.
9 + 1 = 10 | 10 * 4 = 40 DMG
Ice Elemental attacks NIGHT!
33 - 8 = 25 DMG
> Thorns activated for 18 DMG.

Ice Elemental | HP: 52/110 (-40, -18) | DMG: 33

NIGHT | HP: 178/220 (-25) | EN: 8/22 (+1, -4) | DMG: 9 | MIT: 8 | ACC: 2 | THORNS: 2

Edited by NIGHT
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In her thoughts, she had forgotten to focus on the reticle.

When she landed, it took all her strength and effort to remain on her two feet. NIGHT plunged Doombringer into the deep snow, gripping the hilt tightly as she tried not to heave. It definitely didn't help that the elemental had also struck back on instinct, its blade limbs jutting straight through her gut. She held her stomach through gritted teeth while the creature turned to look at its opponent.

No mercy for the fallen. The being sliced at her, two limbs better than one, taking advantage of its enemy being hunched over. NIGHT was flung backwards, into the pillowy snow, coughing and dry heaving. Her sword was still rooted to the ground, and she took a moment, in the cold, to just focus on recovering from the dizziness. A soft mew came from Nyanko as the kitten struggled through his sheets, desperate to aid his owner back up.

Quote

ID: 129463 | BD: 3 (1, +2) | MD: 7
NIGHT missed!
Ice Elemental attacks NIGHT!
33 - 8 = 25 DMG
> Thorns activated for 18 DMG.

Ice Elemental | HP: 34/110 (-18) | DMG: 33

NIGHT | HP: 153/220 (-25) | EN: 7/22 (+1, -2) | DMG: 9 | MIT: 8 | ACC: 2 | THORNS: 2

Edited by NIGHT
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As the elemental threat grew nearer, Nyanko's squeals became more frantic. NIGHT shifted an arm over to him, comforting the kitten with gentle pats. She tasted foul in her mouth, but she wasn't going to let it stop her from fighting.

When it loomed over her, she began to rise, ducking underneath it as it attempted to strike. Darting forth, she rushed to retrieve her sword back from the ground, heaving the broadsword. While it was nice to see the snow plough off it, there were bits of dirt at its end. NIGHT huffed, before brandishing her blade back at the elemental. On its mark.

The being charged back towards her, kicking up the dirt from its large feet. NIGHT timed her swing, closing her eyes as she delivered the final blow.

The last thing the combatants saw was a flash of white light.

And suddenly, darkness clouded their visions.

Quote

ID: 129464 | BD: 6 (4, +2) | LD: 5 | CD: 7
<<Cyclone>> on Ice Elemental.
9 * 4 = 36 DMG

Ice Elemental | HP: -2/110 (-36) | DMG: 33

NIGHT | HP: 153/220 | EN: 4/22 (+1, -4) | DMG: 9 | MIT: 8 | ACC: 2 | THORNS: 2

Loot:
> Lucrative active from ATP Guild Membership.
+ 346col, Tier 1 Materials (4)

Edited by NIGHT
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When she came to, the lights had already carried the elemental's form away. She sighed, relieved, before dropping to the snow, desperately wanting comfort for her throw-up-trauma.

It must've been Nyanko's first time stepping out into the snow, and the kitten was shivering, frightened. He bounded over to his owner's face and poked at it with his paws, before licking NIGHT's cheek with a rough tongue.

NIGHT looked at the cat through tired eyes. "You're so small," she muttered, shifting her arm so that she could pet him. "Did you know that?"

Nyanko, in fact, did not know that. Instead, he took comfort in the gentle head rubs from his player, purring softly and snuggling with her at her neck. NIGHT couldn't help but smile, and held him close as she got up to sit. "There, there," she whispered back, wondering how cold the kitten must be by now. "I'm alright."

Quote

NIGHT | HP: 163/220 (+10) | EN: 5/22 (+1) | DMG: 9 | MIT: 8 | ACC: 2 | THORNS: 2

Edited by NIGHT
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"Do you wanna give it one more try?" NIGHT asked, but it appeared her words fell on deaf ears. Nyanko was too busy fretting over his owner's wellbeing that he didn't even perk up at the sound of her words. "Okay, okay," she added, soothing the kitten in her hands.

First things first then. Her sword -- it had to be cleaned. NIGHT was set on not swinging around Doombringer when it had dirt all over it. Pulling her blade onto her lap, she bundled up the cat in her arms with his blanket and set him by her belly. Then, it was time for work.

Summoning a cloth she had prepared specifically for this purpose ("It's going to happen one of these days," she had told herself) she wiped off the frozen muck from the blade, careful to polish it down so much that it reflected light well off its surface again.

Quote

ID: 129466 | CD: 5

NIGHT | HP: 173/220 (+10) | EN: 6/22 (+1) | DMG: 9 | MIT: 8 | ACC: 2 | THORNS: 2

Edited by NIGHT
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A quick break, and they'd be off again, she planned. NIGHT slung her blade over her back once more, leaning back against a tree for support. She watched as Nyanko became braver to step out of his cottony shell, pawing gently at the soft snow that covered the ground. She grinned, watching him bounce and hop around energetically.

Ah, I should try and make a snowball.

So she did that. NIGHT scooped up some snow off the floor, careful to ensure her snow was pristine. With two hands, she packed it densely, ensuring it was well shaped as possible. The floor must've had its climate set suitably for it, because she managed to form the ball nicely, setting it down beside Nyanko to investigate.

Another ball she would mould, this time placing it on top of the giant base. It's like a tiny snowman, right? The kitten booped his snoot at it, shaking the snow off his nose when he realized how cold it was, meeping in alarm. NIGHT only laughed, before scooping up the cat and placing him gently into her pocket once more.

Quote

> Third post out of combat. Energy fully restored.

NIGHT | HP: 183/220 (+10) | EN: 22/22 (+16) | DMG: 9 | MIT: 8 | ACC: 2 | THORNS: 2

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No sooner did NIGHT craft a snowball that she would meet another of the same kind. With a tiny woven cone-hat-and-cape, this small snowball had tinsy stubs for legs and arms. Two black dots for eyes, and what she could only imagine for a beak, the label it had was a non-hostile beast.

<<Yukinko>>

"Oh?" She had wondered aloud out of surprise, and Nyanko mewed in turn when she stopped to look at the creature. It turned its head, waving its tiny arms around at the noise, and NIGHT ducked behind a tree before it could notice her. She held her breath. What was this thing?

The snowball looked around a little more, before a peep from behind it announced the entry of yet another entity. A second Yukinko waddled out of the darkness, wondering what its brethren was up to. The two exchanged peeps and hopped about, and NIGHT could only look on in excitement and curiosity.

Quote

NIGHT | HP: 193/220 (+10) | EN: 22/22 | DMG: 9 | MIT: 8 | ACC: 2 | THORNS: 2

Edited by NIGHT
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A third Yukinko! It waddled in, lazily swinging its stubby arms about. With a few peeps to catch the duo's attention, it turned around and waddled away, while the two snowballs followed along in a single-file line. When they left, NIGHT sighed, pacing her breaths again. What was that about? Nyanko mewed back at his owner, curious, and the player could only offer a gentle, soothing pet upon his head. "I don't know," she mentioned, "But we could take a look."

NIGHT wandered over to the empty spot, devoid of Yukinkos. The first thing she noted were how miniscule their footprints were -- given any other opportunity, she wouldn't even have noticed them. The next was a large indent in the snow, that she hadn't seen before due to the angle she was at. With two hands, she dug through the cold, but after a minute she hit dirt. Guess there was nothing there after all.

Quote

ID: 129573 | LD: 9
> Treasure Chest Search: There's nothing here...

NIGHT | HP: 203/220 (+10) | EN: 22/22 | DMG: 9 | MIT: 8 | ACC: 2 | THORNS: 2

Edited by NIGHT
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