Galilea

Settling on her choice. Galilea resolved to retaking <Earning a Living> first. This would give her a chance to start crafting items to take on higher quests. She'd also be able to keep her crafting tools to use when performing. She didn't think much of her singing ability, but she figured at minimum her voice would serve perfect for debuff based songs. Laughing at the thought, Galilea bookmarked the three quests and began to head back to her shop. She would also need to start gathering materials in advance. Crafting was a taxing past-time and materials weren't nearly as easy to come by as before.

Thinking more on it, she stopped and glanced back at the board. Then she pinned <Nature's Treasure> to her list. If she acquired the [Gatherer] skill and killed some loot mobs, she could reasonably farm some materials. Satisfied with her work for the day, she continued home. Tomorrow would be the start of yet another plan in motion.

Loot:

Browsing through her question options, she completely glossed over the rest of the <Lessons> series of quests. After she concluded this one, she was fairly certain that she wouldn't be eligible for rewards in those quests anymore. Instead she hovered over the <Earning a Living> quest and <Worn Out Welcome>. In addition to <Essence of Steel>, she planned to take these two next. The artisan profession wasn't one of much value these days and even with the supposed patch, Galilea figured that a consumable based profession would still be of more use then her current item based one. The only downside to this decision would be that she'd have to restart from scratch in terms of ranking. That being said, Performer only required half the experience to Grandmaster. Placing a finger to her chin, she mulled it over. It'd be some work, but she felt switching was in her best interest especially seeing as she could buff herself at will without having to purchase items from other players unless they stacked with her songs.

Loot:

"Ahh," she sighed. Why Shin of all people? He is easily the least effective member of the group, she thought. "No matter." Quickening her pace, Galilea reached the settlement without further interruption. She needed to go over the quest board and stop by the market. If she was going to level fast, she needed to figure out what quests she could take that offered the most SP the quickest. She also knew she would need to undertake at least the <Essence of Steel> quest to upgrade the tier three rare Oikawa had gifted her to a perfect. She couldn't wear it now, but it would be useful later for her build. Which also reminded her, she would need to switch to the Light Armor skill to use it.

"Tch."

That would at minimum reduce her defensive capabilities late game, but she would at least stay true to her name as 'Berserk Healer'. Puffing her cheeks out, Galilea furrowed her brow. Theory crafting was always a pain. Which is why she had put it off for so long in the first place.

Loot:

"Galilea."

The eerie voice snaked out from overgrowth. Stopping in her tracks, Galilea turned to face the source of the voice. "Shin," she retorted. "To what do I owe the unexpected encounter?" she questioned the hooded figure that had emerged from behind. The tint of agitation in her voice was noticeable, but her features remained still in the face of the man. "Where are you in your progress? We've been watching and the boss is becoming displeased with your pace." Galilea scoffed. "Feel free to power level me yourselves then. I told you when I undertook this task that it would take time. You need to trust in my process if you want me to succeed." Taking a more deflective stance, Galilea folded her arms and continued. "Aside from level, I've made quite a bit of progress. As it stands, once I make level, I will be in a position to carry out my portion of the plan flawlessly." In an almost dismissive gesture, Galilea continued her stroll. "So, tell the boss to have trust and patience. I will make my move soon enough."

"Very well. I will relay the message. However, a word of caution, don't get to comfortable. We are still watching." With that the hooded figure vanished.

Loot:

But Galilea supposed expecting that was out the question. Just as soon as she had requested the snake to reveal itself, the creature slithered further back into the thicket. Placing her hands on hips, Galilea expelled a slip. "Finding them was hard enough in the first place and to be that close...frustrating," she admitted. Brushing a fallen strand of hair back behind her ear, she shrugged and decided to head back. "I'll just have to try again I suppose. Next time I'll have to prepare even more for this. You would've thought the consumable was more than enough. But I guess not." Though she spoke aloud, it was more so to vent than to validate a response from some unknowing soul that happened to hear her.

"UGH!"

Placing her shield and sword back into her inventory, Galilea bean to head back to the gypsy. At the very least she could return the food for the time being. Thinking on it she wondered if was necessary given that the NPC had given her a hundred food bits. "She honestly might not even need these back," she reasoned.

Familiar Search:

Loot:

Stopping for only a few moments. Galilea accessed her menu and sifted through her items again. If she wanted any chance of finding it, she would need as much luck as she could get. Unequipping Sviagris, she re-equipped Aladdin's ring and started her search from scratch.

Inspecting the trees first, she followed what appeared to be a trail of shedding skin. A good and bad sign for her given she wasn't aware of how long the skin had been there. Molting always fascinated her but she had never seen it in person. At least in regard to animals. Running her hand along the bark, she quickly retracted it at the sound of hissing. Whatever had shed the onyx colored skin was still nearby.

"Hmm," she mused. "Come on out," she beckoned. Using a more soothing sultry tone, Galilea peered into the foliage of the trees. The reflective black scales of the goblin snake shimmered between the leaves.

"Don't be shy."

Loot:

{Equipped Aladdin's Ring in place of Sviagris. +3 Accuracy > +3 Loot Die}

"Almost there," she cheered. It wasn't much, but Snow was right. These early quests were extremely grindy. most of the reason why Galilea didn't do them. Luckily and unluckily she was approaching the level threshold for these kinds of quests and wouldn't be eligible to complete them anymore.

Nodding in agreement, Galilea continued her own search. She didn't have much a reason to craft aside from ranking her profession, but the materials were far more valuable as payment for what she needed. Plucking yet another from her small garden of them, she realized that was the only reason she continued to search for them at this point.

Snow then sent another question her way. Galilea paused a moment, unsure of exactly how to explain it, but clasped her hands together as she strung along a response. "In its simplicity, it's a DPS who can get in and out to heal her party members in a pinch in quick intervals." That essentially summed it up, and was what Galilea planned to do as she grinded out SP for the skills she would need to achieve this. "First Aid and quick use items/gear that can dish out more and amplify my healing is the goal. While still maintaining high damage if possible. That's my build."

Gathering:

@Snow

"It's not much, but should suffice for now," she reasoned. "Supposedly Cooks, Alchemists, Performers and Merchants are all the rage. Even Blacksmiths and Tailors get more love than Artisans like myself." She tossed her hands up in a mock fit. "But that was my own fault I suppose. I should've known any consumable based profession would be far superior than an item based one."

As the blonde managed to wrestle the pendant into a comfortable spot around her neck, she made mention of her intended plans once she made it to the frontlines. Galilea brought a finger to her lip, at the question brought on after. "Unless your DPS, I don't think anyone plans to fight," she joked. "But I will maintaining my passive aggressive status as a "Berserk Healer"for the time being."

She hadn't thought too much about the specifics of her build but given the items she held, Lightning Berserk Healer would fair nicely once she approached the realm of [Tier Three]. Kneeling over to inspect yet another plant, a flicker of black snaked from her side view. Surely even here they would have some class, she thought. Though she was bound by her word and her life, so being watched wasn't far on the list of things they would do at minimum.

Shrugging it off, Galilea returned her sights to Snow.

"So how close are you?"

Gathering:

"Could you imagine? Though I do fancy the horror genre in general. It is definitely not where I would like to potentially spend my final days."

Though they had nearly cleared this field, Galilea managed to find the faint glow of loot-able root among the unnecessary weeds. "That makes four," she chimed under her breath. Glancing over, she watched as Snow once again turned up emptied handed in her search and subsequently the quest in general. Thinking a moment, Galilea sifted through her inventory.

"Well, it sounds like you and I might have actually met one way or another. I'm glad to have your company now, and I'm sure I would have been glad to be a part of your team on the outside too. If I ever made it out of art school that is..."

Galilea stifled a small laugh of her own as she tossed the girl a pendant. "If what you say is true about you and your roommate creating assets similar to what's already in here, I have no doubt that you would passed art school." As the girl clutched the pendant, Galilea gestured for her to put it on. "I'm not sure what your plans are after this. But I suggest investing in LD Bonuses and Accuracy Bonuses when it comes to quests. You can have that free of charge. It's a rare pendant i crafted that gives plus two to your loot finding skill."

Gathering:

@Snow (GIFTED 1 Pendant of Luck [+2 Loot Die] (ID: 56145))

So much for an abundance in materials, she thought. The notion was dismissed however as Snow explained her passion for creating. The blonde seemed almost different as she explained the work she and her roommate used to do. Though one thing thing nagged at Galilea. She spoke as if her roommate wasn't around anymore. Her lips parted to inquire, but it suddenly dawned on her what could've happened.

As if on cue, Snow's seemingly cheerful laugh dissolved into pained silence. Again the subject was changed. Galilea felt bad. It would seem that her questions were only digging at parts of the girl that she was still coming to terms with. Managing to pluck yet another plant from the clutches of the earth, Galilea walked over to Snow.

Placing a hand on her shoulder, Galilea offered Snow a genuine smile. "You don't have to hide the hurt. The strongest people are those that embrace the pain and use it as strength to move forward. And judging from the little time I've known you. Your pretty strong as is. Don't take that for granted."

Stepping back, she resumed scanning the area for materials. She hoped her words weren't to intrusive, but for the sake of helping keep the subject lighthearted, she answered Snow's questions.

"As for me, I was a college graduate with a degree in computer programming and a self-proclaimed minor in gaming," she joked. "My passion for video games had taken over and blessed my obsession with programming and led me towards wanting to produce games just like this. A video game director or designer if you will. I haven't worked out the specifics but something of this magnitude is what I envisioned. In a way its a twisted turn of fate for us both I guess."

Gathering:

@Snow

Galilea could feel Snow processing her answer. Not that her response was difficult to comprehend, but more so difficult to respond to given how bland and vague it was. Of course, everyone wanted to get out. It wasn't anything grand or astounding; however, Snow hung onto something she had said.

"You said you wanted to finish pursuing some goals once you get out..."

Galilea raised a brow. The unfinished statement lingering as Galilea waited for her to finish. However, that wouldn't be the case as the blonde switched gears and subjects. Resuming their work, both continued to search for materials.

After a few moments, Snow's voice broke silence between them. Though she had never been to the Czech Republic, the amethyst haired woman nodded in response to her question. The girl began to reveal a little more of herself. Talking about her heritage and reasoning for even being in Japan in the first place. Galilea was surprised to hear her divulge that kind of information so easily.

As she finished, Galilea began. "Big name studio? What for? If you don't mind me asking." Galilea had a few ideas on what it could be, but she didn't want to assume that it was just simply art or graphic design. Studios could also encompass more than just art.

Gathering:

@Snow

Received Gae Bulg, Pridwen, and Achilles.

Galilea had experienced loss before. Though not in the same way Snow had. The blonde wanted to carry on for her friends who didn't get the option. To not make a waste of the opportunity she had to make it out since they no longer did. It was remarkable to say the least. Her resolve had to be strong to carry that kind of weight and Galilea admired that. Tucking a wayward strand of hair behind her ear, Galilea placed her hands on her hips as she pondered Snow's question.

Galilea didn't have much an option from her point of view. KIRA would've had her head otherwise. But she couldn't tell Snow that. She was specifically instructed to refrain from mentioning them until the time was right. She instead went with what she told Oikawa and Titan.

"Like most, I want to get out of this game. I had goals and ambitions before I was trapped here and I want to finish pursuing them. Nothing more. Nothing less. When I was first starting out, I had succumbed to the idea that I'd die in here. But if I can prevent that, I will."

She hoped her answer would suffice without further interrogation. Though it was just harmless conversing for the time being.

Gathering:

@Snow

And her patience would be rewarded as the Variant attacked with reckless abandon. Simply side-stepping the rushing creature, Galilea delivered a quick v-shaped cut into the side of the tree. However, the Variant wouldn't go down without a final attempt on her life. Vines curled and battered her from behind. The snake-like appendages rapping her back before dissolving into polygons as the Variant finally ceased to exist.

Exhausted, Galilea strapped her shield to her back as she picked herself up. The loot left behind wasn't too noteworthy, but she accepted it anyway as she waited for health and energy to recover. With the length of that fight, she had nearly forgotten why she was even there. Staring down at the Familiar Food, she suddenly snapped to her feet.

"That little guy should be around here somewhere." Inspecting the trees and underbrush, Galilea was sure she had moved deep enough in to be able to find it. It was only a matter of time now.

Loot:

Her bravado would serve as a catalyst for her next actions. The Variant continued to lash and thrash about. Vines continued to snap through the air like horse whips. Her evasion, or lack thereof, was proving itself; however, as she rolled and tucked away from each of the vines that left continual welts in the ground where she once stood. Catching a moment to spring to her feet, she caught a second wind. A purple blur of in the wind, as she expertly maneuvered around each spine-cracking vine that was sent careening her way.

Her blade met the base of the tree once more. Tearing bark and splintering the wood as she carved into it once more. As with repetition, the sounds and actions of the creature repeated again. Though this time it lasted a little longer as bleed ticked away another portion of its health.

Brandishing her shield, she awaited one last opening. This next attack would be the one to end the creature. She was sure of it based on the bleeping red remaining in its health bar.

Snow..as in precipitation? Probably not, but given her complexion it's more fitting in that regard.

Galilea digressed. The blonde apologized while simultaneously offering her name and a bow. Galilea wasn't usually into formalities but accepted the gesture anyway. Patting her on the shoulder, she ushered her to get a move on. "Don't worry about it. And no need to bow, handshakes and waves are fine," she reassured. Galilea could feel the looks creeping and lingering and could feel Snow tensing up as well. Luckily, Snow moved with haste and it allowed them to make their way towards the forest line much sooner than she had anticipated.

Before long, only the treeline was to their backs. The clearing offered a simple view of all the greenery surrounding them. Thus making it the perfect place to farm materials.

Having been familiar with the quest, Galilea knew Snow would have to acquire the materials on her own. As such, she defaulted to collecting materials for her shop. Rushing ahead, the blonde was able to locate one already. Exclaiming that Galilea was right. Nodding Galilea, plucked an ore of her own. "Yeah this area is really good for farming as you can see. The materials have a faint outline to them so it makes them a little easier to spot than normal. It also helps that this quest increases the drop rate for materials."

Placing the mineral in her inventory, Galilea approached Snow. "So what brought you to finally start leveling up?" Galilea was in no place to judge seeing she had only just started grinding herself. But she was always curious about others motivations. Perhaps she would hear something that would add to her own.

Gathering:

@Snow

Up until this point, the Variant had been rather aggressive. A factor that would continue to remain true as the creature once again sent a volley of vines in her direction. Sidestepping the first, Galilea lunged forward. Her blade slicing through vines two and three as her shield batted away four and five. Once again, the tree was left wide open. Hesitation restricted her no longer. Her blade quickly etching another v into the monster; this time managing to cut through one of its eyes in the process. The Variant roared out. The bleed icon coming into effect next to its health bar as Galilea darted back. She was fairing way better than last time. An air of confidence beginning to swirl around.

Holding her blade steady, she aimed it at the Variant. "Death is becoming of something that attacks so cowardly. Feel my blade." Never one to be so arrogant, Galilea was surprised at herself for holding such a tone. But she would need to hold on to that confidence. The battle wasn't quite over yet.

Or so she thought. The Variant crawled closer to her. Rickety roots and knots scrambling across the ground to close the distance between itself and her. Seeing this play out, Galilea chose to meet it halfway. Lunging forward to once again have her blade carve out a 'V' in the trunk of the creature. Sprawling out, the Variant roared and skittered back. Galilea was making headway on the creature and it was beginning to reel back. Steadying herself, she propped her shield up. Once more taking a more defensive and reactive stance.

Her thoughts danced back and forth over her next few items. If she was to continue her path, and lean into the gifts Oikawa had given her, she would in fact need to invest in Light Armor instead of Heavy Armor. Frankly the lighter armor suiting her better in terms of comfort.

Hesitantly she awaited the Blood-leaf's next movement. It had been fairly aggressive thus far. She'd need for that to continue if she was going to kill it with her Thorns.

Vines riddled with thorns whipped and thrashed about. The Variant lashing out in anguish as the v-shaped cut it had sustained earlier began to subside. Galilea had only experienced a handful of combat scenarios herself and was beginning to understand the complexities of combat a little more. She reasoned that she needed to acquire more gear to reach her optimal potential, however. Her current gear wouldn't cut it much longer. In fact, that is part of the reason she had crafted the rings and necklaces she donned now. She needed gear that would bridge the gap in her own shortcomings. In this case, accuracy.

Staring back at the tree creature, she was nearly knocked over as she managed to block the incoming vine. The green tendril bouncing off her shield with a loud 'thunk'. Sliding back, she anticipated the next sweep of attacks, managing to evade them altogether as she danced around the tree. However, these attacks left no windows for one of her own.

Dropping low, Galilea vanished. Wisps of dust being the only remnants of the girl as she suddenly appeared beneath the tree. Bashing her shield upwards, she opened the tree and executed two quick successive strikes. Carving a 'V' into the face of the creature as it roared and stumbled back. Wildly thrashing about, limbs and leaves clattered against the ground and surrounding shrubs, though none of the wild attacks managed to even scathe her. Galilea chuckled. To think she had taken on quests before without accuracy was asinine. She struggled so much before, but seemed she found her target with ease this go around.

Jumping back, she brought her shield up to her chest and peered over the top. The creature wasn't nearly intimidating as she had hoped, though for her skill level that was perhaps for the better. She was holding her own much better already. Angling her sword at the tree, she beckoned for it to attack her once more. This time she was prepared.

Galilea couldn't place it, but the girl's accent was still heavy enough to take notice. She listened as the blonde explained her request. Ahh The First Few Lessons Are Free. I took that not too long ago myself, she thought to herself. Realizing her apprehensiveness was still on display, Galilea's features softened. A smile lacing her words, Galilea nodded to the girl. "I partook in this quest not too long ago myself. I had the help of frontliner to help past the time, so I understand what you mean." Adjusting her outfit, she pointed towards the forest line. "Up there was the most lucrative for finding materials if I recall correctly."

Looking back towards the blonde, she tilted her head ever so slightly. "I will accompany you, but I imagine that'd be hard without your name?" The girl hadn't introduced herself at all but was friendly enough. Galilea had been looking for something to do. Oikawa had helped me with my quest. Who am I to not pay it forward? She let her thoughts drift.

Looking over her own gear, Galilea gave the girl a thumbs up to indicate she was ready to go. "Well let's get a move on. I hate dealing with males of this floor and judging from their looks, we won't remained unbothered too much longer." 

@Snow

Turning on a dime, Galilea quickly swiped through inventory. Equipping and un-equipping her rings to increase her accuracy as to not have a repeat of her last fight. The knotted roots of the tree begin to uproot themselves. The base of the tree contorting into a mouth, and the limbs becoming arms of sorts. Galilea raised her brows in amusement.

"A variant huh."

The hulking tree loomed over the girl. Its health bar was only half of her own, but she knew all to well that numbers were only half the battle. The real test would be her ability to actually take the creature down. Her shield and sword materialized. Gripping both, she eyed the Blood-leaf Variant and begged for it to make the first move. Seemingly happy to oblige, the tree launched a limb in her direction. Connecting with her shield, the roots whipped back before knocking her off of her feet. Rolling back, Galilea braced herself. "I guess I technically asked for that," she muttered as she dusted herself. Eyeing the tree, she grinned as thorns took effect.

"My turn!"

{Equipped Sviagris in place of Aladdin's Ring. +3 Loot Die > +3 Accuracy}

Stats:

The hustle and bustle of the beginning town had never really bother her much. The sounds of steps echoing off the cobbled steps were almost melodic at this point. She hadn't much to do for the day. Choosing to roam aimlessly in search of something worth her time with as minimal effort as possible. Edging through the ebb and flow of townsfolk, Galilea managed to pass by the quest board. It had been a while since she had last given a solid look over. As her eyes darted through what she had already accomplished, they then then settled on a quest she had a failed a few times previously. Placing a finger to her pursed lips, she pondered partaking in it again.

Suppose if I had to do it solo it wouldn't be as bad this time aroun-

"You there!"

Galilea turned. Her brow raised, as she searched for the source of the hand gripping her arm. "Hmm?" she questioned as a blonde nearly her height, popped out of the crowd.

"So sorry! Rude, I know, but would you be willing to join me on a quick quest?"

Amethyst orbs looked over the girl in question and then darted between other players in the crowd. I guess I was the most approachable, she reasoned. Settling her gaze back onto the woman before, Galilea reluctantly gestured to the board. "I suppose I could. My name is Galilea. Which quest did you need help with?"

@Snow

As she moved past the oak, the edge of the forest welcomed her. The sounds of various creatures harmonizing almost resembled nature back home. Unfortunately, she knew as well as anyone else, that this could only mimic the outside world so well, as most of the animals were dangerous to some extent.

Galilea waltzed into the thicket. The underbrush nipping at her legs with each step. Again, her eyes scanned the surrounding area. This time around a variety of trees littered the scenery. Her gait brought her to a rather peculiar tree. This one of verdant color in wood and bloody crimson tint to its leaves. "What an odd specimen," she mused. "This would make for an interesting experiment if I had chosen Alchemist. But no matter. It will make for fine wood as well." Collecting the wood, she eyed a path a little further ahead. "I guess we'll see where this'll take me." Taking off, she suddenly stopped.

*Creeeeaaaaaak*

"Well what a turn of events," she exclaimed.

Gathering:

As the tree line neared, Galilea figured that she might as well try to collect some materials for her shop along the way. As of late she had been behind on her crafts and though she had no orders, she still wanted to up her rank in the profession. Not that they would care anyway, she thought. An image of the hooded figures crossed her mind. "Ugh," she groaned. Letting her mind wander to something else, her eyes scurried along the grass. Dancing over flowers and wooded knots as they snaked from the ground and into the trunks of various trees and shrubs. It had been a long time since she had acquired any wooded materials. Often preferring metals and gems for jewelry and the like. Running her hand across the gnarled spirals of this particular oak, she managed to collect an Oak Cluster. "Hmm, a few more of these and I can craft a new sculpture."

Gathering: