Galilea

Vines shattered the ground where she once stood. Her shield skittering across the brush as she managed to deflect one only to have it still knock her back. Grunting, Galilea stood up. She had little time to react to the rushing onslaught of the Nepent. The cobra sprung forward. She braced for the blow as the snaked rammed her into a tree causing it to shatter and her to hit the deck. "Argh, the hell is this thing?" she roared out. Clamoring to grasp her sword, she looked around for her shield. Though she barely sustained any damage, the creature was already proving to be rather difficult to deal with. Wiping the dirt from her armor, her emerald gaze settled on the verdant snake. Pointing the blade tip at it, she lurched forward. The snake sent a flurry of vines at her. Sliding and evading most of them, she managed to collect her shield and close the gap between them again.

"Now you're mine!"

Simply put, she was right. The ground suddenly rumbled. Vines snaked and broke ground around her, causing the landscape to shift and crumble. Jumping back, she caught the glimpse of emerald scales diving in and out of the ground. Once the terrain settled, the dust began to clear. Red eyes gleamed from the clouds. Gritting her teeth, she braced herself. As the dust settled, the creature's full form was revealed. The snake was similar in looks to a cobra. The hood casting a shadow over her as it loomed from above. The snake wasn't ordinary, however. Vines, covered in thorns, whipped about frantically from back of it. Seemingly giving it arms as well.

She hadn't seen this kind of creature before, but the name was fitting to say the least. "Cobra Nepent," she said under her breath. The creature had far more health bars than the other Nepents she had fought up until this point. Luckily, her energy was recovered. She might expend quite a bit of it attempting to kill the snake.

Galilea shook. The thoughts flooding her memory for what felt like the millionth time. Wiping the near tears from her face, she thought of them. Her saviors, those who wanted revenge on those just as bad as she. Those who risked their own lives to save hers. She was eternally grateful and would carry out their mission no matter the cost. She halted. In-taking a deep breath before expelling the air from her lungs. She needed to calm down. She couldn't get flustered every time she thought about it. She had a purpose and would fulfill when the timing was right. Relaxing, she glanced about her surroundings.

How far had she gone already? Galilea was unsure, but the part of the forest she was in now seemed...more sinister if that was possible. Though she was confident in her abilities to kill things on this floor, she was painfully aware that monsters existed that were far above the floor level on this floor. She brought her shield up to guard. Something was off.

Splitting through the vines, Galilea kept her eyes peeled for more of the plant like creatures. I suppose this quest would have been far too easy if I could just kill them like that. Of course, the first encounter failed. Though if I invested more into my skills and gear, that fight would have been far easier, and the drop would've had a better drop rate. Which reminds me, I need to acquire a familiar still. For her build to be optimal, she had begun to think out all the skills, mods, and gear she would need to become effective and more importantly, exact her revenge.

Unbeknownst to most, something had happened back in her earlier days of the game. She was alone, lost and scared. People who didn't take the game seriously, who began to hunt other players for sport, who attacked you because it would give them more experience than leveling up normally. These people existed. These people were in the frontlines. She wanted to see these people dead for what they had done to her and so many of her friends.

With many more vines on its own, Galilea was wary of the Nepent Variant. It was larger and seemingly faster. However, her blade and course of action wouldn't falter. Darting forward, she evaded the first sweep attack sent her way. Leaping over the rapid moving vines, she managed to duck the next blow at her torso by knocking the vines away with her shield. Now she was in close. Personally, where her combat was best. Batting away another attack, she launched upwards, cutting a visual 'V' into the Nepent Variant's chest and causing it to explode into polygons as well.

She inspected the ground. No drop and no special reward indicator. Was this one a dud? "I guess I have to find another one." Turning towards the trees, she pushed deeper. Perhaps the one she needed was deeper within. Though for the village's sake, she hoped it wasn't too deep. She may run out of time otherwise.

Their vines lashed out. Galilea instinctively rolled to her right. Her shield up managing to block the next few incoming thwacks. Smacking one wayward vine away, she charged forward. Her sword cut through the verdant ropes that were flailing about to protect them. Dropping and shattering into polygons, she focused on the Nepents themselves. Her blade took on the faint golden hue as she activated the pre-motion for Raging Spike. Closing the gap between them, Galilea's blade tore through the plants. Shredding them to polygonal fragments in a matter of moments. As the last of their HP fell, Galilea caught her breath. The panted inhales and exhales coming to a slow rhythmic breath. 

"Now where's the Variant?" she wondered out loud. If she was right, the next one should be coming through at any moment. And as if on cue, it had arrived. Breaking from the tree line, a much larger Nepent slithered into the clearing. This one donning a red flower atop its crown. Galilea tightened her stance. This one shouldn't be too much stronger.

*Snap*

Foliage and underbrush were crushed beneath her steps as she pushed deeper into the forest surrounding Horunka Village. The settlement was home to a few quests, one of which being the one she was partaking in now. Secret Medicine of the Forest. I just need to kill a few plants and return the drop to the village elder. The task won't be that difficult, she thought.

Brandishing her shield and sword, Galilea hacked away at a few more vines that seemed to be blocking her path into the next clearing. Upon doing so, she stumbled upon a couple of plants she'd probably have to take down for this quest. The Nepents only seemed to have a fraction of her health pool. The green bar above their head being marginally smaller than her own. Whip-like vines lashed out from them. The red cursor over their heads began to shake as she neared. Time was of the essence however, and Galilea wouldn't allow the plants the first strike.

4/29/2020

+23 EXP

-4 T1 Materials (3 Salvaged T1 Materials)

Galilea huffed. Her cheeks briefly puffing up before she expelled them dismissing the brunette’s comments. "Protege is used loosely here," she teased. "The only thing he's taught me is how rusty he is with a spear." A small laugh came from her as she begins to follow behind Titan. "As for the boar pups, if it would be faster to take on all three at the same time, let’s do that. This quest is tedious enough as is," she explained as she gave Hauteclare a few swings to loosen up.

"Not to mention we still have to return to Lyle and take a package to Hanna-"

She paused.

*Snort* From the foliage a Boar Pup had managed to roam into their path. Kicking its hooves in the grass, it snorted again before putting its sights on her.

Clenching her blade, Galilea led with her shield and was upon the pup. With a quick upward slash, she dispatched the pup in a single blow. As polygons confetti'd out, she reached down to collect the tusk that remained. Glancing back to her companions, she called out. "Well that's one down. Two to go!"

Galilea: 1/3 Boar Tusk(s)

@Oikawa

The blade slid into her grasp. The weight of the handle felt as good as ever as she brought the tip across the chest of the goblin in four quick successions. Roaring out, it burst into polygons, shattering them in fragmented light that soon dissolved after. Standing up, she looked at the brunettes's chest. The gash mark was gone, but his health bar slowly refilled.

*Ting*

Galilea jumped. The loot notification startling her as she accepted her rewards for killing the the goblin. A small smile crept along her face. Though Oikawa had dealt all the damage, she was happy to have dealt the final blow. Turning to him, she hugged him briefly before stepping back in embarrassment.

"Erm.. Thanks for taking that hit for me. And letting me get the last hit." She was a little flustered, but had gained more respect for the spearman. Having had enough excitement for the day, Galilea stretched before turning to leave.

"Thanks for the gifts as well. I plan to make you proud!" With that she exited the cavern. Her next destination would be whatever quest she wasn't too high-leveled for.

Anticipation is a terrible feeling to have when you haven't had combat in a while. The expectation of hitting the target left so much room to error, that Galilea began to wonder if her anxiousness would backfire. But her mind had little time to react as her body catapulted forward. Her shield barely a blur as her sword extended towards the goblin.

The blade pierced its flesh. Pinning it to the cave wall, she propped her shield into it before stepping aside to give Oikawa a clear shot at the monster. The goblin scratched and squirmed but its attempts to free itself were futile to say the least. She nodded as Oikawa seemed to be on the same page with her for once. The brunette was upon them in seconds his spear cocked back and what seemed to be a golden aura emanating from his eyes.

"Kill it so we can get out of here already," she called out. Her grip was beginning to slip from the squirming goblin who had managed to dislodge her sword from it's chest.

Their blades clashed. The sound echoing off the cave walls as both fighters staggered back. Oikawa wasn't one she normally felt she needed to worry about in combat. He was the 'Faint' after all. One of the most renowned duelists in SAO. Certainly, he was out of practice. His moves were sluggish, and his attacks were very predictable, even to her. Nonetheless, she waited for the Hate indicator to glow. Giving her the green light to tear into the creature once his attention was properly attained.

For now, she had to wait. Her lip poking out in impatience as the brunette took his sweet time getting back into the swing of things. "Oi, you're looking rather slow and old out there. Are you sure you can handle this goblin by yourself?"

"This one seems rather bothersome," he admitted.

But his resolves begin to seep through as his eyes focused on the task of killing the goblin. The stare was intense and exhilarating to see. She wanted in on the action. Come on, I want to fight too... her mind begged.

"Holy sh-," she stifled as the goblin was sent careening back. She wasn't surprised at the fact that Oikawa could that fast but more so in awe the damned thing stood back up from it with all its health still intact. Her emerald gaze shifted to Oikawa, who seemed to be just warming up despite knowing his attack no affect on the monster aside from staggering it. Though his concerned still lied with her. His commanding tone instructing her not to lay a finger on the creature until he could draw aggro first. Which was reasonable in her book so she stepped back.

"Well don't just look cool. Show me what you're made of Oikawa." She was terrible with pep talks and even worse so at sitting back, but getting through this alive was her top priority as was his from what she could tell. Her shield remained ready and raised, her grip tightening on the blade in her other hand. She was eager to join him to say the least. Thinking of it, she pulled out her [Matriarch's Stinger] and applied it to her weapon. I might as well hit it with everything when I get the chance..

Matriarch's Stinger Applied

Galilea was surprised to say the least. She hated charity and he knew that more than anyone. Yet with confidence and a threat to boot, he gifted them to her anyway. Aptly, she was in no place to decline and as such she collected the items and stored them away.

"T-Thank you."

She was still in disbelief. Among the four items, two were demonics, one could change the demonics and the other seemed to be a unique rare item but according to the brunette it could be upgraded to a perfect at the cost of a quest. Taking in all the information, Galilea slapped her cheeks and shook her head. She was grateful to Oikawa. Despite her constant teasings and disregard for his feelings earlier, he still put up with her and remained generous in light of it.

Sna-crack!!!  A rock ricocheted off the wall and skittered across the cavern floor.

Galilea whipped around in time to watch a second rock come whizzing past her face. Her brow twitched. A solitary cave goblin to blame for her sudden anger. But she was rather slow to react as Oikawa rushed past her in the blink of an eye.

She was relieved. It seemed her intuition was right. He didn't need this. At least not right now. Her own smile crept as he flashed one of his own. Kicking up from the ledge, she offered a hand to the brunette. "So about those monsters you mentioned. What are they like here on this floor?" She was painfully aware of how just outclassed the monsters would be on this floor for her, however, they would provide valuable experience and give Oikawa something to take his mind off the subject of death. Once he was up, she would select her gear from the inventory menu. A brilliant flash of light enveloping her before fading out to reveal her armor, sword and shield.

"I won't be able to do much, but I shouldn't die on this floor. At least I hope." She was normally confident in her abilities, but the gap between them in level meant the monsters would spawn in accordance to his. Thus, if she was hit hit, she could die. The thought of it was thrilling to say the least.

"Though, I imagine you wouldn't let that happen to your protege no?"

The gears were turning in his head. She could feel the weight of the question radiating from him. His eyes had long lost interest in that of the lake or fishing in general for that matter. He danced around it at first. His words painting what sounded like an excuse to not talk about it. She couldn't blame him. She couldn't say she would do much better in the same situation. And given the subject matter, she wouldn't want to be in the same situation. The feeling of entitlement briefly washed over her. How could she expect him to answer a question she wouldn't be willing to answer herself?

Another question she would leave unanswered, as she did often with her internal hypotheticals.

The smaller bit of silence between them was broken again. This time offering her a choice to continue if she so pleased. She wanted to, but the solemn look on his face said otherwise. Why would he do this to himself if he didn't want to? Maybe he needed to? She was unsure, but to come this far and not question further might be a waste. But preserving her friend's mental state seemed rightfully more important.

"Let us hold off for now. Your fishing pole has disappeared and your mood is on the decline. You're not ready for this conversation yet I'm afraid."

The question was painful. She could tell at least that much. Despite the shakiness in his voice, he would answer her questions. In that regard, he was respectable. Though there was hardly a time where she didn't think he was, despite her belligerent teasing at his expense. She continued too look out at the water. Unable to meet his gaze again. Her legs swayed back and forth over the ledge. The sense of anxiousness evident in her restless legs. There was no easy way to frame the question. So rather than sugar coat it, she would ask it head on.

"Why did you kill Zelrius?"

She knew little of the blonde. The self-indulgent boy being just another another 'wanna-be big-shot' that happened to be blessed with good numbers and a team of the strongest players at the time. His name was etched behind many frontline raids, but the praise ended there. At least from what she had heard and observed. Her curiosity was not with that of Zelrius, but with Oikawa himself.

The cavern lights seemed to dim. Her gaze was fixated on the brunette. She stepped towards him, blush painting her cheeks as he focused on her. For a moment she seemed caught in his oblivious charm, but the moment was fleeting. Her feelings were fleeting. She seated herself next to him and gazed out to the lake. "I didn't seek you out for training per say, though if you'd like to fight something we can."

Her finger caught a stray strand of hair. Twisting the lock, she curled it back behind her ear. She then turned to face him. "I came to ask you about that crystal of yours." Of course, she had heard stories about what happened. But she wanted to know why it happened. Why did he go so far to take the life of someone close to him? She was at a loss for the 'why'. However, she glossed over how insensitive she was being. Breaking her gaze from his, she stifled and awkward cough. "If you are willing to indulge me that is."

Her question was left unanswered, as the brunette touched on everything else. Though the edge of the forest was only a few meters away, with the sounds of various creatures echoing from the foliage, she still didn't know if the boars were in there or elsewhere. Her train of thought was snapped however. As if timed to perfection an unfamiliar voice floated through the air, as Oikawa mentioned being able to meet one of the other lower-leveled players. His introduction was brief, confirming their reasoning for being there and giving his name all in one breath.

Pushing back her hair, Galilea turned to face Titan. The blonde boy wearing lighter armor and brandishing a spear to boot. "You use a spear. That's very similar to Oikawa here. Though his is two-handed if I recall correctly," she observed while gesturing to the brunette. "I'm Galilea. Pleasure to meet you." She returned Titan's nod before drafting her own menu. A flash of light quickly enveloped her. Her shield fragmented into full frame in her left hand while her sword appeared in her right.

"Well since this one's an idiot and you seem familiar with this quest, you mind leading the way Titan?"

@Oikawa

Stats:

Water spots littered the cavern floor all around her. The cave freckles, as she liked to call them, dotted where occasional rainfall passed through. The thought of it did make her wonder about the realism the game lacked some times. A waterfall made more sense than rain to her, but the local NPCs always referred to it as rainfall. Who was she to argue? The thought soon drifted. The echoes of her steps alerting her to just how empty the area could be. Her head then swiveled. Left, then right, as she searched for the wall Oikawa had mentioned. The one with the ore protruding from it that also doubled as a secret passage to the underground lake.

Her emerald orbs paused a moment. The wall she had been looking for having been right in front of her. A hesitant hand rose up to pull the ore down. She wasn't sure if he had been teasing her before, and if he was, her trip to this floor would have been wasted to say the least. But luckily he had some semblance of the truth, as the wall grinded open to reveal the lake. Crystal waters shimmering against the sparkled cavern that held it. Her eyes were in awe, however not for the sight before her. The same person that told her about the secret place, was suddenly looking back at her as if she had ruined his most private moment.

"Erm.. uh.. hey Oikawa." 

Stats:

"Next for me? Well part two of this wretched quest line," she grumbled. Her emerald gaze would bore into him as he made mention of needing to head off.  Her brow twitched. Did he really think he'd get off that easy? Placing herself directly in his way, her finger pointedly pierced his near bare chest. "Um did you forget your obligation to me? How can I be your protege if you don't teach me anything?" For all intents and purposes, her request could theoretically wait, but she would lose her damn marbles if she had to finish this quest line alone.

"And as for your guild. I have thought it over. I'll consider it, but am I the only female in the group? And am I the only person that is still tier one? If so, I'm not so sure I would want to join yet." She wasn't uncomfortable with the thought of all guys; however, guys are idiots and as of late her tolerance was rather low. She also wasn't in the mood to be babied because of her level. She was working on it. It was almost silly however. The fact that she even needed to address that with herself was laughable. This wasn't high school, but in a way guilds functioned like the cliques of one. So she was rightfully worried nonetheless.

"Anyway, I need to kill three boar things for their tusks. Any idea where I should go?"

@Oikawa

THREAD COMPLETE

REWARDS:

Galilea:

Oikawa:

Her hand rapped the door of the smith's workshop. "It's open!" shouted a voice from inside. Pushing through the wooden door. Galilea glanced about the room. The shop was fairly sized. Not the biggest she had seen, but not the smallest either. Her gaze fell upon the smith hammering away at what appeared to be a sword. Holding the potion up, Galilea motioned to Lyle.

"Zackariah told me to bring this to you."

"Ahh yes, the potion I requested. Did he have you make this?" responded the smith as he wiped his brow and removed his gloves. Nodding, she handed the potion over to him. Accepting the gift, Lyle drafted a completion menu and sent the rewards over to Galilea. "Hopefully this will suffice your troubles. Thank you."

Clicking accept, Galilea bowed. "No worries. I'll be on my way then."

"Just a moment I have another task for you if you'd like?"

Stopping, she heard him out before returning to Oikawa.

Craft:

 His words had caught her off guard, but she chose to accept his offer even if she didn't admit it verbally. Instead she focused on Zackariah's words instead. 

"Here, mix these two together. When it's blended just right, the liquid will smoke then turn green." She nodded. Pasting the leaves into powder and pouring it into the purple mixture, the potion exploded in a small plume of red smoke.

"That's not quite it. Use less root and more newt." She shot him a side glance at the intentional use of rhyme scheme but followed his directions once more. This time the concoction turned green and he applauded her. "That's more like it. Now could you bee so kind to deliver this to Lyle? He'll have your rewards once delivered."

"Fine." Tedious work always annoyed her, but the quest was at last coming to a close. Exiting the shop, she headed to meet with Lyle Tealeaf.

His words weren't deep or even overtly inspiring. They fell on deaf ears though he would never know that. Instead she nodded. Affirming his comments, she stopped momentarily. "You're right. That is partially why I asked you here though. I want that guidance. I want to make it to the frontlines and do my part." Her gaze swept the ground. The glinting light of a material caught her eye. Kneeling down, she collected the root and added it to her inventory.

"Well that makes five. We can head back so i can make this potion." If he was leading before, he now trailed behind her as her pace increased.  Calling over her shoulder, she slowed as they neared the gate back to the town. "I will search for players closer to me in level however. I don't want to drag you down Oikawa." Giving him a firm nod, she headed back into the Town of beginnings and met with Zackariah.

"Back so soon eh? Ready to make that potion?"

Loot: