Hirru

"If I don't?"

As if to answer my question, the figure pulled out a bow from out of her cloak.  A second later, an arrow was nocked in the string before being pulled and aimed at me.  My eyes went wide before the air was shot out at my head.  Moving my head away, the arrow quickly stuck to the tree that I was next to, making a thrumming sound as it vibrated in place.

"I see!  Well, I guess that is my invitation to engage!"

[ID = 27482][BD = 5][MD 5-2= 3]

[Hirru = 24/25]

[Rakkun = 9/13][On head]

[?Hooded Figure? = 15/15]
[Mats = 3]

No, you'd need 10 [Completed] & [Locked] threads to participate in a Benchmark Rp.  Then you would have to PM a Mod or GM with the list of completed rps + links to them.  (that's why we keep a log of our rps in our journals)  Afterwards, they will tell you what to do for your benchmark, if you qualify for one.

Most quests do not count towards your benchmark, so be careful with that.

Hopefully that helps ya!

"Hm.. you amuse me, hunter."

The feminine monotone voice came from around the tree that the Rakkun was pointing towards.  Cloaked in cloth that camouflaged with its surroundings, a figure appeared from behind the tree.  It stood there for a second before pointing an outstretched arm towards me, index finger pointed towards myself.

"You are different than other hunters, that have come through these parts.  Most do not hear the voices of the wild." 

I was not sure how to respond to that.  Who was this person that had appeared before me, and why could I not see their cursor.  There should be a green cursor above the heads of all players, unless they were Player Killers, then they had orange cursors.  Even monsters and NPCs had them with red and yellow respectively.  I was really confused and blurted out.

"Who are you, and why do you appear before me now?  Were you the one that was setting up those traps around me?"

"Why, yes, I was.  I was trying to get you to leave this land, before you caused any more suffering."

"Suffering?"

"Yes, your kind has brought us nothing, but suffering!  Hunting down the creatures of this forest, even though they are kind and only want to befriend you.  You, hunter, should see this."

I actually could see it from the Rakkuns that kept trying to get on top of him.  I felt the Rakkun scrambling around in my hat, and smiled.  These guys were fairly friendly, but that could easily be taken out of context, as I had thought that they would attack or caused the traps.  No, the traps were from something that could make 

"I do, but that does not give you the right to set these traps and kill innocent people."

"Are they innocent, or just as depraved as you are?"

It said in its monotone voice as it took a step towards me.  I took a step back from her in response.  The hooded figure continued on.

"Are they not trying to take them away from the family that raised them?  Are they not butchering them into food!  Are they not going to kill them to make as hats?"

I gulped in as a lump in my throat formed.  This wasn't going to go along civil like, is it?, I thought.

"Your kind will bother us, no more.  Leave us now, or face the consequences."

[ID = 27481][BD = 1][MD 2-2= 0]

[Hirru = 24/25]

[Rakkun = 9/13][On head]

[?Hooded Figure? = 15/15]
[Mats = 3]

I walked on towards that direction that this Rakkun was pointing me to.  Sometimes, it would point towards a tree, but once I got there, it would point towards another farther down the line.  I was pretty sure that this thing was lost at this point, and was about to throw it off when I heard the same noise that came whenever an arrow was coming.  I turned to avoid it, but it slammed into me before I could act.

A brief ounce of pain shot through me.  When was that a thing?  There shouldn't be any pain experienced in this world, unless you psychologically felt it.  No, this was real, and it hurt quite a bit.  Pulling the arrow out, I threw it to the ground causing it to shatter.

"Where are you?!  Quit hiding in the shadows like a coward, and fight me!"

"You would like that, wouldn't you.."

[ID = 27478][BD = 1][MD 8-2= 6]
[CD = 10] +1 HP

[Hirru = 24/25]

[Rakkun = 9/13][On head]
[Mats = 3]

The one on my head pointed outward to one side while the other one pointed to the opposite direction.  From what they were squeaking about, something was in both directions, but were in disagreement with each other.  One would squeak while another hissed, and before I knew it, they were fighting on top of my head.

Having none of that, positioned my sword so that it was pointing that which ever was on top of my head, and stabbed through it.  Another saddened squeak sounded out before my head was showered in the light of the dead mob.  The other one that had survived had taken its place on my head.

"Last time, I'm warning you!  No more riders!"

"Squee!"

[ID = 27477][BD = 10][MD 1-2= -1]

[Hirru = 25/25]
[Rakkun = 0/13][On head]

[Rakkun = 9/13][On head]
[Mats = 3]

Hirru looked between the two men as they inspected the boulder that kept them from getting into the 2nd floor dungeon.  From what they were saying, it could not be damaged by weapons, which made plenty of sense to him.  Most of the objects around were either <<Immortal Objects>>, denoted by a purple polygon.  There were some, like trees, that could only be affected by certain tools, or specialized weapons.

As Grave spoke, Hirru was testing the boulder with his sword.  Poking and prodding it with the pointy end.  Each time, a spark would appear at the collision mark, but nothing else.  He would then poke the dungeon around it.  This time, the <<Immortal Object>> sign appeared.  Putting his sword away, he heard Grave mention giving it a shot.  Give what a shot?,' he thought as he struck his hands on both the boulder and the dungeon surface.  Again, the <<Immortal Object>> appeared before the dungeon's surface, but something else happened with the boulder.  <<Breaking the Unbreakable>> appeared on a pop up notification with some details about the quest.

"I'm all for it, but it seems like we can't use our weapons to break it, and I don't think any tools will work either."

Hirru thought for a second before walking past the two of them.  He turned around and punched his open palm.

"That only means that we gotta tackle it like you would a Grizzly!"

[ID: 27476][LD: 16] +1 Mat 

He grinned before he had ran forward to tackle the boulder.  His shoulder connected with the rock, which caused a shard of it to crack off.  Hirru collected the fragment.

"That was easy.."

((Beoreson: Just letting you know.  You currently do a base of 2 Dmg with your sword skill.  So that 10 you got earlier did 4 DMG not 3.  Translating that to total DMG))

The ongoing barrage to the Kobold continued on as Beore scored a fair hit when Mack could not.  Xion had scored his own, and it was down to Hirru.  Dodging around Xion, Hirru initiated a running <<Horizontal>> causing the Kobold's hp to fall nearly to the red.  Hirru stepped back to see what the creature would do.  If his assumption was correct, it would be calling for reinforcements again.

The Kobold motioned for something, but used that as a feint attack to cause more damage to Xion.  The stalwart warrior wouldn't allow that to get past him and would easily be able to deflect it.  Hirru noticed that his assumption was false.  Something must trigger the <<Call to Arms>> for these guys, but Hirru didn't have enough information to prove it.

"Finish it!" 

[ID: 27434]
[BD: 8]
[MD: 4]

[Xion HP: 34/38] (10 Hate)
[Mack HP: 21/21] (3 Hate)
[Beoreson HP: 16/16] (3 Hate)
[Hirru HP: 25/25] (3 Hate)

[Kobold: 6/20]

Total Loot
Col - 100
Mats - 1
Items - None

Hirru could only watch on as the bear was killed by the woman having seen him being attacked.  The swordsman bent over with his hands to his knees and let out a long sigh.  Getting back up, he found a very worried version of the woman that he just met looking him over, as if she was coddling him.  At the mention of the material, Hirru raised his left hand, in a motion that said 'calm down, don't worry' as he sheathed his sword.

"No need to worry, miss.  I'm more than happy to let you have it.  Besides you were the one to help me, even if the damage was not that bad."

Hirru straightened himself up as his battle healing would take care of any residual healing needed.  Looking at her with discretion, he was reminded of the many other players that were much stronger than him, but were dressed in the most unconvincing outfits.  She was definitely one of them.

"I'm sorry for interrupting your tour so quickly..  My name is Hirru!  If you would allow me, I would like to re-enact it, miss..?" 

"Please tell me that there are not more of you guys.."

I asked the two Rakkuns that were now perched on top of me.  They seemed to like it there, or they couldn't get enough of the hat.  Either way, they were a menace no matter.  I would have to get rid of them somehow, before more of them start to pile on as well.  

The only thing that seemed right was a piece of wood about the size of a fair sized log.  It was covered in thorns, which meant that it was one of the logs that had been thrown at him before.

Moving towards the log, I had inadvertently moved out of the way of another arrow.  What ever wanted me dead, was certainly failing in their job; they should be fired for their actions.  I shook that thought from my head as it felt quite foreign.  I raised my blade and cut into the log and got a material piece out of it.

"Neat!  Anything else that you guys want to show me?"

[ID = 27430][BD = 2][MD 6-2= 4]
[LD = 15] +1 Mat

[Hirru = 25/25]
[Rakkun = 4/13][On head]

[Rakkun = 9/13][Shoulder]
[Mats = 2]

Ready to deal some more damage onto the beast, Hirru could only fathom what had happened next.  A streak colors flashed by him by him and caused a good gash into the bear.  It roared in pain as she escaped its reach making it keep its attention on Hirru.

"I don't mind at all."

[ID: 27429]
[BD: 1] Crit Miss
[MD: 9-2=7] Crit 2+1 DMG
[CD: 11] +1 HP

He would say as his swing went wide as all heck, which gave the bear a chance to bite into him for a good share of damage.  Hirru winced before pushing the beast off of him causing a little more damage.  He checked himself as his battle healing took effect before looking back at the young woman.

"As long as that was the only time that happened.."

[Hirru 25/27] 
[Mai 28/28]

[Bear 5/15]

At this point in time, I was pretty much prepared for what was going to happen next.  Finding myself with another Rakkun meant that something was bound to happen.  I knew it wasn't the Rakkun's fault anymore as the one on my head was doing nothing, but ruffle my new fur hat.  In fact, I probably wasn't going to care if it did climb up my pant leg and onto my shoulder, if something came crashing down towards me.

Something caught my ear and I swung around to find something flying by my ear, where my head used to be.  A sound behind me drove me to look and see an arrow stuck to the tree before it shattered.

"Squeak!"

"Squea Squee!"

"I already get it!"

[ID = 27422][BD = 2][MD  7-2= 5]
[CD = 10] +1 Health

[Hirru = 25/25]
[Rakkun = 4/13][On head]

[Rakkun = 9/13][Shoulder]
[Mats = 1]

((Going through the forest is a bad idea.. already venturing through it in a solo.. too many Rakkuns))

Hirru stood up from the table after paying his bill and escorted them out.  The journey would be a long one as they had to follow the path to Horunka Village before they could start their trek to Tolbana and the creature that was causing him issues.  Making sure that he was good on his end, he would soon ask them if they were too.

"So, is everyone ready?"

He initiated a party between them and awaited their response.

I kept my blade pointed at the little guy as it inched forward.  I meant what I said when the one on my head was the only one allowed on right now.  If anymore were to ride on top of me, my strength would fail me.  I don't think that I have that kind of build, anyway as I'm mostly a mix build of STR and AGI.  That's what people kept telling me from when we talked about stats.

The Rakkun came closer to me and I had to make my demands known to it.  My blade raised slightly for it to run underneath, before the blade was brought right back down.  The Rakkun scurried back away from me and stared at me.  The one on my head poked my forehead with its paw.

"Squeak squeak!"

"I don't know what you said, but it sounded like you're about ready to get thrown off."

It buried itself in my hat after I said that.

"I thought so."

[ID = 27397][BD = 9[MD  2-2= 0]

[Hirru = 24/25]
[Rakkun = 4/13][On head]

[Rakkun = 9/13]
[Mats = 1]

Hirru nodded his agreement before heading out the door onto his next adventure.  As he walked out, the sun slightly blinded his view before letting him adjust to the new day.  The wind blew towards the east towards Tolbana.  He guessed that he was heading there next when a thought popped in his head.  Everyone was working hard in their own right, and lived their own ways.  They did as they pleased, while under the constant stress of this world.  He couldn't help but let a small phrase leave his lips.

"One does not simply..."

Completed!

Summary

Hirru - 150 (-50 for RP purpose) Col + 1 SP

Vasth - 200 Col + 1 SP

Hirru, looking like a green haired Davy Crockett, sighed with relief when the young woman didn't stab him with the pointy end of her sword.  He was also grateful that she would show him some of the better spots around the floor.  Hopefully, there was something that he could fight that would give him something good.

[ID: 27394]
[BD: 10] 3+2=5
[MD: 5-2=3]

Sure enough, before they got anywhere, a <<Bear>> appeared before them.  He could feel the tension as this beast was something else.  Bigger than a wolf, and much fluffier.  Though, not as fluffy as those <<Rakkuns>>, and much more aggressive.  

"Excuse me miss, I just saw a good one."

Without really thinking, he bowed again to the girl and activated a <<Sonic Leap>> at the beast.  Hirru ran forward with his sword glowing at his shoulder.  The system would then have him jump in the air and slash downwards onto the beast as he landed.  The bear having been aggroed by Hirru, would target him and try to attack him, but the swipe of its claw was slow, and he was easily able to back off.

[Hirru HP = 27/27]

[Bear HP = 10/15]

Walking throught the forest, I had to keep my focus away from the Rakkun that was now sitting in the Kun Fur Hat.  As soon as I was about to call it quits, another Rakkun appeared.  I sighed as I stared at it.

"A friend of yours?"

The Rakkun on my head moved a bit, and the other Rakkun waved at it, making me think that they were waving at each other.  The other Rakkun slowly inched closer.  I instantly pointed my blade at it, making it step back a bit.

"Oh no!  The seat is already occupied!"

[ID = 27388][BD = 2][MD  5-2= 3]

[Hirru = 24/25]
[Rakkun = 4/13]

[Rakkun = 13/13]
[Mats = 1]

It was at that thought that Hirru's smile left him.  Almost everyone here was loving their life here, other than their real lives out there.  It was another thing that he envied, as they could distinguish the two and make the better choice.  Even though they were stuck in this death game, they could find a better sense of being here than their actual selves.  Their memories would remind them of the hardships out there, making them prefer this life.

Hirru couldn't have that solace.

He was doomed to know only this world and the feelings that this place gives.  Though they could all be good and bad, most of the population of this world was suffering, but he didn't know why.  He would never know, as far as he knew, since his memories of the past were vague at best.  

"Yeah.. I guess you're right."

Hirru said as he looked out the window to see that the sun was peaking out from the clouds on the horizon.  It looked like a great being of wonder, like a magnificent father.  A being that was always there when you needed it.  A small grin crept onto his face.

"Anyway, I've had a blast, but I have to get going."

He blurted out as he stood up to stretch.  It was a new day, and time was wasting.  Hirru had to go out hunting to make up for the Col that he spent today.  Opening his menu, he re-equipped his blade, wolf pelt armor, and kun fur hat.  To Vasth, he would look like a regular Davy Crockett from his outfit.  He would then go though his friends list to add Vasth to his list.  A notification would pop up in front of Vasth soon after.

"The life of a monster hunter is never easy, but it pays for my food.  If you ever need materials for your profession; I'm for hire."

[ID: 27383]
[BD: 5] 
[MD: 10] Crit! 2+2=4 DMG

Hirru watched as his commands were followed more thoroughly.  He had to think more clearly on his teammates and the mob.  Everything was its own entity and would do things that he couldn't predict.  Sweeping that aside, he ran towards the other Kobold ready to slash at it, but it saw me coming and jumped forward to deliver a strike towards Xion.  It would somehow get past his guard and focus a solid blow that chipped his health.

Having none of that, Hirru backed into position and called out.

"Everyone, focus attacking the kobold.  Keep spacing between yourselves so we don't cut each other!"

[Xion HP = 34/38][Hate - 9]
[Mack HP = 21/21][Hate - 3]
[Beore HP = 16/16][Hate - 2]
[Hirru HP = 25/25][Hate - 2]

[Kobold HP = 17/20][Target - Xion]

Total Loot
Col - 100
Mats - 1
Items - None

Sure enough, to answer my deepest wishes, another log came hurtling at me.  If it wasn't for the fact that I didn't want to be hit, I would have embraced the thorn covered log with my face, but I instead moved out of the way of its trajectory.  As I moved out of the way, the Rakkun took this time to scurry up my leg and onto my shoulder.

"Fine!  Only if you can tell me where this stupid fox is!"

"Squea?"

"No, I guess not, huh."

[ID = 27336][BD = 5][MD 7-2=5 ]

[Hirru = 24/25]
[Rakkun = 4/13]
[Mats = 1]

Hirru listened to the young man beside him as he explained his views and wants.  He was quite wise to keep what little time we have in this world as precious as possible.  Everything in this world held something positive for someone, they just needed to find it.  Hirru was no different in that manner.  There were things that he kept precious in here.  The friends that he met; the experiences gained; and most of all, the memories.

"So that's why you became one with the Rakkuns.  You want to experience everything that this world has for you right.  Especially if it is dangerous to do so?"

Hirru found someone very quickly when he heard the sound of shattering which accompanied combat.  As he reached the area, he found a young woman having finished taking out a creature.  From her appearance, you would think that she was not a warrior, but SAO would surprise anyone with the appearance that leather armor could take.  He tugged at his Kun Fur Hat and waved back with the other hand.  Hirru wasn't shy, he was just on his way to get more materials for whatever he needed, and didn't have any conversational material at that time.

That didn't matter as he was completely lost on this floor, as he hadn't been here for very long.  Before he knew it, Hirru was approaching the woman.  He had stopped a few feet away to keep distance from any unsuspected blade to the face, and gave a small bow.

"Good day, miss!  I was just wondering if you knew of any good spots for strong beasts?  I'm looking for parts, and the folks in town pointed me near here."

Though fighting low leveled creatures and searching through the undergrowth were simple and safe ways to get mats, there was only one sure fire way: Strong Mobs.

I listened for anything to tell me what is going on.  Why they wanted to make me suffer?  Why this world wanted to make me a sadistic critter killer.  I quickly shook that last one off.

"I am not sadistic...am I?"

"Squeak."

"Thank you Rakkun, you are quite helpful."

By the gods and goddesses above, I was talking to a Rakkun.  I have finally fallen off the deep end of the mind game pool.  If I hadn't cracked before, I had now.  I needed to end this somehow, or not.  Who knows if this was really in my head, or I was really getting f**ked with.

[ID = 27334][BD = 2][MD  5-2= 3]

[Hirru = 24/25]
[Rakkun = 4/13]
[Mats = 1]

Hirru found himself in the woodlands of the second floor on the search for those elusive materials that would help him in the future.  It was funny to him that these materials, or mats for short, were almost as valued as Col.  Maybe, even more so as people used them for crafting everything from swords and shields, to the potions that we drink.  These people would swarm you if you had enough materials for what they needed, and could usually barter with them for the right goods.

He thought about going into some kind of profession, but nothing ever piqued his interest.  Blacksmiths were everywhere; Tailors were few and far between, but hardly anyone uses the light armor skill.  Artisans were glorified jewelers, and he wanted none of that.  Alchemists would be a good one to go for, but he wasn't really sure about it.  He also heard rumors about potion misuse, so he avoided that topic.  Cooking was not his forte, as he was quite impatient; and Performer sounded silly.  Then there was Fisher, which, like cooking, he didn't have the patience for.  Lastly, Merchant was the closest thing that he considered as that was true money coming in and out.  Items for anyone, but the system didn't use mats for much, and would require the purchase of all shop items.

Hirru stood there as he looked around the area, trying to find something that would pique his interest.  An item!  A mob!  A person!  Anything to get his mind away from getting a job.

(I swear if this rock turns into a golem...)

Hirru sighed deeply when the other warrior got up and killed the creature in such a flourish, you would think that this guy was either a high level player, or just some weirdo that loved doing flips and such.  Then, as if all of that wasn't any of his business, the victor simply walked away towards better things.  If it wasn't for the fact that Hirru was about to do the same thing, minus the interference, he would have kept going too.  He was, unfortunately caught by tall individual that had his quarry stolen.  After introducing himself as Grave, Hirru gave his own as he had to look up to look at his face.

"Likewise, I'm Hirru.  What was that all about?  Do you know that guy?"

I was getting tired of this game that we were playing.  After a long while of staring at this Rakkun, I seriously don't think that it wants to hurt me, but every so often the trap seems to come from interaction with the critter.  Maybe, whatever is causing this was having fun toying with me in the shadows.  It was having a grand ole time, at my expense.  I was having none of that, and shouted out to the forest,

"Is this a game to you?"

"Squeak?"

"Not you, Rakkun!"

[ID = 27318][BD = 2][MD 4-2= 2]

[Hirru = 24/25]
[Rakkun = 4/13]
[Mats = 1]