Vargas

-rolling-

The bear roared as it charged at Vargas. The bear closed the distance between the two, its maw open as it exuding its fury. Just as it came close, it leaned back on its hind legs before slamming down on top of Vargas. Vargas tried to dodge but tripped on the incline of the mountain side and was crushed by the weight of the bear. A groan passed his lips as he attempted to push the bear off, its teeth coming closer to rip him apart as Vargas held it back with the flat of his blade. “Ahhh!” Vargas yelled as he used every bit of his strength to shove the bear to the side and rolled away before clambering back to his feet. Looking at his health points he could see that it had taken a decent chunk out of him. “Is that all you got?”

ID# 87061

BD: 5 (3+2)

MD: 10

DMG: 57+6=63-18=45

Vargas 335/380 | 30/38 (-2/+1)

Bear 150/190 | 57 DMG

 The ears on Vargas’s head flicked at the wind before laying flat as the wind picked up more. The cloak made things a little warmer but had turned out to be a better exchange when blocking out the sand. He watched as his feet with each step he took part the sand underneath. Rippling waves passing him by as they trudged over the dunes.

He merely nodded his head as she thanked him. “Well, how about I make it up to you and we can go down to floor 4 and play in the snow there after we’ve completed the quest?” The though of the sheer difference between each floor was strange. The first floor was plain, as it was the starting floor. Then you had a vast mountainous region on floor two. Once again, plains on floor three, but you instantly went to a winter wonderland on floor four. Followed by the exact opposite, a vast floor of dunes and heat. It made Vargas wonder who had been on Kayaba’s design team to think that changing floors from one look to another with such a degree of difference was great. Each floor was amazing to look at, but when he looked back at it, it seemed a bit over the top.

———————————————————————————

Memory-

Stepping into the foyer, Kyle shook off his umbrella before closing it. His coat was soon off as he hung it up on the coat rack before kicking off his shoes. Looking back, he saw Natalia having done the same thing. “You're welcome to whatever you want in the fridge. I can have someone take you home after the rain lets up, unless you want to call someone.” Natalia shook her head and smiled brightly at him, her amber eyes gleaming back at him. “No, that's fine. Thank you. I’ll just wait.” With that, she walked into the main room and sat on the couch as she turned on the tv before grabbing s book from her bag.

ID# 87060

CD: 12

No Damage

It wasn't long before Vargas came stumbling through the forest and spotted a bear. It's large body and broad shoulders made it seem like a formidable foe against most players or animals. Even now, it was moving on all fours. To think how much larger it would be on two legs, it would've been about eight or nine feet tall. Vargas readied his blade as he thought about the bear hide and meat that he could potentially get from this beast. His sword drawn, his body ready to leap and attack, the blade began to shine with the usual registration that a sword skill was activated. Charging forth, Vargas leapt onto the bear before plunging the iron blade into the creature. The howling pain that escaped the bear only told him that he'd dealt severe damage and quickly moved before the bear could throw him off. Its black eyes stared at him fiercely. After having just been accosted out of nowhere, it was not happy. No, it was furious.

ID# 87055

BD: 9 (7+2)

DMG: 5*8=40

MD: 1 (3-2)

Vargas 380/380 | 31/38 (-8/+1)

Bear 150/190 | 57 DMG

The wind blew sand in their face, making it harder to see as everything in sight became a whirlwind of dirt. His hood covered his face fairly well, so he paused to open his inventory and pulled out his leather coat. “Here, use this to shield your face some, it should help,” Vargas said as he handed the item over to her.

——————————————————————-

Memory-

“Kyle, wait up. You're gonna make me lose my umbrella,” Natalie whined as she chased after him, the rain coming down on top of them. Kyle stopped and turned to her, waiting. As Natalie started to catch up, the wind picked up and ripped her umbrella out of her grasp. Reaching for it, she was unable to catch it as it was blown away. Kyle walked over and held his umbrella over the two of them while holding her close so that the two were completely under it. “Guess we better get to my house before this gets any worse.”

ID# 86963

CD: 7

“Angel? Nice. Sounds like a plan. What traits does she have as a familiar?” Vargas asked, wondering about what familiar he should still get. He hadn't taken the time to get one yet, as he was busy raising his levels and completing other quests. If he were to get one, it’d be best to find one that could help him get stronger. That would be preferable but if he could at least find a companion then that'd be nice as well.

As they exited the city gates, Vargas pulled the hood of his cloak lower, so as to reduce the sand being blown about from getting in his face. “You might want to wear your cloak. It shouldn't make you overly hot but it’ll help prevent the sand from getting in your face,” Vargas called out to Eatos. The winds seemed to be heavy today, the sands rippling over the dunes like waves over an endless sea of yellow.

Trekking out, away from the city, the pair made their way over the dunes as they traveled. With the fact that it was supposed to take a day and night to find the cargo, Vargas wasn't worried about looking for the cargo until around nightfall. For now, they’d make their way in the direction of the cargo.

ID# 86946

CD: 5

Vargas’s fox ears perked up as he heard Eatos approaching. It was strange having the ears as he could actually feel them as if they were his own. Looking up, he smiled, “Sup Eatos. Yeah, the quest isn't hard but I have to look for an NPC’s precious cargo that she left hidden in the desert. So I figured an extra pair of eyes would help.” Standing up, he lead the way, his fox tail subconsciously swaying as he moved. As they walked, Vargas said, “supposedly the quest will likely take the whole day to complete. So I hope you're still willing to do the quest. Wouldn't want to keep you from any plans you might already have.” It wasn’t long before they reached the city gates that would lead them out in the barren desert and the sandy winds. Passing through the gates, he asked, “So what have you been up to? I know haven't kept up communications in awhile.”

His eyes glanced over the foliage around him as he searched for possible materials. So far, his efforts were fruitless. It seemed as if he wasn't going to be able to find materials here. The trail had led him up the mountain side and into the small forest that lay on the side of the mountain. Looking at his energy bat once more, he saw that it was now once again full. “Looks like it's time to fight more monsters then,” he said as he descended back down the mountain. He didn't want to be searching far from the city since it'd be a pain to get back afterwards. So, instead, he headed back to the city. If he didn't find any creatures between here and the city then he’d just search again on the outskirts. He’d have to find something eventually and the sooner he did, the sooner he could try to get a bit of Col before calling it a day.

ID# 86828

LD: 3 (2+1)

Fortaleza, one of the few settlements on floor five. Outside the sandstone walls lay barren wasteland of desert and cactus. Here, in this city, is where Vargas sat, waiting. His Sunstone Fox cloak was equipped, despite the heat, as the sun and sand on his face felt worse than the heat did on its own. After finishing looking through his equipment, he checked the message he’d sent once more.

Seeing that there didn't appear to be an issue with the message he sat back comfortably against the wall and waited.

@Eatos

Gonna take this with Eatos

Having rested some, Vargas got up and began searching around the mountainside. If he could, he wanted to find some materials for his appraisals of equipment. With the system’s change, things had become more promising for a merchant. Players had to come to them to have their gear appraised and find out what their stats were. Business had been on the rise because of it. With these thoughts in mind, Vargas looked around his surroundings for any materials he could find. Some iron or silk perhaps would be good. Yet, he sadly wasn't seeing any materials. Checking his HUD, he saw that his energy was almost fully recovered. Maybe I should just try again with killing a mob. Even if I don't get materials it’ll be more entertaining than this. He started down a trail in search of potential materials before he would call it and say it was time to go hunting again.

ID# 86826

LD: 7 (6+1)

Vargas agreed with Atzo’s assessment. They had been losing far too many members after they'd just recruited new ones. He wasn't sure what happens to most. He figured some had decided otherwise and to join the majority of players on the lower floors to wait it out. He hadn't checked the wall for any of the players dying. The thought of more people dying on him just left a bad taste in his mouth. “Yeah. Another meeting might be best. Though, if all the members we have lost since the last recruitment I don't know how effective another recruitment drive will go.” With that said, Vargas ducked under the Troll’s sweeping arm as the stun effect had fallen. As the Troll’s arm missed, it felt something stabbing into its leg. Looking down, it could see the boy squatting down with his blade piercing into the mob. The Troll cried out in pain as it backed away from the two.

ID# 86804

BD: 10 (8+2)

DMG: 5*8=40

BD: 2 (4-2)

Vargas 375/420 | 41/42 (-2/+1) | 18 MIT | 2 EVA | 4 Bleed | Hate: 2

@Atzo 420/420 | 33/42 | 3 Eva | 1 LM | 1 Savvy | 2 acc | 1 [T1] Bleed | 10hp/Round BH | Hate: 1

Troll 88/210 | 63 DMG

Having gotten away from the wolf finally, Vargas stopped running and dropped down to the ground. He didn't expect things to get harder as much as they had. He would've thought that the lower floors would be easier as his level and equipment got stronger. ”Why does it seem to always match my strength instead of staying the same?” Vargas wondered aloud. Taking a moment to rest he though about what to do next. It would be good to collect more materials for my shop at least, or even to trade so I can buy new equipment. Once I reach level twenty-five I should be able to start using better gear. With that thought in mind he considered who to go to for the equipment. Eatos was a blacksmith and could make him a new sword. Hei was also a tailor so maybe he could have him make some new armor for him.

ID# 86785

LD: 10 (9+1)

Vargas got himself up from the hard ground. Having just been thrown like a rag doll didn't help his image. Add in his guild leader, who was of the same level as him, had been able to hit it and stun the Troll. Brushing himself off, Vargas looked at Atzo, ”Well, for the most part, I still don't know. With the change in position it also changes my task. Currently, it's just me so I’ll want to make sure I have players to follow orders and complete the necessary tasks.” As he talked, Vargas raised his blade and walked over to the Troll. His sword art active, he impaled the blade into the Troll, watching its health fall, before withdrawing it. ”Until given an assignment that's all I can do,” he said, swapping out with Atzo. It had been weird having his role changed but he had no reason to argue or whine about it. His only goal was to get back to the real world and make up for the lost time after Natalia had passed.

ID# 86776

BD: 6 (4+2)

DMG: 5*8=40

MD: [Stunned]

Vargas 375/420 | 41/42 (-2/+1) | 18 MIT | 2 EVA | 4 Bleed | Hate: 0

@Atzo 420/420 | 35/42 | 3 Eva | 1 LM | 1 Savvy | 2 acc | 1 [T1] Bleed | 10hp/Round BH | Hate: 1

_______________________________________________________________________________

Troll 128/210 | 63 DMG [Stunned]

Vargas just followed behind his guild leader as they ventured forth into the crystal lined cavern. Sure, people who had an extreme case of claustrophobia might find the enclosed space to be daunting but the beauty of the cavern walls was rather nice. As they walked, he wondered how the rest of the guild must be doing. He hadn't done much with anyone from the guild since he hadn’t been called upon in quite some time. Last time he'd talked to Atzo was when he’d had his position changed in the guild. Just thinking about that, he hadn't even had his cloak equipped in awhile either. He'd been soloing floors, raising his skills, just so he could become stronger and more useful.

As Atzo muttered about the design of the floor being brought to life by the imagination of an designer, Vargas could only nod his head. It seemed simple, yet to make everything look as it did had to have taken a great deal of effort. However, their musings were cut short as a ten foot troll came trudging across their path from one of the side caverns. Vargas had his sword drawn immediately, wanting to catch the troll off guard but as his attack hit, he seemed to have no effect. Before Vargas could react, the troll backhanded him into the wall, causing the air in his lungs to be expelled instantly. Though you couldn't feel pain and didn't actually have to breath, it didn't stop your mind from having auto reactions to outside influences.

ID# 86758

BD: 3 (1+2)

MD: 6 (8-2)

DMG: 21*3=63-18=45

Troll 210/210 | 63 DMG

Vargas 375/420 | 41/42 (-2/+1) | 18 MIT | 2 EVA | 4 Bleed

Atzo 420/420 | 42/42

Vargas just wondered why it was that Atzo had chosen to quote H.P. Lovecraft as he had walked off the platform. Perhaps due to their current scenery. It would make sense, sine Lovecraft always wrote of alien situations and worlds. At the mention of R’lyeh, Vargas shrugged, before jokingly saying, ”I've always thought of it as a convoluted, desolate island.” With that said, he followed after Atzo before speaking up again as he talked of the possible creatures. ”Most people have generally seen some undead, trolls, troglodytes, large insects and spiders. There's also the occasional wingless drake but not too many people have seen those around.” Vargas looked around at their surroundings as they walked. The blue glow from the crystals shed enough light to see by without difficulty, which made it easy to see how expansive the caves seemed. Holes littered the walls of various paths, leading to other sections of the massive cavern. What they all held, he had no idea.

At this point Vargas had decided it’d be best to leave. Sure, he could stick around and try to kill the wolf, but at the rate he was currently doing, that it’d likely take at least three more attack and he didn't have the energy necessary. Backing away from the mob, he moved away as he tried to get out of its aggro range. However, the wolf did not appear to want to let him leave so easily. It charged at him as he stepped away. Vargas turned, deciding it best to just run until it was leashed. The wolf leaped into the air as Vargas began to move, his back to the beast, and was able to land on his back, its jaw biting into his shoulder. Vargas reached around his shoulder punched it, three times before it finally let go. It stopped giving chase at this point, happy to have chased off its assailant.

ID# 86577

CD: 7

MD: 7 (9-2)

DMG: 19*3=57+2=59-18=41

Vargas 298/380 | 10/38 (+1)

Mangy Wolf 110/190

Vargas was laying under the shade of a tree on floor three, outside the Town of Flora. His were closed as he enjoyed calm breeze that came over him from across the lake. It was a peaceful day for him as he lay there resting. The quiet air around him was interrupted though as his HUD lit up, telling him he had a message. Opening it, he saw it was from Atzo. Reading through it quickly, he decided it sounded interesting. He had already figured he needed to start partying with people more often, as grinding mobs solo was just getting harder and harder lately. Getting up, he headed off for Delilah so as to teleport up to floor ten.

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The teleportation platform lit up with a shimmering light-blue sphere appearing as a player stepped off from the platform. Vargas hadn't been to this floor yet, but he'd heard of it from other players. The entire floor was underground, a massive network of never-ending caves and caverns. Everything was cast in a dim light as a blue glow emanated from crystals along the ceiling and walls.

Vargas’s eyes looked over the village that he'd just arrived at. It was known as Yomi and seemed to be highly influenced by Japanese architecture, though worn out and decayed. Looking at the NPCs that lived here, he noticed that they all appeared undead. ”Huh. Well that's not weird. Wonder how many kids had nightmares from venture up here to check out the safe zone when the floor was unlocked,” Vargas mused to himself as he stepped off the platform. There wasn't a decent bench to sit on or a wall to lean on. So he sat on the ground and waited for when Atzo would soon be there.

The fighting continued on as Vargas dodged the wolfs attempts to tackle him. He stepped from side to side as the wolf circled around him, lunging out in its attempts to pin him and rip him apart. ”Is that the best you’ve got?” Vargas taunted the beast as he dodged it once more. The wolf only growled in anger as it snapped its jaw in retort. Vargas raised his blade with both hands on the hilt, pointing it at the beast as he lowered his shoulders and charged the wolf. The wolf attempted to dodge to the side, but was too slow as Vargas released the blade with one hand and swiped his sword in a horizontal sweep, catching the wolf in the side. He watched as its health dropped another decent chunk. It helped in surprise as it was caught by the reach of the blade. Vargas wasn't liking how low his energy was. Fighting solo wasn't getting him anywhere lately. He might need to start partying with someone so could fight mobs without as much effort.

ID# 86568

BD: 10 (8+2)

DMG: 5*8=40

BD: 5 (7-2)

Vargas 339/380 | 9/38 (-8/+1)

Mangy Wolf 110/190

Vargas faced off against the wolf, it’s fur matted to its body from dirt. The wolf seemed a little disoriented, likely from it not being with a pack, but that didn't seem to make it any weaker. Rather, it appeared to only annoy it further. No pack and being attacked by some random traveler. It lowered its body as it prepared to pounce on top of Vargas. Vargas, in turn, readied his sword art once more. The two quickly engaged in the fight once more. The wolf leapt forward, its body stretched out to tackle Vargas while its jaw opened, ready to bite into his throat. Vargas blocked it by raising up his left arm and catching its bite on his arm, his armor reducing the damage. His sword arm swung around and cleaved through the wolf’s hit points as he knocked it off of him. The wolf only growled at him as it began to circle around the player.

ID# 86544

Battle: 9 (7+2)

DMG: 5*8=40

MOB: 7 (9-2)

DMG: 19*3=57+2=59-18=41

Vargas 339/380 | 16/38 (-8/+1)

Mangy Wolf 150/190

The bright blue light that appeared on the teleportation platform in Nimbus meant, for any onlookers, that someone was teleporting to the floor. Vargas stepped of the platform as he arrived. The usual thing to see when arriving at Nimbus was the fact that the fortress existed against the side of a gigantic mountain. The houses were all made of stone, either hollowed out into the rock wall or constructed. He soon made his way out of the city as he aimed to kill monsters and collect drops. He needed to get stronger in not just levels but equipment too. The stronger he got, the sooner he could reach the front lines.

It wasn't long before he spotted a wolf on its own. Seemed like someone must've cleared the pack spawn as they moved through but left one behind. All the better for him to make quick work of the creature. He drew his sword and unleashed his Lightning Fall sword art in the beast, but missed as it noticed him and quickly dodged. It lunged forth at him, it's jaws open in a growl as the wolf attempted to sink its teeth into him, but Vargas rolled to the side, just out of range.

ID #86493

BD: 4 (2+2)

MD: 1 (2-2)

Vargas 380/380 | 23/38 (-2/+1)

Mangy Wolf 190/190 | 57 DMG

The pair traveled across the terrain, following the path to avoid any mobs from attacking them. It was a fairly silent trip as they made their way to Urbus. The girl has shortly calmed down and fallen asleep on his back as he carried her. It was strange to see some of the actions of these NPCs as they always seemed to act more like people than just strings of data thrown together to collect responses and discern what to respond with based on their dialogue. Vargas merely shrugged it off as he could finally see the city Urbus off in the distance.

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”Thank! Thank you so much for helping my daughter!” the NPC woman cried as she hugged Vargas tightly before taking her daughter in her arms. ”Don't worry about it. I'm just glad I could help.” Vargas replied as he received a Quest Complete notification. With that finished, Vargas made his way to the teleportation platform so he could head up to the seventh floor.

It wasn't long before Vargas could see the entrance to the cave, the light shining through to show the way. ”Look, we’re almost there,” he said, pointing out the entrance to the young girl. She lifted her head from behind his shoulder to see the light a slight smile crossing her face. However, her joy was short lived before she screamed in fear. Vargas turned his head to see what it was that had scared her, only to see another Giant Bat approaching them. He drew his blade and parried the bat’s attack. ”Run! Get out and wait for me outside.” The girl jumped off his back and ran as fast as her short legs would carry her. With her out of the way, Vargas pushed the creature back before readying his Lightning Fall. His blade flashed out at the bat, a trail of electricity following his blade, as he tore through the mob. Instantly, it's health was completely drained and burst into crystals. Sheathing his sword, Vargas made his way to the entrance where he found the girl sitting and wait, tears staining her face in fright. ”Don't worry. I took care of the bad monster. Let’s get you home to your mother.”

ID #86490

BD: 9 (10+2-1)

DMG: 5+2=7*8=56

MD: 5 (7-2)

Vargas 380/380 - 23/38 (-8/+1)

Giant Bat DEAD

 It wasn't long before Vargas found a small room where he could clearly here the sobbing from. Entering the room, he found the girl curled up against the wall, hugging her legs, crying. Squatting down in front of her, he tapped her arms and smiled, ”Hey. You lost?” The girl looked up at him and began crying harder as she leapt forward, wrapping her arms around his neck tightly. ”Don’t worry. I got you. Let’s get out of here.” With that said, Vargas picked the girl up and began to carry her back through the cave. She clung tightly too his back, her eyes closed and moist from her tears rolling down her small face. Vargas trailed his hand against the rock wall as he followed his mental map back to the entrance of the cave. The quest was almost finished, so all he had to do was get her back to her mother and then he could go back to raising his level with the guild.

The Giant Bat didn't appear to happy with the damage it'd just received as it released a loud screech. It dived at Vargas, it’s claws stretched out to shred him to pieces, but Vargas ducked under and rolled out of the way. Without missing a beat, he unleashed his Snake Bite skill against the creature to finish it off. A triad of brisk angular slashed chained together in succession causing the last bit of the creature's health to dissipate, its body shattering to pieces in response to its loss health. With the creature out of the way, Vargas found the wall he was following and returned to finding his way through the cavern as he searched for the girl. He could hear her quiet sobs becoming clearer as he made his way toward her, her sobs leading him to her. ”Don't worry. I'm on my way there. I'll be there soon enough.” he called out, trying to keep her calm as he got closer.

ID #86488

BD: 6 (5+2-1)

DMG: 5*3=15

MD: 5 (7-2)

Vargas 380/380 - 29/38 (-3/+1)

Giant Bat DEAD