Hydra

Hydra finally reached the paths edge and stepped off the beaten track. A few seconds must have passed before the notification came through, however as it did a sense of relief washed over the young spearman. "It's finally over." The noise came out closer to a cry more than anything else, as tears slowly started to pool in his eyes. They were tears, not of sorrow but of salvation. He could finally be himself once more, a great weight lifting from his shoulders. Of course the excitement followed not shortly after, there was so much he could do now. Perhaps join a guild?, Find his friends? Or both. Hydra swiftly opened his map to see whoever was nearby. "Stryder, Eatos, Nixon, Ethereal, Allania. Khrysaor..." The players he had befriended, how had they been getting on. For the first time in a while, Hydra was finally able to find that out.

-Redemption Complete-
Rewards:
- 4 SP (3 quest, 1 thread)
- 16 [T1] Materials (Obtained via gatherer skill, pre-rework)
- Green Cursor
- 400 col

(Older Redemption Rewards)

Hydra continued to reflect on his choices for a while. Above head a light rain began to form, the temperature of the first floor dropping to something slightly colder. Hydra allowed the water to soak his wavy hair, flattening it out to the point it was almost straight. It was funny how ones appearance could change so much, all dependant on the style of there hair. His blue eyes as per usual were as clear as day.

Like most others a part of Hydra wished to return to reality, he could not deny he preferred his avatar. For the most part it was the same, just a little more... attractive. He stood a few inches taller, his eyes wider and face a little less rounded. Ultimately it was still him however and he still found that he favoured his left-hand to his right. "Somethings never change." He spoke out into the air, the end of the path coming into view.

"Should I aim higher?" The thought was brief but consistent. Something that had been hanging in the back of his mind for a while. Hydra was not strong enough to aim for the highest floors at this point in time, however on the more intermediate levels,  perhaps his skills could be of use. In all honesty he had only headed to these areas when necessary, usually for a quest or an event. For him however most of the floors were largely unexplored. he knew the general environments but little else of the fauna and flora that lived there. Should there be any. The spearman continued to mull over the possibilities. In comparison to the first ten floors they were far less attractive, some covered in total darkness, others nothing but swamp and marshland. He supposed the sixteenth floor was a possibility, it was compromised majorly of a volcanic chain, with some forests and a vast ocean. His main issue was that he had never really liked heat for prolonged periods of time. Rain and Snow were Hydra's favourites.  

The walk back for the most part was uplifting and refreshing. Hydra was typically a pessimist by nature, however for once he felt a vibrant energy rushing through him. In the end Redemption had been far less challenging than anticipated, had he not increased his damage output however it could have easily backfired and gone the other way. He needed more power, much more in order to survive. Redemption was only one step of many and right now this nightmare was barely in its starting stages. There were what, around 80 more floors to go? How many had died was anyone's guess, it seemed there were still mountains of players in the early levels however. Hiding deep within the Town of Beginnings. The spearman was honestly not sure why he wanted to return to there of all places, it was the largest floor however it was clear that he could be of little use now. 

Hydra considered looking for more materials with his gatherer skill, however he was just as eager to hand this quest in. Removing his orange cursor would mean a lot of things, he could enter the Town of Beginnings, Urbus or any other settlement for that matter and freely roam. It had been so long since he had enjoyed a good meal, or conversation with friends. Living out on the wilderness on the second floor would have been relaxing, if not for the constant fear of player killer hunters that might have stumbled across his store. The spearman understood that there had been a few on the front lines, he had been gone for so long however he was no longer sure who was even still amongst them.  Hydra walked for a few more minutes, clambering once more over the scattered objects and through the entrance of the ruined church. He pondered how long it would take before the Redemption boss would revive, for the next player seeking salvation.  

Hydra continued forward through the air before hitting the floor, staggering slightly, although managing to keep his balance with the spear. He glanced over his shoulder looking to where the angel had once stood. Only now, empty space remained. The brownies had done the trick, Hydra would have to thank Sey again for them later. Although the placebo effect of alcohol intake was a little less than desired. He inhaled deeply. Today had been eventful and it would hopefully not be long until his orange cursor turned back to green, alongside the accumulation of the various materials he had gathered, he was sure they would come useful for his shop. The spearman raised his head towards the sky. "I think its about time to head home now." He laughed lightly to himself sheathing his spear and doffing his amulet he spun around, heading back from the path he once came. 

Hydra wasn't sure if he was deceiving her or not. What was the best route to take, the path of truth? the path of lies? What he seemed to be doing right now was a go-between. The spearman had always been a fence-sitter so this was a more than troubling problem for him to deal with by himself. "Perhaps someone else could help?" He mumbled to himself, still scratching his cheek. Of course that would still leave the question of who... he himself hadn't been in contact with anyone for a few months. It was no good. Hydra managed to stop a growl of frustration coming out, instead remaining calm. Then looked back towards Jinx, at least there were some of her questions he could answer. "I was out wandering last night, I happened to find you crying against a tree and then a storm hit... I suppose it was completely down to fate but I can't say I recognise who you are, I think this is the first time we have met." 

 (OOC: With permission from staff I was allowed to continue this thread as it was created before the Redemption rework. A link to permission can be provided if required) 

It is said that there is nothing more deafening than silence. This had never been more true for Hydra than it was at this moment in time. It was enthralling in a way, watching this stone angel come to life. Its once ancient and frozen body now as fluid as he or any other creature that existed in this world. Slowly it withdrew its sword sound rushing back in as a groan echoed throughout the area. Hydra closed his eyes and sprung. Combining the effects of the consumable and the charge he felt the rush of energy seep into his sword art. The faint glow of the <merciless flurry> sword art ignited the Water Serpent's Fang, as the angel prepared its own swing. Hydra let it act first, the sword swept down with speed whilst he was mid-air. Hydra was just about able to throw his momentum to the left narrowly avoiding a hit, then with what speed he had remaining plunged his own weapon into Redemption's neck. A brief pause, and then once again that deafening silence, as the boss he had been weary of so much exploded into hundreds of fragments...

ID# 96019:

Battle: 9+3 (hit)
<Charge Activated + Critical> (+3 Damage)
SA: Merciless Flurry (12x1) = (19+3)x12 = 264 Damage to Redemption 

MOB: 2+3 (miss)
0 Damage to Hydra

_____
Hydra - 540/695 | 42/68 Energy | 19 Damage | 18 Regen | 0/4 HM | 3 Accuracy | -3 Evasion
Redemption - 0/250 | 200 Damage [DEAD]

Hydra fell to the ground, slumping himself next to the nearby pool where silver shimmers reflected some sunlight. Then redirecting his attention towards the girl he nodded slowly, his eyes now wide awake for whatever might happen. "You did, and I did not obey..." He blinked. Straining his thoughts to think of what words should come next. "You were distraught and lost, I believe you still are. Hence why I could not leave you, otherwise you might have killed yourself... Well that and I think you need." He paused, the word 'friend' might be a bit of a risk to use here. Still at some point the player would need to face what happened again. "Someone to be by your side." The spearman continued in his usual tone of voice a light smile spread across his face. It was unclear how much she could remember, or how long it would take before she zoned again. At the same time he didn't know much about her normal persona and needed to be careful in not coming across as a personal bodyguard or some weird stalker. He scratched his cheek. 

Hydra had briefly left to see if he could scavenge anything, thankfully finding a small portion of berries. It was not a huge amount, still it would hopefully suffice. The system of this world was different to that of home. One could not die yet still feel the effects of starvation, dehydration or otherwise. By the time he had returned it appeared the girl was just waking up. Hydra approached slowly making sure as to not suddenly alert her. "Hello... Glad to see your awake." His voice had returned to that of a more timid tone, although still had the friendly and calming ring to it. He held out his left hand offering her the berries. "Sorry, it was all I could find..." He glanced at her, trying to read the air. It was likely she would still be confused after last nights events and it was up to him to try and explain. The spearman bit his lower lip again, a force of habit when it came to scenarios like this.  "Oh, um. My name is Hydra. I err, well... please think of me as a friend. There are some things that we might need to talk about, only if you are comfortable though."  He finally mustered up, an awkward smile on his face.

Hydra watched for as long as he could, until his own eyes grew heavy. He could hear her faint whispers but for now could only sit and wait, pondering on his next move. It was not until a few hours later where a shimmer of sunlight broke through the canopy that he awoke. His mind still tired and in tune with the storm. He looked over towards Jinx who appeared to have passed out.
He could now see her fully, her hair was golden and her figure lithe. Even he was a little surprised and felt himself flush. Quickly shaking his head  he refocused his thoughts. She had been exhausted, so she would probably need water and food. Heading towards the small pool Hydra began to scroll through his inventory until he found one of his oddly failed trinkets. Taking it out and quickly hollowing it, he proceeded to fill it with water and then placed it besides the sleeping girl. "Finding food will be a little trickier he though to himself." Biting his lower lip and glancing around the forest.  

Hydra silently moved across the open fields of the first floor. Where they had once been so empty, now the sounds of thunder roared and the wind and rains clawed at there very persons. Thrice he staggered in different directions, fortunately fate would have him keep his balance. It also seemed like the girl he was carrying was in moments of reflection, allowing him to focus on the path ahead. She was perhaps the same height as him with crimson eyes and blonde hair, although most other distinguishable features had been masked by the dark,  it was clear that she had been crying and was exhausted both in mind and body. 

Finally after walking for long enough he reached the forests border, it was a shame they had not been on the Second Floor where Hydra's store had been located... Still he would make do what he could for now. The young spearman scouted the area as best he could, finally sighting an ideal spot near a small pool of water. A few boulders were stacked on one another creating a defence against the storm. Then with what he had left carefully placed her down before slumping himself against a rock. He could not rest just yet, everything had to be okay...

As she began to cry again Hydra quickly picked up on his mistakes. Wounds would not heal in a day, they could take years and even then a scar would be left behind. Gently he released his grip on her, and turned around, although ensuring he could still act as a support. The rain had now become harsh and perhaps it would be more comfortable should they find shelter. For personal reasons he could not go to any settlements, however he could not abandon her in case this were to happen again. Especially if he had the power to  help.

Even so he was not sure how to proceed next, he had always been awkward when it came to stuff like this. However, now of all times wasn't the time to worry about such small matters and by the looks of things she was to weak to even walk. "Try and focus on me..." He said a weary smile developing on his face once more, "I'll be able to explain what I can, I think for now you need rest." It was at this point he lifted her onto his back with what strength he could muster. Thankfully due to the type of gear he would usually be wearing it wasn't too much of a difficulty. Cautiously, he then began to head for the forest, listening and doing what he could to calm Jinx's nerves down...

Hydra continued to hug her, no longer sure himself of what was really going on. Finally she spoke, only this time there was some form of her there for the first time... It took a few moments as he begun to make sense of the question, a spark of hope embracing his body and soul. "I think... the First Floor. Although I am not entirely sure myself." He laughed lightly continuing to support her weight. He wasn't the tallest or most muscular of people, but it did not matter. All that mattered was the here and now. "Welcome home..." He whispered. "Your mind has been lost to the darkness. But don't worry, I have been lost as well. It's better for two to walk together in the shadows, than for one to walk alone in the light." The last part rolled out naturally and it was only a few moments after he realised what he just said to this person he just met, that was now a little dazed by everything... Was probably a little on the weird side. Carefully Hydra went to speak again. "You had been mourning the death of your friends, I found you distraught and um, I guess that brought us to here... Do you have a name?" His voice was calm and sweet, although also a little nervous. 

"It's scary but you have to open your eyes and realise... they are dead." A deep sorrow returned to his voice, as though he himself were crying. Although he could not tell with the masking of the rain. Jinx ran forward trying to push him over in her disbelief, instead only to end up collapsing into him. Hydra looked at her, "I am real... I am what is here and now. Everything else you have been telling yourself is a lie." Without really thinking he closed his eyes and embraced her. Not in the sense he was trying to hold her down or stop her from hitting him, instead it was one of gentleness and warmth. One that came naturally in the moment, at least for him it was something he needed. Another clasp of thunder sounded above, the rain now having soaked everything he seemingly was to the core. His whispers of sorry quickly drained out as a silence once again hung in the air. His blue eyes as visible as day even amongst the darkness. 

The sound of the storm seemed to drain out, the feeling of the rain against his skin nothing more than a senseless beat. All of his thoughts seemed to zone out as a feral instinct kicked in. Having been asked to kill someone, all he felt was bitterness and resentment. Hydra raised himself grasping his spear in his Left-hand and withdrawing it with speed. A dark aura surrounding his mind. With a single sweep he bought down the weapon, not on Jinx, but on the ground just in front of him. Creating an ear-splitting crack, of which the weapon shortly vanished there after. He fell to his knees, senses slowly returning his palms catching a few droplets of rain. Shaking violently.

Blinking a few times he then looked towards the other player. "Your friends are gone, they died in this game... There is no one waiting for you. If you leave this game you die, if I kill you, you die. Every sacrifice your friends have made for you will be for nothing, they will have died for nothing!" Even he was surprised himself to be speaking in such a manner. It was entirely the opposite of his usual self, however she was clearly lost and every bit of anxiety he had felt up to that point had just spilt out. The rain continued to fall around the pair and a silence hung. Hydra slowly regathered himself. "I'm sorry..." He whispered "I cannot do as you wish of me. I will never do what you wish of me."

Hydra remained sullen as the girl continued to cry out as much as she could muster. Then tilting his head to one side, gazed, momentarily wondering what he could do. In many ways he was similar, riddled by anxiety and depression, or at least had been. He had never gotten that close to anyone and witnessed them die, he had always been shy at heart however. "Was I mistaken..."

A large clasp of thunder suddenly sounded above, stirring the girl into herself even more. She had not looked at him yet... perhaps that was a place to start. Slowly the spearman shuffled forward, at least up to the point where he was under the cover of the shadowed tree. Raising an eye he then looked up towards the darkening clouds, even now. "Dark and Wet." He growled to himself. Still Hydra tried his best in continuing to respect the space. Resting his own back against another area of the trunk. Then finally, after mustering enough courage for a second time, lightly tapped her on the shoulder.

Ah thanks! ^^
and sounds good, I will have a think about it. 
And unfortunately I can't say that is the exact amount, after adding up the col from the quests I've logged in my journal it totals 68'750, though there are a few links I still need to look at. I have spent more 2'800 in shops though. 

 I am happy to to start from the 40'000 mark with the snowflake exchange, its my fault for being a derp xD (if that is okay? I will remove the current 25k from my journal).

After Hydra had made his presence known and the player appeared to be aware of this, his own emotions calmed a little. Then carefully, moving forward he fell to the floor, cross-legged. Keeping a comfortable distance between the both of them. Respecting her personal space. Hydra continued to listen, his eyes refocusing a little to the point he could make out some features. Then when a silence hung once more he spoke...

"They might not be here in body, but in here..." Hydra raised his left-hand and lightly tapped at the area of his heart, a sad smile forming on his face. Then he continued, "I'm sorry, I didn't know your friends. However I know that if they were here now they would want you too continue on, win this game and enjoy the rest of your life. You may not think this to be true but as a last favour for your friends you should try your best to believe it..."  

Hydra had been wandering again, it was just about all he could do with himself these days. Safe-zones had become far too treacherous to even try and enter, and during most events there was always the occasional PK hunter that he was sure would kill him faster than he could blink. "What floor am I on now..." He pondered, letting out a hefty sigh. Fields stretched out before him, vast and empty. Most likely the first. He bit his lower lip as a pang of loneliness set in, even he as an introvert still craved some form of social interaction. Of course with his current position that was oft' hard to come by.

Slowly he scanned the horizon, it was difficult to make out much seeing as it had gone dark. Eventually his vision settled on a small tree not too far away. "I suppose that'll work..." The spearman began to make his way across and it was only until he was a few yards away the faint sound of, well, a voice. Hydra's initial reaction was to freeze in his tracks, his left-hand swiftly moving to the hilt of his spear. However his senses quickly returned and after taking in a deep breath he realised this person was clearly distraught, crying and not an enemy. His hand slid of his weapon as he continued to listen in. Due to his position he couldn't really make out the player, as he processed the words however he realised what she was thinking and again the sudden rush of loneliness returned to his own heart. 

As soon as there was a brief pause Hydra finally mustered the courage to say something, his own voice filled with sorrow, empathy and calmness, "And if you are wrong... How do you think that would make your friends feel?" 

Hey everyone, since coming back I have seen there have been various changes to the site (they look great!) and for the most part I think I am caught up and have made the necessary stat adjustments to Hydra. 

However I noticed there is now a new banking system. Currently I am sat on 0 col and whilst I know I have a lot more, unfortunately I made that mistake of not keeping track of my purchases. Although I have kept track of how much col I have obtained and when in the quest section thread of my journal. Just before I went on hiatus, one of my last threads with Zandra, I do however remember selling my glittering snowflake for 40'000 col, which is entirely unspent. (here is the link to the exchange) I also received an additional 15'000 from the Arabian Nights quest and according to my journal am sat on 25'950 or 65'950 (after the snowflake exchange). 

I understand that I am at fault for not keeping track of my purchases and will ensure I do so in the future. (Accepting any reductions to my current col as a result).

My second question is regarding the Redemption quest which I seen has been updated. Basically I started a thread a while back before the new updates and didn't manage to get it finished before my hiatus. There are quite a few changes to the quest system and statistics of the MOB itself, is it alright for me to restart that quest basically with the updated version? Thanks for your time :3

Hydra's eyes flickered open as he gazed through a pine forest canopy of the second floor. Allowing what slithers of sunlight that could make it through to warm his face. At first he felt dazed, a hazy fog covering his mind. Slowly however, his memories returned. It had been weeks, no, perhaps months since his second disappearance... Slowly he tried sitting up, only to fail and fall back on the weight of the armor, that for some reason he still had equipped. "Nrgh..." The spearman growled, before moving to rub his eyes, this time ensuring he threw his whole body forward. With the small amount of strength he had, he then staggered to his feet. "Perhaps its time I returned home..." he thought heaving a sigh, he had only ventured out this far because his familiar, Twilight had mysteriously dissapeared. It was clear he had little luck in finding her, the time for grieving had come and gone, it was time to move on...

The spearman began to traverse the mountainous region, heading for one of the rivers on the second floor. It was a direct route that travellers could often be seen on. Whether it was merchant traders or other players. It led towards the city of Urbus. For personal reasons he had to avoid any large settlements, guards would usually act hostile and attack on site, despite the fact 'he' had only assisted in a murder. To be honest the whole event had gotten completely out of control. Hydra shook his head trying to refocus his thoughts, the fatigue certainly didn't help. After a short hike he soon reached the border of a river bank.

@Thorsten