Raze

(OOC: I do not particularly care, one way or another, though I recommend an energy refresh and healing for Dazia)

It was done. Raze nearly falls forward, just barely catching himself using the great-sword as a crutch. "At least, that's over with.." he whispers quietly, having fully regained composure. All my energy, exhausted. What a taxing fight. The longest and most weary I've had so far. Perhaps, I will improve from this. Raze glances sidelong at his allies, wondering. I can see it now... I'm incomparable to these heroes... It is doubtless that I will be surpassed in skill in a very short quantity of time by Dazia and most certainly Vigilon.

"Despite all my exhaustion, I didn't really do much of the work, did I?"

After seeing everyone fatigue and hearing their relief at victory at last, Raze rose painfully to his feet and stood among his comrades. Time to head back. Raze would fall in-step behind Dazia assuming that she would continue back to the quest-giving blacksmith. 

I'm getting better. At controlling myself... In a sense at least. I may have subdued my frenzy, but only at the expense of letting my rage leak into my speech. Raze swore silently, and shook his head violently. Next time, I'll be fully in control. I'll show you, Lupa..

Can you hear it? The clock bells tolling? The time has come.. Raze looked down upon the Dark Elf as she stumbles from Vigilon's latest attack. Her rage at Vigilon and Dazia was nothing compared to Raze's raw hatred. In Raze's eyes was nothing, and empty abyss. His face gave absolutely zero indication of his fury. For the first time this fight, Raze's blade was not dancing with a deep red light, this time: it was all of his own power. He pulls his blade behind him and digs into the ground, aiming himself like an arrow at the Dark Elf. Explosively, Raze rockets from his position his body sending this weapon of judgement towards the foe...

"All yours Dazia." Raze speaks with a sudden peace. I'm in control. This is my proof of that.

Raze had stopped his cut millimeters from the Dark Elf's face. "You won't die by my hand, sweetheart." , Raze spat out the word with contempt to the common enemy, "Aren't you a cocky one.. despite being seconds from death." Raze stands up to full height before kicking the Dark Elf in the abdomen, sending her in Dazia's direction. Raze would attempt to make eye contact with Dazia, offer the slightest of smiles and nod gently.

[No action taken]

[4] Vigilon: HP 179/180, EP 6/20
[3] Raze: HP 178/180, EP 0/18
[2] Aster: HP 340/340, EP 31/34
[4] Dazia: HP 20/20, EP 0/2
            Enemies:
Dark Elf: HP 2/90

(OOC: @Vigilon I'm fairly certain that a critical hit adds an additional point of hate. You should be on par with Dazia now.) 

(Does anyone know how attacking without energy works? I thought I read somewhere that even without sword arts you still use energy. I could be wrong)

Raze missed by an almost dramatic margin, the Dark Elf effortlessly dodging and working her way towards her target. Raze whipped his sword around using its momentum to halt his lunge harshly and surveyed the situation. Dazia had managed to cleverly dodge the Elf's attack, leaving the Dark Elf unbalanced and unprepared for Vigilon's potent snake bite. Raze's eyes lit up with something other than anger at the sight of the Dark Elf's swiftly diminishing health bar. He almost laughed. The foe stands alone, glaring hatefully towards two members of Raze's party, the Intent to Kill written plainly across her face. "Eyes over here, wounded one." Raze uttered threateningly. "Can you feel it yet? Can you feel the end drawing nigh? Can you feel yourself getting weaker? Becoming Exhausted? Losing the will to press on?"

"You see, unlike you, we have the option of freedom. Unfortunately for you, you cannot flee. The very concept of surrender has escaped your programming" Raze growls forth, gutterally. 

"Let us send you back from whence you came. Enjoy your reunion, with the Cardinal system..."

The Dark Elf just barely dodges a thrust <<Straight>> to her face, managing only to suffer a grazing wound to the side of her head. Her fatigue was becoming apparent. 

<<Straight>> - Success!

 ID# 88698 results:

 Battle: 6(hit!) - 4 damage*2(<<Straight>> sword art) 8 damage

[3] Vigilon: HP 179/180, EP 6/20

[3] Raze: HP 178/180, EP 0/18

[2] Aster: HP 340/340, EP 32/34

[4] Dazia: HP 20/20, EP 2/2
            Enemies:

Dark Elf: HP 17/90

Raze feels like the shore near a great ocean. Anger washes over him in waves, as he holds his personality in check. Losing myself would not be a good idea. Raze stifles his emotions and recovers his expression.  "I'm starting to think that this fight will last for much longer still.." he mutters to his comrades, before casting a glare into the Dark Elf. "Enjoy your time in this realm while it lasts." he growled, words dripping with an almost tangible malice. Why am I so... angry? Raze sets his jaw and shifts his footing, putting his weight behind him whilst bringing the old great-sword up to his opponent's height. Delving deep into Razes's subconscious, his mind was hard-at-work. Raze knew that whomever hit the target the most, the more hate they'd accumulate. And with the way things were looking, the elf would almost certainly target the most vulnerable person in the party. Raze is overwhelmed by a strong sense of protectiveness. But even with his target <<Straight>> in front of him, he cannot hit the Dark Elf. She easily ducks under the thrust and maneuvers directly past Raze.

<<Straight>> - Failed!

ID# 88576 results:

 Battle: 4(miss)

[1] Vigilon: HP 179/180, EP 8/20
[2] Raze: HP 178/180, EP 2/18
[2] Aster: HP 340/340, EP 33/34
[4] Dazia: HP 20/20, EP 1/2

            Enemies:
Dark Elf: HP 43/90

(OOC: @Asterin reference to the blood, i won't mention it in this thread anymore, but consider it Raze's delusion)

+5 HP (battle healing)

Raze, still disoriented, suddenly feels refreshed, and looks down at his side to notice the lack of an injury, his battle healing having regenerated it. He chuckles softly.

"No matter how determined you claim to be, or how conceited your anticipation of victory may be... Know this: You cannot kill me. Even if there were a dozen of you, you couldn't kill me. It's only a matter of time now. Now come and accept death, it has become your reality." Raze utters forth coldly in a commanding voice, eyes searing with a unrecognizable anger. Raze approaches the Dark Elf slowly, "Even if by some virtue of chance I don't hit you with this next attack, we will kill you eventually. Yet I can't even feel your strongest.." He brings his sword up in front of him pointed at the common enemy of the party. Scared yet? There is no way out. This is inevitable. I'll say my goodbyes in advance. Raze looks through the Dark Elf, seeing a target, not a threat as the blade slides <<Straight>> across the paralyzed Elf's shoulder.

(OOC: A re-roll was determined to be the best course of action by Shark the Administrator, luckily the outcome was still a success)

<<Straight>> - Success!

[1] Vigilon: HP 179/180, EP 10/20
[2]Raze: HP 178/180, EP 4/18
[2] Aster: HP 340/340, EP 33/34
[2] Dazia: HP 20/20, EP 1/2

            Enemies:
Dark Elf: HP 47/90

(OOC: skip me, dealing with crisis, keep Raze in the selection of targets by combatants to keep it fair, I will try to put placeholders like this where I can)

Raze, exhausted, pants heavily and wipes the edge of his sword seemingly cleaning it with his thumb despite it not being stained. He blinks and his violet eyes refocus on reality. A vibrant glowing gash visible on the Dark Elf's brow, clearly digital in nature. Raze looks in confusion before wiping his eyes. But the Dark Elf had vanished. Raze lurches to the side as a dagger delivered with surprising force connects with his abdomen, unbalancing him. Taking advantage of this, the foe kicks him to the ground in his bewilderment, and turns to face the other party members. Raze uses his sword as a crutch and pulls himself to his feet unsteadily. Something had shaken him, perhaps because his perception of violence was so ingrained into his mind, that he couldn't imagine it as any way else. Raze shakes his head and steadies his legs, before staggering over to the fight, surprisingly unhurt by the stab on account of his armor.

[No action taken]

[1] Vigilon: HP 179/180, EP 10/20
[1]Raze: HP 178/180, EP 6/18
[1] Aster: HP 340/340, EP 34/34
[1] Dazia: HP 20/20, EP 1/2

            Enemies:
Dark Elf: HP 62/90

(OOC: sorry, this week was pretty busy for me)

This is taking much longer than I care to admit. How many times have we attacked collectively now? It feels like dozens. Despite recently gaining the basic sword arts of the Two Handed Straight Sword: it seems as if my skill with it has not improved. In fact, my skill may have even decreased. A surge of anger swells from within, the light in his eyes flickering, but it is defiantly quelled. Losing myself won't help here, and if that is the least I can do; I shall do so. Raze narrows his purple eyes as the Dark Elf strikes at Vigilon, and miraculously hitting him. Raze tenses up as the dagger makes an insignificant cut in the chinks of Vigilon's armor, eyes going wide as the most minute drop of blood hits the ground. Is this even winnable? Will we be here together forever?  The callouses on Raze's hands begin to chafe as he grips the sword tighter and shifts his grip once more, successfully managing to mask his surging anger. Raze took a step forward, and then another, and another, thundering towards the Dark Elf. Strategy, right? A good tactic is to overwhelm the opponent with a flurry of blows, so: if I attack at the same time as Vigilon, this should work!

And work it did. The Dark Elf, nimbly dodged Vigilon's strikes once more, but something was different this time. As she turned to look over her shoulder, she caught the point of a sword <<Straight>> to her brow, missing vitals, but causing a spurt of blood and a small piece of HP loss. Quickly she disengages from within Raze's attacking range, seething with rage. Her hate filled eyes casting glares over her opponents.

<<Straight>> - Success!

[1] Vigilon: HP 179/180, EP 11/20
[1]Raze: HP 180/180, EP 6/18
[1] Aster: HP 340/340, EP 34/34
[1] Dazia: HP 20/20, EP 0/2

            Enemies:
Dark Elf: HP 62/90

Unbalanced by the casual parry of his great sword, Raze stumbled to one side, watching as his allies chip the elf's health down, bit by bit. Raze bleeds from the corner of his mouth as he clenches his teeth into his tongue. Turning on heel and shifting his calloused hands on the rough grip of the sword, Raze lunged forward, to interdict the strike of the Dark Elf's dagger on the prone Vigilon. Raze drives his blade against her dagger block, forcing her back a few feet, before shoving her away. Raze hastily turns about and offers his hand to Vigilon, "Let's take care of this; together" Raze mutters coarsely, yanking Vigilon to his feet. The Dark Elf has recovered at this moment and readies her dagger.

Raze drives forward, pushing the dark elf back with a thrust aimed <<Straight>> for center mass, but once again, she proves too agile, if just barely. The point of Raze's sword almost grazing her ear as she leaps over the blade, and over Raze himself. Alright Vigilon, Dazia, Aster, here she comes. Sorry I couldn't help.

[1] Vigilon: HP 180/180, EP 13/20
Raze: HP 180/180, EP 8/18
[1] Aster: HP 340/340, EP 34/34
[1] Dazia: HP 20/20, EP 0/2

            Enemies:
Dark Elf: HP 70/90

With a great heave, Raze ripped his weapon free from the tree's trunk, bark spraying everywhere. Slightly irritated, he flicked the large blade to one side, scattering the remains of plant life across the forest soil, bringing the blade up to rest on his shoulder. Paralyzed? Raze wondered as he witnessed Aster's success. I can't let our healer take the heat. What kind of person lets a non-combative doctor get within 'harms' reach? Muttering a unknown expletive under his breath, Raze grips his great sword so tightly that his knuckles crack. It's about time to be useful. I have and seemingly always will hold back those whom I join in battle, That much hasn't changed.

"At least.. It hasn't changed yet..." he murmurs. The elf was distracted, or so it seemed, the perfect opportunity for the silver haired man. Violet eyes flickering as if a light behind them begins to fade, he drops his sword from its perch on his shoulder plates, activating another thrust <<Straight>> for the dark elf as the massive sword's falling point comes in line with the agile monster. Raze charges forward, red energy streaming off his sword like wine flowing from an overfilled goblet. As he closes the gap he smiles slightly, observing the very first instance of significant damage to the creature, perhaps I can knock it down a few hit points myself.

But the elf was not distracted at all, in fact she was seamlessly keeping track of the entire party's movements and had, (at the last second), gently deflected Raze's strike past her harmlessly. "How absurd. Of all of them, the biggest one is the most incapable." The dark elf says through clenched teeth. How is she so mobile? Shouldn't she be paralyzed?!

[1] Vigilon: HP 180/180, EP 15/20
Raze: HP 180/180, EP 10/18
[1] Aster: HP 340/340, EP 34/34
Dazia: HP 20/20, EP 0/2

            Enemies:
Dark Elf: HP 74/90 [Paralyzed]

OOC: (doing combat edits)

Raze thrust forced his to drag his feet on the ground, the momentum carrying him forward. Glancing over his shoulder as he slows to face the enemy combatant once more, he notices the failed attacks of the Dark Elf, who has now revealed herself as female. Strange, I don't recall being able to identify the other ones I have fought. Not that it matters.

Finally coming to a halt, Raze shoulders his sword and calmly walks towards the combat that he slid past, quickly assessing the situation. Raze's eyes widen in disbelief as the elf nimbly dodges another flurry of strikes from Vigilon.

Suddenly it clicked, perhaps if I used a area attack, that would improve the chances of an attack hitting. And while this wasn't necessarily true, Raze's logic decided his actions.

Raze set his sword behind him and activated his sword art, with a loud <<blast>>, Raze swung the huge blade in a sweeping motion. The dark elf seemed almost giddy at the ease of this combat, leaping over the first slash, and rolling under the next. On the back swing of the weapon, Raze got his weapon caught into the nearby foliage, biting into the bark of the tree and holding fast.

Raze frowned deeper, and almost seemed to growl.

ID# 87752 results:

Battle: 1(critical miss) -0 damage

<<Blast>> - Failed!

Vigilon: HP 180/180, EP 16/20
Raze: HP 180/180, EP 12/18
Aster: HP 340/340, EP 34/34
Dazia: HP 20/20, EP 2/2

            Enemies:
Dark Elf: HP 90/90

With the party wandering into the woods; Raze returned to his silent self after divulging what he could recall from his previous adventure. My damage output is lacking, sorely, due to a lack of useful weaponry and applicable skills. But hopefully I can get a lucky strike or two and draw any enemy's attention. But I am quite interested in testing my new sword arts, should be interesting to see how they work, hopefully they will... Raze's violet eyes snapped to the nearby and identified a cloaked figure as Dazia called out its presence. It leaps to the ground and begins mumbles something about a failed ambush, but Vigilon gives it no chance to catch its breath and launches a full offensive.

"Guess its time to get the party started.." he mutters to himself, quietly, unsheathing his greatsword and entering a defensive stance. Suddenly, Raze, grinds his feet into the ground, gaining a foothold in the earth before launching off at the dark elf with a thrust aimed <<Straight>> to the face. His sword is enveloped by a strange red glow, moments before impact. Unfortunately there would be no impact. The dark elf rolled to one side to avoid being impaled. "Just as slippery as I remember.." he grumbled behind his deepening grimace.

ID# 87497 results:

Battle: 5 (miss)-0 damage

<<Straight>>-Failed!

Vigilon: HP 180/180, EP 18/20

Raze: HP 180/180, EP 16/18

Aster: HP 340/340, EP 34/34

Dazia: HP 20/20, EP 2/2

            Enemies:

Dark Elf: HP 90/90

Raze stood to the wayside as the conversation with the weary blacksmith transpired, thinking about Vigilon's assessment of party tactics.

I actually have equipped the armor that you recover from this quest, Raze glancing down at his breastplate, my damage mitigation is likely the best here, coupled with battle healing, I would be the ideal tank..

But his shortsighted mind didn't think out the possibility of working with a party, and as such he lacks the ability to take the heat of any and all monsters. He was, in essence, built for solo play. Hopefully, this won't be a problem.

Raze looks over his compatriots and analyzes their play-styles.

The Beast Tamer, Aster, seemed to be a full healing build, from what he overheard. This actually could be incredibly useful. She will be a remarkable asset to our efforts.

The Coated Swordsman, Vigilon, appeared to have the strengths of a Tank and DPS, a good all-rounder. He will likely end up leading the team with his superior skills and capabilities.

The Raven-Haired Rapier wielder, Dazia, was the unknown factor to Raze. I wonder. I will be interested in seeing her abilities. \

In response to Dazia's question, Raze answered hesitantly, "I have seen them before, they are fairly tall and wiry, but they have quite a bit of speed. They won't stop to think about attacking, they are quite aggressive." ,And then quieter, almost to himself, "They will find us before we find them.."

Finally, Raze could occupy himself with something other than his failures at interaction. They had begun to set off, heading towards Griswold's shop. I wonder if he is still as broken as last time. As Vigilon speaks up on the topic of statistics, Raze opens his menu while walking and peruses his own abilities.

I'm really not all that impressive, am I?

"Tanking is what I suppose I would be best at. But I lack the ability to actually draw any monster's attention." Raze said slowly, carefully, gently.

Glancing over at Vigilon as they winded their way through the village, Raze was alarmed at the sudden speech of an iron necklace around the young man's neck.

"Is that even possible.." he thought out loud, before hushing himself and looking unfazed. Talking monsters and now talking items? How far do you plan on pushing this, Kayaba? At this point you might as well have a talking environment or something equally ridiculous.

He knew it. There were too many people here. His social anxiety cannot handle three other people. Everything he says is a blunder, whatever he does becomes misinterpreted. Raze winced severely as his outburst of a party invitation caused stress to the group. Raze's mind began to shutdown, applying mental torture to himself in recompense for his self-perceived idiocy. His face returned to a slight frown, with a slight twitch in his eye.

Too many people at once.. Traveling with Zulas was rough, but with this many.. It's disrupting my thoughts, causing reflex speech..

Raze grimaced, as he shook himself out of his stupor, I can't give up, just because I'm too much of a coward to talk to people...

In fact I believe that... His thoughts were interrupted by a notification from his menu.

Party Invitation From Vigilon

Raze corrected his facial expression to apparent apathy and hesitantly selected; ACCEPT

It is about time I learned what perseverance means. Now is as good an opportunity as any.

(OOC: actually a convenient cut and paste)

Healer?, Raze overheard, perhaps that is the Beast Tamer that owns the fox. If a healer were to join this already substantial party, we should be virtually unstoppable.

Battle tactics swarm his thoughts, and confidence in the success of this quest washes over his emotional palate. 

And when the girl approached, Raze took a breath to begin a recruitment speech, but quickly halted before a word was released from his lips. 

It isn't my place to invite people, what if this woman doesn't have an interest in partying with us.. Then I would be guilty of forcing her to join us...

Raze's brain continues on its tangent of overthinking the simplest of societal interactions, so much that he effectively tunes out whats happening right in front of him, appearing to be lost in thought. 

Then, an outburst from his female party-member, professing recognition of the Beast Tamer, spurred him to action. 

He began slowly, with several short pauses in between his words.

"It seems, that you two are already acquainted. Would you perhaps, like to join the party?" he managed to utter forth.

Raze suddenly feels his nervousness in social encounters alighting as he JUST did what he said he shouldn't be doing.

I have overstepped my bounds, haven't I? It isn't my place. Sorry to cause confusion and trouble. Why do you always have to be an idiot.., he complained to himself.

Throughout this exchange, Raze remains stoic, if not slightly irritated in appearance at his own shortcomings.

Raze nods slowly, the pun from Vigilon either going WAY over his head, or being ignored.

"Thank you. I was in a similar situation once: without a great man's tenacity, I would have never left the starting city." he said slowly and carefully.

Thanks Zulas, I won't let anyone go when I could offer help.

Raze glances down and stares impassively at the small fox inspecting his boots. He opens his mouth as to say something to the animal but is distracted by a miniature dragon zipping around and past him.

"First time I've seen familiars up close..", he mutters to himself, almost excited about it. This should be good, its been too long since I've had a fight, and I'm interested to see how good these guys are. Raze rolls his shoulders, and takes a similar position to Vigilon and Dazia along the wall; being careful to stay at an optimum distance as to not be considered overbearing but also to not be thought of as distant and unapproachable.

Despite his best attempts, he seems to be both.

"Ready whenever, just let me know." he said, and tried to pass off a smile. Unfortunately, it simply became a totally emotionless face as opposed to his regular slight frown.

Stepping out of the portal, more than a little queasy, Raze observed the elven town. 

It has been a little while since I've been here. 

Raze takes a deep breath and steps off the teleport platform, dropping water from his drenched armor and silver hair. 

Now: How to get to that old shop..

Raze stands thoughtfully for a moment before suddenly tensing up. 

Something's... off...

Raze quickly scans the streets with vibrant purple eyes, noticing the various elvish NPC's, eyes passing over a Beast Tamer, before coming to rest on a pair of Players conversing or conducting trade of some sort within the shade of a dark-colored building. 

...those two, are watching me..

or maybe someone behind me.?

Raze glances over his shoulder at the Beast Tamer, pondering silently. 

His frown deepens as he recalls his and Zulas' first meeting.. He had been so awkward that Zulas had almost left him to his own devices. 

I think I can do myself the favor of making a good first impression. 

Raze begins walking towards Vigilon and Dazia, and begins to construct some sort of a greeting. 

The girl, she kind of reminds of..

no, never mind, I'm getting ahead of myself. 

"Hello, my name is Raze. You two look like the advertising sort. I'm looking for.. no, I can't tell them that!

"..Looking for a group to do the Quest <<Worn Out Welcome>> with, I was wondering if you'd be interested."

Raze sighed even more deeply than before. The last he had remembered seeing him was during such a quest. 

Talking to people is really difficult.. but I'm sure Zulas would be proud.

Raze just awkwardly stands there, stone faced, but his mind is racing with self-criticisms. 

I must have screwed up talking somewhere. 

He mentally berates himself repeatedly.

(OOC: sorry in advance, Raze is awkward as hell)

A crack of thunder awoke him from his sleep. Rain flowing into an alleyway long forgotten by the Starting City dwellers. 

..Something... there was something... on my arm.. 

Disjointed thoughts begin to turn the cogs of a young man's lethargic mind. 

"How long.. has it been..?" Raze muttered to himself, his hoarse voice bearing witness to its inactivity. He looks to the sky only to be greeted with a downpour of rain, rusting his new armor, dulling his old blade. Another cascade of thunder jolts him to reality. 

"Must be nice to have a house to sleep in.." Raze sighed, under his breath: not wishing to offend some non-existent listener. This rain is irritating, can't sleep.. 

Can't remember.. what I was dreaming of..

Well, it doesn't matter. I won't do me any good to lay around here. 

Rising from the prone position upon the muddy earth, Raze's joints pop from lack of use and return to their original functionality, wincing slightly at the pain. 

I need to talk to Zulas.. He said he could help me. But it's been so long, and have I received no word from him. I cannot blame him however, I was the one who became dormant, he thought bitterly. 

Last I recall, we were on floor three, right after that one quest with the dark elves, Raze shuddered at the memory. 

I'm sorry I'm late friend, but perhaps we can begin the hunt. 

And with that, Raze trudges off through the mud to the teleport, ignoring the cloud break, signature slight frown consuming his visage.

Straight to Delilah.

Known for his non-existent socialite behavior, he had wandered into Florenthia Village regardless. With a purpose. Or rather, a need. 

A weapon was what he required. Something more than the standard issue greatsword. Something better. 

It had been a while since Raze had seen the sky. His purple eyes adjusting to Aincrad's light as he comes to a stop in front of this forge. Glancing at the architecture, he makes his way inside. 

He stands about within the store gazing at every little thing, but starts when a voice is raised at him. 

When asked for a purchase he orders (What was in the spoiler above) quietly and slowly. Phrasing his words very carefully. Upon hearing that this job will take time. He leaves, considerably more awkwardly than he entered. 

Raze responded with slow, solemn nodding. We really are similar, aren't we?  "I agree, a talking wolf? Kayaba Akihiko is really pushing it." Raze tried to find Ivory Lotus among the players gathered here as he listened, but didn't have any luck. Distracted, he didn't notice Zulas step into the light, and bask in the cool air and warm sunlight, giving a nice contrast to the senses. He sighed, he knew Zulas was a nice man, but perhaps this was asking too much. Lupa isn't expecting him anyways. She will be disappointed. He shook his head, No! This isn't about earning the respect of some NPC animal, this is about proving myself and surviving.

He shuddered, thinking about how close Lupa was then, when he was slowly letting his life force drip out of his many wounds. He could feel the Alpha's breath on his face that day. Why do you expect so much? Why did the man who created this, code something as strange as yourself? WHY! So many questions. But no answers to be found. Intersecting his inner debate, Zulas offered something. A promise that would forge a lasting friendship. And as Zulas started off towards the starting city, Raze smiled softly to himself, "Perhaps, this world won't be so terrible after all," he whispered, "thank you." With that Raze too, began the trek back, an amount happier than he was previously. I won't fail him like I failed all of you.

Raze has left the thread

"I met someone or something, in the forest a little while back." He sighed and messed up his hair with his off hand. 

"I was fighting a pack of wolves in floor one. I won't lie to you, I nearly died." He briefly flashes back, "But when I finished off the last one, the Alpha pack leader approached me and spoke fluently." He drew a deep breath and he continued the dialogue. "He or she or whatever it was, identified itself as Lupa and told me that it wouldn't kill me now. Lupa told me to come find it when I was ready, when I was stronger." Raze gazes at Zulas with a determined look in his vibrant violet eyes. "I think I'm ready now. Mainly because if I don't do this now, I may never do it at all." He hesitated, glancing back down at the dirt. "Lupa will probably be expecting just me. But.." His voice lowered even further to an inaudible whisper. "I will never be strong enough on my own."

@Zulas

Comforted by the thought of Zulas's assistance, Raze thought, Perhaps, we might come out on top after all. Thinking about it, he shuddered, If we aren't careful, Lupa could kill us very quickly. Shaking his head and listening to Zulas' words, Raze gazed solemnly at the departing figure of 'Ivory Lotus' and sighed, "Maybe you should do the asking." It would be catastrophic if I tried to talk to her again. 

"No. Well, I have seen a few of them in an event on the 2nd floor. However I didn't actually meet any of them." He said, thinking back to that moment. He was glad he left early and didn't get too involved, he surely would have angered or scared someone. 

Raze looks around, hopefully this event doesn't become similar. But with Zulas here I can mostly tune out everybody else.

"How about you? Know anyone here?"

Raze nodded in response to Zulas' answer to his request. "I understand."

Startled, Raze turned towards the player that had spoken, telling him that what he said is irrational. It's true, I should be fighting this battle alone, but I don't think I can. Raze went to call out to the woman, but she was already moving away, and the words he wanted to speak died in his throat. My name is Raze... 

"I think I screwed up again." Raze muttered, this lady probably thought he was being rude. Was he? 

Giving his attention to Zulas, Raze formed the necessary words to say,

"I'd like to do this 'mission' by my lonesome, but I don't think I can." 

He paused for a second before going on,

"So I figured I'd ask you, and then recruit a healer."

Raze subconsciously runs his hand through his hair, talking gently but firmly, 

"But no one showed up, when I put a notice up."

"Do you know anyone that could help?"

@Zulas

Distracted by the cleansing of his gear, Raze did not notice the very slowly increasing quantity of players, which was good for him: he is not known for being social with other people. Zulas beckoned him by name, startling Raze a small bit, he noticed that the woman Zulas was conversing with had not left yet and seemed to be looking at him expectantly. Did I do something wrong? Raze gave himself a mental check over, making sure that he had not forgotten to do something that would surely ruin him, and then slowly walked over towards the two players. Raze closed the distance and looked down at this new person-towering almost half of a foot over her-but couldn't find any words to offer.

So, as would be expected of Raze and new acquaintances, he merely stood there. Anyone who knew him such as @Zulas, would recognize the look of social struggle across his face. But to @Ivory Lotus, his expression would seem as a stone pillar, hard features and showing of no emotion. 

Remembering something, Raze turned his head in Zulas' direction and found the necessary words to say.

"There is something I might need your help with." Raze said quietly, and with a certain impassiveness. "A personal vendetta, that I cannot achieve by myself." He talked slowly, pronouncing each word carefully, realizing the irony behind his words. Despite his tendency to remain quiet, his voice has a penchant to resound across distances. It would be likely that this other player would hear this.

Raze sheathed his starter sword, and watched the colorful particles of the defeated boar drift gently into the sky. He looked up at his handiwork, the entire field of boars had been slain, and many of them with Raze's first slash. I'm much stronger than I was. And while I will always have room for improvement.. I think I'm just about ready, to take down Lupa. His thoughts were interrupted by a message, from Zulas. Giving it a cursory read, Raze looks over in the direction of the location mentioned. He was still on floor one and could barely make out a small congregation of players near the fields of the starting city. Instead of replying, Raze walked over to the meeting grounds, deciding to give Zulas a bit of a surprise. 

Getting closer he observed Zulas having a conversation with someone. Feeling out of place he slowed his pace and slowly entered the vision of the others; silently and with the slightest of frowns across his face. He waited patiently just out of earshot of his friends discussion as to not eavesdrop.

As he waited, he absentmindedly cleaned the boar's blood off his starter gear.