Hunter Yagami

His plan was great in theory, but as he approached the wasp he changed what sword art he wanted to use.  Going instead for the Smash sword art as he swung the axe above his head before spinning the blade in his hand in a flourish that was of his own design and not of the game's inlay mechanic for the move.  "Here we go!"  He said as he brought the axe down with his full force as he managed to actually hit the wasp.  As soon as the move was over he was breathing heavy as he took a step back to get ready to follow up the attack with Kat as soon as she gave the word.  He hoped he was at least able to do some damage. to the creature as he needed to be able to fight in this world so he did not have to always rely on others.

(I do not yet know how to calculate battle damage, can edit later.)

@Katagawa

As they moved through the fields Hunter kept his ax in his right hand as he remained prepared for just about anything as Kat stopped them so she could point out the target.  The beast was a giant wasp, Hunter had not seen any of these in any cliff notes in the manual about this creature so he would, of course, follow her lead in this matter.  So watching her move  Hunter would take her advice and hang back.  He gritted his teeth as he watched her activate her sword art to strike the wasp a few times.  He was ready to move in, but instead of coming for a straightforward charge he began to work around so he could set up a combo move or gain an advantage if he hit from a flanking side.  He did not know if that made any difference in this game, but he was about to test it out.

@Katagawa

Her voice calling out to him nearly made the man's face turn red as he found her to be waving him over to join her.  His gear all prepped, as his heavy starting armor seemed to be protective almost anywhere you looked, but it also looked a bit too bulky for even him to wear.  His two-handed ax was at his back and ready to be drawn and used in an instant if the situation demanded it.  As she spoke of what they would be seeing on the second floor Hunter had to marvel at the sights around him as information flooded into his ears.  He was ready to face the cliffs if he needed, his fear of heights would not stop him from getting stronger that was for damn sure.  Then she let on that there were just a few threats on the area that they were going to be hunting in, but he knew that she was the lead on this so he nodded his head before motioning for her to lead the way.  "After you captain."  He said genuinely.

@Katagawa

As he left Lyle's shop the moon lit the stone road out of the town of beginnings very nicely.  There was hardly anyone out and about, and the ones that were...were also doing some hunting for materials and the like.  The no life players that only lived for the game and probably made living selling materials to other players and NPC merchants. 

Once out in the fields he looked around and saw who was where in accordance to where the Boar spawning points where.  These things were like the boars in the real world and they spawned often in mobs.  He would have to be quick on his feet if he wanted to get the jump on the ones he needed to kill to get the materials.  Perhaps if he was lucky he could grab some spare ribs from the boars and have himself a nice snack after it was said and done.

She said that they would meet on the second floor and that they could begin at any time, so Hunter wasted no time in getting his gear ready as he walked towards the teleporter near the center of the Town.  It had indeed been a while, last he was here they did not have that going on.  So without delay, he would walk towards the center while thinking back on her words.  A coat might be necessary, but then again he did not get cold that easily due to his own mass.  So forgoing the coat he would find the teleporter.  After spending a few minutes pulling up the system menus and tutorials he found out how to use the thing.  "Well, no time like the present to get into some trouble."  He said as he accessed the second-floor portal and activated it as he was dissolved and pushed up to the second-floor almost instantly.  As he stepped away from the teleporter he would look around for Kat.  He was ready to get hunting.

@Katagawa

Hunter stood there and stared at that quest pop-up window for a couple of seconds.  It wasn't that he was sick of the quest line, but he knew that there was bound to be something almost overwhelming for him to take on soon.  The NPC of Lyle stood by even though the A.I. in the game was super well made it was still just an NPC and as such it waited for his response as if no time had passed for now.  He accepted the quest as he turned back to Lyle and with that same grin he asked the blacksmith.  "What can I help you with Lyle, it is the least I could do after you opened up your home to me and fed me a good dinner?"  Hunter said inquisitively as he waited for the rundown on the quest.

"Well as you can see I am quite busy, and well with all the orders, I am filling...I have run short of materials.  I hate to be this guy but could you bring me (3) Boar Pup Tusks.  They are easy to find and their damage should not kill you right away."  He said as Hunter just nodded his head before heading out giving a small wave as he did.

The woman spoke with a very calm and collected tone, showing him that this game did not break everyone who played.  Good for him, in the long run, to make friends with those that could handle their own, as it would allow him to learn faster.  As she spoke about what they could do Hunter thought about his choices;  They could hunt on the first floor, but be limited to the mobs that spawned there.  If they went up a floor though, they would be able to grind out larger mobs for more experience and better chances at loot and such.  It did not take long for Hunter to answer in full confidence as he still had that same smile from before.  "Yeah, gotta take risks or you become stale in the world...I know that from experience hah!"  He said as he knew he still had to actually answer her.  "Yeah, I think it is time I started moving away from the town anyway.  So when do we start then Kat?"  He would say as he stretched for a few moments to relieve the stiffness from his body.

@Katagawa

Hunter was pleased that the woman decided to actually speak back to him, it almost made him begin to flirt...but now was definitely not the time.  As she introduced herself he noticed that she stuck her hand out in anticipation for a handshake.  It was an odd thing to see on the first meet especially because she was a woman instead of a man.  Regardless Hunter was very easy going as he stuck his hand out and took her hand and gave it a big hearty shake.  "It is great to meet you Kat."  He said as he noticed her taking him in as if sizing him up.  He did not look awesome by any stretch, in fact, he was probably the most plain out of the people around him.  She would notice that the gear he wore was not great in quality, but neither was his ax swung around his back.  However, his stature might have shown Kat that he was able to take care of himself.

So after letting her take a look at him he smiled and looked at her.  "So are we waiting on anyone else or might I trouble you that we get to hunting if possible.  I have not had a lot of real personable time since I started due to being left out in the forest to die.  Soooo I guess I am pretty new to all of this."  He said uncharacteristically as he scratched the back of his head.  His armor looked heavy and a little rusty at some points, but it was all fixed and ready to fight, and Hunter wanted to see more of what the world had to offer so he became like a child in his mannerisms again. 

@Katagawa

Fixed the issues with the posts not reaching the required length @Neopolitan

As soon as they both made it outside they looked at the apprentice, the burns on his body were gone...his skin was pristine and his health bar was full again with the <rested> tag above his title.  His profession level was also way above what Hunter could tell just by glance as Lyle spoke first.  "Seems that the wife's stew made for some good health and the light of the moon cured your wounds.  Now I don't have ta be pissed at you for taking off during the night to forge while I sleep.  You got this man ta thank for that."  Lyle said as he pointed to Hunter.  The apprentice looked shocked, then angry before bringing his hammer down on the anvil as sparks shot across the stone floor.  He walked up to Hunter and stuck out his hand while looking him in the eye.  Hunter eagerly took the boy's hand and shook it firm as Lyle spoke to Hunter.  "Well it looks like your quest is over, my boy understands why I did what I did...at least I hope he does.  I think it is time you have your reward."  Lyle said as the final task was checked off and the quest read completed.

Hunter accepted the rewards and as he turned to leave Lyle did speak one more time.  "oh and if you have the time...I have something else that you might be able to help me with."  He said as Hunter's cheery grin faded as a quest window popped up.

END

Claiming Quest rewards; 2 SP,  5 T1 Health Potions of Uncommon Quality (+40 HP), 1 T1 Damage Potion (+1 Damage), 1 T1 Over-Health Potion (+50 Temp HP)

400 Col, 1 SP for 1 completed RP Page

Hunter stayed at the blacksmith's forge for some time afterward.  He mostly just swapped stories with Lyle about his time in the forest, eventually getting to the extra abilities attached to his gear, informing Hunter that they were, in fact, uncommon items and that they were a little better than what most smithies would have in their shop...even his Lyle would tell Hunter with a humble tone.  At about midnight he noticed that the apprentice had come down to the forge and was building a fire again as Lyle leaned in to tell Hunter something.

"He does this regardless if he thinks I am asleep or not.  He works even if I tell him to not, this is how some orders are filled, but nobody will know.  He is very experienced and one day I see him taking the shop over for me."  Lyle would say before standing up and motioning for Hunter to follow him as he headed outside.

The dinner was quiet and the stew was as Lyle had said, absolutely amazing.  It was hearty and savory with a hint of sweetness that he appreciated.  He did not look at the NPC's burnt son, but instead watched his drink slowly disappear, the burning aching pains that the apprentice experienced were probably becoming dull and soon they will be gone.  Without him getting there it probably would have been a few more days until the potions came to Lyle...his son would have been in a bad way then though.  With a healthy yet loud burp, he turned red from embarrassment before the whole table erupted into laughter over his insignificant belch.  Lyle let out a belch that could rival an actual giant.  He had to admit that it was impressive, but the burnt apprentice slowly began to pull away from the table before excusing himself.  The table grew quiet after.

Lyle accepted the package with a grin as he then clasped Hunter's hand as he finished putting the package away in his inventory.  He kind of pulled Hunter along as the other shops began to close down.  "Ol' Zach said he had someone going out and gathering like he always does.  I am happy that you brought these here today, my son who is my usual apprentice fell into the coals the other day and I have been needing to get a potion or two to heal him now.  He does not know about it, so I am going to let him have his pride and instead mix it into his drink at dinner tonight.  He is definitely a hard-headed kid...I think he gets it from his mother."  He finished as Lyle offered him a seat.  "It is getting late..." Hunter said as he was about to finish off the quest when Lyle stood up.  "Maybe you would like to stay for dinner, my treat.  My wife makes a mean stew."  He said as Hunter's stomach growled. 

Needless to say, he accepted the invitation.

Just ten minutes later as the sky was beginning to turn a dull orange he found the shop.  Lyle's shop was decent even for an NPC.  He was set up with a good stock of raw materials and even some High-Quality crafting area's that made the open working environment at the beginning of the quarter look like child's play.  It did not take long for Lyle, the blacksmith...whose level in the profession was marked with a ?? to find him and clasp his hands together as he even looked to be bigger than Hunter...which was impressive in its own right.

"The name's Lyle I am the blacksmith and owner of the forge here.  Anything I might be able to help you out with?"  He asked in a much quieter tone than what Hunter was expecting as he smiled and stuck his hand out to the giant to shake.
"The name's Hunter and I am here to deliver a special package from Ol' Zach from across town."  He said with a grin as he held his hand flat as the package popped out of his inventory and into his hand.

After his little detour, he managed to make it across town as he began walking into the merchant's area that was set up around a small crafting area meant for those in the game; both players and NPC to create items and equipment for all players to utilize.  It was absolutely packed just like when Hunter first went to the potion shop at the beginning of the quest.  He was over here once before, and he could have sworn that he knew the blacksmith that repaired his equipment before the quest.

"Lee...or was it Lyla...damn my horrible memory..."  He started in on talking to himself marching around looking inquisitive, as he looked at the taskbar in the corner of his vision.   "LYLE!  That's right.  hmmm, maybe it was one of his apprentices that worked on my gear then.  I don't remember a Lyle."  He said as he looked around for any sign.
 

"Damn...I wish I had asked a few of the other players how this quest was actually set up.  Three tasks, all gathering, and crafting, now delivery...just my luck."  Hunter said as he looked in his inventory.  A couple of potions were packaged for the blacksmith NPC that was on the other side of town.  A workout for sure, but also just plan tedious, he remembered Zack talking about how he needed to get someone to run an errand for him and it would be worth the reward.  Of course, Hunter took the errand, it was the temptation of loot that spurred him to complete the quest...besides the actual account reward that came with the quest anyway.

'Shi...did I really just pass the wrong exit out into the square, damn now I have to walk extra just to get back on track."  He would say with a low grunt in frustration.
 

As he handed over the potion old Zach began to inspect it as a fine arts collector would a piece to be put in a gallery.  After a few moments though, the quest taskbar finally checked off the second part of his required tasks as Zackariah praised him on not only his efforts but on the quality of the actual potion.  "This is absolutely marvelous if you did this just on your first time I am definitely going to say beginners luck, but if you stick with it...these potions will fly off the shelves.  Thank you for this, now I can finally finish off some orders of my own.  Speaking of which Hunter I would like to ask one final task of you."  He said as another task was added to the quest.

His mood slightly dropped then, he did not mind doing the quests and he needed the experience, but holy crap he was ready for a rest.



Everything seemed so simple, it was a simple healing potion and if he did everything by the book...his success should yield a similar scent to that of the real world, his home.  So Hunter took the instructions and began preparing the materials, which since it was in the game world was prompted by menus so the animations did not take forever.  His body seemed to be moving on autopilot as he inputs the ingredient list exactly as he was told.  Hunter remembered his time in the forest as he often cooked bad or good quality rabbit and other game meats when he could.  As he stirred and used his measurements the room began to fill with a soft aroma that reminded him of home and not being stuck in the game.  It brought a small tear to his eye as he finished bottling up the potion.  Everything seemed to have gone good, no explosions...no unexpected results.

"Once back at Zackariah's shop he presented him with the materials that he asked for.  As he laid them out on the counter for him to inspect he browsed the shop in eager anticipation.  The potions that the man sold were of various qualities, and it became apparent that some of these potions were not all crafted by the shopkeeper.  Zachariah called out to Hunter after a couple of minutes looking at his haul signaling him to come over.  As Hunter walked up old Zach clasped his hands together and with a warm smile, he began to praise Hunter on the quality of materials he brought in came from various good to extremely rare sources.

"I do say that you came back quite quickly, I am proud to have sent you on this quest.  So how about you help me finish up a quick potion?"  He said as the quest window popped up with a new task added as the old one was marked complete.  Zach invited him back behind the counter as he gestured to an old cauldron in the back.  "We are going to make a simple healing potion using these materials."  He said as he gave Hunter the basic instructions on how to make the potion.

As he looked around, it became blatantly obvious that he was looking for someone, anyone really to help him regain skills and the valuable time he had lost while being in the forest.  The sensation of the sun beating down on the blacksmith shop was pleasant and kept him warm even if it was only just a simulated feeling.  As he scanned he found a woman that looked to be just searching around the crowd just like he was.  Though it really was not good in theory to just start asking for help from higher leveled players he needed better gear and stats if he wanted to survive.  He approached her as he tapped her shoulder if she responded to him he would give her a kind smile before finally speaking, giving a slight wave with his right hand.

"Hello, my name is Hunter...I uh...I saw you looking around, I don't know if you are looking for anyone, but if possible you look like you know your way around the area.  Would you mind showing me around, maybe help me try to level up a bit?"  He would say with that same grin as he looked at her with a hesitant stance which for his figure was odd.

@Katagawa

Hunter Yagami was fresh out the gate when it came to the game pretty much; his knowledge on the world was somewhat limited due to being stuck in the damn forest for two whole years.  Since he has been out, however, he has found that there are plenty of people ready to help newbs such as himself and quests designed to improve those with limited skills, much like tutorials in old-school console games.  So he stood there at the blacksmith's shop in the town of beginnings to see if there was anything he could possibly do to improve his armor or weapons.  Everything so far was still out of his price range, but it was worth it to figure out alternatives to hunting for rare loot drops.

"I guess I really should just stick to loot hunting after all..."  Hunter said with an aggravated tone before looking around the area.  Perhaps there was someone looking for an additional party member for a hunt or something.

‘Jesus H Tapdancing Christ in a underwater basket woven and lined with the finest wool that was tough.’  Hunter exclaimed as he plucked the last “life berry” from a bush some 25 ft from the entrance to the town of beginnings.  It was fitting for the last piece of his gathering quest was so close.  He put the berry in his inventory slot before heading back toward Zackaraiah’s shop.

He stopped on the way there as the sun was beating down on him pretty heavily. “I cannot believe that it took me this long just to find 5 materials of note just so I can help this old man.”  A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he leaned back till his whole body laid across the rock causing joints to stretch and begins loose once more than what they were before.  He almost fell asleep, but instead stood up and with a quick slap to his own face to wake up he was off towards the town again

About an hour later Hunter was faced with failure again.  This time however it came in the form of the mother falcon in which he stole the egg from some time before.  He suffered through the attack for a few moments, not attacking back because even though he knew it was a game...this bird mom was not expecting to have her egg poached today so what she did was not out of the ordinary.  He noticed that the sky was beginning to have a shift in this are, perhaps rain was on the horizon again.  Anyway, Hunter was quick to use some shelter and the water to confuse the falcon as to where she would not be able to find him.

”any more of this and I am going to go insane. just like that damn bird whose egg I stole, heh, bet she is still looking for me....” he sighed heavily before continuing his journey 

‘I...am...so sick...of this mission...already.’  Hunter said in exasperation as he leaned against a tree, breathing heavy and every so often checking to make sure that the mole had lost interest in attacking him.  He was failing more than he was succeeding and it made him feel worthless, much like a dog that could not track an animal that was literally ten feet from him.  Though the analogy was garbage he thought to himself as he remembered that feeling...It was just like being caught in the forest once again.  

However, just as he was about to call it quits he caught a glimpse of something shiny.  He turned his head to see a small crystal that was starting to grow on the inside of the tree which featured a rather large bored out hole.  He was quick to just move his arm into the foreign hollow and grab the crystal and bag it before anyone else arrived.

He gave a quick wipe of his brow to clean off the sweat as he began to dig hearing that there may be some truffles as loot in the area.  He did have a simple shovel that he began to use to clear out dirt trying to find his prize. At first it seemed like he was just having bad luck as he found small areas where tunnels winded through, so he dug some more in curiosity even though everyone knows what happens when you get curious.  So it came as no surprise as Hunter dug up some truffles he found himself face to face with a rabid mole, snarling and ready for a fight.  He was caught off guard when the beast bit at his shovel and threw it away like a toy.  He vowed it was gonna be the last time he did that.

’shiiiiiiiiiiiiit!’ He said as he ran away.