Dazia

Before Dazia could strike, Night made her attack on the target, knocking him over. The target fell to the ground as Dazia was attempting to use her sword art. The attack missed the target by an inch, but the poorly crafted "doorframe" sustained heavy damage.

However, the doorframe wasn't what Dazia intended to hit. At this rate, she just might bring the house down instead of the target.

The target proceeded to get up, and he would lunge with his weapon. Dazia attempted to stop him in his tracks, but the target proved to be stronger than expected. "Out of the way, scamp." He grumbled as he shoved her aside before lashing out at the other player, slashing across her avatar with his cutlass. The damage dealt, however, didn't seem to be much of an issue. Dazia took position to ready another sword art, but she'd have to time it right as to avoid any allies getting caught in the crossfire.

(Dazia)ID# 209043 BD: 4+3-2=5(miss)

(Burlock)ID# 209044 BD: 7+2-3=6(hit)

[0,3] Burlock | HP: 495/1000 | DMG: 175 | MIT: 80 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 | CD10+: [DoT: 30 DMG (2)] | BD9/10: +50/100 DMG, CD10+: PHASE | Disablement Immune

NIGHT | HP: 949/1080 | EN: 100/146 | DMG: 21 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 44 | LM: 2 | HLY/FLN: 16 | LD: 5 | BH: 55 | TAUNT
Dazia | HP 680/680 | EN 65/86 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 44 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 4 | Fallen: 8 | LD: 1 | Stealth Rating: 5

Before Dazia knew it, Night had quite literally jumped into the fray, and proceeded to finish off the two survivors of Dazia's attack. It wouldn't seem like Dazia would be getting close to avoiding debt anytime soon, but if there was anything left, she might have to get a move on before it was too late, otherwise she'd have to pay this acquaintance.

The player noticed two weapons had clattered onto the floor, and began to examine one of them. Dazia looked at the other blade, but now was not the time to rummage through junk in hopes of finding what was likely an unidentified weapon that would usually turn out to be a wasted gamble instead.

The sound of footsteps caught Dazia's attention. "There's more." Dazia whispered to her ally, before backing up and taking position to hide. Only one came out the door, so it would be safe to guess that he would be a bigger threat than all the two had faced previously. He saw the mess that had been made here, as well as the damages that were done to the poorly built structure. "What do ya think you're doin', bargin' in here and massacrin' Greybeard's crew?" He began. He couldn't believe what these two had just done. He looked over to Dazia, spotting her in the shadows. "And don't think I can't see ye there!"

Dazia remained silent, her only response being to glare at the target. "What, am I supposed to think you're intimidating, little scamp? I've seen worse than you." The target responded. Dazia's eyes burned as she immediately drew her weapon. "Do you want to try saying that again?" She threatened as she stared infernal daggers at the target. "Oh, please..." The target sighed, unimpressed. "I don't care what either of ye try, neither of ya will be leaving here alive. Any last words before I cut ye both down where ye stand?

Dazia took this as an opportunity. This was why she was here, after all. She came to this floor to follow a lead. "...Midnight. Blade. Earthen Sun." She spoke. The target seemed confused. "That's...what's the Obsidian Cove got to to do with this? Nothing!" He uttered out. "Ah, so that's what it means, a location...about damn time my lead actually got somewhere." Dazia thought. "Obsidian Cove. Noted, thank you for your cooperation. With that out of the way, let's get this over with..." She said aloud as she readied her weapon.

ID# 208956 LD: 4+5=9(Failed to pass Passive Detection. Dazia is found.)

Night would enter and catch three of the targets' attention. She made some witty banter with them before eliminating all three in one fell swoop. What pathetic minions those deckhands were. It was then that the other two Pirate Deckhands had noticed they had an intruder, as well as the fact that said intruder had just effortlessly slaughtered three of their crewmates. Dazia still hadn't been noticed. but the surprised shouting that came from the two deckhands were followed by fast approaching footsteps. Dazia readied her Sword Art, but she would wait until the right moment to activate it.

Two figures would barge into the scene. One of which, who appeared as a burly and strong male, seemed agitated at the apparent commotion that led him here. The other seemed to be a female that was more vocal about the situation. "Oi, what's going on he-"

Dazia unleashed her Sword Art, leaving red marks that could easily suggest large gashes in the targets. The Deckhands cried out as they were flung by the impact just before they shattered. The burly figure let out nothing more than a pained grunt, while the female beside him seemed so suffer a more severe blow. The male boatswain glared at Dazia, and the female struggled to keep herself standing after the force of the blow. One hand on her blade, the other against the red mark across her torso. While her glare was less intimidating, Dazia could see the hatred within. "Yer gonna pay for that one, lass."

Dazia took position to evade, countering the target with a glare of her own. "Try me."

Action taken: Surprise Attack(Assassin)

ID# 208868 BD: 4

ID# 208869 BD: 10

ID# 208870 BD: 4

ID# 208871 BD: 10

Infernal Crescent(AoE-I): 27x15-40=365 DMG to Pirate Deckhand 4, 27x15-100=305 DMG to Boatswain Amir, 29x15-40=395 DMG to Pirate Deckhand 5, 29x15-50=385 DMG to Boatswain Jessamine

[1-2]Dazia | HP 680/680 | EN 63/86 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 44 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 4 | Fallen: 4 | LD: 1 | Stealth Rating: 5

[0-0]NIGHT | HP: 1080/1080 | EN: 127/146 | DMG: 21 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 44 | LM: 2 | HLY/FLN: 16 | LD: 5 | BH: 55 | TAUNT | Stealth Rating: 6

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pirate Deckhand #4 | HP: --115/250 | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40

Pirate Deckhand #5 | HP: -145/250 | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40

Boatswain Amir | HP: 395/700 | DMG: 125 | MIT: 100 | EVA: 2

Boatswain Jessamine | HP: 165/550 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 50 | ACC: 2

The other player introduced herself as Night as she helped Dazia up. The woman was only an inch taller than Dazia. In all honesty, Dazia didn't mind that the difference was only an inch. Night asked to know what Dazia had eavesdropped on. "What I got close enough to hear was you two discussing the means of transportation to the targets' cove. However, the frantic expressions show evidence of having escaped or survived an assault of some sort. Seeing that the targets you were sent after are in a secluded locale across the water, a fair enough distance away from the main Island of the floor, what happened could come clear if the hints were put together." She explained, thinking aloud as she did. "Piracy." She deduced.

Night would then note that the targets were inside the poorly-built shack, and that somewhere inside the rickety structure, or on board their ship, was the stolen cargo. The new ally would be cut off by a loud, boisterous noise. As distant as it was, the volume seemed to speak, well, volumes of the targets' arrogance, that they never considered the fact that they could have been followed, with enemies sent to put them down.

Dazia was asked about her build, probably for strategic clarification. "I focus mainly on damage and survival. I took up stealth as a survival aspect, but with the right additions, it makes fighting much easier." She answered. She then looked towards the targets' location. "Personally, I doubt they'll see me coming, as long as we know what we're doing."

She would then move to approach the rickety shack. She began to open it cautiously, as to avoid making enough noise to alert the targets. Dazia then slowly drew her blade. So far, she hadn't been noticed. There might be five enemies within her vision, but a Surprise Attack should be able to wipe those smiles off the enemies' faces at the very least...

ID# 208862 LD: 9+5=14

Stealth Rating: 14(Surpasses Passive Detection. NPCs/Mobs are currently unable to detect Dazia)

The other player seemed confused by how Dazia had mentioned the main source of her problems. The other player would also remark that boats didn't give out quests...but then she put two and two together, realizing that Dazia had managed to successfully shadow her up to this point. Upon being asked if she'd done so, Dazia was unable to immediately respond with anything other than an awkwardly timed shoulder shrug. "...Maybe."

The other player proceeded to say that Dazia could've just asked if she wanted to join, and that whatever bounty was on her head probably wasn't as bad as Dazia was making it out to be. Ever heard of the phrase "better safe than sorry"? "Honestly, I should be thankful you've got common sense, unlike some of those bozos out there..." A few of which she'd encountered earlier, but she left that little detail out for the time being. The other player then offered a hand to Dazia, saying that if she helped the player out with the quest, that she could consider it as payment for the impromptu ferrying, as long as Dazia manages to do well enough. "Deal." Dazia decided, accepting the other player's hand. "My username is Dazia, in case you were still wondering."

A sudden stop could be heard. That can't have been good.

A tug at Dazia's cover was then felt. "Damn it, I knew I should have tried a less obvious method!" She thought.

The rag was then forcefully ripped away from her, and she ended up flinching. Under normal circumstances, the cursor over the other player's green cursor would have been reassuring...but these were not normal circumstances...

There were two dark haired players, just awkwardly scowling at each other. The other player would ask if Dazia was going to pay fare for the trip here, and proceeded to say what came across as demanding to know who she was. "If my name wasn't slandered by a vengeful princess who considers me her sworn enemy, I wouldn't need to be hiding all the time. I normally would have taken better precautionary measures and avoided you, but I needed to find what's literally the only quest on this floor, and last I checked, there was only this boat."

Dazia's next lead happened to drag her here, over the mention of a quest...if Krysta hadn't been tipping players off to turn them against Dazia, she wouldn't be in this position. She'd need to have another chat with Vigilon at some point...see if she can't get him to end this damn charade already.

Dazia took some thoughts into consideration. If she was going to take the same boat as this other player, she'd have to do it now. "No time like the present to be reckless, I suppose..." Dazia thought.

As the other player was finishing up conversation with the NPC, Dazia got herself into the boat and covered herself with a large rag. Hopefully she'd be able to blend in with this dinghy for the time being. Soon, she heard the sounds of someone getting into the dinghy. No doubt, it was the player who had now finished speaking with the NPC. Dazia remained still, her sense of hearing being her only hint as to what was going on.

It felt like some time, remaining still and keeping hidden under the cover of the rag. Soon, she felt less general movement from the dinghy. Dazia would wait to hear the player leaving the boat before slowly peeking her cowl-covered head out from the rag to see whether or not it was safe to leave the cover of the rag and out of the dinghy.

ID# 208818 LD: 9+5=14

Stealth Rating: 14

Dazia would begin hearing a conversation play out as she slowly made her way closer. Chances were, the other player might be taking a quest.

It might be the one Dazia was searching for.

So she considered her options. She could attempt to tag along, with the risk of being attacked or challenged by the other player. She could continue to remain in stealth, and shadow the other player taking the quest, with the risk of being discovered along the way. Or, she could wait it out and attempt the quest on her own...due to the fact that this was an MMO, the latter option seemed the least viable. The first option, however, still had the potential to be dangerously risky...

For the time being, she would remain in stealth and continue getting closer, but slowly and cautiously. Even upon slightly closer inspection, Dazia had no visual recognition of this player... If things ever went south, at least she had a teleport crystal.

ID# 208816 LD: 11+5=16

Stealth Rating: 16

Enemies could be anywhere...that was always the truth in this forsaken game.

No thanks to Princess tipping off certain individuals, Dazia had recently gained a minor reputation of notoriety...in a way that could easily make people suspicious of Dazia's presence. If Dazia couldn't prove Princess wrong somehow, she'd be chased all around Aincrad as if she was most wanted. Having to deal with those odd players near the coastline was enough for today, but she'd heard there was a quest around this floor somewhere...now if she could just find the damn location...

It was only when Dazia spotted a player speaking with an NPC that her sense of caution spiked again. The NPCs didn't seem to mind her presence yet, but she could never be too sure about players she didn't know. She took cover immediately, concealing herself with what was around her. Until she could do something about Princess staining her name, Dazia would have to always proceed with caution.

ID# 208805 LD: 19+5=24
Stealth Rating: 24

Stats and Equipment:

Dazia stopped dead in her tracks when the pink haired player gave her a piercing stare upon eye contact. She barely overheard Vigilon ask if something was wrong. She could be wrong, but she could have sworn she heard the player claim there wasn't anything there... Dazia knew she was seen, so this player had chosen to cover up Dazia's presence...there must be something going on. Even if the pink haired player wasn't a threat, what of the purple haired one?

ID# 207788 LD: 2+5=7

Stealth Rating: 7

With hardly any cover left to hide behind, aside from a boulder almost too small for even her to hide behind, she prepared her messenger from behind the cover.

Upon pressing send, she hastily closed her menu and attempted to remain hidden behind the stone. The pink haired player already knew she was here, but hopefully either she wasn't found or called out, or there were no actual threats. She only felt the necessity to play it safe, but since she'd been seen, it wouldn't be for long, anyway.

Who were these Armored Individuals? Why was Vigilon talking to them? And what did they come here for? These were the questions Dazia had. She had just been on this floor not to long ago, so it might count as where she was last seen...and she knew there were people searching for her.

There didn't seem to be much conversation before the players began to move, though there seemed to be a mention of what might have been Cerberus. While Dazia did not know what they were after, she would learn...preferably from a safe distance, and thus she would attempt to shadow the three. Moving from cover to cover when the opportunity rose, she needed to be close enough to hear them, but far and concealed enough to avoid being spotted. With her cowl over her head, peeking every here and there from whichever cover she hid under...but players being on the move made it difficult to eavesdrop on them, as she would risk being seen as she moved along the ground, despite it being black like most of her Cloth Armor.

ID# 204955 LD: 4+5=9

Stealth Rating: 9

Dazia hastily returned to the floor, having acquired a more accurate lead on her target.

It was indeed a Cerberus that was her lead, but she had slain the wrong one. Now she'd come back for the real deal, and she would find that missing player's clue in due time after her real target was dead. She immediately took advantage of the consumables she'd purchased earlier. This ought to make sure that nothing could successfully stand in her way...and if all else fails, she always had a Teleport Crystal for emergencies.

Once she'd finished the consumables, she would prepare to leave the safe zone. She didn't walk very far before spotting Vigilon talking to two players. Given the circumstances she was now in, she needed to play it safe. She didn't know either player that he was speaking to, and both were heavily armored, to boot...

She took cover behind a nearby chunk of stone jutting out of the ground, peeking from said cover every few seconds. She needed to find out what was going on, but better safe than sorry.

ID# 204449 LD: 7+5=12
Stealth Rating: 12

Consumed: Mini Cheesecake(+60 MIT), Creme Brulee(2 ACC), S'mores(2 EVA)

Stats and Equipment:

Paragon Reward Evaluation:

Paragon Level: 10

Paragon 10 Reward: (1) Gleaming Scale, (1) Demonic Shard, +1 LD to Looting

Link to Journal: https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/14985-dazias-journal/

"..."

How this place still could be found just about anywhere was a recurring mystery to Dazia. At this rate, she just considered the whole damn thing unsolvable. There was no way this place could have gone on without getting raided...and yet, here it was.

The buffs were dull, but their enhancements served a purpose. Therefore, Dazia decided it wouldn't hurt to buy a few buffs again. She'd slain the wrong target, so now she had to prepare for the real one. Mitigation, Accuracy, Evasion...these three were all a must.

Such an investment had better come in handy. It wasn't like there was anyone else out there with such a damn convenient place.

Purchasing:

[14/4/20] Mini Cheesecake (1500 col)

[24/4/20] Creme Brulee (300 col)

[21/4/20] S'mores (300 col)

Total cost of 2100 col paid to @Daemien

Vigilon jumped in to wipe out the remaining Hellhounds, and that was all of them. Now to find Cerberus.

Along the way to the inner chamber, Vigilon remarked the usefulness of the survival skill, considering that what he went through was worth it. "For the record, I still support a relationship between you and Koharu. All things considered, you should probably give her an answer, or at least direct her to Krysta." Dazia remarked. "At least give the girl a chance." 

Dazia thought about what she would be going through. It would be unbelievably tough, especially regarding that vengeful Princess. "You know what...since you're putting me through something, I'll put you through something too. I'll give you col if I have to, but I say... One Date. One Date with Koharu. Find some way to be able to do it, I'm sure you can." She decided.

Dazia began to move on ahead, and soon she found the beast she was looking for. "Target Sighted." She thought as she readied her weapon. With one Infernal Crescent, each of its three Heads' HP bars dropped to zero, and the monster was destroyed. Dazia remained in position for a few seconds, then she sheathed her blade. "That was...far too easy..."

Not something she expected, despite having literally assassinated the quest target.

ID# 204414 BD: 10(Critical, +2 Base DMG)

ID# 204415 BD: 5+3=8(hit)

ID# 204416 BD: 7+3=10(hit, Fallen Activates!)

Infernal Crescent:

23x15=345 Damage to Cerberus Head 2

25x15=375 Damage to Cerberus Head 1

31x15=465 Damage to Cerberus Head 3

Vigilon: HP 760/760, EN 93/110 | 23 DMG | 78 MIT | 4 ACC | 2 EVA | PAR | 6 LD

Dazia: HP 660/660, EN 50/84 | 23 DMG | 44 MIT | 3 ACC | 4 EVA | 1 LD | Fallen: 8

                 Enemies:

<<Cerberus>>:

Head 1: HP 0/200, 40 DMG

Head 2: HP 0/200, 40 DMG

Head 3: HP 0/200, 40 DMG

Dazia had no answer for Vigilon's question. He even added how his sister was also affected by his father's death...personally, Dazia didn't think developing a tough shell was the worst reaction to such a scenario as loss. If the runaway was as good to his children as Vigilon claimed he was, it was only natural that the realization that the world was dangerous would cause someone to develop a defensive exterior to their life and personality. Dazia seemed to receive a more aggressive side upon learning what the world was like, as well as the ones who tried to rule it...but to her it was something that was completely understandable. All things considered, Vigilon's willingness to see the good in others was...respectable, seeing that there have definitely been certain people who he saw no such hope within as well.

The markings on the map were now aligned, and Dazia closed her map to see a cavern entrance. "We're here."

Once the Players entered the cavern, immediately the sound of advancing pawsteps could be heard. They'd already been found. Four Hellhounds emerged from deeper within the cavern, coming to face the players and defend their den. Dazia pulled out her weapon, and attacked with Infernal Crescent, slaying all but one. It was only a matter of time before the others emerged...

At least the Hellhounds were weaklings.

ID# 204398 BD: 4+3=7(hit)

ID# 204399 BD: 4+3=7(hit)

ID# 204400 BD: 1(Critical Fail)

ID# 204401 BD: 8+3=11(hit, Fallen Activates!)

Infernal Crescent:

23x15=345 damage to Hellhounds 1 and 2

31x15=465 Damage to Hellhound 4

[0]Vigilon: HP 760/760, EN 110/110 | 23 DMG | 78 MIT | 4 ACC | 2 EVA | PAR | 6 LD

[0]Dazia: HP 660/660, EN 65/84 | 23 DMG | 44 MIT | 3 ACC | 4 EVA | 1 LD | Fallen: 8

                 Enemies:

Hellhound 1: HP 0/200, 50 DMG

Hellhound 2: HP 0/200, 50 DMG

Hellhound 3: HP 200/200, 50 DMG

Hellhound 4: HP 0/200, 50 DMG

Dazia kept her map open, as Vigilon could easily take down anything that showed up, and nothing could kill her too quickly here. Until the destination was reached, she would take the role of navigator.

Vigilon thought it was a good idea to try making conversation, but it was probably to pass the time. Dazia would need to keep her eyes focused on the map for the time being, but she would speak if she must...

"...You really want to ask that?" Dazia questioned. She then sighed. "...I never really check in on them...except for maybe Hiraani. She may be troublesome at times, but...she's much kinder than I could ever be... In case you're still wondering, she's fine, last I checked. I don't exactly get along with the others...even Aurelius has some ulterior motives that keep us at a neutrality." She explained. Each of her siblings seemed to have something that made them more trouble than worth, but it would seem that only Valna was worth putting some hope in...sure, she had her...tendencies...but aside from that, she was there for everyone, she was willing to help others, even people who Dazia preferred to hate...

The NPC turned his attention to Vigilon when he began to ask his question.

"It would seem that these hellhounds have been terrorizing the land, based on what other people have been saying. From what we can guess, their alpha seems to be a Cerberus." Dazia clarified. The NPC seemed to turn his full attention to Dazia upon the mention of Cerberus. "...Cerberus, you say..." He began. "...So, you want to fight the beast? I've recently come back from an expedition to find its den, but, well..." The NPC gestured to himself, with plenty of burns and wounds. He then suppressed a cough. "Came with a heavy price, I barely made it out alive." He added. "You two had better be sure you know what you're doing, lest you end up like me...or worse. If you really think you can take it on, I'll tell you where to find the beast, but nothing more...it's not like you could afford that information, anyway." He finished with a mild smirk, still feeling somewhat weak and clearly in the middle of recovery.

"We can handle ourselves. By the time we return, you won't be having trouble with that thing anymore." Dazia decided. Given that it was on the ninth floor, it probably wouldn't be too much of a threat in comparison to quests on higher floors. "...If you're certain, then..." The Broker NPC said with a sigh. "I'll tell you what I know."

Following Vigilon's claim that it really was just that simple, there would be some words overheard. Vigilon then spoke to one of the NPCs directly, and as it would seem, there was unease within the Village, involving some...Hellhounds. If anything, this might be Dazia's next lead.

Vigilon asked if she wanted to take this opportunity due to the survival skill making it much easier to endure the floor's heat. "Funny you should say that, I came here to kill two birds with one stone. I'm here on a mission from the Guild. The current hint for the next missing person case just so happens to be on this floor and involves what I believe is a Cerberus." Dazia remarked. "Unfortunately, a vague idea can only get us so far. We know that the Hellhounds are close, but we don't know the target's exact location. Searching aimlessly might take us a day or two." She added. "We might have to ask around for additional information." She suggested.

Dazia grimaced under her cowl. Vigilon was persistent, if anything...persistent to find the peaceful method. Was it because he felt remorse for killing someone who must have been an asshole, judging by the fact that his cursor was green and clean?

"You....what is it with you, always trying to find the peaceful way?" Dazia asked. "Your methods are both a blessing and a curse, you killed out of self-defense and now you just abhor the idea of killing for survival? I guess people really do get different feelings out of different things." She remarked. After about a minute of silence, she sighed. "But you are right that if Princess isn't dealt with, she'll make my life hell when we get out. ...Your talks with her had better work." She added.

Vigilon then said that he'd speak to those who Wardege knew in hopes of finding peaceful solutions with them, too. He finished by saying that she owed him, too...and his task was so easy, it helped her in making a decision. "Wait....that's it? You're just...asking me to join them? To keep helping them out?" She asked, confused as to why his task was really that simple.

Vigilon's stare...was actually intimidating under that hood of his. Dazia glared back from under her cowl.

For a matter of seconds, the fires in both players' eyes did all the talking. A Red Flame against a Blue Flame.

Vigilon proceeded to give his response. He was clearly feeling something both different and familiar to Dazia. She knew well about anger, she knew well about hatred, wrath and a longing for bloodshed...

 "I've been handling the whole debacle between you and Wardege the same way as American Law. Suspect is Innocent until proven guilty. And you...Have just revealed that you are indeed guilty of Wardege's Murder."

Dazia stepped back, her left hand slowly reaching for the hilt of her weapon, but her glare persisted, in hopes that she could keep his attention to her eyes and not her hands.

"One way or another, you need to make it up to those he knew."

This was new. "...What??"

"All of them."

Granted, this meant that Vigilon still hadn't lost hope for Dazia...but in a scenario like this, it was both a blessing and a curse. Blessing was, she got to live. Curse was, she now had to do the impossible...make amends to everyone that damn fool knew...and there was one that made it the most impossible...

Princess.

"No...!" She exclaimed in disbelief. "No! No- Do you even realize what the hell you're even saying??" She questioned, exasperated despite the relief that Vigilon hadn't decided to kill her. "Seriously? 'make it up to those he knew'? How do you expect me to do that, especially when one of those people is trying to kill me??" 

This was going to be more difficult than expected. "And what if I can't offer what's needed to 'make it up to them'?" She asked, trying to make him realize the issue with this decision of his.

Things were only going downhill.

Vigilon brought up Dazia's kill count and that he was trying to come up with a compromise. "Vigilon, this is my life, not yours!" She began. Vigilon brought up the topic of remorse for killing. Dazia was no longer in a peaceful mood. She sort of threw up her hands. "Nobody cares about the assholes when they die!" She responded. "Lupix tried to kill a child and I fought in the child's stead, Aldinago was a thief who resorted to violence after he couldn't steal from me, Derenze attacked me first, unconcerned about the consequences!" She explained with a raised voice. "Don't even get me started on Wardege! He had a flawed way of life, and when he decided to differ from that, he picked the wrong method and got us both caught up in a fight to the death! When dealing with the final moment, he told me to 'treat him as I would treat Humanity', and instead of dropping his damn spear or tossing it aside, he just held on to it, so I couldn't trust him by default! Even if he meant well by that, he should have known that I prioritize survival in a life or death situation! You have your dumbass moments, Vigilon, but he was even dumber than you!"

So he came to discuss stupid topics? Really?

Vigilon would speak about the issues that came with fraternizing with Dazia, in terms of his relationship with Princess. "Well, obviously there's going to be problems when you're doing shit behind her back, so either stick around her or stick around me, you can't do both." Dazia said, her arms crossed in annoyance, since Dazia was already putting up with Krysta either way, meaning it was only Vigilon who had to choose a side.

"And for the record, the main reason I'm still helping you out despite my girlfriend's literal enmity with you, is the fact that, unlike many others, I haven't lost hope for you yet!"

...Dazia wasn't expecting this.

"Vigilon..." Dazia began. "...You Idiot." She half-groaned, somewhat exasperated. "You need to put some things aside...I say you should pick a side because if you keep sticking around me, as you've already mentioned, you're gonna be in trouble. If you stick around her and not me, you won't be getting on her bad side. You love her, right? So maybe you should just focus on the more immediate problem that is Krysta being a vengeful little Princess!" She exclaimed.

Dazia had been considering her various thoughts, wondering if this was really the way to go.

"Come on, you really should consider joining, you won't regret it!"
 "You're going to need both friends and allies you can trust. Even if it's just a temporary thing, you could help us out more..."
"If you have few you can turn to, I'll be right here, young raven."

.........

Dazia was unsure about this. Joining a Guild...it was surprisingly tougher to consider this decision than she originally thought.

...And as an incentive, she'd already received her first Mission from the Guild.

Quote

"I've heard rumors that one of our lost members had spoken of a three-headed Hellhound in floor 9, shortly before his disappearance. Perhaps investigating the matter might offer some clues."

"Good luck."
-Seline

An investigation.

Vigilon had already asked Dazia to come to Floor 9, so this was an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. ....such a thought feels so off, now, due to the Guild all having some kind of symbolic bird. Seline had the Black Osprey for herself, there was the Snowy Owl for Ithena, a Nightingale for Rivea, and even a Mockingbird for Yinangi, a friend of Dazia's who had recently joined the Guild...by Dazia's suggestion.

Judging by what Seline already calls Dazia, she'd probably end up as the guild's "raven"...but it was fitting, seeing that she was already known as the Raven of Wrath...not only that, but Dazia's mother, despite the shortness that was a very much hated genetic trait Dazia ended up inheriting, also seemed to have a fondness for ravens.

Now she just needed to see what the hell was going on. Off to Knorlit Village she walked, and it was likely that Vigilon was already there, waiting for her.

Stats and Equipment:

Vigilon was going to accept the party invite, but it seemed he had one more thing to ask. "Corridor Crystals? Those are for transporting parties of players, aren't they? I don't have any, so don't expect me to save your ass just because you forgot a Teleport Crystal." Dazia answered.

Now then, it was time to head over to the specified location, now that there was one. "Let's try not to get lost in the woods on the way there."

First came the walk to the forest of memory. "So, anything keeping you busy, now that the overpopulation stopped so suddenly?" Dazia asked.

When was the last time Vigilon and Dazia working together had gone smoothly? Honestly, she couldn't remember...and it had her worried. There was the time with that one enemy who cut Dazia's HP in half, there was the time where the boats were set on fire and everyone had to swim to shore over in a starlit lake, and of course, there was the time during the overpopulation investigation where the two almost fell to their deaths because Vigilon couldn't see where they were going...

Constant problems. If it didn't stop here, she might stop partying up with him entirely.