Krysta

Shay would tell ChaseR that he did not need to worry, that he should relax instead. ChaseR would apologize as he admitted his concern, seeing that this was a higher floor and he didn't want casualties. "Most of the creatures on this floor are simply critters that do not fight back. Monsters are uncommon in this floor, powerful ones are usually rare. Therefore, it is unlikely that we will encounter any combat of any sort." Krysta said to ChaseR with a smile, as to reassure him. Krysta would resume her search, and find a cluster of seven gold stars. She had eighty five of them now, it would not be long before she was finished with her part of the search at this rate. There were probably many players who were gathering these stars, so it was likely that a hundred would be all she needed to contribute to the rail construction.

ID# 164626 LD: 7(Found 7 Gold Stars)

Krysta's Current Total: 85

Krysta saw how things quickly settled, and how swiftly the players moved to gathering from the lakeshore itself, while ChaseR decided to keep a hand on his weapon in case there were any more piscine issues that transpired. Krysta would come close to the water, and find a cluster of gold stars. She had a fair sum of them now, only twenty two golden stars away from one hundred. This was proceeding at a fairly fast-paced rate. It would not be long before each of the players managed to collect at least one hundred of them. The threshold goal for the players' contributions to the rail was about two thousand, meaning that four hundred would be a fair contribution that would cover most of the matter. Astralin seemed to be thinking out loud, so Krysta did not know whether or not she should add any of her own thoughts. For the time being, she would continue to gather golden stars.

ID# 163393 LD: 18(found 18 Gold Stars)

Krysta's Current Total: 78

Silence. There would be silence after Astralin and ChaseR re-exchanged greetings. At least there seemed to be some level of understanding. There didn't seem to be very many of the golden stars remaining in the current vicinity, as Krysta would only find two. She then heard Astralin's voice and looked to see that Astralin had somehow gotten her hand inhaled by a native fish of the lake. Hopefully it didn't have teeth, as this was not the time nor place to be within a combat scenario. Thankfully, Astralin managed to remove the fish from her hand, perhaps Astralin had found gold stars over at the lakeshore, and the fish was drawn to the sparkling light glistening off of the gold stars? Whatever the case, Krysta wouldn't be finding much else here, so it was time to draw nearer to the lakeshore. Hopefully there wouldn't be any more incidents where the fishes of the lake would not attempt to disrupt the golden star gathering any further.

ID# 163382 LD: 2(found 2 gold stars)

Krysta's Current Total: 60

Vigilon would strike down the last of the Goblin Soldiers that he and Krysta were facing, and the other goblin soldiers would be slain as they tried to flee. Once the battle was done, some of the players remarked that the soldiers seemed to be some sort of blockade, and were theorizing as to why. {Scarlet} would rush in towards the next area blindly, as Shadowynd followed her lead. "Perhaps they were guarding something nearby." Krysta guessed. She would take a look around the room of the cavern, but there was nothing to be found, save for the pathway to the next area of the depths. "Clearly, we must press onward if we are to find anything at all. We mustn't let Team Rogue gain the upper hand, should they know how to deal damage against groups of four, slowly slaying all the goblins around." Krysta noted, in case the course of action was not obvious.

ID# 163236 LD: 7+3=10(Failed, no treasure chest found)

@Vigilon

Shay spoke up, saying she wanted to be a voice of sensibility. She stated how in both this world and the real world, there is only one life, and how that life is chosen to be used is entirely up to the person. "...Some of us choose to protect, while others choose to harm. I have seen both good and evil among the players in Aincrad, and I must do what I can to protect the innocent, and thwart the desires of those who care not for others. I shan't fall to the darkness very easily." Krysta noted. "This game has already taken its toll on the masses, and we must fight our way out before more players succumb to the shadows, or the acts of those who have become no different than the monsters we fight..." She was coming close to tears as she remembered the death of her cousin... She clearly remembered seeing on the monument, that he had been killed by another player. ChaseR suggested that the players not dwell on it, and Krysta had to agree. ChaseR had given his approval, so Astralin chose to reveal her real name. "Oh, Goodness...! I had been told her real name was after a constellation, but a name like that...I truly never anticipated a name like that..." Krysta thought. Astralin also noted how the name had drawn the attention of mockers. Krysta was not surprised, given what the name was. "I do not see anything worth hating about your name." Krysta reassured Astralin. "I believe it is a lovely name, and I am certain your mother had her reasons for giving it to you." She added as she collected another cluster of gold stars.

ID# 163210 LD: 11(found 11 gold stars)

Krysta's Current Total: 58

Astralin had correctly guessed which Username belonged to the blue haired player, meaning the black haired one was Shay. The two said that it was easier to call him by what Krysta supposed was his real name, based on the revelation that he had gone as himself entirely, along with the Username, it seemed. It was also his first game...oh, how terrible... "I truly am sorry that this game had to be your first, Chase. Granted, none of us could have easily anticipated Kayaba's wicked deeds of trapping us all in here." Astralin seemed to be willing to reveal her own real name, as long as the others were willing to hear it. Krysta didn't know how they would respond, but if Astralin was to reveal her real name, she could only hope the two were understanding and appreciative. After all, it would seem abnormal to have a child named after a constellation, due to Astralin's hint on her real name... Krysta would spot another cluster of golden stars, resulting in her having a total of forty seven of them thus far.

ID# 162835 LD: 16(found 16 Gold Stars)

Krysta's Current Total: 47

The players would quickly proceed to focus on the search for the golden stars that were scattered within the area. Each player seemed to find a cluster of them, and there were far, far more of them than there were materials to find, by comparison. Astralin would attempt to pronounce one of the other players' Usernames, and she seemed to have trouble at the end. Then again, the R at the end of it was a Capital R, so, understandably, it could be interpreted in more than one way. Krysta would notice a cluster of gold stars even closer to the lakeshore. She walked over, saw, and gathered nineteen of them. "It would seem they become more frequent the closer we are to the lake..." Krysta thought aloud over her observation. Did the stars come from the lake, or did they fall to the lake and end up on the shores? It was quite a puzzling mystery...

ID# 162759 LD: 19(found 19 Gold Stars)

Krysta's Current Total: 31

Astralin would give her answer, and, as it turns out, Astralin was named after a constellation. "You...were named after a constellation? That sounds...rather unique, and I am certain it fits you well." Krysta remarked with a reassuring smile.

The two players Astralin sought to team up with did not seem very willing to combine the two parties, but they accepted the offer anyway. The one with the blue hair seemed to have some trouble pronouncing the usernames of Astralin and Krysta, but managed to get the latter correct at his latest attempt. With a chuckle, she would confirm, "Yes, Krysta."

Once the party had been formed, Astralin would call out to the party that she had found what may have been some gold stars, over at the lakeshore. Krysta would decide to investigate as well, and would come across a cluster of objects that appeared to be golden in color. When Krysta gathered them, she would find that they were indeed Gold Stars. "What Astralin says is true, there seems to be quite a lot of them, too!" Krysta called out to the other two players.

@Shay @ChaseR

ID# 162302 LD: 12(found 12 Sold Stars)

Astralin came over to greet Krysta. "It is a pleasure to see you again, Astralin, I am doing well, may I ask if you are doing the same?" She would say to her. Astralin would respond with words filled with hope. "That is wonderful to hear, I am certain you will rise above in level before very long!" Krysta noted. "At any rate, I must hang these papers, as my wishes have been written upon them. I admit, I am curious as to what this may bring in the game. Perhaps the Cardinal will read the wishes, thus hearing the voices of Aincrad on paper? Hmm...I doubt it, the system practically reads our minds, our thoughts, and therefore already knows... Do you believe the Cardinal system is learning more about us, about humanity and what we do, as we journey throughout the world it runs?" Krysta wondered aloud. When any responses that would be spoken had been said, she would hang the wishes onto the stalks of bamboo, hanging her third wish right beside Vigilon's third wish, openly addressed to be a wish for Krysta. Vigilon had wished for her, so she would wish for him back. The two wishes would be side by side with one another...it was like the bamboo stalks had grown beside each other for such an opportunity for two kindred souls to place their wishes for one another...

[Krysta hangs the Tanzaku]

Krysta walked alongside her new friend, Astralin, as they were moving on towards the lake. They were out to find two things: gold stars, and evidence of a missing person. Astralin would comment on the view of the starlight. "It is indeed a beautiful sight...perhaps I will be able to share a moment with Vigilon under these stars later tonight..." Krysta responded. Astralin would speak of the gold stars, and question how exactly they ended up in the area. "Hmm...that is actually quite a puzzling question...perhaps there is an NPC or two who might know of their origins." Krysta answered. "Gathering gold stars, a fun activity? If it was a point of time where no monsters would spawn, it would indeed seem like a pleasant pastime... Then again, I have heard that monster spawning in this floor are rarer than the usual, you have to walk quite a distance to find one, a group is far more uncommon..."

Krysta would decide to ask Astralin a question. "You seem to be fairly fond of the stars...may I ask why?" After she asked her question, it wasn't long before Astralin began walking faster as to try and invite them on the search. The speed-walking was not even necessary, as the players would clearly be able to hear Krysta and Astralin from there... "Astralin, don't you believe that is rather reckless?" She asked the other blonde. She then looked to the other two players as she caught up with Astralin, thus coming a little closer to them. "Greetings, I am Krysta." She began. "I actually do agree, we do have better chances out here if we travel in greater numbers, but I shall leave that up to you both." She noted to them.

@Shay @ChaseR

Stats and Equipment:

Vigilon would utilize his Area of Effect Sword Art once more, damaging and paralyzing two of them, not to mention inflicting bleed on them, but he missed his original target, which tripped him in midair and laughed at his misfortune. That Very Goblin Soldier would then turn its gaze over to Krysta, and it would move in to strike. Krysta raised her shield, and the Goblin Soldier would perish upon landing its meager blow. Krysta would then ready her weapon, and finish off one of the remaining Goblin Soldiers. Of the eight Goblin Soldiers that remained in the vicinity of this combat against all the teams, only one was left facing Vigilon and Krysta. The Goblin Soldiers, by the looks of things, were starting to realize they had lost this battle. Some of them began to try and flee from their opponents, but surely it would be to no avail, due to the players' side of the conflict having their motives. Vigilon asked Krysta a question, which she would answer with, "Victory is at hand!"

ID# 161367 CD: 10, LD: 13+3=16(5736 col, 2 T3 Materials, and <<Unidentified T3 Rare Trinket>>)

Battle Healing: Krysta recovers 6 HP

ID# 161368 BD: 7+3=10(hit)

Crucifixion: 17x6=102 damage to Goblin Soldier 3, Target slayed!

ID# 161373 CD: 8, LD: 4+3=7(5736 Col, <<Unidentified T3 Rare Trinket>>)

(OOC: What am I supposed to do with these pieces of junk??? ...Well, there is one thing...the col blender.)

[4]Vigilon: HP 850/850, EN 62/86 | 19 DMG | 46 MIT | 4 ACC | 3 EVA | 20 Immolation | PAR | T2 BLD | 5 LD | 3 Pros.

[0]Krysta: HP 576/620, EN 34/62 | 17 DMG | 64 MIT | 3 ACC | 1 EVA | 2 REC | 6 BH | 56 Thorns/Immolation | PAR | T2 BLD | 3 LD | 3 Pros.

                     Enemies:

Goblin Soldier 3: HP 0/478, 114 DMG Bleed: 1 turn, 24 DMG

Goblin Soldier 4: HP 88/478, 114 DMG Bleed: 1 turn, 24 DMG

Krysta would make her way back to the Tanzaku Stall, believing that she would be able to answer the remaining prompts with ease. She would notice a paper hung on the stalks already, and it was signed by Vigilon...it was clearly a wish for Krysta.

Quote

My wish for you is to always find joy and happiness, and to make it out of this mess alive.

I love you, Jewel, and I always will. -Vigilon

There was a spot right beside the paper, it was definitely the best spot he could hang the paper...so Krysta got right to continuing her work on her own wishes.

With all her wishes written, she took a deep breath or two, relieved to have thought deeply about her wishes and choices... Now there would be only one thing left in terms of these wishes, and then she would move on and see if there was anything else the festivities had to offer. Chances were, there might be, and she still had yet to find Vigilon...but since he had left his wishes here, he couldn't possibly be very far...

[Answered prompts 3, 4, and 5, all wishes are signed]

Krysta chose to take a moment to herself as she left the magpie interaction booth, the experience was certainly an interesting one, and little Aquamarine was very thoughtful, whether it be on purpose, or simple luck. Whatever the case, Krysta stopped for a moment to look at the jar of frost again. The jar itself still felt cool to the touch, and the mass of frost within hadn't changed at all. Perhaps it contained an enhancement of sorts, related to frost? She stowed it away in her inventory, and continued on, before stopping again, believing herself ready to ponder the wishes...

That was two wishes, now. She might need more time to dwell on the ones that remained. For the time being, she would continue on towards the place where the wishes were to be hung, so that she might hang the wishes once finished. Surely, she might be able to have exact answers to the remaining three wishes...despite that she had not read them yet, perhaps glnced at them, but not truly read them as of yet.

[Answered prompts 1 and 2, both are signed] [Remaining wishes: 3]

While Krysta was giving the prompts some thought, she would notice a more secluded stall in the settlement, this must have been another corner of the town. She would notice that the stall had a habitat, and an emporium that seemed to be housing a variety of birds known as magpies. As Krysta approached, the NPC spoke. “Sitting in for gramps this year,” the bird keeper admitted, having stopped playing a tune on her acoustic guitar. When she spied Krysta taking an interest in her setup, she cocked her head to the side. “A go for you? One try per person. We’ve got some unique sponsors this year, so...”

Krysta smiled. "I don't see why not. I shall give it a go!" She answered.

ID# 159884 CD: 9

The bird keeper then gestured to the cage. “Then go ahead and pick one, get acquainted with it." She explained. Krysta would walk over to the cage, where quite a few of the magpies were already looking towards her with curiosity and/or interest. She looked at each of them, before walking over to one in particular. It was an Azure-Winged Magpie. "Hello there, little one." Krysta greeted. The bird keeper took notice of which one Krysta had taken potential interest in. “That's Aqua, short for Aquamarine." She noted. Krysta looked back to the magpie, who was eyeing her curiously. "My name is Krysta," She said to the bird while gesturing to herself. "it is a pleasure to meet you, Aquamarine." She continued, making a slight gesture towards the azure-winged magpie. The bird seemed to appreciate the gestures, as if the words could not be understood without them. "Kwink-kwink", the bird chirped. "Kwink-kwink-kwink, kwink-kwink" The bird couldn't gesture very well, but she seemed to wish to return the favor, from what Krysta could guess. Krysta looked back to the bird keeper. "I would like to proceed with Aquamarine." She stated.

ID# 159885 CD: 9

The bird keeper walked over to the cage to retrieve Aquamarine, and she brought the bird over to the habitat, then gesturing for Krysta to walk over to the habitat's entrance. When Krysta was close enough to notice, she would see that Aquamarine was already enjoying her time in the habitat. The magpie flew from one spot to the next, chirping happily, and Krysta couldn't help but smile. When Aquamarine came over to Krysta, it seemed to be anticipating something. "Oh, don't worry about me, go ahead and take what time you would like." Krysta responded, believing she had something to do with the magpie's time here in the habitat. The magpie seemed to then be looking Krysta up and down with an eye that was discerning as a bird's could be. With a "Kwink-kwink-kwink", Aquamarine would fly around the habitat, interacting with various things. Aquamarine returned to Krysta again, and clearly this meant that Krysta had some part to play in this... "Am...am I to try more than simple communication?" She thought. "Kwink" Chirped Aquamarine as she tilted her head to the side. Perhaps it was asking something of her? So far, the magpie seemed content, and yet Krysta was confused as to why it seemed to behave in such a way as if it were asking something...perhaps, the magpie was waiting to be asked something? Krysta was not the most experienced with birds, so she couldn't be certain...although it wouldn't hurt to try. "Gift? Offer gift?" Krysta asked, gesturing from herself to the magpie.

ID# 159886 CD: 9

Total: 27(received Cold Shoulder from magpie[the item, not that kind of cold shoulder!])

Aquamarine hoped to understand what Krysta meant, and seemed to be open to whatever might come next. Krysta considered the possibilities. She probably wasn't able to offer something of substance, so if she needed to offer something, what could she possibly offer? ...There was one notable option that would line up with the possible conditions...the gift of song. Due to being idle for longer than expected, the bird keeper, being an NPC, returned to playing a tune on her guitar. Perhaps that might help... Krysta would attempt to sing along with the tune, and the bird keeper NPC did not seem to have any response for this as of yet, for nothing else happened on her end, she just continued playing the tune. The magpie, however, seemed interested after about half a minute. It seemed to be listening. When Krysta finished singing, Aquamarine did a little chirping of her own, and, judging by the patterns in which she was making her calls, could have been her own song. After a minute or two, the magpie looked very satisfied, as if it wasn't expecting this at first, but enjoyed it anyway. The magpie flew off into the habitat, and would return a bit slowly, for the bird was carrying a small jar with a mass of frost inside. Aquamarine set the jar down, and would gesture to the jar, then to Krysta, and open one wing as a gesture as well. She was offering the jar to Krysta as a gift of friendship. "Truly? How very kind of you, Aquamarine, thank you!" Krysta remarked as she accepted the jar. On the lid was the words "Property of Rigel". Krysta was confused for a second, then she remembered what the bird keeper said about unique sponsors. it all made sense now. The bird keeper walked over to Krysta. “Seems Aqua wanted you to have that. Might as well keep it." The NPC noted. “I'll admit, I wasn't expecting you to sing to her...and it kind of got the attention of some others...well, at least things aren't exactly boring today." She remarked. This was clearly the cardinal, through the NPC, saying "I was not expecting that" to Krysta, or, at least, that's what Krysta guessed. The bird keeper would retrieve Aquamarine, and return her to the cage. Krysta noticed that quite a few magpies were still looking at Krysta, as if wondering whether or not she would continue singing. about a few seconds after, the birds returned to their original business.. “Well, thanks for coming, see you." The bird keeper said before she returned to playing her guitar.

What an interesting encounter this was...

Krysta would arrive in the settlement of Coral. The festivities had begun at long last, and this time, there were no monstrosities to bring harm to anyone. Certainly, things were looking up for the people. Based on the events Krysta had participated in, it would seem that some events had their effects. One floor was brought to the road to restoration, and this floor was spared from a horrific disaster. Whatever the case, it was time to reap the benefits of averting the disaster: The long awaited festival! Krysta would find herself wandering the settlement, eventually stumbling upon an NPC whose stall was on the outskirts of the settlement. Krysta would approach as to investigate. “It’s tradition after all,” The NPC remarked. “Wanna give it a shot? Just write down your wishes here on these papers, and then hang them up on one of the stalks over yonder. Maybe it’ll help you clear your mind!”

Wishes? Krysta knew of no such tradition, so it was likely a foreign one. But what was the purpose of making these wishes, and hanging them upon the stalks? Perhaps she would figure it out at some point, but for now, it seemed worth at least a try. "Consider me interested. I shall give it a try." Krysta answered. The NPC would then hand some papers and a prompt sheet to Krysta. “Helps to hone in on what to write, I’d think. If you need any pencils or crayons, we’ve got those here too! I’m only asking that you return them to me after you’re done.” The NPC explained. "Thank you, I'm certain the prompts will be helpful." Krysta responded before moving on.

[Krysta has received Tanzaku]

Vigilon would attempt to strike all four goblin soldiers once again, striking all but the first one, falling into an accidental split at the end, to boot. The goblin soldiers laughed at Vigilon for what he had just experienced, then moved in to strike, despite the fact that each one would miss in their attacks. These goblins, they were in formation when this began, did they know the players were here, or were they planning something? There was indeed the possibility of guards blocking the entrance, but with so large a number, it was practically a blockade! Krysta readied her weapon, and attacked the second Goblin Soldier, which shattered from the attack. Krysta did not receive much, but this was only the first enemy stricken down... She looked around her, seeing nothing but clashing players and monsters. It would seem that there would be any signs of the enemy having reinforcements at this time...

ID# 158965 BD: 4+3=7(hit)

Over Radiation: 17x14=238 Damage to Goblin Soldier 2, Target slayed!

ID# 158966 CD: 6, LD: 3+3=6(4,780 Col, 2 T3 Materials, <<Unidentified Rare T3 Trinket>>)

[1-2-2]Vigilon: HP 850/850, EN 65/86 | 19 DMG | 46 MIT | 4 ACC | 3 EVA | 20 Immolation | PAR | T2 BLD | 5 LD | 3 Pros.

[2-0-0]Krysta: HP 620/620, EN 39/62 | 17 DMG | 64 MIT | 3 ACC | 1 EVA | 2 REC | 6 BH | 56 Thorns/Immolation | PAR | T2 BLD | 3 LD | 3 Pros.

                     Enemies:

Goblin Soldier 1: HP 68/478, 114 DMG, Bleed: 1 turn, 24 DMG

Goblin Soldier 2: HP 0/478, 114 DMG

Goblin Soldier 3: HP 238/478, 114 DMG

Goblin Soldier 4: HP 238/478, 114 DMG

As soon as the signal was given, the players charged through...and the masses of goblins that awaited the players charged for them as soon as they were in sight. Vigilon moved in to handle his opponents with an Area of Effect Sword Art, striking all four. Clearly, with both his new set of gear, and the effects of the consumables ingested, Vigilon was at peak performance for one of his level and build, from how Krysta saw it. Surely, victory in not only this battle, but perhaps even the competition itself, had reasonably high chances. Krysta would then follow after Vigilon, striking the first Goblin Soldier with great force, inflicting both paralysis and bleed in the process. Working together, Vigilon and Krysta could certainly defeat their opponents with ease...but there was the possibility of facing stronger foes as the players were to delve in further...but that bridge would be crossed when the players would reach it.

ID# 158852 BD: 10(Critical, +2 base damage, inflicted Paralysis and Bleed), CD: 12(recovered 2 EN)

Over Radiation: 19x14=266 Damage to Goblin Soldier 1

[1-1-1-1]Vigilon: HP 850/850, EN 75/86 | 19 DMG | 46 MIT | 4 ACC | 3 EVA | 20 Immolation | PAR | T2 BLD | 5 LD | 3 Pros.

[2-0-0-0]Krysta: HP 620/620, EN 51/62 | 17 DMG | 64 MIT | 3 ACC | 1 EVA | 2 REC | 6 BH | 56 Thorns/Immolation | PAR | T2 BLD | 3 LD | 3 Pros.

                     Enemies:

Goblin Soldier 1: HP 92/478, 114 DMG, Bleed: 2 turns, 24 DMG, {Paralyzed}

Goblin Soldier 2: HP 358/478, 114 DMG

Goblin Soldier 3: HP 358/478, 114 DMG

Goblin Soldier 4: HP 358/478, 114 DMG

"Alright, that should be everyone! Now then, onto the conditions!" Mitria called out.

"For every monster killed, you earn 100 points. If you find a treasure chest, you will score the col value as a bonus. for every material you find outside combat, and we will be paying attention as to notice, every material gathered outside combat is 10 points each. If some of you get any ideas to turn on each other, first strike and half loss duels only, and only against opposing teams! You achieve victory in said duels without your ally getting taken down in the process, you'll score 7000 points! Otherwise, you earn 3000 points. Losses will earn you nothing. Finally, the total amount of col you earn in this grinding session will be added to your score in full value!" Mitria decided. 

So this would be it, the moment the players were waiting for. "Certainly, we shan't be having any issues with a moderator...if this Scarlet woman is the tricky sort, she would have clearly cheated in some manner as to hold the advantage...but no, we have Mitria and her allies to assist us in having a fair competition..." Krysta thought.

Mitria was ready to start the competition. "Now then, without further ado, no more interruptions...it's time to begin! On my mark as we prepare to descend into the depths! Ready...set..."

"Go!!!!!"

Meanwhile, a player hoping to discreetly explore the cavern was hearing this. "A competition...that's it, this is the opening we've been waiting for! Who's up for playing referee?"

Before the players could rush in, Mitria would show herself, and her three allies would follow suit. "Heeeeeey! Waaaaait!!" Krysta stopped, and looked over to see the new arrivals. "Mitria?" Krysta asked. Mitria smiled. "None other!" She replied. Keita turned around as well. "Well, now, if it isn't the Aincrad Research Commission." She remarked. "Sure is!" Mitria replied. "So, we came here hoping to investigate the place, we're not exactly concerned with rewards...yet. Of course, since that place is absolutely riddled with goblins, from what we've heard...it would be ridiculously difficult to study this spot. So, since you guys are competing as you clear out the place, do you mind if we tagged along to be the referees in this? It would be terrible if a disagreement sparked at the end...besides, with all the monsters gone, we'll have a window of opportunity to study the cavern in peace! So there's a win for all of us!" She explained. Keita thought for a minute, then she spoke up. "Collecting information for the players of Aincrad is normally what we informants do. I'm not interested in a rival guild getting all the intel, but with all the col from the area itself, I guess I wouldn't mind. Besides, we'd be clearing out the place for you, so, frankly, you ought to be paying us." She explained. "It's a deal, I know we've got enough coin to spare!" Mitria responded. 

Knowing how most spots like this worked in terms of loot and such, she decided to explain how this was gonna go.

"Ok now listen up, I want my friends and I to be able to keep track of your progress, so first I want to see what resources you have now, so that there will be no questions or misunderstandings about how much you actually looted from the cavern." Mitria explained.

{Scarlet}'s ally, Shadowynd, would turn around and access his menu, drop a sum of col on the ground, amidst a small collection of stones, where it was less likely to be spotted, before making his way over to Mitria. Once all the players had revealed their starting resources, Shadowynd would wait until no one was paying attention to retrieve the col he'd purposefully dropped...and poor Mitria wouldn't notice.

Mitria:

Krysta began to hear the players declare their team names. Kanari and Shuliik were team Typhoon, Dazlea and Morgan♥ were team Rose... the team name declarations were interrupted by {Scarlet}.

"One last thing though...tell me, what is a Princess doing here?"

And here we are again. Krysta was called a Princess...and she was growing tired of it. Vigilon stepped forward, as to stand up for her, and give a positive meaning to the word used to describe her. He ended up considering an idea for their team name, and asked Krysta what she thought about it. She pondered on it for a few seconds... and was ready to make her decision. "...Why, that's...actually not a terrible idea. Right then, we shall be Team Castle!" She accessed her inventory, and equipped a vanity item that she had received some time ago. It was a silver circlet, adorned with two amethysts and two aquamarines, and a single rhodochrosite in the center, it's shape being the drop. So what if this was how they saw her? She was only being herself...and the circlet seemed to go well with her other gear, aside from her current weapon, of course.

Keita decided on a name for the team she was in. "We shall be team Nightshade." She declared. "Team Autumn! We'll win this thing!" Laida called out. Well, that was all of the teams. All that was left to do now was to charge into the monster infested caverns that awaited the players.

{Scarlet} would have a poor response to Keita's warning. "You are reckless and careless, saying such words. Don't think that you are invincible to your enemies, for in doing so, you actually become the most vulnerable...at least take that into consideration." Keita explained. Akudo agreed to team up with Keita, and then complimented on her appearance. Keita smirked, knowing what he was up to. "Oh, Akudo, don't think I don't know what you're up to. I pity you, not because you're making a terrible choice, but because you seem to be desperate for someone special. I know full well of your habits, chasing after attractive women, in search of your significant other... So if you want to get anywhere with me, you've got to do it right." She remarked.

Vigilon agreed with what Krysta had said, and sent her a party invite, which she accepted. "I wonder, how will we fare in this?" Krysta thought. This competition would surely put Krysta and her skills, as well as Vigilon's, to the test.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Morgan." Krysta said with a smile. She would then be greeted by another familiar voice. "Seems to me that you're making quite a few friends, if not acquaintances, around Aincrad." It was Keita, the informant who Krysta had not heard from for at least a short while. "Ah, Keita! It's wonderful to see you again!" She noted. Not long after she said that, the chatter of the players was silenced by another voice. 

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?"

Krysta turned to see the owner of the voice. She seemed like the confident sort, but truly full of herself, aware of it, too. She didn't seem to be on good terms with Vigilon, based on what the two said to one another. She would call forth her ally, who would take position by her side. This player would look upon all the players present, as if he were analyzing them. "Chaos, shade, nobility, and more...all together, it's a rather unique time bomb all on its own..." He muttered in a voice that was barely audible. The young woman who called him over then decided to propose a challenge to the players. Vigilon didn't seem too keen on it, but Kanari saw the value in the challenge. Keita looked over to her. "You must be the one they call {Scarlet}. You know, you should be careful regarding your reputation, as a bad one will get you hunted down...I've heard some things around, is all." She remarked. "Of course, that doesn't mean I'm against your little challenge. I actually see opportunities within..." She added. She would walk over to Akudo, and ask him, "Care to team up and work together, Akudo? I've heard you have decent skill, so I've been eager to see whether or not the rumors are true..."

Morgan♥ would look to Laida, as if seeking her permission. Laida nodded with a smile, and Morgan♥ would walk over to Dazlea, hoping to team up with her. Laida would walk over to Vixie. "Guess we're already teamed up, based on the groups already being made. I might not deal the best damage, but you can sure guarantee I can help you with keeping the monsters' eyes on me!"

Finally, Krysta would walk over to Vigilon. "Alex, we can do this. We can work together to teach this girl some manners." She stated, reassuring him, and, obviously, teaming up with him.

Keita:

Krysta would check her own inventory, but it seemed she was ill-prepared for the situation. Vigilon, however, remembered something he could use. based on his reaction of relief, Krysta couldn't help but be curious about exactly what he consumed was. Either way, it worked, and it was time to move on. 

The players would be on their way to the specified location where Vigilon had intended to go. After about an hour, the players would arrive, to see that there were several players gathering, all of them familiar faces to at least one of the two...except for two. First, Krysta would let Vigilon reunite with his friends as she walked over to greet those who she knew. "Laida, it's wonderful to see you again! It seems that we are all rising above now, aren't we?" She said to the young tank. "It's great to see you too, Krysta! Peta said I could start going to the third tier floors, as she is confident in my ability to withstand incoming attacks!" Laida would respond. Krysta would then look to another familiar face. "Dazlea, it has been some time, hasn't it? It seems like it was only yesterday when...never mind, anyway, it is a pleasure to see you again." There would be a new face that she was willing to speak to, and Laida walked over to the player's side. "Krysta, I'd like you to meet Morgan! She's from my guild, the Crystal Crusaders!" Laida explained, giving the player a gentle push. The player was wearing a set of gear that appeared to be rosegold in color, and she also wore a silver diadem with a morganite on its center. "Ah, hello...Nice to meet you, Krysta. I go by Morgan, but you'll find a heart at the end of my username...as it was taken without it." She explained.

As the players were having their conversations, another player was watching from a distance. "I honestly don't care how you approach them, or what exactly we end up doing. I just want a lucrative challenge." The player explained to his new ally. "The rest is up to you...so you can prove that you can actually lead, as you so claim you can do."

Vigilon was concerned by Krysta's issue with the spicy dragon roll, but she knew a way to handle it. "Not exactly the best... Thank you, but I have the matter covered." she answered, before utilizing this moment to consume the ice cream mochi. There...it was toning down, now. All better, and there was no added risk to losing the dragon roll's enhancement, since she waited for its positive effect to be confirmed.

Vigilon, on the other hand, did not seem to have the same plan...and had a far worse result with the spicy dragon roll.

"HYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Krysta and her familiar, Yolviinsil, looked over to Vigilon only to see him rolling on the ground, his mouth wide open, as if he was trying to vent out the heat...in a manner that Yolviinsil believed was an attempt to breathe fire. The small ruby red feathered dragon was often shy, but had been around Vigilon long enough to not be easily startled by him...so instead of being startled, she saw this as a challenge. While Veriost was breathing frost in an attempt to cool down her companion's mouth, Yolviinsil looked up and demonstrated her flame. "Yol...Toor Shul!!!" The small ruby red dragon would breathe her flames in the air, and with that, she considered herself the winner. As this was going on, Krysta was worried. "Alex, are you alright?!?" She called out as she moved right to his side. "Is there any way I can aid you?" She asked.

The time has come. Krysta knew that Vigilon had some major plans, but without the funds, materials, and gear, how would it be possible? She knew those were among the reasons he needed to go on this trip...but both players knew that Vigilon could not accomplish this alone. She would make her way to the specified meeting place, where Vigilon was waiting for her. It would seem that he now had quality gear on, and it looked wonderful on him, too. "I had a feeling some new equipment would suit you well." She remarked. "I'm certain we shall be ready for what the day has in store for us, now that we both have better equipment, and have replaced the stolen goods..." She noted. She would take some consumables out of her inventory and hand them to Vigilon, before starting on the other ones she had. Each player would find themselves with two potions and a Japanese style feast, given what the consumables were, and the amount of them, too. Aside from quantity making it somewhat difficult to bring down, Krysta had some trouble with the heat and tingling she encountered when eating the spicy dragon roll. Her face reddened and started to sweat. She had never experienced such an extremity before...or, at least, before in this game...but even what she had encountered once in reality did not have the heat that this one consumable seemed to pack inside. She was unsure wether or not letting air into the mouth would ease or worsen the situation...but then there was the Ice Cream Mochi to assist in cooling the area down after the dragon roll's effects kicked in...

Stats and Equipment:

Consumed:

Given to @Vigilon: