Havok

Taro grunted with satisfaction as he watched Hestia move in seamlessly after him. Her movements were fluid and on point, and her sword strike was mostly true. She swung at the third Nepent, barely missing. Her strike at the fourth creature was on point though, felling it easily with her damage. In fact, if his quick math was correct, she likely could have killed both of them with the damage she used. However it was not to be. Thus, Taro swung at the lone remaining creature with vicious, his Keen enhancement active. As was his luck, their luck in reality, he missed badly. It was definitely one of his worst swings in a while . He shook his head as he moved back behind Hestia. This was just their luck, one of the easiest quests, and they were having to burn so much energy and effort just to clear it. It would take a while likely. 

#91174  on #3  BD:1

Havok: 180/180  Energy: 16/18

Nepent #1: Dead

Nepent #2: Dead

Nepent #3: 7/7 (DMG 3)

Nepent #4: Dead

Hestia: 440/440/  Energy: 39/44

Taro nodded as Hestia shared what little information she had. It made sense that the aesthetics of the bosses would take elements from the surrounding areas. If there was lot of fire, it would make little sense for there to be an ice boss or even a water boss. Well, aside from a mountain spring or something, there was no real reason for such a jarring dichotomy of the scenic motifs. Still, there was something to be said for unpredictability, and that was something that was definitely designed into the game. So much of his expectations had been thoroughly smashed. 

"I feel you. There is just so much for us to learn, I will definitely not only concede that but agree to it as well. If we want to be stronger, we have to prepare for an increasingly neurotic game that is in fact designed to kill us. Like these critters."

Taro's eyes sized up the Nepents that spawned. There were mostly harmless from what he could tell, and he wasted little time stepping in and using Sonic Charge. He thrust forward, slashing with his spear. The burst of energy at the end of the move exploded, catching two of the little guys. "There, half way done."

ID# 91168 results: Battle: 8 = 7 DMG, Dead

ID# 91169 results:  Battle: 9 = 8 DMG, Dead

ID# 91170 results:  Battle: 2 = Miss

ID# 91171 results:  Battle: 4 = Miss

Havok: 180/180  Energy: 16/18

Nepent #1: Dead

Nepent #2: Dead

Nepent #3: 7/7 (DMG 3)

Nepent #4: 7/7 (DMG 3)

Hestia: 440/440/  Energy: 44/44

Taro nodded as he listened carefully to what the young woman had to say. Yet again, she had proven her chops and was definitely on the smart track to get this thing done. "Hey I was wondering anyways about this quest: was there some kind of lesson or early learning tied to it? Or was there another angle to it? It just seems to be mild and very, very straight forward. Though I have to admit I kind of wish all the quests were that simple. There would not be a lot of effort required from us moving forward. I mean, I could imagine a world where we power level and are able to solo everything in our way. But that would be very much unlike the game designer's choice. I mean, if someone was able to do that, I am sure they would have done that already, you know? I wonder though, what do you think the current bosses of level 22 are like? There was a rumor that the front line was looking to start up a raid for the boss..."

Taro smirked some as they finally crossed the threshold of the forest, transitioning away from the trail. It had become a nice, easy feeling traveling with Hestia, but they had a job to do. They could reminisce and chatter later on in the day. Grabbing his spear, Taro checked his equipment, making sure his rings and pauldrons were properly stowed or equipped as necessary. "So basically, did you just want to spam our area of effect attacks and try to just pick them apart as we see them? I mean, it makes sense to spam this and get it over as quickly as possible." Taro nodded as they saw some smaller monsters scurry off into the underbrush. These were creatures that undeniably had scared many new players before they had made it to the levels that they had reached so far on the frontlines. But still, now they were not really a threat at all. 

Twirling his spear around some, Taro just hummed as he and Hestia talked some.They had developed some good chemistry, intuiting what and how to move together in combat. They had started getting more comfortable about expending energy and when to go all in and when to hold back. It was al basically practice, but it was definitely worth it. His confidence had only soared, and while jonesing for real, difficult fight, Taro understood and appreciated the slower pace. "No, I know you are over leveled for the area, but then again, as long as someone had a similar set up of shield and mitigation, we might have been able to accomplish similar things. However, I get the feeling that most of the players in my level range are just a bit slower or not understanding things quite as well."

As they continued walking through the forest, Taro yawned a little. "Nope, do not have any. I think I got the gist of it. Just need to kill things until the special one shows up and then murder it too. Easy and quick."

Taro smiled some as he followed her directions, heading towards the southern part of the town. The way Hestia described the monsters, they were effectively rifts on either treants or any variety of garden warfare games. Actually the more she described, the more he was convinced they were basically fly-eaters or similar types of plants. It was an interesting little enemy to face. Of course her logic was sound, and it made sense to go through all the various quests on lower levels and get the bonus rewards while one could. He nodded to himself as she continued talking "Hey, it makes total sense. I got ya. I am actually considering saving up for my weapon skill rank 3 as well, to try and spike the damage I can deal even more so. I think when I can get there, I should slowly start out damaging even you! But I also need to get this familiar."

Still, Taro smiled as they continued walking towards the quest area. This should be quick. 

"Glad it will not take a lot of damage I guess. I do want to butcher some monsters though. Guess this is the best way to do it though, level up slowly and keep moving up the ranks." Taro blinked a little as Hestia nudged him in front of the door. He did not quite understand why though, until he got the quest prompt saying it was starting soon. With no further effort, the door opened and introduced the party to the NPC who would be giving the quest out. She was a nurse dealing with sickly people and needed some special medicine. "It would be my honor mam to help out this town. I do not think it should be too much of a challenge, so I imagine it will be over quickly. Just point me and my friend in the right direction and we will begin immediately. Don't fret one bit, understood?"

Taro grinned, looking back to Hestia for some guidance. She knew exactly where and why to go. Accepting the quest, he motioned with his head. "Let's go."

Taro happily listened to Domarus give the political run down of the various guilds and their situations. The more he spoke, the more his mind kind of became convinced. "You know, the Celestial Ascendants definitely sounds like my speed. Especially given I am new player and finding my way here, you know?" He just had no luck finding the materials. Domarus' early success was a pleasant surprise, and it was something he just wish he could reproduce. Regardless, he needed to move forward and catch those he chased. "And I just, am grateful for your help. I know I said that a couple times no-" Taro was interrupted as Domarus reached over and found the last of the materials. "I guess that means we are...kinda done here? No that is five materials, we are done after all."

Domarus didn't give him much time before turning on his heel and walking back to turn the quest in. Running a bit after him, Taro finally caught up long enough to ask a question. "Of those guilds, would you suggest Celestial Ascendants as the likely fit for me?"

Yawning, Taro took some time to rouse. The night had been good, and it was still early. He liked the morning, having been an early riser to care for his mother. Medicines needed to be administered on regimented times, and he had been more than willing to do so. Often he would bring in her favorite multigrain toast with a piece of fruit or two. She always had a smile as he walked in, with her sleep schedule having been destroyed long ago by pain and sleepless nights. It was not really insomnia when daggers along one's skin prevented any kind of rest. 

Still, it was not long before Taro had roused fully and met Hestia in Horunka. Twirling his spear around some, he nodded at the young woman as she explained things. "Well, sounds good - looks like I planned right. Also, I upgraded my spear skill to second rank! I should be able to keep up with damage now."

Taro nodded, both to the girl and Hestia. There was nothing better than feeling this sense of accomplishment; it was one they had carefully worked towards. However, he walked quietly, humming to himself. They needed to get accuracy between their builds. It was not the hardest thing to find, but it made Taro feel foolish for investing in the keen enhancements without having the base accuracy to take advantage of it. That of course he had to go back to the drawing board. Without the familiar, he had a gaping hole in his stat block, and truthfully, it was fine now, but he needed to get moving towards that. "Aye, another one. We did well, at least...well, we did good. Was a good learning experience, how to balance aggression and juggling hatred with multiple mobs. But I have a sinking feeling we both need to consider some things."

Taro reached over the fuss with the NPC's hair, smiling at her. "But ya, here's the town. You said the mo-" Taro was unable to finish his thought as the mother sprinted out towards them. She yelled...or sobbed something unintelligible as the quest completed prompt appeared. "Guess it was really that easy heh. Well, on to the next one." 

Taro grinned broadly as he saw Hestia move in and take on the last creature. Taro recognized that look in her eye, and he almost laughed as she started her sword art attack. With a ruthless efficiency, the young girl attacked and delivered a strong blow. Her sword slashed and stabbed the last bit of necessary health, and we both smiled as the health bar went from a quarter full to nothing. It soon exploded like its sibling. Taking Hestia's cue, Taro turned around and waved at the younger girl. It was definitely time to end the quest and move forward. "Hey there little one. It's safe to come out now. We took care of the bad monsters! Your mom is looking for you, and we need to get you home." 

Taro was definitely ready to get a move on and get the quest over with. Hopefully the young girl had not been hurt and would be willing to come along. There were too many other quests to get to.

Taro figured the best bet would be to rinse and repeat. Hestia's attack was successful against the second bat, and she put some good damage into the creature. But that was not enough, Taro needed to take one of them down to feel good about himself. He needed to be her equal, even if a few levels back. Thus, he gripped on his spear and began the attack again. Heft was the attack of choice this time. 

Thankfully, the gods were forgiving as he slammed the spear head into the bat and it burst into little shards. His attack was right on target, having scored a vicious blow. Sadly Keen wore off, as did heavy momentum. But it didn't matter, the target was dead, and only one remained.

 ID# 90430 results:  Battle: 5-1+3 = 7, 7 DMG x 2 = 14! Bat 1 is dead.

H:6] Hestia: 355/360  Energy: 14/36

Giant Bat #1: DED

Giant Bat #2: 18/50

[H2] Havok: 120/120 Energy:  6/12

Taro curses loudly and kicks rocks as Hestia states the obvious. "I know, I know. I want to skewer these little buggers all kabob like and maybe serve them to Kuro." Taro was obviously kidding, mostly. Still the attacking went on as Hestia attempted her whirling attack again, trying to pin both of the bats. But of course, she only pegged on of the damned bats. It was a solid hit, but this was going far, far longer than it should have. Avalanche seemed to breed chaos even here. 

Grunting, Taro activated Heft again, this time supplemented by Keen and Heavy Momentum. Of course, it did not matter as his spear went wide as he landed. It was almost unbelievable how bad their luck was. Soon though, soon they would get their break. 

ID# 90427 results:

 Battle: 1

[H:4] Hestia: 355/360  Energy: 18/36

Giant Bat #1: 13/50 (does 20 DMG if lands attack)

Giant Bat #2: 36/50

[H1] Havok: 120/120 Energy:  7/12

Taro groaned as he saw what happened. The bats were somehow far craftier than one would expect. And instead of Hestia being able to put consistent damage on each, either from those little thorn damage hits or her whirling blade strikes. As if it was just her luck,she dramatically missed and was only critically hit by the monsters. It almost made Taor wish there was some kind of aura that dealt damage, maybe half thorn damage, if someone was hit regardless of critical hits or not. But still, with Keen active Taro knew it was in his best interests to strike while the iron was hot. Charging up for Heft, Taro took a running leap at where he thought the first bat was and tried to slash downwards. Unfortunately, he barely missed as there was no contact and his shoulder's Heavy Momentum kicked in. Next time. 

ID# 90424 results:

 Battle: 3

[H:2] Hestia: 356/360  Energy: 22/36

Giant Bat #1: 28/50 (does 20 DMG if lands attack)

Giant Bat #2: 36/50

[H1] Havok: 120/120 Energy:  8/12

Taro grunted as he saw Hestia whiff again on her sweeping attack. It was a bad, bad fight going on, and it meant that it would take longer than either one of them wanted it to. Yet she was trying, and dealt damage as one of the bats struck her rather weakly. In fact, it took far more damage from even grazing her than it dealt. Taro could only grin at that, but he heard a crunch and knew that one had scored a critical hit on her. Of course, he followed up quickly with another Sonic Charge and this time it hit on the first bat. It and Heavy Momentum chimed in the damage. Of course Keen was in effect after that for his next set of attacks, as he missed the second bat.

ID# 90418 results:

 Battle: 9 -1 = 8 Hit! , 7 DMG

 ID# 90419 results:

 Battle: 2

Taro watched carefully, eyeing Hestia's movement. As soon as she saw the bats come into range, she put her heart and soul into her move. Activating an area of attack sword art, Hestia channeled Farrant Full Moon and seemed to just angry. Her attacks missed one of the creatures, but it nailed the other square in the center mass. It let out a loud shriek that made it clear which had been hurt. Following up her on her momentum, Taro thrust his spear forward as he activated Sonic Charge. It was an AoE rank 1 attack he had never used. Which was good, because it failed him horribly. Not only did he miss the second bat, but the first one, the one she had hurt? He watched in horror as he was no where near where it had been. Familiar with those critical hits in the past, he knew what an utter miss felt like. He had no chance of hitting either of the two creatures with those attacks. Which just further angered him, but he had to step back and get a better feel for where they were. Of course Heavy Momentum was now in effect, gratefully. 

 ID# 90410 results:

 Battle: 1

 ID# 90411 results:

 Battle: 2

[H:2] Hestia: 360/360  Energy: 31/36

Giant Bat #1: 35/50 (does 20 DMG if lands attack)

Giant Bat #2: 50/50

Havok: 120/120 Energy:  10/12

Taro steeled himself. There was nothing overtly terrifying about the coming fight, should be a cakewalk in all reality, but there was something emotionally devastating about a small child either being kidnapped or lost. The mother for example, she had hit on too many different little notes: love, terror, sadness, and just a whole slew of them. If someone had any kind of empathy, they were immediately taken in and hooked into the plot of the little quest. If the young girl was anything like the mother, Taro could understand how Kyoto had nearly lost it when he had done this quest earlier. Hearing the same things that Hestia heard, Taro looked at the woman and urged himself forward. Even in the darkened tunnel, Taro could feel the bats just before they came into view. 

"Alright Hestia, not that we should ignore the girl, but let's get this started. Attack first and I'll follow up after you go in."

Taro watched Kuro fly off, the familiar looking comfortable as it flew up and around. Hestia's thoughts were solid, almost like clockwork with the young lady. Her thought about the area sweeping attacks was spot on, as it would trigger his keen enhancement. That in of it's self would allow him to chunk the monsters for some consistent damage. He was already eyeing a chance to use heft consistently. But more than that, he wanted to get to his second rank of that skill tree. There would be some explosive amounts of damage with those new sword art attacks. It would more than worth the wait.

"Hey, you know, I think you might be right. Do not worry about howl here, but I will let you attack first. Which ever creature you hit, your taunt should generate some hate. More hatred than me means I can hit that one you tag, and then after that, perhaps you use howl. Thoughts?"

Taro nodded to himself, thinking a bit before chuckling to himself. "No, I have not upgraded my skill but I do have an AoE attack. It's not the most damaging by any stretch, in fact, your thorns will still do far more damage. My suggestion is to try and get a couple AoE's in and let the creatures hurt themselves before we both try and kill them off." It was a solid, if unspectacular plan. It was effectively the plan they had used in each and every fight thus far. Sometimes it had gone well, sometimes it took some luck. But each time they had ultimately prevailed.

"Alternatively, I could just try and rush one down myself while you do the Area of effect attack. But if you are using this as a chance to teach me how to fight multiple characters at once, I am more than willing to follow your lead. I would always regardless." He tapped his spear along the ground as they walked. It would be an interesting fight and quest either way.

Taro was nodding along to Hestia as she was interrupted and Taro himself was accosted. Gut reflexes almost made him flinch and get defensive, but the back of his head he knew what was happening. Hestia had just him this type of thing would likely happen. The woman's words were passion filled, hidden behind messy hair and sobbing. Taro's heart broke a little, emotions getting the better of his rational thoughts. However, he pushed them to the side as he smiled at the woman, accepting the quest. "With any luck mam, your daughter will be home for dinner." 

Taro knew better than making promises, even to NPCs, that he could not ensure. However, he felt comfortable in this one case, but he still did not make that promise to the woman. Whether just coding or not, reassurances should be enough. His promise to go and get her daughter, spear in his hand, would have to suffice. "Let's get going Hestia."

Taro's thoughts were elsewhere, in a different world. Thoughts about his mother, thoughts of his father - they were ever present for him, weighing him down. Yet, they also provided a certain solace on lonely nights as he remembered that there were people waiting for him. No matter how much of a nobody he was here, he still had fans back hopefully rooting him on. That perspective caused anyone to adjust their world view. And he still needed a damn familiar. He knew that there was more of aesthetic to that, a more holistic approach, but he missed the camaraderie  of a dog, a cat - any kind of pet really. He was actually jealous of Hestia on that note. Kuro had taken a liking to him, and the little bugger seemed to the perfect compliment to Hestia. 

And lo and behold, as if summoned, the young lady pleasantly ambushed him. As usual, she had a smile broad and ready. And as usual, she started in on the whole quest and what they would expect. "Sounds good! Though, a crying mother is a bit deep heh. Still, sounds good. Where do we wait?"

Taro smiled some and cracked his neck. There was a lot of work to be done, but he was getting a lot more confident. A lot more confident. His build and attacks were slowly coming along, and soon enough he would be able to complete it. However, that was harder said than done. He needed to track down a familiar and needed some luck even then. Soon enough though, he would rectify that little detail. He wanted something a little more engaging than Kuro, but he could not really choose it. That was more of an organic process, where one had to go with the flow. That was for another day, another worry.

As he walked into the town, Taro equipped his equipment for the coming quest. Hestia had mentioned it not being too tough, so it would be interesting exactly what it consisted of. They had faced some haunting enemies, but this time, it would likely be easier. He was just glad to be moving forward and upward.  

Taro grinned broadly as she brought up the concept of the mimic and such. Yeah, he had bad luck before, but he felt it changing the longer the two of them worked together. Gripping his spear, he leveraged the spear tip into the chest's opening. Grunting to himself, he prayed a little to the gods and began to pry it open. For some reason, the chest itself almost seemed to resist the attempt, and Taro's eyes narrowed. But eventually it gave way, and he popped it open. It was then that his eyes opened wider than the chest as he read the description of the loot. 

"800 COL, 10 T1 materials, 2 unidentified perfect weapons, and a unidentified perfect Consumable"

"You've given me the consumambles in the past, so I figure it is only fair you get this one. But you ok with splitting the rest of the booty down the middle?" Undoubtedly, their luck was turning. Taro could only grin so big, but he kept trying anyways.

#ID 90265 Result: Loot 18 + 3 [from ring] = 21. 

Taro grinned as their luck turned. Hestia landed a solid attack, one that let an opening for him to follow. With Keen up and running, now was the time to capitalize. Using Heft as his attack again, Taro leaped up and delivered a definitive blow. It was nothing ground breaking - or ice shattering in this case, but the blow seemed to cause Avalanche to stagger back some.Taro nodded to himself, his job done for now. Now they had to ride out the counter attack.

Maybe it was staggered after all? Of course that was a joke as it was not truly dizzy or the like, but it's blow seemed to lack the earlier forces. It struck Hestia with it's one hand, but even though it did damage, it's health was burned away by Hestia's armor's thorns. Thankfully the whole kit and kaboodle was done. "Good job Hestia! Check to see if it dropped some loot!" 

ID# 90263 results:  Battle: 6 , 6 DMG x2 for Heft = 12 DMG.  MOB: 6, 40 DMG - 35 MIT = 5 DMG. 14 Thorns taken.

#90262  BD: 7  CD: 6 (+1 energy)      Rage Blow: 5x2=10   (-2 +2=0 energy loss)

[H:10] Hestia: 315/340  Energy: 2/34

[H:3] Havok: 120/120    Energy: 5/12

Avalanche: DED JIM

Taro nodded at Hestia as she walked back. She had won one of the prizes, and she seemed to be happy. Maybe their luck was changing for the better? Maybe not? Didn't matter in the long run. Still she had won something, and Taro was definitely happy for her. "It looks like our tank has some new flashy gear she can have. Hopefully she does not go full Edge Lord on us, and take the item's aesthetics to heart eh?" He grinned at that thought.

Turning his attention to the others, Taro gave a proper bow as he introduced himself. "My name is Havok, and Domarus and Hestia here have been kind enough to help me start off. She and I have slaughtered many of the starting quests together. But it's nice to meet you all." He straightened up at that point and looked around the room. Shield and Beats would doubtlessly be there, maybe...maybe he could say hi.