Zuel

The sun would be beating down on them as the weather was perfect for a day by the lake. Zuel would watch Rithe as she was enjoying herself by the lake as he would smile trying to relax himself a bit himself closing his eyes. It would all be silent for a second before hearing Rithe scream for Zuel as he would see a random player with a giant axe right over him ready to attack. Before he realized what was happening he was pushed out of the way of an attack as Zuel would witness Rithe being attacked by the player falling into the water as his eyes would widen at the sight. "RITHE!!!" Zuel would be shocked for a second as he began to keep his focus on the player trying to keep calm but Zuel would show rage for the first time as the player would charge at him again. Zuel would draw his blade swinging it as he came in range knocking his axe out of the way as Zuel would grab him by the throat pinning him to a tree his sword at his throat his deep - set piercing eyes staring right at him. The player would begin to freak out. "Wai..wait wait wait. You are ...running out of time if you want to save her. She is drowning, killing me won't give you enough time to save her." Zuel would grit his teeth as he would release his grip on him quickly jumping into the water quickly swimming seeing Rithe in the water almost unconscious. He would swim quickly catching up to her, pulling her up and getting her back to shore. He would lay her on her back and shake her trying to wake her up. "Rithe! RITHE Wake up!" 

Zuel's eyes would widen as Rithe's foot would just miss his face as he would look at her a bit surprised to her random attack. Listening to her apologize he would shrug it off but would become a bit curious to her reaction. Rithe had always been a bit different to Zuel and would seem like she is hiding something even though it wasn't really any of his business. Leaving the thought in the back of his head for now he would eat his breakfast and nod as she went to the bathroom allowing him to finish eating. He would look to her as she addressed him when she returned to the room and gave her a smile. "Alright that sounds like a nice place to relax as well." Zuel knew she had been dealing with a lot lately and liked the idea of going to a peaceful place together to maybe ease her mind. Zuel would follow Rithe as he would look around absorbing the essence of the area and it really was peaceful. "When did you find this place?" Zuel would ask as she was already ahead of him so she probably didn't end up hearing him. He would follow her as she finally stopped and sat down as Zuel would sit behind her and smile as she relaxed by the lake. 

The sun would rise and shine through the window hitting Zuel's face causing him to wake up as he would sit up placing his hand on his forehead and then through his hair. Looking over to Rithe he could tell right away that she wasn't sleeping well as he decided to would probably be better not to wake her up as he would get up re equipping his gear. It looks like she still has a lot on her mind. He would quietly leave out of the room, careful not to wake her and head out to the shopping district to get something to eat for them. Walking up to one of the venders he would buy them both some breakfast items and bring them back to the inn. Silently entering the room Zuel would place it down on the table as he would walk over to Rithe. He would gently put his hand on her shoulder giving her a slight nudge to attempt to wake her up. "Rithe, its morning I got us some breakfast." He would try to nudge her again in an attempt to get her attention. 

Zuel would arrive in Fortaleza, the town on the 5th floor that was a village completely blocked off with a wall of brick to prevent sandstorms, after having heard some information about a field boss on the floor. The majority of the towns buildings are constructed out of polished sandstone, or a wooden material that is sturdy to withstand the harsh winds at times. Zuel would reach the most popular tavern in the town and would enter to find an old style tavern with dim lighting. Zuel would walk over to the bar he would order himself a drink, bringing it over to a lone table sitter there as he began to drink from his mug. I wonder if I will be able to find someone to party for the field boss here. Zuel looked around the tavern as there were many npc around but a few player characters around as well. This floor seemed pretty unpopular do to the harsh weather and environment. Zuel would continue to sip from his mug as he went over the information about the boss on this floor that supposedly dropped a power alchemic concoction that could increase the mitigation and would be useful on a later floor but was going to be a challenging fight. This would probably be the toughest boss Zuel will have to face so hard and it would probably be best not to challenge it alone. With that in mind Zuel looked around the room for any potential players that he could party with.

Quest complete!

Page Complete!

+ 3 SP

+ 400 Col

+ Snowfrost - This incredibly potent alchemical salve can be applied to a piece of armor, increasing resistance to Fire Damage for one battle. [The wearer will only take half damage from the burning damage over time effect]

+ Ice Diamond Bracelet "A beautiful bracelet that would be a perfect gift for someone special." (Vanity item)

The sun would shine through the window hitting Zuel's face instantly waking him up. For once he managed to get some sleep and felt very well rested ready to find his next challenge. Zuel would gather his things re equipping his jacket and sword as he would leave the room instantly getting locked out since his time was up. Then he would get a message from his broker telling him of another floor boss on the next floor, floor 5. Zuel reads the message sent by the broker repaying him for his information from before. "There is a sand shark floor boss on floor 5. It is much tougher than one you faced on floor 4 and a lot of parties have fallen to it or had to retreat due to its power. If you think you are up for it the rewards for taking out this one will grant you a potion that will increase your mitigation. This makes us even by the way. Good luck Zuel! Don't want to lose one of my best clients." Zuel would write the information in his journal as he prepared to head to floor 5 and find the boss. 

Zuel would sigh silently as he would place his hand on her head trying to comfort her. "I don't know what your thinking but if you need to talk I am here." Zuel wasn't really sure what he was feeling he never really cared for someone before. Maybe this is what it is like to see your daughter sad. "You are important to me and I promise that both of us will survive this game together alright." This was completely out of Zuel's character but he felt like he had to do something because he didn't like seeing her like that. He would stand up heading over to his bed as he would get ready to sleep. It had been a pretty long day for both of them and Zuel hadn't really gotten much sleep at all for the passed couple of days between questing and crafting in his workshop. He would look over his shoulder to Rithe. "Try to get some sleep. Hopefully you will feel better in the morning." Zuel would lay back on his bed resting his head on his hands closing his eyes. He didn't use his covers and was pretty much fully dressed besides taking off his jacket, boots and some light armor as he slowly started to fall asleep.

Zuel would nod him over as he would sit down in front of him looking around. "Hey old timer. Word in the town is that you solo'd the floor boss only taking a single hit. Thats pretty impressive." Zuel wouldn't pay what he was saying much attention as Zuel didn't really care for that. "Listen, After defeating the boss a Ice cavern appeared with some interesting trials and riddles. Also there was a hidden basement." Zuel would go on about his findings to his broker telling him all interesting things he found. "Wow this is the first I am hearing of this you really gave me a real scoop there buddy! Just as I promised I will give you your next information free of charge!" Zuel finishes his drink as he talks for awhile and deciding to head back after awhile going to the closest inn in the village and getting a room for the night. He would pay for a one bedroom for the night getting to his room and placing his things on the table. He would lay back resting his hands behind his head and falling asleep until morning. 

Zuel left the ice cavern as the harsh wind would blow once again and the temperature would return to freezing. As it was time for him to attempt track back to the Snowfrost village that he had on the map. Zuel would track back through the snowy forest going back to the road that would lead him back. Zuel would message his information broker telling him to meet him at the Heart of Harrow to tell him about what he discovered in the ice cavern after defeating the boss as well as the mysterious path that would lead toward the basement of the cavern. Zuel would finally making back to the village as he went straight to the Heart of Harrow Tavern to meet his information broker. Zuel would order a drink and begin to sip on it as he waited looking around as whispers would ring around the tavern as players and npc would be looking at Zuel. Seems like word had already spread that he had single handedly defeated the floor boss only getting hit once at his level. Zuel didn't pay much attention as he waited for his broker greeting him as he entered the tavern.

Finally with the hexagon piece Zuel would be able to get into the final room. Zuel places the hexagon piece into the door as it would begin to glow opening the door revealing the final room. Inside Zuel would see a ice bracelet that looked more like diamonds than ice. It was very beautiful and almost looked rare however once Zuel inspected it it was nothing more than a vanity item as he would read the item description. "A beautiful bracelet that would be a perfect gift for someone special." Zuel would add the item into his inventory as his reward for the trials and take back the hexagon. Zuel would return to the start of the entrance noticing that there was still the option to put the hexagon into the pedestal. Zuel would approach placing it in place as it would turn becoming a staircase that would lead him to a basement. Zuel would inspect the staircase and decide it was probably not the best idea to investigate a cavern's basement without knowing what could be down there. Zuel decided to turn back to tell an information broker about it before exploring it himself.

Reaching what looked to be the last trial Zuel was at a door completely made of ice and it was impossible to pass however there was a etching in the center of it that could fit a hexagon in it. How is it possible I searched every room and there was no hexagon item in any of them maybe I was supposed to bring it from outside this place. Zuel looked around and thought of possibilities to get through but it really did seem like he needed to a hexagon piece in order to get though. I wonder if I have to mine the ice in order to get the piece. To the right of the door was a huge ice vein that could be mined. This must be it. Walking up to the giant the ice vein Zuel would strike down gently on the ore vein causing ice to break apart to reveal what was inside the ore vain as it could be seen shining through the outer vein. Zuel continued to chip away at the ice to try to preserve the ore inside. After hitting it a couple of more times the vein would be completely depleted and Zuel would begin to sift through the ice hoping to find ore that he could use. Zuel was finally successful in mining the ice receiving the hexagon piece. 

Zuel entered another room where the floor was completely made of ice and the next path was on the opposite side of the room however there were spikes all along the walls so he was going to need to be careful. Zuel would step on the ice as he began to slip and being forced to slide in the direction of  a spike. Using his quick thinking Zuel would use his sword to stop himself and change his direction to lead to the path he need to go. Zuel would sheath his sword as there was another ice vein in the hall of his path.  Walking up to another of the ice veins Zuel would strike down gently on the ore vein causing ice to break apart to reveal what was inside the ore vain as it could be seen shining through the outer vein. Zuel continued to chip away at the ice to try to preserve the ore inside. After hitting it a couple of more times the vein would be completely depleted and Zuel would begin to sift through the ice hoping to find ore that he could use. Although he was closer to perfecting the mining he failed again causing it shatter and disappear once again.

It almost seemed like Zuel was being tested in a way in order to find the location of the hexagon piece. Entering the next room it seemed to be another puzzle as there was a bunch of ice formations but it seemed that a couple of them were out of place as Zuel would return them to their normal locations the wall behind them would slowly open up causing it to have another path for Zuel to head but before he went he would try again at another ice ore nearby. Walking up to another of the ice veins Zuel would strike down gently on the ore vein causing ice to break apart to reveal what was inside the ore vain as it could be seen shining through the outer vein. Zuel continued to chip away at the ice to try to preserve the ore inside. After hitting it a couple of more times the vein would be completely depleted and Zuel would begin to sift through the ice hoping to find ore that he could use. It was no use the ore just kept breaking every time he tried. 

Zuel would venture deeper into the cave searching for any clue that could lead to finding the hexagon piece that could fit into the pedestal piece. The path split into two different direction both looking exactly the same as the other however Zuel noticed that there were more ice crystals forming from the side on the left leading him to believe that it was the correct path. Zuel saw a ice vein on the way and decided to try for it. Walking up to another of the ice veins Zuel would strike down gently on the ore vein causing ice to break apart to reveal what was inside the ore vain as it could be seen shining through the outer vein. Zuel continued to chip away at the ice to try to preserve the ore inside. After hitting it a couple of more times the vein would be completely depleted and Zuel would begin to sift through the ice hoping to find ore that he could use. Nothing once again it might really be impossible to mine from this ice. He continued on deeper into the cave.

Zuel began to wonder if it was even possible to mine the ice ore but it seemed like this area was meant for something as there was ice everywhere in an open area like this, not to mention that this place was opened when the boss of the floor was destroyed. Maybe I am supposed to bring something here. Zuel would see a pedestal sitting in the middle of the room as Zuel investigated it closer and there was a indentation in the middle of it that looked to be big enough for a hexagon piece to fit inside of it. Zuel would look around the immediate area trying to find something that would fit but it didn't look like it was in this location. Zuel waiting around a bit longer before heading out of the cave to search for the piece but not before trying to mine again first. I guess I can mine on the way. Walking up to another of the ice veins Zuel would strike down gently on the ore vein causing ice to break apart to reveal what was inside the ore vain as it could be seen shining through the outer vein. Zuel continued to chip away at the ice to try to preserve the ore inside. After hitting it a couple of more times the vein would be completely depleted and Zuel would begin to sift through the ice hoping to find ore that he could use. Again he was unable to get any ore from the vein and decided to move on into the cave to try and find the piece. 

Still really interested in mining the ice Zuel would get ready to attempt again as this time he would try to be a bit more gently as it would probably take a bit more time to mine this ore compared to what he had previously gotten before. Walking up to another of the ice veins Zuel would strike down gently on the ore vein causing ice to break apart to reveal what was inside the ore vain as it could be seen shining through the outer vein. Zuel continued to chip away at the ice to try to preserve the ore inside. After hitting it a couple of more times the vein would be completely depleted and Zuel would begin to sift through the ice hoping to find ore that he could use. Unfortunately Zuel's inexperience once again showed that he wasn't able to perfectly mine the ore causing it to break again and disappear. Zuel felt like it wouldn't give him a good footing in a cavern full of ice making it a bit harder for him to properly mine. 

Once Zuel entered the cavern the air would become much colder as he walls were completely made of ice allowing light to reflect all the way into the cave illuminating the whole cavern. As Zuel would go in deeper he would notice that there was large amount of light coming from deeper inside the cave as Zuel cautiously entered he would find a large area covered in ice ore that Zuel would possibly mine. It might be difficult to mine but it could prove to make for some useful crafts later on. Walking up to one of the ice veins Zuel would strike down hard on the ore vein causing ice to break apart to reveal what was inside the ore vain as it could be seen shining through the outer vein. Zuel continued to chip away at the ice to try to preserve the ore inside. After hitting it a couple of more times the vein would be completely depleted and Zuel would begin to sift through the ice hoping to find ore that he could use. Zuel's inexperience with mining ice cause him to completely shatter the ore causing it to disappear. 

After the boss had completely disappeared Zuel received a confirmation window showing him the loot of the boss and it was the Alchemic concoction he had heard about from the information broker. It was called Snowfrost which description read, This incredibly potent alchemical salve can be applied to a piece of armor, increasing resistance to Fire Damage for one battle. [The wearer will only take half damage from the burning damage over time effect]. Putting it in his inventory Zuel knew that it would have it use one day in a fight against a boss that used fire. The winds around the area would begin to calm and in the distance Zuel would hear the sound of breaking ice as he saw a once wall open up to reveal a hidden cave. Was the Avalanche's ice protecting that cave? It could be risky to advance into a cave without having any information because the broken didn't say anything about a cave. Not wanting to pass up the opportunity Zuel decided to investigate and kake his way toward the ice cavern. 

Zuel would continue to inch closer and close to the boss as it began to create heavy icy winds in retaliation to Zuel's menacing movement toward it. Zuel however seemed almost unaffected as he continued toward Avalanche ready to land the finishing blow to it. Avalanche began to roll around in one last ditch effort to damage Zuel creating a giant snow boulder and began to roll directly at Zuel for one final attack. Zuel seemed a bit surprised at the technique but wasn't going to waver as he kept on his path toward the direction of the rolling boulder. The boulder would begin to get faster and bigger as it picked up more snow right in the path of Zuel as it was about to hit Zuel would leap into the air slashing straight through the boulder hitting through Avalanche inside, ending up on the other side unscathed. As Avalanche stopped he would begin to glow bright before shattering into pieces and disappearing as Zuel had finished him off completely. 

Zuel had to land a more powerful attack if he wanted to break that ice. It looks like only a sword skill is going to be powerful enough to break through and damage the boss. Zuel would plan his next attack carefully as Avalanche did not send out an attack for some time now. Why hasn't he tried attacking me yet? Could it be my movement?! Zuel had figured out how Avalanche was aiming for him even though he was encased in Ice. It was the movement in the snow that was linked to the ice it protected itself in. If Zuel wanted to land an attack he would going to need to be quick. Zuel would pick up a nearby rock as he would through it in a direction running in the opposite as rock rolled through the snow, Avalanche would launch a bunch of ice shard in that direction confirming Zuel's theory as he began to charge and Avalanche's attention switched to him. However it was to late as Zuel was already charging up his sword skill releasing it once he got into range using Vorpal Lance sword skill. Zuel's sword length doubles from energy to reach Avalanches shield before thrusting the weapon into the opponent, causing a burst of energy. Avalanches shield would break from within damaging it as well completely knocking it back into a tree as its ice would begin to fall from its body and its health bar would be in the low red. It looks like one more hit will finish it off. Zuel slowly walked towards Avalanche with his sword at his side. Zuel was giving off a killer's instinct and vibe causing the mob to become berserk as it flailed around to retaliate. 

As Avalanche would cry out in pain, Zuel decided to take this opportunity to regroup as he backed up to plan his next move. He managed to greatly out maneuver Avalanche so far and wanted to keep this momentum up by formulating a new strategy. Avalanche would shake off the snow as it would rise to its feet once again a bit disoriented as it began to frantically search the area for Zuel not know where he went. After finally spotting him a good distance behind him Avalanche would encase itself in ice to protect itself from Zuel's attack, however it didn't mean Avalanche couldn't attack as and ice shard would come from its body right toward Zuel just missing him. Just as I thought. Well I guess I will just have to break its shield then.  Zuel not letting Avalanche have its way would accept its challenge as he would begin to run right for it preparing himself for whatever it would throw at him. Avalanche would retaliate as his ice shards would shoot out in ever direction as Zuel would dodge them left and right closing the gap between them swinging his sword swiftly as it would simply scratch the ice wall but not breaking through it causing him to retreat. Seems like a normal attack wont be enough. I will have to use a sword skill to break through. Zuel started to form a strategy as Avalanche just sat there in its ice defense. 

Zuel had landed his most powerful attack basically cutting the health of Avalanche by half causing it to cry out in pain as burst of icy winds would blow the snow fog completely away as it attempted to rise to its feet. Zuel had become very powerful through his level as his well crafted gear that he had worked so hard to make. Avalanche would once again rise to its feet as it attempted to look around for Zuel spotting him and let out another roar causing more icy winds to form. Zuel would once again protect himself as he shielded his face and eyes from the harsh winds he would be surprised to see Avalanche charging at him once again when he recovered. Zuel wouldn't stand by and wait this time as he would charge at it as well, his sword trailing behind as they both went for an attack again. Zuel would charge in full force as Avalanche would once again send a very quick haymaker toward Zuel as he would slide through its legs using the snow to move quicker as its attack would miss completely causing it to fall over. Zuel would get behind the boss as he would use his full force to his a exposed ice crystal on the back of Avalanche causing a critical his and it to cry out in pain once again. 

The boss would pull its massive icy hand from the snow bringing itself back to a straight posture as it was fixated on Zuel's location preparing to attack again. The rumors on this thing were true. This isn't going to be easy. Zuel would try to formulate a plan with the little time he had to think planning to use a sword skill to do some damage to the thing. Avalanche would inch forward through the snow coming closer and closer to Zuel. Hoping to react a bit fast this time Zuel would prepare to use his sword skill before Avalanche got any closer as his blade began to glow as he held his sword behind his back. Avalanche would rush forward attempting to stop Zuel once again to land another attack on him. As Avalanche would come into range Zuel would release his strongest sword skill he head Lightning Fall. Zuel leaps high into the air, makes a single backflip, and then comes does with a powerful downward slice causing crackles of energy to pop around Avalanche causing it to completely miss its attack on Zuel, as it would fall backward into the snow causing it create a huge cloud that covers the entire battlefield. 

Avalanche would let our a great roar as it would cause icy winds to come from it mouth mouth right into Zuel direction as he would put up his arms to protect his face. Hm an Ice elemental, This should be interesting. Zuel would keep his distance as he would try to attempt to gain as much information about the boss without getting to close to it and putting himself in danger. Its body looked like it was completely covered in a strong ice as it had a humanoid like build as well making it primary attacks probably a bunch or a kick. Its possible that he could also shoot shards of ice as me as well. Zuel began to play out different scenarios in his head as he planned the best one for action as Avalanche would take no time charging at Zuel preparing to attack. Zuel would watch carefully as he readied himself for a counter attack with his sword skill. before Zuel would prepare his sword skill Avalanche would let out a powerful attack giving Zuel little time for a counter as Avalanche would make a direct hit causing Zuel to fly back as he would land on his feet picking up some snow as he was sent back. It is fast for something so big. As Zuel would get back into his stance to ready for the next attack.

Waiting around for some time Zuel would approach a couple of players but non seemed to be interested in taking on the boss. Perhaps they were too afraid or weren't strong enough but that wasn't going to be enough to deter Zuel from completing his goal. He would check his equipment and his inventory to make sure he was ready for his toughest fight yet. Leaving the Hear and Harrow tavern Zuel would make his way to the edge of the village as he checked his map for the known location he learned about from his information broker. It was colder than Zuel had ever experienced in the world of Aincrad but Zuel was conditioned to withstand this weather without much discomfort. Heading into toward the direction of the boss Zuel tried to avoid the chilling winds that would blow his way managing to get into a deeper part of the snowy forest as the trees began to block some of it. After traveling for sometime Zuel would come across a large open field that was a perfect circle surrounded by trees with a solid ice formation in the middle of it. Zuel would carefully approach the formation having a feeling that it wasn't just some ice in the ground. As he came closer the formation would begin to shake as it would slowly rise facing Zuel as the boss name Avalanche would come along with its 4 health bars. Zuel drew his blade keeping it close as he prepared to fight the giant ice elemental.