Zuel

Zuel would go for a sneak attack on the elf but he did not have the stealth skill and elves had incredibly good hearing and sense and turn to Zuel before he could attack. He readied his dagger and faced Zuel as he decided that charging in right away could be dangerous instead he prepared to retaliate to the elf's attack. Since it was a npc it was sure to make the first move if Zuel go close enough allowing himself to inch closer and closer. Zuel had taken off his torn armor not to have the enemy die in a single hit so Zuel was trying to make it a semi fair fight even if there was no chance for the elf to win. Just as he thought getting close enough triggered the combat and the elf swiftly dashed forward to Zuel as he drew his sword ready to attack back. Zuel and the Dark elf would slash through each other causing damage to both him and he elf. However Zuel handed a critical hit by slashing through the side of the elf on the way through as Zuel was only merely scratched.

Zuel once again getting a vague answer once again decided it was probably best to stop pressing her about it for now. Thinking it was probably good enough he would let go of her as the sounds of rain and thunder had stopped for the time being. Zuel would get up and roll his shoulder stretching it out a bit before looking to Rithe and lending her a hand to help her up. "I think it is probably fine to get out of here now. I appreciate that you showed me your shop so let me return the favor." Zuel would walk outside to see a now sunny area that is completely wet but peaceful. Leading them back to town Zuel would make his way to the teleport platform in order to get them on floor 9 where they were ported to Yōgan Village. It was a lot hotter on floor 9 since it was mostly lava pools and black soot from the mountains. "Its just a bit of a hike to the east. Think you will be okay? I know this isn't the most glamorous floor. I won't be upset if you rather go somewhere more pleasant."  Zuel would ask her as they reached the eastern gate of the village.

The Forest of Wavering Mists was a dangerous place for love level adventures since it was primary elven territory and once could easily get ambushed making it difficult for them to escape in one piece. However Zuel was level 15 and well about the required level to take such a quest allowing him to advance without much worry. The forest had a deep thick fog to it making it seem like it was a labyrinth that you could easily get lost in. However with careful studying of the map Zuel was able to easily navigate to the desired location. There he found a small ruin in the forest that was an abandon elven camp however there was still once elf around. This must be the elf that the npcs were talking about. Inspecting the area closely it was obvious that the elf was alone as the camp only had enough supplies for one person allowing Zuel to assume he was alone. Even if he could probably take care of the elf easily he wanted to treat this quest as if it was a high level one in order to keep his critical thinking abilities sharp and not get over confident. Zuel would approach the camp keeping his distance waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.

Zuel began to make his way through the town in order to get to the gate that lead to the forest. The main settlement is known as Delilah, a homely village situated in the southern hemisphere of the floor. The settlement gets its name from the colorful fields of Delilah's that surround it on every side, only broken by cobbled and dirt roads leading north and westward. The village is themed after old medieval towns, which buildings comprising primarily of wood, wattle and daub, and aged stone covered in moss and vines. It was a nice change from floor 9 where it is mostly mountains and lava. Finally reaching the gate he would open his map to check his next destination to the Forest of Wavering Mists which was south of the town. He decided to take the road because it was a straight path to the forest. Fortunately it was still day time giving Zuel plenty of time to reach the forest, defeat the elf and bring the materials back to the blacksmiths before the sun would set. Zuel would look onward as he reached the outskirts of the forest looking in.

Zuel would look at her a bit shocked at her decisions to throw her potion instead of taking it herself since she was obviously freezing. "Why did you do that? Aren't you cold?" Zuel would rub the back of his head a bit confused but decided to leave it alone. He glanced over to her seeing her getting even colder rubbing her hands together. Zuel decides he doesn't want her to continue being cold while he waits for the storm to pass. He would grab her hands keeping them warm in his. "You think to much you know that RIthe." He would gently rub his hands onto hers in order to create some friction and warm her up faster. Not sure if he should bring it up again he decided he should ask, maybe this situation would change things a bit. "You know I am sure a warmer jacket would probably be better than a leather on in this weather." Zuel would look to her a bit concerned which wasn't quite like him. He wasn't sure how to connect with people so his persistence on asking about it was his poor attempt to get closer to her.

Zuel finally finishing a long day of blacksmithing decided he wanted to learn different ways of crafting armor and weapons and heard about a couple on floor 3 that could help him learn a technique using bone. After getting to floor 3 Zuel would head to the shop and meet with the owners Griswold and his wife Hanna who welcomed Zuel as he entered. "Welcome Sir! How may we help you today?" Zuel approached them shaking the mans hand. He wasn't sure why but his old traditional habit made him do it without thinking. Hanna would smile "What a polite man. Very different from all the young adventures that come in. So what can we do for you dear?" Zuel would nod pulling out his perfectly crafted one handed sword showing it to the two. "I have recently training my blacksmithing profession and have been looking to to other methods of crafting as well. I heard about your shop and decided I would aid you on your quest in order to see how it is done." Griswold would inspect the sword and look at it surprised. "This is wonderful craftsmanship?! Obsidian ore is it? Very nice in deed. Very well we will be happy to help you. The materials you need can be found from fighting a dark elf in the Forest of Wavering Mists. Bring them back to me and I will show you how its done." Zuel would agree taking his sword back and sheathing it before leaving marking on his map where the forest was. The quest should be easy enough since its recommended level was 3, but Zuel was only in it for his profession. Perhaps he could get some ore while he was out as well.

Zuel would look at her curiously not even realizing that the weather was dropping a bit as she handed him the jar. He didn't really mind the cold actually a bit used to it from his days in the field a long time ago. "Thats alright Rithe, Why don't you take it since you seem to be a bit could yourself." He would kneel down handing it to her instead patting her on the head. "You should try thinking about yourself every now and then instead of worrying about the well being of others." The lightning outside would get pretty intense getting more and more furious as the raid would also become a bit hard as well. Zuel would sit next to her as he opened up his journal and began going over all the quest he had completed as well as his stats, equipment and skills he had acquired. "I have been looking over the skill list and it seems once you have a certain rank in your sword skill you can also apply mods to increase your power even further. I believe once I max out my sword skill this will probably be my next investment. What about you Rithe?" He would lean close to her to show here what he was talking about.  

Zuel would continue to look around and then smile at her lightly. "Every failure makes you better. I am only level 3 in blacksmithing as well because I haven't had time to farm for materials as well. Maybe we can search for some together sometime soon." The lightning would strike hard outside as it sounded close as the rain began to pick up seeping through the cracks in the shop but nothing to serious. "I guess even in the town of beginnings it can be dangerous. I wanted to head to my shop next but I think we should wait out the storm." He would pull up a chair and sit down crossing his arms as he looked to see if there was a fireplace anywhere around to light the area a bit. "My workshop is deep on floor 9. I guess it isn't the best place to sell items since it is so out of the way but it is a good location for my profession and a good escape when I just want to be by myself for awhile. But ofcourse I enjoy your company Rithe."

Zuel would take a look around picking up various things inspecting them and placing them back into the spot he found them. "So you made most of these potions?" He would walk over to her work bench and smile. "It seems like you have been working hard. You really have come a long way. What level did you manage to get your skill?" Would look down the line of all the crafts she had completely trying to read the labels to see what kind of potions they were. "I have ever use one potion before. It was a safeguard potion that protected me from a powerful enemy's first attack. What other potions have you crafted that are useful?" Zuel seemed extremely interested in the potions wanting to learn more about the different type of potions that could increase his combat capabilities as well as protecting him from damage or other elements. Outside the weather began to change as the could hear rain at first and then suddenly thunder. The rain would patter against the the wooden parts of her shop.

Zuel would think about it for a minute. "Hmm. Well I think I will probably want to take a break from my job before trying to create something better than Sword Art Online. The full dive technology has so much potential and we have only scratch the surface. It could be used for so much more than just gaming as well so I wish to do something amazing with it." Zuel would approach her work shop looking at the entrance. "Is it in here? I guess purchasing a shop in a remote location would be very expensive. Seems perfect to create potions though." He would walk up to the entrance looking over his shoulder at Rithe. "Well? Shall we go inside I want to see what kind of potions you have created." Zuel seemed very interested to see the benefits of the potions alchemist can make in order to give him an edge in combat. Before deciding on becoming a blacksmith. Zuel had considered his option of becoming an alchemist but ultimately decided against it. "Maybe you can be my own personal alchemist" He would laugh lightly.

Zuel would put his hands up shrugging. "Alright alright you win." Allowing her to pay for the meal. "I would like to see your workshop though and I will show you mine but it is on floor 9. It is a bit hot up there and in the workshop so I don't know if you will like it." He would get up from his seat rolling his shoulder to stretch it out as he looked to her allowing her to lead the way as they made the way to her workshop. It was alright dark now as the streets of the town of beginnings would be illuminated by street lights as the once terrified players were now wandering about enjoying their new every day life. Zuel trying to continue the small talk with Rithe would look toward her as they walked. "What will you do when we make it out of here? Like I am sure going back to every day life would be difficult but I am sure it will be possible with time." They would continue to a park area where the only light was from the bright moon above them.

Zuel would laugh lightly to her response. "Well the sword I was using turn out to be perfect." He would pull out his blade placing it on the table it was in a well crafted leather sheath as well. "I put a lot of work in it so it should last me until I able to use tier 2 weapons. Who knows how long that will be. I am still working on crafting on a perfect armor as well but I don't have the resources to try anymore." He would put his sword back to his side slipping it into his belt latching it back on. "I would offer to make you something but I don't know how to craft wrappings." He would laugh lightly. More time would pass as they sat there talking to each other. "Do you have any plans after this? Maybe you could show me your shop." He would ask as he would drink from his drink once again but this time taking a bigger gulp finishing it completely as the ice had melted this by this time and waitress would come over to take their things away. Zuel would lean back in his chair satisfied from the drinks.

Zuel gives her a weak smile. "You don't have to apologize about it. I knew before I even start playing that it would be something I would have to deal with but finding people like you make it easier to deal with quest with a party." He would look away not want to press it any further since her silence was more than enough of a hint that she didn't want to talk about it and it wasn't his place to ask in the first place it was something personal. Looking back to her he would clear his throat. "So how has you profession been going? I am sure being an alchemist must be very useful. I have been spending countless days hammering away in my shop so I managed to craft some gear for myself, although I am running low on resources." He would be given another drink place in front of him as he would pick it up and being to drink from it. "So do you like sweet things?" Looking down at her almost finished ice cream in front of her giving her a little smirk teasing her.

Zuel would look at her suspiciously at her half hearted answer but decided to leave it at that for now. "I see." He would think back before deciding to get Sword Art Online and entering the game. "Well I had always been interested just RPGs in general because growing up the mmo part wasn't a thing. However I also work for a software company and really wanted to test the NervGear and so here I am." He would look at his hands making a fist and unclenching his hand. "I must say it is really impressive it almost feels exactly like the real world. It is to bad that it became a death game because this really is something amazing." He would look out the window barely able to make out the reflection of himself in it. "Well I guess they would rather to stick with people their own age and I guess I don't have the most inviting appearance so they tend to avoid me. I am a basically double the age of most players in this game" He would stare at her jacket which he did a couple of times now, trying to be a bit subtle about it. "You really seem to like that leather jacket. Even when we were in the desert you didn't even seem to take it off. Maybe you wouldn't of passed out if you did." He would finish his drink placing the empty glass on the table as the ice would clank. 

Hey Ghost. I am fairly new myself but I have been enjoying the site a lot so I hope you do as well. Just let me know if you wish to RP anytime. 

Zuel just ordered a cold drink as would watch Rithe, as she appeared to be having an inner battle with herself. Zuel thought of what to bring up since he wasn't really that great at interacting with others on a social level. "So what made you interested in playing Sword Art Online in the first place?" It was weird to think of it as a game after all Zuel had been through, it was almost more like their home now as until the game was beaten there was no going back. Zuel would inspect her a bit trying to get a closer look at her. "I would say you look around 18 years old so how come you choose to approach me in the first place? Usually kids around your age tend to avoid me." He would take a sip from his drink before leaning back in his chair as he would fold his arms staring at her. He wanted to ask her more personal question out of curiosity but decided it would probably be best not to knowing it probably would make her upset. 

Having turning in the quest with Rithe, Zuel had gained another level as he looked to her when she had called out his name. "Hm?" Zuel would think to himself for a second. Well I did finish all my work in my shop today so I guess it couldn't hurt. "Sure, I could use a break myself actually." After returning to the first floor Zuel would look around not having been back here for some time. He would shake his head to her apology. "You don't have to worry about it. I was able to level because of it after all and I was able to use my new sword skill as well, so It was good practice for me." They would reach the cafe that Rithe wanted to go to. "Actually I was more surprised by how much you had improved. You have really come a long way since when we first met." He would enter as there was a table close to the window, sitting across from her. "I guess we don't really know much about each other even though we have partied together a couple of times now."

Tired of the bat running away from him Zuel pressed on the attack again as it was still low to the ground from attacking RIthe. Taking advantage of this moment Zuel readied his blade again ready to finally test the new sword skill he had learned from leveling up. Zuel blade would glow as he charged to the blind side of the bat as the bat quickly turned to Zuel ready to try and escape death once again. Zuel blade would begin to glow as he unleashed his new sword skill on the bat. 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 him and the bat. The giant bat would glow white as it would shatter into pieces disappearing as the cave illuminates a bit from all threats being defeated. The little girl comes out crying running over to Zuel as he would lift her up and lead them to the exit. "Good work Rithe. Guess the only thing left to do is return her to the town and collect the rewards." Take the safe road back to the town the little girl would be returned unharmed as a completion screen would appear before them to accept their rewards.

Zuel would watch as Rithe created the perfect opportunity for them to finish off the last bat and finally finish this quest. As the bat was bleeding it took a lot of damage and one attack from Zuel would likely be enough to finish it off. He readied his sword and prepared to unleash a sword skill on the bat as it was distracted from Rithe's attack. He would rush forward getting in rage as his sword began to glow bright as he began to active the skill. The bat would turn to Zuel notice he was preparing to attack and retaliated with an attack of his own charging right at Rithe in a rage from the bleeding effect causing it pain trying to outrange Zuel's sword skill. The bat would notice Zuel's attack coming and if it continued its corse to attack Rithe it would certainly be killed by Zuel's sword skill. The bad would change directions at the last second causing both attack to miss completely as it fly upward into the darkness to attempt to hide again.

The bat would continue to soar through the top part of the cave being careful to not get to close to Rithe and Zuel until it was time for attack giving them little opportunity to go on the offensive themselves but having to wait for a counter attack. Zuel would wait patiently knowing that attack in the dark would prove useless and leave himself open for an attack as he listen for the bat. The little girl would be sobbing behind the rock that she was using for cover which made it a bit difficult but fortunately he could hear the bat flying toward as it emerged from the darkness trying to attack Zuel once again. Unfortunately Zuel had noticed to late that the bat was right above him as it came down slashing him on the chest as Zuel's failed to activate his sword skill from the damage. However Zuel's thorns on his chest manage to return some damage back to the bat causing the creature to retreat once again. Zuel guarded himself as he put his back against the rock that the little girl was hiding behind to protect her if it choose to attack again right away.

Zuel would continue to walk as they neared the end of the cave a loud screech could be heard from deep within it. The little girl would cower in fear rushing behind a few rocks before Zuel would draw his sword ready for the last bat to come out. After a few moments the giants bat would fly through the cave above their heads. It eyes were glowing red as it fixated its attention to Zuel enraged at the death of the other bat. fortunately they hadn't really taken much damage from the last battle and were pretty healthy to take on another bat with the same stats. Zuel thought this would be the time to test out his new sword skills. He would ready his blade as the bat began to swoop down to attack. Zuel sword began to glow bright as the bat continued toward him however the bright glow of his sword frighten the bat causing it to steer off course completely missing Zuel. Zuel would notice as he slash his sword anyway missing the bat as well. He would turn its attention toward it as it flew by taking flight back into the darkness.

Zuel would watch curiously as Rithe would do something that Zuel thought was a bit out of character for Rithe but doesn't question it since any time spent in this death game could change someone. Just as the bat would disappear a little girl would come out behind a couple of rocks and had witnessed the entire fight. She would rush over to Zuel's side hiding behind his leg as she would look over at Rithe. Zuel, a bit surprised would look down at the girl then over to Rithe. "This must be the girl that quest wants us to find. We should be careful I am sure the other bat will be close by if they have us already rescuing her." Zuel would look around cautiously expecting something to happen but it would just be silent in the dark cave as all you could hear were the little sniffles from the crying child. "Whatever the case we should probably head out of here." Zuel would begin to walk back toward the way they came, the little girl following close behind as she wouldn't let go of his jacket, still weary of Rithe. 

Zuel would look to the bat and notice the bleed effect on it as well as its health would drop to red. Zuel would nod to Rithe as the injured bat would struggle to fly but in a way was a bit more dangerous because it had become almost enraged. It would manage to lift itself higher into the air trying to get some distance between the two but Zuel would rush towards it without hesitation as He would get into range of the bat ready to finish it off. Leaping into the air once again to become leveled with the bat Zuel would strike downwards on the Bats other wing causing him to slash right through it, causing the bat to slam into the ground. With Zuel's hit all he had to do was wait for the bleed to take effect and the bat would be finished off, meaning they had already one the battle as He would Sheath his sword returning to Rithe. "It's all yours." Zuel would fold his arms as he watched Rithe. 

It was too dark to see and Zuel lost sight of the bat as it would soar higher into the darkness. Moments later Zuel would hear its wings flapping through the air as it went straight for Rithe managing to hit her sending her back as she was able to also land a hit in as well. Zuel would quickly react to the exchange not letting the bat retreat quick enough to get out of his attack range as he lunged forward hoping to land a hit on it. As the bat had its back turned trying to fly away Zuel took the opportunity to land a critical hit from behind, driving his sword through the back of the bats wing, great wounding the bat as it cried out once again having a hard time staying in the air from the powerful attack. Zuel would quickly rush over to RIthe trying to support her up a bit. "Are you okay?" Zuel would help her to her feet as he would stand in front of her so she could catch her breath as he kept his focus on the bat, ready for its next attack.

Zuel would be ready to attack as the Bat would come swooping in as Zuel would jump to the side to dodge the attack as the Bat would come full circle ready to come at him again. Zuel would get into his stance as he was ready to attack but was surprised as Rithe would run passed him toward the back landing a nice attack on it with her fists. Zuel would smirk at Rithe's progress. Not wanting her to have all the Hate on the bat, Zuel would charger forward preparing to land an attack on the bat as well. Leaping into the air to get a better vantage point on the bat Zuel would bring his sword downward slashing through the bat causing it to retaliate by flying a bit higher out of their reach for a moment as it would cry out from the attack of their party. Zuel would once again take the vanguard trying to draw its attention onto him so Rithe wouldn't take any unnecessary damage as he would continue to keep a close eye on the bat not to lose sight of it in the darkness.