Katagawa

Hokori continued to lean on her blade for the time being, though she was almost back to full on her energy. Thankfully there had been no mother boars that were coming in to attack pure. It seemed as though they were rather inattentive of their own offspring. That was assuming the game even had a system in place to determine which pups were the so called children of a boar mother. "Yes, vertical is up and down. You're doing great though, keep it up." There was no reason to dash his hopes of making progress, even if he had only hit the boars once so far. It meant that she could keep helping him. No one learned if you got it right the first try. The only issue was that one mistake in this game could cost you your life if it was bad enough. It promoted a poor style of learning, remaining in a comfort zone rather than trying to find what would be more effective. There was so little room for experimentation, though what could you expect from a death game.

Hokori continued to try and find any materials that were hidden in the area, but there were none to be found. "It seems to be that way indeed." The lack of materials being seen was a little disturbing to her, but it wasn't unusual. The first floor was abundant with players still starting out in this game. Each one slowly making their way over their inhibitions. Though it was good that more of the game's population was getting involved, it meant that this area would be constantly devoid of many resources. If new players kept coming in here and farming it up, there would be little spawning between groups arriving. "Perhaps we should make our way to the second floor to get materials off of monsters. I don't know how high of a level you are, but I should be able to cover for you. I do have the gear to take quite a few hits." Realizing how ridiculous her statement might sound, she quickly amended it. "Up to you of course."

(OOC: It's fine, take all the time you need. I am serious about going to do combat if you would like, though)

@Ryoko

Hokori continued to find no materials, but there was still a conversation going so she wasn't worried. She gave a bit of a laugh as Ryoko bestowed some luck towards her. "Thank you, though we'll see how much I'll actually need." It was possible that it could take all day for her to get the materials that she needed. Maybe it would be faster to go up a floor or two and kill some basic enemies. She didn't know how often materials dropped from them, but she figured that it would be a decent way if the girl could also fight. Saving it away for later, Hokori continued her still fruitless search. "Don't worry about getting ahead of me. We'll end up with all the materials we need eventually." At least, that was what Hokori was hoping to happen, who knew if the game would starve her of the resources she needed.

@Ryoko

It didn't take long for Dustin to finish off the dark elf that had approached them, and Hokori began to relax. She didn't have much time though, as there was a movement in the bushes behind Dustin. She motioned for him to be quiet as she made her way over to them. Once she was closer, she could make out the faint outline of someone hiding in the bush. They seemed as though they were aware of her presence, and was tensed up in wait to attack.  She quickly brought her sword up and was going to strike down. The figure jumped out of the bush, attempting to sidestep the blow. Hokori knew that this was coming though, and was already turning her blade into a horizontal slash. The blade hit the second dark elf, and they burst into pixels with a look of surprise on their face. "There, I think we are finally not going to be interrupted."

With Ryo starting to find materials of her own, Hokori was hoping she could find some as well. She didn't seem to have much luck though. It was slim pickings around the area and there wasn't another material to be found. It seemed that although the rest of the materials she had collected were universal, these were much more specific. "Seems as if the luck isn't being shared at the moment." She kept a kind tone in her voice, not having any malice that Ryo was ahead of her. She knew that she would be going at her own pace and that some would end up faster than her. She was just determined that everyone could make it to the front to help out with the people risking their lives there. It was unfair for people to ride off of their backs and expect to get out of this game for free.

@Ryoko

Hokori listened as the girl kindly gave her offer. "I have a feeling we will be able to sing for each other if we conttinue to do this quest together. I doubt that the NPC will have us not sing before giving us whatever reward they have in store." She did want to sing herself, though it would be good to hear someone else's singing again.

Moving out into the plains, Hokori remembered the first time she had come out here. It was for a similar purpose, though this time it felt like the reward would be more substantial. With as Ryo was enjoying the simulated wind, Hokori quickly picked up a small crystal half buried in the ground. She was unsure whehter or not it would work, and as she tried to put it into her inventory her fear was confirmed. Guess things wouldn't be as easy as she was hoping them to be.

@Ryoko

Hokori listened to the girl who called went by Ryo as the two made their way towards the fields on the first floor. She offered responses as quickly as she could. "Kat is fine." She started out speaking in a very dignified tone, though she eventually softened up into a more casual tone. "There's no need for you to be ashamed about what happened, I shouldn't have been standing silent for so long." Hokori tucked an out of place strand of heir behind her ear. "I never really sung on my own, though I would always listen to my mother sing when I was a little girl. I wished she did it more, but it's been so long since I've heard her voice." She didn't say it, but the reason she was going through with this was so that she could relive the memories of her mother's singing. They were some of the best memories she had, and they were skipping away while she was stuck in this death game.

@Ryoko

As the two walked in silence, Hokori made sure to keep a vigilant lookout for anything that may come to attack the two of them. She was still unsure as to what all this quest entailed, but it seemed to have something to do with taking out some ungracious hosts. Her head turns as quickly as the boy's when a stick snaps behind them. Though it was strange an elf would snap a stick like that, Dustin ran in anyways. She was going to yell at him to stop, but it was already to late. It would've been much simpler if the three of them could've talked things out. It seemed that they wanted to just charge in and have all the glory for themselves. Though it was very stereotypical of them, she didn't mind it so much. If their pride ended up getting them killed, at least it didn't get someone else killed. She lumbered up slowly behind them, taking her time to find an opening. When she did, she quickly thrust her sword towards the elf. They saw the choreographed attack and nimbly dodged out of the way.

It seems that I will be needing to use some larger area attacks if I want to connect a blow.

Though it was good the two of them were beginning to work more in tandem, Hokori couldn't help but notice that they were still trying to take charge. She didn't offer any counterpoint though, not wishing to cause further strife. It wasn't going to make this outing end very well for either of them. He talked about having a strategy, though he didn't provide a solid one. She began to come up with a plan of her own, one where they lived long enough for her to engage and one where they didn't. If they were going to rush in and take the damage off of her, she would at least know she could be safe. It was an unecessary risk, especially considering their lack of heavier plate armor like her own, but if they were willing to take the risk she would let them. SHe didn't respond until they complimented her sword. She kept her answer concise, not wishing to talk too much. "Thank you." From her past experience with them, it seemed the more the two of them talked, the more they would drift apart from different ideaologies.

@Dustin

Though dissappointed they weren't able to learn before going to work on things, Hokori knew the value of hands-on experience. It was a little strange for her field, as hands-on meant dealing with things you still couldn't touch, but it still would make for a good chance to gather knowledge. As she made her way to send the party invite to the girl, she received one herself. Geussing it was from thenm, she quickly accepted it. With a slight bow, Hokori inntroduced herself to the girl. "My name is Katagawa. Feel free to shorten it if you'd like, many people seem to prefer that." She knew that being formal wasn't really needed in this situation, but she couldn't help herself from doing it. Being this polite was one of the few ways she was ever able to get respect back in her home town. Of course, she was also expected to be much more submissive back then. Straightening from her bow, Hokori quickly made her way outside of the shop. Once she knew that Ryoko was coming with her, she would make her way towards the exit for the Town of Beginnings.

@Ryoko

Hokori listened, feeling a little down after both of them had shared their stories. It was sad that the game had to have ripped that all away from them. She knew that the game's immersive style of play would've already ripped several relationships apart, but that would be on the fault of the people who played it too much. Now, it was being taken from everybody without a choice or a chance to right their wrongs. She moved in silence with Kimihito deeper into the forest to find materials. The trees Began to block out more of the afternoon sun and the air grew slightly cooler. It was strange that there was still no materials to be found, perhaps they respawned slower than she initially thought. Of course, there could be a player or two that is just ahead of them and they didn't realize it. There were several possibilities.

@Kimihito

With the player on their own two feet once more, Hokori only gave a nod of her head as an acceptance of her thanks. She was going to speak more with them when the NPC interrupted her. It seemed as though she was offering to train the two of them in a profession. She was unsure whether or not this was an actual quest or perhaps they would just learn how to use the game more effectively to vocalize what they wanted. Regardless, it would be interesting to listen to what the NPC had to teach. She also heard the comment about the other girl having been in a band in the real world. She decided not to say anything though, as it seemed as though she was trying to keep that to herself. Pulling up a window to write notes on, she sat down and crossed her legs at the ankles. Perhaps she would be able to learn quite a bit from the NPC .

@Ryoko

The party was formed and Hokori was gearing up to go. "Don't worry about it. I've dealt with far worse men than you. Being a female in a male dominant major at a university will bring out the worst in some people. You still haven't told me about this quest of yours though." She waited patiently for his response, not wanting to rush him. She did her customary equipment checks as she did wait. Smoothing out her armor, making sure there were no creases in the dress underneath it. She equipped her sword, and it appeared horizontally across her lower back to rest lightly on her hips. The angle of the sword made it too uncomfortable to walk around with constantly, but it wasn't so bad she could always have it equipped in the field. Sword Art Online's bewildering stmaina system also meant that she could carry the sword as much as she wanted to, though it often hindered her movement. Double checking her consumable slots, she saw that her potions were in fact there, but she only wished to use them if an emergency came upon her. HOpefully that wouldn't happen for quite some time.

@Dustin

Hokori was enjoying the music, when the girl with the colorful hair turned around and saw her. She was about to apologize for intruding when the screamed out and stumbled through the door. She was quite embarassed, though didn't show it on her face. Walking into the room where the NPC was singing, she gave a deep, apologetic bow. ""Apologies for my intrusion. I wished only to listen to your music." Raising from her bow, Hokori then bowed over to the other girl. "And apologies for not notifying you of my presence. I didn't wish to interrupt you. You seemed rather engaged with the music." Hokori stood from her bow and walked over to who she assumed was another player character. With a clink of her heavy armor that was still equipped, she offered a hand towards them to pull them back up. It wasn't much to make up for startling her like that, but at least she could try and make reparations to her in a timely manner.

@Ryoko

Hokori followed Cosi towards the lake. It was not the largest of lakes, but certainly not small. She had never been the best at gauging distances, so she didn't even venture a guess at its size. The dock ccame into sight, and with it a shack of some sorts. If the old man lived here, he didn't seem to be out on the water right now. "After you Cosi." She was relaxed, not fearing any conflict right now. The game had so far been relatively kind when treating its new players. As many deaths ass she had seen on the monument of life dealing with boars, they seemed to be because of the stupidity of players rather than the game actually being that difficult. Perhaps it was her skill with games, or maybe the players wwere suiciding into the boars to end things quickly. Unsure, she gave it no further thought. Her sword remained equipped though, she was not going to take it off unless she was in a safe zone. Andd even then, if she got one that was worth displaying, she may leave it equipped so she could show her own progress.

@Cosi

Hoisting Dusint back to his feet, she rolls her eyes as he mentions raising false hopes. As much as she didn't like it happening, she didn't think anyone should rub in their differences to another person. SHe was about to turn away when he called back towards her. "Sure, I've got nothing better to do at the moment. Where is the quest at?" SHe wanted to get a few more details before sending a party invite towards them. Though she saw no reason to distrust them, she was unsure whether or not she could effectively work with them. If this quest was going to be difficult, she may not want to go with someone she could disagree with. If it was one of the more straightforward ones, she felt she could still take it on even if she was having some conflicts. She smoothed out her armor, waiting for Dustin's response.

Is there a need to apologize for our differences, or should I just let them be? I guess we'll need to see how they act and take it from there.

@Dustin

Hokori tried to find some materials of her own, but noticed she was as unsuccessful as Kimihito. "That's strange, they usually respawn rather quickly. Perhaps someone has been through here recently." She was stikll pondering the thought when Kimihito asked about her. She didn't seee any harm in reveling some information about herself, though there were hesitations where she would choose her words carefully. "I was born in Japan, but I've been studying in Germany for the past 4 years. I study nanotech engineering, and was accepted into the masters program at my college shortly before being trapped in this death game. I wanted to use the degree to help get my parents out of the poverty that awaited them, now they'll probably be stuck there for a while longer." Hokori looked down a little bit. It was sad, knowing she wouldn't be able to help her family while they had to pay for her hospital bills. Perhaps she should end it quickly if she knew she couldn't make it out. At least then she wouldn't make them pay for her mistakes.

@Kimihito

Hokori was making her rounds once again to find new players. She was also debating about getting some different gear. It was still in the air whether or not she wanted to go for the build she was heading towards right now. Being lost in thought, Hokori had started to become still in the middle of a road. She didn't do this normally, but it was something that was causing her serious thought. She was still lost in thought when she felt someone collide with her. She looked over and noticed someone familiar on the ground. It waas someone she didn't entirely get along with, but she still reached a hand out to help them up. "Sorry for that, was lost in thought. Probably sshould've moved to the side first." She offered an apologetic smile as she kept her hand out to lift them up. Whatever there was between them didn't mean she shouldn't be kind.

@Dustin

Hokori was wandering around the Town of Beginnings, debating whether or not she should look for more new players to help out. It was nice to still help them while getting a fair amont of experience herself. Though she felt it was sometimes unecessary to help at this low of a level, it was good to show the kindness of other players early. If not, several people may not be inclined to come to them for help. As she was wandering, she heard a melody carrying through the streets. It was soothing, and reminded her of her home when her mother would sing softly as she knit in the living room. Hokori made her way towards the source of the sound, eventually coming to an apartment. It also appeared to be some sort of store or studio. She made her way in to hear the tune more clearly, and saw that someone else was also enraptured by the music. Hokori waited silently, not wanting to disturb the song for either of them.

@Ryoko

It didn't take them long to reach the forest, but to her dismay there was nothing that was obviously there to be gathered. The game was generous, but still quite picky. "It's no problem. I'll still get some experience from any materials I do gather while out with you. Besides, the more I have the better off I'll be. At least, that's what I hope." Hokori picked up a small rock and chucked it a fruit hanging a little too high in a tree. It did begin to shake loose, but it wasn't quite enough to break free of the branch. "Let's. The first floor has a lot of different biomes to it. I'm surprised that they would put this much within reach of early levels. I guess it would make for good marketing if there wasn't the whole death game involved. This would've easily been one of the most lucrative games for years to come and they squandered it with their almost masochistic ideas."

@Kimihito

(OOC: Sorry for the long wait. Missed the notification for the response)

Hokori continued to lead the way towards the forest, not offering any more in terms of conversation. She didn't feel the need for much idle chatter, but it could always be welcome as a way to pass the time. She glanced behind her and noticed that Kimihito had already stopped to gather a small plant that was on the side of the road. She waited patiently for him to finish gathering it, as he seemed to be cross-referencing in some sort of guidebook that he had. She knew that there was information brokers around that you could buy info off of, but she didn't think it would be that pertinent. At least in this stage of the game, it was rather lenient in what could be used as materials. She had no idea if that leniency extended to the higher floors, but figured it likely did to some degree. "Don't worry, take all the time you need. We're not in a rush to reach the end."

@Kimihito

Hokori remained silent for the rest of the climb, focusing instead on making her way up. It was rather precarious for her at times and she nearly fell. Though she certainly didn't wish to test her idea, it seemed she might have to if her grip failed her at the wrong time. By the time she had reached the top, Cosi was already reaching a hand out to her. She accepted it even though she had always hated being the damsel in distress. The hand that life had dealt her certainly didn't help with that though. Taking a moment to catch her breath, Hokori sheathed her large blade. It would likely have dulled significantly if it were real. Thankfully, this game didn't account for mundane issues like a dull blade. It would remain just as sharp as when it was crafted. Once she caught her breath, she felt it would be best to move forward. "Let's go find where this old man is, shall we?"

@Cosi

Hokori was glad that Cosi understood that he shouldn't be so brazen with his approach to taking on the game. At least now she knew that she could push with him at a reasonable pace and make it to the front without needing to look over their own shoulders often. The path in front of them became much harder to traverse. "Depending on how this game does fall damage, it actually might be quite easier to come down. It's possible you could just tumble downwards and not actually take a hit." Though Hokori had never gotten any experience with climbing, she did know how to get creative with her solutions. She quickly drew her sword and began to plunge it into the loos gravel repeatedly. The gravel was loose enough that she wouldn't damage the blade by doing this but would still give her something to hold on to. Once She had it stuck in the ground, she could easily pull herself to it and move the blade up the hill. It was going much slower than Cosi's actual climbing skills, but she was at least able to make her way up without any assistance.

@Cosi

Hokori mostly tuned out the men's arguments. She knew that they would hold some substance, but wasn't in the mood for a proper debate right now. If she was, she would probably try to search up some psychiatry journals or something. There wasn't much that she could do, but it was in her best interest to just focus on the task at hand. As the group closed in on the cave they were being directed towards, she stopped and turned back towards her party members. She thought about giving a rousing speech, but decided that would be quite wasted on the minuscule scale of the situation. She instead decided to be quick and informative. "Let's get in, take out whatever beasts are inevitably guarding the girl, and get out. I can take the first swing with my AoE if needed, though I don't think they'll be able to stand against us for that long. Just try not to hit each other while in the dark, as that would certainly not help any of us." Hopefully, they would actually listen to her, even if they had been arguing earlier.

@Dustin

Hokori listened closely as Cosi told her about his quest and episode earlier. It mad sense to her, and understood his frustration. The issue was that this blind determination was apt to get him killed one day. She did agree with him, though wanted to talk a little bit of restraint into him. "Though the people on the front lines have been moving quite slow, there is some reason to it. I do know that many there wish for there to be as many people that make it out alive as they can. To do this, they are being slow in progress so that there is minimal death. Of course, with the amount of PKers that the people still on the lower levels are dying as fast as we would if we pushed forward quickly. We need to pick up the pace, but one person won't make the difference. We need to help others get to the front. If we show the current front liners that there is a steady supply of people, they'll be able to risk their lives without risking a halt in progress." Hokori took another breath in. "And though I will join you, I ask that you don't stick your neck out purely for the chance to get to the top faster. There will still be plenty of time before the game is over, and I don't want someone to die purely because they wished to reach the end ahead of everyone else."

@Cosi