Astralin

In realistic terms, deflection by a weapon would have cut Astralin, unless it was one of those one-edged swords, then there would have been a chance the blunt end was used to deflect, in which Astralin would have kept her hand...

But these were training weapons, in a virtual reality, so there was no amputation that could possibly occur. Once Astralin's attack was deflected, the blue-haired player attempted a horizontal slash attack. Astralin fell backwards, by her own choice, as to avoid the weapon. In hopes of avoiding a downward thrust while she was on the floor, she rolled her body to the side before getting back up. One way to have kept an opponent from attacking would have been to attempt a low sweep to cause a stumble in the opponent's balance...but this was an honorable sparring match, such tricks are better off for a real fight. In a duel like this, it wasn't likely that hits below the belt would be tolerated.

So upon getting back up, she lunged forward, and turned around to leap towards the player, attempting to strike his side with a right hook.

@Calrex

Results:

Astralin managed to find and put on one of the available forms of attire, and she managed to find some hand wraps, too. She was familiar with Martial Arts to to it technically being her skill of choice, but she was used to acting like it was magic delivered via physical contact. If she didn't want to mess up the theme of this little event, she'd have to avoid saying any spell names, though that would break her personal immersion into what she wanted to be.

Oh, the conundrum...

With a sigh, she decided to keep her attacks silent for the tournament's duration.

Astralin took a look at her first opponent. While she was unsure of whether or not this player was a "threat", as Yona might believe, there was one thing she was certain of when she saw him. "Whoa...he's so...ripped! How...how am I gonna do this?" Astralin thought. She may have pretty good damage statistically, but she wasn't too confident in her actual strength...at all.

Her opponent gave a ceremonial bow...and Astralin had no idea how she was supposed to respond. Poor thing didn't know enough about Japanese culture to make any accurate guesses, so rather than embarrass herself, she just smiled in response. Her opponent said to hold nothing back, as he positioned himself for the duel. Astralin took her stance, deciding to start with an evasive strategy. It wasn't like she could just block a bokken with handwraps, after all.

Astralin waited, she watched the player "unsheathe" his bokken and advance towards Astralin. As soon as he stepped to his right, she knew what he intended. She rolled diagonally, both forward and to her own right, to dodge his attack. Upon getting back up, she immediately lunged towards her opponent in an attempt to deliver a swift chop to his shoulder.

@Calrex

Results:

Stats and Equipment:

The two players continued walking towards the dojo, where they were to retrieve their gear and prepare for the competition. Astralin didn't know who was participating and who was fighting just yet, aside from herself and Yona.

Along the way, she passed by some familiar faces, such as @Koga and the Artisan who made her Amulet(@NIGHT). As she and Yona passed by, she waved to them while saying a soft "Hi!" to them with a smile.

She also noticed a new friend of hers(@Astreya) talking to a brown haired male(@Bismuth) She waved to them as well. Astralin might have been unnerved by Yona's words, especially if they held water, but that wouldn't stop Astralin from being nice.

Inside the dojo, it would seem that the time for the matches was arriving. Astralin turned to look at her current only theoretical ally. "Well, guess this is where we split for now. Good luck, I hope to face you in the finals!" She said to Yona, before running off to equip the tournament's required gear.

As long as Astralin kept her head in the game, she'd stand a decent chance, right?

Yona's reaction was unexpected, but Astralin was also confused. "Ah....Yona, can I see that real quick...?" She asked worriedly. Yona handed the flyer over, and...

Astralin's eyes widened. "A...date...for...the victor of the tournament...um...and it's...the victor's choice...?" Astralin realized. "Yona...what are we going to do?" She asked. Yona's expression changed from one of utter shock, into one of utter defiance. "The answer's clear as Day. We avoid loss! We need to fight like our sanity depends on it!" Astralin blinked several times in succession, before her eyes darted their gaze in multiple directions, made uncomfortable by Yona's stare, despite the expression not being strange whatsoever. "I uh, don't know if I'd go that far, but..."

Yona sighed. "I get that this may sound like an exaggeration, but we're in really deep water here. there is great thirst among the general public, even in MMOs. I'm telling you strongly, 'cause... 'cause you may be more at risk than I am!" She claimed. Astralin almost understood, but was still a bit confused. "At risk? what do you mean?" She asked. Yona took a deep breath. "Just...Have you even looked at yourself? You're like a starry dream! An adorable blonde with sparkling blue eyes, wearing your heart on your sleeve like it's no big deal, I don't even need to mention your measurements-"

"O-okay, I get it!" Astralin said as she crossed her arms over her chest and turned all but her face away, flustered. "Wait, are you...envious?" She asked, her current, reddened expression unfaltering. "No." Yona lied. "Just...let's just get ready so we can win. I'm not in the mood to get conquered." Astralin's expression changed to one of confusion. "Um, care to elaborate? 'Conquered?' What's this about?" She asked.

Yona stood firm, her back turned as she stared off into the distance. "Conquer or be conquered, dominate or be dominated...this is no game, it's war!" She declared. "And if you still don't understand...oh, forget it, we've wasted enough time figuring out what we've gone and thrown ourselves into. Let's go, hopefully we'll both make it to the final round, 'cause i'm sure we can trust each other, unlike anyone else likely to show up to an event with such a prize." She trailed off.

"Well, we should get ourselves the proper attire and gear for this tourney, as the boatman said. Let's go see Baldur!" Astralin decided.

Thus did the two players begin making their way to the event's organizer.

On the way, Astralin was feeling more nervous than anything. She needed to lighten the mood so that the two didn't enter the tournament's combat with their knees knocking. "So...anything about this environment that intrigues you?" Astralin asked. "I haven't been here, so of course I'd know nothing...ah, but I can only hope there's a beautiful night sky... the many stars glittering and populating the great expanse beyond the world, just...wow...ahhhh, but enough of that, it's not like a night on this floor can compare to one on Floor 22, anyway! ...The Japanese architecture of the Estate looks nice, though..." She rambled.

Stats and Equipment:

Astralin spotted a flyer that stood out from the rest, and it seemed to mention a tournament. "...White Day Valentines Tournament?" Astralin read aloud. "Hmm...don't know what that means, but hey, a tournament sounds nice...oh, and a safe and fun environment for all? I'm sold!"

Without bothering to read the other details, she signed herself up. Oh, if only she knew what she'd gone and gotten herself into...

Astreya explained how she was uncertain where she really stood in terms of her build, but intended to become a tank on the front lines, but test the waters there first, just to see if what she was going for truly suited her.

At least, that's what Astralin was able to get from the Valley Girl's words.

Astreya proceeded to state her current level, but she asked about going beyond the top level. "Yeah, I've heard about levels that go beyond the cap. Paragon Levels, so they're called. They only seem to bring about changes to your stats within certain milestones of Paragon level" Astralin responded. "...Buuuut I haven't been able to confirm this, mainly because I don't have any paragon levels to my name just yet...but at the rate things are going, I'll be getting some soon!" She continued, her arms shaking up and down somewhat as she did. She was really starting to get excited about reaching the level cap, which was basically the midpoint between her and the strongest players in the game.

Astreya, after hearing what Astralin said to the pink haired baker, tried one of the sweets that Astralin brought and gave her approval, asking Astralin to tell Vigilon that he'd just helped his friend out. This friend of his may have made more than just sweets at his place, but it seemed that if his desserts got enough attention here, players might just start spontaneously heading over there just for his desserts...well, at least he'll be getting business, right? "Will do." Astralin noted with a smile.

The pink haired baker seemed to recognize the name of the place she mentioned. She ended up speaking out her reason for her current thought process, which turned out to be a competitive stance, a preparation, if not a declaration, of rivalry. Astralin kept a smile on her face, but it was a bit forced this time. She just wanted to be nice, she encouraged both sides, and this girl was...sort of, kinda...not taking it in the best way. Well...to each their own?

Astreya was humble in her response to the pink haired player in regards to the level and stat conversation. Apparently the baker wasn't a damage dealer. "That's not a problem though," Astralin reassured, looking at the baker thoughtfully. "Countless people specialize in damage, myself included even though I also dabble in supportive arts, but supporters and tanks are crucial in a well balanced party. With a support focused build, I'm sure you'll find plenty of allies who'll appreciate what you do!"

Astreya introduced a player named Melodie to Astralin and the Baker, who's username seemed to be Blueberry. "Hi." Astralin said calmly with a smile, for the girl appeared to be on the reserved side. Astreya realized that she hadn't introduced herself to the host, so she left to do just that, leaving the brunette with a blonde and a pinkette that she'd only just been introduced to.

This must have been awkward for the brunette, but Astralin wanted to try making it less awkward. "So, how have you been?" She asked softly. If Melodie was too shy to answer, Astralin wouldn't mind.

@Astreya @Blueberry @Melodie le Breton

Koga greeted Astralin, only to get gripped on the shoulder and pulled aside by the artisan who made Astralin's Amulet. Something was off, based on the subtle actions, such as the movement in her fingers.

Astralin, however, had no idea what this was about, but she could only guess it was serious if the artisan was trying to stay calm, even though she didn't seem to be...

Well, Astralin could continue socializing with other players while waiting, right? Well, turns out there was no need to search, someone came to her. A familiar face seemed to recognize her. "Heeeey, Astreya! It's been a while, how are you?" Astralin asked. "I've been making progress on my stats, how's your build coming along?"  

@Astreya

Once Astralin would have an answer from Astreya, the pink haired baker approached Astralin asked her if she'd made what she brought. "Nope, the friend of a friend did." Astralin began. "Basically, a new friend of mine, who goes by the name Vigilon, has a best friend who has cooking as his profession of choice. He even runs a place over in the main settlement of this floor, if I recall correctly. I think the place was called...The Carefree Magpie?" She recalled. "Anyway, you both make great stuff, keep up the good work!" She encouraged.

@Blueberry

Astralin waited patiently, and she turned around to see another player almost running her over! This player seemed to be a fellow blonde at the same height as Astralin. There may have been a difference in the exact hair coloring, but a definite difference was eye color. The player was holding a tray of deviled eggs, and was wearing an oversized sweater, paired with black leggings. She apologized for almost crashing into Astralin, then grinned and complimented Astralin's festive apparel. "Aww, thank you! You look great, too!" Astralin said with a bright smile, adding in a compliment of her own. Being nice to good people was something she loved doing.

@Lessa

The fellow blonde opened the door, saying they should just go in. Well, maybe this time around...Astralin normally wasn't one to just barge into a place uninvited(unless it was hostile territory like a dungeon, which this was not), but maybe in this case, it was forgivable?

Astralin entered to see both a party, and what might have been the aftermath of some drama. She would walk over to the dessert table, and assess the "damage".

There was literally nothing but blueberry desserts. Hm, who could have possibly made these...? Astralin tried one of the blueberry desserts and remembered the time in that tavern back on floor one, when a certain player was trying to practice baking... Astralin looked around and spotted the player, who she recognized. ...she didn't remember catching the pink haired player's name, though...

...So if that's the case, exactly what happened? Had Yona called for help from more than one player? Whatever the case, as good as the blueberry desserts were, a good variety was always best. So Astralin accessed her inventory to pull out and set down the festive sweets that Vigilon's friend had made. Three dozen festive sugar cookies, two dozen festively decorated cupcakes, the cupcakes themselves varying from a sweet and simple vanilla to a rich, decadent chocolate, several batches of chocolate covered pretzels, in milk, dark, and white chocolate varieties, topped off with green and red sprinkles. Along with that, she set down a festively decorated cake along with two pies, one being a cherry pie, the other being an apple pie. Can't argue with the classics, one might guess.

...As Astralin looked through her inventory to make sure nothing was missing, she took note of the quantity of the extra desserts Vigilon's friend had made specifically for her. ...there were more than Astralin could have alone, and she couldn't just keep these wonderful visual/confectionery experiences to herself...she was a woman of morals, so she decided to share a few. In addition to the other desserts she'd set down on the table, she added in one dozen star-shaped cookies that had the appearance of being golden, despite the fact that they were just sugar cookies with royal icing. She also set down some white chocolates that were shaped like crescent moons, with star-shaped sprinkles, sky blue in color, inside. To top those two extras off, she set down a Galaxy Mirror cake.

Astralin backed up a bit and took a screenshot of the dessert table's new layout. The Blueberry Goodies that were there before Astralin's arrival, the Festive Desserts that Astralin had brought, not to mention the Stellar Sweets that Astralin decided to share some of...yeah, it was a great layout, all coming together!

...Of course, she had no clue that the Blueberry Goodies were why she got called over by Yona.

With her additions made, it was time to enjoy the party. Among the players present, she recognized two players. Astreya, and Koga. Since Koga was apparently the Host, she decided to talk to him first. "Hey, Koga!" She said as she approached while waving over to him. "It's been a while, how have you been?" She asked.

@Koga

"So let me get this straight, you need to bring more of what that Yona chick bought from me over to the same party she went to because of a 'dessert sabotage'? Am I hearing you right, Starshine?" Vigilon's friend asked.

Astralin nodded. "More or less, though a variety would be ideal in this situation, if it really is as was described." She answered.

Vigilon's friend took a short moment to walk over to his material stock, before shrugging and returning to Astralin with a smile. "I'm in, business is slower than I expected, anyway. Just give me a moment..." He declared. He walked over to the door leading to his kitchen, then he called out, "Hey, Angie, I've gotten a bit of a tall order, can you handle the counter for a bit?" before entering the room where he made his crafts. A pink haired NPC who must have been Angie walked out to man the counter, and then someone nearby tried to call for her attention. "You in the mood for a chat while you wait?" An emerald-eyed young woman asked. "Don't worry about me, I'm just a regular who knows this place inside and out. It's nice to know that Vigilon and his best friend are finding more friends." She added, hoping not to discourage Astralin. "Oh, you know him too?" Astralin asked. "Sure do." The woman answered with a mischievous smirk. "We were friends back in the real world too, but you don't have to take my word for it, Allen and Vigilon himself can vouch." She added. "My username's Kanari, but some get the privilege of hearing my real name. Starshine your username, or is it just Allen's nickname for you?" Astralin let out a soft chuckle. "Definitely nickname, my username's Astralin." She answered. "I'm just picking up some extra desserts to help with what's apparently some 'damage control' over at a party." Kanari's eyes lit up, with a clear glint of mischief behind them. Uh oh... "A party, you say? With how the situation sounds, it might be open-ended... Ehehe, if I wasn't so busy here, I might just follow you there...but it's not like I'll get the same results with the players there as I do with some of the NPCs that stop by on occasion." She explained, before looking over to an NPC that let out a boisterous, drunken laugh before falling flat on his back. Kanari chuckled and snickered at the sight. Was this one of the mischievous two who Vigilon warned Astralin about? He had some interesting friends, that's for sure...

Some time later, after a bit of a chat, Vigilon's friend returned with a bunch of desserts. Three dozen cookies, two dozen cupcakes, several batches of chocolate-covered pretzels, even two pies and a cake! All festively decorated, to boot! "Wow, you really outdid yourself, these look so good!" Astralin exclaimed. "Thanks, Starshine." Vigilon's friend thanked. "Also, because this was kind of a tall order, and because there was nothing enhanced among these, I took it upon myself to add in a few extras for your personal enjoyment, free of charge....also non-enhanced, of course. It was a nice chat we had before you explained the situation, so I decorated these with that special interest of yours in mind." He explained, before taking out the extras in question and placing them on the counter. Astralin's eyes lit up and her jaw dropped. "These...why... These. Are. Amazing. Thank you, thank you so much!" Astralin exclaimed with glee.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

With the sweets paid for and obtained, and the location of the party set on her map, Astralin would check her inventory to make sure she did indeed have everything she'd need before continuing on the road to the party. Honestly, she'd planned to go anyway, but it was Yona's call for help that was kind of the clincher. She wouldn't just be joining a party, she'd be saving it, based on what she'd heard. She had no idea what kind of damage she was put on damage control for, just that bringing more sweets would solve the apparent sabotage. Well, hopefully whatever happened would be the last of the party's worries, and everyone would have a good time from here on out!

When she arrived at the location, Astralin realized it had been some time since her last social event attendance. She often hoped she'd be able to handle the norm of a social interaction, despite that she liked being social... She took a few deep breaths, walked up to the door and put on a smile, before knocking on the door. "Hello, can I come in?" She asked.

Astralin's Attire:

Stats and Equipment:

With Nemo defeated by Dazia and Vigilon, and the way back shown by the defeated guardian, it was time to go back. Perhaps Little Eden's bounty could be studied later. Nemo explained the reasons for his actions, and it was actually really sad. He wanted to know people, and have sentient company around him...poor guy, he had to live such a lonely existence... But since Astralin would return to research the place later, it wasn't all that bad, he'd be seeing Astralin again later on!

With a smile on her face, Astralin made a friendly wave to the Wind Dragon before leaving. 

The players returned to see that skeleton again. Krysta managed to get three good hits on the skeleton, and then it was Astralin's turn. "Arrekona!"

A swing and a miss.

"Kiherrei!"

Once again, a miss.

Astralin had to get the timing right, and be able to avoid all the incoming "I'm gonna push you away" movements of the environment around her. Just about anything would be a hazard if not dealt with correctly. One more time, this had to be it. "Kalkeiala!!"

Finally, she landed a hit.

The skeleton looked unamused. "word of advice, if your opponent can think for themselves, speaking before attacking generally isn't the best idea." He remarked. He then proceeded to make a really good point to both Astralin and Krysta. "I was...just scared." Astralin admitted.

ID# 202687 CD: 8(miss)

ID# 202688 CD: 7(miss)

ID# 202689 CD: 11(tag.)

Tags Acquired: 1(10 materials, +5% Exp for the thread)

Astralin still ended up with far more than she needed to know.

Dazia and her siblings had the Seven deadly Sins as prominent flaws.... "Um...that's a coincidence...right?"

Vigilon and the family he and Dazia shared seemed...interesting, to say the least, though at this point, given the actions of Vigilon's father and the warnings given by Dazia herself, she might have to just avoid them...but if she did meet Valna, maybe she could keep the player in touch about if Astralin was to find someone? it might reduce the chances of accidental relationship theft, since it all seemed accidental, based on what Dazia had said...right?

Vigilon and Krysta decided it was time to leave and regroup, due to the swarming that occurred earlier, which all the players could easily agree on not wanted to get swarmed too much. "Yeah, getting out of here sounds like a good idea at this point." Astralin agreed.

Half an hour later, and she would find herself in a difficult situation. Nemo claimed that the players had stolen something, and...turned into a dragon?? The dragon was indeed hostile, and Krysta attempted to attack. "So, we have no choice in the matter, do we?" Astralin realized. She hated it when entities that could be reasoned with chose only violence, as if it was the Cardinal pulling all the strings...oh, wait...

Astralin readied her sword art. "Arrekona!"

She missed.

ID# 202678 BD: 2+5-2=5(miss)

[0]Vigilon: HP 740/740, EN 88/88 | 21 DMG | 78 MIT | 4 ACC | 2 EVA | PAR | 6 LD | 3 Prosperity

[0]Krysta: HP 660/660, EN 84/86 | 21 DMG | 78 MIT | 3 ACC | 3 LD | 3 Prosperity | Holy: 8 | T4 Bleed

[0]Astralin: HP 480/480, EN 64/66 | 20 DMG | 45 MIT | 5 ACC | 2 EVA | 3 Prosperity | Freeze: 9-10

[0]Dazia: HP 620/620, EN 80/80 | 21 DMG | 44 MIT | 3 ACC | 4 EVA | 1 LD | 3 Prosperity | Fallen: 8

           Enemies:

Nemo, Wind of Gaia:

Ah, yes, the players decided to go deeper into backstories. Astralin listened to what was all going on.

Dazia had six siblings, meaning her parents had seven children. Kind of a nice number, it would be a shame if there were easily seen flaws all around, instead of properly balanced personalities...little did Astralin know that such was exactly the case. Dazia then said that the players wouldn't want to meet them. "Um...why not?" Astralin asked. "There's gotta be something good about them, right?" A family can't possibly be all bad... "Someone kind? Sincere? Generous?"

Dazia described the armor of the player in question, and Krysta recognized the description, revealing a potential username. "There, a lead we can work with! A name can be very helpful in cases like these!" Astralin pointed out.

Dazia and Vigilon continued explaining their beliefs and opinions on Vigilon's father. Dazia believed he was a coward, while Vigilon claimed he was a great man. Before Astralin could add "Well, your families had probably given you biased opinions, maybe we could check our facts when we get out of Aincrad!", Vigilon revealed that his father was...dead. Wait, isn't that-

Oh, Krysta's Mother was dead too...and her cousin, apparently killed by Dazia...

This was already dipping down into... "Nope, that's Edgy Rogue territory, we're stopping there! Subject change!" Astralin decided.

"So....Dazia, we were here to try and investigate the whole Monster Overpopulation thing." Astralin explained. "We've come up empty so far, but have you managed to find anything?" She asked. "Also, on the off chance you know something we don't..." She pulled out the <<Purple Essence>> from her inventory. "What do you think this is supposed to be?"

Hoo, boy...Astralin expected NONE of this.

None of this. At all.

Dazia had siblings, one of those siblings was a crazy sister with an orange cursor, and Vigilon and Dazia were cousins??

Astralin simply stood there, wide eyed, staring at the three players as the revelations unfolded. She stood there in silence as Vigilon explained how his father kept him from seeing his side of the family, for what seemed to be good reason. Krysta trusted that Vigilon's dad knew what he was doing...and that could mean anything at this rate, for Astralin knew too little to make a proper judgement on that.

"Ohhhhh-kay, I'm gonna need waaaaay more info to understand anything that's going on here so uhhh, maybe there's something else we can discuss? Unless you're actually willing to vent it out or something? Just....no Edgy Rogue Backstories, okay?" Astralin said, after about ten seconds of what was awkward silence to her.

Dazia tried to take on both of the Mossy Wolves, but the Alpha caught the blade. Vigilon finished off the Alpha, and now all that was left...is the situation that was the sudden arrival who wanted a ceasefire. Vigilon gave a few suggestions for how to decide, but it seemed that Krysta was on the full belief that it would be a tie if it was put to a vote. Krysta returned to the conversation that was going on in the middle of the fight, but maybe there was some value to it. "That's actually a bit of a good question there. I'm about as lost as you are, Krysta, but um...Vigilon? ...Dazia? Do either of you know anything about what's even going on here?" Astralin asked. Asking questions might go somewhere good....or bad, it wasn't like it was possible to tell very easily when two enemies were in slashing distance of each other. "I know that Vigilon said that back at the ruins, it looked like someone had already been there...but who could it have been?"

Things were really getting close now. Dazia and Vigilon took care of the wolves that were to the other side, and the players were no longer surrounded or flanked in any way. There was only one bunch left, and...oh, there was an angry alpha among them...hopefully its stats were just like the others', and it'll just be a pushover!

Krysta attacked first, damaging two, missing two...and once again a wolf she missed caught Krysta's weapon in its teeth, hoping to disarm her. What a shame, the sword art was executed in such a lovely manner, too...

Well, no use thinking about what could have been, right in the middle of combat like this, Astralin needed to get a move on and pitch in! She readied her sword art once again. "Kiherrei!" She called out upon activating the Sword Art. Her attack finished off the ones Krysta hit, and weakened the ones Krysta had missed. The attack drew the Alpha's attention as it knocked it away from Krysta's weapon. "Ok, now the Alpha's looking to me..." Astralin noted aloud to herself.

ID# 202480 BD: 8+5=13(hit)

ID# 202481 BD: 5+5=10(hit)

ID# 202482 BD: 8+5=13(hit)

ID# 202483 BD: 5+5=10(hit)

Winter Crescent(AoE-I): 20x11=220 Damage to Mossy Wolves 20, 21, 22 and 23!

ID# 202484 CD: 4, LD: 9(3348 Col, 2 materials, and <<Unidentified T4 Uncommon Consumable>>)

ID# 202485 CD: 8, LD: 3(3348 Col and 2 materials)

[0-0]Vigilon: HP 740/740, EN 11/88 | 21 DMG | 78 MIT | 4 ACC | 2 EVA | PAR | 6 LD | 3 Prosperity

[0-0]Krysta: HP 660/660, EN 18/86 | 21 DMG | 78 MIT | 3 ACC | 3 LD | 3 Prosperity | Holy: 8 | T4 Bleed

[1-1]Astralin: HP 480/480, EN 11/66 | 20 DMG | 45 MIT | 5 ACC | 2 EVA | 3 Prosperity | Freeze: 9-10

[0-0]Dazia: HP 620/620, EN 26/80 | 21 DMG | 44 MIT | 3 ACC | 4 EVA | 1 LD | 3 Prosperity | Fallen: 8

           Enemies:

Mossy Wolf 20: HP 152/372, 124 DMG, Leeching Fang | On a natural MD of 9 or 10, this mob heals for 10% of the final damage dealt to its target.

Mossy Wolf 21: HP 0/372, 124 DMG, Leeching Fang | On a natural MD of 9 or 10, this mob heals for 10% of the final damage dealt to its target.

Mossy Wolf 22: HP 152/372, 124 DMG, Leeching Fang | On a natural MD of 9 or 10, this mob heals for 10% of the final damage dealt to its target.

Mossy Wolf 23: HP 0/372, 124 DMG, Leeching Fang | On a natural MD of 9 or 10, this mob heals for 10% of the final damage dealt to its target.

Dazia and Krysta continued to bicker, and Astralin was having none of it. She looked over to the two players again and again, and then she'd had enough.

"SHUT UP, BOTH OF YOU!" Astralin called out to the two. She looked over to Dazia first. "You don't have to keep pressing the same point over and over, beating at a dead horse won't do anyone any good!" She scolded. She then looked over to Krysta. "You're so focused on only the negative sides and possible outcomes whenever she's involved, that you won't even admit that, in this particular case, she's actually right! We were surrounded, and even if our HP hasn't gone down yet, our Energy has, and what do you think will happen if our energy meters run out of energy before this pack runs out of wolves?" Astralin then took a deep breath, she wasn't used to doing things like this...but sometimes, enough is enough, you know?

Astralin was willing to help Vigilon and Krysta with the wolves he was fighting. "I'll finish this one off, you guys go after the others!" She said to them before activating her sword art. "Arrekona!"

Another wolf down...and uh, how many to go?

ID# 202421 BD: 8+5=13(hit)

Blizzard Strike(ST-I): 20x12=240 damage to Mossy Wolf 14

ID# 202422 CD: 12, LD: 3(3348 Col, 2 materials)

Vigilon: HP 740/740, EN 31/88 | 21 DMG | 78 MIT | 4 ACC | 2 EVA | PAR | 6 LD | 3 Prosperity

Krysta: HP 660/660, EN 35/86 | 21 DMG | 78 MIT | 3 ACC | 3 LD | 3 Prosperity | Holy: 8 | T4 Bleed

Astralin: HP 480/480, EN 25/66 | 20 DMG | 45 MIT | 5 ACC | 2 EVA | 3 Prosperity | Freeze: 9-10

Dazia: HP 620/620, EN 44/80 | 21 DMG | 44 MIT | 3 ACC | 4 EVA | 1 LD | 3 Prosperity | Fallen: 8

           Enemies:

Mossy Wolf 14: HP 0/372, 124 DMG, Leeching Fang | On a natural MD of 9 or 10, this mob heals for 10% of the final damage dealt to its target. {Paralyzed}

Krysta complimented Astralin for not missing this time, and before Vigilon could act against the three wolves that arrived, a black blur suddenly came by, startling the players, and slashing at the mossy wolves from behind. When the surprise attacker stopped moving...

"Uh oh..."

It was Dazia. Astralin looked to Dazia, then to Krysta, back to Dazia, and back to Krysta again. If Astralin didn't do something soon, there was bound to be some infighting, if not some hostile arguments. There was literally no need for it, and already the hostile arguments had begun. Dazia claimed that the players could use her help, and that the players were surrounded. Krysta declared that the party didn't need her help, but as Vigilon noticed, Dazia was right about the players being surrounded. Krysta made the first attack on those wolves, and one of them bit down on her blade. Astralin readied her sword art, going in to help dispatch the four mossy wolves. "Kiherrei!" She called out as her sword art was activated. Her attack took down the three wolves Krysta had struck earlier, and managed to knock the other one aside, causing it to lose its grip on Krysta's weapon. "There, that should do it."

ID# 202398 BD: 6+5=11(hit)

ID# 202399 BD: 8+5=13(hit)

ID# 202400 BD: 7+5=12(hit)

ID# 202401 BD: 3+5=8(hit)

Winter Crescent(AoE-I): 20x11=220 Damage to Mossy Wolves 8, 9, 10 and 11!

ID# 202402 CD: 10, LD: 7(3720 Col, 2 materials, and <<Unidentified T4 Rare Trinket>>)

ID# 202403 CD: 1, LD 20(3348 Col, 2 materials, <<Unidentified T4 Perfect Consumable>>, and <<Unidentified T4 Rare Trinket>>)

ID# 202404 CD: 10, LD 12(4836 Col and <<Unidentified T4 Rare Cloth Armor>>)

[0]Vigilon: HP 740/740, EN 51/88 | 21 DMG | 78 MIT | 4 ACC | 2 EVA | PAR | 6 LD | 3 Prosperity

[0]Krysta: HP 660/660, EN 51/86 | 21 DMG | 78 MIT | 3 ACC | 3 LD | 3 Prosperity | Holy: 8 | T4 Bleed

[1]Astralin: HP 480/480, EN 36/66 | 20 DMG | 45 MIT | 5 ACC | 2 EVA | 3 Prosperity | Freeze: 9-10

[0]Dazia: HP 620/620, EN 55/80 | 21 DMG | 44 MIT | 3 ACC | 4 EVA | 1 LD | 3 Prosperity | Fallen: 8

           Enemies:

Mossy Wolf 8: HP 0/372, 124 DMG, Leeching Fang | On a natural MD of 9 or 10, this mob heals for 10% of the final damage dealt to its target.

Mossy Wolf 9: HP 152/372, 124 DMG, Leeching Fang | On a natural MD of 9 or 10, this mob heals for 10% of the final damage dealt to its target.

Mossy Wolf 10: HP 0/372, 124 DMG, Leeching Fang | On a natural MD of 9 or 10, this mob heals for 10% of the final damage dealt to its target. | Bleed: 2 Turns, 48 DMG

Mossy Wolf 11: HP 0/372, 124 DMG, Leeching Fang | On a natural MD of 9 or 10, this mob heals for 10% of the final damage dealt to its target.

Vigilon Claimed that he didn't know any other way of carrying an unconscious person, and that he didn't know the meaning behind the princess carry. Astralin didn't know what to think of his words. He seemed sincere, but...

She decided to drop the matter when Nemo announced the players' arrival. Astralin looked around her, it seemed that she was dwelling on this one topic enough to not pay attention to her surroundings, and now it was like she was...suddenly here. Nemo left the players standing there, and a pack of monsters showed up, a bunch of earthy wolves covered in moss...

Whether it was to greet them or frisk them would remain a mystery, for Vigilon and Krysta took their presence as hostile, even though it seemed like the wolves were trying to sniff something out. Vigilon severely damaged all but one, and Krysta finished them off, leaving the one Vigilon had missed to be vulnerable as well. Astralin took this chance to finish off the wolf. "Arrekona!" She called out as she activated her sword art. Her attack dropped the wolf's HP to zero, and it shattered.

Unfortunately for the players, this wasn't the end of the battle. Three more wolves jumped in, which meant the pack wasn't ready to flee. Either that, or they were the sort of creatures that always fight to the end.

ID# 202383 BD: 9(Critical, +1 Base DMG, inflicted Freeze)

Blizzard Strike(ST-I): 21x12=252 Damage to Mossy Wolf 3!

ID# 202384 CD: 3, LD: 20(3348 col, 2 materials, <<Unidentified T4 Perfect Consumable>>, and <<Unidentified T4 Rare Trinket>>)

[0-0-0]Vigilon: HP 740/740, EN 69/88 | 21 DMG | 78 MIT | 4 ACC | 2 EVA | PAR | 6 LD | 3 Prosperity

[0-0-0]Krysta: HP 660/660, EN 67/86 | 21 DMG | 78 MIT | 3 ACC | 3 LD | 3 Prosperity | Holy: 8 | T4 Bleed

[0-0-0]Astralin: HP 480/480, EN 54/66 | 20 DMG | 45 MIT | 5 ACC | 2 EVA | 3 Prosperity | Freeze: 9-10

           Enemies:

Mossy Wolf 3: HP 0/372, 124 DMG, Leeching Fang | On a natural MD of 9 or 10, this mob heals for 10% of the final damage dealt to its target. | Bleed: 1 Turn, 48 DMG

Mossy Wolf 5: HP 372/372, 124 DMG, Leeching Fang | On a natural MD of 9 or 10, this mob heals for 10% of the final damage dealt to its target.

Mossy Wolf 6: HP 372/372, 124 DMG, Leeching Fang | On a natural MD of 9 or 10, this mob heals for 10% of the final damage dealt to its target.

Mossy Wolf 7: HP 372/372, 124 DMG, Leeching Fang | On a natural MD of 9 or 10, this mob heals for 10% of the final damage dealt to its target.

Never did Astralin ever expect to wake up in Vigilon's arms. With a Popsicle stick in her mouth, too.

Awkward...

Clearly, both she and Vigilon had caught each other blushing at the embarrassing awkwardness of it all, and Yona just had to smirk as though she was going to remember that moment for years to come. If Yona regrouped with the party later on, and the first thing to happen immediately after was teasing, it would be too soon.

"I understand that you were trying to help, I get that. But the fact of the matter is that you princess carried me, and um, I honestly don't know how I feel about that. It was super awkward." Astralin responded to Vigilon's claim. Her face was still a bit reddened over the incident. "You sure you don't know any other way to carry an unconscious person?"

Vigilon changed the subject. While he did make some good points, Astralin still needed to have a matter settled. "Whoa whoa whoa, you're not getting out of this one easily, pal. We may as well discuss it now instead of when Yona regroups with us." She said, turning the tables back to the previous topic. "An accidental one is easily understood, but um, do you know the meanings behind a princess carry?" She questioned.

After whatever responses might be given, Vigilon would pull out a consumable, and Krysta would follow suit, offering her extra Accuracy food to astralin, along with a remark that had to do with the other embarrassing thing that happened earlier. "Sure Krysta, remind me that I managed to do nothing but MISS." Astralin thought. She accepted the Accuracy consumable, but the expression in her eyes as she looked towards Krysta was a total deadpan; dead inside. She pulled out some consumables of her own, and she started on them.

Consumed:

Mousse x1(Prosperity 3)

[T3] Mini Cheesecake x1(MIT 3)

[T1] Creme Brulee x1(ACC 2)

Stats and Equipment:

Astralin never anticipated randomly stumbling upon a player's setup in a clearing, outside the safe zone.

And yet there it was, and there she was. She stared awkwardly at it, trying to figure out how exactly a player could run a campsite without a tent, and be able to, was he making food? How is this place not overrun by animals or thieves at this point? Is he some kind of nomad?

When Astralin got closer...it was a shop? It had to be a nomadic shop, there was no way this place was a permanent location, unguarded and out in the wilds like this. Might as well see what she can get before it was gone. She looked over the player's stock, and was ready to make her decision on what to buy.

"I'd like to buy these two, if that's okay with you?"

-Purchasing Mousse[16/5/21] and Mini Cheesecake[20/11/20]-[178274]

Total cost of 1500 col paid to @Daemien

Vigilon revealed that he hadn't taken any vials yet, that he saw someone take a vial with red contents and vanish. After speaking with the other two players in Krysta's party, Vigilon would pick the Orange Essence. There weren't enough players to get a hold of the Green and Yellow Essences, so there was no choice but to leave them for someone else. "Guess we'll have to solve the mystery without the other three essences...I don't know what these are, but I really want to find out...the description is waaaaaay too vague..." Astralin remarked. There could be differences that cause the substances to be different colors...or maybe they're all the same, just differently colored? Astralin hoped to find out sooner or later.

Astralin followed the party up the ladder, for there was nothing more to be found here...or so Astralin thought. When she reached the surface story of the ruins, she noticed that there were two boards on the other side, even though not even Yona had used those boards...someone had just been here. She then saw at the end of the entryway(the two rooms were directly connected) a familiar figure...wait, was that Dazia??

The hooded player suddenly panicked and fled, but it was impossible to chase after her without getting pincushioned underfoot. "Wait, we can't rush or the spikes will get us! ...I think I might remember how it went, I'll try and guide us!" She warned the other players.

While she managed to remember the safe tiles, she had to flip the mental image around since the party was going back the way they came.

What she expected the least, however, was the skeletal figure standing near the exit, ever so casually, with his hands in his pockets. Unlike the one who guarded the entrance, this skeleton was not only kind of short, but he wore a blue hoodie.

"is everybody trying to get here or something? almost nobody ever comes in here. there used to be an overly serious guy outside...haven't seen him recently, though, and he's never left 'his post'. ...i wonder what happened." The Skeleton spoke.

Astralin knew who this skeleton was talking about...the Skeletal Guard that was fought earlier. Under normal circumstances, this usually led to problems...but little did she know that she was about to make it a problem. "Uh oh..."

"are you alright? you look tense. is it past or present?" The skeleton asked.

Sometimes, the best defense was a good offense. This was not one of those times, but she thought it was. "Aahh-a-arrekona!" She called out as she prepared to "fight back" at what wasn't exactly life-threatening. Her attack missed. The skeleton sighed. "so, this is how it's gonna be, then?"

Astralin wasn't expecting the very environment to suddenly become active. She was under a sudden, non-damaging assault that she needed to dodge as much as she could. What other arts did she have for her current set of handwraps...ah, that's right! "Kiherrei!!" Astralin attempted a sweeping attack to not only ward off the flying objects and animated mushrooms, but in attempt to land a freezing hit on the skeleton. No luck, for she missed again. "Xalvahisa! Ikioka! Casiviika!!!"

Nope, nothing seemed to work...at all. She was then swatted by a bunch of stones and sent flying about three yards, where she rolled for about one more yard and tried to curl up, though she was kind of fatigued trying so hard to avoid and strike. "Why did...I have to sudd...suddenly be so...useless...?"

She closed her eyes, she couldn't take any more. The only way she was getting out was if someone carried her, or if someone dragged her out. At least this little problem wasn't lethal in the slightest!

ID# 200964 CD: 6(miss)

ID# 200965 CD: 6(miss)

ID# 200966 CD: 2(miss)

Tags acquired: 0

So, no one was gonna do anything about this? Well, there was one other option...

"Nope, I'm not doing this, I'm out!" Astralin declared, and she ran off...and deeper into the ruins she went.

There was junk laying around, and strange tiles covered in little holes...something wasn't right here. Astralin grabbed a heavy-ish stone, and dropped it on a tile. The tile sank down, but nothing else happened. Astralin picked up the stone again and dropped it on another tile, just in case. The tile sank, but spikes emerged from the holes.

Ah, it was a puzzle, then. Astralin decided to repeat the process in hopes of finding the right path... although she was kinda hasty due to those frogs back in the entryway. If the other players tried to follow her, she'd say to them, "I'm trying to find a path, I'll tell you which tiles are safe!"

Once she and any other players following her got past the puzzle, there seemed to be two trapdoors that led downwards. She opened one, and there was a ladder there. She dropped down quickly, and now was the time to explore...a strange dark room?

Not only that, Vigilon was there. "Oh, hey Vigilon! Nice to see you again!" If any players followed Astralin down the ladder, she'd call out to them, "Hey guys, I think it's safe, Vigilon's here!"

She then turned her attention to the odd glowing Vials...how interesting... "Whoa...what are these? ...I like the purple one, I'll take a look at the purple one..."

She took the vial of the purple substance, and examined it...

Only one? Oh well... "So, what essence did you get, Vigilon?"

Astralin watched Krysta finish the battle and ask if she was alright. "Yep, I'm fine, just a non-damage scratch..." She answered. When the players entered the ruins, it was emptier than expected. Krysta warned that the party should be on guard, that they probably weren't alone...and then it happened.

Plap plap, plap plap, plap plap...

Frogs. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn't be super freaked out, just mildly squeamish, as frogs are often coated in some kind of mucus. The tenth floor was known for its toxic water, however, so that would suggest toxic waters breed toxic frogs...

*ribbit*

"AAAAAAAAAHHH!!!!!!"

Yeah, Astralin didn't exactly have any methods for dispatching these frogs that didn't involve direct physical contact, and toxic frogs tended to be externally poisonous. Without a weapon that didn't apply physical contact from her avatar, it would be too risky a move unless she was fine with getting poisoned...which she wasn't. "I'm gonna have to leave them to you two, I can't touch them without getting poisoned and any attacks I make have physical contact!" She exclaimed. The fact that the frogs were hopping toward the players didn't make this any better.

Krysta managed to get a better hit against it than Astralin did, and Yona made sure not to pull aggro. Guess the low level player really did know what she was doing, after all. The Skeletal Guardian made a simple attack that Krysta easily blocked with her own weapon. It the proceeded to let out a seemingly disembodied voice. One word: Leave.

Creepy.

Astralin took this chance to try attacking again. She readied her sword art, and while it was the same as before, she hoped it would hit this time. "Arrekona!" She called out as her sword art activated again. She really wanted to finish this, but...

The Skeletal Guardian turned its gaze over to her when Astralin activated her sword art, and after pushing Krysta back, it grabbed her by the arm and swung her away from it, using the force of momentum to throw her further. "AAAAAGGGH!!"

Astralin got up, but she was feeling a bit dizzy from the impact. Was today just not her day in terms of combat?

ID# 200697 BD: 1 FAIL

[0]Astralin: HP 420/420, EN 57/60 | 20 DMG | 3 ACC | 2 EVA | Freeze: 9-10

[1]Krysta: HP 640/640, EN 72/84 | 21 DMG | 78 MIT | 1 ACC | 3 LD | Holy: 8 | T4 Bleed

[0]Yona: HP 20/20, EN 20/20 | 6 DMG | 6 MIT | 2 EVA | 3 LD

                    Enemies:

Skeletal Guardian: HP 138/372 | 124 DMG | 18 MIT

Krysta smiled and seemed to be happy that Astralin's build was finally coming along, while Yona was surprised to see Astralin's Skillbook, asking if it was what Astralin herself preferred to interpret it as.

"No no, it's not a unique skill....this book is just...for immersion. I said before that I could strike with my innate power, right? Well, I'm not exactly one for those bulky bludgeons, and I'm not very blade-savvy, either...so I had to work with something else. It might not count as magic in the game and its statistics, but I intend to come as close to it as I can!" Astralin explained.

Soon, the players were off to the location that Krysta was notified about. The trip seemed surprisingly peaceful, there weren't as many monsters as expected...not nearly enough. Something was up, and Astralin needed to find out. "Was the overpopulation going on in all floors but this one? There should be lots of monsters lurking about..."

Upon the players' arrival, there seemed to be something standing in front of the doorway of the structure. It stared at the players, as if waiting for them to make a movement.

[A Skeletal Guardian blocks the way.]

Astralin stopped. It didn't look like this armored undead was going to budge, so if this was indeed the specified location... "It looks like we might have to deal with this guy if we're gonna get in." Astralin noted. She readied her Sword art, and upon the activation, her eyes glowed due to her amulet's vanity effect. "Arrekona!" She called out right before the Sword Art was used. The Skeletal Guardian sidestepped the attack in time, and it was now that the enemy's cursor changed from yellow to red.

ID# 200633 BD: 2+3=5(Miss!)

[0]Astralin: HP 420/420, EN 58/60 | 20 DMG | 3 ACC | 2 EVA | Freeze: 9-10

[0]Krysta: HP ???/???, EN ??/?? | ????????

[0]Yona: HP ??/??, EN ??/?? | ????????

                    Enemies:

Skeletal Guardian: HP 372/372 | 124 DMG | 18 MIT