Joanne

When her brother spoke of her living with him, she smiled as well. "Yes, I can't wait for you to finally be able to help with the housework," she joked. As kids, he was always running away and hiding, leaving her to do all the chores. Though, she didn't always enjoy having to do twice the work, she wouldn't be able to stay mad at her brother for long. She was also thankful that he was allowing her to stay with him. Until now, she had been staying in cheap tavern with horrible mattresses and thin walls. Not the most enjoyable experience. 

"Thank you, though. For allowing me to stay with you. It'll be good to be near each other in case something happens. Then we can always be there to help one another." She shot him a smile and they kept walking back towards town. 

Once she got to the shop of the master alchemist, she let her brother stay outside while she went in to make some potions. "Hello, Madam Calora," she said as she approached the older woman's workstation. 

"Ah, hello!" the kind woman responded. She immediately set to work teaching Joanne how to mix ingredients and how to process them in order to make a potion. After a couple minutes of teaching, Joanne was ready to craft. 

"Alright, here I go," she said as she mixed three of the ingredients with each other. Then she mixed the ingredients with a salve base, creating a salve that was a light pink color. The ingredients had given the salve a healing property. "I did it!" she cheered as she put the salve into a nice clear glass container. 

"Congratulations!" Evangeline Calora said. "Now you can open your own alchemist shop. Thank you for passing on the alchemist's legacy." 

"Thank you and you're welcome Madam Calora," Joanne responded, bowing slightly out of respect. "Have a good day," she said before she turned and headed out the door. 

Once outside, Joanne ran and hugged James, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I did it! I'm now officially an alchemist!" she said excitedly. "Now we can go set up shop together." She stepped back, releasing him from the warm hug. "But before we head home, you said you were gonna pay for our dinner. So let's go!" She led the way to an old English style restaurant. 

-1 T1 Material
Item Crafted: 

Name: Greater HP Recovery Potion
Your Profession: Alchemist
Your Rank: 1
Roll ID: 129546
Roll Result: CD: 11, LD: 9
Item Type: Salve
Tier: T1
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: 2 HP Recovery
Description: This is a more powerful version of the basic HP Recovery potion. It is light pink in color. 
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18360-f01-pp-new-alchemist-in-town/?do=findComment&comment=587260

 "I don't know the way of the knight, but I know they value honor, loyalty, duty, and respect. All of these, I offer to you. It is upon my own accord that I do this. You never need to worry about whether or not I want to."

Joanne became overwhelmed with emotions and actually let them show for once in her life. To hide her sudden tears of happiness, she released Dederick's hands and gave him a warm, long hug, resting her chin on his shoulder softly. "Thank you, Dederick. Your words mean so much to me." She pulled away and held his hands once more. Her eyes were watering with tears. "I've never felt this way about someone else before... But I find myself wanting to give my all to you." She reached up with her hand and grabbed a handkerchief from her inventory, dabbing her eyes with it. She laughed lightly. "I'm sorry that I'm getting so emotional. This doesn't happen too often." 

She took a moment to look deeply into his eyes, her smile growing bigger. 

@Dederick

"Losing you is unacceptable. I won't have it," he said while squeezing her head. She stroked his cheek once more with her other hand. "And I promise you that I won't let anything happen to you either. As long as I'm alive, I'll stand by you as your shield." 

Then the bright blue wings of a butterfly caught her attention. She hand't one quite like it on the first floor before. How odd, she thought as she saw it become a material item. 

"Which means we'll need to be spending a lot of time together to get there. A shame, isn't it?"

His words and the look he gave her after saying them brought the blush back to Joanne's cheeks. She returned the smile, saying, "I'll make it my new goal to become strong enough to stand by you as well without being a burden. And yes, it is such a shame." She winked playfully at him. 

@Dederick

"What are your plans in this game, Joanne?"

Joanne was a bit surprised by the question. It was the last thing she had expected him to ask. She thought for a second, her brow becoming lightly furrowed. "Well, ultimately I want to help protect others and help us all get out of the game alive." She realized that she was still holding his hand, and she gave it a squeeze as she spoke. "I lived to help others in the real world, and I'll do it again in this world, even if it costs me my life along the way." Her expression was sad, but accepting. She hated to bring the mood down, but it was true. She was prepared to die so that others could live and break them out of this world. In war, many men died, but one army eventually won. She just hoped it was the army of players that eventually won. She then noticed a peculiar leaf had fallen onto his armor. She plucked it off gently, the mark on the quest on her display flashed "Completed: Collect 5 Materials. Return to Zacharaiah". 

She then looked back at Dederick, looking deeply into his eyes. "What about you, Dederick? What is your main goal?" 

@Dederick

5/5 materials found! 

next goal: return to zachariah. 

She felt an ache in her chest as he pulled away to pick up the mushroom. Then he said, "I don't know what it is about being around you. But you drive me crazy." Her heart skipped a beat. She wondered what to say. Just say how you feel, she coached herself. After a brief moment of silence, she spoke. "I feel the same. I've never felt like this about anyone, Dederick," she said, stepping towards him, her body moving on its own. She took his hand in her own, her heart racing so fast she thought it would leap out of her chest at any moment. "I apologize if this is too forward, but you're quite handsome." She reached out her other hand, stroking his cheek gently. What am I doing?! she screamed in her head. She couldn't believe what she was doing, but it was as if her body was moving by itself, not obeying the will of its master. "I enjoy spending time with you..." she said, moving in even closer. 

Suddenly another flower hanging down from a branch on the tree above them caught her eye. She mentally cleared her mind. What was she just about to do before the material caught her eye? She had no clue, but she knew it would have been hard to stop whatever she had been about to do. She reached up and grabbed the flower, shaking the branch lightly, causing light pink petals to fall down around her, creating an aura of light petals around her for just a moment. 

@Dederick

4/5 materials found. 

Joanne smiled and leaned against her brother as he encouraged her. She looked up at him. She knew she was lucky to have a sibling this supportive. Though it hadn't always been like this. When James moved to London, Joanne wouldn't talk to him for months. He had left suddenly with barely any notice until a week before he moved away. But after a while, her frustration and anger subsided, and she apologized, asking James to come visit. And James did come back one day to see his family, but that was the day that all of this happened, when she had become trapped in the game. 

However, her brother's decision to join her in game had brought them closer together in some way. They had to depend on each other now to survive. Odd how the danger of death could bring people together. 

She followed James as he led the way to another spawning area. After a few minutes of walking, a buck jumped out in front of the pair, blocking their way. It flared its nostrils and kicked up its front legs, challenging them to battle. "Alright, seems like the mob came to us this time. Stand back, brother, and I'll take care of this." 

Joanne breathed in deeply and took out her blade, the weapon glowing with a blue light. She dashed forwards, slashing and striking the beast three separate times. In retaliation, the large buck lowered its head and quickly struck her with the tips of its antlers. However, Joanne had been prepared. She had her shield raised as the antlers of the buck struck against her. She was beaten back a little by the impact, but ultimately the shield protected her. She drew the shield down from around her face and looked up in time to see the thorn enchantment on her activate, sending green thorns at the enemy, bringing the beast down on its knees. Then, the enchantment from her sword activated, tearing open the wound on the large buck, not letting it heal. The buck let out a scream and died, bursting into pixels. 

Joanne sighed. "That was a painful death." She bowed her head. "I am sorry. May your spirit travel quickly." She said this out of habit more than out of respect for the AI process that had merely stopped and created another mob somewhere else. When her father took her hunting, he taught her as a little girl to always respect the animals that had given us their meat in order to live. It was another knightly teaching. 

She walked over slowly to check the loot bag from the beast that had spawned in the deceased mob's stead. There it was. A bag of materials and col. She picked it up and turned back to her brother, a large grin on her face. "I finally found the last material! Now we can head back to town." She quickly put the materials in her inventory and started back for town. 

Joanne: 79 - + 10 -  (12 + 1 - 18 = 1) = 79/80 HP | 3 + 1 - 3 = 1/8 EN | 3 DMG | 9-10 BLD (1/2)| 18 MIT | 2 REGEN (10 TOTAL) (1/3) | 2 THORN (18 DMG total) 

vs. 

Large Buck: 40 - (3 + 1) * 3 - 12 BLD - 18 THRN = 0/40 HP | 12 DMG

loot of large buck:
1 T1 Rare Weapon [ID: 129545A]
1 T1 Uncommon Consumable [ID: 129545B]
120 col
2 + 2 T1 Materials = 4 T1 materials

5/5 Materials found!

Her breathing quickened ever so slightly as he drew closer. Then she saw him stop himself, and she took the moment to catch her breath. The intensity and fragility of the moment was making her light headed. "I'm... glad to hear that," he had said. The sound of his voice was... odd, but she didn't not like it. Then he leaned in closer once more. She held her breath as he gingerly took the flower from her clothing and placed it behind her ear. The side of his hand managed to brush against her cheek while he was doing so, and she caught her breath. 

Then he said, "I liked the way you wore it before." A large, warm smile spread across her lips. Even her eyes were smiling. So few words had made her heart skip a beat. It took her aback. What is this feeling in my chest? she asked herself. She had never felt such a sensation before. It was almost like a sense of longing... but a longing for what. Could it be for the man in front of her...? She stopped the wishful thinking. Of course not, she told herself. He deserves better than me. But she still couldn't let the feeling go. 

After a moment of silence, she responded to what he had said. "Then, I'll make sure to wear it like this when I'm with you." Her voice was soft and gentle like a young dove. As she spoke, she pressed her cheek against Dederick's hand lightly, closing her eyes for a moment. When she opened them, she looked back and forth between his eyes, hoping she hadn't been to forward or overstepped some boundary. 

As she looked down at him, she noticed a white flower had fallen atop his head. She giggled quietly and picked up the flower gently, putting it in her inventory. 

@Dederick

3/5 materials found

She moved forward to pick up him up, but then moved back when she saw that he was picking himself up. She was now close to him, closer than she had expected. She gulped, nervous. "I- uhh... Did you... Want me? To be flirting?" he had asked. She looked back into his eyes, her own heart racing. How would she answer?! She had never been asked such a question before. She looked away, responding, "W-well, I thought you had flirted... I-I mean if you didn't mean to that's alright but..." she paused, her voice growing more gentle. "I wouldn't have minded if you had been flirting than me." Her blush deepened as she looked down at the ground, glancing ever so often up at the man in front of her. 

She was scared that he wouldn't want to talk to her again if she had said the wrong things. She said a silent prayer, hoping that she had said the right thing. 

@Dederick

2/5 materials found

Joanne sighed as she watched her brother get a lucky shot and just decimate the beast. "It's alright, she responded. I'll just take on the next one," she said kindly, understanding. "I am proud that you are getting more powerful with your attacks." She walked over and placed her hand supportively on his shoulder. "You'll need that strength when we make it up to front lines." A determined smile lit up her her eyes. "But for now, I need you to stay back and only engage if I'm in trouble, okay?" she asked, making sure that he understood. 

Suddenly, another greater boar popped out of the bushes. It appeared to be looking for another boar. Perhaps it was looking for the one the pair had just killed...? It turned and looked at the players. Its eyes suddenly filled with rage. It hated players with all of its heart, so it charged directly at Joanne, her shiny metal armor hurting its eyes. 

Joanne: 80 - (12 - 18) = 79/80 HP | 5 + 1 - 3 = 3/8 EN | 3 DMG | 9-10 BLD (1/2) | 18 MIT | 2 REGEN (10 TOTAL) | 2 THORN (18 DMG total) 

vs. 

Greater Boar 2: 40 - (3 + 2) * 3 - 12 - 18 = 0/40 HP | 12 DMG

loot gathered
120 col + 80 + 80 + 160 = 440 col
T1 Perfect 1H Straight Sword [ID: 129360]
 

Joanne prepared herself for battle as soon as she the greater boar appear in front of her brother. After he had attacked and failed, she rushed in, heeding the whistle that was the signal for her to jump in and attack. She jumped forward with her blade, slashing twice across the beast's face and front legs. She managed to dodge the greater boar as it lashed out towards the woman, further angered by the damage it had taken. Good. Now the hate was on her, allowing her brother to take the lead next. She whistled for him to come and take the lead, leaping out of the way as she did so. Hopefully he wouldn't do too much damage and take the darn thing out. She needed the materials to finally finish this quest. 

Meanwhile, the greater boar was shaking its head around, its wounds not closing due to the bleed effect of Joanne's weapon. It squealed thunderously in pain. It did not like this feeling. 

[2]Joanne: 80/80 HP | 8 - 3 = 5/8 EN | 3 DMG | 9-10 BLD (1/2) | 18 MIT | 2 REGEN (10 TOTAL) | 2 THORN (18 DMG total) 
[0]James: 60/60 HP | 6/6 EN | 3 DMG | 32 MIT | BLEED | 2 LIGHT MOMENTUM | 1 EVA

vs. 

Greater Boar: 40 - (3 + 1) * 3 - 12 = 16/40 HP | 12 DMG

The pair hung out in the stream, cooling down on a hot day, for roughly 45 more minutes. Then Joanne decided to lay on the grass for a little while and dry herself off. Once she was sufficiently dried and warmed, she re-equipped her armor and waited for her brother to do the same. She decided to go and find a large boar or something for them to both fight together. She looked around while waiting. Nope. Nothing. It seemed that she had searched this place dry so far. 

"Come on, brother," she said to him. "Let's head out and find a boar or something to kill. Just try and let me get the last hit on it this time," she said, giggling a little bit. She didn't mean to be harsh, she was only teasing lightly. While she waited for him to get out of the water, she began to hum the tune of an old folk song. 

4/5 materials 

Joanne smiled as she heard her brother describe his profession. It sounded like he was actually having a bit of fun, even though it was strenuous work. When he mentioned that he had closed up shop temporarily, she understood. Back on the farm, mum and da would sometimes close up the fruit stand they set up during the summer if one of them was having an off day. It happened. 

"I hope I feel as fulfilled as an alchemist when I join your shop. Ha, at least we'll be close together like old times," she said. She remembered back to when they were kids. When they were really young, neither of them could be separated from the other. This changed as they got into middle school and high school though. They ended up diverging in their interests. Joanne liked horses and farming while her brother hated the farm and loved computers and gaming. In high school, he began to get bullied for his shy nature, but Joanne always showed up to protect him. She was quite strong from working on the farm all day, and most didn't want to go up against her, though she'd usually try and calm things down with her words before it came to actual physical fighting. 

4/5 materials found

Joanne sputtered and laughed as the wave hit her face. She in turn splashed her brother back. It reminded her of the good old times as well.

While in the water, Joanne searching for materials on the dirt bed of the stream. Finding nothing, she rose back to the surface, the water streaming down her face and hair. "So brother," she said while standing back up in the water, "how is life being a merchant treating you? I've heard it's one of the more difficult professions here in the game." She wondered why he had chosen the profession as well. She didn't believe she had ever asked that. 

While she waited for him to answer, she thought about alchemy and her future profession. It made her heart warm and happy thinking that she could help create healing potions and other such things for those who needed it in the future. If just one of her creations saved a player from death, she would feel satisfied. 

4/5 materials found

Joanne couldn't help but giggle at the giants comment. "Ah, my apologies. My brother and I just come from a tall family." Standing at 6 feet tall, Joanne realized that she was more than the average height for women in Scotland. She actually used to get bullied for it at school. But overtime, she learned how to ignore those types of people, and they eventually stopped bothering her. 

She looked over as another man -- taller than even her and her brother -- approached and checked on everything. Her heart was warmed. So many people coming together to make sure a player was alright. It showed that there were still plenty of good people in the game. 

She sat down when Azhoda said they were having an informal meeting. She couldn't help but get excited at the mention of joining a guild. Then maybe she would finally meet new people that could do quests with her!

"I, uhm. I'm not exactly sure what you're thinking. Would you care to enlighten me?"

Joanne looked back at Dederick, her eyes wide and eyebrows raised. Oh, he's more clueless than I am, she realized, letting out a sigh of relief. Good. Then this wasn't as awkward as she first thought it was. The usual smile and calm look returned to her face. "I see that we're both not experienced with this whole flirting and awkward situation thing." Even just saying those words made the blush return to her cheeks. She was trying to find a good way to explain things, but no proper words came to mind. She thought for a second longer. "I um... I thought you were flirting with me when you said um that you didn't mind being close to me..." Her voice trailed off as she looked off the side, her face once more a deep shade of pink. Oh dear, why am I trying to explain this?! she thought to herself, her mind panicking. She hoped she didn't sound too full or herself or too assuming. "S-so that was why I said I had never been in this type of situation because I really hadn't." Her nervousness made the words flow quicker out of her mouth. "I mean, I really hadn't either way. I've never fallen on a person, especially not in a full suit of armor." She laughed nervously and shut herself up. She knew she was saying way too much now. 

@Dederick

"I... don't mind, really. Being close to you."

Joanne's eyes opened wide and her face turned a red hue once more. "I-i-i..." she paused. She had never been in such a situation. She didn't know what to say. Think, Joanne, think! she chided herself. "I...don't mind being close to you either." She turned her head away quickly, trying to hide her face as her cheeks became even redder. She stayed quiet for a moment, trying to figure out what else to say. "I-I'm sorry if I don't say the right things or don't know what to say," she said, glancing at him and then looking away. "I... well.. I've never been in this type of situation before." She tried to hide her face behind her long hair. Here she was, age 25, and she had never had a boyfriend or romantic partner. What a hopeless thing she was. 

As she hid her face, she happened to glance to the side and saw a violet flower blooming out of the grass. She carefully picked it up and put it in her inventory. "Um, was there anything else you wanted to do? Er.. I mean, not in that way!" She covered her blushing cheeks with her hands. "My apologies, I believe I'm overthinking things right now." 

@Dederick

2/5 T1 materials found

Joanne was walking along the main street of the Town of Beginnings with her brother when she heard raised voices. She had looked over, her hand on her sword, ready at any moment to protect someone in need. She walked over and saw the whole argument play out. Luckily, it seemed that the woman the three men were interested could handle herself. However, she couldn't just leave without checking on her. 

Walking over to the woman, she saw another player join her. "Hello, my name is Joanne Hawke. Are you okay? Those guys seemed a bit rough back there. I haven't run any to many like them here." An expression of genuine concern covered her face. "If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know," she offered, her voice gentle and sweet. 

If those men came back, she probably wouldn't have to worry anyway. She was tall enough to intimidate most players on the first floor -- even when she didn't mean to. 

Joanne's face matched the hue of Dederick's perfectly. They were two blushing tomatoes in an awkward situation. When he said "hi", she laughed nervously and said, "Hi. Um..." Her mind was still fuzzy from embarrassment. She shook her head clear and suddenly it hit her that she was on top of him -- pretty much trapping him under her. "Oh, I-I'm so sorry!" she said, stumbling over her words. Due to the tightness of her armor and the fact that it restricted movement, when she tried to get off of him, she found that she couldn't bend upwards or bend far enough to pick herself up off of him. "U-um. I... I believe I am stuck," she said, her face somehow getting even redder. 

She thought quickly about what to do. It couldn't be helped. She would have to take off her armor. "Give me one second," she said as she unequipped the heavy suit of armor. Now, she was wearing a loose white t-shirt and blue jeans with cowboy style boots underneath them. Her chest was still pressed up against his chest plate. She managed to pick herself up and then extended her hand to Dederick, helping him up as well. Her face was still flushed, though slightly less so now. "I'm s-so so sorry about that, Dederick." The nervousness still hadn't quite settled. She had felt excitement and nervousness and something else... though she couldn't quite put her finger on it. 

@Dederick

"Don't apologize, brother. Like I said, earlier: you did nothing wrong." As she said this, she looked around for materials, hoping to find something of use. However, after a few minutes of searching, she could not find anything. 

"How about we go for a nice dip in the river?" she asked as she switched into a one piece bathing suit. She put her long hair back in a ponytail and walked over to the cool water. She dipped a toe in and sighed happily. The water wasn't too cold; it was just right. She walked further in and checked how deep it was. The river only got about 5 feet deep, so it was a safe depth. 

She crouched down in the water, letting it wash over her face and hair. It felt nice and cool on her warm face. She wished she could just stay in the water forever, letting it wash over and calm her. 

4/5 materials found 

Joanne wasn't upset with her brother for taking most of the beast's health out. In fact, she was quite proud. "Don't apologize, brother," she said as she approached him and then laid her hand on his shoulder. "You are doing quite well. I'm proud of you." A sincere smile covered her lips. Then she turned her attention back to the task at hand. 

She walked forward and waited for the brown bear to charge her. She followed her brother's movements from earlier and dodged out of the way, attempting to bring her sword down across the bear's back as she did so. However, her timing was off, and her blade only managed to cut through the grass where the bear had been a few moments ago. She looked up and watched as the beast chose her brother as its target. 

She waved her arm and motioned for him to brace for the attack, hoping that the beast wouldn't hurt him too much. 

[H: 1 | 2] Joanne: 80/80 HP | 1/8 EN | 3 DMG | 9-10 BLD | 18 MIT | 2 REGEN (10 TOTAL) | 2 THORN (18 DMG total) 
[H: 3 | 0] James: 59/60 HP | 4 + 1 - 1 = 4/6 EN | 3 DMG | 32 MIT | BLEED (1/2) | 2 LIGHT MOMENTUM | 1 EVA

vs. 

Brown Bear 1: 25 - 16 = 9/40 HP | 12 DMG | +1 ACC | -1 EVA
Brown Bear 2: 22 - 24 = 0/40 HP | 12 DMG | +1 ACC | -1 EVA

Joanne couldn't help but giggle, hiding her smile behind her hand, as she saw Dederick pull the impossibly long root out of the ground. 

"It's beautiful. You fit right in."

After hearing this, Joanne's eyes widened and she blushed. Not knowing how to react (as she had rarely if ever been in a situation like this), she gently said, "T-thank you," stumbling over the simple words. Then, realizing she had to give a compliment back, she returned, "You are quite handsome as well," smiling as she said it. Inside, she was screaming, not knowing if she had said the right thing or not. Meanwhile, her face was becoming even more flushed. 

Suddenly, something above Dederick's head caught her attention. "Oh, hold still," she said as she got closer to him, looking above him. On a tree branch above his head, there was a bright blue berry hanging down. She had to stand on her tip toes to reach the material, but she finally reached it and pulled it down. However, in the process of leaning up to grab up, she leaned a little too far and ended up falling up against Dederick, practically falling onto him. Her balance was thrown off, so she couldn't catch herself. It seemed like they may both fall together if he was not prepared to keep the both of them up. 

@Dederick

1/5 materials found

"Go ahead and kill him, Joanne. You need the rewards to accomplish your quest. Meanwhile, I'll just try to cut his health points down little by little." 

"Thank you, James," she responded to his kindness. She stepped in front of him, drawing the enemy's attention. She took another deep breath as her blade began to glow, casting a blue light against her silver armor. She charged forward once more at amazing speeds, striking the beast once on each side and across its chest. The brown bear lowered its head to the ground and gave a loud grunt, shaking its head clear of the pain as it tried to focus itself on attacking. It began to charge towards James, deciding to take out its frustration and anger on the tall figure. 

"Watch out," Joanne warned her brother as she dashed out of the way of the angry beast, not wanting to get caught up in its attack if she didn't have to. 

[H: 1 | 2] Joanne: 80/80 HP | 3 + 1 - 3 = 1/8 EN | 3 DMG | 9-10 BLD | 18 MIT | 2 REGEN (10 TOTAL) | 2 THORN (18 DMG total) 
[H: 1 | 0] James: 59/60 HP | 4 + 1 - 1 = 4/6 EN | 3 DMG | 32 MIT | BLEED | 2 LIGHT MOMENTUM | 1 EVA

vs. 

Brown Bear 1: 34 - 9 = 25/40 HP | 12 DMG | +1 ACC | -1 EVA
Brown Bear 2: 22 - 24 = 0/40 HP | 12 DMG | +1 ACC | -1 EVA

Joanne took a deep breath and focused her energy, her blade glowing blue with a different sword art this time. With astonishing speed, she raced towards the first brown bear and slashed it 3 times, dashing around it between each blow, avoiding its attacks. Her blade also took on a red hue as the bleed enchantment took control, draining the beast's health even more. With its chest and sides slashed open, the brown bear let out one more tired roar before falling to the ground and bursting into thousands of blue pixels. 

Joanne lowered her blade and calmly walked over to where the beast had been. She knelt down and searched through it, finding two more materials. This find brought a warm smile to her lips as she added the materials to her inventory. Only one more left to go. 

And only one more bear to kill as well. Joanne turned and looked towards her brother, checking how he was doing. His enemy's health was still high, so she decided to jump in and help him after his next attack. 

[H: 0 | 2] Joanne:  80/80 HP | 5 + 1 - 3 = 3/8 EN | 3 DMG | 9-10 BLD (active) | 18 MIT | 2 REGEN (10 TOTAL) | 2 THORN (18 DMG total) (active)
[H: 1 | 0] James: 59/60 HP | 4/6 EN | 3 DMG | 32 MIT | BLEED | 2 LIGHT MOMENTUM | 1 EVA

vs. 

Brown Bear 1: 37/40 HP | 12 DMG | +1 ACC | -1 EVA
Brown Bear 2: 22 - 24 = 0/40 HP | 12 DMG | +1 ACC | -1 EVA

Loot gained: 
120 col + 80 = 200 col
2 T1 materials

4/5 materials gathered

Once again, Joanne charged up her blade, letting the rage from the sword art fill her body and control her movements. The only bad part about this sword art was that it made her moves sloppy as she let her emotions control her. Again, the sloppiness of the sword art caused her to miss once more. The second brown bear didn't attack her this time, instead choosing to circle around her slowly. It didn't want to experience the pain of the thorns from her last attack. 

Meanwhile, the first brown bear began to charge towards James. "James! Watch out!" she yelled over to him as she saw the burly beast pick up speed, charging in for the kill. She knew the bear wouldn't be able to get through much of James' tough armor, but the image of a large beast charging towards him at full speed was still disturbing to a certain extent. 

[H: 0 | 0] Joanne: 79 + 10 = 80/80 HP | 6 + 1- 2 = 5/8 EN | 3 DMG | 9-10 BLD | 18 MIT | 2 REGEN (10 TOTAL) (1/3)| 2 THORN (18 DMG total) (active)
[H: 1 | 0] James: 60/60 HP | 6 - 1 = 5/6 EN | 3 DMG | 32 MIT | BLEED | 2 LIGHT MOMENTUM | 1 EVA

vs. 

Brown Bear 1: 40 - 3 = 37/40 HP | 12 DMG | +1 ACC | -1 EVA
Brown Bear 2: 40 - 18 = 22/40 HP | 12 DMG | +1 ACC | -1 EVA

Joanne looked back and listened to her brother as he suggested that they buy items next time that would help them with their search. She nodded her head. "That's a great idea, brother. When we get back to town, we should check around and see if anyone is selling a trinket with a looting or searching enchantment." She placed her hand on her chin and thought. "Hm, I wonder if I could make any potions that could help us search as well." She couldn't wait to experiment and find out. 

Just after she had spoken, Joanne heard a rustle in the bushes right in front of her. Instinctively, she leaped back as two large brown bears emerged from the bushes. The one on the left roared fiercely and reared up on its hind legs, slashing out in front of it with its razor sharp claws. 

"It seems like we have company! Be careful, brother!" she shouted as she readied her weapon to attack. Her blade began to glow with a sword art as she charged forward towards the animals. Her rage rose as her blade glowed brighter, driving her forward. She lashed out blindly, none of her hits landing. However, the bears did not just run from her attacks. The second brown bear decided to attack, charging towards Joanne at full speed. 

At the last second, she brought her shield up, negating most of the damage from the bear. The beast bounced off her shield as the item glowed blue and sent thorns crashing down on the bear. 

Joanne turned and spoke to her brother. "You take the first one and I'll take the second," she said, effectively making a plan of action. 

[H: 0 | 0] Joanne: 80 - (13 - 18 = 1) 79/80 HP | 8 - 2 = 6/8 EN | 3 DMG | 9-10 BLD | 18 MIT | 2 REGEN (10 TOTAL) | 2 THORN (18 DMG total) (active)
[H: 0 | 0] James: 60/60 HP | 6/6 EN | 3 DMG | 32 MIT | BLEED | 2 LIGHT MOMENTUM | 1 EVA

vs. 

Brown Bear 1: 40/40 HP | 12 DMG | +1 ACC | -1 EVA
Brown Bear 2: 40 - 18 = 22/40 HP | 12 DMG | +1 ACC | -1 EVA