Yona

Open Tailor shops had been a notably rare sight lately, so she found herself looking around the various floors for any tailors that were open and available. Once she'd managed to reach the eleventh floor, she began looking all over Taft, until she spotted an open shop named "Luminous Linens".

Linen, that's a fabric. Tailor Shop.

Yona entered the shop with all due haste, to find that the one running the shop was-

"Krysta?? Huh, I didn't think I'd actually see you here! It's been a real pain looking for open tailors, so I do hope you've got some good stuff here." She uttered out. With that, she began to look at what was available. She'd find two sets of cloth armor, one for herself, and one that someone else might use. Since there were rumors of a newbie player being missing, she might as well get this extra set. That way, she'd have something for either gender that the missing person turned out to be. If they were male, she could give it to them. If they were female, she could just hand over her lesser cloth armor and sell the other one off at a higher price. If anything, it was a risk worth taking.

"I'll be going with these two. One for me, and one for someone else." She noted as she took the two cloth armors to the counter. She would then place some fine silks and materials onto the counter as payment. "I'm sure some quality materials like these will do, yeah?"

Nothing more needed to be said here, it was time to leave with the purchased equipment.

-Purchasing Moonsliver Veil(Mitigation, 2 Evasion) and Nomad's Garb(Mitigation, 2 Evasion)

-Total cost of 12 Mats sent to Krysta

There weren't many blacksmiths out there that were currently open in time for the current situation, so Yona would need to go to someone she knew(well, sort of knew). Yona made her way to the seventh floor, where Vigilon's shop was located. It was a half-hour walk to reach the place, but there wasn't anything that Yona couldn't handle along the way.

When she arrived, she took a look around to see what was in stock. There were some pretty good things, as well as a bunch of junk that the guy probably didn't know what to do with. Yona had also heard rumors that a player had been missing for some time, and that said player was fairly new to being outside the safe zone...so, maybe she might as well get a few other things while she was here, pick a weapon or two at random.

She found a Falchion in stock and considered buying this one for herself, then she thought for a moment, considered her options, then picked up two axes in case there was someone she knew who'd needed them...and if not? Maybe she could sell them off to some other sucker. She placed the items on the counter, ready to make the transaction.

"I'll be getting these, here's some things you can use in your crafting." She stated, placing the material payment on the counter before leaving with the equipment.

-Purchasing Resplendent Falchion(Accuracy, Bleed, Paralyze), Slayer Axe(3 Damage), and Elgryn(Accuracy, 2 Bleed)

-Total cost of 21 Mats paid to Vigilon

   Yona would suddenly dart in diagonal directions, and then dash to the left just when the Rattlesnake traced the pattern. Yona took the opportunity to attack when it moved in to where it though Yona was going to be, and finished it off with her sword art.

 With another enemy slain, it might be time to leave.

   Yona would climb up the steps again, and return to the surface. The sun would be setting soon, and it would be best to return to the settlement before nighttime and any of its more threatening dangers began to prowl around. Suddenly, another tremor shook the ground. With nothing left to give worth or value to the structure, aside from lore that was too faded to be decipherable, the ruin had begun to collapse entirely...thank goodness Yona left when she did! When the tremor was over, the collapse finished, there was nothing but a dent in the sand remaining...

What a wild ride this had been...

ID# 209835 BD: 4+2=6(hit), MD: 8-4=4(miss)

ST-I: 12x12=144 Damage to Giant Rattlesnake

ID# 209836 CD: 11, LD: 1+6=7(1708 Col, 4 Materials, <<Unidentified T1 Rare Trinket 209836>>)

Yona: HP 160/160, EN 10/34 | 12 DMG | 14 MIT | 2 ACC | 4 EVA | 6 LD | 3 Prosperity

        Enemies:

Giant Rattlesnake: HP 0/288, 24 DMG, Inflicts T1 Envenom on MD 9-10

Summary:

Word Count: 9027
Exp. Value: 902*tier

Yona Receives:

902 Exp
24494 Col(Thread Progression[800], Mob Loot[22194], Treasure Chests[1500])
40 Materials(Mob loot[26], Treasure Chests[14])

Looted from Monsters and Treasure Chests:

   The Giant Rattlesnake slithered down the sandy staircase and into the mysterious building, where Yona was waiting for it. It knew it would have to fight for this potential home, but it did not know what Yona was capable of. It prepared itself to strike once again, and Yona would jump back in time to avoid, before proceeding with her own sword art, cutting the monster's HP in half. The Giant Rattlesnake hissed, and was starting to slither back and attempt an intimidating stance. Yona, however, didn't feel like faltering, since from her point of view, she had fought worse enemies than this.

  There wasn't much else aside from a standoff for the moment, as each would glare at the opponent as they waited to see if their enemy would make a move. There were no words necessary for a situation like this, only the anticipation before the next strike.

ID# 209834 BD: 7+2=9(hit), MD: 3-4=1(miss)

ST-I: 12x12=144 Damage to Giant Rattlesnake

Yona: HP 160/160, EN 21/34 | 12 DMG | 14 MIT | 2 ACC | 4 EVA | 6 LD | 3 Prosperity

        Enemies:

Giant Rattlesnake: HP 144/288, 24 DMG, Inflicts T1 Envenom on MD 9-10

   Once she was getting out, it seemed that there were still going to be some problems before this trip was over. When she reached the surface, there would be something practically right in front of her.

 The Rattlesnake stopped moving, and lifted its head defensively. It might have been investigating the opening in hopes of getting a free burrow or something like that...and it now saw Yona as a liability, judging from its stance. Yona drew her blade, she knew how this was gonna end...

...But sure not how it would begin. She activated her sword art, but she slipped on the first stair and tumbled backwards...oddly enough, if it weren't for that little stumble, that strike from the monster might have struck her. Yona took this opportunity to fight it with less sand for it to burrow into. If the snake wanted this place, it would have to come down to the structure's interior with her.

ID# 209833 BD: 1(Critical Fail), MD: 2-4=1(miss)

Yona: HP 160/160, EN 32/34 | 12 DMG | 14 MIT | 2 ACC | 4 EVA | 6 LD | 3 Prosperity

        Enemies:

Giant Rattlesnake: HP 288/288, 24 DMG, Inflicts T1 Envenom on MD 9-10

Yona's eyes widened when the host mentioned she had another Estate, over on the twenty-seventh floor. "Damn..." Yona muttered under her breath in pleasant shock. "You must be pretty skilled then, how'd you make bank like that?" She asked, genuinely wondering how this player managed to get all the col she'd have needed to get her hands on both her fine homes. Even an Estate alone wasn't exactly cheap, so clearly this player had managed to strike it rich or something.

Oh, the host was gone all of a sudden. well, guess that question would have to wait until later. Yona felt a slight tapping on her dress, and she could only guess that Shaxus was trying to get her attention. She simply placed her hand over the Binding Stone to make sure no one saw it shaking.

One player walked over to the door in the host's stead to let in another player, while Yona took the liberty of excusing herself to make sure nothing was wrong. She checked to make sure no one was looking, then she tapped the Binding Stone twice while whispering, "What is it this time?"

"You've noticed how weak and minuscule I currently am, right?" Shaxus asked. "Uh yeah?" Yona answered, as quietly as her previous words. "I'm getting a familiar sensation...I recognize nothing, but there's something familiar that I can't quite place..and I find it kind of unsettling..." The shadow within the Binding Stone continued. Yona had an unamused expression on her face. "Shaxus, why are you like this..." She groaned. She didn't understand why he seemed to act like he was unusually sensitive. "You're with me, you're fine. You've got nothing to worry about as long as I've got you." A lack of movement from the Binding Stone, and a silence that it was paired with, Yona could only assume Shaxus was done. She then went to regroup with the other players.

When Yona got back to the other players, Nari spotted her and waved. Yona would wave back, and see Krysta there as well. "Oh hey, nice seeing you again! How have you been?" She greeted. She then looked over to Nari again after any potential answer from Krysta. "Right, you kind of disappeared when I least expected, but I don't mind, you're the host, after all. Running an event doesn't exactly sound easy...anyway, I'm really curious as to how you managed to get all the col you'd need for both this place and an Estate! If I didn't know any better, I might start getting jealous!" She said to Nari. As someone who really wanted an Estate for both personal preference, and lifestyle familiarity, Yona wanted to know what the best strategies for racking up col were. The Binding Stone shuddered slightly, but Yona immediately moved her hand to keep the "trinket" still as to prevent any suspicion.

@Nari-Lanreth

Having read the message aloud to herself, she began to dwell on it and consider going. It was just a party, right? No ulterior motives involved? It sure didn't seem like a problem, it sounded like a party...with an extra step, maybe? Yona didn't seem to understand or grasp whatever the sender, Nari, meant by a certain small detail...but the rest just sounded like what happens at a party. ...Wait...wasn't Nari that socially inept girl over at the Christmas party?

Oh, boy, this was gonna be a risk...that Yona would certainly be taking. "Well, I guess I'll need to begin preparations." She decided. The Binding Stone shook, and Shaxus came out to speak his opinion. "How interesting...You humans really seem to find the strangest things, you've all certainly changed during the past few thousand years I'd been sealed away...not that I remember THAT much about early humanity." Yona raised an eyebrow. "And what seems strange to you?" She asked. "In all these years, I'd never heard of deities that preside over seasons." Shaxus responded. "You humans really are odd, changing your beliefs so very easily throughout the generations..."

(OOC: An OOC religion check ensues, I think she failed the check XD)

Yona held her hand up to her chin in thought for a short moment. "You know what, I think we're on the same page with this one, I don't recall a goddess of spring in any religions I've heard of...not that I was into that sort of thing." She remarked. The message was sent by a player, so Yona's best guess was that it was related to a real-world belief she'd never known of. "Well, enough about the non-existent, it's time to go shopping for some proper attire to wear!" She decided as she headed out the door.

Day of the Celebration:

Yona had to equip a warm cloak over her party apparel due to the wintry conditions of the fourth floor. "How Ironic... a celebration dedicated to springtime and a deity of said season, set within a realm of eternal winter..." Shaxus remarked from the Binding Stone. ...Yeah, Yona was gonna have to say a few words, since Shaxus couldn't exactly communicate telepathically as of the moment. With a sigh, Yona stopped, checked to see if anyone was around, and spoke in hopes of getting something handled before anyone showed up. "I'm gonna make this clear, Shaxus. This is gonna have to be a 'me' thing, not a 'we' thing. Like most of the common folk we've encountered, not all of my people will be very accepting of your presence. If anything, it'll most likely unnerve them, and I don't feel like having to explain everything." She warned. "I understand if you want to have a part in the participation, but...I don't wanna take any chances. You can still see and hear from the Binding Stone, so I guess you could be around...in a roundabout way. Just don't speak up or jump out, you might scare someone. Got it?" Yona asked. Shaxus seemed to give a light groan in response, but he seemed willing to cooperate for the time being.

Yona approached the location as the map had directed. Nari's place was pretty extravagant...man, Yona couldn't wait to get an Estate, she just needed the col...she was sick of having to always rent rooms of random inns, she wanted to live within an estate again...but this time, she would be the owner, and she would get to call the shots...but, for now, she had a party to attend. As Yona approached the building, she saw someone else enter. ...Well, guess there was time to enter in a similar manner as she did last time!

She opened the door in a sudden motion, but made sure to not be too careless with the door. "And Dawn breaks through with the arrival!"

Technically, Dawn had arrived before she'd entered, but it seemed that she was among the first to arrive...and there were only familiar faces, though she'd only met Jomei. She simply recognized the other two from the last party she was at.

Small world.

Yona unequipped the cloak, revealing her choice of attire for the occasion, as she took in her surroundings. "Nice place you've got here, it's been a good while since I've been at an estate...other than where that Valentine tourney was held, of course." She remarked. Hopefully her words wouldn't give too much of a hint to her past...it could easily be assumed that it was a player estate she'd been to, right?

@Nari-Lanreth @NIGHT @Jomei

Shaxus's Binding Stone was attached to a small four-link chain that had its other end attached to the waistline of Yona's dress, and the Binding Stone itself would have simply appeared as a rock with a single hole at the top if it weren't for the diamond shape marking on it. Said marking had a border outline with various straight lines in all directions within. Whether this Binding Stone appeared out of place or not was up to the beholder. Hopefully players would think it was just an odd trinket equipped for safety.

Yona's Attire:

Stats and Equipment:

Yona made her way over to the chest, and opened it up to find...not much, actually. Well, at least it was better than nothing. She would begin walking up the sand-covered steps that led to the surface and outside the ruin. Hopefully she wouldn't slip and tumble, that would probably become a damaging fall.

She now had a more solid goal in mind, and maybe, just maybe...Shaxus could possibly be of some help... But until then, Yona was basically on her own. She knew a few acquaintances, but hopefully she'd be able to find more potential friends and allies along the way. It would definitely make everything easier...this was an MMO, after all.

Seeing that Shaxus was some sort of shadow being, however, it probably wouldn't be wise to let him interact with people Yona had only just met...besides, she didn't know what his opinions on the general public was, either. She just knew she'd now struck a deal with him.

ID# 208569 LD: 4(250 Col, 2 Materials, <<Unidentified T1 Uncommon Consumable 208569a>> and <<Unidentified T1 Uncommon Consumable 208569b>>)

Yona, to an extent, knew what she had to do. Her true identity would draw attention, so while she was lower level, it would be best to avoid drawing too much attention to herself. It was bad enough that she had some moments of weakness already. How unfitting it all was, for the promising youth, Tora Amberhide. Even the name seemed to have some sort of strength to it.

She just needed to raise her level so that she could be worthy of strength, to truly fit what comes to mind for a name as mighty as that. "Soon..." She thought.

She would rise above, eventually...until then, she'd keep a low profile and not reveal her identity. Going by just her username seemed to do the trick so far...

As Yona began making her way out, she spotted, half covered in sand...

"A chest? how'd I miss that?" She uttered out as she noticed it.

ID# 208568 LD: 9+6=15(found a treasure chest!)

Out-Of-Combat Regeneration: EN fully restored

Yona: HP 160/160, EN 34/34 | 12 DMG | 14 MIT | 2 ACC | 4 EVA | 6 LD | 3 Prosperity

Perhaps Earth and Aincrad were indeed vastly different, but the similarities were clear. This was a world where the strong were in control, and all others had no choice but to serve them. The same went for Earth, Yona's former homeland, which, if the playerbase was lucky or strong enough, she'd be able to see again. Even the so-called "Land of the free" Yona was born in now followed this law of the strong. Regardless of belief, Evolution or Religion, there was always something above all the others when it came to what was alive. Yona needed to be strong, so that those who were strong could never decide her fate for her. She needed to be strong, so that she could do something about the weak....but evil dwelt within the weak as well, did it not?

All this pondering about the apparent universal laws that governed all life started to tire out Yona's mind. It was time to make her way out of this crumbling ruin.

Out-Of-Combat Regeneration: EN +1

Yona: HP 160/160, EN 10/34 | 12 DMG | 14 MIT | 2 ACC | 4 EVA | 6 LD | 3 Prosperity

Yona had some things to think about when "greatness" and "strength" were mentioned. Strength was but a means to an end. Power...power was what the state of one being ahead of others, in this world, and the one Yona was from. In this world, power was measured by level, and by how much damage one could do...as well as how many opponents they can overcome. In the world Yona came from, power had a different meaning. Power was having great wealth. Power was having great influence. Power was having wide tracts of territory. Power was having more might than the rest... Power was strength. If you didn't have what it takes, you were weak, and the weak were always swept up into the abyss of desolation as long as those who had power cared not about them...and there were far too many of those. For this reason, Yona had to become strong. Not only to protect herself, but to protect others as well. Wealth was like strength, a means to an end.

But in all these cases, were Aincrad and Earth really all that different?

Out-Of-Combat Regeneration: EN +1

Yona: HP 160/160, EN 9/34 | 12 DMG | 14 MIT | 2 ACC | 4 EVA | 6 LD | 3 Prosperity

The last Scorpion was hesitant, and rightfully so, as Yona had slain both of its kind without a scratch on her. "What, you gonna come at me, too? It'll end the same way, so don't try it." Yona said to the monster. As if agitated by either the deaths of its allies or Yona's words, it made angry clicky Scorpion noises, or however else a scorpion could possibly communicate by sound, before attempting to charge at her. Yona, who expected that this would happen, readied herself before the charge and she activated her sword art as to finish the job.

Well, that was over and done now, but Yona's Energy wasn't doing as good as she needed it to be. Shaxus popped back out of the Binding Stone to see what must have been the results, even though the monsters shattered into basically nothing. "Well now...strength like this is destined for greatness...I knew I was making the right decision, choosing to ally with you. Hehehehe....."

Shaxus returned to the Binding stone, and Yona checked her inventory to see all that she's gotten on this trip so far.

ID# 207957 BD: 8+2=10(hit), MD: 3-4=1(miss)

ST-I: 12x12=144 DMG to Desert Scorpion 3!

ID# 207958 CD: 1, LD: 15+6=21(780 Col, 4 materials, <<Unidentified T1 Perfect Armor 207958a>>, and <<Unidentified T1 Perfect Weapon 207958b>>)

Yona: HP 160/160, EN 8/34 | 12 DMG | 14 MIT | 2 ACC | 4 EVA | 6 LD | 3 Prosperity

            Enemies:

Desert Scorpion 3: HP 0/130, 24 DMG

Well, all there was to do now was to leave this place, there's nothing more that she could find here...but what to do about the stone... For now, she put it in her jacket pocket, but would need a better way to carry it around soon enough.

Once she reached the first story of the structure, Yona would spot some Desert Scorpions that appeared to be seeking new territory. Well, Yona was probably gonna have to cut through them if she was gonna leave this place.

She drew her blade as the monsters' cursors turned red, and she rushed forward to attack with her Area of Effect Sword Art, taking down two of them while missing the last one. With how awfully close she'd cut it, she might have been in for a rough hit or two if she hadn't managed to deal damage to the scorpions she'd just slain.

ID# 207793 BD: 8+2=10(hit), MD: 10(Critical!! +2 DMG)

ID# 207794 BD: 6+2=8(hit), MD: 9(Critical! +1 DMG)

ID# 207795 BD: 1(Critical Fail!), MD: 3-4=1(Miss)

AoE-I: 12x11=132 Damage to Desert Scorpions 1 and 2!

ID# 207796 CD: 3, LD: 10+6=16(910 Col, 2 materials, <<Unidentified T1 Rare Weapon 207796a>>, and <<Unidentified T1 Rare Consumable 207796b>>)

ID# 207797 CD: 9, LD: 12+6=18(1300 Col, 2 materials, and <<Unidentified T1 Rare Trinket 207797>>)

Yona: HP 160/160, EN 19/34 | 12 DMG | 14 MIT | 2 ACC | 4 EVA | 6 LD | 3 Prosperity

            Enemies:

Desert Scorpion 1: HP 0/130, 24 DMG

Desert Scorpion 2: HP 0/130, 24 DMG

Desert Scorpion 3: HP 130/130, 24 DMG

"...I'm listening..." Yona stated, revealing her interest. "Yes...there can be so much we could possibly do, though we may have to figure it out as we go along...all you need do for the time being is take that stone wherever you go, and I'll follow. Further requirements, on both our ends, may be discussed more clearly as we solidify an alliance, if not a partnership. Whaddya say?"

Yona thought for a moment. This was a shadowy puff with abilities and origins shrouded in mystery...but it was completely at the mercy of the Binding Stone, and thus whoever had it. Yona would have the better end of this, and if something went wrong, well...she could always toss the stone where no one will find it, right?

"Hmm.....deal." She agreed. "Kekekeke...you won't regret this..." The little black puff claimed. "I go by Yona," Yona introduced. "And I'm gonna need something to refer to you as; something to call you. You don't remember being given a name, so..." The little shadow puff seemed to be bracing itself, as though his mood was "Oh, no, here we go". "Hmm...how about...how about I call you Shaxus?" Yona suggested.

There was a still silence for a short moment, as though the system was registering something. The shadow puff's eye expression was now one of intrigue. "Shaxus, hm? Hmm...not bad, Yona, not bad at all. I'll take it." He decided.

The little black shadow puff kept attempting to leave the room, but something was keeping him in it. It rushed back to Yona, and spotted the stone in her hand. "Are you KIDDING me?? Curse this damn stone! I'm still bound to it!" He exclaimed. "How am I supposed to return to what I was and recall everything, when this rock here won't let me go? Always something getting in the way!" Yona held out her other hand up to the entity. "Whoa there, take it easy, little guy." She began. The little black puff had what seemed like an irritated expression, as could only be guessed by looking at the two spots of glowing red that must have been his eyes. "So, let me get this straight, you don't remember who you are, or what your past was like...and you're bound to this stone, correct?" Yona explained. The little black puff's eyes suddenly lit up, as if getting an idea. "That stone...you can't break it. Many before you have tried...but...maybe you can take it." He explained. "You look strong, you look capable, I'm sure we can do wonders together..." He offered. "I'm sure you're looking for strength, yes? Knowledge, perhaps? I might know a helpful secret or two, or perhaps have some useful advice? I can possibly be of help...and if you help me get my power and my memory back...I'll be able to help you further. How does that sound?"

Unexpected...but veeeeeery tempting...

Yona's eyes were widened, as something had come out of the stone, and was now just floating in midair. Just a smoky black puff of...something. "What the...?"

The little black puff that came out of the stone looked around, and eventually spotted Yona, who was still just standing there, dumbfounded at what just happened. "What's with the look?" The mysterious black puff asked. "What are you?" Yona asked. "I am-"

The black puff stopped suddenly, as if it was onto something, but failed to get it right at the moment it needed it. "Huh...you know what...I don't think I actually have a name...at least, I don't remember having one...hmm.... Well, as for WHAT I am, since you so kindly asked, I am a being of shadows, capable of so much...though...hmm...I'm not nearly what I should be, is this really me now? Hmm...." The little black shadow puff seemed to have some kind of issue. He knew what he was, but he didn't seem to know who he was...and maybe he also seemed to speak as though he were nerfed or something. "Uh....do you...remember much of whatever happened before you came out of that rock?" Yona asked, a confused yet wary expression on her face. The little black shadow puff seemed irritated, but not at Yona or her question. "Bah, it's all fuzzy and faint, I can't make heads or tails of anything! I've gotta get my power back, maybe it'll all make sense then!" The little black shadow puff would zoom off, but something would stop him abruptly...though it would appear as though he himself had stopped suddenly.

A stone.

A Stone.

A small stone that could fit in the palm of her hand.

That's what the wall was hiding away? Seriously?

Yona examined the stone. An item name appeared over the stone. <<Unusual Rock>>.

She picked it up and took it out of the space. It had a single hole in it, and it could be possible to place it on a necklace or have it hang from the hip or waist like a trinket if said hole was properly utilized. The stone also had a diamond shape on it, comprised of a border shape, then filled in with all kinds of straight lines in many directions, filling the space within. "What an odd rock...it's got something on it, plus a hole that probably means it can be equipped or worn somehow..." She though aloud as she analyzed it. Suddenly, the stone's name changed from <<Unusual Rock>> to <<Binding Stone>>.

Uh oh, what did she just do? The item was now listed in her inventory... Cursed. That didn't look good. She couldn't exactly equip it, either. She was about to place the stone down and just leave, then the stone started moving.

It shifted in her hand and shook once or twice, then something came out of it. "Hyyyyyyaaaaaaaagggghhh!!!!"

<<???>>

Out-Of-Combat Regeneration: EN Fully Restored, HP +15

Yona: HP 160/160, EN 34/34 | 12 DMG | 14 MIT | 2 ACC | 4 EVA | 6 LD | 3 Prosperity

Yona looked at the holes, there were about six of them...and the symbols on the stones, they were similar to the symbols on the walls of the other rooms...maybe they were linked.

She tried to place a symbol in one, but it didn't seem to fit. She tried the other five, but they didn't fit either. "....How...?" Then it suddenly came to her. Maybe she had to put the stones in differently. In the lower left socket, she placed the cloud symbol upside down, and turned it.

Click!

"Ah....now we're getting somewhere!" Yona thought aloud as she figured out how the puzzle worked. If she was to get this puzzle right, she'd probably have to compare the six sockets to the rooms she'd been in... She set the tentacled rose symbol in the lower right socket, the destruction symbol in the middle left socket, the void symbol in the middle right socket, the striking symbol in the upper left socket, and the hand symbol in the upper right socket.

A portion of the wall in front of her would descend into the ground, revealing....another wall. On it was an indent of sorts. She then looked around the room, searching for what might fit it.

Upon finding nothing, she'd check her inventory in case the necessary item was looted from the Guardian. Sure enough, an Item she didn't recognize was in her inventory. <<Black Key>>

It wasn't like the average key. In fact, the end that got stuck in was kind of a diamond shape, and it had markings all over it... She stuck the key into the diamond-shaped slot, and turned it, similarly to the symbols' stones. The handle of the key shattered, the whole structure seemed to start rumbling, and the portion of the wall would descend. Various other portions revealed behind would also shift and move, revealing a small space with a stone inside.

Out-Of-Combat Regeneration: EN +1, HP +15

Yona: HP 154/160, EN 2/34 | 12 DMG | 14 MIT | 2 ACC | 4 EVA | 6 LD | 3 Prosperity

The ginger replied, saying the answer was that Yona was definitely early, and he introduced himself as Jomei. However...he recognized Yona, but not in a way that she preferred...

Yona's smile faded when Jomei said he recognized her from the fight against Lessa. If only she'd beaten that soft-handed blunet, she'd have something to bring herself back up. ...But no, there were only downs. She lost, therefore she risked being seen as "weak".

...And weakness is not something that should be shown unless those around could be trusted, and from what she knew, weakness leads to one taking control of the other...something that Yona wouldn't tolerate for herself. She couldn't trust anyone to treat her fairly if she was under anyone, but she could trust herself to treat those below her as though they were equals. Kindness was ideal to show to the lesser, while assertion and strength would be necessary to show to those "above" as to avoid being under them in any way.

Yona turned her face away from Jomei, her expression leaking some irritation. Thankfully, there came a voice that would change the subject. It was Lessa, asking if everyone was decent. Upon the blonde's reaction to them all having some form of attire(even if Yona's seemed thin enough to be semi-translucent), Yona had something to respond to. "Oh, you tease." Yona responded, with a smirk on her face and her arms loosely across her chest. "Of course, we'd have to get to know each other better if we ever wanted something like that..."

Yona would have to like them first, but she'd also have to trust them beforehand. Don't be hasty, one might say...

Jomei would give a remark about sleepovers. In all honesty, this was going to be Yona's first time sleeping over at another person's home, so she knew little of sleepovers themselves...however...the way he'd spoken it... "Are you stereotyping?" She questioned. She still had a mild grin on her face, as she was only curious.

The blond male introduced himself as Morningstar. He said he'd swim over, but that he was comfortable. "And why would you swim over, hm? You weren't thinking of moving too quickly, were you?" She teased.

Yona didn't know what to think of this situation just yet, but damn it she hoped she'd get lucky after all that she went through.

@Lessa @Jomei @Morningstar

Yona turned out to be late in terms of knowing when the opportunity to strike came. She should have swatted his face with her bokken the moment he reacted, as he would have been the most off guard during that moment.

Pain might not be something that could be felt in this world, but there were other kinds of hurt...such as regretting not taking action sooner.

Two hits. Not again...

It was clear that her opponent had stopped playing nice. Yona had been using a variety of tricks, but now she should do the same...in fact, she should have stopped "playing nice" since this match started. She shouldn't have played nice at all in this tourney, holding back is what got her into this mess in the first place! Victory always took strength, speed, and cunning. Remove one, it all falls apart. It had been far too long since Yona had practiced combat with another person. It was also difficult to find feasible ways to practice self-defense before this game began. Yona's name and ideals were those of true strength, yet here she was, falling into weakness? Those who are weak become exploited and forced into either submission or destruction. The nature of this tourney seemed to dictate the former in this case, but Yona would not dare allow herself to be found as weak.

She wanted a challenge, not a threat.

So now she'd have to become a threat herself, wouldn't she?

After the latest hit, she was sent flying, but when she got up after landing, she immediately took position, eyes locked onto her opponent. She rushed forward, but knew her strike would be blocked...this was not her real attack anyway, as she simply intended to give a show of force to reveal that she'd stopped messing around. Once that was done, she'd sidestep to the left and perform a feint, before darting to the right and turning herself in a spinning motion as she swung her training weapon at the opponent's flank with all her might. Surely the momentum from the turn might give her a boost.

These training weapons couldn't deal any damage, from what she'd been told, but who said one couldn't apply full force in an attack? Surely it would make a statement, at least.

She will never willingly be conquered.

Results:

Yona kept a close eye on her opponent, and noticed the hand switcheroo that was going on. "Heh...trying to keep me guessing, eh? Good move, good move..." Yona thought as she prepared herself, taking position to ready a guard stance at a moment's notice. Pulling this off was going to be difficult. All she needed to do was get the timing right. If her opponent wasn't too fast in making his move, a well-timed reaction could block this sophisticated attack.

Klack!

The two wooden training weapons clashed, as Yona had managed to figure out what position she needed to block, just in time. It really was a close one, there was no mistaking it. Of course, now she just had to try turning this into an opportunity. With her free hand, Yona reached out and grabbed onto one of her opponent's hands, and...

What's this?

Never had Yona ever felt a pair of hands so soft and smooth... She looked her opponent in the eye, with a smirk on her face. "My, my...what soft hands you have." She teased. Once the opportunity rose, she darted to the left, jumped back, and attempted a thrust against her opponent. Just about anything could end this, due to the lead she now had...she just had to keep her wits about her if she was to succeed.

Results:

A slumber party? Yona wondered why he thought that was a safe bet, but the place was guarded and all, so maybe it was fine. There was also the mention of an onsen...wasn't that like....a hot spring?

She needed a break, she needed a chance to relax. She was gonna head for the Onsen. She made her way through the island in search of it, and once she found it, she went straight for the Women's changing room to get changed, grabbed a towel, and left the changing room.

Stepping into a hot spring was often a slow process, meant to avoid causing a temperature shock for the body. She started with her left foot, slowly submerging it. within about ten seconds, however, she'd gotten herself into the water. Normally she'd close her eyes, but she wasn't alone. There were two guys in the hot spring, one blond, one ginger. No other girls were in sight....was something going on. "Fancy seeing you fine gentlemen here." Yona began. "I might have come here to relax and all, but....am I just early or something? I for one, thought girls loved hot springs...I mean, I say this for me, at least, being a girl myself..." She remarked, wondering why there weren't any other females here, despite that a place like this might be wondrous...unless they were worried that a bunch of guys being around would be a dealbreaker?

Well, Yona didn't mind, as long as the guys didn't get too close without her consent.

@Morningstar @Jomei

Onsen Attire:

Stats and Equipment:

Yona was feeling winded, due to the depletion of her energy. She sat down to take a breather. What did he mean by that? "Don't open the seal"? what seal was there to open?

After a few minutes of pondering on this, she decided that there must be some kind of unknown lore in this chamber...and whatever this seal was, maybe it actually wasn't best to open it...so if Yona found something related to a seal, then she could research it as to know what not to interact with?

She got up, and now it was time to investigate the room. Aside from the stone chair, there were nothing but pillars, as well as less faded murals and less crumbled carvings....but Yona still couldn't figure out anything from seeing them. Yona walked past the stone chair, and over to the back of the room.

The symbol in this room was larger when compared to the others, but now that Yona was at the wall, there seemed to be a set of smaller symbols on stones...which...looked like they could fit in certain holes in the wall? Yona picked up the stones and examined them. Was this some kind of puzzle?

Out-Of-Combat Regeneration: EN +1, HP +15

Yona: HP 139/160, EN 1/34 | 12 DMG | 14 MIT | 2 ACC | 4 EVA | 6 LD | 3 Prosperity

Yona took a deep breath and sighed. "Of course I know little about whatever the hell's going on here, the less you tell me, the less I know!" She called out to her foe. "It is not worth the risk. I will defend this chamber or die trying!" The Ancient Guardian declared. Yona had little else to say to this resilient undead. "Alright then." She decided. "Suit yourself."

She rushed in towards her opponent...but it seemed the Ancient Guardian was expecting another feint. She activated her sword art, and with another successful strike, the Ancient Guardian's HP dropped to zero. She turned around to see her enemy still standing, so it probably had some last words, or something like that. The undead dropped to his knees and lost his grip on his sword, holding one arm against his chest, as though he was holding a fatal wound. "...Whatever you do...do not...do not open...the seal..."

The Ancient Guardian collapsed to the ground and shattered.

ID# 205028 BD: 7+2=9(hit), MD: 1(Critical Fail)

ST-I: 12x12=144 Damage to Ancient Guardian

ID# 205029 CD: 9, LD: 4+6=10(3996 Col, 2 Materials, <<Unidentified T1 Rare Trinket 205028>>)

Yona: HP 124/160, EN 0/34 | 12 DMG | 14 MIT | 2 ACC | 4 EVA | 6 LD | 3 Prosperity

            Enemies:

Ancient Guardian: HP 0/444, 30 DMG, 1 ACC

Four seconds of awkward silence passed.

"...You done yet?" Yona asked. The Ancient Guardian's "eyes" glowed with a more wrathful intensity. "You...what did you do?" The Undead Warrior asked, gripping his two-handed sword more tightly. Yona lowered her weapon slightly. "To be fair, I kinda explored everywhere but here, and...well, if those other undead I encountered were those brothers-in-arms of yours, well..." Yona then shrugged. "Your buddies started it. They assaulted me, only said 'leaaaaaave' like they were ghosts or something, what did they expect?" She finished.

Immediately Yona would be sent flying by the Ancient Guardian's attack. "Ok, maybe he thinks I deserved that." Yona thought. "They expected you to LEAVE!! You should not be here, you NEVER should have been here! You know NOTHING of what you are on the path to doing!" The Ancient Guardian roared out. Yona got up, with some difficulty. Guess this was really how it was gonna be...

ID# 205026 MD: 10(Critical! +2 DMG)

[Yona takes no action]

Yona: HP 124/160, EN 11/34 | 12 DMG | 14 MIT | 2 ACC | 4 EVA | 6 LD | 3 Prosperity

            Enemies:

Ancient Guardian: HP 144/444, 30 DMG, 1 ACC