[SP-F3] O Humble King << Feeding The Enemy >> [COMPLETE]

[Gotz 0]

 

An interesting fact about the Forest Of Wandering Mist came to me prior to today's journey within the mist itself. While having a good, warm meal in the local inn, a slight-elderly woman asks me if I can let her sit at my table. I let her do so and say nothing else at the moment, for I am actually expecting her to ramble about her tales of whatever notable incidents she faced or experienced, just like any other NPCs that does so to random players, though most of them fit in the 'veteran' group. It doesn't necessarily mean they were soldiers, but they could also be former adventurers of Aincrad, and thus wish to share as much information as possible to the modern Aincradians. 

As I take the last bite of roasted mutton, the woman began to speak of a beautiful waterfall that lies deep within the misty forest, and that it requires only one thing to reach it. Hibiscus or rafflesias must be used as guides for they are placed in such a way that they are kind of lining up in one single path if arranged altogether. That was what the woman said, and her story got my attention. It has been a darn while since I wander anywhere outside Floor 3, for I was busy rearranging and tidying up some things in my new armory as well as relaxing like a Snorlax in my free time. 

"...can you tell me more of this...waterfall?" I ask her.

Edited October 26, 2016 by Gotz

[Gotz 0]

"Why yes, dear." The old woman answers with a chuckle. I guess nobody gave a s**t about her story until now...or maybe they pussied out of her dangerous requests. "The waterfall is practically a safe 'checkpoint' in the Wandering Mist. The water is so refreshing to drink and bathe, that you will feel eternal bliss as a side effect. No potential threats can ever enter the sanctuary, for according to reoccurring rumors, there is somebody that are protecting said waterfall, and although they allow anyone to rest there, some of them will do whatever it takes to kick him or her out of the place. These things perceive outsiders as threats, and there is a reason behind this believe."

"...what are these people...or creatures called?"

"Shadow puppets," she continues. "Named so because they have the ability to turn into invulnerable shadows on any solid surfaces. Walls, stones, grounds, trees, et cetera. They have psychic powers ranging from telekenesis to pyrokenesis. They only strike with their powerful, physical strength should an enemy come in close contact with their skin, including grabbing. You, sir, must be careful and respect them as best as possible. If you are lucky, few of them are willing to join adventurers and become your familiar."

Familiar huh...why I never think of such a thing during my days as an Aincradian...

[Gotz 0]

And so, here I am...wandering around the mist within the woods as I try my best to look for hibiscuses and rafflesias. They are easy to distinguish among each other, and I like to think that rafflesias serve as a marker to how close I am to the waterfall, while the hibiscuses indicate the distance between myself and the giant flowers. 

I think of nothing except for the shadow puppets that I am supposed to meet. The mention of their psychic powers is a little troubling to my ears. They are not to be fooled around with, especially if one's attacks are all dependent on brute force. It takes some degree of intelligence to counter these psychic attacks. One of the ways to do so, in my opinion, is trickery. This may be possible should the opponent is so focused on attacking the target that he or she is distracted from their surroundings. 

Alternatively, one can even endure the constant dodging and hiding from those powers until the opponent is exhausted, thus letting themselves open to the incoming attack from the warrior. 

These strategies may or may not work, but so far these are the only ones I can ever think of.

[Gotz 0]

There is a lone porch standing just beside a rafflesia, and I guess this serves as a proper resting place to the seekers of the waterfall. I approach it casually and slowly open the door, pushing my shield forward as I look around the interior. The layout is simple as it consists on a table, chair, bed, and some cupboards. No threats are visible here...I'm getting in.

Surprisingly, I discover that the cupboards are full of canned food and water. Looking at them closely, they come in different kinds of food including fish, meat or whatnot. I grin as I notice a can of sardines, which is my personal favorite. However, I realize that I don't have any proper means to open it. Attempting to do so with a sword is too much, I might spill most of the contents. Luckily, there is a can opener placed conveniently onto the table, the metal surface shining proudly as it awaits for somebody to put it to good use.

No sooner after I walk towards the table to pick it up, I hear a loud bang against the door, followed by a gruff voice that says: "I smell someone in hear! Don't you dare take my supplies, scumbag!

[Gotz 0]

 

The door is broken down by a series of strikes inflicted by a large ax blade, and in the style of Jack Torrance, a minotaur's head peeks in through the large hole on the wooden door, and it doesn't take long for him to notice my presence and give me a bizarre s**t eating grin. He uses his raw strength to break through the remnants of the door and approach me menacingly with his battleaxe. As he is close enough towards me, he lets out a noisy breath through his nostrils, his pupils display his intense anger and love for violence.

He is more furrier than any other minotaurs I fought before, and he only dons a metal belt and a red loincloth. His two horns point upwards rather than forwards, thus being unsuitable to be used as mere weapons. Until now, I never notice that his axe is in fact a halberd of some sort, as it sports a spearhead at its tip. 

"You dare to enter my home and loot my supplies as you please?!" the minotaur bellows. "The least you can do is to wait for my return, but that would not make a difference, is it?!"

As soon as he finishes speaking, he is already thrusting his halberd towards my helmet.

Gotz: HP 119/120

Minotaur: HP 32/32

ID: 69828

BD: 5

MD: 6

Edited October 21, 2016 by Gotz

[Gotz 0]

The spearhead glided along the rim of my tower shield and barely make a dent against the metal surface of my helmet as I take a step backwards. I draw out my black sword and remain focused towards the minotaur, who is now snickering as my armor as he holds his weapon upright.

"A heavily armored human...what a rare sight," he chuckles. "Most of the victims I encounter are either leather armored or only don minimal metal armor, like a single breastplate."

"How is it relevant to anything at this moment, scoundrel?" I scoffed, as I do not want to have any idle chats with him.

"Getting to the point huh? Either you wish to have an urgent meeting with your maker, or you are already up to this fight. If you can abide my condition, I must tell you that under all circumstances, you shall never run from this house."

"Your house is not large enough to make wide swings. You must be an idiot to destroy your own shelter in the middle of going berserk just to win."

"Bah! I am not simple minded like the other minotaurs, human. Now shall we begin-- h..hey!"

Gotz: HP 118/120

Minotaur: HP 32/32

ID: 69829

BD: 1

MD: 8

Edited October 21, 2016 by Gotz

[Gotz 0]

I don't remember what happens next after I mindlessly charge towards the minotaur, but I do know that I am already bumped against the wall. The sound of metal banging against the hard stone surface resonates through my ears, and goddamn, it hurts. I hope to myself that my headache quickly disappears, and as I set my eyes towards the minotaur, I notice him bringing down one of his legs.

"Fool. You will not attack me while I am speaking, for I am still aware of my surroundings," he speaks in a rather arrogant tone. "That head must have hurt after you bump against the wall, correct?"

He steps forward as he brings the ax blade down towards the face of my helm, and luckily I manage to block the strike. The knockback is a b**ch, I almost stagger as I try to move around without getting close to him. He strikes my shield for another two minutes before becoming exhausted, panting heavily like an angry bull. I bang my sword against my shield to taunt him, and he only snickers before getting up to adapt another strategy. 

Gotz: HP 117/120

Minotaur: HP 21/32

ID: 69831

BD: 9

MD: 6

Energy: 4/12

Used Vertical Arc!

Edited October 21, 2016 by Gotz

[Gotz 0]

The minotaur clenches his left fist as he takes a big step forward and brings it down towards me, causing a truly staggering effect against my tower shield. I could barely stay still as I try to shake off the dizzyness, but I can see that he is already pulling his halberd backwards, ready to pierce through my Zertsalo armor. I overcome the effect of the impact as I grit my teeth and run towards the minotaur, using my Sword Art against his leg before he could kick me. 

The minotaur is surprised that his supposedly thick flesh is gouged through by my black blade, and he lets out a roar as I make a deep, swift cut onto the wrist of his weapon arm. I sprint past him and stand near the entrance of the house, so I can leave immediately in case s**t hits the fan. I taunt him again with the same shield banging move, and this time, it actually offends him. The minotaur turns around at a quick pace and charges himself towards me with his forehead facing forward, his skull looks thick as f**k. Jeebus...

Gotz: HP 117/120

Minotaur: HP 11/32

ID: 69832

BD: 7

MD: 5

Energy: 0/12

Used Vertical Arc!

Edited October 21, 2016 by Gotz

[Gotz 0]

I don't even need to withdraw my sword to stab his head. All I do is to simply point it forwards and make sure that his skull rams into the blade, stopping his charge immediately. With my Sword Art, I mangle his brain to pieces and deliver a brutal knee to the nose with my strength, knocking him down to the wooden floorboards. The minotaur visibly groans in a mix of fury and pain as some of the brain matter flows out of the cavity of the cut injury on his head. He struggles to get up while attempting to put the matter back into where they belong, but to no avail.

At this moment, I walk towards him and coldly gaze down upon him until he raises his head to meet his eyes towards mine. We neither move a muscle nor saying anything, the only sounds that are audible around this area is the cold breeze and the occasional creaks of the floorboards. After what seems like an eternity of silence, I finally break it by speaking in a solemn voice.

"You are f**ked."

Gotz: HP 116/120

Minotaur: HP 5/32

ID: 69836

BD: 6

MD: 6

Edited October 21, 2016 by Gotz

[Gotz 0]

By chance, I send my knee flying towards his face, but the minotaur finally regains some composure as he catches my knee with his jaws, attempting to clamp down the knee protection of my cuisse until it is broken down to happen. Understandably, I am enraged out of nowhere as I do not want any part of my armor to be crushed down, so I drive my sword into one of his eyes, effectively causing him to roar as he lets go of my knee. 

As the next step to hurt him further, I bash his face like a mallet with my tower shield, then I shuffle backwards after slashing out his eyeball. The minotaur begins wheezing as he can no longer withstand the pain, gritting his teeth in anger. At this point, he drops his halberd and relies on his animalistic behaviour as a final resort to attack me. Before I could raise up my shield, he f**king sprints towards me on all fours and shove me out of the house with his bleeding head.

Gotz: HP 116/120

Minotaur: HP 0/32

ID: 69841

BD: 9

LD: 11

Obtained 1 Material.

Obtained 160 COL.

Edited October 21, 2016 by Gotz

[Gotz 0]

Not wanting to get smashed against a tree, I use all of my strength to push him as farther as I can, pulling apart his horns in the process. The minotaur lets out a painful bellow as the two external, bony projections are torn away from the head, leaving out a pair of massive, circular wounds as blood spills out from his head. I take the advantage of his loss of focus by gouging out his eyes, then as the last strike, I saw off his head with my sword, ignoring his cries of pain while he gurgles out a small amount of blood. 

It doesn't take long for the body to stop standing and drop dead onto the grass. The face on the minotaur's decapitated head permanently displays an emotion mixed of anger and sorrow, and I grin at the thought of him being thrown down into the fiery pits of the Aincradian afterlife, if it ever exists...

I walk back into the now destructed house, cleaning the blood away from my blade with the sheet of the creaky bed. I sit down and remove my helmet as I take some cans of delicious sardines. A break seems necessary for now...I still think of the supposed psychic powers of the shadow puppets.

[Gotz 0]

 

Even though I have my latest shop and still forge armor for a living, my interest in alchemy remains within my mind. I think that I will switch careers at a much later date..at least I am already limiting myself to forge personal protection exclusively, and only forge weapons at the requests of an Aincradian. 

But even as I forged several armors for a few days, I still do not get customers. Still understandable...sometimes people rely on aggression rather than defensive tactics. Just like the berserkers in the Viking Age. These kind of warriors were probably terrifying to the perspectives of the opposing force, for they were said to let their own rage consume them completely, making themselves unstoppable in battle despite only donning wolf pelts or coats and equipped with a two handed axe. Some says that the so called 'berserk' nature were simply their supposed animalistic behaviour, but I like to think that these wolf pelts are probably alive in the minds of the berserkers, and that the spirits of the wolves possessed them.

[Gotz 0]

Resting for a while seems to be a good idea at first, but I realize that so much time have passed since I began fighting the minotaur. I look through the broken window as the house starts to get a little dark, and I notice the sky clad in a mixture of reddish and orange color, indicating that the sun is now beginning to set. Without hesitation, I open the last can of sardines and savor their taste before stepping out.

No sooner after I walk away from the checkpoint, I can already hear the distant sound of water rushing. The amount of hibiscuses are increasing, and every time I see rafflesias, each of them would grow bigger as the path progresses. Although I am tempted to rely on the watery sound as my guide, I decide against it as I fear that I may be lost among the fog. It is still thick as ever, although it is getting thin that I can briefly see the bright colors of hibiscuses from a distance. 

I am thankful that nothing bad happens throughout my journey, and soon, as I reach the biggest rafflesia in the forest, the sounds are louder and clearer to my ears, even when I am hearing in my full helmet. To my surprise, this particular rafflesia is alive, and it probably detects visitors, because sooner or later it releases a jet of steam that completely clears the fog at a vicinity of around 20 metres, I think. 

A path made of cobblestone is revealed in front of me, and knowing that it is the ultimate guide to my goal, I follow it.

[Gotz 0]

 

Here it is...I found it! After walking through the infuriating mist for what seem like hours, I finally get to see the majestic waterfall pouring beautifully onto the clean, shiny spring waters. I smile to myself as I remove my helmet and the rest of my armor, then I carry each of the pieces onto a slab of rock that is dry enough to safely walk on. I strip myself almost naked, with the exception of my boxers, and dive into the water, bathing myself like Sigurd bathing in the flowing blood of the dragon Fafnir. I also take large scoops of water with my hands and drink them. The taste is simply refreshing and cold, in a good way of course.

Spring waters are the most naturally pure in my opinion because unlike rivers or lakes, they don't seem to absorb any contaminants. It is also very clear that you can even see whatever that is underwater from the surface. Another good thing about spring waters is that you do not really need to go through the hassle of collecting them and purify them through filtering, boiling, etc. It is already safe to drink ever since the beginning of its existence.

I rest my head against a rock that is positioned near the same slab of rock, looking at the sky and the rays of the setting sun. I am not really worried about nighttime, as there are plenty of wood to collect and improvise as a campfire. There are also fishes in the water, most of them aren't hostile and simply ignore or swim away from my presence. As I bask myself in the pureness of the spring water, I look around. Still remembering the shadow puppets, I have my sword's handle close to my head, in case if one decides to attack.

Edited October 26, 2016 by Gotz

[Gotz 0]

 

ID: 69999 

LD: 15 (Tamed and obtained familiar without enhancements)

 

"A human coming here to merely relax among the glistening waters of this waterfall? That is quite a rare sight."

Much to my surprise, I turn around to look for the source of the soothing, feminine voice, for it is almost close to my ear the moment I shut my eyes to rest against the rock. As my body face that rock, I see it. A shadow puppet...in its own shadowy form. Its appearance is rather...elaborate to describe. It appears human, and dons a long skirt or loincloth and a long, horizontal headgear that looks like a Southeast-Asian crown. It wears two armbands around each arm, and also a neckwear so large that it covers most of its chest. It holds a long, wavy staff or rod in one hand. It is standing on something that resembles a longship with the head of a dragon.

As I take a step forward to look at the shadow puppet closely, it begins to speak once more: "Do not worry, human. For I am not one of the hostile shadows. I am pleased to make your acquaintance." 

Despite its feminine, soothing voice, the anatomy resembles of a male. Thus, I conclude that the entity is possibly an androgynous male. It, or more appropriately from now on, he, phases out of his shadowy form and becomes physical, revealing his colors and 'skin.' The skin seems to resemble that of a mammal, maybe a buffalo, goat or any other similar animal. One thing that is notable about him is that he is completely flat, only both of his sides are visible.

"Come here, human," says the puppet. "I wish to converse with you a little longer. My name is Sri Rama."

Edited October 26, 2016 by Gotz

[Gotz 0]

I swim to the slab of rock and settle down by leaning against it as I gaze at Sri Rama, who is gliding towards me at a graceful manner. He turns to his right so I can see his side, in my perspective he is facing left. Whenever he wants to speak, he often move his free arm to indicate his feelings. 

"Do you not mind if I tell you a backstory of our kind, human? And..may I please know your name?", asks Sri Rama. 

"Gotz," I answered. "Just call me Gotz. And yes, I do not mind hearing your tale. There is still time before the moon rises."

"Gotz...that is a nice name, human. It pleases my ears. Ahem. So, about our kind...we are a race with a name loosely based on mine. We dub ourselves Ramayanas, and we all possess psychic powers to defend ourselves, in addition to merging with our own shadows. We used to live in harmony for many years, and I myself, used to be one of the most revered kings of the Ramayana race. Unlike the other kings, I possess no psychic powers as I am a pacifist, and I do not wish to wage war against any other races in Aincrad.

One day, the humans started to exist in this realm, and we do not see them as a potential threat. You people are quite adventurous in the woods we are living in, and for such an attribute, I offer an alliance to some of the humans. We coexist with each other despite limited contact due to the distance of our homes. Until.."

Edited October 26, 2016 by Gotz

[Gotz 0]

"Out of nowhere," Sri Rama continues. "Bands of minotaurs, both armored and unarmored, come to the vicinity of our land, claiming parts of this large forest as their own residencies. As our scouts warned us of their presence, our people become fearful of these monsters, and soon paranoia began to take over. No more than two weeks later, they came. They saw our houses, our provisions, and everything else that we own as part of our lives. They pillaged the land like savages, and us kings, excluding me, declared war against them.

I did not wish to face such confrontations with the minotaurs, and so I secretly headed out of the land to seek and meet the leaders of the raiding bands. I tried to negotiate peacefully with them, but all they do was to mock me and asked me for my palace and the location of the other kings. They told me I had no choice, and if I comply, I would be spared from their savagery and be offered with valuable things. I refuse all of their demands and offers, and in the end, they forced me to watch my land being completely purged, and portions of the population killed or taken to slavery in the further parts of Aincrad.

They spared me as they prefer to let me suffer from the loss of my people, and my homeland. My grief was too deep to bear, and I ran as fast as I can like a coward, regrettably. I did not care where I go, or where I will stay. As long as I am away from the minotaurs...then in three days, a human found me in my shadowy form on the ground. I was weak from hunger and thirst, and I was on the verge of accepting death."

[Gotz 0]

"Forgive me, Gotz, but am I boring you?" asks Sri Rama as he turns to face me. 

"No, my King.." I speak. "I find the story...heartbreaking to say the least. A peace interrupted and ruined in a flash...that was such a total disaster. I am sorry for your loss." 

My tone becomes solemn, for I am indeed sorry for the destruction of his land and his race. I am sad at the fact that the Ramayanas were reduced to something that only exists in rumors or legends. I have never seen any player or NPC discussing about it, and even if they do, they will likely dismiss it as nothing more than a myth.

"Please do not be too sad," says Sri Rama with a gentle voice. "I do not wish to see you in such a state. I know it is tragic, but I must advise that you must never let anything horrible in your life turn into your permanent nightmare, and a source of grief."

"Worry not," I say with a smile. "I always have things to deflect depression. So, what of the human that found you?"

"Ah, yes. This human, she was old, but still healthy and full of knowledge. She took me to the city of elves and provide me with food, drinks and a bed to sleep on."

"C..can I ask you something, my King?"

"Proceed."

"How do Ramayanas...satisfy their basic needs? How can they consume anything with their flat anatomy? I know it isn't a big issue, but the logic is bothering me."

Sri Rama let out a small giggle. "Well, you see. We have one more ability that we only use out of necessity. We can morph ourselves into humanoid forms with real, solid bodies. In short, we can become you. Do you understand?"

I nod, somehow amazed that they can even turn into real humans. "Do your psychic powers remain intact while being human?"

"Of course. Ah, I forget to tell you that we are only invulnerable in our shadowy forms. But if we are to face the minotaurs, it can be a problem. They have a rare, strange ability to pull us away from our shadows, and that was what they did to many of us during the pillaging. There was no use in escaping, for every routes were guarded by some of the raiders."

I nod once more, and say, "Go on. I am eager to hear the end of your story."

Edited October 26, 2016 by Gotz

[Gotz 0]

"As you wish, Gotz. And please, no need to address me as a king, for I am no longer one. Casual greetings are fine to my presence," says Sri Rama as he bows a little and faces the waterfall once more. "The old lady treated me with respect, and I exchange stories of our history to her. As far as I know, she, besides you, was the only non-Ramayana to believe our existence. To cut my story short, I finally left her after months of staying with her. I am eager to find a place of my own, and I bid her farewell.

I proceed towards this forest that is full of unexplained mists, and it took me six days to navigate around the area to find sanctuary while avoiding the minotaurs. Luckily, I happen to find the cobblestone path later on, and...here I am. Feasting on fishes and drinking the wonderful spring water on a daily basis to survive. I need no shelter, for the air is very fresh to breathe in."

I do not why, but I suddenly clap as soon as he finishes his story. As I realize this, I quickly stop and mutter an apology to him.

"It is okay, Gotz. Your clap is a sign of thanks for listening to my tale. And now, may I hear your story? I would like to know more about you."

Well then. If this is the price of listening to him for minutes, so be it. 

Edited October 26, 2016 by Gotz

[Gotz 0]

"That is very sad to hear you feeling alone at numerous occasions," comforts Sri Rama after I finish my tale. Although I had told him that I am used to solitary life, he still feels crestfallen of the fact that no one is bothered to speak to me, aside from Beatbox. He inhales deeply as we stare at the waterfall, soon the sun completely sets and nighttime has already arrived.

"Sri Rama," I say. "Do you not mind...if I make camp here for the night?"

"Why yes, Gotz," he says in a cheery voice. "I am very happy to be your company. But in return...may I..accompany you in your adventures?"

Accompany me? Does it mean that he is going to be my familiar? A sentient familiar? 

...why if it is, then f**k yes, I'll let him come with me. He is very fitting to be such a unique friend of mine, and at the very least, he can be my personal companion for the rest of my life. I nod in response with a smile.

"Oh, why thank you, my friend," he speaks happily as he bows while moving his hand and arm upwards. "Please, even for a lifetime, do not hesitate to treat me like your best friend. I will gladly assist you whenever I can, and I will also stick my shadowy self onto your breastplate to rest in your journeys."

Him being glad of being my new companion seems to make me smile like an idiot for the first time in weeks. I offer to shake his hand, and he does so without hesitation.

"If possible," continues Sri Rama. "Do not be shy to ask me to appear before you in human form. I can always turn back into a Ramayana at my own will. But be warned that a Ramayana's human form cannot merge with his or her own shadow, understand?"

"Understood, Rama."

Edited October 26, 2016 by Gotz