{SP-F1} Perseverance <<The Third Lesson, is Just as Free>> ~ COMPLETE!

[Pinball 1]

The time is 8:23 A.M. There is a slight breeze, and the random NPC can be seen wandering the fields. Pinball is walking through the town he had completed the Second Lesson in, and was still left rather pumped for another quest. As of right now, Pinball was struggling to decide whether or not he should try to get the Third Lesson done the same day. He weighed his options over. I can get this whole quest line done today, I'm sure of it. But I probably won't have the motivation to do anything after it for a while. If I get it all done today, I won't have to worry about it, anymore. Pinball sucked in a large breath of air, and let it out through his nose. "Fine," he muttered. "Hey, Lyle!" The old blacksmith turned, a smile on his face. "Why, hello there lad! What can I do for you?" Pinball looked at his hands, flexed them. Then, back at the blacksmith, he says, "Anything I can do to help?" The blacksmith stroked his chin, appearing to be deep in thought. "Well, there is a package I've been meaning to deliver..." An Accept Quest? screen popped into view, with the options Yes or No. Pinball hesitated, then clicked Yes. <<The Third Lesson, Is Just as Free>>.

Edited January 3, 2018 by Pinball

[Pinball 1]

Pinball started walking, his hands in his pocket and his dagger on his belt. The package was safely in his inventory, and he decided he wouldn't be the one to open it. Besides, it wasn't meant for him, and to do so would be very rude. The package was to go to some girl, who was last reported to be drawing in a tree grove. Tealeaf had given him detailed directions, and had even sent him off with a smile and a pat on the back. According to Tealeaf, the package contained some kind of band that the girl had ordered. Pinball was walking through the plains now, passing boars on all sides of him, but none in his direct path. "You know what," he said, stopping mid-walk. "I'm gonna kill a boar. Maybe I'll get lucky and score some COL." Pinball unsheathed his dagger, looked left and right, identified the closest mob to him, and darted straight to it, his dagger held tightly in his right hand. 

Edited October 14, 2017 by Pinball

[Pinball 1]

Pinball stopped himself mid-charge. Now why the hell would I try to do that? Remember what happened when you went gathering? You almost died. He jumped backwards, shocked as he became aware of his choice. Luckily, he hadn't hit the Boar's aggro zone, so it kept shuffling along. Like you should be doing, he chided himself, walking along. Pinball, going around the boar in a wide arc, kept walking.

The woman shouldn't be too far now. He had been walking for what seemed like ages, though his fatigue may just be because of his low level. God, I can't wait until I can actually take walks without feeling like collapsing. He entered the grove the Blacksmith had told him he would find the Artisan. A bit of rustling around later, and the woman was revealed. Wow, she's pretty, was his first thought, immediatly followed by, she's an NPC. She seemed wrapped up in her drawing, and Pinball didn't feel like interrupting the artistic process. He knew from experience that the smallest thing can absolutely demolish train of thought. She's an NPC, he thought again. 

[Pinball 1]

The girl suddenly took notice of him. With a jump, the NPC was standing, looking rather frightened. Pinball waved his hands, laughing, and explained what he was here for. Pinball was only delivering a package, and he wouldn't be here long. The girl accepted the package, revealing what it was, and what it was for. She explained that there was something else she needed to complete the ring. Pinball sighed. Of course there was another part to the quest. Why wouldn't there be? Looks like he would be spending his afternoon fighting. Pinball only hoped that it would be over quickly, so he could finish the quest line once and for all. The monster he needed to kill lived in a cave, and the cave was notorious for being dimly lit. Now, Pinball didn't have Night Vision, so the fight may drag on longer than he would want, but it was something that needed to be done. Pinball nodded, and accepted the girl's request. 

[Pinball 1]

Some kind of cave. The girl had pointed Pinball in the general direction of the structure, but he had yet to see it. As he walked, he let his mind wander. He wasn't terribly underleveled, so he was going to have to finish the quest line quickly. Pinball had heard of a level cap; something that helped keep higher leveled players from abusing these starting quests. He shook his head. His weapon wasn't what he wanted, so he would have to come back for the final quest with a weapon that pleased him. Nevermind that. Pinball kept walking, and, eventually, he came upon the cave. He was going to be suffering an accuracy penalty for fighting in such darkness, he knew. Unsheathing his dagger, he let out a small sigh. It was now or never. Pinball took a few, hesitant steps into the mouth of the cave, and then, gathering his courage, charged inside, his footsteps smacking against the earthen floor loudly.

[Pinball 1]

The cave was dark. So dark, in fact, he could just barely see his own hands. But Pinball kept going. The cave was silent. Pinball's was brought back to his childhood; the fear of the dark things that lurked in the night. He shivered. He had long since conquered his fear of the dark, but this cave was rekindling the boy's primal fear of the night. Humans shouldn't travel where their senses are of no help to them. He let his fingers slide across the cave walls as he walked, trying to mentally create a map of the cave. Luckily for him, the cave had yet to split into separate paths. He wouldn't get lost in here. If it seemed to him that he wouldn't be able leave after getting to a certain depth, he would turn around. No quest is worth his life. Pinball shuddered, fear rolling across his skin. It was only the first floor, so whatever monster he knew must lie in the cave couldn't be too much of a threat. Right? He shook his head with a gulp, and kept walking.

[Pinball 1]

The cave soon opened up into a large clearing. Nothing stood in the circular room except a single pedestal, with a bright red jewel propped upright. Well, that was certainly easier than expected. But he couldn't convince himself it would be this easy. And so he waited. Silence. After five solid minutes of waiting, he decided it was safe to approach the jewel. It was small, but truly a magnificent item. Pinball wondered how much col he could sell it for. Probably nothing. There was an annoying mechanic often used in MMOs that registered certain items as "quest essentials", and thus, he would be better off picking up a rock and trying to sell it. Hesitant now, he touched the jewel. Nothing happened. He quickly snatched the jewel. Still. Silence. Pinball sighed, relieved. He was glad he didn't have to fight anything. After all, the NPC hadn't said anything about combat; it was just an assumption Pinball had made. He had assumed this fetch and deliver quest, like I many other RPGs, would include combat. Pinball hurried to the exit of the opening. A rumbling. Oh, God. Pinball turned around, and saw an Earth Golem, about his size, gripping a boulder, larger than his size. Pinball pocketed the jewel, and with an angry curse, yanked out his dagger. The monster roared, and Pinball charged. 

Player stats n stuff: 

Spoiler

Pinball 

Lvl: 11 | HP: 220 | EN: 22 | MIT: 9 | DMG: 3

Equipped: 

• Plain Leather Armor: 9 MIT {1 Slot} 
• Cloak of the Harbingers: +3 LD {3 Slots}
• Emerald Shiv: +1 DMG, +1 ACC {2 Slots} 

Skills: 

• Dagger Skill ~ Rank 1
• Fishing 

Battle Ready Inventory: 

• {5} Tier One Health Potions of Uncommon Quality ~ +40 HP

Edited January 2, 2018 by Pinball

[Pinball 1]

The Cave Guardian, Pinball read as he charged. The golem was lifting the boulder over its head, threatening a swing. Pinball activate a Sword Art; one that would stop the monster in its tracks. He would have to hit it before it could hit him for guaranteed safety. Pinball ran, and as he neared optimal attacking distance, he leapt forward, his dagger held outwards. But alas, the cave's lack of light aided in Pinball's miss. The boy was left to recover in a roll, with the golem swinging at air behind him. He had been quick enough, it would seem, to avoid the crushing weight of the boulder. Pinball had the bad feeling that when the boulder hit, it would absolutely devastate his health bar. And so the urgency of his situation. He would attack again, with another stunning Sword Art. If that failed, he would use regular Arts so as to preserve his EN for the fight. He wouldn't be dying here. Not like this. Pinball stood, leaning forward, ready to attack the golem as soon as he saw an opening. 

Combat: 

Spoiler

~COMBAT~

ID# 93195

BD: 5+1-1= 5 (Miss!)  MD: 1 (Miss!)

Pinball uses <<Side Bite>>, misses! 

Cave Guardian misses! 

 - 2 EN

~HEALTH / STATUS~ 

  - Enemies -

Cave Guardian: HP 20/20 / (50 dmg on first hit) 5 DMG

  - Players -

 Pinball: HP 220/220 / EN 20/22 / 3 DMG / 9 MIT 

 

Edited January 2, 2018 by Pinball

[Pinball 1]

Pinball waited until the golem had recovered from its stumble before charging. The golem's swing was essential to his plan. As he ran, Pinball activated his sword art. He waited until the Cave Guardian took its swing, and then jumped. He landed lightly on the boulder, but he needed to be fast. He launched himself into the golem, using the momentum of the golem's swing to his advantage. A perfectly executed slice across the head was Pinball's reward. The Guardian fell to its knees, dropping the boulder. It was stunned. Pinball broke his fall with a roll, and turned around to see the damage. The Guardian was nearly below half health! In one hit! Pinball was very surprised. But, after all, it was only the first floor. Pinball was well on his way to much higher floors. And once he could put points into a weapon he liked, he would finally be able to do some damage. Now, he thought, it's time to finish this thing.

Combat: 

Spoiler

~COMBAT~

ID# 93196

BD: 9 (Critical Hit!) MD: 5 (Miss!)

Pinball uses <<Side Bite>>

3+1= 4 * 2 = 8 dmg + Stun!

Cave Guardian misses! 

Cave Guardian is stunned!

 - 5 EN

~HEALTH / STATUS~ 

  - Enemies -

 {Stunned}Cave Guardian: HP 12/20 / (50 dmg on first hit) 5 DMG

  - Players -

 Pinball: HP 220/220 / EN 15/22 / 3 DMG / 9 MIT 

 

Edited January 2, 2018 by Pinball

[Pinball 1]

Wanting to take advantage of the stun on the Guardian, Pinball quickly charged the monster. But he as too quick; he couldn't keep his balance, and he tripped and stumbled. By the time he recovered, the Cave Guardian was already standing. Muttering a curse, Pinball turned and put as much distance between them that he could. He cracked his neck, muttering strings of elaborate curses that grew in complexity. He had wasted his only free shot, and he wasn't going to be able to do something like that again if he wanted enough EN to finish the fight quickly. He let out a rough sigh. He was angry, now. Not at the situation or the monster, but himself. He needed to end this fight, he needed to get stronger. He needed to be of use. He wanted to be of use. Pinball yelled, and ran at the Cave Guardian, throwing caution to the wind. He may very well get hit, but Pinball was going to see this hulking menace dead. And he was going to finish the job by himself.

Combat:

Spoiler

~COMBAT~

ID# 93199

BD: 1 (Miss!) MD: 1 (Miss!) {Stunned}

Pinball misses!

Cave Guardian is stunned!

 -  2 EN

~HEALTH / STATUS~ 

  - Enemies -

 {Stunned}Cave Guardian: HP 12/20 / (50 dmg on first hit) 5 DMG

  - Players -

 Pinball: HP 220/220 / EN 13/22 / 3 DMG / 9 MIT 

 

Edited January 2, 2018 by Pinball

[Pinball 1]

Pinball ran at the monster. With a yell, he activated a sword art. The Cave Guardian lifted its boulder once more. Pinball's attack hit! It cut into the golem's side, and points drained from its health bar. But Pinball didn't have time to celebrate. No; a heavy, painful slam against his back sent him sprawling. He let out a shocked yell as he hit the ground, then punched the ground. Damn it! Pinball checked his health bar. This monster had done a large chunk of damage to Pinball. In fact, it was the most amount of damage he had taken on the first floor in one attack. Pinball pushed himself up, retrieving his dagger from the ground next to him. The golem's boulder was no more. Shattered bits of rock were scattered across the cave's floor. Pinball let out a sharp, bitter laugh. What are you gonna hit me with now? Pinball laughed some more, cursing it out. It was a bit obvious that the boy had some seriously suppressed anger. I'm going to kill you, he said. He gripped his dagger, glaring at the monster in front of him. 

Combat: 

Spoiler

~COMBAT~

ID# 93200

BD: 7+1-1= 7 (Hit!) MD: 6(Hit!) 

Pinball uses <<Round Accel>> on Cave Guardian!

3 * 2 = 6 dmg!

Cave Guardian hits Pinball!

50-9= 41 dmg!

 -  2 EN

~HEALTH / STATUS~ 

  - Enemies -

 Cave Guardian: HP 6/20 / (50 dmg on first hit) 5 DMG

  - Players -

 Pinball: HP 179/220 / EN 11/22 / 3 DMG / 9 MIT 

 

Edited January 2, 2018 by Pinball

[Pinball 1]

He started walking, but it soon became a run. He charged at the monster once more, his dagger glowing from the activated sword art. The Cave Guardian took a swing at Pinball, but he jumped out of the way, and kept running. He got as close as he dared, and leapt into the Cave Guardian, plunging his knife deep into the monster. The Cave Guardian let out a death screech, flailing its arms around without avail. The monster shattered into peices, and Pinball fell back onto the ground. It was over. He had killed the Cave Guardian. Pinball started laughing. Damn, that was fun! He would have to finish these quests. Finish these quests! That's right! Pinball pulled the jewel out of his cloak where he he stashed it. He needed to get this back to the Artisan, and quick! There was still time left in the day for him to finish the quest line! Pinball rushed back the way he came, not nearly as hesitant as he had been while entering. This cave was his now. The Guardian was no more. 

Combat: 

Spoiler

~COMBAT~

ID# 93202

BD: 7+1-1= 7 (Hit!) MD: 10 <<DEAD>>

Pinball uses <<Round Accel>> on Cave Guardian!

3 * 2 = 6 dmg!

Cave Guardian is DEAD.

 -  2 EN

~HEALTH / STATUS~ 

  - Enemies -

 <<DEAD>> Cave Guardian: HP 0/20 / 5 DMG

  - Players -

 Pinball: HP 179/220 / EN 9/22 / 3 DMG / 9 MIT 

 

Edited January 2, 2018 by Pinball

[Pinball 1]

The walk out of the cave was not nearly as tense and uncomfortable as it was when he had first entered it. His eyes must have somewhat adjusted to the darkness, because when he took his first step back into the light of day, it nearly blinded him. Jesus, that's bright, he told himself. He took a moment to allow himself to take it all in. He had survived a fight without running away, and he was about to finish the third quest of the four he had so far taken Solo. He was getting stronger, he could feel it. He pulled the jewel out of his pocket to admire it once more. It was even more beautiful in the sunlight, where the gem truly shined. He had to get it back to the woman as fast as he could, he wanted to turn this quest in as soon as possible. Checking the amount of SP he had, he knew that he would have enough to put into a new weapon skill. He didn't quite have the right amount of money to refund the dagger, but it would soon be coming. Pinball smiled. He was finally moving up in the world. One of these days, he would make it to the frontlines, and maybe even be of help in clearing the game. But, first things first.

[Pinball 1]

As Pinball walked back to the grotto he knew he would find the Artisan in, he took a moment to enjoy the scenery. Looking around, with the sun shining and the bright green grass, he couldn't help but feel... So disappointed. Everything here was perfect, without flaws. It was so artificial, and Pinball hated it. One day, he swore to himself, he would make it out of this game. He would see the real sun, the real grass, eat real food. And he would see the real sky again. The real sunset, the real sunrise. He would see for himself the day start and end, and not just notice it on a small clock on the side of his vision. He would be with his mother again, with his grandmother. With his cat, Pinball too. He let out a sigh. It was strange, the things you took for granted. He shook his head. It was time to go.

Edited January 2, 2018 by Pinball

[Pinball 1]

As Pinball neared the Artisan's meeting place, Pinball came across a stream. It wouldn't hurt to fish, he figured. If he ran into trouble, he could always just run. Pinball sat down and pulled out his fishing pole. He cast the line, smiled, and waited. He really did love fishing, even though it could be... Dangerous, at times. The ripples the line had made in the water as it sunk soon disappeared, and all that was left to do was wait. 

After what seemed like forever, Pinball reeled in his line. Only one fish was biting. Well, that's a damn shame, he said, laying the rod across his lap. He had never reeled only one thing in before. He had Fished up everything from treasure chests to giant shark monsters. Strange how nothing was biting now. Pinball debated whether or not it was safe to keep fishing. He cracked his knuckles, and stood. He raised the fishing pole in the air, and laughed. One more time!

Fishing: 

Spoiler

ID# 93205

CD: 5 (Success)

1 T1 Mat fished up!

*In the roller, I accidently rolled an attempt without stating the purpose. This roll was disregarded, and a reroll occured.

Edited January 2, 2018 by Pinball

[Pinball 1]

Why am I standing? Pinball sat down, suddenly embarrassed. He would hate it if anybody saw him like that. Like a little kid. Pinball shook his head, his face lighting up a bright red despite himself. Taking his fishing pole, he lazily flopped the line into the water, and waited. There was still a breeze, and it sped up the rushing of the stream. Can't be too great for fishing, Pinball figured. After a few more seconds of waiting, he felt a tug. Reeling it in, Pinball had gathered 3 T1 Materials! Nice, he told himself, storing the materials safely in his inventory. He figured he would fish once or twice more, and then go and turn in the quest. Pinball wasn't usually one to test his luck, but the teenager felt invincible after his victory over the Cave Guardian. Alright, he said, counting up the materials before recasting. Twice more, and then I leave.

Fishing: 

Spoiler

ID# 93206

CD: 9 (Success!) 

3 T1 Materials Fished up! 

 

Edited January 2, 2018 by Pinball

[Pinball 1]

Pinball cast his line again, happy to be fishing. It was one of the things that reminded him of where he had grown up, and though he hadn't done it much in the real world, he loved doing it in the virtual one. After what seemed like forever, there was a familiar, heavy tug on the line. His heart dropped In his chest. He knew this feeling. From the water burst a giant frog, and it immediately targeted Pinball. A long, whip-like tongue lashed across his chest, chipping a good chunk of HP off his Health Bar. He stumbled backwards, the wound across his chest stinging. He yanked out his dagger, and left the pole. He would come back for it later. He had bigger problems now. 

The frog croaked, and Pinball grimaced. Health bars appeared next to its name. It was another fishing boss, and it looked every bit as strong as the Shark King had been. Except, he didn't have Stryder here to protect him, nor did he have the armor Stryder had lent him. He would have to run if he wanted to live. 

Combat: 

Spoiler

~COMBAT~

ID# 93209

BD: <<None>>  MD: 6 (Hit!)

King Croaksworth attacks Pinball for ... 66 - 9 = 57 DMG! 

~HEALTH / STATUS~ 

  - Enemies -

 King Croaksworth : HP 220 / 220 / 66 DMG / 11 MIT 

  - Players -

Pinball: HP 152/220 / EN 22/22 / 3 DMG / 9 MIT 

 

Edited January 3, 2018 by Pinball

[Pinball 1]

Pinball turned around, and started to run. He had to get out of here! He had no chance fighting this thing. Especially not when he hadn't put any points into his only weapon. He was starting to regret that. Pinball got a good distance away, and for a second he thought he had made it. But then something wrapped around his chest tightly. Suffocating him. Then, he was hurtling backwards. The giant frog, using its tongue, slammed Pinball against a tree, knocking the breath out of him. As if that weren't brutal enough, King Croaksworth threw him onto the dirt, dropping him. One couldn't experience true pain in SAO, at least in the sense that it couldn't hurt your real body. But what he was feeling now hurt. Bad. Pinball struggled to his feet, and took a few steps backwards. The monster was watching him now, but it wasn't moving. Pinball stay frozen in place, not daring to move. Fear racked his body, and Pinball started shaking. Is this really it?

Combat: 

Spoiler

~COMBAT~

ID# 93210

BD: <<Running Away>>  MD: 10 (Hit!)

King Croaksworth attacks Pinball for ... 66 + 2 - 9 = 59 DMG! 

~HEALTH / STATUS~ 

  - Enemies -

 King Croaksworth : HP 220 / 220 / 66 DMG / 11 MIT 

  - Players -

Pinball: HP 93/220 / EN 22/22 / 3 DMG / 18 MIT / 3 EVA

Running Away: 

Spoiler

ID# 93210

LD: 3 (Failure)

Running Away has failed.

 

Edited January 2, 2018 by Pinball

[Pinball 1]

Pinball waited, but the frog didn't make any moves. Pinball slowly started to back away, and the frog still didn't move. Pinball turned around, and once again tried to run away, jumping this way and that and praying he didn't get caught. But Croaksworth's tongue wrapped around his foot, and he was once again pulled back. Pinball was once again slammed against a tree, and dropped to the ground as if he were no heavier than a feather. Pinball shuddered. He barely had the strength to move. His health was in the red, and one more hit would do him in. Tears streamed down the boy's face, and he punched the dirt, screaming. "I don't want to die," he repeated over and over, his hands shaking. He reached for one of the health potions that hung from his belt. "I don't want to die." He held the potion and stood, shaking in place. He needed to drink the potion without getting attacked. He started to lift the glass to his lips as slowly as he could. "I don't want to die."

Combat: 

Spoiler

~COMBAT~

ID# 93211

BD: <<Running Away>>  MD: 10 (Hit!)

King Croaksworth attacks Pinball for ... 66 + 2 - 9 = 59 DMG! 

~HEALTH / STATUS~ 

  - Enemies -

 King Croaksworth : HP 220 / 220 / 66 DMG / 11 MIT 

  - Players -

Pinball: HP 34/220 / EN 22/22 / 3 DMG / 9 MIT 

Running Away: 

Spoiler

ID# 93211 

LD: 2+1= 3 

Running Away has failed.

 

Edited January 2, 2018 by Pinball

[Pinball 1]

Pinball raised the vial to his mouth, and drained it. Some of his health was restored. But only enough as to where he would survive another hit. He was not in a very comfortable situation. Tears rolled down his cheeks in healthy amounts. Sniffing, he dropped the vial to the ground. That must have aggravated the frog, because its tongue took a jab at him. Pinball saw it coming however, and managed to roll out of the way. He came up on his knees, and started yelling at King Croaksworth. "What the hell! I didn't even move that time!" Many elaborate, unrepeatable curses soon followed Pinball's scolding of the frog. He had to think, and fast. This monster was going to kill him. He had 3 options: Running away, drink another potion, or try to stun it. The safest option, Pinball figured, was drinking another potion. Pinball reached for his belt, and pulled out another one of the small vials. 

Combat: 

Spoiler

~COMBAT~

ID# 93212

BD: <<Drinking a Potion>>  MD: 4 (Miss!)

King Croaksworth misses!

Pinball consumes {1} Tier-One Health Potion of Uncommon Quality (+40 HP) 

Pinball recovers 40 HP!

~HEALTH / STATUS~ 

  - Enemies -

 King Croaksworth : HP 220 / 220 / 66 DMG / 11 MIT 

  - Players -

Pinball: HP 74/220 / EN 22/22 / 3 DMG / 9 MIT 

 

Edited January 2, 2018 by Pinball