[SP-F2] Bee Sting Blues

[Alkor 0]

The Second floor was expansive and covered in fields of lush green grass. Just the way he remembered it, and yet different. It was filled with memories instead of infantile Players trying to worm their way through the ranks. Those people had gone on to bigger and better things, multiple floors above. After a brief stint in the caverns of Floor 21, Alkor decided to go back to basics.

A low level field boss might be just the thing to sharpen his skills. Low enough that it didn't pose the threat of death, but high enough that he could play around with skills and damage dealing. After consulting a few information brokers who had been dealing this information for literal years and decided it was hardly worth charging him for, the darkly dressed player set out into the sunlit field to find himself a wasp.

He just had to hope he wouldn't kill it instantly, because that would be counterintuitive to his plans.

 

Alkor level 23

4 Base DMG | 21 MIT | 3 EVA | 2 SAV

Ornate Scimitar (no stats) | Black Lion King's Cloak 1 MIT 2 Savvy | Vagabond's Mark 3 Evasion

470/470 HP 46/46 E

[Alkor 0]

The last encounter he had with a Player, other than Mari and Lessa, only confused and frustrated him more. Bahr was a man clearly driven by his emotions, even to the point where he encouraged Alkor to show them during encounters with others. He didn't understand what the man meant by that. He wanted to understand, but his frustration and the inability to communicate only served as a buffer to that end.

He understood that Lessa meant something to the man. They were friends, right? He was worried about a friend? Or was there more to it than that? 

Good for them, if that's it.

It may have explained the explosive rage and violent punch he received, but anyone who just... did something like that? That seemed unstable to Alkor.

I hope he's not dangerous. 

The distance from Urbus grew as he trudged along the path and toward the field where wasps gathered in force. This would be a great chance to slash a few annoying enemies and cool off.

[Alkor 0]

Alright. Finally.

As he approached a group of wasps, Alkor readied his weapon. The Curved type sword was a different monster from the straight blade. It entailed more slash based attacks than thrusts, and instead of a focus on stun type attacks offered a higher overall damage threshold.

That was what he wanted, after all.

He looked the weapon over and checked his skills. Unfortunately, unlike his Perfect Straight Sword, this weapon was underwhelming. It did not boost his damage or offer any other statistics to boost his output. For someone interested in dealing damage, that was a big damper.

The wasps were not a massive threat, however. All things considered, he should have been able to make short work of them. Maybe a bit more slowly, due to his weapon change, but quicker than if they were at an even level.

[Alkor 0]

He moved toward the wasps quickly, blade at the ready. It was less familiar than the Straight Sword, but not awkward. The weight was different, and the swing felt more relaxed. The blade was clearly intended for this.

His sword art shifted the blade green, then carried him through the action, swiping multiple times at the creature with lethal purpose. 

More lethal than anticipated, because even with a weak weapon, he instantly wasted the creature. It had no chance to respond before bursting into streams of blue data and flittering skyward, back to the Cardinal system to be repurposed.

"Okay," he relaxed his posture and looked the blade over, "I like this weapon."

He admired it for a few seconds longer before setting his sights on the next wasp. That one was not so far away, and if the info brokers were to be believed, killing them was the only way to trigger the Queen's spawn.

Well, that just meant more chances to get a feel for his new weapon.

 

Alkor: 470/470 HP 40/46 E

4 Base Damage | 3 EVA | 2 SAV

Ornate Scimitar (no stats) | Black Lion King's Cloak 1 MIT 2 SAV | Vagabond's Mark 3 EVA

Alkor activates Death Creep!

ID# 132108 result: 6 | 4×6=24 DMG

Wasp: 0/20 DEAD

Edited December 16, 2019 by Alkor

[Alkor 0]

He rushed toward the next one with skilled speed and measured breaths, but the first strike went wide as it ascended. Alkor threw himself upward in an attempt to turn a flip and put the blade through the beast, but it failed to make its mark.

The swordsman came to rest in a crouched position, quickly pumping his legs to twist and bring the blade around defensively. The wasp came surging downward, thrusting its stinger toward Alkor menacingly. Due to his mitigation stat, he was able to shrug off the damage, but his enemy still managed to hit.

That was a good sign, though. It meant he was still in for a challenge, despite the low floor he was on. His lips peeled into a grin and he dropped into a proper stance, low to the ground with his knees bent.

The blade rested out to one side, the other hand out to the other for balance.

"Alright," he said. "Let's go!"

Alkor: 470/470 HP 39/46 E

4 Base Damage | 3 EVA | 2 SAV

Ornate Scimitar (no stats) | Black Lion King's Cloak 1 MIT 2 SAV | Vagabond's Mark 3 EVA

Alkor activates Lasing Chopper!

ID# 132109 result: 2 MISS

Wasp: 20/20 HP

 MOB: 7 Wasp hits for 6! Alkor's mitigation soaks the damage.

Edited December 16, 2019 by Alkor

[Alkor 0]

He turned in toward the insect, twisting his torso to bring the blade upward from below. He followed through with a step, then pivoted a full turn to follow through with a second blow from the opposite vector. His blade burned a viridian color as he moved, and then struck close to the wasp enough that it responded by attempting a dodge.

It was a feint.

The creature re-oriented itself just in time for the blade to make its true mark. The weapon swiped for the hexagonal gaze of the wasp and delivered the intended effect- STUN. Familiar with utilizing the mechanic due to his time with the one handed straight sword, it was nice to have something he was used to. He would keep that in mind for later. For now, he landed and rolled behind the creature, intent on his next attack.

It wouldn't stay stunned for long, after all.

His cloak billowed out behind him as he moved, a stain of black in an otherwise sunny, grassy field on the second floor. It almost looked sinister, but for the fluidity of his movements. Truly, he felt at home with this weapon and the movements it spurred.

 

Alkor: 470/470 HP 39/46 E

4 Base Damage | 3 EVA | 2 SAV

Ornate Scimitar (no stats) | Black Lion King's Cloak 1 MIT 2 SAV | Vagabond's Mark 3 EVA

Alkor activates Rising Sun!

Wasp | ID# 132110 result: 8 | (4×3= 12) 8/20 HP

Wasp is stunned!

 MOB: 9 Wasp hits for 7! Alkor's mitigation soaks the damage

Edited December 16, 2019 by Alkor

[Alkor 0]

He began to charge his sword art as the creature slowly stirred, certain he could respond before the stun effect faded. Regrettably, his timing was still sloppy, and he still needed practice with the Curved sword in order to chain attacks together. The wasp managed to regain its wits just in time to weasel out of the way of the strike, even with the closeness of the blade to connecting.

Alkor in turn managed to get himself out of the way of a vicious reprisal, leaning backward in an extreme manner to the point where his waist was almost bent at a ninety degree angle. Thanks to the Athletics mod, his avatar was much more flexible, had greater endurance, and was capable of doing things players who lacked that capability could not manage.

He threw his free hand back and his weight shifted, transferring onto the extended appendage and carrying his legs overhead. He turned a full somersault and landed on his feet, once more crouched low and at the ready.

With a huff, he assessed his situation and prepared to move in once more.

 

Alkor: 470/470 HP 39/46 E

4 Base Damage | 3 EVA | 2 SAV

Ornate Scimitar (no stats) | Black Lion King's Cloak 1 MIT 2 SAV | Vagabond's Mark 3 EVA

Alkor activates Rage Blow!

Wasp | ID# 132111 result: 4 MISS 8/20 HP

 MOB: 4 

Wasp misses Alkor!

Alkor's Savvy procs! (+2 BD until next successful hit)

Edited December 16, 2019 by Alkor

[Alkor 0]

He wasted no time after his breath. With a quick motion, he burst into action and brought the blade around. Quick, precise strokes with a great deal of force behind them assailed the wasp, and it succumbed instantly to the damage. 

Alkor continued with his follow through and finished in a relaxed stance, blade held with his arm across his body. He was already starting to get used to the difference in how the weapon moved, and how to grip it more effectively. He felt the excessive force of a critical blow in his last attack.

It was hard to score those with a weapon you were just starting with.

"This is excellent," he muttered to himself as he let the blade fall to the side and glanced around him. "How many more of these things to I have to kill, though?"

There was no sign of any sort of special wasp. Just the ones he'd already been picking on. With that in mind, he decided that he'd continue to harass the mobs until their fearful leader did decide to show up.

Then maybe he'd actually have a challenge on his hands.

 

 

Alkor: 470/470 HP 38/46 E

4 Base Damage | 3 EVA | 2 SAV

Ornate Scimitar (no stats) | Black Lion King's Cloak 1 MIT 2 SAV | Vagabond's Mark 3 EVA

Alkor activates Rage Blow!

Wasp | ID# 132112 result: 9 | 0/20 DEAD

Edited December 16, 2019 by Alkor

[Alkor 0]

His next attack was as ruthless as it was sudden. Alkor spun the blade quickly as he rushed forward and came at the wasp, intending to take it off guard. Unfortunately, the creature managed to notice him before he could get within range, and it flitted upward and away from the devastating blow that the swordsman had intended.

Alkor cursed under his breath and continued along with the hope that the momentum would carry him out of harm's way. Luckily, the enemy was insufficient to harm him in any lethal way, because he was able to take the damage with no real consequence to his health.

The impact drove him forward by a few inches as he reeled away, but he recovered quickly and brought the blade around into a defensive position. He knew that was pretty useless without any defensive skills, but it was still the right thing to do.

Form was important, after all.

 

Alkor: 470/470 HP 37/46 E

4 Base Damage | 3 EVA | 2 SAV

Ornate Scimitar (no stats) | Black Lion King's Cloak 1 MIT 2 SAV | Vagabond's Mark 3 EVA

Wasp | ID# 132113 result: 3 | MISS! 20/20 HP

 MOB: 8 Wasp hits Alkor for 6! Alkor's mitigation soaks the damage.

Edited December 16, 2019 by Alkor

[Alkor 0]

Alkor exploded into motion once more, intent on landing the blow he meant to strike in the first place. When he charged the sword art, the verdant color thrummed around his curved sword, and he started slicing clean through areas of the wasp's body.

When he returned to the ground, it shivered, spasmed, and exploded into a string of data that roiled toward the heavens. The swordsman remained crouched a moment longer, just to catch his breath.

He knew that wasn't totally necessary, but it also allowed for him to collect his thoughts. As he rose to his proper height, he noticed it. The creature that dwarfed all other wasps had appeared, and she looked very displeased.

Roaming the center of the field and buzzing furiously, the Wasp Queen had made her appearance at last.

 

Alkor: 470/470 HP 37/46 E

4 Base Damage | 3 EVA | 2 SAV

Ornate Scimitar (no stats) | Black Lion King's Cloak 1 MIT 2 SAV | Vagabond's Mark 3 EVA

Wasp | ID# 132114 result: 8 | (4×7=28) 0/20 HP DEAD

Edited December 16, 2019 by Alkor

[Alkor 0]

There was one thing left to do before taking her on.

Alkor checked all of his stats, his skills, and his inventory. He had potions, his equipment measured up... he just had to ensure that he took the fight seriously. Regardless of how weak it might be, the Wasp Queen would be much stronger than the mobs he had just trashed.

He made a promise to be more careful. Yes, he'd get stronger, and yes, he would propel himself toward the Frontlines- but he wouldn't take any leaping risks on the way there.

There were at least two people who had entreated him not to do anything rash. Then there was Bahr... 

That guy again. I dunno why, I get a weird feeling about him. I just couldn't piece together what got into him. Stop going where I don't belong...?

Does he not want me around Lessa...?

Whatever. I've got to focus. This is important.

Alkor: 470/470 HP 38/46 E (out of combat, regenerated energy)

4 Base Damage | 3 EVA | 2 SAV

Ornate Scimitar (no stats) | Black Lion King's Cloak 1 MIT 2 SAV | Vagabond's Mark 3 EVA

[Alkor 0]

Alkor had no more reason to wait.

He threw himself toward the boss almost recklessly, and yet, with all the preparation of a skilled Swordsman. It was a perilous balance, a dichotomy achievable only by someone who had undergone intense training. Was this what it felt like, back when the Samurai wandered Japan, and the feudal lords presided over everything?

I'm getting better.

He quickly utilized his sword art at the instant combat was joined. In the instant where the Wasp Queen, which dwarfed him in size and stature attacked, Alkor ripped through her in three even strokes.

The beast almost failed to register his movements as he hit the dirt and skidded. Much faster. Much stronger. Much more likely to leave the opponent devastated.

He loved that about the Curved Sword.

 

Alkor: 470/470 HP 32/46 E

4 Base Damage | 3 EVA | 2 SAV

Ornate Scimitar (no stats) | Black Lion King's Cloak 1 MIT 2 SAV | Vagabond's Mark 3 EVA

Alkor activates Death Creep!

Wasp Queen | ID# 132115 result: 8 | (4×6) 50-24=26/50 HP

 MOB: 2

Wasp Queen misses Alkor!

Alkor's [Savvy] procs!

Edited December 17, 2019 by Alkor

[Alkor 0]

They rushed at each other, blade and stinger bared. Both attacks went wide, perhaps from too much emphasis placed on evasion. Alkor cursed himself for placing a small amount of health- or perhaps less- above finishing the fight.

If he made small concessions, he could attain larger results. That was the sort of thinking he had, at least. Other Players might argue that safety came before all else, but to someone trying to do the most damage possible, it seemed like the wrong decision.

Alkor spun around as quickly as he could manage to face the Wasp Queen, which had already turned to set its sights on him. It had just as much luck as he did in the last exchange, so there was at least that much to celebrate.

"One more good hit," he told himself. "That's all it's gonna take."

Alkor: 470/470 HP 31/46 E

4 Base Damage | 3 EVA | 2 SAV

Ornate Scimitar (no stats) | Black Lion King's Cloak 1 MIT 2 SAV | Vagabond's Mark 3 EVA

Alkor activates Death Creep!

Wasp Queen | ID# 132173 result: 1| 26/50 HP MISS!

 MOB: 5

Wasp Queen misses Alkor!

Alkor's [Savvy] procs!

Edited December 17, 2019 by Alkor

[Alkor 0]

He took a breath and lowered himself, knees bent. It had to work. He had to relax and let everything fall into place. There was a perfect amount of effort he had to put forward, and with the proper mental state, it would be a trivial task.

His sword lit up. In the seconds after that, he began swiping fiercely, and the Wasp Queen came within reach only a step and a half later. The blade tore through pixelated insect, and continued to do so until the image fractured, segmented, and split to pieces.

When he stopped, the blade rested out to one side, and Alkor exhaled. "Okay," he said quietly. "That was a great deal easier than I expected. Good. Good. That means I'm not so terribly far behind that I can't catch up.

I just soloed a low level field boss.

I can do this."

He tucked the weapon away at his side and stood up. Urbus was a short hike away, and he had to make it back before sunset. 

Didn't want to be out too late.

 

 

Alkor: 470/470 HP 31/46 E

4 Base Damage | 3 EVA | 2 SAV

Ornate Scimitar (no stats) | Black Lion King's Cloak 1 MIT 2 SAV | Vagabond's Mark 3 EVA

Alkor activates Lasing Chopper!

Wasp Queen | ID# 132204 result: 8 | (4×7) 8-28= 0/20 DEAD

Edited December 17, 2019 by Alkor

[Alkor 0]

With the field boss defeated and the quest clear, he had the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely walk back. The faint scent of honeycombs in the distance told the tale of a sweet treat, if the Player wanted to trek off the beaten path and search for it. Lower level Players were wont to wander and explore when given the opportunity.

It was something much more dangerous on the Frontlines. They traveled in groups and worked as teams because the threat of death was very real. It almost felt nice to have a break. 

But his break had already lasted too long. He wanted to grow, to get stronger- but he wanted to do it in a way where people wouldn't have to worry about him, and where he knew he could do the most good.

That was a big difference between then and now. He was at least trying to take people's feelings into consideration. Trying, because he wasn't always sure what those feelings were.

 

[Alkor 0]

Where had it gone wrong?

Before the brutality and raw emotions, before his massive breakdown, before the Hydra- there was Lessa. She was a friend, someone who he could depend on. She was kind, and she wanted to do good for everyone. When he had slain a Player in defense of another, she gave him her ear and heard him out, where she could have turned him away.

He strained to recall what set all of the chaos in motion. Lessa had asked for answers, and at the time, he had none to give. But she seemed as confused as he was. What came to his mind, now made no sense.

Daeron.

The man approached him, bravado out like a knife. He had threatened and flown off the handle at every word Alkor spoke. He told him things...

Lessa didn't seem like she understood why he had acted the way he had. To Alkor, all of it made sense. Between the two of them, something had gone from harmony to chaos. Now what seemed so clear was shrouded in fog.

Alkor walked along the path with a contemplative look on his face. He didn't see if anyone were near, and if they were, he ignored them entirely. He needed answers.

Had Daeron lied?

[Alkor 0]

He remembered the conversation, vaguely. Posturing, threats, even the challenge of a fight to the death. Alkor had declined, but he had managed in his aggravation to remove Lessa from his friends. The blanks were not filled in. The questions only begat more questions.

One day, he would ask her.

But no time soon. Their friendship had only just thawed out, frozen for years inside of Aincrad. There was pain and suffering on her end, he was certain of it. She had not gone easy on him with her words. He could not blame her, and despite his anxiety reaching a whole new level, Alkor found himself sympathizing with someone else.

He knew, the answer lay somewhere between them in the unspoken words. There was truth to find, and he would find it.

The irony smacked him across the face.

He told her that he would protect her, only to hurt her worse than any monster had in all her time there.

Numbness crept along his spine as he walked.

[Alkor 0]

What of his other friends? It seemed Evan found his way into the game, but Tobias? What had become of him? Was he fortunate enough to miss Day One of the calamity, or had the Player called Arc dived in headfirst as well? Too many questions started to plague the swordsman as he approached Urbus.

All of his friends were lost to him, in one way or another. Mari... she would be, soon enough. In his haste to do right, he had done much greater wrong. What could he do to amend that?

Again, only the truth seemed to shine any light ahead of him.

That truth, however, would turn her feelings to hate. It was no cause not to afford it to her- he knew that with or without him, she needed that closure. That was his intention when he approached Lessa. Both women had been wronged, both in unique ways.

The burden fell on him to ensure that he found the answer, and walked the right path.

[Alkor 0]

"Grandma... what would you do?"

One day, you're gonna have to do all this without me. I won't be around forever. With those words, his grandmother sighed and took out her car keys, then headed out the door. You have to learn to talk to people. It's not always easy. As an adult, you won't have anyone to bail you out. Watch what I do and listen what I say. Learn how to do this now, because if you have to learn it by yourself, you're going to struggle.

Yet still, he struggled. He's a smart boy, he just hasn't learned everything there is to know. People make mistakes. He's special, see. Things that make sense to us, don't to him. Help him understand what he did wrong, and I promise, he'll do his best to fix it. Please, don't take this opportunity from him.

Words. Emotions. All of it seemed like a grand production playing out in front of him, but Thom never fully grasped how she had done it. The woman understood what people felt. She knew how to talk to them.

Everything she was, he wasn't.

Yet somehow, she had treated him like her own child.

"Grandma," he whispered. Tears threatened at the edges of both his eyes. "I don't know how to do it alone."

[Alkor 0]

He wiped away the wetworks just in time to arrive in the second floor settlement. Urbus was abuzz with activity as daylight slowly ebbed from the sky. Lanterns ignited and shed light over the streets. There was much left unsaid, but the day's task, at least, was complete.

Alkor headed toward the teleporter at the center of town with one thing in mind. Rest, relax, come back to it at a later time. There was nothing to be gained from letting the emotional overload tax him to the point where he would be no good to anyone. He headed for floor eleven, where he knew the Inn would be warm and the drinks would be served fresh. 

"I need at least five beers," he muttered to himself. Alkor had never been a heavy drinker, but it felt like the right call given his situation. A temporary escape, perhaps, but a welcome one.