[F-01] [SP] An easy-going hunt «Secret Medicine of the Forest»

[Tsurei 0]

“The only things we have to worry about are other players,” Yuta stated cautiously,

“Yeah, maybe that,” Rei nodded, realising that it slipped his mind, “Let’s keep in sight of each other, this is the first floor, probably won’t be many high-level people hanging out around here, but shout if you need help, we’ll come running,”

“Yeah, no fear,” Takumi gave a short sarcastic cough,

The four of them looked at each other and gave a short nod, “Let’s go,”

The forest that was once only filled with wolves and flying insect monsters was now joined by the Nepents, they were strange, bulbous venus flytrap shaped plans, their lower half consisted of innumerable tendrils and tentacles which it used to move about, nearby were it’s two tendril arms ending in sharp flat leaves that flailed around like attached blades. The body was made of clear, jelly like material and near the top of it’s body was a wide mouth with thick red lips and a row of pearly white teeth, curled into a unsightly smile.

 

ID# 135546
BD: 7 +3 = Hit
MD: 10 = Crit +2

Damage Dealt = 7

Damage Received = 3 +2 = 5 - 17 Mit = 1 Minimum - 10 Regen = 0

Rei: HP: 380/380 | EN: 37 (-1) /38 | 7 DMG | 17 MIT | 0 EVA| 3 ACC| 1 BLD| 2 REGEN

Nepent #1: HP: 7/7| 3 DMG
Nepent #2: HP: 7/7| 3 DMG

Edited February 5, 2020 by Tsurei

[Tsurei 0]

These creatures despite being weaker were almost immediately swarming them on sight, the creatures seemed intent on killing them despite having too little damage to do anything at all, their flailing leaf blades scored deep scratches into the bark of the forest, as if a Kamaitachi passed through, it was nearly made for an intimidating sight, that realistically few would dare to approach.

Rei unsheathed his katana, lunging forward and slashing at the same time, there was no need to use a Sword Art, just the base damage with the enhancements and his Katana Rank 3 was the perfect amount for the kill.

The blade flashed twice, in a silvery blue light leaving crystalline trails of water behind it, tracing the two graceful arcs that bisected the pair of Nepents, ignoring the thin red gashes that appeared on his body where the leaf blades had hit, the grazes appeared, tiny and no bigger than a strand of hair which quickly disappeared due to the Regeneration Enhancement.

 

ID# 135547
BD: 5 +3 = Hit

Damage Dealt = 7

Rei: HP: 380/380 | EN: 37 (-1+1) /38 | 7 DMG | 17 MIT | 0 EVA| 3 ACC| 1 BLD| 2 REGEN

Nepent #1: HP: 7/7| 3 DMG
Nepent #2: HP: 7/7| 3 DMG

ID# 135690

LD: 3 = No Treasure

Edited February 10, 2020 by Tsurei

[Tsurei 0]

A unholy screech pierced the air, nearly several all at once, the sound was enough to ring in his ears and it was close by at that, all around, the Nepent Variants appeared behind each of them, materialising in digital blocks as it spawned into existence with that noise, their mouths wide open.

These Nepents were visually distinct from the Nepents slightly, their clear jelly body was adorned with red dots like a chickenpox disease, and atop it’s head was an unsettling 5 petalled flower the colour of blood. Like the other Nepents, the creature stood a metre and a half tall, nearly the same height as them.

When everyone was able to get a hold of their bearings, they exchanged a short glance to make sure everyone was in the same situation and nothing different happened, then they rushed in to attack. Rei kept close to the ground, keeping his right hand holding the drawn katana and the left hand holding the empty scabbard.

 

ID# 135548
BD: 3 +3 = Hit [Ukifune]

Damage Dealt = 7 x 2 = 14

Rei: HP: 380/380 | EN: 33 (-5+1) /38 | 7 DMG | 17 MIT | 0 EVA| 3 ACC| 1 BLD| 2 REGEN

Nepent Variant [Stunned] : HP: 1/15| 10 DMG

Edited February 5, 2020 by Tsurei

[Tsurei 0]

As he rushed in for close range, he charged the Art Ukifune into his scabbard, drawing it upwards in a neon blue light in the attack, smacking the Nepent and sending it soaring into the air helpless as Rei ducked under the flailing leaf blades.

Once in the air, Rei had to jump up as much as he could, swinging his blade in the air to strike at the Nepent whilst he could, leaving it no room to retaliate, the single Ukifune sent it’s health to barely existent, nearly killing it with just that alone, this was the finisher.

Or so he thought, as he swiped at it in the air, the tendrils ending in leaf blades continued to whirl at high speeds like a whirlwind of natural blades, the didn’t do much damage as several grazes appeared on his forearm, but they clashed plentifully against his blade, shifting it’s trajectory to miss the creature.

 

ID# 135549
BD: 1 = Miss
MD: 3 = Miss

Rei: HP: 380/380 | EN: 32 (-2+1) /38 | 7 DMG | 17 MIT | 0 EVA| 3 ACC| 1 BLD| 2 REGEN

Nepent Variant: HP: 1/15| 10 DMG

Edited February 5, 2020 by Tsurei

[Tsurei 0]

Rei landed and spun on his heel, the Nepent Variant landed behind him as he turned, before it could even try to mount a counter attack, Rei slashed horizontally with all his body’s turning momentum, finally bisecting the creature from the side and killing it.

As it shattered into various digital data like glass, there was no flower drop, it seemed that this one had failed, well, he didn’t expect to get it on his first try, his luck was never particularly great when it came to things like this, but with a drop rate of 45%, his chances were good that he wouldn’t have to spend all that long before he got it.

He couldn’t tell if anyone else managed to obtain one of their own, but there was no time to waste either way, he moved onwards to the next unoccupied group of Nepents to resume the hunt.

 

ID# 135550
BD: 3 +3 = Hit

Damage Dealt = 7

Rei: HP: 380/380 | EN: 32 (-1+1) /38 | 7 DMG | 17 MIT | 0 EVA| 3 ACC| 1 BLD| 2 REGEN

Nepent Variant: HP: 1/15| 10 DMG

ID# 135551
LD: 10 = No Drop

Edited February 5, 2020 by Tsurei

[Tsurei 0]

Running into the fray of the next fight, Rei swung his drawn katana at one of the Nepents, either by luck, skill or experience to the fights he’s been through so far, whether he gained understanding from the first try or purely because of his stats, he was able to slash through the first Nepent with absolutely no resistance, not even receiving a scratch as he kept the distance from the second Nepent, killing it before they had time to group up and cause trouble for him.

All around him the others were doing just as well, fighting feverently, there was something satisfying about fighting mobs that had no chance against them, it was nice for once being able to kill monsters so easily in one hit, bringing about a kind of adrenaline high, the satisfaction of mowing down a mob of weaker enemies was prevalent in their joy here.

 

ID# 135552
BD: 10 +3 = Crit +2
MD: 3 = Miss

Damage Dealt = 7 +2 = 9

Rei: HP: 380/380 | EN: 32 (-1+1) /38 | 7 DMG | 17 MIT | 0 EVA| 3 ACC| 1 BLD| 2 REGEN

Nepent #1: HP: 7/7| 3 DMG
Nepent #2: HP: 7/7| 3 DMG

Edited February 5, 2020 by Tsurei

[Tsurei 0]

As Rei turned around to deliver another one handed slash to the second Nepent, slicing through it nearly as cleanly as the first strike with a efficient twist of his body, he could hear the sounds of booming blunt impacts as Yuta nearby was tearing through the Nepents with his bare hands with ease, each strike was nearly akin to a cannon hitting the Nepents judging from the holes that exploded in their jelly like bodies with every booming punch.

He did seem to be using not only his Arts but also just pure, unadulterated flailing with his limbs, be it punching or kicking his way through, his movements were quick, but rusty and without much flair. It placed a heavy emphasis on efficiency and practical use.

To one it might look drab, to the untrained eye, it was nearly boring and like a beginner, but from a experienced fighter, it would appear to be quick and simple, short bursts of speed, quick attacks without need for feints, just pure offensive capability was on display there.

 

ID# 135553
BD: 9 +3 = Crit +1

Damage Dealt = 7 +1 = 8

Rei: HP: 380/380 | EN: 32 (-1+1) /38 | 7 DMG | 17 MIT | 0 EVA| 3 ACC| 1 BLD| 2 REGEN

Nepent #1: HP: 7/7| 3 DMG
Nepent #2: HP: 7/7| 3 DMG

Edited February 5, 2020 by Tsurei

[Tsurei 0]

The unholy screech of another Nepent Variant assaulted his ears from behind once more after the last traces of the Nepent disappeared, Rei turned his attention back to his own fight, taking the scabbard in his hand and twisting his grip so that he held it like a second sword, bringing it across his body to strike diagonally from the other side, he rushed forward, allowing the neon blue light to encase his scabbard to the peak before he smacked the Nepent Variant with all his might, the loud metallic crack was different from the ring of steel slashing through his opponent, but the sharp blunt crack of the impact was just as satisfying.

It seemed Ukifune could be used so long as it was a upward attack intending to launch the opponent. He watched as the impact scored a critical hit randomly and send the Nepent soaring into the air with a death wail, it didn’t even manage to finish it’s introductory screech before being interrupted with it’s death roes.

 

ID# 135554
BD: 9 +3 = Crit +1 [Ukifune}

Damage Dealt = [7 +1] x 2 = 16 

Rei: HP: 380/380 | EN: 28 (-5+1) /38 | 7 DMG | 17 MIT | 0 EVA| 3 ACC| 1 BLD| 2 REGEN

Nepent Variant: HP: 15/15| 10 DMG

ID# 135555
LD: 15 = Dropped Nepent's Ovule

Edited February 5, 2020 by Tsurei

[Tsurei 0]

Before it could even touch the ground again, the Nepent already disintegrated into data, the red flower on it’s head remaining even after it’s death, falling lightly through the air before being caught by Rei. Nepent’s Ouvle. Looks like his job was done, and on the second try too, it makes sends considering the 45% chance, but at the same time, he was pleasantly surprised that it was finished so quickly, it was quite lucky for him, boding well for their time spent.

He looked around at the others putting work into the task at hand, it seemed he was the first to gain the Item.

In any case, he had nothing to do now but wait for the others, it was pointless to assist them since each of them had to get their own flower, not to mention with the enemies dying in one hit, if he joined them now, it would like competing for dwindling resources, there wouldn’t be enough enemies in the single groups for each of them.

[Tsurei 0]

From there, he decided to simply watch Yuta fight, analysing his Martial Arts. When faced with the whirlwind of flailing leaf blades, Yuta opted to back off, simply waiting patiently for the attack animation to end, when it did, there was usually a cool down before it started the attack again, using that opening, Yuta would rush in to deliver the killing blow without fail, he preformed this tactic over and over.

Watching him wait and spend energy backing off, Rei could only sigh at his level of patience, he would’ve rushed in and ignored the small damage taken if he could get a hit to end the fight. But he guessed Yuta was taking the fight even more seriously than him, assuming that getting any hit at all would be bad.

The first sword Art that Yuta showed in the fight was Embracer, a simple strike to the opponent with his hand in a thrusting strike.

[Tsurei 0]

The grey tinted trail of light shot forward like a bullet with a shockwave impact against the disintegrating Nepent, it seemed that the main point of the attack was to strike like a spear using a knife hand technique, a simple, quick, effective attack. Judging from the guidebook, it was a tier 1 skill, meaning that it did very little extra damage, in fact, it’s effect was the Stun status and that was it.

The next strike Rei observed was a series of high speed, almost enraged boxer like hook strikes, alternating from left to right hands, the strike was a continuous combo meant for mowing down several enemies, one after the other. Aggressive Twins, was the name for the Art it seemed. He watched as Yuta ducked under a leaf whip lashing over his head before he lunged forward, mowing through the pair of Nepents.

After they finally died, he was able to have the time to look over to Rei curiously as the variant Nepent was going through the spawn animation.

[Tsurei 0]

“… What is it?” he asked his observer with a odd expression,

“Ah, I was just finished with my quest, so I came to see what your Arts were like,” Rei explained from his position against the tree,

“Is that so,” Yuta shrugged, he didn’t mind him watching, though it did make him feel a bit self conscious, as he faced down the Nepent Variant, he hoped he wouldn’t screw anything up and make a fool out of himself.

Raising his fists into a stance, Yuta squared off against the Nepent, making sure to use the same tactic, waiting for the Nepent to make a flailing flurry of strikes and aiming for the delay. The flurry was certainly visually impressive, a green blur with it’s twin bladed whips lashing out, shrapnel and splinters being cracked off the tree’s bark along with the sound of the rushing air and cracks were intimidating to say the least, if you didn’t realise that the actual damage was rather low.

[Tsurei 0]

But the predictable timing was still there, Yuta jumped back each time the Nepent Variant tried to approach, focusing solely on evading it’s strikes until the chance came, the moment it did, Yuta charged his Art, a steel grey light sheathing his feet as he leaned forward, pushing off the ground in a turning backflip, adjusting his body when he lashed out with a sweeping kick such that it arced horizontally, trailing the thick trail of light as it impacted into the Nepent Variant, killing it instantly.

Crescent Moon, a multi-target attack encompassed in a single kick, even in real life martial arts, such a attack existed, it generated momentum from the spin into a powerful kick, so from a practical standpoint, it was also very good as opposed to some of the sword Arts which only looked cool but had no practical value except for the extra damage of the Art.

[Tsurei 0]

Yuta glanced over at Rei, letting a out a breath to release the body’s tension after the combat, he realised that the quest item hadn’t dropped and looked over to Rei for his reaction, for any sign of disapproval, since approval from Rei was near impossible, he was just that type of person that was hard to please, but Yuta knew that he held the same standard to himself regarding combat.

Unfortunately he found nothing in his expression, which was about as well was he hoped, Rei waved with a small smile, gesturing for him to go ahead and continue, with a small sigh, Yuta wondered why he even bothered worrying about his opinion, he shrugged back in answer and quickly spotted his next targets. Another pair of Nepents, he rushed over at high speeds, ensuring that he was at their backs, only discernible from their fronts because of the giant thick lipped mouth at the front.

[Tsurei 0]

The ran forward until he was in range, he was trying to keep his footsteps quiet, but the moment he got within their aggro range, the Nepents began to turn around, as a game with a Stealth Skill, he supposed that employing actual stealth was not as effective as simply having the skill. It was a game after all, even so he was a tad annoyed, unrelenting, he charged into close range so he could get off a pre-emptive attack.

The fourth Art, Delayed Sword was unleashed, Martial Art Sword Arts had a low charge time before activation and it was easier to chain Arts, their downside was usually their short range compared to all the other weapon types.

The strike started with a powerful side kick that slammed into the core of the opponent, stunning them in pain so that he could lunge in with a knife hand strike to the neck, it was a classic move in movies where striking at the neck would knock an opponent out

[Tsurei 0]

This was much to the same effect, though there was some truth to impacting the spine or the throat to knock out an opponent, the sword art was the effect of the system, with the steel grey light trailing after his strikes, amplifying their actual impact several times, causing every strike under the influence of the system to be as powerful as things like cannons, crashing with a boom.

The next Art he displayed was five swords, as the name implied, it was 5 hit combo using knife hands targeted at the joints of the opponent, it was utilised at high speeds, striking into the shoulders, knees, elbows and so on to incapacitate the opponent as a Stun effect Art.

The next and last Art was Tornado Kick, going by it’s description, you would think of the popular move of a particular fighting game character, but this one was quite a bit more practical, and despite it being a higher tier Art, it was not all that flashy.

[Tsurei 0]

It was extremely similar to Crescent Moon, just without the extra effort of doing a backflip, this one required Yuta to brace like a coiled spring, twisting to the side before pushing all his strength to spinning to the other side as he jumped, using that momentum to unleash a sweeping kick that crunched into his opponent with a booming impact, this too was an attack intended for multiple targets.

What surprised Rei as he watched was how simplistic each of these Arts were, sure, he wanted practicality, but this was just dry and uninspired, a few of the Arts were straight up normal martial art attacks without extra flair.

It was rather disappointing to say the least, but it seemed that Yuta was happy with it at least, it was easy to chain normal attacks into Arts with Martial Arts due to the lower charge times.

After the Nepent Variant got slaughtered by Yuta, it appeared that it dropped the flower, allowing the quest to be completed.

[Tsurei 0]

With that, it was a total of 2 down, 2 left to go, Yuta picked up the flower and let it dematerialise in his hand, entering his inventory his eyes glanced to the corner as he confirmed the quest update, he met eyes with Rei and nodded,

“I’m done,”

“Right then, let’s go take a look on the other two,” Rei jabbed his finger in the direction of the sounds of fighting,

“Are we splitting up?” Yuta wondered, it was easy to see what he was thinking, since the two of them were finished, they should split up so that both Takumi and Kenji would both have a combat capable ally in the event something goes wrong, with logic like that, Rei nodded,

“Probably for the best,”

“Roger that,”

He watched as Yuta ran off towards Kenji at a quick pace, leaving Rei to watch after him with a small dry shrug,

[Tsurei 0]

When he arrived at Takumi’s fight at a leisurely pace, he found him reserving his Arts for the Nepent Variant, it appeared he realised that it only took a single normal hit to kill a Nepent. With a few moments of observing, it was easy enough to see his strategy, with a shield and spear in hand, Takumi would carefully retreat, blocking the whip blades at the edge of their reach, lunging forward and stabbing with his spear into the jelly like flesh to kill the creature before moving to the next.

You would think with a shield you could just block attacks and it was true, realistically, attacks would be blocked, but in game it was only damage mitigation, if he recalled, Takumi opted for the shield, spear and armour to be his effect-enabled items.

He was rather capable at defense and cautious attacks with the skills he chose, it also appeared that with the use of the spiked effect, he could deal damage to the enemies without raising a hand.

[Tsurei 0]

He watched as Takumi easily mowed down the Nepents when they were hit by the reflection damage, making Rei feel quite a bit jealous, it must be easy having a shield geared to reflect damage like that, you could just sit there and let the enemy hit you but kill themselves, well, at this low level, it basically meant that any enemy as weak as the Nepent attacking Takumi with thorns is simply just them trying to die outright.

Even when the Nepent Variant showed up, he just let the shield do all the work when he found the most easy, optimal method, seriously, he even looked bored as he held his shield and let all the work do itself for him.

When the fight finished up, he looked over and noticed Rei giving a small wave,

“Hey, are you done?” he asked, since he believed there was no reason for Rei to simply be standing around watching him otherwise,

“Yeah, somewhat, Yuta’s done as well, we’re just waiting on you two now,”

Edited February 10, 2020 by Tsurei