[F24-SP] In the Quiet <<Incognito Antics>>

[NIGHT 0]

<<Incognito Antics>>

The Uso-Tsuki was a leader of the people.

The capital of Paraneze had never found better life under their current rulers, and he stood as one of many figures guarding the throne, working to lead his kinship by example. A variety of others in a similar position to his would have preferred to bury their noses in paperwork, and truth to be told, the Uso-Tsuki would've preferred to stay in. But he had what his equals did not; a biting charisma and a bod of tough steel, and hence resolved to speak directly with the community so that his latent talents may bear the fruit of his labors for him.

Easily, the man was the youngest of his division. Seeing only eighteen summers, he was a political prodigy at best, and a beloved loudmouth at worst. When there came instruction from his authorities or his peers, they would turn to the Uso-Tsuki to spread the word. They were certain that he would not let them down.

	NIGHT   | HP: 1225/1225 | EN: 118/118   | ACC: 3 | DMG: 19 | EVA: 2 | MIT: 99 | LD: 3   | BRN: 36 | BLGT: 72 | BLD: 36   | Stealth Detection: 3 | Stealth Rating: 7
Using Spyglass. -5 to posts required before starting to look for a dungeon.
[Examine] [Equipment] Jack's Executioner -- [ Burn I | Natural critical attack rolls of 9-10 deal 36 unmitigated burn damage each enemy turn for 2 turns. This effect does not stack, but can be refreshed. ] -- [ Blight II | Natural critical attack rolls of 9-10 deal 72 unmitigated blight damage each enemy turn for 2 turns. This effect does not stack, but can be refreshed. ] -- [ Bleed I | Natural critical attack rolls of 9-10 deal 36 unmitigated bleed damage each enemy turn for 2 turns. This effect does not stack, but can be refreshed. ] Reinforced Steel Plate Armor -- [ Mitigation III | +81 MIT. ] Silver Crescent Necklace -- [ Accuracy II | +2 ACC ] -- [ Evasion II | +2 EVA ] [Battle-Ready Inventory] [T1E3] Teleport Crystal (1) | Instant | TELEPORT [T3E0] Blank Dungeon Map (1) Spyglass (1) | -5 POSTS TO DUNGEON FIND (2/3) Skills Skills Mod Count: 7/8 Two-Handed Straight Sword | Passive | RANK 5/5 > Ferocity, Precision, Finesse Heavy Armor | Passive | RANK 3/5  > Athletics Searching | Passive | RANK 3/5 Hiding | Passive | RANK 4+1/5 > Blindside, Vanish, Surprise Attack: Trickster Extended Mod Limit | Passive | RANK 3/3  [Extra] Survival | Passive  Concentration | Active -- CD: 3 Familiar Mastery: Fighter | Passive | RANK 3/3 Consumed Buffs Spoiler Kumatetsu Statue | +1 DMG Misc. Buffs Spoiler Dimensional Backpack, Item Stash | +2 Battle-Ready Inventory Slots. Well Rested | -1 EN for the first three expenditures of each combat.  Relaxed | +(5 * Tier) HP per out-of-combat post. Full energy restoration occurs after two turns out of combat. Squeaky Clean | -25% DoT damage taken from the first DoT applied to this player in a thread. Skylight: Hiding | +1 Expertise to declared utility skill. Cooldown of 30 days to reassign. Multipurpose | +1 LD/Prosperity/Stealth/Detection to one post per thread. Can be applied after a roll. Filling | +1 T1 slot to a food consumed by this player in a thread. Can exceed Cook enhancement caps. Col Deposit | +5% col from loot-minimum mobs, +10% col from treasure chests.

[NIGHT 0]

He never did. He never had. It was easy to spot the messenger oft about in broad daylight, chasing the streets of requests and orders alike. As a man to lead by example, the Uso-Tsuki was the first point of contact for many when they needed help with their daily tasks. From fishing to carpentry to plain old having a good time down at the beaches with a handful of people, with everything they needed, the Uso-Tsuki had been there to provide.

Some of the rumors go that the Uso-Tsuki was nigh immortal, a deity or a golem forged from good will and gold, created by some of the older folks back in the day to bring nothing but joy and hope to the people of Paraneze. Of course, this was not true, but the Uso-Tsuki had always been fond of these musings, choosing to keep his origins hidden simply just to stoke the imaginations of his fellow friends further.

Spoiler

ID: 155557 | LD: 17 (10, +7) | Stealth. Rolling against passive detection of LD 12.

[NIGHT 0]

The Uso-Tsuki stood tall, at a towering height of 6'5". To most of the people in the capital, this was completely average. For many players shuffling in from the other realms of Aincrad, he more often than not dwarfed their sizes in comparison. He wore a bamboo-woven straw hat, one circular with a flat top, and it worked to shelter his golden skin past-kissed from the sun on his work. His clothes were unusual to many from the city, but it worked to help identify him in midst of a coliseum torrent -- a muted magenta shaded hakama, hues ever so warm to dip slightly into the realms of crimson.

On most days, the sun bore down well enough upon the twenty-fourth to warrant a darkened shadow cast across his face. The Uso-Tsuki liked his secrets more than not, despite his openness about his position. He'd cast his hair into a short prickly ponytail every morning, the likes of which were messy, but the added shapes were welcome to his silhouette especially when one couldn't see much in the way of his face.

Spoiler

ID: 155558 | LD: 14 (7, +7) | Stealth.
ID: 156155 | LD: 15 (12, +3) | Searching.

Success: [- - -]
Failure: [x - -]

[NIGHT 0]

His weeks occurred like clockwork, with not much room for deviance when it came to his chores. Come the morning sun every four days, the Uso-Tsuki would rise from his slumber, slowly pushing himself out of his humble hut on the back side of the island. While most of the city's officials were likely to live in the center of the isle, near the crowd of fishermen and street hawkers that swarmed to congregate at the break of dawn, the Uso-Tsuki was lazier, preferring to have more leniency with his schedule. Away from the noise and the rush of business, it was always after noon did he appear on the streets, bare feet striding across the sand as he waved to the fishermen having returned from their first haul of the day.

Once in town, the first task he would set himself to would always be a visit to family.

Spoiler

ID: 155559 | LD: 27 (20, +7) | Stealth.

Success: [- - -]
Failure: [x - -]

[NIGHT 0]

One of his aunts liked meeting up with other elderly folks. It was of little effort for the man to haul her out of bed and cleanse her fully before wheeling her to the town square for a routine chat with her friends. During the occasion, the Uso-Tsuki would keep track of the home lives of his fellow townsfolk, making sure their domestics had no shortage of food and drink, and that the loved ones of the old were kept well safe and sound.

His aunt always knows not to keep him occupied for long. Once she'd been escorted home, he'd bound off the streets towards the central station for a daily meeting. As always, he would be fashionably late, but the Uso-Tsuki was never one for great formalities. He'd done his due diligence to delay his appearance if only to skip right to the important news: if there was any work that would intervene on his regular routine for the foreseeable future.

Spoiler

ID: 156157 | LD: 27 (20, +7) | Stealth.
ID: 156158 | LD: 13 (10, +3) | Searching.

Success: [o - -]
Failure: [x - -]

[NIGHT 0]

The most that was altered between him and his activities was of which company he was supposed to visit for that day. Usually, he would find himself running to the lumberjacks, tucked away in one of the floating isles, though which outpost he was led to was always on a rotation from day to day. On occasion he would tend to the groves, in the vicinity of the ocean shore, on a smaller outcrop of land out at sea through the bridges. There were also the rice paddy fields on the mountainous borders in the distance, though the Uso-Tsuki was rarely tasked to venture so far away from his home. A trip like that might take days to complete, and the town would be desperate for their hero to return.

Today's request was yet another standard visit out to the plains in order to haul a shipment of fresh fruit back to town central. The Uso-Tsuki obliged easily.

Spoiler

ID: 156159 | LD: 18 (11, +7) | Stealth.
ID: 156160 | LD: 23 (20, +3) | Searching.

Success: [o - -]
Failure: [x x -]

Edited June 28, 2020 by NIGHT

[NIGHT 0]

He knew of the multitude of foreigners that came from the realms beyond. He was also familiar with their gawking -- occasionally he would brisk past them on one of his runs down the bridges, and they would toss a holler his way. But the Uso-Tsuki would prefer not to stop, mind set on getting to his task's completion first and foremost before he began mingling with passersby. On days that it rained, his hat kept him safe from the downpour. Had there been moments where his robe found itself soaked, the Uso-Tsuki had never shown signs to be bothered by its state.

Arms to his side, the man drifted down one of the long bridges, vision barely kept on the road ahead of him past the shifting hat taking up the top portion of his view. His back was arched forward, his clothing light and loose enough just to avoid hindering his movements when he had decided to go fast.

Spoiler

ID: 156151 | LD: 26 (19, +7) | Stealth.

Success: [o - -]
Failure: [x x -]

[NIGHT 0]

A secret passageway, one that only those close to the townsfolk was privy to. In one light step, he was there, amidst the strong winds in the sky garden. Here was a home to only the most delectable of staples, a mix of grain, vegetables and fruit trees alike. The Uso-Tsuki would soon be welcomed into the orchards, roped into helping pick the crops in season.

It was often that the Uso-Tsuki would find himself snacking on a root or two during his round about the thicket. He was very welcome to do so -- after all, their plantations always seemed to bloom in abundance. Each fruit would be plucked carefully from the trees if they had not fallen off yet, and be placed neatly into a basket, the man sometimes returning his tray for a new emptier one if their harvest was especially great. For his efforts on behalf of the capital's heads of staff, he would be fitted with two early hampers to take home; one for his allies, and another for himself.

Spoiler

ID: 156164 | LD: 27 (20, +7) | Stealth.
ID: 156165 | LD: 3 (3, +3) | Searching.

Success: [o o -]
Failure: [x x -]

[NIGHT 0]

Thus it was with a spring in his step that the Uso-Tsuki left the plains, delivery and delectable goods in his hands. The journey back to civilization was slow, but calming, as the man watched the lapping waves, enjoying a light sentiment of serenity on his stroll. With the vast clear blues overhead matched only with trails of white, the chaotic ripples of the ocean seemed to mirror its distant counterpart, the split between the disconnected two only separated by a faint dull green upon the horizon.

He'd nearly hummed a song as he approached the gates of the station. His earlier visit would've been his one and only task to uphold for that day. Once his basket had been dropped off, the Uso-Tsuki took his own collection in hand, returning to the heart of the city to share his wares with the townsfolk in good nature and good faith.

Spoiler

ID: 156166 | LD: 17 (10, +7) | Stealth.
ID: 156167 | LD: 21 (18, +3) | Searching.

Success: [o o -]
Failure: [x x x] | Objective failed. but hey i get 2sp right uwu

[NIGHT 0]

It was during giveaways like these that he was able to speak to faces new and old and young alike. The Uso-Tsuki was a kind, generous soul, placing delicacies into each approaching citizen's hands, curling their hands around the gift and inquiring further about their day.

The kids were his favourite to entertain, the youngin's with their short stature, their naivety about life. They always had the enthusiasm and energy to head out on an adventure of make belief and return with a new tale to regale him and the other adults. Today they graced him with a laurel, and he accepted, wearing the hand-crafted trinket upon his wrist as a loose bangle of sorts.

Some of the older folk were still around, still discussing old matters of various importance this day. The Uso-Tsuki would split a few handfuls with them, for their families who were busy out by the ocean or the fields, before joyously continuing to stroll around the island, beaming to himself about his day.

[NIGHT 0]

Sometimes, the Uso-Tsuki was clumsy. Or perhaps, the others were clumsy instead. Whichever the case, the Uso-Tsuki never minded. Today was no different when he'd nearly crashed into a young lad coupled with a blond lass.

"Excuse me," he'd apologize with the dip of his head. Foreigners, he'd assume. Their garb was once again unfamiliar to his eyes; a black striped jacket and a white traveller's coat. How odd.

"Mm," the boy hummed, giving the man a nod.

"Would you care for some fruits of the season?" He'd already shelled out an apple in his hand. "They're especially fantastic this time of the year. Maybe you might find them well enough to continue returning for more."

The boy's purple eyes shifted from his face to his gift, humming thoughtfully once again. His voice lowered into a whisper as he turned to his companion, the two having a brief exchange. Meanwhile, the Uso-Tsuki stood there, patiently waiting.
 

[NIGHT 0]

When the boy returned to look at him, he seemed to speak with only the truest of intentions. "You have peaches, don't you?" The Uso-Tsuki didn't have to glance at his basket to know for certain he did. "May we have them instead? I'm allergic to apples-- ow!"

He was promptly smacked gently by the girl he walked with, who pulled him in closer for another hushed conversation. For a moment, he chuckled; young love could be so fickle, and from under the covers of his hat he watched the boy's cheeks flourish with red, before fading away in a flash.

Could the foreigner tell that he was amused?

In due time the male would be released from his counterpart, glaring daggers at his lover, but nevertheless seeming to accommodate his companion with a look towards the Uso-Tsuki. "I'm allergic to apples," he reiterated, "But my friend here would like it if it was instead handed to her."

[NIGHT 0]

So they were not dating. An easy mistake. One could only assume since they were walking side by side...

He dismissed the thought. "Of course, my friend." The Uso-Tsuki lowered himself, a knee set forward to prop himself up. With two hands, he clasped the apple into her own, and met the girl's liquid blue pools. "An apple for the lucky lady."

"The pleasure is all mine," she relayed with a smile.

He set an arm to his knee, uprighting himself best he could. A cursory glance to the boy, and he could tell that he was still in a sulking mood. "Are you sure you would not like a treat of your own, young man?"

"Young man--" The boy's feet shifted backwards across the sand, face scrunched into a look of disgruntlement.

Did he perhaps say something wrong? The Uso-Tsuki tilted his head in accordance. "Forgive me, stranger. Have I offended you? I am not wholly accustomed to your ways."

[NIGHT 0]

"N-no, I just..."

He seemed to turn to his companion, who'd wiped the skin of their food with their cloak before taking a bite out of it, teeth sinking into its flesh, her bite pulling off a satisfying crunch. She looked back at him with an innocent grin, as the boy flustered for a response, looking to the Uso-Tsuki for an answer he could not give at the time.

Then he steadied himself. Shook his head. "I-It's nothing. Forget it."

His companion's methodical chewing was audible between the group, and during that time, the Uso-Tsuki retrieved a peach from his basket, holding it out for the hesitant boy to take. "Here," he insisted, and to that the stranger shot back the Uso-Tsuki a look of further confusion. "If you're still keen on it."

"I'm fine," he replied, gently brushing the gift away with the back of his fingers. "But thank you. I appreciate the offer."

[NIGHT 0]

The Uso-Tsuki understood. At least they were as kind as he was when it came to their refusal.

He rose from his position, slipping the fruit back into his basket. "Pleasure to have met you both then," he gracefully added, alongside a slight bow. Under the light, his lips were barely visible, but they had been turned upwards into a smile. The blond returned him the same telling beam. The boy seemed to nod. Perhaps his scowl would learn with time.

He brushed past the two of them, the two friends, if not a would-be couple. There were still other outposts to visit, and some places, though it was not their due time for his assistance, may still require the additional help he was willing to provide on his time off. That was what the Uso-Tsuki felt he needed to do; this extended aid had made him the man he was known to be.

And he took great pride in his position, despite the shortcomings. It would be his to hold until the end of his time, he hoped.

[NIGHT 0]

*

"So that was him, right?"

DAY nodded, still chewing the bite of apple they had partaken. NIGHT sighed, shoulders slumping, before sneaking a peek back behind her, watching the shadow walk the face of the earth. She turned back to meet DAY's blank expression, the entity having just swallowed her portion. "So you're allergic to apples, are you?"

The woman frowned. She tucked in her arms into a fold as the duo continued their stroll down the beach. "I thought he was about to poison me."

"He wouldn't do that."

"I see that now." Her eyes went to the half-eaten apple, before settling on her companion's face. "How's that taste like? Still tastes like cardboard?"

"Soggy wet cardboard." And yet, DAY still took another bite of the meal. "But it's still edible."

"It's always edible,” NIGHT retorted. “Has to be if players want to keep their consciousness for their time in the game."

Spoiler

ID: 155897 | LD: 20 (17, +3) | Intermediate Dungeon found.
Caching dungeon find into Blank Tier 3 Map. Received [Intermediate Dungeon Map: Floor 24 (#155897)].

[NIGHT 0]

"What does the chieftain even want with the guy, anyway?" NIGHT's arms slung around the back of her head, eyes lazily scanning the field ahead of her.

DAY shrugged. "It's of no concern to me."

"None here either. Oh, hold up--"

Before her acquaintance was able to reply, the player fumbled with her motion controls to pull up her inventory. A few taps and a piece of worn yellowed paper was tattered, the environment's mini-map loading up on its surface. At the center of its sketches were two dots to indicate herself and her accomplice, the etching bordered with a white rectangle as a port view. NIGHT brought her finger around to a few feet's distance in front of her before submitting the location for review. In a few seconds, the map had honed into her guide, alongside a red, square markings -- an icon signifying a dungeon entrance. The player let out a sigh.

[NIGHT 0]

"That was lucky," DAY commented. NIGHT gave them a nod. "You looking for these all of a sudden?"

"The floor boss raid is coming up." Two hands folded the sheet in half, fingers pinched at its end to flatten the curve. They ran down its spine once, then twice. Rinse and repeat for a quartered square. "Need all the experience we can get."

"Hmm..."

"Anyway, wasn't his request a little suspicious?" NIGHT let the filled map vanish into a flash of light with the bounce of her wrist. "To tail that guy around -- hell, the quest sort of auto-completed itself whenever we walked right into his house."

"That's totally cheating."

"Not if the quest marker leads us there..."

NIGHT furrowed her brow, folding her arms as she contemplated over the system's doings. What was exactly the story behind their impromptu quest? As DAY took another, slow bite of their apple, they jousted their head back towards town. NIGHT got the hint.

"R-right."

And the two continued their journey back home.

[NIGHT 0]

*

The Uso-Tsuki was awake with a start the next day. Something about his sleep had been restless, though he couldn't place a finger on what. His eyes trailed back to the table, where he'd set down the woven basket last evening, now clear of ambrosia.

Ah -- that must be it. He was normally not a man to have forgotten someone else's belongings. After his waking routine, he'd pick up the vessel and take it out of his abode. For some reason, the skies were cloudy and overcast today. A little bit of a storm never hurt anyone, and if it did, he was assured that his help would be greatly appreciated.

It was his visit to his aunt's that signaled the Uso-Tsuki that something unusual was afoot.

"I'm here," he would say, setting down the basket on a desk by the door. His family member looked him up and down with a squint and a fearful look.

[NIGHT 0]

"Sayang."

"Mm?"

"Why are you still here?"

The Uso-Tsuki tilted his head. "I don't understand."

"Did they not tell you? Should have sent a missive last night."

Last night? The man peered into the basket he'd brought along with him. Surprisingly, there was a scrap of white paper he hadn't noticed in his waking hours.

"The boss," his aunt swallowed. "He is going to come for you soon."

"You mean the chief? What for?"

"I heard you did something-- but I don't know what."

Just then, there was a knock on the door. A shadowed figure could be spotted through the window -- the home was dark enough so that its residents wouldn't be seen. "Aunty? Is the Uso-Tsuki with you?"

The person looking for him had a spear rested upon his shoulder. In the distance, two other figures lounged about in the sand.

"No," the woman hollered back, eyes kept on her nephew. She pointed her chin towards the stairs of her hut, her gaze never shifting as she added in a hushed, careful voice. "Go now. Quickly. Take the balcony to leave if you have to."

The Uso-Tsuki kicked back his anxieties with a gulp. "Okay. I'll be back before you know it."

"I know. I know."