[F02 | SP] Dark Caves | <<Let There Be Light>>

[Sakura 0]

Let There Be Light

Aoi had found herself roaming the second floor after hearing it had been cleared and considered relatively safe. Even so, she’d taken care to prepare for her adventure onwards and upwards, marking a collection of items that she knew she would need in the future for occurrences just like this one. Unfortunately for her, the order hadn’t been filled prior to heading up onto the second floor – though she’d been told her current setup would more than work for what she had planned.

’It’s beautiful, but I’m not so sure it’s me, if you understand.’ Aoi smiled at the merchant that had been trying to sell her a unique vase – one which came sporting a price tag that would cost more than her entire week’s inn stay. The merchant sputtered, trying to convince her that it was a worthwhile investment, a fact that Aoi knew to be untrue. A few more passing words, and she disengaged herself from the merchant, moving back into the flow of traffic that passed through the city’s streets.

She’d spent the last half hour browsing the various street vendors, looking for anything of use that might be worth grabbing – both for her adventures into the wildlands, as well as for the shop that she had planned on opening. Though her success had been limited, she’d continued onwards, not quite ready to head beyond the safety of the walls that surrounded Urbus quite yet.

’Help! Please help! Help!’ The cry cut through the din, and Aoi turned to see a swathe of people moving away from a frantic looking woman. Dressed in pink and blue, with long brown hair flowing crazily around her, the woman moved through the crowd begging for help. Those few nearby stepped back and away, averting their eyes and pretending she didn’t exist. ’Pl-please…someone…’

---

Sakura | Lv. 8 | P. 0 | HP [160/160] | EN [34/34] | ACC [3] | DMG [6] | EVA [0] | MIT [12] | LD [5] | SD [2]   Hide contents Notes [Theme] Tier 1 | Tier 1 Equipment Hand Crossbow [Hand Crossbow | Tier 1] Enhancement: Accuracy [1 Slot] Combat Uniform [Clothing | Tier 1] Enhancement: Loot Die [3 Slots] Raven Pendant [Trinket | Tier 1] Enhancement: Accuracy [3 Slots] Battle-Ready Inventory Starter Healing Potion {5} [Potion | Tierless | Heals 50 HP] Big Bertha Braciole {4} [Snack | Tier 1 | Vitality II] [ID-NIL] Zackariah's Special Draught {1} [Potion | Tierless | HP Recovery III] [ID-NIL] Teleport Crystal [Crystal | Tierless | Post Action to Teleport to nearest Town.] Spyglass {3} [Reduce Posts to Locate Dungeon/Familiar/Field Boss by 5.] Skills   Hide contents Utility Skills Searching [Rank: 2. Active: Passive. Effect: +1 LD per rank, +1 Stealth Detection per rank.] Night Vision [Rank 2 Searching Mod. Active: Passive. Effect: Ignores any penalties from low light or darkness. Negates the bonus Stealth Rating from low light or darkness.] Combat Skills Skill [Active: -. Effect: -.] Weapon Skills Projectile Weaponry [Rank: 3. Active: Passive. Effect: +5 DMG] Armour Skills Cloth Armour [Active: Passive. Effect: 12 Mitigation.] Extra Skills Skill [Active: -. Effect: -.] Combat Mastery Skill [Active: -. Effect: -.] Familiar Skills Skill [Active: -. Effect: -.] Sword Arts   Hide contents [x8] ST-I (8 EN) | A single-target sword art. [x11] ST-II (11 EN) | A powerful single-target sword art. Only available for use when ST-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if ST-II had been used and had missed the previous turn. [x7] AOE-I (7 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. [x8] TECH-A (9 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy. Housing Buffs   Hide contents   [Home] Room [Effect.]

[Sakura 0]

Aoi shifted her eyes around the crowd, confirming no one else was approaching, before pushing past the nearest of players. She could see a few eyeing her as she approached the woman, and found herself not caring about their judgemental gazes. Reaching the woman – who at this point had collapsed to the ground in a desperate heap – Aoi knelt down, placing a hand upon the woman’s shoulder and looking into her eyes. ’What is it you need help with, miss?’

’I’ve…I’ve been trying to find someone to help me…all day…My child-my daughter…‘ Tears seemed to well at the corner of the woman’s eyes, a pleading in them that pulled at Aoi even more than she’d already felt when being pulled into the confrontation. She waited calmly, not moving, for the woman to speak again. ’…She…she was playing in one of the caverns in the mountains…with her friend. I-I’d told her…not to go there…but she didn’t listen to me! Neither of them listened to me!’

Aoi waited a few seconds, nodding as the woman seemed to look at her for permission or confirmation. She kept her thoughts about the situation to herself, knowing they would be no help here. A brief pause, and then the woman continued her story, the words flowing faster as she realised Aoi was still listening. ’Her friend…came back just a moment ago and said…said that they were attacked by monsters! Monsters! The b-beasts…they’re still in there with her! Please…please I don’t…I don’t know how long my Koko can survive…’

The words faded away as the woman seemed to lose strength. Aoi waited to ensure there wouldn’t be any more information, before nodding and speaking for the first time since she’d prodded the woman’s dialogue. ’Would you like me to go retrieve her?’

’R-really…? Yes! Thank you! Thank you so….you have no idea how much this means to me!’ Aoi gave another quick nod before standing up, as much to relieve the cramp growing in her legs, as to head off on the quest. She could hear more words coming from the woman, but her attention was drawn away as the quest dialogue box appeared. A quick tap and she accepted the task, turning towards the gates that would lead beyond Urbus’s walls, and into the wilds where a young girl awaited.

[Sakura 0]

The fields beyond the walls of Urbus – once she had descended the natural bridge that spanned the gap between city and floor – were similar in some ways to the first floor. Enough so that Aoi had forgotten for a time that she had moved upwards into a different realm, and as such she found herself staring in confusion at the first creature she had come across. Antennae waved around in the air above a head that appeared almost horrifying to look at, considering it was similar in size to her own. The creature moved around on numerous legs, a pair of vice-like appendages snapping where its mouth would logically be located.  

What in the…what is that? Aoi had come to a full stop as soon as she’d spotted the thing. It appeared almost like a large beetle of some sort, a carapace covering its rear and hind in a form that appeared capable of opening up and producing wings that would carry it into the air and beyond. Not that it had done anything to suggest it could do such a thing, yet. Thankfully. I can’t imagine trying to fight a giant flying beetle. Ugh. Aoi shivered in response to the thought, and shifted her feet to distance herself from the thing even more.

Though she may have had a small desire to remain and try her luck against the creature, she figured she was safer simply making her way past and beyond – heading for the marker that still flashed in the corner of her eye, calling her forward with an urgency that both beckoned and told her that it wasn’t going anywhere. More and more of the creatures appeared as Aoi shifted her path, and she quickly found herself winding through the paths in the grass, changing direction every so often to avoid accidentally bumping into the creatures.

[Sakura 0]

Creepy. Absolutely, creepy. Aoi stared at another of the giant bugs, this one covered in red scales that seemed almost drake like in design. It was anything but a dragon, though, as it moved deftly upon its six legs, closing in with another of the beetles and raising itself up to slam down upon its opponent. The two creatures had happened upon one another by pure accident, bumping into each other and causing a sudden onslaught that rippled the grass and dirt around them. Aoi had stopped to watch, mesmerised by the idea of common mobs in a game fighting one another. Not that it was entirely out of the question, or entirely unordinary, but still she found the situation before her enrapturing.

Mere seconds had passed before the red ant stood dominate and alone on the field, victory over its predecessor found and a measure of peace returned to its life. If only temporary, it could enjoy a moment of solitude before some other danger appeared to attack it. Aoi considered, briefly, becoming that other danger. Shaking her head though, she remembered the image of it slamming down and shattering the beetle into shards of nothingness, quickly deciding that she wanted nothing to do with the creature before her for the time being.

Turning away from the creature, she found herself staring into large beady eyes, the form of a carapace covered face before her blocking the majority of the world she had just passed through. Oh, shit. The words never left her lips before she found herself ducking beneath a hastily thrown limb, making her way underneath the form and out the other side, placing some distance between herself and it as she bolted from the spot. She could hear as the thing tumbled along behind her, and a quick glance over her shoulder confirmed that it was following her.

Making a quick decision, she twisted her direction tightly to the left, heading up a small slope at full speed before sliding to a stop. Turning, she brought up the crossbow on her wrist, taking a single moment to aim before launching the bolt.

---

Sakura | Lv. 8 | P. 0 | HP [148/160] | EN [32/34] | ACC [3] | DMG [6] | EVA [0] | MIT [12] | LD [5] | SD [2] | [-2 EN | -12 HP]
Giant Ant 1 | HP [96/96] | DMG [24]

ID244794 | BD [2+3] = 5 | <<Tech-A vs. Giant Ant 1>> | Miss | MOB: 6 | Hit [24-12 = 12 damage]

Edited yesterday at 02:09 AM by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

Her bolt went wide, and Aoi was given only a single second as the thing slammed into her and threw her to the ground. She could feel the impact as she bounced on the ground, before rolling to her side and out from underneath the giant insectoid. Popping to her feet, she sprinted a few steps away, fumbling another bolt into her crossbow as she went, before turning to face the thing again.

This time she stopped long enough to glimpse the entire creature in true form, noticing how much like an ant it appeared – though there were some obvious differences, including the enormous and exaggerated size of the thing. Dark colours blended together, making the thing appear black originally, but as Aoi had quickly studied it she’d noticed a collection of browns, greys and reds mixed into the colouring of its carapace. More importantly, she’d noticed a singular opening on the armoured body just beneath the neckline of the thing, where its first body appendages met with what she considered to be the upper torso.

Putting a shot there should hurt it. I think. Side stepping slightly, she repositioned herself – drawing the attention of the creature even as she readied to fire her second shot at the thing. She had no guarantee of hitting it, but she knew there would be no escaping the creature now that it had focused upon her. Its movement was too fast, and she couldn’t outrun it even if she’d wanted to – which meant she had no other option beyond bringing it to its end.

---

Sakura | Lv. 8 | P. 0 | HP [136/160] | EN [31/34] | ACC [3] | DMG [6] | EVA [0] | MIT [12] | LD [5] | SD [2] | [-2 EN | -12 HP] | [+1 EN]
Giant Ant 1 | HP [96/96] | DMG [24]

ID244795 | BD [1+3] = 5 | <<Tech-A vs. Giant Ant 1>> | Critical Miss | MOB: 7 | Hit [24-12 = 12 damage]

Edited yesterday at 02:09 AM by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

The firing mechanism clicked, and the bolt sprung forward to slam into the creature’s carapace once more, ricocheting off into the distance as Aoi took the brunt of its charge again. Slammed into the ground, she ground her teeth as she rolled with the impact, sliding to the side just as the creature brought up its body segment and slammed it downwards to try and crush her.

Crap, this thing’s dangerous. Leaping to her feet she reloaded the crossbow, hopping side to side as the giant bug lashed out with its legs in an attempt to swat her to the ground once more. Stepping to the side and focusing on dodging the attacks slowed down her ability to reload – one bolt fell to the ground as Aoi’s fingers slipped and lost her grip up on it – and she had moved several metres away from the original spot before she had the weapon ready to fire once more. Bringing it up, she took aim again, before dropping the stance and stepping away as the creature closed in again.

It had apparently learnt her attack moves, not giving her a chance to set up and aim the bolt before launching it. Time and again Aoi found herself stepping to the side or backwards in order to dodge whatever attack the creature threw at her, breaking her concentration and forcing her to relocate without firing. Hold still you damned thing! She growled the words in her head as she brought her crossbow up once more, hoping to get time to aim before thumbing the firing mechanism once more.

---

Sakura | Lv. 8 | P. 0 | HP [136/160] | EN [24/34] | ACC [3] | DMG [6] | EVA [0] | MIT [12] | LD [5] | SD [2] | [-8 EN | -0 HP] | [+1 EN]
Giant Ant 1 | HP [48/96] | DMG [24] | Stunned

ID244796 | BD [3+3] = 6 | <<Tech-A vs. Giant Ant 1>> | Hit [6x8 = 48 damage] | Stunned

Edited yesterday at 02:09 AM by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

The sound of the bolt impacting through the carapace almost came louder to Aoi’s ears than the slight screeching sound that the creature made as it reeled backwards and froze in place. Clearly not having expected her attack to land beneath its armoured core, the creature froze in place – as much stunned in surprise as it was from her attack’s impact and affect.

Aoi didn’t waste any time, reloading the crossbow once more as she rushed backwards to the absolute maximum range of her weapon, wanting to give herself time to avoid any further charges it might make after her. She knew that she could only survive so long if she stayed within its range of reach, and although she felt her weapon’s impact was more powerful closer to the creature’s form, she also knew it put herself at a major disadvantage if she was constantly being thrown to the ground by its large mass.

I’m not going to be this thing up close. Best to put my distance to the advantage and bring it down that way. Careful aiming and I’ll be fine – it’s not impenetrable. Aoi lifted her arm, carefully sighting down the length of her forearm in order to place the bolt as best as she could where she wanted it to go. A single thought flashed through her mind that her next design should include a sight of some kind, before she thumbed the firing mechanism once more and hoped that the shot would fly true towards its target.

---

Sakura | Lv. 8 | P. 0 | HP [136/160] | EN [23/34] | ACC [3] | DMG [6] | EVA [0] | MIT [12] | LD [5] | SD [2] | [-2 EN | -0 HP] | [+1 EN]
Giant Ant 1 | HP [48/96] | DMG [24] | Stun Immunity [1/3]

ID244797 | BD [1+3] = 6 | <<ST-I vs. Giant Ant 1>> | Critical Miss | MOB: 1 | Critical Miss

Edited yesterday at 02:09 AM by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

The bolt sailed across the open space, slamming into the ground mere steps away from the giant ant. Aoi snarled, annoyed at the lack of luck she was having against the creature – but content to see that it remained standing where it was, apparently hesitant to approach her in the moment. She couldn’t see any reason for its hesitation, but chose not to look down upon a gift given in a moment of dire need.

This thing definitely needs a sight. Or I need more practice with aiming it and learning where the shot will land…this isn’t going well at all. Aoi finished reloading the weapon, bringing it up slightly and considering the previous bolt’s path. It had landed slightly short of the ant creature, signifying that it had lost trajectory at the very end of its flight. I’m out of range. This thing isn’t meant to fire far, which means I need to get used to moving in close again if I want to keep using it…it’ll take practice, but I think it’s doable… It wasn’t necessarily a good thing – she knew that it was risky to place herself that close, and as she stepped forward slightly she was already considering a change in weaponry, if for no reason other than to transition to a more common bow weapon.

Putting aside the thoughts for the time being, though, she instead brought her attention back to the ant. It had begun to move towards her as well, seeing her approach and moving to intercept her. Aoi almost stopped herself, but chose instead to use the chance to try and hit the same spot she’d initially hit – the weak point between its carapace existence that would hopefully bring the creature to an end, and her existence back to safety. Speed is the key. Keep moving, don’t stop. It can’t hit me if I’m not there.

---

Sakura | Lv. 8 | P. 0 | HP [136/160] | EN [16/34] | ACC [3] | DMG [6] | EVA [0] | MIT [12] | LD [5] | SD [2] | [-8 EN | -0 HP] | [+1 EN]
Giant Ant 1 | HP [0/96] | DMG [24] | Stun Immunity [2/3]

ID244798 | BD [4+3] = 6 | <<ST-I vs. Giant Ant 1>> | Hit [6x8 = 48 damage] | Giant Ant 1 destroyed.

Spoiler

Loot Rolls
ID244799 | LD [3+5] = 8 | CD: 12 | Results: 576 [288+192+96] col, 2 materials, Rare Trinket (1)

Loot Totals
576 col
2 materials 
Rare Trinket (1) | ID244799

 

Edited yesterday at 02:13 AM by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

Aoi felt herself relax slightly as the giant ant creature exploded into shards, leaving her safe – for the moment – in the field. What little she’d obtained from the combat seemed almost paltry in comparison to the difficulty that had come from trying to take the thing down, though she knew she couldn’t complain too much. She was alive, and that meant she hadn’t lost anything of value.

I should look at avoiding these things until I’m better prepared, though. And I need to go find that woman’s daughter. She’d forgotten about the quest during the final seconds of the fight, more focused on staying alive than trying to continue on with the reason she had come out here to begin with. In my defence, I was trying to stay alive, which is kinda important. Somewhat… Arguing with herself wasn’t going to get her anywhere, and so Aoi tossed aside the entire line of thoughts, deciding instead just to push onwards into the wildlands.

A quick glance at her miniature map confirmed that she was almost at her destination, the marker leading her to believe that just over the rise would be the position that she was looking for, and hopefully would find, the daughter of the woman in the marketplace. She realised suddenly that she didn’t remember the name of the woman, though she was fairly certain the daughter’s name was Koko.

It didn’t really matter in the moment, truly, and so Aoi returned to her climb and focused on the surrounding area – not wanting to get surprised by another of the giant insectoids that seemed to call these fields home. I think this is my least favourite floor so far… She grinned at her own joke, knowing that it was entirely overly cheesy and stupid, but it brought her a small measure of happiness nonetheless.

[Sakura 0]

The marker had brought her to the entryway of a cavern in the hillside. Light reached into the area only for a few steps, before being overwhelmed by the darkness within that subdued any chance of providing natural sight. Aoi had come to a halt just beyond the entrance, considering her map for a while as she tried to figure out if it was guiding her within, or simply around the area. She came to the realisation quickly, the details undeniable. Still, she’d remained outside for a few seconds as she considered her options.

Everyone always talks about dungeons. Is this one of them? Nothing about the area had a feeling to it that was any different from the area around it. That didn’t mean much, however, as Aoi knew. Weigh your options…is it worth my time to head inside, and possibly encroach in danger that I cannot escape? Aoi opened her menu, confirming that the crystal was there, before making her decision. I’ve got the teleport crystal. I’ve got legs. If I can’t escape with those…well, then what’s meant to be is meant to be.

Nodding to herself, she stepped forward into the darkness within and the dangers waiting for her deeper in the cave itself. It wouldn’t take long for the dark to swallow her up – and yet the darkness itself didn’t hamper her, thanks to the night vision modifications she’d taken and activated. Though her vision wasn’t identical to the exterior world, and the shapes were toned down slightly, she could still see more than well enough to travel – and more importantly, to notice dangers arising before they ambushed her fully.

[Sakura 0]

The flittering movement was visible just out of the edges of her vision, the creature swooping low towards Aoi as she entered the cavern more fully. The thing – winged, large framed and clearly not welcoming to her presence within its home – swooped down from the roof above her and forced its claws forward in an attempt to catch her and drag her backwards. The ambush would have won if Aoi had been unable to see within the darker environment, the creature’s movements a mere brush of sound against the otherwise quiet background and almost indecipherable if she didn’t know it was there.

That was close. Aoi had ducked and rolled out of the things way, turning to follow its path as it blew past her and curved around to return to the ceiling above. Aoi could barely see its outline against the darker upper regions of the cave, the thing blending in even against her increased night vision capabilities. Shifts of slight changes in its form gave it away though, micromovements that made it stand out against the background just enough for Aoi to be able to locate and target the creature.

Raising her wrist, she unlocked the firing mechanism on the crossbow and tracked the thing with her hand as best she could. She wanted to be sure of her shot, and found herself hesitating as it came closer and closer, risking the chance of repercussion as she gave herself the best possible firing solution in the moment. Timing is everything. Only once she was certain of her shot – as best as she could be – did she thumb the lever and release the bolt into the air, arcing towards the creature even as she drew the next bolt from the side of the vambrace.

---

Sakura | Lv. 8 | P. 0 | HP [156/160] | EN [10/34] | ACC [3] | DMG [6] | EVA [0] | MIT [12] | LD [5] | SD [2] | [-8 EN | -0 HP] | [+0 EN]
Giant Bat | HP [27/75] | DMG [35] | Stunned
It's Dark in There | Players without a glowstone, the Night Vision mod, or some other means to aid with sight will suffer a -1 to ACC.

ID245063 | BD [7+3] = 10 | <<Tech-A vs. Giant Bat>> | Hit [6x8 = 48 damage] | Stunned

Spoiler

Loot Rolls
ID244799 | LD [3+5] = 8 | CD: 12 | Results: 576 [288+192+96] col, 2 materials, Rare Trinket (1)

Loot Totals
576 col
2 materials 
Rare Trinket (1) | ID244799

 

Edited 6 hours ago by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

The bolt soared through the air briefly, clunking into something soft and causing a piercing screech in response as the creature fell to the ground just short of Aoi’s own position. She stared for a brief second at the form of what appeared to be some mystically large, oversized bat, before stepping back and finishing the reloading of the crossbow on her wrist. Whatever the thing was meant to be, she knew that she needed to defeat it in order to be able to continue onwards and find the missing girl that was awaiting her rescue.

Right, another quick shot and I should be able to continue without concern…assuming this is the only one in here. The thought caused her to glance up and about suddenly, as if worried that another would come crashing down into her from behind without her being able to notice it before hand. The distraction was enough to give the creature at her feet the chance to stand and retreat, using its limbs to scuttle backwards and away from Aoi in a manner that left her unable to launch her bolt before it could hide behind a nearby rock collection.

Aoi pushed herself into an upright stance, moving towards the rock outcropping that the thing had disappeared behind. She levelled the crossbow as she went, preparing to unleash the deadly shot within as soon as the thing was in view. You’re not getting away that easily. Step after step, she quickly closed the distance and brought the area into her sights – and along with it, the cowering creature that huddle behind the rocks, as if trying to hide from her wrath.

---

 Sakura | Lv. 8 | P. 0 | HP [133/160] | EN [9/34] | ACC [3] | DMG [6] | EVA [0] | MIT [12] | LD [5] | SD [2] | [-2 EN | -23 HP] | [+1 EN]
Giant Bat | HP [27/75] | DMG [35] | [Stun Immunity 1/3]
It's Dark in There | Players without a glowstone, the Night Vision mod, or some other means to aid with sight will suffer a -1 to ACC.

ID245064 | BD [1+3] = 4 | <<ST-I vs. Giant Bat>> | Critical Miss | MOB: 8 | Hit: [35-12 = 23 damage]

Spoiler

Loot Rolls
ID244799 | LD [3+5] = 8 | CD: 12 | Results: 576 [288+192+96] col, 2 materials, Rare Trinket (1)

Loot Totals
576 col
2 materials 
Rare Trinket (1) | ID244799

 

Edited 6 hours ago by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

She’d lowered her guard slightly upon seeing the thing, a pitiful state that brought a moment of doubt into her mind. Though she knew, logically, that it was nothing more than a stream of data designed in that moment to pull upon her emotional reaction, Aoi found herself hesitating. Unable to fire the bolt that would end the thing’s existence and bring herself to safety within the cave. No part of her wanted to harm something that appeared so desperate to survive, the rush of adrenaline that had driven her to fight and survive flowing from her body in almost an instant.

The bat seemed to take notice, and launched itself across the space into her form, sending her reeling backwards and cursing as it knocked her down and soared onwards, passing her and heading for the ceiling once more. Aoi lifted her wrist to fire after it, but saw the opportunity to strike disappeared before her as the shape blended with the darker shadows above. Rather than wasting the limited supply of bolts, she held herself back, keeping the wrist crossbow aimed at the ceiling, waiting for it to return. They always come back. Always. It was a lesson even the most beginner of players learnt in Aincrad. No matter how beaten a creature might be, they never stopped their assault – not until they, or their target, was dead.

She waited, the breaths passing by as she kept herself aiming in the general area that the giant bat had flown to, knowing that it hadn’t quite left the area just yet. Though she couldn’t see it well enough to land a decent strike, she could see the outline of its form shifting above, clearly waiting to find its own opportunity to rush back down towards Aoi. It had become a battle of patience and will, one that Aoi knew she would win out on in this case.

She was proven right far more quickly than she had expected, the creature leaving its roost and heading down towards her in a wild movement that would bring it well within the range of her crossbow. Aoi waited only a split portion of a breath before firing, hoping that she’d calculated the angles and distance properly as she released the firing mechanism and watched the bolt flick into the sky.

---

 Sakura | Lv. 8 | P. 0 | HP [133/160] | EN [2/34] | ACC [3] | DMG [6] | EVA [0] | MIT [12] | LD [5] | SD [2] | [-8 EN | -0 HP] | [+1 EN]
Giant Bat | HP [0/75] | DMG [35] | [Stun Immunity 2/3]
It's Dark in There | Players without a glowstone, the Night Vision mod, or some other means to aid with sight will suffer a -1 to ACC.

ID245065 | BD [7+3] = 4 | <<ST-I vs. Giant Bat>> | Hit [6x8 = 48 damage] | Giant Bat defeated.

Spoiler

Loot Rolls
ID244799 | LD [3+5] = 8 | CD: 12 | Results: 576 [288+192+96] col, 2 materials, Rare Trinket (1)

Loot Totals
576 col
2 materials 
Rare Trinket (1) | ID244799

 

Edited 6 hours ago by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

Shards fell to the ground around her as the bolt finished the giant bat. Aoi had remained still, unable to move as she’d waited to see the outcome of her gamble. Whether through pure luck, or developed skill with her chosen weapon, she’d managed to strike a decent hit against the thing directly in the centre of its chest.

Maybe a bit of luck, and a bit of skill. Aoi had finally let her arms fall to her side as she confirmed there were no other threats, the crossbow reloaded and ready for the next fight – but her entire form needing a break from the exertion that it had just gone through. She wanted nothing more than to lay there for the rest of the day and not move, but she knew that there was more to be done. Still, I deserve a break. So she’d remained laying there, thinking about the battle she’d just survived and won, and how well it had gone compared to many other previous ones that she’d engaged in.

Time had passed by, and although Aoi was certain she hadn’t spent more than fifteen or twenty minutes resting, she also felt like she’d spent days lying on the cold hard ground. Pushing herself up to a sitting position, she opened her menu and glanced over a collection of various items before deciding that she would be fine so long as she didn’t do anything major for a little bit. Her head shifted to glance back the way she had come – the outside world barely visible in the distance, oddly bright and colourful compared to the gloom of the inner cave. A part of her wanted to rush back out, to enjoy the sunlight and escape the darkness of the underworld she had entered. Most of her knew that wouldn’t be possible if she wanted to finish the quest, and unfortunately the greater knowledge won out.

[Sakura 0]

Wandering through the cave haphazardly wouldn’t help her, Aoi was at least aware of that much in her current state and situation. She needed to prepare herself, to act upon a greater plan of action and move through with precision and patience. She had no idea where to head once she’d made her way into the cave itself – the marker had halted at the entrance, leading her within and no further. Instead, she’d been given the choice of heading down one of three different pathways, each branching off into a different direction – and as far as she’d seen from her current point, there’d been no obvious sign of which direction the children had taken when they’d first come to the underground area.

I guess it would be too much to ask for the target to be waiting for me right at the mouth of the tunnels. Aoi sighed softly to herself, knowing that she was asking for far too much given the current situation. She was lucky that nothing else had spawned and attacked her – in fact, the last half hour had been spent on quiet relaxation as she gathered herself, looked over her equipment and refilled her various small collections that she needed to grab and use in a hurry. Aside from the initial attack, she’d been left well enough alone. Small blessings, I guess. She wasn’t quite convinced it was a blessing at all, but she’d take any measure of peace and quiet so long as it meant she could get out alive once all was said and done.

The last few moments she’d simple sat and enjoyed the peace and quiet of the abandoned cavern. Nothing had moved, save for herself, and she’d felt a measure of peace at the silence that surrounded her – peace that she hadn’t felt in quite some time, if she was being entirely honest. Always being stuck within a city’s walls can do that to you. Though I probably shouldn’t get too comfortable here. This is still Aincrad. The reminder of her current world sent a small shiver down her back, and Aoi decided it was time to continue onwards into the tunnels before she molded into the stone around her. The only question is…which way?

[Sakura 0]

The decision was anything but easy as she’d stood before the trio of paths, and been forced to choose on nothing more than feeling and guesswork. Moments had passed before she’d moved towards the one on her left, only to stop mid step and turn to face another of the pathways. Rattled with indecision, she’d eventually had to take the chance and close her eyes, spinning slightly before opening them and heading directly down the path in front of her – ignoring the fact that she’d chosen the centre one, which she’d originally ignored entirely.

Maybe it was the right choice after all. It had continued for some time, before twisting and turning, heading downwards ever so slightly on a soft incline that was somehow comfortable beneath her feet. She was reminded of an old movie line about heading south always feeling like going downhill, and smiled to herself as she walked. She wasn’t entirely sure if she was heading south, and although she could easily check her miniature map and orient herself, it somehow felt more fitting to wandering unaware of the direction and simply assume.

She stopped every so often, searching for clues of anyone having passed by, though she couldn’t exactly say what she was looking for in the darkness. Some sign of foot prints, or perhaps a dropped toy or piece of clothing – anything that would confirm that she was on the right path. Something that will tell me that there’s a child somewhere in here, and that I’m not just wandering lost and confused through the dark underground tunnels would be truly appreciated. She could feel herself frown in the darkness, hoping that she was anything but, though knowing she was probably closer to that description than finding the child she’d come looking for at a desperate mother’s request. A brilliant decision, all in all.

---

Post Action: Searching for Koko
ID245067 | LD: [3+5] = 8 | Result: Fail

Edited 4 hours ago by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

Whether she was too lost in thought, or if the depths of what she had thrown herself into suddenly dawned on her, Aoi found herself wandering without consideration of her surroundings for an accounted amount of time. When she finally snapped back to the reality of her situation, she noticed that everything looked different. The tunnels around her had shifted slightly, the walls angling outwards and the ceiling dropping down just enough to be noticeable above her head.

Brilliant. If I’m entirely unlucky, the way I came will have some sort of branch in it that I totally missed, and I’ll be wandering these tunnels forever. She sighed heavily, looking around her as she tried to find anything she could use as a marker to find her way back if she needed to do so at a later point. With nothing better to go on, she chose instead to mark the cavern wall, digging into it with the small knife that she always carried on her – a blade meant for cutting open minor things, rather than any actual combative purposes. It was well outside its depths trying to cut into the rock wall, but as she pressed it to its limits, she could see the faintest of marks left behind.

It’ll have to do. She tucked the knife back into the sheath on her hip, before making her way down the direction she’d originally been heading. There was nothing left for her in the spot she’d stopped now, and the sooner she found any sign of the child, the sooner she could get out of the tunnels and back into fresh air and sunlight. A situation and environment that she was desperately missing at this point in time.

---

Post Action: Searching for Koko
ID245068 | LD: [4+5] = 8 | Result: Fail

Edited 3 hours ago by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

She’d stopped at the sound echoing down the walls towards her. At first, she’d thought it might be another of the bat like creatures making its presence known, and she’d raised the crossbow without a second thought. Seconds and breaths had passed, however, and nothing had leapt out of the shadows to attack her. At least, not yet. Instead, Aoi had tuned into her hearing once more, trying to pinpoint where the sound had come from, and coming to the conclusion that it was somewhere further ahead.

Almost like a voice, maybe? She had nothing to go on to prove that point, the sound had been briefly and she’d barely heard the trace of it before it had disappeared from existence entirely. Still, the idea of it being a voice had given Aoi hope that she was somehow getting closer to the child she’d been looking for – if for no reason other than she refused to accept that other things with voice could be hiding in the dark down here. If I don’t think about it, it’s not real. It can’t be real. That’s all. Let’s keep going…into the dark…

Pressing forwards, Aoi kept the crossbow armed and ready to fire, the release mechanism unlocked in order to give herself some sense of security and safety in the otherwise oppressing darkness. She was more than glad that she could see, even if it wasn’t just in a phased means. It was far better than being entirely blind in the tunnels, wandering without being able to see the wall just to her side. She didn’t want to imagine what that would be like.

---

Post Action: Searching for Koko
ID245069 | LD: [19+5] = 24 | Result: Koko Located

Edited 3 hours ago by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

’H-hello…?’ The soft voice spoke from Aoi’s right, and she found herself jumping and almost firing at the small shape that appeared from behind a collection of boulders. The figure moved blindly, reaching out with hands that waved in the air in a desperate attempt to find anything to support itself. Aoi breathed a sigh of relief, before realising that she’d remained silent for long seconds following the voice’s declaration of existence and greeting.

’Koko…? Are you Koko? Your mother sent me to find you.’ Aoi’s voice was gentle, trying to coax the child into a less terrified state. The crossbow on her wrist shifted slightly, moving towards the child in preparation. She could feel her thumb gently holding against the firing mechanism, waiting to release the bolt the moment it became necessary. The small figure seemed to jerk at the sound of her voice, and although it cried out in response, Aoi had the odd feeling that the words brought the child into sudden joy, rather than fear.

’Y-yes! I’m K-Koko!’ Aoi felt herself release a breath as the child confirmed herself as the one Aoi had been looking for in the tunnels. She began to lower the crossbow, when a flicker of movement caught her attention. From behind and above Koko, Aoi could see the form of another creature moving against the ceiling, and she felt her gut tighten as she recognised the movements from the creature she’d faced at the entryway to the tunnel system.

’Koko…when I say so, get down…Now!’ Aoi screamed the last word as she wrenched the crossbow up into the air and triggered the release, sending the bolt through the air in the general direction of the creature.

---

Sakura | Lv. 8 | P. 0 | HP [160/160] | EN [26/34] | ACC [3] | DMG [6] | EVA [0] | MIT [12] | LD [5] | SD [2] | [-8 EN | -0 HP] | [+0 EN]
Giant Bat 2 | HP [27/75] | DMG [35] | Stunned
It's Dark in There | Players without a glowstone, the Night Vision mod, or some other means to aid with sight will suffer a -1 to ACC.

ID245070 | BD [5+3] = 8 | <<Tech-A vs. Giant Bat>> | Hit [6x8 = 48 damage] | Stunned

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Loot Rolls
ID244799 | LD [3+5] = 8 | CD: 12 | Results: 576 [288+192+96] col, 2 materials, Rare Trinket (1)

Loot Totals
576 col
2 materials 
Rare Trinket (1) | ID244799

Edited 3 hours ago by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

The bolt struck the creature directly in its left wing, sending it colliding to the ground and skittering across the hard surface to slam into the far wall. Aoi felt herself moving even as it first impacted the ground, not waiting to see what would happen to it in the chaos of what came next. She fumbled another bolt into the crossbow’s mechanism, locking it into place and preparing to release another shot even as she moved towards Koko’s form in the dark.

’Koko don’t move! I’m right above you! I’ll keep you safe from the monster!’ Her voice was low, just loud enough for the child to hear her, without causing it to echo around the cavern and back into her own ears. She slid to a stop just above the child’s form, bringing up the crossbow once more and turning to face the area where the creature had fallen. The attack had seemingly caused it to slam hard enough into the wall to daze it, and only now was it beginning to move again as it seemed to regain some measure of thought and capability. Another shot and it should be down for good, just like the last one. Aoi lined up the crossbow once more, using her hand to aim as she prepared to deliver the final blow on the thing and bring their conflict to an end. She knew that the sooner she put it down, the sooner she could collect the child – Koko – and exit the tunnels and cave for good. Just don’t miss and everything will be fine. She grit her teeth at the thought even as she thumbed the release, the bolt firing with a small echoing sound as cable fell into place and launched the projectile across the small distance.

---

Sakura | Lv. 8 | P. 0 | HP [160/160] | EN [19/34] | ACC [3] | DMG [6] | EVA [0] | MIT [12] | LD [5] | SD [2] | [-8 EN | -0 HP] | [+1 EN]
Giant Bat 2 | HP [0/75] | DMG [35] | Stun Immunity [1/3]
It's Dark in There | Players without a glowstone, the Night Vision mod, or some other means to aid with sight will suffer a -1 to ACC.

ID245071 | BD [10+3] = 13 | <<ST-I vs. Giant Bat>> | Hit [(6+2)x8 = 64 damage] | Giant Bat 2 defeated.

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Loot Rolls
ID244799 | LD [3+5] = 8 | CD: 12 | Results: 576 [288+192+96] col, 2 materials, Rare Trinket (1)

Loot Totals
576 col
2 materials 
Rare Trinket (1) | ID244799

Edited 3 hours ago by Sakura