[PP - F1] In The Beginning [Alkor, Steel, Kiluia] [Complete]

[Guest]

"A...are you sure?" Alkor was genuinely concerned by the offer, watching as the wizardly haired fellow scrolled through his menu and appeared to select several options rather brusquely. It wasn't that he was hesitant to trust the man (even though he was) as much as the fact that Alkor had confirmed his suspicions about him. "You're much stronger than any of us, right? How would being our Tank benefit you?"

He knew this must have sounded crass or disrespectful, but something about all of this just didn't seem right. Alkor cradled his blade over his shoulder and assessed the man with a critical eye. His right hand ran quickly through his hair, and he glanced to Lessa with deference. "Any way, it's her call to make, I suppose."

The function of this act was dual in nature; while Alkor was terrible with people, Lessa seemed to be quite the opposite. Her reasoning and speech catered better to answering the man's offer. Second, it would give her a chance to make a real and tough decision in the game, which would benefit her growth in the long run.

Alkor let his sword fall back to his side and opened his menu, idly checking his own parameters and the HP bars of his allies. He wasn't exactly the strongest player around, but he had the makings of a leader- or, at the very least, a strategist. He wondered if this fellow they were interacting with had seen the front lines, and he almost asked, just because that was where he ultimately wanted to go. The youth relented, however, simply because the man looked so haunted by something.

[Kiluia Seiko 0]

Upon hearing the thoughts of the man and the genuine concern brought upon Kiluia and his unique decision to offer aid. " Have you formed a close bond with anyone yet? If you have , then you will know what it's like to offer aid to anyone and everyone willing to go to the front lines to protect that person. What I gain is pretty much nothing except knowing that the people I have met can take care of themselves." He gazed at each one of them. " Despite all the awkward happiness of players lounging around , we need individuals that can go there and come back."

Azure eyes softened a bit as he felt he was a bit too intense of a small yet needed speech. It wasn't for them he was preaching to. It was himself. He placed his one free hand in his pocket speaking once more."I am not asking you to trust me. I don't expect that right away. I do expect you all to handle your own once we are finished. If by then we gain a mutual trust, then we get a mutual trust." He shrugged as he awaited their answers.

The man that had asked him the questions seemed rather bright and could see him in the front lines soon. The other two would be evaluated and he could work further if they so chose." That a good enough answer for ya ?" He asked pushing up his glasses.

[Lessa 1]

As she listened to Alkor speak, she found herself giving him a quizzical look. What was he so concerned about? A powerful individual was offering her aid. She did not know him, that was true. But she had not known Alkor when he approached her either. In that sense, the two men were not so different from each other. Yet, she would consider Alkor her closest ally. What was he so worried? She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, made a bit uncomfortable by the strange exchange between the men.

After Kiluia's speech, there was no longer a doubt in her mind. He genuinely wanted to help, and his reasoning made complete sense to her. Helping others was always one of her top priorities as well. Admittedly, she was in no position to offer much help at that moment. Her fish-out-of-water feeling was no longer at the forefront, but she had so much to learn. Now, she could only accept the help offered to her by others.

"We'd love to have you along," she told Kiluia. Then she gave him a crooked smile, and added, "so long as you don't mind babysitting a newbie like me."

[Guest]

With a slow and dutiful nod, Alkor accepted the answer begrudgingly. "Aye," he replied, "that'll do." He took a breath and closed his eyes, letting his choler stem a bit. Letting himself get uppity was no good for anyone. Lessa accepted the new player with much fewer scruples, and that was fine in its own way. "Lead on, then," Alkor offered as he sent an invite to the stronger player to join their little merry band.

The way he spoke of the front lines made Alkor positive he'd seen the hellish fight for himself, and it made him want to know more of what he was in for. Of course, for now he would focus on the group he had chosen to help himself. There would be time for introspection and self actualization later on.

He started off from the safe zone at a steady pace; there was no call for overly cautious behavior now, with even more help at his back. Now was a time for moving forward and cutting down all the obstacles in his path. Our path, he corrected, at least for now.

Kiluia, Alkor would soon discover his name was, had spoken of bonds and friendships, which were a somewhat foreign idea to the young and inexperienced Alkor. He decided that this was something that some players put a lot of stock in, and that drove them toward their goals. It was a strange thought, with his own alienation from his family back home, and the few friends he had being acquaintances at best. He couldn't knock the man for his own experiences, though.

The thought took his eyes back to Lessa for a moment, and he considered their meeting for a moment. "Huh," he mumbled quietly to himself. "Seems as though life has more struggles than just trying to get along in a world where I don't fit in." He turned his gaze forward once more, then stuffed his right hand in his pocket. "So, where to?" He asked, mostly to Kiluia. He rested his foot on a rock and took a moment's rest.

He did worry for a moment that Lessa might get confused by everything happening at once. The world beyond the Town of Beginnings was vast and might even be overwhelming. He kept her in the corner of his vision, just in case.

[Kiluia Seiko 0]

Seems like Kiluia was making fans already judging from the circumstances. He gave a slight nod to him and Lessa, who seemed less aggressive than the other to allow him to join. He simply spoke in a soft fashion a simple gaze was given to Alkor. He had taken notice that the two seemed to be able and Lessa the new one. His voice clearly identified Lessa." Don't worry. I don't mind baby sitting. We call it training." A slight smile would form.

Alkor, on the other hand, seemed a bit distracted to say the least. Kiluia released his shield back into his inventory as they started walking." There's a spot. Where people take and farm them repeatedly. A bunch of wolves stronger than the rest and it's on the same floor." He proposed as he worked out that they would be stronger since he was in the party." Unless you all have a different decision ?" He stated. Blue orbs traveled from one person to the other to gather as much information from them. All it took was a little time spent with them.

[Lessa 1]

As Alkor began walking away, she fell into step beside him. Their party was moving quickly, and her short legs had to work hard to keep up. But it was exciting. She was surrounded by experienced, confident players. She would be trained by Kiluia, one of the most veteran players that she had ever met. Steel, though much goofier, struck her as a talented player as well. And then there was Alkor. It was true that she hardly knew him, but his presence made her feel safe. She was thankful for his company. As she thought this to herself, she threw a glance his way. The timing was just so that she caught his gaze. She did not know why he had been looking at her, but she gave him a wide, grateful smile.

The group left the walls of the city, and the breath caught in her throat. "Oh my gosh," she breathed, her blue eyes widening.

The world before her seemed endless. It went on and on, for as far as she could see. The sheer size of it made her feel so insignificant, but she did not mind. Instead, her cheeks grew warm with a joyous, childish glow. "This is... this is incredible!"

It was difficult to tear herself away from the beautiful surroundings, but she forced herself to focus on the task at hand, and pay attention to what Kiluia was saying. She nodded along, though of course, she had nothing more to add.

[Guest]

Alkor shook his head slowly. "No objections here," he told the higher leveled player. "For now, the first floor won't present any of us with the threat of death." He crossed his arms and turned about so that the entire group was in his range of vision. "Until we're all at the same level, or at least high enough to not worry about dying in two or three hits, I don't want to jump headlong into anything. Just because one of us is durable, you know?"

It wouldn't take long, and Alkor was sure Kiluia would understand. "We can move to higher floors once she has the basic mechanics down, and a few extra points for mobs to hack away at." Alkor glanced at his map feature again, then back up at Kiluia. "Then, we can start looking upward."

He was the sort of person who wouldn't leave anyone behind if he had committed to helping them. "Or, you can. I don't know how long I plan on sticking around," he divulged honestly, "I'm not an avid fan of groups."

Faintly he watched Lessa's reaction, a smirk creeping across his face. He'd been the same way, at first. It was a beautiful world, if a deadly one. Once she reigned herself in, though, and offered him a smile, his eyes blinked, then widened and he managed a quick and soft smile back. "I'm here to make sure she can survive. That's my goal."

[Kiluia Seiko 0]

He used to marvel at the games design for the longest time. The fact it tuned in everyone's senses and their thought process at an extraordinary rate. He used to that is. The rate of death was more concerning to him after a while. People he tended to while in a coma, talking people from committing suicide, and battling mavericks was bound to get to a young man his age.

He should of thought like Alkor when he had started. The original thought was to get away from life and to enjoy a game. Then when the game turned, he ended up believing he could make it on his own as a solo player. But that was all interrupted by the meeting of his first guild leader, Ruri. A strong force to be reckoned with and her sister Haine. He had a fond admiration for the two who welcomed him.

He finally snapped back to the present and spoke." It's a fine goal. We can continue forth as soon as we see she's ready.. or I can go with her. " He shrugged a bit. Azure orbs scaled the surroundings with optical support for the place where the wolves were seen. In the distance, there seemed to be two larger than normal wolves." Get ready." He said twirling his dagger out.

He took off running without a second thought and blade pulled back. He was going to run at them first to steal hate and provoke them with his initial strike. He took one leap and soared at the first one that was closer stabbing it in the shoulder with his dagger." Surprise!" He shouted egging it on.

He ripped the blade out of the wolf and smiled. The scent of war was obvious now to Kiluia. He jogged backwards and stood by the group casually." Next."

Kiluia 27/27

Lessa 9/9

Alkor 17/17

Alpha Wolf 10/14

Alpha Wolf 14/14

[Editing for stats]

[Lessa 1]

Hearing the gentlemen talk of protecting her both pleased and embarrassed the young woman. Her tanned cheeks burned a deep crimson, and grew warm as she gave them both a grateful smile. "Thank you both," she replied, tone thick with gratitude. "You can't believe how much this means to me." She did not have too much time to reflect on their kindness, however, as Kiluia quickly drew her attention to a pair of wolves in the distance.

He took off suddenly, and it took her a split second to realize what was going on. When she did, she gripped the hilt of her claymore and jogged after him. The wind caught and lifted her blonde hair off of her back and she picked up speed, eyes glued to the two wolves, pure adrenaline keeping the fear from overtaking her whole being.

Before she knew it, the man had pierced the first wolf's shoulder. A farmer and hunter back home, Lessa was not bothered by the gore and violence. Instead, she find herself drawn to it. "Whoa," she murmured softly, watching the skilled player strike the first beast with such confidence.

Unfortunately, while she was busy watching the first wolf, the second saw her as an easy target. It attacked. Had it not been for the low snarl it emitted, she never would have known it was coming for her. With a panicked squeal, she gripped her sword tighter and swung.

Her inexperienced proved too much for her, and the sword did not find its mark. She struck nothing but air, and the panicked maneuver did nothing but throw off her center of balance. Lessa managed to catch herself before falling to the ground, only stumbling a few steps, but she inflicted no damage to the second wolf.

Kiluia 27/27

Lessa 9/9

Alkor 17/17

Alpha Wolf 10/14

Alpha Wolf 14/14

[Guest]

Alkor whipped his blade up in a wicked slash, aimed for the wolf that lunged at Lessa. His weapon was not quite as hefty or imposing as the one she chose- a fact that seemed almost humorous, given that he was helping defend her- but it was much quicker, and he capitalized on that advantage now. Amber eyes lit up like wildfire as he swung the blade, and he let out a bellowing battle cry. "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiyyy-"

The blade tore through the alpha wolf like a dragon through lamb meat, leaving a digitized trail of red along the beast's broadside. "Yah!" Alkor landed expertly on the far side of the creature, leaving it between himself and Lessa. He flicked the blade as if to clean off any residual viscera, then let out a confident "hmph." His lips turned up in a satisfied smirk.

Alkor deals 4 Damage. (Base 1 + weapon 1 + Skill 2)

"Keep at it," Alkor said back to Lessa. "You're doing good." Any attention that beast had afforded Lessa was ripped away in an instant by the damage that he had done. It now circled Alkor menacingly, and he matched its gaze with his own intensity.

Kiluia: 25/25

Lessa: 9/9

Alkor: 15/15

Alpha Wolf: 10/14

Alpha Wolf: 10/14

[Kiluia Seiko 0]

He began noticing that the wolves had turned their attention towards the others. He offered a slight smile as he clasped his dagger in his right hand. He concentrated for a brief moment and closed his eyes. A bright blue aura surrounded him and he opened his azure eyes once more revealing that he was done activating his skill. The aura that once surrounded him dispersed causing a wave of light. [spiritual light Activated.]

Once the light had gotten to the rest of the wolves, he smiled and took off towards the one closest to Lessa. Hand gripped tightly on the blade and he swung at the one in front of her. Unfortunately for him, he missed the mark of the wolf. In return , the wolf graced Kiluia with a blow to the face with a claw.

Kiluia's head snapped back as he took a few steps back regaining composure . Bleh.. he forgot to go to Kleins shop to pick up his new gauntlets. He sighed as he looked at Lessa." You're up!" He gave an encouraging smile to her.

Kiluia 26/ 27

Lessa 9 / 9

Alkor 17 / 17

Alpha Wolf 10 / 14

Alpha Wolf 10/14

[ Any missed attacks are considered to be enemy attacks. Like above Kiluia missed his mark and it struck him. With spiritual light, any enemy attacks go to Kiluia.]

[Lessa 1]

Even though Kiluia had missed his mark, and taken some damage, he clearly had expert control over his weapon. She noticed the same about Alkor, as he easily engaged the wolf and dealt significant damage. "Wow," she whispered breathlessly. Then, aloud, "you boys are good at this." Her voice reflected true admiration, and only the slightest touch of jealousy. I'll be that good, one day.

In one swift, fluid motion, she brushed her hair back from her face. Blue eyes shimmered with excitement as she turned her attention to the second wolf. Much of her fear had been removed after watching the other two men perform. Lessa knew they were talented, and knowing that they had her back made her feel much better. It was time to throw some caution to the wind, and give it her best shot. Lifting up her sword, she readied herself for the next attack. The wolves were all focused on Kiluia now, so she had the chance for a sneak attack. Without hesitation, she moved forward.

But the new-found confidence was not enough to place the attack. With a guttural snarl, the wolf moved out of her range, and at the last second, lashed out at Kiluia. With a squeal, Lessa stumbled backward. She then let forth a string of cuss-words. Watching her mistake hurt another player was enough to make her nauseous.

{Alpha Wolf 2 deals one damage. Kiluia takes the damage, due to his Spiritual Light.}

Kiluia 25/ 27

Lessa 8 / 9

Alkor 17 / 17

Alpha Wolf 10 / 14

Alpha Wolf 10/14

[i just took away one health from Lessa this turn, to reflect my previous miss. I feel better knowing that my health is accurate. Hope that's alright, and thanks for the heads up.]

[Guest]

Alkor continued his assault confidently, forging a chain of linked strikes against the Alpha wolf. With enough weight, it would eventually drag the creature into the abyss- the same nothingness where everything went when the game was through with it. Except for when these monsters died, their data was recycled.

Maybe that was what gave the players such enmity toward them. Alkor stared intently, his eyes boring into the creature, as if trying to see through to its soul. His strike rattled the beast, which in turn gave a pathetic yelp as more of its health was whittled away by the blow.

This war zone was the most comfortable place to him. It was like he belonged there, and he had no answers to afford anyone or anyone to answer to. His blade did all of the talking for him, and it was much more fluent in its own form of speech. He twisted round to face the beast, his smile faded into a rigid, determined look.

When they finished with these wolves, they could figure out where they stood. Until then, they had to focus on taking them out. It was a challenge, that would push them forward, and him closer to his own goal.

Alkor deals 4 damage!

Kiluia: 25/27

Lessa: 8/9

Alkor: 15/15

Alpha wolf: 10/14

Alpha wolf: 6/14

[Kiluia Seiko 0]

Kiluia was ready to go as he took of running. He had to make sure though that the hatred of those beasts were solely on him and that Spiritual Light was doing its job. After careful consideration, he twirled his blade and went after the one Alkor had attacked. It was a standard strategy to kill the one that had the lesser of health points. He hoped that Lessa would follow suit and strike it after he did. He snapped hold of the hilt of his dagger and slid to the left of the monsters frame. A split second later, he drove the tip of it inside of the Alphas side driving it to the ground with force. He turned and twisted the blade violently out and bound away.

A glance was shot to Lessa as he was shouting instructions." Go for the lesser of them. Make sure you always keep strategy in mind.. always target one because once it dies you can focus on the other!" When he was done shouting, he made way to the rest of his group that wasn't too far away. Shield raised in position awaiting for the next few blows from the wolves when they would try and attack him. " Keep em coming!"

Kiluia 25/27

Lessa 8/9

Alkor 15/15

Alpha 10/14

Alpha 2/14

[Lessa 1]

"Got it!" Lessa cried out, plotting a course for the weaker of the two wolves. She took a running start, holding her claymore at her side, gaining speed as she approached the beast. Emitting a soft grunt, Lessa brought the heavy blade across her body, swiping it upward, and into the gut of the alpha wolf.

Unfortunately, in its weakened state, the wolf was unpredictable. Enraged, and panicked by its low health, it did not behave the way she thought it would. At the last moment, it sidestepped her attack. Completely oblivious to her, the wolf instead lashed out at Kiluia.

"No!" Lessa exclaimed, eyes wide. She gave a shrill cry of frustration.

{Alpha Wolf deals one damage. Kiluia takes the damage, due to his Spiritual Light.}

Kiluia 24/ 27

Lessa 8 / 9

Alkor 17 / 17

Alpha Wolf 10 / 14

Alpha Wolf 2/14

[Guest]

Intricate and deadly, the storm of swords raged on. Hit, miss, block, and blood were the painful resolutions, and all of the combatants resigned themselves to each of them on their own terms. Alkor was drowned in the gritty cesspool with a wolf, who by its own misfortune paid him no mind. That suited Alkor just fine.

His blade raced for its target a third time, and the swordsman let out a ragged sigh. Every attack he made was a part of himself stitched into this world, and in turn stitched something back into him. Whether or not he struck, he gained something from every attempt he made. It made him stronger.

When his third stroke missed, the wolf bit into Kiluia, and Alkor shook his head. "Close," he muttered, "isn't close enough." He slowly shut his eyes and tested the edge of his blade with his thumb. "Next one won't miss," he said, and he turned his gaze toward Lessa.

"It takes some time to get used to the system," Alkor called to her. "Don't sweat it." He let the blade fall to his side, and then glanced over at the Tank who had volunteered to help them. His gaze hardened. He takes these hits like they're nothing, Alkor recognized. So, this is what a front liner can do... He laughed aloud now, then shook his head. "No," he said verbally, "this isn't even close." This was beneath the silver haired man, and Alkor could see it. It almost made him angry. I need to be that strong, he told himself. I'm a world away from this.

Kiluia 23/ 27

Lessa 8 / 9

Alkor 17 / 17

Alpha Wolf 10 / 14

Alpha Wolf 2/14

[Kiluia Seiko 0]

He took the two bites of the wolves and huffed a bit. He glanced at his health bar and made sure he was still in the green before going after the weakened beast. He took his dagger and ran off toward it. Body lowered as he continued running at it. Dagger drew to the side and he launched and upward attack into the face of the wolf. Blade sliced into the wolfs face and the pixilation's shattered everywhere surrounding them. Azure eyes glanced at them both and he spoke" One down. One to go!"

He noticed the frustration on their faces. He tried to determine whether or not they were frustrated at the battle or at something else. Regardless, he spoke to them all." We can do this as a team. Focus on surviving and protecting. " He tried to boost their spirits up as much as possible. This mini war they were having wasn't comparative to even anything on the levels above. He wanted to ready them. Ready them for war. " We can win."

Kiluia 23/27

Lessa 8/9

Alkor 15/15

Wolf 10/14

Wolf 0/14 -Mat acquired 70 col acquired from t his beast

[Steel 0]

Crap, I think I stayed as a shadow for too long. Steel thought to himself as he charged at the wolf, making it like he seemingly appeared out of nowhere to the others. The Wolf noticed him and charged back. At the last moment, Steel jumped over the wolf, causing it to focus on him. "Looks like you forgot I was here! Get him while I got him distracted!"

Kiluia 23/27

Lessa 8/9

Alkor 15/15

Steel 17/17

Wolf 10/14

Wolf 0/14 -Mat acquired 70 col acquired from t his beast

[Lessa 1]

Lessa was startled by Steel's appearance. She had briefly wondered where he went, but had simply determined that he had other things to do. Now, as he ran up to them, she simply saw it as another blade to help them kill the wolf. "About time you showed up," she called out playfully, readying her claymore for the next strike. There was only one wolf now, and she knew that with four people, it would go down quickly. Might as well try to make her mark before there is no more enemy to target.

She lunged forward, and thrust her claymore into the wolf's side. What should have been a perfect strike fell short as the beast took another swipe at Kiluia. Instead, the blade only clipped the wolf's hair, inflicting no damage whatsoever. She grit her teeth, and took a deep breath to calm her. She knew she would not be able to deal damage with every strike, even whe she was on the front lines. Lessa would have to learn to accept that fact and move on if she wanted to be successful on higher levels.

"Its all you now," she called to Alkor.

{Alpha Wolf deals one damage. Kiluia takes the damage, due to his Spiritual Light.}

Kiluia 21/ 27

Lessa 8 / 9

Alkor 17 / 17

Alpha Wolf 10 / 14

[steel, I'm not sure if you were attacking or not, but I took one health away from Kiluia for you just in case. If you weren't, I can remove it. His Spiritual Light means that all attacks land on him, and I know you had a low battle die roll.]

[Steel 0]

"I was there the whole time!" Steel exclaimed back wondering how they forgot he was with them. "Geez, this happens all the time. He said to himself afterwards as he turned around and activated the skill Horizontal on the wolf, causing it to back away, creating some distance between the two of them. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to deal any damage.

Kiluia 21/ 27

Lessa 8 / 9

Alkor 17 / 17

Steel 17/17

Alpha Wolf 10 / 14

OOC: I wasn't attacking, I decided to distract the wolf