[SP-F1] <<Secret Medicine of the Forest>>

[Caelam 0]

Caelam turned from the NPC quest-giver rather abruptly, acutely aware that courtesy mattered little to a being composed of nothing but pre-rendered protocols. Instead he gave his focus to the quest menu, brow furrowing as he pored over what sparse details the game had provided. An irritated 'tsk' noise escaped him as he realized the quest would consist of little more than level-grinding through a horde of low-leveled plant monsters. He'd been hoping for something a little more...engaging. Still, a new blade wasn't a reward he wanted to pass up. And he would take all the experience points he could get. 'Still,' he mused discontentedly. 'Trimming hedges is likely to be even more boring than chasing boars around.'

He exited the menu with a negligent swipe of his hand. The sooner he got started, the sooner the quest would be complete and he could move on. Perhaps he would meet back up with Alkor and show off his new gear. Smiling wordlessly he drifted away, toward the outer edges of the safe zone and an area where the mobs he sought were likely to spawn.

[Caelam 0]

The player paused again at the edge of the forest to check his map. The quest marker flashed urgently, indicating he was nearing his goal. Pale eyes scanned the tree line cautiously before he entered. His trouble with the boars earlier was proof of how quickly things could go awry; he wouldn't take such chances again. Especially while working solo. Clutching his spear tightly, Caelam started forward once more.

The shadowy woods were a welcome reprieve from his long walk in the blazing sun, but he resisted the urge to take a rest. He wanted to claim his reward as soon as possible. The Anneal blade...the same sword that Alkor had wielded on their last outing. An impressive thing, at these low levels. It would be a great help if he could obtain it. The foliage rustled at his passing, insects buzzing angrily at the disturbance, but for now there was no sight of his quarry.

[Caelam 0]

The boar snorted and growled as it rooted, tusks plowing through the dense vegetation covering the forest floor. Caelam observed it silently, lurking behind a tree so as to remain unnoticed. 'What's a boar doing this deep in the forest?' He wondered. A pointless question; maybe it had pursued another player into the trees, or maybe a simple glitch had caused it to spawn outside its designated area. He would never know, nor did he care. The only thing concerning Caelam was that the boar was blocking his path.

The mob continued its foraging as he contemplated his next move. Engaging the creature wasn't without its risks, and Caelam tended toward caution even when not going it solo. Yet skirting around promised to add hours to his journey, and there was no way to know what other creatures an alternate route would hold. Besides, part of him really wanted to watch the boar scattered to the wind, to make up for his dismal performance out in the fields.

That decided him. "Alright, here we go." He muttered to himself. Rising, he slipped around the tree and stalked toward the mob, spear at the ready.

[Caelam 0]

Only half the distance remained when a loud crack echoed through the trees. Caelam winced, glancing down at the twig he'd broken underfoot and uttering a muffled curse. The boar whirled in a frenzy, its aggression protocol kicking in. Slavering, snorting, its eyes feverish with hate, the thing was terrifying for a low level creature. It was hard to imagine what the mobs on higher floors were like.

"This time, do me a favor and just die." He told the thing, leveling his spear. It lowered its head and rushed forward by way of reply, razor sharp tusks gleaming in the dappled sunlight. He let it come. The need to slay it was like a living thing inside of him, a point he had to prove to himself. Without this victory, that day on the plains would continue to follow him, eating away at his confidence.

At the last moment he raised his naginata, blocking the boar's tusks with the weapon's haft. The impact shuddered through him, but he planted his heels in the soft earth and shoved back, hard. When the separated Caelam lashed out, drawing a red line along the beast's flank. Its squeal of pain was drowned out by the loud Ping! of his notification. Caelam just smirked. "Congratulations indeed."

Caelam deals 1 damage!

Caelam: (7/7)

Boar (2/3)

[Caelam 0]

If his attack phased the boar it sure didn't show it. After recoiling it turned a tight circle and attacked again, forcing Caelam to throw himself to the right. He tucked into a roll and came up on one knee, hair mussed and harboring a few stray leaves. A growl of irritation escaped him, but he had time to do nothing but react as the boar lowered its head once more. Relentless, but so am I.

Rising, the youth bladed his slender frame, presenting the boar with his profile, and waited for the opportunity to strike. Out on the plains, a fury of attacks had nearly gotten him killed. This time he would take his time and watch for openings instead of uselessly wasting energy. Hopefully it would be enough. 'I've got to remember that this is just the beginning. I can't afford to take damage or waste too much time. Who knows how many of those plant freaks I'll have to cut down before I find what I'm looking for?'

The boar was in range. Stepping out, Caelam brought the spear arcing around in a slash that went high. The boar rushed in under his swing and caught him square in the chest. "Ungh!" No sooner had he landed flat on his back than he was scrambling to his feet, sneering at his gauge as it emptied.

Caelam misses! (0 Dmg)

Caelam (8/9)

Boar (2/3)

[Caelam 0]

"So much for not taking damage." Caelam muttered to himself with an irritated glance up at his HP bar. He blew out a long breath, letting his frustration melt away with it. One of the mistakes he had made last time was letting his temper get out of control. It had murdered his focus, eroded his composure, and ensured he hit nothing but air. This time would be different.

'I hope.'

Apparently pleased with itself, the boar was in no hurry to attack again, though its aggressive posture didn't change. It let out a low warning growl when Caelam took an experimental step forward, and then squealed when he burst into a sudden sprint. At the last moment he veered to the right, sweeping past the boar and dragging the long blade of his spear around in his wake. It raked along the edge of the creature's tusk with a horrible shriek, but with a sinking feeling the youth realized he'd failed to do any damage. 'It's okay. I can still do this.'

And if things got too heated, he would retreat. Admitting defeat again would kill him, but not quite as literally as those shining tusks.

Caelam misses! (0 Dmg)

Caelam (8/9)

Boar (2/3)

[Caelam 0]

The boar was on him as he turned. Snorting and puffing, it lashed out with its tusks, forcing Caelam to leap backward to avoid being skewered. 'That was close,' How long would this back and forth continue? At least here in the depths of the forest there was no one to observe his blunders. Nevertheless he could feel the heat creeping up his neck and fought the urge to grind his teeth.

The battle had carried them deeper into the forest, gradually enough that at first Caelam didn't notice. One glance around at his map told him the boar had forced him off course; if things continued this way he'd be lucky to reach the quest marker before sundown. Floor one or not, he didn't relish the thought of fighting mobs in the forest, where even the dim light of the moon wouldn't penetrate.

"I don't have time for this." He told the boar. "Just die already." It cocked its head to the side, almost as if considering his request, and then stamped a forepaw into the dirt. Come on, the creature seemed to say. I'm right here.

"Fine. Be that way." Long legs carried him to the mob swiftly, but the blade of his spear was quicker yet. He thought for sure it would find its mark, but at the last moment the boar bucked, and Caelam was left hastily withdrawing the weapon in preparation for another strike.

Caelam misses! (0 Dmg)

Caelam (8/9)

Boar (2/3)

[Caelam 0]

Without hesitation he dipped to the right, forcing the boar to turn with him and preventing it from lining up an attack. Knowing the tactic would only work for a few moments, Caelam dropped his shoulder and lunged, spear flashing forward in another thrust meant to take the boar in its heart.

This time the blade struck true and sank deep. There was just enough time for the boar's eyes to widen in shock before it exploded into a shower of incandescent data files. He stood breathing heavily as they drifted into the trees, gradually dissolving into nothing. "Finally." He wiped the sweat from his brow and cast a satisfied look around the forest, then shouldered his naginata. "And...onward...I guess."

Caelam deals 3 damage!

Caelam (8/9)

Boar (Dead; combat ended)

[Caelam 0]

The forest gradually dimmed as he trekked towards the quest marker. His skirmish with the boar had cost him valuable time, and an HP point, but at least he'd gained some experience from the encounter. 'Every little bit counts.' He reminded himself. The marker was guiding him deeper into the woods. The trees grew close together, their ancient trunks thick with moss. 'Even if I wrap this up quickly the walk back will take all night.'

Caelam kept his spear at the ready as he neared the quest marker, his pale gaze scanning restlessly for mobs or mavericks. One never knew what they might stumble upon this far out, floor one or not. And since he'd opted to take this quest solo, there was no one to back him up if he got into trouble. With only himself to rely on, the dangers of the game seemed more present than ever.

There was a clearing up ahead, barely visible through the trees. There was no doubt that whatever he sought would be there. Taking a steadying breath, he crept forward.

[Caelam 0]

Bracing himself, Caelam pushed his way between two trees and out into the clearing. Sure enough a small, plant-like creature was situated among a field of thick vegetation. Narrowing his eyes, the youth leveled his spear and approached cautiously. It looked harmless enough, but he had no idea how much damage the thing could do, or how high its HP was. It would be reckless to simply attack...but at level three, there weren't many other options available to him.

A quick glance at his own health gauge showed that it still hovered at eight. 'Good, I've got a bit of breathing room.' Not to mention he still had quite a bit of food in his pack, should he need to recover.

He was only a few feet away when the mob finally took notice of him. The hissing sound that emanated from the thing set Caelam's teeth on edge. He leapt forward and struck before it had a chance to loose an attack of its own. Maybe he could end the thing with one decisive blow? Unlikely, but who knew.

The impact reverberated up his arms and drew a glaring red line across the plant. It hissed again as Caelam strafed to the side, looking for his next angle of attack. "That was no critical, but it's a start."

Caelam deals 1 damage!

Caelam (8/9)

Little Nepent (4/5)

[Caelam 0]

His eyes widened as spiked tentacles extended from the creature, writhing dangerously. While there was technically no pain transfer in Aincrad, he still didn't relish taking a blow from one of those gleaming spikes. The hiss sounded again, echoing through the trees. Suddenly it occurred to him that the mob might be summoning others of its kind. 'Is that even possible?' There was no way to know, and no way to prevent it if it were, except to kill the thing.

Darting forward, he ducked low and swung the naginata in an arc at the creature's body. With any luck he could avoid the tentacles all together.

Suddenly the foremost tentacle lashed out with blinding speed, carving a path across Caelam's chest and forcing him to one knee. One eye screwed shut against the overload of force, the youth struggled to his feet.

Caelam misses! (0 Dmg)

Caelam (7/9)

Little Nepent (4/5)

[Caelam 0]

The thing was fast, much faster than the boars he'd faced so far, and no easier to hit. From the look of its health gauge, it also had a bit more HP. It dealt the same amount of damage though, and for that Caelam was grateful. Any higher and he'd be outmatched. "Should've brought a party," he muttered ruefully.

He struggled to his feet, clutching at his spear. The red scar faded, and his gaze set on the creature once more.

'No choice but to keep at it,' Long strides carried him swiftly back into range. One of the vines lashed out again, but Caelam side stepped and it whipped past him, cracking like a whip. His naginata flashed up as he sought to sever the appendage, but once again the Little Nepent proved too quick, withdrawing before his blade found it.

Caelam misses! (0 Dmg)

Caelam (7/9)

Little Nepent (4/5)

[Caelam 0]

As the tentacle withdrew, Caelam followed in its wake. He was determined to press the attack and end the fight. Drawing it out could be dangerous; even if the mob wasn't summoning reinforcements, it was a formidable foe on its own. 'I wonder if anyone would know,' he asked himself. 'Or if I'll die here alone and unremembered.'

'No.'

Planting his lead foot, Caelam thrust his spear forward. He'd hoped to strike before the plant recovered, but with blinding speed it drove him back with another lash of its tentacle.

Caelam misses! (0 Dmg)

Caelam (6/9)

Little Nepent (4/5)

[Caelam 0]

"Wow," He commented. "This is getting ridiculous." Tugging at his starting clothes of simple cloth, Caelam waited for the red damage indicator to fade before fixing the Little Nepent with a sullen glare. It was funny how the burgeoning hope he'd felt had been so quickly replaced by frustration. All that stood in the way of his new blade and the way forward was this creepy little plant, and yet he couldn't land a blow to save his life. 'Literally,' He smirked.

A little sigh escaped him as he raised his spear once more. "You know," he told the creature. "The sooner you die, the sooner I can move on, and the sooner you can respawn. So why don't you do us both a favor..." He exploded into motion, closing with the plant and slashing viciously with the long blade of his naginata. "...and hold still!!"

The mob shrieked as Caelam's weapon traced a crimson line across its body. It was still writhing and hissing as the youth hopped backward, out of its reach. He still had a long way to go, and the mob's reprisal was sure to be vicious.

Caelam deals 1 damage!

Caelam (6/9)

Little Nepent (3/5)

[Caelam 0]

As the creature's shriek trailed off Caelam flashed it a wry grin. "Now we're getting somewhere, eh?" It felt a little strange, speaking to a digital flower, but after all the weirdness of the past few weeks it hardly registered. Besides, this was a solo mission. There was no one to hear his ramblings, and it served to curb his building frustration. 'Now, if I can just land a critical I can end this...' Wishful thinking, he knew.

Again he charged, spear flashing forward in a thrust to the mob's center mass. Pressing the attack now, while the Nepent was still recovering, seemed like the best course of action. If he could keep it on the defensive maybe he could pull through without taking any more damage to his still fragile HP gauge. 'Maybe that's wishful thinking, too.'

His blade punched deep, eliciting another cry of pain from the plant creature. A grim smile crossed the youth's features as he spun away, whirling his blade back into a guard position.

Caelam deals 1 damage!

Caelam (6/9)

Little Nepent (2/5)

[Caelam 0]

The Little Nepent recovered from the strike more quickly this time. As the digital scar was fading Caelam was already moving forward again, naginata trailing behind him. Twisting to let one of the tentacles fly by him, the youth dropped his shoulder low and twisted, using his entire body as a pivot for his weapon. The movement optimized the force he could put behind his blow, but made it impossible for him to react quickly enough when the creature's second tentacle lashed out. The spiked appendage caught him full in the chest, flinging him backward.

Caelam misses! (0 Dmg)

Caelam (5/9)

Little Nepent (2/5)

[Caelam 0]

"...ow." He groaned as he picked himself up from the forest floor. One hand came up to rub his chest where the crimson damage indicator was just beginning to fade. A glance up at his health gauge showed it a little over halfway full. 'Not good.' Caelam gave his head a little shake and then set his shoulders. 'Just have to hold out a little bit longer...' The Nepent hissed triumphantly. He watched it for a long moment, pale eyes hard with anger, and then he leapt forward for another attack.

This one was no more successful than the last. His naginata swept around in a slash that somehow went wide. "Tch." The mob wasted no time in retaliating, its tentacle whipping forward. Caelam recovered in time, though, managing to bring the haft of his spear between himself and the attack. The impact rattled his teeth, but his HP gauge stayed where it was.

Caelam misses! (0 Dmg)

Caelam (5/9)

Little Nepent (2/5)

[Caelam 0]

Caelam grunted as he pushed back against the attack, forcing the tentacle away. Nepent hissed again as it withdrew. "Oh, shut up." He told it.

Night was falling. Soon the forest would be pitch black, making the journey out of its depths all the more treacherous. Low on health from his encounter and all but blind, he would be easy prey for any mob that happened along. Therefore it was imperative that he not let this drag on any longer. With that in mind the youth twisted his spear around, letting the haft slide through his fingers until he gripped it near the butt, and brought it thundering down in an overhead chop.

Nepent looked almost dazed as the blade cleaved into it, drawing another crimson scar down its face. The spear was quickly yanked back.

Caelam deals 1 damage!

Caelam (5/9)

Little Nepent (1/5)

[Caelam 0]

Congratulations!

The notification materialized in the air before him, showing he'd once again made it to a higher level. Simultaneously his health gauge began to refill, eventually coming to rest at eleven. 'Timing couldn't have been better,' he thought with a satisfied smirk. Full health and he just needed to land one more hint on the mutated plant to end this.

He moved forward with a newfound confidence. When Nepent raised a tentacle Caelam put on a burst of speed, closing the gap before the plant could strike. His own weapon flashed forward, blade cutting the air with a deadly sounding whoosh. As Nepent dissolved into a burst of data files, Caelam couldn't resist a grin. Things were finally looking up.

Caelam deals 1 damage!

Caelam (11/11)

Little Nepent (Dead; combat ended)

[Caelam 0]

As the Nepent's remains drifted up into the trees, Caelam dropped his naginata and stretched. He felt good, alive, and like he could take on the world. "It's only level four," he admitted. "But at least I'm on my way....huh?" There was something left where the plant creature had been- a glowing sphere, suspended just above the ground. He tapped it with his index finger and it lifted higher, pinging cheerily. <> was displayed above it.

He added it to his inventory and smiled again. "Anneal blade, here I come." Turning, he surveyed the dark forest stretched out before him and sighed. "Here I come...eventually."