[PP-F6] [[COMPLETED]] Hunting Grounds (Manta Gaul)

[Koumori 0]

I had just leveled up my sword skills and I was dying to test them out, that's why I spent most of the morning wandering around floor one trying to think of a way to test them out. The enemies here provided no sort of challenge to begin with and I didn't have and desire to start a duel. Eventually I figured I might as well go to a higher floor and fight some enemies there to get rewards, hit two birds with one stone. I opened up my friends list and scanned to see who I could invite to come with me. Abalasster and Shirosu were out, hadn't heard from them recently. Everyone else were pretty busy people who'd probably not have the time. Then I scrolled down to Manta. She was the newest addition to my list and companion for my last few outings. I cursed myself for forgetting about her as I started typing the message asking her to meet on floor six. She'd probably be ticked to know that she slipped my mind so I left that part out. Message sent, I closed my menu and sprinted back into town. I stepped into the teleport gate and off I went. 

Edited October 25, 2015 by Koumori

[Amira 0]

It had been three days since Manta had last heard from Koumori, but she wasn't all that upset. She had spent the time productively, selling her daedric armor and the coat she had gotten from Sousuke. She had decided that it was time to move on. She had made that decision about a week earlier, but she had been wavering right up to the moment where she'd sold it to the merchant on the third floor. The rest of her time had been spent doing a quest, gathering materials, and crafting potions for her shop. When she received the message, she leaped up from where she had been lying and almost left without equipping her gear. She scrolled through her equipment list and selected her sword, her gauntlets and her breastplate. The breastplate was made of a blue leather, so it matched her outfit perfectly. She had been about to go out hunting for materials anyway, and hunting for them with Koumori would make everything easier. She exited the room she was renting and headed to the teleport, heading straight to the sixth floor. She had some new skills,and she couldn't wait to show them off.

[Koumori 0]

I stepped out of the gate and into the somewhat familiar city of Amazon. I had been here a couple of times before and even went on one of my favorite quests here. Even the Amazonian NPCs were a sight for sore eyes. Of course their height still unsettled me but it was still nostalgic seeing them again. I walked forward and stood idle in the circular area around the teleporter so Manta could find me. I wondered how long it would take for her to get here. If my experience with my mother told me anything it was that girls took forever to get ready so I expected to wait for a little bit. She might not even come at all I did kinda ask out of the blue. All of these thoughts were answered when I heard the gate activate behind me. I turned to see Manta walking out towards me. She looked different. It seemed like she had changed most of her armor in favor of better pieces. Her blue matched just as my black and purple did. I didn't let the surprise of seeing her arrive so soon appear on my face as I greeted her. "That was quick. Guess you really want some extra supplies." I said to her happily. She must've been pretty bored to come out here in a matter of minutes. 

[Amira 0]

It occurred to her when she saw Koumori that they were supposed to have done a duel or two in the last three days. She unsheathed her sword and pointed it at his face. Now she remembered why she had been so annoyed yesterday. He hadn't even sent her a message saying he couldn't do it. She could chalk it up to him just forgetting, but that was no fun. She gave a little scowl. "You forgot about our duel." She wasn't about to hurt him, and it wasn't like she could in a safe area like this, but she thought she ought to show him that she was annoyed enough to gesture the sharp end of a blade at his face. Still not fully satisfied, she resheathed her sword. "As it happens, I d need materials, so your safe for now." She crossed her arms and turned her back to him.

[Koumori 0]

When Manta saw me something strange happened. Her expression turned to disappointment, or so I thought. However that was quickly replaced by anger as she quickened her pace to reach me. When she did she reached back an unsheathed her sword before extending it out to just in front of my nose. Holding me at...sword point I guess... she scowled at me and yelled at me for forgetting about our duel. What duel? She said we should have another one sometime but she didn't say anything about doing it the next day. Was she really angry that I hadn't sent her a message in the past three days? If she wanted to duel that bad she could've just messaged me. Before I could say anything or surrender myself she resheathed her sword and turned her back to me, crossing her arms and huffing out her breath. I stood there and scratched my head thinking about what I should say to her. I definitely couldn't blame it on her by saying she wasn't specific enough but I felt like that would make things much worse. Well she was right that I hadn't contacted her and could've just not paid enough attention so I figured I really was at fault. Id have to apologize. I stepped forward and placed my hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry that I forgot. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings." My apology was genuine but I felt like she might be mad about me touching her. I still didn't know her all too well so I wasn't sure how she would take it. 

[Amira 0]

Manta reached up and grabbed his hand, lifting it off of her shoulder and dropping it. "We aren't that close yet. And you didn't hurt my feelings, just my pride when you beat me. Then you never contacted me for a rematch! What was I supposed to do, if I sent you a PM, it might sound like I was being a sore loser or something." She explained exactly how she felt to him. Her pride hadn't been hurt at first, but the fact that he had never contacted her for a rematch had had that effect. She turned to face him. "Lets just get going. Things will get less tense between us when we're fighting mobs."

[Koumori 0]

As I expected she didn't take it too well. She reached up and pulled my hand off of her shoulder. Honestly that one was my bad. She turned to me and angrily explained what was bothering her. She was mad that I beat her and had been itching for a rematch. But her logic was flawed and one of my specialties was pointing that out. We might not be that close like she said but I felt like I'd be safe using my sarcasm on her. "I beat you so why would I ask for a rematch? If you ask me, you just didn't want to seem like a sir loser." I smiled as I turned away from her and began walking out of town. "You're the boss, let's go."

(sorry I would've described where we were going but I'm kinda busy and just wanted to get a post up)

[Amira 0]

(OOC: No problem. There's plenty for me to easily get a post from)

Manta's frown gradually disappeared as Koumori talked. "Well of course. Just because I am a sore loser doesn't mean I have to look like one." She gave a tiny smile and followed after Koumori, glad that they had settled that issue, even if it was just a small one. They walked in silence for a bit until Manta spoke up. "So, whats the plan? Are we just going to attack any monsters that we see, or are we going to go after specific ones? Im not as weak as I used to be, so don't worry about me." She thought it was strange that she said that. She was a higher level than him, apologizing for being weaker. She really regretted not spending those skill points more carefully now.

[Koumori 0]

Manta took what I said as gracefully as I hoped, fully admitting that she was a sore loser. I laughed at her comment as we started walking out of town. The silence continue for a bit before Manta asked what my plan for the day was. Now that was an easy question. "Find bad guy, hit bad guy, find new bad guy. That's the plan. You should be okay." I said with a wink. We walked out into the wilderness and into the tall trees. "Alright I hear there are some minotaurs out here. Let's see if we can't find some."

[Amira 0]

 Manta decided it was time to show Koumori just how much stronger she'd gotten in the last three days. There was a snorting coming from just around the corner, and manta held her sword at the ready. They turned the corner, and right there, stomping one of it's hooved feet on the ground, was one of the minotaurs Koumori had just mentioned. Manta Held her sword out in front of her, activating her latest and most powerful sword skill, <<Bear Knock>>, as well as her extra skill <<concentration>>. She charged forwards, ducking underneath the giant blade of the minotaur effortlessly. Once, twice, four times her sword slashed, viciously cutting into the minotaurs hide. She leaped backwards, having successfully dealt an extreme amount of damage. "Switch! Finish him off Kouromi!" She shouted.

ID# 36005 results:

Battle: 9 Crit hit (1 base damage +3 (enhancements)+2 (sword skill level)+1 (concentration)+1 (critical hit)= 8) Total damage: 8x4= 32 DMG (-8 damage mit)= 24 DMG

Craft: 9

Loot: 8

MOB: 1

Manta: 52/52

Koumori: 44/44 (is this right?)

Minotaur: 4/26 (-24)   Stats: 8 Damage Mitigation, 18 DMG, 26 health

Energy: 9/13 (-4)

[Koumori 0]

As if by cue a Minotaur appeared right in front of us. I could almost feel Manta begin to smile as she made a mad dash at the creature. She must've been pretty anxious to show off her skills. She dodged below the minotaurs attacked and slammed him with a volley of strikes. His health dropped deep into the red zone as he stumbled backwards, leaving him open for me. She yelled for me to finish him off and I took off running. I wouldn't use any of my strong skills because with so little health it would be a waste. But as I was in the air I remembered the stupid damage mitigation and had to change my plan.  I activated <Sonic Leap> and dispatched the beast with no effort. I turned back around to look at Manta. "Some nice moves you got there." 

ID: 36006

BD: 7 (15-8=7)

LD: 10

ENEMY DEFEATED

Energy 7/11

(how does loot work again)

(my health would be more if they didn't change survival again)

Edited October 23, 2015 by Koumori

[Amira 0]

(1 mat for killing a monster that fits the loot requirements. 11=18 on the loot dice is a good item, or the monsters health x5 in col. 19-21 is an uncommon item or mob health x10 in col +a bonus material. There's more above that but I don't think it's relevant)

Manta was impressed by the skill that Koumori showed but it certainly wasn't as impressive as her move. She tilted her head to the side slightly. "Thank you. You have some nice ones too." She said back seriously. He had a lot of sword skills that were extremely useful, while she only had two. She smiled. "Im ready to keep going when you are. With our sword skills we should be able to mow these monsters down in no time." She thought for a second. "We are gonna split the materials, items, and col 50-50 right?"

Energy: 10/13 (+1)

Concentration: 4/5 (cooldown)

[Koumori 0]

(Alright so that means we have one mat right now. Sorry for not doing an attack in this post but I wanna nab that energy regen)

Manta seemed to be impressed by my attack but I could tell that she still felt hers were more impressive. I knew that wasn't my most powerful move but I also knew that even if I had used my best it still wouldn't be as powerful as hers thanks to her damage enchantments. "Indeed I do." We put our blades away and continued deeper. She seemed pumped up. "Right we got this. They won't know what hit them." She stopped for a second and asked about how we would split the loot. Yet another smile crept on my face. "What? No way I asked you along I'm keeping all of it." I couldn't hold my composure long enough and starting laughing at myself. "Haha, sorry I'm kidding. Yeah, 50/50"

Energy 8/11

[Amira 0]

(All good. My concentration skill is on cooldown, plus I gain energy too. Still, your introducing the next mob.)

Manta wasn't entirely sure what she would do if Koumori was serious about keeping all of the rewards from the hunt. She certainly wouldn't try to hurt him, but she would be pretty upset, maybe enough to leave him alone by himself to do his own adventuring. She knew he wasn't serious though by the smile that had crept onto his face though. "I knew you were joking. I must be getting better at reading you." She smiled at him, appreciating that that was the sort of person he was. His personality was surprisingly refreshing. "Are we going to get going or what? You lead the way. You gotta earn your share after all." She gave him a little friendly wink, and made an onwards motion with her hand.

Energy: 11/13

Concentration: 3/5 

Edited October 24, 2015 by Manta Gaul

[Koumori 0]

Manta seemed scared for a second when I said I'd be keeping everything for myself so it was funny to see the relief wash across her face when I told her I was joking. According to her she knew because she was getting better at reading me. I smiled again. "You only read what I want you to read" I said half serious. That was half true and half not. If there was something I didn't want someone to know I could definitely hide it, that just wasn't one of those times. Manta and I were developing an interesting relationship. Her personality wasn't the same as mine but I could tell she was warming up to the way I did things. I hadnt thought about it but she didn't seem as down as she was when we first met. Maybe I was helping somehow. "Alright already I'm on it." I said without looking back at her. I heard another motion I front of us and could faintly see a Minotaur beyond the brush. Now it was my time to shine. I ran at the Minotaur at full speed and launched myself into the air (I love jump attacks don't I) I held my sword back and activated <Vertical Arc> before swinging it down at the creatures back. I made a deep horizontal slice and quickly followed with another in the opposite direction, forming a "V" on his back. I immediately removed myself from its striking radius and called to Manta. "Switch!"

ID: 36014

BD: 10 (5+2x4=28-7=21)

MD: 6-4=2

Koumori 44/44

Manta 52/52

Minotaur 5/26

Energy 5/11

 

[Amira 0]

Manta grinned a bit crazily as she heard a roar coming from the trees further in. The ground shook as another minotaur charged out from the trees to the side. Manta's skills were all about the area of effect attacks, so she wasn't fazed in the least. She held her sword out to the side. It glowed white, and she ran forwards, meeting the charge head on. She jumped up into the air at the last second, her sword outstretched, spinning around quickly. Her sword carved into both of their legs, then their stomachs, and finally their chests. The one Koumori had attacked earlier disintegrated into the oh so familiar blue and green crystals. She shoved her foot out and pushed off of the remaining minotaur's chest to stop her spin, and did a flip backwards, shouting "Switch!" As she did so.

ID# 36015 results:

Battle: 10 Crit Hit (1 (base)+ 3 (enhancements)+2 (sword skill level)+2 (crit hit)=8)  8x3=24 (-8)=16 Dmg

Craft: 6

Loot: 13  26*5= 130 Col  (+130 col, +1 Mat) 

MOB: 7 (-4)=3 Miss

Koumori 44/44

Manta 52/52

Minotaur -11/26 DEADED

Minotaur 10/26 (-16)

Energy 6/13 (-6+1=-5)

Concentration: 2/5

Total Loot:

2 Materials

130 Col

[Koumori 0]

Just after I finished my attack on the Minotaur I heard I roar come from somewhere behind me. I quickly turned to see another Minotaur coming our way. However I didn't need to worry about him because Manta was more than on top of it. She sped toward us and activated what I could only guess was an AoE attack and derezed one of the minotaurs while leaving the other within an inch of its life. I smiled as I leaped in the air once again and activated the same skill as before (mostly cause I don't want to look up the names) I carved the moves signature V into the chest of the staggered beast and he burst into green pixels just like his friend. I landed on the ground and hefted my sword to my shoulder. "Don't these things know it's impolite to show up uninvited?"

ID: 36018

BD: 7

LD: 13 (26x5= 130 Col and 1 Mat)

All Enemies defeated

Energy 2/11

 

Total Loot

+260 Col and 3 Mats

(we should rest a bit to regen some energy)

[Amira 0]

(OOC: I might be able to take one out with my current energy, but your probably right)

Manta smiled. "I don't think it can hear you any more." She commented jokingly. She put her hand up against a tree and spent a moment catching her breathe while waiting for the world to stop rotating in front of her eyes. After a couple of moments she spoke up again. "I think we're doing pretty well so far. How many materials should we go for this hunt?" She asked, taking her hand off of the tree and sheathing her sword, having recovered from the sword skill she'd used earlier. The mobs seemed to be much, much easier now that she had some good sword skills, but that one in particular made her a bit dizzy.

Concentration: 1/5

Energy: 7/13

 

[Koumori 0]

I smiled at Manta's jest. "Oh yeah you're right." I cupped my hands over my mouth and shouted into the woods, "Hear that Minotaur punks? We're coming for you!" I turned to see Manta leaning against a tree to catch her breath and decided to take a little breather as well. I walked up to it and slid down the trunk to use it as a back rest as I sat on the ground. "Id say so. Way better than when we fought that skeleton. That bonehead would still be over half health right now. We've come a long way in a week." It was really true. Since I started hanging around with her I had really stepped up my game on advancement. My new sword skills were already coming in handy. I'd have to say something to her about it later. "Hmm I didn't really think about it. I guess we just go until we're sick of it." I said with a wide smile and my eyes closed. I reopened them and looked up at the sky through the tree line. It was a beautiful sight, most things in SAO were. That got me thinking out loud. "Sometimes I wonder if the virtual world is even more beautiful than the real one."

Energy 3/11

[Amira 0]

(OOC: The thing is, the skeleton was weaker than just one of these guys. xD )

"If you keep being so loud it wont be us coming for them. Rather they'll be coming for us." She paused, a cocky smile on her face. "Not that I'd mind. It'd save us the trouble of hunting them down." She had been feeling much more emotionally stable ever since she had met Koumori. When she'd first met him it had only been a few days after she had recovered from her bout of depression, and she had still been extremely lonely and unsure of what to do. Even though she'd been annoyed at him for not messaging her earlier, they were still friends, and that was enough to make her happy. Sometimes friends got angry at each other, but they worked it out, like they had done.

"Maybe i'll finally be able to get a house..." Manta said quietly. Houses were  just so expensive though. "I say that because im not going to get tired easily, so we'll be out here for a while." She listened to him mention that he sometimes thought the virtual world was more beautiful than the real one. "Maybe it's not. Maybe we just notice it because we aren't playing games necessarily, and have more time to realize how beautiful things are." She'd rather believe that than the thought that was running around in the back of her mind, that things just looked beautiful because they were programmed too.

Concentration: Cool down=over

Energy: 8/13