[PP-F1] Dawn of Another Day (Complete)

[Kranzer 0]

 

Idly Kranzer moved down the busy street. It was the dawn of yet another day in his life trapped here in this place and he was still within the initial city on the first floor. He’d been hearing whispers of the front lines and the assault teams. They’d evidently cleared all the way up to the fourteenth floor which considering that there were one hundred floors was only a small niche in the monumental task that stretched out before all of the players of SAO. At first Kranzer was simply content to remain hidden among the masses here both PC and NPC alike. He was just another face in the crowd here. There weren't’ any lives depending on him. There wasn’t any responsibility weighing upon his shoulders. If he messed up here nobody was hurt. Most of all him.

Yet that freaking fool Dynaon’s constant babbling had planted the seed of doubt within Kranzer’s mind. When a person started to ask “what if” it was the prelude to either greatness or disaster. That question also opened many doors for one to pass through along the course of their lives but… what door should he choose? The thought that the Frontlines could have been an easier place to be in if he’d been there was enough to make Kranzer want to rip his hair out. Such thoughts are what would lead him to his death and he fully knew that. However, every time he tried to console himself with that fact he kept hearing that fool’s voice in his head. “Kranzy wouldn’t it be easier if you gained some levels?”

Kranzer shuddered as he pushed that thought from his mind. He’d managed to gain some strength but no matter how strong he became he didn’t truly believe it would ever be enough. One misstep, one wrong turn and it was all over. The sun was blotted out as he walked under an archway that stretched over the street from one building to the next. Once he got close to the wall he decided to take a moment’s rest in the shade. Kranzer slumped down against the wall and hugged his knees close to his chest. How did that man have such confidence? It just didn’t make any sense to one who was always concerned over… well nearly everything.

Edited March 16, 2016 by Kranzer

[Dynaon 0]

After the successes in the crafting for the day, Dynaon got the jumpstart that he needed to keep up his usual upbeat attitude early in the morning. With the Uncommon Essence in his pocket, he began to walk down the streets of the Town of Beginnings, practically bounding past the multitude of players and NPCs that walked beside him. If he didn't know any better, they were all staring at him. And who could honestly blame them? It wasn't every day that mere mortals were graced with the presence of the Immortal King himself. Well, in reality, it was because he was jumping with each step like he was running on the moon. Who wouldn't have their gaze attracted to such a goofy sight? Dynaon was none the wiser as he made his way down the road, only to catch a glimpse of his very first fan, Kranzer.

He smiled at the sight of his friend and quickly approached him, tenting his hands behind his lower back. "Hey, Kranzy! You ready to go grinding today?!" He was elated to go hang out with Kranzer, but just as quickly, he analyzed the position that the indecisive young man was in. Knees brought up to his chest, sitting in the shade.. he looked depressed, almost. Maybe his gift would cheer him up. "Hey, listen. I wanted to find a way to show my appreciate for the <<Polished Breastplate>> you got me, so I went get a custom order from a local blacksmith for you." He opened up his menu and put the <<Immortal's Debt>> in the trading area, sending a request to Kranzer to give it to him. "It's not the best, but maybe it'll help make grinding go by faster for you. It's my thanks." He offered him an honest smile, tilting his head slightly and closing his eyes with glee.

[Kranzer 0]

Kranzer practically went rigid when he heard the man as if the mere thought of him made him manifest from thin air. His gaze rose as he lowered one hand to the ground to prepare to quickly get to his feet. Whether that was to run away quickly or to simply greet the man on even ground was unclear. The question about going grinding didn’t really appeal to Kranzer so it could have really gone either way. While he stood up the trade request cropped up. He initially reached out as if he meant to deny the request but when he saw the name his expression went blank. <<Immortal’s Debt>>. Well that was certainly an interesting name and it could easily be misconstrued. In fact it would have if Dynaon hadn’t explained the truth behind it before he sent the request.

Seeming rather intrigued with the item his eyes moved as he read the item’s stats and description. So this weapon had been modified for accuracy. That’d definitely help considering how often he missed during their last fight against that <<Frenzied Boar>>. “T-thank you,” he finally said as he accepted the trade. He'd never been given a gift before. Even if it was done in the attempt to repay the item he gave for his own selfish need to see Dynaon better protected. With a swipe of his right hand the menu opened up and he quickly navigated through the menus until he had the dagger equipped. The dagger appeared with a flash and fell into his waiting hand. The menu vanished as he held the dagger up to get a better look. The blade was straight and thin like the <<Basic Stiletto>> he had. He tested it out and it was remarkably light and well balanced.

“This will definitely help!” A sense of confidence flowed through his body as he took a could test swipes and thrusts with the blade. Was he ready to go out grinding? For once the answer was almost a resounding yes though not quite a hell yes. So he offered a slight nod and he returned the dagger to its sheath on his left hip. “Might as well go test it out right?”

[Dynaon 0]

As the trade request was accepted, Dynaon watched over Kranzer as he tried out the weapon for the first time. He actually seemed very satisfied with how it handled, even going as far as saying 'thank you' for the weapon. The King was proud of himself for being able to get out of that debt; now he wouldn't have to worry about it in the future. Plus, it was a nice gift to just give, right? He did manage to put up with him-- Eh, maybe it was best not to think that way. Kranzer was a nice enough guy, right? Kranzer mentioned going out to try it out, and that just made Dynaon's day, smiling wider than ever as he jumped upward. "Hell yeah, now you're speaking my language, Kranzy! Let's head out!"

He couldn't wait anymore, quickly bursting into a full run for the entrance of the city and out into the fields as he smiled wide. He was gonna go grind out some more Boars with his very first fri-- fan. It was going to be an amazing time and he was going to make sure that Kranzer didn't die for sure. The Immortal King did not go back on his promises. He'd make a warrior out of the indecisive player yet.

[Kranzer 0]

Kranzer’s eyebrow twitched as he held his hand out as if to try and stop the overbearing man as he made a mad rush to exit the city and start the day off. “Uh..” Well the day had started off well at least. He had to rub his temples before he started off after the fool at a much slower pace. Like hell he’d run and look foolish in the process. While he couldn’t deny he was eager to try out his new weapon he wasn’t the type to rush in heedless of the clear and present danger.  When he finally exited the city he’d look around for Dynaon and when he finally found him he’d shake his head and walk over. “You know running all the time will likely just ensure you’re exhausted when a battle does break out. Try to… conserve some of your energy at least.”

As he was walking forward he started to climb up one of the small hills that were ever so present out in the grasslands and as he reached the top he suddenly crouched low and motioned for Dynaon to hold. To make sure the fool didn’t rush in screaming at the top of his lungs he gave the man a very meaningful look and placed a finger to his lips. If it looked like he was going to listen he’d motion him forward slowly and point out two <<Frenzied Boars>> off a short distance from the hill. Still remaining crouched Kranzer moved forward and slid down the hill and came to a stop at the bottom. For a moment he fished around in the grass until he found what he was looking for. Kranzer held out a small rock for Dynaon and he nodded towards the closest one.

“Rather than taking on both let’s kite one and bring it back here.” He was just about to turn and look back at the <<Frenzied Boars>> when a skeptical look crossed his face. “You do know what kiting is right?”

Spoiler

Roll ID #N/A- BD: - [Kranzer ] LD: -
Kranzer: 12 HP | 3 EP | 2 DMG | 2 ACC | 0 EVA | 0 MIT
Frenzied Boar 1: 8 HP | 3 DMG | 0 ACC | 0 EVA | 2 MIT

 

[Dynaon 0]

Dynaon watched as Kranzer finally caught up with him, saying that he should attempt to save up his energy. Well, while his physical abilities did carry over to the game, levels actually made it easier for him to run. It was like his physical frame was improving alongside his level. Either way, he walked with Kranzer as they quietly approached a couple of <<Frenzied Boars>> walking along the fields. It seemed like they hadn't aggro'd onto them yet, so they were safe for the moment. What was Kranzer thinking? As he picked up a rock and mentioned kiting, something started to flare up in Dynaon. As if code in his brain was being overwritten with a brand new protocol. He had something to do now. He questioned if the King knew how to kite, but rather than answer the young man, he'd merely show him.

Snatching a pebble from the ground, he quietly began to rush toward the two boars, only to push off the ball of his foot and shift his entire weight to the right. He threw the pebble at one of the creatures, managing to get its attention. As it looked at him, Dynaon shoved his hands into his pockets and began to run backwards, keeping its aggro while watching it move, making sure he didn't lost its interest. He nodded at Kranzer, signaling for him to attack the thing already.

Roll ID #51242 - BD: 4 [DYNAON MISSES!]
Dynaon: 16 HP | 1 DMG | 0 ACC | 0 EVA | 3 MIT
Frenzied Boar #1: 8 HP | 3 DMG | 0 ACC | 0 EVA | 2 MIT
Turn Order: Dynaon > Frenzied Boar > Kranzer

Edited March 13, 2016 by Dynaon

[Kranzer 0]

Kranzer’s eyebrow arched as the man simply grabbed the pebble and charged forward. “Well crap,” he muttered. If Dynaon had simply said no Kranzer would have been more than happy to explain. The indecisive player quickly readied his dagger as he prepared to give chase. No need to let the man run into a slaughter. However, right as he was about to spring forward the fool kicked off to his right off the ball of his foot. The pebble arced through the air and hit the <<Frenzied Boar>> cleanly. “Well...i’ll be,” he muttered as he stared in disbelief. Rather than charging forward with a mighty shout Dynaon drew the beast back towards Kranzer’s waiting blade. He had to admit it… he was rather impressed and it only rekindled his hopes that this just might work. The party they formed, if he acted like that more often… well they just might make some progress here.

The <<Frenzied Boar>> rushed in but Dynaon didn’t attack which caused Kranzer’s brow to furrow. Well he wasn’t perfect by any stretch but it’d do. He’d just have to hope the boar didn’t… the beast charged in towards the fool and Kranzer rushed in with his dagger held low. A lavender light danced along the blade's edge as he moved. However, it didn't seem like he'd make it in time before the beast closed the distance with Dynaon.

Spoiler

 

Roll ID #51274 - BD: 7[5+2] [Kranzer HITS with Side Bite!]; MD: 4 [Frenzied Boar misses]
Kranzer: 12 HP | 1[3-2] EP | 4[2+(2*1)] DMG | 2 ACC | 0 EVA | 0 MIT
Frenzied Boar: 6[8-(4-2)] HP | 3 DMG | 0 ACC | 0 EVA | 2 MIT
Hate: Kranzer[1]; Dynaon[0]
Turns: Boar, Kranzer, Dynaon
(Using Immortal’s Debt: Rare Dagger[2 Acc Mod])

By some turn of fate the Boar’s charge carried it right passed Dynaon and the slope behind it caused it to have a small degree of difficulty in turning around. Which suited Kranzer just fine as he charged in. The lavender trail of light that flowed off his dagger left a visible path as his dagger sliced across the beast’s left side. Not once but twice in rapid succession. The <<Frenzied Boar’s>> HP guage dipped roughly one quarter of the way as Kranzer took a quick leap back and he could only hope that Dynaon didn’t miss his attack. Otherwise… he’d have to prepare to take some damage, and that thought was quite frankly frightening.

Edited March 14, 2016 by Kranzer

[Dynaon 0]

Dynaon smiled as Kranzer caught onto what he was doing and went in, instantly hitting the creature and chunking down a good deal of its HP. "Now that's what I'm talking about! Let's keep up the pressure and make sure that we can take it down easily." He kept hopping backward while trying to keep its attention, but he forgot to take out his sword and actually hit the damned thing all the while to keep it around. Because of that, he watched as the <<Frenzied Boar>> turned its head toward Kranzer, who currently had the aggro due to his attack. The King silently cursed at himself for this and drew his blade, attempting to cleave at the creature. However, he couldn't get to it and hit the ground with his attack instead. "[censored], watch out, Kranzy!"

Roll ID #51278 - BD: 4 [DYNAON MISSES!]
Dynaon: 16 HP | 1 DMG | 0 ACC | 0 EVA | 3 MIT
Frenzied Boar #1: 6 HP | 3 DMG | 0 ACC | 0 EVA | 2 MIT
Turn Order: Dynaon > Frenzied Boar > Kranzer

Edited March 14, 2016 by Dynaon

[Kranzer 0]

Why didn’t he have his sword in hand already!? Kranzer uttered a silent curse as any hope he’d managed to find for that fool was utterly destroyed like a body being broken upon rocks by a strong tide. This wasn’t going to go well and as the <<Frenzied Boar>> turned its attention to him he let out  a low whimper, which he immediately regretted. Dynaon fumbled for his sword and immediately tried to remedy the situation which sparked a brief flash of relief within the indecisive player. Though that too was short lived as the fool missed and hit the ground which was a almost like deja vu for Kranzer as he’d seen this scene play out before.

The <<Frenzied Boar>>, unhindered by Dynaon’s effort, charged forward as Kranzer lowered into a crouch in an attempt to defend himself.

Spoiler

Roll ID #51289 - BD: 6[4+2] [Kranzer HITS with Side Bite!]; MD: 6 [Frenzied Boar HITS Kranzer]
Kranzer: 9[12-3] HP | 0[1+1-2] EP | 4[2+(2*1)] DMG | 2 ACC | 0 EVA | 0 MIT
Frenzied Boar: 4[6-(4-2)] HP | 3 DMG | 0 ACC | 0 EVA | 2 MIT
Hate: Kranzer[2]; Dynaon[0]
Turns: Boar, Kranzer, Dynaon
(Using Immortal’s Debt: Rare Dagger[2 Acc Mod])

Unfortunately the <<Frenzied Boar>> was much too fast for  him and its tusks gored into Kranzer’s side. The force of the blow knocked him to the side as the beast plowed passed. A grimace colored his expression as a soft lavender hue flowed over the edge of his blade. Kranzer struck twice and each time the blade found purchase upon the beast’s side as it ran by. The indecisive player hit the ground rolling and was quickly back on his feet. His free hand gripped his side as he the two long red gashes stood out in stark contrast to his dark clothing.

"Dynaon," he called out with a faltering tone when the <<Frenzied Boar>> turned around and leveled its gaze upon Kranzer once more.

Edited March 14, 2016 by Kranzer

[Dynaon 0]

As he watched the <<Frenzied Boar>> run away from him, his eyes widened as he watched Kranzer get blown back by the impact of the attack. He seemed to be bleeding from the damage he took, and it was enough to get a fourth of his health bar down. No, no god damn it, he wasn't going to go through this again! "No, you stay away from him, damn it!" He pushed off of his foot and closed the distance between him and the foul beast, attempting to slam his sword down on the Boar. Somehow, he [censored] missed it again. What the hell was wrong with him?! Out of pure desperation, he latched onto the beast and wrapped his arms around it, trying to hold it back. "Just hit me, damn it, I'm the one who agitated you first!" There was almost pure desperation in Dynaon's tone, pleading with it to stop attacking Kranzer.

Of course, it didn't exactly know any better.

Roll ID #51290 - BD: 4 [DYNAON MISSES!]
Dynaon: 16 HP | 1 DMG | 0 ACC | 0 EVA | 3 MIT
Frenzied Boar #1: 4 HP | 3 DMG | 0 ACC | 0 EVA | 2 MIT
Turn Order: Dynaon > Frenzied Boar > Kranzer

Edited March 14, 2016 by Dynaon

[Kranzer 0]

Dynaon missed once more but this time it seemed to have been more out of desperation than any misdeed on his part. It wasn’t something Kranzer was going to fault him for here not by any means. He stood up as the <<Frenzied Boar>> closed in. Its hind legs bucked up almost like it intended to fling Dynaon off but it didn’t slow its charge at all. Kranzer forced himself into a relaxed stance as he prepared to react and hopefully unleash a devastating counter attack in the process. Either way his blade was kept low with his elbow tucked in close to his side. Despite his precarious position a small smile spread across his lips. Oh he was down right shaking in his boots, but the blue bar that represented his Energy just refilled and as it did a lavender light danced along the dagger’s blade that signified he was about to unleash a Sword Art once more.

Spoiler

Roll ID #51291 - BD: 11[9+2] [Kranzer CRITS with Side Bite!]; MD: 8 [Frenzied Boar HITS Kranzer] LD: 16 [+1 Good Item]; 1 Material for Defeating the Frenzied Boar
Kranzer: 6[9-3] HP | 1[0+3-2] EP | 6[(2+1)(2*1)] DMG | 2 ACC | 0 EVA | 0 MIT
Frenzied Boar: Dead[4-(6-2)] HP | 3 DMG | 0 ACC | 0 EVA | 2 MIT
Hate: Kranzer[0]; Dynaon[0]
Turns:
(Using Immortal’s Debt: Rare Dagger[2 Acc Mod])

Kranzer tried to jump to the side but he was just too slow. The <<Frenzied Boar’s>> tusks gored him through the side which sent his body into an involuntary flip. However, as his legs came around he simply winked at Dynaon while he grimaced in pain. The lavender glow that wreathed his blade like his anger incarnate flashed forward and the dagger struck the beast in the neck. The second strike struck the beast’s side and dragged a long trench through its flesh before Kranzer hit the ground and rolled to a stop unmoving. The <<Frenzid Boar>> took a few steps forward before its body broke apart and vanished into small light blue shards. Shards that quickly dissipated.

A small window popped up before his face which was hidden beneath his arm. Eventually his hand rose as he pressed the button to accept the time. The information window popped up and revealed that it was a pair of boots aptly named “Flight”. If Kranzer understood the humor behind that he might have burst out laughing. For now he simply groaned and took it to mean that he should have fled rather than fought. His HP gauge dipped down to the yellow margin as only half of it was left. That had been a little too close but being pushed to the brink like that had brought out a certain ferocity in the indecisive player that Dynaon probably hadn’t witnessed in him before.

Edited March 14, 2016 by Kranzer

[StrivingHope 0]

Now logging in. . . . 
Welcome, Striving Hope. 

The female appeared within the middle of a city, causing for her eyes to widen in mild surprise from the instant arrival. Her eyes traveled along her own frame, whistling in appreciation to her light blue, white and golden colored armor. She stilled looked the same as the real world, but with minor differences. With a grin, she let her right hand move to her sword that was hooked to her hip and let her digits caress along the surface. Having been a late joiner to the game, she didn't realize the risks of joining and that this wouldn't be a game she'd be logging out of, so her interest and ideas for taking risks would be worse than normal. 

The blonde traversed out of town, glancing around the players and NPCs alike as they either did business or were working on other tasks. Deciding to take the field and get a feel for the game, Hope took the exit from the safe zone and into the grassy fields. The beauty around her was truly amazing, as if she were truly there and not sitting at home at the computer. A light smile spread over her lips, only for her ears to pick up on shouting in the distance. She found herself running towards it in an instant, unable to fight her protective urges of people. Two figures were in the distance in combat with Boar and just took note of the finishing strike taking it down. Her hand removed itself from the hilt of her blade as she released a small sigh and allowed her heart rate to slow down from worry. 

A man was laying on the ground with injuries littering his body and she hesitantly took a few steps closer and knelt down beside him. She felt anxious in that instant due to her loner trait, but she couldn't turn away from somebody that was hurt. The motherly instinct in her kicked in. "Are you alright?" She asked and found herself surprised by the strength of her voice, she didn't sound like a soft spoken girl in this world and she found herself gaining a boost of confidence from it. Wait... Why is he hurting if this is just a game? Her brows furrowed as she leaned closer. "...How are you hurt anyway?" She tilted her head to the side as she pulled back now, almost feeling uncomfortable under the eyes of the two males.

[Dynaon 0]

The Immortal King quickly let out a few pants from the crazy battle they had just gone through. It was the very first time that he had let something get past his guard, the first time that a threat toward his friend was made. He didn't want that to happen again. He silently cursed at himself for his performance in the battle, even if they came out on top in the end. He had to be better. He had to get even stronger. He knelt down beside Kranzer as he looked over his wounds, watching as his HP would replenish over time. Maybe it was a good time for them to stop grinding until Dynaon could get the proper skills for these battles. However, a woman approached them, and causing the King to freeze in his tracks.

Her long, flowing, blonde locks blew in the winds of the fields as she approached. Her eyes were a piercing red, the shade of blood, but just enough to make Dynaon forget what he was doing. He questioned his own existence in the sight of this young lady. Her melodious voice was enough to bring him back to the fields, jerking his body up and jumping onto the ground. "W-We were just grinding out some monsters! Gotta get those levels up, you know? Name's Dynaon, the Immortal King, self-proclaimed. What might your name be, my friend?" He let off a happy-go-lucky smile despite his friend sitting down injured beside him. The sight of this woman was enough to make him realize that they didn't die, so it was a win all in all.

[Kranzer 0]

 

Kranzer grumbled as he rolled over and noticed Dynaon was entirely too close as he tried to check over the wounds he’d acquired during that battle. Well he could at least rest assured the man was at least genuinely concerned with his well being. That is… until he suddenly stood up and when Kranzer followed his gaze his expression went blank as the woman came running over. At first this instinct told him to get up and run away since she was an unknown factor. An unknown that Dynaon seemed so heartily ready to greet with a mixture of vigor and awkwardness. For a brief moment his gaze shifted from the fool to the newcomer and it started to dawn on him that he was smitten… smitten upon first seeing her.

Though whether she intended to pay the Immortal King attention or not she knelt down to inspect his wounds soon. All he could think of was trying to make sense of what the hell was going on. Entirely too much attention! A reddish hue discolored his cheeks as he coughed. Though her question eased his embarrassment and caused his brow to furrow. How had he been hurt? “Well… the boar,” he muttered as he pointed though it was at that moment that he realized there was another <<Frenzied Boar>> walking only twenty feet away. Luckily it hadn’t aggroed to them during the battle by some miraculous turn of luck. Maybe there was hope in this bleak existence after all. While Hope wouldn’t be able to see the health gave above his head due to not being in their party, Dynaon would see it fill partially back as Kranzer hastily returned to his feet and took a few steps away to gain some distance.

He really wasn’t used to people and he’d just started getting used to Dynaon let along someone entirely new. Dynaon was very quick at sharing his name of course. He made a mental note not to share any overly sensitive information with the guy for fear he'd blurt it out the first awkward situation he got into. He was almost shocked he didn't list off his age, address, and other bits of personal information for her. The blank expression gradually softened though and he let out a dejected sigh. He offered a brief wave and said, "I'm Kranzer.... and t-thank you for checking on me." It wasn't clear to whom he spoke, either Dynaon or the newcomer. His brown eyes shifted as he adverted his gaze.

 

(HP: 9/12 [6+3] EP: 2 [1+1])

[StrivingHope 0]

She found herself a bit surprised from the sudden introduction of the second person there. He didn't seem concerned about his friend anymore, perhaps that meant that he'd be alright? With a small chuckle, a hand lifted to her lips, now settling her knees down against the blades of grass comfortably. However, when he mentioned being self proclaimed and with the title of 'Immortal King', she began to worry that he was one of those types of people she would end up disliking. She winced inwardly at this and let her gaze wander toward the other on the ground. "Well... the boar." Her head tilted to the side, but she gave a small nod in response. She supposed there was just a way to make it appear as though the player was in pain.  A sheepish smile came to her features as she watched him slowly stand to his feet and she realized that must have been the case after all. 

With the distance between them, she didn't find herself to be insulted, quite opposite in fact. She was a loner by heart and was used to being alone or needing distance between herself and others.  With a push upward, she lifted herself to her feet once more and brushed her hands along the length of her long-boots in order to clear them of grass and moist.  "I'm Kranzer.... and t-thank you for checking on me." She wasn't entirely certain who he was speaking to, but she smiled nevertheless. If it was toward both of them, she'd feel a bit happy to be thanked for a change, but if it was merely towards his partner, she'd find herself simply happy for them and the strength of such a friendship they likely held. 

"I'm...Hope." She realized they were likely giving their user names rather than real life ones and decided with Hope, rather than the full name. Despite the both of them appearing to be kind, she almost felt as though she shouldn't really be here. They were grinding levels together, or so Dynaon had said and that meant they were likely in a party together. "I'm glad that you're alright and apologize for interrupting. I look forward to seeing you both around." With a smile and a polite bow, she slowly began to round around them in order to continue on her way and maybe follow in their footsteps about leveling. 

 

Edited March 14, 2016 by StrivingHope

[Dynaon 0]

Dynaon smiled toward the newcomer as they seemed to keep their distance from one another. The King tilted his head at how large the space was between him and Hope. She introduced herself with ease, but she dismissed herself just as fast, turning to leave. He couldn't just let her leave like that! He pushed off the ball of his foot, moving to get in front of her. "No, no, you weren't interrupting! We'd love to have you in our party. Our ranks are never too full for new recruits!" Not giving her a chance to answer him right away, he quickly navigated through his menu and sent her a request to join their party. Dynaon offered an honest smile, happy to see another person aside from Kranzer that actually wanted to stand beside him for more than a few seconds.

With the request sent, the King shot his gaze back at Kranzer, laughing a bit. "Hey, Kranzy! I found our Hope!" He didn't know if he'd get the joke, but after saying such a thing, his laugh grew louder. He was impressed with himself for coming up with such a thing, but he really believed in his words. This woman may be just what he needed to gain his final edge versus the elements of this crazy virtual world.

[Kranzer 0]

The fact she introduced herself and the overall tone of her voice at least allayed any fears that she was in face  PK in disguise which really set his nerves at ease. That was one fear he didn't have to concern himself with here anyway. When she mentioned that she was glad they were both ok at first he didn't know how to reply. Was that genuine relief? He didn't know how to deal with that. Kranzer appeared rather flustered that anyone other than the fool would show him any consideration. Maybe he’d been wrong about people all this time… which in truth was a very scary thing to consider but that was a thought for later so he did his best to suppress it. His hand rose as he prepared to bid her farewell when it became apparent she intended to leave. If that's what she wanted to do then what right did he have to try and stop her? A consideration that seemed to be lost on the fool. appeared to take exception to that and quickly moved around in order to cut her off. Well that was rather… forward of him. Kranzer started to say something to the effect of let her go by when Dynaon suddenly announced that he had found their hope.

He went to say something but simply closed his mouth instead as he stared at Dynaon blankly. There was a joke there of course but Kranzer simply couldn’t see it as void of a sense of humor as he was. So he casually walked forward and scratched his cheek as he felt rather strange of even having to say this. “Uh look…. She doesn’t really belong to us so she can’t be our Hope.” He offered her an awkward smile and bowed his head in apology. He knew the man fancied himself a king but to try and force someone to join a party was rather... unbefitting in his mind. “You have to forgive my overbearing friend here. He can be a bit… straightforward at times.”

[StrivingHope 0]

She was fine with wandering off, only to blink in surprise as Dynaon stepped around in front of her and halted her movement. "No, no, you weren't interrupting!" The smile spreading across her face couldn't be stopped from hearing such a thing, making her nod in response. "Wait.. new recruits?" She questioned and tilted her head as she looked between the duo who seemed to have mixed feelings about her being added to the group. There was an instant party invite and she found herself hesitating to click 'accept' as she stole a glance toward Kranzer. The joke went over her head about 'Hope' but she noticed no laughs being had. With her head tilting to the side, both arms moved to hug and wrap about her own middle as she seemed to be put between them both in a sense. "She doesn't really belong to us so she can't be our Hope." For some reason, she may have taken that wrong as if being told that she didn't belong. She hummed quietly and closed her eyes, letting her frame sway the side in the slightest. "I don't mind joining, I just don't want to cause any problems for doing so. Just feel free to kick me if you have a change of mind." With a small sigh, she clicked the 'accept' button and offered a smile. 

[Dynaon 0]

Dynaon knew that Kranzer wouldn't get the joke, being well aware that it was just his lack of a sense of humor that got in the way. Despite that, Hope accepted the party invite, adding her as a second HP bar beneath Dynaon's. The King jumped up in excitement that they had yet another member. "Haha, perfect! The Kingdom of the Immortal King grows in number on this day! Now, we've gotta work on getting you up in levels. What do you say we wait for the next Boar to come along and we take it as a team? We'll see how we work together." Dynaon flashed a thumbs up for each person, one at Hope and one at Kranzer. He was honestly excited about having a new friend aside from Kranzer. "Don't worry about the XP, we all earn the same amount. Just make sure you stand behind me when you aren't attacking, those Boars are nasty at the first level!"

[Kranzer 0]

When she said she didn’t mind joining it was more than a little respite for the indecisive player. There was safety in numbers after all and that would definitely be something he could get behind. While Dynaon spoke Kranzer’s HP gauge returned to full and his brown eyes twitched towards the <<Frenzied Boar>> that was only a short distance away from them. One that thankfully hadn’t aggroed to them just yet. It was a small wonder that Dynaon had forgotten about it so soon. Kranzer didn’t understand the situation but it was more than likely that the “Immortal King’s” mind was just too preoccupied with the woman before him to really think about what had happened before her arrival.

Kranzer casually flicked his thumb over at the <<Frenzied Boar>>. “We could take that one rather than running off to find another.” He offered a halfhearted shrug as if to say it didn’t matter to him one way or another. However, he was keen to pick off a single beast rather than risk running into a group of them. His brown-eyed gaze took in the blonde’s appearance. She wasn’t wearing much armor to speak off which wasn’t really all that different than Kranzer’s long sleeved dark grey shirt with a low collar and sleeves that fell just beyond his wrists. His dark grey slacks were pulled down over a pair of simple black boots. The dagger on his left hip was his only weapon to speak of which in SAO was a common sight since most people could only use one weapon.

His gaze shifted over to her information in the party window to look at her name and HP gauge. It was a shame that levels weren’t revealed in the party information so he had no way of knowing how much strength she possessed or the lack thereof. The carefree way she ran up to offer them aid made him think she possessed a considerable about of strength.. or confidence. Then again it could have been a mixture of both. Kranzer had no way of knowing she just didn’t understand just how dire their situation truly was. He’d offer the woman a curt nod. “An extra blade is always welcome.”