[PP - F7] Going to Temple

[Lessa 1]

Closed to Genji

"So here's my dilemma." The blonde paused to take a bite out of a crisp, red apple; she had been tossing it between her hands for the past twenty minutes, and had finally decided that she was hungry enough to eat it. "It is probably way too dangerous for me to be taking you, a level one, into the level seven mountains. We have no idea what's up here, or if I'll be able to handle it on my own." She took another bite, her blue eyes shifting to watch Genji in her peripheral. "But on the other hand, I'm really curious about where this rumor leads, and I'd hate to be left out." She smiled. "That, and you'd probably go even if I told you not to."

She would never let that happen, and they both knew it. Her position as guild leader was not to blame, as she would not use the title to control someone - she would not let the Vanguard become such a hierarchical mess. Rather, it was mixed parts bleeding heart and fear for a friend that led Lessa to escort him along the rocky trail. When he had mentioned the rumor earlier that morning, she had not even bothered asking if she could come along. Instead, she had simply led him to the teleport gate, commenting on how she wished she had packed her hiking boots along the way.

While one hand held the half-eaten apple, the other swiped beads of sweat from Lessa's forehead. It was another hot day, and she could just imagine the pair crawling ever-closer to the sun as they ascended. Even before donning the NerveGear, heat had been to Alyssa Butler what sand was to Anikan Skywalker. It was only eighty degrees, and she still felt she was being cooked inside her heavy armor. But she would not complain - time with good company was too precious for that.

"Want to tell me more about the rumor?" she prodded, rolling her shoulders and finally turning to face him. "You were kind of vague earlier. I thought maybe it was to build suspense."

[Genji 0]

"I appreciate the help," he smiled awkwardly as Lessa talked about how he was too low a level for the area, and then pointedly evaded giving any answer about whether or not he would have gone on his own otherwise. There was something about the intrigue of Aincrad, the unseen, unexplored side of the massive, alternate reality they were trapped inside- that compelled him. 

Perhaps, he thought, it compelled all of them. 

There were many motivated only by the desire to advance, to see the end and their lives on the other side again. Others found comfort in adjustment to this new life. For Genji, there existed equal merit in both possibilities. The world as it existed in the present was devoid of dungeons and epic quests, there were no villains atop castles waiting to fall at the hands of great heroes. Aincrad presented by its very existence the chance for Kotarou to accomplish something heroic.

While he was far from that, every rumor did seem ripe with fruit to bear. If he could become stronger, even if only a small fraction...

"Ah, no," he ruffled his hair and grinned, "actually, the fragmented mess I presented was almost the extent of what was given. Cryptic tales of a master swordsman who ascended the mountain to slay a great beast, but who was never seen again."

Genji slowed a bit, intent on not getting too far ahead of Lessa. "The closest thing to a hint I got was, 'check the Temple on the mountain for clues. As for that, the only NPC is..."

[Lessa 1]

Expectant silence fell between them, and Lessa waited nearly a full five seconds before she motioned for him to go on. "The NPC is what?" she demanded. "Trapped in the temple? Protected by a dragon?" Her blue eyes widened with an idea, and she added, "or maybe the NPC is that dragon! That would be cool."

Her companion shook his head, then nodded a short distance off. The pair had come around a bend in the trail, and as Lessa had been entirely focused on Genji, she had stopped watching her surroundings. Now, as she zeroed in on the figure in question, she frowned.

"Oh," came her reply, the disappointment in her tone nearly palpable. "The NPC is old." And he was, considering how far bent he was, his shoulders hunched, his wiry chicken legs knocking as he puttered about. It would have been comical, had the girl not been hoping for a dragon. She stood for a moment, hands on her hips, eyes narrowed against the sun as she regarded the man. "And he's also raking rocks," she observed aloud, "so is he blind?"

"You'd better hope he's deaf too," Genji countered, rolling his eyes as he crossed in front of her, and toward where the man stood. "Be nice," he called over his shoulder.

Lessa grinned. "I'm always nice," she reassured him, trotting after.

Edited October 8, 2017 by Lessa

[Genji 0]

"That's what I was afraid of," Genji whispered to himself as he sauntered over to where the ancient groundskeeper tended to his rock garden. Rhythmic swirls in the sand characterized a gentle, flowing movement that the elder man maintained over a long period of time. Zen was an art to those who the Buddhist philosophy, and the intrinsic peace it allowed them to feel was something others rarely got to experience. Kotarou felt something of that showcased in this display, which was oddly unnerving. "To think, something like this... here.

The old man turned his gaze toward Genji and two bright eyes searched him, seeking a deeper meaning to his words. Flustered, the silver haired player threw up his hands. "N-no, I didn't mean any disrespect, what I was trying to say was that- what I mean is..."

With a knowing smile, the lone warden of the Temple bowed his head once more and returned to his work. When Genji glanced up from the odd display, he was equal parts uncertain whether the man had heard him, and awed by the structure before him.

Characteristic of Japanese temples was a certain rigid form, evenly carved walls and geometric shapes. In contrast, decorative patterns and wild colors adorned the edges, and where the rooftop should have stopped, another level began. Three layers of this ended where the Temple itself was etched into the mountain face, almost as if it were naturally occurring.

Blushed pink and white blossoms dotted the cherry trees, and the sound of running water came from a brook that skirted the fringes of the area and cut through the garden. There was a small, hand carved bridge spanning the tiny body of water. "He takes care of all this himself?" Genji asked skeptically.

As if to answer, the old man fell forward as both his knees gave out. "Oh sh-" Genji rushed forward to help, but thankfully, Lessa was already there to catch him...

...Genji hoped.

 

Edited October 8, 2017 by Genji

[Lessa 1]

Instinct took over as Lessa saw the man begin to sway on his feet. In the real world, Alyssa Butler had been more clumsy than anything else. Though her hobbies required balance - shotput, horseback riding, skiing - she was still a naturally clunky mover. She made a fool of herself at yoga class when her friends convinced her to join, and speed had never been her forte. Either her time in Aincrad had made her more physically fit, or the game's mechanics made her more capable. More than likely, it was both that allowed her to slide beside the groundskeeper, drop to one knee, and hammock him in her outstretched arms. 

"Whoa there," she said without thinking, slowly easing the man back to his feet. He weighed next to nothing, and as she helped him find his feet, it was a bit like trying to prop up a lifeless ragdoll. "There you are. Easy." She kept her gauntleted hands on the man's bony shoulders until she was certain he was stable, then she slowly drew away. Her head tilted, and with a small frown, she asked, "Are you alright?"

The man's only reply was to meet and hold her gaze, smile, and then move away. With considerable effort, he stooped to retrieve the rake from where it fell on the ground, then proceeded to use it as a walking stick. Once his back was turned, Lessa glanced to Genji and mouthed two words. "Not blind." Then, after a hesitation, she added two more. "I think."

The warden moved quickly for an elder, still clutching at the rake as he hobbled toward the ornately carved bridge. It was small, only large enough for one person to cross at a time, but his thin frame still managed to look tiny in comparison. A warm breeze rolled around the temple, plucking a handful of blossoms from the limbs, and floating them toward Lessa as she chased after. "Are you sure there's nothing more we can do for you?" she called after him. He appeared to be deaf, so more than likely, her attempt was made in vain. But hey, she'd been wrong about that kind of thing before.

Edited October 9, 2017 by Lessa

[Genji 0]

"It doesn't seem like there's any way to trigger an event with him," Genji observed. "At least, if there is a way, we haven't sufficiently fulfilled all the criteria for it." Aincrad gave standard quests, but the truly monolithic tasks were completed without player's guides and directions. If there were something to this, and a quest chain was involved, it would become clear with time.

Genji glanced back toward the path, then around the Temple. "Maybe we should explore more?" he suggested, one hand on the scabbard of his curved sword. "There may be a clue somewhere on the Temple grounds, or further up the mountain." 

For several seconds, the silver haired youth stared vacantly skyward, dimly aware of the major danger that Lessa had hinted at initially. "And there may be something to that beast rumor, so we should be careful regardless." 

Sunlight bled through the clouds overhead, and whatever rain they held remained dormant for the moment. The sounds of autumnal weather as leaves fell from trees and a soft breeze swept across the yard offset his slight tension. "What do you think?" he asked.

[Lessa 1]

Lessa slowed before she could follow the man across the bridge, turning back to face her friend. An expression of mingling annoyance and discomfort drifted across her face with the slow laziness of the clouds above. She swiped at the the sweat on her brow, shoving a few damp tendrils of blonde hair back from her flushed face. "I think," she began tartly, "that it is way too hot for autumn. We might as well start with the Temple, since it might be cooler in there." And we're both idiots for climbing a mountain in the middle of the day. I'm an even bigger idiot for wearing my heavy armor. But what was the alternative? Being caught unprepared when a level-seven mob spawned? She could not take the chance, and she refused to subject Genji to an unnecessary risk just because she was overheating.

So she schooled her face back into a lighter expression, casting a smile toward the Temple keeper, who still may or may not have been blind. "Besides," she continued, forcing an easy lilt into her tone, "I'm curious to see if the inside is as beautiful as the outside." As it so happened, it was. Lessa breathed a heavy sigh of relief as she slipped into the sanctuary the shadows provided. Then, once her eyes had adjusted to the dim light, she scanned the interior. 

The Temple was simply decorated, opting for a more minimal approach. The pillars were skillfully carved, but the seating was limited to stone benches, and the rooms featured few other amenities. As such, her attention was immediately drawn to the display on the opposite wall.

Three ornate pedestals of deep, rich red stood evenly spaced apart. In the flickering candlelight, Lessa was able to make out the inscriptions on each. "Dharma, Vinaya, Chansi." The words came on a whisper, like a hushed prayer that seemed fitting for a place such as this. Then, "I wonder where Chansi escaped to." The third name was the odd one out to begin with, based on Lessa's knowledge of Buddhism. Further, it was the only statue that was missing. The others, both variations on the typical sitting Buddha, watched on as the girl turned to Genji. "Not sure what to make of this one."

Edited October 10, 2017 by Lessa

[Genji 0]

"Tatami," he explained as they drew closer to the mats that adorned the floor in front of the statues, "these mats are meant for long prayers and ascetic meditation. You sit seiza," he instructed as he dropped to his knees before the statue that said "Vinaya," then placed both hands on his hips. "They say that spirits talk to people, sometimes, during that meditative state- that those closest to the Buddha can clear their minds of life's struggles and listen with clarity."

Genji stood upright and laughed. "It's hardly the religion of the people anymore, but Buddhism and Shintoism were both deeply ingrained in the culture of Japan. Much like Confuscianism in China, there was a massive emphasis placed on ancestry and the pride of one's family." The words made his thoughts travel across the border between virtual and reality, and for a somber moment he recalled the pride of his parents when he finished high school. Just as quickly, he remembered their rage when he announced no clear intent to live as an adult.

"Chansi at best sounds Asian, but it's anybody's guess which language. Sorry I can't be more helpful." He gave a hapless shrug. "What I can tell you is that this statue was either moved or destroyed. If there's a significance, I'm not seeing it- it's entirely possible that it was done out of boredom, or even spite."

[Lessa 1]

"You know a lot more about this stuff than I do," the blonde confessed, reaching up to rub at the bridge of her nose. "All I know is what I can remember from class." She had been preparing to teach these same religions to middle school students, but Sword Art Online had interrupted her plans. Interrupted her life, interrupted her relationships, interrupted her everything. Perhaps if she had remained in the real world long enough to see the end of her internship year, she might have learned more about Buddhism and Shintoism. I wonder if I would have passed the teacher readiness exam. She had heard it was pretty tough. On the bright side, maybe she would never have to take it now. Look at you, she thought wryly. The eternal optimist. Finding that silver lining, or rather, making one up where none actually existed.

Her hands on her hips, weight evenly distributed between both feet, Lessa's gaze drifted between the empty podium, Genji, and then back again. "Boredom or spite?" she echoed, then shook her head. "That's awful. Even in Aincrad, people have no respect for history or culture." In the dim light cast by the flickering candles, she scowled at the other two Buddha statues. "That sort of thing really pisses me off." 

A thought struck her then, and she turned back toward the opening, where blinding sunlight seemed to buzz with warm and energy. "Do you think we could ask the Warden about it?" She hesitated, then added, "Or sign it to him? Do you think he knows sign language? Do you know sign language?" She glanced down at her hands. "I'm good for the alphabet, as long as we can avoid, uh, P, Q, T, U, X..." It seemed she had stopped paying attention half-way through lessons in middle school.

[Genji 0]

"Mmmm," Genji iterated. There was a hint of dryness in it, and his eyes reflected a hollow look that betrayed his thoughts on the matter. "No matter the culture, or how rich the history, society sees fit to tear it down in the name of progress." There was much to be said on the topic, especially in his experience, but the youth relented.

There were more important things to contribute right now than angst about the wax and wane of cultures. "It sounds like you take your studies very seriously," the golden eyed boy praised with a smile. "I just know these things because I've lived them all my life. Sword Art is a Japan based game, so I'm frankly surprised to meet someone who... isn't."

Kotarou gave an earnest laugh, then glanced to where she directed his attention. "We could give it a shot," he decided after a moment, "but there's no guarantee that it will yield results. He doesn't seem interested in anything we do, unless his conditions prompt interaction."

He stooped down and ran his fingers across the imperfect rock, studying the scene of the crime. Was this something done by players, or was there more to be said for the missing Buddha statue? Somewhere in the back of his mind, he started to wonder.

Lessa joined him for several moments before they glanced at each other and nodded. "Well, we won't hear anything about it sitting here."

"We could probably ask around the rumor Mill and see what pops up," he suggested, "or we could leave it for now, and hope for clues along the way."

[Lessa 1]

Lessa grinned at the boy. "Depends on the studies," she answered. "Anything that has to do with history or teaching, definitely. I blew off economics though. It's important, but I just couldn't get my head around it. I'll have to do better if I'm going to pass the teacher certification test." 

At his mention of her ethnicity, her cheeks warmed a bit. "Ha, yeah," she began, reaching to rub at the back of her neck. "I get that a lot." And she did, considering she was a part of the minority in Aincrad. The game had not been formally released in her country, so her appearance confused a great number of other players. "I have three brothers back home. They're all older than I am, and we've made pretty much everything in our lives a competition." The thought drew a laugh from her, and she added, "Even who can carry the most grocery bags into the house from the car. So when we all started getting hyped about Sword Art Online, I knew I had to get it first. Managed to score a copy through some shady channels, but it was worth it to show them all up." Lessa held her arms out, motioning to her surroundings. "And here's where my competitiveness got me. Guess that's one lesson learned the hard way."

"It's pretty neat that you live in Japan," she continued, watching Genji's fingers trace the rough rock. "I've never been, but I'd like to. There's such rich culture and history there. I'll make it happen when we get back."

The swordswoman rolled her shoulders beneath her heavy armor, mentally preparing herself for the bright sun and dry heat. "I've never been one to leave things be," she informed him, "so I think the rumor mill is our best bet. Feel like heading back down the mountain, or should we go up a bit further? I mean, we've made it this far."

Edited October 15, 2017 by Lessa

[Genji 0]

She spoke of the rich history of his country, and his fingers tensed as though he had improperly plucked the string of a koto. His face twisted slightly into a scowl, and he recalled how much drastic change the people had undergone in just two hundred years. Innovation, and to a greater degree, movement into the future were the selling points of the Japanese people. That had not always held true.

It almost made him bitter to hear a foreigner speak of tradition, especially with regard to his people. Most people did not share his love for the distant past, and moreover, he was often chided for a near childish insistence that things were better before the West came. That was not to say that western countries were at fault for the fall of the Shogunate or the decline of Samurai culture at all.

Genji had to remember where he was, oft times, because he lost himself in the pages of history even without a book in front of him. His gaze snapped to Lessa and he offered her a genuine smile, only dimly aware as she asked which path they ought to take. "We are already this far," he decided. "A bit further up the trail should not prove altogether deadly."

Lessa had spoken much of her family, but Genji had no brothers or sisters to speak of. He was the lone failure of his parents, and they made certain he knew it. Many offers stood for him to return to school, and several colleges had welcomed him on recommendations- the problem was, Kotarou rejected all of them.

And now, this.

[Lessa 1]

Genji was slow on his response, a fact that Lessa could not help but notice as she waited for his answer. This was not uncommon when it came to her silver-haired friend; he often retreated into thought, or memory, or somewhere far away from where they presently stood. At first, it had concerned her, driving her to wonder just what it was that consumed him so completely. Once or twice, she had asked him about it, only to be given vague, non-committal answers. Now, though she occasionally referred to him as "space cadet," or broke into his thoughts with a rousing rendition of "Ground Control to Major Tom," she had given up on trying to diagnose him. It had never fared well for her in the past.

"A bit further up the trail should not prove altogether deadly," she echoed, stepping back into the glaring sunlight. She shielded her eyes as she glanced about for the hunched warden, who she found puttering along the brook's edge. "Sounds a bit like famous last words." Only once she felt Genji's presence beside her did she continue moving, steering them back to the well-beaten path they had initially followed. "I'm going to be pretty pissed off if we come up against some deadly beast, but also a little impressed by your clairvoyance."

Companionable silence fell between them as they trudged, leaning forward a bit to compensate for the increasing slope. Though her words had been made in jest, something pricked at the back of Lessa's neck. Suddenly, "I'm going to summon Riker, if you don't mind." And she did so, her wolf familiar bounding toward them from where it had shimmered into existence. His rich, mocha fur complimented their surroundings, and despite how much of it he wore, he seemed perfectly content to trot alongside her. He was only data, of course, but Lessa always got the impression that he truly enjoyed her company. 

[Genji 0]

"Clairvoyance," he murmured indignantly as the woman blazed the trail ahead. "Hardly, I was just commenting on-" His words stopped short when she informed him that she would summon her familiar. He lacked the wit of his traveling partner, so quick responses were never his strong suit. Lessa did not seem to fault him for it. 

No sooner had she mentioned it, the wolf bounded from the immaterial and to the swordswoman's side, a proud companion by all rights. Genji gave a soft sigh. "Of course, that's fine," he said at last. "The more the merrier."

He picked his pace up and fell into step alongside the girl and her dog, and Genji folded both arms in front of him as he walked. "Supposing there really is some mythic beast at the peak," he began, eyes fixed straight ahead. "Do you figure it wanders far from the nest, or are we relatively safe this far down the mountain?"

Kotarou eyed Lessa sideways for a moment, because no one could have answered that so perfectly as the strange creature that impacted the path mere inches ahead of them and sent dirt and rock exploding in every direction. "Get back!" Genji cried out as he drew his weapon and prepared for combat. "What the hell was that?"

Something screamed out in the distance in a markedly avian voice, but their view remained obscured by settling dust and a chunk of the path, torn away. "No time for that!" Lessa pointed ahead, and Genji saw that she was right.

A goblin with a wicked looking blade fixed its cruel, red gaze on both players, and the warg it sat astride growled a threat as it encroached on them from out of the cloud of debris. "They," Genji pointed out, "do not look happy to see us."

Goblin Raider: 450/450 HP // 105 Damage

Edited October 19, 2017 by Genji

[Lessa 1]

"Pretty stellar foreshadowing, huh?" Her voice rose and fell with forced humor, but it was no secret that she was rattled. If the sudden explosion of dirt and rock had not been enough, the appearance of the mounted goblin was the cherry on top of her sundae. She yanked Hell Rose from its sheath, distributing her weight evenly between her feet, and settling into her familiar combat stance. She had rarely fought mobs with other players during her various hiatuses, considering her refusal to partake in boss battles. Most of the aid she had provided low-level players had been in the form of coaching from the sidelines. While Genji was an exception, as she had recently began hunting with him, she was no more comfortable with the whole ordeal. Her first reaction was an overwhelming fear, hot fire roaring in her gut, screaming that this might be how she loses her new friend. Immediately, cold logic doused the flames. Stop, she commanded silently. She could not go on living that way, and Genji was more than capable. Still, even though he had warned her to stay back, she positioned herself between the player and the goblin.

"I'm going to get his attention," she told him. Only a split second later, a blast of green light burst upward from her feet, blowing back her hair, her skirt, and the edges of her tunic. The light died away as quickly as it had come, save for the way her previously blue eyes now shone with it.

 

Her familiar was crouched by her side, hackles up, teeth bared. "Riker," she barked. "Get ready."

 

<<Howl>> activated.

Lessa - 700/700 HP | 65/70 EN | 3 HATE

(14 DMG, 4 ACC, 66 MIT, 28 THRNS)

Edited October 16, 2017 by Lessa

[Genji 0]

Unlike creatures from lower from levels of Aincrad, the meeting visage of this creature seemed more methodical, and infinitely more violent. Lessa strode forward with confidence and her body took on a green glow for a moment as she readied some ability, and the raider charged. The feral mount snarled and spat as it raked out at the blonde woman as if to bat her aside and take its rider in for the kill on Genji.

Unfortunately for the raider, the strange light that permeated Lessa ripped its focus away. The Goblin realized less quickly than its companion and faltered slightly as they veered off, which suited Genji just fine as he narrowly backed out of the way of it's vicious looking weapon. 

The Raider barrelled past the silver haired swordsman and brought the blade up a second time, entirely focused now on his companion.

This is my chance!

Once the Raider peeled off, Genji dug into the dirt and supercharged his body with the system enhancement of a Sword Art. His form lit up with a warm, golden light as he launched himself at the flank of the beast.

As he did so, the monstrous blade Sundered downward at Lessa, who was more than equal to the task. Genji missed the exact details of her defense because the enemy obstructed his view, but he heard the exchange nonetheless. 

"Bear Knock," he uttered as his body moved on its own, the curved blade spinning wildly as it tore into the creature at four random vectors and dealt its damage.

The goblin howled wildly in pain.

Genji: 180/180 HP // 14/18 E (4 used) (2 H)

Lessa: 661/700 HP //65/70 E (3 H) (Thorns Activated)

Goblin Raider: 388/450 HP

(450-28= 422-(6+2=8×4=32))=388

 

ID# 89504 Battle: 10 Craft: 11 Loot: 2 MOB: 6

Alkor gets a super critical, the Raider strikes Lessa and is hit with recoil.

Edited October 19, 2017 by Genji

[Lessa 1]

"Nope," Lessa growled through gritted teeth. "Over here, you ugly motherf-"

Encouraged either by her howl or her taunt (perhaps both), the goblin and his mount thundered past Genji, and directly toward her. Lessa settled deeper into her stance, heaving her sword up and over her right shoulder. The massive blade, crafted by Klein, and styled after Joan of Arc's Sword of St. Catherine, seemed to pulse in her hands. How long had it been since she had faced such a formidable foe? Had it been the Hydra, or even Orochi before? The concern for Genji's safety never left her, but it was reduced to a mere pricking at the back of her neck. Despite herself, and the hours she had spent cursing the risk of combat, she felt a creeping eagerness racing through her veins. 

Hell Rose flared pink, brilliant even against the glaring sunlight. As the warg grew nearer, Lessa glanced down at Riker, who remained transfixed on the ever-growing threat. Here we go, she thought, then swung.

Shifting her weight, Lessa lifted the weapon high, and let it arc downward in a smooth, powerful slash. The blade tore through the creature, leaving a startling red gash against his dark clothing. At the same moment, Riker threw himself at the warg, teeth snapping, claws outstretched. The mount had the size advantage, but Riker still succeeded in bullying the beast off-course. And though Lessa was thrown back a step by the goblin's return attack, her armor held firm, and both she and her familiar survived the first pass.

"Still alive?" she called out to Genji, never letting her gaze leave the form of their enemy.

Genji: 180/180 HP // 14/18 E (2 H)

Lessa: 661/700 HP // 53/70 E (5 H) (Galaxy Destroyer - 13 E used, 1 recovered)

Goblin Raider: 180/450 HP

(388 - (14 + 2 (crit) = 16 * 13 (SA) = 208) = 180

Spoiler

 

 ID# 89513 results: Battle: 10 Craft: 9 Loot: 18 MOB: 7

Lessa gets super critical.

 

 

Edited October 19, 2017 by Lessa

[Genji 0]

"Watch the edge," Genji called out in warning. "That's a nasty fall, and the ground is uneven." He knew Lessa was more keenly aware than anyone about her surroundings, but it paid to remind people of things in these situations. More undamaged path lay just a stone's throw ahead, so she could utilize that if she moved carefully.

Another loud shriek tore through the heavens, and Genji glared skyward at high alert. If something was up there and wanted to take them by surprise, it had a golden opportunity. He saw something like a shadow fall over one of the clouds, but nothing else moved along his vision.

Keep it together, Kotarou!

As the woman and her familiar danced with the warg rider, Genji took the opportunity to glance across stats. For now, Lessa would be fine- he would play support if she dipped too low. It was only because of her that he made it this far, after all.

"It's not interested in me at all," he replied when she inquired about his condition. "You can focus on yourself for now. I'll let you know if anything comes up."

He rushed quickly toward the beast's flank again as it circled Lessa, seemingly oblivious to his movements. Genji could see the Warg eyeing him, though. He knew he had relevance somewhere on it's threat meter. It took one sturdy hit for him to outaggro Lessa, and the mob would turn on him in an instant.

If that meant winning this fight, it was a risk he was willing to take.

As if to mock him, the wolfkin danced away from his wild slash near effortlessly, carrying its diminutive green rider well out of harm's way. 

"Well, no one was expecting this to be easy," he muttered under his breath.

Genji: 180/180 HP // 13/18 E (2 H)

Lessa: 661/700 HP // 53/70 E (5 H)

Goblin Raider: 180/450 HP

 

ID# 89534 Battle: 2 Craft: 6 Loot: 17 MOB: 5

Neither Genji nor the Raider hit their mark.

Edited October 19, 2017 by Genji

[Lessa 1]

"Got it!" Lessa shouted back, registering Genji's warning with only a slice of her full attention. Her focus was reserved for the goblin and his warg, both snarling as they trudged a tight circle around her. Though they remained outside the reach of her claymore, she swore she could smell their stink, and feel their warm breath, mingling with the already hot air. Her jaw worked as she watched, and waited. Who would attack first?

The decision was made for her in an instant, when a number of things happened all at once. A shriek from above her startled Lessa from her battle mode, and though it went against her every logical thought, instinct made her glance upward. She was rewarded with the shadow of a massive figure moving overhead, and the surprise attack of her enemy, taking advantage of her distracted state. 

She cursed loudly, activating the same sword art as before in her panic. Without any time to think, it was the first thing that came to her. That, and it had worked well the first time. Again, both player and wolf attacked in unison, one dealing as much damage as possible, the other hoping to sabotage the foe's attack. Her blade found its mark, and both beings burst into pixels.

Then she glanced down, and recognized her close proximity to the path's edge. It would be pretty rude of her to fall off it directly after Genji's warning, even if she had just vanquished their foe.

Genji: 180/180 HP // 13/18 E (2 H)

Lessa: 661/700 HP // 41/70 E (6 H) (Galaxy Destroyer - 13 E used, 1 recovered)

Goblin Raider: 180/450 HP

(180 - (14  * 13 (SA) = 182) = DEAD

Spoiler

 

 ID# 89537 results: Battle: 8 Craft: 6 Loot: 18 MOB: 1

Lessa hits.

Lessa receives 1290 col, 2 materials, uncommon consumable.

 

 

Edited October 19, 2017 by Lessa

[Genji 0]

"Woah there," Genji said hurriedly as he stuffed his blade away and rushed to Lessa's side. He took her by the wrist and pulled her away from the edge, out of danger of falling.

She probably wasn't in any such danger in the first place, but it was more useful than trying to help the woman fight. He proved almost worthless to stand next to her, the mighty swings of her two handed sword easily dwarfing any amount he had managed to deal.

"Nice work," he commented, trying not to sound discouraged as he congratulated her on the victory. "I didn't get a chance to see whatever caused this whole mess, but I heard it twice during that fight."

He glanced skyward to where a mass of clouds billowed, and Genji thought he heard something like wings flapping. "Do you think we should keep going?" he consulted his traveling companion. "We can probably handle a few more like that, no trouble."

Or you can, I'll just be back here.

 

Audited Mob HP, Genji cannot Math. Please ignore.

Edited October 19, 2017 by Genji