[SP-F6] Finding Myself, Part 1: The Waterfall, and the Familiar Encounters

[Vigilon 0]

Ind0minus's face appeared slightly shocked when Vigilon told him that his system was quickly taken over by April. "I knew someone would throw my system into disarray someday, but I never expected it to be so swiftly conquered..." Ind0minus saw Vigilon uncover the chest, and chuckled. "Good eye, Alex. It's nice to know you're actually using your head." "Let's not get too excited, though, gotta be sure it's no mimic, first." He opened the lid, no teeth popped out. "Oh thank The Lord, it's not a mimic..." He stashed his fair score of loot into his inventory. He heard a familiar voice gasp as if awakening from a nightmare. He turned around to see that Auranika had woke up. Renixx was the first to speak. "Lady April! Are you alright!?" Auranika raised her hand to signal for Renixx to calm down. "I'm fine...I just had the strangest dream, it's like I was living it in this game, though..." "Oh, that wasn't a dream, April..."

ID# 100578 LD: 19(900 Col, 8 T1 Mats, <<Unidentified T1 Perfect Light Armor>>, and 2 <<Unidentified T1 Rare Consumables>>)

Edited May 1, 2018 by Vigilon

[Vigilon 0]

"I-it wasn't?" "I'm being honest here, primarily 'cause I've been through it myself." Auranika walked over to Vigilon. "I have seen things I never thought were possible...and it wasn't just the monsters..." Everyone looked confused. Azrea decided to speak. "So, ya beat up Alex here before, right? Well, I have too. Let's see who could withstand a head to head half loss duel. Whaddya say?" Ind0minus sighed and said, "Although I would like to see what would happen, that will have to wait. This waterfall is a landmark of the sixth floor that aspires peace, relief, comfort. Not at all a fitting place to duel." Renixx stepped forward and said, "Besides, if you wish to fight her, unless she tells me not to, You'll have to face me first." Vigilon walked over to the space between the players. "Let's all take this somewhere else, like the safe zone, where you can still duel, and not ruin the point of this place here!"

[Vigilon 0]

"Besides, I kind of have a favor to finish, so if nobody minds, I'll be on my way." Azrea whispered to Ind0minus, and then he said, "I actually agree with Azrea that we should go together for a bit. Even if Vigilon refuses to accept any invitations, I also think we should party up for a bit. I'll go ahead and start it, as well as lead it." Azrea made a mild scowl. "I was whispering so that we could sneak up on Vigilon instead. I could have imagined the look on his face!" Auranika heard what Ind0minus said. "On the contrary, 'King Falcon', I believe that as the stronger player, I am more suited for the task." Ind0minus kept his menu up, but sent a message to Vigilon, rather than a party invite.

Quote

To: Vigilon

I don't know if she was mocking me just now, or if she was trying to bring herself up. Either way, with that, and the attention grabbing golden armor and metallic wings, I'd say she's the egotistical sort.

-Ind0minus

Behind her back. Clever. Vigilon smirked, then said as they were nearing the safe zone, which was after half an hour of debating on who should lead the party(Which was still going on), "Ind0minus, if you want to speak of April's 'insufferable ego' behind her back why couldn't you just do that with the subtle action that is to duel her?"

[Vigilon 0]

Ind0minus glared at Vigilon, his expression could easily state "You'll pay for that". Auranika was now giving Ind0minus a look, with her arms crossed as well. They entered the safe zone, and Auranika said to Ind0minus, "If that's what you think of me, I'll gladly teach you a lesson." Vigilon stepped back. He was gonna watch...but if only he had some popcorn or something, 'cause honestly, he'd been waiting for a moment like this for a long time. Ind0minus chuckled. "How reckless of you. Perhaps it is you who will be taught a lesson." Azrea pulled out her scythe, Bloodshedder. "Yeah! Let me at her!" Auranika sighed, sent a duel request to Ind0minus, and said, "Renixx, could you please sate the warmonger's bloodthirst? And by that, I mean defeat her." Renixx sent a duel request to Azrea as he said, "It would be my pleasure, Lady April!" Vigilon looked around, and it seemed the NPCs were gathering to watch. Seems like he wouldn't be the only spectator...

[Vigilon 0]

The timer for the duels was counting down now, and the two strongest members from each of Vigilon's rival Guilds were going to fight it out. Azrea groaned when she learned she was going against Renixx instead. "Fine...I'll take you on, big blueberry. When I'm through with you...she's next!" Already, Auranika and Renixx didn't seem to be alright with how Azrea was. Ind0minus merely sighed, as if this was expected. Then again, Vigilon had faced Azrea before. She tended to be a real battle addict that often got carried away. If it wasn't for Ind0minus, she would have accidentally gotten an infraction on her cursor after she won. Renixx pulled out his two handed sword. "I won't let you lay a finger on Lady April!" Auranika then readied her weapon, and gestured for Arulux to come by her side. The golden dragon familiar growled. A malicious grin formed on Azrea's face. "I'm going to enjoy this..."

[Vigilon 0]

Vigilon could hear some of the NPCs talking about what was happening, some were even making bets. "30 Col on the strong one." "I'll bet 45 on the tall one with the cloak." "25 Col on the one with the scythe." "80 on the armored warrior." Vigilon was going to step back a bit further. A voice from behind suddenly said, "U-um, Vigilon? W-what's going on?" "What the- Oh, Kaldui. So, here's the thing, I have two rivals, and now they're going to duel because of...well, they had a disagreement or two." Kaldui shifted her feet. "*sigh*, Sometimes I don't understand why we can't all just get along... N-not that I would be willing to speak to them so easily!" Kaldui did have a voice, so to speak, but but while her words were timid and quiet, her actions tended to be rough and loud. "Well, if I'd have to choose between a frenemy or an enemy to have to deal with, I'd go with the frenemy, if you know what I mean."

Kaldui:

Spoiler

 

Edited May 15, 2018 by Vigilon
added faceclaim for NPC player <<Kaldui>>. 'Bout time I found one, tbh...

[Vigilon 0]

Kaldui hesitantly nodded her head. She looked back to the fight, which would be under way pretty soon. All the players that would be fighting had their weapons drawn, or, in Ind0minus's case, his fists were clenched. The word "Fight!" appeared between the players, and there would be the clashing of metal against metal. Ind0minus and Renixx managed to get some strong hits, while Auranika and Azrea were only able to get their hits in. Azrea chuckled. "A real challenge...now that's what I'm talking about! I'm gonna tear you in half!" Unfortunately for Auranika, the first attack she landed would be the only one she could manage to do. She hadn't expected Ind0minus to be so swift in his movements. Renixx did his best to deflect Azrea's blows, then strike back with his own. Vigilon watched the fight continue and he began making guesses as to who would prevail in this fight.

[Vigilon 0]

Renixx managed to deal a strong blow that knocked Azrea a few feet, and her HP dropped pretty low, resulting in her defeat. "I was...gonna do that to you..." She said as she struggled to get back up. Ind0minus managed to find the right spot, the right chink in Auranika's defense pattern, to deal another strong blow. Auranika couldn't believe what had happened as she fell to the ground, defeated. "W-wha-? No way..." Ind0minus chuckled. "Although your power was certainly impressive, you'll need to apply some better strategies to it. Power and strength mean nothing if you can't use it right." Auranika grunted as she got up. "Nrgh...You won't be so lucky next time, and I'll show you what I can really do!" Vigilon walked over to her, slow clapping as he said, "I honestly can't believe this... Congratulations, April, you just got beat by a tier one player. Last I checked, he's the same level as me! I guess you were right after all, it was my gear that the issue was! I guess you'll have to train, and then challenge him again, and actually win if you intend to earn back the reputation of dependability you may have lost here."

[Vigilon 0]

Auranika's eyes widened as the issue revealed itself to her. She looked around her. She glared at Ind0minus. "Never have I ever been so humiliated in this game... You're going to pay for this one day, mark my words..." Renixx also had some stern words for Ind0minus. "Tell me, why do you have her around?" He said, pointing to Azrea. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say she's a battle addict and a psychopath!" Azrea picked up her weapon, glaring at Renixx. "Hey now, easy with your words there! I've heard about you guys, the 'Angelic Brigade'. You have a good standing with plenty of players and NPCs around Aincrad, but some rude words here could ruin that precious reputation and make you look like conceited jerks to at least some of the people here!" Vigilon placed a hand on Renixx's shoulder. "I'm actually with the warmonger in this specific case, Renixx. All you do is guard, escort, and build up your leader, but are you even concerned about anyone else or their welfare?"

[Vigilon 0]

Renixx looked around the area, taking in the expressions the people around had. Auranika looked at Renixx in a way that showed that she appreciated what he did for her, but was also slightly worried about what else it might bring if taken too far. "Renixx, you don't have to do this all the time. You're unintentionally dragging others completely down, all for the sake of the Guild and our image. But if you keep doing it all in this manner, you'll unintentionally place a bad name on our Guild, bringing in more enemies than friends. We need a good reputation, not a bad one." Renixx walked up to Auranika and said, "In all honesty...I was doing such things solely for you, Lady April. I admit, I've lost my concern for others because...b-because...I can't seem to think of anyone other than you. I know, you probably had other plans or had an eye on someone else, but...I love you." Vigilon took this into thought. One of the effects of being in love with another that he'd heard of was seeing the one you love as perfect. Clearly, this was it. There was only one person who did not tolerate these words, though. "Eewwwww!" There was no need to guess that it was Azrea. Ind0minus had been taking analysis of the words, and Renixx's expressions, too. "Well, that explains more than I need to know about you, Renixx. You're a loyal ally who supports others, but should you fall for someone, you become indifferent to the other people around you."

[Vigilon 0]

Auranika inhaled and exhaled deeply. "So it's true...you do love me. To be honest, some have already thought it might have been the case, and now that I know this...I actually feel silly that I didn't find out sooner, your actions were dropping hints like crazy..." Auranika blushed slightly over this mildly embarrassing moment. Azrea didn't like the sight of the moment Auranika and Renixx were having at all. "If they decide to kiss, I'm gonna-" Ind0minus placed his hand over Azrea's mouth. "Watch your tongue, Azrea." "Mmgffff..." Vigilon had one more thing to say to Renixx before it was time to move on. "Well, we all have flaws, nobody's perfect. But that's why we have allies, though. To cover up those weaknesses with others' strengths!" Ind0minus commented to those words with, "I couldn't have said it better myself, Alex. But just one sliver of knowledge won't be enough for you to score, you know."

[Vigilon 0]

"I'll get there someday. Anyways, I'm off to deal with some unfinished business." The NPC's were already dispersing back to their usual business, after paying off their bets, of course. Kaldui began following Vigilon, and the other players had began to follow as well. "...Why are they following me?" The question lingered in his head for a bit, then he reached the place he'd needed to go. "Alright, I'm back." "Took you long enough. Let's see what you've got." Vigilon handed over the samples to the NPC. "Hmm...interesting... I'll take half of what you brought me. To be honest, you're actually a cut above the usual male adventurers who owed me favors." "Um, thanks?" "However, I should warn you, I wouldn't consume that leaf you have within that jar. It's unbelievably poisonous." Vigilon pulled out the jar that carried plant leaves and stems. It was now half empty, but one of the leaves, a fairly large-ish one, seemed to stand out slightly. He took out the leaf and tossed it aside, then he picked up a heavy-ish stone and dropped it on the leaf, causing it to shatter. "Better safe than sorry."

[Vigilon 0]

The NPC seemed to be examining Vigilon, and before long, she said, "You know, you might be of some more help. I've grown busy with my studies and experiments again, but I have something to deliver to my sister Peony and my grandmother. I hope you don't mind running another errand for me. Here's the parcel. They live in an alchemist's workshop a fair distance away from here. Allow me to just mark it on your map..." Before Vigilon would set out, he had one more question. "One more thing, there's this riddle of words I can't seem to figure out. 'Go find the dragon'. I know there's a lack of context, but is there anything you might possibly know about it?" The NPC looked puzzled. "Hmm....I don't know of any dragons around here, but maybe my grandmother might know something." With that in mind, Vigilon began to make his way to the safe zone's edge, followed by the other players, who seemed intrigued by Vigilon's question.

[Vigilon 0]

"What dragon does this question speak of, Alex?" Ind0minus asked. "Well, see, that's the thing. I don't know." Renixx was confused. "You're looking for some dragon you know nothing about?" "Well, it's more like this: I'm now stuck on a self given mission to 'find myself', so to speak. The only hint I was given was, 'Go find the Dragon'. In my own head. By myself." All the players except Auranika looked at Vigilon like he was nuts. "Um...y-yourself...?" "Huh. I'm surprised a tier two player like yourself hasn't already taken the quest <<Calming the Soul>>, Kaldui." "Where could I find such a quest?" "At the waterfall of the sage." "Oh..." Azrea still had a confused look going on. "...You sure you didn't get hit in the head or something?" "I'm completely fine." Auranika noticed what was going on, and she decided to say something. "I actually believe Alex is sane here. I have recently taken the quest he spoke of, so I know what he's talking about. It may seem ridiculous, but it comes across to me that he has given himself a task that just might be beneficial for him."

[Vigilon 0]

Now Vigilon was confused. "...Come again? I mean, aren't all minds different and unique?" Auranika shrugged. "Some may be different in design and manner, but there can seldom be similarities." "...Like the ability to literally talk to yourself? I thought that was just me!" There was silence for about five minutes, and then Vigilon found the safe zone's exit. It took some time for Vigilon to find his destination and reach it. The other players still followed, still curious about the whole thing. The building's sign read, "Crocus Concoctions". Vigilon knocked on the door, hoping he was at the right place. He heard someone say to come in. He opened the door and found himself within a room with an alchemy lab on one side, the room divided by a counter. An NPC girl headed over to greet the players. "Hello, and welcome to Crocus Concoctions! What can we do for you?" If Vigilon was to make a guess, this girl was Peony.

Peony(Note, this is merely to give some imagery, the outfit in pic does not match the NPC's current apparel):

Spoiler

 

Edited May 18, 2018 by Vigilon

[Vigilon 0]

"I'm here for two things. First, to deliver something." He pulled out the parcel, and handed it to the girl. "Oh! The ingredients from Vervain! Thank you!" The girl brought the parcel over to an elderly NPC woman behind the counter. "Ah, finally, Vervain's doing more than just constant research on simple things. In my opinion, she digs too deep sometimes." Vigilon walked over to the counter. "There's some riddle that's been bothering me for some time. I'm actually wondering if you knew something that could help me out. 'Go find the Dragon'." The elderly NPC, being an NPC, still had to introduce herself first. "Welcome, adventurer, I am Scilla Crocus. What can I do for you?" Whoops. Ind0minus snickered at Vigilon's poor timing in what he had to say. Vigilon repeated himself, and Scilla seemed to take interest in the strange question. "How intriguing... Perhaps I know of something that could possibly prove useful. Peony, dear, could you fetch me my book of alchemy recipes?"

[Vigilon 0]

"Sure thing, Grandmother!" Peony entered another room in the building, and returned about a minute later with a large book in her hands. She placed it on the counter, and Scilla began to look through it. "Let's see here... Hmm... Oh, this might do the trick!" "How will it help me? What will it do?" "Patience, young adventurer, I'll have to make it first. Besides, it's effect on people can usually depend on who it is. To do that, we need to make a solution that will help us determine which ingredients the potion will call for." Vigilon was slightly confused. "You...don't know what the required ingredients are?" "Actually, I do. Well, for the most part, that is. It always has one to two ingredients that are either common ingredients in this jungle, or something based on who the potion is for. Thus, we will need to make a solution first."

[Vigilon 0]

Scilla looked through her ingredients. "Oh...oh, this won't do at all..." Vigilon had a fair guess as to what the problem was. "Is there something you're out of?" "Salamander Blood. I already have the Blood Vials of the Flame Salamander, but I've ran out of Blood Vials containing blood from Frost Salamanders and Shock Salamanders..." Salamander Blood? That sounded strange. "Huh. Never heard of that before. Anyway, I think we might be up to the task of collecting them." Scilla smiled and said, "How could I expect anything less from willing adventurers like yourself? To gather enough of what we need for the solution, as well as stocking up for the future, I'd say we need about four vials of each. Here are the tools you'll need to extract the blood, as well as the vials they'll fill." Scilla handed some things over to Vigilon, and then Peony came over to the players. "So, these Salamanders...they didn't get their names for nothing. The Frost Salamanders have a blood-freezing poison that slows you down and severely drops your temperature, causing a layer of ice to form over you. Shock Salamanders are always building up static, and can easily release it from either their teeth, or the mucus on their skin. It can stop you in your tracks, so it's best to be careful with these..."

[Vigilon 0]

"Enhanced monsters...great..." Ind0minus had a suggestion as to what they all should do. "Why don't we split up? There are six of us in total, so if we split into two parties of three, we should be able to handle both salamanders in a shorter time." Kaldui nodded her head in agreement. Vigilon sent party invites to Ind0minus and Auranika, and he handed over one of the sets of blood gathering supplies to Kaldui. "Do the three of us a favor, and, not only lead those two against the Frost Salamanders, but keep them from killing each other, k?" "Oh! U-um...s-sure..." Kaldui sent party invites to Renixx and Azrea. Renixx seemed to be the only one who disliked this idea. "You're splitting us up in this manner? Preposterous!" "Shut up, lovebird." Vigilon sighed. Those two were definitely gonna be a handful for poor Kaldui...until they saw her in the heat of battle.

[Vigilon 0]

Auranika nodded. "So this means we will be hunting the Shock Salamanders."  Peony came over to Vigilon, saying, "I hope you'll be able to handle it... Here, let me mark where they can be found on your map. Safe travels!" The players left the building, and split up to find the salamanders they would be hunting. Vigilon opened up his map, and saw the mark that showed the location of the Shock salamanders on his map. "Hm, so it's to the left of here." As the players made their way to the area the mobs would spawn, There was some conversation. While that was happening, Vigilon and Ind0minus were actually having a more secretive conversation via messaging. Through that, Vigilon told Ind0minus all he needed to know about what life in high school became, including the new social system, after Auranika had taken position of being on top. "So, April, I've heard that you managed to place yourself at the top of the school's system...and very quickly, too..."