[PP-F4] Returning To The Lake (Avalanche) <COMPLETE>

[Kioshi 0]

Despite experiencing such a sh*tshow in the fourth floor, Kioshi still remains here for a few days, spending his time in Snowfrost, the main settlement of this one hell of a winterland. Most of the time, he hones his skills and keeps up with his strength. Sometimes, he would explore around the area just to feel the occasionally nice chill of the snow. Blizzards are less common here, but it still isn't safe outside due to wildlife. Monsters? That takes a bit of effort and distant walking to find those.

Today, Kioshi is fully dressed in his usual Kelly armour, his eyes gazing at the window of a warm, cozy inn through his visor. His Zweihander is held like a walking stick, the tip of the sheathed blade standing on the floor with his hand on the hilt. As he casually leans against the chair he is sitting on, he swipes his finger down and brings up a quest summary detailing an uncovered hidden boss in this floor. Avalanche. What a name. Maybe this icy brute caused the disaster in Truckee Lake.

Speaking of said lake, Kioshi had no choice but to go back there as the boss is located somewhere on the snow mountain near the lake. His worries about the wendigo dawns in his mind again, wondering if he should eliminate it if he ever sees that cannibalistic nuisance again.

@Neopolitan

Edited August 15, 2018 by Kioshi

[Neopolitan 0]

Neo was walking back, having just finished a fishing trip and some boss killing, when she saw a familiar face in the town. She decided to stop by, waving with a smile at them, and see what they were up to. The two hadn't exactly exchanged pleasantries the last time they were together, but if he was still as low a level as he was last time they met it wouldn't be the best of ideas to leave him alone. He seemed to have a penchant for wading into danger, and it certainly could set her on edge. If he was going for the boss she had just killed a couple hours ago, she wasn't too worried. If it was as weak as it was last time, it should be a cinch.

That's assuming that it won't learn like the queen bee does. For all I know I won't be able to sneak attack it again. It will also be on edge if it was just killed. A shame that the monsters can respawn with knowledge about us, but we can't respawn at all.

@Kioshi

[Kioshi 0]

As he stands up from his chair, still looking at the quest summary through his helmet, he doesn't notice that same two-colored hair girl that saved him from being killed by the wasp queen in the second floor. Kioshi closes the window and approaches the window near the door, staring outside as the snowfall had just ended a few minutes ago. The avalanche monster has quite a high HP, judging by its stats alone in the summary. The damage though, might not be very effective to a fully armored player like Kioshi. 

Still, he keeps note to himself that the boss might have some sort of status effect that will f**k him over. Which is a shame, but at least he has plenty of healing items to take care of himself. 

...the inn sounds awfully quiet now, as if the remaining customers suddenly disappeared into thin air. Out of curiosity, he turns around and lo and behold, the female player is standing there facing him. Half of him hopes for her help again, but the other is convinced that she is only here to rest from her battles.

@Neopolitan

[Neopolitan 0]

Approaching Kioshi, Neo couold tell that he was hesitant. He was likely expecting that she had just returned from a mission, as this encounter was purely by chance. And though he would be correct in that thinking, Neo didn't want to dare the odds and let him go alone. She quickly wrote up a message and sent it to him in hopes of dispelling any worries he may have of her continuing to fight monsters. She didn't want him to worry. Even though he seemed to be doing much better on the tankiness side of things, it would be better if he had a little extra help with someone damaging the beast as well.

Quote

Kioshi,

    I see that look in your eyes, don't worry about me. I'll be fine to help you with whatever you need help with. If you're heading towards the snow beast at the base of the mountains, you might need to wait just a little bit. I killed it myself an hour or two earlier.

@Kioshi

[Kioshi 0]

A message box suddenly pops up in front of Kioshi's armored face, asking if he would like to open and read said message. Pressing the green button, he is surprised to see that he not only receives a player message for the first time in his new life in Aincrad, but the girl is actually willing to help him again, in contrast to his expectations for the opposite. Why would she help him? More COL? Understandable. But isn't she worried by she might be backstabbed easily at any time? As far as Kioshi knows, trusting someone completely would be the last thing he would do, especially with the player killers increasing in numbers in numerous floors.

Oh well. If she actually tries to kill him while his back is turned, he won't hesitate to kill her...on second thought maybe not...maybe yes..no...

Kioshi shakes his head, not wanting to be stressed from the conflict between human empathy and pure survival instincts.

He exits the box and slowly sits back onto the chair like a shogun, staring at the window through his visor while he remains as still as a Buddha statue. He doesn't mind waiting for the girl to recover herself from the adventures she had prior. At least he has more time to drink cold rose syrup, which is an excellent drink to enjoy in a relaxing moment.

@Neopolitan

Edited July 31, 2018 by Kioshi

[Neopolitan 0]

Neo could tell the man was contemplating something, and decided to leave him to his own devices for now. If he was unsure about trusting her or just letting the timer for the boss tick down, it didn't really matter. She walked just outside and looked around for her newfound familiar. The small dragon popped into view, playing a little bit in the snow. A smile came across Neo's face as she reached a hand out to the little thing, offering a perch on her shoulder. Feeling the waves of joy coming off of the dragon, she let it keep playing in the snow. She still hadn't quite figured out exactly how it communicates. It seems to do so through emotions, but it felt like it went deeper than that at times. Maybe it was just what the two had in common, their silence. It made the bond go deeper than it would with others. Neo leaned against the building as she continued to watch the little dragon play in the snow. She would give Kioshi a little bit. If he didn't show up by then to head out, she would leave him to his own devices. No point in waiting around forever when she could be attending to her shop.

@Kioshi

[Kioshi 0]

...f**k it. Why even think of these things of all times? Betrayal, foe, all of this aren't even common in where Kioshi usually strolls around or remain at. What is now clear is that the girl invites Kioshi with open arms for assistance, and since he already took the quest, it is be too late to turn away from the offer. Plus soloing against a monster with slightly higher stats than him would be a waste of time. 

And maybe, if the wendigo is still around in Truckee Lake, he could use her help to pick up where he left off. 

Nodding slowly to himself as he has a realization that cooperation is still a useful key to progress in Aincrad, Kioshi stands up as the armor makes himself an imposing figure at first sight. Holding his belted sword in hand, he walks out of the building and approaches the girl, catching a glimpse of her small pet dragon playing in the snow before he stops and gives her a small bow. It is time to go.

@Neopolitan

[Neopolitan 0]

Neo turned to look at the door she had walked out of as Kioshi walked out of it himself. He was looking much better geared than the last time she saw him, which help offset her worry a bit. He gave a small bow and Neo returned it in kind. She reached an arm out to her dragon, letting it climb up her arm and onto her shoulder. It was no longer the time for fun and games, it was time things got serious. She got all of her gear in order before beginning to head out. She knew the way there already, so there was no point in hesitating to let him lead. She made sure he was behind her though before turning a corner. It wasn't that far of a walk, but it wouldn't be a good idea to leave someone behind while trying to guide them. Her dragon took off from her shoulder, beginning to circle the area. If there was a storm coming, she would call him down. It seemed like the place would be clear for now though so may as well let him scout for now.

Now that I think about it, I really don't know much about my new friend. Both Kioshi and the dragon. Should probably do some asking, but maybe I can save it for later.

@Kioshi

[Kioshi 0]

Kioshi lets the girl plays the role of the scout while he follows suit, keeping his ears open for any sign of ambush. So far in his eyes, she seems to know where she is going, though he has some doubts about her knowledge regarding Truckee Lake.

As the breeze starts to blow gently through the area he and the girl is in, he notices the dragon being sent to scout over the perimeter. A useful task to give to a pet...although the weather should be taken into account first in his opinion. The last thing he would see about the dragon would be a glimpse of itself falling down to the ground thanks to a blizzard.

With the dragon being sent off, he continues his journey with the girl, but he only walks a few paces before he suddenly taps her shoulder and points forward.

He speaks as if it is a question, "Truckee Lake?"

 

@Neopolitan

[Neopolitan 0]

As they walked on, Neo felt a tap on her shoulder. The man asked a question about a place called Truckee Lake. Neo had never heard of the place before, so she shook her head. The last time she had fought the beast was at the foothills of some mountains. There was a lake nearby, but she never did bother to see if it had an actual name. She just assumed it was some frozen lake that didn't have any significance. Neo sent the man a message detailing her response, just in case her decline of the question seemed a little more blunt than intended. Once sent, she motioned her dragon back down. They would be getting close to the mountains soon, which meant a blizzard could pick up at any moment.

Quote

Kioshi,

    Never heard of a Truckee Lake, though I have seen a lake nearby. The last time I fought the creature was in the foothills of the mountains, though it's possible it wandered off from its original spawn point.

@Kioshi

[Kioshi 0]

Kioshi has never heard of those mountains, and according to his quest summary it doesn't really say anything about that location. A mountain sure, but it also mentions a lake. The only place he thinks that matches the description is Truckee Lake. Otherwise, where else such a place exists?

As he feels the blizzard coming to a close, he decides to quickly send a message to tell the girl about the boss's real spawning location. It reads:

"Summary says it spawns at a mountain but with a lake. I only know one such place. Follow me."

Since there doesn't seem to be any landmarks that indicate that they are near the lake campsite, Kioshi opens his map and relies on that to get there. Here's hoping that the blizzard doesnt come here and impede their progress. He makes haste.

@Neopolitan

[Neopolitan 0]

As Neo saw the wall of snow from the blizzard growing closer, she got the ding of a message. Reading it, Neo gave a nod. She didn't know where it actually spawned, she had just managed to stumble across it during a blizzard. Letting Kioshi take the lead, she made sure her dragon was nearby. The snowstorm was getting awfully close, and she could feel the fear coming off of the dragon. It coiled itself around her neck, acting as a scaly scarf for her. It was kinda cute actually, and Neo didn't try to stop it. She made sure she had everything equipped corectly again before the snow hit and she wouldn't be able to see her menu.

This monster seems to like blizzards. Guess being covered by snow is useful to it. Or maybe it's a feeble attempt at stealth. Either way, it certainly doesn't make for a pleasant fight.

@Kioshi

[Kioshi 0]

The long story short is that he actually manage to reach the pathway that leads onwards to the lake. This is further confirmed by the sight of that same teepee he camped from the blizzard. He approaches the structure and takes a peek inside for a moment before leaving it alone and head down the small slope to the campsite.

The last time he was here, the site was covered in a s*itload of snow thanks to the previous avalanche. But now said amount was reduced to the level of the cabin's doorstep.

Either the game did this or the wendigo spent his free time digging snow.

Speaking of the wendigo, Kioshi draws out his sword and walks to that third cabin to see if it is still there. He takes a peek inside.

The cabin is empty, save for its table and fireplace.

@Neopolitan

[Neopolitan 0]

As the two approached the lake, Neo noticed some structures she hadn't seen before. Maybe it was just what part of the lake she had been on before or just had failed to notice. Regardless, it seemed that Kioshi was on edge about something. It felt like he had had a bad encounter here before. Not wanting to be caught off guard, Neo made sure she had her rapier at the ready. The storm had yet to hit them, so her dragon uncoiled a bit so it was also ready to attack. It had sensed her wariness and responded accordingly.

One day little fella, one day I'll figure you out a bit more. Right now we need to look for the beast.

Neo did her best to convey the need to cautiously search the area for the creature. There wasn't much around for it to hide in, but it could be stuck in a snow bank at the moment.

@Kioshi

[Kioshi 0]

An awful bellow suddenly echoes somewhere from the trees between the campsite. Kioshi immediately recognizes this noise, the very thing that was produced by whom was possibly the last member of the expedition group that died here. He remembers how insane he looks, with his eyes open far too wide and his mouth bloodied from eating members of his family in a desperate attempt to survive, only to meet his end by being possessed by the wendigo spirit as his craving for human flesh grew.

Kioshi looks at the trees behind the third cabin, and stands still like the statue of a warrior as the wendigo emerges out of the cold forest. Seeing and recognizing its canned meal, it shrieks loudly before charging its antlers towards him.

ID: 103875

Kioshi: HP 79/80 -- DMG 7 - MIT 35 -- Energy 6/8  (Used Straight! (x2) )

Wendigo HP 31/45 -- DMG 35 -- MIT 0 -- +1 Bleed

BD: 8

MD: 6

Kioshi charges up his Sword Art and swiftly swings overhead to his foe, the blade makes a deep cut to its left shoulder. However, its antlers still manage to hit his armor, almost piercing it. Kioshi kicks its groin and steps back, now ready to go berserk.

@Neopolitan

Edited August 2, 2018 by Kioshi

[Neopolitan 0]

Neo ventured out a little onto the frozen lake. The ice creaked a bit, but Neo wanted to be able to see a bit behind the cabins without getting close. With Kioshi so on edge, she felt it would be a bad idea to walk through the cluster of buildings. She heard an unearthly screech coming from the forest nearby, and watches as Kioshi begins to fight some strange creature. Neo tries to get towards him, but cracks the lake ice in her rush to get to him. Thankfully, she didn't lose any of her gear in the fall, though her dragon did spring into flight at the shock of the cold water. With a little help from her friend, she got herself out of the ice and kept going towards where the two were fighting, cursing herself for not being as useful in a fight like this.

I really need to get better at fighting, before I get another person killed for it.

Spoiler

Roll ID: #103888

BD: 2 + 1 = 3 - Miss

CD: 3 = no recovery

@Kioshi: HP: 79/80 ENG: 6/8 DMG: 7 MIT: 35

@Neopolitan: HP: 400/400 ENG: 38/40 (-2 miss) DMG: 5 MIT: 14

Wendigo: HP 31/45 -- DMG 35 -- MIT 0 -- +1 Bleed

 

[Kioshi 0]

ID: 103891

Kioshi: HP 79/80 -- Energy 4/8  (Used Straight! (x2) )

Wendigo HP 17/45 

BD: 7

MD: 1

Kioshi develops a new idea to actually slash this man-eating buck in his mind. He swings left and right to the wendigo that blocks his attacks with its antlers. The motions of his sword gradually becomes faster, and soon it finds itself in a pickle as its blocks become sloppy, It takes one jump backwards, a bad move. The sword is already launching forwards and stabs through its abdomen like a spear. The wendigo shrieks in pain as the blade is withdrawn and Kioshi launches his Sword Art, slashing its body vertically, causing a large cut, though not deep enough to spill out organs.

The wendigo then gets knocked to the ground as Kioshi hits its antlers with his sword, putting much force into that impact. It quickly rolls around as the tin man walks calmly to it.

@Neopolitan

Edited August 2, 2018 by Kioshi

[Neopolitan 0]

Now that she was out of the water, Neo charged into the fight. Her dragon took off towards them as well. She didn't know how well it would do in a fight, though with it being a dragon and all it should be able to fight to some degree. She saw the reflection of its cobalt scales in her blade as she drew it. It was also the first time this blade had seen battle. Though she hadn't heard from its creator in some time, she would still carry their will with this sword. She came up to the fight and released her four strike sword art. She started with a strie to the front of the creature, jumping up to get out of Kioshi's way. As she went over, she place two more in it's back. Landing behind it, she quickly gave a final swipe at one of the legs. Her dragon helped a bit as well, freezing the other leg in the back as the creature shattered out of existence. It was defeated before it could even respond to her attack.

Spoiler

Roll ID: #103888

BD: 6 + 1 = 7 - Miss

CD: 11 = recovery

@Kioshi: HP: 79/80 ENG: 4/8 DMG: 7 MIT: 35

@Neopolitan: HP: 400/400 ENG: 38/40 (+1 regen; -3 sword art; +2 recovery) DMG: 5 MIT: 14

Wendigo: HP 0/45 (-20: 5 base * 4 sword art) -- DMG 35 -- MIT 0 -- +1 Bleed

 

[Kioshi 0]

Kioshi just stands still as he sees his partner finally launching her attack against the wendigo on the ground. What follows is a surprise: the wendigo immediately dies from her powerful Sword Art. It doesnt even last a full second to look at her before being reduced to polygons.

Kioshi just shakes his head slowly in his full helmet, somewhat feeling a bit cockblocked in a way. Fight was ended like it was all a dream, and the wendigo wasn't as strong and menacing as it used to be. What the hell happened to it while Kioshi was absent?

Sighing as he sheathes his sword, Kioshi gazes at the silent girl for some seconds before giving her a small nod and proceed onwards to the base of the mountain across the frozen lake. Boss should be somewhere there.

@Neopolitan

[Neopolitan 0]

Though Neo could tell Kioshi was a bit disappointed by her kill steal, she just wanted to keep looking for Avalanche. It should be nearby, assuming the intel was correct, and it couldn't exactly hide itself. She let her dragon climb up onto her shoulder, perching in a proud position to remain alert.

I really need to give you a name. You seem sentient though, so I don't want to force one onto you. I don't even know whether your a boy or a girl, or if that even matters to a dragon. Still, I need a better name for you than dragon, it just doesn't seem right to have a nameless companion.

Neo checked her sword for any nicks or blood and sheathed it, keeping it loose in the scabbard. There was no reason to get comfortable yet. There may be more of those things around, or perhaps the rest would just be scared off by the Avalanche.

@Kioshi