[PP][F01] <<The Third Lesson is Just as Free>>

[Grimm Reaper 0]

Spoiler

Name: Grimm Reaper
Level: 6
HP: 120/120
EN: 12/12

Stats:
Damage: 3
Mitigation: 21
Accuracy: 2
BLD:12
THRNS:9
TAUNT:1

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Dawn's Lament (T1/2HSS/Perfect): DMG II, BLD I
Armor: Midnight Haze (T1/HA/Rare): MIT I, THRNS I
Misc: Tear of the stars (Trinket/Perfect): ACC ||, Taunt

Skills:
Heavy Armor [Rank 2]

Extra Skills:

Mods:

Battle Ready Inventory:
Starter Healing Potions(+50 hp)*3
[T1]Health potions(rare)(+40 HP)*5
[T1]Damage potion(uncommon)(+1 DAM)*1
[T1]OHP(special)(+50 max HP for thread)*1
safeguard useable in beginner quest 3*1
 

Ozwald was surprised by the sudden change in attitude from seemingly uncaring to what seemed to be one of concern. Ozwald rubbed the back of his head a little embarrassed by the attention that was suddenly given to him. "Yeah, I finally got fed up with having everyone on the frontlines, putting their life on the line for somebody who was doing nothing at all." Ozwald replied to the odd blue haired fellows question, his british accent coming in heavily which just seemed to make him even more embarrassed.

"I only just started going out and doing quests for people around the Town of Beginnings" Ozwald put his hand down back by his side not quite knowing where he should put it, deciding to just let it hang loosely by his hilt. "I was going to head out to Hannah's grotto after buying these trinkets, so that I can finish up Lyle's quest." Ozwald tried to mask his british accent but was having trouble, Why did he have to ask me questions i am terrible under pressure Ozwald thought to himself trying to calm himself down.

@ChaseR

Edited October 2, 2020 by Grimm Reaper

[ChaseR 0]

Up to now, he had a faint idea of what quests Grimm could be on about. Now that he'd mentioned those two names, he knew all too well, even if a week and a half had passed since then. There was only one chained quest line all in the first floor that had gotten him hooked up with Shay and turned them into buddies- while she was still active of course. He looked back at his shop and thought back at how this had happened again... A discount for the first sale, and then closing shop to go assist somebody with their grind through quests. Whatever, he didn't miss anything.

"Hm... Third Lessons? Drink the safeguard potion.", he hinted him and smiled slightly, seeing a bit of himself in Ozwald. He gestured him to follow along once he'd placed the bracelet back on a bench, exiting the shop and locking the door once they were both outside. He began to walk out of the building and towards the fields with both hands behind his head, letting out a heavy sigh as he peeked over his shoulder. "I'll do a run with you to make sure you don't die. Get you used to the game and caught up. I was in the same place a week ago, at level one."

Spoiler

Name: ChaseR
Level: 59
HP: 1210/1210
EN: 118/118

Stats:
Damage: 18
Mitigation: 43
Evasion: 3
Accuracy: 3
BH:60
VAMP DEF:60
FRZ:24
BLD:24
HLY BLS:16
LD:2

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: <<Zero Degree Icicle>> (T2/Perfect/2HSS): ACC I, FRZ I, BLD I
Armor: <<Azure Overcoat>> (T2/Perfect/Light Armor): V.DEF I, HBS I, MIT I
Misc: <<Chained Bracelet>> (T2/Perfect/Trinket): EVA II, ACC I

Skills:
Two-Handed Straight Sword [Rank 5]
Light Armor [Rank 5]
Battle Healing [Rank 5]
Searching [Rank 1]
Fighting Spirit [Obtained]
Howl [Obtained]
Parry [Obtained]

Extra Skills:
Familiar Mastery: Fighter
Survival
Disguise

Mods:
2HSS Finesse [R3]
Precision
Athletics
Sprint & Acrobatics

Battle Ready Inventory:
Starter Healing Potions(heal 50HP)*3
Insta-Life ++ (T2/Perfect/HP REC III)*1
Woodland Armor (T2/Perfect) MIT III (1/3)*1
Teleport Crystal [F21]*1
Imugi's Inspiration (Mass HP Recovery)*3
Requires Extended Weight Limit 1
Requires Extended Weight Limit 2
Requires Extended Weight Limit 3
Obtained via Item Stash (Housing)
Obtained via Dimensional Backpack

Housing Buffs:
Filling: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot.
Relaxed: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
Skylight (Searching): +1 Rank to the Searching skill.
Advanced Training: +2 SP to a thread. Limit one use per month [0/1]
Multipurpose: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll

Guild Hall Buffs:

Scents of the Wild:

Wedding Ring:

 

[Grimm Reaper 0]

Ozwald followed the tall blue haired man out of his shop having to jog a bit to catch up to him, looking directly at him he only came up to his shoulder. "Why that is very kind of you. . .Uh I guess I never asked, What's your name?" Ozwald had stopped bothering to try and hide his accent at this point, he knew that once it started going that he wouldn't be able to control it for a while. At least not until he calmed down. 

"My Name is Ozwald, but my friends just call me Grimm." Ozwald continued walking with the blue haired man, sending him a friend request as they walked. A look of astonishment crossing his face. did he hear him right, a week ago he was level one? he was almost level 60 now, The look of astonishment was replaced by one of pure awe as Ozwald stared up at the man he had yet to learn the name of. Ozwald realized that he was staring and quickly looked away embarrassed and blushing.

[ChaseR 0]

At the notification that a friend request had been sent his way, he opened the menu and shrugged before accepting it. Worst case, he and Grimm didn't get along too well and gave up. No, not Grimm, Ozwald. He was surprised to see somebody else come into the game and share their real name so openly other than him, who'd done a bad job at hiding it in the first place, but... That was alright. He enjoyed the change of pace. For all it was worth, the past week he'd become somewhat better at socializing and not just being an ass to everybody around him.

"Not kind, just returning the favor. Ariel and Shay put a lot of work into me- same as NIGHT. Some friends, don't worry about names. Mine's Chase.", he introduced himself and sent a party request over to Ozwald, uncertain whether he was still familiar with the UI or not. Hell, even despite his level he didn't know much about operating Aincrad's world and that was fairly... eh, somewhat off of him. Whatever the case. "... What are you going for? Tank, damage, healer?"

[Grimm Reaper 0]

Ozwald opened up his UI and accepted the party invite from Chase, closing the window and going back to staring at the sky while they walked. "I think the fact that you're willing to even put in the effort to return the favor is kind." responding to Chase's humble remark. Ozwald said thinking about the plenty of people in Aincrad who wouldn't be willing to put in that kind of work.

"I plan on building myself for a tank. I don't have a shield just yet but I plan to get one as soon as I can." Proudly patting his midnight black armor making a slight clanging sound reverberate around the two of them. "Also forgive me, I never thanked you for the trinkets. They look wonderful, you're a very talented artisan." Ozwald remarked fingering the tear shaped amulet that Chase had crafted for him but a few minutes ago. It looked exactly like the one that Ozwald's mother had owned.

[ChaseR 0]

The remark on the trinkets just made him think about the little bout he had back on the seventeenth floor with Athena. What a trip that was, just like a dream sequence, huh? He let out a sigh and just smiled back at him, looking back in front of himself. "Nah, he's not like me. He's just another lost newbie, that's about all we have in common. Then again, that's probably for the best.", he quickly made a mental note and then shoved it in the back of his mind, trying to focus on the task at hand. He was going to help this newbie out, but he didn't want to make him just blast through the quest with no effort.

If Shay had done the same with him, he'd have little way of getting all the experience he had as of right now. No, this was about him learning something from these four tutorials. Maybe afterwards, he could guide him through some more SP intensive quests. For now though, he had to make him drink the Safeguard potion, before he forgot. "Right, right. Once we reach the grotto, we'll be asked to fight a golem. Drink your safeguard potion from the previous quest. Or else you'll get slammed hard by the golem. I'll take it down once you've seen how safeguard works, since you must deal little damage being a tank. Okay?"

[Grimm Reaper 0]

"That sounds perfect," Ozwald replied making a mental note to take the potion as soon as they met up with Hannah. "I really don't have much damage output at least base. My weapon can cause bleed and my armor has thorns on it so I can be damaging if everything lines up nicely." resting his hand on his sword ozwald continued walking with Chase in silence, enjoying the little bit of company. Ozwald continued looking up at the bright sky reminiscing about days that have long since become nothing more than a memory.

Looking down for a brief few seconds Ozwald could see the trees for Hannah's grotto off in the distance 'Those are the trees we are looking for right?" Ozwald asked pointing them out to his new blue haired compatriot. Ozwald didn't wait for a reply as he quickened his pace eager to prove to himself that he had what it takes to get all the way to the front lines.

[ChaseR 0]

Chase gave a nod only as a kind gesture, knowing fully well that the british boy had figured they were already where they needed to be. He let him meet up with Hannah and watched from the sidelines quietly, the NPC acting as if he weren't there. It made sense, seeing as he neither had the quest nor was he close. If anything, he'd stayed a fair back while, just observing the two interact with one another with a warm, almost nostalgic smile. It was one of those days to get all sappy in the back of his mind. Whatever, it always felt good to be able to help others in need and not be repulsive through his crass manners.

Once Ozwald returned, he gestured him to follow right behind once more and led him right towards the cave, stopping outside. "A tank, hm. I'm an evasion tank. That means we fit the same bill, halfway. I deal a lot of damage and rely on speed to dodge rather than raw defense. You'll have stupid high numbers compared to me.", he commented and reminded him about the potion once more, knowing the golem resided just a little bit further on inside. "Don't forget to chug it down. When we meet the mob, hit it as hard as you can. Land one hit and I'll do the rest."

[Grimm Reaper 0]

Ozwald strolled into the grove leaving his newly made friend off to the side lines, and walked up to Hannah "Lyle Tealeaf sent me to give you this parcel" Ozwald said handing the small girl the parcel he had been given. "Ah yes thankyou." The girl replied "This is actually only part of what I need, the other part is in a cave near here." Hannah said looking Ozwald over "Do you think you could go fetch the gem in that cave for me?" Ozwald accepted her quest without any hesitation, reveling in the fact that he could help someone in need. 

Turning away from the grove Ozwald walked back over to where Chase was standing following him upon his command until they reached the mouth of the cave "An evasion tank, huh? I have never heard of that before." Ozwald responded to his statement intrigued by the concept "That sounds like a plan boss" Ozwald took a step closer to the entrance "Well shall we?" Ozwald asked downing the potion in one gulp and entering the damp cave.

Safeguard potion consumed.

Edited October 2, 2020 by Grimm Reaper

[ChaseR 0]

Despite how friendly he had been with the young man, Chase really wasn't one to start up conversations left and right until he truly got familiar with someone. The blueberry just nodded at the question and thought he'd delve into it another time. While they entered the cave, he could feel something lurking deeper inside. While it had made him fear a fair bit when he first encountered it, having never swung a weapon in the real world or even thought of how to hold one, he couldn't say he still kept any fear for monsters no matter their size- it all boiled down to stats.

And he'd accepted that cruel reality or whatever you could call it. Once they got deep enough, the gem was right ahead of them. It didn't take more than a pebble throw from the bluehead before part of the ground lifted, revealing a rock golem that stood in their path. Despite Chase having triggered the event, its eyes were locked on the other tank- Grimm Reaper. "You'll suck up the first damage in no time. Hit it once and I'll take care of the rest.", he repeated and crossed his arms, watching him quietly.

Spoiler

ChaseR: HP: 1210/1210 | EN: 118/118 | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 60 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 60 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2 | PARRY [-/2]
Grimm Reaper: HP: 120/120 | EN: 12/12 | DMG: 3 | MIT: 21 | THRNS: 9 | BLD: 12 | TAUNT | SAFEGUARD

Cave Guardian: HP: 20/20 | DMG: 5

* The Cave Guardian's first attack only will deal 50 damage, which can however be absorbed by the safeguard potion from the Second Lessons quest.

 

[Grimm Reaper 0]

Ozwald looked at the rock golem that was considerably larger than himself, not feeling really scared nothing on this floor had been able to pierce his armor yet and he doubted that anything would for a long time. Ozwald drew his golden blade from out of its scabbard brandishing it at the Golem "Get behind me, I will protect you" Ozwald screamed out in a serious tone before breaking out in to laughter "sorry I've just always wanted to say that while a big monster was in front of me, I will shut up now" 

Spoiler

ID#169901

BD: 6 + 2 = 8(Hit) 8 | 3

MD: 3(Miss)

Grimm: 120/120 | 11/12

Cave Guardian: 17/20

Ozwald fearlessly charged at the large stoney creation, rolling forward as its massive fist came down slamming into the earth barely even a foot behind Ozwald. Slashing his golden sword across the creature's stony leg Ozwald was satisfied with the red line of data crosshatching that was left behind. bracing himself Ozwald prepared to take the next hit that the Guardian had to offer.

[ChaseR 0]

Ozwald's efforts got no less than a clap from Chase before another warm smile crossed his face. The last time he'd come here, what was it that he'd done..? He slowly slid his own blade out of its sheathe, and it was quite an odd one. Made out of thick, packed ice, reflecting the slightest light back to wherever it shone down upon it from. "No worries. It's good you're able to laugh about it.", he told him and began to walk towards the golem, watching it prepare to swing another strike right down at him.

Almost effortlessly, he raised his sword up in the air just below the roof of the cave and brought it down onto it, slashing sideways at its feet. Ice seemed to emerge from the blade, encasing it slightly. As he ran his blade up once more, he saw the ice continue to take over as gashes appeared all over its body from his jagged edges. His blade was too sharp for it to even take anymore, huh? With that, the ice shattered all at once and the monster exploded into the usual death animation of beautiful blue shards all around the room. "And it's been downed. Good job."

Spoiler

ChaseR attacks Cave Guardian! (BD: 10)

ChaseR: HP: 1210/1210 | EN: 116/118 | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 60 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 60 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2 | PARRY [-/2]
Grimm Reaper: HP: 120/120 | EN: 10/12 | DMG: 3 | MIT: 21 | THRNS: 9 | BLD: 12 | TAUNT | SAFEGUARD

Cave Guardian: HP: 17/20 (-20 - 24) | DMG: 5 | BLEED (24) [1/2] | FROZEN (24)

 

Edited October 2, 2020 by ChaseR

[Grimm Reaper 0]

Ozwald looked at Chase in awe for the second time that  day So this is what a frontliner looks like Ozwald thought silently watching the blue particles fall to the floor like snow flakes in a blizzard. "Well I see that I was utterly pointless." Ozwald remarked after finally gaining his composure. Ozwald walked over to the blue crystal that was sitting on the floor at the back of the cave. "You know the last cave I went into had a mimic in it." Ozwald remarked picking up the gem off of the ground and placing it into his inventory, "I wonder if this one does too?" Ozwald walked back to chase "I guess we should head back to Hannah now in order to finish up this quest, unless there is anything else we should do." Ozwald started walking back toward the entrance looking back behind himself to make sure that Chase was following him.

[ChaseR 0]

At the remark, he shook his head and scratched the back of his own. He'd rather that the freeze effect of his weapon didn't just show off like that, but it wasn't quite something he had under control. He slowly sheathed the blade once more and cocked an eyebrow at the mention of a mimic, never having run into one and with no clue what those are in the first place. "...? What's a mimic?", he grunted and felt somewhat embarrassed. On one hand, he was the first image that this guy had for a frontliner given his level and status. On the other, he was still asking questions that if somebody of his level knew, should have had obvious enough answers.

Bah. "You're not pointless, just... You don't have a 'real' weapon, do you? Weapon skills. With none around, it's gonna be hard to carry your weight if you don't want to get beaten to death.", he tried to explain as casually as possible, while not making him feel his efforts were absolutely in vain. It's just the difference in roles- whereas they were both 'tanks', Chase had worse raw absorption and more balanced output, making him a perfect all-rounder. Ozwald on the other hand would sport perfect defenses but rather crippled offense in return, a fair price given how valuable such players were currently. "Let's head back anyways.", he said with a small smile that quickly faded, obviously faked in the first place, following right behind him.

[Grimm Reaper 0]

"Chest monsters that eat people" Ozwald answered the question very bluntly trying to get the point across that he hated those vile creatures. "I guess you're right we do play much different roles" Ozwald waited for his blue haired compatriot to catch up and then started walking with him to the outside of the cave and eventually back to Hannah's grotto. Catching a slight glimpse of Chase's smile Ozwald felt happy, he felt as though he were finally breaking through his new friend's shell and that they were getting closer. When they reached the Grove Ozwald said "Wait here and I will go giver her the crystal then we can walk back to your shop." 

Ozwald strolled into the grotto walking to Hannah "Here is that gem you were looking for" Ozwald handed her the gem "Thankyou you are a lifesaver. I have another package that I would like you to deliver if you are willing" Ozwald accepted the package and walked back to Chase greeting him with a nod.

[ChaseR 0]

Chase didn't say anything until Ozwald was done talking with Hannah. It didn't take much from here on out to see that he still had one more quest in this questline to head over to, and all he did was just chuckle awkwardly before pointing over his shoulder towards a lake further into the distance. "There's one more lesson to do. It's to deliver a package from Hannah to an old fisherman and then some. Then they're done.", he awkwardly put it how it was, not having expected Ozwald to really want to do this quest and then call it a day.

Whatever the case, they were definitely closer to the lake right now than they would be to the settlement, and if that wasn't enough of a reason to get a move on that way, the fact he already went ahead and accepted the package should be. "I've a lot of free time, so... Let's run a few quests for you to get started. Can't tank the way you are.", he tried to embrace the newbie into going out for a bit more than just the basics, wanting to see him flourish and hopefully, reach the third tier one day.

[Grimm Reaper 0]

Ozwald accepted Chase's reasoning and went along with it "You're the boss, lead the way." Ozwald told him walking up to chase and looking towards the lake that could barely be seen off in the distance. "This is going to be one massive hike." Ozwald remarked looking up once again at the sky hoping for any sign that night would arrive soon. Ozwald opened the Ui and looked at the quest information "Says I gotta go give this to old pete and help him fish." Ozwald read off of the screen in front of him "Should be easy enough."  Ozwald began the long trek to the lake, continuing to periodically check the sky for any sign of the stars. Ozwald's mom had always told him that every time someone died their soul would be reborn a star, and he spent a lot of time wondering how many of the stars he could see were from this game or were people he may have known, but especially searching for the star that he would instinctively know are his mother and father. These ones may have been a simulation but they soothed him none the less.

[ChaseR 0]

Looking over his shoulder back at the young man again, the bluehead wanted to comment. As soon as he opened his mouth to compliment him on the familiarity with the system despite how little he'd come to use it, he saw how thoughtful he was, letting his mind wander a bit more and simply looking back ahead of them. The hike wouldn't be as much of a trouble as bad luck could be when it came to the fishing part- one of Cardinal's best and worst features. Not the fishing, but the luck-related tidbit.

Once a little while had passed, enough for Grimm to realize that Aincrad was still there even if his mind had gone off on an adventure of its own, he scratched the back of his head and continued down the path. It wasn't a short walk, but the lake was slowly, step by step coming closer and closer into sight. "Yeah, the only hard thing is the boat rocking. The fish might have high enough health, so I'll take care of that. You keep being a tank and hit it once, alright? Just to put your skills to the test."

[Grimm Reaper 0]

"Will do boss" Ozwald commented enjoying his new nickname for Chase quite a lot. I think i will keep using that Ozwald walked along side the much taller man enjoying the peaceful silence. Watching the lake grow closer and closer Ozwald once again felt the excitement bubbling in his chest. this was his last beginner quest as soon as he was done with this he could no longer consider himself a nobody, he would be a beginner, someone just starting their story towards something much greater."Hey boss," Ozwald began to question his walking buddy as they got to the shore of the lake "I have never seen a weapon like yours before, who made it?"Ozwald asked thinking back on the stone golem and how it seemed to have burst into thousands of beautiful snowflakes after freezing the golem in place. The scene was still vivid in Ozwald's mind and he wanted to know who had such amazing craftmanship

 

Edited October 3, 2020 by Grimm Reaper

[ChaseR 0]

He'd picked up around now on the slight obsession with the name- not that he minded, it was welcome while he was still ahead of him. He'd have to grow out of it sooner or later by the time they got to the same level range. That... was still, admittedly, more than a fair while away from his current position. Regardless, the question was not one he expected. If anything, he thought it obvious that such a weapon couldn't be made. "You mean my greatsword? I got it from a boss.", he answered and glanced up at the sky the same way that Ozwald had before, reminiscing back to that battle where NIGHT went all out while Chase was, sadly, stuck watching from the backline.

"There's a boss in the fourth floor, Avalanche. This weapon, although weaker than what I've made it right now, is dropped by its reborn version. Absolute Avalanche. It can cause freeze, but it's a rare. I had to go hunt for an item to make it into a perfect and give it these jagged edges.", he quietly explained the process, calmly and in a simple way so that he could understand everything. He was still fairly proud of this plan of his that netted him his first unique- it was a good way to 'cheat' the system while doing exactly what it asked him to all the same.

Spoiler

Thread Rewards:

• Ozwald: T1 Hannah's Ring (Uncommon/ACC 1), 4 SP (2 quest; 1 page; 1 event), 400 Col
• ChaseR: 2 SP (1 page; 1 event)