[PP-F3] Welcomes and [Worn Out Welcome] (ChaseR, Valentine)

[Aquan 0]

"Well... Now what." He muttered to himself as he walked around the second floor. He had already started to break his way out of the "newbie" world that he had been stuck in for a while, but it was still taking him some time to keep his bearings in Aincrad. He decided to give the third floor a try in exploration. If for anything, it was nice to walk around and see different floors. 

This time, he ran into a couple NPCs that might be able to give him something to do. He wandered into a shop where a couple began discussing different types of armor and needing materials for it. He smiled and accepted the quest immediately, hoping to get things that could help protect him in the long run. "Even if I don't use it for long, it can at least help me get a few levels up." He shrugs and leaves the shop, looking around the city and taking the sights in. He paused and looked around, realizing that this was going to be combat. "I should ask for some help." He wondered for a moment about who he could ask, scrolling through his almost empty friends list. He clicked on Valentine and decided to send a message to him, asking for help.

A minute later, worrying that he may not answer, he decided to message his guild as a whole, seeking for some help from the guild. Hopefully someone will answer.

Spoiler

Aquarian: 20 HP | 2 EN | 1 DMG |

Equipment:
Rare Tier 1 1HSS: Bleed, Paralyze

Skills:
Searching: Rank 1

 

[Valentine 0]

Valentine received a message on his HUD. It was from Aquan asking for some help. It would not take him too much time to go out of his way. Helping a guildmate was helping the guild. Valentine was the type to always go above and beyond for his people. If he needed to walk through lava or risk his life and limb. You would not see any hesitation from him. He typed a response to let Aquan know he was on his way. He was always the type to run earlier.

"Hi!" Valentine gave a wave as he approached. He did not act like a stranger as he was getting used to Aquan. The man was polite and showed potential from a long time ago. As far as Valentine was concerned everyone in the guild was a member of his family. "Sorry it took me so long, I was tracking through some stuff. I am here to help now. "

 

Spoiler

 

Name: Valentine

• Level: 20
• HP: 400/400
• EN: 40/40

Stats:

• Damage: 10
• ACC:3
• EVV:2
• MIT:5

 
Equipped Gear:

• Weapon: <<Dastardly Poker>> ( +3 DMG/2HAS)
• Armor: <<Cloudskin>> ( +2 EV, +1 Regen/Light Armor)
• Trinket: <Eye of Horus>> ( +3 ACC/Pin)

 
Items on hand:

 
Skills:

• 2 Handed Assault Spear [Rank 4]
• Light Armor [Rank 1]
• Meditation
• Familiar Mastery: Healer [Rank 1]

Valentine | HP:400/400 | EN: 40/40 | DMG:10 | MIT: 5 | EVA:2 | ACC:3 | REGEN: 1

 

 

[ChaseR 0]

With a message sent to all of Firm Anima, it was obvious that he too would receive it- at least sometimes that seemed to be the case. He... ignored it though. Right now, he wanted little to do with the guild directly. Wandering about the third floor to see if he could collect some information, he stopped by the settlement's square and looked at all the NPCs hustling about, as well as the idle noise and chatter.

"This was where I met Haine and Kiluia, wasn't it? Doing that easy quest with the elf...". And now with him getting lost, it was soon that he spotted two green cursors amidst the people- one of which he was familiar with. Was that..? "Valentine?", he wondered to himself and slowly began to make his way on over, keeping an eyebrow cocked up and looking at the duo. "Up to something?", he asked quietly with the same appearance as last time the two had met with the bees- his stone sword hanging by his left hip and his overcoat on. His hands were stuffed in its pockets though, as he looked at the two with the same blank stare as per usual. Valentine he knew, as for Aquan... He'd never seen him before. He didn't say much to greet him though- just dipped his head in instead.

Spoiler

Name: ChaseR
Level: 75
HP: 1530/1530
EN: 150/150

Stats:
Damage: 19
Mitigation: 43
Evasion: 3
Accuracy: 3
BH:76
VAMP DEF:76
PARA:1
HLY:12
HLY BLS:16
LD:5

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: <<Fragmented Blade>> (T3/Perfect/2HSS): PARA I, HOLY II
Armor: <<Azure Overcoat>> (T2/Perfect/Light Armor): V.DEF I, HBS I, MIT I
Misc: <<Chained Bracelet>> (T2/Demonic/Trinket): EVA II, ACC II

Skills:
Two-Handed Straight Sword [Rank 5]
Light Armor [Rank 5]
Battle Healing [Rank 5]
Searching [Rank 4]
Charge [Rank 5]
Hiding [Rank 2]
Parry [Obtained]
Extended Mod Limit [Obtained]
Fighting Spirit [Obtained]
Howl [Obtained]

Extra Skills:
Familiar Mastery: Fighter
Survival
Disguise
Meditation

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



Battle Ready Inventory:
Insta-Life ++ (T2/Perfect/HP REC III)*1
Woodland Armor (T3/Perfect) MIT III (1/3)*1
Teleport Crystal [F21]*1
Imugi's Inspiration (Mass HP Recovery)*1
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:
Rested: -1 energy cost for the first two expenditures of each combat
Clean: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 20% (rounded down)
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
Decor [Potted Tanabata Bamboo Tree]: This buff affects the player and their choice of up to two party members.

Guild Hall Buffs:

Scents of the Wild:
Kumatetsu Statue: +1 Base Damage for a thread

Wedding Ring:

 

Edited November 10, 2020 by ChaseR

[Aquan 0]

Aquarian offered a small wave as well to the man as he approached. "No worries Valentine. I was only waiting about 5 minutes. I appreciate the help you are offering. I know I can only do so much. I also sent a message to the rest of the guild. Perhaps we will get more than just the two of us?" He paused and nodded, the conversation kind of drying up for a moment. "What were you tracking? If you do not mind me asking as all. I didn't know tracking was a part of this game. I know hunting and gathering obliviously are, but beyond that I am not that experienced. I wonder if you could become a trapper and hunt livestock. That would be interesting, of course you would have to create your traps, get the supplies for them, and hope your animals will run over said traps. You could create metal ones, but that sounds...." His ramblings continued as he thought to himself about how you could do a trapping profession in SAO.

He looked over to see a third member of their group show up, someone he thought was a stranger, but was apart of the guild. He noticed a small nod from the man and he nodded back, hoping that was the best response to that. "Are you here to help?"

[Valentine 0]

Valentine gave chase a nod and a smile. "Chase-Sempai. Glad you are coming along." He would not mind showing ChaseR how he got stronger. It may not be a lot compared to how strong Chase was but who did not want to show off a bit. He looked over the quest details in more depth. The forest of wavering mists was an interesting place. For a player as under leveled as Aquan it would require a bit of fortune to survive.

"As guess we are acting as escorts. I think it would be unfair of us to intervene right away in the fight. Right Chase-sempai?" The observation was not to be mean but allow chase the time to gain necessary battle experience. Besides understanding sword arts learning the flow of battle and using your own skill sets were the best way to ensure your survival. The game did not guarantee you would always be in a party.

[ChaseR 0]

"Chase-Sempai. Glad you are coming along."

That was one way to make him go along, if Aquan asking wasn't. That must mean the message sent to all of Firm Anima was... bleh. At least these two were newbies, which meant that he could give them a hand. As long as they didn't become as sour as Freyd, Elora or Katoka, a small group of their own that Chase had a particular disdain to.

"What's a sempai?", he grumbled under his breath before turning over to Aquan. He looked him up and down, confident he'd never seen him before- but he didn't seem to have any trinkets of the sort, which led him to believe he might be a newbie. "Uh... I'll help. But white hair, what skills you have?", he awkwardly blurted out, looking at him with an eyebrow raised. And upon realising that Valentine might get confused, he turned his head to him and tried to correct himself. "Your friend, not... you. No offense.". While the last time Valentine had only seen a worried Chase in a forest trying to not get anybody killed, this time Chase's social ineptitude shined its brightest. Ah, the masterful speech and ways of addressing anything and everything- it was to kill for.

[Aquan 0]

Aquarian was starting to feel a bit out of his depth. While Valentine seemed to be under leveled in comparison to Chase, Aquarian was still leagues below Valentine. "I... Not much. And my name is Aquarian, but you can call me Aquan. I'm unfortunately still first level, but I am trying my best to work towards a higher level. I've been harassing Valentine every day to do quests with me, so I am working towards it. I can primarily do looting/ support things, but I will also be double dipping into DPS and status effect territory. I am focusing on support and looting right now so when I'm a decent way down that path I'll be switching over. I may..." He begins to ramble more about his build, his words slowly tapering off to the point where his ramblings are now in his mind.

After a moment of this, he comes back to the two of them. "So unfortunately, not much. Hopefully in the coming days that will change." He smiles and nods to Chase. "Now it seems like the two of you have done this quest before? I'm not sure what I'm doing, but I'm willing to take point in combat... as long as I have the two of you there as well." He looks a bit nervous, but not by much.

[Valentine 0]

How could Val get confused when Chase was not even looking at him. Dealing with Chase now Valentine was struck with a thought. Chase must have not been used to people. The heat of combat made it harder to notice as people acted differently when fighting. Valentine remembered a blue lacy his friend used to have. The dog was beautiful and derpy. It would hide in the bushes to surprise people. It was just sad that the dog only hid the face so you would see the butt sticking out. Valentine would not laugh in a front liners face but he was going to tell Grimm about it.

"You are going to have to forgive him. Aquan is just a heavy thinker." Valentine did not find it hard to get along with Aquan but who knew if it was the same for others. Transitioning from a solo, to a guild, or party player was difficult for some. Valentine put his spear away as he figured he would not need it as he read the quest details.

 

 

Spoiler

The Dastardly Poker has been put up.

 

Edited November 10, 2020 by Valentine

[ChaseR 0]

This was definitely an odd predicament. With Aquan rambling and Valentine speaking as if Aquan had just done something unforgivable to offend the bluehead, he just gave a slight nod and laughed awkwardly- a bit too much, ending it off with a dry cough. "Er... Sure...", he blurted out once more and opened his menu, inviting the both of them to a party before looking at the settlement's exit.

"What quest are you on?", he asked Aquan and let out a deep sigh, scratching the back of his head silently and starting to wonder if they had realised he wasn't a part of the guild yet or not. Then again, it didn't really change much, they were newbies in need nonetheless. Just like Grimm, when he and the blueberry first met. "Cause we should get going if you don't wanna waste time.", Chase pointed out, somewhat miffed that they had just been sitting here either being awkward, commenting everything in their head or rambling to themselves. "Aqwan, right now, do you have any sword arts? Sword skills? Anything?"

[Aquan 0]

Aquarian began looking at the ground, focusing on the grass and weeds underneath his feet rather than the words that Chase was saying. He was hearing everything the man said, it just started to affect his demeanor. "I.... The most I have in the ways of combat is my sword. It has some enchantments on it that you get from beginning the game. Other than that I do not have anything for combat wise," he pauses, looking up at Chase, "If you do not wish to join me and Valentine on the quest that is okay. I understand that my lack of skill and experience can put you and others at a disadvantage." Idly, his hand was messing with a loose string while he was talking, but his face did not show much of being uncomfortable. "I'm willing to take point on the fight, considering it is only one monster, and hopefully it goes quick. If one of you two are willing to take the brunt of the damage, I should be alright." He sighs softly and looks at Valentine. "If you do not want to come along that is fine. I can always wait and come back when we all agree that I can actually do it." He looks a bit anxious at that comment.

While talking, he is slowly making is way out of the city with the group, going towards the destination of the quest to fight the monster.

[Valentine 0]

"I am already here. This will also not take to long so of course I am coming." As they travelled Valentine thought about how weak Aquan currently was. He did not wan to be responsible if Aquan got killed. He lacked skills and arts it would be a simple thing from him to get beaten down. As they approached the Dark Elf was when Valentine figured out how to help while letting Aquan practice.

Valentine gave no warning as he ran towards the Dark Elf and kicked, he lashed out for the Dark Elf's face. As he lacked the martial arts skill for his attack to do major damage. When he put his spear up earlier he forgot how his damage output dropped. So the health of the Dark Elf barely moved. It did grab the elf's attention and ire as its face was marked. "I got its attention feel free to just attack at it." The dark elf pulled a knife from no where and gave Valentine the Julius Caeser treatment.

Spoiler

Spoiler

 

ID	Battle	Craft	Loot	MOB	Character	Link	Purpose	Time
177410	6	2	1	9	Valentine		Basic No weapon base damage attack on Night Elf	2020-11-10 12:06:02

BD: 6 + 3 = 9 (Hit) = 1 DMG

ID	Battle	Craft	Loot	MOB	Character	Link	Purpose	Time
177412	4	5	9	8	Valentine		Dark Elf attacks Val	2020-11-10 12:21:33

MD: 8 - 2 = 6 (Hit)= 9 - 5 = 4

 

 

 

Aquarian: HP: 20/20 | 2 EN | 1 DMG 

ChaseR: HP: 1530/1530 | EN: 150/150 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 | HOLY: 12 | PARA: 9-10 | BH: 76 | V.(DEF): 76 | HBS: 16 | LD: 5

Valentine | HP:396/400 | EN: 39/40 (-1 )| DMG:1 | MIT: 5 | EVA:2 | ACC:3 | REGEN: 1

 

Dark Elf| HP: 11/12 (-1) | 9 DMG | Hate: A - 0, C - 0, V - 1

 

 

Edited November 10, 2020 by Valentine

[ChaseR 0]

Aquan seemed to be swayed by Chase's words, but he simply shook his head and gave a small smile that quickly faded. "It's alright. You get help when you need it. When you don't, you'll know.". There's the quote of the day that Chase didn't manage to make awkward. And with them moving right out of the settlement, the bluehead looked right towards the dark elf that was much closer than he remembered it being the last time. Coughing to clear his throat and probably prepare himself, he kept his sword hoisted but let out a loud shout to get its attention, glaring at it for a moment before throwing both arms behind his head. "You're up, Aqwa. Thought I'd take the pressure off of Valentine.". He wasn't weak, but he would certainly do without damage, given he lacked the battle healing that Chase did not. Since Valentine wasn't training to be a tank, it'd be a better idea not to let him get too used to taking a beating this way either.

Spoiler

ChaseR used Howl! 

[0] Aquarian: HP: 20/20 | 2 EN | 1 DMG 
[3] ChaseR: HP: 1530/1530 | EN: 143/150 (-7) | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 | HOLY: 12 | PARA: 9-10 | BH: 76 | V.(DEF): 76 | HBS: 16 | LD: 5
[1] Valentine | HP: 396/400 | EN: 39/40 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 5 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 3 | REGEN: 1

Dark Elf| HP: 11/12 | 9 DMG

 

[Aquan 0]

Aquarian nodded and smiled a little bit when the two of them agreed to go along with him to take on the monster. As they approached, he felt himself getting cold feet. He knew that he needed to finally face combat and take the plunge, but it was kind of terrifying. He never wanted to take the lives of creatures, and that is exactly what he is doing right now. He sighed and looked around himself, reminding him that this game is virtual. "Come on, you can do this." He mutters under his breath and pulls out his sword, holding it out in front of him. He took a deep breath and waited a moment for a time to strike. The elf was jumping around, facing the two members of his party, but not him.

He looked down at his sword and sighed, running in. His eyes ran over the Elf's body and he struck out into his shoulder. Aquan fell down and scrambled away from the creature. He was terrified of it running at him, but it was stuck in place. Two status effects appeared above his head. "I.. wait that was me?" He stood up looking at the two of them.

He felt a swell of pride and he turned to Chase. "Thank you for agreeing to take me on for this quest. And my name is Aquan." He turned to Valentine. "Thank you for helping me Valentine." He turned back to the elf, waiting to see what happens.

Spoiler

[2] Aquarian: HP: 20/20 | 0/2 EN | 1 DMG 
[3] ChaseR: HP: 1530/1530 | EN: 143/150 (-7) | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 | HOLY: 12 | PARA: 9-10 | BH: 76 | V.(DEF): 76 | HBS: 16 | LD: 5
[1] Valentine | HP: 396/400 | EN: 39/40 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 5 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 3 | REGEN: 1

Dark Elf| HP: 8/12 | 9 DMG [Paralyzed] [Bleeding: Next Turn 12 Damage]

ID: 177426 BD: 10

 

Edited November 11, 2020 by Aquan

[Valentine 0]

The howl from Chase made things a lot easier. He could have out healed damage given to him based on his armor and Scheherazade covering for him. The two of them could heal any damage the dark elf could do on the off chance it hit. Valentine was not upset by it. He understood the Chase was stronger then him. If Valentine was a gambling man he would have found some poor sucker to bet the amount of damage the dark elf could inflict. He would have only bet that the dark elf could do a scratch at the most.

Imagine his surprise when Aquan went in for the attack. His damage was really decent. He was impressed a level 1 person could pull it off without any support sword art. By this point Valentine did not think the poor elf stood a chance, even without Valentine or Chase intervening it was going to die. It was a matter of moments before the health dipped to zero. "Good work Aqua."

 

 

Spoiler

 

[2] Aquarian: HP: 20/20 | 0/2 EN | 1 DMG 
[3] ChaseR: HP: 1530/1530 | EN: 143/150 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 | HOLY: 12 | PARA: 9-10 | BH: 76 | V.(DEF): 76 | HBS: 16 | LD: 5
[1] Valentine | HP: 500/400 [+5] | EN: 40/40 (+1)| DMG: 1 | MIT: 5 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 3 | REGEN: 1

Dark Elf| HP: 0/12 (-12) | 9 DMG [Paralyzed] [Bleeding: Next Turn 12 Damage]

 

Edited November 13, 2020 by Valentine

[ChaseR 0]

And with that, the monster shattered from the bleeding, leaving nothing but blue shards behind. It never even managed to make a move, instead stuck dead in its tracks from the paralysis. This was definitely an odd starter weapon, but not something uncommon to Chase. He used to wield a freeze and bleed weapon after all- same ol', same ol'.

"That was you. Bleed and Paralyze. Nasty combo to the monsters that don't have immunities. Especially at the start of each tier, bleed is deadly. Right now, you could kill most mobs in your tier with a single bleed effect. You did good, Aquan.", he congratulated him and turned to the side to look at the newbie, both his hands in his pockets again as they were already done with the mission. Of course, it'd be even better if he wasn't in Firm Anima, knowing Chase's own fate waiting for him with the guild, but it's fine- he wasn't a friend either way. Just a newbie he was helping out, for now. Now's what mattered. "Let's start heading back then. You just started today and you're in the third floor. Better move back to the first and do the quests there."

[Aquan 0]

Aquan smiled a bit and nodded to the two of them, turning to head back to town. It was obvious that he had an extra bounce in his step after the quick fight. He knew he still had a long way to go before he got good enough to be even considered 'High Level', but he also knew he had to start some where. "Thank you both for coming along, again. After this I will probably head back to the first floor and hang there for a while. This floor is definitely not designed for me so it would be best if I stay away from it." He spewed out to the two of them, leading them back to the city.

After they got back, Aquan made a beeline for the shop, looking around the city as he did. "Chase, How long have you been in the guild? I don't really know much about the guild, so I am curious if you are a longer standing member." Aquan stopped before he entered the shop and looked at Chase, hopeful for an answer. "I know Valentine hasn't been apart of it for a while."

[Valentine 0]

"No Problemo friend." Valentine was prepared to go when he felt his ears perk up a little. His guild training involved him paying more attention to his surroundings and the flow of things. What ChaseR was specifically supposed to do if he was even in the guild was a mystery to him. As far as Valentine could gleam the man was an affiliate. It made him wonder about the history of the guy in the guild. As it was simply curiosity and served no importance to his work he never asked. That did not mean if the man did not answer he would not listen. It was why he did not leave to go on with his work as he followed the others back.

ChaseR was a friendly sort and out of all the people he knew in the guild, Grimm and Haine being an exception, he was the easiest to get along with. Well Aquan would also be an exception since he was a part of the guild.

[ChaseR 0]

At Aquan's question, Chase almost froze in his place before looking to the side at the two with a somewhat miffed expression. Thank god he was actually not part of the guild, for crying out loud. That would have been absolute hell. To put it in a way that wouldn't drag the two in his matters with Freyd and the other unsavory bunch though...

"No, not long standing or a member. I sold a lot of items to your merchant and she decided to slap my name in your guild's member list. I'm still solo.", he explained how he thought that he had understood the situation, letting out a deep sigh and looking up at the sky before back on the ground, starting to move back towards the settlement alongside the other two. "I'm not helping you cause you're Firm Anima either. I got the message, but I only helped because I bumped into you and you were new. If Valentine and you were both strong enough to avoid accidents, I'd have let you be. But you get help when you need it, and you needed it. Same way I did.", the blueberry tried to make himself seem more detached from the guild as a whole, unsure whether his communication skills relayed the point through in full or not- hopefully his words were good enough this time. 

[Aquan 0]

Aquan smiled again at Valentine, then turned to Chase to listen to him explain his relationship with Frim Anima. It was obvious that the man had a bit of a stand-offish attitude towards the guild that even Aquarian could understand it. "Well I appreciate you assisting us no matter what. It is rather strange that you are not a part of the guild yet you refuse to leave the guild and remove the name from your character. I mean whatever you chose to be your truth with the guild is obviously your own. Just seems like you have a connection to the guild that you do not want to give up." He shrugged and entered the store, trading the gathered item in for the item he gets from the quest.

"Well, I believe that is about it. I'm going to head to the first floor now. Thank you both for accompanying me. I'll see you both another time. Not sure when I'll see you Chase, it seems as though you do not want to hang out again?... Anyways, goodbye." He nodded and walked away from the two of them.

[Valentine 0]

The sneaking suspicion in his heart grew three sizes this day. Valentine had less then 2% doubt in his mind that Chase was a legendary tsundere. His cold demeanor when it comes to claiming himself as being detached from the guild. The warm portion came from his actions that he tried to downplay. Valentine did not smile or display it on his face. His eyes had a slight shine to them that would make one believe he was an anime character.

Refusing to stay and embarrass the man he decided it was time for him to depart. "Yes. I actually should be heading out as now." He had also heard all that he needed to hear. It would be odd for him to stick around like a creepy ex. "If either of you need me for anything feel free to send a message. Even if you are a solo player some dungeons run better with other people." They were his parting words as he left to continue his own business.