[F02;SP] Stinger

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

It had been some time since Nari had last visited the second floor. With how far she'd come, there hadn't been much need to return to the lower location; the upper levels providing almost everything she needed and more - and all of it at a proper cost. 

Still, she found herself standing in the centre of the coutryard of Urbus, glancing around at the thin crowd that moved throughout the small city settlement. Most were NPCs - those stuck here for all eternity, based upon their programming and designs. A few players moved throughout - those who had fallen behind the forward push; either due to lack of skill, lack of drive, or whatever personal reason they had.

Nari felt no ill-intent towards those players. Those playing it safe, knowing that they weren't ready for the frontlines. May never be ready, for some of them. It was better that they stayed behind, stayed careful. Didn't risk their lives.

She shook her head, trying to clear the thoughts away. For the moment, she needed to focus on the task at hand - hunting down another field boss, whom she had been told would give her an item of worth. She'd recently been getting a lot of information from the brokers about these creatures, a sign to her that perhaps something of worth was making its way towards her.

"Won't find a field boss in the centre of a city though, eh Mio? Better head out and search for it in the fields...otherwise I'll just be going home empty handed." She glanced down at the kitsune at her feet, before pushing off from the wall she'd been leaning against.

---

 

  

Statblock

Spoiler notes -- Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 44 | HP: 840/840 | EN: 98/98 | ACC: 5 | DMG: 20 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 30 | B.Healing [+46] | L.Momentum: 1 | LD: 4 | Static: 40/24 Tier 4 | Tier 8 equipped Reaper's Charge [Scythe; Tier 4 Perfect] Enhancement: Accuracy [3 Slots] Enhancement: Static [1 Slot]  Reaper's Defence  [Light Armour; Tier 4 Perfect] Enhancement: Evasion [2 Slots] Enhancement: Light Momentum [1 Slots] Twin-Fox Bracelet [Tier 4 Perfect Jewellery] Enhancement: Recovery [2 Slots] Enhancement: Evasion [1 Slot]   battle-ready inventory Teleport Crystal {3} Starter Healing Potions {4} | Heals 50 HP Divinity's Wait {4} | Tier 2; Perfect Potion | Mitigation III Divinity's Protection {4} | Tier 3; Perfect Potion | Overhealth III Cold Brew Coffee {3} | Tier 1; Perfect Potion | HP Recovery III Percephonius Pyratius {9} | Tier 4; Perfect Potion | Damage III Ketchup Chips {3} | Tier 4; Perfect Snacks| Probiotics III Siúil a Rún {2} | Tier 3; Perfect; Masterpiece Support Song | HP Recovery III [Mass] skills Spoiler Utility Skills Extended Weight Limit [Active: Passive. Effect: +2 additional Battle-Ready inventory slots.] Searching [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: +1 LD per rank. +1 to Stealth Detection per rank.] [Rank 3 Searching Mod] Detect [Active: Passive. Effect: Grants +2 Stealth Detection. Grants +1 LD when searching for dungeons and labyrinths.] Combat Skills Battle Healing [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: While in combat, recover 1% per rank of your maximum HP (rounded down) at the beginning of your turn.] Fighting Spirit [Active: Passive. Effect: Attacking and using Howl or Focused Howl generates +1 additional Hate. (Ex. Generate 1/2/3 Hate on a Miss/Hit/Critical attack. Generate 5 Hate when using Focused Howl.)] Weapon Skills Polearm [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: +7 DMG] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Stamina [Active: Passive. Effect: Reduces EN of all attacks by 2.] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Precision [Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 ACC.] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] <<Weapon Type>> Focus [Active: Passive. Effect: Decreases minor critical threshold by 1. Also reduces DoT thresholds by 1. Players cannot use Focus and Ferocity at the same time for the same Weapon Type.] [Rank 5 Shift] TECH Specialist [Active: Passive. Effect: For TECH Sword Arts, +4 to multipliers, +3 to EN cost. No other Shifts may be taken.] Armour Skills Light Armour [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: 30 MIT. Mitigation is capped at 2 slots.] [Light Armour Mod] Meticulous [Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 base Damage.] [Light Armour Add-on] Resolve [Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 Accuracy and +10 * Tier HP.] Active Extra Skills Concentration [Active: Free Action. Cooldown: 5 turns. Effect: As a free action, gain Absolute Accuracy on your next attack. In the case Absolute Accuracy is already present, increase your Accuracy by 1 instead. Effect lasts until the start of next turn.] Meditation [Active: Post Action. Cooldown: 3 turns. Effect: Recover an additional (4 * Tier) energy.] Parry [Active: Post action. Energy cost: 9 EN Cooldown: 3 Turns. Effect: Apply the energy cost upon proc, not activation. Reduces the final damage of the next successful attack against you by 50% (rounded down) and negates stun/paralysis effects of that attack. If hit by multiple attacks, only apply parry to the first attack against you. Parry lasts for three turns. Cooldown starts when the player activates the Skill. If the player is hit when using Parry, the cooldown is reset to 3 turns.] [Parry Mod] Vengeful Riposte [Active: Passive. Cooldown: 4 Turns. Effect: A successful Parry also returns 50% (rounded down) of the raw damage that would be dealt to you back to your opponent. The reflected damage can be mitigated by the opponent.] Survival [Active: Passive. Effect: Increases Healing effects received from all sources by 10%. Grants immunity to all damage dealing environmental attacks/effects.] Inactive Extra Skills  Assault Mode [Active: Free Action. Energy Cost: 5 EN. Cooldown: 4 Turns. Effect: As a free action, switch your accuracy and evasion values until the start of your next turn.] Brawler [Active: Free Action. Energy Cost: 5 EN. Cooldown: 5 Turns. Effect: Increase mitigation by 10*tier until the start of your next turn.] Frozen Hide [Active: Free Action. Energy Cost: 5 EN. Cooldown: 4 Turns. Effect: As a free action, apply one slot of Frost Aura and one slot of Frost Thorns equal to your tier to yourself until the start of your next turn.] Combat Mastery Damage [Rank: 3. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 * Tier additional Base Damage per rank. Ranks of this Skill obey Damage enhancement caps.] Familiar Skills Protector Familiar [Active: Free Action. Cooldown: 3 Posts; Effect: The next time you would take damage, your familiar rushes to your aid, reducing the final damage by 10%.] data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== sword arts Spoiler [x12] ST-I (12 10 EN) | A single-target sword art. [x15] ST-II (15 13 EN) | A powerful single-target sword art. Only available for use when ST-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if ST-II had been used and had missed the previous turn. [x20] ST-B (20 18 EN) | A devastating single-target sword art. Can only be used if the sword art used the previous turn is not ST-B and had rolled a natural CD9+. When performing an AoE attack, use only the first roll. [x11] AOE-I (11 9 + 2 * targets EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. [x14] AOE-II (14 12 + 2 * targets EN) | AOE | A powerful sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. Only available for use when AOE-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if AOE-II had been used and had missed the previous turn. [x16] TECH-A (16 14 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy. [x16] TECH-B (15 13 EN) | DELAY | A single-target sword art that, on a successful strike, applies [Delay] on the enemy. [Delay] is a status condition that reduces the enemy’s ACC by 1 for one turn. [x16] TECH-C (15 13 EN) | COUNTER | A single-target sword art that, on a successful strike, places [Counter] around the player. [Counter] reduces the final damage taken by its user by 25% (rounded down) for one turn. [x16] TECH-D (15 13 EN) | SHATTER | A single-target sword art that applies [Shatter] to an enemy for 3 turns. [Shatter] is a debuff that can stack up to a cap of 3. Each stack of [Shatter] removes -20 MIT from an enemy, down to 0, if it has MIT. [x12] TECH-F (11 9 + 2 * targets EN) | AOE STUN | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. All struck targets are stunned for one turn. [x16] TECH-G (15 13 EN) | BURN | A single-target sword art that, on a successful strike, applies [Burn] on the enemy. [Burn] is a DoT ailment that deals [14 * Player Tier] unmitigated Burn damage for 2 turns. data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== buffs Spoiler Estate Buffs Bedroom [-1 energy cost for the first two expenditures of each combat.] Living Room [Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.] Storage Closet [+1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot] Basement [Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll.] Extended Workshop [+2 Crafting EXP per crafting attempt & +1 crafting attempt per day.] Greenhouse [+2 Gathering EXP per Attempt and additional +1 LD & CD to gathering attempts.] data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==

 

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Leaving the city behind, Nari had found refuge in the relative calm and quiet exterior of the world. The wind blowing across valleys, the narrow areas in some places only accenting the strength of it to a harsher degree. It was still preferable to the large crowds, something that Nari still preferred to avoid given the chance. 

Mio at yipped at her side, bringing her attention back to the present. She'd begun to drift off, ever so slightly - both mentally, and physically. Glancing down at the fox, she shook her head. The soft smile on her face spoke more than any words could, but still she found herself saying her thoughts aloud. "Thanks...whatever would I do without you, eh? Would've walked us right off a cliff at this rate. Guess I'm just...a little bit distracted today."

She turned herself back onto the path they had been following, rolling her shoulders as if to clear away any sort of tension that might have been building in them. She didn't like how her mind was wondering now, especially considering what she was on the path to face. While it was only the second floor, she knew that field bosses were dangerous regardless of which floor they were on - their equalisation effects on all equipment and skills alone made them dangerous, let alone the fact that they were designed to be faced by groups. What she was about to do again, facing one alone, was far more dangerous than she would like to admit. 

"Snap out of it...you've got Mio here so you'll be fine. Just...don't do anything overly stupid." She glanced down at the kitsune, its head cocked as it stared up at her in obvious confusion. "Make sure I don't do anything stupid...got it?"

Mio seemed to nod its head - or at least jerk it once - in what Nari took to be acknowledgement of the request. For Nari, that was enough to calm her nerves. Mio was there, with her, which meant that her back was being watched. She didn't have anything to be concerned about, until there was something to be concerned about. And soon enough, there will be. So enjoy the peace while it lasts.

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

It hadn't taken anywhere near as long as Nari had expected to find her target. In fact, the large wasp had almost seemed to be waiting out in the open, as if knowing that someone would come looking for it, sooner or later. The thing seemed to hover in the air, waiting for Nari to approach. She could have sworn that there was an almost taunting look to it - as if the expressionless creature was daring her to try and test herself against it. As if it thought itself invincible in some manner or form. Nari paused, not out of fear or concern - she had faced far greater dangers before, and would face far greater dangers again - but out of a simple curiosity. She's always considered the NPCs and creatures here alive, in some form. Even with their repetitive mannerisms and measures, there was a life to them...in a way.

Now though, she was beginning to see life in them in a different way. She was getting used to their presence, getting used to their behaviours and patterns. She was beginning to see them as living things, not simple code developed and brought to life to face off against her in some manner or form. Beings, with their own minds and purposes, even if they were limited. It was a change in herself that brought some worry. She couldn't afford to think of these things as living, breathing, capable creatures - it would make it only that much harder to defeat them and be free. Only that much more difficult to ensure that they could escape Aincrad.

"What a time to develop a conscious..." She glanced down at Mio, wondering what the kitsune was thinking about all of this. It had spent far less time with her thank Yuki had, and yet she was already getting used to his presence. The way he knew how to react to her, to comfort her in ways that she had never expected. She knew she'd already bonded with him just like she had Yuki, and that terrified her. Not because she was becoming complacent, or because it meant that she was acting any differently than she should - but because one day he might disappear too, just like Yuki had. "Hey...promise me something. You'll never leave my side, so long as I'm here. Right?"

Her words seemed to echo around the kitsune without any real understanding, but she watched as it jerked its head down once - as if nodding in agreement to her. Likely her own imagination, but enough of a response that Nari would accept it. Turning back to the wasp, she nodded, letting her hands tighten slightly on the haft of the scythe. "Alright. Let's do this then."

---

Combat
Nari-Lanreth| Lv. 32 | P. 44 | HP: 820/820 | EN: 88/98 | ACC: 5 | DMG: 12 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 30 | B.Healing [+44] | L.Momentum: 1 | LD: 4 | Static: 10/6 | -8 EN
The Wasp Queen | HP: 191/315 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 35 | ACC: 0 | EVA: 1 | Stunned | -124 HP
Royal Stinger | On CD 6+, the Queen’s attacks will ignore 50% of the target’s MIT (rounded up).
Authority | Every two turns, the Queen’s DMG will increase by 5.
Weapon Lock | Only Sword Arts of Rank 3 or lower may be used against this boss.
Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 1. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.]

ID212481 | BD: 2+5-1=6 | <<Tech-A vs. The Wasp Queen>> | Hit: 12x12-20= 124 damage | Stunned

Spoiler

Available Sword Arts
[x8] ST-I (8 6 EN) | A single-target sword art.
[x11] ST-II (11 9 EN) | A powerful single-target sword art. Only available for use when ST-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if ST-II had been used and had missed the previous turn.
[x7] AOE-I (7 5 + 2 * targets EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once.
[x12] TECH-A (12 10 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy.

 

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The wasp froze in place the second that Nari's scythe had slashed across its body, the entire form hovering even as the wings upon its back came to a sudden halt. In any other place, the entire image would've been surreal and outright odd. In the world of Aincrad, however, Nari had become used to the odder pieces that occurred. Things that didn't quite make sense with the world beyond, and yet occurred regardless. Things that, like the NPCs and other creatures, were becoming more and more common to Nari each and every single day. 

As she stepped back away from the wasp, Nari considered the fact that she didn't even blink an eye in question at the broken physics - the way that it just hovered in the air as if nothing had changed. A glitch, something that Cardinal had somehow overlooked in an otherwise perfect rendition of the world. Or perhaps something that was done on purpose, in order to make everyone aware that this was still a game. Is it still a game? Or is it becoming our lives? We wake up, every day, still here...still going. Still logged in with no chance of ever escaping to the world beyond.

Not that her thought wasn't entirely wrong, Nari shook her head. She woke up every day with a single purpose - freedom. Escaping to the real world. Not getting stuck here until the end of her days. Not dying in a video game, at the will of some madman who had decided to toy with their lives. She wanted to be free again, had wanted it since getting trapped in here. There was so much being missed out upon in the real world, so much passing them by with each day. And yet... She didn't finish the thought - knowing that it was nothing more than a debate she'd had over and over again with herself. A debate that she kept inside, knowing that few others would share the ideology.

She turned her attention back to the wasp, the creature moving once more as the stun effect wore off. For the time being, psychological and philosophical debate aside, she would need to clear up her contest against the flying insect. Once that was done, she could consider her train of thought more in depth, more intensely. Just revisiting a topic that you've already gone over, again and again and again.

---

Combat
Nari-Lanreth| Lv. 32 | P. 44 | HP: 820/820 | EN: 86/98 | ACC: 5 | DMG: 12 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 30 | B.Healing [+44] | L.Momentum: 1 | LD: 4 | Static: 10/6 | +4 EN -6 EN
The Wasp Queen | HP: 115/315 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 37 | ACC: 0 | EVA: 1 | Stun Immunity [1/3] | -76 HP
Royal Stinger | On CD 6+, the Queen’s attacks will ignore 50% of the target’s MIT (rounded up).
Authority | Every two turns, the Queen’s DMG will increase by 5.
Weapon Lock | Only Sword Arts of Rank 3 or lower may be used against this boss.
Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 1. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.]

ID212482 | BD: 6+5-1=10 | <<ST-I vs. The Wasp Queen>> | Hit: 12x8-20= 76 damage | MOB: 4-3=1 | Miss.

Spoiler

Available Sword Arts
[x8] ST-I (8 6 EN) | A single-target sword art.
[x11] ST-II (11 9 EN) | A powerful single-target sword art. Only available for use when ST-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if ST-II had been used and had missed the previous turn.
[x7] AOE-I (7 5 + 2 * targets EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once.
[x12] TECH-A (12 10 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy.

 

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Her distracted thoughts had cost her, the point of the wasp's stinger slamming into her shoulder and forcing her to spin away in order to avoid anything more major. The damage was minimal - a mere blip in her health bar that would slowly rise once more as if nothing had occurred. Still, it frustrated Nari that she had lost her focus for long enough to let the creature slip passed her defences. Complacency killed, in this world, and she couldn't afford to let it consume her at any point - even if the foe she was facing appeared to be nothing more than a mere pest. She needed to remain in the fight, physically and mentally, at all times - anything less was dangerous, and just asking to die.

"I got this Mio, just stand back and watch. It's not a real danger." She called out as she saw the kitsune prepping itself to launch at the wasp, as if it was about to get involved in the fight. Nari wasn't worried - she knew that Mio could take care of himself - but she didn't want him getting needlessly hurt if it wasn't absolutely necessary. A fact that she hoped the small kitsune understood, even if it disagreed with her. For the time being, Mio seemed content to listen - sitting back and letting its numerous tails flow behind it in a manner that Nari had come to understand as a nervousness. 

She couldn't help but smile at that, realising that she'd once again put almost human characteristics to the creature's actions. Made it more than just a companion created by a game system that wanted nothing more than to end them, wherever possible. Regardless of how much she distrusted Cardinal, or how much she thought it was trying to kill her, Nari couldn't bring herself to distrust the creatures that were provided to fight by their sides. To live with them as companion and friends, always there for them when they were needed. Creatures that had gained their trust, time and time again. Creatures that aren't on Cardinal's side.

---

Combat
Nari-Lanreth| Lv. 32 | P. 44 | HP: 812/820 | EN: 81/98 | ACC: 5 | DMG: 12 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 30 | B.Healing [+44] | L.Momentum: 1 | LD: 4 | Static: 10/6 | +4 EN -9 EN -8 HP
The Wasp Queen | HP: 3/315 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 37 | ACC: 0 | EVA: 1 | Stun Immunity [2/3] | -112 HP
Royal Stinger | On CD 6+, the Queen’s attacks will ignore 50% of the target’s MIT (rounded up).
Authority | Every two turns, the Queen’s DMG will increase by 5.
Weapon Lock | Only Sword Arts of Rank 3 or lower may be used against this boss.
Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 1. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.]

ID212483 | BD: 5+5-1=9 | <<ST-II vs. The Wasp Queen>> | Hit: 12x11-20= 112 damage | MOB: 9-3=6 | Minor Critical Hit: 37+1-30 = 8 damage.

Spoiler

Available Sword Arts
[x8] ST-I (8 6 EN) | A single-target sword art.
[x11] ST-II (11 9 EN) | A powerful single-target sword art. Only available for use when ST-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if ST-II had been used and had missed the previous turn.
[x7] AOE-I (7 5 + 2 * targets EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once.
[x12] TECH-A (12 10 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy.

 

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

They're always there for us. To help us. To protect us. To comfort us. The thought rattled around in Nari's head as she dodged to the side of the wasp, avoiding another attempt to impale her with the stinger. She considered the idea, that the small creatures that they called companions were so helpful. As if in defiance and contrast of Cardinal's main programming, it's main purpose in this world. A purpose which, as Nari considered it, she may have been misunderstanding. She'd always considered the fact that Cardinal had been trying to kill them, trying to end the entire player base as quickly as possible. It's single task, it's single designed purpose. Yet, as Nari thought of everything that had occurred in Aincrad, she couldn't help but wonder if that was incorrect.

The system had never outwardly hunted them down - never tried to kill them at their most vulnerable. In fact, if anything, it had provided places of protection and safety for the players in an otherwise dangerous world. It had given them companions, to keep them safe and sane in a world that could drive any of the strongest to madness over time. Sure, it had created monsters that could overpower them all with a single blow - but it had also provided materials, gear, skills and assorted other means to overcome such obstacles. 

The more Nari considered it, the more she realised just how much she may have misjudged the system. Created by a man who wanted to toy with the lives of those trapped here, it had done nothing more than what it was meant to do - challenge the players in an almost fair method. Impartial to the occurrences within its world. Neither side given more than it deserved, as if trying to balance everything. As if trying to ensure that none could claim superiority over the other. As if it was trying to bring equality to an otherwise unequal world.

---

Combat
Nari-Lanreth| Lv. 32 | P. 44 | HP: 820/820 | EN: 84/98 | ACC: 5 | DMG: 12 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 30 | B.Healing [+44] | L.Momentum: 1 | LD: 4 | Static: 10/6 | +4 EN +46 HP -1 EN
The Wasp Queen | HP: 2/315 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 39 | ACC: 0 | EVA: 1 | -1 HP
Royal Stinger | On CD 6+, the Queen’s attacks will ignore 50% of the target’s MIT (rounded up).
Authority | Every two turns, the Queen’s DMG will increase by 5.
Weapon Lock | Only Sword Arts of Rank 3 or lower may be used against this boss.
Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 1. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.]

ID212484 | BD: 4+5-1=8 | <<Basic Attack vs. The Wasp Queen>> | Hit: 12-20= 1 damage | MOB: 4-3=1 | Miss.

Spoiler

Available Sword Arts
[x8] ST-I (8 6 EN) | A single-target sword art.
[x11] ST-II (11 9 EN) | A powerful single-target sword art. Only available for use when ST-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if ST-II had been used and had missed the previous turn.
[x7] AOE-I (7 5 + 2 * targets EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once.
[x12] TECH-A (12 10 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy.

 

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The thought disturbed Nari down to her core. She didn't like giving any credit to Cardinal - much less acknowledging that it wasn't their enemy here, and that perhaps it had even done something more than simply coexisting with them. She didn't enjoy the thought that she could, logically, acknowledge that it had done nothing wrong - not to say that it had done anything right, either. In fact, if Nari was being honest, Cardinal had done nothing but act fairly, exactly as it had been programmed to do.

She swung out with the scythe in anger, activating the sword art and slicing the wasp into two sections. The shards fell to the ground and the notification appeared that Nari had received the item that she had come to get, yet she found herself staring at the empty space where the wasp had been mere seconds ago. Her mind replayed the thoughts over and over again, trying to find some sort of fault in the logic, some way that she could still hold Cardinal accountable for everything that had occurred. 

Long moments passed, and it wasn't until Mio nudged her that Nari finally broke her focus on the empty spot. She glanced down at the kitsune, shaking herself and smiling as she tried to comfort the creature. "Sorry...I got lost in thought there, a bit...

---

Combat
Nari-Lanreth| Lv. 32 | P. 44 | HP: 820/820 | EN: 82/98 | ACC: 5 | DMG: 12 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 30 | B.Healing [+44] | L.Momentum: 1 | LD: 4 | Static: 10/6 | +4 EN -6 EN
The Wasp Queen | HP: 0/315 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 39 | ACC: 0 | EVA: 1 | -76 HP
ID212485 | BD: 4+5-1=8 | <<ST-I vs. The Wasp Queen>> | Hit: 12x8-20= 76 damage | Target Destroyed.

Spoiler

Looting
“Matriarch’s Stinger" (T1/Consumable/Single Use); Increases Multiplier of SA attacks by 1 for the duration of one thread. ([DMG*(SA Multiplier)] becomes [DMG*(SA Multiplier + 1)]) 

 

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The open field had grown quiet after the wasp had disappeared, shattered in thousands of shards that eventually simply dispersed on the winds. Nari gave one final glance at the open spot, before moving towards a nearby collection of rocks - each one half her height - before settling down against them. She could feel the heat against her back, the rocks heated by the midday sun having beat down on them for hours already. The sensation passed through her body, feeling so familiar to her in many ways. She knew it was all fake, knew it was nothing more than electrons being sent to her brain to resemble the feeling. Yet, in this moment, she couldn't help but accept that it was real. That it was warming her, truly, like any rocks in the world beyond Aincrad would do.

"I think I've been here too long, Mio. I'm started to get used to it. Starting to forget what the real world - the world I come from - is like. This is becoming home, in more ways than one." The kitsune glanced up at her from where it had settled to her right, head originally laid upon its forepaws before lifting it to eye her. She could see the question in its eyes, the way it was waiting to hear what else she would say. Silently listening, accepting her commentary without complaint. "I miss it. The world I come from. Yet I find that with each day...it's getting to be nothing more than a fading memory. It's like...subconsciously, I'm accepting that we'll never get out of here. That we'll eventually die here, never having aged a day. Never having changed, in appearance. As if all our efforts were worthless."

Mio nudged her, clearly misreading her commentary. There was no despair to Nari's voice, no concern about the fact that they were very likely fighting to escape something that they would be trapped inside forever. It was that lack of despair that concerned her the most. "Once...I would've been upset at that thought. At the idea of giving up the fight, of settling down and just accepting that we were going to be in this game, this world, forever. With each passing day, though, it becomes easier to accept. Easier to picture. Easier to acknowledge, and perhaps prepare for..."

She let the thought slip away, not finishing her comment as she glanced around her. The open grasses billowed in the wind, an almost picture perfect image right before her eyes. In many ways, Aincrad had taken the best of what a world could be, physically and in appearance, and given it to the players now trapped here. The few blemishes, the few areas of pure chaos and damage and blights, paled in comparison to the natural beauties that could be found on each and every single floor they visited. For all the horrors that Aincrad had shown her, Nari couldn't help but admit that in the average day to day interactions, it was truly a beautiful world.

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Silence followed her final thoughts for a while, the two more than happy to simply sit and enjoy the warm of the sunshine for the time being. She let her thoughts drift away, her concerns with them, for the time being. There was no point in worrying about what couldn't be changed. No point in considering the impacts of that which was changing, which she had no control over. For now, all that she could do would be to enjoy every single second that she was still alive. Precious moments like this one, where she wasn't fighting for her life in the imminent moment of danger. Where she could simply...relax.

It felt like hours passed as Nari leaned against the rock, one hand stroking the fur of Mio beside her absentmindedly. She watched as new forms of the wasps spawned - none as deadly as the field boss that she had defeated, its resurrection cycle clearly not passed its timer yet. Some floated towards her, before turning aside and drifting into the distance, only to return after some time. None came close enough to cause Nari any concern, her position outside of the paths they seemed to follow aimlessly, as if dancing across the fields for her entertainment. Still, she kept a careful eye on the groups, making sure that none changed their paths suddenly in an unexpected way.

She had considered, at first, jumping up to practice on some of the mobs of wasps, before deciding that there was no real purpose behind it. She was far from out of practice, and had no need of the endless supplies that they would drop - most of which were entirely useless to her, if she was being honest. Instead, it would do nothing more than quell a boredom that she wasn't beginning to feel in the slightest - and more importantly, it would interrupt the peace that she was feeling at the moment. The peace of her and Mio simply relaxing in a sun baked field, with no danger, no threats, and nothing urgently tugging at them to be completed. 

With that conclusion, she'd decided to remain in place, letting the kitsune rest beside her as she watched over the two of them. 

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Nari shifted in place as a dinging caught her attention, the message notification showing up only a split second after the alert had sounded. Curious as to who was trying to reach her, Nari quickly opened the message, glancing at the name before smiling to herself. The message itself was small and brief, but she could almost feel the tone of worry behind it as she read it over, the sender clearly concerned over the silence that had been spreading throughout the day. Nari read it twice, feeling the warmth touch her cheeks as she considered her friend's concerns.

To: Nari-Lanreth From: Onóra Hey, so I know you're super busy out killing everything, but I just wanted to check in and see how things were going. Still alive and kicking out there?

Not wanting to keep her friend in the dark, and preferring to avoid any sorts of concerns that may come from taking too long to answer, Nari brought up the reply box, typing out a quick message. She read over it twice, once again making sure that her tone was proper and not hinting towards anything untoward, before contently sending the message off in return. 

To: Onóra From: Nari-Lanreth All's well over here, just taking a bit of a break. How's things back at home? Any major customer complaints, or big orders coming in?

Nari settled back against the rock and closed her eyes, deciding to wait for the response before doing anything else. It wouldn't be too out of her way to have a simple chat with Onóra for a while, especially seeing as she'd planned on being gone for the entire day. A plan that was slowly looking like it might adjust as the hours ticked by. She figured she'd wait for the wasp to spawn once more, before making her way back home for the afternoon. Assuming that it spawned anytime soon, that was.

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Time seemed to drift by as she waited for any response from her friend to arrive, wondering if Onóra would continue the conversation or be content knowing that she was safe and alive. Her question was answered a short time later - which felt like a near eternity for Nari, as she tried to maintain her patience - when she realised that no further messages would be coming. At least not for the time being, it seemed. Sighing with the realisation, she glanced over towards Mio, poking the kitsune with her finger before speaking her thoughts aloud. "So...looks like my one and only form of entertainment decided to ditch on me. What do you think we should do while we wait? I'm all for relaxing in the sunlight, but...you know, sleeping in this sort of area is kinda dangerous. And let's be honest, probably not the smartest decision, right?"

The kitsune stared at her, as if questioning what she wanted. Nari knew that he couldn't directly answer her question - the system had never generated any sort of familiar that could speak, although some seemed to respond in some method or form. Instead, she simply hoped that by speaking aloud her thoughts, she would generate an idea. Something buried within her mind that had been just out of reach until she'd said the question aloud. Instead, she found herself utterly disappointed. Nothing leapt out towards her. Nothing provided her any sort of sudden insight or clarity to quell the boredom she was facing. Instead, she was left only soured by the fact that she had absolutely nothing to do.

"Stuck in a video game...and here I am, bored. What sort of madness is this world coming to, Mio?" Mio simply stared in response, before yawning and curling himself back up against the rock. Nari shook her head, laughing slightly at the creature's response when it realised she was starting down the philosophical tangent. It clearly wanted nothing to do with her concerns. With her thoughts, at the time. Just let me sleep, damned woman. She tried to stifle her laughter at the thought, visibly shaking as she forced herself quiet. For the time being, she'd give in to his desires.

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Nari glanced out towards the field that she had been resting in, considering her day. She'd come with the intention of facing down the larger wasp, with the focus of obtaining the dropped loot that the field boss provided. But that all seems...well, not worth it, now... Her eyes shifted over the grasses, taking in their overly green beauty. The day itself had come to look almost painting perfect, as if reminding her that there was more to this world than just fighting. Than just grinding through conflict after conflict, in the hopes of making needless headway. Is there more to this world than that, though? She wasn't entirely sure, but she knew that for the moment at least, she had the chance to try and figure it out.

"What do you think, Mio? Should we see what the day has to offer us?" Nari glanced down at the small creature, waiting to see if it would respond. Aside from the small expression staring back at her stoically, the familiar made no move to rise. Sighing, realising that she would have to make the decision for herself, Nari pushed herself to her feet. "Come on, let's see what we can't find in the settlement. Maybe there's a decent restaurant, or perhaps a shop we haven't visited before? Somewhere where we can...relax, for a time." 

Stretching briefly, to relieve muscles that weren't any more cramped than when she'd first sat down, she turned back towards the main settlement that she had originally set off from. If I'm out anyways, I should see if they have anything worthwhile for Onora...maybe something that she can use.

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The walk through the hillside was comforting to Nari, if only for the sake that she was able to avoid most of the creatures. At times, she wondered if it wouldn't be worthwhile to fight some - to bring them down with a quick swish of her scythe. Not worth it. Not in this game. In this world. One wrong move, could spell disaster. Better to just enjoy the walk, and the scenery. Mio had trotted alongside her, silently keeping pace as his many tails flowed behind his form. The kitsune was content, at least, to follow her for the time being. Whether he enjoyed Nari's present decision or not, the creature seemed determined to make no complaints - to remain alongside her, silently, watching over her.

"It's kinda beautiful here, isn't it Mio?" Her eyes had traced over a small hill in the distance, the grass flowing with the wind making it appear similar to a scene from a movie she had once watched. Nari had to admit, were it not for the dangers of the game itself, the world, this world, would be breath-taking. "Imagine if...we could just enjoy it, without all the death and worry? This would be a nice place, then...a place that you could enter and call home. Or maybe not home, but somewhere worth visiting. A place where people could see the true beauty that can be..."

Instead, they'd been given a hellscape that attempted to take everything from them. A place where they were forced to do everything to survive, and in some cases failed no matter what they tried. Don't think about it. For now, just enjoy what you have...that's all you can do. That's all that matters.

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The fields had given way to a small path - a road, in actuality - that led back to the main settlement. Nari had followed it, winding along the dirt with her mind wandering even as she kept an eye out for danger. She'd passed a few NPCs, and a single player along the way - her eyes quickly drifting to confirm the colour of their emblem above their head upon spotting it. She'd given a small wave, a half-hearted greeting in passing, before moving on, neither of them interested in stopping to converse along the way. Most likely, they're off to somewhere important. Maybe they're meeting up with their own group? Or are they trying to solo this area, perhaps? Who knows, it could be any number of reasons...so long as they stay safe, that's all that matters.

She was surprised to find herself showing any concerns for the unknown player, as if it mattered to her whether they lived or died.Of course it matters. Every life matters. Because it's not their fault they're trapped here. They didn't choose this...and they don't deserve this. None of us do. She winced at the thought, wondering if there was anyone who deserved their current situation. She had a hard time thinking anyone did, even the Player Killers who were notorious for hunting down actual players. She knew that some of them were corrupted, broken individuals, and yet she couldn't come to find herself thinking that they deserved what they got in the game. Punishment may be necessary, but they don't deserve to be trapped here. They're different from you, and yet...they're still here, of someone else's will...

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Nari had come to a stop several kilometres away from the capitol. she could see the settlement in the distance - the walls that lined it standing out against the open space that surrounded the cliff-based city. Although she could see her destination, reaching it was an entirely different situation. She crossed her arms as she leaned back against a rock, watching the struggling NPCs as they tried to remove the wagon from the ditch that they had collapsed into. She'd arrived well after the incident, finding a collection of wagons and NPCs already at work trying to remove the stuck piece - likely some sort of event that was designed to draw players in. However, when Nari had approached, she'd been pushed away by one of the NPCs, quoting something to her that made her feel like she hadn't met the prerequisites. Someone should be along soon, then. If this actually is a quest of some sort, or an event...

She wasn't entirely sure either way, but aside from making a large detour, which would likely add hours to her travel time, there was nothing to be done. Sighing aggressively to herself, she looked down at the kitsune at her feet, wondering if she shouldn't just clamber over the wagons that were blocking the road. I doubt the system would let me do that even if I wanted to...as frustrating as this is, there's not really much choice other than to wait. And hope to the nine hells that whomever is responsible for this arrives soon. She kicked at the dirt in front of her, her annoyance winding up her muscles and forcing her to expel it through some sort of motion. She hadn't wanted to be stuck out in the wildlands longer than she needed to - but this was more frustrating that having to face down a collection of minor creatures that wanted to kill her. At least the creatures I can fight and kill. This...I can't really cut the wagon in half...

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

"Ahoy traveller! Would you be able to assist us with..." The sound of the NPC speaking to someone had caught Nari's attention, drawing her thoughts away and pulling her back to the current situation. She pushed herself up from the rock she'd been leaning on, watching as a small group of players appeared and began speaking to the NPC. She could see two of them eyeing her, glancing out of the corners of their eyes at her with looks that seemed to speak to the level of caution they were taking. Not that she could blame them, she'd be worried about a player randomly standing around watching her, if their roles had been reversed. Not much I can do about that. She gave a small wave, smiling at the group before shifting herself back onto the rock to await the completion of whatever event they were doing. 

The group went to work fairly quickly, but not without some consistent glances in her direction every so often. Nari made sure to always present them with a soft smile when they looked at her, hoping that she was coming off as nothing more than friendly and patient. Come on...just hurry up and get it cleared... She'd been growing more and more impatient as the moments dragged on, the players attempting to help push the wagon out of the way, all while Nari stood to the side and watched. She may have appeared outwardly calm, but she could feel her frustration boiling up internally, trying to boil over. Getting angry won't help speed this along. Just stay quiet and wait. Stay. Quiet.

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Nari felt herself cry in frustration as the creatures appeared - a collection of wasps, and assorted other insect like things that came rushing across the open field to assault the players. She wanted nothing more than to rush forwards and defeat them all - but knew that it would only delay the completion of the quest itself. Come on...come on... She felt her foot tapping the ground as she waited for the players to push through the creatures - the group struggling to bring down the enemies that they faced. Nari felt herself twitching all over as she watched, fighting the urge to scream at them, knowing that it would likely cause more trouble, more panic, more death. They don't look in danger...but they definitely are having trouble...I'll only step in if it looks like they're going to die. I can wait. I...can...wait...

Time seemed to struggle onwards as Nari watched the fight unfold before her. The players had finally gained the upper hand, managing to down one of the creatures and give them the numerical advantage in the fight. Although she was worried that they would begin to falter, they seemed to pick up pace with their first defeat - rushing forwards and smashing their weapons into the remaining creatures with a drive that she hadn't seen earlier. They were playing it safe while they were equal, but now that they have the advantage, they can be a little less careful. Nari just hoped that they wouldn't become entirely careless - an action that could quickly lead to their deaths, if they were stupid about it.

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Once the enemies were defeated, the cart magically found itself unstuck from whatever had been holding it originally, the owners pushing it up onto the road and taking a few moments to thank the group of players. Nari sighed, pushing herself off the rock and making her way towards the blockage in the road, just happy to be able to continue on her way. Twenty minutes of waiting, and you're complaining. At least you didn't have to take hours to walk all the way around, heading in an opposite direction just to get home. I think you can deal with a twenty minute wait. The voice inside her head chastised her for her impatience, reminding her that she was in no real rush as it was. You're taking the time to relax. Maybe you should learn how to do that. It's not like you have places to be right now, anyways. Plus, you got to see other people at work, maybe you can learn something from it.

She doubted that she would learn anything from the group she had seen - their fighting style had been basic enough, using techniques that were common among the lower level players. But that didn't mean Nari would toss aside what she had seen as worthless. She knew that even the basics could be life saving in this game, and that it was worthwhile to consider everything, to view everything - even the most basic things - as something that could be a valuable lesson. That's the truth about how to survive in this world. Realising that everything can be useful, no matter how mundane it may appear. It's worthwhile to be reminded of that, time and again.

Deciding that she'd lectured herself enough, she slipped through the opening in the wagons, and continued on her path towards the city in the distance. She figured she would still have more than enough time to wander the streets, but decided she would focus on the more common market areas. I'm more likely to find something of value there, anyways. The back streets and hidden areas are alright, but...they're not main thoroughfares. Not going to find anything spectacular there without really spending the time to search for it...maybe another day.

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

"How much for the entire bag?" Nari glanced at the collection of spices again, an assortment that she barely recognised. She'd seen Onora using a few of the more common ones - herbs and flowers which gave an interesting flavour to certain dishes when paired together - but she wasn't even sure what the name of any of them were. The merchant had, as expected, been trying to push the entire collection upon Nari. Likely in hopes that she would purchase the lesser worth items at a higher cost, or perhaps that she wouldn't notice that some were worthless altogether. 

"For a nice girl like you...two hundred col!" Nari considered the merchant for a few moments, before sighing. She wanted to haggle, to try and bring the price down a little bit - she was fairly sure that she was being overcharged for what she was getting - but her exhaustion had taken over her. Looks like she's going to get her money's worth out of me today...ah well. She nodded, accepting the purchase and taking the bag even as the system automatically deducted the amount from her account. It barely made a dent in her figures, and Nari noticed - not for the first time - that she had more money in this world than she knew what to do with. I can buy almost anything I want, and still live comfortably...

She turned away from the stall, storing her purchase in her inventory before moving on to the next stall. She'd already spent a few hours browsing, finding a small collection of various items that she felt would make their home a bit more lively - everything from some minor furniture and décor pieces, to the spices she'd just purchased. She was beginning to feel content with her outing, when she spotted the ring upon the stand - an emerald in a silver band, which seemed to match the eyes of her roommate perfectly. This is going to hurt...

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

I was right. That definitely hurt...but I think it was worth it.Nari stared down at the piece she'd picked up in the market. It had some variable stats to it that would provide some benefits to the wearer - but that wasn't why she had picked it up. The merchant had wanted an exorbitant price for the piece, but Nari had managed to talk him down to nearly half his asking price - an amount that still felt like it hurt. Worth every col, though. 

"Hey, I'm home! I managed to bring a few things..." Nari called out as she entered the house, hearing the distant clatter in the far rooms that signified her roommate's presence. She waited, patiently, for the blonde to appear in the hallway.

"Welcome back! How did everything go? Did you manage to find the big bee?" Onora smiled as she peaked around the corner, the girl's eyes clearly not noticing anything that Nari was holding, barely registering the woman who had just entered. Nari waited patiently, holding her hand in front of her - just low enough that it almost looked natural, yet high enough to make the ring visible. "Are you just going to stand there, or are you planning on-"

Onora's eyes went wide at the ring, and Nari could see the look of confusion and questioning in the other's face, as she stepped around the corner and into the hallway proper. The blonde stumbled over a few attempts at speaking, and Nari realised belatedly what it likely appeared as, to the other woman.

"I found this while shopping, and I thought that it matched you perfectly. I figured...as a thank you, for always being there..." Her words drifted off as the other stepped across the hallway, reaching out and embracing her. Nari didn't resist, letting the other pull her tight, her head nuzzling into the blonde's shoulder. This. This is why I continue fighting...

Thread Summary
Word Count: 3,988 + 2,462 = 6,450
EXP: 6,450 / 10 x 8 x 1 = 5,160 (5,160 - 3,184 = 1,976 EXP outstanding)
Col: 400“Matriarch’s Stinger" (T1/Consumable/Single Use); Increases Multiplier of SA attacks by 1 for the duration of one thread. ([DMG*(SA Multiplier)] becomes [DMG*(SA Multiplier + 1)])