[F01-PP] zephyr. <<Nature's Treasure>>

[Nian 0]

"so be it."

the spot he'd chosen was easy for movement. so it made equal sense that the killing would be made quick and painless upon the enemies that awaited them. not the wolves similar to those hiding out in the den were present -- rather, it was a number of tall lanky bugs, akin to preying mantises.

if it were not for their height, perhaps they would've been decent at hiding amongst the flowers, given their hue. to the players, then, they were a simple find.

nian wasted no time charging into a fight. strength made a fist and slammed it into its companion palm. one leap, accompanied by a yell, and two large fists pummled the ground. almost instantly, the surrounding pack of bugs near where she stood were gone.

which left a few smore stragglers whose eyes were left to settle on nian. it was then, perhaps, for the first time that day that she smiled. one of her metal knuckles hit the ground, the other stretched outwards with her palm open wide.

"come," she ordered. "meet your maker!"

Spoiler

> POST ACTION: TECH-F

ID223635 | bd3 + 5 = 8 | -> Orchid Nymph #1
ID223636 | bd7 + 5 = 12 | -> Orchid Nymph #2
ID223637 | bd10 | -> Orchid Nymph #3
ID223638 | bd3 + 5 = 8 | -> Orchid Nymph #4

10 * 8 = 80 DMG
(10+2) * 8 = 96 DMG

8 + (4 * 2) - 2 = 14 EN

Orchid Nymph #1 | HP: 0/48 | DMG: 16 | MD9-10: PARA, [TXV: 8 DMG] (3)
Orchid Nymph #2 | HP: 0/48 | DMG: 16 | MD9-10: PARA, [TXV: 8 DMG] (3)
Orchid Nymph #3 | HP: 0/48 | DMG: 16 | MD9-10: PARA, [TXV: 8 DMG] (3)
Orchid Nymph #4 | HP: 0/48 | DMG: 16 | MD9-10: PARA, [TXV: 8 DMG] (3)

NIAN | HP: 80/80 | EN: 12/26 | DMG: 10 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 18 | LD: 3
euled | HP: 80/80 | EN: 26/26 | DMG: 7 | KEEN: 1 | MIT 12 | REGEN: I

ID: 223642 | LD: 23 (20, +3) | CD: 9 | 576col, Tier 1 Materials (3), Tier 1 Perfect Consumable (1)
ID: 223641 | LD: 5 (2, +3) | CD: 2 | 384col, Tier 1 Materials (1)
ID: 223640 | LD: 5 (2, +3) | CD: 11 | 288col, Tier 1 Materials (3)
ID: 223639 | LD: 12 (9, +3) | CD: 5 | 192col, Tier 1 Materials (5), Tier 1 Rare Weapon (1), Tier 1 Uncommon Consumable (1)

 

[euled 0]

No wonder she's so confident...She's strong as hell.

The mobs before him were reduced to shreds, in a similar fashion to before. They were in plain sight, the sheer height of them didn't help to hide them in the bushes. Honestly, they looked kinda scary looking. Euled winced at the thought of getting cut by one of those claws. Nian took the initiative and pummeled the four down. Euled drew his blade, looking for any other incoming monsters. His caution was rewarded, as 2 other mantis-like monsters came into his view. The blade connected to the hilt of his sword glowered as he decided to go through it in portions, swinging his blade downward and killing one of them. The other swiped at him, but it was too slow to nab him. Euled evaded the claws headed his way, leaving only one remaining. He readied his sword, but Nian was welcome to kill the remaining one. Scanning his surroundings, he checked for any stragglers.

Used ST-1 X8

ID: 223643 | BD: 6 > Orchid Nymph #5 | Hit

ID: 223644 | MD: 3 > Orchid Nymph #6 | Miss

8x7= 56 DMG

- 8 EN

Orchid Nymph #5 | HP: 0/48 | DMG: 16 | MD9-10: PARA, [TXV: 8 DMG] (3)

Orchid Nymph #6 | HP: 48/48 | DMG: 16 | MD9-10: PARA, [TXV: 8 DMG] (3)

euled | HP: 80/80 | EN: 18/26 | DMG: 7 | KEEN: 1 | MIT 12 | REGEN: I | ACC: 1

 

 

 

Edited July 28 by euled

[Nian 0]

only one down? then again, nian hadn't expected anything at all.

she dove past euled towards the nymph that had tried to attack him. a swift strike from the king -- one uppercut had halted another attack telegraphed from the mantis, while the spin afterwards allowed her claws to shred its form into pieces. the burst afterwards were as though the enemy were shedding its tears.

nian snarled afterwards, returning to a neutral stance. any immediate threats had been cleared -- that much was certain. "no signs of our mark here," she declared.

and with that came their routine, walking further into the gardens to seek out their target once more. the plan was straightforward -- enough to grate the emperor with the presence of another if it went on for long enough.

so she turned to euled again. "the raid you mentioned. why are you so keen to join the errant fools gathering around it? many have made peace with the gaol. there is no glory found in risking death."

Spoiler

POST ACTION: TECH-F

ID223645 | bd3+5 = 8 | -> Orchid Nymph #6

10 * 8 = 80 DMG

8 + (2*1) - 2 = 8 EN

Orchid Nymph #6 | HP: 0/48 | DMG: 16 | MD9-10: PARA, [TXV: 8 DMG] (3)

NIAN | HP: 80/80 | EN: 5/26 | DMG: 10 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 18 | LD: 3
euled | HP: 80/80 | EN: 18/26 | DMG: 7 | KEEN: 1 | MIT 12 | REGEN: I

ID: 223651 | LD: 13 (10, +3) | CD: 10 | 480col, Tier 1 Materials (1), Tier 1 Rare Armor (1)

 

[euled 0]

He watched on as Nian dispatched the final monster remaining, drawing his blade back into his sheath after a little bit of clumsiness. It seemed as if Nian was disappointed in him, not like Euled could care less.

Again, he put his hands in his pockets and continued walking. Honestly, this quest had been pretty fun so far. The garden did a good job of adding to the nice atmosphere, unchanging yet beautiful.

"Fools?" A little harsh, no?"

In his eyes, they were brave warriors who had taken up the mantle of clearing SAO for the weak willed who couldn't. If the frontlines didn't exist, everyone in SAO would've been wiped out a long time ago. He was in the same predicament as them, once. But not anymore.

"Sure, maybe people will die, but...I can't just twiddle my thumbs and wait for someone to clear it. There's no way I'm giving up on getting out of here."
euled | HP: 80/80 | EN: 18/26 | DMG: 7 | KEEN: 1 | MIT 12 | REGEN: I
Restoring EN 1/3

Edited July 28 by euled

[Nian 0]

"Fools?" A little harsh, no?"

"i call it as i see it," nian stated matter-of-factly. "they chase a 'freedom' they know not the price of. there is little point in leaving when they would just return in the first place. in case you have forgotten... that is what this world is for."

"escapism."

strength echoed at each bend of her arm, the woman gesturing to make her point clear. "tell me. what awaits you outside of the boundaries of our cell that beckons you get out of it so much? there is naught but a devastating reality beyond these walls, is there not? even the sheer matter of your arrogance in leaving the town of beginnings set aside, if you truly wish for subjugation, then even you too can saddle your fates upon the backs of the truly deserving."

"what differs between i, and you now, from the citizens in the city is..."

nian's voice fell, searching for the words. when she decided it was not worth the trouble, she blinked. "i know what i am worthy for. what could a mere commoner like you be moved from?"

NIAN | HP: 80/80 | EN: 6/26 | DMG: 10 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 18 | LD: 3
restoring en. (1/3)

[euled 0]

He took a second to respond, mulling over the words she had said to him. 

Freedom that you don't know the price of, huh?

Returning to SAO would be something he would like to do...but staying in it permanently was a different matter. 

"SAO might be escapism...but escapism has its limits, right? Nothing can beat reality."

The words that came out of her mouth next made him take a moment to process it, especially from the way she spoke. It was hard to figure out the meaning.

"Well. I've got a family, a career I want to pursue, goals I have...Virtual reality is nice and all, but I still want to return. Even I've wanted to stay sometimes. And besides, I'm not one to have people do things for me. If I can contribute in any way, then I will. The frontlines need all the power SAO has, don't they?"

 

[Nian 0]

nothing can beat reality?

"hmph."

then euled spoke of an ordinary happiness. so nian eventually understood, brows furrowed, hiding the snarl that was threatening to creep into her visage.

his intent was just so... sickening. foreign.

she contemplated her options. there was no point in keeping such an individual around. the world beyond was out of their reach, after all: as almighty as she was as emperor, in aincrad, nian could only do so much beyond breaking themselves out of here. and she'd be insane to try that.

then a secondary thought occurred to her, one that cemented her perspective of being a genius: the floor bosses were going to be impossible to take down, anyway. why not let fate handle things, since blessings were on her side?

nian clicked her tongue and waved strength's palm around past thinking it through. so be it. "good for you. you speak of independence, and yet you know nothing of this world. all the better to find someone else who does reside on that threshold once you get back, since you desire to match them so much. oh, if they invite you to ride on their coat tails, wouldn't they be glad? that's one more lamb to the slaughter, isn't it? if you can make it safely to the raid at all."

the machine's grip tightened as nian clenched her fist. her threat wasn't empty, but it wasn't on her to deliver judgement, so seemed the world to say.

"next thing you'll be speaking about is amassing friends in guilds or some such. such is the way of players like yourself. children's playthings, the lot. they will not be worth my time."

NIAN | HP: 80/80 | EN: 7/26 | DMG: 10 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 18 | LD: 3
restoring en. (2/3)

[euled 0]

His expression was neutral as Nian's voice oozed with sarcasm and contempt. His expression gauged nothing about what he felt. Finally, when she was done berating him, all Euled did was smile slightly.

"...You're pretty cool, huh?"

Differing perspectives and worldviews was something Euled didn't mind. 

"But you're talking like you've given up already. The members of the frontlines are powerful. We've already gotten up to floor 28. Besides, even if they aren't, once I join they'll be strong."

"Honestly, I wouldn't mind staying in this game for a while longer. A long while longer, in fact. There's not a special reason I want to go back...but I'll find out along the way. One way or another, this game will get beaten, so why not play it to the fullest?"

His gaze was cast to the pale blue sky, a wistful look on his face.

"Nah, I probably won't join a guild. I don't like taking orders, y'know?"

[Nian 0]

"...You're pretty cool, huh?"

"what's that?"

and yet euled was still unfazed.

given up? nian wasn't about giving up. as king, she was stalwart, steadfast. "our priorities simply differ," she sneered, without malice. "tall order for you to determine that you would be the change to see on the front, however. with what rule?"

euled remained relaxed. a familiar demeanor, she noted, from that twice-met, barely-seen plini she once knew. only heavens knew where the man was by now, and nian only recognized that it was that similarity pushing her to stay her hand and observe.

bonds she would discard. a monarch must stand alone.

"Nah, I probably won't join a guild. I don't like taking orders, y'know?"

nian hummed. "not all guilds operate in hierarchy. some exist as a shelter for others to gather around. a barely operating empire, unguarded. there is a certain strength in unity; and that is the paradox of those in the front."

they shuffled forth, all manner of shrubbery passing them by. still contemplating her companion's words, she offloaded her capacity for him to bear instead. "the boss. do you spy any signs of it yet?"

NIAN | HP: 80/80 | EN: 26/26 | DMG: 10 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 18 | LD: 3
restoring en. (3/3)

[euled 0]

"Well, I think I could do a good job of rallying everyone if their morals are down. Especially with these devilishly handsome good looks."

A guild was something he hadn't really paid mind to, not that he intended on joining one before. Maybe one that operates on the frontlines might work...but he doubt it.

"Really? I might have to look into one later, then."

Finally, he was given the chance to talk about something besides heavy subjects.

"The boss?..."

A quick glance around proved that not much had changed. The garden remained the same no matter how far they walked, for the most part. Not like they had walked particularly far or anything.

"I don't see anything out of the ordinary...but I hope I can find some chests. This sword is cool and all, but it won't last."

The duo's tour guide lagged behind them. Euled hadn't checked in on him since his request.

"By the way, Nemo, you good back there?"

 

[Nian 0]

she froze at the mention of his looks, peering over her shoulder with an ounce of disgust.

"... maybe you should also seek out a stylist back in town."

nian continued walking as euled checked back in with nemo. but the lack of response only left a gap in the conversation to fill. it matched the state of her energy, and so she lifted a finger to gesture towards another plains with a set of flowery baby dragons. based on their position, nian had guessed, they'd come full circle around the golden oak.

"there's the next pack. get ready."

she got into position, holding a stance prior to lunging at one in the field. but a sudden bolt from the sky blustered the grounds before them, accompanied by the howl of something non-human.

"stop."

when the gale had settled, what stood before them in the clearing, hatchling-free, was a dragon that matched the tallest tree nearby in height, with three pairs of wings the span of the clearing's entrance. nian stilled, eyes narrowed.

"you will go no further. i, nemo, groundskeeper of these gardens forbid of you, especially of those against my kin."

what luck. he really was a monster then, as it turned out. nian scoffed at his words, before launching herself off the ground.

"out of my way!"

Spoiler

> POST ACTION: TECH-F

ID223646 | bd7+5-2 = 10 | -> Nemo

8 * 10 = 80 DMG
80 - 25 = 55 DMG

8 + (2*1) - 2 = 8 EN

ID223647 | bd8-3 = 5  | -> Nian

26 - 18 = 8 DMG

Nemo | HP: 18/73 | DMG: 26 | EVA: 2 | MIT: 25 | BD9 & CD8+: 35 DMG | BD10: 65 DMG | Fight ends at 10HP.

NIAN | HP: 72/80 | EN: 18/26 | DMG: 10 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 3 | MIT: 18 | LD: 3
euled | HP: 80/80 | EN: 26/26 | DMG: 7 | KEEN: 1 | MIT 12 | REGEN: I

 

[euled 0]

"Hey, I don't actually look that bad, right?!...Right??"

Though, Euled paused to look back at Nemo and his lack of response. Was he mad at them for killing his "friends" or something? He tracked Nian's finger to look upon a set of blue flowers, the path leading back to where they had began.

"Right!"

His hand rested on the sword's handle, ready for confrontation. However, a sudden burst of wind had stricken Euled and Nian along with a bolt from the sky.

"Urk!"

Instinctively, he put an arm up to guard himself. When the wind settled, all that remained was a single big dragon.

W-what the hell?

No wonder he was mad at them for killing other monsters. It became apparent that Nemo himself was a monster, he had betrayed them. It made Euled angry as he grit his teeth.

"You're a monster too? I'll kill you!"

Unsheathing his blade, Euled let Nian make the first move, taking a big chunk out of his health bar. It seemed his next attack would be the last. He decided to unleash a sword skill upon Nemo, taking away the last slivers of his HP, but for some reason, it stopped decreasing when it was about 9 tenths of the way there.

Huh?

He leapt back, sword in hand and looking upon Nemo's weakened state.

Used ST-I X8

ID: 2236481 | BD: 10 > Nemo

7X8 + 2 - 25 = 33

- 8 EN

Nemo | HP: 10/73 | DMG: 26 | EVA: 2 | MIT: 25 | BD9 & CD8+: 35 DMG | BD10: 65 DMG | Fight ends at 10HP.

euled | HP: 80/80 | EN: 18/26 | DMG: 7 | KEEN: 1 | MIT 12 | REGEN: I

 

Edited July 28 by euled

[Nian 0]

before he even got a proper blow out, too. strength had absorbed most of the impact, and so too did it protect euled enough to deal the final blow. that left nemo nothing but a detransformed, struggling mess. the dragon, now human once more, kneeled with a hand to the ground, panting hard.

nian stood in front of him. strength grabbed and twisted the collar of his apron in a vicegrip, near threatening to piece the cloth through. how was he not dead yet? nemo wore an expression of ire as she dragged him close.

"you will relinquish the garden to me now, yes?"

nemo breathed. he nearly growled. but after a silence, he sputtered out an unconvincing, "yes." it satisfied nian enough for her to drop him to the ground.

with a sigh, she turned to the skies. it was a once wonderful day, but it seemed as though it was getting cloudy.

she turned to euled in response.

"now, begone."

[Nian 0]

 thread summary.

Nian

+ 2037xp | (693 * 0.7 * 2) * 2 * 1.05
+ 3456col
+ 26 materials
+ Tier 1 Perfect Consumable (1) | [223642]
+ Tier 1 Perfect Trinket (1) | [223626]
+ Tier 1 Perfect Weapon (1) | [223626]
+ Tier 1 Rare Armor (1) | [223651]
+ Tier 1 Rare Trinket (1) | [223630]
+ Tier 1 Rare Weapon (1) | [223639]
+ Tier 1 Uncommon Consumable (3) | [223629] | [223628] | [223639]

euled

+ 1018xp | (693 * 0.7) * 1.05
+ 1,456col | (1056 + 400)
+ 14 materials
+ Tier 1 Rare Weapon (2) | [223634] | [223649]
+ Tier 1 Uncommon Consumable (2) | [223634] | [223649]
 

Spoiler

thread progression.

6939 words | 693 sections | 0.7 group factor

combat rewards.

" TOTAL COL: 4,512
MATERIALS: 40

Tier 1 Perfect Consumable (1) | [223642]
Tier 1 Perfect Trinket (1) | [223626]
Tier 1 Perfect Weapon (1) | [223626]
Tier 1 Rare Armor (1) | [223651]
Tier 1 Rare Trinket (1) | [223630]
Tier 1 Rare Weapon (3) | [223639] | [223634] | [223649]
Tier 1 Uncommon Consumable (5) | [223629] | [223628] | [223639] | [223634] | [223649]

Spoiler

"ID: 223630 | LD: 15 (12, +3) | CD: 3 | 288col, Tier 1 Materials (3), Tier 1 Rare Trinket (1)
ID: 223629 | LD: 8 (5, +3) | CD: 3 | 192col, Tier 1 Materials (5), Tier 1 Uncommon Consumable (1)
ID: 223628 | LD: 10 (7, +3) | CD: 4 | 288col, Tier 1 Materials (3), Tier 1 Uncommon Consumable (1)
ID: 223627 | LD: 5 (2, +3) | CD: 4 | 384col, Tier 1 Materials (1)
ID: 223626 | LD: 23 (20, +3) | CD: 2 | 384col, Tier 1 Materials (1), Tier 1 Perfect Trinket (1), Tier 1 Perfect Weapon (1)
ID: 223642 | LD: 23 (20, +3) | CD: 9 | 576col, Tier 1 Materials (3), Tier 1 Perfect Consumable (1)
ID: 223641 | LD: 5 (2, +3) | CD: 2 | 384col, Tier 1 Materials (1)
ID: 223640 | LD: 5 (2, +3) | CD: 11 | 288col, Tier 1 Materials (3)
ID: 223639 | LD: 12 (9, +3) | CD: 5 | 192col, Tier 1 Materials (5), Tier 1 Rare Weapon (1), Tier 1 Uncommon Consumable (1)
ID: 223634 | LD: 11 | CD: 8 | 288col, Tier 1 Materials (3), Tier 1 Rare Weapon (1), Tier 1 Uncommon Consumable (1)
ID: 223633 | LD: 4 | CD: 2 | 384col, Tier 1 Materials (1)
ID: 223649 | LD: 11 | CD: 7 | 192col, Tier 1 Materials (5), Tier 1 Rare Weapon (1), Tier 1 Uncommon Consumable (1)
ID: 223650 | LD: 1 | CD: 1 | 192col, Tier 1 Materials (5)
ID: 223651 | LD: 13 (10, +3) | CD: 10 | 480col, Tier 1 Materials (1), Tier 1 Rare Armor (1)"