[PP-F02-Assisted] Teaching Rock Smash | <<Breaking the Unbreakable>>

[Wulfrin 0]

Having heard rumors that more and more players were getting their feet wet and coming out of hiding since the death game started, as well as the introduction of a new mechanic allowing Wulfrin to reduce his level in exchange for a exp boost to himself and the lower level players, Wulfrin thought it high time to pay an old training ground a visit. The second floor was home to a skill he found extremely useful when he first started his adventure, so he figured why not take the opportunity to help others get it and try out the new system. With a few motions through the menus, Wulfrin watched as he was stripped of all the high numbers he had grown accustomed to. It hurt a little less knowing that the quest he was planning to go on had no danger in it, unless you count the fractures you probably would have received if you attempted it in real life. Wulfrin waved bye to his home on floor 22 and with phoenix familiar in tow, set out for floor 2 with only his coat. Where he was going weapons were not required.

Urbus was a welcome sight. The mountain ranges that loomed around the main city of floor 2 offered quite the challenge the few times he had attempted to climb them. A few of them he succeeded while others he gave up on. Wulfrin found himself a small bench with a decent view of the valley below and drafted a message to blast out to the request boards.

Attention New Players, I'm taking a short training trip on Floor 2. The quest can award you with access to the Martial Arts weapon skill and a fairly useful Multi-Target stun attack that can be pretty helpful in the early stages. There is no need to bring any weapons, you won't be able to use them anyway. If you're interested, meet me at the coordinates listed in Urbus. If you need help look for the flaming eagle. I'll be setting out around noon Aincrad time. Cheers, Wulfrin

With his request out there for all to see, Wulfrin kicked back to enjoy the view as Solaris, his phoenix familiar flew around in the skies above. 

* * *

Wulfrin (True Tier 3) is assisting Foyle
New Player Exp boost (Double EXP) is in effect

Wulfrin consumes:
imperial quarter blend | TIERLESS PERFECT POTION | DAMAGE III | [221020]

Wulfrin | HP: 30/30 | EN: 25/25 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 42 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 2 | BH: 1 | LD: 2 | REC: 1

Spoiler

Wulfrin,
Level: 1
Paragon Level: 0
HP: 30/30
EN: 25/25

Stats:
Damage: 10
Mitigation: 42
Evasion: 2
Accuracy: 2
Battle Healing: 1
Loot Dice: 2
REC: 1

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: None
Armor: Armored Long Coat T3 Perfect LA MIT 2 REC 1
Misc: Feather T1 Perfect Trinket EVA 3

Custom Skill:


Skills:
Light Armor R5
Straight Sword R5
Searching R2
Battle Healing R2
Energist

Active Mods:
Meticulous
Night Vision

Inactive Mods:

Addons:
Stamina
Precision
Ferocity
Resolve

Active Extra Skills:
Concentration
Forgotten King’s Authority

Inactive Extra Skills:

Battle Ready Inventory:
ITEM x1
Starter Healing Potions x3
T1 Uncommon Healing Potions x6
Teleportation Crystals x2

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)
Working: +2 EXP per crafting attempt
Filling: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot.
Item Stash: +1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot
Tasty: Turn 2 identical food items into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed.
Relaxed: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
Col Stash: +5% bonus col from monster kills and treasure chests
Angler: +1 material gained when fishing
Multipurpose: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll

Guild Hall Buffs:

Scents of the Wild:

Wedding Ring:

 

Edited August 14 by Wulfrin

[euled 0]

It had been a wonder how Euled had explored through Floor 6, but not Floor 2. Floor 1 was the "hub" for all of SAO, but nobody really cared about Floor 2. Still, he decided to teleport there anyway. Maybe he'd find some nice views or just take a stroll around a town. The weather was nice, a blue sunny sky with clouds far and few between. Eventually his daydreaming was broken by a notification ping on his menu.

Huh?

Opening it up, Euled let his eyes scan till he opened up the request board, a message issued to players on Floor 2.

"Training trip...Martial arts skill...AOE skill?"

The moment he heard "AOE skill" was the moment he got sold. Closing his menu, Euled walked over to the meet up point. For some reason, they didn't have to bring weapons, but at least he could bring his coat. Somehow, he had formed a strange sentimental bond with this random coat. 

Let's go, buddy.

euled | LV: 1 | HP: 30 | EN: 25 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | REGEN: 1

Equipped Items:

Fur-Hooded Down Jacket

[#178707] | TIER 1 LIGHT ARMOR | MITIGATION II, REGEN I

Skills:

Straight Sword R4

Light Armour R1

Survival

 

 

 

[Foyle 0]

Receiving Wulfrin's message, Foyle unfolded himself from akimbo to scissor stand on the spot. If there was one benefit to this hellhole of a game, it was the complete absence of arthritis. Years had passed since he could even consider such movement in his true body. Dawning slowly, that realization had proven his true liberation. Trapped and lost in a digital world too far beyond his own familiar era, Foyle had joined Firm Anima as a scout.  It gave him purpose and allowed him to search for the granddaughter he held out hope to still find in here someday.  Accustomed to working, dutifully completing his tasks and providing service to those in need, he'd needed something to keep him from drifting into malaise and just fading away.  It had taken quite a bit of adjustment, but there was a place for him here and a story to be told through the lens of the samurai adventures from his own youth.  Building the right skills to serve would prove essential.  

Dusting off his plain peasant's clothing, the locals in Urbus just dismissed him as part of the local scenery, which was just fine.  The journey was short and easy to navigate, especially with their host's eagle flying high overhead.  Arriving within the hour to find two others already present, Foyle ambled forward carrying an improvised walking stick and bowed politely to both of them.  

"Thank you for the invitation.  I hope you haven't been waiting long."

Judging by the look of him, odds were high that the Boulder would break him instead.

***

Foyle | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 2

Spoiler

Foyle
Level: 1
Paragon Level: 0
HP: 20/20
EN: 20/20

Stats:
Damage: 2

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: 
Armor: 
Misc: 

Combat Mastery: -
Combat Shift: -
Familiar Skill: -
Custom Skill:

Skills:
Straight Sword R1

Active Mods:

Inactive Mods:

Addons:

Active Extra Skills:

Inactive Extra Skills:

Battle Ready Inventory:

Housing Buffs:

Guild Hall Buffs:

Scents of the Wild:

Wedding Ring:

-: Level 0 | 0XP                                 

 

Edited August 1 by Foyle

[Wulfrin 0]

“Good to see you again, Euled!” Wulfrin stood up and shook the hand of the newbie that had come to his shop a handful of days ago. “Wasn’t expecting you to show up, but I’m glad you did. Based off the weapon you requested, I figured you were trying to solo things. I won’t lie it’s part of what inspired me to post the offer. The skill ya’ll will be getting today helped me out tremendously when I started. Consider it paying it forward from the higher level players that helped me.”

Wulfrin turned to the older of their small party of three. “Don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you, but I recognize the Firm Anima guild mark,” Wulfrin extended a hand in greeting to the older player. “Name’s Wulfrin. Pleasure to meet you. I owe most of my progress to Freyd, so I’ll do whatever I can to help his guild mates.”

Wulfrin turned his attention to address the two of them. “Alright Solaris and I will take the lead. We’ve got some mountain climbing to do before we can get to our destination. After that, it’s just following the instructions of the dojo’s master. There is a restriction on the quest that prohibits the use of weapons while it’s in progress. If you are up to it after, perhaps we can go on a monster hunt in the mountains for some Col and Mats if you’re needing them. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask and without further ado, let’s get climbing.”

As promised, the phoenix took off a ways ahead of the group. Wulfrin had gone through these motions numerous times and knew there was no danger, but the duo always traveled this way. It meant for fewer chances of surprises sneaking up on the group. Wulfrin began the ascent first watching for loose stones and pointing them out. The path up was almost second nature at this point. Compared to the powerful mobs he had been facing as of late, this quest was more a salty run back for him. Every time he came back he failed more than he succeeded at the master’s challenges, and often times he would come back just to see how much he had improved.

”Dojo should be just up ahead,” Wulfrin reassured the group as they neared the top. “Oh by the way, this is just a warm up.”

* * *
Climbing posts (1/3)

Edited August 2 by Wulfrin

[Foyle 0]

"They call me Foyle.  It is a pleasure to meet you, Master Wulfrin."  The old man bowed humbly, several times, to express his enduring gratitude.  Navigating the details of such a complex system was far beyond his realms of technical familiarity.  "I'm much more accustomed to fixing doorbells and faucets than to any of the fancy moves everyone around here seems to manage."  His entire face seemed to smile, the wrinkled around his eyes sloping as if to reach for the rising corners of his lips, eyes closing to mere joyful slivers.  

"Oh.  You know the Captain?  He was kind enough to invite me to the guild, even though I've yet to learn any semblance of a craft.  Maybe I'll try my hand at something useful that can help me help others with small home repairs."  Chuckling softly, he had no idea if that was even a thing.  "Well, good thing I can't use a weapon for this.  I don't even have one!  Actually, that's part of what caught my attention.  It's been a long time, but I was hoping that these lessons might jar loose a few of my old moves from basic training.  Nothing impressive, mind you.  It was simply part of the compulsory service in the Defense Force, back in my day."

Despite his talk appearance, Foyle was surprisingly spry, managing to keep up with Wulfrin as they ascended the mountain.  His walking stick appearing to be more practical tool than crutch.

"Hunting might be a bit of an issue, at least until I cobble together some proper equipment.  I'd gladly accept the offer once I'm less of a burden.  And thank you again for kindly offering to assist us here today.  Lovely bird, by the way.  What did you call it?"

* * *
Climbing posts (2/3)

[Wulfrin 0]

"Solaris," Wulfrin responded to the question about his familiar. "He can be a bit pretentious sometimes, but most of the time he is a pretty decent scout. Saved him from a handful of bandits up on Floor 5."

Wulfrin eventually grasped the edge of the cliff that signified the end of their journey. He pulled himself up then offered a hand down to each of his charges, providing each an extra bit of assistance up over the ridge. The three stood before an ornate mountain monastery, the sounds of NPCs training in various martial arts forms echoed from the courtyards.

"Well that's step one completed," Wulfrin stated looking to his charges. "Now we just find the Grandmaster."

As if on cue, an older man in full gi with a short grey beard approached the group. Wulfrin bowed respectfully as he approached. The master responded again.

"Welcome back young Wulfrin," The master greeted. "Have you returned to train with me yet again?"

"Yes I have Master Yunxiang," Wulfrin responded respectfully. "I will be putting my self through the full regimen along side my other friend here."

"I see," Master Yunxiang eyed the new trainees up an down assessing their capabilities. "I will only train those who can prove to me they are ready. Come your tasks await."

The master ushered them to follow into the monastery.

* * *

Climbing posts (3/3)

[Foyle 0]

Thanking Wulfrin for his assistance reaching the top of the cliff, Foyle could only admire the man's pet from afar.  "I can see how such a creature would prove useful.  Are they difficult to care for?"  Images of a of a pet regularly combusting in one of his tenants' apartments on a regular basis spawned in his mind, aged brows raising at the corresponding maintenance.  Foyle had no clue how such things worked in the game, often defaulting to his own lived experience for flawed comparison.

"Master Yunxiang.  Many thanks for the opportunity to participate.  We look forward to proving ourselves worthy."  A crisp bow made with strangely military precision, the old man actually seemed eager and energized by the prospect.  "I'll say this about our circumstances," he offered, jovially.  "I don't miss the constant struggle with arthritis!""

Adjusting his clothing for proper range of motion and flexibility, Foyle broke off to join a group performing tai-chi.

"This is the advanced class," one of the younger members snapped, curtly, his eyes snubbing Foyle's arrival with disapproval.

"Yes.  Thank you."  A polite dismissal, delivered with a friendly smile.  "I see you practicing the Hao style.  Please forgive me if I'm a little rusty. It's been a little while."  The other man's scoff died in his throat as Foyle bent and joined the ranks of the others, matching their motions and energy nearly seamlessly.  There would be no gloating or mockery.  It was purely a joy to be able to partake without the aches and failings age had once inflicted, but the system now denied.

***

First Task (Attempt 1) | ID 225848 | CD 12 | Success (+2 dmg)
First Task (Attempt 2) | ID 225849 | CD 2 | Failed

Note: roll 225848 accidentally submitted under 'Freyd' instead of 'Foyle'.

Edited August 13 by Foyle

[Wulfrin 0]

Wulfrin was far less versed in the martial arts than pretty much al of the students even the beginners. Try as he might, he couldn't even get the basics down. How he had managed to pass these classes already baffled him every time. The fact he even completed the quest must have been up to dumb luck. The only thing keeping Wulfrin motivated to try was how well Foyle was doing. The best part about this quest was the only part that mattered was the boulder at the end. Pretty much all of the tasks we set up solely to boost the damage you deal to the boulder. Shame he left his knuckle dusters at home. He had forged them specifically to punch the boulder and yet somehow forgets to grab them every time.

"I hope your sessions went better than mine did," Wulfrin said sheepishly as he regrouped with Foyle. "No matter how many times I repeat this quest, I can never seem to grasp anything." Wulfrin let out a small chuckle as he prepared to head towards the second task.

* * *
note: Euled has dropped from thread

First Task (attempt 1) | ID: 226007 | CD: 1 | Failed

First Task (attempt 2) | ID: 226008 | CD: 5 | Failed

Edited August 14 by Wulfrin

[Foyle 0]

Spotting Foyle managing more advanced poses wit the Tai-Chi group, Master Xianjing called him over to participate in a different drill.  Guiding several adepts behind the mouth of a nearby waterfall, he bade each of them kneel on the slick rock outcrop.

"Cleanse and purify your will," was all the instruction they were given.  Some sat akimbo, reflecting on the lessons they had learned under their master's tutelage.  Others dove through the waters, plummeting to the pools below, having completely missed the point.  Foyle was the last to arrive, pausing to ponder how best to address the challenge.  Mind set on a chosen course, he kneeled by the first group but gripped the edge of the cliff with aged fingertips.  Breathing in deeply three times, he held the third and plunged his head beneath the crushing weight of water cascading from overhead. 

For countless seconds, verging into minutes, Foyle stayed frozen in place.  Every muscle clenched and balanced to counterweight the sheer force of water threatening to teeter him over the brink, and yet he held.  No breath could be drawn.  No quarter would be given.  This was a test of will against himself and nature all at once.  Even Master Xianjing's eyes widened at the sight, making ready to step forward and interceded, just as Foyle gently withdrew into prostration.

No cough escaped him.  Only the gentle rise of his back implied he'd taken breath at all. Despite appearances, the old man had deep reserves of will at his disposal.

***

Second Task (Attempt 1) | ID 226577 | LD 16 | Success (+2 dmg)
Second Task (Attempt 2) | ID 226578 | LD 15 | Success (+2 dmg)
Second Task (Attempt 3) | ID 226579 | LD 10 | Failed

Edited August 16 by Foyle

[Wulfrin 0]

The Next task before them was the waterfall. Quite frankly this was always the task Wulfrin failed at the most. The waterfall was designed to test one's own willpower as that was all that would keep you from plummeting to the bottom of the chasm bellow the temple. As with his previous attempts, Wulfrin was not faring well. One would think that going through these trials over and over again would leave you with at least some growth, but for Wulfrin that did not seem to be the case. He strained to keep himself on the edge of the cliff. His hands were aching more so than the rest of his body as his grip began to loosen. Just as the fatigue was about to set in he thrust himself out of the cascading waters.

"Ugh!" Wulfrin vented his frustrations into the air. "Every time I do this training I feel like I've taken two steps backward. What am I missing here."

* * *

Second Task (attempt 1) | ID 226670 | LD 9 | fail
Second Task (attempt 2) | ID 226672 | LD 14 | Success (+2 Damage)
Second Task (attempt 3) | ID 226673 | LD 8 | fail

Edited August 17 by Wulfrin

[Foyle 0]

Their respective tasks completed, at least to whatever extent Master Xianjing expected or was prepared to tolerate, Wulfrin and Foyle were both called upon to face off against the academy's final challenge.  They'd already spent the better part of the day completing their training.  While it hadn't seemed that long, few quests felt like they exacted such a physical toll as much as this one did.  

"You've done remarkably well today," the master praised.  "Mostly."  A sideways glance sent Wulfrin's way seemed unfair, given the elements of chance baked into the system.  

"Master Wulfrin and I have learned much today, sensei.  It has been an enlightening experience for us both, and I trust that we are both up to any further challenges you would have us face."  Giving his companion a sympathetic side eye, he'd actually expected it to be himself who struggled more.  Such were the vagaries of chance.  The least he could do was defend his partner's honor, allowing him to retain his status and deserved respect.  Foyle knew full well he'd have struggled to make it through without the help of Wulfrin and others, like Nymoria, who'd graciously chosen to spend their time mentoring less experienced players.  If there was truly a lesson to be learned here, that was it.

"Well said, Foyle.  Now, I expect both of you to apply the discipline you showed during your earlier trials against the very symbol of impossibility, and shatter this stone."  Stepping aside, Master Xianjing revealed a large, lumpish rock, roughly cylindrical in shape.  It reminded Foyle a bit of a menhir he'd read about in his youth.  Where others might have voiced surprise or protested, the old man mere nodded and bowed, acknowledging the order.

"Hai!"

Stepping forward into a fighting stance, his wiry form looked surprisingly taut and spry, even in his simple clothing.  Driving his fist forward with proper form and determination, he even managed to leave a modest imprint and sparse cracks upon the surface of the stone after his first blow.

***

ID 226685 | BD: 5+2=7 (hit) | CD 12 (+5 DMG) | Deals: 1+6+5= 12 damage.

Foyle: +6 DMG
Wulfrin +2 DMG
Boulder: HP: 63/75 (75-12) | EVA: -2
(+5 damage on natural CD 12 and/or LD 20)

Edited August 17 by Foyle

[Wulfrin 0]

After getting the side eye from the master of the temple, Wulfrin welcomed the protection provided by Foyle. The master stepped aside revealing the only test that mattered, The Boulder. Foyle stepped up first and landed a fairly solid blow to their inanimate enemy. Wulfrin was impressed by the gentleman's combat prowess. At least he's having some decent luck today.

"Thanks for backing me up," Wulfrin said as he stepped up to take his turn at the boulder. "The random chance of Cardinal is going to be the death of me one day at this rate. At least this task is way more up my alley. His too." Wulfrin looked up to the sky at Solaris. In an instant the phoenix charged and slammed into the boulder increasing the damage the party were stacking. "Guess that means I'm up."

Wulfrin stepped up and prepared for his strike. He took a solid stance above the boulder, his hand flattened into a blade. "Hyah!" Wulfrin shouted as his hand collided with the boulder causing it to fracture more.

"Your turn good sir," Wulfrin stepped aside politely. "We're making good progress on this one."

* * *

Post action: Basic attack against boulder
Free action: Rending familiar
Cooldowns: Rending Familiar (1/5)

ID 226743 | BD 4+2+2=8 hit | CD 9 | LD 7 | Deals: 10+2 = 12 Damage. Rend (7) applied for 2 turns. 

Foyle: +6 DMG
Wulfrin +2 DMG
Boulder: HP: 44/75 (63-12-7) | EVA: -2 | REND 7 (1/2)
(+5 damage on natural CD 12 and/or LD 20)

Edited August 17 by Wulfrin

[Foyle 0]

"Not a problem," Foyle replied, maintaining steady breathing.  He knew this test was as much about endurance as their ability to destroy their target.  Xianjing's tests had essentially confirmed it.  "And you would have done the same for me, Master Wulfrin.  I have no doubt."

Taking his opportunity when the time came, Foyle watched in wonder as the phoenix soared between them to rake the stone with its claws, never having considered the possibility that other forms of attack were even possible, let alone legal within the confines of their task.

"This game's fickle nature will surely be doom of many, as it already has been.  I've spent much time staring at new lines being added to the massive tombstone they call a monument in the central city.  My shame at failing to prevent those tragedies was what helped me decide that it was finally time to end my exile and learn what this world has to offer."

Another firm strike, delivered right on his mark.  Foyle's confidence soared, thanks to the aid of his companion and their sensei.

"How long have you been out here, fighting. if I may ask?"

***

ID 226781 | BD: 7+2=9 (hit) | CD 3 (--) | LD 9 (--)| Deals: 1+6= 7 damage.

Foyle: +6 DMG
Wulfrin +2 DMG
Boulder: HP: 37/75 (44-7) | EVA: -2 | REND 7 (1/2)
(+5 damage on natural CD 12 and/or LD 20)

Edited August 17 by Foyle

[Wulfrin 0]

"You bet," Wulfrin smiled to his gentleman of a companion. "Also you can drop the Master part. I assure you I am no where near qualified to hold a title like that."

Wulfrin stepped up to the boulder as Solaris finished it's attack pattern and fell back to recharge. With another firm strike from Wulfrin, the boulder's cracks grew larger. It was only a few hits from crumbling entirely. Had he remembered the weapon he had built specifically for this scenario, the boulder would have had even less of a chance of staying around for too long. Solaris was a fantastic addition, almost like a Pokémon learning the titular HM Rock Smash. Wulfrin chuckled at the though as he stepped aside for his companion to take their next attack.

"Not too long," Wulfrin stated when asked about his experience in the field. "At least I don't think it's been long. It's hard to keep track of time passage here, but a handful of months maybe? I have Freyd to thank the most for my progress. It helps that I had some sword training as a young kid, but that was many years before logging in. Life kind of got in the way of my hobbies. You seem to have some combat experience as well. You mind if I ask you the same question?"

* * *

* Note Wulfrin's Combat Mastery was calculated incorrectly. Corrected this post and gave Boulder back 3 HP *

Cooldowns: Rending Familiar (2/5)

Post Action: Basic Attack vs Boulder
Free Action:

ID 226827 | BD 2+2+2=6 hit | CD 5 | LD 11 | Deals 7+2 = 9 Damage. Target takes 7 Damage from Rend. Rend fades

Foyle: +6 DMG
Wulfrin +2 DMG
Boulder: HP: 24/75 (37+3-7-9) | EVA: -2 | REND 7 (1/2)
(+5 damage on natural CD 12 and/or LD 20)

Edited August 18 by Wulfrin

[Foyle 0]

"Oh, I'm completely wet behind the ears, Mas...err, Wulfrin," Foyle admitted, sheepishly.  "My time in the field could be measured in days."  As if on cue, the older man stumbled, throwing off his punch in the most rookie way possible and causing him to fall to his knees.  Laughing at this own clumsiness, Foyle took the fumble in stride, laughing as he recovered his footing, patting dust and dirt from his soiled clothing.

"I served in the defense forces in my early days.  Compulsory service was normal at the time, at least in our region."  Eyes grew distant for a moment, staring at the clouds and if remembering a place that might no longer exist.  "I can't say any of it really stayed with me.  Vague muscle memory might be the best.  The tai-chi is something my wife dragged me to once in a while to get me out of the house.  She was always better at it than I was."  Hands outstretched with invitation, he humbly suggested Wulfrin might better remind him how it was done, joking that he'd likely already forgotten.

***

Post Action: Basic Attack vs Boulder
Free Action: None

ID 226868 | BD: 2+2=4 (miss) | CD 2 (--) | LD 5 (--)

Foyle: +6 DMG
Wulfrin +2 DMG
Boulder: HP: 24/75  | EVA: -2
(+5 damage on natural CD 12 and/or LD 20)

Edited August 18 by Foyle

[Wulfrin 0]

"if there's one thing I've learned in this place," Wulfrin said as he made his way to the boulder. "The movements here don't rely on muscle memory."

Wulfrin took the offensive stance and slammed his bladed hand into the boulder's surface. It's HP dropped closer and closer to zero, but refused to go the full distance.

"We don't have any muscles in here," Wulfrin continued, gesturing politely to continue the rotation. "The skills that have lay dormant that we are using were more ingrained into our base instincts. We know how to make the moves like it's something we've done our whole lives. Add the Sword Arts provided by the system and it completely changes the game. Personally I've adapted the sword style I was taught when I was a kid to accommodate the new additions. The combat style was always an aggressive one, mainly focusing on one handed swords and mixing in martial arts to make up for the lack of defense. I wasn't the best at it, but I've kind of been forced to practice a lot. Maybe I'll pick it back up again when we get out of here."

* * *

Cooldowns: Rending Familiar (3/5)

Post Action: Basic Attack vs Boulder
Free Action: None

ID 226871 | BD 4+2+2=8 hit | CD 8 | LD 16 | Deals 7+2 = 9 Damage.

Foyle: +6 DMG
Wulfrin +2 DMG
Boulder: HP: 15/75 (24-9) | EVA: -2
(+5 damage on natural CD 12 and/or LD 20)

Edited August 18 by Wulfrin

[Foyle 0]

"Hrmmm."  Foyle mulled his companion's words, as if attempting to fit a round peg in a square hole, lacking the proper frame of reference to make the dots connect between a coded digital realm's operating system and his own understanding of reality.  Finally, he just gave up trying.  "I'll take your word for it," he chuckled, not having made any headway in deciphering its truth.  "Whatever the reasons behind it, the whole thing feels rather real to me.  Whether its technical doo-dads, as you say, or maybe my own mind just filling in the gaps like the phantom sensations of a missing limb, it all seems to end up working the same way."

As if trying to re-solidify his own uncertainly about their unfamiliar world, he worked his way through an old tai-chi kata, but with accelerated speed and force.  The strike held true, delivering its intended blow in a manner recognized by the system. A deep crack, fractured most of the stone, already beset by their prior efforts. 

"Looks like one more blow might do the trick.  Why not show me how it's done, Wulfrin.  I'll see if I can follow it better this time."

***

Post Action: Basic Attack vs Boulder
Free Action: None

ID 226877 | BD: 7+2=9 (hit) | CD 11 (--) | LD 16 (--) | Deals: 1+6= 7 damage.

Foyle: +6 DMG
Wulfrin +2 DMG
Boulder: HP: 8/75 (15-7) | EVA: -2
(+5 damage on natural CD 12 and/or LD 20)

Edited August 18 by Foyle

[Wulfrin 0]

"Very well then," Wulfrin nodded as he stepped up to the boulder. "One more strike should do it. Though I do feel a bit bad taking the honor away from you."

Wulfrin pulled his hand back and smashed it into the boulder. A resounding Twack echoed throughout the training grounds followed by a long silence. For a moment it was questionable if the strike had done any damage, but eventually the HP gauge fell to zero and faded away. The boulder followed suit shortly after crumbling into a fine powder as the cracks in its surface spiderwebbed fully around it. The task was completed all that was left was the wrap up.

"Well that's that," Wulfrin said as he dusted his hands. "The master should be by any minute to give us the wrap up speech. After that access to the Martial Arts skill and the special AoE Stun Art will be yours."

* * *

Post Action: Basic Attack vs Boulder
Free Action: None
Cooldowns: Rending Familiar (4/5)

ID 226879 | BD: 5+2+2=9 (hit) | CD 4 (--) | LD 17 (--) | Deals: 7+2= 9 damage. Boulder breaks.

Foyle: +6 DMG
Wulfrin +2 DMG
Boulder: HP: 0/75 (8-9) | EVA: -2 | Dead
(+5 damage on natural CD 12 and/or LD 20)

Edited August 18 by Wulfrin

[Foyle 0]

"Those sound like valuable tools.  Freyd's also already offered to take several others and I to face to sort of giant angry ape.  Something about shattering, but I wasn't quite sure what he meant.  I look forward to putting both to good use, once I find my proper bearings.  Thank you again, Master Wulfrin, and please forgive the epithet, this one time.  It seems appropriate to the moment."  Placing his fist into the opposing open palm, Foyle offered his tutor a sincere bow to demonstrate his gratitude.

"This must mean it's time for me to set about getting myself some proper equipment.  As refreshing as it was to reconnect with my roots, I'm not sure if martial arts are truly my style.  The traditions are comforting and familiar, but something with a bit more reach seems prudent."  Clearly, Foyle still had a long way still to go to understand the many layered nuance of Cardinal's system.  Yet this moment represented a leap forward beyond his original stagnation, and the first footsteps taken on a new and exciting journey.  Extending a hand, Foyle gave Wulfrin a hearty shake, glad to have made a rare friend in a world he was still chasing to understand.

[Wulfrin 0]

"They are indeed," Wulfrin said as he mirrored the bow in respect. "I've been on the Monkey quest. If you want the Shatter Sword Art, you'll want to keep the ape from killing the NPC accompanying you. As for the equipment, I'm sure Freyd can hook you up and will get you top of the line stuff. However if you ever need something extra don't be afraid to darken my door on Floor 22. I'm a blacksmith in my free time."

With a firm handshake the two broke off going their separate ways. Wulfrin realized he had left town with another player. For some reason they never made it up the mountain with him and Foyle. He wasn't in the party anymore so Wulfrin out of fear scrambled to search up the username to check their status. Seeing the name come up in the registry was reassuring, but Wulfrin's heart sank a bit that he hadn't realized the player had left. Wanting to cover all his basis, Wulfrin set out into the wilderness of Floor 2 in search of the missing player.

* * *

Thread Closure:

Wulfrin Receives:
1,296 EXP: [4630/10] = 463*4 = 1,852 * 0.7 = 1,296
200 Col: [1 Page[400]/2]

Foyle Receives: 
624 EXP: [4630/10] = 463 *1 = 463 * 0.7 = 324 + 300 [quest] = 624
200 Col [1 Page[400]/2]
Access to <<Martial Arts>> skill
Unlocked <<Tech-F>>

Euled dropped out of thread and receives no rewards

Edited August 18 by Wulfrin