[PP - F22] Chasing redemption at the Shirajishi-ryū Dojo «Katana Skill Acquisition»

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

For a while now, Ariel had asked her students to spread posters around the main settlements of each floor as most of her preparations to open the martial arts school had been finished. If she wouldn't actively participate in clearing floors (outside of the floor boss fights), she would at least continue with her dream to open her own school. The first step to achieving that was to start one here, in Aincrad.

To reach Ariel's martial arts school, the first task was to leave behind the confines of «Coral», the main settlement on the 22nd floor. A sign bearing a crowned lion's head pointed towards the necessary exit, followed by other signs along the way. Any new recruit needed to head towards the Forest of Memories, taking in the breath-taking views of the «Lake of Reflection». On the walk, they could spot the «Home of the Weary Smith», a reminder to take in the overall soothing atmosphere of this floor. Whether on horseback for haste or walking to savour the journey, the path was well-worn and inviting.

Choosing the scenic route, the recruit took their time walking. Upon reaching the forest, they followed the newly made path, keeping their eyes on the ground and watching for white markings on the trees. A few minutes later, they found themselves in front of a modest yet somewhat modern red torii gate marking the entrance to «Shirajishi Valley», the lioness' domain.
Alternatively, they could have rented a boat at the lake, following the river upstream as it serpentined into the forest. This was by far the fastest route, leading to a small dock on the right bank near the entrance torii.

Entering the valley, the landscape opened up as a flat surface surrounded almost entirely by hills and mountains. To the right (south-west), a pink and white field of sakura (cherry blossoms) greeted them. Hanami (flower watching) was a favorite pastime of the residents, and highly recommended.

In the middle of the domain lay a semi-open dojo at the crossroads, with one path leading north towards another exit to the «Cathedral of the Forgotten», where a powerful guild had its headquarters. To the west, sharp eyes would notice the 'thousand' red torii gates, shadowing an equally great number of stairs ascending the mountain to a small, well-maintained «Inari Shrine».

Closer to the exit, next to the riverbank to the east, stood the main estate hosting the «Shirajishi-ryū». This beautiful wooden building, with over twenty rooms spread over two storeys, was mostly occupied, hosting eight player residents. Its owner desired to accommodate future students wishing to join her school.

Some noises could be heard coming from the front yard where a blonde, white clad swordswoman was training against a wooden dummy. The kanji on the back would spell ' 改組 ' (Kaiso) but for a trained eye, her movements with the blade were more revealing than words.

[Hanzoku 0]

In the interests of fairness, the students of the Shirajishi-ryū Dojo had spread their flyers high and low (quite literally in Aincraid), and a few had even made their way to the Town of Beginnings, and one of those into the hands of the man now walking his last steps on the long road that has lead to this Dojo. His armor is stained with the dust of the road, and he wipes the sweat from his forehead as he stands by the red torii gate that marked the beginning of the estate's grounds. He grimaces faintly as he notices the dock next to the gate - surely that would have been a lot faster. Though more expensive. Ah well, the way to the school had been beautiful, and as he descended into the valley, the field of flowers to his right was truly breathtaking.

Seeing only one person out in the open, Hanzoku marches towards her and comes to a stop a respectful distance away. He watches her with open admiration as she flows from stance to stance in her practice forms, showing a clear mastery of melee combat that supersedes the system-granted knowledge that accompanies the various weapon skills. He waits patiently until she comes to the end of a series of strikes, and only then clears his throat.

"Miss Ariel? Word has spread that you are open to new students for your sword school. Shirajishi-ryū - the White Tiger School, I think? I would like to learn what you have to teach."

She turns to look at him, and he wonders what she thinks. He must look like a ruffian with his short hair slick with sweat and speckled with gray hairs at the temples, his near-omnipresent five o'clock shadow and travel-stained armor. For all that, he moves easily in the heavy plate, and his breathing is even and unhurried despite the long march in his gear.

 

Stat Line:

Hanzoku | Lv. 3 | HP: 60/60 | EN: 24/24 | DMG: 7 | MIT: 32 | REGEN: 2 | THORNS: 1

Spoiler

Equipped Items:

• Humble Aspirations | T1 Perfect Weapon (SS) | DMG III
• Squire's Ardor | T1 Perfect Heavy Armor | MIT III
• Valorous Spite | T1 Perfect Shield | REGEN II | THORNS I

Battle-Ready Inventory:

• Starter Healing Potion (3/5) | Tier 1 Potion | +60 HP
•  
•  
• wolf pendant. |  [#220941-2] | TIER 1 JEWELRY | ACC III
• laurel earcuffs. | [#221709-1] | TIER 1 JEWELRY | LD III

Consumed Items:

Skills:

• Straight Swords | RANK 1/5
• Curved Swords | RANK 1/5
• Heavy Armor | RANK 1/5

Sword Arts:

• [x4] ST-I (4 EN) | <<Fourfold Strike>> A single-target sword art.
• [x3] AOE-I (1 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | <<Cleave>> A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once.
• [x4] TECH-A (5 EN) | STUN | <<Cheap Shot>> A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy.

Misc. Buffs:

 

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

Ariel paused her training, the rhythmic sound of her strikes ceasing as she became aware of someone approaching. She maintained her stance, focused, until the last swing was executed. Only then did she acknowledge the newcomer, turning to face him with the practiced calm of a seasoned warrior. Her silver eyes, reflecting a keen curiosity, took in the man before her—older, clearly experienced, and marked by the road he had traveled to reach this place.

Ariel offered a nod of acknowledgment, her expression neutral but not unwelcoming. She drove the wooden sword into the ground beside the dummy, freeing her hands as she took a moment to tug at the collar of her kimono-like uniform, seeking some relief from the heat. 

"You're a long way from the lower floors." she began, her tone respectful, recognizing the journey the man had undertaken. Yet her keen eyesight discerning enough of his equipment. "You've found the right place. Welcome to Shirajishi-ryū!"

As if on cue, a small, white-furred lioness trotted over, carrying a towel in her mouth. Ariel accepted it with a soft "Thanks!" giving the creature an affectionate scratch below her maw before wiping her face and neck. The lioness, content with having accomplished her task, curled up on the nearby porch, her eyes half-closed in a lazy watchfulness.

Returning her attention to the man, Ariel offered a small smile as she gestured for him to step closer. "I am Ariel, the founder of this school. And this little one is Kimba, my familiar and our mascot. She’s more welcoming than she looks!" she added with a hint of amusement.

Taking a moment to study the man before her, Ariel's gaze was sharp, assessing his demeanour, the way he carried himself and the determination in his eyes. "You decided to take the long, more scenic route. What is it exactly that you seek to learn from the Shirajishi-ryū?"

Her voice was steady, but her words held an underlying challenge, as if to gauge not just his desire to learn, but the depth of his commitment to the path of the sword.

[Hanzoku 0]

Hanzoku laughed a little at her comments. "I'm just a poor boy, from a poor family-" he said before cutting off and shaking his head. "Nah, let me be serious with this. I'm a lowbie still. I lost my best friend the second day, got scared and depressed - seriously, clinically depressed and went into a fugue. There are enough of us in the Town of Beginnings - all the people who never managed to take a step out. I finally pulled myself out of it. I got some help from some kind players - that's why I have the gear I do, and I've started looking to make up lost time. For all that, I'm still weak and I recognize that while the weapon skill gives you some guides, its not actual training. There are major gaps, and people who know how to fight properly - people like you, who trained in real life before coming here - they've got an edge that I need."

His green eyes met her silver eyes. "I took some self defense courses, back in RL, but those were years ago. I want to learn how to fight like you do, so that I can grow strong enough to join out and the others on the front lines. The only way any of us is getting out of this game is by beating it by the rules. And for that, we need every fighter who can stand the front lines. I've always played the tank, and I'm not afraid to stand at the very front - but I need to be strong enough to hold that line."

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

Ariel listened intently as Hanzoku spoke, her expression softening as he shared his story. His initial joke drew a small smile from her, a flicker of amusement in her eyes as she recognized his attempt to lighten the mood. However, as he continued, revealing his determination to grow stronger despite past experiences, her demeanour shifted to one of quiet respect. She crossed her arms, leaning slightly against the training dummy as she considered his words. The humor he had shown at the start was something she appreciated—it hinted at a resilience, a willingness to keep going despite the darkness he'd faced. His green eyes, steady and earnest, met her own, and she saw in them the resolve of someone who had made a choice to fight, not just for himself, but for others as well.

"You've got a good sense of humor." Ariel remarked, her tone lighter now, acknowledging the way he had tried to ease into the conversation. She pushed off from the dummy, taking a step closer to Hanzoku, her gaze never leaving his. "And you’re right - just relying on the system’s skills isn’t enough. Real mastery, comes from understanding the gaps, from filling them with experience and training. And that’s what we do here."

Her voice grew firmer, as teacher's addressing a prospective student. " You may feel like a 'lowbie,' as you put it, but the fact that you’re here, ready to learn and push past your limits - that’s what matters. We all started somewhere, even me. " she paused, a gentle smile forming as a fond memory briefly flickered across her mind. "And if you’re willing to put in the work, this place can help you become the fighter you want to be."

Ariel's gaze softened as she finished speaking, her smile lingering for a moment. Then, she tilted her head slightly, a playful glint in her silver eyes. "You know, for someone who's come all this way to learn, you forgot one important detail!" she said, her tone light. "You never properly introduced yourself." She let the comment hang in the air for a moment before continuing, her smile returning. "But no worries, we can fix that. If you’re ready, we can start with a trial. From there, we’ll decide how good of a fit you are for Shirajishi-ryū. How does that sound?"

Edited August 8 by Ariel - The Crowned Lion

[Hanzoku 0]

Hanzoku blushes a little as he realized his error. Standing straighter, he thumps a gauntled fist against his breastplate. "My name is Hanzoku. In other games I was called the Kingslayer, or the Destroyer's End. Someday, I'll earn a title again - for now, you can call me 'Han', or 'hey you!'" he said as he relaxed his posture and gave her a grin.

"As for my humor - for some people it falls in their taste, for others against. I'm told I can be a bit morbid at times, fair warning. But yeah, tell me what you have in mind for a trial and I'll give it my all. No point holding back if you want to see where I'm at and what I need to work on."

He paused to let her collect her thoughts and lay out the trial he would be put through. He knew that others his age would have trouble listening to and respecting a younger woman, but he'd never had that trouble when faced with someone with clear expertise to share. Her lessons would mean the difference between life and death - and if he meant to be a tank, for more then just himself. He owed it to himself and his goals to listen intently to everything Ariel has to impart.

Edited August 8 by Hanzoku

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

Ariel watched as Hanzoku introduced himself, noticing the slight blush that colored his cheeks when he realized his earlier oversight. His earnestness and the confidence in his voice as he recounted his past titles brought a smile to her face. When he relaxed and grinned, she could see the humor and resolve behind his words.

As Hanzoku finished speaking, Ariel's eyes sparkled with both amusement and respect. "Kingslayer, Destroyer’s End—those are quite the titles. I’m sure you’ll earn another one here in Aincrad, but for now, 'Han-dono' works just fine."

Kimba, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, gracefully rose and padded over to Ariel’s side. The lioness’s presence added a layer of warmth to the moment, her eyes shining with curiosity. Ariel glanced down at Kimba, then back at Han, an almost playful glint in her eyes as if she and her familiar were sharing the same mischievous thought.

"Alright!" Ariel began with a grin, matching Han's earlier energy. "Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of it, let's have a fun warm-up. You’ve heard of boxers chasing chickens to improve their footwork, right? Well, here, you’ll be playing tag with Kimba."

She paused, letting the challenge sink in as she pointed towards her familiar. "She’s quick and clever, so you’ll need to be just as nimble and smart to keep up with her. It’s not just about speed; it’s about reading the situation, adapting, and finding the right moment to strike—much like in real combat."

Ariel stepped back, taking a seat on the nearby porch to give Han space. Her eyes were focused, watching him intently. "Let’s see what you’ve got, Han-dono."

Kimba, sensing that the game was on, crouched down playfully, her tail swishing with anticipation. She had learned much from observing the duels and training sessions in the dojo, and now she was ready to put Han to the test. Ariel watched closely, eager to see how he would handle this challenge, knowing that this trial was not just about physical agility but about Han's ability to adapt and engage with his surroundings—skills essential for mastering the art of the sword.

---

Catch the Lion -Minigame Rules

Dice Mechanics
Han’s Rolls:
Roll: natural BD + ACC bonus (if any) - Kimba's EVA (if any).

Kimba’s Rolls:
Base Value: 10 
Roll: natural BD.

Adjustment:
Kimba starts with 3 EVA, losing 1 every turn after until it reaches 0 EVA.
If Kimba’s roll >= Han’s roll: Add half (rounded up) of Kimba’s roll to her Base Value.
If Kimba’s roll < Han’s roll: Subtract half (rounded up) of Kimba’s roll from her base value.


Fatigue System: If either Kimba’s or Han’s accumulated natural rolls reach 30 first, the other gets a +2 ACC bonus for the rest of the game.

Winning Conditions
During the Game:
Han Wins: Tags Kimba by rolling higher than Kimba’s adjusted base value in any round.

After 5 Rounds:
Han Wins: If the accumulated natural BD rolls exceeds 44.
Kimba Wins: If Han's does not exceed 44 or fails to tag Kimba.

 

Edited August 10 by Ariel - The Crowned Lion

[Hanzoku 0]

Hanzoku eyed the playful white lioness, and then her equally playful owner. "Miss Ariel, if you think I have some hint of self-importance that would be damaged by being humiliated by eating dirt while being mocked by a feline, let me remind you that I'm a veteran gamer." he said with an amused chuckle, opening his menu. After a few moments his gear disappears into his inventory, while a wolf-headed amulet appears around his neck. "Alright, that should do it. If I do land on Kimba here, let's remove the twenty kilograms of metal from the equation."

Kimba of course flicks her tail with feline amusement - like this slow ape could possibly touch her divine self? That same tail puffs as without ceremony the man throws himself full out at the lioness, his shadow eclipsing Kimba before with a sudden movement she spurts out to the side, leaving Han to land roughly, though he manages to catch himself on his hands and knees and convert the rough landing to a scrambling chase as Kimba makes distance to have time to plan the route she would lead this impudent human through! A nearby bush caught her eye and she darted for the gap low to the ground, knowing the human wouldn't be able to follow her through it.

---

'Combat' begins!

Round #1

Hanzoku | ID:224817 | BD: 3 + 3 = 6

Kimba | ID: 334818 | BD: 6 | 10 + (6/2) + 3 = 16

• Kimba dodges successfully!

Hanzoku | Fatigue: 3 / 30 | ACC III

Kimba | Fatigue: 6 / 30 | EVA II | Dodge: 15

Edited August 10 by Hanzoku

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

Ariel couldn’t help but laugh softly at Hanzoku’s comment, appreciating his approach to the challenge. "It’s about how you handle yourself when things get unpredictable." she replied, her smile widening as he unequipped his armor and prepared for the trial.

As Hanzoku made his first move, throwing himself at Kimba, Ariel watched with keen interest. He wasn’t hesitating or overthinking, just acting on instinct. That was a good start. But Kimba, with her feline agility, was quicker. It would take more than overpowering her. The lioness flicked her tail with what could only be described as a smirk, clearly amused by his bold attempt.

Kimba’s eyes gleamed with playful cunning as she darted to the side, easily avoiding Han's lunge. This human really thinks he can catch me? she would think, her tail puffing up slightly with excitement. Watching Han scramble to his feet and continue the chase, Kimba felt a thrill run through her. She was used to being admired from afar and get the usual pets or scratches but this was the first time in a while someone had dared to directly challenge her.

Spotting a gap in a nearby bush, Kimba decided to put the human’s resolve to the test. She darted low to the ground, aiming for the gap, confident that Han wouldn’t be able to follow her. But as she moved, she kept one ear perked and her senses sharp, ready to change course if Han surprised her with something unexpected.

Ariel, observing from the porch, leaned forward slightly, her eyes tracking the fast-paced exchange. "Not bad, Han-dono. Quick thinking," she called out, her tone encouraging. "But remember Han-dono, keep your eyes on her, anticipate her next move. The more you can predict, the closer you’ll get."

[Hanzoku 0]

Kimba spun to a stop on the other side of the bush, watching carefully to see if she needed to run left or right to stay away from the human, who was surely coming... right... through the bush?!

Indeed, Hanzoku had anticipated the little lioness' tactic as soon as she had taken the low road. If he went left, she went right, or back under. The bush wasn't so thick as to be impenetrable, but it had branches and thorns. Gritting his teeth, he accelerated and leapt forward, tucking his arms in front of his face, letting the lashing branches slash across his skin, leaving welts and scratches that would fade quickly enough in this game world.

The sheer surprise of the move proved the lioness' doom, as Hanzoku slid on his knees straight past her, scooping her into his arms as he goes, one arm deftly under the stomach in a carrying position, the other gently holding her front and fingers scratching the fur at her throat.

"I'm afraid, Kimba, that this lesson was also for you." he said to the lioness, who was wiggling in protest. After a moment he let go of her and rose to his feet, offering a bow to Ariel. "Shall we continue? Best two out of three?" he says with a wink at the clearly intelligent (and offended) lioness.

Round #2

Hanzoku | ID:224892 | BD: 8 + 3 = 11

Kimba | ID: 224893 | BD: 6 + 2 | 10 - (6/2) + 2 = 9

• Kimba is caught!

Hanzoku | Fatigue: 11 / 30 | ACC III

Kimba | Fatigue: 12 / 30 | EVA I | 

Edited August 10 by Hanzoku

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

Ariel watched the scene unfold with a mixture of amusement and admiration. Han's unexpected leap through the bush had been a clever move, and his quick reflexes had earned him a small victory over the ever-playful Kimba. The little lioness wriggled in his arms, her dignity slightly bruised, but her eyes still sparkling with the thrill of the game. Ariel couldn't help but smile as Han released Kimba, who scampered back to her spot, flicking her tail in playful defiance. As Han bowed and suggested continuing with a best two out of three, Ariel considered his suggestion thoughtfully. The determination he had shown was commendable, and his willingness to take on the challenge headfirst was a good sign of his resolve.

"Impressive work, Han-dono!" Ariel began, her silver eyes meeting his with approval. "I think that's enough of that for now. You can have your rematch some other time," she added, glancing at her familiar with a fond smile. "I have something else in mind for what comes next. For now, let's change location."

She gestured toward a quiet spot by a fishing pond nearby where the water flowed gently, creating a calming backdrop of soft ripples and rustling leaves. "This time, I want to see your focus. We'll stay by this pond, and you'll try to meditate here. The goal is to remain unbothered by your surroundings, no matter what distractions come your way."

Ariel's gaze remained steady as she awaited Han's response, curious to see how he would handle this test of mental fortitude. With a flick of her wrist, she navigated through her menu and materialized a fishing rod, repurposed from the net gifted to her by Amphitrite on a previous quest. 

[Hanzoku 0]

Hanzoku grimaced a little at the next activity, but finds a seat on a rock and rests his hands on his thighs. "I've never been the best at meditation - my thoughts tend to keep going rather then quiet down. Nothing for it but to take my swing at it." he says, closing his eyes and breathing in slowly from the stomach and breathing out through his nose.

The first order of business was to relax his muscles, focusing on each muscle group in turn and acknowledging the tension and letting it flow away. The second was to let external stimulii float to the background. That had been easier in the real world then it was here, and he needed to remind himself that he was seated in a safe zone as muscles tense from a twig snapping nearby. He manages to keep his eyes closed though, and slowly relaxes the tension from his body, trying for that inner peace and serenity.

Breath in. Hold. Breath out. Thinking about his eventual build. Tanking of course, but that was only half the game here in SAO. Wait, meditation. Put that to the side, it'd be something to work on later.

Breath in. Hold. Breath out. Soft steps next to him. Paws, most likely. Likely source: Kimba, here for revenge. Relax those muscles again, nothing here can truly harm you.

Breath in. Hold. Breath out. Appreciate the soft breeze and the sound of the water. The nature was one of the best things about this game, and one of its redeeming features.

Breath in. Hold. Breath out. His thoughts scattered, and he worked to acknowledge them and lay them to the side. Still, he wondered what for distractions would be visited upon him?

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

Ariel observed Han carefully as he settled onto the rock, preparing himself. His initial hesitation didn’t go unnoticed, and she could tell that this was not his comfort zone. But that was precisely the point of this exercise. She needed to see how he handled himself when he was pushed into unfamiliar territory.

With a soft sigh, Ariel turned her attention to the fishing rod in her hands, a peaceful activity she started enjoying only after being stuck in this death game. She cast the line into the water, watching the ripples spread out and listening to the quiet sounds of nature. For a moment, she allowed herself to relax as well, finding her own center as she felt the gentle pull of the current.

As she waited for a bite, Ariel remembered the small distraction she had planned. Reaching for a pebble by her side, she weighed it lightly in her palm before tossing it a few feet away from where Han sat. The stone skipped across the surface of the water with a soft plunk, sending ripples toward Han’s position. Ariel watched him closely, her silver eyes narrowing slightly as she assessed his reaction.

The soft splash wasn’t meant to be a major disturbance, just a subtle nudge to see how deep into his meditation he really was. As she continued to fish, Ariel couldn’t help but feel a quiet satisfaction at Han’s effort so far. He was taking this seriously, and that was nothing to scuff at. Luckily, she managed to catch a fish after her little stunt.

---

Meditation Minigame: Tug-of-War

Objective:
Maintain focus and successfully meditate despite incoming distractions.

Setup:
Han’s Roll: LD +LD bonus (if any).
Ariel’s Roll: natural CD.

Compare Han’s LD to Ariel’s CD:
If Han's LD is 9 or more points higher than Ariel's CD: Deep Meditation
If Han's LD is between 5 and 8 points higher: Moderate Focus
If Han's LD is 4 points or fewer: Broken Focus

End Condition:
The minigame concludes after 4 rounds.
Ariel evaluates Han's performance based on his ability to resist distractions and maintain his meditation.

//extra conditions will be revealed at the end of the minigame

ID# 225540  CD: 13 (11 +2)  LD: 7 (6+1)

• +1 Material / Total: 1
• Fishing(+10 EXP): 186/299

Edited August 11 by Ariel - The Crowned Lion

[Hanzoku 0]

Hanzoku's eyes spring open as the stone skips towards him, the plunking sound as it splashes through the water drawing him immediately from his meditation.  He starts to rise with one of his hands is instinctively at his side to draw a sword that currently is safely stored in his inventory. He stops as he recognizes the skipping stone and flushes as his eyes meet Ariel's. The stone loses all momentum and sinks into the water close to where he stands as he returns to his sitting position. "Ah. Sorry, I have trouble relaxing, even in safe zones. Its silly I guess - its safer here then in RL, but knowing that there are monsters waiting to attack if you set foot outside the boundries keeps me on edge."

With a deep breath that he lets out slowly, he closes his eyes and starts over the process of meditating, working through relaxing his muscles once more and trying to let go of his wary reactions.

 

[ID:225586] | LD 12 + 3 = 15 vs 11 : Broken Focus

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

Ariel watched Han's reaction with a mix of understanding and empathy. His instinctive movement and subsequent apology highlighted the depth of his struggle with relaxation, a challenge that was all too common for those in his position. The sight of his flushed cheeks and his quick adjustment of posture gave her insight into his mindset—one that remained guarded and on edge despite the apparent safety of their surroundings.

Instead of responding verbally, Ariel chose a more subtle approach. She offered Han a reassuring smile, one meant to convey encouragement without breaking his focus further. Her expression was gentle, an acknowledgment of his effort and a silent reassurance that he was doing well, even if it didn't always feel that way.

With the smallest of splashes and a ripple that barely disturbed the surface, Ariel continued her quiet fishing. She kept a watchful eye on Han, ready to offer support or adjust the level of distraction as needed, but for now, she allowed the peaceful setting to remain as undisturbed as possible.

---

ID# 225540  CD: 4 (2 +2)

• Fishing(+5 EXP): 191/299

Edited August 11 by Ariel - The Crowned Lion

[Hanzoku 0]

This time, he finds his focus. His breathing slows as the repetition of breathing from the stomach helps sooth his nerves and lets him sink deeper into his meditative state. The day was warm, but not hot. The sun and the soothing breeze over the water made it so that simply sitting by the water was a luxurious experience. But even those sensations fade as his focus deepen.

Worries are met and acknowledged. Worries from the past; what was happening in real life, where was his body. How were his friends and family? Worries from the present; The threat of monsters and player killers alike. The health and safety of the people he was starting to know; Worries for the future; becoming stronger. Surviving. Prospering. Beating this sick game.

One by one, each thought is acknowledged and examined before being set aside. And with each burden released, his shoulders relaxed incrementally more.

---

[ID:225750] | LD: 11 + 3 = 14 vs 4 : Deep Meditation

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

Ariel continued to fish quietly, her silver eyes glancing occasionally at Han as he sank deeper into his meditation. She could see the change in him—a subtle but noticeable shift in his posture as his breathing became more even and his muscles relaxed. It was a significant step, one that spoke to his growing ability to find calm in the chaos of their world.

As Ariel felt a sudden, strong tug on her fishing line, she instinctively braced herself. With a practiced hand, she began to reel in whatever had taken the bait, expecting a larger-than-average fish. However, as the line came closer, she couldn't help but let out an excited yelp as she realized it was something entirely different.

The water rippled more intensely, and with a final pull, she brought up a small, weathered treasure chest, its surface encrusted with moss and mud. Intrigued, the blonde set the fishing rod aside and carefully opened the chest. Inside, she found some items, their details obscured by a faint, shimmering aura that indicated they needed to be appraised. She quietly stored the chest and its contents in her inventory, saving the appraisal for later. Except for the Dungeon Map, she added that to her collection!

---

ID# 225754  CD: 10 (8 +2)  LD: 17 (16 +1)

• +1 Material / Total: 2
• Fishing Treasure Chest Found!
• Fishing(+18 EXP): 209/299

ID# 225755  LD: 22 (20+ 2)

• T4 Unid. Perfect Weapon# 225755
• T4 Unid. Perfect Weapon# 225755-1
• T4 Unid. Perfect Armor/Shield# 225755
• T4 Unid. Perfect Armor/Shield# 225755-1
• Random Dungeon Map# 225755

Edited August 12 by Ariel - The Crowned Lion

[Hanzoku 0]

Ariel isn't quite so quiet with opening the chest or her sounds of happiness at finding a dungeon map as she believes, but the middle-aged man allows the sound of her looting the chest to pass through his outer awareness without truly intruding on his meditation. The near reflexive urge to utter a 'Gratz!' is suppressed and falls by the wayside as he focuses instead on the growing stillness within himself. A feeling of tranquility and ease that has been missing for so long, and he nurtures and holds to that feeling like a flickering flame in a breeze, hands cupped around that flame to keep it alive and growing.

Externally, he shifts unconsciously to ease muscles in a gradual pattern, lines of worry and stress near permanently etched into his face and forehead smoothing, revealing that some of the lines around his eyes come far more often from laughter and joy.

---

[ID:225773] | LD: 12 + 3 = 15 vs 8 : Moderate Focus

Edited August 12 by Hanzoku

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

With a quick glance at Han, who seemed deeply immersed in his meditation, Ariel signaled to Kimba, who had been lazily lounging nearby. The little lioness perked up at her command, her ears twitching with curiosity. Ariel had trained Kimba well, and the familiar knew exactly what to do.

Kimba darted off into the bushes, her agile form disappearing into the undergrowth. Moments later, there was a sudden rustling sound, followed by a low growl. The bushes near Han rustled violently as Kimba emerged, pouncing playfully in front of him, her claws extended just enough to rake across the ground with a dramatic flourish. She then let out a sharp, playful roar, a noise that could easily startle anyone who wasn't prepared for it.

As Kimba pranced around, pretending to be a threat before settling back down with a satisfied flick of her tail, Ariel couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and curiosity. How deep had Han gone into his meditation? Would this sudden burst of energy from Kimba pull him out of his focus, or had he truly found his center amidst the storm? The answer would reveal just how far Han had come in mastering his mind.

---

ID# 225789  CD: 8 (6 +2)  LD: 9 (8 +1)

• +1 Material / Total: 3
• Fishing(+10 EXP): 219/299

 

Edited August 12 by Ariel - The Crowned Lion

[Hanzoku 0]

Hanzoku doesn’t even twitch when Kimba roars at him. Not even a muscle spasm as she claws the ground in front of him. She stops and looks back at Arial in concern - was this human broken?

the little lioness steps closer and roars as loudly as she can in his face. Then stares nonplussed as he continues to breathe in and out calmly.

stepping boldly onto his legs, she reaches up and baps him on the forehead with a soft paw. Revenge achieved for catching her earlier, she checked back again with Arial - was he really okay? 

Meanwhile, Hanzoku was only vaguely aware of his surroundings and the pressure on his legs. Even the paw bapping his forehead was only a vague impression in the background. His focus on the flame was absolute, and as it burned away, all that left the void. A place of pure focus and concentration.

---

[ID:225790] | LD: 17 + 3 = 20 vs 6 : Deep Meditation