[PP - 01 ]The First Few Lessons are Free w/ Battle Maid

[Escudo de Protection 0]

Time? Noon. Forecast? Sunny with a few bits of stray clouds. These were the days typically within the first floor of the Town of Beginnings. Red hair ignited past many people where he adorned his unnaturally unfriendly face. People often stepped aside after seeing Reese walking down the streets. He wasn't ugly or anything. Quite the opposite really. It's just that mean mugging face of his had this feeling of leave me the hell alone aura that emitted. However, underneath that positively strange aura was a man who sincerely was a loyal comrade.

Footsteps kicked off the cobblestone ridden streets where he made his destination. The quest board. There were things you could do to trigger a quest such as talk to NPC's or an event but the good ol' quest board was what seemed to be start of a new life. Red hue orbs rummaged the quest board for something easy to do. It was indeed the start of his new journey. What prompted this? Well, nothing. He was trying to be self-sufficient and to contribute. Perhaps one day, he would find himself out on the front lines. Maybe. Probably not. He was indeed ambitious, but the front lines were already established people. This just made him a wall flower despite appearances. 

His eyes finally landed upon a request. He perked as he touched the paper and instantly a message appeared with the quest title. "First few lessons are free. Perfecto." Interesting, he thought to himself. He looked around and wanted to see if anyone was indeed going to be doing the same thing. Hands stuffed in his pockets as he patiently watched the crowd of players to see if it looked like they were new as well. 

Reese | HP 20 | EN: 20 | DMG: 2 | One handed Spear Rank 1

[Battle Maid 0]

Heels clacked against the stone pavement as Battle Maid traveled to the quest board, lagging just slightly behind Reese so she would just miss him at the quest board. Just like him, she was looking for the Beginner Quests that would start off a players journey to the higher floors. Normally she would do these sorts of things with Seraphim, Dokkaebi, Cheonsa and Agma but the group would have to be split in some way that would leave them with an odd one out. Being the one that’s typically fine with soloing content, she offered to be that odd one out while the others quested together. So, she would accept the First Lessons and make her way to the first quest NPC Zackariah.

The walk between the two were rather short - To be expected of beginner areas. Tokki would step into Zack’s shop as Reese picked up the quest. Her resting bitch face could compare with his own: Stoic and unchanging. She would step to Zackariah, shooting a short glance at Reese and accept his quest quietly. Once her objective was updated, she would throw a second glance at him and speak up this time. “…I am available to quest. Want to party?“

Battle Maid | HP: 20/20 | En: 20/20 | DMG: 4 | MIT: 4

>Rank I | Cloth Armor

[Escudo de Protection 0]

He continued to scan the surveying area but landed upon a blonde-haired young woman. He viewed her face as one that was void of emotion while his more seemed to be like a natural scowl or villainous face. He cleared his throat slightly while he wasn't exactly expecting someone to volunteer straightforward as her. "Perdon?" Was she talking to him? He looked around making sure that he was the only one there that was questing as well. It seemed to be truth as he nodded at her question. "Ah si. I would like to party." His accent was noticeable, but his English was pretty well spoken. 

It was unusual for him to be approached first so he was a little in shock. After he learned the details from Zachariah, he would escort her and himself toward the exit of the Town of Beginning. "A mi nombre... My name is Reese. And you are, miss?" He cleared his throat after correcting the language. He was still adjusting to this whole social etiquette that needed to progress throughout the game. Looked like he would be put to the test with someone her as she seemed sort of the same as he in terms of personality from first glance. Maybe she would prove him wrong. 

Edited August 17 by Escudo de Protection

[Battle Maid 0]

While it was true, she wouldn’t normally approach a random to ask if they wanted to quest together, she’d never really had to. The five person team she was used to just unluckily had gotten split up thanks to the nature of the quest they were sharing. Battle Maid would nod as he replied with a ‘yes’ in Spanish.(Not that she necessarily understood Spanish just that she could tell from body language and his follow-up answer.)

The blonde maid would open her menu and fire the man a party invite. She most certainly couldn’t read his in game name so she was glad when he offered the easier one to pronounce. “Battle Maid, or Tokki. Nice to meet you.” She’ll say plainly and take a peak at their current objective. “Collect 0/5 materials and bring them back to Zackariah. I had not expected the first quest of the game to take you outside the safe zone. Are you prepared with gear?” Even if they didn’t see combat, it would be smart to ensure they were ready for any potential scenario. Everyone here had only one chance and she refused to become an etching on a digital wall.

[Escudo de Protection 0]

*Ding*

The notification of an invite had appeared in front of him. He opened the window and accepted the invitation to become one of her party members. "Hello, Tokki. And yes, I have my spear with me." Really all the man had minus the support items that he carried in his inventory. He would start simple with some party members and eventually horde what he needed to progress. With the introductory done, he would look at the exit down the cobblestone path and head toward it.

He seemed excited and nervous but kept that held within. His face really never changing except the nature in his eyes showed a glint of it. "This'll be my first time outside the area really. Not too sure how I'll fair but I am glad to have you in a party with me, senorita." He stated as the duo progressed down the path. It became clearer that they were about to exit as the stalls were selling potions and other assorted goods that required them to survive. For now, he would have to make do with what he had. "So, you said battle maid earlier. Are you planning on going dps? I plan on becoming a tank when I get higher." He questioned and admitted. He wasn't sure if he had the fortitude but that would build over time and the bonds he would form. Hopefully, Tokki would be the first to establish a bond with the fiery haired man. 

[Battle Maid 0]

Tokki would follow beside him as they made there way to the way-marker that would lead them out of the safe zone. Tokki had yet to traverse the safe area either but she didn't seem that worried about it at all, unless her poker face was on another level. "I've heard the mobs outside can be threatening without any gear but as long as you have a weapon it should be fine." Tokki will explain her reason for asking him about his gear. 

As Reese mentioned it being his first time outside the safe zone Tokki will nod. "Same. No different from any other VRMMO I've played before, though. With friends nothing really makes me feel worried." She'll say, in what seemed like a character shit despite her tone and facial expression really not changing that much.

He would ask her, now, what her build idea was. She thought on it. "I was deciding either Tank or DPS, or a mixture of a class like Bruiser. My four friends settle on their roles really quickly so I tend to build around them. I can basically choose anything I want." She'll say just as they step outside the barrier of the safe zone.

"Collect materials. Can't be that hard." The maid will take a look around. She would actually find one rather easily, a little weed tagged with consumable. She'll reach down and pick it, adding it to her inventory.

---

228176 LD: 16  | 1 Material found Edited August 24 by Battle Maid

[Escudo de Protection 0]

Friends huh? He hadn't met anyone who could fit the word as most were absorbed in their own world. He hadn't exactly been the sociable type either due to circumstances or else he would have joined the frontlines. Having been lost in thought for a moment, he quickly gathered his wits and looked at Battlemaid who had already found her first material. He was impressed but didn't want to fall behind.

Alas, he found nothing of the sort yet as no message looking for a consumable was initiated. Just weeds. "What plans do you have in the future when you want to open a shop? Well, that's assuming that you plan on opening a shop." He asked as he continued the way with down the path. The sound of people fighting together could be heard but seen further in the distance. Could he do what they were doing? 

After watching the people, he spoke back to the blonde maiden. "I think I want to open up a shop. Maybe an artisan or a blacksmith." He wanted to open up and hopefully make friends with her. 

Spoiler

Action: Gathering Material - Fail

228254    3    12    6    10    Escuardo de Protection

 

Edited August 25 by Escudo de Protection
Material Search Roll

[Battle Maid 0]

The maid was lucky on her first searching attempt and kept a look out for another convenient item labeled with the material tag. Her second attempt was not so lucky, however. Thankfully the quest didn’t require you to collect the materials but just make the searches.

When Reese spoke up, she turned her attention to him. He talked about setting up a shop and what not, something she hadn’t really given thought to since starting the game. That was more up Dokkaebi’s alley than hers. “Uh, I’m not entirely sure.” Tokki will mutter. “I was never really interested in crafting in other MMOs that I’ve played but I guess I have more reason to now. Probably an artisan if I had to choose right now.” She shrugged, still very unsure of her answer.

When he mentioned wanting to start his own store, Tokki would flash a small, short smile. “I hope it takes off then.”

---

materials: 1

228696 - LD 11 | No Materials found

Edited August 28 by Battle Maid

[Escudo de Protection 0]

Eye twitch could be visibly seen as the growing trend of not being able to find anything continued. Cursed luck apparently. Despite not finding anything, they continued to search. Red hair seemed to rustle organically like there was actual wind. In all actuality, he was actually having some sort of fun. "Ah, I see. Before playing this game, I did a little online research to see what could be previewed. Not much really came so I decided to look into other online games."

Somehow, without realizing it, he stood atop the hill with her. He looked around and noticed they hadn't traveled that far from the entrance, but the view seemed beautiful. He felt insignificant as he watched the vast hilly side with blades of grass swaying in a direction. It was almost serene straight from a movie if he didn't realize that this place would ultimately be a test of steel. 

"This is my first MMO. I wasn't really a gamer. Didn't really have the time to do this. But I'm really happy I did this." Face softened as he returned the smile to her as well. 

Spoiler

Action: Material Search
 

228740    9    3    11    3    Escuardo de Protection Failure

 

Edited August 28 by Escudo de Protection
Material Search Roll

[Battle Maid 0]

Her luck was clearly front loaded. The material she’d found so easily had been the only one in the area from what it seemed. Not to mention her tripping and face planting into the grass just as Reese began describing how happy he was to try out the game. Despite her disgraceful blunder, she quickly sits back up and fixes her skirt(Not that she was indecent underneath anyway).

She would remain sitting on the ground looking off into the distance, letting Reese’s words linger for a moment. “Me and my friends would move so fast through games. We’ve seen each other in several different skins but we truly met when we were forced not to use avatars.” Toki would explain. “My tra-“ For once she would show some emotion, looking a little uncomfortable or concerned as if what she was about to say could be off-putting. “Nevermind. It’s unimportant.”

---

Materials: 1

LD 1 - No mats found

Edited August 28 by Battle Maid

[Escudo de Protection 0]

Clearly, this was a matter of luck. He would have to devise a plan to increase his search ability for materials when he went hunting. When the search failed, he simply looked over at the now sitting Tokki. His eyebrow perked a slight bit as he did not witness her falling, but it did seem something happened. He could only muse what he had missed. He squatted down a bit as he stared at the sky. They could look for materials here if they had to.  

He listened to her words and processed what she had to say with her experience about gaming. He smiled slightly at her words and didn't prod at the ending portion. "I am in your care then, amiga." He spoke softly as he would be happy to share some new experiences with someone. "I think that this is a game that I want to rush through but also not. I think it's... how you say, crazy, no? A death game. But where I come from, we dealt with death and other cruel things." 

While his English was good, it wasn't that strong as he suffered slightly thinking about the correct words. Hopefully it would convey his feelings about the situation. He had to process her words a bit and think about skins for a moment. He would shift his head slightly over at her. "Skins, eh? I'm not sure what you mean by that, but it sounds interesting. Maybe you can teach me more about games." 

 

Spoiler

Action: Gathering Materials Failed!

228853    4    1    8    2    Escuardo de Protection Failure

 

Edited August 29 by Escudo de Protection

[Battle Maid 0]

With their group meeting the requirements, they would now be directed to return to the potion maker Zackariah. Battle Maid would lead the way but not get ahead of Reese, just to signify that they should return now. "I'm not that good at leading people really. My friends only listen to me cause I started our group in a game a long time ago." Reese would then explain his situation to a degree and it really didn't seem that pretty compared to living in Aincrad. She wasn't sure which was worse, not without more details at least. "I see. Well, we find victories in life where we can."

Perhaps her explanation came off wrong but that was to be expected honestly. She wasn't very good with words, so she usually kept quiet. "Sorry, my wording must be bad. We've used a lot of avatars in other games, different appearances. It's weird to see how everyone looks in real life was all I was trying to say."

Once they returned to Zack he would thank them for their work and reveal that he was not the one that Dorian had lent money to, in fact. They would be directed to the blacksmith Lyle Tealeaf. Tokki would sigh and facepalm. "So much for a quick quest. Let's go find this other guy."

[Escudo de Protection 0]

It seemed he would follow her in tow listening to her wording and thinking about the situation. It was, indeed, hard to communicate with regular people since his speaking skills were rusty. "You have more skill than I do so I do not mind following someone with that experience." He spoke while walking with her to the shop.

His eyes would glance around the area once they reach the designated spot to continue on their journey. When he found out the information he needed, he did a mental facepalm while she did an actual one. A sigh escaped his lips as this lesson was to teach newcomers the circumstances they would have to go through. "I can understand you. I just need time to process information before I respond. I think when you say skin I think of costume. Or a new look?" He pondered as they went to look for their next target at hand. 

He scratched the back of his head slightly as he looked toward the direction of the blacksmith. This was a tedious quest for them now. His lips curled up a bit not in a smile but more of a slightly exasperated curve before speaking to her. "Are these quests usually this extensive for newbies?" She could shed some light on it as they progressed to their next destination. 

[Battle Maid 0]

Battle Maid will shrug at his willingness to follow her. Plenty of people have followed her but she'd never really wanted to be a leader. That, however, didn't mean she cared if they wanted to see her as one, just that they shouldn't expect her to keep that role close to heart.

She nods at the confirmation of her words from before. "Yeah, pretty much. We've had a lot of looks for our characters in game." She'll extend her explanation. The two wouldn't take long to meet with Lyle, who would tell them that he's too busy to talk and that they would need to go and kill some boarlets to use their tusks for something. Anyone would be annoyed with his deflection of the topic but Tokki would just sigh and get moving.

"Typically they use these quests to teach you basic mechanics with the game. I assume that we'll be fighting this time so be ready for that." She'll say simply. Upon arriving at the location, Tokki would be surprised to see four familiar faces who notice her immediately with Reese since they were just finishing the mission they were given.

"Tokki!" One would call out to her. "Ooh, did you find yourself a boyfriend?" The girl will smugly say to her as she walked by. "No." Tokki responds as she quickly engages a boarlet. She would attempt to punt it but come just shy of hitting as it barreled into her. "Ugh, okay, that's how it's going to be."

Meanwhile, the girl that had stopped to talk with her, a blonde in a matching maid outfit to Tokki, would wave at Reese. "Sorry if she's a lot to deal with!"

---

Tokki: 19/20HP | 20/20EN | DMG: 4 | MIT: 4
Boarlet: 5/5HP | 3 DMG

229257 - BD 1 Miss. MD 6 Hit.

Edited September 1 by Battle Maid

[Escudo de Protection 0]

He listened to her explanation about her other games and stood on common ground that it was a thing in the games that they were allowed to get or purchase. He listened to the NPC next and realized that they would have to fight. His eyes widened a bit with excitement mixed with a little fear. He wouldn't expect this to happen as he made way with Tokki to the field. 

The words of someone shouting caught his attention as he listened to someone yelling about a boyfriend. "Novio? A no, nothing like that. Just a chance encounter!" He would shout back as he looked at the girl. She was young and he wasn't the type. Then he watched the engagement of battle. His first strike would miss as his nerves had reached him. Having never fought anything like this before, an inexperienced player would naturally not know how to do certain things.

He jumped back a little after watching Tokki taking a hit. This is why he wanted to be a tank. He wanted to protect people. "Lo siento! Not used to this sort of thing yet."

Spoiler

Action: Attack Missed

229271    1    12    15    9    Escuardo de Protection
Tokki: 19/20HP | 20/20EN | DMG: 4 | MIT: 4
 (1,1)Boarlet: 5/5HP | 3 DMG 
Reese | HP 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 2 | 

 

Edited September 1 by Escudo de Protection
Adding DMG

[Battle Maid 0]

The hit had hardly put a notch in Tokki's Health so she wasn't too worried. A small perk for having invested in protection early rather than a weapon. The only problem she was having now was her accuracy in hitting her target. Her attack would come in just as Reese missed his attack, although she too would miss. A growl of disdain escaped her lips.

"Good luck guys! It took as awhile with four people but you have to kill three per person in the party!" One of the friends of Tokki would say as the other group left. Tokki would sigh, and side step the boar giving her a wider attack that made it much easier to dodge.

"Sorry about them. They tease me a lot." She'll say. "Didn't want to embarrass you or anything. We've got a very dynamic group of... women in the Battle Maids. That just makes us more unique though."

---

Tokki: 19/20HP | 20/20EN | DMG: 4 | MIT: 4
 (2,1)Boarlet: 5/5HP | 3 DMG 
Reese | HP 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 2 | 

229273 BD: 4 Miss | MD: 5 Miss

Edited September 1 by Battle Maid

[Escudo de Protection 0]

Spear would spin in his hand naturally with the help of a Rank 1 spear skill. He would at least feel a little bit pleased with himself with just a simple spin. He took one step forward with his right foot and dug into the ground thrusting his spear. The tip of the spear met resistance as he realized he made contact with the baby boar. With a blink of his eyes, he had struck his first enemy. The feeling of elation filled him as he smiled brightly replacing the scowl. 

He recoiled back away from the boar as slight red pixelations were shown to fall away from the prey leaving a streak behind. His eyes managed to lock onto the target as they engaged in conversation again. "No problema! Amigos are always needed to have a little fun sometimes. I'm not easy to embarrass senorita. It is an interesting name though, the Battlemaids. I assume all women." He would look at her and flash a slightly fanged smile.

He still couldn't feel at ease, not yet. He had to master skills as soon as possible to help others and use tanking skills. Abuela encouraged him to always be a shield for those around him. This was his first battle with his first friend. He wouldn't allow her to fall down without a fight. 

Spoiler

Action: Attacking Boar Success!

229278    8    9    8    8    Escuardo de Protection

Tokki: 19/20HP | 20/20EN | DMG: 4 | MIT: 4
 (2,2)Boarlet: 3/5HP | 3 DMG 
Reese | HP 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 2 | 

 

Edited September 1 by Escudo de Protection

[Battle Maid 0]

The strike of Reese's spear was the opening she needed. Tokki would come in quickly, reel back her foot and punt the boar into the sky where it would dissolve into digital dust not too soon afterwards. "Wonderful. One down, only five more to go I guess. Might take us awhile." She'll let him know as they waited for the next one to spawn.

When he expressed that it wasn't a problem with her friends he could see her let out an audible sigh of relief. "They can be a handful sometime. We are all women yes. In fact, you've seen all of us. The one that said hello to us and asked if you were my boyfriend goes by Cheonsa. She's a talker."

Not too soon after the next boars would spawn and Tokki would assume battle position. "You're tanking? Then take lead and I'll follow you up the best I can." She'll encourage him to fit his role.

---

Tokki: 19/20HP | 20/20EN | DMG: 4 | MIT: 4
 (2,2)Boarlet: 3/5HP | 3 DMG 
Reese | HP 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 2 | 

229283 BD: 9 Minor Critical!

 

Edited September 1 by Battle Maid

[Escudo de Protection 0]

Reese would look at her as the sigh of relief escaped the young maiden's lips. He would smile gratefully at her trusting his words. "Seems like amigas and familia to me. They seem very close to you. I envy dat." He spoke while looking for a free little boar to come around. 

The little boar came about to them. His spear swung wide as the tip cut across the side of the boar. It was a second strike that managed to hit the little critter that drove a little confidence in him. It was too bad he didn't have much gear to subside the strike back. Out of the corner of his eye, he looked at his HP go down slightly with a little perk of his eye. The little boar had managed to graze his leg slightly causing only slight irritation to him. He frowned. Once they were done with this task, he would have to stop by and get some gear to at least top off his inability to fight as a true tank yet. 

"You are my very first friend, you see. I don't have much to offer except company and a little fight for the time being. When I grow stronger, I hope to fight alongside you and your friends if you are willing to have me." Accent was a little heavier this time as he spoke a little faster. It was clear he was still nervous and shaking off the jitters.

Spoiler

Action: Attacking Boarlett 2 Success!

229284    8    9    11    6    Escuardo de Protection

Tokki: 19/20HP | 20/20EN | DMG: 4 | MIT: 4
 (0,1)Boarlet: 3/5HP | 3 DMG 
Reese | HP 17/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 2 |

 

 

Edited September 1 by Escudo de Protection

[Battle Maid 0]

Tokki will stretch as her tank engages the enemy, ready to do a follow up strike for when he went in. "Hey, we're just five bored teenagers that happened to share a hobby. I used to think that making friends was really hard when I was younger but after I met them I opened up a lot more. You can do it too with anyone if you find the right things to talk about." She'll respond, following behind him.

The boar would would feel the bit of the spear wielded by Reese, dropping its HP enough for the maid to jump in and ram its teeth in with her steel heels. Just like last time it would explode into nothing. "Looks like we're either getting it down or getting really lucky. I don't mind either." She'll passively comment as she watches the mob die.

Reese would mention that she was his first friend, to which Tokki would let out a rather uncharacteristically warm smile. She wasn't sure what his life outside of the game was like but she hoped that her company was at least making it a bit better. "Well, you make a good partner for quests so far. I'll definitely keep you in mind for anything upcoming that I can't do with all my friends."

---

Tokki: 19/20HP | 20/20EN | DMG: 4 | MIT: 4
 (0,1)Boarlet: 3/5HP | 3 DMG 
Reese | HP 17/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 2 |

229285 BD: 8 Hit!

Edited September 1 by Battle Maid