[PP|F03]<<Search for the Hoya>>Labyrinth Exploration

[Scarlet Firefly 0]

Search of the Hoya

The Tracker found herself at the Labyrinthine maze she was soon to investigate. The man who had approached her in Aruyt had insisted that she hunt the ‘Hoya Minos’ the moment he saw the weapon her back. Despite how much she tried to explain that she was not a fighter at all. His relentless pressure had gotten her to at least to check the place out. Now that she was here she was having second thoughts. Ultimately she would return to Labrook.

”Ah, returned already? If you killed the Hoya so quickly you must be quite the warrior! I have an eye for that sorta thing, missy!” He would gloat. Firefly would laugh a little nervously, her dainty fingers finding her way into the silverish threads of her hair. “Uh, well actually, I don’t believe this is in my skill level sir. I would love to investigate the maze personally, it looks like a really interesting place. Perhaps maybe I could try it later…”

”I see, but there is no better time to test your skill than with a real challenge! The glory of defeating a foe stronger than yourself, there is no greater feeling!” He would think for a moment. “Perhaps you could use a partner to shoulder some of that challenge. There is no shame in triumph in numbers.”

”I apologize but I don’t know anyone who could join me right now…” Her explanation would only keep them going around in circles. Labrook was a passionate man, and she respected that, but this was too much for her.

---

Spoiler

Name: Scarlet Firefly, The Blinded Light True Tier: 1

Level: 3

Paragon Level: 0

HP: 60/60

EN: 24/24

 

Stats:

Damage: 9

Mitigation: 6

Accuracy: 3

Evasion: 2

 

Equipped Gear:

Weapon/Armor/Trinket:

- Butterfly Cross-Blade - T1 Str. Sword | DMG III

Armor/Trinket:

- Emerald Cape - Tier 1 Light Armor Perfect | EVA II; MIT

Shield/Armor/Trinket:

- basalt - T1 Trinket Perfect | ACC III

 

Combat Mastery:

-

 

Combat Shift:

-

 

Familiar Skill:

-

 

Custom Skill:

-

 

Skills:

- Straight Sword R3

 

Extra Skills:

 

Inactive Extra Skills:

 

Addons:

 

Mods:

 

Inactive Mods:

 

Battle Ready Inventory:

 

Housing Buffs:

 

Guild Hall Buffs:

 

Scents of the Wild Totem:

 

Wedding Ring:

 

Crafting Profession:

 

Gathering Profession:

Scarlet Firefly | HP: 60/60 | EN: 24/24 | DMG: 9 | MIT:6 | ACC:3 | EVA:2

[Typhoonflame 0]

As per usual, Ty was  back at the lower floors. Sometimes she just needed the peace and quiet offered by those floors where everyone was still learning and people seemed more amicable. The upper floors, at least, what was upper to her since she hadn't gotten too far yet, seemed much more under the effects of the stress that this world put on everyone living in it, even NPCs. And sometimes, it was good to forget and pretend she was back home. Besides, the peace gave her time to think about what she would do with her shop and which skills to upgrade so she could be of use to her guild. She deserved some respite, if she said so herself. 

Just as she was passing by, she saw a girl talking to a tall muscular man. She didn't catch much of the conversation, aside from the words "maze" and "partner". This was a quest she'd never heard of before, huh...? The girl looked like a new player, so she immediately reminded Ty of herself before her friends had come along.
"Hey, what's going on?" she asked, looking between them.

 

Spoiler

Typhoonflame | HP: 380/380 | EN: 56/56 | DMG: 8 | PAR: 2 | 32 MIT | EVA 1 | ACC 2|  

SP: 25  available (95 total)

EXP:  8813 (Lv 19)

Skills: 

Rapier Skill: 
PASSIVE, Rank 5
Effect: At Rank 1, gain +3 DMG. At Ranks 2-5, +1 per rank (max of +7 DMG for R5 Weapon Skill). At Rank 5, unlock the ability to specialize in a Combat Shift.

<<Forgotten King's Authority>> Extra Skill

Cost: Complete <<Betrayal of the King>> with Unlock Conditions
Action: Free Action
Energy Cost: 5 EN
Cooldown: 7 Turns
Effect: Dispel any disabling effects on yourself. This can be done while disabled.
Description: Through sheer force of will you can exhibit extraordinary command over your body.

 

► Light Armor- Rank 5
Passive
Effect: Gain Mitigation based on your rank in Light Armor. You can only benefit from one armor skill at a time (the respective armor type must be equipped). Your mitigation is capped at 2 enhancement slots and Your Evasion is capped at 2 enhancement slots.
Rank 5: 30 MIT
Description: You have become proficient in Light Armor with leather or scale armor and few metal plates, allowing you protection as well as some maneuverability.

 

Sword Arts:

[x12] ST-I (12 EN) | A single-target sword art.
[x15] ST-II (15 EN) | A powerful single-target sword art. Only available for use when ST-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if ST-II had been used and had missed the previous turn.
[x20] ST-B (20 EN) | A devastating single-target sword art. Can only be used if the sword art used the previous turn is not ST-B and had rolled a natural CD9+. When performing an AoE attack, use only the first roll.
[x11] AOE-I (11 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once.
[x14] AOE-II (14 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A powerful sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. Only available for use when AOE-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if AOE-II had been used and had missed all intended targets the previous turn.
[x12] TECH-A (13 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy.
[x12] TECH-B (12 EN) | DELAY | A single-target sword art that, on a successful strike, applies [Delay] on the enemy. [Delay] is a debuff that reduces the enemy’s ACC by 1 for one turn.

Inventory:

2 Guild Token [Firm Anima]

(3) Starter Healing Potions (Heals 50 HP)
32850 Col
(36) Materials
Zachariah's Special Draught | Tierless Potion | HP Recovery III
Initiate's Draw | T1 Perfect Straight Sword | #, #, #
5x Big Bertha Braciole | T1 Rare Snack | Vitality II
Standard <<Alchemist>> Shop
[Rare] Crafting Salve

1x Glow Stone | While holding a Glow Stone, the area around you is illuminated. You and players near you do not suffer any penalties for darkness or low-light conditions. Cannot wield a weapon while holding a Glow Stone, but it can be swapped out and and back in to continue its effect. Effect lasts for one thread.

New Character Bundle: 
Support Package

Equipment

T4 Rare Weapon 223975a

Rapier (named Sparkflare) (Accuracy 1, Paralysis 2)

Glasses | T1 Perfect Jewelry | ID: #231543 | ACC III | A glasses frame lacking lenses.

Skirmisher’s Garb (T2 Perfect Light Armor – MIT 2, EVA 1) Acquisition ID: #154523 | Identification ID: #156208, #156209, #156210
Tight-fitting black traveling leathers with a weatherproof coat, designed to be worn by scouts at the forefront of battle, and the first into the fray.

Consumables: 
(3) Starter Healing Potions (Heals 50 HP)

T4 Rare Consumable 223975b
T4 Rare Consumable 223975c

 

[Scarlet Firefly 0]

When Firefly realized she was being talked to by someone other than Larbrook, she immediately shifted her attention but would quickly be cut off. "Oh, hello-."

"Perfect!" The man would say ushering the newcomer to join the conversation they were having. "You, my lady, can help this little missy with a quest of glory! The minos of the labyrinth are strong combats to test the strength of those who bear arms. You should rally with her and show her what true courage looks like!" He would almost force her way into the quest using Firefly as leverage, though it certainly seemed like he wasn't attempting to be malicious about. More-so encouraging.

"Ah- Well, I... I guess I would feel more confident with a partner but I'm still worried." The swordswoman would explain. "If you want to join me, I wouldn't mind the company. Otherwise I'll probably have to try later." Firefly was out of her element here. It was nerve wracking to be pushed this way, but at the same time she really wanted to sight see the maze. 

[Typhoonflame 0]

Ty only raised an eyebrow in clear doubt when the man said this was some quest of glory. At this low level, it certainly wasn't anything even close to that, but whatever, she'd let the man keep his dreams alive. He mentioned something called minos, and Ty's mind immediately jumped to the Greek myths she'd learned about. Ty generally liked myths, especially Greek ones, so she was well-acquanted with minotaurs and mazes. How did a quest like this make its way into SAO? Maybe the devs thought giant bull-men would scare people. Well, not her, not at this level. 

"Eh, sure, why not? I will say, I'm not great at combat yet, so disclaimer's out there." She chuckled. "But I'll do my best to help, it does sound interesting. Oh, and the name's Typhoonflame, but you can call me Ty." she said, extending a hand to the girl and sending a party invite.

Edited December 31, 2024 by Typhoonflame

[Scarlet Firefly 0]

Firefly chuckled nervously as the girl decided to join along. She’d felt like Ty was a little forced into helping out thanks to Larbrook’s incessant pestering. The best she could do now was help by picking up the slack. “Great, you know deal then. Go rough up those Minos and bring me their pendants!” He would encourage and swiftly the two women were left to themselves.

”Ty, got it. I’m Firefly, or Sam if you prefer. I’ve only been in combat once but I can hold my own.” The swordswoman would accept the party invite as they spoke. “I know the path to the labyrinth maze. Let me lead you there.”

Thanks to her recent venture to the entrance, the duo would find themselves in front of the entrance. All ready to get lost. “If we attack them together we should be able to take them down quickly I think.”

 

Edited January 4 by Scarlet Firefly

[Typhoonflame 0]

Ty nodded to the man. So their task was to get the pendants from the minos. Were they some rare item that could be sold? What did that man need them for? So many questions, so few answers. Besides, what if they got lost in the maze? Such a selfish guy...but Ty couldn't let a new player go in there alone on good conscience. 

She followed Firefly to the maze entrance, nodding. As she was only level three, Ty would have to be the one taking point. Her friends had saved her so many times...now it was her turn to save someone.  Or die trying.

"Right, so...before we go in, how much do we know about the minos? Are they really like the Greeks envisioned them? Do we know their approximate whereabouts? I have a Glow stone if it gets dark in there, by the way, so light should be of no  concern, but I'd like some intel before we barge in."
 

Edited January 1 by Typhoonflame

[Scarlet Firefly 0]

Back at the entrance of the maze, Firefly was about to walk in shortly after ensuring her new friend was still following behind her but they insisted on asking her some questions. Not that the questions were bad to cover beforehand but she was ready to get exploring!

"Oh, right." The digital sounds of her menu would be the only sound between the two before a well kept, green notebook appeared in hand. Sam would open it up and find the page she'd wrote the information down that she'd gotten from the Guild's data bank. "Both of the Minos are about the same power level, one being a little more aggressive than the other. From the pictures Morningstar provided, they look like what one would standardly envision the Minotaurs. Not that I would know, I've never seen minotaurs before." Her comment seemed like an innocent joke but in the real world she'd never seen anything.

The last thing that would appear in her hand was a piece of white chalk. "I also have a glow stone and this chalk, so if we need light I should hold it in case something scary pops out. You will probably handle it way better than myself. With this chalk, we should locate them pretty quickly. We'll just stick to left turns and mark the chalk along the wall at every intersection." The girl was clearly prepared for her level. She had hoped she was making a good impression since she'd only quested with guildmates that sort of have to get along with her.

"Are we ready then?" She'd ask starting to walk into the labyrinth.

---

Labyrinth Exploration 1/5

[Typhoonflame 0]

Ty listened to Sam's explanation intently, brow furrowed.

"Got it, so one's more aggressive. I suppose determining which one will be easy." she commented sarcastically, assuming the creature would charge at them. She had to be ready to defend her companion in that case. Sam mentioning Star made Ty perk up. So she knew him too, huh? Small world. 

For a new plaeyr, Sam seemed way more prepared than she had been when she first started. She still remembered feeling utterly lost in the streets of the Twon of Beginnings and just shutting herself in an inn., until she started taking on quests and getting stronger, day by day.

"Yeah, I think we're ready to go! You're really well prepared!" she beamed. "I was too scared to even venture out when I started, too afraid to even kill a few boars, and look at you! You'll go places, I'm telling you!"

[Scarlet Firefly 0]

'I expect you'll go far around here.' Ty had almost repeated exactly what Star had said to her after they'd saved Koko from that cave. In all honesty, the only place that she cared about going was the unknowns. Her overall goal was seeing the sights no one else had.

"It'll be safe to assume that it will just charge at us with reckless intent, like a cat that just heard it's bag of food open." The duo would soon enter the Labyrinth. Firefly would intermitted mark on the wall with her chalk, making the symbol of a butterfly wing to show which paths they'd been down. They would find themselves back tracking a lot and seeing these markings more than once. "I was kinda scared too but having company certainly helps in building up courage. If I don't take the first steps though how will I ever accomplish my goals, you know?" She would try to keep the conversation going.

"This maze is certainly as big as they say it is, huh? I wonder how the minotaurs stay alive. How do they eat?"

Labyrinth exploration 3/5

[Typhoonflame 0]

Ty chuckled at Sam's comparison of the minos with cats. She now had the mental image of herself and Sam holding a bag of cat treats and the minos charging at them, then stopping short to eat the food. It was a much more calming thought than them being trampled by the much larger bull-men.

She followed Sam into the labyrinth, lifting her Glow Stone so it lit up their path while Sam marked their passage with her chalk. Every time they backtracked, Ty cursed, feeling more and more lost with each passing moment, but they had to press on. Going back now meant giving up and never seeing the rewards.

Ty nodded at Firefly's observation. "Yeah, I get that....I'm still scared. But I think my goal should be joining everyone at the Frontlines someday, to help them, ensure as few as possible are lost to us." She stared ahead for a moment. "Heavy topic to put on a beginner, I guess. Sorry. And as for how minotaurs eat...I don't know."
She thought they ate lost travelers, but wasn't going to say that.

[Scarlet Firefly 0]

The duo had been at the walk for quite some time now but Firefly’s methodical approach was proving very useful. With quick pace, she had eliminated dead ends and found an opening in the maze. “Oh wow. There’s a wide opening in the walls here. Stay on your guard.” Firefly would draw the butterfly cross-blade from its sheathe on her back. It glowed lightly, mixing with the light of her new friend’s glow stone.

‘I could die.’

It was all that she could think of now, especially as the stomping of the minotaur came out from behind the other side’s wall. When she’d jumped in front of Star, who could have easily shrugged off a hit, it hadn’t crossed her mind until after they’d escaped. Her hands shook, she sweat slightly in anxiety and her mind raced.

“I-I’ve got your back!” She would say, allowing for the more experienced player to move ahead of her. They could take a hit, she likely could.

---

Minos of the West Found! Combat begins.

[Typhoonflame 0]

Ty was glad to have Firefly with her for this quest. She knew she'd have gotten totally lost without her new friend's help. And then she would've been toast, to use a euphemism. As they walked, Ty kept an eye out for any potential enemies or anything similar. She hoped she'd find none, but she couldn't ever relax in this world, especially not in a dangerous maze like this. 

Suddenly, there was a loud sound from the other side of the wall. Ty stiffened, holding out a hand to stop Firefly. "Listen...it's one of the minos. We have to be careful."

Ty edged along the wall, drawing her rapier. "I have a stun skill I can use...What's your plan?" she asked. 

Maybe it was a bad plan, she didn't know. All she knew was that she was nervous, she'd never been the main damage dealer in a fight before today.

[Scarlet Firefly 0]

Firefly was about to get ready to jump into the battle when Ty stopped her, asking if she had a plan. There wasn't too much thought given to a plan, mostly because between the two of them they could probably kill it rather quickly. "I- Well, I really only have raw damage. I'm only level three." She would admit. "But the boss has no tricks up its sleeves or anything. If you stun it, we should be more than fine." The newbie tried to explain. Her instincts were good, Morningstar had attested to that. Right now, her instincts told her that she didn't need to run away.

The Minotaur had found them by this point and was beginning to charge their way, brandishing sword and shield. "Aggressive..." She would whisper, sword now in both her hands. With an unexpected speed, the lower level player took the initiative. "Don't let him control the pace of the fight!"

She charged with a blinding amount of speed, her sword glowing faintly blue. "Take this!" Her massive sword met his shield, actually causing him to stutter at the strength the player had despite her frail form. When his follow up came, Firefly crouched low and held her blade over her head, tilting it as the sword connected and allowing it land in the dirt. As the dust kicked up, she hopped back making some room to avoid any continued attacks. Her heart pounded but she wasn't scared. She could handle this!

---

Scarlet Firefly | HP: 60/60 | EN: 24/24 | DMG: 9 | MIT:6 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2
Ty |

Kantaras | HP: 150/150 | DMG: 45 | ACC: 1

ID#240109
BD: 2+3 = Miss
MD: 4+1-3 = Miss

Edited January 11 by Scarlet Firefly

[Typhoonflame 0]

Ty nodded. If all she had to do was she had to do was stun it, she could do that. She hoped so anyway. There was little time to plan anyway, as the minotaur came charging at them, true to its name and appearance. Ty was glad she wasn't wearing red, although she wondered if that would have mattered at all. No, this was noo time for such thoughts!

Steeling herself, Ty was ready to attack when Firefly dashed past her, sword in hand. She really was a brave new player, Ty had to give her that much. Sadly, she missed, which was surprising. Ty had assumed they'd be able to destroy this thing due to its size, which could mean lower speed, but it appeared as though she'd been mistaken. 

Gritting her teeth, Ty charged at the bull. "Hey, bull guy, sorry for this! Except, not really!" She grunted, trying to pierce a vital spot in the minotaur's abdomen to stun him. However, as she did, the minotaur turned and she was able to slash his belly. As the stun coursed through his body, it slowly went limp.

Ty cleaned her blade with a cloth and sheathed it. "Sigh...one down, one to go. Keep a lookout. Good job, by the way." She gave Firefly a thumbs up.

_________________________________________________________________________
[x12] TECH-A (13 EN) | STUN | vs Kantaras

Roll ID: 240120    
BD: 5 + 5=10= Hit!
Damage: 168
__________________________________________________________________________

Scarlet Firefly | HP: 60/60 | EN: 24/24 | DMG: 9 | MIT:6 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2
Typhoonflame | HP: 400/400 | EN: 43/56 | DMG: 14 | MIT:54 | ACC:5 | EVA:1 | PARA 

vs                                                                                                                           

Kantaras | HP: 0/150 | DMG: 45 | ACC: 1 (STUNNED)!

Edited January 12 by Typhoonflame

[Scarlet Firefly 0]

Firefly wasn’t the greatest fighter, that much was obvious. Her recklessness could have easily gotten her killed if she had taken this on alone. Her eyes trailed down to her weapon and then to her hands as the enemy faded from existence. She was shaking. Adrenaline? Fear? Excitement? Not even she could really tell you what she was feeling.

Though, Ty’s voice would snap her back to reality. “Huh-?! Wha-? Oh- right.” She laughed nervously as she put her weapon back in its rightful place. “Thank you. I’m still working on my combat skills.” She would sheepishly mention, as if it wasn’t obvious. However they should keep moving.

”Alright, one more! We know we can handle them now.” Samantha will say, collecting the chalk she was using to navigate to continue their path. “Also, thank you for helping me out.”

---

Exploration 1/5

[Typhoonflame 0]

Ty stepped over and put a hand on Firefly's shoulder. "Hey, it's okay...You're just starting out. Truthfully, so am I. I'm still learning how to fight. The first real fight I was in, I couldn't even do damage. You charged right in without fear, I can admire that. I'd have been quivering." She chuckled. "No need to thank me, we're in this together, all of us players." 

There was one more enemy, somewhere in here. One more bull. With her current damage, she assumed she could take it out in one, at most two, attacks. That would mean Firefly was safe. SHe honestly admired the new player, but she really did have to work on recklessnes. One wrong move could land someone in the grave inthis world. Ty just hoped Firefly would come to realize this. She didn't want to chide her, or worse, scare her. ENcouragement had done more for her than anything else, after all.