[F05| SP] Link, Restart | <<Solo Grind Thread>>

[Nymoria 0]

The world didn’t need her. It had made that abundantly clear to Nymoria over the years. Whether it was the real world, the one that they had left behind in order to escape into the virtual recreation, or that newfound prison that they had considered an escape to begin with. Either place had clearly informed her that there was no need for her presence, no reason for her to continue being apart of it. There’s nothing for me in either place. Why bother?

She’d found the invitation earlier, during a period where she had been less than functional in comparison to her normal mindset. It hadn’t registered at first what it was she was being invited to, and Nymoria had tossed aside the item without a second thought. It was only once she’d calmed slightly, her mind wandering, that she’d returned to it in sudden realisation. Now, however, she stared at it as little more than a reminder; a reminder of what she was to the world, and how little her lack of presence actually meant.

It’s not like I was missed. I doubt they even noticed I wasn’t there. They probably sent it just to be nice. She could feel the emotions rolling over her again as she stared at the words, blazing as if alight with fire. She knew she was spiraling again – she had been for many days now – and there was a desperate desire to escape from it all, to do anything but remind herself of what she was, or what she meant to those around her. I need to get out. I need to go do something.

She shifted off the bed, her feet padding softly against the floor as she made her way towards the door that would lead beyond the room she had been locked within for some time now. Her hand reached out, before hesitating in the air just before the handle of the door. She stared at the trembling appendage, wanting to force it to grasp the handle and pull open the door, and yet afraid of what waited on the other side. The battle had been on-going for a while now, and Nymoria knew – deep in her mind and heart – that the longer she stayed within the room, the more likely this would become her final resting place.

Is…that so bad? The thought flowed into her without force or pressure; a simple thought that had been spoken time and again during her struggles. She almost let it remain, unhindered to float about and remind her, before she remembered why she had stood up in the first place. No…no I can’t do that. I promised. I promised them. I’m…I’m not dead yet. I can’t… The words drifted off, not entirely ignored, and yet not enough to force her to realise what she needed to do. She sighed heavily as she felt the strength waning away, before she slunk back and settled onto the edge of the bed, her head in her hands and the tears streaming silently through her fingertips.

Statblock [Tier 1 Lock]

Spoiler Notes [Theme] Nymoria | Lv. 33 | P. 2 | HP [665/665] | EN [104/104] | ACC [5] | DMG [13] | EVA [4] | BH [+37] | Bleed [12] | Keen [+1 BD] | LD [+1] Tier 4 | Tier 4 Equipment Repressed [Rapier | Tier 3] Enhancement: Bleed [2 Slots] Enhancement: Keen [1 Slot] Ring of Evasion [Jewelry | Tier 1] Enhancement: Evasion [3 Slots]  Hearing Aid [Trinket | Tier 1] Enhancement: Accuracy [3 Slots] Battle-Ready Inventory Uncommon Health Potion {5} [Potion | Tier 1 | Heals 5% Maximum HP] Spyglass {1} | Reduce Search Posts x5 [Dungeon, Familiar, Field Boss] for one thread bento {1} [Meal | Tierless | Oveerhealth III] Teleport Crystal {1} Honey Cookie {5} [Snack | Tier 1 | Vitality II] Chocolate Truffles {4} [Dessert | Tier 3 | Vitality II] Dear My Friend {3} [Support Song | Tier 4 | HP Recovery III | Instant] Crystal of Support | [3/3 charges] | Heals the user and each party member for (50 * Target's Tier) HP. Requires a Post Action to use.  Skills Spoiler Utility Skills Extended Weight Limit [Active: Passive. Effect: +2 additional Battle-Ready inventory slots.] Combat Skills Battle Healing [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: While in combat, recover 1% per rank of your maximum HP (rounded down) at the beginning of your turn.] Energist [Active: Passive. Effect: Increase base Energy by 5*Tier.] Weapon Skills Rapiers [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: +7 DMG] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Stamina [Active: Passive. Effect: Reduces EN of all attacks by 2.] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Precision [Active: Passive. Effect: +1 ACC.] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Rapier Ferocity [Active: Passive. Effect: +2 DMG when using the weapon of your choice. Players cannot use Focus and Ferocity at the same time for the same Weapon Type.] [Rank 5 Shift] AOE Specialist [Active: Passive. Effect: For the following Sword Arts, +4 to multipliers and +2 to EN cost; AoE-I, AoE-II. No other Shifts may be taken.] Armour Skills Unhindered [Active: Passive. Effect: +1 Accuracy, +1 Loot Dice, +1 Evasion, +5*Tier HP. Your mitigation is capped at 0 equipment slots.] Active Extra Skills Leadership [Rank: 1. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain access to Leadership Arts every rank. In order to use a Leadership Art, it must take up a mod slot. Each Leadership Art takes up a different mod slot. Leadership Arts from different sources do not stack.] [Rank 1 Leadership Art] Elusive [Active: Post Action. Energy: 4 EN. Cooldown: 2 turns. Effect: Increase the Evasion of all players in your party by 1 for a single turn.] [Rank 2 Leadership Art] Rally [Active: Post Action. Energy: 6 EN. Cooldown: 2 turns. Effect: Increase the Accuracy of all players in your party by 1 for a single turn.] [Rank 3 Leadership Art] Steadfast [Active: Post Action. Energy: 8 EN. Cooldown: 3 turns. Effect: Status Effects that would be applied to the party for the next two turns would instead be applied to the user instead (normal rules for how status effects refresh instead of stacking apply).] Survival [Active: Passive. Effect: Increases Healing effects received from all sources by 10%. Grants immunity to all damage dealing environmental attacks/effects.] Inactive Extra Skills  Concentration [Active: Free Action. Cooldown: 5 turns. Effect: As a free action, gain Absolute Accuracy on your next attack. In the case Absolute Accuracy is already present, increase your Accuracy by 1 instead. Effect lasts until the start of next turn.] Frozen Hide [Active: Free Action. Energy: 5 EN. Cooldown: 4 turns. Effect: As a free action, apply one slot of Frost Aura and one slot of Frost Thorns equal to your tier to yourself until the start of your next turn.] Combat Mastery Damage [Rank: 3. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 * Tier additional Base Damage per rank. Ranks of this Skill obey Damage enhancement caps.] Familiar Skills Hunting Familiar [Active: Free Action. Cooldown: 5 turns. : Effect: Your familiar has a nose for treasure. Roll LD/CD (without bonuses) as if you had slain a loot-minimum mob.] Estate Buffs N/A Sword Arts [Rank 4] Spoiler [x10] ST-I (10 8 EN) | A single-target sword art. [x13] ST-II (13 11 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. [x17] ST-B (17 15 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, this CD check applies to only the first roll. [x13] AOE-I (11 9 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. [x16] AOE-II (14 12 + [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. [x10] TECH-A (11 9 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy. [x8] TECH-F (8 6 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE STUN | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. All struck targets are stunned for one turn. Housing Buffs Spoiler Shizuka [Home] Master Bedroom [-1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat.] Living Room [Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.] Atelier (Extended Workshop) [+2 Crafting EXP per crafting attempt & +1 crafting attempt per day.] Greenhouse [+2 Gathering EXP per Attempt and additional +1 LD & CD to gathering attempts.] Storage Closet [+1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot.] Attic (Storage) [+5% bonus col from monster kills and treasure chests.]

Edited January 17 by Nymoria

[Nymoria 0]

She’d sat on the bed for hours, her eyes staring at the door unseen before her. Nymoria’s mind raced in circles as she tried to force herself to do something, anything, only for it to return to the dullness and depressive state that she had endured since arriving home. She knew her food supplies had been dwindling, Musei had tried for a while to prompt her into motion before also giving up, and there were any number of other issues that she needed to overcome if she were to continue to strive on.

That’s the issue though. Why bother, if there’s no point in striving on? The words were bitter within her, a hatred of herself as much as the feelings that had been holding her in place. She knew if she were stronger, even just a bit, she would be able to overcome her hesitation. Her restriction that kept her from being normal. You’re not stronger though. You’re not strong at all. You’re weak, and the only thing weak things do is die. That’s all they’re good for…and maybe it’s your time.

Nymoria curled in on herself as the thoughts drove more tears from her eyes. She was amazed, after all these days, that she still had any to let flow. She’d continued to rock as the thoughts swarmed over her, trying to overwhelm her once more. She’d, thus far, managed to quell their consistent push, but she knew that her resistance wouldn’t last forever. What does it matter? You won’t be around forever. Resisting is stupid. Eventually you’re going to die. Maybe sooner is better. No one will miss you.

The invitation hovered in her vision, the calligraphed name shining against the light as it reminded her of all the work that Ciela had placed into it. She felt the doubts hover, if only momentarily, as the realisation of just how difficult the letter must have been to create dawned on her. No one cares…but why put that much effort in? Sure, she may have done it for others…but she could have made mine plain and easy…she didn’t….she didn’t… Nymoria stood suddenly, the burst of energy pushing her across the room and to the door. Her hand shook as it reached out, still uncertain – and yet this time she didn’t stop, throwing open the door with a soft push that slide it sideways in its frame. One step…then the rest. She stared at the open space for a few seconds, knowing that if she waited too long she would lose all her forward momentum. What little determination she had behind the movement, she stepped into doorway.

[Nymoria 0]

She’d made it all the way to the front communal room; an area that contained a low sitting table and cushions for relaxation and hosting small groups of guests. It had gone largely unused, entirely so for its original purpose. Nymoria had, on occasion, let Musei race around the room freely in order to get him some exercise, although the weasel was anything but energetic at the moment. She’d settled into a cushion, placing her hands on the table and folding them gently as she stared out the opening into the yard beyond. Her thoughts had slowed immensely as she stared into the garden that had begun to bloom. She’d thought she would be happy with the quieting of her mind, but instead Nymoria found herself lost in the silence that came with it.

What now? The question was a simple one. She could’ve answered it with almost anything, and yet she found herself without any response. She had no idea what to do now that she’d made it this far. For a time, her mind blanked entirely on what she normally would have done, unable to come up with any idea or answer for her regular routine. Unable to consider what would drive her, day to day. The more she tried to focus on it, the more it felt like it simply shifted further and further away from her.

Instead of trying to force anything, she’d chosen to lean into a more meditative state; thinking about nothing, and hoping – quietly, in the depths of her mind – that something would simply come to her. Outside the sunlight had begun to shift, an imitation of the rising sun in the early morning that one would see in the real world. The dawning made her realise how messed up her sleep schedule, her entire life schedule in truth, had become. She had fallen asleep whenever the exhaustion took her, waking when she felt compelled to do so. Eating whenever the few moments of hunger struck, or when Musei came to complain.

It doesn’t matter what I do. She felt herself tense at the thought, sensing a dark tone behind it and yet unable to stop it from continuing its line of thought, as much as she may not have wanted to hear it. It doesn’t matter what I do…because I can do anything I want right now. Anything…so what do I want to do? Nymoria found herself stumped, uncertain of what she wanted to do. She’d always been operating on the understanding of what she needed to do, focusing on the importance of pushing towards the frontlines, becoming a better fighter, helping them to escape this world. She’d never stopped to consider herself, not in a capacity beyond helping others. Being useful. But you’re not useful, are you? Not locked up here. So go do something, go make yourself useful.

Edited January 17 by Nymoria

[Nymoria 0]

It wasn’t positive, but the thought pushing her forwards surprised her nonetheless. She could tell, deep within herself, it was setting her up for failure. Looking to crush that final speck of hopefulness that she felt. That final happy thought that she could do something. It was enough to cause her to pause; to consider the outcome. An hour passed as she stared at the garden, weighing her options, trying to figure out what she should do, whether she should take a risk. She felt stuck in a moment of paused time, as if there was no escape. As if this was her hell, her final place of existence.

If I fail… She shifted on the spot suddenly, moving as if she’d just awoken from a dream. If I do nothing, I’ve already failed. Either way…I could lose. With a push, she rose to her feet, her decision made. The least she could do, was to get out of the house. To try and re-enter the world she had hidden herself away from this entire time. She assumed, realistically, that she would end up regretting it – but she knew just as much that she would regret remaining here to waste away into nothingness, without ever attempting to do anything. It was enough of a drive for Nymoria, and she flowed through the house in search of Musei with a determined pace.

The weasel had been surprised by Nymoria’s sudden liveliness. He’d grown used to the quiet, dull and empty house; nothing disturbing his continuous naps and moments of relaxation. When she’d entered the room, he’d jumped into the air in a bout of fear, and she’d needed to spend almost ten minutes coaxing him back out of his hiding place. She’d taken only a few moments to explain to Musei her determination to leave the house, to go do something, ignoring the weasel’s obviously questioning look.

I just need to get out. It’s no good to hide here. But where? She signed the words towards the weasel, her fingers on her left hand dipping through the menu in between words. She’d browsed the quests, the few messages and logs that she’d received, and nothing had stood out to her as interesting. Her eyes parsed over some of the information she’d received; simple mass messages that her few contacts in information brokering had sent out in order to entice someone. One caught her attention, however, and Nymoria flipped it open and glanced over it. A bounty on a…land shark?

The small bit of information didn’t give her much to work with, and she found herself more confused by the message than intrigued. Still, it had been the only thing to stand out to her, and she found herself swapping between menus as she brought up the information about the floor in question that the bounty was located on. She doubted the bounty was still in effect – the message was from days ago, more than likely already collected, or well past expiry – but she had a feeling that the name of the creature was familiar.

[Nymoria 0]

Here. Fifth floor. Sand Shark. Field Boss. She flipped the small box of details around, letting Musei glance at it before continuing her own reading of the item in question. She barely remembered the fifth floor, knowing only that it was a desert land covered in sand, extremely warm, and unwelcoming to those who weren’t prepared for the dryness of it all. Still, she’d been to far worse places when she thought back about it all, and although it was far from her favourite environment, Nymoria had nothing better lined up to take on at the moment. Could be something.

Musei’s wrinkled nose seemed to disagree with her assessment, or her idea in general, but the weasel put up no real fuss about it all. While Nymoria knew he wasn’t entirely agreeing to it, he also wasn’t attempting to stop her – which gave her enough of an answer. Likely, he was simply happy she’d left her room behind, for the moment. Has he been worried about me at all?

Collecting her items and leaving the house had proved more difficult than Nymoria could have imagined. The majority of her items had been left laying about the house, entirely unorganised; simply dropped wherever they’d been last held. More importantly, however, she’d found herself hesitating leaving the actual house. She’d stood before the front door, hand hovering just about the handle that would open it, until Musei had climbed down and bit her ankle, forcing her into motion.

I guess that answers the question of whether or not he’s aligned with leaving the house. She gave a small half-grin towards the weasel as it climbed back up onto her shoulder, snuggling into the small backpack that Nymoria had ordered to carry the creature. The door clicked closed behind them, and Nymoria looked ahead towards the path leading down and towards her new destination. She’d made it this far, which gave her the momentum she needed to continue onwards and towards her goal – although she knew she would stumble along the way, she at least would have Musei to continue to herd her in the right direction.

[Nymoria 0]

The teleporter pad had been busier than Nymoria had expected, although she was thankful she didn’t come across anyone that she recognised. Eyes held downward, she’d rushed forwards and activated the pad, disappearing in a flash of light before arriving on the fifth floor. Stepping quickly off the pad, she’d been assailed by the hot, dry air as she moved into the bazaar and quickly disappeared among shopper and keepers. Sliding between forms, she moved towards the far side of the bazaar and the path that would lead down towards the desert; she had no business in the town, and no desire to remain near people so long as she could help it.

Better off if no one knows I’m here. She glanced around, keeping her eyes lowered and her head tilted slightly, confirming that no one she knew had passed by her or recognised her. She doubted it – she’d taken a headdress that wrapped around the lower half of her face; a faux disguise, but one she felt did at least something. It keeps out the wind and dust, if nothing else. She smiled in spite of herself, a small measure of something near happiness at the thought of having already achieved so much. It didn’t last, however, and she found herself dropping the smile quickly even though no one had seen it.

The guards paid her no attention as she moved out of the town’s safety and into the desert’s true environment. Gusts of wind swept over the wide desert expanse, kicking up dust as it passed over desolation and despair; a fitting match for Nymoria’s current mindset, if she were being honest.

Where? The sign was simple, meant only to include Musei in her thoughts as she stared out over the flowing sands and gusts of small dust tornados that formed in the distance. The weasel, however, took the opportunity to poke its nose from within the safety of its resting place, pointing in a direction to her right with its snout before squeaking slightly. Nymoria turned her attention in the direction, before shrugging and deciding that it was better than any plan she had. Okay, let’s go.

[Nymoria 0]

The sand shifted beneath her feet, the wind whipped at the shawl around her neck and lower face, and the sand stung at her eyes. Nymoria quickly remembered why this floor had been among her least favourite to visit. How people choose to live in this is beyond me. It’s a bit better in the town, but it’s still a desert. Sand everywhere. She could feel herself growling in her mind, distracted from self-loathing only by the environmental-loathing that she was quickly becoming engaged with. Musei had entirely disappeared into the backpack, hiding from the brunt of the storm in the comfort of his small home away from home.

The horizon had continued to turn orange as the day progressed, and although Nymoria had spotted various forms and shapes in the distance, most turned out to be nothing more than other humanoids, collections of stacked rocks, or other creatures that she wanted nothing to do with. The rapier at her side had tempted her, at first, to be used against some of them. Nymoria, however, had chosen to avoid any unnecessary conflict; her decision had been made to face down the sand shark, and she knew it would do no good to become distracted with lesser objectives. My target is what I need to face. To prove…something. Something, that I can do something. She’d faltered slightly in her convincing thought, realising that she wasn’t entirely sure what she would prove by trekking out into the desert and facing down a shark. It had seemed so clear back in her home, when she’d first come across the idea. Now, though, in the depths of the desert, it seemed almost foolish.

I’m here now. Keep going. I can figure out what it’s all for later…for now, I just need to find it. Once I find it…then it’ll all come together. A part of her still wondered if this wasn’t some elaborate plot to bring her own existence to an end – a measure of suicide through another’s hand; even if that other’s hand was simply Cardinal’s own creation. As much as she tried to shake the doubtful feeling, it seemed to continue to play at the back of her mind; an everlasting reminder of what was plausible in her situation.

[Nymoria 0]

’Hello!’ She’d strolled upon the other player entirely by accident, his appearance taking her entirely by surprise and causing her to reach for her weapon before she even realised what she was doing. His body had tensed, even as he’d greeted her – his eyes suddenly wary, and the smile seemingly a façade for something more hidden beneath.

Hello. You scared me. Nymoria saw the confusion in his eyes for a second as the words echoed in his mind, the system automatically translating her sign into understandable words for the player. Her words, however, seemed to calm him slightly as the smile formed into something more genuine, his hand moving away from the blade sheathed at his hip. She gave a slight bow as she moved to apologise for her unseemly behaviour in the moment, her hand chopping from her forehead as she signed out the words she couldn’t speak. Excuse me, I’m sorry for startling you as well.

’It’s my fault, as much as yours. Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad no one was hurt.’ He moved as if laughing, and Nymoria found herself smiling slightly in response beneath her shawl. She doubted he could see the smile itself, but she was certain he must have noticed the shift of her facial features in response. ’What brings you out here anyways? Most people avoid the desolation of the desert. It’s…very rare to see anyone wandering around out here, unless you’re doing a quest of some sort? But the only one is that survival quest, and I don’t see the old man…’

She gave a soft wave of her hand, dismissing the idea before launching into a collection of signs to try and explain herself slightly. Looking for sand shark. Heard that it was a challenge. Haven’t face it yet. Thought it might be interesting to attempt. It’s…important to me, I guess.

His eyebrows raised at her final commentary, but like most players who weren’t well acquainted, he seemed to know better than to dig any deeper into the topic. It was clearly personal, and personal topics usually weren’t delved into by other players. Instead of pressing the topic, he chose to shift a bit, giving details about his own presence even though Nymoria hadn’t questioned him about it at all. ’Interesting. I’m out here looking for common mobs, trying to level myself up. Are you taking it on by yourself? That seems dangerous. Isn’t it a high level floor boss?’

Nymoria nodded slightly, worried only for a second that the question could be nefarious in design. Not that it really mattered, she realised. Only hours ago she’d been in a dark place, one where she wouldn’t have questioned her luck if she’d been ambushed by player killers. The man seemed impressed, however, more so than concerned by her confirmation of her independence on the hunt.

’That’s…impressive. You must be high levelled yourself. Are you a frontliner? I’m working my way up to joining them, someday! Maybe…it hasn’t been going well, so far.’ He suddenly glanced down at the ground, a look of shaming coming over his face as he tried to hide from whatever truth he was about to share with her. ’I…haven’t gotten very far at all, in all this time. And with everyone moving up so quickly, well…there’s not a lot of people around who are still down on these levels, hunting the most basic of creatures.’

[Nymoria 0]

Nymoria remained still as he fell quiet, some measure of a connection resonating within her mind. A hopelessness that she’d felt, not too long ago herself. She could see the defeat in his very form, the way his shoulders drooped downwards, the lack of confidence in his face and eyes. It was a stark reminder that she wasn’t the only one feeling alone, lost, unwanted. There are others. Others who have nothing to live for…not in this world. They’re the reason we were fighting…because they can’t. Not yet. I forgot that… She shook her head, clearing the thoughts before bringing her hands up into motion.

I didn’t get to the frontlines until recently. I had to fight. To work. I did quest after quest. It was hard. I struggled. A lot. She paused, letting him take in the signs and words as they translated from motion to word, his eyes following her movements. There was nothing motivational in her words, nothing that she could say that would magically make him feel better, or whole, or more alive. But she found herself continuing, regardless of all those facts. It took a long time. A lot of hard work. Now…now I can fight with the front. But I still feel alone.

His expression changed, a look of surprise at her words as she signed the final comment. His eyes turned to her own, and she held his gaze for a few seconds, trying to show the emotions that roiled within her. She wasn’t sure if he saw it or not, but she could see another change in his expression as she looked away – one that she was more familiar with; pity.

I am alone. But…I am not. I fight with others. I spend time with them. I have a…purpose. To help free everyone. She looked back at the man, suddenly confident in what she wanted to say, what words she wanted to express to him. To help him, in what little way she could. That is why I hunt the shark. To help. Because every little bit, helps. Maybe not now. Maybe not in the days to come. But eventually…it helps. We get further, together. Even if we are alone.

It wasn’t much, in fact as inspiring speeches went Nymoria was fairly certain it ranked at the bottom of the list, but something in her words seemed to change his mindset. It was only slightly, but she saw the tension in his body relax a bit. A smile crossed his face, ghost like and well short of being true happiness, but he seemed to change before her eyes in response to what she had told him.

’I guess…there are people I can go out with. I just…I feel like a burden to them. But maybe that’s how they feel too?’ Nymoria nodded in response, trying to coax him to continue the line of thought. It was something, after all. ’Thanks. I guess I forgot…well, thank you, you opened my eyes to what I was ignoring. I’m glad we met today…I think if we hadn’t, I only would have become more and more bitter.’

[Nymoria 0]

They talked for a while, sharing small stories about the accomplishments they’d achieved, big and small, within the game. Nymoria found herself relaxing in the comfort of the man’s company – she’d learnt his name later in the conversation, each realising that they hadn’t introduced themselves quite suddenly. She’d found herself enjoying their conversation fully, and as it slowly began to wind down, she found herself desiring more. She knew it had to come to an end, sooner or later, but as it became clear that the time to move on was approaching, she desperately searched for something else to say.

I…have enjoyed talking with you, Percipee. It has been a while since I talked with someone. She didn’t mention her few conversations with Musei, considering the familiar as something more akin to speaking with herself. As much as she’d bonded with the weasel, she knew that it wasn’t a true replacement for other people; merely a means of providing some companionship in a small measure. The man shifted at her words, seemingly hiding a small amount of embarrassment before responding in kind.

’It’s been…enjoyable, for sure. Hey, why don’t we hunt together some time?’ In his excitement he’d sent the friend request before stopping to consider his actions, and Nymoria found herself staring at it for a moment, before accepting the invitation. She could see out of the corner of his eye as he’d realised his rush, although a small measure of stress released once she had accepted it. ’Next time you’re down this way, and not hunting something that will absolutely leave me obliterated, maybe send me a message?’

A smile, a nod and a few motions of confirmation that she would do that if she was ever in the area and chasing down anything within his realm of capabilities, and then Nymoria found herself leaving his little spot behind. He’d mentioned in passing that he was heading back towards the town, and as Nymoria looked back she saw his form moving in the general direction; a small outline against the horizon that slowly faded away as it moved. He was nice. I hope I see him again. The thought surprised her, as much at the suddenness of it, as to the realisation that she was thinking ahead once more. She stopped in place, a look of shock upon her face as she considered the change in herself, before shaking it off and heading deeper into the sand dunes and squalls, hoping to find her prey somewhere within.

[Nymoria 0]

The desert stretched on before her in every direction. Nymoria had been walking for well over an hour after she had left behind the small area that she’d come across Percipee. A small part of her had been sad at their departure, feeling as if she’d lost something precious that she’d only just gained. It had dawned on her, only after he had left, just how vital those simple points of connection with others had become; how desperate she’d become for anything reaching towards a relationship with others. It had also struck her, hard, as she realised her own self-destructive behaviour, and how she had locked herself away from all others during the past days.

I’m here now. The thought lingered as she stared out over open sand, the storm having subsided enough to give her a relatively clear view in all directions. She could see, to her left, a horde of things shambling along, their forms entirely inhuman. Ahead and to her right were more shapes on the horizon, these similar in appearance to humanoids. Nymoria had come to a complete stop as she tried to figure out which direction to head; knowing she needed to pick one, and yet entirely uncertain which would be most likely to bring her towards her eventual goal.

There’s something that way. She’d just noticed the odd movement, slightly askew from where the humanoids were moving, but in the general direction they’d been travelling. It wasn’t much to go on, a simple shift in the sands that seemed to suggest…well, Nymoria wasn’t entirely sure. But it was an oddity among a world that was fantastical, which meant that Nymoria’s interest – and in turn, decision – were made. Hand touching the pommel of the rapier at her side, she took her first step in the direction, knowing that she could be heading into nothing more than another sandstorm.

That’s no sandstorm. Nymoria stared at the shifting sands in the distance. She’d come to the conclusion about two things; the group moving towards it was another collection of players, low level from the appearance of their movement and gear that was visible, and the thing that she had considered a possible storm was anything but a storm. The sands swirled around in a circular motion, reminding Nymoria of something circling in the water. Sand shark…? Nymoria couldn’t come up with any other explanation for the movement.

[Nymoria 0]

She’d eyed the party heading towards the event, figuring that they were probably also hunting the creature. The thought of it gave her pause, before she decided the least she could do was to follow them; there was always the chance that they were simply passing it by, or realised that it was beyond the capabilities. The group was only three strong, and as much as Nymoria wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt, they looked inexperienced and – if she were being entirely honest – out of their depths. She could see an individual in heavy plate armour, stumbling over the sand as they tried to keep their footing with their weight bearing them down more with each step. An individual with a simple sword, and what looked like some combination of leather and metal armour slid along beside the armoured knight, slowing their own movement to ensure they didn’t get too far ahead. The last individual wore a cloak pulled up, dark against the white sands that surrounded them. Nymoria could see, even from as far away as she was, how they attempted to slink through the sand as if they were trying to keep their presence hidden. A fact that would be, entirely, useless in the wide open area.

I could…keep an eye on them. It was nothing more than an excuse to follow the group. Nymoria knew that, in her mind, but it didn’t stop her from accepting it as a plausible idea. At least if she was nearby she could jump in and help them. She had been heading to face the creature alone, which meant that she should be able to help them if things suddenly became dangerous. She chose to ignore the part of her that questioned that line of thought, that tried to drag her down. There was truth to it, certainly, but Nymoria knew that if she listened to the voice even once, she would be drawn back to where she’d been for the past few weeks.

Their pace had made it easy for Nymoria to catch up to them, the armoured knight slowing down any charge forward they’d been hoping to achieve. She’d had to slow herself in response, remaining well behind them so as not to alert them to her presence. Not that they’d been checking their surroundings – another sign that they were, at best, novices in the field. Following them for the last few moments had confirmed her suspicions, however, about whether they were heading for the swirling mass of sand. They’d adjusted their path a few times, avoiding small sand spots that were easy to sink into and disappear, but their general course brought them closer and closer towards it.

Nymoria had considered rushing forwards a few times, to explain the danger they were about to face and try and dissuade them from doing something foolish. She’d reserved herself, though, knowing that they wouldn’t listen to her. In fact, they might simply stride onwards, thinking she only wanted to steal the thing for herself. Just stay behind, keep an eye out. Be close enough you can rush in if need be…they’re not going to notice you anyways. The words were harsh, abusive in her mind as they attempted to remind her of how she could simply be ignored and thrown aside. She chose to ignore it, for the moment, able to focus on the party moving on ahead of her. She would deal with her internal thoughts once she, and the others, were safe.

[Nymoria 0]

They dove straight into the fight, their teamwork a clear indication of their inexperience and lack of understanding of their own roles, as well as their companions’. Nymoria watched from a safe distance, hidden slightly behind a pillar that jutted out of the ground. The shark had quickly taken the offensive against them, forcing the group to rally around their armoured companion in the hopes of finding protection against the abuse that the shark was dealing out at them. The cloaked individual had attempted to step out from behind the shelter, finding themselves tossed into the sand brutally by the shark’s tail as it turned its attention towards the fighter with a force of destruction.

They’re going to die. That knight can’t keep this up. Attrition over time is going to end this. She bit her lip, knowing there was a danger in her engaging with the creature. She knew, as most players did, that waltzing in and stealing a kill was akin to slapping someone in the face. Her hand tightened on the rapier’s pommel, but she forced herself to remain hidden behind her pillar, not yet convinced that she needed to rush out and engage with them. It was taking all of her strength just to do that, her desire to help flowing through her and slowly wearing away at her wiser side.

What, you think you can do anything better than they can? The voice inside her head scoffed, clearly dismissing the progress and capabilities she’d developed during her time in Aincrad. She knew it was illogical, but the words cut deep, and Nymoria found her hand loosening for a second. That was, until the knight was thrown from his feet, leaving the pair of fighters entirely exposed. Nymoria watched as the shark turned upon them with a sudden frenzy, tearing into them faster than they could deflect. She could see their mouths moving in shouts of fear, and Nymoria found herself in motion.

She closed the distance in mere seconds, her rapier in hand as she stabbed outwards, catching the shark in the side and forcing it backwards and away from the other players. Shocked, the thing fell back slightly, putting distance between herself and it as it tried to comprehend what had impacted its side. It was enough time for her to sign quickly to the two fighters, her right hand carving out the words upon the air even as she prepared herself for the retaliation she knew was coming. Get friend. Get back. I distract.

-

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 33 | P. 2 | HP [665/665] | EN [103/104] | ACC [5] | DMG [13] | EVA [4] | BH [+36] | Bleed [12] | Keen [+1 BD] | LD [+1] | -1 EN
Sand Shark | HP: 555/555 | MIT: 35 | DMG: 50 | BLEED: 1 slot of T1 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2
Bad Footing | Missing an attack against the Sand Shark causes the Player to get bogged down by the sandy environment, making the next attack against them deal 15 DMG more.
Sharp Jaws | On an MD 9-10, the Shark will reduce the MIT of its target by 10 for <<Sand Shark’s>> next attack, which will automatically target the same Player regardless of Hate values.
Weapon Lock | Only Sword Arts of Rank 4 or lower may be used against this boss.
Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 1. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.]

ID240232 | BD: 1+4-2 = 3 | <<AoE-I vs. Sand Shark>> | Miss | MOB: 5-4+1 = 2 | Miss
Keen Activated.

Edited January 17 by Nymoria

[Nymoria 0]

The shark had remained back, keeping its distance as if sizing up the new threat that faced it. Nymoria had chosen not to press her own attack yet, allowing the peaceful moment to last as long as it could, ensuring that the two players were able to retrieve their companion and pull back from the fight. She doubted they would stay too far away, but so long as they were out of the danger zone with the shark, she knew it would be enough.

The thing had circled around her slightly, moving as if to try and intercept their retreat, but Nymoria had changed her own stance, intercepting the thing and forcing it back in line before her as she brought her rapier around in a weak slash meant to do nothing more than to ensure that the creature remained focused on her and ignored the trio of players making their way to safety.

It’s reluctant to fight me. She couldn’t help but wonder if that was a sign of it being aware of her own strength, or if it simply didn’t see her as worthy of its time. She knew it was more than likely that the creature simply hadn’t registered her as a combatant yet – that was how these games worked, after all – but the voices within her leapt upon the opportunity; taking away her ability to focus properly. She nearly missed the creature’s sudden dash forward to attack the trio, catching it only at the last second and forcing herself between them and it once more. The rapier in her hand barely had time to lash out, missing the shark as it fell back beyond her reach.

Letting myself get distracted won’t help anyone here. Focus on bringing it down. You can hate yourself later. She chided herself internally, shifting her feet and straightening her grip upon the rapier as she tried to focus on what she needed to do. The shark was a dangerous enemy, and being distracted would be fatal, if she wasn’t careful. I’ve fought things more dangerous than this. I can do this. I need to pay attention. She stepped forward, bringing the rapier into a serious of slashes and stabs meant to put the shark on the defensive, and keep its focus on her.

-

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 33 | P. 2 | HP [598/665] | EN [94/104] | ACC [5] | DMG [13] | EVA [4] | BH [+36] | Bleed [12] | Keen [+1 BD] | LD [+1] | +1 EN | -10 EN -67 HP
Sand Shark | HP: 421/555 | MIT: 35 | DMG: 50 | BLEED: 1 slot of T1 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 | -134 HP
Bad Footing | Missing an attack against the Sand Shark causes the Player to get bogged down by the sandy environment, making the next attack against them deal 15 DMG more.
Sharp Jaws | On an MD 9-10, the Shark will reduce the MIT of its target by 10 for <<Sand Shark’s>> next attack, which will automatically target the same Player regardless of Hate values.
Weapon Lock | Only Sword Arts of Rank 4 or lower may be used against this boss.
Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 1. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.]

ID240233 | BD: 3+5-2 = 6 | <<AoE-I vs. Sand Shark>> | Hit: [13x13-35] = 134 damage | MOB: 10-4+1 = 7 | Major Critical Hit: [50+2+15] = 67 damage

Edited January 17 by Nymoria

[Nymoria 0]

They collided as the pair of them rushed to meet in the centre, the shark’s tail coming around and slamming into Nymoria’s form even as she drove her blade down to meet it. She could feel as the blade lashed through something solid, catching sight of some portion of the tail falling to the ground before exploding into shards. The creature gave an odd wail, before pulling back and attempting to reconcile whatever she had done.

The impact of the tail had shaken her, although the damage it had done was minimal at best. Nymoria knew that it was strong – but her endurance, her training and her continuous evolution in Aincrad had ensured that she was ready to face the thing. What could be fatal to other, lower level players, was a mere annoyance to her at this point.

Don’t go getting cocky. It’ll kill you, soon enough. You’re no better than those three are. Fighting battles you shouldn’t be apart of! The voices were desperate, she could feel it. Reaching for anything to bring her down. Nymoria didn’t have time to pay attention to them, however, as she dove out of the way of a follow up strike meant to launch her from her feet. The shark had noticed the sting of her rapier, familiar with the pain in a subconscious way that made it viable to do anything to avoid it.

The barrage of attacks came at her quickly, and Nymoria found her feet sliding across the sand naturally as she moved to avoid them all. Glancing blows barely flew past her form as she slipped and slid around the shark’s form, enraging it further as it failed to land a blow. She needed to be careful, she knew. It would be all too easy to misstep and find the creature’s jaws around her form. Watch for the opening.

-

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 33 | P. 2 | HP [634/665] | EN [85/104] | ACC [5] | DMG [13] | EVA [4] | BH [+36] | Bleed [12] | Keen [+1 BD] | LD [+1] | +4 EN +36 HP | -13 EN -0 HP
Sand Shark | HP: 204/555 | MIT: 35 | DMG: 50 | BLEED: 1 slot of T1 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 | Bleed [12 | 1/2]| -217 HP
Bad Footing | Missing an attack against the Sand Shark causes the Player to get bogged down by the sandy environment, making the next attack against them deal 15 DMG more.
Sharp Jaws | On an MD 9-10, the Shark will reduce the MIT of its target by 10 for <<Sand Shark’s>> next attack, which will automatically target the same Player regardless of Hate values.
Weapon Lock | Only Sword Arts of Rank 4 or lower may be used against this boss.
Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 1. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.]

ID240234 | BD: 10+4-2 = 12 | CD: 12 | <<AoE-II vs. Sand Shark>> | Hit: [(13+2)x16-35] = 205 damage | MOB: 4-4+1 = 1 | Miss | Bleed [12 | 1/2]
ST-B Available

Edited January 17 by Nymoria

[Nymoria 0]

The opening came as the shark made a sudden flip onto its back, bringing itself up and around in a motion that was likely meant to be a strong tail-whip designed to fling Nymoria into the distance. It had, however, opened a portion of its back for her to strike at if she was fast enough. Nymoria found herself more than up to the task, her rapier stabbing into, and then tearing along the spine of the creature before leaving the flesh just before the tail. The shark wreathed in pain in response, its attack all but forgotten as the rapier’s damage coursed through it, the blood trailing from the wound confirming to Nymoria that she had hit something vital during her strike.

This is almost finished. Don’t let up. The words were inspirational, and they launched Nymoria into motion as she leapt forward and unleashed another barrage against the shark’s form, forcing it to retreat further and further from the players that she had intercepted and chosen to protect. The rapier tore small chunks from it, leaving more and more gash marks along its form as the thing tried to escape the wrath of her weapon. Not that it was capable of doing so, entirely at the brunt of her will, it had nowhere to hide, nowhere to disappear to, nowhere to run.

Nymoria almost felt sorry for it. The thing was little more than a simple creature thrown into torment, designed with a single intent; kill or be killed. It knew nothing more than pain and hunger, factors that it had no choice in throughout its entire existence. It was a reminder of what the world of Aincrad represented, in a way. There was nothing but suffering, regardless of where one went. Life is suffering. That’s all it is. There’s happy moments, but all of that fades with time…only suffering, and death, remain. She snarled inside at the words, determined to prove them wrong suddenly, but knowing that her actions were in contradiction to her determination.

-

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 33 | P. 2 | HP [665/665] | EN [75/104] | ACC [5] | DMG [13] | EVA [4] | BH [+36] | Bleed [12] | Keen [+1 BD] | LD [+1] | +4 EN +36 HP | -14 EN -0 HP
Sand Shark | HP: 6/555 | MIT: 35 | DMG: 50 | BLEED: 1 slot of T1 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 | Bleed [12 | 2/2]| -198 HP
Bad Footing | Missing an attack against the Sand Shark causes the Player to get bogged down by the sandy environment, making the next attack against them deal 15 DMG more.
Sharp Jaws | On an MD 9-10, the Shark will reduce the MIT of its target by 10 for <<Sand Shark’s>> next attack, which will automatically target the same Player regardless of Hate values.
Weapon Lock | Only Sword Arts of Rank 4 or lower may be used against this boss.
Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 1. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.]

ID240235 | BD: 6+4-2 = 12 | <<ST-B vs. Sand Shark>> | Hit: [13x17-35] = 186 damage | MOB: 5-4+1 = 2 | Miss

Edited January 17 by Nymoria

[Nymoria 0]

She wanted nothing more than to leave the thing, to let it escape into the sands and disappear. To give it a chance to learn mercy, the ability to choose non-violence over anything else. Her rapier had dipped slightly as she’d considered the inaction, but the creature had taken it as a sign of weakness. Nymoria saw the movement as the thing suddenly leapt forward, jaws opened wide in an attempt to try and consume her in a single blow. She almost remained frozen, moving only at the last moment. Side stepping, she brought the rapier up and slashed across the thing’s side, tearing it apart until it exploded out of existence.

It was never going to change its ways. It was designed to end things. Things like you. It wasn’t very good at it, though. The tone in her mind was condescending, as if trying to convince her that the only reason it had failed to end her, was because it wasn’t strong enough. She knew it was nothing but her mind trying to overpower her again, and she pushed back against it, snarling slightly externally as she focused on shutting down the voices within herself. It was plenty dangerous enough for them. I overcame it, because I’ve become stronger. I’m not the timid, weak little girl I was once. I may not be the most powerful, the strongest or fastest or the best fighter…but I am stronger. And I’ll keep getting stronger!

The laughter echoed within her, mocking her words. It threatened her with images of her inevitable demise; images that she had seen time and again. She’d become indifferent to them, and she realised suddenly that the darkness within her was struggling. Struggling to keep hold over the power it had gained, struggling to control her. You’re the weak one. She thought the words, and felt the recoil from the darkness within her as if it was alive, as if it was something more than just her subconscious. It was losing its hold on her, and she could feel its desperation as it tried anything to regain what it had over the past weeks. I may not be perfect, I may be broken and unwanted…but I’m not the pathetic thing that you are! I won’t give up, not yet. I can still fight. I can still help people. I’m not worthless!

-

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 33 | P. 2 | HP [665/665] | EN [79/104] | ACC [5] | DMG [13] | EVA [4] | BH [+36] | Bleed [12] | Keen [+1 BD] | LD [+1] | +4 EN +0 HP | -8 EN -0 HP
Sand Shark | HP: 0/555 | MIT: 35 | DMG: 50 | BLEED: 1 slot of T1 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 | -95 HP
Bad Footing | Missing an attack against the Sand Shark causes the Player to get bogged down by the sandy environment, making the next attack against them deal 15 DMG more.
Sharp Jaws | On an MD 9-10, the Shark will reduce the MIT of its target by 10 for <<Sand Shark’s>> next attack, which will automatically target the same Player regardless of Hate values.
Weapon Lock | Only Sword Arts of Rank 4 or lower may be used against this boss.
Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 1. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.]

ID240236 | BD: 6+4-2 = 12 | <<ST-I vs. Sand Shark>> | Hit: [13x10-35] = 95 damage | Sand Shark Defeated.

Edited January 17 by Nymoria

[Nymoria 0]

The laughter echoed within her, mocking her words. It threatened her with images of her inevitable demise; images that she had seen time and again. She’d become indifferent to them, and she realised suddenly that the darkness within her was struggling. Struggling to keep hold over the power it had gained, struggling to control her. You’re the weak one. She thought the words, and felt the recoil from the darkness within her as if it was alive, as if it was something more than just her subconscious. It was losing its hold on her, and she could feel its desperation as it tried anything to regain what it had over the past weeks. I may not be perfect, I may be broken and unwanted…but I’m not the pathetic thing that you are! I won’t give up, not yet. I can still fight. I can still help people. I’m not worthless!

’-thank you.’ The voice broke through Nymoria’s internal trance only through the fact that the player had laid a hand upon her. A small twitch of her rapier caused the player to jump back, likely realising that she hadn’t been entirely focused on the world around her, and fearful that she would suddenly attack them. The boy – he appeared to be no older than fifteen, from what Nymoria could see – had an expression of gratitude, mixed with a measure of concern, upon his face. His eyes trailed down the rapier in her hand, clearly well aware now that she was likely more than powerful enough to end him if she decided to do so.

Is everyone safe? No one hurt? She sheathed her rapier before signing the words, the flow coming more smoothly with both hands. She knew that placing the weapon away would, at least in appearance, remove any concern the boy might have about her suddenly using it upon them. Her eyes trailed to the other two, confirming with her own sight that they were alive and well enough. The visor of the armoured figure had been pulled up, revealing a young feminine face, battered and with eyes that bespoke the danger it had seen before it. The cloaked individual was clearly the oldest of them all, and yet to Nymoria’s eyes appeared the least mature – and the most scared. So young…they’re children.

Edited January 17 by Nymoria

[Nymoria 0]

’We’re fine, thanks to you. I guess…I guess we were a bit out of our depths here.’ The boy looked down, clearly embarrassed. Nymoria felt a sudden pang of sympathy for the child, knowing that they were likely upset about their inability to face the creature, and relying upon another player – a solo player, of all things – to save them. She’d been preparing to scold them, to imbue in them the realisation that they could have been killed, but as she looked at each of them she realised they were likely already aware of the danger they had faced, and their luck at walking away from it.

’We thought we were ready, but I guess not…’ There was a sudden slump to their forms, as if each had come to the determination that they’d never succeed, all at once. Nymoria was familiar with the feeling, and found her heart reaching out to them suddenly; a connection that she could understand entirely to her core.

You’re right. You’re not ready. But you will be. Soon. Keep fighting. Keep growing. You can do it. Just like I did. The trio watched her hands move, a few twitches the only giveaway that her words echoing in their mind was an odd experience. She could see the cloaked figure and the armoured girl share a look, but it was the younger one who spoke in response to her, the doubt clear upon his face.

’We’ve been fighting for so long, and getting nowhere! We’re barely able to afford a roof over our heads, let alone catch up and help on the frontlines. We’re failures, plain and simple.’ He’d thrown the blade in his hand to the ground during his exclamation, and Nymoria bent to retrieve the item, glancing over it before holding it out to the boy. He hesitated for a few breaths before taking it from her, gently and with apprehension.

I know. It feels like you’re never going to get anywhere. I felt the same. She paused in her words, looking at the other two to confirm they were paying attention. She knew the importance of her words, and the fact that they may not impact the trio now, but in time they would see. Her hands moved again after she was certain, signing out the words she couldn’t say aloud for them to hear. I felt like life was worthless. I would never do anything great. I would never be the one who helps everyone be free. I might fight among the frontlines. But I’m not one of them. I’m a nobody. Nobody important. I came out here to die to the shark.

The trio stared at her, mouths opening slightly as if to say something. She cut them off with a sudden motion of her hand, silencing any words that might have been on her mind. She stared at each of them before continuing. I wanted to end it all. I wanted to be free. To escape that continuous doubt. That feeling that I would never be good enough.

[Nymoria 0]

There was an uneasiness developing in the air as her words reached them. No one ever enjoyed hearing that someone was suffering, that they wanted to end it all. Even those who were going through the same thing attempted to avoid it, as if ignoring it would somehow make it all go away. Nymoria knew better. She had been living with her self-loathing for so long, a piece of her that she was sure would never actually go away.

I saved you today. She paused again, this time trying to collect herself as a rush of emotions hit her, the realisation of what she had done. She’d accomplished so much, in a matter of moments. The voices in her head had gone quiet as she processed her own thoughts and words before signing them out for the other players. I may not be the strongest, or the fastest, or the best player. I may be nothing more than a secondary player. Someone who is in the background. No hero driving the frontlines. But I saved you. And I will save others, if it is the last thing I do in this life. And that’s enough. This world is hard, keeping each other alive is all we have. We don’t need to be the best…we just need to be the best for ourselves.

Silence followed the completion of her monologue, but she could see the trio thinking over what she had said. She doubted they would adhere to the words, not immediately. But as they thought over them, as time continued onwards and they saw their own small successes, they might be swayed towards the ideal that they could do something. Even if that something was nothing more than helping a player weaker than they were to survive. It’s the little things in life that bring our true strengths out. That’s who we are, and all we need to be. If I can help them…maybe I can help others too. As much as she was speaking on their behalf, Nymoria knew that she was also speaking for herself, pushing away the darkness within her that would eventually have taken her life. She knew she wouldn’t be rid of it, but if she could contain it, that would be enough for now.

She watched as the players retreated towards home, their steps leading them towards the safety of the settlement on the floor. They’d had little to say following her commentary, but she could see the way in which their minds had continued to try and process it. They’d promised her, for today at least, to head for safety and rethink their strategies. It wasn’t much, but Nymoria knew it was the best she could hope for at the time. I may not be able to keep everyone alive, but I can try my best to help those within my power. That’s…that’s good enough.

The form of Musei poked its head out of the backpack on her shoulder, sniffing at the air as if to submit some sort of complaint to her. She gave a soft smile in response, before signing in the air where he could see. Get used to it, Musei. We’re going to be lively from now on. No more sitting around the house. We’re getting back into the world.

 

-

Thread Summary
Word Count: 8,668
EXP: 8,668/10x4x1 = 3,464
Col: 400 col
“Sand Armor Potion" (T1/Consumable - Instant/Single Use); Functions like a Parry for the first attack the user sustains after consumption. Can stack with Parry to reduce incoming damage up to 75%.

Edited January 17 by Nymoria