Chapter 3: The Kobold Lord, and A New Party
In Tolbana (West PoV)
We were walking through town about eight thirty in the morning. Luna, the night before, had discovered that Asuna had a good weapon drop called the ‘Wind Fleuret’. It was way better than the ‘Iron Rapier’ she was using in the labyrinth. So I decided we should go to the Blacksmith to get it upgraded early this morning much to Tycha’s disappointment. He wasn’t much of a morning person especially with these kinds of reasons.
“I don’t get why we are out here so bloody early.” Tycha complained and rubbed his eyes “The boss raid isn’t for another two hours.”
I looked back at him as we made our way to town “Because we have to upgrade Asuna’s weapon, buy more potions to cover another person, repair anything damaged, and talk with Argo.”
“Why do we have to talk with Argo?” Luna asked cheerily walking along side Asuna
“She asked to see me before the raid departure.” I shrugged “I don’t know much more than that, but she usually has a good reason for what she does.”
Tycha grumbled “Yeah that’s true enough.” He yawned “Well what’s done is done I guess.”
“Glad you see it that way.” I chuckled, and I looked over at Asuna “So you got the materials right?”
“Yes.” She replied her hood pulled up “I have plenty.”
“That’s good to hear.” I nodded “We’ll upgrade it only once. Save the rest for after the fight.”
“Why not just upgrade it all at once?” Asuna cocked her head to the side
“That’s a waste of materials.” I continued to explain “The more materials you give the higher the upgrade you get, but the percentage of failure doesn’t. So in turn you have that chance to lose more materials. Besides once we hit Floor Four or Floor Three you’ll be exchanging out the sword for a better one, or you can keep the ‘core’ of the sword. Which is basically just fancy for keeping the aesthetic of it and make the new one look like your current one.” I eyed her ‘Wind Fleuret’ “To say the least that sword looks rather nice considering it’s on the lowest floor of Aincrad.” I looked my swords and they were rather plain “I wish I could say the same.”
As we approached the Blacksmith shop I could see smoke coming out of the chimney. Not that it held any significance it just made it feel more real to us. Turning my attention back to the door, I opened it and everyone flowed in from behind. Asuna gazed around, until her eyes fell upon the Blacksmith NPC.
“Hello there!” The blacksmith smiled, “How can I help you fine swordsmen?”
She stepped forward and placed her sword on the counter, and looked back at me “Now what?”
I was taken aback by her question “She must not really know much after all. Should have seen that coming.” “You’ll want Accuracy, and Dexterity.”
She nodded and repeated to the NPC “Accuracy, and Dexterity….. please.”
The blacksmith NPC nodded with a smile and took her blade.
As we waited, I began to think of what our new ‘Fencer’ knew about SAO or MMO’s in general. This would be essential to know on later floors. Well I guess it’s a good thing I have to talk to Argo. That guide is a whole separate one altogether, and of course she had it. It wasn’t ready for release yet since it needed more information apparently, but I guess I’ll just have to use one my free pieces of info. The NPC turned around with a smile on his face.
“Critical upgrade successful. 3 Accuracy and 3 Dexterity.” He handed Asuna her sword and she slid it into her sheathe. I was just standing amazed by her good luck.
“Well that will definitely last you for a while.” I grinned and she cocked her head to the side
“What do you mean?” She inquired
“Not everyone gets Critical Upgrade.” Luna explained “It’s not impossible but it means that you got more than your materials were worth. Lucky you.” She placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled
Asuna nodded but still looked confused, so I asked “Are you more of a book person Asuna?”
She looked back at me, eyes serious “I was the top of my class.”
“I see.” I nodded in understanding, “Don’t worry, we're going to get a manual for you to read later on. So you can learn quicker, and easier. But for now you’ll have to try and grasp what we’re saying.”
“I’m not having trouble.” She replied, but I knew it was mostly pride. Wow Luna picked a hard one.
“Whatever you say.” I waved a hand and turned around “Alright let’s get our shopping done, and you may want to clean some inventory space Asuna.”
“Why?” She inquired once more
“Because the more you carry the more it will weigh you down and slow down your speed.” I looked back at her as we exited the shop “If it’s something you want to keep you can sell it, and buy it back so long as you have the funds, and it’s within the same day from any vendor out there.”
“That sure is convenient.” Asuna stated, and I nodded in agreement
As we walked through town I saw some new players that hadn’t been around before, and that was a welcome sight to see. I also knew that once the second floor was beaten then things would get moving real quick. It was natural given the slump we were in. Once you get going you can’t stop that was common physics. An object in motion will stay in motion.
We arrived at our next destination, purchased the needed health potions. I explained to Asuna that the short phrase is ‘Pots’, and that a ‘Pot Rotation’ is a term for players to trade positions to drink the health potions to regain health. Since the Pots only healed over time the people that were out had to be careful not to get hit otherwise the potions affect was canceled.
We exited the shop, and the clock read nine forty-five. Which meant we were on schedule to meet with Argo. “Alright next thing to do is to meet up with Argo.”
“I can’t help but wonder what she could want.” Tycha thought aloud “You don’t think it has anything to do with your swords again does it?”
“I hope not.” I sighed “I really don’t want to deal with that any more than I have too. Besides she said she wouldn’t do it anymore.”
“I suppose your right.” Tycha stretched and nodded to the front, where Argo was standing in front of a fountain “Well there she is, let’s get this over with.”
I nodded and we walked over to Argo “Good morning Argo.” I called out and I caught her attention, and she smirked
“Good morning Westy boy and crew!” she called out and I felt my eye twitch
“Do you really have to call me that?” I sighed and looked at her
“Of course it’s fun!” She grinned
“I’m sure it is.” I shrugged at my lost battle “So what is it you wanted to see us about?”
“I wanted to give you this.” She pulled out four books, and they happened to be the one I was referring to earlier “They’re fresh off the print. Since you helped me a bunch with the info in the last one thought I’d give you these.”
“Well that sure is nice of you!” Luna smiled and grabbed one from Argo
“What’s the catch?” both Tycha and I bluntly asked with blank expressions, we both knew something was up
“That hurts you know?” Argo theatrically clutched her heart, we weren’t amused, and she chuckled “Take a joke boys. I mean it this time, and this doesn’t go against your previous claim either Westy. Still three pieces of info for ya.”
I rose an eyebrow, and crossed my arms “Well if that’s all then I appreciate it very much Argo.”
She nodded her head with a smile “After all we are friends, and not everyone is friends with an info broker now are they?”
“I agree with you.” I nodded with a slight grin “Well if you ever need help or map info you get it on the house.”
“You mean it?!” Argo’s face was complete shock
“Of course, as long as we can keep up this arrangement.” I pointed out
“Are you kidding that’s a small price for free Map info.” She grinned and gave me a hug and pulled away, “You’re a lifesaver!”
I grinned “Didn’t take you for much of a hugger. Guess we learn something new every day. Well if that’s all Argo we’re gonna head to the dungeon entrance. By the time we start going we’ll be right on time.”
“Alright!” She saluted, and turned around and raised two fingers shaped in a ‘V’. “Good luck!”
I grinned and repeated the gesture as did Luna and Tycha “You too! Stay out of trouble!”
With that she was gone, and Asuna’s voice piped up from behind “What was that sign for?”
I turned to face her, and grinned “In the beta that sign was given when we won. It stands for Victory. It’s also used to tell others good luck before a duel, or entering a dungeon room.”
“Sounds like it’s died.” Asuna replied
“I agree.” I nodded “But that’s because we haven’t had a solid victory here. Well we’re going to change that today aren’t we?” I looked at the three of them. Tycha had his knowing smirk, Luna had a determined smile, and underneath Asuna’s hood was the faintest trace of a smile. Her eyes had life and new determination in them. I chuckled to myself “Alright let’s get this show on the road.”
Outside the Dungeon
We arrived five minutes before the time of departure, and surprisingly we weren’t the last ones to arrive. Though they came in shortly behind us, and it was a big ‘Axeman’ from earlier. His dark brown skin stood out amongst all the rest, and his broad frame dwarfed ours tremendously. That was one thing about this world, looks could still get to you. Nothing prepared you for it, and sure enough that was a huge cause to the major death increase inside this game.
“We all here?” Diavel called out, and paused for a moment as we all observed the crowd making sure we saw everyone who had participated “Good. Keep your eyes open on the way up. You know what the loot and Exp. rules are.”
Everyone nodded and his group led the way into the dungeon. My group held up the rear, and were given the easy ride and Exp. Not that we got much out of it though the monsters here wouldn’t give much. I could tell Tycha was irritated to be in the back, and I could understand it completely, but I can’t argue against the leaders decision. I had labeled myself a Beta Tester, and regardless we still have a bad reputation. Though something still bothered me about Diavel. He wasn’t a bad person, but I can tell by his mannerisms that he’s a former Beta Tester. Yet I have no definite proof. Not that it mattered….. at least I didn’t think it did.
As we progressed through mobs attacked, but they were taken care of efficiently and with accuracy. Kibaou and the tall man’s group were pretty strong, and I was finally able to give the big guy a name when one of his teammates called out to him, Agil. The name was surprisingly fitting for him. Just from his presence you could feel confidence coming from him. He would be a big figure down the road I could tell. It took about a solid hour for us to arrive at the tall doors of the boss room. I’ve never found the boss room myself, but everyone was given a chance in the Beta to fight against the boss. So I knew how this was supposed to go. Yet this time around we had plenty of members to handle it, and we were all appropriately way above level requirements. As far as I know there is no scaling system so that’s always a plus.
In front of these doors we went through our inventory one last time, and readied our weapons. I pulled out my swords and held them at the ready. Tycha had his shields on his arms, and his arms crossed waiting patiently. Luna had her sword resting on her shoulders, and Asuna had her sword pointed down at the floor awaiting the fight to begin.
“Asuna I want you to be my switch partner alright?” I asked back
“Switch partner?” she asked quietly
I cringed and looked back at her “Switch Partner is someone who attacks after the enemy has been stunned and vulnerable. I’ll block it with a sword skill, and you go in for the attack alright?”
She nodded “Got it.”
I nodded in approval and turned my attention back to the front “Hey Tycha?”
“Yeah?” he replied bluntly
“Want to do it again? For old times’ sake?” I looked back with a wide grin
He raised an eyebrow in confusion, but then realization dawned, and he grinned the same way “I don’t see why not.”
“Do what?” Asuna asked confused, but I heard Luna chuckle next to her
“Oh you’ll see Asuna.” Luna said to her patting her shoulder “Just another good way to raise morale is all.”
Still confused Asuna just turned back to the front where Diavel had just walked back in front of the doors, and slammed his sword into the ground. He had a pure determined look on his face, with a slight grin. I smiled at this, “It would seem he took my words to heart after all.” He looked at everyone one last time before speaking.
“I only have one thing to say to all of you.” His face still had a determined smile “Let’s win!” and he raised his hand and positioned his fingers into a ‘V’.
I sucked in my breath, and so did Tycha and Luna “I knew it.”
“Knew what?” Asuna asked quickly
“Look at his hand.” I pointed out, and Asuna gasped “Well well you slipped up Diavel, but that may not necessarily be a bad thing.”
I was so busy looking at Diavel that I didn’t notice Kibaou come over to me. He stopped in front of me and glared at me “Be sure to enjoy the scraps we give you.”
“Oh?” I looked at him and smiled “I’ll be sure too. You just try not to die on me alright? I wouldn’t want an NPC mob to get you.” His face grew confused, why didn’t I insult him? “Even you deserve more dignity than that right? Then again I don’t know if a cactus has any dignity.”
His face turned red with fury, but he turned around and left me be. I watched him walk away, with a satisfied smirk on my face.
“I think I may have been rubbing off on you.” Tycha chuckled
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I grinned and waited for the doors to open.
As the doors slowly opened a tension fell onto the raid group. This was the deciding battle which would determine the future. This was no place for screw-ups. Yet as I stood there I couldn’t help but feel a smile come onto my face. This tension was like the first time I walked into the second floor boss room after finding it. I knew for a fact that if I died in here I would be dead for good, but the thrill of being a gamer hadn’t truly left yet. The doors came to a halt as they were left opened wide. At the far end of the room there was a giant form, whose eyes now glowed red.
Diavel walked in with his group followed by the other groups, and with that the boss room activated its field as we all finally filled the room. My group, along with Kibaou’s group, hung in the back ready to intercept the Kobold Sentinels that would be pushed to the side when the three major groups collided with the boss. The boss had now activated, and jumped from his throne, and landed in front of us. He roared and his HP and name had appeared, three in total. As he roared his Sentinels spawned with their grunts in full armor.
“Attack!” Diavel roared, and the groups charged into battle
The first group held the first tank, a ‘Knight’ with a ‘Tower Shield’ and basic sword. The other two groups moved to the flanks of the boss. The Sentinels moved to attack the other two groups but were pushed off, and my group and Kibaou’s moved into action. His group charged off and Kibaou took the lead taking the side with five of the Sentinels which meant my side had seven of them. Kibaou had screwed up but it didn’t matter when you had two tanks.
Grinning, Tycha and I started running. My sword and his shield banging against each other slowly at first but as we picked up they hits became louder, and quicker. We raced towards the Sentinels, and we had begun to yell “hrrrrrRRAAAHHHHH!!!” As we got closer our yelling got louder, and received attention from players not distracted, and saw us charging into battle.
Luna was giggling right behind Tycha, and readied her blade. Asuna, confused as ever, shook her head trying to hide her amused smile, and ran right behind me.
“First!” I yelled and launched forward, with one last hit on Tycha’s shield, to meet the swings of three Sentinels.
“Grah!” Tycha yelled and slammed his shields together catching four swings of the Sentinels
My swords began to glow purple, activating the <
“You got it!” Asuna charged forward using her new skill <
All the while Tycha had used his <
Kibaou’s group was having a hard time with those five Sentinels, but yet we didn’t have any problems at all. When we finished our Sentinels with ease of a well-oiled machine. So I had us sit back and drink up, well at least me and Tycha anyway.
I gazed over at the boss, and its first health bar was about half way down. I nodded in approval at this pace we would be done in about five waves. Once the boss hit red on his last bar the Kobolds would stop spawning and Illfang would switch to his ‘Talwar’. Something was bugging me though. The boss carried the blade on his back, and with all the movement I couldn’t see it, but from what I could see it didn’t look like one. Yet I couldn’t finish the thought as Kibaou’s group finished their last Kobold, the second wave had commenced. They had no room to breathe at all and their tank needed to heal. I let out a defeated sigh and Tycha knew it all too well.
“Let’s get to it West gotta go save the big bad bully.” He grinned and started to run to Kibaou’s group
“I hate the fact he reads me like an open book.” I muttered, and ran right behind him.
We started yelling once more, and intercepted all twelve Kobold Sentinels much to Kibaou’s surprise. Both Taicha and I had intercepted the blades of the Sentinels. Each having six Kobolds on each other. I held three blades on each blade as Tycha held three blades on each shield. Though it didn’t come without consequence. Both of us were now suffering from weight damage. I wasn’t able to hold their blades properly. I was relying more on my strength stat, and Tycha’s defense stats weren’t high enough to handle that many, but we were expecting that.
I activated <
Asuna using <
Our group pulled out, Tycha and I stood back drinking down a potion. Did I mention that these things taste terrible? But they were definitely needed. As the timer ticked down on our potions I surveyed the field, and things were going good. The boss’s first health bar was down, and the next wave wouldn’t in for another two minutes. Enough time for Kibaou’s group to catch a breath and potion break.
Diavel was our surveyor and he was doing quite the job. His eyes were constantly taking in every bit of information as he could. Our potion timers fell off, and Kibaou’s group finished up their Sentinels giving them about a minute break. They took it and caught their breath. We now knew our strengths, do’s and don’ts. As the next wave drew nearer my group and Kibaou’s group got in there positions ready for the next one. I looked over my shoulder and met eyes with Kibaou. He was scowling but I gave him a smile.
The Sentinels spawned once more and we charged into battle. I used <
This cycle continued for two more times before I heard a different roar come from the boss, and just as I predicted the spawns ceased. The boss became enraged and threw its buckler and shield. Its last HP bar was in the red, and he snarled at us.
“Stand back! I got this!” I heard Diavel’s voice yell over the crowd, and he charged forward
I furrowed my brow “That’s not how it was supposed to go at all.”
I looked over at the boss and back at Diavel. He was charging a sword skill, but he didn’t see what I saw. The blade on the back of Illfang was not a ‘Talwar’… It was a ‘Nodachi’!
I bolted over to him. That blade would penetrate through his defense in an instant. “Diavel move!”
He looked at me and he grew confused and looked back at the boss. It roared, and pulled out its new weapon, and Diavel’s eyes grew wide. “RrrrraAAAH!” the boss howled, and he jumped. Bouncing from pillar to pillar. It was a horrific sight to behold. He launched down at Diavel his own sword skill glowing purple.
As the blade came down on him he was left wide open, but instead of him it met metal. The metal of my blades. I had made it in time to catch the blow in front of him stopping the boss’ advance. “That’s heavy, that’s heavy, HEAVY!” I was crumbling underneath the sheer weight, falling to one knee. I slowly watched as my health bar dipped, and shifted my blades ever so slightly activating my <
The blade came back from my left, and I watched it come at me. I had no time to react and so I watched it come, but instead of shock all I did was smile. In the next instant a blur was in front of me with two blue glowing shields. Illfang’s blade made contact, and I heard “Oofff” come from my good friend Tycha. He pushed Illfang away, leaving it stunned. Tycha turned and looked at me with a smirk “See there you go throwing your swords where they don’t belong.”
I smirked back at him “And you’re Masochistic as ever.” I stood back up and downed another potion and turned back to Diavel’s stunned face and smacked him “Hey snap out it! I know what you were doing, going after the L.A. bonus. We need you out there. Round up the others we’ll distract the boss got it?”
He nodded, and said “R-right.” He turned to the raid “Everyone group up and Potion up!”
I nodded and turned back to my group, and watched the boss come out of his stun “Alright ladies and gentlemen the same thing as the Sentinels let’s go!”
I charged forward to the boss. He swung a basic sword sill at us, and I blocked it with <
“MOVE!” I shouted, and they ducked instantly, but the blade caught the tip of Asuna’s cloak destroying it instantly. Yet this didn’t stop her, if anything she looked even more pissed. They hit the boss sending it back. “Alright again!”
I charged forward with Tycha by my side, and Luna and Asuna not far behind. The boss activated another sword skill, a lighter purple from before. I charged forward ready with <
In my eyes time slowed, the blade coming down upon me. At the last second a flash of green flew above me, and made contact with the boss’ blade.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
“HRAH!” Agil shouted over me, and pushed the boss back, my group running over to me, and Agil’s group charging in “We’ll hold it off for a few till your health’s back up, the others are still recovering.”
“Got it.” I responded and swigged a health potion.
“West are you alright?!” Luna came over tears almost visible in her eyes
“Yeah I’m fine.” I grunted grabbing my blades “Bastard caught me off guard.” I looked over at Agil’s group and they were holding off well, but with the little DPS they had it wouldn’t last long. “On my signal charge left got it?”
“Left but the boss is…” Asuna began
“Understood.” Tycha interrupted, and Luna nodded at Asuna encouragingly
I charged forward running as fast as I could. The boss had swung wide throwing back all of Agil’s party and jumped up activating his sword skill. As I ran I activated <
“Roger!” Tycha called out
I ran activating <
“RRRRAAAAAHHHH!!” I yelled as loud as I could as one my swords sliced up into his body throwing him up. In the next instant I brought down my second blade down through his body, starting with the head. It sliced clean through, my sword making contact with the floor almost smashing the marble or the blade itself. In front of me the boss shimmered in a static image and broke apart in front of me.
There was a stunned silence among the raid. As if they were waiting for more, and I was a part of it. I stayed in my position, afraid that if I moved that it would trigger another attack, but it never came. In the next moment there was cheering everywhere in the room. People high fiving, hugs, and cheering all around. I fell back onto the ground for some reason panting. My group followed my example just sitting down and resting. What else was there to do? I was only supposed to hold it off, and yet we just went ahead and killed him. I looked up at award status screen, and sure enough I had the L.A. Bonus. The ‘Midnight Cloak’.
“That was some excellent swordsmanship out there.” Agil came over and greeted us with a smile “I owe you a big thanks for saving us.”
I smiled and sat up stretching my limbs “Not a problem just please don’t make it a habit. That was exhausting.”
“I’ll be sure not to.” Agil chuckled, and behind him his group was clapping for us
“Don’t clap for them!” a familiar raspy, snarling voice yelled out. My smile instantly fell from my face, and I let out an annoyed sigh. Kibaou came walking over madder than a bull “You knew!”
“Knew what?” I asked confused, I had no idea what he was talking about
“You knew that the boss had a different blade, but you said nothing!” Kibaou pointed at me “If you would have spoken up none of these risks would have happened!”
“Now Kibaou that’s enough.” Diavel came forward trying to calm him down “It’s fine I made it out alive after all.”
“I’m mad at you too!” Kibaou yelled at him, and it took Diavel by surprise “Why did you charge in? That wasn’t part of the plan.”
Diavel met his eyes and spoke “I was going for the L.A. Bonus. Because I knew what bonus gear it held.”
Kibaou glared at him, but he didn’t go off at him “Yeah well whatever.” He waved his hand and glared back at me “I knew he shouldn’t be trusted!” he pointed at me “He was a Beta Tester and knew what the boss was going to do, and didn’t say anything. Does your group know that?” He crossed his arms, but didn’t expect the reaction my group gave
“I’m Luna.” Luna said with a smile “former Beta Tester, and ‘Samurai’ class.”
“I’m Tycha.” Tycha gave a smirk “former Beta Tester, and ‘Bulwark’ class.”
“I’m Asuna.” Asuna said plainly, “I’m not a Beta Tester, but these three saved me from a dungeon so I trust them. Oh and I’m the ‘Fencer’ class.”
To say the least Kibaou was stunned right before him were two knew Beta Testers he considered regular players, and he was furious “More to my point! You all hid it from the rest of us. I’m sure you know more and you’re not telling, and putting into those manuals!”
I rose an eyebrow and responded, “Because we were never asked.”
“We shouldn’t have to ask!” Kibaou shouted at me
“Fun fact.” I rose a finger “Did you know that if you want to know more you ask questions. Of course you can’t ask the right questions unless you know what to ask. Yes we do know more of all the floors above us.”
“You’re a cheater! A filthy cheater!” A player, from Kibaou’s group, yelled out at us “All you Beta Players are the same, filthy cheaters. I know what they are they’re Beaters!”
“Come up with that all by yourself?” Tycha said with a blank expression, and I elbowed him and gave him a look
“Look I didn’t know that the boss had a different sword. In the Beta it was a ‘Talwar’, and not a ‘Nodachi’. It’s a funny thing about Beta’s, they can change.” I looked around at the other players, but it seemed like it was a lost cause
“You can’t expect me to believe you.” Kibaou growled, “You don’t care about nothing but yourselves admit it.”
I let out a sigh, it would seem I’m not leaving here without being the bad guy “Fine fine we’re Beaters.” And I smirked at them “Just be sure to remember that we are the Beaters. A lot of those Beta Testers were no better than yourselves. They were complete newbies, and weaker than all of you. Still are.” I turned around and looked back at the rest of them, and made eye contact with him, “If you ever need help, just let us know. We are still going to fight to clear this game, and get home. We may be Beaters now, but we’re still human.”
As I walked away Luna, and Tycha fell behind me with hard faces “West? What are you guys doing?” Asuna asked as we turned to leave
I stopped and answered her question “Well I dug my own grave, and unfortunately my friend's grave, and so we have to use them.”
“I have one more question for you.” Asuna continued “What was your question you wanted to ask me when we finished in here?”
I turned back to the front, and smiled “I was going to ask if you wanted to be part of a guild I wanted to make. We would need one more player, but looks like that isn’t going to happen.”
“I wouldn’t be too sure about that.” I turned around and saw Diavel standing there
“What are you doing Diavel?” Kibaou called out “Let them filthy Beaters leave!”
Diavel turned around and faced Kibaou and his own group “I’m sorry for lying to you all, but I am a former Beta Tester myself.” He had on a confident smile, and I rose an eyebrow “I kept my identity hidden from you all, because I knew none of you would listen to me otherwise.”
“You can’t be serious.” A man from Diavel’s group step forward “Please tell me this one of your foolish attempts at getting everyone to work together.”
Diavel smiled over at his comrade “Sorry Lind, but no I’m not lying, and I’m glad to know you think my plans have been foolish. Now I don’t feel as bad to leave you all. After all I know information on the upper floors, and I kept it all from you. I guess that makes me a Beater now doesn’t it?”
“That can’t be right you fought for us….” Kibaou started off, but Diavel got right in front of him
“Come now don’t start changing your mind all because you don’t want to lose a friend. You want to brand people appropriately then do it.” Diavel looked at him hard, and turned around. He opened his menu and dissolved his party. Leaving his members in shock, and made his way to us “I’d like to join you guys.”
I looked at him and back at the crowd who were still trying to process this “You know that there’s no going back right?”
“Yes I’m fully aware of that.” Diavel said to us with a smile, but it turned sad “They already had their doubts, and to be honest I don't know how much longer I could put up with lying. It would have just made it worse.”
“Well I can’t disagree there.” I nodded and turned my attention back to Asuna “Well it’s up to you Asuna. I won’t stop nor force you into anything.”
She looked at all of us with hard eyes, and she settled on Luna and smiled “If it weren’t for you all, I wouldn’t be alive so I’ll go with you all. Besides” She looked back at the rest of the others “At least there’s another girl to chat with.”
“What other girl?” Diavel questioned confused
I couldn’t help but laugh at that. Tycha couldn’t hold it in either, and all the while Luna just blushed red a bit, and held her head in her hand. Asuna realized how funny it could be and actually joined in the laughter.
“I’m the other girl.” Luna muttered and I thought Diavel would have a heart attack
“I am so sorry Miss!” he sounded so genuine it was hilarious
“Ok ok ok whew” I calmed myself “Let’s get going. Got to activate the second floor portal.”
They nodded and followed right behind me, leaving the others to decide on whether or not their actions were truly just in what they started. As we walked up I sent Diavel a party invite and he accepted gratefully. The flight of stairs was ridiculously long, just as I remembered.
“Thank god this isn’t real life.” I heard Luna say behind me “This would have been hell.”
“That’s a first, actually happy that we're here.” I muttered “All because of a flight of stairs.”
Tycha chuckled “Making the best of our situation aren’t we? Sound familiar?”
“Haha” I mocked and caught a glimpse of the exit. “Well here we are.”
Walking through the gate we found ourselves in an opening from a far hill. The floor opened before us in all its majesty. This floor mainly had plains and cliff sides. Which meant this floor had bloody cows, yes cows. I hated this floor for that very reason, these damn cows and their stuns. This floor may be a challenge but with our current level of safety I don’t see any problems occurring too badly. A path was laid before us, and I started walking on it.
“How come you don’t equip your new gear West?” Diavel asked from behind “If I remember correctly that was nice looking cloak.”
“You know I had forgotten about it.” I scrolled through my menu and found it and equipped it “Well it does feel comfortable, and would you look at that a stealth boost.”
“That could come in handy.” Tycha responded walking beside me, and looked back at Diavel “Are you going to stay a ‘Knight’? There is a class changer here.”
“I don’t know, I don’t think we need tanks.” He held his chin in thought
“Yeah that’s true.” I nodded “How about something long range? There was the ‘Bowman’ class. It also wouldn’t hurt to have a spotter. You were doing pretty well back there if I do say so.”
“I appreciate the praise.” He chuckled, “I’ll think about it. Oddly enough I was in Archery in school so I think it’ll work.”
“Not that it matters.” Tycha responded “The system will be helping out most of the time for you.”
Diavel glared at Tycha “You won’t let me convince myself will you?”
“I don’t see the fun in that.” Tycha chuckled
I heard Diavel let out a sigh, and I chuckled. He was going to fit right in with us. I looked back towards Asuna and Luna. They were talking about how people can’t tell if she’s a girl or not. Well if they would wait to the third floor there is actually a hair stylist chair that help change the hair style, but to change the color you need to have the dye.
The path had finally arrived at its destination where NPC’s walked around doing their normal routine. This town’s name was Urbus, and it was the main town on this floor, and it was host to the gate that we would need to activate. As we entered the town the atmosphere changed and our zones switched to ‘Safe Zone’ and music changed as well adding the new setting. As I approached the gateway. I looked around for a moment.
“What are you thinking about West?” Asuna surprisingly asked
“We’re not going to hangout for the welcoming reception.” I replied bluntly, and I spotted an abandoned church “When I activate this run into that church alright….. actually just go run already.”
Tycha chuckled at my command, but nonetheless got the others to run to the church. I saw them open the door and leave it open and I tagged the portal. I ran off straight to the door thankful that I put some ‘Level Points’ in agility, and made a note to do it again. I forgot I leveled to thirteen. I closed the door behind me, and got up to the third floor in time to see the first few come out of the portal.
“Well I guess it’s going to be a pain to get questing done.” Tycha grumbled and I patted him on the shoulder
“Hey now we’re not going to make what they say true.” I chided and he just scoffed. I turned my attention back to the square, and saw a small form burst from the portal. In the next instant two more came out and fell right into pursuit “Hello?”
“What is it?” Diavel asked curious what I was looking at
“That’s Argo.” I pointed her out being chase and crouched down on top of the windowsill “I’ll be back. Diavel go change your class if you want, and all of you repair your gear.”
Tycha shook his head “You can’t just stay away from trouble can you?”
“Wouldn’t be me.” I gave a thumbs up and jumped to the next roof. As I ran across rooftops in the last direction I saw Argo ran I activated the ‘Pursuit’ skill. It was rather handy for monster tracking, and player tracking, but yet my skill in it wasn’t very high. “Cmon now where’d you go?” I muttered to myself
I looked around and I found her foot prints, and caught onto their trail quickly before they disappeared. If anyone had an agility skill to be proud of it would be Argo, and made me wonder what her combat skill was like with this insane speed. “You know with speed like this I would consider more as Argo the Cat.” I managed to keep in close proximity and shortly we were almost outside of the town. I finally found a point to intervene, when they stopped.
Argo shouted “I’m not selling this no matter what! This information is better off not known!”
“What does it matter? We just want to know where it is. That’s all.” Was the retort, and I made my presence known.
They were going to rush her until I jumped right in front of Argo “Hey now it’s not nice to team up against a girl.” Though at this point I started to back up egging Argo to do the same, and little by little the two before me followed me, but first I had to ask “If you don’t mind me asking, how come you two are dressed so funny?” They got furious and started to bolt after me “Well that backfired.” I muttered, and turned around and picked up Argo, and ran.
“You dare take her! You must be an enemy from another province!” another shouted
“Province? What on earth are they talking about?” I pondered the question as I ran out of town. I continued to run with Argo in my arms, I didn’t look down at her, but I could have sworn out of my peripheral I could see red. “You two aren’t Ninja’s you know?” I shouted back and they roared even more, and when I took a look back I realized that they may be dressed similar to Ninja’s but it was ridiculous to look at “Ooooooh.” I suddenly realized and now I had reached my chosen destination. The perfect place, a ravine.
I turned around and set Argo down, and she moved behind me “Sorry for my rudeness, didn’t mean to be like that.” I got a closer look as they got closer they actually looked vaguely familiar “Heeeey.” I rose an eyebrow “Aren’t you guys Fura? No that’s not it… Food? No…. Fita?”
“Fuma!” they shouted “the Fuma Ninja Force!”
I snapped my fingers “that’s right! That chicken shit of a guild that ran off with their high agility skill.”
“You dare insult us?!” One shouted
“Enough!” the other one stated “We only want the information on the ‘Martial Artists’ class. That’s all we want to know where the skill will be that’s all.”
“The ‘Martial Artists’ class? You can’t get the secondary class until level thirty-five guys.” I pointed out
“That’s what you think!” One pointed at me “There is actually a quest giver on this floor that will give it early!”
I rose an eyebrow “Was that in the new patch?” I was clearly stalling for time, but I was also curious
“Yes, but she knows the exact location!” He shouted “She knows and won’t sell!”
“Because this information will make people hate me, and I won’t go through that trouble!” Argo shouted from behind me.
“I thought I told you to stay out of trouble.” I muttered
“Well I’m sorry.” She replied huffing, I don’t know why but I thought that was extremely cute with her whiskers
“Silence we will get our information!” one shouted and they both drew their daggers
“Oh brother.” I huffed and began to pull out my swords that was until my distraction finally came “Hey guys behind you.” I pointed
“Do you think we will fall for such trickery?” One shouted and took a step closer
I took a step back, and put a ‘surreal’ face “No seriously look behind you.”
Curiosity got the better of them and when they turned around they weren’t disappointed, I guess that’s a way to put that “Gah!!” They shouted, because in front of them was nothing more than a Trembling Ox. “MOOOOOOO” the monster roared and charged after them as they ran off trying to lose the monster.
I let out a sigh as they ran off “Well that takes care of that.” I rubbed my hands together and turned, but was caught off guard “ooooffff” by two small arms wrapping around me in a hug. The warmth was something different for sure, but this event was distracting me more. I knew for a fact even though she was small she was indeed older than she appeared, if anything the same age or older than I am.
You tend to show off a bit too much Westy. Argo whispered to me, and I suddenly felt very self-conscious. This wasn’t the voice of Argo the Rat, but of someone else that was Argo. It was soft, quiet, and vulnerable.
You’ll make Sister Argo betray the first rule of an info broker. She continued on
“Sister Argo? First rule of an info broker?” I knew these held different meaning I chuckled a bit and returned the hug “Hey now after all I get three pieces of info free, and who else who would I give free map info too?” I rubbed her head as I broke off the hug. I don’t know why, but that was what I did when I didn’t have enough to say “Tell you what if you tell me where that ‘Martial Artists’ class quest giver is we’ll make it even. With only one free piece of info left that sound fair?”
She looked up at me, and I felt myself suck in air her eyes were really a pretty green eyes “I guess that’s fair.” She replied, and I couldn’t help but wonder why she looked disappointed “but first you have to promise not to hate me after I show you.”
I looked at her again more firmly and nodded “I promise that I will never be mad at you.”
She stared at me for a moment longer, with a small blush on her cheeks “A-alright c’mon it’s quite a walk.”
She wasn’t kidding at all, not only was it long it was treacherous. Walking along cliff lines, and taking out some mobs. It was a shame I didn’t grab a ‘Slaughter Quest’ before doing anything, but time to regret later. I decided to message my party that I was going to be late, because I had no idea where I was truly going. After a moment I found myself outside of a pit, and Argo looked at me with playful eyes.
“You can’t be serious.” I asked straight faced
“Indeed I am Westy hehe.” She giggled and jumped right on in
“Well that’s bold.” I grumbled and jumped in right after her
The fall wasn’t that long, but what I didn’t expect was the slope at the end that came early. Catching me by surprise I ended up rolling all the way down the slope coming to a halt on my back staring up at Argo with her playful smile.
“Did you have fun?” She smiled at me playfully
“You couldn’t have warned me about this?” I asked as I sat up dusting myself
“But that takes the fun out of it.” She smirked, finally, at me
“You and Tycha both are going to be the death of me.” I shook my head with an amused smile “So how on Aincrad did you find this place?”
“I was bored.” She shrugged, and I gave her a skeptical look “Ok I was really bored, and was doing one hundred percent map completion.”
I rose an eyebrow, and chuckled, “Well I guess that’s good enough of an answer.”
She turned down the path and I followed behind keeping an eye out for mobs along the way. For I think about twenty minutes had been walking down this path, and I was starting to get concerned, but I fully trusted Argo the Rat. Nah screw it I’m going to call her Argo the Cat. People may not realize it but she has feline grace when it comes to these things. As we continued the cave walkway opened up into a huge cavern with a single stream and waterfall.
“Well here we are!” Argo replied in a cheery tone
I looked around and found a lone hut that probably belonged to the NPC quest giver “Hmm pain enough in the ass to find so makes sense why you wouldn’t want to tell anyone. Most would call you a liar.”
“Hmm didn’t think of that.” She rose a finger to her chin “No actually it’s because of a totally different reason.”
“What reason is that?” I questioned but she smirked
“Wanna use that free piece of information already?” She teased and I sighed
“No, no.” I waved my hand in disappointment “I’ll save that for another time. So is he in there?” I gestured to the hut
“That he is.” Argo nodded
I walked over to the hut, and knocked on the door, and out stepped an old man. He was clothed in a long white robe, and a thick bushy eyebrows, and a long white beard to wrap it up. Above his head was a yellow exclamation mark.
“Are you here to learn the ways of the ‘Martial Artist’?” the old man spoke calmly
“Yes” I replied with a slight nod of the head
“Very well.” The exclamation mark above his changed color to a silver question mark meaning the quest had yet to be completed. Around the cavern giant boulders spawned, and I stood there thoroughly confused “You cannot leave until you have destroyed at least one boulder with your bare hands or feet.” He turned around grabbed a small bowl and paint brush
“Hey you’re not going to ack!” in one quick motion the NPC whipped the brush across my face creating six black stripes across my face
“This paint will not wear away until you have completed your training here. Good luck my apprentice.” The NPC chuckled and turned around jumped atop of a nearby boulder.
I stood there stunned, until I put two and two together “So people would hate you for the fact you can’t leave until your done here.”
“Yeap.” Argo replied
“Then there’s the fact you’re stuck with these whiskers.” I also included
“Indeed.” Argo replied once more
“So the secret to your whiskers is you came here did the quest, but you actually liked them, and so using in game cosmetics you applied it to your face.” I finished turning to look at her with a raised eyebrow “That sound about right?”
She clapped her hands together “Well looky there! You pieced it together, congratulations!” She said with a smile, and then walked over to me “So yeah that boulder is quite strong and a pain to break just a little bit of advice.”
“You’re so generous.” I poured on the sarcasm, and I let out a sigh “Well looks like I’ll be camping out for a bit……. Crap I don’t have food.” I looked through my inventory and sure enough I didn’t have any and the best the ‘Cooking’ craft would do me now….. well was nothing I didn’t have any materials.
“Nothing to sweat about Westy.” Argo said with a smile, “I got some grub here, I’ll be camping with ya, as an apology of sorts, and well you helped me out back there.”
I rose an eyebrow and got in her face staring at her, she looked quite uncomfortable “Is there something you’re not telling me? You’ve been off the past few weeks when coming in contact with me.”
“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about!” She stuttered and turned away “Fine if you don’t want me here I don’t have to be!” and she stormed off
“Hey! I didn’t say that!” I ran after her “I need food and company won’t be so bad.” I rubbed the back of my head sheepishly. I don’t know why, but I suddenly felt awkward “Besides I have a new nickname for you when I finish here.”
“What nickname? I already have one.” She turned around suddenly curious
I held out my hand “Either pay to find out, or you can wait till the end of training with me.” I stated with a smirk knowing full well what she would say
She grumbled to herself thinking it over, and finally let out a sigh, and pouted “Fine I’ll wait. Let me know when you’re ready to eat.” And she walked her way over to the hut to set up a camp.
I nodded, and in the distance I could have sworn I heard that old man chuckling. I looked where he was and he was meditating on the rock. I shook my head, and telling myself it was only my imagination. I walked over to boulder while messaging Tycha that I’m going to be stuck but not in any danger, and that I was with Argo.
I gazed up at the boulder before me. It was huge, and intimidating with the fact I had to break this thing with my hands or feet. I let out a sigh, and got myself into position and began to punch the boulder before me. I grimaced, we couldn’t feel pain, but the pressure alone could be painful. This was going to take a while.
“How do I get myself into these situations?” I thought to myself
Back in Tolbana (Tycha’s PoV)
“I wonder if West is alright?” Diavel inquired for the fifth time today, and I let out a sigh
“No matter how many times you say that it won’t make an update come any” *bing* “faster….. well shit.” I opened up my messaging box and sure enough it was West. “Well he said he’s going to be stuck for a while where he is right now. He isn’t in any danger, but he did mention something else.”
“Like what?” Asuna inquired
I chuckled silently “He’s with Argo the Rat.” I didn’t mention that he had called her Argo the Cat in his message. “I’m going to give him so much shit for this later.”
“You know that explains a lot actually. Probably got in more trouble than he bargained for.” Asuna stated
“I do agree with you there.” I nodded “Well in any case…. DIAVEL WOULD YOU PLEASE CHOOSE YOUR NEW CLASS ALREADY?!” We had been standing here for the past thirty minutes waiting for him to choose a new class, and yet all he wondered about was if West was ok. I get that he just joined and he’s concerned but good grief.
“Fine fine!” Diavel shrunk back a bit “I can’t help but be wary there are lots of good classes.”
I rubbed a hand against my face getting annoyed “Didn’t we say something about the ‘Bowman’ class? The blacksmith shop sells bows we’ll buy you one until you get one off a monster drop or something. Just please do something I’m exhausted as is.”
After pondering for another five minutes he finally decided “Alright I’ll go with ‘Bowman’.” And he tapped the selection, and at that moment most of his armor unequipped itself. “Ahh haha right I forgot no heavy armor.”
I let out another sigh of irritation “Great a temporary weapon, and gear that’s going to take a blow in the funds.” “Whatever we’ll take care of it we were prepared for that to say the least.”
“Oh don’t worry about armor, I had ventured in some various and picked up various gear. That includes some leather armor as well.” He scrolled through and equipped a few pieces. It was a dark rich brown armor. He looked at himself over, and messed with his hair “I think I might take this hair dye out, but another time.”
I thanked my lucky stars for that “Alright a quick trip to the Blacksmith, and on to our special home for a bit.”
“What makes it special?” Diavel pondered aloud “Oh! Do you mean that house that has two HMPH!”
“Shh!” I stared at him with serious eyes, as I covered his mouth “Not another word.”
“What are you guys talking about? He was going to say something.” Luna inquired, but I waved her off
“Oh nothing at all just talking.” I chuckled nervously “If we tell them now we’ll get nothing done today.”
“Hmmm?” Asuna and Luna said together and stared at me.
“A-anways!” Do anything to distract them “Let's get to that Blacksmith! Repairs and that alike!” I turned around went on my way.
“Hey wait for us!” Luna called out after me, and Asuna and Diavel followed suit.
West how do you handle all of this exactly? As we made our way the Blacksmith there were new players out in the streets taking in the sights. Also player craftsman who were promoting their services. West would probably start to go to player blacksmiths on this floor for upgrades, and possibly weapons but right now they were still too low for weapons in my opinion, and decent repairs. So we walked on by, and approached the local NPC Blacksmith.
“Hello! How can I help you fine swordsmen?” The NPC greeted with a smile
This NPC was different from the floor below. His skin was darker, and around his neck was a white turban. Then for the rest was generally light clothing to deal with the heat of the Blacksmith.
“I would like to see what you have for sale.” Diavel said with a smile and walked up to the Blacksmith.
A menu opened up before Diavel, and he scrolled up and down the list gazing at what he could buy. When he finally found the bow he purchased it. It materialized before him, and it wasn’t anything special, but it would get the job done. A clip piece attached itself to his back and he placed there ready to be used. After that the rest of us repaired our gear. Mostly it was just my shields from taking those heavy hits from Illfang. The repair cost wasn’t too bad but we shouldn’t want to make it a habit either. I decided to message West the total cost considering that once we became a guild this will most likely come out of guild funds.
I’m glad I don’t have his job. He has everyone leaning on him to give an answer. I also know that back in that boss room it killed him to be the bad guy. He always wants to help people, but yet people needed a scapegoat. Beta players, and regular players alike, but he isn’t alone he has us. Including the people that truly know him despite what he’s been labeled. Though what I didn’t expect was him to find someone he actually ‘liked’. I grinned at the thought of it. Even though he didn’t see it right there Argo has a tendency to pick on him or only talk with him. It is also a known fact among us, specifically Luna and I, that she really only has physical contact with West. He was blind to it of course considering he’s friendly with everyone, but I can see in his eyes that he treats Argo differently. Especially with the new nickname.
We soon left the Blacksmith, and decided to call it a day. It had been rather long, and the frontlines could wait. So I decided to head out for another farmhouse outside the gates of the town. As we walked Luna and Asuna made small talk, regarding the boss fight, and each other’s fighting style. Diavel was lost in his own thoughts, probably still wondering if he made the right choice or not. Thinking about what others would think about it so I smacked him upside the head.
“Ow!” He rubbed his head even though I knew he couldn’t feel pain “What was that for?!”
“For second guessing yourself.” I bluntly put “Look it’s your decision alright? It only matters if you agree with what you had done. None of us have a say in the matter. You’re with us now so we’ll support you the best we can. Got it? Good.” I didn’t wait for a response. I’m not much of a talker to begin with
He opened his mouth to retort but then closed it. Probably thinking about what I had just said. I’m amazed the girls still kept up their small talk, but I didn’t really care right now. I just wanted to get in that bath. As we rounded a turn it went into a decline, and there behold was another farmhouse. At the top the girls knew what it meant exactly, and bolted ahead of us down to the farmhouse.
“Whoa why are they running?” Diavel inquired as he and I just walked down the hill
“Because they want a bath, and for all they know there is only one.” I chuckled “That’s why I kept your mouth shut earlier. Because one, they would rush and I’d never hear the end of it, and two they would more than likely try to have each of the rooms to themselves and we would never see that bath.”
“Hmm indeed.” Diavel nodded his head “Wise decision.”
As we finally arrived at the farmhouse we entered, and found that the girls had already left the group and bought the room with a bathtub, the first one in any case. I went up the NPC and the window appeared asking what I would like to rent, and I pressed the second room that had the other bath in it. With the room bought we made our way upstairs into our respected room. Each room had three beds. Since the group system was meant to have six players it kind of made sense. Also since the rooms were semi expensive it was meant to be purchased as a unit not for individual.
I gazed around the room, unequipped my armor and weapons, and let out a sigh rolling my shoulders “Man what a day. I could really use that bath.”
“But who gets it first?” Diavel questioned, and a sudden tension filled the room
“Hmm good point.” I thought for a moment but then I smiled “Well the only way I can think of is…”
“Rock, paper, scissors.” Diavel returned the grin finishing my statement
“On three?” I questioned
“On three.” He nodded
1
2
3!
I threw my hand down in the shape of the rock, but I looked in dismay as Diavel held out paper with a smug grin on his face.
“I win.” He chuckled and walked into the bathroom, and readied his bath water.
Grumbling at my own bad luck I walked over to the bed, and lay down to relax. To actually get people to go where the need to go can be complicated. Diavel can do it, West can do it, but I don’t see how. It’s exhausting doing it all, but when things work out in the end, I can see how it can be enjoyable at times.
“You know West, sometimes I truly do envy you.” I thought with a smile, and awaited my turn to use the glorious bath.