[h2]Blighted Woods[/h2]
With the combined attacks on that last Needle Blight, the group in the Blighted Woods found itself surrounded by nothing but regular, non-murderous trees and silence. Their enemies defeated, they would finally have a chance to regroup themselves and catch their breath.

"That...that looks like all of 'em." Hayato managed, sheathing his sword and then leaning on it like a walking stick. He pulled off the tie under his blazer, which was going to need an extreme patching job, and used it as a makeshift bandage for his head. That last Vine Blight had clipped him pretty good, and he wiped away the blood in his eye with a sleeve but still looked quite worse for wear. He looked over at the rest of the group. Everyone except for Hazel had taken at least a few hits, and they had been so broken up and chaotic. Not really what one imagined when they thought of the word "party."

"Um, guys, I don't wanna be a nag...but I think our teamwork could use some polishing." he said.

Of course, now the group faced an unspoken decision as well. They could head back to the bunkers, and report their activities, or if they felt up to the task, they might continue hunting through the forest...
[hider=Victory!]
Hazel gained 75 EXP! 
Joe gained 75 EXP!
Hayato gained 62.5 EXP!
John gained 50 EXP!
Soka gained 50 EXP!

Everyone Leveled up! Level 1 > 2!
Everyone is awarded 7 Stat Points. You may place these as you wish into your stats; they do not apply towards Skills/Spells. Please include a Hider in your next post containing your level up info in the same format as I'll display Hayato's in a moment. Please update your profile accordingly.[/hider]
[hider=Loot!][list]
[*]Enchanted Wood x2 - A long branch imbued with magical energy. Makes good material for crafting/improving staves. Though Magic Classes can't really use weaponry, staves, wands, and the like are extremely useful for focusing magical power.
[*]Essence Grass x3 - A bundle of herbs filled with Nature magic. Low Level Item. Makes good material for crafting/improving Nature aligned items, or adding Nature attributes to non-Nature items. Conflicts with Fire and Metal elements. Synchronizes with Water and Earth elements. Neutral to other elements.[/list][/hider]
[hider=Hayato Level Up][list]
[*]Level - 1 > 2
[*]HP - 100 
[*]MP - 30
[*]Attack - 20 > 25
[*]Magic - 5
[*]Speed - 15 > 17
[*]Accuracy - 10
[*]Defense - 17
[*]Evasion - 12
[*]Resistance - 8
[/list][/hider]
[h2]Fire Rat Extermination[/h2]
The Fire Rat landed some distance past Taeion after its attack, but the Bleed damage it suffered caused it to fall over, squeaking one last pitiful breath. 
[hider=Victory! Loot!]
Taeion gained 25 EXP! Halfway to a level up![list]
[*]Fire Rat's Fur x2 - Hide that can't be burned but can be tanned into somewhat durable leather. In larger amounts it could make protective gear.
[*]Fire Rat's Fang x2 - A sharp, but small tooth imbued with Fire magic. Low Level. In larger amounts, makes good material for crafting/improving Fire aligned items, or adding Fire attributes to non-Fire items. Conflicts with Water and Nature elements. Synchronizes with Wind and Lightning elements. Neutral to other elements.[/list][/hider]

As the ninja headed west, however, he would find that the situation was more serious than he had originally imagined. The three Fire Rats had scampered across the shipyard and had startled some of the dock workers. One of them had jumped or run, and either way bumped a container of oil that had spilled across the concrete slab underfoot. As the Fire Rats ran into it, then slipped and slid and rolled while squealing frantically all the way, they ignited a dripping trail that soon began spreading to other flammables, including the coveralls of the dock workers. Several men were frantically beating the flames while others had already started running towards the open section of the yard where the ships were being lowered into the water...

[Dock Workers are in danger! 3 Fire Rats gain 10 Magic when using Fire due to Oil!]