[center][color=0072bc][h1]Varen[/h1][/color][/center] Even though he didn't mind joining people he had never met before on an incursion into <> territory, there wasn't a doubt in his mind that they weren't loitering around the tower for him - the shady looking guy that arrived after him sure, but not him. But rather than point it out, he thought it would be a hoot to play along. Even if they should turn on him, it should make for a funny anecdote to tell people later. Whereas most would recognize Akemi as the elegant leader of the <>, Varen hadn't a clue, not being one to bother following in-game politics and events not directly affecting him. As long as they stayed out of his way, he was good. Yet he could tell she was at least used to being an authority figure with the way she carried herself. Nothing of seemingly lasting importance stuck out to his besides that, it wasn't exceptionally likely he'd see any of these people again in any case. [quote=Noodles][color=fff79a]"See any PKers, just go with the meta, STR at front, AGL at side, as you all know~~"[/color][/quote] "Yeah, yeah, [i]of course[/i] I know all this stuff. I mean, who do you think you're talking to?" Varen said in a purposely unconvincing manner, more to pass the time than anything. "I've totally killed some of these guys before, like [i]a lot[/i] of guys. All in self defense, of course. Am I right, buddy?" he joked as he turned to Enyo, winking profusely. "But it's not like I'm some kind of sicko who enjoys killing. No, I have dreams that go way beyond fighting player killers and clearing floors. Me and my old lady are going to retire to the countryside and raise ourselves a farm," he would have gotten bored with his shtick if it wasn't for their arrival onto the grinding spot, hostile hogs appearing and livening things up. He readied his spear, the middle of the shaft resting under his right arm. "Oh yeah, we're gonna have cows, some tasty chickens and especially... [i][b]pigs![/b][/i]" he continued as he sidestepped one of the creature's opening charge, his spear head slashing upward against its abdomen through a trail of red. His body moving in a counterclockwise motion, he repositioned to fiercely arc his spear upward again in a savage blow that ultimately saw the entity soaring a several feet into the air, its fragments dissipating into oblivion. Varen didn't waste any time in engaging another hog, running atop a seven foot long stone jutting out of the sand and intercepting his victim with a devastating strike, planting the weapon down through the monster's neck clear to the other side, despawn then following. "(Laughing) Anyone else getting hungry? I know I am," the spearman japed with the shaft resting squarely behind his neck, enjoying himself. It was then that he witnessed the <> team incoming, to which he took a few determined steps forward, unequipped his spear and held his hands up in a similar fashion as he had before. "I surrender. Please spare me. I want to live," he declared loudly, trying to sound serious, but eventually failing, as the edges of mouth curved more and more until he gave up, erupting in a fit of less than appropriate laughter. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding, hehehe... [i]Let's go murder some fools,[/i]" he exclaimed rather flatly, despite him grinning widely as he rebrandished his weapon. [quote=jasonhero]Searching for the other STR builds to move up front with her. [color=#A9A9A9]"Everybody brace yourselves, <> inbound! Isamu, get ready to harass and ensure we can't be encircled! If any of you are also an AGL build, then get on the side. Your [i]only[/i] goal needs to be keeping them off of us! Other STR builds, on me!"[/color] she commanded, the confidence in her voice showing that she had faced threats like this before and lived to tell the tail.[/quote] "Whatever you say, 'fearless leader'," Varen responded with a sense of mirth more than any hint of detectable sarcasm. He stood to her side and two steps back, spinning his tool about in a pointless flourish before gripping it with both hands, ready for a fight.