Zeroth Member

Last post for the night for me too, folks. I'm glad everyone's having a good time! If anyone who hasn't had any interaction so far would like me to do something (maybe with a teacher NPC or something like that) so they can post more for their character, let me know and I'll see about doing that tomorrow. After wrapping up a few conversations here and there I'm thinking we'll probably do a short skip to the next day, if that's alright?

The magi with the sword evaded his question, causing Hayato to tilt his head to one side with a quizzical look. But, saying that he'd have to report them, the other boy headed for the doors. "Whoa wait, I don't think a report's really necess--" Too late. Hayato sighed. The Cleric agreed with him, and as "she" began to cast her spell he tried to relax and let the magic do its job. There was a slight pop as the damaged veins and muscle began to knit themselves back together, and the bruises began to fade underneath his shirt. "Man, that's a lot better!" He smiled in relief and stood straighter, flexing his now fixed arms. "Thanks, uh...sorry, I don't know your name. I'm Hayato, nice to meet you." Hazel had her own bit to say about the boy who had left, but Hayato just shook his head. "Magical Research Society, huh? Maybe the sword's part of something they're working on?" He scratched his chin with a grin. "Anyway, thanks for the offer, Hazel. I'd be grateful if you'd show me the ropes! I'll try not to be a burden."

Someone who had been watching from the stands stepped down and began to scold Hazel for using too much force. Hayato appreciated his concern, and to be honest watching Hazel get an earful was a little cathartic, but he was more or less okay...Better off than whatever creatures had faced her in the past, he was sure. As the magi helped him up, however, Hayato couldn't help but notice the sword at his side. Magic Classes didn't usually use weapons, did they? "Thanks, but I think I'll be okay with some rest..." he started to say, before someone else walked into the building. From the look of it, "she" was a cleric. Quickly taking in the situation, the healer canceled the other boy's request for infirmary aid and offered "her" own services. "Actually, since you're here, yeah." Hayato said, shaking his head as he confessed his weakness. "No point being macho about it...that was rough. Quicker I'm healed, the sooner I can work on getting stronger." He looked over at Hazel, finally realizing what Professor Gene had meant. Real field experience, huh? "So many you can't remember the number...I guess that's really the difference between us. Only Special Assignments I've ever gone on were non-combat things that I needed for some spending money or extra credit. Up until now, I've just focused on self training." He looked down at his sword hand, which was still trembling from the blow his arm had taken. He clenched it into a fist. "Let's fight again sometime, Hazel. I'll do a lot better then." Then he looked back over at the Magi who had helped him up. "By the way, are you a Magic or a Martial Class? Odd for a magi to carry around a sword, isn't it?" He pointed at the jian-styled weapon.

He grazed her, but she managed to get behind him. Hayato cursed himself for letting her do that, and tried to whirl swiftly, bringing around his own sword as she raised hers up. Lifting both arms above her head would leave her torso wide open... No. Her attacks were too strong, if he went for a mutual exchange she'd cleave him in half. He lifted his weapon in both hands again and, when he felt contact, dropped to one knee so as to hopefully lessen the momentum. His wooden sword split in two with an echoing snap, and Hazel's blade came down with a meaty thud on the shoulder of his sword arm. If it had been the other shoulder, the one that had been hit before, it probably would have broken it. As such, he was going to have two bruises, and be twice as sore. He fell back on his rear, breathing hard, looking up at the tip of Hazel's weapon. For a few moments they stayed like that, as it was clear that the fight was over. He sighed and shook his head. "I admit defeat. Geez, you're really on another level." He stood up, retrieving the broken sword and wincing as one of his shoulders popped. "How many Special Assignments have you done?"

> Hm...I don't have one yet. The beginning won't have one, but we will develop one at some point. Would you be opposed to letting players make suggestions for quests or storylines? If we all bounced ideas around I'm sure we'd come up with something interesting.

Hayato tried to press the advantage when she stumbled, but his Skill ran out too quickly. Again she attacked; the openings she left with these wide swings weren't as helpful as they could be, because her speed and strength was so great. A true example of sheer power. Hayato managed to get his sword up, one hand on the hilt and the other along the blade, using both arms to push back as Hazel's sword came down on the middle of his weapon. Still she easily overpowered him, and his wooden sword actually cracked; the Skill she'd used had put even more wallop into that one! He was knocked to the ground and rolled, feeling the hard impact with the floor nearly knock the wind out of him. _Is this the power of someone who's been doing Special Assignments? Or...am I just that weak?_ He managed to get up, even though his shoulder was aching now and he was breathing hard. He couldn't give up yet! He charged Hazel head on this time, bringing down his blade. Unlike her his strike was direct, no raising of the arms, just using the bottom hand to pull the handle of the blade while the top hand pushed forward, using leverage and only relying on the strength of the bicep and below. Even with the difference in strength, maybe if he added more power... "Flash Blade!" Again his sword ignited with black and blue energy, even though sweat broke out along his forehead. Not much MP left... --- OOC: Because Hazel's boosted attack is around twice Hayato's defense, I decided to take off 20 points of his HP. Combined with losing 2/3rds of his MP to Skill usage, I've tried to write him as being winded and tired. Players don't always need to be literal with their comparisons; rounding things here and there, and dodging something by the skin of the teeth even if their accuracy is high are okay, and if you can creatively come up with something or write it convincingly that's even better. But in general, I hope this serves as an example for the future. Thanks to Diggerton for the opportunity!

> Quick clarification: When you Hayato's ability to block Hazel's first blow you counted his Evasion, Speed, and Defense. When referring to his next attack you counted Hazel's Defense and Evasion. When adding up stats to block do you count speed or not? :P > > > Edit: I'm just going to go with yes since that's what you did Speed's taken into account, but as I mentioned the boost from Blade Trail made his speed equal hers, 20 to 20. Sorry I'll be more clear in the future.

> I look towards posting as well, tnks foR the compliments! :). You're quite welcome! Also, @Pie Flavor, I see your character is a work in progress, but if you need any help or have any questions, let me know!

> Also, hello everyone! I'm enjoying reading everyone's posts. I'm happy to RP with you all Thanks! I'm glad to hear you're enjoying it!

> Uh... @Zeroth Hazel actually has combined stats of 65 compared to Hayato's 44. Oh wow you're right I must have made a boo boo adding them or been looking at the wrong profile or something, I'll change my post real quick. Okay, it's been fixed.