AUTHOR'S NOTE: I DO NOT OWN SWORD ART ONLINE. SORRY FOR THE VERY LONG DELAY
CHAPTER THREE: SALVAGING A LEGACY
Aincrad
Location: Town of Beginning, 1st Floor
Timeline: November 6, 2022, 1:30 PM
Lans breathed easily as he saw the notification that proclaimed him as winner but cast a weary glance at Nueichi as he continued to scream in shock at the loss of his hand, when his two companions approached him and tried to calm him down while glaring at him. "This is not good… those guys look as though they want to gut me. Better not take any chances." Lans thought to himself, as he relaxed his grip on his sword while keeping an eye on the Nueichi and his companions.
Nueichi glared at Lans as he held his severed wrist as his companions mumbled comforting words that he wasn't paying attention to as all his attention was on his wrist and the person who sliced his hand. "This isn't over…" Nueichi thought as he stood up straight and motioned with his left hand, "Kill him!" Nueichi screamed at his companions.
Upon hearing what Nueichi screamed at, Lans lifted his sword once again and prepared himself to fight once again.
Nueichi's two companions unsheathed their respective blades and started to approach Lans when they were blocked by several people.
"Hold it, right there. Lans won't be alone this time!" Raika proclaimed, as she stood in front of Lans with her sword raised in front of her.
"Stop this right now! You lost, Nueichi. Fair and square, so why don't you scurry off." Argo told him off, as she stood beside Raika while pointing her clawed hand at Nueichi.
"This has gone long enough. I will not allow your companions to harm this person just because you lost a duel." A young man stated, as he walked in front of Nueichi's companion, while two other guys stood behind him.
Seeing that the situation they were now in was now against them, "Alright, we'll back off… but this isn't over, Lans! I'll have my revenge. Just wait and see." Nueichi declared, as he motioned his companions to back off. With that, the three of them left them.
"Thanks for the assist," Lans said with relief, as he sheathed his sword, "For a minute there, I thought there would be an all-out brawl or something."
"Well, I couldn't let you have all the fun now, can I?" Raika said, as she sheathed her sword as well. "Besides they were asking for it."
"Lans, you sure know how to make an entrance." Argo exclaimed, as she watched the spectators walk away since the situation was now resolved.
"Which reminds me, Lans, who is she?" Raika asked Lans, as she looks questioningly at Argo.
"Well you see… she's a…" Lans stuttered, as Argo started giggling at the situation her new source currently found himself in.
At that moment, the young man and his companions that helped them approached them, "That was a spectacular duel you put on for us," he said, as he held out his hand to Lans.
"Thanks, it was definitely a challenging one." Lans said as he eagerly grasped the offered hand, thankful for the interruption.
"Perhaps but you definitely handled yourself well during that fight." The young man answered in kind, as they shook hands.
Feeling slightly annoyed at the interruption, Raika inserted herself in the conversation by moving beside Lans and smiling at the young man, "And you are?" she asked.
The young man was momentarily caught off-guard by the interruption before answering, "Oh right, I haven't introduced myself."
"My name is Tetsuya, and this is my friend, Kyoya" Tetsuya answered as he motioned to the black-haired youth to his left and then to the brown-haired youth to his right, "and my cousin, Shun. We were just here to buy some supplies when your duel happened."
"Are you a beta?" Shun asked.
"Uhm… nope, I'm not a beta but…" Lans replied sheepishly, before motioning to Argo, "she is."
Argo glared at Lans for telling them that she was a beta, before sighing and moving forward, "Hey, the name's Argo," she said as she raised her hand for a handshake, at Tetsuya.
"Argo?" Tetsuya asked in surprise as they shook hands, "You mean to tell me, your Argo the Rat? The infamous information dealer during the beta test?"
"Infamous?" Kyoya asked Tetsuya.
"That's right. She got her name from the whiskers she had during the beta test." Tetsuya answered.
"How did you…" Shun was about to ask, "That will be a million col, if you want to know the answer." Argo said while smirking at the stunned look.
"Your joking… right?" Shun asked weakly, as he looked back and forth between Tetsuya and Argo.
"She never jokes about information or money, cuz. Leave it be." Tetsuya answered, as he snickered at Shun's reaction to Argo's style of business.
"So I guess this is goodbye, we're off to try and fight some monsters and get stronger. Thanks for the assist by the way." Lans told the others.
"I have a better idea, why don't you guys join us for the moment." Kyoya offered.
"He's right. I don't think Nueichi is the type of person who wouldn't take advantage if it's just the two of you walking outside the safety zone." Argo said.
"Safety zone?" Raika asked in confusion, "What's that?"
"Safety zone are areas where players can't have their health diminished even if they are attacked, unless of course they accept a duel." Lans answered.
"That's right." Argo answered, "How did you know that if this is your first time here?"
"This might be my first time in this sort of game, but the notion of safe zones has been around for quite awhile now, Argo." Lans said.
"Hmmmm… aside from that, I think their offer is good." Raika stated, as she tapped her foot.
"Tetsuya?" Shun asked, looking up at his cousin.
"I guess it's decided then, you two are joining us." Tetsuya conceded, "Let's meet up at the south city gate while we all stock up in supplies. We'll see you guys at 2pm?"
"Alright, see you in a bit then." Lans answered, "Argo, how about you?"
"Nah, I still gotta meet up with my other sources, but stay in touch alright, remember you're my source now." Argo stated.
"I won't, but I'm not sure if I'm going to be a good source."
"It doesn't matter, I just need any unique information that you might come across. Well it was nice to meet all of you. I have to go now. Good bye" Argo said, as she bowed in front of them before leaving the group.
"Bye Argo" The group said as Argo left.
"Well then, let's get started." Tetsuya said before snapping his fingers.
"That's right, before I forget." Tetsuya said, as he both added Lans and Raika in the party as well as sending them friend requests.
"Thank you." Lans said as they both accepted the party invite and friend request.
"Oi… don't forget about us." Kyoya and Shun both said, as they sent their friend requests as well.
"We didn't." Raika snickered, as they accepted their requests.
"So I guess we'll meet up later. Bye guys." Lans said, reaching out to hold Raika's hand and pulling her closer.
"Let's go, my." Lans whispered softly so that no one could hear.
"Hmmmm, lets." Raika agreed as they went on their separate way.
The three guys stared at the couple as they went off on their own.
"Lans sure is lucky." Kyoya said.
"Raika is lucky as well." Shun added.
"How so, Shun?" Tetsuya asked.
"Despite being a noobie to this game, Lans still managed to win a duel." Shun answered.
"Which reminds me, how come the technique that Nueichi tried to copy off of from Lans didn't work?" Shun asked, as he looked up at Tetsuya for the answer.
"That's because the «Slant» technique and it's positioning of the weapon, is unique only for the «One Handed Straight Sword Skill», and since Nueichi was using a mace, it didn't work for him." Tetsuya answered.
"So that's it…" Kyoya muttered softly.
"Well enough about that, let's get going. We have a lot of work to do before we log out." Tetsuya told his companions.
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Aincrad
Location: Town of Beginning, 1st Floor
Timeline: November 6, 2022, 1:50 PM
Lans and Raika arrived early and were waiting at the south city gate for their companions, when they spied a small outdoor café nearby. They decided to wait there instead of at the gate since they were both feeling a bit thirsty. As they approached the café,
"It's great that we found this café, right dy?"
"Yeah, this game is really something. I'm feeling a bit thirsty, you want something to drink?" Lans asked.
"Sure, but do you think we have enough money? You did buy a lot of stuff." Raika pointed out.
"Hmmm I still have 200 col. That should be enough… I hope" Lans said sheepishly.
"You hope?" Raika chuckled before grabbing Lans' hand and pulling him inside the café.
Once inside, the couple saw that the interior of the café while small was artfully designed with several small booths that catered to couples, such as themselves, as well as larger table areas for groups. There were also several players that were obviously going on a date except for a guy that was sitting in the far corner of the café alone. Raika smiled at Lans, before dragging him off to the counter, where a young woman stood.
"Hello and welcome to 'Ellyn's Café', I'm Ellyn, the proprietor and owner of this establishment. How may I help you?" The young woman asked.
"Hello there Ellyn, we'd like to place an order for an iced tea and apple juice." Raika ordered, "We'd also like to make use of the table outside, if that's alright."
"It's no trouble at all," Ellyn answered, "Now its iced tea and apple juice, correct?"
"Yes." Lans answered.
"Very well then, why don't the two of you go on ahead outside and take a seat while I go and prepare your drinks." Ellyn replied, as she went inside the door that they assumed was the kitchen.
Lans and Raika went outside the café and sat down at one of the tables that were intended for two people. After a few minutes of waiting, they noticed Ellyn exiting the café, carrying a tray towards them.
"Let's see now, who wants the iced tea?" Ellyn asked.
"I do." Raika answered.
"Here you go then." Ellyn answered as she placed a glass of iced tea in front of Raika, before placing the apple juice in front of Lans.
"And here is yours as well. Enjoy." Ellyn said, "I'll go back inside now. Just go inside when you're done. Hope you enjoy it"
Ellyn bowed at them and went back inside. While they enjoyed their drinks, they decided to finalize their upcoming plans for the game.
"So are you still interested in making a guild?" Raika asked as she took a sip of her iced tea.
"Yeah, I've already decided on the name." Lans answered as he also took a sip of his apple juice.
"Ows… you mean you're NOT going to use the name of almost every guild you manage?" Raika teased him.
"Fine… I guess you know me too well." Lans laughed at her teasing.
"So I guess this will be another incarnation of the 'Spectres' guild." Raika pointed out.
"Pretty much, too bad most of my friends won't be here, but hey, at least this gives us a chance of making new friends." Lans said with a smile.
"True. Speaking of which, I wonder where our new friends are." Raika asked.
"Hmmm let me check," Lans said as he activated the internal clock in his interface, "It's still 1:58, but they should be arriving here soon."
"Hmmmm well I'm done. How about you, are you finished?" Raika asked as she placed her empty glass on the table. "That was delicious."
"I'm done too. And it's delicious." Lans agreed.
"What's delicious?" A familiar voice asked from behind them.
Lans and Raika looked behind them to see Tetsuya, Kyoya, and Shun watching them with a bemused expression.
"I see you guys went and found some time to relax while we went and scoured for equipment." Shun impishly said with a grin.
"Hey, we're also well prepared as well." Lans pointed out, "but yeah, we definitely found time for fun."
"Alright, so why don't you guys go in and pay for your drinks so we can go on our hunt." Tetsuya said.
"Sure, just give us a sec." Lans said, as he and Raika made their way inside.
"Let's go in with them, I want to check this place out." Kyoya said as he watched them, "I might even bring a lady friend here some day."
After saying that, Kyoya followed after the two. Tetsuya glanced at Shun and just rolled his eyes before going inside with Shun trailing after him.
As they entered the café, they spotted Lans talking to the proprietor of the café. As they approached their friends, they managed to overhear part of the conversation.
"So let me see… Your order is apple juice and iced tea? That will be 200 col." Ellyn said.
"What? 200 col for just an apple juice and iced tea? That's a rip off." Shun exclaimed when he overheard the price.
Lans just glanced at Shun before facing Ellyn again and asked, "Why is the price so expensive?"
Lans was suddenly astonished when a gold question mark suddenly appeared on top of Ellyn, signifying a quest, as well as a pop-up that appeared in front of him with the notification, «The Missing Supplies» quest.
After agreeing to undertake the quest, Ellyn started to talk, "Well you see, I get most of my supplies at a small orchard nearby and they're a couple of hours late. I'm very worried because without those supplies, my café will soon go under. I've also heard that several monsters are now attacking the trade route that the orchard usually uses. I have a great idea. Instead of paying for the drinks, you can go and check out what happened to the supplies that were supposed to be here. I'll point out in your map where the orchard is and I'll also give you this, so that the people working there will know that you're representing me. Good luck and I hope you'll come back soon with the supplies."
Ellyn handed Lans a small medallion, «Ellyn's Token», as well as marking a location in his floor map.
"Uhm… we'll be right back then with your supplies, Ellyn. Come on, Tetsuya, I might need your help with this" Lans stuttered in surprise at the situation he know found himself in.
"Thank you. I'll be waiting." Ellyn answered with a smile, as the group left the café. The lone player who was minding his own business in the far corner was startled by the group that had just left and immediately followed after them.
Outside the café, the others crowded around Lans as he showed the others the location of the orchard on his floor map, while the location was still shrouded by the fog in his map it was fortunate that it was just a few miles away.
"That was surprising." Tetsuya said with a smile.
"Why is that?" Lans asked.
"For one thing, I didn't even know there was a quest like that. For another, I think you stumbled upon a Unique Quest." Tetsuya answered.
"I see your point, still, is this going to affect your plans?" Lans asked since they were supposed to go farming.
"Nah, it won't affect much. Besides we can farm around the mobs that will spawn near us as we make our way to the orchard." Tetsuya said.
"Alright then, let's go." Raika said as she made her way to the gate.
"Hey wait for us!" The rest of the guys shouted after her. They were unaware that one player that had left the café followed after them.
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Aincrad
Location: A few miles away from the Town of Beginning, 1st Floor
Timeline: November 6, 2022, 2:45 PM
The group of people took their time hunting any of the monsters that spawned near them as they made their way to the orchard. Lans and Tetsuya were both proficient in handling swords and became the vanguard of the group. While Lans was wearing the basic «Leather Armor» set, which provided adequate protection while being versatile enough that the encumbrance wasn't an issue. Tetsuya on the other hand was wearing «Iron-Plated Leather Armor» set which he received from a quest earlier. While it was similar to the «Leather Armor» set, it had a higher Defense but was offset by a decrease in the player's movement but he was using a «Long Sword» he had bought to replace his «Broad Sword» which was essentially better than the «Broad Sword»; he also used a «Round Shield» for defense. They were the first to mount an attack against any of the monsters that spawned near them although Tetsuya also helped in defending those whose lives were close to reaching yellow by employing his sword and shield. Kyoya made do with the «Iron Polearm» as well as wearing the «Leather Armor» set and took on the role of defending their long-range specialist, Raika, who had gotten proficient in utilizing her throwing darts to cause long-range damage since her first slot was «Throwing», while her second and third skill slot were «Detection» and «Tracking» which greatly aided her as well as wearing the «Leather Armor» set and using the «Broad Sword» as a backup. Rounding out the group was Shun, who was wearing the «Iron-Plated Leather Armor» as well as wielding a «Round Shield» and an «Iron Mace», which he skillfully employed both in attacking and defending, especially during the cool-down period whenever Lans uses his sword techniques who steadfastly refused to pair it with a shield. With Tetsuya's guidance as well as knowledge on how the fighting system worked, they made short work of their enemies that challenged them.
By the time they neared the destination, they were well on their way to reaching Level 3 because of the higher leveled mobs that they fought on their way, when they spied upon a convoy being attacked by several doglike creatures. Suddenly a pop-up notification appeared in front of them, «Missing Supplies» updated and a «Protect the Caravan» quest prompt.
After agreeing to the quest, the group ran to help the convoy, Lans shouted at the others "The enemies are called «Kobold Bandit» and it looks like they are Level 5. We'll have to work together to bring them down."
"Right, it's a good thing there are only three of them or we'd be in big trouble." Tetsuya remarked as he ran towards one of the Kobold Bandits and activated Sonic Leap, the attack lowering the life of the Kobold Bandit (10% Damage).
"I'll cover you," Lans called out, as he ran to assist Tetsuya who was still in the midst of a cooldown, when he caught sight of something approaching him at the corner of his eyes and just managed to avoid getting hit by the other Kobold Bandit's sword by sidestepping out of the sword's way.
Raika, seeing that Lans wouldn't be able to assist Tetsuya, took out one of her Throwing Darts and threw it at the Kobold Bandit that was just about to attack Tetsuya's frozen form. She smiled as the Throwing Dart managed to hit one of its eyes directly, causing critical damage (12% Critical Damage) as well as stunning the Kobold Bandit.
Shun and Kyoya meanwhile ran to the farthest Kobold Bandit, who was in the midst of stabbing a wounded NPC with his sword. Just as the blade was about to reach the NPC, Shun jumped in front of the approaching blade with his shield raised at the last second, which effectively blocked the attack. Meanwhile Kyoya thrust his polearm at the back of the momentarily vulnerable Kobold Bandit and dealt a small amount of damage (5% Damage) since he wasn't able to use any of his weapon techniques because he was pressed for time.
Tetsuya braced himself for the attack as the Kobold Bandit raised his blade and was grateful when the Kobold Bandit suddenly took a step back just as the «Stunned» icon appeared over its name. Taking advantage of the situation once he was able to move, Tetsuya unleashed a dozen sword strikes at the Kobold Bandit's stunned body that ended with him utilizing one of the perks of using a shield, a special technique which he used to great effect as he activated the Shield Bash that stunned the Kobold Bandit once again. Glancing at the Kobold Bandit's life, Tetsuya smirked as he noticed that he's attack had chipped away 32% of its remaining life, bringing its life to yellow as well as retaining the stunned status. Lifting his blade once again, Tetsuya charged at the Kobold Bandit intending to kill it quickly.
The Kobold Bandit that had attacked Lans was momentarily off balance as his blade passed by Lans. Seizing the moment, Lans utilized the same exact move he had used on Nueichi against the Kobold Bandit with devastating results as his sword dug deep against the back of the Kobold Bandit dealing critical damage (18% Critical Damage). Swiftly moving away from the Kobold Bandit, Lans raised his sword just as the Kobold Bandit charged towards him again.
While Kyoya was unable to utilize any of his weapon's techniques against the Kobold Bandit, Shun had no problem whatsoever of using the mace version of the Uppercut technique, as his mace impacted on the Kobold Bandit's head dealing 12% damage as well as pushing the Kobold Bandit back.
Raika glanced around and was grateful that none of her companions where in any danger, but that didn't mean that she couldn't help them out. Taking out two of the Throwing Darts in her pouch, Raika sighted at the Kobold Bandit that was rushing towards her boyfriend and threw them, hoping that she might get lucky. As the Throwing Darts raced toward the intended victim, she became slightly aware of someone approaching them from behind but as she looked behind her, she saw no one. Shrugging to herself that she was just imagining things, she looked back just as the two throwing darts she had thrown struck both eyes of the Kobold Bandit, dealing two critical hits (10% Critical Damage each) as well as stunning the Kobold Bandit.
Meanwhile, a couple of meters away from behind the group that were busy fighting, a player that had been slowly stalking the group while using the «Hiding» skill, breathed easily when the girl focused back on the fighting. "That was a close one," the player murmured softly.
Lans was momentarily taken aback when the charging Kobold Bandit suddenly stopped in its track before he noticed the throwing darts that had appeared in its eyes before dissolving. Smiling at Raika's timely assistance, Lans lifted his sword and activated the Vertical technique, his attack dealing 14% damage.
Kyoya jumped a couple of steps back as Shun's Uppercut pushed the Kobold Bandit back a bit. Seizing the chance, Kyoya lifted his polearm up high and activated his polearm's technique Slam, bringing the polearm crashing down once again on the Kobold Bandit's unprotected back dealing more significant damage (18% Damage).
Tetsuya knew that the longer he took in dispatching the Kobold Bandit the likelier the chance that one of his companions would be in trouble. So he sought to kill the Kobold Bandit by imitating one of the mid-level sword techniques he had become proficient with during the beta, Vertical Square and finished it off with an actual sword technique, Vertical Arc. The damage Tetsuya dealt was only 42%, which brought the Kobold Bandit's total life to red but was not enough to kill him. That fact cost Tetsuya dearly, since he's first attack broke the stunned status the Kobold Bandit had while the sword technique he used meant he was momentarily unable to move as the cooldown counted down, Tetsuya was unable to defend himself as the Kobold Bandit's sword slashed down at his body, dealing 60% damage as well as crashing his body down on the ground, his life now in the yellow. Tetsuya could only stare as the Kobold Bandit lifted his sword once again.
The hidden player watched intently as one of the Kobold Bandits prepared to end the life of one of their group.
Raika who was busy watching out for Lans during his fight, barely noticed when Tetsuya went down. Stifling a scream, Raika quickly reached down and pulled out three throwing darts and threw them as fast as she could. As the darts raced toward the target, Tetsuya lowered his head and prepared for his death, vowing to catch up back to them as soon as he respawns back at the «Town of Beginning». He suddenly heard a grunt from up above him, lifting his head, Tetsuya saw that two of the darts had embedded against the Kobold Bandit's shoulders while the third dart completely missed it. The Kobold Bandit shattered into pixels just as its life bar went empty.
Shun seized the chance that Kyoya had given him from his attack and activated Shield Bash, stunning the Kobold Bandit (4% Damage) before lifting his mace up high and activating another general technique, Horizontal across the Kobold Bandit's face (12% Damage), Kobold Bandit's head whiplashing hard to the left, as the mace's impacted on the Kobold Bandit's head.
Kyoya reacted quickly just as his cooldown finished counting down and lifted his polearm again and activated Smash once again, the blade sliced through the Kobold Bandit's neck just before the Kobold Bandit shattered into pixels (60% Critical Damage).
Meanwhile Lans was completely unaware of what had transpired amongst his companions, he followed up his Vertical with a technique that he recently learned Bull Crush, by jumping towards the Kobold Bandit while lifting his sword up high and slamming the blade down as hard as he could at the Kobold Bandit's shoulder down to its waist (32% Damage), the force of the attack causing the blade to cleave through the Kobold Bandit's body and impacted on the ground. As he tried to pull back his sword, Lans was chagrined to find out that his sword was deeply embedded on the ground. Just as he looked up at the Kobold Bandit, he realized that its sword was already heading towards him. Lans jumped back as fast as he could but he was too late as a good portion of the sword slashed through his chest and he landed on his back while his armor shattered into pieces and put his life in the red (80% Damage). Lans could only stare feebly as the Kobold Bandit lifted its blade once again before a sword was thrust from behind it. The Kobold Bandit let out a roar before it shattered into pieces.
Tetsuya sheathed his sword before extending his hand to help Lans up.
"Thanks. I thought I was a dead," Lans said, as he stood up with Tetsuya's help.
"Don't worry about it. Your girlfriend saved my life, so I consider saving her boyfriend a fair trade," Tetsuya said with a wink.
"Well then thank you, Raika." Lans said to Raika who had just run up to him and gave him a hug.
"Huh? For what?" Raika asked since she wasn't able to hear what had transpired between Lans and Tetsuya.
"It's nothing," Tetsuya said, just as a notification popped up in front of all of them.
[Congratulations You Leveled Up!]
"Finally, we're all Level 3. It sure took awhile." Tetsuya said to the rest of them as he closed the notification. Another notification popped up in front of him as well as Raika and Kyoya.
[You have received «Kobold Bandit's Blade», «Kobold Bandit's Fur» x5, and «Kobold Bandit's Tail» and 6,000 col]
"What was that about?" Lans asked them as they closed the notification.
"Mob loots from the Kobold Bandits," Tetsuya said as he opened up his inventory to check on his new sword, "I got the «Kobold Bandit's Blade»".
"I got that as well," Raika said as the blade materialized on her hand, "but I'm not really proficient in swordsmanship, so I'll just give this to Lans." Upon hearing that, Lans mouthed a silent thank you at her causing Raika to smile.
"Excellent idea, I've never heard of the «Kobold Bandit's Blade» during the beta but the stats here are on par with the «Anneal Blade»," Tetsuya said, as the «Kobold Bandit's Blade» replaced his «Long Sword» at his waist.
"Aw… I only got mats from the Kobold I killed," Kyoya jokingly whined, as he stared at the new swords that now hung at Lans and Tetsuya's waists.
"Don't worry about it, Kyoya. You're not a sword-user anyway, so it's not a big deal," Shun told him, while whacking the back of his head.
"Hehe I know that, but still the sword is a sweet upgrade," Kyoya said, chuckling.
"Anyway, let's go talk to that caravan guard you guys saved," Raika said, as she pointed out to the surviving caravan guard who now had a gold question mark above his head.
"Good idea. Let's go." Lans said as he walked to the guard, while the rest followed after him.
As they approached the wounded caravan guard, it slowly stood up once Lans stood in front of him. Lans was quiet for awhile since he wasn't sure how to continue the quest and decided to ask the guard a simple question.
"What happened here?" Lans asked.
The wounded caravan just stared at him before, "Thank you for saving me, good adventurers. I feared for my life when those Kobold Bandits chased after us when they attacked the orchard a few miles away."
"What?! The orchard is being under attack right now?" Lans exclaimed in consternation.
"Yes, we were just on our way to make the deliveries when the kobolds attacked the orchard. It was led by a large fearsome kobold wielding a strange weapon. The owner of the orchard ran after us and told us to get reinforcements but we were chased after by the kobolds. I am grateful for your aid but I fear that I am close to death's door. Please... help my comrades at the orchard," the guard pleaded just as he fell to his knees.
"We will. We'll save your comrades. I promise." Lans told the guard.
"Thank you. The orchard is over there…" the guard pointed to a building that was nearby and was on fire. "Please hurry…" the guard muttered before falling over on the ground and shattering into pieces.
A notification popped up in front of Lans, «Protect the Caravan» completed and a «Save the Orchard! – Check out the Orchard» quest prompt.
"We have to hurry or the orchard will be a smoldering ruin soon," Tetsuya states as he stared at the billowing dark smoke that was hovering over the area where the orchard was located.
"Your right, Tetsuya, let's go." Lans exclaimed as he started to charge towards the orchard when Tetsuya grabbed his arm, "Aren't you forgetting something, Lans?" he asked.
"Like what?" Lans asked bewildered by the question.
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The player hiding amongst the trees sighed in relief when the group left the caravan. He slowly inched forward toward the abandoned cart and disabled his «Hiding» skill once he realized that there was no one else around. "Let's see what we have here." He mused to himself as he activated the chest that he found on the other side of the cart.
"Humph… only oranges and apples. Nothing overly useful." The player muttered to himself softly. Just then he heard voices on the other end of the cart. He quickly activated his «Hiding» skill just in time, when three players emerged to his right.
"You're sure that Lans and his friends just passed by here?" asked the young man in the front, with the dark buzz-cut hair
"Yeah boss. They made mincemeat out of those kobolds." One of the players told him, blonde-haired.
"Sheesh, I bet those kobolds were weak leveled. That's why those losers managed to beat them. So where did they go to now?" their boss asked.
"They ran over there to that building." The other player told him, red-haired.
"They probably ran there to hole up and lick their wounds." The boss spat out in disgust, "I'll have my revenge against those bastards."
"You will have your revenge, boss and this time, we'll be here to mess those bastards that stood in your way before," the red haired player told him.
"Let's go after those bastards," the boss told them as they walked towards the building nearby.
Once the three players were gone, the player that was hiding disabled his «Hiding» skill and muttered, "What's with those three?"
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Aincrad
Location: The Orchard, 1st Floor
Timeline: November 6, 2022, 3:10 PM
Lans and his companions ran through the gateway that took them into the courtyard of the orchard, and were surprised at the number of kobolds that were fighting against the guards. A quest prompt appeared in front of Lans, «Save the Orchard! – Defend the Guardians»
"I can see seven «Kobold Skirmisher» in the courtyard." Shun pointed out.
"Yeah, and there are only four «Orchard Guardians» that are fighting against them." Kyoya added.
"The «Orchard Guardians» are at a higher level than the «Kobold Skirmisher» but their numbers will probably overwhelm them soon." Tetsuya added as well.
"Alright, fan out and let's cover these guys. We can't allow these guys to die." Lans told them as he gripped the handle of his newly acquired blade tightly.
"Why not?" Raika asked as she took out several throwing darts from her pouch and placed it on her sash.
"Don't you remember what the guard said earlier, the kobolds were led by a large kobold, and I don't see any kobolds here that fit the description, so we'll need the help of these Guardians." Lans answered.
"What are we waiting for then? Let's go!" Shun said as he ran towards one of the nearby Orchard Guardians who had just dropped down to his knees and was in danger of being killed.
The Orchard Guardian feebly tried to raise his sword to try and deflect the killing blow from the Kobold Skirmisher's sword when a shield appeared in front of him from out of nowhere and the Kobold Skirmisher's sword impacted upon it. Looking up at his savior, he saw him push his shield forward which startled the Kobold Skirmisher and gave his savior the chance to bash the side of the kobold's face with his mace. The Kobold Skirmisher shattered into pieces as it fell to the ground.
Shun look back at the Orchard Guardian and extended his hands and said, "Come on. Our friends need our help."
The Orchard Guardian grasped the offered hand and answered, "Yes they do, but give me a moment. You go on ahead, I'll be fine, and by the way, my name is Maxwell. Hurry it looks like the others will need your help."
Shun was slightly startled when the name Maxwell appeared beside the NPC's title. "Alright, take your time but we might need your help soon." He said before running towards the others who were now aiding the other Orchard Guardians.
When Shun rushed out to aid the fallen Orchard Guardian, the others rushed into action. Lans and Tetsuya brought out their swords and performed the «Sonic Leap» against the two Kobold Skirmishers who were ganging up on one the Orchard Guardian, killing them instantly.
The Orchard Guardian stared in surprise at the two swordsmen who had suddenly appeared to aid him, "Huh? Where did… Never mind. I thank you for your assistance. I would have died if you hadn't arrived." He said to them.
"Don't worry about it. Come on, let's go help the others." Lans said as he rushed forward to aid the others. Tetsuya just rolled his eyes at AI's response before chasing after Lans.
"I'll just stay here for the moment, I need to rest." The Orchard Guardian called out after them as it sat down on the ground.
Kyoya meanwhile ran towards one of the Orchard Guardians who was being pushed back towards a wall by the Kobold Skirmishers. "Can't have that now can we." Kyoya thought to himself as he activated «Smash» at the back of one of the Kobold Skirmisher who still hadn't noticed him, instantly killing it. The other Kobold Skirmisher turned its head to focus on Kyoya when it let out a death shriek before shattering into pieces when the Orchard Guardian's sword was thrust into its head.
As Raika ran towards the farthest Orchard Guardian, she withdrew four throwing darts from her sash before stopping a few meters away from the Orchard Guardian and the two Kobold Skirmishers who were still battling each other and threw the throwing darts towards them. Two of the darts hit both eyes of one of the Kobold Skirmishers and was stunned for a moment. One of the darts only grazed the other Kobold Skirmisher neck while the other dart hit the Orchard Guardian's exposed neck which momentarily stunned him long enough for the Kobold Skirmisher's attack to get through its defense. Raika could only stare helplessly as she tried to gather more throwing darts just as the Kobold's sword slashed the Orchard Guardian's chest. Just as the Kobold Skirmisher raised its sword for the killing blow, it suddenly shattered into pieces when two swords went through its chest. The stunned Kobold Skirmisher was killed by the arrival of Shun who just smashed his iron mace against the Kobold's face.
"That was a close one." Lans muttered as he sheathed his sword while Tetsuya and Kyoya helped the Orchard Guardian to stand up.
Raika ran to the Orchard Guardian and bowed in front of it, "I'm really sorry about hitting you earlier."
"Do…" Tetsuya was about to say when, "Don't you worry about it, young lady. It was an accident nothing more. Besides, if it weren't for you and your friends, we would have been dead," the Orchard Guardian replied.
The others could only stare at the Orchard Guardian in wonder when it looked at them, "What are you staring at?" he asked.
"Uhm… nothing." They all stuttered in response, while the other Orchard Guardians approached them.
"Well… let's get down to business then. I assume you didn't just come upon us by chance. So who sent you?" The Orchard Guardian named Maxwell asked them, a question mark appearing over his head.
"That's right. We were sent here by Ellyn to check up on what happened to her shipment. This should identify us." Lans answered him as he handed over Ellyn's Mark to Maxwell.
"Ah… Ellyn… such an angel," Maxwell murmured softly. "But as to the matter of her shipment, we already sent it off just as the kobolds attacked us."
"Lans, I think the shipment was in the caravan we just saved." Shun said.
"Most likely, but we can't just leave right and deliver the shipment right now, can we?" Raika pointed out to the others.
"She's right. For better or worse, we have to take out the kobolds that are still harassing the orchard," Kyoya agreed.
"Hmmm… I thank you for your aid, but might I offer a suggestion?" Maxwell interrupted.
"Of course. Any help you can offer us would be helpful," Lans answered.
"Very well, I assume that all of you will stay in defending this orchard against the kobold pillagers," Maxwell asked.
"Correct." Tetsuya answered.
"Very well then, one of our own has been injured and while he might wish to fight against the kobolds alongside us, I would much rather…" Maxwell started to say.
"But captain! I want to stay and fight by your side," the injured Orchard Guardian pleaded.
"I know that's what you want, Ian, but we must be practical. You're badly injured and we have a larger kobold force to deal with soon. I cannot allow you to fight in your condition BUT you might be able to help our new friends with their errand, which is to deliver the shipment to Ellyn's." Maxwell told him.
"Very well, Captain, but I'll need a horse and only the owner of the orchard can issue one," Ian pointed out.
"Damn it… Lans, I'll have to ask you to find the owner of the orchard, he should be in the homestead over there. Be careful though, several Kobold Pillagers entered the house just as the raid began but I expect the master to have killed them already, he's an excellent swordsman," Maxwell asked.
"No worries, I'll look for him in a bit but first we need to discuss this kobold raid you just said is coming soon." Lans answered, just as a quest prompt appeared in front of him, «Save the Orchard! – Defend the Guardians» completed and a «Save the Orchard! – Check on the Orchard Owner» quest prompt.
"Alright then, here let me show you something," Maxwell said as he produced a faded parchment for them to see, "I got this from the leader of the Kobolds that attacked the place."
Gnarl, attack the orchard for food. We need it badly. I will assist you as soon as I can. It will probably take an hour for me and my men to arrive. I expect the orchard to be ours by then. – Bullfang the Kobold Prince
"Quite articulate for kobolds, don't you think?" Tetsuya remarked.
"They also possess a hierarchy of some sort," Raika added.
"What time did the Kobolds arrive?" Lans asked.
"They arrived here at around 3 PM," Ian answered.
"Alright… we have at least a half hour's time to prepare, but we'll need more than just the eight of us, if we expect to win," Lans stated, just as another quest prompt appeared in front of him, «Save the Orchard! – Defend the Orchard»
"Yeah and most of the players around are still at a low level right now, and they probably won't stand a chance even if they do come and help out," Shun pointed out.
"Yeah but that doesn't mean we're going to let these Kobolds do as they please," Tetsuya answered. "There are still a few friends I can call on for help, but it will take time for them to come here as well as get themselves ready."
"Alright… You guys do what needs to be done, I'll go look for the owner of this orchard. With any luck, he might be able to help us out. I'll see you guys in a bit then," Lans told them before making his way to the house.
"Raika… is Lans a guild leader or something?" Kyoya asked.
"Huh…" Raika was broken out of her concentration by the sudden question. "Yeah, he's a guild leader in several MMORPG games. Why do you ask?"
"No reason, we just noticed that he's both used to leading as well as letting others handle what he can't do," Tetsuya answered with a smile. "That's a good quality for a leader."
"A trait which you lack, Tetsuya," Shun added with a smile.
"Hey…" Tetsuya answered testily, as he wacked the back of Shun's head with his hand which he evaded easily.
"Touchy aren't we," Shun teased.
"Oh, shut up. I have to contact my friends now." Tetsuya answered in response, as he opened his friend list.
"Well that was fun. Come on Shun. Let's go see what we can to get this place ready for the incoming raid," Kyoya said as he jogged off towards the hole on the wall.
xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx
Meanwhile, at the gate…
"Nueichi, what now?" the red-haired player asked their leader.
"I don't know," Nueichi muttered in frustration after witnessing what had happened earlier in the courtyard when Lans and his companions killed the Kobolds easily.
"Those guys are at a whole different level now," The blonde-haired player remarked. "Did you see the levels of those Kobolds? And they just killed them like they were nothing."
"Yeah… and something tells me that things are just heating up around here," Nueichi remarked.
"So what's the plan, boss?" The red-haired player asked.
"We'll fall back for now, but mark my words, those bastards are not getting away with what they did earlier," Nueichi told them, before leading his party back to Starting City.
The hidden player let out a sigh of relief as the three players left the gate. "That was a close one. I thought for sure those guys were going to attack them head-on." He thought to himself as he remained hidden in the bush that was near the gate. Suddenly he heard a ping and a message popped up in front of him. After reading the message, the player just smiled and whispered softly "This is interesting…" before moving inside the orchard and making his way to the barn.
xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx
At the Orchard House…
Lans entered the house cautiously, his hand gripped tightly on the hilt of his blade. After surveying the hallway for any sign of ambush, he made his way to the room on his left. In the room, he noted that there must have been a fight in the room as evidenced by the mess in the room. Making his way back to the hallway, Lans decided to call out, "Hey! Anybody here?" as he prepared for an ambush. He was suddenly surprised when he heard an answer to his shout, "I'm up here!" Making his way cautiously up the stairs, wary of being caught unaware, he saw the owner of the orchard, an old man, sitting down on the second floor hallway. Approaching the man, Lans knelt down and asked, "Are you alright, sir? What happened?"
"The kobolds attacked if you didn't know that. But judging from how you moved, I'd say you already knew that." The man answered gruffly. "As to whether or not, I'm alright. I'll have to say I don't have long to live. It was a good life but I think it's time for me to meet up with my wife who passed away a few years ago."
"I'm sorry to hear that… but the kobolds will be coming back soon. We need your help," Lans told him.
"So those beasts are coming back are they?! Shame I won't be able to pay them back for what they did to my home… but maybe you can…" the old man said, a question mark appearing above his head.
Grimacing slightly at how this quest kept changing on him, Lans asked, "How can I help?"
"That's more like it. Kids like you should listen to their elders. Anyway cough I don't have anyone else in my life cough and this orchard is the only thing that I have ever since my wife passed away cough the fact that you're here, as well as offering to help in saving this orchard means that you care cough so what I'm proposing is I'm going to give you this orchard cough cough," the old man told him.
"What?" Lans was floored by what the old man just said.
"Huh? I thought I made myself clear cough alright then. I'm giving you my orchard. Here," the old man said as he gave Lans a piece of paper as well as his medallion.
[Received «Orchard Contract» and «Diaz Family Crest»]
"You're now the owner of my legacy cough. Don't let me down, young man. Oh… this sword might be of use to you," the old man added as an afterthought, as he handed his blade to Lans.
[Received «Diaz Family Sword»]
"I'm coming, dear," the old man murmured softly just as he shattered into pieces.
Lans could only stare where the old man had just been lying, as he gripped tightly at the old man's legacy in his hands.
xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx
At the wall…
"Those kobolds sure did a number on this wall," Kyoya pointed out at the large hole at the orchard's perimeter wall.
"Yeah… too bad we can't fix it up without the owner's permission," Shun said sadly as a system message appeared in front of him as he touched the wall. [You cannot initiate any action without the owner's authorization]
"I guess there's not much we can do then," Tetsuya said as he and Raika made their way towards them.
"So how'd it go?" Shun asked.
"I messaged several of my friends and they said they would try to come and help us out," Tetsuya told them.
"I also messaged Argo and she said that she'd see if she can come up with more people to help out but she couldn't guarantee it," Raika added.
"Hey… is that Lans coming?" Kyoya pointed out to the others as he noticed Lans approaching them slowly.
"Your right, but I don't see anyone with him," Maxwell pointed out.
"I wonder what happened…" Raika mused to herself as she noticed Lans' expression was a bit morose.
"What happened to the owner?" Maxwell asked immediately when Lans was just a few meters away.
Lans could only look at him before producing the letter and the medallion and showing it to Maxwell. "Your master is dead…" Lans answered softly.
Maxwell could only stare at the letter and medallion before looking back up at Lans. "No, he isn't. My master is now you. This place is now yours," Maxwell said as he handed back the letter and medallion back to Lans. "This is what my friend and mentor would have wanted."
Tetsuya and Raika walked over to Lans. "So what happens now, Lans?" Tetsuya asked while Raika hugged him from behind.
"I don't know… but we can't let those Kobolds destroy this orchard …" Lans stated with conviction.
"We won't let them." Maxwell and the others said.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I might need more OC's if you guys are interested.
END OF CHAPTER THREE UPDATE
Lans L3 – Kobold Bandit's Blade; Leather Armor Set
Raika L3 – Broad Sword; Leather Armor Set
Tetsuya L3 – Kobold Bandit's Blade; Round Shield; Iron-Plated Leather Armor Set
Shun L3 – Iron Mace; Round Shield; Iron-Plated Leather Armor Set
Kyoya L3 – Iron Polearm; Leather Armor Set
QUEST UPDATE:
The Missing Supplies
Protect the Caravan
Save the Orchard!
- Check out the Orchard
- Defend the Guardians
- Check on the Orchard Owner
- Defend the Orchard