We're on chapter 12~
But anyways, from now on this story will be betaed by Hayasaka Shion-san, so please give her a warm welcome~
And also, it's that sad time of the year. Testing season. Why do I fail at math so hard. /crais
Disclaimer:
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Poems are hard,
I don't own Kuroko no Basuke.
Chapter 12: Green & Red
Friday: April 27, 2038. 17:23 P.M.
"You're too slow, Kuroko. "
"I am aware of that, Midorima-kun", the bluenette replied, attempting to dodge an oncoming attack. Key word: attempting.
[-133 HP, Kuroko: {2,976/3,860}]
Earlier this day, the Light Elf had once again helped at the Kindergarten before arriving back in the game about half an hour prior. Afterwards, he met up with the bespectacled Bowman to train.
"What is your zodiac sign?" was the first thing the other had asked him, and though he failed to see how it was relevant, he answered the question anyways with "Aquarius." The green-haired man had shook his head and pushed up his glasses with his left hand–which Kuroko, by the way, noticed was bandaged.
"Our zodiac signs are incompatible today. Make sure you walk at least two meters away from me. Even though I had my lucky item earlier, I couldn't bring it into the game and don't want to chance anything."
He had started walking while Kuroko trailed behind him, though he was reprimanded for getting closer than the set distance from the Archer.
Now, at the current moment, these two are in one of the monster maps near Phaenari, the Hunter's town. The bluenette is currently fighting against the second flying monsters he'd come across in the game. They had the appearance of bats but were a dull grey that highlighted the electric blue streaks running down their bodies. Upon closer inspection, what he thought to be fur was actually feathers.
According to both Akashi and Momoi, the winged creatures they were fighting now, Mavalore, were some of the fastest monsters on the island. In hindsight, this map wasn't a very good place for the Cleric to train, but these two had a significant reason for being here that accompanied the bluenette's need to level.
Quite simply put, it was target practice.
At his current speed, it was easy enough to hit monsters that were of average speed or barely moved, but things like this were a problem. In comparison to Hunter type players, Mages were a lot slower. An instant spell like Magic Ball would most likely miss in such cases that the enemy was an agility based type.
Akashi had told them to train here in order for Kuroko to enhance his speed, eyes, and aim, saying something along the lines of "preparing for the future". And so, Midorima, their best sharpshooter by far, and Kuroko were both sent here in hopes that the Cleric would be able to improve.
So far, not much progress had been made.
The only way the bluenette had been able to hit the Mavalore so far was by hitting them with a wide-targetting AOE spell, though he was told not to use it because it'd defeat the purpose of coming here.
He had tried casting Dark Judgment on one of the creatures, but in the second it took for the attack to strike, the enemy had already flown out of range. All his other instant spells had missed as well, and by a large margin. Concentrating harder than usual about willing the magic he controlled did seem to make them go faster, but still not enough to even ruffle the monster's feathers–both in the literal sense and not.
At the current time, one of the Mavalore Kuroko had tried attacking had turned the tables back at him. In its passive state it was quite fast, so the first time he had attacked one, he had been unpleasantly surprised by the speed it gained when it dived at him.
While the monster had low attack power, its agility made up for it. This was the reason that Mage and Fighter type players didn't often come here–simply put, they were too slow. Rogue types, however (primarily Assassins as they were ranged) could hit the creatures almost as well as any Gunman or Archer.
Sadly, Kuroko was none of these.
He tried focusing his eyes on the winged beast, though the light above made it unclear to his eyes. He saw its shape turn, folding its wings back and diving once again. This same general pattern has been occurring since he got here, though at least now it was in his vision. At the beginning, he could only see its blurs shifting in and out of view as his HP started to fall with the afternoon sun.
[-127 HP, Kuroko: {2,849/3,860}]
"Use your head, aim where they're going–not where they are. You must've memorized its attack pattern by now. If you can't even do this, you'll just be a burden in future."
[-152 HP, Kuroko: {2,697/3,860}]
Well sure, the Mavalore's way of attacking was rather simple, but that didn't chance the fact that they flew at breakneck speeds. Try as he might, even when he knew the enemy's path toward him, he couldn't even lay a scratch on it.
"You should consider getting your lucky item the next time you attempt something like this. I do…"
For the umpteenth time, the Archer next to him raised his bow. With expert precision, an arrow shot out and pierced through the bat monster's breast.
"… And it's why I never miss."
The bluenette was just slightly irked by the way the other said phrases that sounded cool but ended in "-nanodayo."
On the other side, the green-haired man was still trying to find out the reason of why Akashi had wanted them to train here, of all places they could've gone. Clearly the monsters were far too quick for the bluenette to hit; no way would the Sorcerer have overlooked that.
…
No way would Akashi have overlooked that…
"… Kuroko, have you been putting in your stat points?"
"I've forgotten to since a few levels ago."
"Open the window," the bespectacled man commanded.
The bluenette blinked but complied to the other's request, wondering why he was being told to do this.
Midorima's emerald-green eyes scanned over the numbers written on the screen. He put a hand up to his face, eyes narrowing just the slightest. "You've been putting too much in INT. Besides the fact that you're lower level than these monsters, your data is way too imbalanced. Never mind STR, but your AGT and DEX are too low, it doesn't look like you've put a single point in either since you started playing."
"I'm apologize, I was only focusing on making my magic power higher."
"How many more stat points do you have?"
"Forty-five."
The Archer sighed. "Do you not realize how much of a difference these stat points make? Sure you can train your strength or speed in game, but these are a major part of the fundamentals of any fight. You've been neglecting them for far too long."
"I was unaware," Kuroko replied. In all honesty, he really hadn't known he'd need anything other than INT.
"I suggest you put thirty of that in AGT and the rest in DEX.For every time you level up, put in your stats immediately–I don't understand how you could've forgotten to for three entire levels. For mages, either your DEX or AGT should be a fourth of your INT depending on the way you fight. The other about should be a sixth."
The shorter man did as the other had recommended and pressed the buttons, watching as the numbers rose.
"I don't know if you've noticed, but your attacks in comparison to other players of your type are slow."
Kuroko's eyes widened a bit. "What do you mean?"
"Well, your speed isn't terrible, but it's nothing to be proud of. You may be faster than the average player when it comes to spells, but if you were to be matched with a more naturally gifted player, for example Akashi, you'd never be able to win with your level."
"Ah, I see," the Cleric replied, both relieved that he was at least up to standard and confounded that there were players that were faster than him even without any special weapons. "What can I do… to become stronger?"
The other pushed up his glasses with his left hand. "For what reason do you think he sent us here? Obvious you have to train", he huffed. "It'll be easier with those stat points."
The blue-haired man turned his head up and targeted one of the Mavalore. He pointed his hand towards it, and concentrated on forming a ball of darkness in his hand.
Though the shot came closer than ever this time, it was still evaded by the flying creature, who took a dive at the Elf.
It was strange though, all of a sudden he could see it so much more clearly. His eyes could now see some detail in the once blurry vision. He tried to sidestep and noticed that his feet felt a lighter as well, though the creature's claws still grazed him on the side of his cheek.
[-47 HP, Kuroko: {2,650/3,860}]
The Mavalore flew back into the sky. Kuroko positioned himself to attempt another counter as it plummeted towards him. With his sky-blue eyes focused solely on the beast, he released another spell.
[-274 HP, Mavalore: {2726/3,000}]
Though he didn't hit the creature dead on, it was still progress. He'd just have to try again.
And again.
And again.
And in the end, an entire three hours were spent on this effort.
The virtual sun was starting to set and Kuroko could now actually kill the monsters in one hit–minus a few exceptions but he'd work on that. When they returned to the nearest town, his green-haired partner said a gruff "goodbye" and promptly left in another direction.
The time they'd spent training together led the bluenette to think the other might not have been such a difficult person as he had first suspected. Despite his sharp tongue, arrogant way of carrying himself, and someone condescending manner towards him, everything he had said and done did help the Cleric (or at least he'd like to think).
He said his farewell to the Archer's receding figure and turned to get to his next destination: The central town. In nearly an hour's time, he was to meet with his guild leader–the one-and-only Akashi Seijuurou.
"So Shintarou, what are your opinions about him?"
"Frankly speaking, I'm unsure if he'd ever be good enough. His attack power is strong, but he's slow and can't apply his skills well yet. I can admit he's a fast learner, but he still has a long way to go before he can reach the level of any other of our members."
"Perhaps, though like both Daiki and Shougo, his true strength cannot be released merely by fighting monsters. I believe you'll see what I mean once we enter the arenas, though for now, we'll train him."
"For now I'll trust your judgment, though I still can't see how he could ever become as strong as you say."
"Patience, Shintarou. Patience."
Friday: April 27, 2038. 22:14 P.M.
For the past thirty minutes, Kuroko has been reading novels online.
After arriving in Medias, he had logged out to eat for about half an hour before returning soon after as he had wanted to be punctual.
Akashi had told him to meet here at ten, but strangely enough, it was already a quarter past the appointed time and the man who proposed it had not yet arrived.
It was another ten minutes later when Kuroko heard his name–his first name, of course–addressed by the somewhat familiar voice.
"Tetsuya."
"Ah, Akashi-kun", he nodded in acknowledgement as he shut the internet window.
"I apologize for my tardiness, I had some unexpected business to attend to."
"I do not mind," Kuroko responded blankly. "May I ask what we are doing today?"
The other's eyes made contact with his own. "Besides any training today, I would like to study your fighting patterns, if you happen to be fine with that arrangement."
Slightly unexpected, but the Cleric nodded anyways. Somehow, it seemed like it'd be very hard for just about anyone to refuse the eloquent man in front of him.
Akashi gave a small smile to the Light Elf's approval before he started to cast a spell, a magic circle appearing above him. Kuroko took it as a sign he should step under it, and so he did. A minute later, the Sorcerer completed his chant and the ring descended upon them, enveloping them both in a pitch-black void.
So this is what dimension magic is like.
When he opened his eyes that he hadn't been aware he'd closed, the blue-haired man found himself and Akashi on a deserted plain with rock, forest, and water surrounding them.
Why are we here?
"I take it you are questioning why we are here?"
Kuroko couldn't help but think the other might be a mind reader.
"…yes."
"And before you come to any silly conclusions, no, I cannot read minds. Your expression tells me all I need to know."
My expression? Somehow, that's even less believable than thinking he's psychic.
"I've disclosed this fact to all our other members, though I believe it's something that should be said in person as quite often the other party would not be able to find it true."
One of his hands made its way to his golden eye. Tracing it, he said, "This left eye of mine can see the future–"
Kuroko tried to keep his stare blank.
"–Or at least something quite similar to it. Any miniscule motion made, but you or any other, my eye can capture it so long as I you're in my sights."
It made slightly more sense than the other statement.
"It is my advantage in battle, just like your natural misdirection."
"Misdirection?"
"Yes, Tetsuya. Misdirection is a trick used to draw attentions away from oneself. Like a magician performing a trick, it's almost as if your very being rejects any gaze from finding you. The only reason I can see you like this is because I possess this skill and have mentally prepared myself to the fact you're here. As such, when I'm this close to you, I can read the slight shifts in your facial structure."
Once again, the bluenette found his eyes looking into Akashi's mismatched orbs. He couldn't help but think Akashi was a very direct person in regards to this habit of staring and calling others by their first names.
"I will teach you how to fight. To use your disposition as your advantage."
"Akashi-kun, is that even possible?"
The other gave him a seemingly all-knowing smile. "Of course. But for now, you must get stronger both mentally and systematically. I want you to prepare yourself to be able to vanish completely by your own will. You can't only rely on that, however. You must become stronger, until you've learned enough and have reached a level where you can take care of yourself even if your misdirection wore off. I believe you have the ability and the resolve."
His gaze burned into Kuroko's intently with no sign of doubt evident in his shining orbs. "Are you ready, Tetsuya?"
The Cleric had to take a second to clear his throat and find his voice, processing all the information and expectations the red-haired man had just released upon him. He sucked in an air of breath.
Somehow, with a strange feeling akin to confidence and more conviction than he thought he could ever muster in his life, two simple words found their way out of his mouth:
"I'm ready."
Without a word, only the deliberate closing of his eyes, the Sorcerer began to cast a spell.
Merely seconds later, a large column of fire destroyed the gentleness of the moonlit night. From somewhere to the left, an animalistic cry sounded out, though the Elf couldn't see what was making it until a creature emerged from the shadow blanketed forest.
Then, little-by-little, more roars and shrieks could be heard in the far-off distance, and shadows dancing beneath the reflections of the moon in the water.
Akashi had just unleashed a monster hell.
Kuroko stood dazed and awestruck by the sheer amount of silhouettes he was starting to see in the distance, so much that he didn't notice that first creature from before lunge at his throat until it was right in front of his face.
Thankfully, Akashi killed the beast in a single blow before it could strike. Its ashes were burnt to the ground just as they started disappearing as pixels into air.
"Concentrate on your enemies. We can help on each other if need be, but you are not allowed to place your utmost reliance on me by excusing yourself as 'weak'."
His lips formed the same smile from earlier, but this time it showed just a hint of wicked mischievousness.
"Don't die, Tetsuya."
Kiseki World Online: Elements (pt.1)
There are eight basic elements a person can choose when playing KWO, though only when the person has reached level 15 at least. These basic forms are: fire, water, plant, earth, air/wind, electric, dark (also called black magic), and light (also called white magic). At certain points in time, when a person has had these for long enough, they can get leveled up or more specialized skills. For example, a person with water type attributes can learn spells in the category of ice, mist, or some other form of liquid. People with light magic can diverge into sun, holy, or another sub-category.
If a person has two elements, let's say fire and earth, the two can mix and be upgraded into rock. If that same example had dark magic added, it'd become metal. Not to say that all elements can mix together though. Some, like plant and water don't have any inbetween. In this case though, plant spells do get an attack bonus. Electric magic, however, will rarely mix with any other element.
All together, there are about 30 different elements and sub-type elements available for general use.
Since I mentioned my KiKuro easter eggs last time, I will write them here.
Even from the prologue chapter I've been supporting this as KiKuro. Where, you ask? 9650 1511 1437. Kuroko Tetsuya's ID verification code. 965 = (Ku)(ro)ku and though 5 is go, it sounds like (ko) so people use it like that. 15 and 11 are obviously his jersey numbers. And 143 used to be a popular way of saying "I love you" because of the number of letters in the words. 7 is, of course, Kise's jersey number in Kaijou. (Midorima's used to be 7, but this ain't MidoKuro so yeaaaah.)
From chapter 9, the Kindergarten chapter, my eggs are the class names used. The "Sunflower class" and the "Hydrangea class", because the colors of the petals generally remind me of Kise and Kuroko.
And finally, my favorite. You wanna know why Kuroko works in a convenience store? Well first of all, for my convenience /shot, and second of all, what's a very popular chain of convenience stores all around the world? That's right. 7-Eleven. 7-11. SEVEN AND ELEVEN. /shot again.
Anywho, those were my eggs. I'll reveal more story secrets like this in the next chapter. Sorry that this is an edit, I'll probably re-post it next chapter for anyone who misses it.
By the way, I'm actually planning a story about Kuroko, Kise, and a Konbini (alliteration :D). Hopefully i'll actually start writing before KiKuro day, which again is July 11. SEVEN AND ELEVEN. Can we please just call them the convenience store couple or something? Why doesn't this fandom ever make pairing names? I'm really hyper now so I apologize.
On the next chapter: More Kuroko, Akashi, and the rest of the GoM guild.
Thanks for reading again~