5 5***Way of the Shield
Area 1: The Grasslands
Putting my newly growing suspicions of a painfully suspicious man aside, I stepped out of the village. There I was greeted by yet another grand stimulus. The Grasslands!
This area was mainly wide open space, not a tree or large rock in sight! However, the grass compensated for that by being extremely tall, almost past my avatar's chest! And even though that's not all that impressive, seeing as I'm about 4'2" and practically felt child size, it was still amazing!
The air was crisp here and if it wasn't for the slight feeling of killing intent around me, I would have thought that this place was as safe as the village behind me.
Well that, and the speedy object that was heading right for me!
"Look out!!!" A voice behind me shouted, though she didn't have to as I was already set to jump!
I immediately jumped out of the way and a head of long, purple hair flashed right by me and after the projectile. And yes, in case your wondering, I said purple hair.
I'm still trying to process this information when the girl drew her knife and started fighting it. The it being a Kangarat (<a n - imagine a kangaroo rat that's the size of dog>).
After I got over the initial shock of seeing her hair color, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the sight of the girl fighting in front of me. Although she was in the same getup as me, thus deeming her a beginner, she moved with the agility and speed of someone who's been playing for a while. Just how long has she been playing?!
The Kangarat proved to be an agile and speedy opponent, keeping mystery girl on her toes as it bounced and dashed all around her.
After a while though, she came out victorious as the over-sized spring ball jumped at her to get a bite in, only to instead received a stab to the gut after a clean dodge!
"Who are you?" I asked, curiosity taking over. She ignored my question and hit me with her own.
"What are you doing out here noob? Don't you know it's dangerous out here? You should at least learn how to use a weapon before coming out here." She scolded, me. What did I do!
"Uhm, I'm here to..."
"Look out!!!" Again! This time when I turned around I saw the Kangarat launch after me!
I lifted my knife to meet it but it already caught me its attack!
*Twin Kick* the Kangarat's signature move. Delivers two powerful kicks with power added due to momentum from a start off jump. The first kick broke my knife into pieces, and the last one sent me flying! Because it was a low leveled one the kick didn't do too much damage, but it was still a heavy hit. And it hurt!
"Fool!!! Why did you try to block that attack! Ugh, it doesn't matter now, just get out of the way!" She yelled after me once again! The nerve of her!
I gave her way anyhow, and she went for an overhead slash downwards. No sooner had she done this when the monster delivered a headbutt powered by its legs to the incoming knife!
The knife shattered shortly after that, followed by a "S***!!!" from purple-hair!
Now that things are taking such a drastic turn, I was starting to freak out! Mystery girl seems to have switched tactics and was starting to constantly bob and weave around the Kangarat, which effectively allowed her to dodge its attacks, while dealing blows with her fists!
While that is keeping her alive, I was no fool! The method she was using wasn't dealing enough damage, and no doubt, was rapidly consuming her stamina!
That in mind, I immediately started looking for something to use as a weapon. Then I stumbled upon a big piece of tree bark.
It was reasonably hard had a grove in the middle which I could grip on and use as a shield!
Unfortunately, it was so heavy I could just barely hold it upright, but it's better than nothing.
At the same time I found out the inevitable happened; the girl stumbled and fell due to Fatigue!
The rodent was upon her in seconds, but just before the Kangarat could trample her, I attacked with a yell, my make-shift shield raised!
"AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!" the little monster made to attack me, but it was already to late!
I meet the over-sized rodent mid-way and sent it flying backwards! It lost some of its hp. and seemed a bit dazed but it wasn't done yet.
Unfortunately for it, neither was I!
I jumped, pushing down on the shield with the force and speed of a punch, putting all of my power into it with a yell due to exertion.
I suddenly felt power from somewhere deep inside me rush into my arm, adding more strength to my attack, bringing forth the birth of my first move!
"SHIELD BASH!" I yelled, bringing the force I created down on my slightly stunned foe, removing what HP it had left, while crushing its body under my shield!
Achievement Unlocked! Way of the Shield (Obtain the shield mastery first)
Wow.... weird achievement.....
But hey. I got my first Achievement!!!!
I checked my stats after that.
Status: /1
Masteries:
Heavy Shield Mastery: 1
Shield Combat Mastery: 1
Improvisation Mastery: 1
Perks:
Sturdy (obtained by achievement Way of the Shield): one-hit KO attacks don't kill you instantly and overall TGH increases by +5.
Achievements:
Just Getting Started : obtain a mastery
First Blood : kill a monster or an opponent
Way Of The Shield : Obtain the shield mastery as your first mastery
Cool! Now I have a level and a cool perk! Not to mention I have some good experience points to boot!
"Hey, noobie!" the purple head, irritably enough, "Just who the heck are you?!" She exclaims. Well that's rude.
"What do you mean?" I asked back, confused.
I staggered a little, suddenly feeling unexpectedly less energy than earlier, and I looked on my essence bar, seeing that that move depleted a fifth of it along with my stamina.
My Conservation was still low so simple moves will greatly diminished my essence (<a n - a.k.a mana>) if I use e-attacks. I need to do something about that later.
"I mean are you really a new player!" She elaborated.
"Yes, yes I am. My name's Nylon. What's yours?" I really want to stop calling her purple-hair.
"Angus!" She replied. Then, with a smile on her face, she asked me a question I thought she would never ask.
"Do you want to join my party?"
