Getting through the rest of the school day without a major problem, I once again took my shortcut and got home quickly.
Making a small snack for myself and leaving three sandwiches out for my family, I once again logged back into the game, materializing where I left off in my new house.
There was still an hour before I had to meet up with Asterios, so I got comfy on my couch and opened up the forums.
[Dragon's Might is just way too obnoxious! Independent players should be given more respect.]
-The seventh-ranked Fang is going way too far, he's crossing the line. My entire party was killed even though we were just peacefully grinding levels. Dragon's Might is super tyrannical, go die!
--I agree, all they do is boss weaker players around, this is simply bullying!
---The comment above, if you don't want to be pushed around, then just get stronger.
-The only reason Dragon's Might is a large guild is because of how spoiled their guild leader is, what a shitty community.
Wow, apparently lots of players are hating on that guy's guild huh. I understand why though, thinking back to when I killed him, he really did have a crappy attitude and his party didn't hesitate to leave him instantly.
His sword was pretty nice looking as well, probably bought from someone with real currency…
Whatever, although I hate how they bully people, everyone has a dark side to them so there's not much I can do!
Now I'll just proceed to ignore this and scroll...down.....oh my.
Every forum post was either about the bossy guild.....or about me.
You know what, I'll just close the forums and check....never. Yup yup.
Wiping the forums out of my memory I closed the tab with dead eyes.
Reorganizing my inventory, I prepared myself and looked over my stat board.
[Lynx
Level 6
Titles: Hidden VIP, Disciple of a Marshall, Predator, Lone Hunter, Artisan
Class: Ranger
Achievements: 5
Health: 257
Attack: 67
Defense: 98
Strength: 5 (+2)
Agility: 27 (+1)
Dexterity: 1 (+5)
Vitality: 2 (+10)
Intelligence: 0
Luck: 10
Charisma: (+12)]
Not bad! I've improved already.
A flash of lightning suddenly hit my mind, and I excitedly dug through my inventory and found the Two-faced mask.
I can finally equip it! Haha!
[Two-faced mask - Growth Level 1
Level one: Have the ability to change your username to something else, all friend requests, messages, or trades will be automatically sent to a separate tab.
Includes the ability to manually change your shown level and skills
The player can manually switch the mask's visibility mode
200 PK points to level up
Bound to Lynx]
Yes~! Too bad you need 200 PK points to level up, but it shouldn't be that hard. I'll do my best and find out what awesome stuff level two gives me!
I quickly equipped the mask and set the visibility to off. Although it looks sick if people saw me wearing this mask no doubt they would stare.
[Enter your alternate username:]
Ehhhhh...…..this is hard.
I racked by tiny brain for cool names that I could pick, there was no certainty that I could change it later on, so I should choose one where I wouldn't regret it.
"Let's go with Yuka! Cause it sounds cute but strong at the same time. It's also close to my real name."
[Username noted, you may access all abilities in an alternate player tab.]
Jackpot, this is the perfect tool to make sure to one finds out I'm Lynx, my luck is just too good. Almost makes me wonder if I'm some book protagonist or something...
Yosh, time to teleport back to town and meet up with this Asterios guy, let's head out!
Pumping myself up and praying that my social skills wouldn't fail me, I stepped onto the teleport pad and disappeared into a blur.
With my hood down and glove in my inventory, I looked like an average ranger you could find anywhere walking on the streets.
But for some reason, NPCs and players were still staring at me...annoying. I don't like attracting attention, that's for my brothers to do.
Arriving at the meeting spot I spotted five players standing there chatting and laughing together.
What a happy bunch.
I inspected their avatars, Asterios was a large, well-built berserker with an axe. There was a blonde ranger called Koi who was feverishly arguing with a female archer called Lyssia. Watching them fight, was a shy looking female priest standing with an exasperated-looking mage woman who was trying to get them to stop.
Overall, quite a typical adventuring party, they seem to be quite close so I assume it's not temporary. And since they already have a ranger, it would be harder for me to fit in well…
Whatever, nothing I can do about it after all! I'm surprised they don't have a swordsman or thief though, the party must depend on their berserker and ranger for close combat fighting.
Here goes nothing.
I hyped myself up and slapped on an easy-going smile, walking straight towards them. Asterios quickly noticed me and grinned, waving while giving a greeting.
"Hey! You must be the ranger Marshall Abest told us to work with right?"
Hm? I was going to work with them? Not help them? Huh, okay then.
"Yup! I'm Yuka, level 4 ranger, nice to meetcha Asterios!" I cheerfully replied back, giving him the best smile I could muster.
"The honor is all mine, the party name is East Wind."
"Fufufu! Our luck is quite good, to have such a beautiful expert join our party for a special guest. The goddess of luck must be looking upon us." Chuckled the ranger called Kai, who was exaggeratingly brushing fingers through his wavy hair. "And she must also be looking upon you! To fatefully meet me, Koi, the most handsome man in this game. You are truly blessed!"
Narcissist confirmed! Self-warning, stay away from Koi.
"Mhm, nice to meet you as well, Koi." I responded with a wry smile, instinctively taking half a step back.
Seeing their party member's self-praise, the females in the group all simultaneously rolled their eyes.
Wow, that coordination is flawless, although feel bad for them if they have already managed to train it to this level. Koi must be worse than I thought.
Sensing my awkwardness, the chic archer Lyssia walked up to me and gave me a warm handshake.
"Ugh, just ignore that annoying prick. My name's Lyssia, I hope we get along."
"Of course. I pray that we both benefit off this quest."
Next, the tomboy mage came up and bowed with a wry smile.
"I'm Matania, Tan or Tania for short, and this is our priest Violet. It will be fun working with you Yuka."
"Y-yes, I-I will be in your care." Violet stuttered while peeking out behind Tania.
"Hehehe, you don't have to be shy around me. Just think of me as a friend yeah?" I chucked while grinning. "I don't like formalities much."
Hearing this, almost everyone relaxed and put on natural smiles. Except for Koi, he was always smiling and I'm not sure if that's his normal one.
After we all finished exchanging greetings, they added me into their party and gave a rundown of the quest details. I was actually quite surprised they had managed to grasp such a difficult quest for just a party of level fours. Their mission was to kill the King of the Forest that I had once done. No wonder my master told me to go with them, it's easier for me since I have experience against that orc…
"Oh! I actually read a forum post just recently and I know where the coordinates for the King of the Forest is."
Better to make it seem less suspicious right? And I mean, I wasn't lying either.
Asterios perked up at my exclamation.
"That's perfect, I was just having trouble finding the location. Send it to me through the party chat please."
"Done!"
With the problem dealt with, we got our items in order and set out with noisy chatter and bantering. I found out that I got along very well with Tania and Violet, although they had very contrasting natures, I respected the way they still had fun together. I doubt I could get along with Koi or Lyssia though, Koi...well because he's Koi. But Lyssia because I could clearly see that the smile she used for me was faked.
I'm an expert at faking okay? Don't try to mess with me.
But it doesn't matter, I'll deal with her if necessary.
Asterios was a good party leader, not being terribly close yet still fitting in well. He led as a good role model to the others.
In my opinion, it was just an average party with higher than usual levels.
We traveled at a pretty steady speed, although only one-fifth of how fast I usually went at...we also paid the gate fee too.
As I thought, the gate fee sucks.
Yeah, I hope I never have to do that again…
Welp, at least things are going smoother than I thought!
I'm starting to look forward to how well East Wind fights.