"Yeah, will do." Lucian took the crystal and placed it into his inventory. Looking at Saito, who had taken damage, Lucian realized something. Just because they had some of the Gamer's powers from being in their party didn't mean they had them all, the skill of a gamer body, didn't seem to pass on, but would healing someone using a gamer power work? would that mend broken bodies? It was something that would need to be tested later, as he currently had no healing moves...unless you were an elemental.

"Saito, if one starts targeting you, go behind me, Our bodies don't break, and we can easily heal or just rest for a few minutes and be back to normal. As long as we have hit points, not much can keep us down." After voicing his opinion, Lucian continued with the grind, tossing wind to get attention, but aiming to miss. Which made it a lot easier to achieve the goal. Then following up with his actual attack, Ocean's Wave. He would continue this method as long as his mana could hold out.

Genji listened to all of Erica's questions quietly before raising his eyebrow when she brought out the seal. If she allowed him to, Genji would gently take the seal from her hand and examine it for a few moments, deep in thought as he did so. After a few long moments he handed it back to her, shaking his head. "I can tell that its a seal of the Ban Family indeed, meaning you are probably a distant relative of mine... as for which family you are from I do not know." He scratched his head for a few moments, as if trying to drudge up whatever old memories or knowledge that he could on the matter of Erica's family, sighing as he gave up on that.

"The truth is, I don't really know what happened to them though. I had heard though what happened was... a horrible thing... but if you do want answers though I know where you can get them. My, or maybe our, grandmother, the head of this branch, will be coming back next week from her trip to China. She'll probably have the answers you seek better than what spending hours searching through family records will get you."

After that he gave a respectful, apologetic bow. "Sorry that I can't be of more help." After his apology given, he stood back up, stretching a bit awkwardly before he decided to change the subject. "But something that I can give you is training. Normally I would test you first and spend a little while going over things with you, but if its true that you" He looked towards Sasha "were attacked by Hunters, then we will need to spend alot more time on getting all of you stronger."

With that, he began to walk back to the 'shed' in the back where he had taken them before, opening the door and once again revealing that wide, empty field that was dotted with Level 9 Kobolds. "So, Erica. Do you know any martial arts? If so, show me on one of these Kobolds," He pointed to one about fifteen yards away from the door they were standing in front of. "And don't worry about getting hurt, ill be right here just in case things go awry."

After that he looked towards Sasha. "And you can begin training to however you want to as well, ill be right here just in case, making sure that neither of you are overwhelmed."

Erika nodded gratefully before she bowed back. She retrieved her seal gently, "Thank you. It was not what I was hoping for, but it is much more than I've had for years." She smiled a little bit before she said, "I..would like to wait for the clan head if you would allow me to? I am sure I can get better training here than I would elsewhere for now." she said as she followed him.

At his direction, she looked the Kobold over quietly, "I do have training. Though I must say, this is much bigger than the outside would suggest." she says before she pulls off her traveling shoes. She released a happy sigh at the feeling of her bare feet against the ground. She padded over to the Kobold and rocked back and forth. On one pass through, she seemed to fall backward, only to catch herself with one hand. She swung one foot around in a hard, whip-like kick aimed at the neck and then used her momentum to bring her planted foot around in a back heel kick, aimed at it's head. To compensate for a lack of base, she brought her remaining hand down so that she was in a spread handstand. Within a split second, she swung her hips so that she sat on the ground now, left leg bent so her foot was on the ground while her right leg remained straight. Her eyes never left her target.

Unfortunately with 38 MP Lucian could only use Ocean Waves and Tornado's Wind one more time each with 8 MP remaining, unless he decided to charge Tornado's Wind for a very short moment when he used it. Luckily Saito managed to finish off the Elemental that Lucian attacked with one of his Spells while Ren was also fighting his own Elemental not too far from them, meaning they would get EXP for all of the Elementals they killed thanks to being in a Party. Throughout the course of their grinding session, since these elementals were being pretty tough against them, Lucian would have to renew his powers twice, which meant he spent a good 40 minutes of the hour meditating since, with the Meditation Skill that he had acquired during one of the various times he spent meditating during some experimentation, he could recover all of his MP with exactly ten minutes of meditating.

Ren spent some time Meditating as well with same said Skill to help recover his own MP, keeping his elemental summoned to, presumably, level up the Skill. During the hour it took them they managed to destroy only 14 elementals since these creatures were fighting back incredibly well, and even grouped up several times, making the fighting very difficult and the group not so much since they seemed to be only focused on Skill Grinding. Still, everyone had leveled up at least once. So less EXP and Items were gained, but Lucian and Ren both got some good levels for their Skills. Lucian's Boon from the wind had run out though during their time spent Grinding. Despite Ren not running out of MP as quickly, he decided to go with Lucian's plan of more Skill Grinding for now and summon extra elementals, two more Undines appearing around him, and use the Meditation Skill and grind those two Skills.

The Items that were dropped were 6 Air Crystals and 3 Basic Elemental Spirits, the Observe Data for them being the following if Lucian did use Observe on these new Items, as Ren certainly did.





If the Items were split evenly, it would be 2 Crystals and a Spirit piece for everyone, Ren accepting his Items as, even though he wasn't in to using Air, he had some ideas that he wanted to attempt. After that, he began to allocate his spare points.

Saito, during this, decided to try something. "Status Window..." He said this out loud and his eyes widened as he jumped back a little bit when the window appeared in front of him, although the others couldn't see it. "Jeeze... I wasn't expecting that to work..." He looked at the window, scratching his brow. "Well... it certainly is strange to see my own real life stats... and I even got Stat Points from leveling up..." Saito decided to go ahead and spend those points, looking a little surprised as he did so. "Wow... that's simply incredible, to grow stronger just after pushing a button...." Needless to say, judging by the expression on his face, he seemed both amazed and pleased.

Ren, in the meantime, had eyes widened as he examined several windows in front of him, Saito also looking over at Ren after he pressed his own 'accept' button to apply his points. "You seem to have gotten something good".

Ren just gave a nod. "Yea... alot of good things..." Suddenly the title above his head, which was previously Zombie Slayer, changed as he equipped what seemed to be a brand new title, this one reading Master of Focus.

Fortunately, or maybe unfortunately, no Boss Mob appeared yet again. "So, its about 6:00 PM or so... do you guys want to grind some more or do something else?" Saito looked towards Lucian now, wondering what he was going to do with his newest Level Up.

Lucian handed out the items which he had picked up, or been given to hold on to so that everyone was even. He observed the items, then placed them in his inventory. He knew he could use them as a catalyst for communing with the wind, but he couldn't help but wonder if there was anything else he could use them for...though the thought of googling that one seemed like a far fetched idea.

He had just finished shoving that thought aside as he got to watch Saito's response to opening his windows for the first time. He chuckled, "Now imagine seeing things like that every day." he paused looking upward in thought, "Though I guess since we are all hard core gamers...we sort of saw them a lot before this as well, just on a digital screen." he shrugged, then went on to apply his own stats. Raising his dexterity by two, giving him a total of 10, and placing the rest into his intelligence, giving him 27, and an addition talent point. Switching over to that window next, he put his points in focus, knowledge, Natural force Rit., Negotiation, and projectile weaponry.

After that he looked at his skills and read them over again, seeing how much experience he had gained on his skills from that before giving his thoughts on what he would do next. "Hmmm....well I am game for either continuing, though I would like to commune again with nature at the start for a boon, or I am going to go home and grind two skills that are less combat oriented...Since I can probably meditate and have use my mana flow at the same time, which would put my mana regen above my costs, so I could try a few more things...Up to you two, what would you rather do?" He looked at Saito, then at Ren, noting the change of title.

Saito thought for a few moments as he put the Items that Lucian had handed him into his pockets. "To be honest, I am up for a bit more. Or so I would say normally, but with this increase in Intelligence... I feel like there are some things I need to try and need a bit more time of my day, and grinding these and Skills took a bit longer then before since they seemed to fight back really well this time around."

Ren gave a nod as he seemed to be peering over some of his own windows. "I feel the same. Grinding would be nice, but with this Level Up I feel like I can do a few more things now, but before I do go I do have some questions about Pseudospaces."

Saito raised an eyebrow and just gave a nod towards Ren.

"How do you make things like Time Compression Pseudospaces or other things like that?" Ren was a bit curious on this, and was wondering if the ID Create Skill could be used to create different special forms of Pseudospaces aside from what the Skill just gave them.

"Hmm... I don't really know much on this to be honest. I know there is a book that the Auction sells that goes into much more detail, but I do know one thing. Magic and other powers can be used to manipulate the fabric of a Pseudospace, which is how Pseudospace Stones work, they are magical items. I know that if you use magic or other special powers in conjunction with the energy you use to create a Pseudospace, or for your case I guess whatever Skill it is, then you can create special kinds of Pseudospaces. What gives you what though is beyond me..."

Ren gave a nod, guessing that experimentation was probably the best course since he didn't want to spend any money on a book of Pseudospace making tips or whatever. "Alright, I guess we'll head home..." Ren looked to Saito, giving a somewhat polite bow, which was a bit abnormal for Ren to be polite, but when this person was doing so much for them that would potentially save their lives, being polite was something Ren felt was necessary. "Thanks for all of your help." With that somewhat cool toned, yet still genuinely thankful and grateful, statement, Ren began to walk out, Lucian able to try and follow if he chose.

"A family reunion, huh?"

Sasha left the two Bans to chat while she took off her jacket and got to work. First she activated her breathing technique. Then, aiming her finger at a kobold a good distance away, she started firing the mana rifle. If they got near, she would pull her swords from her inventory to finish them off.

Genji watched in curiosity as Erica attacked the monster with what he knew was a martial art, but the techniques of it weren't something that he had ever seen before.

---

Erica Attack 1: 12 - 21 Capoeria + 3 Skill Bonus= -12

Hit! (Max Damage)

Damage Dealt: 25

Erica Attack 2: 8 - 21 + 3 Skill Bonus = -16

Hit! (Max Damage)

Damage Dealt: 25

---

Both strikes hit the head and the neck head on, the creature letting out some growls of pain as the attacks looked like they indeed hurt, Genji letting out a low impressed whistle as since Erica aimed for the head and neck with each kick, and managed to hit the harder to hit targets, she was able to get past the creature's armor that it had. Unfortunately there wasn't much time for celebrating as the creature was still very much alive and looking quite pissed off as it swung its heavy looking stone club right at Erica, aiming to smash her with it using its incredible strength.

---

Kobold Attack: 29

Miss

---

The attack would have hit hard, had it not been for Erica's Ginga, her stance passive Skill allowing her to barely dodge the powerful strike of the Kobold, something that probably would have did a huge amount of damage if it had hit.

Sasha, in the meantime, had activated the Ban Family breathing technique by saying the name of said Skill, whether or not she wanted to mumble it or speak it out loud was up to her, that same greenish aura appearing around her as she felt her energy, or mana, in this case flow through her with her breathing, making her feel stronger, and making the Mana Rifle shots she fired off, as she could get off two of them with her speed.

---

Sasha Mana Rifle: 1 (Critical)

Critical Hit!

Damage Dealt: 59

Sasha Mana Rifle 2nd Shot: 4 (Critical)

Critical Hit!

Damage Dealt: 63 (too lazy to compute changed amount, its dead, deal with it)

---

The first bullet hit a weak spot in the side of its neck, the creature glaring Sasha down as it held the spot where the bullet pierced, a hearty snarl coming from it as it began to charge forward. A second shot though pierced right in the creature's forehead, boring a hole in it like an actual sniper rifle would. Several windows popped up after she killed it, each telling her good things such as Projectile Weaponry had gone up in Rank by 2, Mana Rifle leveled up twice, her Dex had gone up by 1 from her impeccable accuracy of her double shot, Inner Ki Technique had gone up in level, and the Ban Family Breathing Technique had gone up in level twice from all of that, Genji looking over at Sasha, but also keeping an eye on Erica and her Kobold opponent.

"I take it from that small bump of strength something good happened?" Genji asked Sasha this as he just kept his eyes on both of them.

Sighting down her target, she let off her first shot. The energy rifle bullet, a large spike of blueish light, sped through the air silently towards the kobold. It lodged itself right in the neck, staggering the creature. Nice, nice. You can do it, Sasha Nakamura.

Holding her breath steady, she fired a second shot before it had time to recover. This time it blew a hole clean through its forehead.

"Holy... sweet! Look at the number of bonuses I gained from it! Lucky! "

A few more levels into energy rifle and she would focus on practising close quarter combat again.

Erica pushed off of her bent leg and stood again. She barely dodged the oncoming attack. Her stance shifted and she murmured, "Spirit Channel". She jumped up and aimed an axe kick at the Kobold's collar bone area. She planted her hand down and swung her leg around into an acrobatic punch that carried the full momentum. "Spirit Strike." she murmured again before she aimed the punch at the monster's neck/collarbone area.

Erica would feel her spiritual energy, or Mana in this case, flowing through her the moment she used the Spirit Channeling Skill, which was more of an out of combat skill thanks to its somewhat high MP per minute cost. Well, high for Erica's pretty low, compared to the other Gamers anyway, MP amount. She then delivered her kick towards the Kobold's collar bone, it having not much HP left so probably one more blow would finish it off, or at least hopefully would finish it off.

---

Erica Capoeria: 60 - 21 Capoeria - 3 Skill Bonus = 36

Miss

---

Unfortunately for Erica, her kick was blocked by the creature's club, which with an angry and incredibly loud, canine-like snarl it proceeded to bring down upon Erica before she could get off her second Skill usage and her second attack.

---

Kobold Strike: 59

Miss

---

Fortunately the strike was much easier to dodge this time around, Erica able to leap deftly out of the way, unable to really try and parry it since she currently had her Cestus unequipped. Still, when she used Spirit Strike she felt the flowing and movement of energy within her from Spirit Channeling strengthen this as a glowing greenish energy appeared around her fists as she aimed to punch the creature in the neck once again.

---

Erica Capoeria: 45 - 21 Capoeria - 3 Skill Bonus = 21

Hit!

Damage Dealt: 11

---

The blow connected, but not her intended target. Unfortunately, despite getting past its guard, its guard was well kept enough so that the attack didn't hit the collar bone, but instead in its armored area. Its tough hide and strong armor managed to disperse the affect of the Spirit Strike, the energy having no effect. Fortunately though her blow had enough strength as she hit it square in the chest to deal enough damage to knock the creature down, destroying the last of its 10 HP with ease as it fell to the ground, defeated, disappearing into thin air and, unfortunately, leaving no dropped items as the other Kobold that Sasha had destroyed had, possibly just being unlucky with Item Drops with the first two Kobolds.

Genji looked at Erica, giving her a nod. "Good, good. That was pretty impressive. Even though these Kobolds are beginner monsters, its not exactly easy to get off fighting one unwounded if you are a beginner. What Martial Art is it that you use though? Its something I haven't really seen before, seems almost foreign really..."

Sasha, during this, if her plan was to Level Up Mana Rifle some more, would fire at the next somewhat far distanced, at least 20 yards anyway, Kobold, her Mana Rifle having pretty decent range.

---

Mana Rifle: 42 - 28 Projectile - 7 Skill Bonus = 7

Hit! (Max Damage)

Damage Dealt: 27

---

The bullet hit straight on, dealing a good chunk of damage, although it still hit the thing in its more armored areas since it was slightly harder to aim then a punch or kick, but the distance and power of this very basic Skill were both really nice. After that, another one could be fired off as the Kobold began to move towards Sasha now, looking quite pissed off, snarling a guttural, canine snarl as it charged with its club.

---

Mana Rifle: 61 - 28 Projectile - 7 Skill Bonus = 26

Hit!

Damage Dealt: 17

---

The bullet hit, but it didn't destroy the Kobold like the last two did, it managing to clear the gap between it and Sasha now as with its powerful physical strength and somewhat decent agility, it was able to clear the gap within the time she managed to utter the name of the Skill twice and use it twice, the creature aiming to smash down on Sasha with its powerful club.

---

Kobold Attack: 29

Miss

---

Luckily with Sasha's own natural agility, acrobatic prowess, and the Ban Family Foot Technique Skill she was able to easily and deftly dodge out of the way of the Kobold's powerful strike, which when it hit the ground where she was standing broke the ground with how strong it was, the creature's eyes looking quite bloodshot and it even seemed to be foaming at the mouth, as if it was in some sort of berserk or feral rage.

Fortunately though she would be able to move backwards guarding herself well enough so that it wouldn't be able to get through an opening as she moved back to fire one more Mana Rifle at the beast.

---

Sasha Mana Rifle: 30 - 28 Projectile - 7 Skill Bonus = -5

Hit!

Max Damage: 27

---

This powerful last projectile bore a hole straight into the Kobold, the creature letting out a howl before falling to the ground, fading into thin air in the same manner all other monsters did when defeated. Upon vanishing another Recovery Potion like the ones Sasha got last time was in its place, a pretty nice drop to say the least since apparently these things were incredibly rare and expensive.

"Alright, you both seem to be doing really well. Do you have any questions or do you both just want to train for a bit? Also..." Genji looked towards Sasha. "Would you like me to instruct you in the Sword Technique you learned from before? Its one thing knowing the technique, but knowing how to use it is another story."

Erica looked down at her hands in frustration. She sighed deeply and brought up her menu. "Damn...I forgot to equip my cestus." she fumbled a little bit before she was able to equip them. "There we go. I might be able to do more damage now." she looked back to the man.

"Capoeria mixed with Tae Kwon Do." she answered him. "And, I'd like to continue training." she said before going to another Kobold. She threw two quick kicks and followed it with a low sweep kick into a swinging heel kick.

Silas knocked on the door of the Ban Dojo hoping they wouldn't be too busy and would notice him knocking. He had already locked his bike and was waiting in front of the entrance. He really needed to discuss the involvement of regulars in this world.

"Alright, you two keep that up, I think someone is at the door..." Genji left the two of them alone for a bit as he went to the front gate, opening it to see Silas standing there. "Ah, I was wondering when you would get here. Your other two friends are already inside and have gotten started without you, so go ahead and come on in." He let Silas in and closed the gate behind him, taking him back to the others in the training area. Once there, he looked at both Silas and Sasha before speaking.

"So, would you two like to learn a bit about the Sword Technique, or just train on your own for now?"

Silas greeted Genji when he opened the gates for him, and like always was allowed to enter the dojo. Jeez, Genji was really too friendly. Silas followed Genji inside to the training area, although he already knew where it was at this point. There he saw Erica and Sasha, whom he greeted too. He wasn't that familiar with Erica, so he probably wouldn't talk with her that much. Sasha on the other hand was the only one other than Genji he trusted here. Genji proposed to learn a bit more about the Sword Technique, which was totally in Silas' alley. Seeing as he has a long range sword, the katana, it would be useful to learn some more techniques. However he still wanted to discuss the matter about Tomoyo.

"That looks great and all. And yes, I would really want to learn it, but I have a question... or rather a few questions... personal ones." Silas said, in his monotone voice. "We can first do practice the technique, however I do want to talk to you under four eyes, if it isn't too much trouble." Silas said. Silas muttered 'equipment' and grabbed his katana out of the menu. He guessed Genji would probably wanted to talk after training.

"Alright, sounds like a plan. Ill be right back..." Genji walked out, coming back about half a minute later with a sheathed Katana in his hands, drawing it and looking at the two of them. "Draw your blades, I shall teach you the first technique of the Ban Family Sword Technique. Its a pretty basic technique, but still quite powerful" Genji turned to face one of the Kobolds. First he focused himself, inhaling, then exhaling as a green aura formed around him, the exact same one that appeared when the Ban Family Breathing Technique Skill was activated, the Skill that both Sasha and Silas possessed.

"The Daichizan (Earth Slash) is a technique of power. Whenever one just swings their sword, they usually don't do so at full strength, or have to focus too hard to get to that full strength. This technique allows you to use all of your strength to cut down your foe." He charged towards the Kobold and simply raised his sword up, and in the next moment brought it down right through the beast, slashing through the creature, armor and all. An item did drop, a small stack of Yen notes, Genji walking to them and picking them up. "Sweet, 4,000 Yen." He walked over to Sasha, placing it in her hand. "You guys can have it, I don't really need it." After that, he sheathed his blade before beginning to explain the technique once again.

"You need not to swing your sword uselessly about. This technique is simple. All you do is just focus all of your strength in your body in one moment, then in the next project it into a slash of your blade. The power exists within you to perform this technique, but it is you who must bring it out. It is not a special style of Kendo, it is simply a technique of the sword. Now then, give it a try on any of the Kobolds you see here."

After that, Genji waited and watched to see what they would do.

Hmm...that was one of the most socially correct things I have seen Ren do...is he adjusting to being around people? Lucian stared at Ren as he made his exit, then turned to Saito, "That was surely the best goodbye I have seen that boy give." He chuckled, then waved to Saito himself, "Well, we will probably see you later, take care, we will try not to die before then."

Lucian quickly stepped out in a rush to see if he could catch Ren before he got too far, which he had succeeded in. "Hey, are you alright? You seemed a bit more polite than usual." with a grin on his face and the tone used, it was clear that he was trying to joke around.

"Alright see you guys later. Take care of yourselves." Saito left the Pseudospace Room after Lucian did, locking it and the store after him and Ren left, deciding to go back through the lab door and try some things out.

Meanwhile, outside, Lucian was able to catch up with Ren, the smaller boy looking up at him when Lucian strode over next to him. Upon hearing Lucian's comment and question he just turned his head away somewhat, a light red tint on his cheeks as he averted his eyes. Lucian did have a point. He really never cared to be polite to anyone, as he didn't care about others and wanted them to just leave him alone. Yet here Ren was, willingly walking with someone and being polite to people. Why?

"Everything's fine, and I am just giving Tatsumi-san the proper thanks for him helping us out, that's all..." Indeed, they were in this to survive. It was the only way Ren was even going through all of this. That, and learning magic seemed like alot of fun. If it didn't come with Hunters coming after them then it would be great. He began to walk now, letting Lucian walk with him if he decided to do so. About 7:00 PM, for them anyway. It was starting to get somewhat late, and as easily as Ren could have stayed out later, the thought of staying out at night while these Hunters were after them and all of them being a bit too weak to fend them off right now was not the most optimal of plans.

"So, what are you going to do? I noticed you leveled up, have you applied your Stat Points yet?" Ren was a bit curious of this whole nature thing, and wondered if Lucian had some kind of plan. Plus, if they really were going to do this Quest and go to Gekkoukan at Midnight then it would be good to know everyone's capabilities so that a battle strategy could be worked out. It really did feel like a game, with all of this talk of Quests, like as if they were going to a Dungeon or something.

Lucian couldn't help but smile when he noticed Ren blush a little, he found it humourous, and a tad cute...but he wouldn't let anyone know that, actually he forced that thought out of his mind right after it appeared. Boys aren't cute, that just wrong. He shook his head a bit, then continued to walk with him.

"Yeah, I put my stats up, I'm trying to get a base stat of ten going on, as when we just got this..." Lucian's mind scrambling to think of a good word to describe the power without it sounding too interesting to those who could be within ear shot. "...Gift...yeah, my highest stat was fairly close to ten, and although I was certainly no genius, I would dare say I was better than your average folk in the mental capacity, so it makes sense to raise it raise everything just above the standard, then specialize." In his mind's eye he imagined what his current goal of becoming, character wise would be, "I'll be focusing primarily on intelligence afterwards, with either vitality or dexterity being next, both being close." He paused for a moment, "Most games don't go in depth on three stat characters,. and going down this Nature or 'Geo' route, seems to have a lot of options. I'll probably end up being a magic bruiser, or I can change to fit the environment and fill what we need." He shrugged, "Nature has a lot of depth to it. Much more than we would give it credit for." He went from simply walking, to staring up at the clouds passing by as they walked, miraculously not walking into anything. "What about you Ren? Clearly you are also taking a more magic based route." He shot his focus back to Ren.

"I'm not sure I follow..." Ban's explanation made little sense to Sasha. Focus all your strength into one moment? How was that any different from a regular sword slash? As far as she was concerned, she was already swinging her blade as hard as she could.

Sasha moved into a basic sword stance, mimicking Ban's every move from memory. It reminded her of dancing, just with more weapons and violence involved. Raising the katana high above her head, she tried her best to do as she was told. Maybe it's like using the energy spells. Focus, and release...

With a sharp exhalation she brought the sword down on a Kobold.