Yuji

"A fan of literature? At least you have some entertaining hobby. Just here to strike a conversation and to see some new faces...or old acquaintances. Well, this guy here don't have too much experience as those front liners out there. Most of the time I just solo, but it seems that monsters are getting vicious with each passing times. I don't think this old skill of mine will work." He sips his cold water silently before continuing.

"I travel most of the time, going here and there. Floor 1 is the best though since most of the player are concentrated here, on this tavern. That being said, I've travel alone for a long time and this is the first time I've shown myself to public for as long as I can remember during my journey."

"Huh, I talk as if I'm an old man. I'm just a school student and here I am blabbering like my father used to lecture me."

"Well you sure handle your alcohol well, Nix. 3 is more than enough for some people, but I have never seen someone drink up to four glass. Well, someone did go overboard and drink until he puke once..... Anyway, sometimes backing down is not a sign of a coward...but the meaning could have been different for someone else. Sometimes it is necessary to stand up against someone who is stronger than you to prove that you have courage. Don't go overboard though, you don't want to end everything just like that due to recklessness, right?"

Apparently he talks too much. Realizing that, he wash his throat with a glass of cold water. The coldness refresh his body and mind, allowing him to stay sober. Fiddling with the glass, he stare ahead lazily, letting out a yawn once in a while. 

"Well that was fun Antofer. Good luck on your journey" He raise his mug at Antofer as he see him exit the tavern, along with the other player. As soon as they leave the tavern, the tension in the air disappear altogether. Sighing, he stand up the table and scan around, looking for a company. Noticing that the girl still here along with the golden hair boy, he approaches them.

"Hey there, I noticed that you two still here. My name is Yuji, nice to meet you both. Why don't you two order something rather than drinking those plain waters." He take his sit near them both, trying to pitch a conversation with them both.

"Well, today is kind of rowdy isn't it? Can't believe you accept the duel just now girl."

True to his word, a fight really break out. This time it escalate to challenge of duel. Yuji stop for a while and look at the party involve. Clearly the one who issues the challenge is stronger, the girl won't stand a chance. Just as try to interfere, the people inside the tavern calm them both. Eventually both of them went separate way, or to be more accurate both went to the oter end of tavern. It's impressive how the girl manage to contain her anger, or it could be that she stopped trying after seeing the Safezone warning?

"Bartender! A hot cocoa for that girl, please. Put it on my tab." With hopes that the drink would clear her head, Yuji take his sit across Antofer. Relaxing a bit, he finish his ale and place his order for another one.

"Well Antofer, how's life inside the game?"

The sounds of chattering in the tavern calms him. It's been a long time since he enjoys being in the crowd. Although sometimes a tavern could become a rowdy place. Yuji sigh as he watch a girl and a boy, new faces around here argue. The boozes must have been too strong for them. A voice, barely audible amidst the chaos could be heard coing from a golden haired boy. Smiling he return his thanks, "Anytime, don't hold yourself now."

"Well...a fight could happen...better save my drink..."

Just as he was about to move from the counter, a guy name Antofer and invited him to drink with his party. Shrugging, he return his handshake and follow behind him as he ask him so many thing at once. "Well, the name is Yuji. I'm here to relax and chat while looking for acquaintances and the like."

"So what about you Antofer? You look like someone who's new to everything here."

"How I miss this tavern...." Examining the old tavern with his eyes, he smiles as he remembers the drinks served here could pack quite a punch. Removing all his battle equipment, he wears his casual cloth of red shirt and leather pants. He enters the tavern, thinking of what to order.

The atmosphere inside the tavern seems to be cheerful than ever. Maybe a group of people is hosting a party here? Yuji smile, a party once in a while isn't bad inside this game. He approaches the counter full of players, taking a sit on empty stool. "Bartender, serves everyone here the usual drink, and gives those children some orange juice or something. Seconds later, he receives his ale. He raises his mug high and shouts out loud, "Drinks on me everyone! Enjoy till you knock out!" He then proceeded to drink his ale in one shot and order another mug.

Both side have dealt significant damage against their opponent, with the Dire Wolves still at their full strength. Yuji is now at half his health while the boy barely have any left. The Silver Wolf have its health on the red marker, two more hit and his biggest obstacle will perish.

For now, he can't fight at his best as he worried of the boy. He can't last another hit from this wolves and if he fail to defend him, the regret from his failure would surely force him to do something unthinkable. Yuji takes out a potion from his quick pouch and give it to the boy.

"Drink it and you will feel better with that. Mind the taste though, this is not your average drink."

The boy take the flask from his hand while groaning from the pain. With shaky hands he uncork the potion and drink it in one go. He coughs a little but continues drinking it. The potion quickly takes effect; red marks disappear and health almost full. 

Yuji: 31/60

Young Boy: 9/10

Silver Wolf:  ID 20971  MD: 2-3  CD: 2

Dire Wolf 3:  ID 20972  MD: 9-3  CD: 6

Dire Wolf 4:  ID 20973  MD: 4-3  CD: 9

The pain on its back distract it from giving the final blow. Retreating with a back jump proves difficult with the wound on its back; its movement have become sluggish. Unable to attack this time, the Dire Wolves take its place. Attacking together with a synchronize movement, Yuji only manage to force the fourth to back away while the third bite his left shoulder. He shake the wolf away from his shoulder so that he won't receive continuous damage.

Yuji: 31/60 

Young Boy: 4/10

ID 20970  BD: 9+1+1 (Savvy activate)

The Silver Wolf lands a critical hit on that boy, taking away some of its life force in the process. Yuji watch in terror as the boy pinned down to the floor, the wolf on top of him. With its mouth wide open and the sharp fang that tears through flesh easily, it readies itself for the final blow.

"Get...away...from HIM!"

Activating sprint, acrobatic and athletic skills at once push him beyond his limits. Escaping from the two wolves in a blink of eye, he jumps high and spin midair while sword raised high. His target is just below him, busy with its prey. Giving his all in this attack he descend the air fast with series of spinning move. He swing his sword hard, hoping that its back will break from that godly impact he deliver.

Silver Wolf: 14/20

Dire Wolf 3: 20/20

Dire Wolf 4: 20/20

Silver Wolf:  ID 20963  MD: 9-3  CD: 1

Dire Wolf 3:  ID 20964  MD: 5-3  CD: 12

Dire Wolf 4:  ID 20965  MD: 4-3  CD: 5

Damaged, yet again. How many times have this person humiliated it, the strongest in in its kin. Again and again it attacks without being able to defend itself. How much longer must this continue? At this rate, no one will be able to trust it as a capable leader.

The young boy, their 'snack' that they should be eating right now is just within reach. He shakes in fear and unable to talk, a wonderful flavor that they should be savoring right now. If only this person didn't come and ruin that... Thinking that just irritates itself, bloodthirsty for revenge and food.

The Dire Wolves can sense their leader's anger, whimpering at the thoughts of it running amok. They must help their leader, even if that cost their life. Having pride over that kind of thoughts just motivates them to do so.

With that, the Dire Wolves throw themselves at Yuji and attacks him from every direction and any possible moves they have giving all they have. Distracted, he can't properly defend the boy. The Silver Wolf take that as it chance and successfully attack the boy. A wide scratch mark on his body appear as prove of critical hit. The wolf pin him to ground to deliver the final blow.

Yuji: 35/60

Young Boy: 4/10

Silver Wolf: 23/45

Dire Wolf 3: 20/20

Dire Wolf 4: 20/20

ID 20904  BD: 4+1+1 (Savvy activate) <5/5 Concentration>

Sadly its attempt only resulted in it getting a shoe marks on the face. Thrown away by the kick Yuji gave, his way ahead are wide open. He take that as his cue for another attack. With sprint activated, he run past through the two wolves and without even aiming, swing his sword in wide vertical arc. The leader of the wolf once again receive another hit on the leg, widening the previous red mark. Satisfied, Yuji retreat before the Dire Wolf attack him from behind or attack the defenseless brat.

Silver Wolf: 20/45

Dire Wolf 3: 20/20

Dire Wolf 4: 20/20

Silver Wolf:  ID 20900  MD: 4-3  CD: 4

Dire Wolf 3:  ID 20901  MD: 3-3  CD: 8

Dire Wolf 4:  ID 20902  MD: 8-3  CD: 2

Having its front leg damaged by Yuji impaired its movement, hindering it immobile for a while. Unable to attack, it relay an order with a howl to the Dire Wolves. One wolf should distract him while the other one goes for the boy. Howling in return, the Dire Wolves execute the order with the third wolf as the decoy. 

Yuji, not falling for their plan retaliate. He quickly gets near the boy, therefore nullifying any imminent danger the brat is facing. Both wolves have their movements halted due to his action, unable to carry out their plan. The fourth doesn't want things to end there, therefore trying its luck in landing an attack.

Yuji: 35/60

Young Boy: 10/10

ID 20895  BD: 4+1+1 (Savvy activate) <4/5 Concentration>

The wolves working together to attack him is something he's not expecting in this battle. The fact that they are learning as this battle drag out doesn't work well with him. Being put at a disadvantage, he have only one choice but to put an end to this battle quickly. He take out <Cutting Edge II> from his quick pouch and use it. He wanted to save it for when he's in danger, and this situation is the perfect time to use it. The Silver Wolf was just about to retreat back to its position when Yuji lunge in, stabbing its front leg. 

Silver Wolf: 28/45

Dire Wolf 3: 20/20

Dire Wolf 4: 20/20

Silver Wolf:   ID 20892  MD 9-3  CD 10  (Rend+Leech activate)

Dire Wolf 3:  ID 20893  MD 8-3  CD 6

Dire Wolf 4:  ID 20894  MD 10-3  CD 3  (Rend activate)

The outcome even if undecided at this point, signs of winner to the battle is slowly decided. The wolves realize they are in danger of being exterminated and somehow agree they can't act individually from here. And so they attack Yuji together, the Dire Wolves approaching from his side while the leader charge in from the front. He manage to defend himself from the left side, but receive a full blow from the right and front.

Yuji: 35/60

Young Boy: 10/10

Silver Wolf: 36/45

Braving through the snow guided by this girl called Ariel, they arrive at a shop in the middle of nowhere. 'The Lions Den', how the naming process was done is mysterious, but that can be unraveled in another time. They enter the shop carefully so that the wounded won't receive any shock from their already poor treatment.

Inside, warmth slowly returns as the fire lit up. Settling him down on a chair, Yuji lets out a sigh and rest on a nearby empty chair. Carrying an adult man in snow is a tiring job even for a strong man, and he's not a physically strong for that labor. Shrugging, he just relieve that they're able to bring him to safety, away from danger. Yuji take a look around the shop as he doesn't have the opportunity to do so earlier.

It's a regular shop from a short glance, but on closer look anyone can see the furnishing and placement of furniture are well done. Also, it serves as place for one to rest comfortably which perfectly suits the weather of floor. He sit close to the chimney as he is not use to cold, when he caught sight of something...furry near Hasai. Curious, he went closer to her and see a white furred....cat? He could be mistaken, but whatever it is Yuji think of it as cute. Enough sightseeing, Yuji return to his sit and clear his throat.

"Forgive me if I ignore you all just now, but this man needs medical attention as fast as he can earlier. My name is Yuji, nice to meet you all." Taking the hot cocoa, he take a sip before continuing. "So anyone here knows who he is, apart from his name being Kosan? You don't choose this floor as a your final resting place because of its cruel environment for no reason, do you?"

ID 20813  BD: 5+1 <3/5 Concentration>

This two new wolf posses better intelligence and strength than the previous two. Yuji can't attack blindly this time and take his time to look for some sort of opening or advantage. The two Dire Wolf can't catch up to his speed while the Silver Wolf becomes passive. He want to take down the leader fast, and he shall do that.

He activate sprint and acrobatic at once, going for insane movement boost. He run past the third wolf and use the fourth as a jumping step. Midair, he rise his sword and land it down at the head with strength enough to cleave a stone to two. Brute, yet effective. Successful in landing an attack, he retreat back to the brat while making sure he didn't get caught by Dire Wolves.

Silver Wolf: 33/45

Dire Wolf 3: 20/20

Dire Wolf 4: 20/20

Silver Wolf:  ID 20811  MD: 1-3  CD: 3

His attention are now on Silver Wolf. Feeling his gaze, the wolf can't really move as escaping from him are impossible. It try to attack him instead at close distance, but Yuji block with a flick of his sword, its claw broke in the process. Whimpering, it jumps away while waiting for the pain to go away.

Dire Wolf 3:  ID 20811  MD: 10-3  CD: 12

Seeing its leader having trouble, the third wolf attack him so that its leader can get away safely. Attacking him from behind, the wolf land a clean attack without no trouble. Yuji 'honed sense' must have dulled as he neglect training for the past few weeks. Getting caught in a surprise attack twice is just embarrassing, and painful.

Dire Wolf 4: ID 20812  MD: 6-3  CD: 2

The fourth one takes advantage with their great number. Seeing that only one person defending this boy and right now he's busy dealing with its friend, the wolf takes advantage from it. Showing its fang at the innocent boy, it leap towards the boy, ready for a little bite.

"Did you really think I would let you do that!?"

The wolf feels sharp pain on its back, added with the taste of dirt as it crash down to earth. Somehow he manage to break past the other wolf and reach its position. Yuji kick the wolf back to its friend, grouping them back together.

Yuji: 45/60

Young Boy: 10/10

ID 20809  BD: 6+1+1 (Savvy activated) <2/5 Concentration>

He have the order wrong in this battle. He should have focus on taking down that Silver Wolf or there won't be any end in this battle. Lowering his stance, he inhale as deep as he can, letting it out slowly. With a sharp gaze, he give undivided attention towards his enemy. Everything looks clear, even their movement slows down a little.

The only one thing that exist in his sight now are the boy, the three wolf and himself. Their movements are all within his sight no matter their position is. Believing in his finely hone skill, he set out for his target. Slipping through the Dire Wolves, he make his way towards the Silver Wolf and land slash upon slash aiming for the legs. The thick fur negates some damage, but his sword slice through them with repeated slash.

Silver Wolf: 39/45

Dire Wolf 3: 20/20

Dire Wolf 4: 20/20

Silver Wolf:  ID 20808  MD: 5-3  CD: 10

Now alone, the Silver Wolf stop moving. It watch the sky, silence filling the area. Taking a deep breath, it let loose a loud, long howl. Yuji, knowing what that howl means quickly try to stop the howl but it's too late. Two Dire Wolf from distance approach the battle area within seconds and block his attempt in landing an attack against the Silver Wolf. Now he have to face more enemy.

Yuji: 50/60

Young Boy: 10/10

Silver Wolf: 45/45

Dire Wolf 3: 20/20

Dire Wolf 4: 20/20

ID 20782  BD: 6+1+1 (Savvy activate) <1/5 Concentration>

The Silver Wolf have return to being more aggressive. Seeing its friend getting hurt must have angered the wolf. He act calmly, analyzing his next course of action. He watch the situation he's in right now; 1 Silver Wolf, not hurt at all, a dying Dire Wolf and a young boy in full health.

He rest his grip on the sword's hilt, preparing to attack again. Confirming his target unable to retaliate, with Sprint activated he run fast like wind and position himself next to the Dire Wolf. "Rest in peace", he swing his sword up before pushing it inside the wolf again. Having no more health point, the wolf burst into particles. One more wolf down.

Silver Wolf: 45/45

Dire Wolf 2: DEAD

Silver Wolf: ID 20780  MD: 3-3  CD: 12

The person came crashing down on its kin, throwing it far away from the impact of attack. By now, it probably suffered serious damage and will probably leave this place to the next world. No way it will let that happen, and so it rush recklessly towards Yuji. This time going all out from here, it lashes out scratches upon scratches with sharp claws. Another predictable movement where he evade with great timing.

Dire Wolf: ID 20781  MD: 3-3  CD: 3

Its body ache all over, unable to endure the waves of pain running through every nerve in its body. That attack just now leave deep red mark on its body. Trying to stand up at this point just make it suffers more. The wolf lay there, leaving the rest to its leader.

Yuji: 50/60

Young Boy: 10/10

ID 20778  BD: 3+1+1+1 (Savvy+Concentration activated)

High up in the air thanks to his acrobatics skill, he's away from all harm and able to land a direct hit from here, provided he didn't miss. For that, he activate <Concentration> and his focus becomes more clear. With confidence, he swing his sword down hard and came down with great speed. The Dire Wolf, unable to evade that high speed attack gets blown away by the attack. Yuji land on the ground safely, not a scratch from the crazy move just now.

Silver Wolf: 45/45

Dire Wolf 2: 5/20

Silver Wolf:  ID 20773  MD: 4-3  CD: 6

Its kin have land a splendid attack, catching that person off guard. It howl once, confidence restored with their success. Seeing that person not making his moves, the Silver Wolf press on for another attack. To its surprise, he jump high and land on its head. Shaking its head furiously didn't do anything, the person kick its head and jump even higher.

Dire Wolf 2:  ID 20774  MD: 3-3  CD: 7

The wolf can only watch, dumbfounded. No way can they reach that person high up in air. It watch as he slowly descent down towards them, unable to break their gaze away from him. The wolf have never seen a person able to jump that high before.

Yuji: 50/60

Young Boy: 10/10

ID 20772  BD: 1

He felt stinging pain from his side, reflexively swing his sword there. The Dire wolf jump away after doing its worst. The damage is minor, but he'll have to be careful the next time he try rushing in. He keep his aggressive stance up, not going for another attack this time. They must have at least know how he move right now with their learning capability.

Silver Wolf: 45/45

Dire Wolf 2: 14/20

Silver Wolf: ID 20770  MD: 4-3  CD: 9

This person suddenly change its tactic. Have he not consider the possibilities of that boy getting ambush? Nevertheless, this person must be stop before they get near. Raising the leg high in air and aims for Yuji, it brought it down towards him but again Yuji skilfully evade the attack. Frustration slowly builds up as hurting him seems impossible.

Dire Wolf 2: ID 20771  MD: 10-3 (Leech activated) CD: 9

This person lacks common sense, neglecting someone who needs protection. Well, they can't just attack the boy, they would expose their back to him that way. Seeing that person too focused on fighting the leader, the Dire Wolf attack from his side and managed to do so by surprise attack.

Yuji: 50/60

Young Boy: 10/10