Yuji

His health slowly decrease. The fire burns his flesh. He doesn't realize that, he can't think of anything. It's no use, he can't react to anything nor can't he do anything about his sorry state. Courageous words and gallant act of him volunteering himself to be frontliners replayed endlessly inside his head during that time. Forgetting the important reason as to why he fight, he drop his sword to the ground. Yuji becomes a burden to everyone in that battle against Hydra.

People die in the fight against the Hydra. Four groups of frontliners challenge this beast to reach the tenth floor. The battle can only be described in one words: hell.

Those heads breathes fire as if their body are purely consist of them. Their flesh, tough like an iron renders sword useless. Only few people with their high-tier equipment and top notch skill can hurt Hydra, Lord of Floor 9. Yuji just stared silently as everyone give their hardest, no, their life, to win against it.

One person fall, burned to death. Yuji watch in horror as that person scream for help until no sound can no longer be heard. Scream he wants to, but no sound can be heard. The fact that he stood there, not bothered by the enraging Hydra is the unbelievable truth.

He run away from the dungeon as far as his foot can carry him. He don't care where he'll end up, getting out from Floor 9 is the only thing in his mind. 

And so he ran across the rocky area. The heat doesn't stop him, the monster couldn't stop him. Terrified, scared, that emotions swirl in his heart. He fall a few times, his face all dirty as he kissed the ground so many times. Health now in critical state, there's no doubt he'll die if he linger around the area.

He reach the safe zone, the main settlement of Floor 9. A small village on top of flowing lava that melts thing in just matters of second. Crossing the bridge leading inside the town in a blink, he crawl to teleportation mechanism.

"Floor 1!"

'...You can see through me that easily? We haven't met in these few months and went through our separate ways. Still, you understand me as if you've been watching me for a long time. Well you probably know why I come here, but I'll say it anyway."

"Sorry for going away suddenly. I abandoned the guild, my guildmate, only to run away."

Yuji take the item and insert it into his belt pouch for quick use. Then, he stand silently waiting for her next word.

-1000 col

+1 Cutting Edge II, +1 Recovery Crystal 1, +1 Starry Eyed Illusion

A beat up tent set out outside the new floor. He wander around searching for a place he can buy crystal and was led to this place by rumors. There were many versions, but the one that attracts him the most was 'a shop that sells potions,weird ones, created by a PKer situated at Floor 10'. It's just a hunch, but if it's true then he will definitely meet 'her'.

Entering the tent, he can see a girl busy with her chemistry set. Silently looking at her for a long time, he muster up whatever courage he have left and casually said this; 'It's been a while. How are you doing? I'm here because I need to buy potions before I set out for a quest'. He then look through potions available.

'I'll be buying this.'

Name: Cutting Edge II

Rank: Rare
Effect:Damage Increase (Potion): Each enhancement slot used will add +1 Damage (Ignoring Enhancement Caps) This potion gives +2 Damage for the duration of the next battle the user is in. Takes a post turn to use.

Description: A strange, fizzy fluorescent yellow potion that you coat your weapon with. It crackles and dissolves. Your weapon looks sharper! Nice!

Name: Recovery Crystal I

Rank: Uncommon
Effect: HP Recovery Crystal  Heals 5 HP instantly! This does not require a post action
Description:

This Crystal glows a soft blue and feels cool to the touch, when you use it you feel as though you just stepped out of a shower, aahhh refreshing!

Total: 1000 col.

It hurts.

The flame.

It burns.

I am melting.

The sun creeps out slowly behind the hills over the horizon. Standing at edge of cliff reveals the view of endless clouds and bottomless sky. Some have gamble their fate, jumping down this cliff only to disappear behind those sea of clouds. No one ever heard from them ever since. Could it be that they have made it back to the real world, or fall endlessly to their death? Either way, no one seems to be foolish enough to follow after their footsteps as they fear of what will happen to them.

His trusted sword NIetono-no-Shana reflects the sunlight, shining the ground with pure light. The blade have serve him through many adventures and the only thing that stood by his side. Sadly, Yuji doesn't touch it for a long time since a certain incident. The sword now deep on the ground, waiting for his owner to wield her once more.

Before he can resume his adventure, he need to do so many things. He have taken care of his armor and sword, so that's one less thing to worry about. His main priority would be explaining to his former guild leader, Mari on his sudden disappearance. Leaving her alone to take care of the guild pains him. How can he face Mari after betraying her so?

Rather than sitting here like a stone, the fastest way to apologize would be to send her message.... Right, as if she would read the message. In fact, Mari would stab him from behind the moment she tracks her down. How rude can he be, sending message to apologize instead of facing the person? That's stupid.

He sits there as he thinks of what he should do next. Gathering information would be proper thing to do. He lacks the information on what happen after the boss fight.

"On a second thought, cancel what I order. I think I'll search around the floor for unique armor. If I need a new sword, I'll definitely find you first." 

His old armor could never be reproduce in this new shop. Realizing that, Yuji walk out of the store so that he won't bother the owner with his complicated request. That said, he could never forget the weapons lining up in his store. One of this day he might come back here and ask for a better sword.

Another old item.

Item Name: Bakuyagai

Item Type: Light Armor (Overall)

Item Attributes: +2 Evasion, +2 Dam. Mitigate, -4 Health

Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/4762-f1-twilight-vanguard-open-updated/page-2#entry346941

Item ID: 951

Quality: Perfect

Crafting Dice: 12

Crafting Rank: 1

Description: Light armor colored in brown clothes and black armor plating. The shoulder and base plate of the armor colored in pitch black. Imbues the wearer with great protection from all attacks as well as greatly enhance the user speed.

Update to

Item Name: Bakuyagai

Item Type: Light Armor (Overall)

Item Attributes: +2 Evasion, +1 Savvy

Item ID: 951

Quality: Perfect

Crafting Dice: 12

Crafting Rank: 1

Description: Light armor colored in brown clothes and black armor plating. The shoulder and base plate of the armor colored in pitch black. Imbues the wearer with great protection from all attacks as well as greatly enhance the user speed.

Far had he travel, from floor to floor looking for blacksmith. Not your average blacksmith, a skilled one. Why would anyone buy armor from someone who can't forge properly. His search leads to this shop in front him. Gurando Foji, the name of the shop said by many players.

Entering the establishment, a young man stand behind the counter alone. Not wasting his time, he walk straight to the counter and greet what perhaps may be the owner of this shop. "Hello, my name is Yuji. It's been a while since I fight and I need a new armor for poor me. Here is the detail."

Name: Silver Phantom Breastplate

Profession: Blacksmith

Rank: (7)

ID: (Leave Blank)

Roll: (Leave Blank)

Item Type: Light Armor

Quality: Perfect

Enhancements: Excellent (+2 H.Momentum, +1 Dam. Miti)

Description: Pure silver breastplate with clear, fire motives. Movements are the key element in creating this armor.

"Is this acceptable? If not, can you help me decide what's the best armor for me?"

This item really is old. Hope you can approve this x.x.

Item Name: Nietono-no-Shana

Item Type: One-Handed Straight Sword

Item Attributes: +3 Damage, +1 Accuracy, -4 Health

Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/4762-f1-twilight-vanguard-open-updated/page-1

Item ID: 797

Quality: Perfect

Crafting Dice: 12

Crafting Rank: 1

Description: Sword that crafted by ore smelted from the original form of this sword, it's sharp blade cut through any objects with ease. The original sword is rumored to be crafted by a nameless blacksmith whose skill are top notch,but not known by many people. The name of this sword is inscribed on the blade.

Update to

Item Name: Nietono-no-Shana

Item Type: One-Handed Straight Sword

Item Attributes: +3 Damage

Item ID: 797

Quality: Perfect

Crafting Dice: 12

Crafting Rank: 1

Description: Sword that crafted by ore smelted from the original form of this sword, it's sharp blade cut through any objects with ease. The original sword is rumored to be crafted by a nameless blacksmith whose skill are top notch,but not known by many people. The name of this sword is inscribed on the blade.

Arekkusu explain this boss they will fight on this floor. Namely Metal Player Eliminator, the name itself could turn a player into a coward. Its ability pose some problem as it can morph into another player, messing with their mental state.

"Great..just what I need... As if I didn't have enough mental problem on my hand right now..."

Most of the player aren't that close to me except for Arekkusu, therefore if the monster turn into them I won't have problem to strike it down. Moreover, the five damage it inflicted won't hurt me that much.

Or at least, that's what I thought. 

Thinking back, can I even raise my sword at another player? Acting like a tough guy won't help anyone in this group. I slap my cheeks until it turn red, throwing away that heroic thoughts of mine. They all need to work together in this situation, friend or no friend for their survival.

Just as I want to ask the formation for our battle, Arekkusu shout.

No time for little discussion. Well, they've discuss much already. Drawing my sword from the sheath, I ready myself for the boss.

"Counting on you, Arekkusu. Give us the orders and we'll bash this Eliminator!"

 

Name: Steel Helmet

Type: Light Metal Equipment

Quality: Rare

Source: Shop- Twilight Vanguard

Perma Roll ID: 4557

Enhancement: +2 Damage Mitigation

Description: Offers good protection for your head.Also, this helmet last longer than basic helmet.

My previous craft fire me up. Not wanting this fiery spirit of mine right now to vanish, I quickly use all the remaining crafting attempt I have for today.

"3 ore at once!"

ID 4561  CD: 3

ID 4562  CD: 1

ID 4563  CD: 2

"........"

Crafting failed... Gain 3 EXP, Lose 3 Material, 0/4 Crafting Attempt left for today.

Another day, another crafting procedure to be done. By now, I have used to crafting equipment with great quality. My heart skip a beat,body shiver a little when holding those item I crafted.

Today, I can't wait to feel the same sensation. Without any delay, I take out one material and begin producing item.

ID 4557  CD: 11

"Alright, rare helmet. After some finishing touch I'm going to sell this."

 

 

 

Name: Steel Helmet

Type: Light Metal Equipment

Quality: Rare

Source: Shop- Twilight Vanguard

Perma Roll ID: 4557

Enhancement: +2 Damage Mitigation

Description: Offers good protection for your head.Also, this helmet last longer than basic helmet.

Crafted Rare Helmet! Gain 5 EXP! Lose 1 Material! 3/4 Crafting attempt left for today!

"What do we have here...a stray boss on Floor 8?"

Scrolling through the message Arekkusu send me, I know that today will be a peculiar day for me for a boss fight invitation have been sent to me. All that's left for me to do would be hurry my ass over there.

"Let's see... 'One should never reject an invitation from friends,no?'.. and..send! Alright, now that I have send my reply, time to go there and see what boss we'll be facing."

Going to the place mark on the map by Arekkusu didn't take long. Going through the town portal from Floor 1 to Floor 8 took a few second. From there, I run as fast as I can, avoiding any encounter with the monster along the road. After a few minutes, I can see him with several other players. Some I've met before and some I didn't recognize. Not wanting to be rude, I introduce myself and apologize for being late.

"Hello everyone, Yuji have arrive! Sorry if I'm late...I didn't notice the message, Arekkusu."

(OOC: Sorry if I didn't post for a long time.)

"Sect...Passive sect doesn't suit me. So I'll be going for Military. I want to become the front liner, that way I can help everyone."

I fill my glass with iced tea to keep myself awake. A coffee would always do the trick, but there's none right now. As I drink, I keep track of others sect. Knowing what they want to do in this guild are necessary for the guild to act in the future.

Not surprising when most of the member went for military sect. Mari thoroughly explain the danger of being a front liner, and we accept it knowing the risk we take.

I didn't realize Arekkusu presence. When he greets me, I'm surprised a little. Turning around my friend near the guy that smokes. I scratch my head and smile.

"Hello there Arekkusu. I'm fine here. So who's that girl with you?"

I look at the smoker and the girl. I never seen her before. I didn't have the courage to talk to her, this mouth of mine brings too much misunderstanding. The smoker have some resemblance with Tom..but that's impossible. I shrug, maybe reality didn't slap me in the face hard enough.

After the guild meeting, I don't have anything much to do,other than rest fr the next day. The sun almost sink on the horizon, announcing the arrival of night. Yet here I am, walking on the city of Floor 1 with no purpose. So many things have been said in guild meeting I need some time to absorb all the information.

Arrived at the town center, a player from the same guild as I am sit down on a fountain with a cigarette in his hand. I approach him and sit a little bit far from him. I never like the smoke from cigarette.

"Hello there. Never knew that we have those thing in SAO."

3983 6 5 16 8 Yuji 2014-12-08 03:44:51 3982 1 3 1 9 Yuji 2014-12-08 03:44:40 3981 6 3 13 7 Yuji 2014-12-08 03:44:28

To be continue tomorrow

ID 3980  BD: 4+1  MD: 4-3

We approach each other, determine to defeat our enemy. This final wasp would surely spawn the queen if I defeat it. The wasp won't let me approach their queen easily though.

Its attack pattern change. Previously it would fly straight at its enemy. Now it fly in random pattern, making it difficult for me to determine where it would strike next. I raise my awareness towards the surrounding. I pretty much able to sense where it's position while it fly left and right.

I run forward as it strike from my left side. Evading it, I turn around and make a mad dash towards the wasp.

Yuji: 42/42

Wind Wasp 1: 0/10

Wind Wasp 2: 0/10

Wind Wasp 3: 10/10

"Uhhh..you OK Rue? Not a good drinker are we?"

The glass shatter to fragments, reminding me of all the monster I killed...

And my friend that died in front of my eye.

I shake away the thoughts and fetch Rue some water. She looks out of it. 

"If you can't handle alcohol, don't drink it. Eventhough it's not real, the effect of an alcohol in this game are reproduce perfectly. Besides, you're an underage."

Despite me giving the advice, I myself can be considered as an underage. An 18 years old can't drink alcohol yet. I look at the glass in my hand, half full with red wine.

".....A cheer for the guild."

I drink it in one gulp, and not drinking it again.

ID 3979  BD: 5+1  MD: 2

The wasp that fly away from my previous attack slowly rise to air. I struck it down with downward swing diagonally followed by sword skill <Slant>.  It stops in the air, unable to fly higher as it turn to polygon.

I turn backward and face the last of the wasp group. Without its friend, It should be a quick battle.

Yuji: 42/42

Wind Wasp 1: 0/10

Wind Wasp 2: 0/10

Wind Wasp 3: 10/10

ID 3977  BD: 2  MD: 7-3

My bold move manage to give me the upper hand...for a moment. I forgot to do something about the other wasp that fly right at the top of my head. Leaving too much opening, I let myself fall into danger.

The wasp dive fast at me. I lower myself and run forward,barely avoiding the attack.

Another crisis avoided.

Yuji: 42/42

Wind Wasp 1: 0/10

Wind Wasp 2: 2/10

Wind Wasp 3: 10/10

ID 3976  BD: 7+1  MD: 7-3

Regaining my balance, I determine the position of me and my enemies. Right now I'm facing the two wasp; one wasp fly higher than the other one. Looks like they will be going for the same attack. I smirk, the simplicity of A.I today makes my fights easier. I run forward and swing my sword down before thrusting forward. Their formation crumble down as the one I hit thrown backwards.

Yuji: 42/42

Wind Wasp 1: 0/10

Wind Wasp 2: 2/10

Wind Wasp 3: 10/10

ID 3974  BD: 1  MD: 3

The wasp attempt for another attack. This time one wasp fly high and dive towards me while the one close to me try to attack my leg. I jump back to avoid the one near me and duck when the second wasp dive at me. As I move too much at once, I lose my stability. I try to regain my balance, which cost me my chance to attack.

Yuji: 42/42

Wind Wasp 1: 0/10

Wind Wasp 2: 10/10

Wind Wasp 3: 10/10