Calrex

"Actually, if you could I'd really appreciate it. I would've tried to go about it on my own, but now that the consequences have become...slightly more dire I figured to proceed carefull..."

And that was the last syllable that left Calrex's mouth as he looked over at Tyrius spontaneously bursting into a fit of laughter. Calrex raised one eyebrow in response and confusion at the sudden change in mood. After a few seconds he let his eyebrow fall and gave a smile.

"Well, at least there's still good times to be had, even if this is a death game. That's make the situation a little less bleak."

Calrex looked over as another new person arrived to the group, his eyes quickly observing the person's equipment, in particular that he wielding an axe, something he had not seen as of yet. The man's equipment compared to his own reminded him of an old beat-em-up game where the two main rivals were adorned in red and blue respectively.

"Although in that case I believe the red fighter was skilled in spears while the blue fighter held three swords in each hand. Oh well, not important at the moment."

"Hi there, nothing I believe to be too out of the ordinary."

Celes turned back to Calrex and spoke about her experience, in particular making mention of her current level. Calrex widened his eyes in response, as if he were surprised. "Level 20? You must be doing a lot of level grinding then to be that close. How was it when you first started out?"

"Maybe I can glean some information as to potential areas where I could get a good experience return on investment, or at least a reliable shop or something."

Calrex took note as Celes decided to sit down, but he wasn't concerned about it. For all he knew she had just returned from some kind of quest and was worn out.

"Of course this does pose the dilemma of whether to sit of stand. Hm..." 

He decided to lean against the wall once again, although both his feet were on the ground this time. He made sure to set his lower back against it slowly so to not accidentally slam it and his sword at the wall. "Other than the part about being trapped in this game and the possibility of dying, I'm doing great. It seems like all of you are doing even better."

Lol thanks everyone!

Tyrius, bake me a cake as fast as you can XD!

And yeah Kiru, it's awesome! I was wondering who I should use as an avatar, but Wave's activation of Grand Chariot was way too cool to pass up!

Calrex responded to the new arrival', as well as Sousuke's question at the same time, putting his left hand behind his head grasping his neck in an awkward fashion, "You hit the mark. I haven't even left the city just yet. All that I know of this is what was explained in the manual itself. However, movement itself is not posing a problem at all."

He looked over at the new person that just arrived, "Huh, she definitely has seen a lot of combat, at least going from her equipment. Have people progressed that much since the game started?"

"Going from that I can probably guess if I stick with it for long enough I could probably get to a self-sustainable level fairly quickly."

As Tyrius commented on the situation Calrex nodded his head, "Well, it's definitely better to have some people I know than going at this completely alone."

"His volume went up..."

"That...sounds like a death wish in any more obvious form."

Calrex looked over at the player Tyrius called Celes, "I'm Calrex, nice to meet you."

Calrex's eyes moved from Sousuke to the newcomer walking towards them. His eyes quickly observed that he was also of higher level, but when the player spoke, Calrex noted the volume level. It was barely above a whisper, and any quieter he wouldn't have even been able to make out what the person was saying.

"That was...rather soft. Is this person soft-spoken, or maybe just avoiding being too overbearing?"

Calrex let his train of thought fade as Tyrius extended a handshake in greeting. He nodded in acceptance, giving a slight smile as he extended his opposite hand to shake Tyrius' own. He gave a firm shake to affirm it, not ridiculously tight to assert dominance, not limp that could elude to a stand offishness. Just right

"Tyrius, Calrex, pleased to meet you as well. I'm checking to see what I should start off doing. I logged in for the first time recently, so now I'm figuring out my next step.

A voice broke his train of thought as his mind snapped back to "reality." Calrex spoke as his head turned to face the new person leaning on the wall next to him. His eyes observed the player's equipment as his head continued its rotation. While not the most stunning, its color contrasted the surroundings.

First and foremost of all, the person's outerwear was a long black trench coat with a crimson red sword. In any other game that didn't allow such vast customization from the get-go he would have suspected this person of being a player-killer or of some kind of stealthy Assassin class. What came after that was his black combat boots. From what Calrex knew, Sword Art Online was medieval based, so military gear seemed to be kind of out of place.

"Different strokes for different folks. In another setting I probably would've picked a similar layout..."

"I wouldn't really say I am lost, but definitely contemplating what to do next. Sousuke, nice to meet you. I'm Calrex."

Calrex pushed lightly off the wall with his right foot, letting it settle on the ground as he stood up, turning to face Sousuke. "I could probably use a hand though. I logged in recently, so I'm not really sure where I should start. Do you have any tips or recommendations for where I should check out first?" 

The winding streets of the Starting City seemed to finally open up into a smaller plaza. He could hear the faint sounds of his footsteps on the ground below him as he walked down the alley into the plaza. The sky lit from above, filling the usually gravel-toned city with many colors, including the light green of the grass and the white of the stone. A single figure stepped out into the plaza, clothed in a blue jacket and white shift for his upper body while his legs were covered in a pair of black pants. A single sword rested horizontally along the back of his hip, handle pointing towards his right hand.

Calrex sighed as he leaned against a wall, lifting his right leg so that the bottom of his boot was against the wall. He crossed his arms as he looked down, losing himself in thought. He looked forward as he brought his right arm up, swiping down with his pointer finger. A transparent menu appeared in front him, the size not might larger than his hand. As he flipped through the options, he confirmed a thought that was already in his head.

"So it was not a joke. The Logout button is not there..."

A Few Minutes Ago...

Calrex materialized within the world of SAO. He opened his eyes as he viewed the passing sky from within the Starting City, lit up with bright colors that bounced off the stone buildings.

"Alright, I've only got about half an hour to play before I need to head to bed. Our project is going to go public soon and..."

Almost immediately he was teleported to the central plaza, and with thousands of others around him, discovered they were trapped within the game.

____________________

"The question now is where to go from here. It looked like some were planning to stay in the city and simply live in the game until the 100th floor is cleared...no way I'm going to be in the game and lay on my back..."

"Then what to do next? The game literally just started for me. I could go and train against the monsters in the fields nearby, strengthen myself enough to survive on the other floors. I could join the people trying to reach the 100th floor..."

Calrex closed his eyes for a split second as he exhaled. "I've gotta remember though, if I decide to go out there and fight...there is the possibility that I might die for real. I can't be reckless, and going from what the guide said, I'll need to be wary of players killing other players..."

"The question now is...what is the first step I should take?"

«Calrex»
The Ultramarine Knight
0::::::::::::{}::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::> | | <::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::{}::::::::::::0

Profile
» Username: Calrex
» Real name: Calnus Hevrex
» Age: 27 (Entered SAO at 24)
» Gender: Male
» Height: 5'10"

» About:

Calnus has been a gamer since he was 5 years old and has been up to this point. His life hasn't exactly been complicated or complex, in fact it can even be considered a "normal" upbringing. His parents were divorced while he was fairly young, but even so he spent an equal amount of time with both of them and continued to nurture a relationship with both. Throughout his school years he made friends and even was in a couple of relationships before now. However, his various hobbies evolved his personality and beliefs into what he is now. Some of these hobbies include video games, martial arts, live action roleplaying, and drawing among other things.

The product of this is an individual who seems to have a very rounded out personality, except for one particular point: Calnus is very calm and collected, almost unrealistically calm. Due to his exposure to so many types of violence and brutality through games, he isn't phased by things one would be shocked or horrified by. However, this does not mean that he is unfeeling. It means that he will dampen it's effects on his psyche until a later point where he can address it attentively. You probably wouldn't notice this because he is capable of putting on a happy attitude and any respective behavior to match the situation should it call for him to do so. While this seems to lend well to many situations, it did result in some distance being put between him and the people around him, as if he wouldn't let anyone into his mind or his heart.

He currently lives on his own in an apartment complex and worked for a tech company before obtaining the NervGear. Now that he is trapped within SAO he is now willing to do what he can to help everyone reach the end. Although to what extent he is willing to go is yet to be seen.

"Everyone is concerned with whether or not one is willing to jump down the "rabbit hole." The real question they should be asking is should they do so, how far down are they willing to go."
 

» Fighting Style / Symbolism / Gear:

Fighting Style:
Calrex uses a variety of different techniques from various martial arts and self defense systems from all around the world, or at least the ones he could actually find demonstration and instructional videos of and capable of self-practicing. Because of this his personal fighting style is a mixture of those different arts combined together. Some techniques he's shown extensive prowess come from the arts of iaido and kendo, especially when he was first starting out. This was because even though he is using a straight sword the two arts seemed more noble, refined, and sportsmanlike, almost akin to fencing or other sport martial arts. One notable marker of this is his modified iaido stance, where the main difference is that he draws from the back of his hip in a reverse sword grip.
 
However, this is not the full extent of his knowledge. Iaido and kendo are just barely scratching the surface. Calrex is also knowledgeable of other techniques that draw from the more "brutal" martial arts such as kali, arnis, escrima, kajukenbo, and krav maga. While not an expert in any of these styles, Calrex has at least two or three techniques that he can easily use at a moment's notice. He normally chooses not to use these techniques because back in the real world they could prove fatal. An example of this is one strike where a person attacks with a stab, which Calrex blocks with his free arm while stabbing through the arm, then immediately bouncing to a stab to the neck.
 
While he initially refrained from using these techniques, recent events have begun to have him rethink those restrictions, especially since those techniques are no longer considered fatal within SAO. Because of this he has begun to blend these techniques into his normal fighting style, his attacks become more fluid and brutal, like a raging storm designed to overwhelm and enemy's attacks and defenses until they are eliminated.

Symbolism:
A lot of what Calrex does is self-explanatory, but a few new things has begun to make their way into his movements which have a certain personal meaning behind them. Ever since the 12th floor was unlocked he has begun a small almost ritualistic act before certain fights: Removing both blade and scabbard from the back of his hip and holding it in front of him before promptly extracting the sword while tossing the sheath to the side. If he ever does this, it means that he has dedicated all of his focus on the battle, and will perform to his utmost best and over until its conclusion.

Standard Armament (Grand Blade Iterations, Rebellion of Sapphire, Grand Chariot Iterations)

The standard gear that Calrex equips when on most adventures and missions. What's unique about it is that his gear excels in almost all of his stats, given the amount of Skill Points he has invested into his respective weapon and armor skills. With the high evasiveness and accuracy, it exemplifies the build he had unknowingly grown towards, a "lightning bruiser." The only difference between the Grand Dragoon and Grand Chariot: Legacy, is his appearance. The Grand Dragoon fits over his casual combat clothing, being simply a pair of pauldrons and poleyns. Compare this to the Grand Chariot: Legacy, which much like the original armor it's named after, covers his entire body.

Anti-Archetype Armaments (Aegis Armament, Ichor Armament)

Two sets of gear that Calrex had collaborated with Oikawa to create. Each set of gear is designed to counter a particular archetype that he had experienced within the game, both player and monster alike. In a way, there are the next iterations of his Maelstrom Armament, which was originally designed to counter malevolent players. Aegis Armament was designed to counter speedy or evasive opponents, while the Ichor Armament is made to counter enemies with high defenses. In terms of meaning, Calrex chose the names Aegis and Ichor for what they represented, with Aegis being protection, and Ichor being "blood of gods." These are a representation his resolution, to be the final judge of those who believe they are "gods" within SAO, whether they be NPC or player.

» Traits (Replaced Virtues / Flaws):

As Calrex has progressed through SAO, his emotions and personality traits have developed to the point that he no longer thinks of them as simply virtues or flaws, merely aspects that make him who he is. There will be times when what could be considered a virtue could be detrimental, and others where a flaw may be beneficial. Every part of him has a good and a bad, and being accepting of both these parts is more important than to try and fixing the parts that are "flawed." Because of this, he has seen his aspects in a new light.

Emotionally Matured. (Replaced Controlled / Observant / Opening Up / Resolved / Suppressed / Calculating)
I cannot control everything around me, but that is alright. I will merely do what I can.

With each of his interactions and the recent events of SAO, Calrex has come to understand that trying to react appropriately to every situation will not last for very long. He now understands that there will always be some people that will always be on his side, and others that he may never become close to. However, he would still prefer to solve a situation with words rather than blades, because there are numerous alternatives to ending a person's life (Note: This doesn't mean he is anti-player killing. He simply thinks it should not be a Plan B or C). Because of this he is now more open and responsive, while also remain true to who he is and what he believes in. Of course, this could also mean that he can be too accepting of how other people are, which he always tries to be careful of. 

Protector. (Replaces Solo/Soldier / Knight/Protector)
I have gained much strength from all that's happened. There is no point to it if I cannot help others

Having resolved to change himself and become more of the person he wants to be, Calrex has become less concerned with his own well-being in the game. After being one of the highest-leveled players within Aincrad for some time, he knows that he can face most challenges, and that anything that requires effort may have it's rewards. That being said, he also understands that death could lurk around any corner, and that he may not see the end of the game. However, even with that knowledge, he chooses to continue to push forward.

Grounded.
Things will always be the way they are if we don't try to change things. I can't spectate any longer.

With the most recent events of Aincrad, Calrex feels that the way he has gone about things will no longer be sufficient. He had always been more of a observer, merely going along with what's been decided on and being met with disappointment each time. To add to it that many people are now falling by the wayside as a result of it has pushed him to the point that he feels he has to step in and actively participate. Per his conversation with Baldur, he has steeled his senses and his heart for the adversities that come with grounding himself in his ideals. Such people can be considered stubborn or hard-headed. But without a driving force for change, nothing will be done. To him, this means that more will die pointlessly, which is something he can no longer tolerate.

Self-Improving
My contributions may be great, they may be little. What matters is not the amount, but the act.

With each player slowly closing the gap in levels between, Calrex has come to understand that his strength will always only be a part of a whole, and that no amount of individual acclaim will amount to anything without others to boost them up. There are no stars in the MMORPG that is SAO, merely survivors. There will always be some that seem more likely to succeed than others, but the fact that everyone relies on each other to clear the floors. This means that while he will continue to become stronger, it is no longer out of fear or jealousy, but out of the desire to expand his ability to add to the community's strength.
 

Cold Persona (Controlled / Corrupted) Fudoshin
This is the calm before a maelstrom, hope you're prepared. / I will eliminate you... / Tune out all distractions, stoke the fire inside...

Only recently has Calrex become somewhat aware of this side of himself, and only once so far as it actually manifested. In situations of extreme distress or duress, Calrex's emotions aren't dampened, but instead completely shut out. At this point he relies only on what he knows and instincts, becoming an emotionless machine that for the most part is fueled by cold logic and reasoning. This has a serious drawback however, because once the situation is resolved those repressed emotions return like a slingshot, with the mental feedback capable of incapacitating him for quite some time. Two characteristic markers of this persona are his emotionless eyes and eerily calm breathing pattern, even in intense situations.
Note: As of recently only once has the cold persona actually fully manifested (See Fists of Stone <<Breaking the Unbreakable>> quest). This seemed to serve as some kind of "crack in the floodgate," since following it there have only been small hints at its continued existence within Calrex. However, his weapon the Grand Blade seems to have some link to it, as if drawing the sword would bring it forth once again. After fighting his dark side once again at the Waterfall of the Sage the cold persona's only restriction was removed. Before it was used specifically on mobs, but now there is a chance that Calrex may attack another player, should they be deemed a threat. After the loss of Beleram, and Calrex's following lashing out at Teayre, he confided in her the origins of this side of himself, and resolved to bring it under his control. During <<The Essence of Steel>> quest Calrex forced himself to make use of the Grand Blade, replacing his Grand Gauntlets with the trinket Teayre had made for him, the Ocean's Defense. After a mental struggle between the two sides of him he managed to bring it under his control. As  result of this the new indicators of the controlled cold persona are the calm determination and confidence that takes over Calrex while his person and his "aura" seem to be poised and ready to strike with precision and power, like the calm of the ocean before a fierce storm.

After his training with Baldur, Calrex's previously dubbed "cold persona" had changed, being honed and shifted to follow the idea of Fudoshin. While the cold persona was the idea of tuning everything out, being only driven by the logic of his mind quickly observing, discerning, and responding to a situation, Fudoshin differs, focusing on the idea of turning out the emotions and thoughts that would distract one from what needs to be done, not moved by just sheer logic. Because of this is has become less of a personality shift, and more of a state of mind that the bluenette follows when he needs to direct his attention to whatever is present in front of him.

Negative Absolute
...give nothing...take in everything...

Due to the recent events that occured, it seems another "embodiment" of the internal struggle Calrex has in himself has taken form, a side of himself that he would consider to be even more dangerous that the cold persona. The person at time he feels he "has" to be in order to see both him and Teayre out of the death game. While the cold persona is an absence of emotions, relying solely on his instinctual abilities and experience, this new side seems similar to a "negative side," a part of him that doesn't exude or exclude his emotions, but rather absorbs them. If one were to see Calrex in this state, it would be nothing like the normal self they know the bluenette as. Due to his extreme exhaustion from defending Teayre's shop every night, his tired state also has made it easier for this side to "take over." However, after voicing his concerns to Teayre and speaking with her, he has begun getting a bit more sleep, keeping this side of himself at bay. Oddly enough, while this side bears many similar qualities as the cold persona, the main thing that is different is that it makes Calrex even more receptive and aware of his surroundings. Compared to the cold persona, which draws upon past game experience and training, the negative absolute makes use of only new incoming information and experience, meaning with every fight he learns and develops new tactics and techniques on the fly, immediately discarding the learned information upon its conclusion. Because of this state of refraining from using past information, even his formal training from his real life martial arts experience is neglected, making his attacks even more instinctual and savage than before. If his normal and cold persona embody Calrex's more noble side, the negative absolute seems to symbolize the exact opposite, the chaos to his order, and the darkness cast by a "white knight." It has been quite some time since the negative absolute side of Calrex had manifested, likely due to the fact that he has grown more as a person through his adventures and Bushido training with Baldur. The concepts of Fudoshin, Mushin, and other aspects to the mental conditioning involved have helped to center and focus his mind, making him more grounded than before. So far it is unknown if anything will cause this side to emerge again, only time will tell.

Profession: Fisherman / Unofficial Material Hunter & Gatherer No Profession

0::::::{}:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::>  <:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::{}::::::0

Roleplay

Spoiler

All threads are now tracked within the Shared Inventory document:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EC49Yhu8iYTHULTd8mwDVnmON7U3D0MluuHDF_X7A1s/edit?pref=2&pli=1#gid=1057504538

Quests

 

Spoiler

All threads are now tracked within the Shared Inventory document:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EC49Yhu8iYTHULTd8mwDVnmON7U3D0MluuHDF_X7A1s/edit?pref=2&pli=1#gid=1057504538

 

Considered Incomplete

Hi everyone, I'm Calrex, nice to meet you all!

I've been roleplaying for quite some time now in other forums and couldn't resist jumping into and SAO RP. I'm a little rusty since I have roleplayed in a few years, but hopefully I'll get back into the swing of things and develop some awesome stories with all of you!