Ariel - The Crowned Lion

One strike landed, but the match wasn't won yet. She squinted her eyes, trying to predict his next move. So far she was the only one in the offensive and it started to show. Her breath became slightly rugged but other than that, she judged herself ok.
Her unusual silver eyes widened as the figure in front of her took a large step, like her initial stomp but louder. " Hidari Men!" he shouted and gave the blonde enough time to sidestep and completely dodge the attack. Now was her chance, he still hasn't recovered. " Tsuki!" she roared as she extended her bamboo sword upwards, towards her opponent's neck as fast as she could muster. ‘ah!’ the man took a sharp breath and to her surprise, he arched himself backwards out of her shinai's way. He then took a step back and recovered, by that time Ariel realized too late that he went for her right hand. " Kote!" he said in a more normal tone and tapped against her glove before she could parry or evade.

"I'll get you this time, oyaji!" proclaimed a young practitioner as she readied her stance to one more assault her sensei. The person being addressed couldn't help but softly chuckle at the youth's tenacity. Knowing full well her opponent's body language, she could sense that he was taking her lightly and smiling under his mask, a thing that only served to further fuel her passion. The wooden flooring softly thumped under her feed, increasing in tempo as she started closing the distance between them. He was smirking at her again as his head followed her moves.

"Men!" she lets out a battle cry, stomping her foot in the same time he parried her first strike aimed at his head almost effortlessly, the initial element of surprise was lost, her only hope now was to land a blow before he could counter her. " Hidari Do! Kote! " two consecutive strikes, meant to distract and disarm... both being parried as well. She heard a soft surprised ‘oh!’ from underneath his mask, this wasn't lost yet, she still had a backup plan. " Hidari Do! Hidari Kote!" she went for his flank, taking advantage of her smaller stature and increased agility.

3.0 Stats
Lvl. 31 +50 PA | 512500/532750 EXP
HP: 820/820 | EN: 100/100 | DMG: 23 (+16) | MIT: 12 | ACC: 3(4) | EVA: 3 | +5 LD | Fallen (2) | Keen (1)

Ariel - 

Dracul -

Current Level: 81
Current SP: 460
Link to SP Tracking: 

1. Quests: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h9bkOMwm_atqIZ2P0CB6X-9vuIeiRAQC4-WvM9BeuYY/edit?usp=sharing
2. Others: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XFZbyhY__t9DlTNP1Lv1z1CE80D-gzE/edit?usp=sharing
3. Journal (includes both links from above) : https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/5831-≪kayla-ariel-dsole≫/

Item Upgrades:

extra conversion:

Notes: the extra 3 SP in the journal are from the Gif Box reward from this thread: https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/6333-pp-f4-saving-valentine 
DMs regarding reward: https://imgur.com/otUPUSW

Reward choice: SP
Loot Reward:

ID# 187490  LD: 12

With that, she had too agree considering how easily she just manipulated her own familiar to assist them with the promise of a bountiful meal. Her familiar would down right refuse Ariel's orders before and after they formed their bound. She had to improvise and after many trials and errors she found that the simplest answer was the right one for her familiar: food. With time she found other means of understanding each other, most hard-earned one being trust. But that was a issue of the past, now reaped the rewards of having such a fine companion.

Seeing the mobs rooted to place, the blonde let out a grin as she rapidly approached in attempt to finish off at least a couple of them. Her set task was completed effortlessly as during her swort art's movements half of the mobs dispersed in the pixelated animation. " Two more to go..." she added as she backed out from the remaining party's retaliation.

POST ACTION: Triple Expand SA

• (2,2,2,1) Ariel | HP:1590/1590 | EN:93/156 | DMG:24 | MIT:0 | ACC:4(5) | AA | LD:11 | BH:79
• (7,8,7,7) Raidou | HP:1170/1170 | EN:58/114 | DMG:21 | MIT:144 | EVA:3 | ACC:4 | TAUNT | BH:58
• Spider  9  | HP: 93/1050 | DMG: 234
• Spider 10 | HP: 195/1050 | DMG: 234
• Spider 11 | HP: 141/1050 | DMG: 234
• Spider 12 | HP: 209/1050 | DMG: 234
  Spoiler

  TOTAL COL: 27,300
  MATERIALS:
  Tier 3: 4
  
  [T3E2] Unidentified Consumable (1) | [187413]
  [T3E2] Unidentified Weapon (1) | [187413]
  [T3E3] Unidentified Armor (1) | [187412]
  [T3E3] Unidentified Trinket (1) | [187412]

   

In a blink of an eye, the party removed a significant chuck of the mobs' HP. A well oiled machine spider slaying machine of teeth and steel out grinding full force. The light tone and interjections were the blonde's attempt to make it less boring despite knowing it would barely faze Raidou. She couldn't help it though: " More fickle though! " she added before plunging her blade through the new mob group. A sight that would no doubt make people outside this game judge her gone mad. This... change... was the price most players seem to pay in exchange for advancement through the floors and so far it helped her stay alive. Her only hope, one pushed deep back in her mind, was that they will manage to function normally when they return back to the 'real world'. Shacking her head lightly, she cast those thought back and focused on her familiar. This was real and she couldn't distract herself with the future. There was still a lot of 'now' she had to go through until she could worry about 'then'. Case in point, she missed one of her marks once more due to her momentary distraction.

POST ACTION: Weeping Moon SA

• (2,2,2,1) Ariel | HP:1590/1590 | EN:93/156 | DMG:24 | MIT:0 | ACC:4(5) | AA | LD:11 | BH:79
• (4,4,4,3) Raidou | HP:1124/1170 | EN:70/114 | DMG:21 | MIT:144 | EVA:3 | ACC:4 | TAUNT | BH:58
• Spider  9 | HP: 261/1050 | DMG: 234
• Spider 10 | HP: 515/1050 | DMG: 234
• Spider 11 | HP: 309/1050 | DMG: 234
• Spider 12 | HP: 537/1050 | DMG: 234

With her nostrils visibly widening with each sniff, the tamed predator drew closer towards the offering. Tail curled up as a sign of curiosity and absence of ill intent, in that moment she acted more like a domestic cat than a queen of the jungle. Ariel shook her head lightly and sneered at her reaction: " you're spoiling her... " She watched as her familiar sniffed the item, she judged it edible and with one large chomp she helped herself with it without removing any extra body parts. The snack proved tasty as she would lick the remaining crumbs out of his palm.

Seeing her familiar's reaction only used to further solidify the blonde's impression of the red wanderer. " Most would take a step back, some of fear.. others would flinch out of instinct. But you kneel in front of 'her majesty' and even presented an offering. She seems to approve of you. " she added with a light tone, air quotations, while not present... heavily suggested from her tone.

Ariel would come close to her familiar and trace her hand over the lioness' back and finish with a rough rub on her head. " Always take every opportunity to wolf down on something eh?" her hand assaulting her forehead at first, eliciting a displeased low growl as a warning. As the blonde's slender fingers reach behind Kimba's ear and began rubbing more affectionally the growl turned into a purr, bliss visible on her companion's expression. " Look at this overgrown housecat! "

However, their little tender moment was cut short by the appearance of a new batch of spiders. The blonde hand's stopped, the lionesses now visibly displeased bared their fangs and ferociously charged towards the new prey.  

POST ACTION: [Charge] Weeping Moon SA

• (1,0,1,1) Ariel | HP:1590/1590 | EN:106/156 | DMG:24 | MIT:0 | ACC:4(5) | AA | LD:11 | BH:79
• (0,0,0,0) Raidou | HP:1170/1170 | EN:85/114 | DMG:21 | MIT:144 | EVA:3 | ACC:4 | TAUNT | BH:58 | VENGEFUL
• Spider  9 | HP: 789/1050 | DMG: 234
• Spider 10 | HP: 1050/1050 | DMG: 234
• Spider 11 | HP: 789/1050 | DMG: 234
• Spider 12 | HP: 789/1050 | DMG: 234

Still driven by the promise of fulfillment of her desire, Kimba attacks mercilessly as soon as the mobs get stunned. Not as exciting as hunting but still targets shorten the time she has to wait, her intentions were clear as day and her fur. Ripping limbs apart from the back, Ariel joined in to finish them off and collect the loot. An occasion that always brought her in a better mood no matter how hard was the prior fight was. A materialization of her hard work... most of the times, almost all the time she was in duo with Raidou. Thanks to his tanking, she can swap gear as she pleases to maximize loot drop and damage efficiency.

She shakes the rather large cor pouch, giggling alongside the coins' jingle. " A hefty bunch again, you're quite the good luck charm! " she added towards the red wanderer, seeing how now was the ideal time for some laidback chatter.

POST ACTION: Triple Expand SA

• (0,0,0,0) Ariel | HP:1515/1590 | EN:119/156 | DMG:24 | MIT:0 | ACC:4(5) | AA | LD:11 | BH:79
• (0,0,0,0) Raidou | HP:1170/1170 | EN:85/114 | DMG:21 | MIT:144 | EVA:3 | ACC:4 | TAUNT | BH:58 | VENGEFUL
• Spider 5 | HP: 117/1050 | DMG: 234
• Spider 6 | HP: 93/1050 | DMG: 234
• Spider 7 | HP: 109/1050 | DMG: 234
• Spider 8 | HP: 135/1050 | DMG: 234
  Spoiler

  TOTAL COL: 57,750
  MATERIALS:
  Tier 3: 14
  
  [T3E2] Unidentified Armor (1) | [187280]
  [T3E2] Unidentified Trinket (1) | [187278]
  [T3E3] Unidentified Trinket (1) | [187281]
  [T3E3] Unidentified Weapon (4) | [187281] | [187279a] | [187279b] | [187279c]

   

A moment of respite, as she watch her battle partner tank the attacks of the new group of farmable mobs. She took the opportunity to caress her familiar's nose bridge, eliciting what looked like a yawn from her white furred companion. "I know, they're pretty weak, right? Help us out and I'll treat you with your favorite steak later!" she added knowingly. A loud, hungry roar came from Kimba, now motivated by the promise of a meaty dinner. "Choroi... (easy)" snickered Ariel as she watched the lioness dash forward, past her and the defending Raidou. 

Like a true predator, she went behind the mobs whiole they were distracted and attacked from the rear. Not wanting to fall behind, the blonde made a frontal attack with her weapon flaming black. The spiders were caught at the middle, the little aggro they had over Ariel taking precedence and diverting their attention to her. However the blonde danced through their claws and began evading as soon as the post sword art movement penalty faded.

POST ACTION: Weeping Moon SA

• (2,2,2,3) Ariel | HP:1515/1590 | EN:129/156 | DMG:24 | MIT:0 | ACC:4(5) | AA | LD:11 | BH:79
• (3,4,3,3) Raidou | HP:1170/1170 | EN:97/114 | DMG:21 | MIT:144 | EVA:3 | ACC:4 | TAUNT | BH:58 | VENGEFUL
• Spider 5 | HP: 285/1050 | DMG: 234
• Spider 6 | HP: 261/1050 | DMG: 234
• Spider 7 | HP: 285/1050 | DMG: 234
• Spider 8 | HP: 303/1050 | DMG: 234

A small grin appeared on her expression as she listened to him. She then flexes her neck left and right as she'd want to relax despite feeling no stiffness, an action born out of pre-work mucle memory more than anything else. Once she decided she was ready she grabbed her spear with both hands and charged the new group of spiders. "break's time's over then..." She charged them once more and focused on dealing the most damage in a 360º swing like many times before. True to the attribute's name enchanted on the weapon, her aim was absolute and she manage to once again deal significant damage to all her targets. An so, the dance began with her on the lead ferociously ushering the mobs towards their demise. With a low whistle, she summoned her absent familiar that attacked the spiders' legs in tandem with her. "I can't let only you show off you familiar, can I?" she asked with a sly smile.

POST ACTION: [Charge + Concentration] Weeping Moon SA

• (1,1,1,2) Ariel | HP:1515/1590 | EN:142/156 | DMG:24(+4) | MIT:0 | ACC:4(5) | AA | LD:11 | BH:79
• (0,0,0,0) Raidou | HP:1170/1170 | EN:114/114 | DMG:21 | MIT:144 | EVA:3 | ACC:4 | TAUNT | BH:58 | VENGEFUL
• Spider 5 | HP: 789/1050 | DMG: 234
• Spider 6 | HP: 789/1050 | DMG: 234
• Spider 7 | HP: 753/1050 | DMG: 234
• Spider 8 | HP: 771/1050 | DMG: 234

With a smirk, the blonde stood by and watch from his side as their ally deliver the final blow. Her eyes slightly widened, a frown taking over her features as the universal death animation... didn't manifest for the new defeated floor boss. She shallowed a knot... it was over right...? A pleasing gaze, seeking confirmation first targeted Orgoth then the other group leaders... Baldur and the chained Raidou.

She didn't under the last order, at least not until she felt a chilling touch at her ankles. She scouted the battlefield, her Night Vision giving her sight of every nook and cranny. It seemed like the rest did a good job keeping the adds under control but there were still a couple around. She'd target one with the lowest hp, charge at it with her weapon at hand ready to strike at it's foe's core. At first it looked like she'd miss but with a last second trajectory adjustment she managed to delete it's existance. 

+5 EN

POST ACTION: [Charge] + Dimension Stampede SA
ID# 186428  BD: 7 (1+6+1-1) | x15*(22 +5) -75 =330 DMG > Shadow Horror #4
Keen proc.
-14 EN 

The blond raised a questioning eyebrow to his initial reaction, letting out a soft sigh of relieve as she heard his reply. "Don't mention it." she added with a light dismissive wave. The quest ended with little effort from both parties and as much of a disappointment as the 'new' bee queen one. Still, it was a extra notch on her new quests list and something that she won't have to revisit soon... hopefully. Coming back to the 4th floor has rewarding in itself as she had to see some of the nostalgic scenery from her beginnings and now in better company she can take her time like before and enjoy a hot cup of cocoa in front of the fireplace.

"This way!" she added, slightly ecstatic and smiling as they made their way back towards the main setlement. She'd then guide Chase towards the Drunken Crane pub where she's cool off in the past, after a successful quest.

" 'bout time!" mentally retorted the blonde with a grin as the raid parties were verbally recognized as a thread besides Orgoth. "But also too late!" she added verbally as she snapped her fingers and pointed at the boss once more. In a flash Ariel's familiar answered and acknowledged the target, the rest of the adds came second as they were in the final stretch of defeating Shadow. If all the players gave their all up until this moment, now it was time to squeeze out even more and deliver 110%. This was the blonde's intention as she lunged herself forward, a white streak by her side. 

She'd coin the thought of taking a vacation after exploring the next. They all deserved one after this fight that was pushing her near her limit, even if her stats said otherwise. With one, hopefully, final combo the blonde let out a long sigh as she looked at her white furred companion and let out an audible sigh.

+5 EN

POST ACTION: Dimension Stampede SA
ID# 185963  BD: 6 (2+6+1-2) | x15*(22) -150 =180 DMG > Shadow
Keen proc.
-14 EN 

With the shackles broken, the blonde instinctively caressed her wrist despite having no physical discomfort. With a snort and a smirk, she checked everyone's HP bars before picking her next course of actions. All green, she was good to go with her gut; dismissing Freyd's words. "That's our prey! Have at'em!" She said pointing at the Shadow, her familiar answering her summon with a mighty roar. The two lionesses dashed forward, splitting on different flanks then finally coalescing on their mark in practised unison.

"Cat got your tongue?" she asked with a sly smile as the two finished their small claw and blade dance. Any moment now, the shadow will have to show its final card or it will disappear. Or at least, that was what the rapidly depleting health bars showed. She too noted that it looked a little more concern under his dark cowl, hense the not so friendly banter.

+5 EN

POST ACTION: Dimension Stampede SA
ID# 185559  BD: 8 (6+6+1-2) | x15*(22) -150 =180 DMG > Shadow
Keen proc.
-14 EN 

A nod and smile were the blonde's silent reply. 'When' indeed was the right word, even as she felt the dark shackles tightening around her athletic figure like a S&M bondage. The more she struggled the more they seemed to tighten up. Her temporary bakushi summoning more adds as if they weren't entertained enough already. Luckily her teammates alongside her familiar chewed through her restraints with sword and teeth ;she could feel them loosening.

"It keeps stalling for time like before." she muttered between grunts. She was baring her fangs at her jailor, waiting for the moment she would be set free and able to carve it's shadowy figure once more. She could sense her familiar having a similar desire at it keep glancing in the same direction as her. Was Kimba influenced by her desire, or was it the other way around?

[0,0,0] Ariel | HP: 1770/1770 | EN: 96/156 | DMG: 22 | ACC: 6 | AA | EVA: 5 | MIT: 75 | LD: 8 | TAUNT | TXV: 24 | FLN: 4 | KEEN: 1 | DoT: -25%, 1 HIT | DoT -27 | Dote: 3 | THRNS: 30 | BH: 118 | EN REGEN: 5 | KEEN | [STUNNED: BLOODLUST SHACKLE]

She'd throw a frown down Baldur's way as the ally NPC affirmed his desire to be more than a simple meat shield on a cooldown timer. At times like this the blonde wished she'd stock on more powerful crystals, so that she'd help restore a small part of of the massive HP chunks that Shadow kept stealing from Orgoth. In this race against time, the hate wipe and her shackled comrades elicited only an unspoken apology from the blonde... that decided the best use of her kit would be to keep chipping Shadow's own HP. So far they were in the lead when comparing the two NPCs health bars but she doubted it will go that smooth until the end.

"We'll see this through together, we still have to repay our debt to you, old warrior." replied the blonde as she readied for another attack, hinting at the scouts' last moments of their first encounter with the floor boss. 

The blonde let's out a loud wolf whistling that resonated across the battlefield. "Kimba!" Answering to her master's summon a white blur emerged and charged towards shadowed figure alongside Ariel. The white furred lioness lunged forwards and took a fierce bite of the darkness that constituted the lower half of Shadow's split face while the blonde unleashed her sword art from behind the boss, her last hit aimed to pierce through the second half. 

+5 EN

POST ACTION: Dimension Stampede SA
ID# 184575  BD: 6 (1+6+1-2) | x15*(22) -150 =180 DMG > Shadow
Keen proc.
-14 EN 

Divide and conquer... 'so be it' she muttered under a smile, accepting the self made challenge. She'd notice the debuff on Shadow, now turning back towards her group she pointed her spear towards the boss. "I say we split our resources, this won't be the last add we see but now we can target Shadow himself. I'll be assisting Orgoth in that!" Without another word, she split off from her team and joined the minotaur. A selfish request but she trusted Calrex to keep them safe in her absence.

Taking the right flank of their new NPC ally, she dashed past him with a smile and delivered 4 jabs at the stumbling specter's sides, finishing her sword art off with an overhead slash. She'd then back off to his flank and nod, stating her support for him. Her plan was to form an extra "5th party" against the boss with Orgoth as their tank, taking one or two high single target DPS from the other parties. Luckily she need not spell it out for the rest, Shield barked out a similar set of orders, Mac too and Raidou seemed to join in her endeavor.

Looking at the boss' health bars, they still had some fight to do until they're reach the final stage, the last mile stretch in this neverending raid.

+5 EN

POST ACTION: Dimension Stampede SA
ID# 183612  BD: 8 (4+6+1-2) | x15*(22) -100 =230 DMG > Shadow
Keen proc.
-13 EN (14-1 rested)

"Yeaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!" cheered the blonde, her weapon held high as Orgoth spoke to them in his normal tone. The fatigue seemed to fade as she saw his massive health bar join the raid groups. "We're returning the favor. Now you have to see this through with us." she replied next to the minotaur. "Show us why they build you a statue in the center of the village!" she added with excitement as she watched him get back on his feet and tower over all players. The blonde would silently curse as Shadow would try to bind the minotaur once again. However this time, he fought back and retaliated.

The blonde tightened her grip and changed her items once more. She recognize that form from before, the bug finally revealed himself. Raidou decided to take it's hate and give them an opening, she raised her spear in form of a silent reply.  Not missing the opportunity she charges towards Shadow and takes the left flank, vanishing behind then final boss and delivering her most powerful sword art.

+5 EN
FREE ACTION: Using [Quick Change] to swap to the items from the BRI: ≪Shi’s Talon# 134787≫ / ≪Shirajishi-ryū Kendogi#156967≫ / ≪Finger Claw Filigree#151884-1≫

Updated Stats:
Ariel | HP: 1770/1770 | EN: 116/156 | DMG: 22 | ACC: 6 | AA | EVA: 5 | MIT: 75 | LD: 8 | TAUNT | TXV: 24 | FLN: 4 | KEEN: 1 | DoT: -25%, 1 HIT | DoT -27 | Dote: 3 | THRNS: 30 | BH: 118 | EN REGEN: 5 | [QUICK CHANGE: 0/3]

POST ACTION: [Concentration + Charge] -> Dimension Stampede
ID# 183229  BD: 8 (7+6-2+1-1) | x15*(22+5+4) -150 =315 DMG > Shadow
Fallen & Keen proc.
-14 EN

An irritated sigh escape the blonde as she saw more adds spawn in front of her. The slither of light that she saw right now was her battle healing slowly topping her hp, assisted by the special enhancements from the red spartan cape she had. She watched her teammates once more clear most of the shadow minions and had the urge to finish off the rest but the system didn't recognize the spear sword art pre-motions as she had momentarily forgotten that she swapped to her sword and shield.

With a self mocking smile, she charged towards then nonetheless and swung her blade six times. All connected, and the blonde was surprised to see that she even managed to finish off one of them. Her spirits a little higher now, she raised her sword up in defiance. The adds' numbers we're dwindling on the other groups' sides as well. With some luck they would soon move to the next stage.

+3 EN
+48 HP
+103 HP

POST ACTION: Using [Charge] + Spike Rage SA.
ID# 181709  BD: 8 (7+5-2-1-1) | x2*(15+5) -25 =15 DMG > Shadowling68
ID# 181710  BD: 3 (3+5-2-1-1) | x2*(15+5) -25 =15 DMG > Shadowling69
ID# 181711  BD: 8 (8+5-2-1-1) | x2*(15+5) -25 =15 DMG > Shadowling72
-8 EN

As before, the minions exploded upon death. The blonde involuntarily held her breath as this very event was the cause of their retreat during the scouting. "After we finish off the adds, I've got no idea what's gonna happen... at this point the scouts we're forced to retreat." she muttered, her head halfway turned towards Freyd and Itzal; the only members of her team that hadn't face Shadow before. Seeing as they all took damage, the blonde wanted decided to reassert her position as tank and instead of popping one of the healing crystals she received, her body partly flashed as she swapped to her tanking gear once more.

She tightened the grip on the sword and removed it from the cold confines of its saya. She then held both items in front of her and charged towards the remaining adds, her cat eyes wondered around the room to try and catch a glimpse of the NPC duo.

+3 EN
+103 HP
FREE ACTION: Using [Quick Change] to swap to the items from the BRI: ≪Mothbrand#156715≫ / ≪Leonidas' Strength#15 1568≫ / ≪Frozenshade#156614≫

Updated Stats:
Ariel | HP: 1480/1770 | EN: 125/156 | DMG: 15 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 2 | MIT: 156 | HB: 48 | LD: 8 | TAUNT | TXV: 24 | FRTHRNS: 21, 6 DOT | VO: 265 | DoT: -25%, 1 HIT | DoT -27 | Dote: 3 | THRNS: 30 | BH: 103 | | EN REGEN: 3 [Quick Change: 0/3]

POST ACTION: Using [Charge] + Spike Rage SA.
ID# 181281  BD: 8 (7+5-2-1-1) | x2*(15+5) -25 =15 DMG > Shadowling5
ID# 181282  BD: 1 (Miss!)        | 0 DMG > Shadowling6
ID# 181283  BD: 5 (4+5-2-1-1) | 0 DMG > Shadowling31
ID# 181284  BD: 7 (6+5-2-1-1) | x2*(15+5) -25 =15 DMG > Shadowling38
-10 EN

Hannah  – 4/4 [Setsuna, Andromeda, Plini, Ariel]
Sir John – 4/4 [Freyd, Nian, Baldur, Mari]
Andrey   – 1/4 [Koga]

There was little doubt who the blonde would join. She suspected that it was a scripted event but either way, the two extra NPCs seemed to be leeching off the girl's honest effort to gather people to investigate the forest. Silently, the blonde rested her hand on the now equipèd katana and stood behind the archeress, slightly noding to her when she looked at the blonde, comfirmind her stance in the current matter. With a quick glance around she saw the others choosing sides and takes note of the three next to her and Hannah. Couldn't say she meet them before but she'd seen a lot of faces over the years. With a shrug she cast the thought aside and pointed the thumb towards the unknightly 'sir': "Seeing how we split up, is each group going to do their own thing or do we have to work in tandem with the other two? I'd rather not see that schmuck's face more than I need to." she asked their team leader, casually as she would address another citizen of Aincrad, be it NPC or Player. 

She was part of the lul that followed the last hit on Orgoth. She saw his HP bar depleted, heard him hit the ground and Shadow directing his yapping at the fallen warrior. She didn't see however the minotaur's body fragmenting in the way too familiar animation. She heard the puppeteer's voice crack and was about to belittle him, hoping that somehow the hero they found against so far will join their ranks now. She couldn't follow through as the blonde caught something in the darkened corner of her eyes.

A familiar face, one she almost forgotten about. A fatherly figure, way younger than he was the last time the blonde saw him... before being trapped in this deadly game. In a casual yukata he smiled as her, triggering the fond memory of their fist sparring session when she was barely able to hold a bamboo stick. Her reverie doesn't last long as Ariel's attention is brought back to reality by her teammates. 

Like before, he summoned his minions in great numbers. She remembered what happened during their scouting. "Clear them out fast, these adds we're what forced us to tp out last time!" she shouted to none in particular. She was now glad that she had her Night Vision mod, even if it was still difficult to see in detail she could clearly distinguish their number. While her team cleared most of them, she noticed two escaping. "Not on my watch!" she muttered as she charged at them and cleave through both the shadowlings. One instantly exploded as its dark figure was consumed by the even darker flames released by her weapon. The other got marked with a DoT after escaping with a slither of its hp. "Look to help the other groups, that one's already dead!" she chimed with a sly smile as she waited for the venom to finish it off.

POST ACTION: Using [Charge] + [Concentrate] on the following AoE attack.
ID# 180538    BD:10 (Crit!! TXV proc.) | x9 (22 +2 +5) -25 =236 DMG > Shadowling21
ID# 180539    BD:8 (6+6 -1+1 -2-1, FLN proc.) | x9 (22 +4 +5) -25 =254 DMG > Shadowling22

+3 EN
+103 HP
-10 EN (13 -3 SA)
+1 ACC (KEEN proc.)

Dusting off her hands after pick up the loot, the blonde turns around to face her quest partner. She ignored it during the fight, passing it as getting serious but now after they finished, her partner still seemed a little under the weather. Almost a complete opposite from when they just meet not that long ago. For now however, she decided to reply to him: "I have a pending list!" then the blonde brought up a window that she then turned visible for all. Her eyes slightly widened in surprised: "I remember it being smaller.." she added as she crossed off the quests that she had to do alone. 

"I couldn't mind a hot cocoa break though! Before we do anything else." A simple invitation to take it easy and spend some quality time on this floor. It's been too long since she enjoyed the simple things this floor had to add. it tastes even better with some company.