Hirru

As if the hunter had seen everything, there was always something to trump it.  One of which was hearing that Hikoru had finally purchased his home, after hearing him want one from a distance for so long, the hunter figured that he wouldn't be getting it any time in the near future.  Though here they were on the twenty first floor looking at the skull door that blocked the entrance.  The look of it made the hunter give a look of disappointment, though he didn't really understand why.  It seemed like a great deterrent for anyone that wanted to venture near, but something in him just wanted to shake his head in embarrassment.  It didn't help that Hikoru was also making the jokes about the stone locking one in.  Half-heartingly believing the joke, the hunter hurried a little through the entrance into the fine domicile of the Master of Shadows.

"Well, I'll be."

Was all he could say before looking towards Hik.

"I'll take a coffee.  It has been a while since I enjoyed something that isn't water or non-alcohol."

The hunter nodded as they had far too many encounters on this floor for quite some time.  Though when the shadowed man turned his gaze after hearing that the hunter was here for the creature itself, well more for the reward, he shook his head and raised his hands in a gesture to not worry about it.  As with everything in this world, those that get to it first, claim the rewards of their efforts.  Some saw this as the Last Hit Bonus that everyone is so keen on during raids or events, but the hunter had no need for such frivolities.  There were hunts to be done, and creatures to be slain.  That was his life outside of the Knight of the Blood Oath.

"It's alright.  I'm used to it."

With that said, it seemed that Hikoru would have a job for him.  It seemed that he wanted the hunter to seek out a specific quest that may or may not even exist.  The hunter figured that the shifty one had his hand in the information gathering trade, as he used to before Opal's demise.  Now, there wasn't much use for the info except for stats on players for tactical planning, and lore information that may give some hints to getting everyone back to their own world.  Or hints towards his own goal.

The hunter shrugged.

"I got nothing better to do now. Might as well give your quest a look.  However.." 

He looked around at the cold tundra.

"Let's do it in a warmer climate, eh?"

In a moment, the hunter's day went from sixty to zero, and then to one hundred in a single moment.  As if a door had opened in the sky, a familiar dark streak landed on the Snow Beast and ripped it to shreds.  After the beast shattered and its remaining light returning to Lunara, the hunter was face to face with the Master of Shadows, Hikoru.  All of his work to get here was for nothing to his client, he would have to let them know that he would accept no payment for this failure.  He sighed heavily.

"Deja'vu, Hikoru.  We need to stop meeting like this."

He said while reliving the last time that they met alone which was against the same boss for the exact same item.  Opening up his messages, he would send the info to his client that he would be out of luck for the time being.

"Oh, you know.  Taking a stroll to see if Survival will ever level up to something better."

He veined a joke, but that really didn't seem to suit the jade hunter.

"Nah, my business was already taken care of by a shadow, though."

How many times does one have to hunt this creature?  One would think that this beast got hunted to extinction to this point, but every time a new one would replace it, just as strong as the last.  There wasn't much to the beast, except for some extra ordinary skill, but that is bypassed by the minor fact that everyone that hunted it now were able to kill it without the beast attacking them.  There was also the fact that one had to venture out into the middle of the snowy mountains of the fourth floor to find this creature.  So, why was this beast so sought after?  A special item that could only be obtained from the beasts innards, the <<Essence of Steel>>.

The hunter sighed as he slogged through the snow towards the well known spawn point of the beast.  He had been tasked with getting the Essence for some lower leveled craftsmen that would like to upgrade their equipment.

"I swear to Lunara it better not be in limbo!  I do not want to wait a full week for another to replace it!"

Getting to the point, the hunter saw the creature and sighed in relief.  Readying his blade, it was around then that all of his search alarms kicked in.  Someone was hidden?

"Huh?"

Stats

@Hikoru

"I'll give 10 of my own T3 mats.  I also have 1 T2 mat that I don't need, so if someone has a use for it, then be my guest."

The hunter tried to remember all that he had.  Most of the stuff that he appraised in shop was mostly weapons and armor, but the few consumables were already used up.  It had been some time since he appraised anything though, and it was getting harder to remember what he did before.  Sorting through his inventory, he would look through the items that he allocated to the shop.

"Oh yeah, I also have an Antidote, uncommon variety, but I don't think anyone will want that.  I was able to buy five tier three rations and immolation potions each before the world decided that I wasn't worthy of such profits.  So I can give out one each for four people, if anyone wants them.  For the tier 2 variety, you'll have to go to Shields or my own shops, but I'm willing to give out of my pocket for anyone in the raid team."  [Field Rations +2 x4 | Immolation Potions +2 x4]

"In return, if I could get some Accuracy, Mitigation, and Damage, then I would need nothing else."

With that, the teams seemed to be gathering around each other.  Zandra greeted the hunter and Shield calling the three of them the "pros".  Although the hunter couldn't keep a grin off of his face, he still thought that Beat had proven himself in the last few raids, so the hunter thought he need his own recognition.  Especially after the way Shield and Beat were cooperating outside of their own teams.  That being said, he didn't think that the purple haired smithy would be finally joining the front lines.  It seemed that Zandra took a quick liking to Teion as a two handed battleaxe user.  The hunter's grin grew into a solemn smile.

//"Hey, Mack.  Our lost blade came back stronger than ever."//

He whispered to the woods, turning so none could see the movement of his lips.  They were going into the new floors with a family of players that no longer fought against themselves too much, and kept everything at peace.  If only his friends could be here to see this.

If.......

Only.....

"Guh..."

One could not feel pain, but the sudden shift and the large amount of health that was taken out of the hunter made him reel back.  It had been some time since anything like that had been done to him, and it was a reminder that this world was just as dangerous as ever.  If neither of them could get him in time, then the hunter would be done for.  Even if Mac had his attention now, the focus seemed to still be around the hunter's side.  With that, he decided to push forward instead of running around to become a singular target.

The Night King was on its last legs though.  With its health in the red, either of them could really make this boss feel the final embrace of death, or re-death.  How did undead beings work again?  The hunter couldn't remember from his own investigations.  However, he really couldn't think.  Something in him seemed to.. come out.

"<<Meteor Break>>"

The attack seemed to be over before the hunter knew he had done it.  It felt like the time with Teayre where he automatically attacked without second thought.

With that, the Night King was made a sorrowful cry to the heavens before the light of the moon guided him to a better world.  Shattering into thousands of pieces, the quest was complete, and the Knights of the Blood Oath could finally rest.

"Let's go home, Mac.  After we find Anemone... oh hi Magda!"

The hunter called out after a single figure appearing from around a corner.

@Macradon

- Health List -
[4]< Macradon >    1335/1335 HP || 111 MIT ||  12 DMG ||  79/136 NRG (-13 NRG, +1 NRG)
[4]< Hirru >        651/995  HP ||  66 MIT ||  12 DMG ||  48/98  NRG (-11 NRG, +1 NRG)(-319 Damage
[0]< Anemone >      780/780  HP ||   0 MIT ||   1 DMG ||  69/78  NRG 

< Night's King >    0/450  HP ||  50 MIT || 300 DMG                (-82 hp)

Summary

Hirru
SP 1 / 200 Col
Macradon
SP 4 / 200 Col
Anemone
SP 4
Magda
SP 4

"That may never be the case with a predator that uses stealth."

The hunter made a mention towards the behavior of some of the later floors creatures.  The tenth floors mobs were much like that with their usage of the dark to take advantage of the players around them.  Some even fain death to get another attack in.  It was a wonder that the front lines of back then got through that floor, but there were reports of all of them having night vision mod, or was it a skill back then.  The hunter would have to investigate more on that.

With Hebishinu crawling back into its home, the hunter only had a moment to get to it and attack.  If not, then they would have to fish it out of the water with another bait from Mac, and the jade one didn't want that.  Instead, he wanted the creature dead on Mac's next attack.  Ripping through the mud and crud, the hunter ran his sword through the snakes scaly hide.

"Finish this thing off Mac, so we can all go home!"

@Macradon

- Health List -
[8]< Macradon >    1335/1335 HP || 165 MIT ||  19 DMG || 114/132 NRG   (-16, +60 HP)(-13 NRG, +7 NRG)<Toxic Venom 2/3>
[3]< Hirru >        995/995  HP ||   0 MIT ||  13 DMG ||  75/98  NRG   (+1 NRG, -11 NRG)
[0]< Anemone >      780/780  HP ||   0 MIT ||   1 DMG ||  78/78  NRG

< Hebishinu >       121/600  HP || 100 MIT || 140 DMG || Safeguard 0/2 (-65 HP)

It had been some time after Macradon had received all of his gear.  Most, if not all of it, went into the guild storage for safe keeping.  The rune scribe wondered if they would ever get any more members to even give some of these items out.  There was much to be done in the next few day, but to really get a grasp of what was needed to be done, they needed a full arsenal of equipment.  Macradon can make his own things, but the hunter could analyze specific items for the group.  Unfortunately, everyone wanted to have their equipment investigated by Shield more than him.  That was fine, the rune scribe thought.  The shop was too remote anyway.

"I truly hope so!"

The hunter called back as the fight continued.  Luckily, Macradon was able to deal a strike against the Night King which seemed to make it flinch.  It wasn't a stun or paralysis, but it was enough to make the Night King miss the both of them.  What was more, the undead king seemed to be really gunning for both of them now, that low sweep could be felt by both of them.  That meant that the both of them were susceptible to damage.  If he remembered right, even with Shield's damage mitigation the Night King was ripping through his health for a time before his bloody regen brought it back.  Man was that guy powerful.

"Let's try this!" 

The hunter ran around the other side of Mac to flank the undead king.  Sword wrapped in emerald, the hunter connected with a fair amount of damage, but not enough to really be decisive.

@Macradon

- Health List -
[2]< Macradon >    1335/1335 HP || 111 MIT ||  12 DMG ||  91/136 NRG (-13 NRG, +1 NRG)
[3]< Hirru >        970/995  HP ||  66 MIT ||  12 DMG ||  58/98  NRG (-11 NRG, +1 NRG)
[0]< Anemone >      780/780  HP ||   0 MIT ||   1 DMG ||  69/78  NRG 

< Night's King >    169/450  HP ||  50 MIT || 300 DMG                (-82 hp)

"I'll take it!"

The hunter called out when Macradon took the opportunity to deal a decisive blow against the snake, but it meant taking another bite from the snake.  Luckily, there were no side effects from this last attack.  Instead, the hunter only had to hit the bloody thing.  There shouldn't be any problem as all of his techniques combined would allow him sight, if the creature slipped back into the murky depths.  The problem would be more of the accuracy that he had a lack of.  For the most part, he had enough to effectively hit the target most of the time, but sometimes that isn't enough.  Sometimes, there were speedy mobs that he couldn't hit, but that could be over looked.

Unfortunately, this was going to be one of those days.

Rearing up, the hunter slipped in the mud once more to fail again.

"I.. hate.. this floor.."

@Macradon

- Health List -
[6]< Macradon >    1335/1335 HP || 165 MIT ||  19 DMG || 132/132 NRG   (-1 HP, +60 HP)(-13 NRG, +1 NRG)
[2]< Hirru >        995/995  HP ||   0 MIT ||  13 DMG ||  85/98  NRG   (+1 NRG, -2 NRG)
[0]< Anemone >      780/780  HP ||   0 MIT ||   1 DMG ||  78/78  NRG

< Hebishinu >       323/600  HP || 100 MIT || 140 DMG || Safeguard 0/2 (-223 HP) <Paralyzed>

Seeing Mac come in, the hunter smiled to seeing a more familiar face than the rest.  Even more so when a specific golden armored player appeared.  It was only too quick to pick up the voice that came out of it.

"@Zandra  Well, I'm glad that I don't have to recall all of that information to you, but I still would like a word with you later, if you don't mind."

he hunter was pleased Listening to the meeting as it was, the conditions seemed foreboding.  The sound of hooves and dark clouds overlooking a large grove.  None of this seemed familiar to the hunter, but it wasn't until someone mentioned Asterios that he had to really think.  That fight wasn't very good to begin with, and the hunter only saw the later half before leaving himself.  From what he could remember, the beast was large and heavy.  The sound of hooves could be from the Bull King, but... something wasn't right.  Asterios did have anything to do with lightning.. just heavy stuns and paralysis, from the reports after it left.

It was then that someone mentioned horses.  Something rushing to a gate before it closed in a large grove.  Lightning clouds handing low over the area.  Macradon seemed to think that the hunter had any ideas.  The only thing he could really think of was to ask a question.

"Tell me.  Are there any legends from the 'other side' that deal with horses and/or greater beings that have influence over lightning?"

It's rather taboo to ask anything of the other side, but this seemed less personal to everyone.  The hunter thought it wouldn't be a problem to ask, especially since he couldn't recall any from his memory.

Mostly because he had none.

When talking about trade and goods, the hunter pointed back to the covered wagon.  Fairly unassuming, but one could see a purple cloaked individual in the coaches seat.  A quick glimpse would show that they were an NPC.

"My wagon is my merchant's shop.  I can take it wherever it is needed, but it will not venture into dungeons or labyrinths.  Luckily, there wasn't a labyrinth this time.  You can grab what you need after the meeting, but Shield store has more of a selection than I do.  Also, I'll throw in my own mats to help the cause.  Though, I'm sure a quick jaunt through the 21st floor would give us just as much."

Saying the last to @Shield, it seemed that he as everyone's favorite tank nowadays.  Getting back on the subject of the fight, Morg seemed to bring about the team composition.  As he gave his reasoning, the hunter began to question a few things.  The four newer ones seemed a little.. fresh.

"Anyway, as I see it, these teams will suffice.  I'm not sure how I feel about the new blood, but.."

The hunter looked at each other them with a gaze that seemed to pierce their very data.

"If you guys vouch for them, then I'll agree to these teams." 

As it was, Jomei seemed to vouch for the blonde one and Teion, the only one that the hunter slightly knew.  Morg could vouch for the darker haired one, which only left the cloaked one.  Did they know anyone here?  Being a rather shady one, the hunter figured that Hikoru would at least have something to say about them.  Rather odd indeed, but he felt that they were somewhat familiar.

Looking back at @Macradon, he would then whisper. //"Any news on our Commander @Heathcliff?"//

Slashing straight through the creature, the battle was finally one.  The wyrm shattered into several thousand particles of crystal light that ascended to the heavens.  Even in this cave system, these particles seemed to find their way to their maker, it seemed.  I keep wondering where it all goes, but when questioned, everyone either looked at me funny, or laughed.  I've only had a few actually give me information, but they were the ones that gave it in details that I could not understand.  System and stats I could somewhat understand as parts of our world that were tangible, as easily as pulling out our menu relic.  There were other things though, like servers and graphics that I couldn't really figure out.  Why was our sight affected by these 'rendering distances'?  Some things he couldn't put together, but no one seemed to mind.  My skills with a sword were more than enough to overlook my "weird" outlook.

Looking into the area that the wyrm was, I was surprised to find a few items laying around, but more importantly; another wyrm.

With how the creature seemed to slither back into a specific spot was starting to make more sense as things went on.  This had to be a protective position to keep me away from something precious to the Minor Wyrm.  Most probably a small nest with unhatched eggs.  They would be quite prized in town, if I thought of selling them.  The thought of taking its eggs away seemed to have shown in my eyes somehow as the Wyrm seemed to puff out more so than before.   A gesture to keep away as it was tougher than me.  I wouldn't deny that, if I had Solace or Oath, but Loyalty was going to set me up to new bounds.

That was, if I could hit anything with it.  With that sudden thought, I felt that the sword tugged itself towards the creature for a split second.  It was rather weird to feel, but I only thought of it as my sword hand twitching to get this fight over with.  Following through with it, though, may become fruitful.

[ID: 96342]
[BD: 8+2=8] Hit
[Sword Art: Meteor Break] 17x11= 187 dmg

- Health List -
< Hirru >         932 / 1065  HP ||  108 MIT ||  17 DMG ||  68/102 EN (+1 EN, -11 EN)

< Minor Wyrm >     0 / 510   HP ||  153 DMG || Loot Roll ID: 96343 || LD: 13+5= 18 || CD: 5 == 3060 Col, 2 T3 Mats, and 1 T3 Uncommon Consumable

"I do hope that 'taking forever' part wasn't pointed in my direction."

Said a fairly familiar monotone voice in the direction of a red robed individual as they disembarked off of a canvas covered wagon.  Hitting the ground, the man's hood fell down from the rush of air to reveal the signature green hair of the Jade Hunter, Hirru.  Stepping closer, the physique of his body would seem smaller than usual.  It would seem that he came without his armor today.  Either as a gesture of friendliness, or complete disregard of his surrounding.  Either way, he kept himself covered the crimson red cloak that used to signify the leaders of an old and deceased guild.  Keeping the cloak on was a peculiar jade badge that could only be recognized by a certain member of the family.

"Though, I won't deny, it was a horrid way to conduct a meeting."

He shrugged it off with a slight grin.  The last meeting was truly bad, but the Knights of Blood had their reasons for such an arrangement.  Unfortunately, that may have made their name that much worse. 

There were many familiar faces from around the stone slate.  A couple new faces, but the hunter did not take further notice.  Not really being rude, but he was here for the information and the coordination between the guilds and solos.  Speaking of, the Commander and Captain should be here too.

"I was early as I was nearby for business, so Captain @Macradon should be joining us shortly.  If Zandra, and Ariel do not join, I will be sure to relay any information.  I'm due to a meeting with those two in some time."

In consideration to the exact reason that such a powerful creature could be so protective of an area would mean only a few things.  One of which would be obvious territorial behavior, but they would actively be chasing me away, not pushing for a set distance.  Unless that distance was their territory?  Maybe.  The creatures of Aincrad were quite weird to begin with, and they only got worse as time goes on.  Especially when I have seen the behavioral patterns of many beasts and critters alike.  Most would usually do this if there was something to protect.  Was there a full nest near by, and this was the mother?  I could only hope not.  Born mobs are usually the most dangerous.

That being said, I couldn't go back without something in return.  Forcing myself to attack again, the wyrm had the better of me.  Wiggling aside from my attack, it caught me in my side, causing a fair bit of damage.

[ID: 96328]
[BD: 2+2=4] Miss
[Sword Art: Meteor Break] Missed
[MD: 9-1=9] Crit +1 (154-108= 46)

- Health List -
< Hirru >         932 / 1065  HP ||  108 MIT ||  17 DMG ||  78/102 EN (+1 EN, -2 EN, -46 HP)

< Minor Wyrm >     70 / 510   HP ||  153 DMG ||

"Damn!"

The hunter would call out as Mac was bitten again and given the paralysis debuff again.  The hunter could throw some damage at it, but the last time that he fought the danger noodle, he was nearly winded by the end of it.  Without a little help from Anemone, they would probably be here for a while.  The hunter was about to call out to the girl, but something didn't feel right.  With every single search skill and mod on, he could barely feel the Winter Priestess' presence.  Did she have the hiding skill?  Certainly not, or else she would still be in his peripherals.

"What is going on here?"

The hunter called out to Mac, expecting an answer, but forgetting that he had been paralyzed for a few moments now.  Instead, he only had to focus on the glowing mass that was Hebishinu.  Weapon awash in emerald green, he would add another counter against the snake.  Unfortunately, the hunter couldn't get a good lock on its fast movements and the sword art failed to activate.

@Macradon

- Health List -
[3]< Macradon >    1335/1335 HP || 165 MIT ||  19 DMG || 132/132 NRG
[2]< Hirru >        995/995  HP ||   0 MIT ||  13 DMG ||  86/98  NRG (+1 NRG, -2 NRG)
[0]< Anemone >      780/780  HP ||   0 MIT ||   1 DMG ||  78/78  NRG

< Hebishinu >       546/600  HP || 100 MIT || 140 DMG || Safeguard 0/2 (-54 dmg)

Upon entering the Night King's domain, the hunter could already feel the debuff wash over him before the icon could appear beside his name.  His attacking capabilities were now reduced, but only by a small margin.  There wouldn't be any other problems going into this fight.  With that in mind, the fight commenced with Macradon taking the lead against the Night King, but it seemed that they were at a stand still.  Neither of them doing much damage to either, if anything at all.  

"Alright Anemone!  Keep us going...  Anemone?"

The hunter called out while looking around, bewildered by the sudden disappearance of their Winter Priestess.  That only meant that they had to push this boss hard, as they would not be able to last against its attacks.  At least, not the hunter.

"Mac, we're on our own from here!"

The hunter called out before brimming his sword in emerald green.  He dashed forward without the assistance of any Charge type skill, as he never had it.  Pushing past Mac, the hunter landed a considerable blow against the undead king, but that only pointed its gaze towards the hunter.

@Macradon

- Health List -
[0]< Macradon >    1335/1335 HP || 111 MIT ||  12 DMG || 103/136 NRG 
[2]< Hirru >        970/995  HP ||  66 MIT ||  12 DMG ||  69/98  NRG
[0]< Anemone >      780/780  HP ||   0 MIT ||   1 DMG ||  69/78  NRG 

< Night's King >    357/450  HP ||  50 MIT || 300 DMG (-93 hp)

The hunter looked to his side to see a small child joining him and the sleeping mobs. 

"I do not mind.  Though, the mobs may have difference.  Try not to do anything to upset them." 

Having heard of the trapped children that were taken care of on the first floor, the hunter figured that this was one of them.  Though, the passing of time could still be seen on this little one.  Her equipment may not be the most effective, but it shown the trials that they have endured.  To think, a little one like this was out here, and surviving.  Of course, that was until the hunter noticed the guild icon next to her health bar.  That would explain a few things, but bring up many more.  This was the first time that he had seen such an emblem before.  A new guild has sprung up?  He would have to greet them properly soon enough. 

Keeping an eye on the rakkun's and boars, the hunter moved up a little to seat himself properly.  They seemed to keen into the fact that a lower ranked player was nearby, as the hunter could see one with its red eyes slightly flashing.  However, the presence of an alpha seemed to deter any reaction.  Though that seemed to grow quite worse when another player joined in.  He seemed to worry about the hunter.  It only made him chuckle under his breath.

"Far from it.  Relaxing after a job well done."

One of the Rakkuns moved slightly to Fae's side.  The hunter wasn't really keeping track of them, as they liked to do their own thing.  Rakkuns (Raccoon) love a good cuddle buddy.

"And I am the Jade Hunter, Hirru.  You can just call me Hirru, though."

@Fetu Lagi @Fae

Hello, local hunter here!

1.). In the original Sword Art Online, it was told that there was no magic nor ranged weaponry.  Mobs could use ranged weaponry, but that was the extent.

You can argue that <<Throw Weapon>> and <Throwing Pick> should be here for ranged that were canon, unfortunately we have had issues in the past with implementing these skills.

2.) That would just be another RP that would be dismissed from any gains.

Simply PM/DM someone if you want to do a "meeting in secret".  It's just as effective, and doesn't require any messing around with the site.

There was only a pinprick left of Tesseleth's health before the hunter could move once more.  If anything, they would be the ones to end it all.  Without much thought into getting the last hit, the hunter decided to weaken the boss for either Jomei or Zandra to get the final hit.  Heck, if either of them don't get it, Shield might get it with his thorns.  Either way, it would be in everyone's interests to smash the last part of its health.

Of course, with Calrex crystallized, there was one less tank out, but the dragon should be dead before it got back to him and Mac.

"Shield!  Energize Jomei.  I don't think he will be able to use his full strength with what he has.  Zandra!  Give it your all, and don't you miss!"

The hunter called out before readying Loyalty with the familiar hum of emerald light.  Bursting forward, the jade haired hunter ripped through the very same point for the fourth or fifth time, he already forgot.  After killing the most knights (2), he was already winded enough to forget some information about the boss fight.

Jumping back, the hunter gritted his teeth.

"The battle ends with us!"

ID: 96051 // BD: 7(+2) // Meteor Break = 23x11= 253(-135)= 118 DMG

Everyone was telling themselves that this was it, that this was the final moment to take this boss out.  Even the hunter was thinking it, but anything can truly happen.  He had heard in the past that bosses sometimes had secondary stages, when everyone was well tired from the first phase.  Although he had never experienced something like that until now, the hunter could say for certain that he really wished that would not be the case.  It had not been so for the last few bosses, though, and this one was the first to break that cycle after several floors of singular bosses.

Seeing Jomei slam a little bit out of Tesseleth, he seemed to be nearing his limit.  He would have rushed over, but there was something to take care of first.  Shield was still keeping his brother-in-arms, Beat, in the fight.  One would think that he would at least keep Jomei, Team 1's heavy hitter afloat for a little while longer.  Especially with Beat using an energy destroying weapon skill, Martial Arts.  Sure, it is one of the strongest skills, but it is also the most draining.  Jomei's, in comparison, should only be slightly weaker, but with better energy usage.  Though, with how much focus Ascendants had their focus on boosting Beat has been concerning, too.

"Believe me, Shield.  I think you've done quite a deal for focusing two teams at once."

The hunter sighed.  Letting his voice become less direct and more casual to any that were closer to him.

"Business as usual, it seems."

Blade engulfed in emerald green, the jade hunter burst forward towards Tesseleth's fore right leg, the same leg that he had been targeting for the entire fight.  The many orange gashes from the others were present, as well.  His eleven hit combo rang out against the creatures hide, causing those gashes to glow far more brightly.  Jumping back, the hunter wasn't as bad off as Jomei, but he wasn't too far behind him.  Hopefully, Zandra could deal a heavy blow against the dark dragon.

The fight would be decided in the next rotation of teams.

ID: 95662 | BD: 8(+2) | Meteor Break: 11x23 = 253 (-135) = 118 DMG

An Unlikely Alliance?

The world of Sword Art Online is contained throughout a singular floating castle named Aincrad.  Of course, this is common knowledge at this point.  Everyone has been here for near over a year now, or so everyone understands it.  Sometimes, the inhabitants think that several years have passed while some only remember a few days.  Some call it hysteria or selective memory loss, but others think that this may be the truth.  A rumor of a cult has actually been formed around this notion, but not many really care about it enough to give it any face value.  Why would anyone care for such a ridiculous cause, when everyone would rather be out of the game world and back home with their families.  It could be a coping mechanism to understand a vague reality that they may never leave this place.

Who really knows.

Opening his eyes, the hunter was blinded for a second before many wisps of shadows would block the light for him.  Gaining a bit of awareness, he found himself looking up into a canopy of leaves.  They billowed slightly in the chill day wind.  The hunter was lying in the grass with his head propped up against the tree's roots.  Picking up his head, he would notice the rest of his surroundings as the rest of his vision came back to him.  A field covered with red and green crystals overlooking their respective owners.  Some boars were being harassed by the populace of players again, it seemed.  Hopefully these ones didn't need his help, as he was on vacation today.  Keeping his own with the front lines has been quite a chore, especially for a Knight of the Blood Oath. 

No matter, the hunter thought before seeing a few rather pink crystals around him.  Brown furred streaks of dreaming animals were slumbering around him.  The hunter was not wearing his signature red and white armor signifying this status in the guild, but a more relaxed sleeveless turtleneck sweater.  His slacks were still a faded dark leather, more for protection than style.  Of course, the main contrast from the entire thing would be his jade green hair, but the camouflage with the surrounding forest was a plus, even if it didn't really work.  He moved slightly to see if the little buggers would wake up and move, but they only wiggled closer.

The Rakkuns of the forest always like a cuddle buddy.  

With the last of the Dragon Knights falling to their demise, Tesseleth was alone for the final time.  The last target to deal with for the twenty second floor to be unlocked was a few meters from Death's door.  It would be here that they would all need to push forward as hard as they can.

"Alright!  All out assault!  Let's get to the next floor before daybreak!"

The hunter shouted out without really checking what time it really was.  It would have really been an hour or two since the fight began, but it felt like ages since they started it.  Tesseleth has quite a large health pool, it seemed, and the knights didn't help that matter as much.  Though, who really kept track of the time in this dark cavernous boss fight, with the embodiment of darkness itself in front of them.

Maybe that was the reason why the hunter couldn't lay a hand on the creatures when he went forward to cut a chunk out of its health.  The initial attack seemed to phase through where he thought the boss was.  The boss never had any spectral powers, did it?  Or was the long fight finally tiring the hunter out and he was starting to see double.

"Huh?  Wha..?"

ID: 95116 || BD: 1, Miss, Heh

The end was nearly in sight for the first boss of the new tier.  Barely a couple minutes had passed and they had already destroyed one of the last three knights.  Tesseleth was on its last legs, and they would all be going into the 22nd floor.  A whole new floor to explore and dominate.  The future was near, but they still needed to finish this.  

Jomei and Shield did their part.  Which made it clear to the hunter what he needed to do next.  The first knight was nearly dead, and the hunter thought that he could easily take out the last amount of health, or enough so that Zandra could AOE it to death.  With that thought in mind, the hunter reared up before jumping in where Jomei once stood.  Targeting the weakened knight, the hunter charged into it for the strike.

"Care to dance?"

The hunter called out before making the initial shoulder strike that would follow the rest of the heavy combo for the one handed straight sword.  By the end of it, the Dragon Knight's health shattered before him before the sword art was finished.  Jumping back to the group, the hunter smiled.

"Knights of dragons killed by knights of blood.  Nearly poetic, huh?"

He would say before looking over to Zandra.

"Think you can get an AOE sword art on the last knight AND Tesseleth?  That might make this a little bit faster and get Ariel out of that crystal prison sooner."

ID 94861 | BD 6(+2) = 8 Hit Charge! | 11x23(+4 Charge) = 297 Dmg (-90) = 204 Dmg

ID 94862 | LD 20(+5) = 25+ | CD = 9 ===== 4500 Col, Floor 21 Intermediate Sub-Dungeon Map

The wasn't much time to think on the matter now.  The three knights were out and were hitting as hard as they could.  A huge chunk of Jomei's health was cascaded away from only one attack, but he was fast enough to get away from the others.  With that and the dual wielder unknown losing both of their blades and dipping out of the raid as fast as he could, that left them with a sizable amount of Tesseleth's health remaining, and the remainder of what the knights had.  All was well that could end well, it seemed.  Mac and Calrex would have the time of their lives for a while, but Mac had the Ancient blade, so they could fend off for some stuns and paralysis attempts.

In the meanwhile, the hunter didn't know what to fully do at this point.  With half of his energy already depleted, using an AOE would be risky, however, it would be beneficial to all.  Shield didn't howl, so nearly all attention was on Zandra and Jomei for their own attacks.  However, that wasn't how the knights worked.  They attack "the other target" instead.  Which meant that whoever had the secondary hate between all of the party was going to get hit the most.  Zandra may be fine with her mitigation, and Jomei with his evasion, but one of them is a sitting duck if all three go after them.  If the hunter decided to stun one, that may give some leeway for them... but...

The hunter burst forward towards the group of knights, with a readied red hue of AOE damage.  When he reached the second knight, however, he stopped with stances changing, sword art changing from a red AOE, to an orange Stun.  The nine hit combination attack to weaken ones arms and knock them over the head with a stunning pommel strike, <<Nova Ascension>>.

"Let's see your blade go through this!"

He called out before bracing himself against any onslaught from the other two.  He didn't know how they would work against "other targets" without hate.

"Careful with your AOE attacks!  Measure if you think you can take all three hits or not!  Plan your attacks from there."

The hunter would shout out to the other teams, although, he didn't know if they would listen or not.

ID 94439 | BD 6(+2) | Charge! 9x(23 base + 4 Charge) = 243 Dmg (-90 MIT) = 153 Stun Dmg vs. Dragon Knight 2

Battle Stats