Hydra

Hydra let out what would probably be his 100th yawn since they started this quest. The fatigue of the adventure had hit him, even if it was just a simulation. "I'm sure you'll be able to find them given enough time. Just don't give up I suppose that's the key." He was never really the type for words of encouragement although he did believe Stryder had the capabilities to go far. I mean he had practically surpassed Hydra by this point anyway. As for his own plans he did wonder. Part of him wanted to bury himself deep within the forests of the second floor once again and never return. "Guess that is one plan..." he mumbled lightly under his breath. Adventuring had drained him to be honest and although he had never taken on a floor boss the quests were more than enough for him. Up ahead it seemed the end to the floor was in sight, finally they had made it and could go each there own way for a time.

"Sounds like a fair plan..." Hydra smiled. With the amount of players still present on the first floor it was good that the more potent were offering places to try and attract those players, all the help they could muster would be needed for the future floor bosses. Hydra let out a muffled yawn and turning his head steadily to gaze upon some barren rocks. Things down here could get boring quickly, despite the fact it was a game. No matter, they wouldn't be here much longer. The player lazily twirled a lock of dark hair between his thumb and his finger. "Track me down huh..." Truth is Hydra was incredibly shy in real life, he had always struggled finding friends and even more so maintaining those friendships. Even so he couldn't see the end to this game any time soon. "I look forward to it." The spearman said with a quirky nod but otherwise remaining silent.

Hydra laughed, "I think we can both agree on that. I probably won't be able to sleep for another few months now." At the very least the pair of them could relax for a little while now, it wasn't every day he accomplished a quest but he felt a little better today, every ounce of experience amounted more to his survival. It was still unclear how long the players would be stuck in this virtual prison for, however he guessed it would be a few years at the very least and who knew what the person who put them in here had planned. 

Hydra diverted his attention back to Stryder and his surroundings, "So other than the guild do you have any other plans? What are you planning on next?" Hydra drew in a deep yawn allowing his body to slumber a little. He was grateful they could still feel the pleasure of such small things. 

Hydra nodded, players had special relationships with one another and he was in no position to invade others privacy. Whether Stryder liked Eatos or not was his own business, though the spearman took his word for it."Dragon Hunting..." He wasn't sure he liked the sound of that too much, well, he had never liked hunting but he supposed in the end everything that happened in this world was virtual.

"A party?" Hydra had been to a few parties since his journey had begun in SAO, the most memorable being the hot springs event hosted by the members of the Knights of the Blood Oath. To be honest though he had always found himself to be that 'one' player who would sit in a corner and shift his eyes most the time. Well, there was that one time he had dueled with Mack though that was more for training. The spearman smiled at Stryder, "Thanks for the thought, you don't need to go out of your way for me though." With time he was sure he would come to know the members of the guild. 

"Give it time and i'm sure you'll find yourself capable of achieving what might now seem impossible. You appear to have the drive and yeah, I second that, this floor is a little too... eerie for my liking and not being able to see the sky at all makes it that much more claustrophobic." Hydra mumbled on a bit longer, his own tone wasn't as aggressive or hateful though a little more sarcastic.  Then glancing left and right he glanced around and started to randomly walk down a path. With enough time they would eventually find the settlement of this floor and would be able to leave.  "So anyway, other than attending the frontline do you have any other plans for what to do next, the guild as well of course? If possible i'd like to list in properly. Meeting new players, as tiring as it is, is beneficial to stop myself from going insane."

Hydra remained silent, trying to process all the information that was been given out. "So this is how they work." The spearman mumbled to himself, staying close to one of the walls, tapping his foot anxiously against the ground. Much like Stryder he felt very unsettled, they would potentially be facing a whole council, as opposed to just a single target. Though Hydra hadn't been on the frontlines before, it seemed this scenario was a little different to the previous ones. Truth be told by from what they were saying, it reminded him of Dungeons and Dragons. Different classes, items, a potential end boss. When one of the players bought up the concept of luck he couldn't help but find himself swayed by what they were saying a little. It all just seemed to tie together. Still it would be better if you stay quiet. These players are professionals, follow there guidance and don't distract from the discussion. The thought stung but Hydra was trying to be honest with himself. The spearman found himself briefly gazing at his guildmates, wondering how they felt. "Whatever you decide to do, I support your decision." He said quietly to Stryder. 

"I have returned." Hydra half sung half mumbled as he strolled into the Lakeside Trading post. Recently he, Pinball and the guild leader Stryder had decided to attempt the next floor boss and it was wise that they stock up on everything they possibly could to help them in battle. It didn't take the spearman long to look around for what was needed. A ration to boost his health but most importantly the teleportation crystal that would keep him frost hopefully dying. Once Hydra had the items he went to the counter and purchased them in the meantime talking to Stryder about life and how things were going. With that all he needed now was a safe guard potion and then a few consuambles from Pin and he'd be ready to do battle.

Buying 1 field ration (t2), one teleportation crystal.

1400 col sent to banker

140 col sent to Stryder

The faint sound of a message being received drew Hydra out of his daydream. It was from Stryder, generally he waited a little before opening anything but as it was from both his guild leader and a close friend he tapped it open and began to scan the contents. "Oh... it appears it is time." The spearman mumbled, perching forward away from the tree he had been slumped upon. Hydra could feel a creeping anxiety come forward but he knew he couldn't turn back now, the time had come. He just hoped he wasn't acting out of foolish pride, "Not that I've ever had that great an opinion of my own abilities." He let out half a laugh and half a sigh before slowly stumbling up. Then scrolling through his inventory proceeded to equip his usual set of items and send a response to Stryder.

The trip to the twenty second floor was rather swift, though it was a little unnerving to walk into another guild's hall completely unannounced. The Celestial Ascendant's, they were powerful. He knew that much. Hydra recognized a few faces, though not well, and of course there were those he had never met. Hopefully he would just be able to listen to the plan and be there as a representative of the Guardians of the New Dawn, he couldn't help but feel like a sheep amongst lions. In any case he made sure to bow his head to any who looked his way before finally reaching Stryder. "I made it..." He mumbled letting out a light though nervous laugh. His new familiar he had named Moth perched on his shoulder.

Hydra scratched his cheek awkwardly and let out a nervous laugh. For some reason the last time he had taken this quest it had been much easier. Perhaps he had weakened since then in power, but that really didn't make any sense. His health pool was slowly recharging in the meantime, it had come dangerously close to 50% though he supposed in hindsight they could have fled if things looked like there were going too poorly. "Yeah you did well, sorry I wasn't of much help. She seemed to take a liking to me." He let out another awkward laugh, in his life before all this any attention from others was incredibly rare. Still, to finally receive some from an undead ghost woman was a little too much. Hydra glanced at Tartarus, last time he had entered the area with Sey, it had been like a prison. For some reason they faced off against her this time just through the gates though any time saved was most welcomed. "I guess we gotta find a route out of here now." Hydra mumbled unsure of whether they should just try the gate again or look around for some other exit. @Stryder

Order ^

Hydra stumbled inside the Arcade on the eight floor, he had received news from a few guildmates about this place. It was suppose to be owned by a player known as Pinball also a member of the Guardians of the New Dawn. Hydra looked about, the area was nice and reminded him of his own store deep in the forest of the second floor. "Hi there, I've come to make an order for some items. If you have the time and resources that is." Hydra smiled nervously. He had briefly seen this player during the last dragon hunter encounter, although they hadn't really interacted with one another. Truth be told the spearman didn't know whether this player had the time or resources to take his order, though at the very least he thought he could try. The buffs would be helpful in surviving the next floor boss which he and Stryder were planning on attending. "I can only pay with col if that is okay."

It appeared Stryder's follow up attack was also ineffective and the Banshee was now over it's stunned condition. "Not yet..." Hydra let out another growl and threw back his spear arm. He didn't care if it phased through one or two attacks, he couldn't stop now this time he would use merciless flurry until he ran out of breath and it couldn't dodge anymore. The sword art had that name for a reason, and it was his role to do that name justice. The blue energy surrounded Hydra's left arm. The banshee was distracted by Stryder who had previously landed a perfect punch on it. "Let your soul rest." Hydra cried out darting behind it's back, a bright flash of energy lighting up the dark prison that was Tartarus, and with what stamina he had he once again triggered merciless flurry. Hydra didn't count how many times he impaled his spear at the decrepit ghost woman but finally after the fatigue hit him and he stumbled backwards, the banshee let out one final wail of pain. It's life total now at 0, together they had done it and she exploded into the millions of crystal shards as many had before. Hydra drew out a long breath before finally looking towards Stryder and giving a slight smile, "Sorry it took me so long to help." 

ID 101101:

Battle: 7-2+1 (hit)

<Concentration activated +1 to hit>

SA: Merciless Flurry (12x1) = 14 Base + 4 Heavy Momentum = 18x12 = 216 Damage

@Stryder

Hydra was surprised by the increase in skill Stryder had gone through since last time, truth be told he was disappointment in himself for under performing so far. All he had done was taken some damage and had otherwise missed. "Now is not the time to be dwelling on this." Hydra suddenly realized shaking his head, Stryder had created an opportunity for him to land a hit. Throwing back his left-arm Hydra activated the <Merciless Flurry> sword art and rushed forward trying to jump in the air and send his spear flying into the creature. The weapon hit but seemed to sail straight through her ghost like body. Hydra swore, that was his one opportunity to finish this thing off and he had wasted it. How am I suppose to hit this thing if all my attacks phase through. He growled slightly, "Sorry Stryder, it's up to you to land another hit before she regains her senses." 

ID 101099:

Battle: 2-2 (miss)

<Heavy Momentum Procs +4 damage>

@Stryder

What a lovely feeling. Hydra was not sure why that was the thought that came to his mind now of all times, when facing death he couldn't help but make a sarcastic remark. He watched with despair as his lifepoints depleted too nearly half though thankfully the paralysis wore off just in time and he was able to lash out with a <dragonfly cutter>. The fatigue had reached him however, and the banshee swiftly evaded his water serpent's fang. "This isn't good." Now both of them were at an unstable amount of hitpoints, between them they might be able to take a few more attacks from this thing though if neither of them could land a hit then they were in trouble. Hydra looked over at Stryder who now appeared to gain a sense of momentum back, "Try and stun it if you can." The spearman took in a deep breath and turned once more to the banshee. "Please by the gods do not scream again." He muttered under his breath wiping a little sweat from his forehead. 

ID 101096:

Battle: 5-2 (miss)

@Stryder

<Charge Miss>
<Heavy Momentum Procs +4 Damage>
<RGN procs>

It seemed Stryder was a little too eager and Hydra did not have time to warn him that they'd be attacked on entry. As his friend rushed through the gate a hoard of the undead guardians swarmed him, he responded quickly with an AoE sword art though not before two of them landed blows. In the mean time the Banshee had flown forth only a few yards away from him and let out it's deafening screech within a few yards of Hydra. No armor couldn't mitigate the damage of sound. Not only that but it was such a loud noise Hydra felt his whole body freeze up. The scream had paralyzed him meaning he could not respond with an attack, he would have to wait the turn and pray that the banshee didn't let out another scream, instead attacking him with it's... ghost hands? At the very least the damage had proc'd his regeneration enhancement, a soft green light covered Hydra's person healing a small amount of the damage he had taken. His health bar was still in the green and it appeared Stryder's was also, though he had a little less. All the spearman could do now was wait for the paralysis to fade so he would be able to attack the banshee again. 

@Stryder

Stats:

It appeared Stryder was getting more and more frustrated by the fact they couldn't find Tartarus, Hydra himself was beggining to gain a sense of hopelessness. They had been walking for quite some time and no path had revealed before them. The spearman drew out a sigh in sync with Stryders growls, though once he was over the conversation continued on the frontlines. "I suppose that is true." Hydra responded bowing his head a little, he took note of the slightly nervous tension in the air although did not mention anything. To be honest, i'd be terrified, in fact just thinking of what creature lurks up there is worrying. Hydra mulled to himself. The true saying was one could only be brave when they were afraid. How true that statement was he supposed was subjective to the individual.

As Hydra raised his head he caught sight of a shadowed gate not far from there position. "Finally she shows herself." Hydra mumbled, raising a hand and pointing towards the gate. "Looks like hope was on our side after all." He let out a slightly, sarcastic and drained laugh but with this they'd be able to continue the quest. 

ID 101044:

 Loot: 20 (finally - success) 

@Stryder

When Hydra heard Stryder was planning to go to the next floor boss his soul lifted in curiosity. So much so that he completely forgot about looking for Tartarus and instead focused on the conversation at hand. "Really? That takes some bravery." Hydra responded, it appeared Stryder had grown considerably, however if his friend was willing to risk his life, was he in the wrong for not risking his own. At the very least if Stryder could attempt the floor boss he could as well. "Time to dwell on the subject." The spearman mumbled lightly, his trail of thought beggining to submerge with the shadows around them. Truth be told Hydra didn't really understand too much about the difficulty of the floor bosses, he knew they were perhaps beyond his skill level. Though as Stryder had mentioned the teleportation crystals, as well as various other methods of buffing ones stats in the game. It was a possibility that they could survive without taking critical damage.  

ID 101022:

 Loot: 5 (fail)

@Stryder

Hydra had been slumped over his counter when the sound of a message came through on his interface. "Hmm?" He let out a curious mumble followed by a yawn and then swiftly moved to open the message. Surprisingly it was from Hei, a player he had met a few times and taken a general liking too. "I suppose now I am part of a guild I should be expecting more of these. " Hydra pondered to himself, his eyes slowly scanning the message. It appeared it was  Hei's birthday and he, alongside the other guild members had been invited. A soft note rung in Hydra's heart, he had always been lonely and that was partly because he enjoyed solitude. Though on the flip side it was nice to feel like he were part of something and meeting others was enjoyable every now and then. "A gift, that's the least I could do." 

Hydra briefly wandered his store till he reached the shelves where various trinkets were aligned, truth be told he had no idea if he had one of these items, hopefully he wouldn't mind another one with a similar effect. Reaching out he pulled down one of the Black Dragon Rings. "Guess i'm ready to go..."

Dodge ball, though I spent the whole time dodging because I could only throw the ball like 2cm xD

Hydra had received a few notices recently that Stryder had a new store that had opened up on the 22nd floor. "So he is now a merchant... that's useful." The spearman pondered as he strolled onto the floor of the building that was still being made. Hydra had travelled to this floor after the frontliners had cleared it, he thought it would be useful to stop by and catch up with the guild leader though at the same time he didn't want too disturb his work. Opening his inventory the young spearman quickly scrolled through until he found the two unidentified t1 potions that he had received on his last quest. Moth was sat on his head snoozing as usual. Why did he always find the weird ones. Shaking his head he approached the counter and placed the items down. "Hey Stryder, thought i'd drop these off for you that the guild could use for the next Dragon Hunter quest." The spearman laughed lightly then proceeded on his way out.

- 2 Unidentified consumables from here

"The Dragon Hunter Anthology? Oh, I've done the first I believe and that certainly sounds like a good idea." Hydra smiled at Stryder and remembered back to the time he had considered becoming a healer, to be honest the idea was still somewhat appealing but he was far too past the point to rework his talent trees now. He turned to Eatos and slightly bowed his head, "I'll try my best to not die, still thank you in advance." It seemed the party would be taking the Iron Guardian quest, a few knights would need to be dealt with according to the information, before the main boss showed up, though much like Hei, Hydra had no idea where to even start. The spearman closed his eyes and hummed to himself, trying to find the right mental state.  He knew it was a good idea to approach these quest with a clear mind, even if the enemies were weak, he was as only as good as his feelings were, and one slip up could cost a great amount.

@Eatos

It was nice to hear another player filled with so much confidence, Hydra lacked much of that and even when he talked to most others he had to suppress a creeping anxiety, put on a facade so to speak. He often found his mood swing drastically from being happy to sad, although he rarely ever experienced a hatred of others, he just tried to bottle it all up. "It is good to hear that he is okay..." Hydra smiled letting out a laugh light, before briefly scanning the area. Still no luck and no Tartarus in sight. He sighed slightly and turned his focus back to Stryder "What you've done with the guild is incredible, most seem to fall through and i'm glad you'v accepted me... despite the past." There was a brief pause, "And I look forward to it. Perhaps then we can finally join the legends on the frontlines as representatives of our guild." 

ID 99287:

Loot: 13 (fail)

Hydra watched as the dragon spawned in and had the whole guild close in on it, Stryder opened up with a stun and the other guild members seemed to dish out some good damage, a few others healed the injuries of those around them. When it came to Hydra's turn to switch in he quickly became confused fumbling for his weapon, memorised by the performance up to that point. Activating his merciless flurry sword art and charge skill he then lashed outwards, but the surge of energy and emotion was too much for him to control. The dragon easily avoided the disorganised stab, circling upwards. For one moment he was relieved that he wasn't the one to finish of the baby dragon, even though it was a game the creature was adorable. Though for his first quest within the guild he wasn't making a good impression of himself. Taking in a deep breath he took in a deep breath and paced backwards. "My apologies..." He mumbled lightly, unsure if it was loud enough for any of the others to actually make out. 

ID 99207:

 Battle: 1 (critical fail)
__
Team 1:
Stryder: 582/620 HP | 58/62 EN | 59 Mit | 3 ACC | 3 EVA Hate: 1
Hei: 520/520 HP | 41/52 EN | 3 EVA | 3 ACC | Hate: 2
Froppy: 100/100 HP | 8/10 EN
Pinball: 500/500 HP | 50/50 EN | 3 EVA | 3 ACC | Hate: 0 
 

Team 2:
Saphira: 180/180 HP | Energy: 18/18 | ACC | Hate: 2
@Embers
Hydra: 830/830 HP | Energy: 78/80 | 89 Mit | 4 HM | 10 RGN | Hate: 0
@Eatos

(OOC: Eatos and Embers to be skipped after 36 hours of this post have passed, rotates back to team 1 and @Stryder)

ID 98462:

Loot: 18+3 (Success. Enhanced Familiar Found)

Enhanced Familiar Found (Accuracy): Rank 1

Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/16231-sp-f2-who-wants-the-leftovers/?do=findComment&comment=544579

Hydra slowly clambered out the pool, allowing the water droplets to flow out his hair. "Hmm..." He paused and pondered for a moment, it was far too risky to take her on the redemption quest. He wasn't the type to normally protect someone as he didn't like to be demeaning, though this creature could potentially kill him and it wasn't right to rope others into his personal problems. "Once I have earned my salvation i'd like to return to the Town of Beginnings and grab something to eat, we could reunite there if you'd like. I''ll be a couple days at most and then we can do some adventures together."  He wore his usual naive smile at this point. For a moment he had considered asking her if she wanted to stay at his store on the second floor, yet the place was a mess and in the middle of nowhere. "I should probably avoid that..." Up above the trees whistled in the wind. Hydra breathed deeply and gazed up at the sky. "Oh here..." He opened up his interface and sent a friend request to Jinx. 

Hydra stood awkwardly to one side, nervously tapping his index finger again the pole of his spear. One by one a few more player's began arriving and he felt his fear getting the better of him. "Got to calm down..." He mumbled. The spearman raised his head to the wind and took in a deep breath of air, he felt his grip relax and his body lose it's tension. "Good..." Truth be told he had no idea who half of them were, or how many were supposed to be showing up. It seemed after a while however that Hei would take charge organising them into two teams. "So i'll be with Eatos then." He turned his head to her and smiled, "At least one face I know, as for the others..." He had heard the names Saphira and Embers and began to scan the players. There weren't many of them, and another late comer had just made it in. Hydra scratched his cheek and laughed meekly, "I guess I can remain back for now, I should probably avoid the angry one as well" 

@Eatos