Miaki

Geez this is heavy. That man was my source of laughs so much when I was little that is such a shame to hear. He will be missed dearly.

Hearing Hikari's quiet comment only barely reached Miaki's ears and made him laugh lightly knowing that she probably caught onto why he threw on his coat. Maybe she thought he did it to show off his similar style in clothes to the girl with them. Either way, she knew that what he just did was being ridiculous. Miaki offered his hand to the new party member. "My name is Miaki. These are some members of my guild the <>. What's yer name?"

As Miaki began to walk through he heard a new voice. Turning around he saw a girl wearing a black trench coat with a sword in her hand. Automatically she won Miaki over with her black trench coat. "Absolutely, we could use another sword hand." He nodded to Nikki not seeing any reason not to have an additional person join them. Looking at the new party member he felt outdone. If this girl could wear her trench coat without dying then so could he. It was immature but he did it anyway. Opening his menu Miaki sent a party invite to the new girl and then equipped his own light brown trench coat. "Im digging the outfit too." He said giving a thumbs up as his trench coat materialized over his body.

The shimmering light that was under the water was in fact a small chest that was reflecting the light from their lantern. "Well, well, well." Miaki said as he took a deep breath and slid into the refreshing waters. With his feet aiming down, he used a waved his arms up to help him sink lower, a little trick he learned from his times diving in the "other world". He lowered himself down to where the chest was and grabbed one of the iron handles with both hands and pushed up from the ground. He swam upwards making long strong kicks to help him reach the top. He broke the surface and dropped the chest on the ledge. "Ha! Got it." He said catching his breath. "Wonder how lucky we got."

Clarence's suggestion of finding the NPC in a bar might actually be a good idea. Some place where a lot of social gatherings happened sounded like a good place to start. It was common to find quests start in local taverns and places where players met often. "That might be a good place to start looking. I know just the place to start. Follow me." He said as he lead Clarence through the snow covered streets towards one of the taverns in the center of town where they were.

As they made their way to the location that had in mind. "NIkki is doing well. I think she is doing something with some recruits in the Ebon Vanguard. Gotta get them ready for the heat of floor 9. Have you been up there yet? Oh right you were one of the first to check it out."

(My first post acted up and got error so Im rushing this and will go over details inside.)

Nikki's gesture was a kind one and even though Miaki wasn't as close to the spear he could feel the effects of the cold aura it gave off. "We can discuss the plans inside. Nikki will act as our tank and will take the forward guard with me." Pointing quickly between Elessar and Hikari he brought up their tasks. "You two will act as the rear guard. Soon as combat starts you let Nikki draw hate then trap the mob within our ranks." It was their first time on the front lines and Miaki didn't want to shelter them but also didn't want to throw them to the wolves. "When we meet up with Clarence inside we'll have him use detection to help us out a lot." Looking at the dark entrance Miaki edged towards it. "We'll go further into details inside. Come one."

The silver haired girl reached them panting but still managed to greet everyone. "You're not late. In fact I think you made it right on time." Miaki told Hikari not even bothering to check if she was in fact late. The first thing to do was get introductions going and their scouting party underway. "Nikki this is Elessar and Hikari. They're both new brigadiers that have joined the ranks. I thought scouting with you and me would be a safe way for them to get introduced to the front lines." He pointed out with his hand to each of the players as he indicated them. "Hikari, Elessar, I present to you Nikki Styx. Lieutenant of the Ebon Vanguard. Greatest tank Aincrad has ever seen. She will be tanking for us today in our search for the boss room." Miaki turned and faced the dark opening to the maze. "No doubt we'll have some monster show up. I was told by Clarence who is somewhere inside already that he saw some fire type mobs inside. We'll probably meet him somewhere in there as he went out on his own to check it out I think." Miaki hoped that the temperature would drop atleast a little while when they got inside.

Finding a small lantern in his inventory Miaki highlighted the listed item and it appeared in his hand. "This should help with seeing better." He said while holding up the lantern and showing the path lead further on. He produced a green <> from his inventory and looked at it in his hand. "Sure do. We can give this a shot. Its not like we cant get more of these later." Looking further down the path with his lantern he looked to the other two. "We can use this anytime we want. Just give us some kind of sign when you are ready. Hikari, would you hold this?" He tossed the cure crystal to Hakari. "I'd like to have a free hand. I thought I noticed something in the water just as we broke the surface." He sat the lantern down beside the small pool they came through and peered into the water.

Keith and Clarence rushed in between Nikki and Zelrius as the <> tried to hold her back. He coudn't see everything happening in the small crowd but he heard the sound of steel clashing. Miaki's eyes widened when he saw Zelrius strike at Nikki with his sword. With a sudden burst of strength Nikki broke free and was already at Zelrius. She said something to him that Miaki couldn't make out before she turned around and pushed her way through the players. Miaki wanted to say something to her but nothing came to mind. She shouldered Miaki out of frustration he assumed. Probably a little pissed off at his interference. Rubbing his shoulder Miaki then saw the spear fly through the air into the crowd missing Zelrius. Looking between the two Miaki was too surprised to say anything still. As Nikki stormed off Miaki turned to Zelrius and stormed towards him.

Keith and Clarence seemed to ease between Miaki and Zelrius and the man approached them. They probably expected Miaki to continue something too out of anger. Getting in as close as he could with the two players standing between them Miaki jabbed his finger in Zelrius' face and spoke in a low, furious voice. "You'd better be ready for a long talk after this." His voice trembling as he held eye contact with the <>. Bringing his hand down he turned away and saw Saix. He walked over to the man and looked him in the eyes and spoke calmly this time. "I apologize for this incident Captain. I don't tolerate this kind of behavior anymore than I expect you do." He said with a quick glance back to the players behind him. "If you'll excuse me I'd like to see about getting some fresh air and clearing my head." With that he walked towards the portal that opened and left for the next floor.

It was hot. Very hot. A different kind of heat compared to the desert of floor 9. But that was to be expected of a floor reflecting a volcano or something of the sort. The air was fouled with the smell of sulfur and ash. The 8th floor boss was defeated and floor 9 was opened to everyone. Which meant another boss room had to be found. This was a good first mission for some of the new Brigade members. He sent a message to some of them and told them to meet him outside the labyrinth. A vast pillar that lead to the next floor. He gave them the map data with the location marked. With him at the moment was Nikki his lovely fiance. Only a few days ago the previous boss fight had ended and the very next day Miaki and Nikki became engaged to be wed. The news of it somehow got out and spread like wildfire. Many people were talking about it and asking about a wedding. It was overwhelming at first and showed just how many people he knew cared for them which was very touching and meant everything to him.

The <> wasn't wearing his trench coat at the moment but instead had the blue causal vest and slacks he wore underneath on. The heat of the floor made his trench coat cling to him in the worst way at times so he removed it often. He even had his fedora off too allowing for his strawberry-blonde hair to flow freely. Some players probably wouldn't have recognized him without his usual attire. "Geez it's hot here." He said rhetorically as he wiped his brow.

(OOC: I am not setting a posting order for the sake of speed. But if a post is aimed towards another player and requires a response please show the courtesy of let them post a reaction.

(OOC: To find boss room one of the following conditions must be met. When the room is found players must notify the PST who will then inform the GMs to reveal boss info.)

1) A player rolls a 20 on loot.

2) Three players roll above 17 LD in a row.

3) Exceed 2 full pages.

<> Combat Roll

1-5 Miss

6-8 Hit - 3 DMG

9 Crit - 4 DMG

10 Massive Crit! - 5 DMG

Nearly getting hit by the <>'s swing. Miaki could feel the wind of the treant's attack on his face as he narrowly dodged the attack. Reeling his arm back Miaki swung while the two were still in such close proximity.

Battle result: Hit! 6 DMG!

Slashing in sideways his blade clipped the bark covered torso of the dungeon boss.

Miaki: 47/67

Elder Treant: 54/80

<>

A crimson light streaked by in between Miaki and the Guardian slamming into her with a thunderous might. In a bright flash and with a final scream the <> was no more. Her last screams echoing throughout the large domed arena. Miaki was panting heavily, sweat beading down his face as he took the moment to catch his breath. He stabbed the ground with his katana and leaned on it. The giant word CONGRATULATIONS appeared high above the room with a small fanfare playing. Looking up at the letters overheard he sighed with relief. Another boss down and no casualties. Yunah was still beside him. Placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder he silently said a prayer of thanks that she was still breathing. "We did it Yunah." He said to her. "We beat it."

Looking over where the boss last stood was Captain Saix of the Ebon Vanguard. At his feet was Nikki's spear which had been stuck in the boss just before it was finished off. Miaki pulled his blade out of the ground and sheathed it walking over to the him. "I see what you did there." He said with a wink to the <> knowing that bosses dropped a last hit item. Miaki knelt down and picked up Nikki's spear the very one he gave to her. He turned around scanning the raiding party looking for the bluenette tank. The sounds of clapping, laughing, and congratulating filled the once poison filled air. Nikki's voice brought it all to a sudden halt with the distinctive sound of some being hit.

Zelrius hit the soil covered ground, kicking up a small cloud of dirt. Nikki was already on top of him beating him to death. The crowd of fighters around her jumped back too shocked to intervene. "Captain!" Miaki yelled, drawing the man's attention as Miaki sprinted forward towards the brawl. He had to break it up before another death match started. With only two meters between them, Miaki dropped the spear he had and slid beside the two fighting, grabbing Nikki hoping to pry her off. "Nikki stop this!" He shouted. Gritting his teeth and pulling her off. Her strength was fierce and a force to be reckoned with as Miaki put all his remaining strength into pulling Nikki off of Zelrius. He felt her fighting back, lashing out wildly at the player underneath her. Balling up his fist, he hooked his right arm around Nikki keeping it between her and Zelrius. With his other and he grabbed her left shoulder and pulled them apart. "Stop it!" He was still fighting Nikki's resisting but could feel a her ease up a little. He turned his head to Zelrius who began to pulled himself up and shouted. "Stand down Zel! You're out of line!" Muttering could be heard from the players around them.

"AOE ATTACK LOOK OUT!" Miaki alerted everyone listening as a wave of thorns shot out from the skin of the Guardian. Rolling behind Nikki her armor absorbed the entire attack. Everything was going according to plan. But things were getting a little too close for some of the fighters. "Everyone low on heath pull back! We're almost done dont chance it!" Looking back at all the combatants with their health bars floating over them as Miaki focused on them. Some were taking it harder than others.

Almost there. It was almost over. Miaki was getting more and more trilled with anticipation as he watched the health bar deplete faster and faster from the constant pounding dealt to her. Nikki took charge once again and issued out another set of orders before thrusting her spear deep inside the Guardian. "You got it Nikki!" He shouted before looking to Yunah beside him. "Stay close sweetheart. Stay right behind me. Ready?" Miaki gave the young green haired girl a smile then faced the guardian with a new found determination

Battle result: Hit! 8 DMG!

Miaki could hear the intense music of the boss fight playing in his ears as he ran forward with Yunah in close behind. "I always did hate gardening work." Told Yunah as they past Nikki who was switching out with him to attack. His blade was charging up with a bright silver light as he released a sword skill and slashed the Guardian across the torso. "Get ready for the counter attack Nikki!"

Miaki: 47/59

Guardian: 4/128 [bleeding 2 turns]

Total Damage Dealt: 29 (two misses)

Total Damage Taken: 17

<> Combat Roll

1-5 Miss

6-8 Hit - 3 DMG

9 Crit - 4 DMG

10 Massive Crit! - 5 DMG

Swing and a miss! That was the case again for the <> that Miaki was fighting. If things kept up then this battle would be over in no time. This wasn't the time to get overconfident. Miaki still had drained a large amount of his stamina fighting all day. A few lucky hits and the tides could change at a moments notice. But in the mean time he would enjoy a few solid hits he had dealt. Long as things continued the way they were.

Battle result: Hit! 6 DMG!

Slashing in sideways his blade clipped the bark covered torso of the dungeon boss.

Miaki: 47/67

Elder Treant: 60/80

<>

<> Combat Roll

1-5 Miss

6-8 Hit - 3 DMG

9 Crit - 4 DMG

10 Massive Crit! - 5 DMG

Coming around with a back fist the treant missed Miaki entirely as the <> sidestepped and evaded the attack. Drawing first blood was always a nice thing to do but it was even better when the enemy missed following the first strike. It gave a person that deceptively good feeling a a leading edge. This was both good and bad for fighters as it could possibly lead to cockiness. Miaki keep his feet moving and his opponent in front of him at all times. Understanding that his stamina was lower than he would've intended from fighting and climbing through <> and the considerable speed of the <>, Miaki didn't want to chase after it and get himself killed. He'd exhaust himself in no time. The treant moved in for another strike and Miaki held his ground, ready to counter.

Battle result: Massive Crit! 8 DMG!

Just before the dungeon boss swung at Miaki he swung at it and attacked when it was most vulnerable. He struck it right in the right arm joint and smiled at seeing a critical hit was dealt.

Miaki: 47/67

Elder Treant: 66/80

<>

<> Combat Roll

1-5 Miss

6-8 Hit - 3 DMG

9 Crit - 4 DMG

10 Massive Crit! - 5 DMG

"Intruder!" The <> cried as it sped out from the the shadows where it first was. The creature move remarkably faster than Miaki expected at first. It's entirety was made of the bark of a tree. A light brown with thin but strong limbs. Simply by looking at you would know that it relied on speed over strength. It wasn't at all walking heavily about the room like the ents described in his books. This on moved with the speed of a gust it seemed like.

With his blade out Miaki held his ground waiting for the <> to get closer before striking. After all he had been fighting through the dungeon all day and he didn't want to exhaust himself before the fight even began.

Battle result: Hit! 6 DMG!

The <> dashed around getting closer and closer. With only a couple meters between them Miaki covered the last of the distance and slashed forward in a lunging motion hitting the treant.

Miaki: 47/67

Elder Treant: 74/80

<>

Miaki tucked away the vial in his inventory after Elyth seemed to be rejecting the idea for her own reasons. Maybe she was enjoying herself or maybe she didn't like he taste of his potions. Granted they did kinda suck in taste but surely they were not that bad. Atleast that is what he tried to tell himself. His thoughts were interrupted by going underwater. He squinted through the water trying to see through it. It was much easier to see underwater for him in Sword Art Online as opposed to the "other world". In that place he had rather poor vision and needed glasses. Here he only wore cosmetic glasses on occasion.

When they entered the cave light glimmered from the entrance they came through but aside from hat they had no source of light. "Hikari, do you happen to have anything to light this place up a little?" He asked while checking his own inventory for something to brighten the area beyond where the light glimmered into the underwater cave entrance.

Climbing the ladder, Miaki was beginning to wonder if he would reach the top today. He had been grinding through <> for hours on end taking breaks to eat and drink. Every so often one of the larger branches of the tree had a large opening which allowed for one to walk out and get a glimpse of just how high up they were. He only did this a couple times but during his last venture he was faint and nearly slipped off. After that he decided to stay inside where there was a less likely chance of falling. The few times he caught a glimpse of the outside since then he was always higher and higher but could never tell if he was any closer to reaching the top.The light pouring in was turning everything to an orange hue resembling the fall. It also reminded him that it was getting very late.

He was amazed at how long he had been going on his own. His stamina levels were staying steady despite how long he had been fighting. He was growing a little concerned that if he didn't reach the top he'd have to turn back. But if he did that then the dungeon would reset and he'd be back at the drawing board.

'I've got to be near the end. I've been out here all day.' He kept telling himself as he pressed forward.

Miaki had three options before him: retreat, reach the top, or find a safe zone.

The last safe zone he was in was multiple stories down and that was an hour or so ago. When he was there he took time to rest a short while and replenish himself. The room was something players could find in dungeons that was completely safe of monsters and was a non-combat zone so you were also safe from PKers. Miaki hadn't seen a single person though since he left the last town this morning and didn't think he'd be seeing any until he was done and returned back to the fourth floor.

Seeing a large stairwell that looped around to the next floor, Miaki climbed it at a normal walking pace. As he reached the top he saw that the floor he was on was very open in space and lacked any holes that one could fall through. The room was a little dim and the music he once heard was fading out. He reached for his katana <> and drew it slowly.

"Show time."

<>

Beautiful statement from Keith. Now show me yer face D:<

We've been demanding to see his sexy mug for ages it seems like but the guy has yet to reveal himself. I say we draw him out!

Miaki looked through his inventory for a cure potion. "You know... I think I might have one." He recalled making one weeks ago but never using it. It wasn't common for him to encounter situations where he needed one but the idea that it might help Elyth up was a possibility. What she probably needed though was a priest. 'Does SAO have priests?' He asked himself thinking about how in some RPGs there would be a priest or monk of some kind who could cure unusual ailments to the body. Things like curses or hauntings could be cleared right up with a simple donation to the church or monastery. He found one in his inventory and pressed the selection option. The window winked out and the small green vial appeared in his hands. "You think this might actually work?" He asked Hikari then looking to Elyth for a shaking or nodding of the head.

Elyth wrote once again into the sand this time to tell them to get ready for holding their breath. This was a natural thing to assume one would do but had to be said all the time anyway. Miaki nodded, "Alright. We will." He then wondered how well this giraffe looking, shogun, Elyth could hold her breath. Could she swim well enough? How do you manage that with four legs. Miaki was starting to wonder how exactly this would all go over. As they got close to the water he then thought about his clothes. He still had his coat on and everything. 'Uhhh oops.' Opening his menu he unequipped the coat and equipped a black swimsuit. His body shimmered and his clothing changed. 'That's more like it.' He thought as they reached the water.