[PP-F4] The Essence of Steel

[Saix 0]

The city of Snowfrost, a winter wonderland full of Christmas themed areas. Saix hated it. He hated the cold, or to be more exact, the bizarre sensation of cold that the NerveGear tried to replicate. Stepping off of the Teleport Platform, bundled up in his heavy layered coat, which had been a gift from his Guild leading into the Boss Battle. The thick red leather coat provided excellent protection in spite of being leather. Saix was wearing it because he believed it was warmer than his normal DPS coat. Placing his hands in his pockets Saix turned and waited for the arrival of his trusted Lieutenant and their newest would-be member. He had the perfect idea in mind for how they could see her in action and form an opinion.

[9Lives 0]

9Lives stepped off the teleporter and hoped up on the fence to stay off the frozen floor. The air was refreshing and cold, bitter but brisk. He loved the 4th floor. Most players stayed away from the cold choosing to move ahead into the temperate climate floors. It made this floor his favorite by far. He pulled his hood up to keep the snow off his head. This was a mission he had been looking forward to for some time. A chance to upgrade his Aitsuu and fight a dangerous monster was exhilarating. Saix had mentioned bringing a potential new guild member to the battle which was the only down side to the day. 9Lives didn't like most of the guild members they already had, of those he actually knew. to be fair, 9Lives didn't like most people regardless of guild status. He couched on the fence post impatiently waiting for their recruit.

[Atenea 0]

Taking a step down the teleporting device she looked around trying to find the members of the Ebon Vanguard. The message she had specifically received from the Guild was to meet up in floor four with some of it's members. Although, she was interested in joining the famous Guild, the little information she had dig on the commanding members didn't help her much. Shivering as she proceeded to go down the last remaining steps she moved hurriedly toward the waiting figures.

Usually she would always be early, yet on this specific day that was another story. Slowly accessing the two male players, she straighten her back more and tried to act as cool as she could. Lisbeth wanted them to consider her as the perfect candidate for their guild, even if these two seemed a bit... Scary.

The one crouching on the fence post looked like a ninja. Even she couldn't read his body and she tried not to ogle him that much. He definitely looked dark, dangerous and mysterious. Her turquoise eyes then moved to the crimson coat fellow. He looked a bit more friendly than the other player. He was also handsome, though there was something about him that made her heart skipped- just like the other player. They both were menacing and she deep down wanted to be just as menacing as them.

Finally reaching them, she wiggled her fingers in a brief salute before hiding them in her own black coat from the cold.

"Sorry, I'm late." She quickly stated, her smile wavering as her eyes jump from the friendly red coat fellow to the ninja on the fence.

[Saix 0]

Turning towards the new arrivals Saix smiled and cocked his head, his dark hair falling into careful disarray. "No, it's fine. We were early, so you are right on time." He says, his grey eyes sweeping up her body before he shrugs. "I'd shake your hand, but it's really cold. So let's do this informal. My name is Saix, and this is my Lieutenant, Nine. He says, with a reckless smile. "We are always happy to recruit more powerful members, so today we are going to go fight something and get a chance to see each other in action." He said, looking over his shoulder towards the path out of town. "Alright, we have a ways to go, but in a canyon that literally looks like the worst place in the world, with jagged ice blades and stuff; is a giant beast skull. If you beat on the skull with a weapon or something, it awakens a giant Yeti Monster. If we kill it, which shouldn't be too hard, it will drop some really cool legendary stuff. Oh, and it has 100 health, so there is that. But we should be good."

[9Lives 0]

9Lives turned his head to the new recruit who immediately looked nervous and apologized for being late. 9Lives eyes narrowed as he looked over the girl. His head tilted to the side as his face sank into disappointment. His head turned to face Saix as he comforted the recruit. She lacked confidence and that was already going to be detrimental to the group. Nine cracked his knuckles as Saix gave the usual welcome to the guild routine. Nine didn't usually accompany these invitationals, partly because his expectations were to high but mostly because he despised the masses. This mission was different. he had wanted to take a run at this quest since he first heard of it. Sure he could make a new sword, but Aitsuu was special to him and couldn't just be thrown out for a better item.

Saix went on about their mission and Nine turned back to watch the recruit. He doubted her resolve and her confidence. If she wasn't prepared for the task at hand then then description would send her packing. He gave a half smile as Saix mentioned the health of the monster. the notion of battle was building in anticipation. His smile grew sadistically as his mind drifted the ideas of combat. "It will be a glorious death, regardless of if it is its or ours." he said standing up from the post maintaining his balance as he rose.

[Atenea 0]

She wasn't sure if her face was hot because of the cold or embarrassment, thankfully the red cloak fellow was amiable. Nodding her head in approval of his pleasantry, she tried to stretch her smile more to make it seem more welcoming. Of course, she tried not to look nervous any more, although hearing the other player crack his knuckles unnerved her. The fact that she was hanging out with the top tier players of the guild had her in awe.

'Crimson Lightning. Obsidian Curse.' She thought silently to herself as she listened to the Guild Master's words. These were players very well known. The very spine of the Ebon Vanguard guild and highly respected for their fighting skills inside the game.

The fact that she was within the same place as them seem a one in a thousand chance. Lisbeth wanted to definitely impress them even more so. They did not fit her picture of the monstrous deadly players and she was grateful for that. Feeling excitement pumped up through her veins as her mind wander on all the great possibiliti-

"What?" She blurted out as she caught the monster's health. Saix had said it all so cheerfully she almost agreed to it all. As she felt the cold extend her whole body, she froze completely at the words of 9lives. Death... She didn't like that idea at all. She swore she could almost feel woozy, gulping back her fear she nodded vigorously while trying to look unimpressed. She didn't need to look into a mirror to know she was failing miserably at that.

With nowhere else to go and not wanting to seem a coward, she let out a shuddering breath and took a deeper one in. Her chest puffing up as she mustered bravado.

"I'm ready! This will be my first time taking on something like that, but there must be a first thing for everything. Oh, somehow the air seems fresher doesn't it?" She quickly stated, her left hand coming out and pressing against her head. Dark ringlets of hair rustling with the breeze, while her tone seemed even more light than before.

She kept repeating to herself silently to not faint nor fall as she squared her shoulders.

[Saix 0]

As if he could sense her unease, Saix did his best reassuring smile. "Hey, it's going to be alright. I'm playing forward in this group, so it's going to be focused on me. I'll keep it's attention, while you two wear it down until we can score the kill." He said with a simple shrug. "I may not look it, with the light armor, but I am more than capable of tanking anything on this floor, Snow Beast included." He adds with a confident shrug. Saix has always been like this, since the start of the game. Nothing seems to phase him, and every day is a new adventure. Things like danger and death simply don't bother him, because he has a goal that keeps him focused.

He won't let them die.

That is the mantra that he repeats every second of every day. He has gathered a strong guild, a new family, and no matter what the cost he is going to see them leave this Murder Game, even if it means that he himself will fall along the way. When faced with determination in the face of a goal like that, well, a boss with 100 hp against 3 people isn't a problem at all. It is a peak of the charisma that allowed him to be a successful Guild Leader in the first place, coupled with a flawless plan that will see them through to victory. He might not have the high level of some of the other Assault Team players, but Saix is the man with the plan, who always has something up his sleeve for the occasion.

"We've got a ways to go, so we should get started heading out. But... before we go. Proper preparation is everything in this game, you need the right equipment to maximize your DPS. We have a pretty simple set up in the Ebon Vanguard; I'l play forward and keep it's attention focused on me, while you two switch back and forth and wear him down. Unless things go way out of hand, he should never focus on your two, and I will hold hate the whole battle." He explains, as he opens his inventory and retrieves the huge menacing axe Darkfyre. "This was crafted by one of our allies, it's a pretty gnarly weapon, all damage. Use this and you'll cut him down to size in no time. And this... Will help your accuracy." He said, fishing out a pair of Fine Steel Gauntlets.

"With these, you shouldn't have anything to worry about at all." He says, ever the charismatic leader trying to calm the troops.

[9Lives 0]

9Lives rolled his eyes at Saix's speech as he tried so poignantly prepare the troops. He spit onto the snow at the notion of Saix over done heroic monologue. It was irritating that Saix became this persona around the younger and weaker willed players. let them stay if they didn't have the courage to venture forth, and let them die if they didn't have the will to survive. Still Saix went on with a nostalgic look pondering his agenda with hopeful ignorance. When he opened his inventory and gave forth weapons, Nine folded his arms. he understood that they would need good items to defeat the monster. Even so it really drew a clear difference between the two players. 9Lives would never give out items to someone who hadn't earned.

Nine hopped down from the fence with a sadistic smile. his head cocked to the side. "Whats wrong little girl? do you need a tutorial as well or are we ready for some blood shed?" he said cold and sadistically. his exhilaration was fading between the awkward frailty of the girl and the melodramatic speech of Saix. In truth he understood why Saix acted the way he did. not everyone could be enthusiastic about rushing into battle. Not everyone took the time to prepare their knowledge on the game to maximize their ability. most in fact relied strictly on having high levels and high hp to survive battles. they on the other hand were the few who understood the game and were able to play it without mindless grinding for HP.

[Atenea 0]

Looking up at Saix, she tried to mustered a friendly smile and nodded vigorously at his words. She had to believe him, because if not she wouldn't know what to do. Dropping her hand and curling it into a tight fist she couldn't help but admire his confidence. That made her wondered where her own had run off too. Moving her eyes in a appreciative manner down his crimson cloak body and his light armor, Lisbeth definitely wanted to look that good when her own armor was completed.

Of course, her armor wouldn't be that light, seeing as luck sometimes was never on her side. Letting out a huff before dragging her eyes to meet his silver colored ones, she blushed at having so publicly ogle his merchandise. Listening in on the plan that he laid before her and the silent 9lives, Lisbeth began to formulate her own battle strategy concerning how she would attack.

Her face suddenly changed to one of seriousness as she turned to 9lives. About to ask him which side he would take for the fighting, she heard Saix mentioned gear and her eyes widened in surprised. Looking at both of the items he was offering and their stats, she quickly accepted them. Hell, now she felt even more in debt to make a great impression for them.

"Wow..." She mustered, unable to find words on how to express how thankful she was. Then, the silent ninja spoke and his taunt, stoke her inner saucy nature. Looking at the other player, she smirked and cocked her hip to the side, trying to ignore the shivering cold. He was intimidating, but she couldn't stay quiet at that.

"No, I do not need a tutorial on how to wield an axe, but thank you if your offering." She simply stated with an innocent smile. Turning her gaze back to Saix, she quickly equip the items and waited for him to show them the way.

[Saix 0]

That got a chuckle out of Saix, as she accepted the new gear. If he hadn't known 9 well enough to know he disproved, the snarky comment would have clued him in. But Saix didn't care, he was right in this case. They were relatively low level, going up against a powerful enemy. If they weren't all hitting for at least 4-5 damage, then one of them might die. And Saix, being the forward who was going to be holding aggro the whole time, certainly didn't plan on dying. Not when there was much more they needed to accomplish in this Death Game.

"Well, you two seem to be hitting it off rather well. So, let's be on our way then." He said, shaking his head. Still, she had impressed him with her willingness to snap back a retort. Most members weren't comfortable around 9. His demeanor and personality made him very hard to approach, and most weren't willing to put in the time to get him to warm up to them. Lisbeth seemed to be ready and willing to dish as much as she was going to receive, and that was pretty rare compared to the other raw recruits who just fell all over themselves trying to fit in.

This should be interesting...

[Oh Look, a Time Skip!]

They had made their way through the snow flurries, tracking closer and closer to the edge of the Floor before they reached the specified canyon he had saved on his Map. Here the wind finally stopped it's howling, and they didn't have to worry about snow being blown in their faces. The canyon itself was carved deep into the bedrock of the cliffs, as though a glacier had rumbled through, and all around them the ice had frozen in jagged blade like serrations. Saix considered it one of the 'most likely places for a secret boss fight' he had seen in the game thus far. "And, this is it... All we have to do is wail on that thing, over there and the boss will awaken." He said, gesturing with his weapon to a nearby skull of some unknown horned beast.

[9Lives 0]

9Lives licked his lips at her retort. it was cunning and showed attitude without coming off as cocky or defensive. he enjoyed her retort as a his smirk and eyes widened. Seeing her equip the axe and other items he reached for Aitsuu placing his left hand on the tsuka. "I suppose we will see how true that statement is." he said coldly despite the amused look on his face. His attention shifted as Saix broke the conversation. Nine only turned with a look that said nothing more than "lets get on with this." He mused at the idea of this girl and her sharp tongue.

Part of him wanted to see her fail and fall apart in battle just to see her bravado wilt in the sun. but he also wanted to see someone so bold to nonchalantly dismiss his tactful however malicious comment, to succeed in the ranks of the Vanguard. He had grown tired of the trivial white wash masses who called themselves a vanguard. It was like a sickness to the heart of a guild that had now walked a path on the edge of what he envisioned and worked to produce. perhaps with more members where offered more than a weapon to swing at a target they were directed, would bring back some semblance of what he sought to be apart of. Perhaps it would bring back the decisive leader Saix was before he lost himself to this contagious soft hearted archetype he adorned every time one of the weaker players needs help or motivation. they deserved death for their weakness, not coddling.

his deviation thoughts filled with hatred became overwhelmed and suppressed by the growing sense of anticipation he had before. They were getting close to the mission location and when Saix pointed at the skull directing it as the start of the battle, 9Lives smiled then took off into the Canyon towards the skull. He wanted the battle. He needed to feel his heart race and his blood boil. His sword hungered for death and he would sate its appetite this day.

[Atenea 0]

Finishing on equipping the items given to her by Saix. Her smile grew into a more fierce one at the words of the lieutenant. Bowing her head in a signal of respect, she never moved her eyes from 9lives face. Pure, unadulterated determination displayed in her gaze for him to see.

"Aye, Lieutenant." She said neutrally, before moving on towards the trek that awaited for them. During that time, she went on autopilot as she tried to settled her mind and heart. The monster they were targeting would be the perfect chance to proof that she could take on the front lines. That she could be an asset, if only in a small part. With her mind occupied with thoughts and feelings, Lisbeth was surprised to find out that after a long while the three of them were finally at their destination.

Never been that far away from the settlement. She stared in complete surprised at the sight before them. Even if the wind was not as powerful as before, she suddenly stopped being feeling cold and began to mover her neck as well as shoulders. She didn't need the sensation of stretching in this game, but it was a habit that hadn't died yet. As she moved her gaze through the arena of the battle about to commence, she thought of any possible danger that could happen to them and that got her own adrenaline running.

"Mm...There is enough space to be covered in battle. Hopefully, we will just be facing the beast and no other small monsters, Captain." She mused out loud, feeling strange at using such a title, but as a starting member she didn't feel remotely comfortable for calling any one of them by their usernames. Lisbeth thought she'd have to win that right, before doing so.

Glancing towards the other party in their group, who had just been as silent as she was during the trek. She studied his blank expression and wondered what exactly was going through his mind then. Taking out Darkfyre without moving her gaze from him, her gripped tighten around the hilt, her fingers getting used to the feeling of it.

"Which side are you taking for the attack, Lieutenant?" That was perhaps a too forward question for him, but curiosity had her pondering it.

[Saix 0]

Oh yes, she was going to be a lot of fun. He could tell that just by the look in her eye when she stood up to 9Lives. It was enough to bring a chuckle to Saix, who seen many quail under the gruff Lieutenants disapproving glare, which seemed about as social as he was normally willing to get.

"When I fought it before, it was alone... So don't worry about that. If worst case happens, we'll deal with it, somehow." He says, rather casually, as he approaches the skull. Behind him Lis is attempting to brain storm a little with 9, to coordinate their efforts. Normally Saix would be all for a planning session, but that wasn't the full intention of their trek out here. He was more interested in seeing how their new recruit dealt with pressure, so he aimed to increase the pressure.

"No time for that, we're starting..." He says, with a reckless grin as he reaches out and strikes a resounding blow against the skull with one of his swords, the black bladed <>, a high damage life stealing weapon that would pair well with his defensive Pyrewyrm Coat. The sound of the narrow blade striking the ice coated skull clacked loudly, echoing through the cavern, breaking the stillness as an ominous rumbling started.

"I'll engage first to take it's attention, once I have established focus you two attack in whatever order you want..." He says, suddenly serious in the face of battle as something massive moves in the snow ahead.

[Saix 0]

The dull clonk sound of the sword striking the skull echoes across the little canyon, causing a disturbance nearby as something shifts beneath the snow. A rumbling sounds, as a huge behemoth turns over in it's sleep, disturbed by the sound. The snow falls away, revealing....

A giant butt...

One huge hand moves to scratch the aforementioned butt, as a positively huge 4 meter tall monster pulls itself out of the snow. Covered in white woolly fur, with little rams horns atop it's tiny head, it appears to be a huge ape like creature with a mouth full of huge blunt teeth that seems to dominate much of it's upper chest, despite the relatively tiny had on top of the broad shoulders. Looking at them blearily through sleep caked eyes, it lets loose a loud fart before puffing up it's cheeks and loosing a bellowing roar that shakes the snow loose off secluded little canyon's walls.

[Saix 0]

At the ground rumbling fart and roar, Saix shrugged sheepishly. "He did that last time too... In fact, he does that a lot. I think Kayaba has a childish sense of humor..." He says, an apologetic look on his face. "Here's the game plan, I engage first to hold attention... You two attack when ready and keep cutting it down while I hold it's focus. Oh, and have fun, or else why are we even playing a game, you know?" He asked, with a nonchalant shrug with his naked sword in hand.

Then he charges, activating his Spiritual Light skill to further build up hate.

<> some had asked him where the name came from, most realized once they saw him in battle. To observe Saix in combat was a pretty exhilarating thing. To say he was fast would be putting it lightly, he darted across the slippery snow like he was racing in a 100 meter dash, the slippery footing seeming to not bother him in the slightest as he rushed right up to the massive creature that stood over 3 times his height with a positively joyous smile on his face at the prospect of battle.

Dodging with a quick spin as the huge club like hand lowered to the snow following the earth shattering roar, Saix raced right up the beast's arm hurtling through the air like a crimson lightning bolt, his fine coat flapping in the wind as he primed an attack in mid air. Releasing his charging attack, he peppered the beast's face with a serious of 4 lightning fast staccato thrusts, <>. Kicking out, he stepped hard on the beast's nose and pushed off, leaping backwards to land in a crouch as he slid a few feet on his landing, his dark hair hanging low across his face as he looked up, a huge smile on his face.

"9... Lisbeth... Now that I have it's attention, let's dance."

Battle Dice: 10 CRIT!

Damage: 1 + 2 + 3 + 2 = 8

Gain 1 Life

Saix: 25/25

9Lives: 17/17

Lisbeth: 17/17

Snow Beast: 92/100

[9Lives 0]

9Lives was not amused by the antics of the ape or the new attitude that he had hoped Saix would drop, but neither were looking like they would end any time soon. Nine positioned himself for the assault ignoring the recruits inquiry as to tactics. He wasn't going to tell her how to survive. she either proved her worth or would be struck down. Saix had already coddled her more than she had earned. If he so desired to be the heroic figure, than he could guide her. Saix attacked first drawing the creatures aggro. As a tank Saix would work to keep the the creators attention. 9lives drew Aitsuu swiftly as he took off to get into range for his sword skills. Crossing his arms with his blade over he left shoulder he charged for his attack.

Battle Die: 5+2 = 7 success

Damage 1+2+2 = 5 Damage

His sword Shined teal activating <> 9lives disappeared instantly appearing on the other side of the Monster. His flash step attack to fast for the game to process the animation, he simply landed crouched behind the beast. with his blade extended out to the right having sliced through the monster perfectly. He quickly lept back to his feet and used sprint to get out of the monsters attack radius while calling out "Switch!"

Saix: 25/25

9Lives: 17/17

Lisbeth: 17/17

Snow Beast: 87/100

[Atenea 0]

Grumbling to herself as 9lives continued on without even acknowledging her or her question; Lisbeth followed after them. Taking a deep breath in and then letting it out, she took out Darkfyre and turned it around her hands, adjusting herself once more to its weight. The beast that came out from its cave was nothing that she had seen before. Even within its own silliness, Lis didn't doubt that it could do damage.

Watching both of them spur into action, she felt stunned as the Crimson Lightning and Obsidian Curse began to work. They moved fast and dealt damage to the beast in quick attacks. As the Lieutenant landed his attack without any problem, she moved in for the switch her axe charging for her first attack.

The red aura formed around the glinting blade as jumped to land her strike on the beasts torso. The force of the blow made her moved back a couple of steps as she landed once more on the cold earth. Seeing take damage made her happy, but the thought of being protected by better armor was even more exciting.

"Hit!" She called out for 9lives to hear, before awaiting more orders and keeping her distance. Flexing her arms as she hold the axe, she loved the way it felt to strike, hit and actually do hard damage. The feeling was exhilarating.

[Saix 0]

Snow Beast had a rather limited attack AI, so when the group of players attacked it there was a relatively short list of actions for it to run through. Normally it would have used it's AOE attack, as all 3 players were operating with equal Hate. However, the lead player was using Spiritual Light, increasing his own hate. That switched the attack priority to a single target attack against this player. Thus, Snow Beast lumbered forward in an apelike manner with a roar and lashed out with one giant clawed hand.

Combat Dice: 10

Damage: 5 - 3 [Armor] - 1 [Armor Skill] = 1 Damage!

The heavy blow caught <> full on in the chest, lifting him off his feet and hurling him back several steps; but the high quality armor kept him from suffering too much damage.

Saix: 24/25

9Lives: 17/17

Lisbeth: 17/17

Snow Beast: 81/100

[Saix 0]

Grunting from the heavy blow, Saix was actually pushed back on his heels from the force of the impact, his passage marked by the twin trails dug into the snow from his feet. But still, the reckless grin on his face didn't fade. How long had it been since he had been able to have a little fun like this? Ever since the Ebon Vanguard had started really taking steps toward gaining recognition it had been all politics, strategy meetings, and bullshit. It had been ages since he could cut loose, and now that he was once again able to enjoy getting his blood pumping, he couldn't wait for more.

Snapping his rapier down at his side, he rushed forward again keeping low as his signature red coat billowed behind him. Twisting around one giant pillar like arm, he rushed right in close and prepared his sword for the strike. His heart was pounding, his blood was singing; and he just felt so alive. This, this was what he had been missing. Ever since coming to this damned game, Saix had done everything he could to keep others in high spirits. It had been his charisma and leadership that had gathered the forces of The Ebon Vanguard, and in his haste to build their fame, he had let them down.

They needed him here, leading them into battle, building their confidence as they waded their way through monster guts towards freeing themselves from this stupid game. It was kind of an epiphany of sorts, finding that he had at some point let go of something fundamental and not even realized it, well no more; he was back where he belonged, and he was going to shake the rust of his sword, one way or another... Even if it meant stabbing a giant snow monkey repeatedly. "Keep it up you two, attack his legs and see if we can't knock him down!" he shouted.

Kayaba Akihiko had been completely mad, but he had been a genius. So many things in SAO, even down to the way NPC's and enemies would focus on their target with direct line of sight; were so realistic. Saix had seen pretty early on that slicing with the sword didn't just damage Hit Points, it had real weight and impact. They might not be able to sever tendons or cripple it, but a heavy blow to the back of the knee could very well carry enough weight to knock it down. Saix himself may not have been in any real danger, but that didn't mean they should slack off on their tactics.

With a reckless grin that showed how much he was enjoying himself, Saix attacked at point blank range with his rapier, the needle thin blade flickering out at high speed as he unleashed his <>, the blade stabbing deep into the Snow Beast's side.

Battle Dice: 8

Req to Hit: 4

Damage: 1 + 4 [skill] + 2 [Weapon] = 7

Heal 1 HP from Lifesteal

Saix: 25/25

9Lives: 17/17

Lisbeth: 17/17

Snow Beast: 74/100

[9Lives 0]

9Lives turned and prepared to evade but the attack help its lock on Saix attacking him fiercely. True to his word, he was set quite well as a tank which was odd to 9Lives but it seemed that Saix had been trying to stretch out in all directions. Maybe thats what happens when your in charge of a guild that's growing rapidly. 9lives stayed out of the politics and recruitment for the most part and probably wasn't the best second in command. But what he lacked in social standing, he made up for in his ruthless battle ability. Arcing back around he sheathed his blade changing his next attack then activated .

Battle Die: 6+2 = 8 success

Damage 1+2+4 = 7 Damage

Saix: 24/25

9Lives: 17/17

Lisbeth: 17/17

Snow Beast: 68/100