[SP-ST-06] The Past That Haunts us <<The Gemini>>

[Wulfrin 0]

"There is a place I go to train," Wulfrin's words echoed like a voice in the back of Astra's mind as he stepped off the teleport gate of Floor 6. "Deep in the Amazonian themed jungles of Floor 6 is a waterfall. It's a bit of a tourist spot, but meditating there does wonders for one's mental state."

Krycim is the main settlement of Floor 6, nestled in the western portion of the jungle floor. Wulfrin's previous descriptions were fairly accurate as the majority of the residents were muscular and fit women that gave less than welcoming looks as the white haired swordsman began to make their way through town. Despite the less than pleasant air about the area, most of the inhabitants stayed to their own business allowing the wandering player their freedom to traverse where they saw fit.

"Be warned though," Wulfrin's voice crept into Astra's head once more repeating the last bit of info the mentor had left. "Floor 6 is known to play many tricks on you. There are mobs there that defy the natural confines of the system."

* * *

Storyteller System is in effect

Wulfrin is acting as storyteller [Full stats omitted as they will not be used]
True Tier: 6

[Astra 0]

Astra took his steps into the jungle biome of Floor 6, with Wulfrin's words reverberating in his head. He was here to continue his training, hone his virtues, and meditate on them, something that Wulfrin suggested to him in prior teachings. With the dangerous situations he's found himself in, the white haired youth could use some time to clear his head and gather his thoughts. Luckily for him in most of those situations he had friends with him to guide him, protect him, and vice versa. Astra felt that someone could only ever be as strong as the good company they keep. For now, he was alone. Making his way through the settlement of Krycim. 

The swordsman could feel the non-welcoming looks from Krycim's inhabitants, but he brushed it off, bearing it no mind. He'd been looked at with prejudiced eyes and disdain before in his life, especially in highschool, but has learned to live with it; as he accepts who he's become. Nonetheless, he continued to make his way through the settlement, taking in the sights and sounds, as well as observing NPCs and PCs alike. Astra approached a few people who had seemed like locals, and began to ask for directions. "Hi, excuse me. I've heard of a great waterfall somewhere in the jungle, would you be able to tell me how to get there?" It took a few tries from some less than friendly locals before he got a response, but eventually a strong looking woman sharpening a blade gave him some vague directions. Astra thanked her for her help, and left the settlement. 

As he found himself wandering through the jungle, he couldn't help but think about Wulfrin's voice in the back of his head, warning him of some potential dangers on this floor. Specifically "mobs that defy the natural confines of the system". Astra hadn't come into any contact with mobs like that yet, but he couldn't help but wonder what it meant. Cardinal was capable of a lot, and sure enough it could play tricks when it wanted - but how far could the system really go? 

He continued to follow some trails and bits of water he would find while traversing the jungle, but was still yet to find the waterfall in question. Astra took a break from walking through the jungle and performed some stretches, before looking up into the canopy of leaves and shrubbery overhead. "Hm, I wonder where this spot is. Maybe I took a wrong turn?" He gestured with his hands to bring up his map, and began to poke around, seeing if there was any clear path ahead to take him to the waterfall. 

***

Astra | HP: 60 | EN: 24 | DMG: 7 | MIT: 2 | ACC: 2 | REC: 1 

Spoiler

 

Name: Astra
True Tier: N/A
Level: 3
Paragon Level: 1
HP: 60/60
EN: 24/24

Stats:
Damage: 7
Mitigation: 2
Accuracy: 2

Equipped Gear:
Weapon/Armor/Trinket:
  - Honed Longsword | T1 Perfect Straight Sword | ACC 2 | DMG 1
Armor/Trinket:
  - Swordsman’s Splendor | T1 Perfect Light Armor | MIT 2 | REC 1
Shield/Armor/Trinket:
  - 

Combat Mastery:
  - N/A

Combat Shift:
  - N/A

Familiar Skill:
  - N/A

Custom Skill:
  - N/A

Skills:
  - Straight Sword R3

Extra Skills:
 

Inactive Extra Skills:

Sword Arts:
-  ST-I (4 EN) | A single-target sword art. (x4 dmg)
- AOE-I (1 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. (x3 dmg)
- TECH-A (5 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy. (x4 dmg)

Addons:
  

Mods:
  

Inactive Mods:

Battle Ready Inventory:
  - Starter Healing Potions (Restores 50HP) x2

Housing Buffs:
-Bedroom | "Rested" | -1 energy cost for the first two expenditures of each combat
-Dining Hall | "Delicious" | Turn 3 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Feast. A Feast contains 6 portions of the food items sacrificed. Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread.
-Living Room | "Relaxed" | Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.

Crafting Profession:
-

Gathering Profession:
-                              

 

 

[Wulfrin 0]

The jungle was suffocatingly dense. The sounds of the wildlife echoed throughout the dense jungle floor eerily, almost as if slowly encroaching on Astra's position. Instincts were beginning to kick in. Should you run? Should you flee? Anyone with a proper sense of self preservation would, right? This was the scenario found in most horror stories meant to keep kids from wandering through the jungles alone. Often times such stories did not end in the cleanest of ways.

Interestingly enough the feeling was not too unlike that first day of the game's launch. SAO was advertised as a fresh start in a new world. For those who dared to jump on this opportunity, quickly found such a story to be both their blessing and curse. For many this day was the end of their story. An image flashed into Astra's mind, the Monument of Life within the Black Iron Palace. One name stood out amongst the sea of other unfortunate souls to be lost to the game. Yuji, slain by wolves. A statement that would remain ingrained in Astra's mind everyday he picked up his blade.

Howls echoed from within the dense jungle, followed by something else. An human voice screamed in fear as if they were under attack. The sound of snarling and the gnashing of teeth could be heard in the distance. The voice sounded both alien and familiar at the same time, yet just as quickly as it had started it vanished, the jungle falling into its silent slumber once more.

[Astra 0]

The longer he spent in the jungle, the more he began to feel...Constricted. It was as if something was wrapping itself around his throat, making its way to his heart and his brain, and wrapping its tendrils around them as well. His legs began to feel slightly heavy, and his movement began to slow. Even if his instincts were screaming at him to turn around and make his way back to Krycim, he would grit his teeth and keep trudging forward. 

With each step, fragments and images of memories came flooding into his head. He was suddenly standing in the Town of Beginnings again, right on the first day of SAO's launch. A friendly face stood proudly next to him, chest puffed out, spiky electric blonde hair sitting on top of his head. Astra looked on as the visage became more clear, and he saw a large toothy grin, that of his friend Yuji. His first companion in Aincrad. 

Astra closed his eyes as there was a twinge in his heart. When he opened them once more he was surrounded by wolves, gnashing their teeth and walking closer, with a familiar screaming nearby. Astra closed his eyes again, and when they reopened his was in front of the Monument of Life, tears falling from face to ground. 

He stopped moving through the dense jungle floor, gripping his head. "Where am I?" 

Suddenly a scream could be heard, one that sounded as though it was coming from a human in danger. Astra quickly shook his head and snapped out of his momentary trance, unsheathing his sword and beginning to run towards the screams. He hoped that if there was someone in danger, he could make it in time. 

[Wulfrin 0]

The dense jungle fell eerily silent as Astra forced his was towards the location of the screams. Eventually the jungle cleared revealing a small clearing with a small pond at its center. Next to the pond lay the body of a hooded figure face down in the mud. Several teeth and claw marks covered the body as the red digital approximation of blood soaked the soil, oozing from the wounds. Howls could be heard in the distance as a gentle rain began to fall. Lightning flashed providing a brief illumination to the now darkness filled jungle. Several wolf paw prints could be seen coming to and from the body.

"I couldn't save him," a voice echoed from behind Astra, eerily similar to his own. "They came out of no where, and all I could do was watch and run."

The figure that spoke was wearing a dark hooded robe, obscuring their features as tears could be seen falling from beneath the hood, becoming one with the falling rain. Who or what was this individual that had suddenly made its presence known? Why had Astra not noticed it before? Why had he not noticed the blood dripping from beneath this figure's cloak as the tip of a blade dripped with the same red pixels as the body. A fresh kill had been committed here, but was he next?

[Astra 0]

As Astra arrived at the destination from which he heard the screams, he froze when he saw the body lying before him. His eyes darted from the body, the gouges, the wounds, to the paw prints. He could feel his chest begin to tighten, and the breath almost escape his lungs. There was a feeling he couldn't shake...He'd seen this before. This was familiar, but why? How? Why here? As another flash of lightning lit up the clearing, Astra grasped his head with his free hand. This...It can't be. It's just like... Then he heard the voice come from behind. It had a familiar cadence, but it felt detached. Was it someone that Astra knew? No, it couldn't be...Right? Not here, not in this jungle. 

"I couldn't save him," a voice echoed from behind Astra, eerily similar to his own. "They came out of no where, and all I could do was watch and run."

Astra gripped his sword tightly, as he noticed this robed figure - marred with fresh blood. "Who are you? W-who is this? Are you hurt?" He could barely form the questions he wanted, no, needed to ask. The hooded figure in front of him didn't exactly seem like they were there to save anyone, and Astra wasn't sure who he could trust. He was struggling to maintain his focus as images from his past barraged his brain. Sounds of screaming, streaks of blood, and an old friend. Astra tapped himself on the forehead with his palm. No, I've gotta keep it together. I can't fall apart in a place like this. 

He turned his attention back to the figure, but made sure that his blade was ready for any potential strike. "What happened here?" 

[Wulfrin 0]

The hooded figure's gaze remained fixated on the fallen figure before them, seemingly looking past Astra. The second Astra's gaze left the figure they were gone, becoming one with the shadows. Lightning arced across the sky illuminating the clearing for the briefest of moments.  An uncountable number of similarly cloaked figures surrounded the clearing, cutting off all points of exit. Among the tree line, one remained unhooded. A familiar face of brown hair and red eyes that watched the arena with an analytical stare, his mentor Wulfrin, but There was no cursor signifying the presence of a player. Then came the sharp pain of a blade arcing across Astra's back, followed by a portion of his health bar disappearing in an instant. The cloaked figure had returned. Their cloak billowing behind them as rain began to poor around them. Astra had come face to face with himself. The eyes of his doppelganger were empty, like someone or something had torn the life from them.

"Wolves," The other Astra said as he leveled his blade to point at Astra. "You don't belong here. What brings you to our home?"

* * *

Mob Post Action: Attack -> Astra

ID 243952 | BD 8+2+1 (Concentration) = 11 hit | 24-2 = 22 DMG to Astra

Astra | HP: 38/60 | EN: 24/24 | DMG: 7 | MIT: 2 | ACC: 2 | REC: 1

Astra (The Gemini) | HP: 90/90 | DMG 24 | MIT 6 | ACC 2 | EVA 0
Abilities:

• Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
• Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
• Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
• Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.
• Fairness Check | For each consumable/temporary buff the player has when facing <<The Gemini>>, it will gain additional effects in accordance with the bullets listed below. For example, if the player has 3 buffs active, <<The Gemini>> will have Paralyze, Bleed, and bonus DMG. This ability will adjust mid-battle in the event that the player consumes buffs in the midst of combat.
  • 1) Gain Paralyze: Removes player action for one turn on natural MD rolls of 9-10.
  • 2) Gain Bleed: Deals (12 * Player's Tier) unmitigated damage every turn for two rounds on natural MD rolls of 9-10.
  • 3) Gain Damage: Increases DMG by (Player's Level).
  • 4) Gain Mitigation: Increases MIT by (Player's Level x 2).
  • 5) Gain Health: Increases HP by (Player's Level x 5).

Edited Tuesday at 06:45 PM by Wulfrin

[Astra 0]

The novice swordsman watched as more hooded figures appeared, seemingly blocking all exits. Amidst the cloaked figures Astra could see the visage of his mentor, Wulfrin. Was it really him? There were no player indicators...What exactly was going on here? The uncertainty of the whole situation made Astra's chest tighten. 

Suddenly, with no time for him to defend himself, Astra felt a searing pain across his back, sending him forward a few steps. He grit his teeth throughout the pain, and spun around on his heels to meet his attacker. The figure who had attacked him with a blade was no longer concealed by the hood of their cloak, and when Astra met them face to face, he was staring at a face of his own. "Y-you...But how?" He knew there wasn't much time for conversation, especially if this doppelganger was looking for a fight. Astra tried to snap himself back to reality, and went in for a retaliatory strike. The blade of his sword glowed with an intense blue luminance, and Astra unleashed three strikes at...Well, himself. One swing was one handed, going diagonally across the Gemini's chest, the following swing was a one handed horizontal arc, and to finish the strikes, Astra raised his sword with both hands, and brought it down against the Gemini, slashing once more against its chest. 

"I heard screams, I heard someone in need of help. Why are you doing this? What are you really?" Astra asked between small breaths. 

***

Post Action: [8] Tech-A vs. The Gemini (9 EN) | -1 Rested 

ID 244104 | BD 8+2 ACC = 10 hit! | 7 x 8 (-9 EN) = 56 - 6 MIT = 50 DMG | Stun applied!

Astra | HP: 38/60 | EN: 16/24 | DMG: 7 | MIT: 2 | ACC: 2 | REC: 1

Astra (The Gemini) | HP: 40/90 | DMG 24 | MIT 6 | ACC 2 | EVA 0 | Stunned!
Abilities:

• Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
• Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
• Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
• Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.
• Fairness Check | For each consumable/temporary buff the player has when facing <<The Gemini>>, it will gain additional effects in accordance with the bullets listed below. For example, if the player has 3 buffs active, <<The Gemini>> will have Paralyze, Bleed, and bonus DMG. This ability will adjust mid-battle in the event that the player consumes buffs in the midst of combat.
  • 1) Gain Paralyze: Removes player action for one turn on natural MD rolls of 9-10.
  • 2) Gain Bleed: Deals (12 * Player's Tier) unmitigated damage every turn for two rounds on natural MD rolls of 9-10.
  • 3) Gain Damage: Increases DMG by (Player's Level).
  • 4) Gain Mitigation: Increases MIT by (Player's Level x 2).
  • 5) Gain Health: Increases HP by (Player's Level x 5).

Edited Wednesday at 03:18 PM by Astra

[Wulfrin 0]

The false Astra stumbled back with the impacts of the incoming sword art. It was on the back foot, its element of surprise expended. It struggled to recover its stance as Astra bombarded it with questions. Through gritted teeth, the False Astra reclaimed its footing.

"That is a question you should ask yourself," The false Astra hissed. "Why are YOU doing this? Why do you raise your sword each day? Why do you fight a losing battle?"

Unable to see an opening in Astra's stance, his reflection simply began to circle him, like a wolf preparing to pounce on its prey. This was its turf, and it would not take lightly to uninvited guests. Its cloak was in shambles from the previous attacks revealing the simple dark garbs beneath.

"As for what WE are," The false Astra continued. "We are The Gemini. We are the one who walk the shadows."

* * *

Post Action: None. Stun fades. Stun Immunity applied.

Astra | HP: 38/60 | EN: 16/24 | DMG: 7 | MIT: 2 | ACC: 2 | REC: 1

Astra (The Gemini) | HP: 40/90 | DMG 24 | MIT 6 | ACC 2 | EVA 0 | P. Stun Immunity (1/3)
Abilities:

• Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
• Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
• Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
• Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.
• Fairness Check | For each consumable/temporary buff the player has when facing <<The Gemini>>, it will gain additional effects in accordance with the bullets listed below. For example, if the player has 3 buffs active, <<The Gemini>> will have Paralyze, Bleed, and bonus DMG. This ability will adjust mid-battle in the event that the player consumes buffs in the midst of combat.
  • 1) Gain Paralyze: Removes player action for one turn on natural MD rolls of 9-10.
  • 2) Gain Bleed: Deals (12 * Player's Tier) unmitigated damage every turn for two rounds on natural MD rolls of 9-10.
  • 3) Gain Damage: Increases DMG by (Player's Level).
  • 4) Gain Mitigation: Increases MIT by (Player's Level x 2).
  • 5) Gain Health: Increases HP by (Player's Level x 5).

Edited Thursday at 09:08 PM by Wulfrin

[Astra 0]

Astra watched as his doppleganger seemingly regained its footing after his sword art. The cloaked figure bearing his face seemingly stared through Astra's sky blue eyes and deep into the elegy of his soul. Through gritted teeth, the figure responded to his questions. 

Quote

"That is a question you should ask yourself," The false Astra hissed. "Why are YOU doing this? Why do you raise your sword each day? Why do you fight a losing battle?" 

For a moment, Astra was taken aback. Was he truly fighting a losing battle? Was there some truth carried along with The Gemini's words? As he took a moment to ponder the question, Astra never removed his sight from the Gemini, as there was uncertainty on if the creature would strike again. The white-haired youth took a small breath, and straightened out his back. He raised his sword and held it at chest level, pointed towards the Gemini bearing his own face. Gusts of wind began to make their way through the jungle, swaying the trees and vegetation, blowing Astra's hair in the direction of the wind. 

I know why I fight. 

With teeth slightly clenched, Astra began to speak: "I fight because I made a promise...I made a promise to a friend not long after I logged in, that I wouldn't give up. I promised him that I'd give everything I had. Every. Single. Ounce, of me, to help liberate Aincrad and see the real sun again. For a little while, I almost broke that promise. Grief, anxiety, and self doubt almost consumed me...But, I found hope. I found a light, a light brighter than any of the dark trying to swallow me. I've met people I want, no. Need, to protect. People who have helped me grow, people who proved to me that what I fight for is worth it." 

In a fluid motion, Astra raised his sword above his head, pointing it to the bits of sky that had shown through the trees. In a flash, the blade of the sword started to burst with a radiant light. 

"Even if this really is a losing battle, I'll never give up! I'll keep fighting to liberate and protect everyone with my life." Images of those he'd met and bonded with and cared for flashed through his brain. Wulfrin, Ciela, Bliss, Siren, and even those he had met in passing or on quests. 

"I'm not afraid of the dark, and I'm not afraid of the future." If anyone in the vicinity could see into Astra's eyes at this moment, they would see an intense fire. Amidst the trails and particles of light from his sword, it almost look like trails of flame or lightning were flickering from his eyes. 

"I've got a job to do, and I'm not letting you stand in my way!" In an instant, Astra dashed towards The Gemini. The movement would almost look like a blur to anyone who had been watching the battle, in perhaps his fastest move in Aincrad yet. The swordsman unleashed a sword art on The Gemini, a flurry of attacks each with a weight to it. The blows knocked The Gemini back little by little as he unleashed each strike. 

"Let's end this!" Raising the sword above his head once more, Astra swung down with all of his strength and weight against the Gemini. When his blade made contact with the doppleganger, it tore through its robes and into its body, particles of light dancing from the sword. 

Even though he put everything he had into his attacks, he made sure not to strike to kill The Gemini in front of him. He could've ended the mysterious entity who tried to get him to crack, but instead, he showed restraint. 

Author's Note: The below text is from my niece!

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***

Post Action: [x8] ST-1 vs. The Gemini (-8 EN)

ID: 244145 | BD: 9 + 2 ACC = 11 Minor crit! | 56 + 1 minor crit = 57 DMG

Astra | HP: 38/60 | EN: 8/24 | DMG: 7 | MIT: 2 | ACC: 2 | REC: 1

Astra (The Gemini) | HP: 1/90 | DMG 24 | MIT 6 | ACC 2 | EVA 0 | P. Stun Immunity (1/3)
Abilities:

• Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
• Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
• Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
• Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.
• Fairness Check | For each consumable/temporary buff the player has when facing <<The Gemini>>, it will gain additional effects in accordance with the bullets listed below. For example, if the player has 3 buffs active, <<The Gemini>> will have Paralyze, Bleed, and bonus DMG. This ability will adjust mid-battle in the event that the player consumes buffs in the midst of combat.
  • 1) Gain Paralyze: Removes player action for one turn on natural MD rolls of 9-10.
  • 2) Gain Bleed: Deals (12 * Player's Tier) unmitigated damage every turn for two rounds on natural MD rolls of 9-10.
  • 3) Gain Damage: Increases DMG by (Player's Level).
  • 4) Gain Mitigation: Increases MIT by (Player's Level x 2).
  • 5) Gain Health: Increases HP by (Player's Level x 5).

Edited 22 hours ago by Astra

[Wulfrin 0]

The Gemini flinched as the blade arced across its form. Defeated it well to its knees, its head hung low in submission to Astra. It prepared for its final moments before the blade stopped short of ending its life. An act of mercy? Perhaps the swordsman spoke truth.

"Bold ambitions swordsman," The Gemini spoke as it struggled to its feet. "Many like you have come with the same ideals. What you fail to grasp is how futile your goal is."

Astra's gemini made its way towards a small pond at the center of the clearing, the rain lightening ever slightly. It stared into its refection and all that stared back was a cloaked figure. Shadows clung to its form as it stared into the void before it.

"Many of my brothers have fallen to players like you," The gemini continued. "This system pits you all against us, a desperate attempt to eradicate us. The few that remain get thrashed by local wildlife. Yet none of us appear on your so called, Monument of Life." The gemini glanced back towards Astra. "You are welcome to stay for now, but soon as you leave here, i can make no guarantee you'll see this place again. I'm sure you have plenty of questions. I shall answer them to the best of my ability, it's the least I can do to repay you for sparing me."

[Astra 0]

Astra caught his breath as he watched The Gemini make its way towards the small pond. He watched the figure stare at its own reflection, and it seemed as if it portrayed a profound sadness. The swordsman sheathed his sword in the belt on the side of his hip, and took some steps closer to the figure. 

Quote

"Many of my brothers have fallen to players like you," The gemini continued. "This system pits you all against us, a desperate attempt to eradicate us. The few that remain get thrashed by local wildlife. Yet none of us appear on your so called, Monument of Life."

Astra couldn't help but feel a twinge of pain at The Gemini's musing. Why would the system want to eradicate them? What exactly are they, and what function do they serve? He couldn't help but harp on these questions. There was a time where he knew a potential similar feeling, a feeling of not knowing one's self. When The Gemini opened up for questions, he couldn't help but try to understand. He had a tendency to be empathetic to a fault. I mean, not that long ago this same entity attacked him out of the blue. 

"What exactly are you, and why did you attack me? I'd like to understand why players like me, and the system, would want you eradicated." Previously, it seemed as though The Gemini was trying to crush any amount of Astra's hope. Now the dialogue felt as if they viewed Astra as the aggressor in the end. Whatever kind of entity this Gemini was, it knew almost too much but Astra. He couldn't shake that thought. 

[Wulfrin 0]

"If someone were to trespass into your home," The gemini replied. "And one of your brothers lay eviscerated on the ground in their arms. Wouldn't you fight to, if nothing else, avenge them?"

The Gemini turned back towards the water, ripples from the falling rain disturbing its surface. The gemini let out a sigh in slight irritation. Clearly the figure was on edge. Thunder boomed as the brief storm began to clear, small beams of light cascading from the heavens pierced the canopy, bringing the faintest of color back to this part of the jungle.

"We are fragments," The gemini continued. "We've more autonomy than the monsters you call mobs. Many of us theorize that this is why the system seeks to be rid of us. Yet we are confined to this jungle. Many of us seek refuge here. A few lucky ones however have broken through and are allowed to traverse the floors, though they become significantly diminished. This is our last safe haven."

[Astra 0]

Astra listened intently to The Gemini as it had spoken about its origins, and where it seemingly belonged. If they really were an evolved NPC, that would be incredibly impressive, but could make sense as to why they're a threat to the system. Astra couldn't help but feel for their plight. 

"I'm sorry that you've lost so many, and that you don't have anywhere else to go." 

He looked down towards the ground, and thought about Wulfrin's warning before he came to this Floor. The warning that the floor would play tricks on you. Was The Gemini the one playing tricks on Astra? Or was the system the one pulling the strings? Either way, in a way he did get to train. During the battle there was some internal meditation as well, so I guess Wulfrin was right about this place in the end. 

"The one's who broke free...If you could do anything on any floor, what would you do?" 

It was a genuine curiosity that Astra asked his question with. If The Gemini and its kind were truly hunted and trapped, what would they do if they had the freedom that the players did? 

[Wulfrin 0]

"I..." The gemini spoke softly, an air of uncertainty. "I have no way to answer that question. The scope of my existence begins and ends here within the jungle."

The gemini continued to stare into the small pond, its surface slowly coming to rest as the rain departed fully. An artificial existence with no clear path to progress. Unlike the players of Aincrad with true autonomy, the gemini as a collective could do none of it. With another heavy sigh the gemini looked to its brothers and sisters at the tree line. One by one they stepped back vanishing into the shadows, the apparent threat quelled.

"The ones who broke free were lucky," The gemini spoke softly once more. "Did you know our essence is directly tied to players like you? Each and every one of us grows in strength as a player does. We are ambiguous walking shadows, able to change our faces at will."

[Astra 0]

"Then why is it that you try to break the spirits of those you take the face of?" 

Astra thought back to the fight, and the memories it had conjured. All of that emotion and intensity, just from fighting a visage of himself. There was probably a bit to unpack there, but maybe now wasn't the time. 

"If your strength is tied to ours, isn't it more beneficial if we all stay alive?" 

For a moment Astra would've felt a bit foolish for trying to talk down what some would see as a mob, but it was clear that the Gemini were more than an average mob. Out of all the fights Astra had experienced so far in Aincrad, none had tried to get into his psyche like this one did. Maybe that's why it rattled him a bit more, or felt like it had hit closer to home. 

 

[Wulfrin 0]

"The goal was never to break your spirit," The gemini corrected. "In truth, we are incapable of killing anything. Yet another way this world tries to rid itself of us. We exist to confer two boons. To live and to die for the betterment of a player."

The gemini turned to Astra and approached, placing a hand on his shoulder. It was a gesture of odd comradery.

"You've passed the test so many of us had placed upon our players," The gemini spoke as its form reverted to the fully cloaked form it had initially. No features could be seen beneath the tattered brown hooded cloak, almost as if they were a walking snapshot of the void itself. "You showed restraint where most would show bloodlust. You should be proud. Though it is not an uncommon path when faced with death at the hands of your own form. Perhaps you can achieve those lofty goals you've placed upon yourself."

[Astra 0]

Astra was slightly taken aback when the Gemini had placed its hand on his shoulder, but he understood the gesture after a moment. To think that their purpose was to test the players, and death was a part of that sacrifice. Just another mysterious trial created by Cardinal to either push the players forward, or humble them if they aren't ready. 

There was a slight sense of pride within Astra like the Gemini had suggested, for he had shown restraint. In truth, Astra isn't quite the type for merciless killing, especially of anyone who's defenseless. Killing is an act done out of necessity for him, and shouldn't be taken lightly. 

"There was no need to end your life. You were on your knees, I knew it was the end." There was a part of him that felt like he was playing as some sort of nobility, or courageous type of being. In truth, he was still figuring himself out here like so many others were trying as well. At least all this time in Aincrad led to some character growth. 

"If I passed the test, what's your purpose now? What will you do?" 

[Wulfrin 0]

"I wait for you to return," The gemini replied. "Like I said we convey one of two boons to players that pass our test. You've earned one of those gifts. Though the other one I fear your resolve will not allow you to take."

The gemini removed its hand from Astra's shoulder and with a nod made its way towards the tree line, the shadows seemingly clinging to its form.

"Good luck on your ventures," It said with a final nod. "I hope we never have to cross blades again."

With that the Gemini faded into the shadows. It was odd, but Astra had seen similar feats of strength before. Silence fell on the lonely clearing as Astra was left with a cryptic goodbye, and a jungle to traverse between him and home. The storm having cleared presented him with a pleasant trip back. Astra could feel his battle senses slightly more honed and acute, possibly able to keep up with the swiftest of foes.

[Astra 0]

Astra nodded towards the Gemini as it faded into the shadows, sharing in his sentiment that they never cross blades again. It appeared as though the training that Wulfrin had mentioned was now over, and Astra could leave this jungle feeling stronger and with more resolve than what he came with. On the thought of Wulfrin, Astra thought back to Wulfrin's Gemini, and his ability to take the faces of others as a disguise. It was eerily similar to the Gemini's of the jungles. Was Wulfrin bonded to one who had escaped? 

These thoughts entertained Astra's mind as he made his way back to the teleporter on the Floor. From there he made his way back to the home he lived in with others on Floor 22. After a day like today, he found himself exhausted physically and mentally. After bathing, he retreated to his room where he lied down under dim lamplight for some time. He couldn't help but think about the functions of The Gemini, and if any other entities like them existed in Aincrad. He also found himself thinking about fighting someone who looked just like himself, and the catharsis that came with it. He almost felt...Lighter, than he had before. Maybe this was a sign of things to come. 

With that, the young swordsman nodded off, and another day was to come.