[SP-F1] Gotta Start Somewhere

[Teion 0]

*Gulp*

Teion's gaze scanned the open field before her. The grassy hills rolled into the distance, and wild animals were scattered throughout the landscape, grazing and generally minding their own business. Teion stood at the very edge of the city's borders, facing the wilderness of the starting floor for the first time. Her nerves would have shown if anyone were close enough to inspect her. She cycled through some boars in the distance, as if choosing her prey. When one of the creatures pulled its head up, it looked in her direction and Teion flinched. The boar immediately went back to circling the fields and sniffing the ground, following its programmed course. Breathing a small sigh to calm herself, Teion realized she didn't even have her weapon equipped and opened her menu, flustered.

Opening the  equipment menu, she selected her Basic Battleaxe and it materialized in front of her. She held up her hands to grasp it as it became real, and her arms quickly dropped a few inches as she was surprised with its weight. Hoisting the weapon, she gripped the bottom half of the handle and let the upper end of the wood rest against her shoulder. Teion took a few steps forward with a sharp inhale, finally deciding on a target--a single boar separate from any other mobs. She narrowed her eyes and increased her speed, eventually running towards the monster, preparing herself for her first combat in SAO.

Edited August 28, 2015 by Teion

[Teion 0]

Teion vs. Boar

• ID# 29107
• BD: 9 (Critical Success) +1 DMG
• MD: 2 (Fail)
• LD: 4 (1 crafting material, no loot)
• Teion HP: 5/5
• Boar HP: 3/3 -> 0/3

Teion increased her pace to a run, locking her gaze on the boar and lifting her axe to swing. She charged up to the animal, and as she engaged in combat it fixated on her, eyes glowing red. The boar raised its head, preparing to use its sharp tusks to defend itself as Teion approached. With the reach of her axe, Teion closed in and swung downward with all her strength, letting out a cry. "Haaa!!" She brought down her blade and it lodged into the earth after cleaving the animal in two. Teion stared as the long red gash glowed on the boar's body for a long moment before the creature burst into a prismatic light before her.

Teion blinked. Her hands were still tight around the handle of her axe and she gave a weak attempt to lift the blade from the dirt before her eyes widened and practically started sparkling. "I... I did it! Yes!" She hopped up in excitement before pulling the blade back upright. A grin covered her face in satisfaction. A one-hit KO on her first try--if anything would rally her spirits, this was it! She paused for a minute before looking around her and spotting her next target. She readied herself, ready to take the same approach and hoping for a similar outcome. Getting a running start, she raised her axe and engaged the next boar.

Edited August 28, 2015 by Teion

[Teion 0]

Teion vs. Boar 2

• ID# 29113
• BD: 2 (Fail)
• MD: 1 (Critical Fail)
• Teion HP: 5/5
• Boar HP: 3/3

Teion rushed her next target with determination. Once again, the boar engaged in combat and its eyes glowed red at her approach. This time the boar lunged forward before she reached it, charging back at her with its tusks jutting out like daggers. Luckily, Teion caught the beast's advancement in time to dodge the blow, but her attack suffered as a result. She swung down at the boar as she sidestepped its charge, and both parties missed completely. Teion narrowed her eyes as she caught herself and spun back around to face the animal. The boar snorted and looked to be readying itself for another charge. Teion gripped her axe tightly, this time keeping the blade lower and to the side of her, preparing to try a horizontal attack this time.

[Teion 0]

Teion vs. Boar 2

• ID# 29115
• BD: 10 (Critical Success) +2 DMG
• MD: 9 (Critical Success) +1 DMG
• LD: 16 (1 crafting material, 15 Col)
• Teion HP: 5/5 -> 3/5
• Boar HP: 3/3 -> 0/3
• Level Up! Teion's health has increased to 5/7

The wild boar squealed as it ran towards her again, and Teion started her advance immediately after. Keeping her blade firmly at her side, she held steady until she was just within arm's reach of the creature, and...

She swung her axe across her body and watched as it struck the beast and dealt a killing blow. Teion felt a sharp gash along her side and winced when her mind registered the damage done to her. During its lunge, one of the boar's long tusks had struck the side of her torso and she was left with a glowing red cut. Her HP dropped a bit, but since the creature was already defeated, her mind was relatively at ease. A moment later, a window appeared before her, notifying her of a level up and the spoils the boar dropped, giving her another sense of satisfaction. Taking a deep breath, Teion didn't want to quit yet, but regardless of her slightly larger health pool, she decided it was best to take a moment and rest before charging into another fight.

[Teion 0]

• Out of combat regeneration - Teion HP: 5/7 -> 6/7

Teion sat down in the grass, legs straight out in front of her. She set her weapon down beside her and leaned back to rest on her hands, closing her eyes as she enjoyed the soft breeze out in the open. Taking another deep breath and releasing a satisfied sigh, she started thinking this actually may not be so bad. 'Maybe I could learn to be good at a life of danger and adventure.' Her idle thoughts swirled as she enjoyed the peace and quiet after having spent so long lingering about inside the city's walls. "I wonder what it's like..." Teion mumbled to herself. She knew there were players who were already very high in level, fighting on the front lines to progress the game and save themselves from this prison. Maybe someday she could be a hero in this world. Saving people, defeating powerful monsters... Hopefully there was still some happiness to be found in this world.

Edited August 28, 2015 by Teion

[Teion 0]

• Out of combat regeneration - Teion HP: 6/7 -> 7/7

Teion brought her arms out from behind her and folded them behind her head, leaning back and laying down completely. Her reflections eventually brought her back to reality and after a few minutes she realized her health had been completely restored. She reached her arms over her head and stretched, letting out a yawn from how relaxed she had become. Giving a shake of her head, Teion lifted herself back to her feet and brushed herself off, grabbing her battleaxe and giving a slight huff as she surveyed the area. "Hmm..." She mumbled, trying to make up her mind. With her new level, she wanted to go for something a little more challenging, but nothing that would overwhelm her. Looking over the creatures in the area, she settled on another boar. This one looked a bit larger and more aggressive than the others, so she assumed this one was a bit stronger than the rest. Taking another breath in and out, Teion gripped the handle of her weapon and readied herself to attack.

[Teion 0]

Teion vs. Wild Boar

• ID# 29124
• BD: 9 (Critical Success) +1 DMG
• MD: 10 (Critical Success) +2 DMG
• Teion HP: 7/7 -> 4/7
• Wild Boar HP: 5/5 -> 2/5

Teion eyed the larger boar and gripped her weapon tightly. Closing the distance between them, she increased her pace and lifted her axe over her head, preparing the strike. As she approached the boar it began stomping the ground and stared fiercely at her, flaring its nostrils as it snorted in disapproval. Furrowing her brow, Teion lunged forward and swung at the wild boar, slicing along its side and leaving a red gash. She could tell it wasn't dead yet, but wasn't prepared for its counterattack--the board threw itself at her in a rage, knocking the wind from her with its large frame. Catching her off guard, the boar attacked wildly, stabbing her left leg with one of its sharp tusks. Teion winced again at the strike, but stood her ground. If she could hit it one more time, she was likely to finish it off.

[Teion 0]

Teion vs. Wild Boar

• ID# 29127
• BD: 4 (Fail)
• MD: 9 (Critical Success) +1 DMG
• Teion HP: 4/7 -> 2/7
• Wild Boar HP: 2/5

"Urgh!" Teion clenched her teeth and let out a grunt of pain as the wild boar's tusk struck her again, this time in her torso. She attempted to strike the beast, but her hands shook from the last blow and she missed miserably. As her HP dropped again, a wave of terror washed over her. Breaking away from the clash, Teion gripped the handle of her axe tightly. She pushed the fear out of her mind and steeled herself to steady her nerves. 'I can do this...' She reassured herself as the boar stomped its hooves angrily, preparing to charge at her again. Breathing heavily, she pulled back again, preparing to swing as boar rushed towards her.

[Teion 0]

Teion vs. Wild Boar

• ID# 29129
• BD: 5 (Fail)
• MD: 8 (Success)
• Teion HP: 2/7 -> 1/7
• Wild Boar HP: 2/5

Teion swung her axe sideways too early, missing the boar but steering it off course from a fatal blow. The boar grazed her leg, leaving a bright red gash across the side of her thigh. She growled, anger affecting her more than the fear at this point. Her HP was dangerously low, but she didn't have a choice except to keep fighting. If she turned her back and tried to run, the beast would charge at her from behind and skewer her. Teion grit her teeth and lifted her axe once again. Determined to win, she pushed her other emotions aside and charged ahead.

[Teion 0]

Teion vs. Wild Boar

• ID# 29130
• BD: 8 (Success)
• MD: 3 (Fail)
• LD: 19 (1 crafting material, 1 uncommon item)
• Teion HP: 1/7
• Wild Boar HP: 2/5 - > 0/5
• Level Up! Teion's health has increased to 2/9.

"Aaaah!!" Teion let out a cry as she brought her axe swinging down over the boar's head. Before it reached her, the blade had struck down the beast's skull, cleaving it in two. It stopped for a moment before vanishing into a hundred particles of light. The weight from her axe cause it to drop to the ground, and Teion promptly fell to her knees, breathing heavily. Once she was sure the monster was dead, she released her grip on the weapon and crashed to the ground, laying on her side. She was panting as the numerous red wounds covering her body started their slow healing process.

The near-death experience was hitting her full force, and Teion's mind nearly went back in time to when the game creator made his announcement. Tears started welling up at the corners of her eyes, but as she lay in the grass she tried to get a hold of herself, gripping her arms firmly. She took deep breaths, now trying to calm herself.

((OOC: I think this fight gave me a heart attack. Teion and I both learned our lesson about trying to take on bigger monsters.))

[Teion 0]

• Out of combat regeneration - Teion HP: 2/9 -> 3/9

"I'm okay... I'm okay..." Teion panted, desperately trying to calm herself. She held her sides, crumpled on the ground in the middle of the grassy field. Trying to steady her breathing, she could feel her health slowly beginning to regenerate. "I just...need to never do that again." She mumbled to herself, loosening her grip. Bringing her arms in front of her, she propped herself up slightly. Taking in her surroundings, she just now started thinking about how glad she was nobody was around to have seen her display. As her breathing steadied, she looked herself over and began assessing the damage. She had several wounds glowing bright red on her body. She eyed the coin purse at her belt, thinking about how she should go back to town soon to buy some healing potions or something. At the thought, she remembered the window that popped up at the end of the last battle, hovering near her and still waiting to be acknowledged.

[Teion 0]

• Out of combat regeneration - Teion HP: 3/9 -> 4/9

Looking at the floating window before her, Teion inspected the battle rewards. Her eyes lit up for a moment when she read the words "Uncommon Item Found". She opened her inventory and in fact found a new item, and an armor at that! This was perfect, just what she needed. Scrolling to the equipment menu, she selected the green tunic and chose to equip it. The clothing materialized on her, and she looked herself over as best she could with a satisfied smirk. "Gear makes it all worth it, right?" She was still trying to completely settle her nerves, but the new item did make her quite happy.

Letting out a sigh, she checked the Col in her inventory before crossing her arms, watching her health meter slowly refill to green. She tried her best not to be too impatient, scouting out her next target. Making sure to only keep an eye out for the weakest ones, she wanted to give herself a chance to get back into her comfort zone. Hopefully with her newly-found levels she wouldn't run into any trouble.

((OOC: I hope this is okay, even though I'm still waiting for the item to be approved. I will wait to apply any combat bonuses until then, but I hope it's alright for me to "equip" it in character.))

Edited August 29, 2015 by Teion

[Teion 0]

• Out of combat regeneration - Teion HP: 4/9 -> 5/9

Teion pulled up her inventory again, scrolling over to the contents of her beginner's pack--some bread and water. While a shrug of her shoulders, she sat down on the grass, wincing slightly at the injuries that were still healing on her torso, and pressed the button to materialize one of each. She inspected the "food" before sniffing it and taking a tentative bite of the bread. It wasn't anything special, but it reminded her of how normal and simplistic eating was. She didn't get hungry or thirsty in this world; it almost felt like she was forgetting what real food was like. 'I wonder how my body's doing...' Since she lived alone, it probably would've taken a little time for someone to find her. Judging by the fact that she hadn't died from starvation in the real world, she assumed someone had gotten to her and her body was being cared for. 'Am I in a hospital, or...?' Teion shook her head, dismissing the thoughts. The less she thought about the real world, the better. It would only serve to distract her during battle, which would hurt her chances of survival.

Edited August 29, 2015 by Teion

[Teion 0]

• Out of combat regeneration - Teion HP: 5/9 -> 6/9'
• Level Up! Teion's health has increased to 8/11

Finishing up with her pathetic meal, Teion stretched out her arms and legs again. Her eyes lit up as she seemed to remember something. "Ah, I can probably use that now!" She pulled herself up and opened her inventory, choosing to equip the axe Midnight Eclipse that she had received from Mack. She gripped the handle firmly as it materialized in her hands and she smiled. Giving it a couple of swings, she liked the feel of it and began scanning the field for another (weaker) target to test it out on. After checking her health, however, she was still dissatisfied. After her last encounter, she rethought her decision and preferred to err on the side of caution. With an almost annoyed sigh, she sheathed the weapon on her back and folded her arms.

[Teion 0]

• Out of combat regeneration - Teion HP: 8/11 -> 9/11

Teion paced around for a bit, taking in the scenery while she waited. She twirled a lock of violet hair around her finger and gazed up at the vast, virtual sky. Everything was so beautiful here, now that she stopped to think about it. The rolling hills before her, the bright blue sky, and the soft breeze that caused her skirt to flutter slightly. She frowned, disappointed a bit as she remembered it wasn't real. 'I feel like it would've been nice for something like this to be the real world...' The simplicity and adventure of life here just trumped the nuances of daily life in the real world. That was the largest reason she found comfort in games like this. She could be someone else, live in a different world--it was great. With a small huff, she pulled her axe back out and decided to give it a try. Picking out a small boar, she took a deep breath to calm herself and lowered her stance. Keeping the weapon steady at her side, she approached the animal quickly and prepared to strike.

[Teion 0]

Teion vs. Boar

• ID#: 29497
• BD: 6 (Success)
• LD: 12 (No loot)
• Boar HP: 3/3 -> 0/3
• Level Up! Teion's health has increased to 11/13

As Teion engaged the animal, she brought down a strong swing of her axe and hit the boar straight between the eyes. The wound glowed bright red before the boar burst into light, disappearing before her. She sighed in relief. "At least I can cut through the weak ones." She reassured herself. Her health had been steadily increasing as she leveled up, which also gave her a small boost in confidence. But she wouldn't be getting any loot if she only farmed out the small ones. Or at least, it would be much more difficult. She frowned as she noticed her HP still wasn't completely full. In the back of her mind, she thought she was being picky to wait until she was back up to 100%, but given the risk of combat, she didn't want to take too many chances. She sheathed her axe behind her back again and decided to do a little exploring in the meantime.

[Teion 0]

• Out of combat regeneration - Teion HP: 11/13 -> 12/13

Teion wandered around the grassy field, taking in the sights and mentally noting any landmarks or areas of interest that she wanted to return to later. She could see what looked like a forest region not too far off in the distance. She wondered how much stronger the monsters in there would be. At that thought, she also wondered how much training she would have to do on the first level before being able to safely move on to the next. She knew the players on the frontlines were already far ahead of her, but she wasn't sure the exact floor they were on.

She moved closer to where the forest area began. Taking a peek, she could spot a few wolves and made sure she was staying away a safe distance so as not to draw their attention. She was sure the monsters beyond the grassy fields would not be as passive as the grazing boars made for beginners. Continuing her observations, she couldn’t see much more of interest past all the trees, as the foliage looked to grow thicker not too far in. She decided to hold off on entering that area until she found someone who would party with her. ’At that rate, I may never graduate from boar grinding...’ She thought solemnly, letting out a sigh as she grew annoyed with her discomfort towards strangers.

 

[Teion 0]

Teion vs. Boar

• Level Up! Teion's health has increased to 14/15

• ID#: 30263

• BD: 3 (Fail)

• MD: 10 (Critical Success)

• Teion HP: 14/15 -> 11/15

• Boar HP: 8/8

Teion twirled her axe in her hands, scanning the field for a monster closer to her experience range. Spotting a target, she gave the blade a final spin before holding it tightly in both hands and keeping it level at the middle of her body. She ran forward to engage yet another boar, this one a bit larger than most. She approached and swung across, immediately caught off guard when the boar snorted and nudged the edge of her axe before it could connect. The swing went straight over the boar’s head and across her body, slicing lamely through the air. One of the boar’s tusks clipped her leg in response, and she winced, quickly using the momentum to take another swing.

[Teion 0]

Teion vs. Boar

• ID#: 30264

• BD: 8 (Success)

• MD: 6 (-1=5) (Fail)

• Teion HP: 11/15

• Boar HP: 8/8 -> 5/8

The violet-haired girl smirked when she returned with another swing, hitting her mark and slicing the boar along the side. The boar’s next attack skimmed her side, resulting in a miss as it was knocked back from her strike. Teion’s eyes narrowed in determination, focused not to lose. She wanted to get stronger; and as tedious or sometimes dangerous as this was, killing mobs was just one way to do it.

[Teion 0]

Teion vs. Boar

• ID#: 30265

• BD: 7 (Success)

• MD: 9 (-1=8) (Critical Success)

• Teion HP: 11/15 -> 9/15

• Boar HP: 5/8 -> 2/8

As Teion and the boar continued to trade blows, she could see the boar’s health was diminishing much faster than hers. She smiled, trying her best to keep all worry and fear far away from her. She felt a sting as the boar’s sharp tusk grazed her side, making a thin red slice along her torso. She quickly felt a smugness in return when her axe came down on the beast’s hide, making another clean strike glow red on the boar’s fur.