[SP - F1] Though I Fly Through the Valley of Death (Pt 1) COMPLETE

[Mythic 0]

      "Last but not least, I've placed a little present in the item storage of every player," the voice of the Game Master boomed over the players. "Please, have a look." The mass of player followed the instruction and Mythic followed suit. He swiped his left hand down to engage the HUD, then selected the inventory to reveal a mirror. After tapping the mirror, it unceremoniously flopped into Mythic's hands. At first, the blue eyes and golden blonde hair of his avatar stared back, but a blue flash overtook Mythic and the rest of the players. The light faded and the mirror came back into view revealing black, wavy hair that covered the face of the reflection. Wait. Mythic thought to himself as he brushed a bang to the side of his face. The players in his immediate vicinity were quickly coming to the same conclusion as Mythic's eyes met the hazel reflection. That's me?  Mythic was understandably shocked to find that he, Ryan Lugar, replaced the cookie cutter avatar. In a way, the name Mythic became so much more important to Ryan. In his shock, Mythic missed the last of the Game Master's speech, but screams of hate, anger, and absolute terror broke him from his daze. Players around the soldier wept, argued among each other, others ran off in different directions. All of the people around Mythic made him uncomfortable aware of how vulnerable he was, it was as if everyone was looking at him. He couldn't take another moment of it.

      Mythic ran to a darkened alley where few players congregated. With his back to a wall, Mythic recomposed himself. Having a meltdown in a crowd like that wouldn't have been good, despite the fact that numerous meltdowns were happening all around him and for good reason. Dying here is like dying in Canada. Which is the same as dying in the real world. Mythic couldn't help but chuckle at his poor humor as two players having a heating discussion came into the alley.

      "We need to go grind some mobs! We won't get out of this horrible game otherwise!" A short chubby guy shouted at the other player.

      "I don't know man, I don't like the idea of dyin' for some stupid video game." The other replied.

      "No one wants to die for this! This is just wrong! But we won't get anywhere if we don't try!"

      "Maybe. Let me think about this for a little bit." The other player stood there and stared at his feet as the chubby guy stormed off in the direction Mythic assumed was the city exit.

      The fat kid has a point. We won't get out of here if we don't do anything to solve our problems. I'm no hero though. My family and the people on television say I am for my actions in the wars, but I am no hero. Indirectly, I've killed thousands of people. Directly, I don't even want to think about my actions in those cases. Those men, women, and children. Most of them were innocent, but I snuffed them out of existence. I did that. Maybe this is my way to atone for the unnecessary murder that I've caused. Maybe, just maybe, my actions can save all these people trapped here. I'm no hero, but maybe I can play a role in saving these people. Even if it means I don't make it through this atrocity of a game. It only took a moment of reflection, but in that moment, Mythic pushed himself to become the hero that the people in the real world saw him as. He pushed himself in the direction of the countless other players who made the decision to fight, he headed for the city gates.

Edited October 7, 2015 by Mythic

[Mythic 0]

      The gates came into view and the sight took Mythic's breath away. He couldn't quite believe how gorgeous everything was. "I'll admit, I could have been trapped in far worse places. This is just stunning." The soldier took in the scenery for just a few more moments, then he drew his scimitar and marched ahead with purpose. It was his day to shine, or die in a very, very humiliating way."How did that song go, 'If you want to survive then get out of bed.' Yeah, that seems appropriate for this. I'd better start with runts, get the feel of everything and go from there. If all else fails, I can turn back. and figure out a way to gear up."

      Mythic scanned the area around him until he found a suitable target. There were plenty of copy and pasted boars in the rolling fields stretching out ahead, but he wasn't prepared for them. A smaller one grazing alone did catch his eye and at only two HP. It's now or never. 

 

Edited October 2, 2015 by Mythic

[Mythic 0]

ID: 33811

BD: 4

MD: 3

The runt of a boar charged at Mythic. Thankfully, his footing was proper and he managed to step to the side of the boar. At a distance, it probably looked kind of cool. Probably. At the same time, Mythic swung his sword and made a rather beautiful arc a foot above the boar. He didn't quite anticipate that. The mob turned around and prepared to charge again as Mythic took a defensive position and circled the crazed animal. This will be much harder than I thought. 

Edited October 2, 2015 by Mythic

[Mythic 0]

ID: 33814

BD: 5

MD: 5

The boar snorted and charged again. It was faster this time, but Mythic was prepared. He gracefully dodged the attack and swung down as the boar passed. The blade missed the hindquarters of the beast and bit into the dirt. "I thought I had you this time, you pig." At this point, the soldier was starting to get frustrated, the battle should have been done moments ago, yet he is caught in a stalemate. "I refuse to accept this!" Mythic shouted in displeasure.

Edited October 2, 2015 by Mythic

[Mythic 0]

ID: 33822

BD: 6

MD: 10

The boar came in for another attack, this time, Mythic was not ready at all. The small, pointed tusk lodged itself inside of Mythic's leg. He watched in horror as his HP drained down to 1 point. Mythic returned his attention to the pain in his leg and the boar that decided to become one with him. The man brought his sword down on the boar's head, cutting a deep gash into the skull. That was all he needed for this boar. 2 points flashed and the boar's health drained to 0. In a flash, the boar shattered and Mythic fell to his knees.

Edited October 2, 2015 by Mythic

[Mythic 0]

The wound closed and the health bar returned to green, but Mythic was still short of breath. "My goal is to kill four more of these things. If I survive, I'll be my own hero. I don't care about anything else." Mythic spawned a portion of water from his inventory and took a swig. It did nothing for his stats, but it was refreshing. It was certainly going to be a long day out here and he needed to keep his head on straight if he was going to survive. "Mythic is kind of an inappropriate name for me at the moment. In about forty levels maybe it'll be suitable, but nearly dying from this runt isn't cool."

[Mythic 0]

After reflecting on the battle and the wound to his leg, Mythic couldn't help but notice that there was no physical pain. It was all in his head. that will definitely come in handy down the road, if he survives that long anyways. Mythic got to his feet and scanned the area for another runt. How many people have already died doing exactly what I'm doing right now? Most of them are probably smarter and are doing this in parties. Why didn't I think of that? 

A new target appeared a short distance away. It was game time and Mythic prepared himself mentally for it. He needed to finish this in one go.

 

 

Edited October 2, 2015 by Mythic

[Mythic 0]

ID: 33833

BD: 7

MD: 2

The runt noticed Mythic's approach and began to trot at him. Rather than waiting for the creature, Mythic collected himself, then dashed toward the boar. It lazily swiped a tusk at Mythic, but missed by a long shot. As he passed the beast, Mythic slashed at the boar, causing two damage. The boar exploded in a colorful display. Understandably, Mythic was fairly surprised with the outcome of this battle. It was almost too easy. "Two down, two more to go. I think I might collect some mats after this, it'll be a nice break from this excitement."

Edited October 2, 2015 by Mythic

[Mythic 0]

It stunned Mythic by the sheer beauty of the world around him. Despite the fact that he nearly died, he was completely at peace with everything. Life could have been much worse. 

"When I level up, to something more respectable, I don't think I'd ever want to leave this world. It's so rich and vibrant. But, it's already lonely. I think I need to meet some other players. It'll certainly make this fighting so much easier." Mythic pulled out a portion of bread and slowly chewed on it while admiring the horizon. 

[Mythic 0]

Mythic spotted another runt a short distance away. He sat long enough gaping at the world around him, it was kind of an inappropriate decision anyways since he needed to complete his goal. Mythic finished off the last of the piece of bread, then got to his feet. That pig isn't going to kill itself, I need to get busy. Mythic drew his blade and casually walked towards the boar, checking his surroundings while doing so.

[Mythic 0]

ID: 33859

BD: 3

MD: 4

While Mythic was checking out the scenery, he failed to notice the hog coming at him. The boar knocked his blade to the side with a tusk, but missed it's opportunity when the soldier stumbled back. Great way to get yourself killed, moron. Pay attention! Mythic berated himself and brought his sword up in defense. That was not going to happen again if he had anything to do about it. Mythic watched the boar closely, trying to anticipate its next move. A wild animal is hard to predict, a computer simulation shouldn't be nearly as difficult. 

Edited October 3, 2015 by Mythic

[Mythic 0]

ID: 33860

BD: 1

MD:5

The runt charged at Mythic, he planned for that to happen. What he didn't plan for was slipping and falling flat on his face. The dirt slightly shifted as he began to dash towards the creature, resulting in absolutely no traction whatsoever. Mythic glanced up at the beast, he had absolutely no time to berate himself at this particular moment. He rolled to the left at the last second, or else he would have been trampled. Mythic got back to his feet as the boar circled around to come at him again.

Edited October 3, 2015 by Mythic

[Mythic 0]

ID: 33861

BD: 9

MD: 7

Before Mythic had a chance to react to the boar, it was well on its way for another attack. Mythic knew he wouldn't be able to dodge this time, but instead prepared for an attack. The runt grazed Mythic's leg, causing one damage, at the same time, Mythic brought his scimitar down on the pig, nearly bisecting it. Momentum carried the boar forward and a few seconds later, it flashed out of existence. 

Edited October 3, 2015 by Mythic

[Mythic 0]

Mythic rested for a moment to give his health a chance to catch up with his adventure. He only needed to destroy one more runt before he reached his goal, things were beginning to run smoothly. Sure, there were scrapes and a pleasant impalement along the way, but that's how you learn your way in this world. It's the experience that truly matters here. "Depending on how I feel," Mythic spoke allowed. "I might go for five runts, It's going so well for me as is." The man scanned the area for another boar to meet his blade. It didn't take long to spot another and he moved in for the fight.

 

Edited October 3, 2015 by Mythic

[Mythic 0]

ID: 33862

BD: 2

MD: 6

This particular pig was especially feisty, before Mythic had a chance to defend himself, the runt bowled him over dealing one damage. Mythic got to his feet and backed away from the boar. This might be a tougher fight than what he anticipated. He couldn't help but think how stupid he was for thinking how easy killing these things was becoming. That is the first lesson of Aincrad, never get complacent in this world. It can and will kill you if you aren't careful.

Edited October 3, 2015 by Mythic

[Mythic 0]

ID: 33864

BD: 5

MD: 2

The boar trotted back towards Mythic and jabbed its tusks at him. Mythic held it off with a bit of effort, but couldn't quite get into a position to make a successful attack. Instead, he pushed himself away from the creature and rethought his strategy. Maybe if I swing at its legs, it'll go down and I won't have to put much effort into this fight. This is a terrible idea, but screw it.

Edited October 3, 2015 by Mythic

[Mythic 0]

ID: 33865

BD: 9

MD: 7

As Mythic expected, the boar charged at him. Mythic swung his scimitar at the boar's legs. The creature's tusk caught his arm, dealing one point of damage, but it did not stop the swing. The blade bit into the runt's front legs, severing them clean off. The boar squealed as it fell to the ground. Both of the legs and the boar imploded into nothingness for another satisfactory kill. 

Edited October 3, 2015 by Mythic

[Mythic 0]

ID: 33868

LD: 17

Mythic sheathed his sword and stretched. It was quite a day and he needed to get back to the city. Four runts was enough action for one day. As he turned, something glimmered on the ground. At closer inspection, Mythic realized it was a piece of ore and immediately picked it up. Mythic didn't have the skill or knowledge to use this material, but he knew it would be useful in the long run. The soldier deposited the mat into his inventory and prepared for the journey back to the city. 

Edited October 3, 2015 by Mythic

[Mythic 0]

      It was time to head back to the Starting City. Mythic felt exhausted, but satisfied with how the day went. He didn't feel like he would be the cause of his own death, doing something really stupid just didn't seem like a possibility. The man just needed to keep in mind his own shortcomings and to not become complacent. Most importantly, Mythic learned that he probably won't be able to do this alone. He needed to make some friends, or at the very least, some acquaintances. 

      The thing that surprised him most about this world, however, is just how vibrant it is. Kayaba certainly made an amazing world, despite the fact that it may very well end up being the death of him.

[Mythic 0]

      The walk back was fairly uneventful. It seemed as though the rolling hills went on forever, reminding Mythic of southern France and all of its vineyards. I wonder how my sister is dealing with all of this. Mythic thought to himself. His sister, Rayde, had recently graduated from the police academy in Frankfurt. It was always a dream for her to become a polizei and she performed very well in the two years of schooling. Mythic never got the chance to see where his sister was placed, whether it be in the patrol divisions, or another department. She even talked about the possibility of having a federal position. 

      The thought of his sister made the walk back to the city much more solemn. Mythic missed his family and his job. He hadn't even been in the game for long, but being trapped in the game didn't help the situation, hopefully himself and all the other players wouldn't have to stay in this prison, no matter how beautiful and engaging it just so happened to be.