[SP - F2] Dog Eat Dog

[Seul 1]

In a way, this was how the world worked. Sometimes becoming the best in Aincrad meant one had to step on a few monsters, or players, along the way. In a world where one's worth was determined by how well they could swing a sword it was to be expected. All the training Seul placed himself through seemed to be paying off. Enlisting the help of higher level players to amass high amounts of experience wasn't a bad idea either. But he couldn't stop here, not while everyone around him continued to grow. Monsters on the second floor were probably just as easy to defeat as the ones on the first floor, excluding a certain type of annoying bird of course. Being such a mountainous region, there was bound to be a cave somewhere. He had hoped to find his next sparring partner in one as they typically inhabited abandoned mines or underground caverns.

It didn't take long for him to reach a desirable spot. The entrance looked like any other cave. Uncut foliage grew around it in a wild fashion, darkness as far as the eye could see, and the rhythmic sound of water dripping from the ceiling were all nice touches. But what excited him the most were the howls that came barreling out from within. Kobolds. Humanoid dog creatures that inhabited underground networks like oversized ants. They claimed this place as their home and he was sure that if he waited long enough one would show up for him to slay. Without another thought he took cover in the bushes that lined the road.

[Seul 1]

It wasn't really a surprise that the boy lost track of time. Seconds blurred into minutes, minutes into hours, hours into days, days into months, months into years, years into decades... Alright maybe it wasn't quite that long. But it did take a while for one of the darn things to show up. He had heard stories and seen interpretations of the creatures before, but that didn't make the sight of them any less foreign. The canine-faced kobold he was staring at was about a foot shorter than him at a glance. At its waist laid a worn out looking long sword that was coated in rust and lacking a scabbard. It was covered from head to toe in thick, brown fur and was walking upright on two legs rather than four. Though it didn't seem to be as good at it as a human would be. It was on its way down the path he took earlier, probably heading back into the cave after conducting patrol of the kobold territory or something. Now was his chance. if he let it get too close to the entrance, it could easily take refuge in the safety of the cave knowing the boy would be reluctant to follow on his own. Or worse, it could call for help. He was sure fighting off one of the monsters would be easy enough, but taking on a large group was out of the question. Daggers were designed to have a more 1v1 focus rather than large sweeping area attacks. If too many showed up at once it could spell trouble.

[Seul 1]

Now wasn't the time for hesitation. Drawing his dagger, he leapt from his place of cover just before the beast passed and swung his arm horizontally in an effort to cut its neck. The kobold was agile. Too agile. As his arm sped toward it, the creature seemed to have anticipated his attack and leapt backwards as to avoid it. Snarling at the boy, it prepared its own longsword before charging forward in a slash that would've beheaded Seul if he had been just a little slower. He managed to narrowly avoid the attack with a combination of ducking and running, thanking his lucky stars for his evasive gear while putting some distance between himself and the kobold. 

|~Results~|

ID# 33974 | BD: 1 (YOU STINK) | MD: 5 (6 - 1 Evasion) (MISS) | -2 Energy

Seul [HP: 32/32] [Energy: 6/8]

Kobold [HP: 8/8] [DMG: 6]

Edited October 4, 2015 by Seul

[Seul 1]

Now barring the kobold's way into the cave, he stood with his knife raised and carefully plotted his next attack. The kobold of course wasn't going to allow him the luxury of coming up with a brilliant plan as it was already on him again, trying to hack him to pieces with another swing of its sword. Once again, Seul avoided suffering any damage, but just barely. After the kobold's blade passed safely by he took the opportunity to exploit the gap in its defense by executing his signature move. "Side bite!" He called while his knife took on a familiar, blue glow. The system kicked in as it always did and sent him past the kobold twice, cutting it open on both its sides in a matter if seconds. The two strikes proved too be too much for the beast to handle as it cried out in pain before erupting into the shower of pixels all monsters had when they perished.

|~Results~|

Energy Regen: +1 = 7 Total Energy! | ID# 33975 | BD: 10 (CRIT) | MD: 5 (6 - 1 Evasion) (MISS) | Sword Art Used: Side Bite (2x1) | -2 Energy

Seul [HP: 32/32] [Energy: 5/8]

Kobold [HP: 0/8] (1 Base + 1 Rank One Dagger + 2 Crit x 2 Side Bite = 8 Damage Total!) [DMG: 6] [DEAD]

[Seul 1]

He chalked it up as being luck in the end. Suffering no damage and killing a monster in one shot on the second floor probably shouldn't have been that exciting. Being level eight and possessing enhanced gear made fighting much easier. Even if the kobold had landed a shot, chances were Seul would've been able to finish off before getting too beat up. He sighed while turning the fighting instrument in his hand over a few times. "I've gotta get this thing upgraded..." Using the same basic dagger he received on the first day was somewhat embarrassing. Other players walked around with their fancy sword and armor, while his own weapon was full of cracks. Hopefully the money he earned while out in the field would let him purchase at least a  rare weapon. Ideally, he wished for a perfect one, but why would a smith give a perfect weapon to someone of such a weak status?

Total Energy Regen (1/3)

[Seul 1]

It was nice to dream. It wasn't like he was the weakest player around anymore anyway! The disparity between himself and the rest of the player population was closing by the day. If he kept at this pace, he'd catch up in no time flat. There was something to be said about his determination in that regard and he definitely was making visible progress. Who knows? A few more outings like this and he might've been able to go toe to toe with the high level frontliners. As far as he was concerned about his skills, his ability with the dagger was much better than before. Knives were starting to feel like an extension of his own being rather than tools. It was nice to be able to move and react so fluidly in the midst of combat. Most of the time anyway.

Total energy regen: (2/3)

Edited October 4, 2015 by Seul

[Seul 1]

Things were looking up. Originally he hadn't planned on entering the cave due to a lack of visibility and the sheer number of kobolds that were bound to be in the lower levels. Though the thought did cross his mind. If he kept fighting as well as he did up to this point, venturing inside shouldn't have been a problem. He had to believe in himself. If he didn't then who would? Feeling his strength return, he took cover once again. One more fight and then he'd venture below. He had to be sure he wasn't getting in over his head.

Energy Fully Restored

[Seul 1]

Thee preemptive attack went better than before. Another similarly armed kobold passed by not too long after, though instead of hitting it from the front he waited until its back was to him before striking. He leapt from the bushes and jabbed his dagger into the beast's back before it could notice his presence. It was obviously weakened as it turned on its heel to cut the boy open with its rusty blade, he simple jumped backwards to avoid getting hit. Having fought the previous kobold it was somewhat easy to detect this one's attack patterns. He held his dagger high as he prepared for the next attack.

|~Results~|

ID# 33979 | BD: 10 (CRIT) | MD: 3 (4 - 1 Evasion) (MISS) | -1 Energy

Seul [HP: 32/32] [Energy: 7/8]

Kobold [HP: 4/8] ((1 Base + 1 Rank One Dagger + 2 Crit = 4 Total Damage) [DMG: 6]

[Seul 1]

The kobold was just as fearless as the boy. Each of them charged the other without regret. Only to both miss their marks. Despite being horribly wounded the kobold still retained its speed and was able to dodge Seul's slashes. In turn, the player had no problem avoiding the kobold's next attack. He simply moved to the side when the rusty blade came down in a vertical slash. The pair danced. Locked in a struggle of ever missing blades praying for the other side to slip up so that the cycle could end.

|~Results~|

Energy Regen: +1 = 8 Total Energy! | ID# 33981| BD: 1 (MISS) | MD: 3 (4 - 1 Evasion) (MISS) | -2 Energy

Seul [HP: 32/32] [Energy: 6/8]

Kobold [HP: 4/8] [DMG: 6]

Edited October 4, 2015 by Seul

[Seul 1]

Seul was apparently the one who'd be breaking the trend. By getting hit, of course. His own attack had missed but the kobold's blade whizzed across his cheek, cutting it open, only to be followed up with a nice scratch to his chest from the monster's claws. He skidded backwards, eyeing his health bar. Thankfully it hadn't dropped too much. Not enough to be concerned about. The blow only meant he had to press the offense even further. If he kept pushing the kobold it would surely die and he could take his chances with the caves.

|~Results~|

Energy Regen: +1 = 7 Total Energy! | ID# 33982 | BD: 2 (MISS) | MD: 9 (HIT) | -2 Energy

Seul [HP: 30/32]  (6 DMG + 1 Crit - 5 Mit = 2 Damage) [Energy: 5/8]

Kobold [HP: 4/8] [DMG: 6]

[Seul 1]

The kobold followed up its assault with another strike from its blade, leaving a large gash on the boy's left leg. The chance was too good though. Seul struck back with his dagger, grazing the kobold's shoulder before scooting away. This one seemed much more adept at battle than the one he felled earlier. He wondered if it might've come from the deeper levels of the cave, though he doubted it since the kobolds that resided in the deepest parts usually didn't leave and would have the lesser workers go out to conduct any business they might have had.

|~Results~|

Energy Regen: +1 = 6 Total Energy! | ID# 33985 | BD: 6 (Hit) | MD: 9 (CRIT) | -1 Energy

Seul [HP: 28/32]  (6 DMG + 1 Crit - 5 Mit = 2 Damage) [Energy: 5/8]

Kobold [HP: 2/8] (1 Base + 1 Rank One Dagger = 2 Damage) [DMG: 6]

Edited October 4, 2015 by Seul

[Seul 1]

The match was almost at a close. The kobold made a last ditch attempt to stab Seul through the heart, but thrusting attacks were thee easiest to dodge of all. When the blade grew near he simply ducked past it and took to the kobold's rear. He wrapped his free arm firmly around its neck, choking it out while plunging his dagger into the beast's spine repeatedly. It was only a matter of time before the monster's health hit zero and it too turned to pixelated dust. Though the whole exchange took longer than he imagined it would've he was still satisfied with the results. Stretching out his arms, he looked to the entrance before taking refuge under a nearby try to recover.

|~Results~|

Energy Regen: +1 = 6 Total Energy! | ID# 33986 | BD: 10 (CRIT) | MD: 5 (6 - 1 Evasion) (MISS) | -1 Energy

Seul [HP: 28/32] [Energy: 5/8]

Kobold [HP: 0/8] (1 Base + 1 Rank One Dagger + 2 Crit = 4 Damage) [DMG: 6] [DEAD]

[Seul 1]

Perhaps going into the cave wasn't such a good idea. With little to no light, it would've been better to enlist the help of some allies before facing those kinds of dangers. there was no telling what kind of things lurked down there and kobolds would definitely have the upper hand thanks to being accustomed to such a place. One more fight ought to have done it. If he could kill at least one more he'd call it mission accomplished and head home after marking the place on his map. It would prove to be a useful training ground in the future, and if he was just a little weaker he would've considered the kobolds extremely threatening. 

Energy Regen (1/3) | HP Regen +3 = 31/32

Edited October 4, 2015 by Seul

[Seul 1]

One day he'd be strong enough to clear out the entire network on his own. Not that he'd really do something like that. Despite the way he acted in battle Seul really seek needless violence. The killing of the kobolds just came with the responsibilities of being a player. It was his duty to grow stronger so that he could contribute towards clearing the game. It was the least he could do with all of the help he had been receiving. Pay it forward as the saying goes.

Energy Regen (2/3) | HP Regen +3 = 32/32 

[Seul 1]

Down the road lied his final target. Well, targets. Two kobolds strolling along on their way back home. His energy hadn't fully restored yet so he rolled into the bushes to plan out his next course of action. He'd wait, then try out his neat AoE move, Round Accel. The kobolds were substantially weaker than he was which was evident from his two other battles. He was sure they wouldn't pose a threat if he dispatched them quickly. He drew his dagger once more while peeking out, waiting for them to stroll by before launching his assault.

Energy Fully Restored

Edited October 4, 2015 by Seul

[Seul 1]

Right on cue, Seul left his hiding spot just as he did so many times before. "Round Accel!" He called before swinging his small blade in a circular motion. He felt stupid while doing it but the attack seemed to be working as a miniature tempest whipped up and flew toward the kobolds, knocking them back. In the end he thought the attack just pissed them off more than anything because of how they responded. Snarling and barking, the kobolds drew their blades before rushing at the boy, tearing into him from both sides. He was forced to retreat backwards but only after getting cuts on both his arms.

|~Results~|

| ID# 33995 | BD: 8 (HIT) | MD: 10 (CRIT) | Sword Art Used: Round Accel (2x1 & AoE) | -4 Energy

Seul [HP: 26/32] (6 Dmg + 2 Crit - 5 Mit = 3 Dmg)( X2) [Energy: 4/8]

Kobold [HP: 4/8] (1 Base + 1 Rank One Dagger x 2 Round Accel = 4 Damage) [DMG: 6]

Kobold [HP: 4/8] (1 Base + 1 Rank One Dagger x 2 Round Accel = 4 Damage) [DMG: 6]

 

[Seul 1]

The match quickly took a turn for the boring. A complete snooze fest as both sides took turns attacking and dodging over and over and over again. What Seul found strange was how easy it was to avoid two enemies at once. When one sent their blade his way he'd twist his body out of its path only to be met with another sword from the opposite direction. Maybe since he was solely focused on evading their strikes instead of trying to land his own he was able to predict their actions much more smoothly. It was great and all, but a fight can't be won from dodging alone. He needed to start landing hits.

 |~Results~|

Energy Regen: +1 = 5 Total! | ID# 34000 | BD: 5 (MISS) | MD: 4 (MISS) |

Seul [HP: 26/32] [Energy: 5/8]

Kobold [HP: 4/8] [DMG: 6]

Kobold [HP: 4/8] [DMG: 6]

[Seul 1]

Taking down at least one kobold would suffice for now. The next one that came at him was in for a rude awakening as it took a swift dagger to the neck before bursting into pixels. There was no time to celebrate of course because the remaining monster used the opportunity to latch onto his shoulder using its jaws. "Argh! Let go!" He called while thrashing about with the beast holding on tight. There was no doubt that if any more of these things had shown up he would've been in trouble. Annoying trouble.

 |~Results~|

Energy Regen: +1 = 6 Total! | ID# 34001 | BD: 10 (CRIT) | MD: 10 (CRIT) | - 1 Energy

Seul [HP: 23/32] (6 Dmg + 2 Crit - 5 Mit = 3 Damage) [Energy: 5/8]

Kobold [HP: 0/8] (1 Base + 1 Rank One Dagger + 2 Crit = 4 Damage) [DMG: 6] [DEAD]

Kobold [HP: 4/8] [DMG: 6]

[Seul 1]

The attack wouldn't be ending any time soon it seemed. The more Seul tried to throw the kobold of the more the beast held on, sinking its teeth in deeper every now and again while throwing in a scratch here or there along the boy's back. "You've gotta be kidding me! Let go you dumb mutt!" He brought his dagger up and began swatting at the monster with it but to no avail. Aiming was difficult when you had to contort your arm. The beast would simply just duck out of the way or to a different side with each impending attack. The whole thing was frustrating to say the least. "I'm gonna be mad if THIS is how I frickin' die!"

 |~Results~|

Energy Regen: +1 = 6 Total! | ID# 34042 | BD: 5 (MISS) | MD: 10 (CRIT) | -2 Energy

Seul [HP: 20/32] (6 Dmg + 2 Crit - 5 Mit = 3 Damage) [Energy: 4/8]

Kobold [HP: 4/8] [DMG: 6]

[Seul 1]

The charade had gone on long enough but still showed no signs of ending. Seul would take hi stabs at the kobold, only for the monster to evade and evade then attack him with its claws or jaws. It was almost a comical sight. He probably would have been laughing it was happening to someone else and if it wasn't for the fact that each time the beast struck him meant another point was knocked off his HP if things continued on like this he really was going to die. He had to focus. If he could just land a clean hit on the kobold it would meet its end. There was still too much left to live for.

 |~Results~|

Energy Regen: +1 = 5 Total! | ID# 34057 | BD: 5 (MISS) | MD: 9 (CRIT) | -2 Energy

Seul [HP: 18/32] (6 Dmg + 1 Crit - 5 Mit =2 Damage) [Energy: 3/8]

Kobold [HP: 4/8] [DMG: 6]