SP - F12 The Ultramarine Blade (One Handed Straight Sword Grandmastering) (Completed)

[Calrex 0]

"It's about time..."

Calrex appeared in the main settlement of the floor, Lazaro, clad in the Grand Dragoon as he gave a small sigh. He had been hard at training ever since the twelfth floor got unlocked, aiming to not only grandmaster his sword skill, but also reach journeyman rank with his Martial Arts. After some long training sessions across the floors, he had finally gotten close to fulfilling one of those goals. Looking up he saw that Roc, his blue peregrine falcon, seemed to show some excitement as well, soaring in more erratic patterns compared to his usual circular movements, "Heh, looks like we're well on our way. Let's get going."

As he stepped towards the gates of the settlement he began to reminisce about when he was first starting within SAO, back when he wasn't Calrex, the Ultramarine Knight. In fact he had yet to even think of investing in an armor skill. At the same time his sword abilities were just a shy bit above basic, using only the rotations of his body and blade manipulation while impaled in an enemy to deal powerful blows. His sword back then was still heavy, since he was still only a novice.

"Just to be safe I should probably do a refresher of the skills I already know. Can't go learning the advanced moves without having a solid grasp of the basics right?"

Edited October 11, 2015 by Calrex

[Calrex 0]

ID: 34571
Battle Dice: 3 (Accuracy +3) = 6
Mob Dice: 1 (Evasion +4) = -3
Sword Art <<Uppercut>> Activated (5 Energy Used / 36 Remaining)

Right outside of the gates Calrex spotted a single alligator, one that was extremely large, but not covered with hard scales. He gave a small sigh as he looked down at the Grand Blade before focusing, lowering his stance. Activating his <<Uppercut>> Sword Art he rushed forward, quickly closing the distance. Stopping his rush in front of the creature he unleashed his attack, cutting upwards with enough force to knock it on its back.

The Stun condition activated as the creature struggled to get back on all fours as he gave a small calming breath, readying himself for the next attack, "It really is a big different compared to my more powerful Sword Arts, but nonetheless I've got to keep pressing forward."

HP List
Calrex: 169/169

Enemies:
Oversized Alligator: 67/85 (9 DMG * 2 Art = 18 DMG + Stunned Until Next Turn)

Edited October 11, 2015 by Calrex

[Calrex 0]

ID: 34576
Battle Dice: 7 (Accuracy +3) = 10
Mob Dice: 8 (Evasion +4) = 4 (Disregarded Due to Stun)
Sword Art <<Snake Bite>> Activated (2 Energy Used / 1 Energy Recovered / 35 Remaining)

Bringing his sword arm back to the same side Calrex immediately readied <<Snake Bite>> as he charged it up to the maximum before unleashing it. Since the alligator was still stunned, there was no way the creature could avoid the almost simultaneous strikes as the Grand Blade bit twice through its skin, leaving two blue streaks in the air as the Ultramarine Knight finished his attack.

"Heh...if only all of my strikes were that fast. Let's keep this up."

HP List
Calrex: 169/169

Enemies:
Oversized Alligator: 49/85 (9 DMG * 2 Art = 18 DMG / Stun End)

Edited October 11, 2015 by Calrex

[Calrex 0]

ID: 34578
Battle Dice: 2 (Accuracy +3) = 5
Mob Dice: 9 (Evasion +4) = 5 (+1 Damage)
<<Parry>> Activated, Half Damage Until Next Turn (2 Energy Used / 1 Recovered / 34 Remaining)

Immediately after Calrex completed his strike the alligator broke free of the Stun attack and was almost instantly upon him. Since the creature moved so fast there was no time for him to dodge as he activated his <<Parry>> skill, using the assisted system to speed up his arm's movement.

Catching the creature's jaws with his sword to keep it from snapping him up in its mouth. Keeping the creature's mouth pried open he struggled for a few seconds against the beast's sheer strength before he managed to shove it to the side, looking to see that it had only dealt a insignificant amount of damage to his health. Deciding to shrug it off Calrex readied himself once again.

HP List
Calrex: 168/169 (36 DMG + 1 Critical / 2 Parry - 25 MIT = 1 Minimum DMG)

Enemies:
Oversized Alligator: 49/85

Edited October 11, 2015 by Calrex

[Calrex 0]

ID: 34580
Battle Dice: 6 (Accuracy +3) = 9
Mob Dice: 4 (Evasion +4) = 0
Sword Art <<Sonic Leap>> Activated (3 Energy Used / 1 Recovered / 32 Remaining)

"This is taking way too long. I'll need to step up to Journeyman Sword Arts..."

It was some time since Calrex relied solely on his skills at Rank 2 of his straight sword skill. Back then was around the time that he had first donned the Grand Chariot armor gifted to him by Teayre out of the desire to keep him safe. After some time the armor seemed to become his trademark, with the emotionless deep-sea blue helmet masking whatever emotion that passed across his face. That time the sword seemed a bit lighter, allowing him to use some more of the skills he had practiced in the real world. Of course, the Sword Art system techniques seemed to function better within the game.

Bringing the Grand Blade over his shoulder Calrex leaned to the side to avoid yet another bite from the alligator as he activated his <<Sonic Leap>> Sword Art, the light blue aura lighting up as he activated it. Unleashing the strike he flew overhead as he slashed the monster across the back as he flipped, completing the rotation as he landed on his feet. "That's more like it."

HP List
Calrex: 168/169

Enemies:
Oversized Alligator: 22/85 (9 DMG * 3 Art = 27 DMG)

Edited October 11, 2015 by Calrex

[Calrex 0]

ID: 34585
Battle Dice: 1 (Accuracy +3) = 4
Mob Dice: 4 (Evasion +4) = 0
Miss Occurred (2 Energy Lost / 1 Recovered / 31 Remaining)

Of course, even back then, using his sword still seemed heavy, almost cumbersome, as the skill didn't compensate enough for the weight the blade possessed. The Grand Blade was with Calrex for a significant amount of time, and was essentially the third sword that Calrex wielded, after his starter sword and the Anneal Blade. The blade was wider than a normal sword was, meaning that it was not was easy to use compared to a standard one handed straight sword.

This reflected like now, as right after Calrex completed his previous attack he was left slightly reeling from the acrobatic maneuver. Quickly dropping into a roll the alligator flew over him as it tried to [censored] the Ultramarine Knight up in its jaws. Leaping back he put some distance between himself and the monster as he gave a small sigh, "Just one more strike should finish you off."

HP List
Calrex: 168/169

Enemies:
Oversized Alligator: 22/85

Edited October 11, 2015 by Calrex

[Calrex 0]

ID: 34586
Battle Dice: 7 (Accuracy +3) = 10
Mob Dice: 5 (Evasion +4) = 1
Loot Dice: 6 (Search and Detect +2 / Item +1) = 9 (No Loot)
Sword Art <<Sonic Leap>> Activated (3 Energy Used / 1 Recovered / 29 Remaining)

Quickly springing to his feet Calrex brought the Grand Blade over his shoulder once again as he activated <<Sonic Leap>> for a second time, rushing forward as his blade lit up with a light blue glow. Letting the assisted system take over he flew forward, performing the same flipping vertical slash as he covered the length of the alligator before touching down on the ground behind him.

The creature remained motionless for a few seconds before it dissipated into crystals. Seeing his opponent's destruction Calrex gave a small sigh as he lowered his blade, quickly turning back to face the swamplands moving further out from the settlement, "That's novice and journeyman ranks practiced, now for the expert and master ranks..."

HP List
Calrex: 168/169

Enemies:
Oversized Alligator: -5/85 (9 DMG * 3 Art = 27 DMG)

Edited October 11, 2015 by Calrex

[Calrex 0]

(Two Posts Until Full Energy Recharge, 1 Recovered / 6 HP Recovered)

Giving a small sigh Calrex sheathed his blade as he began to make his way outwards into the swamplands. Looking let and right he used his <<Reveal>> skill to make sure there were no alligators lying in wait, ready to try and pull him into the murky depths of the waters that bordered both sides of his grounding. "I'm going to need to go up against a more powerful energy if I'm going to push the limits of my current skill."

As he finished this sentence Calrex looked over as he heard a loud splash not a far distance away. It was significantly larger than any alligator he had seen previously, most likely close to the size of the dragon he had fought in the past, "That...would probably be a suitable challenge..."

Charting his route across the marsh he began to slowly make his way towards the origin of the sound.

HP List
Calrex: 169/169

[Calrex 0]

(One Post Until Full Recharge, 1 Energy Recovered)

As he made his way across the marsh Calrex remembered the period of time when he refrained from using his sword. Of course back then it was because he had trouble coming to terms with the side of him that he had referred to as the cold persona. Nowadays it seemed that the calculated, emotionless side of himself had seemed to grow quiet, a small presence in the back of his mind that merely aided him in combat, bestowing him a sense of confidence and courage. He was still cautious, but now capable of performing more risky maneuvers that seemed to pay off in battle.

But back when he was coming to terms with the cold persona he kept himself from even thinking about drawing his blade, as the personality seemed to have a link with using his sword. Of course, he was still formidable with his fists, having had focused on his Martial Arts ability. However, after the loss of Teayre's familiar Beleram, and the following brief battle between the two of them, he resolved to bring it under his control. His first time battling the <<Snow Beast>> from the <<Essence of Steel>> quest he relied only on his sword, accomplishing his goal.

"It's certainly been a while since the idea of the cold persona even came to mind. I guess in a way that means I've become more rounded out, heh. In any case, it shouldn't be far now. The marsh seems to be getting deeper, so I might be getting to close to a lake."

[Calrex 0]

(Energy Fully Recovered)

After stepped through a thick cluster of what appeared to be moss, branches, and trees, Calrex arrived at what appeared to be a small lake. Amongst the rest of the swampy landscape he couldn't tell if it blended in or stood out from the theme. Giving a small sigh he took a quick look across to the other shore, seeing that there was nothing possibly close the size of the creature he had heard.

"That must mean...it's in the lake..."

Taking a few cautious steps back from the water's edge he quickly drew the Grand Blade and kept it at the ready. Hearing the familiar screech of Roc overhead Calrex gave a calming breath as he refocused, his eyes focused on the murky waters just a few paces from him. "Let's do this..."

Flipping his sword into a reverse grip he raised it high as the Grand Dragoon's pauldrons and poleyns began to glow with a light blue aura, the signifier of the <<Howl>> skill. Letting it charge to the maximum Calrex brought the Grand Blade down, stabbing it into the soft earth in front of him. The explosive noise that erupted from the armor combined with the noise, resonating through the area, "Just like with the merman and leviathan..."

In response to the technique Calrex saw a series of bubbles beginning to form at the water's edge, slowly getting more condensed and larger. Something large was coming up from the depths of the lake.

[Calrex 0]

ID: 34593
Battle Dice: 10 (Accuracy +3) = 13 (+2 Damage)
Mob Dice: 5 (Evasion +4) = 1
Sword Art <<Howling Octave>> Activated (8 Energy Used / 32 Remaining)

Rising up from the murky depths of the lake was a gigantic beast, one whose elongated neck stretched to just below the treeline. Its body was covered in a pattern of scales that seemed to match those of the alligators that populated the swamp. Letting out a large roar it attempted to get a preemptive strike on the Ultramarine Knight by bringing its head down, trying to [censored] him in its jaws. Quickly leaping out of the way Calrex wasted no time in unleashing his currently most powerful Sword Art <<Howling Octave>>

He had originally reached this rank in the past, but when the Sword Arts were released for everyone to use it seemed the system had a redistribution of points as he ended up dropping in level back to Expert. He had only used the Sword Arts for the third level for a brief period of time, but with it came the experience and comfort from knowing that he could meet any potential threat with a skill that suited the situation. Of course he had gotten the hang of using the abilities that had area of effect and stun properties, but the rank also continued to lift the weight of the sword.

By this point he had begun to wield the sword with deft handling and power, surprising a lot of his teammates, who had originally thought he had dedicated himself to the unarmed arts. Some had even thought he had gone towards a tank build, but this was not true. As Ssendom had claimed himself to be, Calrex was, generally speaking, a bruiser build. He couldn't excel at dealing damage, or absorbing it, but he was adaptable and versatile, something that was highly needed in SAO.

As the fiery orange blade struck eight times at the beast's head Calrex put as much power behind each strike as he could muster, the stabs and slashes cutting deep into the dragon's head before it released a roar on the final strike. Leaping back he twirled the Grand Blade as he gave a calming breath, "Just stay focused and wear this thing down. It's not as big as the leviathan you saw on the eleventh floor, and only slightly larger than the Forsaken Crusader. It will go down easily."

HP List
Calrex: 165/165

Enemies:
Lesser Lake Dragon: 162/200 (11 DMG * 8 Art - 50 MIT = 38 DMG)

Edited October 11, 2015 by Calrex

[Calrex 0]

ID: 34611
Battle Dice: 10 (Accuracy +3) = 13 (+2 Damage)
Mob Dice: 6 (Evasion +4) = 2
Sword Art <<Howling Octave>> Activated (8 Energy Used / 1 Recovered / 25 Remaining)

The sea dragon gave a roar as it tried to turn and swing its tail around across the bank, aiming to catch Calrex and hurl him into the water, but it proved to be futile as the Ultramarine Knight swiftly leapt over the creature's attack and landed on its back. Quickly charging his most powerful Sword Art once again he unleashed <<Howling Octave>> as the fiery orange glowing Grand Blade cut deep once again with each stroke.

The five stabs pierced deep through the creature's scaly exterior before he swung down, up, then down again. Each of the slashes bite deep through the armor the creature had as the dragon unleashed yet another roar.

Leaping back onto the bank Calrex gave a small calming breath as he assumed his fighting stance yet again, "Alright, I've got it down to almost half health. For being a tough creature my attacks are certainly cutting deeper than I thought they could. Let's keep this up."

HP List
Calrex: 165/165

Enemies:
Lesser Lake Dragon: 124/200 (11 DMG * 8 Art - 50 MIT = 38 DMG)

Edited October 11, 2015 by Calrex

[Calrex 0]

ID: 34616
Battle Dice: 6 (Accuracy +3) = 9
Mob Dice: 3 (Evasion +4) = -1
Sword Art <<Howling Octave>> Activated (8 Energy Used / 1 Recovered / 18 Remaining)

As the next attack came from the dragon it appeared to be something Calrex had yet to see. The dragon opened it's gaping alligator-like mouth and fired what seemed to be a blast of high-pressurized water at him. Leaping to the side the liquid jet slammed into the shoreline, sending swamp water left and right. The creature immediately dunked its head back into the lake as he got back to his feet, "So it's not a true breath attack like the dragon I fought inside Tartarus. It needs to replenish its supply."

Leaping onto the creature's back Calrex unleashed <<Howling Octave>> once again, but this time it seemed the attack didn't hit as hard as the past two times. From what he remembered the last two flashed red numbers, indicating they were critical hits. Giving a small sigh he speedily completed the art before leaping back to the shore, "I just got lucky on those last two. No matter, I've still got enough energy for two more strikes. After that I'd better be ready to brace for attacks while my energy recovers."

HP List
Calrex: 165/165

Enemies:
Lesser Lake Dragon: 102/200 (9 DMG * 8 Art - 50 MIT = 22 DMG)

Edited October 11, 2015 by Calrex

[Calrex 0]

ID: 34621
Battle Dice: 2 (Accuracy +3 / Disguise +1) = 6
Mob Dice: 6 (Evasion +4 / Disguise +1) = 1
Sword Art <<Howling Octave>> Activated (8 Energy Used / 1 Recovered / 11 Remaining)

 As the dragon brought its head up once again, gut full of water Calrex rushed forward. But as he did the dragon's head shot forward as if it predicted where he was going to move, jaws beginning to open. "Guess it's been a while since I last used this."

Calrex's character shone with a bright light for a second before a different shape took form. This time in order to stay true to the weapon he was training, he took on the appearance of one of the one-handed straight sword users he knew. His hair turned brunette with freckles appearing across his face. His eyes turned brown and his clothing shifted to match the outfit of Takao. Quickly whipping his sword around he activated <<Howling Octave>> once again as he sent the flurry of strikes forward, quickly hacking and stabbing at the dragon before leaping back.

Immediately as he landed Calrex looked down to see that the illusion had already begun to dissipate, giving a small sigh to himself, "Still so freaking short of a usage time. At least the attack landed."

HP List
Calrex: 165/165 (Disguise Cooldown: 12/12 Turns)

Enemies:
Lesser Lake Dragon: 80/200 (9 DMG * 8 Art - 50 MIT = 22 DMG)

Edited October 11, 2015 by Calrex

[Calrex 0]

ID: 34625
Battle Dice: 1 (Accuracy +3) = 4
Mob Dice: 5 (Evasion +4) = 1
Miss Occurred (2 Energy Lost / 1 Recovered / 10 Remaining)

Before Calrex could continue his assault the dragon gave a powerful roar, directing its mouth towards the Ultramarine Knight. The sound seemed to halt his advance, as it a wall of sound stopped him in his tracks. The flaming orange glow around the Grand Blade vanished, as if a flame had been blown out as the blue-haired player gave a small sigh, leaping back, "Guess I need to wait for another opening."

Ever since he had boosted his skill to Master rank it seemed that he was capable of fighting more and more enemies at once, even though his health far outpaced his damage output. Even though it wasn't the most powerful weapon in the game in terms of Sword Arts, Calrex know the weapon he chose was extremely versatile, having an area of effect or stun ability at practically every rank advancement. He had worked hard to get his skill to this point, and now he was planning to push it further. The Grand Blade as he was now seemed light, closer to holding a practice sword than an actual weapon, making his strikes even more powerful.

HP List
Calrex: 165/165 (Disguise Cooldown: 11/12 Turns)

Enemies:
Lesser Lake Dragon: 80/200

Edited October 11, 2015 by Calrex

[Calrex 0]

ID: 34631
Battle Dice: 3 (Accuracy +3) = 6
Evasion: 6 (Evasion +4) = 2
Sword Art <<Howling Octave>> Activated (8 Energy Used / 1 Recovered / 3 Remaining)

Another opening presented itself as the sea dragon attempted to try and [censored] him up in its mouth again. Leaping to the side the Grand Blade lit up with a fiery orange glow as he activated <<Howling Octave>> once again, his blade slamming and slashing across the side of the creature's head once again.

His barrage complete Calrex leapt back as he looked to see his energy levels at just about empty. It was going to be some time before he could execute another high rank Sword Art, and he could feel the physical effect taking its toll. Going down on one knee he planted his sword into the ground as he kept himself from falling over.

"Now's not the time to be collapsing out of exhaustion. I need to bide my time and recover. This thing is on its last legs. I can take it down."

HP List
Calrex: 165/165 (Disguise Cooldown: 10/12 Turns)

Enemies:
Lesser Lake Dragon: 58/200 (9 DMG * 8 Art - 50 MIT = 22 DMG)

Edited October 11, 2015 by Calrex

[Calrex 0]

ID: 34635
Battle Dice: 3 (Accuracy +3) = 6 (Disregarded Due to Taking No Action)
Mob Dice: 5 (Evasion +4) = 1
No Action Taken (1 Energy Recovered / 4 Remaining)

Slowly feeling his energy beginning to return Calrex pushed himself back to his feet as the dragon's head came down just a few paces away from where he was standing. Giving a calming breath he slowly went back into his fighting stance, readying himself for another attack, "I can endure these hits. I just need a few more strikes to take this thing down..."

"I still have the energy drink I got from Takao's shop, so there's always that option. But that will only give me back enough energy for one more strike. I need to hold out and recover enough for at least three strikes, three master rank arts...to take this thing down."

HP List
Calrex: 165/165 (Disguise Cooldown: 9/12 Turns)

Enemies:
Lesser Lake Dragon: 58/200

Edited October 11, 2015 by Calrex

[Calrex 0]

ID: 34637
Battle Dice: 8 (Accuracy +3) = 11
Mob Dice: 4 (Evasion +4) = 0
No Action Taken (1 Energy Recovered / 5 Remaining)

As Calrex avoided yet another strike from the dragon once again he slid across the wet ground before stumbling back into his stance. Even though he was still faring well in terms of avoiding damage, but his energy was still recovering at an almost snail-like rate. He had enough to likely tap into a couple of his Expert level Sword Arts, but they would only do scratch damage against the dragon's hard exterior. It was going to be a long fight, and he had only just come to the tough part about it.

Giving a few heavy breaths the Ultramarine Knight looked back at his foe as he kept his guard up, "Just a few more points...then I can use another attack...before I have to wait again. Just my luck."

HP List
Calrex: 165/165 (Disguise Cooldown: 8/12 Turns)

Enemies:
Lesser Lake Dragon: 58/200

Edited October 11, 2015 by Calrex

[Calrex 0]

ID: 34639
Battle Dice: 6 (Accuracy +3) = 9 (<<Riposte>> Activated)
Mob Dice: 10 (Evasion +4) = 6 (+2 Damage)
<<Parry>> Activated, Half Damage Until Next Turn (1 Energy Used / 1 Energy Recovered / 5 Remaining)

As Calrex began to move to the side to get himself into a better position he watched as the dragon quickly spun, its tail coming around the sweeping across the shoreline once again, "Shoot, I've got no energy to dodge this one..."

Quickly activating his <<Parry>> skill the Grand Blade flicked into a reverse grip as he braced it against his free arm. The tail came in at a high speed before it slammed into his sword, forcing him back a few paces as his boots left a trail in the mud. As the new <<Riposte>> effect trigger on the attack Calrex felt his body push forward, knocking the tail upwards before he thrust the Grand Blade forward. As he did the blade seemed to surge with electricity before it slammed against the tail. Looking over he saw the Stun effect appear next to the dragon's health bar as he gave a small sigh of relief, "That'll at least buy me some time to recover."

HP List
Calrex: 164/165 (Disguise Cooldown: 7/12 Turns) (45 DMG+2 Crit / 2 Parry - 25 MIT = 1 Minimum DMG)

Enemies:
Lesser Lake Dragon: 58/200 (Stunned Until Next Turn)

Edited October 11, 2015 by Calrex

[Calrex 0]

ID: 34641
Battle Dice: 10 (Accuracy +3) = 13 (Disregarded Due to No Action Taken)
Mob Dice: 5 (Evasion +4) = 1 (Disregarded Due to Stun)
No Action Taken (1 Energy Recovered / 6 Remaining)

Calrex gave a calming breath as he recovered from deflecting the dragon's tail as it remained still in the water. There was a prime opening for an attack, but as he looked at his energy bar he disregarded the idea of attacking. Even if he attacked with all he had with a Sword Art, the attack still wouldn't be powerful enough to deal a decent hit to the dragon. Focusing on recovering more energy instead he put some more distance between himself and the creature as he went down on one knee, "Come on...just a few more points..."

HP List
Calrex: 164/165 (Disguise Cooldown: 6/12 Turns)

Enemies:
Lesser Lake Dragon: 58/200 (Stun End)

Edited October 11, 2015 by Calrex