Ariel - The Crowned Lion

Ariel paused her training, the rhythmic sound of her strikes ceasing as she became aware of someone approaching. She maintained her stance, focused, until the last swing was executed. Only then did she acknowledge the newcomer, turning to face him with the practiced calm of a seasoned warrior. Her silver eyes, reflecting a keen curiosity, took in the man before her—older, clearly experienced, and marked by the road he had traveled to reach this place. Ariel offered a nod of acknowledgment, her expression neutral but not unwelcoming. She drove the wooden sword into the ground beside the du

For a while now, Ariel had asked her students to spread posters around the main settlements of each floor as most of her preparations to open the martial arts school had been finished. If she wouldn't actively participate in clearing floors (outside of the floor boss fights), she would at least continue with her dream to open her own school. The first step to achieving that was to start one here, in Aincrad. To reach Ariel's martial arts school, the first task was to leave behind the confines of «Coral», the main settlement on the 22nd floor. A sign bearing a crowned lion's head pointed t

Ariel stepped into Freyd Edge's, the modest shop situated near the ruined monastery on the outskirts of Angel's Point. The place had a certain charm despite its ramshackle appearance, with tables and tents creating a makeshift yet functional display area for artefacts. She took a second to remines on long forgotten times when this floor was the 'frontline' and her adventures here at the time. She was greeted by Quip, who was hunched over the counter, meticulously polishing a set of old relics. Her green eyes flicked up from her work, clearly unimpressed by the interruption but professiona

As Ariel carefully pried open the lid, her anticipation grew. The inside of the chest revealed itself slowly, its contents cushioned in a bed of dark, plush fabric. Among the treasures, her eyes first caught sight of a mysterious, unidentified weapon—a beautifully crafted sword with an intricate hilt, its blade gleaming with an aura of ancient power. Next to it lay an equally enigmatic piece of armor, its design unfamiliar yet exuding a subtle aura of protection. Both items bore no visible inscriptions or markings that could hint at their origins or the enhancements they possessed, adding to t

As the sky turned a rich hue of twilight, Ariel decided to wrap up her quiet fishing session. The day had been a peaceful one, filled with reflections and the gentle lapping of water against the pond's edge. She began to gather her belongings, preparing to head back inside, when something unusual caught her eye. Amidst the soft pink petals of the sakura trees and the neatly arranged stones lining the pond, there was a slight glimmer, barely noticeable against the backdrop of the evening. Curious, Ariel approached the spot cautiously, her keen sight—honed through years of training and enha

As the afternoon sun dipped towards the horizon, casting a golden glow over the pond, Ariel continued her peaceful fishing. She cast Amphitrite's Net again, its intricate pattern sparkling in the soft light. However, this time, as she pulled the net back, it came up empty, swaying gently with only the clear water dripping from its edges. Ariel smiled to herself, unfazed by the lack of a catch. She cast the net once more, but again, it yielded nothing. Ariel stood quietly for a moment, watching the calm ripples spread across the pond's surface. The koi and smaller fish darted beneath the w

Ariel stood by the tranquil pond in the backyard of her estate, next to her dojo and the enchanting field of pink sakura trees. The blossoms floated gently on the breeze, their delicate petals falling like soft rain onto the water’s surface. With Amphitrite’s Net in hand, a special tool she had earned through her trials, Ariel prepared to fish in this serene setting. The pond, a quiet sanctuary she often visited, reflected the vibrant colors of the sakura blossoms, creating a mesmerizing view. Kimba, her loyal lioness companion, watched attentively from a shaded spot beneath one of the an

The trials had not only tested Ariel’s skills but had also expanded her perspective on the natural (artificial) world. She realized that the sea was not just a place of adventure but a realm of profound wisdom and balance. The challenges had reinforced her values of patience, respect, and harmony, which she intended to carry forward in all her endeavours. Kimba’s presence throughout the journey had been a source of strength, and Ariel felt a deepened bond with her loyal companion. Upon arriving back at the dojo, Ariel was met with a sense of calm. The familiar surroundings of her training

As Ariel and Kimba prepared to leave, the moonlight cast a silvery glow over the calm waters of the sea. The journey back to the mainland was marked by a sense of peace and reflection. Ariel gazed at the shimmering moonlight on the water’s surface, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. The trials had taught her not only about fishing but also about the delicate balance of nature and the importance of respecting all forms of life. Kimba, her golden fur reflecting the moonlight, remained by her side, a steadfast presence through their adventure. The voyage back was tranquil, with the gentle r

The night wore on, and Ariel felt a renewed sense of connection to the sea, as if each wave carried with it a piece of the wisdom she had gained. Kimba remained a silent, comforting presence by her side. When Ariel finally packed up her gear, she felt a deep sense of peace and readiness. She knew that the skills and insights she had acquired would guide her future endeavors, enhancing her abilities and deepening her respect for the natural world. With a final glance at the serene waters, Ariel prepared to leave, carrying with her the enduring lessons of the sea. Before departing, Amphitri

As the evening wore on, Ariel reflected on her journey with a deep sense of satisfaction. The challenges had not only tested her abilities but had enriched her understanding of the natural world and the delicate balance it required. Each trial had offered valuable lessons in patience, respect, and harmony. Kimba, her loyal companion, rested beside her, content and purring softly. The bond between Ariel and her faithful lioness had only deepened through their shared adventure. The wisdom gained from the sea would guide Ariel in her future fishing endeavors. Determined to further internaliz

At the head of the table sat Poseidon, resplendent in his majesty, flanked by Amphitrite on his left and Demeter on his right. Poseidon raised his goblet, initiating a toast to the “jewel” who had triumphed in the trials. “To Ariel, whose skill and respect have earned her place among the honored. May her journey be ever guided by the wisdom of the sea.” he proclaimed. A chorus of cheers erupted from all attendees, celebrating Ariel’s achievements. The feast commenced with a variety of sumptuous dishes, showcasing the finest offerings of the sea. Ariel was encouraged to enjoy the fruits of

Ariel arranged the collected materials at an altar, creating a display that reflected both the richness of the sea and her deep respect for it. As she performed the ritual, she felt a profound connection with the sea and its creatures. The process was meditative and spiritual, bringing a sense of peace and fulfillment. Amphitrite watched with a look of approval, her presence a comforting and encouraging force. “You have honored the sea and its inhabitants. This ritual is a symbol of your understanding and respect for the natural world.” she said. With the challenges complete, Amphitrite’s

Determined not to fail, Ariel decided to explore other potential fishing spots around the island. She ventured to a rocky cove where the water was calmer, hoping the fish might be more accessible here. The cove’s tranquil waters, bordered by moss-covered rocks and sheltered from the strong currents, seemed promising. Ariel cast her net into the water, watching it sink and settle. She waited patiently, but when she pulled it in, it was empty. She tried again, adjusting her technique and focusing on different areas, but the elusive fish continued to evade her efforts. Next, Ariel moved to a

The final task involved performing a ritual to honor the sea deities. Ariel was instructed to gather materials from around the island, including sea plants, shells, and a live fish, to create an offering. With Kimba in toe, Ariel started collecting the necessary items, treating each one with reverence. The sea plants, vibrant and lush, were carefully chosen, while the shells, each unique, added to the offering’s beauty. However, catching the live fish proved to be a challenge that tested Ariel’s patience and skill. She ventured into a shallow lagoon where the fish were known to congregate

The next task required Ariel to collect pearls from oysters that only opened under the moonlight. This challenge took place in a dangerous reef, known for its sharp rocks and strong currents. Amphitrite warned: "This task will test your dexterity and caution." Ariel and Kimba waited until nightfall, the full moon casting a silvery glow over the water. As the oysters began to open, Ariel carefully navigated the treacherous reef. The sharp rocks jutted out like hidden traps, and the strong currents swirled around them, demanding constant vigilance. With Kimba’s keen senses alerting her to p

While inspecting the chest's contents, Ariel noticed a faint glow emanating from beneath the pedestal. Intrigued, she swam closer and discovered a hidden compartment cleverly concealed under the stone base. Using her strenght, she pried open the compartment, revealing a second, smaller chest, even more ornately decorated than the first. This chest bore symbols and engravings that hinted at its importance, with protective charms etched into its surface. With cautious excitement, Ariel opened the hidden chest. Inside, she found two items wrapped in ancient seaweed, preserved by the ocean's

For the third challenge, Ariel was tasked with retrieving a lost artifact from the ocean's depths, guarded by a mythical sea creature. Amphitrite bestowed a temporary blessing upon Ariel and Kimba, allowing them to breathe underwater and explore the depths unimpeded. As they descended, the water around them gradually transitioned from sunlit shallows to a darker, more mysterious realm. Strange, bioluminescent creatures flickered in the deep, casting an eerie glow on the surroundings. The pressure and currents became more challenging, testing Ariel's strength and skill. Yet, she felt a str

The next task required Ariel to catch a specific number of fish but to release any that were too young or carrying eggs. Amphitrite emphasized: "This task tests your knowledge and respect for life. Only take what is necessary and ensure the future of the species." A simple, yet determined nod was the only reply she got from the blonde. Ariel, with Kimba by her side, ventured to a part of the island where various fish were known to congregate. Using her knowledge and the tools provided, she carefully selected the fish, checking each one for signs of maturity and fertility. Kimba, attuned t

Suddenly, a flash of silver darted beneath the water's surface, catching Ariel's eye. Her heart quickened as she saw the elusive Silverfish making its move. Ariel’s grip tightened on the fishing rod, her muscles tensing with anticipation. With a swift and practiced motion, she jerked the line, feeling the slight tug that signalled a successful hook. The Silverfish, true to its nature, began to dart and twist, its scales catching the light and creating dazzling reflections in the clear water. Ariel’s skill and patience were put to the ultimate test as she carefully maneuverer the rod, allo

After settling into the tranquil surroundings of the secluded cove, Ariel prepared herself for the challenge. She selected a finely crafted fishing rod provided by Amphitrite, noting its delicate yet sturdy design, perfect for the task at hand. Kimba, ever vigilant, prowled along the water's edge, occasionally dipping a paw into the shallows, fascinated by the small fish darting about. Ariel cast her line, the hook glinting in the sunlight as it sank into the water. Time seemed to stretch as she waited, her focus unwavering. However, despite her best efforts, the Silverfish proved to be a

The water within the cove was extraordinarily clear, allowing Ariel to see the sandy bottom and the various marine life swimming below. The sandy floor was dotted with patches of vibrant seaweed and clusters of smooth, colourful pebbles, reflecting the sunlight in shimmering hues of blue and green. The gentle waves lapped quietly against the shore, their soft sounds adding to the peaceful ambiance. Above, the sky was a perfect, cloudless blue, and the sunlight streamed down, casting a warm, golden glow over the entire area. The air was filled with the subtle scent of saltwater mixed with

The first challenge was to catch the elusive Silverfish, known for its quicksilver movements and reflective scales. Amphitrite explained: "This fish is a symbol of speed and elusiveness. To catch it, you must be patient and precise." Ariel and Kimba set out to a secluded cove known to be the Silverfish's habitat. The calm water mirrored the sky, creating an illusion of endless space. Ariel cast her line, her movements slow and deliberate. The wait was long, and on her first attempt, the fish eluded her, darting away before she could reel it in. Undeterred, she recalled her training to rem

Upon arriving at the coastal area of Floor 17, Ariel and Kimba were met by a serene scene: crystal-clear waters reflecting a cloudless sky and a gentle breeze carrying the scent of the sea. A nymph, her hair adorned with seaweed and shells, appeared to greet them. "Welcome contender." the nymph said with a melodious voice. "I am Nereis, your guide to the Land of Hesperides. Please follow me." They boarded a small, ornate rowboat, and as Nereis guided them across the shimmering sea, a magical mist enveloped the boat. When the mist cleared, they arrived at a hidden island, teeming with

Ariel, master of the Shirajishi-ryū, sat on the wooden steps of her dojo on Floor 22, gazing out at the lush landscape. She wasn't much of a fan of chilling just for the sake of it in her past life, but since the founding of her estate she found herself enjoying hanami with a cup of green tea in hand more frequently. Her lioness companion, Kimba, lounged beside her, eyes half-closed but ever alert. The tranquillity of the moment was interrupted by the soft chime of a message notification. Ariel opened the message, finding an elegantly worded invitation from Poseidon, the god of the sea. "