Astra

Right, sticking together is the best bet. Astra nodded at Sable's recommendation, and he began to move forward with his new companions towards a river and some gargantuan pines. Thankfully nobody seemed hurt or too worn down just yet. Astra wasn't quite sure where this sword was supposed to go at the current moment, but he did feel some strong sense of duty to return it with these players. When they came upon the edge of the river, Astra heard some shouting from up ahead. Searching through the pines ahead, he made out the figure of an elven player, motioning the players to make their way

It seemed that since arriving in Floor 29, Astra couldn't stop shivering from the everlasting chill that permeated the dark. At some point on this floor, the sky opened up and started pouring rain. Maybe as a way to start over, to water seeds, renew the land. If that were the case here, it was all for nought. Nothing would seemingly grow. This place was oppressive, and from the moment you would step off a teleport gate its tendrils of dark would wrap around your throat. Still, even in this foreign oblivion, Astra trudged along. The young man stuck out like a sore thumb on this floo

Wulfrin and Astra had found themselves in a hidden cave, pushing on through the dark to an unknown destination. Though Wulfrin was well equipped with his night vision, Astra had no such mod. He followed the sound of Wulfrin's steps, and by tracing the walls with his hands. "I'm not sure how great I'll be at finding anything right now but...I'll try!" Sure enough; Try he did. With any shred of light that would appear in the caverns, Astra would get as close as he could and try to find a slab of stone with inscriptions. "Return the slab," he whispered under his breath as he continued to se

As if they were in sync, when Bliss would blush, Astra's face would light up red shortly after. As he laid there and looked at her, he could hardly believe how this day was turning out. Is someone as truly lovely as Bliss really into me? All of these moments so far had felt instinctual. They felt right, they felt pure. He felt more at ease with Bliss right now than he ever had in the last two years. Still, even though Astra was able to acknowledge that, there were still some voices of doubt talking in his head. His smile was genuine, but even underneath that he was lacerating himself. Convinci

Allen Walker - D.Gray Man - Astra

With the team's combined efforts, it seemed as though Avalanche was nearing its last legs. Astra, Ciela, and Wulfrin, kept the pace with their attacks, cleaving into Avalanche with any chance they had. Even when Avalanche did have a turn after a flurry of blows, it wasn't as if he was making it too much trouble for the group. Ciela (though, yes, a tank) managed to take a hit and barely flinched. This gave Astra the extra confidence boost he needed, to deliver another fatal blow. After dodging a swing from Avalanche, Astra skid along the icy ground, catching himself from slipping eventual

Astra watched as Wulfrin's flaming blade struck Avalanche, but left no remnants of severe burn damage. Immediately, Astra was puzzled. Shouldn't this thing be melting? Alas, Aincrad could work in mysterious ways. Just like Wulfrin had called out after his attack, it appeared that Avalanche was immune to status effects. Alright, no problem. Damage only. Astra leapt into action, running at the oversized popsicle with much haste. With his sword trailing behind him, he dashed forward at Avalanche, activating a sword art in between actions. His sword began to illuminate as power was sto

Astra glanced over at Wulfrin with a slight look of horror, as Wulfrin described the horrors of Floor 29. "The NPCs are turning into monsters?" He could only manage to get his question out, before looking down at the ground with a despondent look. After being in Aincrad for two years, Astra learned to treat NPCs the same way he would treat players. Sure, they were virtual beings, but they had routines and schedules like everyone else. To think that there was a floor so twisted that NPCs were being corrupted didn't sit right with Astra at all. "They deserve better." When the group had mad

"Sounds like a plan. What kind of bosses will we be fighting?" Astra walked alongside Wulfrin as they started to make their way through the town of beginnings. Much like Wulfrin, Astra had also been searching the town for supplies for the frontlines, but was having little luck in the Town of Beginnings. It appeared like a lot of others had the same idea, and NPCs inventories were running low as a result. As long as the supplies were making their way to the frontlines, though, that would be fine. "I haven't had much luck with supplies here either, to be honest. It seems like its a bit pic

Wulfrin's tone seemed to darken when he began to offer information on Floor 29, and from what Astra had heard about the floor, he could understand why. The floor itself was its own Eldritch horror, and the battles the frontliners have faced thus far were already shared in stories around the rest of Aincrad. Astra hadn't been to the floor yet himself, but he knew that if he did make the trip he'd have to be prepared. As they travelled, Astra found himself thinking about Lovecraftian monstrosities that he used to read about. He wondered if the raid boss for Floor 29 would end up being some

Astra's eyes gleamed when Ciela pulled out the meals she had put together for the party. As he opened the tin and eyed the food in front of him, he could feel his mouth watering, and his stomach starting to feel empty. "Thanks! I don't think I could ever say no to your food," he promptly replied before tearing into the meal. It was amazing he stayed so lean in SAO, with all of the food that Ciela had been feeding him. Admittedly, Astra also never considered physical weight mechanics, so who knew. After they had rested for a bit and ate their packed meals, the party made their way t

Astra had already found himself on Floor 1 in the Town of Beginnings, as he had just finished up reading with the children at the orphanage, when he received a new message from Wulfrin. Boss raid training? Sounds like it'd be a good idea to get that in. I'll bring my combat equipment just in case. He said his goodbyes to the children and workers of the orphanage, and set off to the teleport plaza where he could find Wulfrin waiting. Just in case there was going to be combat, even though Wulfrin said there wouldn't be much, Astra went into his inventory and equipped his combat gear.

Astra accepts Seeker's Attire and Seeker's Blade from @Wulfrin "Thanks for everything! I'll put them to good use." Astra receives: Seeker's Attire | T2 Perfect Light Armor | ID 244193 | MIT 2 | REC 1 Desc. A lightly armored checkered coat over a white turtleneck and some slim black pants. Seeker's Blade | T2 Perfect Straight Sword | ID 244194 | DMG 2 | BLD 1 Desc. A light and elegant one-handed sword. It's blade is silvered for felling dangerous beasts.

Astra watched as Ciela slashed at the Sand Shark, it was an elegant slash, but she still looked menacing surrounded by an aura of thorns. Even in the heat of the battle, Astra couldn't help but cheer on his friends: "Nice, Ciela! We've got this." Actually, come to think of it, during his time in Aincrad and around Ciela and Wulfrin, this could've been the first time that Astra saw his friend, older sister figure, and landlord, in battle. She was certainly no slouch, and carried herself like the best of the best tanks out there. She was multifaceted, and that was impressive. Next it seeme

Total Word Count: 4,731 words 4,731 / 10 = 473.1 Astra: 473 x 1 = 473 x 0.7 = 331 + 1,500 = 1,831 Wulfrin: 473 x 6 = 2,838 x 0.7 = 1,986 1986 x 0.15 = 297 Rewards: Wulfrin receives Exp: 1,986 Col: 297 Astra receives Exp: 1,831 Col: 400 Additional Quest Rewards: -Concentration unlocked for Astra Thread summary: Astra fights himself, spooky.

Astra nodded towards the Gemini as it faded into the shadows, sharing in his sentiment that they never cross blades again. It appeared as though the training that Wulfrin had mentioned was now over, and Astra could leave this jungle feeling stronger and with more resolve than what he came with. On the thought of Wulfrin, Astra thought back to Wulfrin's Gemini, and his ability to take the faces of others as a disguise. It was eerily similar to the Gemini's of the jungles. Was Wulfrin bonded to one who had escaped? These thoughts entertained Astra's mind as he made his way back to the tele

Astra was slightly taken aback when the Gemini had placed its hand on his shoulder, but he understood the gesture after a moment. To think that their purpose was to test the players, and death was a part of that sacrifice. Just another mysterious trial created by Cardinal to either push the players forward, or humble them if they aren't ready. There was a slight sense of pride within Astra like the Gemini had suggested, for he had shown restraint. In truth, Astra isn't quite the type for merciless killing, especially of anyone who's defenseless. Killing is an act done out of necessity fo

"Then why is it that you try to break the spirits of those you take the face of?" Astra thought back to the fight, and the memories it had conjured. All of that emotion and intensity, just from fighting a visage of himself. There was probably a bit to unpack there, but maybe now wasn't the time. "If your strength is tied to ours, isn't it more beneficial if we all stay alive?" For a moment Astra would've felt a bit foolish for trying to talk down what some would see as a mob, but it was clear that the Gemini were more than an average mob. Out of all the fights Astra had exper

Astra listened intently to The Gemini as it had spoken about its origins, and where it seemingly belonged. If they really were an evolved NPC, that would be incredibly impressive, but could make sense as to why they're a threat to the system. Astra couldn't help but feel for their plight. "I'm sorry that you've lost so many, and that you don't have anywhere else to go." He looked down towards the ground, and thought about Wulfrin's warning before he came to this Floor. The warning that the floor would play tricks on you. Was The Gemini the one playing tricks on Astra? Or was the sy

Astra caught his breath as he watched The Gemini make its way towards the small pond. He watched the figure stare at its own reflection, and it seemed as if it portrayed a profound sadness. The swordsman sheathed his sword in the belt on the side of his hip, and took some steps closer to the figure. Astra couldn't help but feel a twinge of pain at The Gemini's musing. Why would the system want to eradicate them? What exactly are they, and what function do they serve? He couldn't help but harp on these questions. There was a time where he knew a potential similar feeling, a feeling of

Astra watched as his doppleganger seemingly regained its footing after his sword art. The cloaked figure bearing his face seemingly stared through Astra's sky blue eyes and deep into the elegy of his soul. Through gritted teeth, the figure responded to his questions. For a moment, Astra was taken aback. Was he truly fighting a losing battle? Was there some truth carried along with The Gemini's words? As he took a moment to ponder the question, Astra never removed his sight from the Gemini, as there was uncertainty on if the creature would strike again. The white-haired youth took a sm

The novice swordsman watched as more hooded figures appeared, seemingly blocking all exits. Amidst the cloaked figures Astra could see the visage of his mentor, Wulfrin. Was it really him? There were no player indicators...What exactly was going on here? The uncertainty of the whole situation made Astra's chest tighten. Suddenly, with no time for him to defend himself, Astra felt a searing pain across his back, sending him forward a few steps. He grit his teeth throughout the pain, and spun around on his heels to meet his attacker. The figure who had attacked him with a blade was no long

As Astra arrived at the destination from which he heard the screams, he froze when he saw the body lying before him. His eyes darted from the body, the gouges, the wounds, to the paw prints. He could feel his chest begin to tighten, and the breath almost escape his lungs. There was a feeling he couldn't shake...He'd seen this before. This was familiar, but why? How? Why here? As another flash of lightning lit up the clearing, Astra grasped his head with his free hand. This...It can't be. It's just like... Then he heard the voice come from behind. It had a familiar cadence, but it felt detached

As Astra walked through the desert with his companions (notably two of his favorite companions) he nodded along to Wulfrin's instruction. When they arrived at the perimeter of the arena, Astra got himself into position and readied himself for the fight ahead. This was Terra-Firma's younger sibling, so the fight was a little less daunting, but it was dangerous nonetheless. The young swordsman unsheathed the new blade lent to him by Wulfrin, and readied it. When the jaws of the bear trap snapped closed, that was the signal that it was time for action. Out of the corner of his eye Astra wat

Though he was often unsure about the amount of help he could provide, Astra rarely ever turned down one of Wulfrin's training regimens. He had confidence in the group he would be with, which in turn gave him more confidence, feeling like he'd be able to contribute to the cause. This was a call to action from the frontlines, as it seemed the next raid was looming at a close distance. One day, Astra was hoping to be on those same frontlines himself. This was just another stepping stone in his journey. The novice freelancer made his way to floor 5, a floor he'd only been to one other time s