[SP - F13] Strange Journey COMPLETE!

[Seul 1]

It was bound to happen eventually. Seul found himself wandering about on the highest available floor in Aincrad. Alone and with nothing but the armor on his back for company. And well, Legna of course. "Are you sure this is a good idea...?" The small dragon had been against the trip from the start, but Seul was determined to go regardless of his companion's protests. There wouldn't have been any trouble with remaining in Angel's Point and even if he had decided to leave, they wouldn't venture far. Fear wasn't going to rule him. Sometimes to get ahead one would have to take risks and this one was relatively low at that. "Of course I'm sure. I mean look around. Outside of town might look like crap, but there's still life here. That's gotta count for something right?" His words fell upon deaf ears though as the dragon simply shook his head in response. "At least when you die this floor will make a fitting resting place..."

Those final words aside... It was time to get a feel of what the place was like. He made his way for the town gate and kept his mind on little else.

Edited November 26, 2015 by Seul

[Seul 1]

Of all the floors he had visited, the contrast between the thirteenth and the first was definitely the most obvious. The lush fields that surrounded the starting city were replaced with a barren wasteland. The parties of players training on boars substituted with isolation and death as monsters he could only assume were the developer's rendition of zombies wandered about. How anyone could settle in such a place was beyond him, but that also led him to wonder what the NPCs would do if given the choice to leave. Being lost in thought, he barely noticed the armored, humanoid monster shuffling in his direction at an alarming pace.

[Seul 1]

At first glance the thing could have passed for a normal player. Decked out in dull plate armor and wielding an iron straight sword, it had the appearance of a stereotypical foot soldier. A horizontal swing of its blade nearly took his head off, but in the nick of time Seul managed to duck out of the way. In the same motion he unsheathed his dagger and lunged upward to strike this monster in the chest, but to his surprise the corrupted human's other arm intercepted, holding a round, iron shield between the tiny blade and its chest.

|~BATTLE START~|~Battle Theme~|

Turn Order: Corrupted Human -> Seul

ID# 40210 results:

• Battle: 3 (Light Momentum Activated) | Mob: 4 | CD: 11

Status:

• Seul [HP: 72/72][EN: 16/18][Light Momentum: +1 BD]
• Corrupted Human [HP: 52/52][DMG: 39][MIT: 13]

Commands:

• Corrupted Human attacks Seul: Miss!
• Seul attacks the Corrupted Human: Blocked, -2 EN

Edited November 26, 2015 by Seul

[Seul 1]

For a monster the corrupted human had incredible fighting prowess. The only thing he had seen move so fluidly up till this point were the players he dueled in the arena, but there was no time to be impressed. In an instant the monster, pushed his dagger aside before spinning on its heel while delivering a roundhouse kick to the boy's shoulder. The force behind it had been greater than anything he felt throughout his time in Aincrad and he was sent sprawling into the dirt several feet away. He managed to sit up afterward but only to rub his chin lightly as the curative glow took hold of his body. "Geez. These things don't play around." 

ID# 40218 results:

• Mob: 6 | CD: 7 (Regen & Recovery Activated)

Status:

• Seul [HP: 72/72][EN: 18/18][Light Momentum: +1 BD][Regen: +6 HP][Recovery: +1 EN]
• Corrupted Human [HP: 52/52][DMG: 39][MIT: 13]

Commands:

• Corrupted Human attacks Seul: Hit, 39 - 36 Mit = 3 Damage!

Edited November 26, 2015 by Seul

[Seul 1]

The next thing he knew, the corrupted human was falling from the sky its blade aimed for his forehead. Just as it was about to land, Seul rolled to one side and out of the sword's path before scrambling to his feet. He circled to the monster's back and allowed his sword to glow blue while he activated the Fad Edge. The trusty move sent four stabs to the thing's spine for some minor damage. But he figured the attack only pissed it off more than anything else.

ID# 40220 results:

• Battle: 9 (8 + LM / Keen Activated) | Mob: 5 | CD: 8

Status:

• Seul [HP: 72/72][EN: 14/18][Keen: +1 BD]
• Corrupted Human [HP: 45/52][DMG: 39][MIT: 13]

Commands:

• Corrupted Human attacks Seul: Miss!
• Seul attacks the Corrupted Human: Hit, -4 EN, 5 x 4 Fad Edge - 13 Mit = 7 Damage!

Edited November 26, 2015 by Seul

[Seul 1]

In a fit of rage the corrupted human swung its arm around to cut Seul across the chest with its sword but the boy used his own shield to block the hit before countering with another Fad Edge. It was a tough fight. If the monster didn't kill him, the lack of energy surely would. He'd need to pick his blows carefully if he didn't wish to be caught off guard. This was the same problem he faced in his duels. Once he achieved higher levels it probably won't be as relevant of an issue to use moves like these.

ID# 40236 results:

• Battle: 9 (8 + Keen / Keen Activated) | Mob: 4 | CD: 10

Status:

• Seul [HP: 72/72][EN: 11/18][Keen: +1 BD]
• Corrupted Human [HP: 38/52][DMG: 39][MIT: 13]

Commands:

• Corrupted Human attacks Seul: Blocked!
• Seul attacks the Corrupted Human: Hit, -4 EN, 5 x 4 Fad Edge - 13 Mit = 7 Damage!

Edited November 26, 2015 by Seul

[Seul 1]

These idle thoughts only left Seul open for an attack from the corrupted human. With the red gash closing on it, the monster responded by stabbing its sword past the boy's shield and into his shoulder. His health fell by a small amount but too many of those careless slips would lead to his demise. He managed to push the blade away and scurry out of attack range, but his enhancements weren't activating for some reason so it was better to take on a defensive approach.

ID# 40237 results:

• Mob: 7 | CD: 5

Status:

• Seul [HP: 69/72][EN: 12/18][Keen: +1 BD]
• Corrupted Human [HP: 38/52][DMG: 39][MIT: 13]

Commands:

• Corrupted Human attacks Seul: Hit, 39 - 36 Mit = 3 Damage!

Edited November 26, 2015 by Seul

[Seul 1]

The corrupted human wasn't about to let its prey escape so easily. As Seul retreated the monster followed and slashed downward with its sword, cutting the edge if his arm in the process for even more damage. The fickle nature of the enhancements were finally on his side as they kicked in to heal him. Now with a full health bar the boy was able to press an attack. His eyes narrowed as the concentration skill took effect and he launched another Fad Edge to cut open the monster's form with four slashes to various spots on its body.

ID# 40238 results:

• Battle: 6 (4 + 1 Keen + 1 Concentration / Keen Activated) | Mob: 7 | CD: 6 (Regen & Recovery Activated) 

Status:

• Seul [HP: 72/72][EN: 10/18][Keen: +1 BD][Concentration Timer: 0/5][Regen: +6 HP][Recovery: +1 EN]
• Corrupted Human [HP: 31/52][DMG: 39][MIT: 13]

Commands:

• Corrupted Human attacks Seul: Hit, 39 - 36 Mit = 3 Damage!
• Seul attacks the Corrupted Human: Hit, -4 EN, 5 x 4 Fad Edge - 13 Mit = 7 Damage!

Edited November 26, 2015 by Seul

[Seul 1]

Enraged by this, the corrupted human, brought its shield around to smash Seul's face in. It had succeeded with a successful bash leaving him a bit dazed and injured. What other tricks did this thing have up its sleeve? He could only wonder while trying to regain some composure. For now he felt like he had been doing a good job, but if faced with a group he'd surely be overwhelmed. By nature his weapon choice was oriented for one on one scenarios. Anything more could prove to be more challenging without AoE moves.

ID# 40239 results:

Mob: 8 | CD: 2

Status:

• Seul [HP: 69/72][EN: 11/18][Keen: +1 BD][Concentration Timer: 1/5]
• Corrupted Human [HP: 31/52][DMG: 39][MIT: 13]

Commands:

• Corrupted Human attacks Seul: Hit, 39 - 36 Mit = 3 Damage!

Edited November 26, 2015 by Seul

[Seul 1]

The next hit struck even harder. The corrupted human took full advantage of his vulnerable state and pierce through the boy's chest with its blade. A critical attack, his health fell at a more alarming pace and showed no signs of returning anytime soon. All he could do was watch as the hunk of metal stayed lodged next to where his heart should have been. If this had been the real world the attack would have surely been fatal, but thankfully this was a numbers game. His mitigation would hold up regardless of where he was attacked and the only thing he'd have to worry about was not letting these strikes happen too often.

ID# 40240 results:

Mob: 9 | CD: 3

Status:

• Seul [HP: 65/72][EN: 12/18][Keen: +1 BD][Concentration Timer: 2/5]
• Corrupted Human [HP: 31/52][DMG: 39][MIT: 13]

Commands:

• Corrupted Human attacks Seul: Hit, 39 + 1 Crit - 36 Mit = 4 Damage!

Edited November 26, 2015 by Seul

[Seul 1]

In haggard motion, he brought up his free hand and clutched the blade in his chest. Using his strength he was able to remove it but the monster wasn't finished. It attempted another stab with the sword, yet was unable to land the blow as Seul had used his shield to knock the blade aside. His dagger would find its mark though as he launched another Fad Edge the corrupted human's way, cutting it open in the familiar four slashes.

ID# 40242 results:

Battle: 8 (7+1 Keen / Keen Activated) | Mob: 2 | CD: 6

Status:

• Seul [HP: 65/72][EN: 9/18][Keen: +1 BD][Concentration Timer: 3/5]
• Corrupted Human [HP: 24/52][DMG: 39][MIT: 13]

Commands:

• Corrupted Human attacks Seul: Blocked!
• Seul attacks the Corrupted Human: Hit, -4 EN, 5 x 4 Fad Edge - 13 Mit = 7 Damage!

Edited November 26, 2015 by Seul

[Seul 1]

The corrupted human wasn't about to be outdone; with a fearsome roar it charged forward and slashed diagonally across the boy's chest. A hard attack to evade or block, of all the strikes this one had done the most damage to his health bar. The fain, green glow returned only seconds afterward, but it wasn't enough to restore all of his points. This thing played rough, but all he could manage was the Fad Edge for any damage. It was starting to feel old, but there was no helping it.

ID# 40276 results:

Battle: 8 (7+1 Keen / Keen Activated) | Mob: 10 | CD: 10 (Regen and Recovery Activated)

Status:

• Seul [HP: 66/72][EN: 7/18][Keen: +1 BD][Concentration Timer: 4/5][Regen: +6 HP][Recovery: +1 EN]
• Corrupted Human [HP: 17/52][DMG: 39][MIT: 13]

Commands:

• Corrupted Human attacks Seul: Hit, 39 + 2 Crit - 36 Mit = 5 Damage!
• Seul attacks the Corrupted Human: Hit, -4 EN, 5 x 4 Fad Edge - 13 Mit = 7 Damage!

Edited November 26, 2015 by Seul

[Seul 1]

Another slash came Seul's way and another block was there to intercept it, followed up by a wonderful Fad Edge counterattack. It was a nice dance of swords and shields but it was becoming tiresome. His energy was running low, which meant trouble if this carried on for much longer. He'd have to do everything in his power to beat this enemy and at this point it was safe to assume he could. The differences in their health was great and if he had to wait his health and energy would probably restore as well.

ID# 40278 results:

Battle: 7 (6+1 Keen / Keen Activated) | Mob: 1 | CD: 4

Status:

• Seul [HP: 66/72][EN: 4/18][Keen: +1 BD][Concentration Timer: 5/5]
• Corrupted Human [HP: 10/52][DMG: 39][MIT: 13]

Commands:

• Corrupted Human attacks Seul: Blocked!
• Seul attacks the Corrupted Human: Hit, -4 EN, 5 x 4 Fad Edge - 13 Mit = 7 Damage!

Edited November 26, 2015 by Seul

[Seul 1]

One more block and Fad Edge combo was enough to push them both over the edge. The corrupted human was dangerously close to death and Seul had run out of energy. From here on out he'd have to rely simply on his own ability to fight. He was panting softly while eyeing the corrupted human who seemed to be wavering as well. They both knew the battle was entering its final stages. Only one could be the victor. That being said, he wasn't about to die in a place like this.

ID# 40281 results:

Battle: 8 (7+1 Keen / Keen Activated) | Mob: 3 | CD: 4

Status:

• Seul [HP: 66/72][EN: 1/18][Keen: +1 BD]
• Corrupted Human [HP: 3/52][DMG: 39][MIT: 13]

Commands:

• Corrupted Human attacks Seul: Blocked!
• Seul attacks the Corrupted Human: Hit, -4 EN, 5 x 4 Fad Edge - 13 Mit = 7 Damage!

Edited November 26, 2015 by Seul

[Seul 1]

Time to show what he was made of! Fighting without any sword arts was rare these days, but with the corrupted human so low on health it shouldn't have been a problem. The monster swung its blade horizontally toward his neck, but he was able to evade it by leaning back. After the blade passed by overhead he sprang forward and plunged his dagger into the monster's shoulder before withdrawing the tiny blade and scurrying past the creature. A hit and run strategy seemed to be working thus far.

ID# 40283 results:

Battle: 7 (6+1 Keen / Keen Activated) | Mob: 5 | CD: 1

Status:

• Seul [HP: 66/72][EN: 1/18][Keen: +1 BD]
• Corrupted Human [HP: 2/52][DMG: 39][MIT: 13]

Commands:

• Corrupted Human attacks Seul: Miss!
• Seul attacks the Corrupted Human: Hit, -1 EN, 5 - 13 Mit = 1 Damage!

Edited November 26, 2015 by Seul

[Seul 1]

One of the good things about not using sword arts was that you were in full control of your actions, rather then letting the system guide you. This allowed more fluid motions as you could determine when or how to move. The corrupted human turned on its heel as he went by and lunged forward with a forward stab, but he was read and used his shield to push the blade aside. The downfall of not using sword arts was that there was no system assistance. Everything had to be done manually, so for people without any experience in blade fighting this could be difficult. As he lunged forward with his own dagger the monster used its shield to knock his arm away. It would seem they were at a stalemate.

ID# 40285 results:

Battle: 3 (2+1 Keen / Light Momentum Activated) | Mob: 4 | CD: 8

Status:

• Seul [HP: 66/72][EN: 1/18][Keen & LM: +2 BD]
• Corrupted Human [HP: 2/52][DMG: 39][MIT: 13]

Commands:

• Corrupted Human attacks Seul: Blocked!
• Seul attacks the Corrupted Human: Blocked!

Edited November 26, 2015 by Seul

[Seul 1]

In a surprising twist they each managed to land a simultaneous hit. As the blade of the corrupted human pierced his shoulder so too did his dagger stab through the monster's gut. The thing was on the verge of death, but he wasn't worried in the slightest. One more hit and the match would be over. His first fight on the thirteenth floor would be complete and he'd be able to go on his merry way. The experience would be a strange one but only serve as a stepping stone on his path to power.

ID# 40288 results:

Battle: 7 (5+2 Keen&LM / Keen Activated) | Mob: 6 | CD: 5

Status:

• Seul [HP: 63/72][EN: 1/18][Keen: +1 BD]
• Corrupted Human [HP: 1/52][DMG: 39][MIT: 13]

Commands:

• Corrupted Human attacks Seul: Hit, 39 - 36 Mit = 3 Damage!
• Seul attacks the Corrupted Human: Hit, -1 EN, 5 - 13 Mit = 1 Damage!

Edited November 26, 2015 by Seul

[Seul 1]

There was still enough time to struggle. The monster looked down at him with death in its eyes, but it was not finished as it would prove by kicking him in the gut to remove its blade. Seul was sent onto his butt, but there was little to fear as the regen took hold of his form. Why did it still resist while it was this close to dying? He would never know he supposed. There was virtually nothing it could do to kill him now, but one could never be too careful. It was better to let the creature come at him and just counter rather than risk an attack of his own. With that settled he stood once more and prepared himself.

ID# 40290 results:

 Mob: 8 | CD: 7 (Regen & Recovery Activated)

Status:

• Seul [HP: 66/72][EN: 3/18][Keen: +1 BD][Regen: +6 HP][Recovery: +1 EN]
• Corrupted Human [HP: 1/52][DMG: 39][MIT: 13]

Commands:

• Corrupted Human attacks Seul: Hit, 39 - 36 Mit = 3 Damage!

Edited November 26, 2015 by Seul

[Seul 1]

Just as planned the monster ran in for a final attack, only to be met with a as shield to the face and a dagger through  the heart. It died shortly after, exploding into the pixels that came with such a fate before being carried away with the breeze. He had survived his first ordeal. It was just too bad that there was no one else around to see it. The thirteenth floor was literally dead. Sure the higher level players were around in short bursts, but many of them too occupied with their own tasks to take note of some solo player who got lucky against one basic monster.

ID# 40290 results:

 Battle: 10 (9 + 1 Keen / Keen Activated) | Mob: 5 | CD: 6 | LD: 9 (Of course ~.~)

Status:

• Seul [HP: 66/72][EN: 3/18][Keen: +1 BD]
• Corrupted Human [HP: 0/52][DMG: 39][MIT: 13][DEAD]

Commands:

• Corrupted Human attacks Seul: Blocked!
• Seul attacks the Corrupted Human: Hit, -1 EN, 5 + 1 - 13 Mit = 1 Damage!

Edited November 26, 2015 by Seul

[Seul 1]

What did that matter though? He was proud of his ability to stand on his own in the face of death. His build made him a pretty solid fighter and the equipment he had complimented the playstyle nicely. With a bit more training maybe he'd take part in a boss fights. Yes, the only path to strength was to face strong enemies. Boss fights granted tons of experience and the chance to obtain exclusive gear that could only serve to help him in the future. But not yet. He was still too weak, there had to be something he could do to reach the level he wanted.