COMPLETE [SP-F1] The Grind Pt.1

[Teselmar 0]

The first floor of Aincrad played host to what was probably the largest of the game's environments. Miles and miles of fields, forests, and rivers dotted the landscape, and there was plenty of opportunities for an industrious player to grind out some experience. This was Teselmar's objective today, as he made his way out from the City of Beginnings. The morning light cast its glow on him, lighting up his goldenrod hair and making him wish he'd purchased some sunglasses... if that was even an option in this game. 

He consulted his mini map, marking the location that he was set to hunt some low-level mobs. They wouldn't be dropping anything but Col, but that wasn't the point of this venture. The point was to increase his skill at arms, and that would only come with practice.

Edited January 2, 2016 by Teselmar

[Teselmar 0]

With his new rapier at his waist, Teselmar progressed down the path that lead away from the starting city. It was a pain to spend a beautiful day like today fighting monsters, but growing stronger would eventually be worth the hassle. His thoughts turned to the other players he'd met as he strayed from the path, detouring to cross a field and make his way to where he was headed. Opal, Lessa, Ssendom... they were all much, much stronger than him, and they'd taught him different lessons. Hopefully, he'd be able to catch up, at least so he was near their level. It was only when Teselmar arrived at the clearing near the woods that the Field Hounds appeared.

[Teselmar 0]

Like Boars, Field Hounds were starter level monsters. Weak individually, they often traveled in mobs of 3. Teselmar hefted his rapier in his hand upon seeing them. Hopefully, he'd be able to kill these 3, and search for more before his HP dipped. With a cocksure grin, he closed within aggro distance. 

He made his first attack as he jumped into the middle of the mob trio. This would either be a great idea, or an incredibly stupid one. He unleashed the sword art Sweep, letting the system angle his blade across the enemies, first from right to left, then left to right.

 

ID# 43928 results: Battle: 9+1= 10 (Crit!) Dmg = 3x2 = 6 total | Mob : 5 (Miss!)

 

It worked like a charm! His blade flashed in a brilliant green blaze as he diced the hounds to ribbons. They howled, then exploded into a million tiny fragments, not having time to launch a counter-attack.. Teselmar wiped his brow, sheathing his rapier as he did so. "Phew... I thought that was not going to go as well as it did..."

Teselmar HP: 20 | Energy: 1 | MIT: 5 | DMG: 2 | ACC: +1
Hound 1 HP: 0 | MIT: 1 | DMG: 3 
Hound 2 HP: 0 | MIT: 1 | DMG: 3 
Hound 3 HP: 0 | MIT: 1 | DMG: 3 

Edited January 1, 2016 by Teselmar

[Teselmar 0]

Well, that didn't take very long... Teselmar supposed to himself that he had gotten a little bit stronger since the last time he'd tried to find these things. He needed to find more monsters to grind out his stats, so he collected the little bit of Col that the Field Hounds had dropped and traveled further away from the path. The things I do for XP...

It was still morning, and he had plenty of time to be out and about slaying monsters. He figured that at his current rate, he could make about 400 Col today by killing basic mobs. Might even gain a skill point.

[Teselmar 0]

Teselmar trekked onwards through the fields, until he slowed his pace near the edge of another wooded glade. This was where he had heard Creeper Vines congregated; slightly tougher than your average floor 1 monster, he'd have to be cautious.

He waited until he was sure that he saw them... There! They looked like moving bushes, with long tendril arms like whips, and beak-like bulbs protruding out the front. His energy still hadn't returned since his last attack, so he proceeded to keep an eye on them while he took stock of his items. Everything seems to be in order...

[Teselmar 0]

While he hid just outside their detection range, Teselmar made a mental note to find something nice that he could buy for Opal when all this was over. It'd be something to say thank you, for helping him and Ishida out with all of the quests they'd been doing. She was a heck of a woman, and he didn't at all mind spending the time with her.

He figured that his energy was just about up to full, and it was time to hunt some more monsters. Steeling himself once more, he charged out of the treeline, towards the vines.

[Teselmar 0]

Teselmar leapt through the air once again, preparing the sword art he'd used on the field hounds before. Somehow, he didn't think these monsters would be such pushovers. Sweep was charged, and he landed amongst them, lashing out with his blade. He wouldn't have much energy to spare after this if it hit, so he tried to make it count. 

ID# 43936 results: Battle: 2+1= 3 (miss) Mob: 10 (crit)

Extremely not good. Teselmar wasn't prepared for the mob to react so quickly, escaping his sword's arc and lashing out at him with their vines as he landed. His armor took some of each blow, barely mitigating the damage to 1 HP lost each. Still, the red lines that appeared on his torso were uncomfortable, and signaled that he was 3 steps closer to death than he had been previously. It could have been worse... Rolling away from where they struck him, Teselmar brought up his rapier again, now surrounded. Not the best strategy I've ever concocted...

Teselmar HP: 17 | Energy: 2| MIT: 5 | DMG: 2 | ACC: +1
Creeper 1 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 2 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 3 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 

Edited January 2, 2016 by Teselmar

[Teselmar 0]

If at first you don't succeed, don't try skydiving. Teselmar tried once more to use a sword art, this time engaging the motion for the skill Rip Ravine. The blade glowed emerald once again, as he dove at the lead Creeper Vine. His sword flashed as he attempted once more to rend into the monster and do some damage. 

ID# 43940 results: Battle: 2+1=3 (miss) | Mob: 6 (hit)

For his trouble, Teselmar got slapped again by the vines. This was beginning to become frustrating, as he started to lose his temper. "Okay you sons of %!^#&es, now it's personal."

 

Teselmar HP: 17 | Energy: 1| MIT: 5 | DMG: 2 | ACC: +1
Creeper 1 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 2 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 3 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 

Edited January 2, 2016 by Teselmar

[Teselmar 0]

Baring his teeth in indignant rage at having missed twice, Teselmar lashed out with his blade once again. He had no more energy at this point for a sword art, so it was just a regular stab that he aimed once more at the lead Creeper Vine. If this kept up and he was forced to use his healing items, he'd be super-pissed. Yelling as he thrust, Teselmar closed in once again.

ID# 43942 results: Battle: 1 (crit fail) | Mob: 8 (hit)

Teselmar seethed with rage as once again, the monsters shifted out of the way of his attack, slashing at him as they passed. He was absolutely livid now, thrashing about with his blade as he saw red. "You f#$%ers! Come here where I can kill you!" He rasped at them.

 

Teselmar HP: 14 | Energy: 2| MIT: 5 | DMG: 2 | ACC: +1
Creeper 1 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 2 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 3 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 

 

Edited January 2, 2016 by Teselmar

[Teselmar 0]

Enraged by his failure to hit them three times in a row, Teselmar bellowed at the top of his lungs, unleashing all of the pent up rage he'd been holding in all of this time. He screamed at the monsters as he stabbed in their general direction, addressing them as if they were Kayaba. "You enjoying this all you sick SOB? You like playing god?" He lashed out, hoping to skewer one this time. 

ID# 43943 results: Battle: 10 +1= 11 (crit!) | Mob: 4 (miss)

Finally, he managed to score one with his blade. The thin sword seemed to be swallowed up by the mass of wriggling vines, but it screeched as if in pain. Teselmar grinned wildly, and jumped backwards as the vines came for him once again. This time, they struck only air. It would still take a lot to kill these things, but he knew that the longer the battle, the more experience he'd be gaining by taking them on.

Teselmar HP: 14 | Energy: 2| MIT: 5 | DMG: 2 | ACC: +1
Creeper 1 HP: 8 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 2 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 3 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 

Edited January 2, 2016 by Teselmar

[Teselmar 0]

Teselmar was still incredibly angry, but now he had at least drawn some blood. The monsters were now making rustling noises, swooping towards him. Teselmar did his best to dodge them, stabbing out at the lead monster once more in an attempt to kill it before the vines killed him. This was turning into a real $#!^ show.

ID# 43947 results: Battle: 7+1= 8 (hit) | Mob: 7 (hit)

The vines caught him, and he stumbled as he tried to turn his fall into a roll. However, he also managed to stab the lead vine again, doing some definitive damage. "How... do you like that?" He spat at the plant beasts.

Teselmar HP: 11 | Energy: 2| MIT: 5 | DMG: 2 | ACC: +1
Creeper 1 HP: 7 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 2 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 3 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 

Edited January 2, 2016 by Teselmar

[Teselmar 0]

Boy, this might be a bit out of my league... Teselmar spun, trying to get out of the way of the vicious vines. He twisted once again, trying to bring the point of the blade down on the leader. 

ID# 43948 results: Battle: 8+1= 9 (hit) | Mob: 5

His blade bit home once more, and even though the vines came close to his face, he managed to fall backwards into a roll, standing to his feet quickly. Hope my luck holds up.

Teselmar HP: 11 | Energy: 2| MIT: 5 | DMG: 2 | ACC: +1
Creeper 1 HP: 6 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 2 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 3 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 

Edited January 2, 2016 by Teselmar

[Teselmar 0]

This time, Teselmar faked as if he was going to stab at one of the other monsters, but then drove his blade straight at the leader again. This was a tactic he'd picked up in his paramilitary training: focusing fire. Better to take one of the monsters out than peck at each of them. He closed in, committing to the strike.

ID# 43949 results: Battle: 7+1=8 (hit) | Mob: 6 (hit)

Again, the vines were too fast for him, and they slashed him across the chest. He grunted, but still drove his sword once more into the lead monster. It screeched, and Teselmar felt a flash of pride. He would probably need to flee eventually, as this mob was proving tougher than he'd anticipated, but if he could take one down before that, it would be a good day.

Teselmar HP: 8| Energy: 2| MIT: 5 | DMG: 2 | ACC: +1
Creeper 1 HP: 5 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 2 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 3 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3

 

Edited January 2, 2016 by Teselmar

[Teselmar 0]

Teselmar was now a chunk below half health. He'd never been so close to death before, and the primal joy was singing in his veins as the adrenaline kicked in. He let out a harsh laugh as he unleashed a sword swing at the lead monster once more. "Ahaha, yes!"

ID# 43950 results: Battle: 6+1= 7 (hit) | Mob: 5 (miss)

Iron Nail sang through the air and found purchase once more in the lead monster. The Creeper Vine was flagging now, while the other two seemed strong as ever. "I'm starting to not like you guys." He said through clenched teeth.

Teselmar HP: 8| Energy: 2| MIT: 5 | DMG: 2 | ACC: +1
Creeper 1 HP: 4 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 2 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 3 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3

Edited January 2, 2016 by Teselmar

[Teselmar 0]

The sun was high in the sky now, beating down on Teselmar and the plant monsters as they battled. Teselmar was having a time of it dancing out of the reach of the two other monsters as he circled the leader, trying to avoid the flailing arms. "You guys are persistent. Not a fan of that." He slipped his blade under a vine, stabbing at the creature again.

ID# 43952 results: Battle: 9+1= 10 (crit!) | Mob: 6 (hit)

He scored a deep hit on the monster, but took a battering in return. Teselmar's health was in the red now, and his heart was pumping fast. He smiled savagely at the feeling of riding a knife's edge, determined to survive this.

Teselmar HP: 5| Energy: 2| MIT: 5 | DMG: 2 | ACC: +1
Creeper 1 HP: 3 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 2 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 3 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3

 

Edited January 2, 2016 by Teselmar

[Teselmar 0]

Teselmar flashed a slasher smile at the beasts surrounding him. "Sorry beasties, you're not worth dying over. I'd hoped to save this for a rainy day, but desperate times..." His hand went to his belt, grabbing at a potion there. He chugged it back as they attacked him, trying to bob and weave around the vines, even as his potion worked its magic. 

ID# 43956 results: Mob: 7 (hit)

The vines slashed him again, but it wasn't enough to stop Teselmar from finishing his potion. Now, minus the damage he'd just taken, he was rejuvenated, and ready to fight back. 

Teselmar HP: 17| Energy: 3| MIT: 5 | DMG: 2 | ACC: +1
Creeper 1 HP: 3 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 2 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 3 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3

Teselmar -1x +15 HP Potion

Edited January 2, 2016 by Teselmar

[Teselmar 0]

Now he had a fighting chance against these @$$hats. Holding his rapier high, he bobbed and weaved, trying to get around the sea of leafy tentacles that he'd gotten himself stuck in the middle of. These things could be surprisingly fast when they wanted to be. He stabbed hard at the first one, trying to lay it low. 

 43957 results: Battle: 10 +1 =11 (crit!) | Mob: 5 (miss)

He struck it deeply this time, making it squeal loudly once more. It looked like it was on its last legs. The other plant monsters writhed wildly, but though they came close, this time they didn't manage to land a hit on Teselmar. He breathed a sigh of relief. The thing had 1 HP left, hopefully he could bring it down. "That's for making me waste a potion, freaks."

Teselmar HP: 17| Energy: 3| MIT: 5 | DMG: 2 | ACC: +1
Creeper 1 HP: 1 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 2 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 3 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3

Edited January 2, 2016 by Teselmar

[Teselmar 0]

He had to remove the leader from the fight. If he could do that, their damage output would be reduced by a third. Teselmar maneuvered as best he could, trying not to let the sunlight get in his eyes, or trip over anything on the ground. If he landed on his back, he'd be done for. He cartwheeled away from an errant vine tentacle, landing with the aid of one hand, and taking a stab at the leader in an attempt to lay it low. 

ID# 43958 results: Battle: 10+1 (crit!) | Mob: 3 (miss)

Another great success! Teselmar slid under a wriggling mass of vines, dove over another one, and finally rolled in to thrust his blade upwards into the heart of the lead Creeper Vine. With a rattle, it shattered, showering him with microscopic bits of data. Teselmar laughed out loud, happy that the object of his rage had fallen. "One down, two to go." He circled the other two; they moved a bit more cautiously now that their leader had fallen.

Teselmar HP: 17| Energy: 3| MIT: 5 | DMG: 2 | ACC: +1
Creeper 1 HP: 0 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 <<DEAD>>
Creeper 2 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 3 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3

Edited January 2, 2016 by Teselmar

[Teselmar 0]

Flicking the tip of his sword between the two, Teselmar debated what he should do next. Perhaps he should launch an area of attack sword art? He hadn't been able to recover much energy, as attacking still cost a single charge, and his initial assault had been unsuccessful. He decided to try and focus his attention on the one on his left, rather than split his energy again. Better to finish one course before the next, than to wind up with too much on his place.

He charged his blade, and a green flash could be seen as he attempted Rip Ravine on the second Creeper.

ID# 43959 results: Battle: 7+1= 8 (hit!) | Mob: 5 (miss)

For the first time, the sword art went off without a hitch. He traced two lines in the air, the data left behind by his blade sheared in twain as nothing but brilliant green energy was left. The creeper vine screeched and lashed out, but it was just out of reach as Teselmar danced around it. 

Teselmar HP: 17| Energy: 1| MIT: 5 | DMG: 2 | ACC: +1
Creeper 1 HP: 0 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 <<DEAD>>
Creeper 2 HP: 8 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 3 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3

Edited January 2, 2016 by Teselmar

[Teselmar 0]

His energy was running low, but Teselmar couldn't afford to slow down at all. Had to keep moving, had to stay alive. "Not my kind of dance partners..." He swerved as a vine lashed at his face, and attempted to lunge at the same monster he'd injured a moment before.

ID# 43961 results: Battle: 4+1= 5 (miss) | Mob: 6 (hit)

Well, you don't get lucky three times. The vines caught him, whipping him away as the edge of his rapier barely missed the enemy. 

Teselmar HP: 15| Energy: 1| MIT: 5 | DMG: 2 | ACC: +1
Creeper 1 HP: 0 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 <<DEAD>>
Creeper 2 HP: 8 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3 
Creeper 3 HP: 10 | MIT: 2 | DMG: 3

Edited January 2, 2016 by Teselmar