[SP-F15] Scouting the 15th Floor

[Takao 0]

His legs wouldn't move despite his brain telling them to. Instead, he just stood and stared. There had once been a player there; a living, breathing player with hopes, dreams, ambitions... A person with history, experiences, relatives. Where that player had once been was momentarily replaced with colourful shimmering pixels, almost like confetti to celebrate his death. But now, there was nothing. Just the cold room of a defeated boss and a light shining from atop a staircase that lead to the next floor where another boss awaited them. He couldn't quite place a name to the emotions he felt. It wasn't necessarily sadness even though sadness was definitely playing a part. Takao didn't know Azide well, their interactions had been primarily limited to boss raids, although their first real time talking on the ninth floor had opened up the brunet's opinion of the well-spoken male. Perhaps it was anger, an emotion foreign to the naturally upbeat teenager. Maybe he was angry that, because of a single person's sick and twisted fantasy to create and govern an entire world, two innocent lives had been taken.

No tears, he told himself. Now wasn't the time for that. Takao would gladly show emotion to others, but he wouldn't show them weakness. Not like that. He finally felt control of his body return as resolve built in his gut like a flame catching onto fuel. They had floors to clear, and that wouldn't be done by sitting idly by.

Spoiler

 

Equipped
Inundator // +6 Damage
Huntsman's Set // 36 Mitigation, 1 Evasion
Iron Aegis // 2 Accuracy, 1 Evasion

Active Buffs
Vitamins // +2 LD (Meat Haunch)
Alcoholic // +1 Damage / -1 Evasion (Meat Haunch)
Damage Increase // +3 Damage (Damage Crystal)

 

 

Edited March 22, 2016 by Takao

[Takao 0]

Takao swung the flat of his sword up onto his shoulder and carefully aimed it toward the opening of his scabbard. The blade scratched the wooden interior as it descended into the protective housing, and stopped with a slight click. His pace up the staircase was steady, allowing him to cast one last lingering glance at the group below as they mingled and chatted over their win. The brunet didn't want to waste time talking, which felt a bit odd. The slaying of Azide and Cora had shaken him; their deaths were a grim reminder of the consequences of losing in a game of death. It were a game he'd rather not play anymore, yet with only fifteen percent of their victory behind them, those that remained trapped within the Castle Aincrad still had plenty of work to do.

[Takao 0]

The brunet reached the apex of the fourteenth floor's staircase and was greeted with a platform. Just before leaving, he'd heard their golden-haired, alleged saviour say something about crushing him in an instant. The thought brought a smile to his face. The front liners, sans a few, were fragile. All it took was a consumable here and a well placed sword art there, and they were all as vulnerable to instantaneous death as the next. Most people didn't seem to realize that fact. "I'll have to invest in Battle Healing and Parry again at some point..." He muttered quietly to himself as he stepped upon the warp platform, having activated it himself whilst the others lingered behind. "But that's for another time. We've got a lotta' work to do."

[Takao 0]

"Alright, floor fifteen." Takao said as the telltale white light of an impending inter-floor warp encased his body. Jade eyes squinted and narrowed but never closed, even as the bright light appeared and disappeared. The boss room had been well lit enough to grant him a spot of reprieve when to came to adjusting to light levels. The instant he appeared in... well, wherever exactly it was that the warp gate had teleported him to, he took off running. His first instinct was to go north-- the main settlements of floors oft resided on the southernmost edges of their respected tier of Aincrad, or close enough to it. "Let's see what you've got."

[Takao 0]

Takao passed by the gates and blew by the guards of the fifteenth floor's settlement, immediately delving into the vast wilderness that lay before him. "Man, do I miss the sprint skill." He grunted as his legs carried him forward, albeit at a slower pace than he would've liked. "I'll have to get that too... Ngh. These skill change updates really grate on my nerves, sometimes." Takao said, shaking his head. The settlement had already turned to a blur behind him, completely faded from his memory in its entirety. He wondered if he'd even seen the town... city... whatever it turned out to be, or if his tunnel vision had prevented his memory from taking notes.

- -

» ID : [[ 52597 ]]
» LD : [[ 22 (17 + 2(Vitamins) + 3(Search&Detect)) ]]

+1 Material

Edited March 22, 2016 by Takao

[Takao 0]

"Oh." Takao sputtered out weakly. He paled, which was especially visible on his usually tanned skin, and swallowed hard while shaking his head. "oh no." Before him, descending from a large tree that loomed overheard, were four large arachnids. Too many legs to found, too many eyes to look into, and too many fangs for Takao to feel comfortable around. "Sweet merciful [censored]. Why'd it have to be spiders?" His legs began to shake, whether it be from the fatigue of running or from the fear settling deep inside his gut didn't matter much. All he knew was that four chittering spiders wanted him for dinner, and he wasn't having any of it. They landed on the ground just in front of him as he prepared a weak sword art, hoping it would be enough to wipe the four of them from existence. The five of them all launched at the same time, and as the dust settled, Takao was the one remaining. He quickly resumed on his way, a bit more speed in his step. "Nooope. Nopenopenope. Nooooot cool."

- -

» ID : [[ 52599 ]]
» BD : [[ C.HIT  (9 + 3(ACC)) ]]
» MD : [[ C.HIT (9 - 2(EVA) + 1(Alcoholic)) ]]

» LD : [[ 15 (10 + 2(Vitamins) + 3(Search&Detect)) ]]

« Takao »
[[ 173/177 HP ]] [[ 45(RAW) + 1(Critical) - 48(MIT) = 1 * 4 = -4HP ]]
[[ 35/43 Energy ]] «Vertical Square» used. (-8 Energy)

« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) + 1(Critical) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -69HP ]]
« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) + 1(Critical) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -69HP ]]
« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) + 1(Critical) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -69HP ]]
« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) + 1(Critical) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -69HP ]]

22/25 Remaining

Edited March 22, 2016 by Takao

[Takao 0]

"Auuughhh. Why spiders?!" Takao yelled as he cast his jade gaze skyward, questioning the heavens why he'd been cursed with such terrible luck. His arachnophobia, while not crippling or paralyzing, was certainly still debilitating in its own right. Another four spiders stood in his path, blocking him on his way to advance ever forward in order to grasp the fruits of his efforts. "It just... I mean... [censored]." He grit his teeth and exhaled a slow breath through his clenched jaw. It was time to act, not to be afraid. Despite the shaking in his legs, he still mustered up enough courage and strength to repeat his earlier success-- but, like last time, not without sustaining a few injuries in the process. The dripping fangs of the monsters had grazed him and despite the absence of venom, he was still sent sprinting off in one direction, screaming at the top of his lungs.

- -

» ID : [[ 52601 ]]
» BD : [[ C.HIT  (9 + 3(ACC)) ]]
» MD : [[ C.HIT (9 - 2(EVA) + 1(Alcoholic)) ]]

» LD : [[ 18 (13 + 2(Vitamins) + 3(Search&Detect)) ]]

« Takao »
[[ 169/177 HP ]] [[ 45(RAW) + 1(Critical) - 48(MIT) = 1 * 4 = -4HP ]]
[[ 28/43 Energy ]] «Vertical Square» used. (+1 Energy | -8 Energy)

« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) + 1(Critical) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -69HP ]]
« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) + 1(Critical) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -69HP ]]
« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) + 1(Critical) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -69HP ]]
« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) + 1(Critical) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -69HP ]]

17/25 Remaining

Edited March 22, 2016 by Takao

[Takao 0]

"Please..." He muttered, his pale face adopting an almost sickly green hue to match his eyes as yet another four spiders descended from the trees. "No more... I'm gonna..." Words escaped as quiet pleading beneath his panting breath, practically begging whatever forces he thought to be in control of things to have mercy. "This is just so... so... sosososoooo uncool, dude." He said, wincing as his arm rose and the third sword art of the fifteenth floor was prepared. He needed an out, a break... anything to get away from the spiders. With each of the four he cut down in rapid succession, he mused that the phrase "face your fears" was grossly incorrect.

- -

» ID : [[ 52603 ]]
» BD : [[ HIT  (6 + 3(ACC)) ]]
» MD : [[ MISS (6 - 2(EVA) + 1(Alcoholic)) ]]

« Takao »
[[ 169/177 HP ]]
[[ 21/43 Energy ]] «Vertical Square» used. (+1 Energy | -8 Energy)

« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -69HP ]]
« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -69HP ]]
« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -69HP ]]
« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -69HP ]]

13/25 Remaining

Edited March 22, 2016 by Takao

[Takao 0]

"Gonna... Ugh..." Takao grunted, barely able to stand. His paled face was very quickly adopting a sickly hue as another grouping of spiders replaced the previous four. The brunet was a breeze away from being knocked down to his shaking knees, "Hur..urgh..." He knew he had no stomach-- he had no internal organs at all. Aincrad's details didn't seem to include a surplus of gore, as demonstrated through the various times he'd been stabbed, sliced open, and impaled by a plethora of different monsters. Yet even so, he felt a building pressure in his gut, so ready to escape through his mouth at a second's notice. He dispatched the four monsters using «Vertical Square», the same as he had done with the last group, and prepared to continue on his way.

- -

» ID : [[ 52605 ]]
» BD : [[ HIT  (6 + 3(ACC)) ]]
» MD : [[ MISS (3 - 2(EVA) + 1(Alcoholic)) ]]

« Takao »
[[ 169/177 HP ]]
[[ 14/43 Energy ]] «Vertical Square» used. (+1 Energy | -8 Energy)

« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -69HP ]]
« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -69HP ]]
« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -69HP ]]
« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -69HP ]]

9/25 Remaining

Edited March 22, 2016 by Takao

[Takao 0]

"I-... I can't..." His knees were weak, arms were heavy. He was nervous and scared, and he definitely looked it on the surface. His body didn't want to move, his mind didn't want to tell it to move, yet a voice egging him on in the back of his head pushed him. Having dropped to his knees at the sight of yet another quartet of spiders, chittering in unison and preparing to lash out at him, he found some semblances of strength to bring him back onto his feet. "Okay... I'm good... Totally... not gonna barf..." He told himself, knowing fully well that it were a complete lie. It was coming, and it was only a matter of time. But for the time being, the usage of «Vertical Square» afforded him only a moment's respite.

- -

» ID : [[ 52607 ]]
» BD : [[ C.HIT  (10 + 3(ACC)) ]]
» MD : [[ MISS (6 - 2(EVA) + 1(Alcoholic)) ]]

« Takao »
[[ 169/177 HP ]]
[[ 7/43 Energy ]] «Vertical Square» used. (+1 Energy | -8 Energy)

« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) + 2(Critical) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -77HP ]]
« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) + 2(Critical) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -77HP ]]
« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) + 2(Critical) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -77HP ]]
« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) + 2(Critical) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -77HP ]]

5/25 Remaining

Edited March 22, 2016 by Takao

[Takao 0]

"I hate this. I hate it. This is unacceptable." His sickly state had very suddenly transitioned into a frustrated alternative, perhaps even with semblances of anger and remnants of unease lingering within. Twenty four spiders within the few short moments Takao had been on the fifteenth floor were encountered, with twenty of them having been slain. The remaining four laid just in front of him, descending from an overheard tree and preparing to strike. Despite his attempts to take the initiative, the four spiders struck first. They latched onto him with legs and fangs, biting at his armour. A quiet, high pitched squeal left his throat, and promptly cracked under the fear. He subsequently struck each monster once and annihilated their health bars before running off, his screams sounding like a broken dog whistle as he sprinted in a random direction.

- -

» ID : [[ 52607 ]]
» BD : [[ HIT  (6 + 3(ACC)) ]]
» MD : [[ C.HIT (10 - 2(EVA) + 1(Alcoholic)) ]]

« Takao »
[[ 165/177 HP ]] [[ 45(RAW) + 2(Critical) - 48(MIT) = 1 * 4 = -4HP ]]
[[ 0/43 Energy ]] «Vertical Square» used. (+1 Energy | -8 Energy)

« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) + 2(Critical) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -77HP ]]
« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) + 2(Critical) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -77HP ]]
« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) + 2(Critical) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -77HP ]]
« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) + 2(Critical) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -77HP ]]

1/25 Remaining

Edited March 22, 2016 by Takao

[Takao 0]

Takao dropped down to his knees and fell face first into a patch of grass. His chest heaved as it desperately pulled in oxygen, a mixture of fear and fatigue having drained his energy. It was a miracle he'd managed to run as far as he did, but he was paying for it sorely. "-ate..." He panted, forcing his words out between deep breaths. "...hate... spiders..." He managed to squeeze out. His muscles felt weak and unusable, almost like the meat between his bones and skin had been replaced with an uncomfortable jelly-like substance.

- -

» ID : [[ 52611 ]]
» LD : [[ 20 (15 + 2(Vitamins) + 3(Search&Detect)) ]]

+1 Material

Energy Recovery -- 2/3 Turns Remaining

Edited March 22, 2016 by Takao

[Takao 0]

The deeply frightened teenager managed to, by some miracle, push himself up and flip onto his back. He was greeted with the sight of a clear sky between the canopy that loomed above, with fluffy white clouds lazily floating by. They provided him with a moment's reprieve, a few short minutes between the battling that he'd been engaged in for the past hour or so. It was a welcome change of pace, especially given his extinguished energy stores. "...Okay... I'll rest here for a minute." He mumbled, some semblances of a rhythm returning to his breathing pattern.

- -

» ID : [[ 52613 ]]
» LD : [[ 14 (9 + 2(Vitamins) + 3(Search&Detect)) ]]

Energy Recovery -- 1/3 Turns Remaining

Edited March 22, 2016 by Takao

[Takao 0]

Moments of quiet respite passed by as Takao awaited the replenishment of his energy stores. The fatigue in his muscles slowly faded away as strength returned, and his resolve to complete the fifteenth floor scouting was strengthening with each passing second as well. Before he bothered to stand, Takao rubbed his eyes vigorously and slapped his cheeks. There was no pain in his face when his hands made contact, only a refreshing sensation that was used in its place. "Alright... Okay. I'm good. Let's get goin'."

- -

» ID : [[ 52615 ]]
» LD : [[ 20 (15 + 2(Vitamins) + 3(Search&Detect)) ]]

+1 Material

Energy Recovery -- 0/3 Turns Remaining

Edited March 22, 2016 by Takao

[Takao 0]

"Just one this time," Takao said, a hint of relief in his voice as jade eyes set upon the sole spider descending from the trees. It hadn't necessarily only been the numbers causing him such turmoil, but one was much easier to handle than four. He prepared a sword art and, just as he was readying himself to unleash it unto the monster, it suddenly lunged. All of its legs wrapped around him and its fangs bit down onto his shoulder. With widened eyes and a broken scream, Takao cleaved the monster in twain. He stumbled backward and fell onto his bottom as quiet, dog-whistle like screams left his throat.

- -

» ID : [[ 52619 ]]
» BD : [[ HIT  (6 + 3(ACC)) ]]
» MD : [[ C.HIT (10 - 2(EVA) + 1(Alcoholic)) ]]

« Takao »
[[ 176/177 HP ]] [[ 45(RAW) + 2(Critical) - 48(MIT) = 1 = -1HP ]]
[[ 39/43 Energy ]] «Vertical Arc» used. (-4 Energy)

« Giant Spiderling »
[[ 0/60 HP ]]  [[ 13(DMG) + 4(Charge) + 1(Alcoholic) + 3(Damage Crystal) * (4*1) - 15(MIT) = -69HP ]]

0/25 Remaining

Edited March 22, 2016 by Takao

[Takao 0]

"No. Nope. Not handlin' this well." Takao said as he leapt up to his feet and immediately began walking onward. He hadn't even the slightest desire to remain where the spider had once stood and subsequently been slain, nor did he enjoy the notion of staying on the floor for any longer than necessary. "I am finding this boss room, we're clearing this floor, and I am never, ever coming back here. Ever." Each step he took had some power to it, shoving the heel of his boot into the digital soil before stomping off in whatever direction he was headed in. The anxious, frustrated teen hadn't thought to check the compass in quite some time.

[Takao 0]

Peeking out from behind the canopy of the trees, the massive labyrinth was practically beckoning Takao forward. He was careful in his approach, ever-vigilant emerald-hued eyes watching the trees for any signs of movement. Even the rustling of leaves had him jumping, even the thought of encountering another spider was enough to send his stomach in circles. "Everything's... totally cool... No spiders 'round here." He muttered low words of encouragement to himself, egging himself onward despite his body desperately wanting to turn around and hightail it back to the third floor. "Just keep walkin'..."

[Takao 0]

As Takao walked, he slowly worked on straightening his posture and proceeding onward in a dignified way-- or at least he tried to preserve some semblance of dignity, anyway. He slid his hand across the air and called forth the menu, the pleasant chimes ringing in his ear were like music that grounded him in his digital prison. He scrolled through menus and lists, selecting the necessary icons that lead him to his inventory. A short bout of scrolling later had unequipped his armour and replaced it with vanity clothing, whilst the Hands of Midas were equipped in its place. A risky move, but he didn't want to spend any more time on the fifteenth floor than what was absolutely necessary.

[Takao 0]

"Okay then. That's the labyrinth." He mused aloud, standing at the base of the massive pillar and gazing upward into the abyss. It seemed endless despite its very finite nature. He hesitated entering, having a very strong base of reasoning for what might lay within. "So, what? It's gonna be Aragog? Shelob? Ungoliant?" He muttered, slowly growing more obscure with his fictional arachnid references. "...Okay, the last one's technically a spirit. But it counts! 'n I'm gonna be so peeved if that's what it is." Takao said as he moved onward, entering the labyrinth. "So peeved."

[Takao 0]

"Nnn..." His whimpering was quiet yet still audible as he crept through the halls. Spider's webs. Everywhere. He was visibly shaking, even as he shuffled forward with his sword gripped tightly in both hands. "Pleeaaase pleasepleaseplease... no more spiders." He muttered under his breath, moving at a snail's crawl to avoid garnering any unwanted attention. Each step he took was carefully calculated, and his jade eyes darted back and forth rapidly to watch for every tiny sign of movement. Nothing would be sneaking up on him anytime soon, that was for sure.

Edited March 22, 2016 by Takao