[SP-F6] Dive into the Heart <<Calming the Soul>> COMPLETE

[Seul 1]

The Waterfall of the Sage looked just as it had been described in the quest's description. An overwhelming sense of relaxation washed over him as he took a seat before the falls. He closed his eyes for a few moments only to open them again and see that the area had changed to a platform with a stain glass floor floating in an endless black void. Was this really what the inside of his mind looked like? It's not like it mattered much to him either way. He stood up and stole short glances around, taking note of the other platforms floating in the distance and how there wasn't exactly an easy way to get to them that was short of flying. "No one's here..." Of course not. The only other being was the shadowy figure before the first door after all. "Well... Let's get started then." 

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STATS: 

• Level: 28
• HP: 112
• Energy: 28
• Damage: 11                

• Mitigation: 79                

• Holy Blessing: 18             

 

Equipment:       

•  Naitaka | Dagger | +6 Damage

• Regret | Light Armor | +18 Holy Blessing       

• Promise | Shield | +54 Mitigation 

• Kitsune Mask (Vanity)

• Crimson Blades Cloak (Vanity)

• Crimson Blades Amulet (Vanity)

Familiar: Legna - The Black Dragon (No Buffs / Chibi)

Inventory:

• The Hoya of Minos (Vanity)
• Kusanagi ( +2 Dmg / +1 Keen )  
• Cloak of Protection (+18 Mit / +7 Thorns) 
• Hero's Coat ( +9 Mit / +1 Recovery / +1 Light Momentum )
• Hydra's Aegis ( +9 Mit / +18 Regen )  

                   

Skills:       

• Dagger (Rank 4 / +4 Damage with dagger equipped)               

• Light Armor (Rank 3 / +12 Mitigation)                

• Block (Rank 2 / +13 Mitigation)   

• Howl (No Ranks / Post Action / Effect: Adds 3 Hate to all opponents)

• Concentration (Extra Skill / No Ranks / Activated free - 5 post cooldown / Effect: Gain +1 to the BD result for a single action)              

• Survival(Extra Skill / No Ranks / Passive / Effect: Increases the health you regenerate per post to 6 when out of combat. Survival also gives immunity to damage dealing environment effects)

Sword Arts:

RANK 1

Armor Pierce - 1x1 - Stun - (4 Energy) - A standard thrust with the dagger.

Side Bite - 2x1 - (2 Energy) - Two quick forward slashes.

Round Accel - 2x1 - AoE - (4 Energy) - Swing the blade circular, creating small tempests of air.
 

RANK 2

Tri Pierce - 3x1 - (3 Energy) - Three angular thrusts in the shape of a triangle.

Fad Edge - 4x1 - (4 Energy) - A swift four-strike skill that strikes the opponent four times in rapid succession.

 

RANK 3

Infinite - 5x1 - (5 Energy) - A five-hit skill that traces an angular infinity symbol.

Shadow Stitch - 3x2 - (6 Energy) - A slice followed by two consecutive roundhouse kicks.

 

RANK 4

Starlight Splash - 7x1 - (7 Energy) - A high-speed thrusting sword art that strikes seven times in rapid succession.

Cross Edge - 2x4 - (8 Energy) - Two consecutive slashes that form a cross. 

Edited May 8, 2016 by Seul

[Seul 1]

Passing the shadowy figure without a care was easy. Thankfully years of horror movies and scary games left him calm in situations like these. He half expected most of the fight to come to be a psychological battle as much as it would be a physical one. Still, if he wanted to leave he'd have to face whatever lied in wait on the other side of the door. With a sigh he pushed his way inside, only to have the room change to that of a sandy beach. The sun seemed to be rising on the horizon and just like the area before there was no one around. Or so he thought. The only other living thing in existence was a black-haired boy who appeared to be younger then him.

"Wait a second... Trevor?!" It was impossible. There was no way his younger brother could be in a place like this. If he was, then how could he not have noticed sooner? "You won't believe how much I missed you! If you're in SAO too then I think I can-"

"Shut up."

"Huh?" Confusion steadily crept across his face as he processed the words. His brother sounded the same... But there was something off about the way he spoke. Something that gave Seul a feeling of dread in the pit of his stomach. "I don't understand..."

"Understand that you're going to die here." In the same moment a silver blade materialized in the younger boy's hand and each step he took toward the older male became more menacing than the last. What had gotten into him? Why did he want to fight after all this time apart? Was this really even his brother... No. It wasn't. This was part of the quest. He knew that. It didn't mean he had to like it though. Fighting a monster was one thing but to turn his dagger on a member of his own family... How could anyone expect him to go through with this.

"You haven't thought about us at all since you got trapped here. Not even once. Hell, you're looking in the face of death right now and you still only care about yourself." Trevor (or rather the demon using his appearance) broke into a charge with his sword outstretched and aimed at the player's heart. The shield fastened to Seul's arm though found its way and intercepted the blow; knocking the sword to one side with ease as if it were a mere stick. "You're wrong." 

BATTLE START | BATTLE THEME

Party

• Seul | 112/112 HP | 28/28 EN

Enemy

• Trevor (First Inner Demon) | 28/28 HP | 22 DMG | 3 MIT

Rolls

• ID: 58280
• BD: No Action Taken.
• MD: 2

Edited May 4, 2016 by Seul

[Seul 1]

"Am I? You know I'm not. Admit it. You don't care about me or the others! Poor mom and dad... Think of how much better off they'd be if you just died here! They'd be able to move on and stop worrying about whether or not their little boy will make it out alive."

Trevor spun on his heel and brought the sword around in a wide, horizontal arc. Seul turned to deflect the hit again but only to have it followed up with a spinning blade aimed for his gut. He managed to jump back before it made contact, but it was still a wonder how the demon could move that fast. "You might be quick, but you aren't very tough." He said while eyeing the boy. In both the physical sense and in what he represented the words held true. Feelings come and go like the wind for him and most times they don't last very long at all. Saying he had a lack of feelings wasn't entirely wrong... Seul hadn't thought about his family much since he arrived in Aincrad. But it wasn't because he didn't care. Thinking about them now wouldn't solve any of his problems. He could cry and whine about how unfair the whole situation was and about how much he wanted to see them again but to what end? He needed his mind clear for all of the challenges that lied ahead and once he made it back to the real world he'd have tons of stories to share about the people he has helped and the friends he made. His real brother would never resent him for that. "Nice try... You know it's kind of gross how you just stand there and pretend to be someone I care about. I'm going to need you to stop now." He finally drew his dagger and allowed it to take on a yellow glow as he rushed forward. Tri Pierce struck the demon's form in succession causing red gashes to take the shape of a triangle on its skin. The monster cried out in pain, not expecting to be slain so easily or at all for that matter. But it still managed to give a weak smile before exploding into pixels.

"Die..."

Party

• Seul | 112/112 HP | 25/28 EN (-3 EN)

Enemy

• Trevor (First Inner Demon) | -8/28 HP | 22 DMG | 3 MIT (-36 HP)

Rolls

• ID: 58283
• BD: 10 | Sword Art: Tri Pierce | 11 + 2 Crit x 3 Tri Pierce - 3 Mit = 36 Damage!
• MD: 1

Edited May 4, 2016 by Seul

[Seul 1]

The beach crumbled around him until there was only darkness and the stain glass platforms from before. He was alone once more with the only thing to comfort him being the unsettling gaze of the black creature from before. The first door was now covered in chains with a rather large lock fastened to the center to prevent anyone from entering. "One down." The fight itself wasn't difficult. But the strain it left on him having to hear his own sibling curse with his last breathes did leave him shaken up about continuing. What other things would the demons through at him? There was only one way to find out.

One notable difference about the area now was that there was a path leading up to the next platform. Seul made an effort to not look over the edge as he could only imagine what would happen if someone were to fall off. When he arrived to the next platform he was greeted by the same black creature and another door. This one being slightly more ornate though and displaying a large number two on the front. After steeling himself for a moment, he pushed his way inside...

Edited May 4, 2016 by Seul

[Seul 1]

The second door led to the top of a building. Not just any building though; it was the roof of a tall skyscraper. It was around this point he stopped trying to make sense of these things. He had to remember that this was a virtual reality. Stuff like this was probably normal. Just like in the void he couldn't see anything below. There wasn't even a below to see, only clouds, and no other buildings seem to rise as high as this one did. When he turned he could only see what he could only assume would be his next opponent. As he expected the demon had taken the form of another one of his siblings. Ichigo, the eldest. "Long time no see bro." He'd say while drawing his dagger. A katana materialized in the demons hand but oddly enough he didn't have anything to say. His brother's body was only a blur when he moved and somehow the demon had managed to get behind him which was evident by the blade showing through his chest. The damage was insignificantly low and the holy blessing enhancement healed the wound instantly. The real pain though came with knowing how unsettling it was to see himself get stabbed in the back (literally) by one of the few people he looked up to. He tried to retaliate, but any movement was restricted by the sword in his back. He was stuck for the time being.

BATTLE START | SECOND BATTLE THEME

Party

• Seul | 112/112 HP | 24/28 EN (+1 / -2 EN) [Holy Blessing: +18 HP]

Enemy

• Ichigo (Second Inner Demon) | 37/37 HP | 29 DMG | 4 MIT

Rolls

• ID: 58286
• BD: 1
• MD: 9 | 29 +1 Crit - 79 Mit = 1 Damage!

Edited May 4, 2016 by Seul

[Seul 1]

The demon placed a foot on his back and kicked him off the end of his katana with great force. The player couldn't help but roll across the roof top, nearing the ledge and coming just a little too close for comfort. His HP was still at full but he was still drained mentally. Seul rolled to one side as the demon made a downward slash for his neck and jumped to his feet with dagger in hand. He slashed out but only cut through air as the monster disappeared before his eyes.

"Weakling... Failure..."

Party

• Seul | 112/112 HP | 23/28 EN (+1 / -2 EN)

Enemy

• Ichigo (Second Inner Demon) | 37/37 HP | 29 DMG | 4 MIT

Rolls

• ID: 58289
• BD: 3
• MD: 1

Edited May 5, 2016 by Seul

[Seul 1]

What did it mean? He hadn't even been scratched by that last attack and thus far he hadn't failed any part of the quest, so why bother saying such things? It was a waste of time to think about it. In the corner of his vision he could spot another flash of movement and turned only to be met with a katana blade coming toward him in a horizontal swipe. He brought his shield up to intercept and managed to ward off the attack in time but he wasn't done yet. "Fad Edge!" His dagger took on a blue glow before four fast stabs took the demon's health down in an instant.

Party

• Seul | 112/112 HP | 20/28 EN (+1 / -4 EN)

Enemy

• Ichigo (Second Inner Demon) | -3/37 HP | 29 DMG | 4 MIT

Rolls

• ID: 58302
• BD: 8 | Sword Art: Fad Edge | 4 x 11 - 4 Mit = 40 Damage!
• MD: 5

Edited May 5, 2016 by Seul

[Seul 1]

This demon faded away as well, leaving behind only the strange words. He wasn't a failure... Not yet anyway. He also wasn't the strongest guy around, but it's not like he ever claimed to be in the first place. He was content with his steady rise in level despite the occasional bumps in the road the path he walked provided. The demon must have fed off the lingering feelings of inadequacy to claim these things, but the fact that he was even here was enough proof that he was working toward getting stronger.

The area faded once more with the void encroaching until the platform was all that remained. Just like before the door had been locked and the stairs leading up to the next level came into existence shortly after his arrival. His energy bar was still pretty high despite fighting two battles and with that being the case there wasn't much of a reason for him to delay the next encounter for too long.

Edited May 5, 2016 by Seul

[Seul 1]

The third area was just as random as the last two. It was a city. Not one that existed in the game, but one that eerily resembled his home city in the real world. There wasn't anyone around though. Again. Down the road lied the third demon. His hand began to shake as he reached for the dagger at his waist. Why was he so nervous now? The demon had taken on the form of a female. None other than his sister, Amber. Of all his siblings, he had always been closest to her. Where as his brothers were rough and often harsh with their actions she provided the kind nature that balanced out their group's dynamic. So then why did he have to fight her here of all places? She was resting a large claymore on her shoulder as she walked toward him, but didn't say anything.

"Let's make this quick." He finally drew the knife and ran at her. There was no telling how strong this thing actually was, but it wasn't like he was in a hurry to find out. The other two went down after a single move and hopefully this one wouldn't be much different. As he neared she swung her blade which tore into his side causing him to be pushed back, but only slightly. It was his turn now and the Shadow Stitch would be his sword art of choice as he cut her and delivered two kicks that'd finish the job. Three down.

Party

• Seul | 112/112 HP | 15/28 EN (+1 / -6 EN) [Holy Blessing: +18 HP]

Enemy

• Amber (Third Inner Demon) | -7/56 HP | 44 DMG | 14 MIT (Boosting to meet loot req)

Rolls

• ID: 58306
• BD: 9 | Sword Art: Shadow Stitch | 6 + 1 x 11 - 14 Mit = 63 Damage!
• MD: 9 | 44 + 1 - 79 Mit = 1 Damage!
• LD: 19 | 280 Col + 1 Mat Obtained

Edited May 5, 2016 by Seul

[Seul 1]

You know the drill by now. The world collapsed around him and returned to the nothingness. The door was locked yet again and without stopping to rest he was off toward the next battle. The final door was the largest of all and featured a large skull on the front. Seul pushed his way inside but only to find himself standing back on the first platform once more with the shadowy figure before him. The fourth and final demon. There was no time to waste. The anger he felt toward the mastermind behind all this was unparalleled. Why would such a being subject him to having to kill his own family? It was sick... He wanted to vomit at his actions. But he knew that the final demon was the remaining factor between freedom or destruction. He rushed forward with his dagger drawn but the beast had used one of its arms to deflect the tiny blade before spinning around and delivering a roundhouse kick to his gut.

BATTLE START | BATTLE THEME

Party

• Seul | 111/112 HP | 14/28 EN (+1 / -2 EN)

Enemy

• Shade (Fourth Inner Demon) | 84/84 HP | 66 DMG | 8 MIT

Rolls

• ID: 58340
• BD: 2 |
• MD: 10 | 66 + 2 - 79 Mit = 1 Damage!

Edited May 5, 2016 by Seul

[Seul 1]

He skidded backwards as the kick landed but remained standing. The auto healing taking form the form of a green glow around his body as his HP shot back up to max. Until now he had been going easy on these things; conserving his energy for the final showdown. The last demon was now before him and there was no reason to hold back anymore. He ran in again and activated the Cross Edge. The attack practically killed the demon but still left him open to a retaliation claw to his side.

Party

• Seul | 111/112 HP | 7/28 EN (+1 / -8 EN) [Holy Blessing +18 HP] (-1 HP)

Enemy

• Shade (Fourth Inner Demon) | 04/84 HP | 66 DMG | 8 MIT (-80 HP)

Rolls

• ID: 58392
• BD: 6 (5 + 1 Conc) | Sword Art: Cross Edge | 11 x 8 Cross Edge - 8 Mit = 80 Damage
• MD: 6 | 66 - 79 Mit = 1 Damage!

Edited May 6, 2016 by Seul

[Seul 1]

The two continued in their dance for quite some time, each missing and running around to no avail. They might as well have been blindfolded since the lack of actual attacks being landed was minor at best. Why were all of the demons so fast? He couldn't help but wonder while the dagger slipped past it once again. His shield managed to deflect the next hit and it wasn't like he was in any trouble, but how much longer would this need to drag on?

Party

• Seul | 112/112 HP | 6/28 EN (+1 / -2) [Holy Blessing +18 HP]

Enemy

• Shade (Fourth Inner Demon) | 04/84 HP | 66 DMG | 8 MIT

Rolls

• ID: 58432
• BD: 4
• MD: 1

Edited May 7, 2016 by Seul

[Seul 1]

He missed. Again. For whatever reason killing this last demon was a real struggle. The monster had used the opportunity to whip around and land another kick for an insignificantly small amount of damage. Why was it even still trying at this point? It was going to die soon. The health bar near its head was nearly nonexistent and he probably wouldn't even need to use a sword art to defeat it at this point.  Seul simply sighed.

Party

• Seul | 111/112 HP | 5/28 EN (+1 / -2) (-1 HP)

Enemy

• Shade (Fourth Inner Demon) | 04/84 HP | 66 DMG | 8 MIT

Rolls

• ID: 58434
• BD: 2
• MD: 7 | It deals 1 damage.

Edited May 7, 2016 by Seul

[Seul 1]

Alright. Seriously. What the hell? He missed. Again. It was times like this when he envied those with accuracy enhancements and cursed the creator of the game for only allowing a certain number of buffs to be applied at once. He was strong, sure, but that didn't matter if he couldn't hit a goddamn thing with the dagger! The demon seemed to be doing just fine though and even managed to land another hit on him. For 1 damage of  course.

Party

• Seul | 111/112 HP | 4/28 EN (+1 / -2) [Holy Blessing: You know the drill.] (-1 HP)

Enemy

• Shade (Fourth Inner Demon) | 04/84 HP | 66 DMG | 8 MIT

Rolls

• ID: 58436
• BD: 2
• MD: 8 | It deals 1 damage. Again.

Edited May 7, 2016 by Seul

[Seul 1]

As the demon kicked him he grabbed a hold of its leg and swung it around so that it'd land on the ground. He had enough of all the playing around and was ready to end it, but saw no point in wasting energy on a such a weak opponent. He sat on its back and slammed the dagger down hard on what he assumed was its spine. The hit brought the creature to death's door and he concluded one more like that would be enough to finish the job.

Party

• Seul | 112/112 HP | 4/28 EN (+1 / -1) [Holy Blessing: +18 HP]

Enemy

• Shade (Fourth Inner Demon) | 01/84 HP | 66 DMG | 8 MIT (-3 HP)

Rolls

• ID: 58437
• BD: 8 | Basic Attack! | 11 - 8 = 3 Damage!
• MD: 5

Edited May 7, 2016 by Seul

[Seul 1]

The demon would have very different plans though. As Seul prepared to unleash his next stab it twisted on its side and jabbed him in the ribs, causing him to roll off and away. He was fed up with the monster's persistence to live. It needed to die. It didn't belong in his mind and he didn't want it there either. His next attack would hopefully be his last, but it's not like it would matter if it wasn't. The thing couldn't hurt him and he had all the time in the world to finish it off.

Party

• Seul | 111/112 HP | 3/28 EN (+1 / -2) (-1 HP)

Enemy

• Shade (Fourth Inner Demon) | 01/84 HP | 66 DMG | 8 MIT

Rolls

• ID: 58438
• BD: 3
• MD: 6 | 1 Damage

Edited May 8, 2016 by Seul

[Seul 1]

Enough was enough. The demon was about to die. Seul didn't even need to use a sword art at this point. He simply walked over and  plunged his dagger straight into the spot he assumed its heart would be. The one point that remained finally depleted and alongside it the monster that had plagued him all this time. The battle was over and so too was the quest. As he sheathed the tiny blade the room began to rumble in a menacing way. "Argh, what now?! It's always something with this stupid game."

Party

• Seul | 112/112 HP | 3/28 EN (+1 / -1)

Enemy

• Shade (Fourth Inner Demon) | 00/84 HP | 66 DMG | 8 MIT

Rolls

• ID: 58439
• BD: 10 | Do I even need to calculate this?

Edited May 8, 2016 by Seul

[Seul 1]

He closed his eyes as the world seemed to collapse around him. When he opened them, instead of the platform he now found himself back in front of the waterfall... Except a beautiful woman now standing before him. She wasn't someone he recognized though. Had he made it out without realizing it? "Um... Hi?" He said causing her to turn in his direction. She didn't say anything but smiled instead. For some reason he had a knack for running into weirdos it seemed. "I'm Seul." Introducing himself almost felt like the natural response. He couldn't see any weapons on her so making his intentions known would probably be for the best. "I'm also friendly. Kinda. Who are you?"

[Seul 1]

"Loneliness. Yours to be exact."

...What the hell did that mean? She obviously was not a player, but lacked the hostility of a monster like the other demons had possessed. What was she... And why did she choose t appear now? "I'm confused." He said while bringing his hand up to scratch the back of his head. "I know." She replied with a shrug. Maybe she really was a part of him. There social skills seemed to be about the same at least. "Why are you here then?" In retrospect she probably figured out that he would ask something like that, but allowed him to anyway. She even took a moment to think about the response.

[Seul 1]

"Well, you were facing your inner demons right? I'm one also; your fear of loneliness." He didn't have any reason not to believe her. It wasn't like anything else had made much sense up to this point. But if she really was one of his demons then why wasn't she attacking him? Where the other demons didn't hesitate for a second, Loneliness wasn't even armed. "So I'm supposed to fight you now?" She shook her head before starting a slow stroll in his direction. "No. I just thought it'd be nice to say hello. We've been together for so long, but chances like these are rare at best."