Takeshi 0 Posted January 31, 2017 #1 Share Posted January 31, 2017 (edited) Usually skeletons can only be found in the higher floors, with high tier equipment. In Floor 2, for some reason, somebody employed an unarmored skeleton to guard the entrance of a small, abandoned medieval village. Takeshi is baffled at such a lousy idea as he determines how weak the skeleton would be. It is only equipped with a sword and shield (+2 DMG Mitigation), and it looks rotten and rather fragile in a way that it just came out from an underground crypt or something. Takeshi, already donned in chainmail armor, draws out his sword as he taunts the skeleton with a couple of bangs against his Lionel Shield. Taking that as a challenge, the skeleton moves forwards as it quickly raises up his shield in case Takeshi attacks first. Meanwhile, he is also doing the same and simply waits for his opponent to do take an action against him. Today is a perfectly normal day, and the sun isn't too hot for Aincrad. Spoiler ID: 76122 BD: 7 MD: 2 Takeshi: HP 80/80 Skeleton: HP 6/10 Energy: 5/8 Sword Art Used: Snake Bite Edited February 1, 2017 by Takeshi Link to post Share on other sites
Takeshi 0 Posted January 31, 2017 Author #2 Share Posted January 31, 2017 (edited) Takeshi's sword glows green in color as he unleashes his Sword Art, fracturing the skeleton's rib with his powerful slashes. His attack is partially blocked by its shield, but it doesn't stop him from slashing off part of the ribs later on. The skeleton backs away as even though it feels no pain, it is still somehow aware of its own mortality. The skeleton attempts to attack by repetitively jabbing forwards with its sword. Takeshi successfully blocks every jab until he manages to bash it against the skull. The skeleton displays its anger by wildly banging its own skull against the rim of a shield, something a Viking wolfcoat might do. It twirls its weapon as it lets out a laugh, the motion becomes faster as it prepares to toss the sword like a boomerang. As it does so, the thing flies upwards at a fast speed and magically changes its direction towards Takeshi. Spoiler ID: 76123 BD: 9 MD: 1 Takeshi: HP 80/80 Skeleton: HP 1/10 Energy: 2/8 Sword Art Used: Snake Bite Edited January 31, 2017 by Takeshi Link to post Share on other sites
Takeshi 0 Posted January 31, 2017 Author #3 Share Posted January 31, 2017 (edited) Takeshi immediately ducks down as he virtually has no time to raise his shield or even dodge sideways. Thankfully, the sword flies over him, but it soon turns left and hovers upwards once more. At its second arrival, Takeshi takes the risk of redirecting the sword by bashing it with his shield when it is close to him. The impact causes it to ricochet at a rapid pace and thus, being redirected towards the skeleton. Before it realizes where its own weapon is heading, it is already cut in half, making a loud clanging noise as it hits the ground. Takeshi remains still as he knows that the skeleton would reassemble back to itself since it still has little health remaining. Sure enough, it did, but its second chance won't last as Takeshi approaches it and waits for it to arm itself once more. In a fit of rage, it swings its sword brutishly, hitting the shield as hard as it can while desperately hoping that the personal armor would be broken. Spoiler ID: 76136 BD: 1 MD: 3 Takeshi: HP 80/80 Skeleton: HP 1/10 Edited January 31, 2017 by Takeshi Link to post Share on other sites
Takeshi 0 Posted January 31, 2017 Author #4 Share Posted January 31, 2017 (edited) The fight escalates into a series of clashing swords as soon as Takeshi parries the skeleton's next strike with his own weapon. At this point, they rarely use their own shields as they are too focused on landing a hit or even breaking each other's swords. The sound of metal clanging violently resonates throughout the quiet, desolated area of the abandoned village, especially at the entrance. Takeshi and the skeleton stop as they realize how much they had wasted their energy for practically nothing. The skeleton then tries to bash him with its shield, but Takeshi catches the attack with his shield and now shoves it forward as hard as he can. It proceeds to use its leg to trip Takeshi, whom manage to hold on to his feet as he headbutts the skeleton so it would stop trying to trip him. Takeshi backs away a little for some breathing space. Meanwhile, the skeleton sees this as an opportunity to swing wildly, and it does so to the dodging afro warrior with its shield raised up. Spoiler ID: 76147 BD: 2 MD: 5 Takeshi: HP 80/80 Skeleton: HP 1/10 Edited January 31, 2017 by Takeshi Link to post Share on other sites
Takeshi 0 Posted January 31, 2017 Author #5 Share Posted January 31, 2017 (edited) Like a fly dodging swats from a human, Takeshi calmly moves around and read almost every direction the sword is going to be swung as the attack speed is gradually decreasing. His legs carry him around throughout this part until he ends up being the opposite of the skeleton's original position, under the entrance's arch. He gives the skeleton a kick to the crotch and it backs away in response, clattering its jaws in a mix of anger and annoyance. Now it is Takeshi's turn to take wild swings aggressively. His movements are neither too fast nor too slow, but if the skeleton still hasn't paid attention to his attacks, it would be done in a matter of seconds. It does a mix of blocking and parrying, having several close calls at some points. As it raises its shield again to block another attack, Takeshi stops in the middle of a swing. The skeleton waits for a minute or two before realizing what is happening. It slowly peeks over its shield, its opponent isn't in front of it anymore... Spoiler ID: 76148 BD: 4 MD: 1 Takeshi: HP 80/80 Skeleton: HP 1/10 Edited January 31, 2017 by Takeshi Link to post Share on other sites
Takeshi 0 Posted January 31, 2017 Author #6 Share Posted January 31, 2017 (edited) Takeshi is crouching down while dashing towards the skeleton, thrusting his sword forwards in an attempt to finish it off. A problem occurs, however, as his sword ends up flying through the gaps of its ribs, much to his utter surprise. As it looks down towards Takeshi, it brings its sword's pommel down to his head, but he manages to block it with his shield. Quickly, he withdraws his weapon away and blocks the skeleton's next attack. Even though the fight takes a little longer than it should, Takeshi remains patient as he isn't really in a rush. Plus, the skeleton will die in one hit, so at least he won't have to worry about the fight being delayed at a longer period of time. The skeleton has practically the same feeling as Takeshi, except that as an undead, it doesn't feel as much fatigue as a normal human being would. And then, out of nowhere, Takeshi advances forwards and proceeds to initiate a roundhouse kick, aiming at its skull. Spoiler ID: 76149 BD: 9 LD: 19 Takeshi: HP 80/80 Skeleton: HP 0/10 Obtained 50 COL and 2 Materials (1 as an Extra) Edited January 31, 2017 by Takeshi Link to post Share on other sites
Takeshi 0 Posted January 31, 2017 Author #7 Share Posted January 31, 2017 (edited) Takeshi's foot literally breaks off half of the skeleton's jaw thanks to his strength. Without stopping, he swings his sword towards its neck, beheading it as its skull immediately drops off towards the ground. The skeleton falls to pieces and drops a total of 50 COLZ and two alchemic Materials, much to Takeshi's satisfaction. Walking through the arch of the village entrance, Takeshi looks around his surroundings as he identifies the layout of this place. All of the buildings are built in a straight, parallel line on both sides, and only some of them are intact from whatever that was causing the destruction of the houses. The grounds of the village are overtaken by nature, mainly grass. Vines are also taking part in growing along the walls of the houses. Additionally, the roofs are absent, and the open windows shows little to no object wihin the house unless they are examined further. Spoiler ID: 76163 LD: 16 Obtained 1 Material Edited January 31, 2017 by Takeshi Link to post Share on other sites
Takeshi 0 Posted January 31, 2017 Author #8 Share Posted January 31, 2017 (edited) Wasting no time, Takeshi begins exploring the houses, keeping his shield with him as he enters one of them. Nothing but a small chest is present inside, and naturally he walks towards the onject and opens it. To his delight, there are some alchemic chemicals inside, all ready to be experimented and mixed. He takes them and stores them into his inventory. Takeshi walks into more houses, and the only things he find are decaying furniture, bizarre, old artworks or the bones of the dead. In relation to the artworks, most of them are simply erotic, sort of like the ones that can be typically seen in the Ancient Roman city, Pompeii. Takeshi concludes that this is the Aincrad equivalent of Pompeii, as everything from the layout, artworks and the architecture look exactly the same as the real city itself. Except, there aren't any signs of visible evidience that a volcanic disaster struck here. Maybe there was a Viking-esque raid, and this city was unlucky to be the victim. Spoiler ID: 76165 LD: 5 Edited January 31, 2017 by Takeshi Link to post Share on other sites
Takeshi 0 Posted January 31, 2017 Author #9 Share Posted January 31, 2017 The rest of the buildings aren't worth looting, especizlly when they are completely empty. At one point, Takeshi thought he found something while walking around the living room of a roofless house. Thinking that it is a Material, he picks the object up, only to find that it is an old gold piece of unknown value. The gold piece looks similar to the current COL in terms of texture and shape, but the symbol is different. Instead of the letter COL and the numerical value, it is a man. The man seems European, and looking at the crown of leaves, Takeshi determines that he was an emperor or landlord of some sort. Whoever he was, he must had been quite a hero among his folks. Takeshi places the gold piece onto the furnace in the living room, and leaves it be as he has no other interest for the old money. Zoon, he stands in the middle of the path. Ahead of him are some more buildings that are shaded with trees. He stares blankly at the path, wondering if he should go there. Link to post Share on other sites
Takeshi 0 Posted January 31, 2017 Author #10 Share Posted January 31, 2017 (edited) Suddenly, Takeshi's ears pick up a loud noise coming from the right side of the overgrowing bushes between some houses. He draws out his sword and remains still, waiting for a threat to appear before him. Much to his surprise, a stag comes out of the bushes and glances at Takeshi curiously. He is relieved as he knows that it is just a harmless herbivore animal, just like the other plant eating animals in Aincrad. As it unexpectedly lets out a huge, humanistic grin, Takeshi can tell something is wrong with it. The deer approaches him slowly as it picks up some scents at his direction. It happens for about a minute before it grins again, this time accompanied by a lick among the lips and red, glowing eyes. The deer is either been possessed or are driven to insanity due to starvation. Takeshi raises its shield as the stag abruptly charges at a great speed, its sharp horns pointing forwards like a bunch of estocs. (+1 Bleed) Spoiler ID: 76166 BD: 3 MD: 5 Takeshi: HP 80/80 Aggro Stag: HP 8/8 Edited January 31, 2017 by Takeshi Link to post Share on other sites
Takeshi 0 Posted January 31, 2017 Author #11 Share Posted January 31, 2017 (edited) The stag's horns are so sharp and pointy that when they make their impact against the surface of Takeshi's shield, they actually manage to pierce through. Immediately, his reaction is to give it a kick to the neck and backs away as far as he can. There is now way he can keep blocking that, or it will be broken from the many piercing damages of the horns. The best Takeshi can do is to stay far away and only engage or dodge at the right timing. The stag prepares to charge once more as it grinds its front hoof against the ground, grinning again. This time, it stands on hind legs and lets out what sounded like harsh neighing as it acts like a horse, flailing its from hooves. It sprints towards Takeshi, who immediately knows what to do. Shield raised, and feet ready to make evasive manueveurs, Takeshi stares throuh the slits of the helmet as he is now hungry for venison. Spoiler ID: 76167 BD: 6 MD: 1 Takeshi: HP 80/80 Aggro Stag: HP 2/8 Energy: 3/8 Sword Art Used: Snake Bite Edited January 31, 2017 by Takeshi Link to post Share on other sites
Takeshi 0 Posted January 31, 2017 Author #12 Share Posted January 31, 2017 (edited) A Sword Art is unleashed as the stag is getting closer. Takeshi sidesteps to the left and drives his sword through its face, disfiguring it by randomly slashing across it in three quick successions. The stag retreats to the opposite direction, picking up its speed as it only turns around as soon as it is at a safe distance from Takeshi. It lets out a grunt as blood flows along the furry surface of its cheeks and snout, dripping onto the grassy pathway of the village. It isn't untik Takeshi notices that there is a bit of bloodstains among its exposed teeth. Then it got him thinking, maybe this stag was causing havoc that were destructive enough for the inhabitants to die or evacuate to start a new life somewhere. The stag moves in a zig zag pattern, increasing its running speed as Takeshi backs out a little more. He sweats a little within the helmet as he concentrates on determining which side will its horns will end up. Spoiler ID: 76169 BD: 8 LD: 19 Takeshi: HP 80/80 Aggro Stag: HP 0/8 Obtained 40 COL and 2 Materials (+1 As Extra) Edited January 31, 2017 by Takeshi Link to post Share on other sites
Takeshi 0 Posted January 31, 2017 Author #13 Share Posted January 31, 2017 Unfortunately for the stag, its vision becomes blurry due to the injury across its eyes. Its movements become jumbled and slower, this becomes a signal for Takeshi to take advantage against it. He first ducks down to avoid its horns and slashes its legs. The stag falls onto the ground, and looks ahead as it tries to crawl away. Without any hesitations, Takeshi approaches the stag and kills it with a single stab to the brain. He stares at its corpse for a while as he sees nothing spiritual coming out of its body. So it must be insane then. Though he doesnt know why. Perhaps it doesnt have enough food to survive on, or in a more terrifying theory, it prefers the flesh of humans. Still using his sword, Takeshi proceeds to skin the stag right waym the procedure is done in such a way that he gets both of the whole head and the "cape", which is basically the entire pelt. He stands up to gather some nearby tinder, kinderling and fuel for a while. It is quite easy to find such materials, and in a short time, a fire has already being made. Link to post Share on other sites
Takeshi 0 Posted January 31, 2017 Author #14 Share Posted January 31, 2017 (edited) Venision has always been Takeshi's favorite meat, as it is leaner and tastes better than beef. Eating venision is like eating a noble's food, it is exquisite but expensive, a few pounds would probably cost a lot of money. To Takeshi, it is more benificial to hunt and process his own meat. Such tasks are more satisfying to accomplish in his perspective. Furthermore, one whole deer can feed him for many months, sometimes even a year due to the large portions of meat. Meanwhile in the present, Takeshi is now fully unarmored, enjoying his meal of roasted venision. He sits down in a comfortable position as he chews on his food, looking at the abandoned houses. If only he can find the house of the leader..maybe it yields more valuable alchemic ingredients or whanot, as long as they are enough for him to reopen his shop. He misses working in his shop, and he hopes he can find as many materials as he can in a short time. Edited January 31, 2017 by Takeshi Link to post Share on other sites
Takeshi 0 Posted January 31, 2017 Author #15 Share Posted January 31, 2017 (edited) Spoiler ID: 76170 LD: 4 No familiar found... Takeshi thinks of the so called familiars that some players have beside them. The creatures, ranging from simple feline types to exotic dragons, are mostly served to be human companions as far as he knows. On rare occasions, a few of them are actually capable of helping the players to fight alongside them. Takeshi never really have any plans to tame a monster, but that sort of changed after he met an old gypsy woman in the city in Floor 2. She told him that taming is easy, but it takes time and effort to do so. Humanoid monsters won't ever work for some reason. Perhaps they aren't dumb enough to be manipulated by human kindness or promises. Seems like a reasonable explanation to Takeshi. After the conversation with the old woman, he thinks of nothing else about familiars, until one night, he had a dream. A dream that he was, and still is, fully aware of. A lucid dream his encounter with his future familiar. Edited February 1, 2017 by Takeshi Link to post Share on other sites
Takeshi 0 Posted February 1, 2017 Author #16 Share Posted February 1, 2017 At first he saw nothing but trees and grasses, seemingly similar to the Forest of Wandering Mists minus the mist itself. He could do nothing but to move along the area, clenching his fists since he anticipates a sudden attack from an enemy player or a minotaur. As the amount of trees are getting lesser though, he soon finds himself at a familiar area. The area itself was no doubt the site of the tree houses, indeed all of them are the same as their real counterparts. He couldn't see any visible enemies anywhere, so it was quite easy to explore the houses again. The differences between the dream and real versions of them are that all of the dreamy ones were fully furnished, as if they were completed just minutes ago. Apart from that, there was nothing else that were worth noting, until the moment when Takeshi was in the largest tree house. Sitting on the table is a white, male lion cub, possibly in his early or late teen years. His facial expressions were similar to that of humans', and he had androgynous features including, but not limited to his voice. He smiled at Takeshi's presence and speaks softly in a way that he looked 'prestigious' in Takeshi's eyes." "Good evening, warrior. Do you mind if you can spare some time to listen to and help me?" Link to post Share on other sites
Takeshi 0 Posted February 1, 2017 Author #17 Share Posted February 1, 2017 (edited) Takeshi sat onto the chair as he glared at the cub's eyes, willing to listen to what he has to say. With a rather solemn expression, he explained, "My parents were gone when I was very young, and since then I was adopted by my uncle. You see, my uncle despised my father as far as I know, and once he was dead, he knew that this was the perfect chance to take over as the leader of our tribe. Needless to say, we were living in a world of disharmony as he allowed certain forbidden 'races' to live with us. He also mistreated me whenever I disobeyed him..and..he...used me as his satisfactory 'need' once." The last sentence prompted Takeshi to clench his own fist. This was something he rarely heard in Aincrad. His uncle sounded like something that he would gladly kill in his mind. He tried not to build up his frustration as he breathed in deeply, muttering, "Continue.." Edited February 1, 2017 by Takeshi Link to post Share on other sites
Takeshi 0 Posted February 1, 2017 Author #18 Share Posted February 1, 2017 (edited) "To cut the story short..." The cub continued. "...we were sick of the tyranny of my uncle, and so without warning we killed and ate those races that never bothered to share food with us. We had no choice, eating them was the only way. My uncle was horrified and, in an attempt to stop them from trying to attack him, he used me as a hostage. Luckily, a friend of mine took on him by surprise, and by his advice, I ran. I ran as fast as I can as I looked back to see my friend murdered and my uncle escaping from the wrath of my tribe. I do not know how he managed to do so, but he survived to this day. "I tried my very to survive and if possible, build a new peaceful life. But some time later, I accidentally bumped into my uncle, an he kept me prisoner for his own needs. He abused and used me as his source of entertainment, and even mocked my parents and my tribe, always claiming that he was supposed to be the perfect ruler. "I am aware that other species like humans exist, and I heard stories of their capabilities in terms of everything. Now, I ask you for my help for I believe that you can save me from him. Plus, you are nearby where my uncle resides, and if you can find him, do as you please to prevent him from making my life a living hell...My name is Kaname, and I will be in your debt if you help me." Edited February 1, 2017 by Takeshi Link to post Share on other sites
Takeshi 0 Posted February 1, 2017 Author #19 Share Posted February 1, 2017 (edited) Takeshi remained still as he finished listening to the whole story, glancing at Kaname. Though he was ready to believe him, he wasn't exactly sure if this is his real self or simply a manifestation of his plea for help. He was hardly ever considered a monster, and something told Takeshi that Kaname may be enduring something far worse than what he described so far. He imagineed a corrupted version of him, all thanks to his uncle. Or to top that off, he may be actually dead. Takeshi gritted his teeth a little as he slightly shaked his head, refusing to think of everything negative about Kaname. He swore to himself that he will find the cub and rescue him, and in return, he may be his familiar for a lifetime. Standing up from the chair, Takeshi's surroundings are shrouded by white light as he exited the tree house, returning back to reality. Spoiler ID: 76276 LD: 20 Obtained 1 Material Edited February 1, 2017 by Takeshi Link to post Share on other sites
Takeshi 0 Posted February 1, 2017 Author #20 Share Posted February 1, 2017 (edited) Finishing his daydreaming about that remarkable dream, Takeshi opens his eyes as the fire flickers quite weakly, wind is blowing across his face as the rain will fall soon. He simply lets the wind do its work to extinguish the flame as he is prepared to leave. Standing up, he looks around and noticed a house with a closed door, something that is rare among the rest of the decrepit buildings. Takeshi proceeds towards it and slowly, he opens the door to find alchemic chemicals and ingredients sitting on the table. Considering this encounter as pure luck, he smiles as he goes to them and puts them in his inventory. Maybe he can reopen shop again with these materials. He looks around for any more things worth collecting, but so far there are only old antiques that would have been valuable to the real world, not in Aincrad. Takeshi exits the house. Spoiler ID: 76277 LD: 8 Edited February 1, 2017 by Takeshi Link to post Share on other sites
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