[SP-F24] Hunting

[Seul 1]

Battle Theme

         In need of cash and eager to play with his recently improved armor, Seul had gone to the twenty-fourth floor. As one of the highest levels available at present, the monsters here were going to be some of the most dangerous Aincrad had to offer. After sorting out his equipment, the swordsman traveled to one of the smaller islands. One where fishfolk made there home. It wasn't long before he happened upon a party of Sahuagin gathered around a campfire on the beach there.
    
    With a clang, his blade ripped free of its sheathe, and he used what strength he had to run at the monster-men. One Sahuagin had seen the player's approach and rallied his fellows into action with a hearty warcry. Each scrambled for his crudely fashioned spear, and soon the battle was in full swing.  Galaxy Destroyer had always been Seul's go-to move, so it came as no surprise which move opened the brawl. The Sahuagin he aimed for parried his blade with some effort. But his sword art provided enough pressure to mean it couldn't strike back with so little time to react from the blow.  They still held the advantage, though. Being outnumbered, four to one, the others seized the opportunity to surround their foe and dig in with their polearms from every angle.

Combat Summary
Seul [993/1085 HP] (-92) | [102/104 EN] (-2) | Heavy Momentum (x1): +6 Damage

Sahuagin Soldier 1 [1000/1000 HP] 
Sahuagin Soldier 2 [973/1000 HP] | (-27 Thorns)
Sahuagin Soldier 3 [1000/1000 HP] 
Sahuagin Soldier 4 [973/1000 HP] | (-27 Thorns)

Rolls

Galaxy Destroyer ID# 144919 results: Battle -- 4 (3+1) | Miss | 

Sahuagin Soldier 1 Attack ID# 144920 results: Mob -- 1 | Miss
Sahuagin Soldier 2 Attack ID# 144921 results: Mob -- 8 (7+1) | Hit | 30 Damage
Sahuagin Soldier 3 Attack ID# 144922 results: Mob -- 11 (10+1) | Crit | 32 Damage
Sahuagin Soldier 4 Attack ID# 144923 results: Mob -- 6 (5+1) | Hit | 30 Damage

Seul's Info:

Spoiler

Stats
1085 Health
104 Energy
14 Base Damage
126 Mitigation
54 Battle Healing
108 Vampiric Defense
24 Holy Blessing
27 Thorns
6 Heavy Momentum
1 Accuracy
-1 Evasion
Equipment
Gratitude (THSS).......... // 6 Damage | 1 Accuracy
Confession (Heavy Armor).. // 6 Heavy Momentum | 27 Thorns
Remorse (Light Armor)...... // 24 Holy Blessing | 108 Vampiric Defense
Skills
Two-Handed Straight Sword.| Rank 5
Heavy Armor...............| Rank 5
Battle Healing............| Rank 5
Search & Detect...........| Rank 1
Picking...................| No Ranks
Extra Skills
Providence (Protector).....| Rank 3
Meditation................| No Ranks (Inactive)
Concentration.............| No Ranks
Survival..................| No Ranks
Skill Mods
Stonewall
Dismantling
Inventory
Woodland Armor - 1 Charge Left
Basic Teleport Crystal - x1
Banner of Support - 3 Charges Left
Generic Armor MK.9 (Light Armor) - +3 Evasion

Enemy Info:

Spoiler

<<Sahuagin Soldier>>

Stats
1000 Health
156 Damage

 

Edited April 28, 2020 by Seul

[Seul 1]

    The green bar floating in the corner of Seul's vision would tick down with each hit, shaving off his life. With a growl, he used Galaxy Destroyer again with everything he had. Shining metal tore through the Sahuagin's flesh, and the additional power provided by momentum sent the monster prone. It was a spectacle to behold. Seul enjoyed every second of it too. Fights like these were the reason he got up in the morning. Ever in search of more power, he strove to defeat any enemies who stood in his way.
    
    Stab after stab would soon follow as he celebrated his hit against the soldier. The fishman's friends were not pleased, and each would take turns trying to assault the player with their spears. He was too slow to avoid any of the attacks that rained down upon him, but his thorns enhancement would make up for that by damaging them in return.

Combat Summary
Seul [954/1085 HP] (+78/-121) | [90/104 EN] (+1/-13) 

Sahuagin Soldier 1 [660/1000 HP] | (-286 Damage) | (-27 Thorns)
Sahuagin Soldier 2 [946/1000 HP]  | (-27 Thorns)
Sahuagin Soldier 3 [973/1000 HP]  | (-27 Thorns)
Sahuagin Soldier 4 [973/1000 HP] 

Rolls

Galaxy Destroyer ID# 144924 results: Battle -- 11 (10+1) | Crit | 22 x 13 = 286 Damage
Vampiric Defense ID# 144925 results: Craft -- 8  | Fail 

Sahuagin Soldier 1 Attack ID# 144926 results: Mob -- 6 | (5+1) | Hit | 30 Damage
Sahuagin Soldier 2 Attack ID# 144927 results: Mob -- 6 | (5+1) | Hit | 30 Damage
Sahuagin Soldier 3 Attack ID# 144928 results: Mob -- 8 | (7+1) | Hit | 30 Damage
Sahuagin Soldier 4 Attack ID# 144929 results: Mob -- 10 | (9+1) | Crit | 31 Damage

Edited May 1, 2020 by Seul

[Seul 1]

    The green light of the Holy Blessing enhancement would envelop his body once the damage had been registered, ticking his health back up and healing most of the injuries he sustained. Seul would swing his greatsword again, only to cut through the air. It was one of the few flaws of his build. He never hit very often, but when he did, it would be for a large amount of damage. 

    He would go more on the defensive now, blocking with the flat of his blade or avoiding two of the four strikes the Sahuagin would send his way.  He was getting better. Seul was an endurance fighter, after all. His entire methodology revolved around outlasting opponents in battle. Wear them down then deliver devastating blows while they're in a weakened state. The foes he faced now were no different, and the longer this carried on, the more predictable their movements were becoming.

Combat Summary
Seul [972/1085 HP] (+78/-60) | [89/104 EN] (+1/-2) | Heavy Momentum (x1): +6 Damage

Sahuagin Soldier 1 [633/1000 HP] | (-27 Thorns)
Sahuagin Soldier 2 [946/1000 HP]  
Sahuagin Soldier 3 [973/1000 HP]  
Sahuagin Soldier 4 [946/1000 HP] (-27 Thorns)

Rolls

Galaxy Destroyer ID# 145008 results: Battle -- 5 ( 4+1) | Miss
Vampiric Defense ID# 145013 results: Craft -- 8  | Fail 

Sahuagin Soldier 1 Attack ID# 145009 results: Mob -- 8 | (7+1) | Hit | 30 Damage
Sahuagin Soldier 2 Attack ID# 145010 results: Mob -- 4 | (3+1) | Miss
Sahuagin Soldier 3 Attack ID# 145011 results: Mob -- 3 | (2+1) | Miss
Sahuagin Soldier 4 Attack ID# 145012 results: Mob -- 7 | (6+1) | Hit | 30 Damage

Edited May 1, 2020 by Seul

[Seul 1]

    For the first time, his vampiric defense would trigger! A wide grin covered his face as he watched the health bar tick back to full in a matter of seconds. It felt good knowing that despite all the torment he was taking, he was able to hold his own against four of these things at once. Most other players would have died by now, and yet he was here fighting without a scratch. Feeling invigorated, he swung again, sending an explosion of sand upward as his sword hit the beach where the injured Sahuagin had managed to dodge.

    The power from momentum was building more, and using it, he was able to beat aside most of the attacks. Only the last had managed to stick him in the shoulder. Seul would use his opposite hand to rip the end of it free, red pixels flying as he did. He would show them a real attack.

Combat Summary
Seul [1054/1085 HP] (+186/-31) | [88/104 EN] (+1/-2) | Heavy Momentum (x2): +12 Damage

Sahuagin Soldier 1 [633/1000 HP]
Sahuagin Soldier 2 [946/1000 HP]  
Sahuagin Soldier 3 [973/1000 HP]  
Sahuagin Soldier 4 [946/1000 HP]

Rolls

Galaxy Destroyer ID# 145016 results: Battle -- 2 | Miss
Vampiric Defense ID# 145017 results: Craft -- 9 | Active | +108 HP

Sahuagin Soldier 1 Attack ID# 145018 results: Mob -- 4 | (3+1) | Miss
Sahuagin Soldier 2 Attack ID# 145020 results: Mob -- 4 | (3+1) | Miss
Sahuagin Soldier 3 Attack ID# 145021 results: Mob -- 2 | (1+1) | Crit Miss
Sahuagin Soldier 4 Attack ID# 145022 results: Mob -- 10 | (9+1) | Crit | 31 Damage

Edited May 1, 2020 by Seul

[Seul 1]

"BEGONE!"

    His greatsword would glow even brighter now as all the stored power was finally released. It slid along the Sahuagin's waist, shaving off a substantial chunk of its health. Heaving the blade onto his shoulder, Seul stood triumphant as he awaited thier response. 

    The one he struck along with two others would charge him, flanking so that he'd have a more difficult time defending. They only just barely managed to eke out enough damage to reverse his healing, though. With a little more pressure applied, Seul would be able to fell at least one of the monsters soon.  Even if he couldn't hit, they would die on his thorns long before they'd be able to outdo his healing. He almost felt bad for them.  The strain of being faced with an unwinnable situation was never satisfying. To make matters worse, he was an intruder in their domain, come to slay them for mere pocket change.

Combat Summary
Seul [994/1085 HP] (+78/-91) | [76/104 EN] (+1/-13) | 

Sahuagin Soldier 1 [242/1000 HP] | (-364 Damage) | (-27 Thorns)
Sahuagin Soldier 2 [946/1000 HP]  
Sahuagin Soldier 3 [946/1000 HP] | (-27 Thorns)
Sahuagin Soldier 4 [946/1000 HP]

Rolls

Galaxy Destroyer ID# 145025 results: Battle -- 10 | Crit | 28 x 13 = 364 Damage
Vampiric Defense ID# 145026 results: Craft -- 6 | Fail

Sahuagin Soldier 1 Attack ID# 145027 results: Mob -- 8 | (7+1) | Hit | 30 Damage
Sahuagin Soldier 2 Attack ID# 145028 results: Mob -- 10 | (9+1) | Crit | 31 Damage
Sahuagin Soldier 3 Attack ID# 145029 results: Mob -- 7 | (6+1) | Hit | 30 Damage
Sahuagin Soldier 4 Attack ID# 145030 results: Mob -- 3 | (2+1) | Miss

Edited May 1, 2020 by Seul

[Seul 1]

Once again, Seul's health would restore, and once again, he would smash his sword against the body of the first Sahuagin. The metal bore deep into the shoulder of the monster, and it let out a cry as it writhed with pain. A look of satisfaction crept across his face. Seeing the fishman standing at death's door brought upon a rush like no other.

The sight of their brother in arms taking hit after hit had shaken the enemy party. Each took turns lashing out with their spears, only for Seul to avoid them. Only one had managed to pierce his defense; it was a minimal wound in the grander scheme of things and something he could easily ward off once his healing activated.

Seeing as their strategy wasn't working, the Sahuagin stepped back and crowded around their injured teammate. It was time to regroup and figure out a new way of surviving. At least it was in theory anyway.

Combat Summary
Seul [1055/1085 HP] (+186/-30) | [64/104 EN] (+1/-13) | 

Sahuagin Soldier 1 [60/1000 HP] | (-182 Damage) 
Sahuagin Soldier 2 [946/1000 HP]  
Sahuagin Soldier 3 [919/1000 HP] | (-27 Thorns)
Sahuagin Soldier 4 [946/1000 HP] |

Rolls

Galaxy Destroyer ID# 145479  results: Battle -- 6 (5+1)  Hit | 14 x 13 = 182 Damage 
Vampiric Defense ID# 145480  results: Craft -- 11 | Active | +108 HP

Sahuagin Soldier 1 Attack ID# 145481 results: Mob -- 3 | (2+1) | Miss
Sahuagin Soldier 2 Attack ID# 145482 results: Mob -- 4 | (3+1) | Miss
Sahuagin Soldier 3 Attack ID# 145483 results: Mob -- 9 | (8+1) | Hit | 30 Damage
Sahuagin Soldier 4 Attack ID# 145484 results: Mob -- 5 | (4+1) | Miss

Edited May 6, 2020 by Seul

[Seul 1]

Seul ran with all his might, jumping between the group of enemies and using Calamity Disaster. Slash and turn, slash, and turn. Repeatedly he assaulted them like a whirlwind on the battlefield. All efforts to protect the first soldier were futile. A final strike from his sword tore it in half at the waist, causing it to explode into pixelated dust. Another had been hit in the fray as well, but two managed to escape the man's wrath.

The two he missed had moved to a distance outside of their strike range. Surprisingly the one he hit stayed back to attack at the moment his sword art ended, though. By this point, they must have figured out there was no way to win this battle. So then why did they continue to fight? There were times when the AI had enough sense to understand things like self-preservation.  What more was there left to prove?

Combat Summary
Seul [1055/1085 HP] (+186/-30) | [49/104 EN] (+1/-16) | 

Sahuagin Soldier 1 [-108/1000 HP] | (-168 Damage) 
Sahuagin Soldier 2 [946/1000 HP]  
Sahuagin Soldier 3 [724/1000 HP] | (-168 Damage) | (-27 Thorns)
Sahuagin Soldier 4 [946/1000 HP] 

Rolls

Calamity Disaster 1 ID# 145507 results: Battle -- 8 (7+1) Hit | 14 x 12 = 168 Damage 
Calamity Disaster 2 ID# 145508 results: Battle -- 4 (3+1) Hit | Miss
Calamity Disaster 3 ID# 145509 results: Battle -- 9 (8+1) Hit | 14 x 12 = 168 Damage 
Calamity Disaster 4 ID# 145510 results: Battle -- 4 (3+1) Hit | Miss

Vampiric Defense ID# 145511 results: Craft -- 10 | Active | +108 HP

Sahuagin Soldier 2 Attack ID# 145512 results: Mob -- 4 (3+1) | Miss
Sahuagin Soldier 3 Attack ID# 145513 results: Mob -- 7 (6+1) | Hit | 30 Damage
Sahuagin Soldier 4 Attack ID# 145514 results: Mob -- 4 (3+1) | Miss

Sahuagin Soldier 1 Loot ID# 145515 results: LD -- 15 (14+1) | CD -- 10 | 5000 Col + T3 Rare Armor (x1) | (4000 Bonus Col)

Edited May 7, 2020 by Seul

[Seul 1]

Perhaps they just wanted to avenge the death of their friend. Too bad Seul was on a roll. With the third soldier's spear still in him, he struck with another Galaxy Destroyer and managed to knock it down to about half health. Still, it stood firm and used its weapon to shave off more of the man's health with every passing second. The fourth soldier would rush him from an angle. Currently impaled, there was little he could do to avoid the second attack. 

In truth, this was becoming boring. Seul wasn't taking enough damage, and unfortunately, neither were they.  His energy sat at around forty percent, and among the four of them, there just wasn't enough to spare. His hunger for wealth had overtaken the more rational parts of his mind. Rather than fight a lot of weaker enemies, he chose to pursue strong ones to make some quick cash.

Combat Summary
Seul [1025/1085 HP] (+78/-60) | [37/104 EN] (+1/-13) | 

Sahuagin Soldier 1 [-108/1000 HP] 
Sahuagin Soldier 2 [946/1000 HP]  
Sahuagin Soldier 3 [515/1000 HP] | (-182 Damage) | (-27 Thorns)
Sahuagin Soldier 4 [919/1000 HP] | (-27 Thorns)

Rolls

Galaxy Destroyer ID# 145516 results: Battle -- 8 (7+1) Hit | 14 x 13 = 182 Damage 

Vampiric Defense ID# 145517 results: Craft -- 1 | Fail

Sahuagin Soldier 2 Attack ID# 145518 results: Mob -- 3 (2+1) | Miss
Sahuagin Soldier 3 Attack ID# 145519 results: Mob -- 8 (7+1) | Hit | 30 
Sahuagin Soldier 4 Attack ID# 145520 results: Mob -- 6 (5+1) | Hit | 30

Edited May 6, 2020 by Seul

[Seul 1]

His decisions were starting to bite him in the butt. With another swing of his sword, the attack missed, decreasing his ever-dwindling energy supply. A small icon in the corner of his vision appeared, showing that momentum was active once again. If anything, he would try to keep using it so he could wipe out all of them with a single attack rather than waste any more energy.

The soldiers continued attacking, landing hits on the man as he did the bare minimum to try and defend himself. While fighting, Seul allowed his thoughts to wander. He reminisced of a time when he stood with the likes of Mack, KoB, and the other frontliners. The voice in his head did little to keep him from wondering where they all were now. It was strange to say, but people came and went in Aincrad despite being trapped. The world was vast, after all.

Combat Summary
Seul [1025/1085 HP] (+186/-60) | [36/104 EN] (+1/-2) | Heavy Momentum (x1): +6 Damage

Sahuagin Soldier 1 [-108/1000 HP] 
Sahuagin Soldier 2 [919/1000 HP] | (-27 Thorns)
Sahuagin Soldier 3 [488/1000 HP] | (-27 Thorns)
Sahuagin Soldier 4 [919/1000 HP] 

Rolls

Galaxy Destroyer ID# 145561 results: Battle -- 3 | Miss 

Vampiric Defense ID# 145562 results: Craft -- 11 | Active | +108 HP

Sahuagin Soldier 2 Attack ID# 145563 results: Mob -- 9 (2+1) | Hit | 30 
Sahuagin Soldier 3 Attack ID# 145564 results: Mob -- 6 (5+1) | Hit | 30 
Sahuagin Soldier 4 Attack ID# 145565 results: Mob -- 3 (2+1) | Miss

Edited May 6, 2020 by Seul

[Seul 1]

How easy it was for one to wander within the flying castle's walls. But Seul knew well that not all who wander are lost. Sometimes a break was needed, and many chose to live away from the troubles associated with the frontlines. Perhaps he would see them again someway, somehow. At least he hoped he would.     

Another miss caused his momentum to increase further just as planned. But he needed far more power to destroy them all at once. By now, his body had become used to being prodded. A yawn left his lips, and after planting his sword into the sand, he leaned against it as only one soldier dug into him.

"I wonder what other enemies are around here." He mumbled.

A field boss, maybe? It had been a while since he faced one. His level remained stagnant for months, and he was starting to feel the effects of it. Most had already far surpassed him.

Combat Summary
Seul [1055/1085 HP] (+78/-30) | [35/104 EN] (+1/-2) | Heavy Momentum (x2): +12 Damage

Sahuagin Soldier 1 [-108/1000 HP] 
Sahuagin Soldier 2 [919/1000 HP]
Sahuagin Soldier 3 [488/1000 HP]
Sahuagin Soldier 4 [892/1000 HP] | (-27 Thorns)

Rolls

Galaxy Destroyer ID# 145576 results: Battle -- 1 | Miss 

Vampiric Defense ID# 145577 results: Craft -- 7 | Fail

Sahuagin Soldier 2 Attack ID# 145578 results: Mob -- 1  | Miss
Sahuagin Soldier 3 Attack ID# 145579 results: Mob -- 1  | Miss
Sahuagin Soldier 4 Attack ID# 145580 results: Mob -- 7 (6+1) | Hit | 30 

Edited May 6, 2020 by Seul

[Seul 1]

Though, that was nothing new. Seul had always been left behind for the most part. He was far from weak, but not quite the most powerful guy around. Not yet, anyway. With renewed purpose, his build was slowly starting to come together. 

He decided to use Galaxy Destroyer again, swinging, and missing the Sahugin who stood on its last legs now. Although he managed to store power from momentum, it wouldn't matter if he wasn't able to hit the damn things. It was no matter, though. The monsters would have to slip up at some point. 

After he planted his blade in the ground, the enemy rushed him just as they had done every round prior.  A miss followed by two good stabs that were barely enough to drop the man's health below a thousand points. The fishmen cackled triumphantly at being able to stick their foe over and over. 

Combat Summary
Seul [1023/1085 HP] (+186/-62) | [34/104 EN] (+1/-2) | Heavy Momentum (x3): +18 Damage

Sahuagin Soldier 1 [-108/1000 HP] 
Sahuagin Soldier 2 [919/1000 HP]
Sahuagin Soldier 3 [461/1000 HP] | (-27 Thorns)
Sahuagin Soldier 4 [892/1000 HP]

Rolls

Galaxy Destroyer ID# 145691 results: Battle -- 1 | Miss 

Vampiric Defense ID# 145692 results: Craft -- 12 | Active | +108 HP

Sahuagin Soldier 2 Attack ID# 145693 results: Mob -- 1  | Miss
Sahuagin Soldier 3 Attack ID# 145694 results: Mob -- 6 (5+1) | Hit | 30 Damage
Sahuagin Soldier 4 Attack ID# 145695 results: Mob -- 10 | Crit | 32 Damage

Edited May 6, 2020 by Seul

[Seul 1]

But Seul knew he would have the last laugh. Gripping the greatsword, he swung and missed a fourth time, the hunk of metal sinking into the sand as it glided with a swish. The glow of momentum mixed with that of the sword art and shone bright enough to blind any who might have gazed upon them. Such was the case when it came time for retaliation.

The first two soldiers to attack both failed their attacks. A strike from the left was closely followed by one from the right. They used a predictable maneuver and one that Seul had seen them use many times throughout this battle. Only the last was able to hit him from behind, where his eyes could not reach. It was a common problem with fighting groups of enemies alone. Too easy was it for one to be surrounded and picked off by sheer numbers.

Combat Summary
Seul [1055/1085 HP] (+186/-62) | [33/104 EN] (+1/-2) | Heavy Momentum (x4): +24 Damage

Sahuagin Soldier 1 [-108/1000 HP] 
Sahuagin Soldier 2 [919/1000 HP]
Sahuagin Soldier 3 [461/1000 HP] 
Sahuagin Soldier 4 [865/1000 HP] | (-27 Thorns)

Rolls

Galaxy Destroyer ID# 145847 results: Battle -- 1 | Miss 

Vampiric Defense ID# 145848 results: Craft -- 10 | Active | +108 HP

Sahuagin Soldier 2 Attack ID# 145849 results: Mob -- 1 | Miss
Sahuagin Soldier 3 Attack ID# 145850 results: Mob -- 4 | (3+1) | Miss
Sahuagin Soldier 4 Attack ID# 145851 results: Mob -- 9 | (8+1) | Hit | 30 Damage

Edited May 6, 2020 by Seul

[Seul 1]

Had he not been wearing Remorse, he might have been worried, and perhaps even dead. The coat was his prized possession. It remained the only item in this world of some value to him as it saved his life many times before. 

"Alright, I've had enough playing around for one day!"

His blade would glow a different color now. A hue that the soldiers had only seen once before. Calamity Disaster. The AoE attack that wiped out the first Sahuagin. Like a bolt, he swung in a flurry. Each hit landed like an explosion from all the pent up power. It shook the enemy to their cores.

Seeing yet another one of them close to the edge of life, they all made a last-ditch effort to stop the assault. Giving it all they had. Using what strength remained to deplete his health, to make him fall. 

But it wasn't enough.

Combat Summary
Seul [994/1085 HP] (+78/-91) | [18/104 EN] (+1/-16) | 

Sahuagin Soldier 1 [-108/1000 HP] 
Sahuagin Soldier 2 [424/1000 HP] | (468 Damage) | (-27 Thorns)
Sahuagin Soldier 3 [5/1000 HP] | (456 Damage)
Sahuagin Soldier 4 [838/1000 HP] | (-27 Thorns)

Rolls

Calamity Disaster 2 ID# 145852 results: Battle -- 9 | Crit | 39 x 12 = 468 Damage 
Calamity Disaster 3 ID# 145853 results: Battle -- 8 (7+1) | Hit | 38 x 12 = 456 Damage
Calamity Disaster 4 ID# 145854 results: Battle -- 1 | Miss

Vampiric Defense ID# 145855 results: Craft -- 5 | Fail

Sahuagin Soldier 2 Attack ID# 145856 results: Mob -- 6 (5+1) | Hit | 30 Damage
Sahuagin Soldier 3 Attack ID# 145857 results: Mob -- 9 | Crit | 31 Damage
Sahuagin Soldier 4 Attack ID# 145858 results: Mob -- 9 (8+1) | Hit | 30 Damage

Edited May 6, 2020 by Seul

[Seul 1]

Soldier two and four blocked his path. But it was no use. Bending his knees, he took on the stance of another sword art. It was one that he rarely used. Straight was the most basic of skills one learned when leveling the two-handed straight sword tree. With a burst of speed, he shot forward in a single thrust, passing both the soldiers and impaling the third through the chest. After letting out a gurgle and puking up seafoam, it burst into pixels and drifted away with the breeze. 

The last two were mad and rightfully so. This player had just killed another one of their ranks. If not stopped, he would slay them all without mercy. With burning passion and hatred in their eyes, the survivors rushed Seul, landing critical and powerful strikes against the man. Only for horror to overtake them as the damage reversed a few seconds later.

Combat Summary
Seul [1023/1085 HP] (+186/-61) | [17/104 EN] (+1/-2) | 

Sahuagin Soldier 1 [-108/1000 HP] 
Sahuagin Soldier 2 [424/1000 HP] 
Sahuagin Soldier 3 [-23/1000 HP] | (28 Damage)
Sahuagin Soldier 4 [811/1000 HP] | (-27 Thorns)

Rolls

Straight ID# 146479 results: Battle -- 6 (5+1) | Hit | 14 x 2 = 28 Damage 

Vampiric Defense ID# 146481 results: Craft -- 11 | Active | +108 HP

Sahuagin Soldier 2 Attack ID# 146482 results: Mob -- 10 | Crit | 32 Damage
Sahuagin Soldier 4 Attack ID# 146483 results: Mob -- 7 | (6+1) | Hit | 30 Damage

Sahuagin Soldier 1 Loot ID# 146480 results: LD -- 13 (12+1) | CD -- 5 | +3000 Col / +T3 Uncommon Consumable (x1) / + T3 Rare Weapon (x1) / (Bonus 2000 Col & T3 Mats x2)

Edited May 7, 2020 by Seul

[Seul 1]

Even if he wanted to keep fighting, Seul knew he couldn't. Most of his energy was gone now, and the amount of time it would take to kill these things on thorns alone wasn't worth it. The swordsman had never been one to shy away from retreating. It was always better to live to fight another day than to die trying to play the part of a hero.

"Well, it's been fun. But I've got better things to do."

After sheathing his weapon, he'd continue going after using Straight. The soldiers, already standing behind him, were far too slow to catch up with him. They chased for minutes, but eventually, Seul would lose them and make his way to one of the other islands. 

Sitting cross-legged on the grass, he scrolled through his inventory. He was interested in reviewing what loot he obtained from the battle as he didn't stop to look yet.

Running Away ID# 146484 results: Loot -- 21 | (20+1 50% Bonus) | Safe & Sound

Edited May 6, 2020 by Seul

[Seul 1]

In total, his rewards appeared to be new equipment, a consumable, and around 8000 Col. Not a bad haul. At the very least, he had some spending money to walk around with now. Obtaining a bunch of loot and walking away virtually unscathed seemed like a good deal all things considered.

Reclining back in the grass, Seul let his gaze drift toward the sky. Clouds crept across the blue backdrop and painted a stark contrast to the ferocity of the fighting in the same setting. He watched as his energy slowly returned. Now was a time for reflection. Despite being able to hold his own, he needed to work on energy management and accuracy to be effective. A blacksmith would be able to help, he figured. This old equipment served him well, but it was dated compared to what he could potentially be using. Learning to adapt would be the key to success.

[Seul 1]

Adapt, he would. 

As far as accuracy was concerned, he could put that on his weapon. Word throughout Aincrad was that someone discovered a quest that allowed people to train their familiars into different specialties. Doing it with his own would allow him to raise his damage, and the defense he'd lose could return with a piece of armor. Now it was just a matter of actually doing all of that. It wouldn't be easy. But things worth doing in this world rarely were.

After some time, Seul would get up and begin the long walk back home. Well, not home. But to the inn room, he was renting on this floor. The trek was quiet save for the occasional chatter of animals or the creaking of wooden planks beneath his boots. Sometimes the sounds of fighting on other islands he passed managed to reach his ears. But it never lasted long.

[Seul 1]

He had little interest in meddling in the business of others today. If people chose to fight here, then they must have been quite capable of protecting themselves. Instead, Seul would keep walking. The weight of his gear was finally starting to weigh on him. Hopefully, he'd reach the inn soon and be able to go to bed.

Tomorrow was still a far way off. But thinking about it motivated him to keep walking. One step after the other, he knew that when the sun rose again, he would be better than he was today. The idea filled him with a sense of excitement the swordsman hadn't felt in a long time. 

***

Eventually, he would reach the tiny inn that sat on an island outside of the main settlement. Stopping at the door, he stretched and looked about. If there was anything else he needed before heading in, he should get it now.

[Seul 1]

It didn't seem like anything was so pressing as to stop him. With some fast consideration, he decided it was best to enter. With heavy steps he passed the front desk and offered a wave to the innkeeper and retired to his room. 

The armor was first to come off proceeding the unstrapping of his blade. He placed the discarded equipment in the corner of the room and flopped onto the bed. Everything has been just as it had when he left. In a way Seul could have believed that the last couple of hours were just a dream. Perhaps, he never left the room. Though the rewards would beg to differ. Life in SAO as a whole seemed like one long dream. Away from the troubles of everyday life, he was free to go where he pleased. It was odd to think about. The price of freedom was being trapped in an illusion.

[Seul 1]

But was it all an illusion? It was true that the dangers of this world were real. One mistake or miscalculation would mean his end. Another thing that broke the facade was the existence of his fellow players. They walked this land with baggage in the forms of hopes and desires, and the number of bonds formed despite being in such a bleak situation only solidified this point further. In an artificial world, there were real things. People to care about were everywhere, and many fought not just for themselves but so that they all might be able to live again someday. 

Seul could feel his eyes start to grow heavy as he watched the ceiling. Sleep had finally caught up with him, and he put up little resistance as he drifted off. The battles of today, past pain, and goals for the future would all fade from consciousness, for now.