Fandom Sword Art Online: Flight to the Top of the Castle

[EvilLaugh]

The God was defeated and the inhabitants of the castle in the sky were released. The seed was found and planted, and a new world tree grew anew. The castle was rebuilt once more, and those who were given the gift of flight once more entered the battlefield with confidence. They could not be killed, not in the game where killing another was encouraged. They had magic when once they only had their hands, their blades and their wits. They had each other, now united and now unafraid of whatever could come.


But they never could have predicted the castle doors closing, or the ones directly involved in the victory being flung out of the castle walls. Once more ten thousand players were locked into a battlefield, but now none of their old commanders and warriors were with them. Their levels reduced and their equipment and skills reset, they were left with nothing.


No Beaters. No information. No way out.


Rules are simple.


1. Please no one liners.


2. Everything is new, places I mean so explore, feel free to create dungeons and places, just stay within the bounds of realism. There can be no crystals in the first floor and the like.


3. I know this is some kind of game but please try not to kill each other.


4. Romance, if anyone is interested, is not, and will never be instantaneous. You can start, but if it's there say, second page, really that't way too much.


5. God modding, being OP and bunnying is obviously forbidden.


6. This rule list is flexible, and if anyone is seen ruining the story or the fun, I will have to ask you to leave.


7. Let's just all make this something good. Have fun!

 

[Kit Kat]

(I wasn't quite sure how long the post should be, so I just settled for 2 paragraphs.)


Sylvia grunted as her back was smashed into a tree. She quickly assumed the position to conjure a spell, hitting her opponent--some Salamander--just before they could get to her. She drew her sword and held it up in a defensive stance. It was so different from the twin swords she so dearly loved, but those times were in the past. She couldn't think back to those days. She had to make due with what she had; which was nothing. That being said, she didn't want to hurt him either. She didn't even know who he was. He just followed her and attacked her. She blocked an attack thrown at her and tried to run. It was stupid to be so far from safety, but she didn't have a choice. She had to take risks if she wanted to survive. After the shock wore off, people would get smart. They would try to level up by any means necessary, like him, and if she wanted to survive then she would have to do the same.


Sylvia could hear her opponent close behind her, but she had to keep running. If she killed him in the game, then he would die in real life. She knew better than to doubt that theory after what happened before. It was just the first day and two or three players had been attacked, just because people would do anything to get to the top. "It's despicable really," she muttered as she turned and blocked another hit. She just didn't have enough time to get to safety. If she just kept running, then she would die right here. Something changed in her mind and a coldness seeped through her flesh. She gripped her twin blades tightly and stabbed them both through his chest. His body disintegrated into a million pixels. It was done. Sylvia expected to feel guilty, but she didn't. She felt nothing, because she was still alive.


Which was more than she could say for him.

 

[EvilLaugh]

It was brought back. The Black Swordsman made it so the Hell all the first players were trapped in was brought back, but for the original purpose it was used for. A sense of nostalgia came over those who survived yet were not on the front lines fighting for their lives while curiosity filled the newer players, those who heard about the game but did not get the chance to be part of the first 10000 who entered the horror. Most actually thought it was a joke when they saw that the Log Out button had once again disappeared, passing it off as one of those call backs to the event that killed 4000 or simply saying that it was nothing but a simple bug. Some actually believed it, but they reveled in the chance to be part of what it entailed, to be actually living a game and fighting for dear life to finish it.


It was quite romantic, was it not? A shame very few really understood the gravity of the situation.


___________________________________________________________________________________________


He calmly walked back to the exit of the Town of Beginnings, supposedly the only place left from the old SAO incorporated into this new one they introduced, towards where he knew the plains to be. Armed with a simple curved blade, the weapon he managed to pick up as the first item granted after going through the tutorial, getting some training in before anyone else would be imperative if he was going to do better. His armor was the simple black robe customized to be less of a hindrance in battle, but as far as defense went, he was practically naked.


And he was fine with that.


The first monster he encountered was more, unnerving than the first monster from the first game. The Frenzy Boar had been replaced by something so much more unnerving than some simple warthog. Its body was now some strange substance, obviously something not from the world known as earth. The shape it retained was strangely... malleable, able to change from something resembling a hedgehog to something even longer than a snake. But the thing that really made him hate it was it's eyes, deathly cold and unchanging, they were always projecting as strange look of fake happiness.


Yukito killed the poring in a single slash, making sure to strike both of it's eyes, the only weak points it had. He almost sighed in contempt as the 25 EXP and 30 Yrd were added to him, still quite a long way to go considering everything. Still that monster only took a single strike to finish off, it was not like he expected to level up right after killing the first, or the first 10 monsters. So he begun grinding, taking advantage of the unnaturally fast respawn rate of the area as the beginners hunting ground, easily striking down the weakest monsters with a single strike as he slowly built up a reserve of EXP and Yrd.


It took out some of the realism, but for the newbies to get better, apparently some edits were made and measures were taken.


It was only after hours, and after 27 of the disgusting blobs, that the satisfying ping of his level rising that he managed to stop killing the poor porings and take a look at his stats. Needless to say, his eyebrow twitched when he opened the window.


HP 1000+15


MP 1000+15


Strength 5+2


Dexterity 5+1


Agility 5+2


Constitution 5


Intelligence 5


One Handed Curved Blade LVL 2/1000


????? 1/1000


The Leveling system was strange here, especially since it really didn't rely on the actual level of the player in question, but the skills he or she had acquired. One now leveled up the skill, combat skills through killing mobs, and non combat skills by practicing them, to gain the specific stats that would usually come after the player levels up. Since by the end, one would usually have 13 skills equipped, that gave quite a large number of ways to customize the character to the player's wants and need. The down side was that it was extremely complicated.


He was tempted to close the window in frustration, he did not want to deal with this level of complications yet, when the skill labeled '????'caught is attention. Come to think of it, if his math was right, it would take 40 blobs to make him level up, not just 27. He shrugged it off, his weapon was still at about three fifths it's durability, and he could possibly claim another 30 or so blobs before he would have to go back to restock on his weaponry. Potions, well he did not carry them as he did plan to train in the beginner's hunting ground for a bit.


So again, he continued slaying the disgusting things as they respawned, not knowing anything about what happened with the system.

 

[Tyrant Pancakes]

Kotarou waved his hand, causing a small window to appear out of thin air. His eyes scanned the page, assessing all of his specs. He paid attention especially to his inventory as he began assessing the items he had gotten from the tutorial. All of the items looked rather standard with nothing standing out in particular.


Kotarou closed the menu as he entered the market district. Several newbies scurried around the plaza, eager to check out what items the game had to offer. Walking past these groups of newcomers, he approached a small stall. Excitement gripped at him; he always loved roleplaying with NPC's.


Kotarou cleared his throat as he got into character, "Greeting! Would you mind if I took a look at your wares?"


The merchant gave him a welcoming smile, "By all means, go right ahead adventurer. Tell me if something catches your eye."


After several minutes of browsing followed by bargaining, Kotarou had sold just about all of his starter items. Interesting enough, it seemed that healing items sold for the most. He was actually quite tempted to sell them since they sold for such a high price. After all, this is the starting area, chances were, he probably wouldn't even need them... But if what some people are saying is true... He is definitely going to need them.


Kotarou shook his head, as if trying to rid himself of these grim thoughts. It's essential that he remains calm. To distract himself, opened his menu to equip his newest item. A large greatsword made out of a royal blue metal blinked into his hand. A wide grin began spreading across his face. After selling most of his gear, he was able to afford an «Azure Greatsword» which has stats that greatly exceed the starting items. With this, he should have no problem clearing the starting area.


Just as he was about to leave the busy plaza, Kotarou stopped in his tracks. Most of the NPC's were stationed at a stall. But in a rather hidden alley, stood a booth. Curiosity getting the better of him, he entered the booth.


It turns out, it was actually an information booth. In it, you can purchase useful information and certain secrets. Kotarou began browsing all of the titles before stopping at one in particular.





«Rare Spawn»


It's common knowledge to any gamer that all rare spawns drop great loot. But it was also common knowledge that they were stronger than all the other enemies in the area. Koutaro shrugged to himself as he purchased it, might as well make his first fight a memorable one. On his map, a purple marker appeared just outside of town. The marker was labeled «Purple Poring».


~~~~~


As Kotarou approached the area marked on his map, he began looking around. The area was actually quite deserted, other than a few porings being farmed in the distant. The only thing noteworthy here was a large tree in the plains. Kotarou sighed, looks like he wasted money on false information. With nothing better to do, he decided to take a seat under the tree.


But just as he was getting comfortable, a flash of purple entered his vision. What appeared to be a massive blob of purple came crashing down. It's impact was so powerful that it knocked Koutaro off his feet. To Kotarou's surprise, the creature began to transform into what appeared to be a large bear. This must be the rare spawn.

 

[Field Marshall]

"Man this equipment is trash, I just sell it all!" Sora said. He went to a stall and bargained with the npc eventually gaining the amount of money he anticipated. He opened up the Buy menu and search for a weapon that would trash level 1 monsters. He found it, it was << Azurite One handed Longsword>> and then he bought a << Azurite Light Chestplate>>. He then spent the rest on an mp potion and some clothing meant more for style than protections. Though now he was completly empty but at least has gear.


While admiring his new gear he noticed one player acting a little strangely. He decided to tail him to find out if he had something good. He then noticed a large tree and that the land provided no spot to hide. But this didn't matter as a purple monster appeared out of nowhere. He quickly sprang into actions and said "You were planning to take this rare spawn for only yourself huh, may be in over your head though."

 

[Tyrant Pancakes]

Kotarou scrambled to his feet, just nearly avoiding getting mauled by a massive paw. 'Crap! That caught me completely off guard!' Luckily, some stranger came charging in from his right. As the newcomer and the monster duked it out, Kotarou took the time to regain his composure. As the rare spawn's health dropped to halfway, Kotarou finally realized that this guy was about to steal his loot.


With a determined look on his face, Kotarou sheathed his blade, "Sorry, but you're dreaming if you think I'm going to let you steal my kill." Kotarou dashed forward before slashing straight through the beast.


But the rare spawn wasn't about to be defeated that easily. As it was cut in half, the creature began transforming into some kind of giant hawk. Before Kotarou could react, it clamped it's talons onto his shoulders and in one swift movement, it swept Kotarou of the ground.


As Kotarou was carried into the sky, he began to feel his stomach curl. He never was a fan of flying after all. In an attempt to appease his stomach, Kotarou began muttering a spell, "Vann Spyd!" A spear made of water took form within his hand. And without really thinking, he struck the bird, killing it.


The consequence of such a rash action came quick as he began plummeting to the ground. With a sickening thud, Kotarou hit the ground. Only barely conscious, he examined his health.


HP: 45/985


Happy that he wasn't dead, Kotarou gave a weary sigh. He got up to dust himself before a small victory window appeared. Losing all signs of fatigue, Kotarou eagerly checked his spoils. Listed under it was the item «Shifter's Core». He opened his inventory to summon it, causing a silver locket embedded with a purple gem. Although it certainly looked nice, what was it's stats? As Kotarou checked this, his jaw fell to the floor, "Raises all physical and magic damage by 10%?! This has got to be OP at our level." He did a quick fist pump in celebration, "That was definitely worth the gold. Now, let's head back town-"


He cut himself off as he realized he was no longer in the plains. Somehow, that damned bird had dropped him in some forest! Not good. I don't even know which direction leads back to town.

 

[EvilLaugh]

Yukito looked around with an inquisitive eye as he heard something rustle, and quite violently as well. His sword in hand, he bent down low, ready to cast his first «Sword Skill» at a moments notice. Damn, if this is another one of those stupid wolves I am going to lose it, or die, whatever comes first. He thought morbidly as he prepared himself.


Another person entered the field a little while ago, after he killed his third poring after the level up, and even if he did not exactly grind anything it was sign that more would come soon. True to his guess another came, and like the strange first one, he didn't seem to mind the weak mobs either, but again, if two were there than three was nothing. Still, he would grind as long as possible, trying to monopolize the hunting ground for as long as possible as most would likely be exploring the legendary Town of Beginnings instead of taking the field that spawned a multitude of weak enemies at a strangely fast rate.


It was after he killed his fifth poring that more people began pouring into the field in bulk, all of them looked to be burning with some inner fire as they entered. In moments, the availability of the enemies he fought plummeted as more killed the weakest of mobs with the ease he did. That was when he knew to take plan B before anything else. Killing one more blob of goo, he walked towards the next area with renewed vigor. On the way to the forest, he thought about what he had discovered when he checked his window once more.


"«?????»- Unlocked when «One Handed Curved Blade» reaches 100. Passive effects: Bonus EXP awarded when conditions are met." That's what the skill description said, and of course, he was fulfilling one of then right that moment. Carrying nothing but weapons in the inventory added a bonus multiplier of 1.5, but that was only one. There was 1.75 for attacking without using «Sword Skill», and he had been doing that the entire time he fought. Seeing what that passive ability was, he was excited to find out what exactly that skill did when he unlocked it.


So he entered the forest where wolves were infamous for entering. The pack hunters were frightening because of the fact that the more you kill, the more one attracts them. They gave a hefty sum Yrd and EXP though for lvl 1 monsters and that more than made up for the danger value. When he was confronted by the first wolf, it was a simple matter to fire at slash at it's neck, severing it's head if they were in the real world. He was weaker here though, so it took another slash along the first one to really finish the job, earning him 40 EXP and 42 Yrd, which translated to 70 EXP.


The only problem was the death yelp of the hunter called another three to his side before he dissipated in a maelstrom of polygons. He was now surrounded from all sides. He played like a matador, striking each wolf as he used single steps to evade them, narrowly dodging while staying close enough to deal a blow as they passed him. This time he could not place his strikes close enough, having to use three strikes per wolf before they disappeared, though he did not stick around to see if any would come to avenge their fallen brethren.


Another one came to try and take him down, but again he powered through with a slash to the neck, not even bothering to pull out the weapon as the wolf simply exploded as polygons as he continued stalking the forest. Two more came, one at a time, though he made sure to strike it's mouth so that the only noise each of them made was a chocked gurgle before they too disappeared.


He was still cautious though. His weapon was about to break and who knows just how many enemies the forest held. Even without the death call, it seemed that they could find him.


So he took the time to huff and relax as the form of a player entered his vision. The green cursor was all he needed to see to confirm that this one would not come to kill him as soon as he spoke. "You going back to town too?"

 

[Tyrant Pancakes]

To Kotarou's luck, another player entered the clearing he had been stranded in. Sheepishly, Kotarou answered, "Uh, sorta? I'd love to head back but I'm actually kinda lost."


He had to actually look up to face the stranger. His soon-to-be savior stood around half a foot taller than him with sort of a feminine look going for him. But there was no denying from his voice that this was a guy. The player raised an eye at the word 'lost'.


Wanting to clear any suspicions, Kotarou quickly explained, "The thing is, I didn't actually come here by foot. I sort of fell here... it's a long story. But the point is, since I didn't technically explore the area so my map is blank." He rubbed the back of his head, "It'd be great if you could escort me back to town. The impact from the fall sorta did a number on my HP."


Kotarou offered his hand, "Pleased to meet you. You can call me Kotarou."

 

[EvilLaugh]

Yukito eyed the player stoically as he noticed the boy before him looking at his hair for a longer time than he was comfortable with. The boy was but a child, and he was playing this game even after the incident that happened a year back was still quite recent, but right now he had bigger problems to worry about. "Well It looks like we can help each other then. I have map data for the way back, but my weapon's about to break." He did not smile as he explained himself, or as he shook the player's hand. "Yukito, we can have pleasantries as we get back to the town. Let's just hurry before..."


A wolf seemed to appear in front of them just before he finished his sentence. "Now that's just great. Come on doggy, let's get this over with." He said with a relatively soft voice as they both jumped in unison, Yukito running closer to the ground as the wolf leapt at it. He took a step to the side as he charged, meeting the wolf's fang with his blade before following through, inflicting major damage against it in time to spin and strike the back of it's neck.


The same amount of EXP and Yrd was awarded to him, and again the wolf howl did not sound. Still one found him and he was not in the mood to see when his sword would break. "Yeah, we better go now." He said offhandedly as he broke into a run towards the town at a speed even one with Agility 5 could catch up with. He did not need to look back, if the boy was smart, he would follow.

 

[Tyrant Pancakes]

Kotarou's saving grace was his gear. Technically, this area was supposed to be accessed after gaining a couple of levels in the starting area. Although that rare spawn had offered quite a bit of EXP, it was only enough to boost him two levels.


One of the wolves lashed out at him. It's jaws targeted for his throat. Just barely, he somehow managed sidestep it before bringing his greatsword down on it. It only took one blow due to the level of his sword along with the locket he had gotten from his previous battle.


To Kotarou's surprise, the wolf gave an agonizing howl before dissipating. Heeding the howl of their late comrade, a couple more wolves took its place.


"I see. So their howls can summon reinforcements?" An idea clicked in Koutaro's mind as he shouted a spell, "Stille!"


For a moment, it appeared as if his spell had no effect. Despite this, a look of confidence was engraved onto Kotarou's face. As a wolf pounced at him, jaws gnashing, Koutarou swung straight through it. As it fell to the ground, it attempted to release a howl before dying. But in the end, it failed to release a single sound before dying.


Kotarou smiled as he marveled at how useful a mute button could be... well mute spell, but whatever. He turned to take after Yukito who had gained a considerable lead due to the delay from his spell casting.

 

[EvilLaugh]

Yukito heard the howl just as he continued to run. That idiot, each howl can summon any number of wolves as long as they are in the area, and they don't really need to howl, they're all over the place. He thought as he continued to run, cutting through another three wolves as he continued his run towards the exit, which was still a few minutes away. He was working on speed and efficiency but that did not involve silence.


Each wolf he simply cleaved through with his blade, striking their necks with as much power as he could muster. Unfortunately, that did nothing to stifle their howls, and assuming the boy he entered with was following exactly where Yukito passed, there would be about five wolves in each area at least. And there were three areas he left as wolf gathering points.


"Make that five." He said sardonically as he passed another one, taking it down easily with a single slash towards it's neck. he stopped, all of his momentum transferred into the fading wolf as he looked back. Already, there were several wolves, and that was the area he could see. The boy did not run and kill, which probably meant he used a two handed weapon. He also heard something that sounded like magic, so that would explain the delay even more. "I must be an idiot." Yukito shook his head. "At least I'll respawn in the city." He ran towards the boy.


The first five wolves were the most difficult to deal with, but considering the fact he barely had momentum it was much easier than anticipated. tricking them all down was tricky though, but since they attacked mostly in pairs, Impaling their necks was much easier. As long as they did not fly, the air could have been quicksand against someone like him. A counter attack against an attack is still an attack after all.


It was then when he finally leveled up «Sprint», since for every kill, more often than not he was running either towards or away from something. As a non-combat skill, the stats it were not exactly as good as the ones given through combat, and these could be trained along side all weapon skills. The only down side to it is that as a skill that still adds stats to the character, it's impossible to remove it from the skill slot it takes up. That meant that unlike weapon slots, if you learn a non-combat skill, you can never unlearn it.


He didn't particularly care, the boost in agility and dexterity was very timely, plus he would be running for a while.


The second pack was taken down in a quicker amount of time as his speed was increased, but as he was in a rushed state, he took some damage running through the wolves. Claws for the most part struck him as re ran his blade through the canine predators, cutting through them with abandon as they struck him in turn. His clothing was basic, default ergo somewhat indestructible but gave him no armor at all.


As one who placed the feature that made most 'adult' things possible in game off, he would never really seem naked unless he sold the out fit.


It was really by beginning of the third that he reached the red zone of health, ergo he had just about 20 HP left as he cut through the wolves like his life depended on it. Really it did and another one's did as well since he was being followed by some spell caster who thought some EXP was worth more than his own life. Also, another problem with the third pack was the fact it had something... peculiar. For one thing there was a larger than normal wolf in the middle of four others.


"Alpha huh?" Yukito raised his eyebrow at it as the four others charged first. Again, their jump was their mistake, making them linear and predictable. Killing them all was child's play now that he was used to it. Neck, body, heart, lungs, all of them weak spots and at least one of them were cut before the wolves themselves disappeared. He was left to face the leader of the pack now.


They both charged in unison, the Alpha leaping at him as he went low, trying to go under far enough that not even the massive claws could reach him. Almost grazing the ground, he sprung forward with his sword on his back and like a dart, cleared the distance under the massive wolf, cutting into it's underbelly in the process. He quickly trued to glance at it's HP bar, his eyes narrowing dangerously.


"So even if I struck your neck, you're still have two thirds life huh? Let's see if you're ad dumb as you look." He taunted but his face remained stoic as the wolf seemed to snarl in response. He did not mirror it's charge, staying still at it ran towards him, jumping as it was just a pair of paces away. He smiled at the development.


"Passata Sotto." He murmured as he hopped forward and sat down, striking the wolf again on the faint line that marked his first strike. "«Double Critical»." The effect that happens when a wound is struck twice. The curved blades have more chance to cause bleeding effects, and that particular status prolongs the time limit to make the «Double Critical» easier.


"Hey kid, hurry it up would you!" He shouted right after the mob fell, giving him a whopping amount of EXP and yrd. It was a level 2 mob and a rare one at that, so the 220 EXP and the 170 yrd was not as surprising. He did pay a price for it though... "Kotarou, If you want to make it out, lets go, I'm empty here!" ...His blade shattered with the Alpha's corpse.

 

[Field Marshall]

"Jerk, I help out this is the thanks I get, I'll make sure he pays for that one way or another." Sora said walking away back towards the town of beginnings. He sprouted his Salamander wings and flew back into town. He decided to explore them place inside and out on foot. No one would think to do so because it's only the first town but you'd never know. He dashed around getting a few strangw looks here and there.


He eventually came to a stop when he realized his standing infront of a door thay likely be to the basement of this Forge but it was facing the wrong way. He tapped the door and it opened exposing a fiery light that engulfed Sora and drew him in. The door itself vanished shortly aftwerwards. Sora opened his eyes to a rare sight, just by looking he could tell it was a special dungeon. He looked around noticing that the walls were metal not stone and a constant clank and clash of metal. The place has a strange fiery glow to it as well. He was in a hall and he could a fiery glow ahead and behind a solid wall. There was only one way to go, onward!


He dashed and stopped gazing at the sight of the dungeon spread out before him. In the center a kind of Step Pyramid with he could barely make out a humanoid shadow with a hammer between the flashes of light. He stared in awe but was cut short by the sound of a metalic enemy. It seemed to be a metal skeleton that gave off steam at it's joints.


Sora dashed forward swinging his blade mixing it up with the skeleton. He slashed it but was blown back by a wave. Apparently one can't beat this thing normal. He slashed it again doing nothing. Then he thought to himself, steam from where? Could it the joints and the steam marks his weak point. He did so try a shoulder joint. The <<Steamjoint Skeleton>> health when critical. Sora then slashed it neck finding out something else when it's head went flying. Joints, neck, and spine are all weak points. He collected 50 exp and 60 yrd from it. Thia dungeon is quite rewarding.


He continued on killing another two skeletons on the way, they were easy being their weapons are critical damage. He then stepped on a metal tile and it sunk. He saw the stereotypical giant ball coming to crush him. He ran as fast as he could barely keeping ahead of it. Up ahead he saw a bar the ground gave way to columns, he jumped onto the first as the ball fell too far down to see.


He decided to go back to find what he missed. But he could the way was a death trap. But he did so anyway. Using his acrobatics more than anything here apparently. He had to jump and grab bar over a pit of lava than work up enough moment to swing to the other side. He had jump from rope to rope Tarzan style over a pit of spikes. All the while wondering who makes one metal tile trigger all these traps. But he kept on. He found a few small pouches of yrd here and there. He even stumble across a << Steampunk Skeleton Sword>> he liked it was compatible with both one handed and two handed sword skill, It would be useless if it was only compatible with two handed sword. Seeing he had finally cleared the way he missed, he turned around to continue on.

 

[Tyrant Pancakes]

Kotarou's heart sunk as he watched Yukito's sword break. Taking this opportunity, the wolves surrounded them making for no escape. At this rate the two of them were going to become dinner for the pack. What they need was a large scale AOE which could wipe out all of the wolves surrounding them.





I doubt any of my AOE spells are strong enough to one-hit them... What if... but that would require a lot of time to cast.


Koutarou turned to look at his companion who was now back to back with him, "Hey, I know your weapon just broke and all, but... Would you mind keeping them off me for a sec, I have an idea."


(AOE = Area of Effect)

 

[EvilLaugh]

"Were both at low health, I'm weaponless and you want to cast against roughly 10 wolves instead of running." Yukito deadpanned as he calmly assessed the situation. "Why am I not surprised anymore? Fine, I'll see what I can do to keep us both alive." He quickly opened his window to see if the ping he heard a while ago could be anything but a level up. He almost smiled when he saw just what was sitting in his inventory.


As quickly as he could, the summoned the «Wolf Claw» and charged into the fray, armed with the weapon most infamous for having the lowest damage, but the highest critical rate.

 

[Field Marshall]

Sora came to the area full of pillars. But there was only on thing to do since the reach to the cieling. He jumped with his acrobatics skill and agility of 5 and began hopping from one to another. He found perches or ledges and other spots he could rest for a short moment eventually he made it through and he checked his menu. He saw his acrobatics skill had gone up to 2/1000 and his agility was up to 6 now. He did a silent cheer and continued on. He came to a room full of statues. They seemed weird though and his suspicions were confirmed.


On of the statues began moving but it shed it's outer layer and stood to face Sora. It was a << Steampunk hatched Vikomg Guardian>>. It was clearly different from the skeletons. It's joint didn't give of steam and it was more than just a frame. But he figured the weak spots were the same but harder to get to. It held an axe and looked like a viking with a wolf pelt on it's shouldeer and a cone like helmet with horns. It even had a moustache and beared. Steam seemed to just exit wherever on in it so it was cloaked in steam. Times like these he was glad the pain wasn't at max in this game.


It raised it's axe and swung down at Knightwalker who leapt to the side. They appeared to be fighting in thw rooms center so now walls to jumps of but plenty of statues. The viking ran after him and he jumped onto a statue using it like a springboard to counter attack. But his blade simply clanged against the metal of the Barbarian. It grabbed him and threw him into another statue. He managed to use it as a springboard to get high above the viking. He descended and his blade found it's mark in the neck and collarbone. He had found a weakpoint.


The vikings hp decreased a quater, Sora's sword was stuck in it's back for the moment. Then it sprayed steam from it neck which blasted Sora's << Steampunk Skeleton Longsword>> out but Sora


away as well. He checked his hp and was comforted by the fact that he was still green atleast. He decided to aim for a lower point like the waist. He dashed forward shoving his blade in it's waist, it's center of movement and gravity. All it's ho drained out and it blasted apart in polygons.

 

[Tyrant Pancakes]

Kotarou furrowed his brow as he began concentrating. In a quiet voice, he rapidly began chanting a rather long spell. As he approached the last words, he yelled, "Hvin!"


Immediately, all the wolves stopped dead in their tracks. They whimpered as they pawed at their ears in pain. Taking advantage of their enhanced hearing, Kotarou had used a spell that played a pitch deadly to the wolves.


Kotarou turned to his companion who had these weird claws equipped, "Now's our chance, let's go!"

 

[Sythril]

- Gadan --> Town of Beginnings, Aincrad -

​

No one has ever really seen a new player running while screaming so happily like the whole world was hers. But that's exactly what she did.





Scarlette's fast paced running gradually turned into a slow walk. Why she was running around at each district and streets and areas at the first floor of Aincrad was a mystery to all the other players and NPCs, but she paid no heed to the different kinds of confused and wondering expressions belonging to the fellow people around her. All that mattered to her for now was that she was in this virtual game called Sword Art Online, as some kind of fairy-being, with red hair. She always wanted to have red hair. This was how she viewed her first-ever virtual game. Everything that met her fast gaze was purely amazing.


"That was awesome!," she breathed out happily. "I should do that again." With a light shrug, Scarlette went to the same way she once had a running session at, but this time, she was simply walking, and inhaling for a ton of air in the process. Such an act from earlier surely prevented a few male players from saying such things like 'Hey, cutie, first time here?', along with a few other really cheesy lines, yet once again. Well, there were some who did, the first time she stepped into the game. They must've regretted doing so to the unpredictable girl. But now, to her advantage, she lost some annoying people off her tail. She didn't exactly want to stay with people like them.


Who would want to?, she thought, watching as a familiar male from earlier started hitting on another female player.


Easily dismissing a low thought aside, Scarlette walked towards different stalls, this time examining what the NPCs had to offer, instead of just passing through them like a blur. There were a variety of weapons, armor, and items, but she didn't exactly want to buy any of those yet. "Maybe just a dagger..." A smile was planted on her face. In the real world, she was nearly a master with knives, as that was the specific weapon her aunt taught her to use. They'll never see it coming!, she would say while unsheathing a knife she'd retrieve from the kitchen, which was purely for their random periods of training.


Daggers seemed pretty close to the knives themselves, and Scarlette did hope that the monsters wouldn't see it coming. She looked over to a simple dagger that whose attributes were only a little better than the starting blade she had, but she figured that it was enough for her upcoming grinding session. For some reason, she loved the idea of what gamers called grinding, especially in this game. By fighting countless monsters would spawn and respawn, she would learn a lot about the foes' and her own skills and everything worth learning and observing. And for once, her chop and slash abilities would be put to the test!





"Excuse me!," she called cheerily to a shopowner, who looked to her in return.

- Random training area, Aincrad -



​

Scarlette flipped the dagger at her every step, gripping the starter sword in her right hand. As for now, she was deciding which weapon to use first. I could try using both..., she thought. She always thought of the nearly-impossible sometimes, but what led her to new discoveries. Ever loyal to her curiosity, Scarlette shrugged lightly and made her way to one of the well-known beginner training fields that so many players were fighting monsters at already. I can't have that! She walked another way, far to the east, until she neared a forest that no one seemed to want to enter just yet. In these kinds of cases, isolation was her best friend.


Unlike those who would normally think of the place as a threat, Scarlette thought of it as an opportunity. She, of course, continued to walk towards the forest.





"...oi!"





She looked behind her to see a player--a fellow Salamander, like her, as his hair and starting armor was also red--who was panting already. It seemed that he chased her from afar, because only those of really low stamina (which he didn't look like) would be at such a state. Like the rest of the players, it was as if he was doubting her from one look as well. That was always how they were. "Are you really planning on taking the rare spawns?"





"Rare spawn?," she asked. She was only hoping for an isolated training place for her, but a rare spawn? That excited her more.


He nodded and eyed the two kinds of weapons that she was holding. "You seem confident about it, but you look new here." He eyed her once again, and her eyes caught some kind of other expression behind the friendly face. "No offense. We Salamanders are good, but really..."





"Hmm." At this point, she didn't want to listen to his ramblings.





Such a blessing can't be left alone like that!, she thought. If there were anything else the other player said, she didn't hear those anymore.





"Can me where that is?" Scarlette pointed the dagger at his face so quickly he got surprised and took one step behind. She only did so in a harmless and sort of friendly way, but with the way he started stammering and giving her details so immediately, it seemed that also he had misunderstood the girl's enthusiasm. Only when she really starts moving does everyone believe that she's not just a new player in a new world.

 

[Castello]

*Clang*


*Clink*


Volke really disliked going to such measures, but if he was going to have any relaxation time, he'd have to train for it. As he thought of how much a drag the current situation was, reality dawned on him. The wild wolf he had been fighting for about ten minutes now, lunged right at him, fangs facing his throat. He swiftly side stepped and stuck his silver knife into the gut of the beast mid-air and sliced thought while it dug in. The wolf was finished, though it wasn't quite the accomplishment, it was a rather small animal.


He looked at his experience as it slowly raised closer to the level two mark, one or two more of these beasts and he'd be set. He checked his surroundings and shoved the silver knife into its sheathe. It was a luminous and regal weapon, but it was not so much for fighting, it had a little more might than the rusted one he started off with though, so it was certainly suffice. Fighting beasts was a little dangerous though, it was about time he found new training bags for him to cut up. He had sneaked up on a couple of stranglers talking about the training grounds in Aincrad, perhaps that would be a little more laid back, so he could let his guard down a bit.


-


It would take him about an hour to make it to his destination and he was quite 'thrilled' with the amount of people in town. This was exactly why he was training so diligently for once, so he could just sit back and isolate himself, whilst not worrying about the monsters he might encounter. Finally, after following a couple of people, he came across the training grounds. On arrival he noticed the chatter of a girl, who looked just like him from behind, long red hair and all, even her constitution was similar to his, though he did have rather feminine features. He quietly sneaked behind cover and listened in on what they were saying.


"Are you really planning on taking the rare spawns?"


"Rare spawn?,"





The phrase 'Rare spawn' popped into his mind through his ears. That would be quite lovely if he could get ahead with some advanced weapons, or whatever this 'Rare Spawn' was. He slowly departed from his hiding spot and quietly made his way about five metres away, so it wouldn't appear he was stalking them. Once far enough, he drifted out of hiding, emerging from the shade.





"Is that dangerous talk I hear? Perhaps you would like some help... from an Assassin, or how I like to say it, back up from the shade." Volke offered mysteriously and made his way towards the pair. Showing them that he was armed by flashing his silver dagger. The perk to having such a pretty weapon was that it might deceive those not knowledgeable to knives. Perhaps the shining look would make them think he actually had something rare and powerful on him. But that was not the case.





"It may not seem worth it, but I am cheap, buuut I'll give my business to ya' free because there is a pretty girl here, plus it might be a nice way to um, advertise. But if I do have to insist on a price, any knives you find would look lovely on me." He slyly added, winking towards Scarlette.


(I hope this is okay. I was waiting for an opening to jump in.)

 

[EvilLaugh]

"Happy to oblige." Yukito noted as he sprinted as hard as he could towards when he knew the town was. At least the kid used a wide range stun spell instead of trying to kill all of them, maybe he has some hope after all. He looked back to see the boy's mana being low, most likely rendering him unable to cast another spell if anything else went wrong. He didn't even sigh anymore. Then again, I could be wrong.





It only took another fifteen minutes to get the the entrance of the town, something he rushed for as soon as they were close enough to see it. Looking back at the boy who was somewhat still behind him, he decided to simply call out to him instead of waiting. "Well, see you, I guess!" He said in quite a loud voice before entering the town itself, specifically, the merchant's district. He did lose his main weapon, and as good as claws were, he could not really fight off everything, say a player if it came right down to it, with such a weapon.


He raised is eyebrow when he opened his window to examine his inventory, though, the lack of battle making him much more attentive to details. One such as the lack of a log out button. He heard about the indecent, and the aftermath as soon as he was able to. He knew both the perspectives of the outside and the inside of the situation, but he never thought that something like this could happen a second time. Still, it explains why people decided to take advantage of the beginner's training area first. At least people are learning from what happened now. Yukito thought as he brushed away such dark thoughts of death and incarceration.


He would make it out of here as soon as he could, and for that he needed to get stronger. To do the latter, he needed a much more reliable weapon.


"Good morning, sir! How may I help you?" The NPC Shopkeeper greeted him cheerfully, mixing in with the sound of a bell being rung. He examined the weapons that littered the shop, all of them quite expensive for someone of his, or any beginner's for that matter, level, but the with all the Yrd he accumulated, not so far out of reach. He still would not have enough left to buy potions though, but that was fine with him. He had already learned «Battle Healing» after staying in the red zone since, well for a while actually.


With all the choices of weaponry through, he would be stuck here for a while, if a well crafted scimitar didn't meet his gaze. It took all his Yrd, well, 2200, but that left him with just 26. The specs of the weapon, more than made up for it, though the damage several degrees of magnitude higher than his starting weapon. With it he would be able to kill anything below level 3 with one shot, with any «Sword Skill», much higher if he struck weak points.


Now where should I go? He thought as he exited the shop, his life was still regenerating, painfully slowly, so he pondered on whether or not to go out or simply stay the night at an inn.

 

[Field Marshall]

Sora kept too a short break after earning 60 exp and 70 yrd fro defeating that for advisary from ealier. If he counted right he curently has 210 exp and 250 yrd. That wouldn't do for such a place., But then again it's under the town of beginnings. He stood when he heard another monster break free of it's shell. It was the as the one before which made this slightly easier, he knew they had weakpoint and that they were slow.


Dashed forward shoving his blade into it's waist and wrenching it around half through it's waist causing the enemy to die. Another 60 exp and 70 yrd for Sora. This now came up to 270 exp and 320 yrd.


He took a minute to check the Steampunk Skeleton Sword specs. It was conditioned for level 2 monsters. That explains why he killed skeletons so easily with it. It seems the difficulty of this dungeon's monsters is that they're only vulnerable in a few spots, despite only having a few vulnerable spots the damage was the same if hitting a non weak point of a wolf. Atleast this is how it is for the level 1 monsters. 'It may change with level 2 monsters." He finished the thought out loud.


He stood as he heard another break free, he was beginning to understand that this is a limited spawn area, hunting here would be a good idea. It was the same Viking monster from before but it's level 2. Asura dashed forward avoiding it's axe and slashing it armpit a new weakpoint. Thank goodness for impulse! Asura jumped and jammed his blade in it's neck. He wrenched it free cleaving half it's hp. The followed up with a Horizontal killing it gaining him 120 exp and 140 yrd for a grand total of 330 exp and 390 yrd. It was also good to see he had 330 exp towardwa acrobatics as he has been jumping around and doing other acrobatic stunts. He took another rest, he was in no rush to complete the dungeon.

 

[Tyrant Pancakes]

What a shame. I never even got to properly thank him. But that was way too close, I really need to work on my agility and health. Kotarou thought this too himself as he sat in a bar, health now replenished.


A yawn escaped him as he looked out the window to see the sun was starting to set. It must be getting late in the real world as well. Slightly exhausted from today's adventures, Kotarou opened his menu to sign out. He blinked as he searched for the logout option to no avail... must be a glitch.


Although it shocked him at first, he eventually shrugged it off. No way those rumors are true. After the first incident years ago, the authorities put such a strict watch over the servers that this could never happen.

 

[EvilLaugh]

"That was... interesting." Yukito sat on what looked like a simple root with a sigh. The «Moonlight Edge» he managed to purchase from the strange weapons dealer was well worth the expense as he looked to the EXP bar he had in the window. Contrasting his current health bar, it was almost full again, but still a few kills away from giving him another level up.


He decided to set out once more, even if it was quite idiotic to do so after what had happened with the wolves. The reasoning behind this decision was the fact that the unknown skill gave him another EXP bonus as he fought in the red zone and carried nothing but weapons. He still had the claw, a weapon to be used if and when his scimitar would come close to breaking.


As soon as he stepped out into the forest, going west this time instead of north, he saw the difference between the weapon he used and the weapon he broke. Against the level 1 poring, the sword cut through it totally before he earned the EXP and Yrd it gave. The wolf was no different, now a strike to the neck would instantly end its life, and consequently the lives of all other wolves that would answer it's death cry. Even if it would take another 4200 or so it get him the next level up, against repetitive waves of vengeful wolves, after about 20 of the creatures, that number was easily lowered. I still need to find a better grinding area through, I don't want to be here when the panic kicks in.


He encountered something new as well, some sort bear-like creature, he didn't bother remembering it's name. All he knew was that it struck him with enough strength to send his health back to red when it was green, but it moved so painfully slowly. The 120 EXP and the 137 Yrd was good though, as a level 2 monster, it gave quite the amount. They were also far in between, but by no means few, as he was forced to slit the throats of about 8 as he decided to rest. It took one really well placed strike, other wise its health would keep a sliver, and it would go for the kill. Still, double critical took care of any remaining opposition.


His destination was another town, due a good deal west, and quite close to the actual «Labyrinth» which was a bit north from there. Still the area was for level 6 monsters until the fringe level 9 that surrounded the giant base of the first tower. At half that level, he needed to get quite strong before he could start looking into the tower himself. That was before he heard sounds of a clash coming from somewhere nearby.


He came upon a fight, an orange salamander fighting a green player, he could not tell which race but as of now that was irrelevant. It was obvious that both were players, and one was already going after the others, which meant that some already fell into despair and more would follow suit. If deaths were also real here then there was no telling what the reaction of the rest of the players. He knew that most had that prospect in mind, some even wanted it to happen just to experience life and death battles. But the didn't know what it was like to kill or be killed.


He knew they would not be prepared when given such a tough choice.


"Your're not going to go of on a killing spree, are you?" Yukito asked coldly as he drew his blade and faced the survivor, a woman wielding twin blades. It was difficult to pull off «Sword Skills» with those, plus he already had experience killing. In any case he had already one if the woman chooses to try and strike him down. "Well?"

 

[Field Marshall]

About 20 or so <<Steampunk Viking Barbaric Guardin Axeman>> later, Asura was mentally tired. He checked the loot know each one gives 120 exp and 140 yrd. He remembered a ping and checked to see he had leveled up and both his one handed sword and acrobatics has leveled up, He had 2730 exp and 3100 yrd. But he was in the yellow about to be red zone. He was quite out of breath. He checked what each monster gave him he has 3 steampunk skeleton swordsman skulls and 24 of thosw Barbarian's helmet with horns. Some pretty lame loot but awesome to level up. He quickly even distributed his stat points.


Then "Clang!" Asura was hit with a shield? He didn't know all he did know is that his health has just entered the red, he was looking at anothee Steampunk Viking but it had a sword and shield. He guessed he was smacked by the shield. The room was empty of statues whennhe defeated the others so he doesn't know where this one came from. Must've came from another spot in the Dungeon. But priority was defeating it. But he can't not with this health.


He did the logical thing, run! He dashed out of the room and down another hall, he moved randomly. He had narrowly slipped by some traps and monsters then he finally made it to a safe area. How did he know, there was a sign that says "Safe Area". The room was blank white and it has a treasure chest in the center. But he didn't care, he just crawled on top of the chest and took a nap.

 

[Sythril]

To be honest, Scarlette had no idea of what the new Salamander--or so he looked like one--who approached, just started talking about. Something about shades and advertising. She kind of expected more players to get attracted, maybe an ambush, or a trap set by players for any curious soul that wanted to know about these rare spawns, or just the curious souls themselves. But so far, Scarlette was pretty sure the only ones in the area except for the monsters, were she and the other two players--one who, when was finished explaining, ran off from the threat that her dagger revealed, and the other, who seemed to have a knack for knives and daggers such as she.


"Nice," she commented on the other player's weapon. She bade no time in noticing or watching the once-smug player go away. It was too bad though. She was thinking of dragging him along as thanks for the directions and information. Scarlette looked back at the path she once walked through. She unequipped the simple dagger she had just bought earlier. Companions that appeared out of the blue barely fazed her anymore, and this new player, to her, was more than welcome to tag along. It was probably evident when she raised her hand for a handshake--just a little thing before travelling and battling these rare spawns alongside each other.


"I'm Scarlette," the red-haired smiled, as if the next things they would be doing were full of mischief.


If she was in the real world, throwing her level-1 self onto a forest such as this would be considered so.


(Sorry for the short post~ I'm typing from school here. cx)

 

[Kit Kat]

HP: 660


MP: 870


Sylvia stopped dead in her tracks. It was odd seeing her stats this low. It was just a constant reminder that she, and every other person, was just a petty piece in the game. She looked through her inventory and found that if she sold everything that wasn't necessary, then she would have enough to buy decent beginner twin swords. She would have to go without a few things, but she would be fine until she started taking on more challenging monsters or quests.


"You're not going to go off on a killing spree, are you?"





She turned around and gave the new player a cold look. "You think I would do that?" She could tell that he was on the defensive so she unequipped her weapons. She put her hands in the air as a sign of surrender and stared right into his eyes. "I wanted to survive. If I hadn't killed him, then he would have killed me. It was self defense. You can think whatever you wish of me, but I don't want to fight. One more player death is not necessary." It was risky. She wasn't on the offensive. At the moment, he held her life in his hands. No matter how much she wanted to keel her composure, she knew that her fingers were twitching every few seconds. "One less person in this game means our chances of getting out alive are decreased." She eyed his weapon, carefully trying to detect any bit of movement that signaled an attack, but she saw none for the moment. She was speaking a mile a minute, but she had one more thing to say before she let him either speak or attack.


"I just don't want to die yet."