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

[Castello]

It seemed as their conversation began, the other person, a man, walked away. This confused Volke quite thoroughly, did he leave because of his presence? Or was it for other reasons, he did leave so nonchalantly, so it must have not been his first thought. But Volke calmly digressed, it seemed he got something to occupy his time with now. Protecting this red haired chick.


Volke looked to the girl. She was very reminiscent of what he believed his sister, that passed away, would look like. Long, red and luscious hair and even the face reminded him of his mothers', but much more cheery. He smiled and reached his hand out towards her, offering a handshake.





"Pleasure to meet you Scarlette. The name's Volke." He greeted quietly, as he awaited her hand.


He was not to informed on what they were doing, what he did was actually quite rash. Normally he would refrain to such quests that he was so ignorant to, but then again, he just needed to train up a little, then he could leave to experience this very world. With some rare items, he could safely stroll around doing so, but in the process he hoped to get some levels as well.





"Anyhow, normally I watch my employers through the shadows, but seeming as your friend left and it's just us two, it might be easier for me to just stay by your side. Your call though, doesn't matter to me." He asked her.

 

[EvilLaugh]

"Well, you could have just said no and be done with it." Yukito deadpanned as he relaxed, just a bit.


"Relax, I'm not some cold blooded killer. I'm assuming you know then, that this is just another sick replay of what happened, or am I wrong?" He asked as he gave her a once over. She had unequipped her weaponry, foolish as a beast without care could just spring from nowhere and kill her on the spot. She didn't even know if he would help her, or not, even if he would have. Still there was something odd about her, but he would leave that for now.


He weighed the options, he could go in alone or have her follow him, or him her, it didn't matter. They would be relatively safer together, but the progress would be hindered. He knew how to fight, how to spot weaknesses, in biological monsters at least, and when to use skills or not. He could not say the same for her, and it may end up just him carrying her though it. He could not have that. On the other hand, he could not just die because he was hit by a stray attack while he was in the red zone. That could happen too many times, and he didn't intend to carry other items before he reached level 10.


"I have a proposition for you then, would you mind partying up?" He asked with weighted tone, neither too pushy nor too apathetic. Her answer really did not matter, either way, he would benefit from the exchange, or the lack of it.

 

[Field Marshall]

He woke up not sure how much time after. He got to his feet and strectched, there were a few snaps and deep creaks. He only then noticed he slept on a treasure chest. He quickly opened it to see what he'd get. He got two full health potions and two full mp potions. He also got an entire set of Light Steampunk Knight armor. This he quickly equipped, considering it's stats it would be a great help. He checked his health bar and saw it was yellow. Atleast Battle Healing Skill was kicking in at 1/1000. He remembered the way he came is full of enemies but atleast the traps were already sprung unless they reset themselves already. He ran back the way he came to pass all the monsters taking two hits on the way and glad to find out the traps didn't reset yet. He made his way back to face the enemy from before.


He was ready for this level 3 enemy this time around. He danced around it a bit trying to get into it's blindspot before attacking but not moving fast enough to provoke his foe. The barbarian took a step and that was all Asura needed. He sidestepped in it's blindspot then dashed and used a Horizontal on it's waist cleaving out 1/4 of it's life. But it retaliated with a shield attack which once again sent his life into the red zone. It swung again with it's sword but Asura was ready he jumped to avoid the mid section cleave and then he jabbed at it's neck with his blade taking out a little more of it's hp. It came at him with the shield and he had a crazy idea. Asura jumped planting his feet on the shield, when the barbarin swung it Asura was tossed into the air. He came down speedily jamming his blade into the back of it's neck. It's hp went down considerably almost gone when it grabbed Asura and brought him around front. It began squeezing his waist, but luckily it grabbed his waist primarily leaving one arm free. He stabbed it in the shoulder and it's hp drained out. Asura fell to the floor with a thud as it exploded into polygons. He collected from that fight 240 exp and 280 yrd. Didn't seem all that worth it until he checked what he gained, it was it's shield. But he


needs to be a level 3 to use it. A short moment of depression followed because of his rate of leveling up and


the shield seemed to taunt him with that fact.


He moved on now seeing all the traps have reset. He quickly made a smart choice and drained an HP potion to full his nearly empty hp. He dashed avoiding the traps when he got to the monsters, He saw they were level two skeletons which he found ridiculous. There were four and he decided to try his luck. "Near Range, Fire, Multi Homing, Fire Spear!" He chanted. 3 fires spears per target hit their marks obliterating thw skeletons. Gaining 480 exp and 520 yrd.

 

[Tyrant Pancakes]

Kotarou sat there, bored, as he waited for them to fix the glitch. Curious to see if there were any other glitches, Kotarou started exploring his menu. Let's see... other than the lack of logout, the settings seem fine. As Kotarou continued browsing through the menu, he failed to see any other glitches.


Wait a minute.


Kotarou stopped as he looked through his list of spells. Surprisingly enough, the resurrection spell wasn't listed. Ah, here's a glitch. Since I'm an Undine, I should at least have access to a low leveled resurrection spell. Kotarou chuckled to himself, they make it seem like you can't respawn.


Like death was... permanent.


At this thought, he immediately double checked, then triple checked. But no matter how hard he searched, he couldn't find the spell. Kotarou's heart stopped, it all made sense now. The missing log out button, the high valued healing items. This was a repeat of what happened years ago. Without putting any more thought into it, Kotarou barreled through the doors and into the street. As he ran down the street, he yelled, "Everyone! There's no respawning! If you die, that's it!"


He was met with looks of doubt and annoyance. Everyone shrugged off his warnings, assuming that he was either insane or just trolling. But this wasn't going to stop Kotarou. He stopped to warn anyone who would listen.





After covering through the entire town, he ran out into the field to warn the others. Amidst them, he spotted a Salamander who had just exited the forest. Although he really didn't want to, he asked him anyway, "Hey, was anyone else in the forest with you?"


"Hm? Uh, yeah. I just ran into some crazy chick and a guy in there. Looks like they're hunting a rare spawn."


At the word 'rare spawn', Kotarou groaned, remembering his first encounter. But actually, his memories of the forest were much worse than that blob from earlier. Combine the two and he was in for hell. Entering that forest was sure to bring him misfortune.


But... if one of them dies, I would never be able to forgive myself. With a reluctant sigh, Kotarou entered the forest.

 

[Kit Kat]

Sylvia breathed a sigh of relief. Her heart was still pounding in her ears. So many things could have gone wrong, but he wasn't another hunter. She equipped her swords again and tightened her grip on them. It calmed her down, knowing that a blade was right in her hand ready to draw blood at a moment's notice. "I wish you were wrong, but there's no reason to doubt the rumors going around. The rumors have basically become fact now." Some people still didn't believe it, and they were foolish for doubting it. The people who died didn't come back and it would be more noticeable as more people were taken out of the game.


"I suppose partying up wouldn't be a bad idea. It's better than you trying to kill me anyways."


She heard a growl from behind and immediately pivoted on her foot. It was rushing towards them; aiming to attack. She didn't check to see what or who it was. She brought her blades in from both sides and sliced the creature before it could reach them. It fell to the ground and the creature's head rolled on the ground for a second before it disintegrated. She was a little disappointed. It was a lower level creature that gave her barely any experience. She turned back around to face...whoever this was. She opened her menu and sent him a request anyways. Better acquaintances than enemies. "I won't get in your way if you don't get in mine."


"But I've also got your back if you've got mine."

 

[Sythril]

Though the girl was expecting it, the handshake felt so real, and she was still surprised.


Volke, Scarlette thought. To her, it was necessary to imprint in her mind the name of the first player who actually introduced to her--and whom she introduced herself to--in her first virtual game, just for the sake of not forgetting. Whether he knew it or not, Volke was now a very significant name and person in the girl's mind and her game. At the same time they shook hands, his player tag and health bar, she spotted. She figured that it was the same for him. "It's nice to meet you too," she said calmly, though she was more than excited to get to her first rare spawns, with the new companion, of course.


It didn't cross her mind to add him as a friend or in a party or anything. She figured that they wouldn't be together for long, anyway. They two wanted the rare, and they'd get it. Aside from the fact that she secretly didn't want to be let down for such things, she was used to having her guard a little high up. Not too much, but enough to know who were to be real friends and not. Not that she didn't trust Volke. Maybe he was a good one anyway. If so, then after this, he would be her first friend here, and...


"Ah," she muttered under her breath. This was unlike her, she knew. Sword Art Online tended to trigger many things and emotions, and there were some she never even knew existed.


She was simply mindful of her firsts.


She thought a little about what about Volke had said. He mentioned that he could just hide in the shadows, though she liked the idea of them doing what they would, together. "Come on," she gestured for Volke to follow her. Through the minutes that she remained silent, Scarlette was thinking of what to say to that. To others, it always looked like she just didn't care. And finally, she decided to answer his question. She was never good in deciding for others, much less herself. "Whatever floats your--"


It took her half a millisecond to be able to see the beast from the corner of her eyesight before her reflexes let her dodge, but fall on her back. She let out a short grunt before slashing through its neck with her weapon. How she did that, she wasn't sure how. She stood, ready to fight it again, but watched as the wolf disengrated into polygons. She just underestimated a Salamander's strength. But what kind of beast would have half health?


She heard a howl, and realized that she and Volke must be the next prey for the monsters. If players really were once here, they either managed to flee or die, Of course, she wouldn't let any of those be her. These wolves were only an obstacle and a step closer to the rare spawns. Scarlette could remember the way to them clearly, too, so she knew that fighting these wolves were necessary. Her sight caught the wolves lurking by the trees, and she was so focused on them that the monsters almost seemed discouraged.


Scarlette glanced at her health bar.


916/1000


To be able to have damage as big as that... it was quite a lot for her. Though, if she did see the light, glowing gashes at her back, she probably would get why. For now, she decided to enjoy her first fight. She didn't have concerns about enemy or loot division with Volke, as she never once did with anyone, and the wolves that started surrounding them were more than enough for the two players. She didn't see this as a danger, but an opportunity. As always. She waited for one of the beasts to get near. Scarlette let one bite her arm, though it did hurt like in real life. "Ooooow!"


It was stupid, but enough to let her pierce a hole with her sword from its chest throught its back. That surely was bad for the starter sword's durability. "Did that sting," she mumbled before stabbing the monster's eye, watching it die and turn into polygons as well. She gave the next charger about five heavy slashes before it met its death. She was avoiding being hit this time. Scarlette was determined to finish every single one of them. No matter how much stronger they seemed, she didn't want to leave even one in the area. "Though we can't keep the rare spawns waiting!"


She dodged a pair of sharp fangs, making sure that she slashed all the way to the wolf's side while moving that way. She thrusted her blade in its nape afterwards. The next one had a blade stuck in its eye socket before turning into polygons. Several more met the same fate, only in different ways. Scarlette didn't even bother to look at how much she has killed, nor the notices for the exp and Yrd she got. She just charged back at every wolf who dared, and one with the right pair of eyes would certainly see the gradual increase in her gracefulness and tactics. Of course, she was trying and already exploring in the process.


By now, Scarlette's health was only about halfway to zero. No matter how much she prevented it, experimenting in battle did still have its disadvantages.


"But hey," she thought aloud, a faint yet calm grin on her face. "It's just an in-game death, right?"

 

[Field Marshall]

"Oh yeah!" he exclaimed as the magic was successful. He turn the corner and slaying another 4 level2 skeletons earning another 480 exp and 520 yrd. He moved on he wandered around until he found another treasure chest but it only held one item, <<Return Key>>. He opened his menu and check it'a info apparently it allows a player or paety to return to dungeon without loss of progress. "Oh yeah, now I can come back because I doubt I should keep this place to myself!! He exclaimed. He decided the best place to use this items would be the center which he's been slowly advancing towards. He wanted to know what's up there, once his curiosity is satisfied he'd and leave.


He ran as fast as he could pass traps monsters and all other sorts of things. He ran as fast as he could with one thing in mind find the source of the hammering. He came to the step Pyramind in the center of the dungeon. His hp was red though. He dashed up the many steps no matter how long it took until he reached the top.


When he did reach the top he saw a man hammering a something with sparks flying at each blow. He hammered away with persistance. Only when Asura stepped a little closer did the man turn around. He threw his hammer at Asura's feet, The hammer was made of silver. Then Asura looked up and same behind the man, a Forge that said exirt. Asura quickly got ready, and then he aimed to run past the man which now seemed to grow unquestionably larger and had four health bars appear next to him. Asura ran as the man recalled his hammer with a gesture. Asura, then slid between the enemies leg as it the smart move when fighting someone that bigger than yourself. He made a dash and hopped into the flames of the Forge. He emerged into an alley in the town of Beginnings. His hp was back full and he fell to his knees. That situation was intense!

 

[Castello]

It was so odd how real this game was. Her hand was if an actual physical girl was touching him, in some ways it filled up an empty void within him, as pathetic as that may sound. She seemed like a fine client, he would enjoy working with her and so far their little trek seemed to be going well. Well, that is until a wolf came at half health, lunging right towards them. Avoiding to get in the way he lightly stepped aside and slowly disappeared into the forest, he was far more effective when he had the element of surprise and he could feel that, that single wolf would not be the last of it.


He felt bad leaving a girl to fend for her own, but after all, it was just a game. He witnessed her finish off a couple more wolves and realized how competent she actually was, she was probably better than he was. Once he realized she was reaching low health, he decided to pitch in, finish the job off. He quickly ascended from the trees, pouncing on one of the wolves, landing a fatal critical hit. He quickly rushed towards Scarlette and dashed behind her and attempted to pull and then shove her into a nearby patch of bushes.


"Be careful, dying doesn't help us one bit, it'll only slow us down." He called back to her and then quickly fixated his attention on the incoming problem. With his lack of attention he was pounced and barely blocked the attack with his forearm, but he realized something... blood.


His arm slowly seeped out liquids but quickly began to patch itself up in a pixely regeneration. On top of that it hurt like hell! Something was up, this game wasn't so crazy that it would have a pain system. Maybe it was a mere joke or something. Regardless Volke looked to the wolves nonchalantly and spun his knife around in between his palms.


When the wolf came back for another attack he kicked its head, scaring it back slightly, giving him a chance to sink his knife into the neck of beast. It was finally over, they were finished. In relief he flicked his hair out of his eyes and sheathed his knife, realizing he was finally getting that level up.


Volke, assassin: Level 2


HP=456/750---->456/765


MP=1000---->1015


Strength=4---->6


Skill=10---->12


Speed=6---->9


Constitution=3


Defence=2---->3


After washing in pride with his level up, he looked to Scarlette with an apologetic look on his face. "Sorry 'bout that, I have my ways of accomplishing things." He apologized to her and offered her hand up (if she indeed fell). "But something is up, I felt the pain as the wolf sunk his teeth into my arm, it was pain." He continued in a complete different tone, actually sounding a bit worried for once.


(if you wanted to make that battle longer, just tell me in the OOC chat and I'll change it .)

 

[Tyrant Pancakes]

As Kotarou wandered through the forest, he watched as the sun slowly began it's decent. He should really head back to spawn, even if he did find them, it's likely they'd just brush off his warning like everyone else. No, I can't think like that. These are the lives of people we're talking about, I can't just let them walk to their deaths.


Just as he thought this, he felt the presence of several wolves around him, "Looks like it's time for round two." He quickly unsheathed his blade to meet an incoming wolf before striking it down. He braced himself, expecting another to be heading his way. But before could any could advance towards him, an earsplitting roar echoed through the air. Before Kotarou could even react, the tree to his right fell.


Scared to look, Kotarou slowly looked to his right to see a colossus, two story tall creature that resembled a tyrannosaurus, except for the fact that it was made of trees.


Instinctively, Kotarou gulped as it set its gaze on him, revealing it's cold, dead eyes. Looks like he had found the rare spawn... again.

 

[EvilLaugh]

"Excellent, so just let me accept the invitation." He said nonchalantly, completely aware that she just had a swift brush with death. Really, he did too, he just didn't know if she saw him striking down the wolf before her, well, monster took all of her attention. He immediately selected the 'yes' on the pop-up window. "Well, it will be a pleasure working with you then, Mariah."


With barely any preparation he cut the air to his left, just as another wolf leapt at him. It was a dire wolf, which only meant one thing here. Night had fallen. Not just for being vicious pack hunters, wolves were famous for their enhancements at night. All of them gained an entire level, which meant killing even one much much more difficult. He cut one on a critical area, and with a weapon much better than his first yet the level 3 monster still stood with two third's it's health. It was like fighting another Alpha, but then these were the fodder now.


Another slash dealt with the beast, in the exact same way he killed the rare spawn, giving him twice the Yrd and EXP value, but he could not stop the death cry. "I suggest we leave though, more of these things are coming, and they're higher level now." Another leapt from the woods, but he was prepared this time. The two slashes came down much faster than before, killing the wolf as it touched the ground. "But if you want to grind here, I'm fine with that."

 

[Sythril]

"It's fine." Scarlette took Volke's hand and stood, nodding thankfully. She looked around, only to see that the wolves were now gone. It seemed that Volke had finished them off already. "But, you didn't really have to push me off," she said lightly. "I could definitely handle those!" Rarely would she ever get mad, and when she would, it wouldn't be because of the smallest reasons.


She unequipped her starter sword and equipped the dagger she bought earlier. She wanted to fight better, and she knew that using the weaker weapons wouldn't help. "Pain?," Scarlette asked, a press away from revealing the disappearance of the log out button. But she was even too ignorant to have realized the level up she gained ever since a few minutes ago. She remembered the sensation from the wolf's bite. That was pain, all right. "Isn't that normal here?," she wondered aloud. These kinds of times, it would be obvious to one the extents of how completely clueless and new she could be.





Not finding anything weird about what the fellow player just said, she simply shrugged and smiled upon the sight of the «Steel Dagger» in her grip. She placed the dagger in its sheath, which was hanging by her leather belt. She didn't even know that there was something like that in the first place. Her instinct seemed to help her yet once again.


After patting off nonexistent dust from her armor, and continued walking forward. The sun was slowly going down, and they would want to get to the rare spawns as quickly as they could, she figured. "You're somehow like an assassin?," she asked. It was funny, the things she could and not notice. The next few meters they walked didn't have any monsters, but after that short trail, there were more of those wolves, which were not too far, but not too close to each other either. It was obvious that wherever the last foe was, so was the fact that they were getting closer to the rare monsters.


She dashed to the first wolf she saw, whose red eyes glowed in the subtle darkness. It didn't have time to do anything else but watch before Scarlette slashed through its body, to death. She ran to finish another prowling beast. And another. And another. From a distance stood a wolf that was bigger and more intimidating than all the others. It looked too weak to be a rare spawn, but strong enough to be the alpha. "Hey," she inched closer to Volke, as if he was some very close friend, and they have been doing this for a long time now. She wasn't sure if her voice could be able to reach the wolves, so she whispered.





"I think that's their leader... Let's get there as fast as we can!"

 

[Kit Kat]

Mariah?





She never mentioned her real name to anyone in this game. Here in this world, she was Sylvia, but she ignored it. He just mixed her name up and it was just a coincidence that it was her name. Nothing more than that. She was pleasantly surprised though. She didn't expect him to take out the wolf that had been sneaking up on them, but he did. Now she knew that she could trust him to not let her die. Now there were more wolves coming for them; enhanced wolves. Light was reflecting back at her from their eyes. She hit it down quickly and killed it before another had a chance to jump at her. She could stay and grind, but she didn't want to waste her weapon's durability on these mobs. She needed something worthwhile.


"No. We should go into town and find a quest."

 

[EvilLaugh]

"The Town of Beginning is a horrible place to be at the moment, remember?" Yukito asked with a raised eyebrow. He wanted to avoid it as that would soon be the center of all the chaos that would happen when they discovered the truth. The panic would start there, and as much as he was all for helping them out, if they weren't smart enough to realize that the action of inaction was what killed 4000 in the first place, he'd rather they just die.


"As for quests, I heard that there's another town nearby, but the levels of the monsters there are..." He was cut off by something loud, really loud. An explosion of sound, not as strong as he would have imagined, spread from somewhere south. It was a roar, of something, something really, really big. "Or we could just investigate that. More players would probably go and check that out, whatever it was." He suggested with minimal feeling in his voice.


He was worried, more than anything else now he knew the game changed. Noises that could be heard from so far, enhancements that raised monster level and, well, twin sword available for the use of players, but that was in their favor. The progress to the top will be slow, by necessity and because of the fear of the unknown. If the monsters here was as strong as they are, then he did not want to imagine how much stronger they will be as the ascend. We are just going to have to get stronger. He thought as he looked to his new companion.


"I'm following your lead then."

 

[Field Marshall]

Asura checked his list to see all the stuff he got from the dungeon. He saw something at the end called "Forge". He checked it's description, it said replicate any appraised item at a cost of 300 mp at any Forge! Asura did a short dance, he must've got this when he literally jumped into a that Forge. He quickly went to one shop that was still open.He sold all the pointless stuff first, he then began selling equipment he didn't need. This doubled the amount of yrd he has. He then made a trip to a blacksmith's shop. He bought some great equipment that with this equipment a level 5 would be nothing to him.


He left feeling very satified. That's when he noticed the panic, he heard someone scream about not being able to log out and it's all real. He calmly checked his menu as there's indeed no log out button. Then it all dawned on him how much he nearly died so far, then he realized he's survived these situations on his own without help! He can do it he can survive, then he has to stay calm. First thing's first level up he's been going far too slow and need to pick up the pace. But not random monster hunting, he can do that in the dungeon. What he needs are quest and skills, particularly he need to learn the two appraisal skills. He does need to by a home where he can have a Forge, then he'll level up and quickly become a high tier. There's no time to sit and wait around. He dashed off leaving the Town of Beginnings.

 

[Castello]

Volke looked to her and shrugged. "Well... at the time it seemed like a descent idea at the time. I guess I could have just lightly pushed you aside." He replied to her. "Although with your deteriorating health, I sought it best to interfere and finish the job. After all, we couldn't having you face a game over, could we?" He continued as he tilted his head down the road, knowing full well there would be more wolves... Evantually


"Pain?,"


"Isn't that normal here?,"


Her words actually kind of confused him, did she really think they would add something so negative as pain into the game? The authorities and activists would be all over the creators if that was the case. In some ways what came out of her mouth made him worry on the thought a little more, but he showed no signs of anxiety or sorrow. "Pain has never been in the game. Must be glitch or something. No need to fret." He assured her.


He leaned in so that he could properly hear her next words. Upon hearing them he focused up and noticed the incoming pack of wolves. In response he slung his knife out and spun it around. He was prepared to fight and he had recovered enough health to be competent.





"I'm an assassin of many colours. If you are in a pickle, say the word: Jenga and I'll finish the job off okay?" He told her and disappeared off into the trees. Though what he didn't add was that even if she didn't call out 'Jenga' he'd interfere if she was reaching lower health.

 

[Sythril]

"Hmm." Scarlette's curiosity was piqued upon knowing that Volke would rather stay in the shadows than fight. Then again, she wasn't anyone to judge his way of fighting. Because of that, she didn't dare to tell him to do otherwise. Upon listening to what the assassin of many colors had to say and watching him fade into the trees (which she found quite wondrous), she nodded and faced the wolves, which were only of a close distance from her. Some seemed to still be prowling curiously around the forest, while some already had their eyes on her.


She didn't bother to drink or eat anything to regain her health, even though it was already about half from the previous monster ambush. This time, she planned on not letting it get any lower, while trying to get her tactics any better. It was one of those challenges to herself, which she cherished greatly. Here goes, she thought, and without letting any thoughts bother her and the whispering instincts, Scarlette sprinted to the wolf closest to her, and pierced her dagger through its body.


She rushed to the other one, and slashed, and attacked, glancing behind her only a few times to watch them die and turn into polygons. Of course she took at least the smallest of pride in every victory she had. Beyond were a lot more wolves, yet Scarlette didn't stop running to them. She knew that if she hesitated at least one bit, the tables would be turned on her. That wouldn't be nice at all. Most of the wolves were instantly killed upon tasting her blade. The few others which were smart enough to dodge only helped the girl in finding more of their weak spots.





Jenga is a funny word, Scarlette thought, wondering for a millisecond why of all words, that was what she was supposed to say. It wasn't long until the beast that she was facing was the one she pointed to earlier--the alpha, their leader. All the weaker ones were gone, and she didn't even realize that this was the last one (at the area, at least) standing. Though, I don't think I need to say it! She paused in her tracks, having this short kind of stare-off with the alpha wolf, and squinted, as if saying, You are going down.


And so, gripping her dagger a little harder, Scarlette ran into the darkening night at the wolf who was charging back. "Ha!" She jumped overhead when she was only centimeters away from the beast, and was about to successfully slash its back when she heard a very loud roar that surely ruined her focus. Her sight caught trees being uprooted from the ground, all taking shape of a very, large monster. She would bet a billion col that that was one of the rare spawns the player from earlier was talking about.


Her dagger only managed to make a small slash on the big wolf's back, as Scarlette's accuracy failed from the disturbance earlier. Determined to finish it off now, she turned around just to attack again with her trusty dagger...


Only, it had already broken to pieces. So much for her trust in the weapon's durability.





No way.


In sheer surprise, Scarlette stepped backward. Of all the times in the world, her dagger would break while facing such a beast? And to think that there was some rare spawn not too far behind her. Equip starting sword, equip starting sword... She was going to equip her only other weapon when the wolf faced her with a deeper sense of what was possibly rage, and lashed on the girl. Its fangs did have a nice grip on her left arm. "Ooow!," she exclaimed in a tone so high and more annoyed than fearful, that even the rare spawn and beasts from afar probably heard her.


She would look like she was overreacting. But damn, did that bite hurt. Not being able to do much about the monster which still had its teeth in her virtual flesh, Scarlette hastily watched as her HP drained towards the orange, then the red zone.


And then she remembered the word that would kind of mean her salvation.





"Jenga!" She would probably be laughing if not for the situation. "Jenga! Ow, you little!"

 

[Castello]

"Jenga!"


Upon her words he quickly pulled out a bunch of bronze throwing knives and before the beast could finish her off with a final bite a barrage of weak bronze throwing knives struck the foe. Three hitting the body and lightly puncturing, one slamming onto its jawing, causing it to release its grip and the final knife that ricocheted off its skull, which he intended on a blinding blow to the eye. But it seemed his dexterity wasn't quite on that level yet.


Before the beast could recover from the confusion, Volke, like lightning, leaped in front of Scarlette, Silver Dagger in hand. "You called dearie?" He calmly stated, putting his full attention on the boss wolf. "Tell you what, I'll get him down to red, then you finish him okay? Three hits is all it will take." He finished and bolted towards the wolf, not awaiting the woman's reply.


With a damaged jaw, the wolf lashed its claws towards Volke, with no strong teeth to bite him with, the battle seemed won. As if the attack came like a snail, Volke side stepped and stuck his knife into the throat of the beast and quickly jumped back, learning from last time. The animal let out a sorrowful yelp and lunged towards Volke, this time able to get some claws onto his chest, causing his ribs to bleed mildly and slicing through his shirt. The pain caused him to loose some of his focus, but when the adrenaline kicked in he saw the perfect opportunity for a dual strike.


Due to his high dexterity he shoved the blade of dagger right through the snout of the wolf and once the beast jumped from pain he climbed onto its back and dealt one, final stab, leaving it at minuscule red health. So low in fact, that punching it could possible be enough to finish it.


Quickly, Volke jumped off the wolf, whilst grabbing one of the bronze knives still lodged in its hide. He'd throw it right into the wolf's back if Scarlette failed to finish it. But he seriously doubted that.





"He's all yours gal!" He called out.

 

[Field Marshall]

Asura then saw the marking of an NPC and stopped. He quickly said some start phrases in a rapid fashion and one of them triggered the quest. "There's a blacksmith and a merchant in the forest surrounded by vicous beasts. They went out there after they were raided and got stuck out there as the perpetrator got away once the wolves came. Please help them!" The NPC begged. "Leave it to me?" he responded as the mark above switched to the in progress mark. This particular quest yields the appraisal skills according to the manual. But he decided to go to an Inn, now this quest was reserved for him and it'll be here for him tomorrow. He dashed off to the Town of Beginnings, once there he would retire for the night at an inn.

 

[Kit Kat]

Sylvia nodded. Whatever the sound was, it was coming from something strong. She was no weakling though, and neither was he. At that volume, whatever creature it was would be heard from all around. They would have help. If they killed it, then she was sure that the benefits would be great. So, it was in that direction they would go. She started moving immediately. The sooner they got there, the better the chances that they would be the ones to take down the creature and not someone else. At this point, leveling up quickly was the only way they would be able to get anywhere in the game. If they waited, then they would be in a lot of trouble.


It didn't take too long to find this creature. As expected, it was huge, it was strong, and it was protecting something. It wasn't just a normal low-level creature that could respawn. It was a challenge and once they stepped within a certain distance of it, then there was no going back. They would have to fight it and win. She couldn't quite put her finger on what it was, which meant that it was new. This put her on edge. The developers were adding in new creatures and new challenges for them. So this game was no longer predictable. In fact, she was sure that they could change it so that it was literally unbeatable, but they had to try anyways. Looking up at the monster that was towering over her, the closest thing she could compare it to was a bear.


She looked over at her partner while they were standing just outside of the circle. "Ready?"

 

[EvilLaugh]

"I entered this game ready." Was his quiet reply before he jumped into the fray, just before the giant monster before striking it on the leg... and doing minimal damage. "That was expected." He muttered as another slash came down, and another while he rolled forwards just as the massive limb rose in protest. It came down, but the foot was behind him, in time to receive another slash as the creature roared in pain. It was made of wood, which meant that fire would be the best way to take care of it, too bad he did not know any form of magic, and infusion of magic into his attacks would not only kill his bonus, but would really come so much latter, most likely a couple of floors more.


So he had to make do chipping the creatures life as it jumped around and sent it's tail at him. Each blow was heavy, but then again it was made of trees, so each attach was slow compared to his already high agility. Each strike was evaded, not before he managed to plant a well place strike on each lib swung at him. It still hurt catching the attack though, and soon his health was growing dangerously low. His skills could not keep up with the monster, and it was not even anywhere near reduced in terms of health. let's see what you are. he thought as he rolled again, taking a good look at the giant tree-rex Heh, I punned.


Level 7, those aren't even supposed to be here, and a rare spawn too! He thought as he dodged another blow, this time, its head coming in for a bite. he almost smirked as it missed, predictably, and its eye just entered sword range. He didn't know how, but in a flash, his claw was in his free hand, and jabbing straight for the eye, just as the sword came down as well, both striking the weak point within seconds of each other. It's health lowered dramatically, though still being way over three fourths, it was a big leap from the previous state.


"You both can come in any time you want." He said as he called towards the child he helped a while ago and the partner he made, Mariah, her name was. He could not simply just stay as the distraction forever or it would be the end of him. It came for another bite, and again, the two blows coupled by the bonus damage drastically reduced its health down to three fourths as he struck the stunned beast anywhere he could. Slashes were peppered on the monster as he leapt around it, dodging any limbs that would come for him entirely before planting a few strikes here and there.


Time was running out though, soon he would have to turn back. "Take over!"

 

[Sythril]

For the first time in her life, a funny-sounding word had saved her life. Scarlette let out a laugh of relief as the painful bite on her arm started to slowly dissipate. Though, the big, red pixelated marks were more visible when the boss wolf let go of her. She nodded as Volke started talking, and watched as he left to continue this fight. She couldn't help but stare a bit as he moved ever so gracefully, she didn't even see the flaws in his actions.


She had regained her focus after a few seconds. I can't let his help go to waste, she thought while equipping her starter sword from her inventory. She still couldn't shake off the feeling of surprise when all she could do earlier was watch her HP go down when the alpha's fangs were on her arm--she was honestly a light nudge towards death--but those past emotions were buried with the feeling of excitement. Yes, for a girl like her, near-death experiences, especially her first one, were going to be significant as well.


This could have been my first death experience, she thought. Though she knew that now she was saved. She unsheathed her starter weapon and stood, regaining composure. Her eyes watched Volke and the wolf, and when the time came, Scarlette nodded and ran to the monster, jumping and flipping mid-air (because she thought it was cool) before lunging at it with her blade. "Ha!," she let out some sort of battle cry before killing the alpha boss. It disintegrated into polygons, and the player with about 2% left of her HP exclaimed: "Yeah!"


The game had given her a Congratulations!, and a list of exp, Yrd and number of items she gained from it. Upon scrolling through her inventory, a new set of items came into view. "Fur gloves...," she read aloud in a mutter, "Wolf claws? Some pendants... Hmm... And meat!" She looked at Volke with a big smile. "We got meat!" That was something that made her tremendously happy. She'd probably have to cook this later, or let someone else do it. But she sure wanted to do so as quickly as possible. Scarlette also finally noticed her skills and level up.





Congratulations, you've reached level 3!


Her eyes widened in feeble surprise upon seeing her «Sprint» level. Since when did I have that?, she wondered. The «One-Handed Dagger» skill had showed itself, too. Also, another came into view...





"Battle Healing," she muttered thoughtfully, as if there was none of the rare spawns raging around the forest. She was about to ask nobody in particular what the skill may mean, when her gaze drifted to her health bar. Every second, her HP increased. 2... 3... 4... 5... 6...


"Oh..." she stared at her slowly-regenerating HP for a while. If not for the huge, cut tree trunk from above that threatened to squish she and her companion on the ground, she might have stayed to watch it regenerate until it was full. "Watch out!," she hopped backwards, hoping and believing that Volke was probably even better in dodging than her anyway. For someone who had a higher agility stat than earlier, Scarlette surely noticed the increase and improvements in her actions.





"What was that?!," she inched away from the big trunk. She then looked up, and realize where it just came from.


That must be the rare spawn. It looked big enough to be one, surely. With the excitement in her eyes, Scarlette looked at Volke before running towards where the big creature was. "Come on!," she said, forgetting about her HP's needs.

 

[Castello]

When he noticed that the beast had dropped meat, he felt a surge of relief course through his body. He hadn't eaten for a while now, though he couldn't cook so he certainly hoped she had the skill. He was also very glad they had a moments rest, it seemed like it was wave after wave of enemies, if he kept going he could certainly die, though that would just result in a game over, no big deal.


"Watch out!,"


Upon hearing her words he tilted his head upward, noticing the giant tree trunk that would threaten to squish him. In the last couple of seconds he jumped back, narrowly avoiding the tree. From Scarlette's point of view it would appear he had been squished, but he silently emerged from behind and stood next to her and looked up and there was their next opponent. 'Great...' He thought to himself.


Before he could think of what to do next, his little friend, Scarlette sprinted up, despite her low health. Quickly, Volke caught up to her and grabbed her by the shoulder. "Wait! No need to be so rash. Here, take this, your health low." He interrupted offering her a blood red flask. It's ID read:


<<Potion of minimal healing: Heals 200 HP and speed up recovery for 10 seconds by 2>>


He had received it this very morning from a dungeon raider who had too much room in his inventory.





"Let's not give me all the rare spawn okay?" He humoured and began to walk his way towards the beast. It seemed his day was getting more eventful with every waking second. He twirled his silver knife around, realizing it was on its last legs. This would be its final battle, he'd make its finest hour for sure!

 

[EvilLaugh]

"I guess I'm on my own then." He said to himself as he narrowly dodged the attack, not even bothering to launch a counter strike considering the damage he would receive anyway. He gripped his sword in anticipation, this was a death game now, one death would be his last and he would be damned if he would be felled by a tree. "Not today, not like this and never here." He muttered harshly as he weaved in between the lumbering creature's legs, trying to get it to strike him with it's foot to unbalance the creature while peppering the trunks it had for legs with as many strikes as he could, each on top of each other for maximum effect.


He felt what the Blake Swordsman purportedly feel when he fought, like his adrenaline rushed and everything slowed somewhat, but his body did not keep up, so he was moving painfully slowly as he fought. But he had time, and time he could use, planning each strike with as much precision as possible. Vertical, diagonal, roll, horizontal, stab, spin, windmill, cross cut, double uppercut, jump back, horizontal, uppercut... He recited each move in his mind as his body tried its best to keep up. He wasn't nearly as fast as the legendary Beater, but this was a low level boss compared to the God of the old castle. He could do this given enough time.


And of course, for once, fate decided not to spit in his face. The monster thought it was wise to do exactly that. With a simple roll, he managed to avoid the jaws of the massive colossus, and again plant a double critical strike on it's eye. It would rear back in pain, but the cuts on it's legs slowed it down, allowing him to plant another strike, and another, and another before it managed to run out of range. He smiled viciously as he rushed towards it's legs with reckless abandon, knowing that his battle healing gave him a small, really infinitesimal, amount of leeway.


It was better than nothing.


The battle turned into something full of patterns, striking the legs, and then luring it for the kill with a bite. Then he would simply strike the eye when it came for the kill, multiple times as it's legs took more and more damage. He knew it was coming to an end soon, even if it just reached a quarter of it's original life. They, or he, had a tactic that worked and a weapon that wouldn't break any time soon. he looked at the bloodied claw and the glowing blade, both seemingly reacting, willing him to strike the killing blow.


"We end this now!" He proclaimed as he made the charge, back into the fray.