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[center][b]Floor 25, June 2023[/b][/center]
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In a few short months the Clearers had managed to drive ahead four floors, from twenty one to twenty five. The speed that they were now progressing was much in part thanks to the surfacing of guilds, as players quickly began to realize that forming these organizations was the best option for their survival. Now that they had reached the twenty-fifth floor, three guilds stood at the precipice of the dungeon entrance, as well as Fitch and his group of friends. The labyrinth had already been cleared and mapped, all that remained in their way was the boss fight. Since there had been no chance to observe the boss yet this was going to be as close to flying blind as it got. There was no room for error in this fight, and as such only the best players were taking part in this raid. Plenty of players had to be turned down that opted to help, as the risk to the average warrior was just too great. With a meeting of so many players there was a definite need for a sort of commanding branch to keep everyone in control, otherwise the fight was liable to become messy. It was a common agreement that between all of the guilds, one above all should lead the battle. The guild in question was to be the Knights of Blood, a well revered guild that had been gaining prominence since their inception on floor 12. Their leader Heathcliffe was almost a household name by now, and for good reason. Every player present put their utmost confidence in the man, knowing full well that he would lead them through this battle safely and to victory. Now gathered at the entrance to the dungeon, everyone waited for Heathcliffe's opening statement, the words that would send them into the fray and to the next boss. 

Standing at the door, tall and proud, Heathcliffe looked out at the players gathered around him. A heavily clad KoB member stood to either side of him, his own personal guards one would assume. As ever he seemed cool and collected, betraying little emotion as he waited for idle chatter to die down. Once everyone had gone quiet he cleared his throat, his voice resonating around the area as he spoke.

"Today we're tackling the Floor 25 boss, this you all know. Unfortunately, this is about the extent of our knowledge. Since the boss room is sealed we've not been able to gather any information, and as a result we only know a little information. I shouldn't have to stress the danger of this raid enough." He paused for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully. With his hands rested on his shield and sword he lifted one into the air, forming a fist.

"Despite this, I know that we can conquer our opponent. You are the best fighters that all of Aincrad has to offer, the ultimate example of what one can accomplish when they fight for their fellow man. We're going into the unknown, but the unknown is not something that we should fear." Heathcliffe paused again, allowing himself a small smile as he raised his voice, almost shouting. "I believe that the unknown should fear us! We will walk in there, and like so many times before we will emerge victorious. I have the utmost faith in all of you, and I know you won't disappoint. Let's take this challenge head on, and continue our fight for a better future!"

As with every time that he spoke, Heathcliffe's speech was met with a raucous applause and cheer. It was rather curious, he had this enigmatic way of rousing people's morale and lifting spirits despite being a relatively simple-spoken person. It was only in instances like these, prior to a boss raid, that he truly expressed himself, and it was always something optimistic and supportive. It was no wonder so many people looked up to him, and in turn the KoB. The title of "Aincrad's best hope" wasn't given out lightly, and this guild had most certainly earned it. As people voiced their support and enthusiasm Heathcliffe turned about, drawing his sword from its home in the shield and giving it a swing. With a nod to his guards the doors were pushed open, the stone doors grinding along the floor as they were forced open. Gesturing forward with his sword he began a slow but steady walk inside, taking it upon himself to lead into whatever might be waiting for them inside. The dungeon had already been cleared, but there would still be fights between here and the boss. They had some battling to do, but with the players present it ought to be a cakewalk.

Suto had been amongst those cheering after Heathcliffe's speech, certainly buying into the idolization of the guy. How couldn't you be in awe of the KoB anyways? They were some of the strongest players and they were fighting for the sake of everyone else, for those who couldn't. If that wasn't an admirable task then he didn't know what was. As the chorus of shouts died down and the doors open the martial artist settled himself, a smile plastered on his face. He was certainly one of the ones too who needed the comfort in words, being nervous before every expedition. Here among friends and close allies it helped to calm his nerves, making this endeavor nowhere near as daunting as it could be. As everyone began to disperse he let out a soft sigh, lifting his arms in a stretch and folding them behind his head. 

"This is going to be great! We're going to crush this boss!" A renewed enthusiasm had him all excited, Suto was ready to go. "What do you think it's going to be? Something weird? Something big?"

"Honestly Suto... Listen to yourself..." Luna mumbled, rolling her eyes. "You're the only one who could be this annoyingly cheerful before a raid."

She didn't quite share her friend's enthusiasm, having a more somber mood herself. Luna had confidence they were going to triumph too, but she wasn't going to act as if it was going to be an easy task. There had been close calls before, and as they climbed up the floors it would only get more dangerous hereon out. Simply put, she didn't believe cheerfulness was a luxury that any of them had, or should have. Shaking her head in disbelief Luna made a stroke in the air with her index finger, drawing up her equipment menu. A sword materialized on her back then, a two-handed blade that near rivaled her height in its sheer size. If not for the game's strength stat she'd never realistically be able to use a weapon like this. In the game it was a small feat, and her high stat let her swing it about with relative ease. Now truly equipped for combat she allowed herself a tiny smile, holding her head up proudly as she walked along. She might not be Heathcliffe, but she liked to think she was strong in her own right, and this fight was a chance to show it.

"I could be all mopey if you'd prefer," Suto retorted, smiling in spite of the glare he got. "But that would only be worse. Besides, not like I'm hurting anyone by getting worked up for this."