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[PP-F1] Masamune's Request. «Earning A Living»


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Jazper had been traversing the first floor for the entire day. Her feet were beginning to get tired, but she still hadn't quite pinpointed what she was looking for. She was beginning to believe the Town of Beginnings was built way too large for any normal human to comprehensively navigate without strain. Then again, the game wasn't intended to be easy by any means, so she didn't expect any easy passes. Jazper didn't wish to spend so much time on a floor she was no longer interested in. She had already done so much mapping of it that it was nearly impossible to even care about any of its villages or inhabitants anymore. Jazper had only returned to find information on earning a profession. She was positive, then, that she wanted to become a blacksmith. She was going to forge her own Katana eventually, but it would take time to hone her craft, of course. Either way, it would be childish to plan so far ahead when she didn't even possess the means necessary to do any such crafting. Jazper had spoken briefly with a player back when they had first joined... before the announcement... and said player had informed her about the quest that grants a job, but now for some reason she could not remember where she had to go to get there.

It was not long before Jazper decided to return to the town square. It did not make sense to exasperate herself walking in circles. She did not wish to appear weak to the other players, but she figured not many people would think much of simple directional inquiries. She eyed the area until she noticed a nice suit of armor standing tall near the fountain. Jazper began walking toward them, hoping that she could have a simple exchange with the man. She did not touch him, but she made her presence known by standing in front of him. She bowed. "Pardon me. I am need of some information and was wondering if I could bother you for it." She spoke politely, and softly. The sun shifted in the sky and illuminated her bright green eyes, accentuating the brown freckles that littered her cheeks. She was shorter than the man, but not so that he was towering over her. She nodded. "I, of course, understand if you are busy with other tasks.

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Standing at his full height of 6'3, his ornate black and rust colored armor absorbing sunlight like the void gulping in light. His helmet was held in one arm, at his hip, allowing his short brunette hair and long brunette beard be free. The large jet black raven Typhus, his familiar, sat perched on his shoulder. It's burning azure eyes glanced around at the people walking by, occasionally giving a passionate "Kronk!" at some, and ignoring others. Little children occasionally tossed bits of bread up at the bird, and it caught them deftly and gobbled the bits up. The sun was crawling along the sky as towards it's zenith, and Nikodemus was glad that it didn't actually generate much heat, the worst heat being that of floor 9, followed by floor 5. 

 

As he stood there, waiting, his icy blue eyes noticed a young lady step before him as he stood before the fountain. Looking to her, he listened to her speak and ask if she could ask questions of him. Nodding, Nikodemus spoke. "Yes. Ask away. I have just been waiting for some orders. I will try to answer anything I can."

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Jazper nodded graciously. The man spoke formally. There was a bit of professionalism dropped in his tone. She couldn't immediately tell if the character standing before her was a reflection of the real life man controlling it, or an imaginary character for roleplay. Either way, she found herself fascinated with his entire disposition. He exuded confidence, as if the power wielded in this world was something tangible. She didn't want to waste the man's time with thoughts like that, so she spoke immediately. "I am currently looking for a way to earn a profession. I am aware there are NPCs that grant users job titles for access to certain game mechanics," She paused to glance at the midnight black crow on the man's shoulder. She pondered its existence in this world for a moment, and what its code truly believed this man was in relation to it. A master? A partner? Her thoughts didn't show on her face, however, and passed in a second as she looked back to the man's bright blue eyes. "If you could, I would like to be directed towards a blacksmith that can grant said quest." Jazper eyed the man tentatively. His armor was certainly something of higher grade, so he must be knowledgeable of at least a local armory. No matter what he wishes to admit, one must invest time in to finding the proper armor. By the laws of possibility, he must have at least one ounce of knowledge on the smith'ing world.

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Listening intently, Nikodemus watched the young lady before him. He knew she was appraising him, or atleast his level and gear. Most people did this, even he himself. It was a natural reflex of the game for most, and more of a habit for others. He followed her gaze to his familiar. The large raven on his shoulder simply squawked at a passerby a loud "KRONK!" as the man ducked his head and ran. Tapping the bird's beak lightly with his taloned finger, Nikodemus made a murmured "Hush" noise, silencing the bird for the time being. As the young girl asked about a blacksmith and professions, Nikodemus nodded understanding. "Ah. You seek a master NPC. Simple. There are dozens along the first floor. One is actually close by. Small shop, but the owner is a good NPC who teaches the trade. They all ask the same of course. Go out, kill boars or search for materials, then return. Simple quest most times. Hmmm... The shop is just beyond the square here, around the corner. Don't know the NPC's name, but there is a sign out front. I could show you if you'd like."

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Jazper nodded again. "Thank you. Yes, I would prefer you show me the location. I really don't wish to waste more time searching for the place," She faked an unconvincing laugh. "Lead the way." She seemed to command more than offer. She was grateful that the man had offered real help. She was nervous that she may have to read between the lines of some ridiculous, half-ass information. She has come to realize that most of the men that frequent these games had judgement slightly clouded by misogyny. They always requested something promiscuous in return for her inquiries, or they just flat out ignored her. It was a breath of fresh air to be given a straight answer right from the beginning. She was tempted to rest a hand on her sheathed sword, though, to make sure the man understood not to try any kind of scheme on her. "My name is Jazper," she suddenly introduced herself. They walked for a few more steps and she sighed. "It is a common practice among humans to formally introduce oneself as a sign of respect and kindness." She glanced at him with narrowed eyes and flat expression. "I assume you've never heard of this method of introduction, as you didn't initiate any such thing." She smiled faintly. "Although, I must admit I could do without the empty formalities..." She thought to thank him, but he most likely wouldn't understand. She decided to filter herself for the rest of the walk.

Edited by Jazper
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Hearing her agree to be shown the shop, Nikodemus nodded softly then nudged the bird with his head. "Go." The large raven took flight and soared high above the roofs of the settlement, moving a short distance away and then landing on a roof. Nikodemus knew it would be there waiting for them. Turning, he began walking towards the opposite end of the square, where he had mentioned the shop being. He made sure she was following, and that the crowd gave them a wide berth, ensuring clear line of sight. As he walked, he heard her mention her name and speak about it being curteous to and such. With a deep hearty laugh, Nikodemus shook his head. "Well, I am from Germany. We are taught that yes. But, in this game, it's easy to learn ones name. Most people just check the name in the top corner of the HUD. When you interact with someone, it usually shows. I am also used to people knowing me by... My reputation.'

 

At this, Nikodemus motioned his finger up above his head, to the large orange cursor bobbing above his head. It meant he had, at some time, harmed another player or an NPC. 'Word had spread through most of the floors that I and another had completed a quest, and had slain an NPC during it... So, I am typically known here and there. I also had flyers around this floor for my Blacksmith shop. So that is another reason. I must apologize once again. I am to used to the game, and my madness doesn't help at times. I am Nikodemus Blackwood. But you may call me whatever you wish. My name is hard for most to pronounce. Even by fellows of my homeland. It is nice to meet you Mamzel Jazper. And that, I mean." Shooting a soft smile to the young lady, he returned his attention to the street.

 

After a winding turn, and a few minutes of walking, Nikodemus stopped infront of a shop. It's sign fluttered back and forth gently, the paint fading, but still visible, detailing the word 'SMITH' boldly. Atop the roof, the large black raven gazed down and cawed once, then resumed it's vigil. Entering the shop, Nikodemus held the door for the girl and allowed her space to enter. "Here we are. Just go to the counter and speak to the smith. He'll give you a quest to deal with boars or find stuff. Just accept it and your on your way."

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Jazper swallowed all the information he offered her at once. She glanced up at the warrior's tinted cursor, nodding knowingly as she continued to listen. So, he carries a name of infamy. Jazper wouldn't know. She had been caught up in her own world, so-to-speak, gathering bits of information about the world. She thought for a moment that along the way she must have forgotten about the people inside it, but she reminded herself that they were simply unimportant to her. Humans add such little substance to the actual observable universe in the real world, that she had, in a way, disregarded them altogether in her research. She would have to eventually shift that way of thinking, though, as this world is directly affected by human interference. After all, portions of it are unlocked directly by consequence of player action. In essence, it was a core opposite of principle in relation to the real world. Jazper stared at the man for a moment and then smiled. "You unlocked a point of hypothesis for me... Thank you," She nodded. The man had a deep voice that must be rather suave to most young women. She tilted her head slightly at his pleasantries. He seemed genuine, but also naive. "I would agree on it being nice to meet you, Nikodemus, however it would be foolish of me to force a statement I'm not sure will remain true... Hm. Well, I suppose at least for the time being, it's been nice to meet you as well."

They only had to cross the plaza and walk down a small path before they had arrived at the "SMITH"'s shop. It was small and quaint, and for some reason, Jazper had expected something grande. Maybe that was why she couldn't find it to begin with. He gestured for her to step inside, and she curtsied politely. She walked past him so she could speak with the NPC. "Welcome!" The old man boomed. His hands were decorated with calluses and scars, most likely a testament to his hard work as a Master Blacksmith. Jazper discussed lightly with the man about what being a blacksmith truly is and how she herself could become one with enough "dedication." After enough idle dialogue, she was granted with the «Earning A Living» quest. She humbly accepted and then made her way back out the shop. The older man waved her off, and she smiled simply out of respect as she exited. She wasn't positive why she felt the need to express kindness to something that was quite literally code and data, but nevertheless, she did.

"It seems you were correct about the quest. You've proven to be trustworthy, so I dare to make another inquiry of you; that is, if I may." She eyed the man and his familiar.

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Shrugging his shoulders at the comment of niceties and such, Nikodemus then stood just outside. He looked up to his familiar and smiled for a moment, then opened his HUD. Still no word on his orders. He could hear the conversation between the young lady and the NPC Smith, much the same as he had with the NPC in the smaller, dingy shop on the outskirts of the town. He had heard this familiar line of dialogue many times, having helped many people with this quest. For a time, Nikodemus had been a solo player, doing what he could by himself. But the time came that he had to end that foolishness. It had been almost like the Cardinal System had anticipated the changing world within SAO, and so adapated. New mobs spawned with higher difficulties, some on floors once safe for relatively low leveled players. The latest being the wave of three field bosses on floors 6, 7, and 8. Even more recently was the rumors of bandits holding a strange beast on floor 7, a monster of mythical and deadly proportions. Nikodemus had read the Info Broker book on that quest, and denied taking it solo, even at his level and skill.

 

After a moment, the young lady emerged and spoke to him. Listening, he nodded. "Sure. Inquiry away. Any help I can offer. That's my Guilds code."

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A guild. Jazper wondered if she would ever join one. She really had no use for it, although it would make gathering resources and information much easier, as she would have more people to give her roaming tips or support in the field. Then again, she would have to give up her status of "Solo Player," and break a promise... Anyways, promises are foolish, of course, as there has been no living, intelligent species with the ability to predict the future. Making promises has proven throughout history to mean nothing as circumstances change, and motives along with them. However, she knows that he would not have broken a promise to her, so she digressed from her realist thought. She closed her eyes for a second as she spoke. "The smith mentioned gathering materials for he to provide a tutorial on crafting. Although I have traversed most areas with materials available, it escapes me now what area has the most resources available," Jazper tapped a thin finger to her bottom lip.

She was testing the man. She remembered exactly where the first floor carried the most abundant resources of materials, because he had showed her that one day, awestruck with child-like wonder. It was adorable, and yet so stupid. She smiled faintly at the remembrance, the first time she had genuinely done so in the man's presence. She glanced back up at him. "I don't suppose you know an accommodating location..?" She prodded. 

Spoiler

OOC: I know there is no place on the F1 that actually gives more materials per roll or that is "abundant in materials." Just saying that for RP purposes.

 

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Hearing her ask about where to find the best and most materials, Nikodemus swiped a hand down in the air and opened his map. Tapping a couple places here and there, Nikodemus decided on one. Not his usual hunting grounds, as that area had been more populated with stronger enemies, but one he knew of and had gotten from a reliable friend of his. Checking the coordinates, he then looked to the young lady before him. "Well, there are many spots where mobs spawn in larger numbers, but most of them have undergone some... changes. The best option then is an old mud pit in the dead center of the lowlands. Boars root around there, nesting in the mud or nearby scrub brush, and many natural resources can be found there. Here are the Coordinates." With that, Nikodemus opened the message HUD and sent them via a private message to her. "Best to actually search for items unless you have some good gear and a level or two under your belt. Or, if you have a dedicated tank helping you."

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Jazper smirked on the inside, but kept her face stoic per usual. She nodded at the information, slightly impressed that the man was so well informed on the area. Jazper swiped down her menu and clicked on her journal, the small black notebook appearing in her hand as she did. She pretended to scribble down notes in the book where she had already marked said lowlands. There was a note next to it in someone else's handwriting: "Note Cred: Aryeh! ;-b" Jazper frowned. She quickly shut the book and returned it to her inventory. "Well then, I suppose we should get going," Jazper insisted, walking past the man. After a few steps, she stopped to turn back towards him. "I'm assuming you're the trusty tank that I should have helping me, correct?" She paused to glance at the man's expression. "I normally don't fraternize with other players but I suppose for the sake of survival I should trust you as my escort," she stated matter-of-factly, as if the man had already offered. She understood that the more precise method of gathering materials was to force mobs in to dropping them, however she lacked the proper level to properly execute that method. It only made sense to have the man escort her through the swamps until she could find the proper amount of supplies.

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"Hearing her mention that she had accepted his offer to help, Nikodemus looked up to the jet black raven on the roof of the building. It's head quirked to the side, one burning azure eye glaring down at him. With a grin, he tapped his shoulder and then began to walk off in the direction of the exit to the grasslands. The bird gave a loud caw and then leapt from the roof, taking a short gliding flight, and landing directly on the armored giant's shoulder. "Well then. That settles that. I needed something to do, or else my insanity would have began to strain at me, and Typhus here hates playing hide and seek. Usually flies to some tall building and waits til I give up. Fighting some boars and digging for materials seems to be better than anything else." Walking through the town's gate, Nikodemus felt the safezone barrier pass by. Once outside, he slid the ornate metal helmet from it's resting place and put it on, sealing it in place. The large spiked crown and beak-like face plate gave it an ominous look, and Nikodemus knew all to well that it was another nail in his infamous reputation.

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The two had walked in silence to the town barrier, slipping through it with ease as they neared their destination. The man had a very odd countenance about him. He was certainly kind-hearted, but it would seem he's corrupted by something of greater power. He briefly mentioned twice now his battle with madness, but Jazper couldn't pinpoint whether he was joking or if he was actually admitting to mental instability. If the latter were true, then it wasn't very smart of her to trust him as an escort. The game parameters block any player at her level from even coming close to defending against someone of his stature, so it wouldn't be easy to escape if he decided to take a turn for the worse. Jazper glanced up at the man sliding his battle helmet in to place. If anything were a testament to his mind's current state, it would be the crude way the helmet as designed-- clearly made to carry an ominous air about it. If this man truly was perceived as mad or evil, his attire wasn't helping. Jazper had to assume he didn't care about appearing "friendly;" after all, that is only proven by true character. Jazper suddenly wanted to study this world's people. She felt the little tug at the back of her mind to take note of those involved in this game. She brushed it off as they continued to walk.

They were soon walking down a slope towards a dense, tall grass a putrid smell dancing around her nostrils. The ground became slippy as they walked down a few yards. When they got down to the bottom of the hill, Jazper furrowed her eyebrows. "I forgot about the smell," She sighed. "Should I be wary of trusting you... since you didn't remind me of the aroma?" Jazper smiled at him, attempting some type of joke, even though she didn't think it was very funny herself.

She stepped over to the side where some tall grass ended in big, white flowers. A flash of blue light appeared to the left of Jazper. She immediately identified it as two spawning «Ravenous Wolves», creatures that had probably seen better days. They growled as long, black tongues hung from their rustled wolf bodies. Jazper kept her face calm, ignoring them as they growled and crawled towards Nikodemus. She reached out her hand to pluck the flower from its spot atop the grass. The flower withered when meeting her touch, and shattered away.

---

«Ravenous Wolf» 55/55 HP | DMG: 18 | MIT: 14

«Ravenous Wolf» 55/55 HP | DMG: 18 | MIT: 14

Spoiler

« ID# 62893 » LD: 2 [FAIL]

 

Edited by Jazper
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Moving along, Nikodemus could feel eyes upon him. He had come to be used to the feeling. Many people, even NPCs, stared at him. Not only at his height and build, nor just his armor, or even the orange cursor above him, but just at him. He didn't mind either way. He learned long ago that this game was never going to be cleared without as many people banding together and helping one another. So he tried to make himself as useful as possible, and put aside all other thoughts but escaping. Hearing her ask about whether she could trust him, Nikodemus turned and looked her over. "Yes. You can. I may be insane, but even at my worst, I will not harm anyone who I am charged with protecting. I am not like some of the others you'll meet. I know what is needed for escape. And that is people. As many as possible. We won't get fresh faces appearing in the Town of Beginnings every day like some other game. We are all who will be here, and if more of us continue to slay one another for petty reasons, then no one will escape... So, yes, you can trust me."

 

Approaching the area, Nikodemus noticed the large wolves while the young lady was going for a flower. With quick reflex, Nikodemus brought his axe and shield out and slashed at the beasts, getting their attention, but not hitting them. Fending off a few bites and claws, Nikodemus made sure that he was the only target they would see. With a hushed tone, Nikodemus spoke to Jazper. "Stay back, and do not do anything to these beasts. They are stronger than most floor strength mobs. They will target me as the highest level, and leave you be so long as you do not attempt to attack them. One hit from them, and you will most likely be no more..."

 

 

ID #63168

BD: 2

MD: 5

Edited by Nikodemus_Blackwood
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