Dracul

Continuing my journey back to the quest giver, I marveled at the peculiarities of this world. The digital wilderness echoed with mysteries, blending the magical and the mundane. As I approached the cozy campsite, Giovanna, the woman in green, awaited. Her emerald eyes sparkled with curiosity as I handed her the enigmatic find.

"So, you've found a Demonic Shard! You continue to impress me. I'll confess, you've learned all that I could teach you through this single quest. Trial by fire has always been my preferred style," Giovanna declared with a grin, extending her hand. "As payment for your troubles, why don't you keep the Shard? I will be needing the compass back, however. Next time you hunt for a Shard, you will have to earn it the hard way—with your own skill!"

With those words, a sense of accomplishment surged through me. I had acquired the <<Forager>> profession, a testament to my journey through this digital wilderness and the knowledge gained from an unexpected find.
 

Thread Rewards:

Word count: 6266 (link)
(Word Count / 10) * (Player's Tier) * (Group Factor)
6266/10 * 2 * 0,7 = 877

Dracul:

• +1177 EXP |  877 [Thread] + 300 [Quest]
• +400 Col [Thread]
• +1x Demonic Shard
• +5x Materials
• <<Forager>> Profession

Aquan:

• +1177 EXP |  877 [Thread] + 300 [Quest]
• +400 Col [Thread]
• +1x Demonic Shard
• +1x Materials
• <<Forager>> Profession

These outliers stand out like anomalies in the code, their movements less fluid, their appearances less refined. Their behavior diverges from the expected patterns, almost as if they are glitches in the system rather than intentional inhabitants of this fantastical world. In the dappled light filtering through the virtual foliage, I can't shake the feeling that these creatures are remnants of a forgotten algorithm or perhaps the result of an unexpected variable in Cardinal's grand design.

Yet, despite their apparent dissonance, these anomalies contribute to the overarching mystery of Sword Art Online. Each awkwardly crafted entity sparks curiosity, inviting contemplation on the complexities of Cardinal's creation. As I navigate this virtual wilderness, these out-of-place beings serve as a constant reminder that, even in this meticulously designed realm, elements of unpredictability persist, adding an extra layer of intrigue to my exploration.

As I meandered through the digital foliage, my musings interrupted by the buzzing of my pocket, I instinctively reached for my left side. Retrieving the vibrating object, I chuckled at the absurdity of my reaction—old habits retained even in this fantastical realm. Holding the device to my ear, I listened to the phantom vibrations for a second, a reminder of a time long gone.

Glancing at the location marked on the compass that surfaced from the depths of my pockets, I discovered an unexpected find. Nestled in the underbrush was an oddly shaped object, resembling a tooth or, perhaps, a horn from a different perspective. Intrigued, I picked it up and examined it more closely before tossing it into a designated quest inventory. This was the Demonic Shard Giovanna sent us to find!

ID# 218748  LD: 20+3  CD: 8 (Demonic Shard found!)

Demonic Shard: 1/1
Materials: 5

We continued to chat a bit more and make our way through our gathering quests. Aquan proved to be more attuned to this type of work and meet the quest requirements far more earlier than myself. As I was in no rush we agreed that he could go about his day and after a few more friendly exchanges we said our goodbyes for the day with a promise to reunite for some other occasion. He was a good fellow and I almost had to force him to leave, explaining that he simply had better luck than me in meeting the requirements for the «Forager» title. He reluctantly went back to return Giovanna's «Cursed Compass» after I reiterated to him the fact that it was for the best if he could go now. 

With my own cursed compass in hand I continued the search for this elusive Demonic Shard in solitary.

Continuing my quest for herbs and plants in the expansive world of Sword Art Online, I can't help but reflect on how the task has become at least ten times more tedious since I set out alone. The surroundings are serene, with occasional glimpses of the local wildlife, but encounters with them are disappointingly brief. These creatures seem to regard me as an imminent threat, scurrying away hastily as soon as they catch sight of me. I've tried various gestures and expressions to establish a non-threatening presence, but it seemed futile.

Contrary to the seamless integration of some creatures into this virtual realm, there exist anomalies that disrupt the carefully crafted illusion of Sword Art Online. These beings, wandering out of the shadows of meticulous design, appear as if they were plucked from another dimension entirely. It's as though Cardinal's usually meticulous hand faltered, leaving behind entities that defy the established harmony.

ID# 218747  LD: 4+3  CD: 4 (NO loot!)

Demonic Shard: 0/1
Materials: 5

I ignored the girl's plea and focused instead on my reply to the blonde: " I'll keep that in mind. " an ingenious answer followed by a question of my own: " What would you have us do now? " I had a few answers in my mind but was expecting confirmation from her. With the corner of my eye I see Darius walk next to Millicent and gently rub her back, my indifference clearly having an effect on her. With a raised eyebrow Ariel finally replies after a few seconds that I for one, found unnecessarily long: " You're going to put that big brain of yours to use and help me on a quest on the 1st floor. "

What a surprise, I'd like to say but in reality.. it wasn't. Nonetheless, I've been through this many times before and accepted with a shrug. Then turning to face Darius, Ariel added: " Of course, you're coming too, right? "

Another fail... this 'experiment' was going nowhere fast and I could sense myself getting a little more infuriated after each attempt. " Milord, maybe we should take a break. " came the pertinent suggestion from my assistant, Darius, who was cleaning up the workbench after our last 'mishap'. Turning towards him, my index in the air as I opened my mouth to reply when a soft ping distracted me. I changed the direction of my finger as I gesticulated a pause then opened the new alert. It was a party invitation from Millicent. With a frown I dismiss it and once more focus on Darius. As I prepare to speak another ping interrupts me for the second time. "O for the love of..." I stop my cursing and frown as I see that I received another party invitation. This time from the master of the domain, a fair blonde warrior maiden. With a sigh I accept it and see that two blue marks are approaching my lab's premises. Finally I turn towards Darius and with half a smile I nod and reply: "it seems we'll be taking a break whether we like it or not." the next second I see him grinning like an idiot as he was added to the party by Ariel.

Dracul | HP: 400/400 | EN: 58/58 | DMG: 4 | MIT: 0 | LD:+3 | REC (2) | Taunt

• Familiar Obtainment Thread: https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20849-f22-pp-a-helping-paw-≪training-your-friend≫/?do=findComment&comment=639274
• Familiar Name: Julius
• Familiar Description: A mature Greyhound/Mastiff mix breed with black fur and a small white spot on his back.
• Familiar Image: pic

It looks like I haven’t lost my touch. The dog on the other side raised its head as soon as I whistled and looked at us on the other side. Then with little to no hesitation it jumped in the river and started swimming towards us. I was pleasantly surprised by this development as I didn’t think it would work that smoothly. Also the fact that the blonde resumed her fishing and even left a lane for the creature to swim directly us, eased my worries that it would try to attack us. While this was a zone where PKers could walk, no monster could trespass and attack us. The blonde must’ve surmised the same.
“Good boy!” I say with a little pride as the dog successfully crosses the lake and drops the familiar food at my feet. I pick it up and extend it to the greyhound mixed breed. As now that I get a better look at him I can recognize his breed and a fine one to boot. I extend the other hand and start petting the beast, it shows no signs of rejecting me. “Good boy…” I mutter again as I continue petting him. As a ‘Congratulations!’ window pops up, the NPC from before shows up as well. I hand her the Familiar Food left and thank her with a bow. “I’m glad you managed to find someone to your liking. This little one will serve you with loyalty!” she simply replied, took her quest item and disappeared in the bushes, paying little to no attention to Ariel or Kimba.

ID# 188360  CD: 12 (Familiar Successfully Tamed!)

My comment meant no ill intent, only friendly banter which was the form it was received as. “Maybe this is too real” she added with a laugh and enlarged the details window for me to see. “Oh! So it can be transformed into a material?” I replied as I read its description. One of the good things about the new update was the unification of materials. No more different tiered materials which made crafting even more annoying and cumbersome. 
I see both the blonde and her familiar looking over the riverside, the blonde’s eyes slightly glowing. I direct my attention towards the same area but barely see anything forms except trees and bushes. “Something wrong?” I ask as even I sense a change in their mood. I see the blonde raising her hand to silence me, which is rewarded with a frown.
A few moments later I notice an unnatural movement and a general ease in the mood as the duo lets out a synchronized sigh (and a chuff from the lioness). “Someone wants to return your item.” mused the blonde with a smile.

ID# 188358  LD: 14+4 (Familiar Found!)

Yet another snack for the ever hungry familiar. I can’t help to think that if this were the real world, this lioness would barely be able to move thanks to her laziness. Once more she sent the hook soaring over the river surface until it sink at the desired spot and stood still. The blonde took the opportunity to continue her story or what was left of it as I expected no plot changing developments. “We then went back together in the main settlement and I returned what was left of the familiar food to the gypsy…” she looks to the side, where the woman’s form disappeared and tilts her head. “Now that I remembered it wasn’t this floor but the one where the amazons live. I distinctly remember only women roaming around in that place. And unlike other NPC and players, they didn’t seem particularly distraught of a lioness freely walking in the middle of their village.” she added with laughter. I can’t help but reply with a dry: “Yeah…” and a fake chuckle.

“Is that so?” I mutter somewhat pensively, a little curious as to why she seemed to have chosen to skip over details in her recounter of the past events. However I know that it would be unproductive for me to ask for more details, even the gipsy was pretty straightforward in saying as much: ‘Find a animal you like, feed it this special food and claim it as your own’ of course, that was my liberal interpretation and not verbatim. “What happened next?” I ask as I take a seat on the porch somewhat closer to the samurai woman. I see her slightly turn her face towards me, was that relief I saw in her expression? I wonder... 
“Then after a while of us, spending some time alone in the forest. I named her Kimba, of which her highness approved.” I see her stroking the lioness nose, spoiling her yet again. The queen in question letting her owner spoil her as usual and purring. 

I watched as the blonde’s latest catch, which wasn’t of the metallic kind, gets devoured in almost an instant by her familiar, leaving behind only bones and scales. “Let’s test your theory.” I mutter as I search my inventory to see if the food item has magically returned to me, I let out a grin as if it wasn’t there. “Carry on with your story.” I urge Ariel, who understood that I was merely testing her words just now.
After a small cough, she casts another line and continues to relate from her memory: “There isn’t much to say after that, I was a bit reluctant but figured out I had nothing to lose, so I adventured in the forest in search of a monster to tame and claim it as my own.” she affectionately looked at Kimba and softly smiled.” You would say I got the short stick but I think in reality she is the perfect fit for me.”

"So did she tell you how to find a familiar?" That question woke me out of my partially entranced state and my eyes moved to meet the blonde’s. “Yeah, something like that..” I blankly replied, the quest details were a bit unclear “Tell me more of how you met her and found this beast!” I ask in an almost commanding tone without meaning to, Kimba picked it up and let out a low growl towards me. The blonde seemed used to my manner of speech and paid little attention to the tone.
“I meet her in some back alley, like now, totally by chance or dumb luck.” she said, leaning a bit back and looking up towards the now sunny sky. It seemed to help her remember, as she continued with a smile. “I was a little reluctant at first but no matter how much I tried to throw the ‘familiar food’ away, it always found its way back in my inventory.” she chuckled, as if daring me to try.

It seemed the blonde was too busy fiddling with the treasure chest to spare even a glance in my way, so I had to deal with this NPC myself. “Use this well..” said the gypsy as she pointed towards the familiar food. “When you find a little one that you think suits your needs, have them eat from this. It will help form a durable bound like the one they have.” I was a little at loss, somehow she read me like an opened book and realized my desire for useful items overcome any need for visually pleasing items. I looked at the blonde that was teasing her familiar in absence of fish to give her. Their relationship always reminded me of my hunting pack back home. I really hope now that they’re taken care off, those greyhounds are my most loyal allies, second only to Claudia and Darius. “I will return this to you after I finish…” I answer after accepting the item.

ID# 188183  LD: 6+4 (No Familiar Found!)

“Why do you even keep that beast on the school grounds? Shouldn’t it be in the wild, doing animal activity on game instead of me!?” I protest slightly annoyed as I pick myself off the ground. Before the blonde got a chance to reply to my inquiry, I noticed her stance slightly shifting and could’ve swear I saw her eyes flashing for a moment. I didn’t get a chance to word out my curiosity when I heard nearby bushes moving again. They part ways for a woman with the NPC yellow tag above her head and a name below it. “I mean you no harm, good adventurers!” she claims as she removes any leaves or debris off her dress. I look next to the landlord with a questioning gaze. She looked as surprised as me but at the same time seemed to recognize her. ”Old acquaintance of yours?” I ask in a slightly cheeky manner. It seemed to disperse the frown off Ariel’s brow and bring her back to reality as she took a second to change her gaze from the ≪Traveling Gypsy≫ to me and reply: “You can say that.. She helped me find Kimba… on this floor…" She felt silent, as if reminiscing about the past. 
“I followed this little one and she led me to this location. I sense you haven't bound with a friend yet. This might help you!” the gypsy seemed to ignore the blonde and handed me an item titled ≪Familiar Food≫. “Thanks?” was my immediate reply as I watched her with a confused expression, then turned for the blonde for help.
 

While I listen to her explanation, I also observe how she opens the new chest she gained. 'So this is the other gathering profession...' I think before rerouting my thoughts towards the topic in hand. I personally found it highly improbable for inanimate items to possess any semblance of a soul or such but even I was sensible enough to not trample over someone’s belief because of my own. That is how wars started in the past and even for less than a difference in opinion. “I believe everyone has a different stance and belief, I’m not about to question yours for my own satisfaction. Especially not in this fantasy world where apparently magic is possible.” I open my arms ceremoniously, out of habit and fix my gaze on the weapon she seemed to greatly care for. ”Who am I to say that that thing can’t be possessed?” I see a small smile forming on the blonde’s lips, it seems like my words were a sufficient answer.

I nod to myself as it made sense in a way, even if I’m barely scratching the surface on the complexities of Kendo. Which honestly doesn't interest me, I was delighted to see the blonde’s fencing. Ever since I first laid my eyes on her, I’ve been mesmerized by her style and asked Claudia to keep tabs on her even back in the real world. I shake my head to banish those thoughts and continue: “So you’re taking advantage that this is a ‘controlled’ environment where you can’t cut others while training.” I say that but almost immediately regret my words used to describe this game. It is better labeled as an extended cage that keeps us busy in the meanwhile. I let out a loud sigh as I started lightly scratching the back of my head in frustration. Once again I reminded myself of the reality of this place without meaning too. My eyes inadvertently moved towards the new item she received from the river.

“Not at all! I finished just now.” she replied as she adjusted her weapon at the side. I gaze obviously at the saya and ask: ”Shouldn’t you be practicing with a training sword? I thought using a ‘live’ blade isn’t permitted outside official business and such.” I ask, taking advantage of the little knowledge I possess on the matter. Being a fan of her since I first saw her fencing match in my home country, I learned a little bit about sword fighting even though I cannot practice it myself. All my attempts failed rather flashing and I wish not to repeat the experience. This… game was supposed to be a more reliable and realistic way to learn about. I heard her lightly chuff at my question as her smile broadens, seems like I hit a comfort zone for this muscle brain. I mentally brace for the barrage definition that is most likely coming my way.
 

I had to admit to myself that she had a great form while practicing early in the morning. I have barely woke up and tended to my morning routine when the blonde lioness already seemed on the brink of finishing hers. How early did she wake up? It is to my understanding that such training and even warm-up sessions tend to be at least one hour long. If so, she must’ve woken up before all of us, even the diligent Claudia, then went outside to train before there was even any light. The presence of still lit paper lanterns and candles confirming my suspicion. I never thought of myself as a lazy person, having woken up a little after dawn but seeing her like this made me reconsider how I invest my time first thing in the morning. 
Before I start spiralling into futile plans to improve my morning time management, Darius walks towards me and offers a small bow: “Good morning milord. Shall I prepare breakfast?” he asks before following my gaze outside. 

HP:380/380 | 56/56 EN | DMG: 13 | MIT: 12 | LD: +6

Guilds, yet another gray area that I barely scratched. Yet this time, I can bring my own view on some of the presented points, so I take the opportunity to interject: "Technically, I have been part of one of the biggest merchant guild in Aincrad. Past tense, mind you. I can 100% claim that I have not even once stepped inside the guild hall. Even for registering as a member, I did that via DMs. " I lightly chuckle as I remember how convenient if was to reap the benefits of the guild just by being a member with nothing to give in return. I've never been interested in interacting with other outside the 'job', even on the outside world I have attended high society balls and meetings because 'it was my duty'. 

"Seeing guilds become a more important social structure could be something positive, but then again m experience is limited in that regard." I lightly shrug, making sure to diligently check the compass.

ID# 187769  LD: 10+3  CD: 8 (NO loot!)

Demonic Shard: 0/1
Materials: 5

Resting my chin on my left palm I ponder: "Wizard, I think that can work." but then I stop entertaining more in-depth thoughts than that. Unlike my companion, I am no romantic, never had the time or opportunity to be. Next up he brings up something I didn't have time to plan for. I snap my fingers and gently pop my index in front of my face. "A welcomed change if you ask me. However I'd rather it happen without any of the drama this update had." I really didn't enjoy being lost in the fog then swallowed whole by a dark tide of ink-like liquid. I'd be surprised if any of the played did.

"I haven't explored the systems of this... world, deep enough to give you a educated guess." I almost said game but it became painfully obvious since day one that this wasn't a game anymore. Not for us. "Personally I'd like to see some sort of apprenticeship system for profession. Having one individually is nice and all but I'd like a some more options and benefits and less restrictions from working with my assistants." I watch once more as the needle of this vile compass moves all over the place.

ID# 187768  LD: 10+3  CD: 6 (NO loot!)

Demonic Shard: 0/1
Materials: 5

"That's better." I mutter with a small grin as I mentally braced against the barrage of questions. "Aren't we already using magic?" I asked as I circled through some junk items in my inventory and materialized them, one after another in my left hand. "Not to mention the skills and mods let us push our bodies over the normal human capabilities. Our weapons are capable of burn, poison, bleed... how else can u explain those effects if not magic. If the NPCs of this world would be sentient, most of the things we do would seem magic to them." I knew this was a more pragmatic way of looking at it but it was how I saw it. 
 
"Now imagine if our ancestors saw our civilization back in the real world. metal carriages that move by themselves, big metal birds in the sky capable of carrying dozens of people at a time. eh?" I ask rhetorically while raising a hand. "You get what I’m saying? to them and us, everything that we have yet to understand seems like 'magic'." I lightly chuff and take a deep breath afterwards. "But to answer your question. I'd use anything that allowed me to gain more knowledge of the world." I take a few steps forward, looking at another material that caught my eye then turn around and open my arms ceremoniously "After all, knowledge is power! Do you want me to be more specific?"

ID# 187652  LD: 15+3  CD: 3 (Material found!)

Demonic Shard: 0/1
Materials: 5

"That's what i'm hoping for too!" I mutter with a smile. But I notice that he kept cutting off his own enthusiasm. "Please, don't mind my words from earlier. You don't need to hold yourself back. It's better for me if you act as you please. " I hold up the item he just gave me and slightly bob it forwards and backwards. " I've studied body language for the better part of my life. And even after spending a little time together, I'm starting to get a read on you too." I wanted to tell him that it's useless and he's like an open book but decided against it. Need more time study him before I can make a bold statement like that, that might upset him.

"I can tell you're trying to make a good first impression but I'd like you to stop. I appreciate it more when people are true to their desires." I add with a small grin and proceed to store it in my inventory. Another glance at the compass, another disappointment. I let out a small sigh at the sight. 

ID# 187648  LD: 9+3  CD: 3 (NO Loot!)

Demonic Shard: 0/1
Materials: 4

A little taken aback by his enthusiasm, I recoil forward as he produces a book of his own: "Interesting... " I mutter as I examine it at first glance. "This could help further our understanding of mobs and what makes some materials more special than others." he brings forth the compass he had been using for a while and mutters. "Maybe even invalidating the need to use this item. I think not even mother or father used to hold my hand as much as I've held it today!" I add with a smile, riding along the nice atmosphere that was currently between the two of us. "I'll gladly take you on that offer though." 

And with a few precise hand gestures on my left, I send Aquan a friend request. " We can better keep in contact this way." I added as I next summoned my inventory and materialized in my left hand a couple of dark leather bound books about alchemy. Initially I found them untitled so as I made these copies, I named then 'Fool's gold rush' and 'Bloody immortality' . "These are for you, they are copies of the original manuscripts, so you can keep them." 

ID# 187645  LD: 14+3 CD: 1 (Material found!)

Demonic Shard: 0/1
Materials: 4

" I enjoy reading and the occasional fishing trip." I downcast my gaze as I continue, once more pausing to check the darned compass. "But most of the books here are in a language I don't understand so it's hard to find a something, readable. Not to mention something that is more of my taste." I admit a little dishearten. "But recently I had a struck of good luck in acquiring alchemy books. Most of their content I already knew from the profession. But it's interesting to read about the NPC alchemists of this world and how they tried, fruitlessly I might add, to make gold out of copper, or their numerous tries and fails to make a panacea that cures all diseases. And don't get me started on their search for immortality." I lightly snicker, remembering the foolish attempts which cost them their lives and the lives of many elves upon which they experimented. "If you want I could lend you some copies. They make a fine light reading." I stop myself and examine another herb that crossed out path, yet again the compass denied me. I was starting to lose heart.

ID# 187641  LD: 14+ CD: 11 (Material found!)

Demonic Shard: 0/1
Materials: 3

"I'd be surprised if you did!" I gleefully admit. "She had a habit of not really mingling with others outside her inner circle of friends, unless it was some sort of big event or floor raid." I add as I raise a finger. Something clicked, a little later than it should've, when he mentioned the guild name. "That's a welcomed coincidence, your guild master and her are friends. In fact he helped her gather the funds to buy the land and estate where the school is. And while I haven't seen it myself, I'm told your guild's base in right in our back yard! Nice to finally meet one of our neighbours!" I added with a slight bow. My worries eased up a bit knowing that he is part of our 'sponsor' guild, so to say.

I then lightly shake my head and dismissively wave my right hand. "No need for apologies, you are not the first or the last to do so. Unfortunately I've grown accustomed to it and it doesn't bother me as much as it did once." I take the opportunity to check the compass some more while scanning the area around us. I pick another herb I recognized and bring the compass next to it. "No luck again..." I mutter.

ID# 187638  LD: 14+2  CD: 2 (Material found!)

Demonic Shard: 0/1
Materials: 2