Ayumu

She stood, clutching her head as it was aching a little bit. Ayumu would've took her turn, but feeling rather weak, her move probably wouldn't amount to much. Going over to Ryuma, she asked,

"Are you okay? That thing hit you pretty bad just now," then with a sigh, "this has ended up being harder then I thought it would be. We can do it though. All we need is one more hit on that other Nepent, then we can take out the one with the flower we need," looking at the Nepents with a frown, "why do you guys have to be so difficult?" She asked the things for no apparent reason. Then feeling rather silly for addressing the things as if they could understand her. Ayumu helped Ryuma up,

"If you end up needing it, I can always give you back the health potion you gave me. Unless, that is, you already have more. We'll finish this, don't worry."

Nepent B: 1/5

Flower Nepent: 5/5

Ayumu: HP: 6/12, EN: 2/3

Ryuma: HP: 16/24. EN: 1/6

"Eh, I guess you're right," she shrugged, "not much to do around here other then that quest I suppose," then answering his question, "well, sure! I-" she cut herself off in surprise, as he just sent her the party invitation and ran off. Ayumu blinked, not sure what to do for a moment, then quickly accepted the invite, running after him and calling,

"W-Wait up! Don't just run off like that!" She cried, eventually catching up to him. They both entered the building after the NPC let them in, activating the dialogue to lead to the quest prompt. As the whole scene ran through: with the water, and the saddened mother telling them her and her daughter's story, Red seemed rather uninterested. Sure, she was just an NPC, whose illness would just reset again and again as each player took the quest...but still. Ayumu frowned a little, but quickly cleared her countenance and mind. The woman got the details pertaining to the quest, and the prompt appeared. After Red accepted, she nodded,

"Yeah, I'll come with. I mean, I was planning on doing this quest again anyways. I've already done it once, and it wasn't too bad. We should be able to handle those Nepent things. Besides, you seem like a higher level then me now. You're probably even more capable," she shrugged, "so yeah - I'm in. Let's go!"

"Woah!" she stumbled back a little, then finding her footing, "Oh! Well hey yourself Shizua!" she smiled a little, "sorry I didn't see you coming. I had one of those weird moments where I was actually using my brain to think about things. Rare, I know - but still. How are you? I haven't seen you since our last hunting adventure," Ayumu asked. "Are you doing anything today? As for me, I've just been strolling around, trying to find a good place to set up my Blacksmith shop once I finish the quest to start that profession. I have the materials, but now I have to craft something. I'm not sure where I would set up my store either...whether on the first floor, or on another one of the ten floors. Enough about all that though, fill me in on you. What's up?"

"I was embarrassed too, and honestly, I still am. I haven't grown that much, but I'm getting there," she nodded, understanding, "and don't apologize for not being strong. I'm not apologizing, am I? I'm not that strong myself. It sounds like you have some good goals. Ambitious, but good. Besides, ambition is what we need in - you said it - this hell hole. I have things to get back to in the real world too. Those would include college, sport, friends, and a tournament that could possibly change my current athletic state if I were to do well in it. Honestly, right now was the worst time for me to be trapped inside a video game. Fate couldn't have picked a worse month. Despite all that, I'm sure I'll become good and experienced enough to fight my way out of here, and you as well." Ayumu sighed a little. Noticing Taiyo's comment on the sword, "you sound like you know what you're talking about concerning swords. Are you rather skilled with swords and the like back in the real world? If so, that might come in handy in here, even though it is a bit different."

(You're good. :3)

"Well gee, thanks. A least I can serve as a little enjoyment to someone," she smirked, "and I agree: let's go to the Forest of Wavering Mist and get this over with," she started walking out of the shop, "sounds kind of spooky, but I'm okay with that. So, I'm either going to get my butt whooped by this thing, or vice verca. I'm hoping its the former."

They both left the sleepy little town, and headed to said forest. What the NPC had told her was right - it was a rather eerie place. As the name of the woods implied, a thick mist hung over the place, making visibility more difficult. Weird sound echoed within the place...sounding almost like screams. Ayumu couldn't tell, and she really didn't want to think about it.

"Okay, I guess this is the place," she did her best to maintain an unphased, unemotional poker-face, "now to find the Dark Elf."

I'm up for it! Sounds fun to me. XD

Horunka Village - probably the smallest settlement on floor one. Why was she here? Ayumu was bored, and that combined with the need for more experience to level up, she came here to take the <<Secret Medicine of the Forest>> quest again. Hopefully she would have some successful looting, and gather some more mat. She was going to need it whenever she opened up her blacksmith shop soon. Her eyes scanned the ten little buildings in the tiny town. From what she could remember, the quest prompt was in the two story building by approaching an NPC woman, then agreeing to help heal her daughter by accepting the quest. Then she would go into the forest, fight some "Little Nepents," then eventually find one with a flower to cure the kid. Ayumu mentally went over these quest details as she walked through the quiet town. As she neared the building, she noticed someone rather familiar ahead. Frowning a little, it took her a moment to match the face with a name. Then, finally remembering, she approached him with a grin.

"A pleasant surprise seeing you again," she greeted Red, "I didn't think I'd find you here. How's it going? Are you here for the quest too?"

(sorry for making the intro so short. multi tasking right now)

Ayumu watched him execute his attack, rather impressed by the amount of passion and vigor he put into it. This encouraged her as she began her next move. Since she had the energy, she wanted to try a different Sword Art this time. 

ID: #38484

BD: 10 (MMMM. SUPER CRIT +2)

She decided to use the Snake Bite Sword Art, despite the fact that it took a little more energy to do. Her sword glowing a bright red, Ayumu delivered quick, skilled slashes to the next nepent. Its health dropped very low, and Ayumu was rather surprised at herself. Now it was the creature's turn to fight back...

MD: 8 (of course... :P)

A vine tightly wrapped around her waist, almsot squeezing the life out of her, and pounded her against a tree. It released it's grip, letting her fall right on her butt. 

Well crap. Another hit and I'm left rather helpless. At least I still have that health potion...I should've stopped by a shop and picked up some supplies. I have enough Col for some stuff...stupid, stupid. What were you thinking Tiff? Look at the mess your dumbness has gotten yourself into!!!

Nepent B: 1/5

Flower Nepent: 5/5

Ayumu: HP: 6/12, EN: 1/3

Ryuma: HP: 21/24. EN: 1/6

"Woah, woah, woah - slow the roll," she chuckled slightly, "one question at a time," Ayumu took the girl's outstretched hand and shook it, "nice to meet you Taiyo. I'm Ayumu. Just your average, low leveled player. I hope I didn't startle you, approaching you just now," she introduced herself, then with a thoughtful expression, "so, now to get to your questions. I use a one-handed straight sword, " swiping her hand, she opened her menu, and tapping on an item title in her inventory, the weapon materialized in her other hand, "and like I just said, I'm at a low level...just level three. As for a guild, no...I don't lead one, nor am I a part of one. I guess you're rather anxious to join one huh?" She raised an eyebrow, "in fact, lets stop talking about me. I have some questions for you. Do you have much experience, or are you relatively new to all this? What do you plan on doing while you're practically trapped in SAO against your will? Not everyone fights on the front lines you know."

"I see," she nodded, "alright, I'll get started on that yet. I'm still not sure what I want to do, but I'll decide soon. And thank you for the offer...I think considering the Frontlines is a little bit of a stretch right now, since I've pretty much just started. But I suppose that's my eventual goal...I'll keep your offer in mind," then after a pause, "I guess we should get going. Standing around in here won't do much," Ayumu smirked a little, "off to get some mats for this guy and defeat an elf-thing," she started walking out of the shop, "I like the quests the developers made for SAO, they're unique. Most games just have your stereotypical ones, like find the lost thing for the guy and you get money. Or save the cat and you can pass through a gate that was once locked. They're not like that in this game though, and that's good."

"The secret of getting ahead

is getting started."

- Mark Twain

Ah, floor one. The air was sweet and the wind was gentle, with sense of calm all around. It was a good place to set the Town of Beginnings - any player starting out in this death game would be comforted by the fact that they were starting out on a basic, not exactly life threatening floor. Ayumu sighed, closing her eyes and soaking up the sun as she leaned against a tree. She had just begun, and yet her first days here already seemed like a distant memory. She was still weak, and still needed to develop her skills, but she was getting there. Steps were being taken to advance through the floors, fight her way out, and perhaps someday make it to the front lines. Ayumu had no idea what was in store for her in the near future, but she was excited to find out.

Scanning the vast fields of the floor, someone caught her eye. It was a girl: another player, probably. She frowned a little, as she didn't recognize the person. Taking her weight off of the tree, she stood up straight, debating whether or not she should go over to the girl. Was she a high level player? Or was a player hiding out in the Town of Beginnings that she hadn't met yet. After a moment, Ayumu decided to approach the girl. Casually, she walked down the little hill she was on, going towards the direction of the player.

I wonder who she is? She thought. I guess I'll find out.

She shook her head with a small laugh. It would probably would be best if she didn't say anything else on that matter, lest she might fuel it more. Ayumu wanted to sleep tonight, and wouldn't be able to if she still had that playing in her head. As he began to describe stats, she perked up a little, listening intently.

Hmm...I wonder what there's a need of right now? I suppose all of those roles. Its going to be a tough choice...what should I pick? I guess I should decide soon. Having skills would make it a lot easier to fight and level up.

"Huh, okay. I see. Thanks, that's helpful," she nodded, "I'm thinking I should get on that after this. Do you know what roles there is a need for? I mean, I don't want to be useless if I go with, say...Supporter, and there's already a bunch of players with that role - so much so that I wouldn't be needed. I mean, I can still pick anything, but I want to be useful."

"Um, no. Just no," she chuckled and shook her head in regards to the comment after the first, "that's not a comforting mental picture, sorry." Ayumu laughed a little. Straightening her countenance, she did her best to take on at least a slightly more serious expression. "Thanks, I appreciate it. I may need your help, but I hope I can take it on my own. The feeling of being weak kind of sucks you know. At this rate though, that should hopefully pass as I get more experience," then with a slightly embarrassed tone, "as for skills...er...no, I haven't done anything with that yet. I suppose I should..." she winced, "I guess I should get that out of the way. Do you...have any suggestions regarding skills? I mean, I can figure it out on my own...but some advice would be nice."

"Well I would hate for you to rot, that would be a shame," she grinned a little, "and I think if you stuck with swagger, that would be best. As for doing the quest together: Sure! If you feel like it," she shrugged wile accepting the quest as the prompt screen appeared, "and I would sure hope so. Last time you did all of the work and I just watched. Not that I really minded, since some of your fighting skills are impressive. Still, I need to keep in practice and not have others do everything for me. So, I guess off to put the Dark Elf thing, or whatever to rest. He has...twelve HP, I think, so it shouldn't be too bad. His attacks do take away 9 health, but I have a health potion I got from a friend, so I should be good. Anyways, if I don't take risks, then life here would be boring."

With small growl, Ayumu prepared her next attack at the little nepent. She charged at it, her sword glowing,

ID# 38373

BD: 4

It would seem that these creatures were very alert, since the nepent avoided her attack as well, jumping back a little as she attacked. As its weird, most likely poisonous slobber dripped and splattered around itself as it gurgled, it attempted to again attack back,

MD: 4

The nepent tried to raise one of it's vines again, but somehow it had gotten tangled in a nearby bush. With a cry of surprise and frustration, it tugged at it, trying it's best to free itself, but  to no avail. Ayumu sighed with relief, her shoulders slumping a little as she released the tension that had built up, as she was worried that she was going to take another hit.

This quest shouldn't be too bad. She mused. Since I have more energy now, I can try using a better Sword Art instead of the basic Slant or Vertical. I should've used that on my first attack...oh well. I've been spared from more damage this time, so maybe during my next turn I can finish off this nepent thing.

Nepent A: 3/5

Nepent B: 5/5

Flower Nepent: 5/5

Ayumu: HP: 9/12, EN: 2/3

Ryuma: HP: 21/24. EN: 5/6

"Just taking advantage of a free order at this shop," she shrugged, "so I suppose that would be the <<Worn out Welcome>> quest," then raising an eyebrow, "a boss fight? Going to floor thirteen then, huh? Wow, that's pretty cool," then waving his apology away, "nah, nah - you're good. I was just wrapping up anyways and about to accept the quest. Supposedly I have to collect some materials and fight a Dark Elf...but I guess you already knew that about the quest. Perhaps its a bit of a risk, since I'm just at level three, but its way more entertaining than prancing around floor one hunting boars or something. Besides, I don't prance, so that's not really an option anyways. I'd like to start doing more quests anyways." she couldn't help but laugh a little as she said the latter.

And now I'm actually being humorous. Don't tell me I'm actually settling in this place...that would be disturbing, since I have so much waiting for me back at home in the real world. She mentally scolded herself.

I'll be doing this quest with Zelrius! ^^

(Looks like I need to re-evaluate my definition of long and short posts. XD)

After a bit, she had finally found the shop. Entering she looked around in mild awe at the various armor and durable clothing displays. It took her a moment to decide what she wanted to place an order for, since this was completely free, but eventually her mind settled on something. With a smile, she went up to the counter, and began talking to the Armorsmith Griswold.  As she began to place her order for a light, leather coat, someone entered the shop. Peering out of the corner of her eye, Ayumu recognized him immediately - anybody would. Temporarily excusing herself from her conversation with Griswold, she turned a little, she smiling and waving a little at him,

"Well hey! Fancy you being here. What's up?" she greeted him cheerfully.

So, the first time she had been on another floor besides the first. Not bad.

Ayumu was rather excited. Partially concerning the fact that she was on another floor, and partially concerning that there was an Armorsmith here that took orders...for no price. Mind. Blown. Who does that sort of thing? Despite the fact that it was rather unusual, and probably had a catch to it, Ayumu was going for it anyways. There was probably some quest involved where you were sent to fight some monster or something, but whatever. As she walked entered one of the huge baobab buildings in Zumfut (or maybe it was called "an arboreal mess?"), she hummed lightly to herself, a slight spring in her step. Hopefully, the shop where this particular armor smith was would stand out, so she wouldn't have to check every shop. Her eyes scanned the inside of the "tree-building," she was in, trying to find a shop with a signifying sign.

I'm not sure whether I think this place is odd, or just very unique. Everything is trees, just three, hallow trees arranged in a triangle shape. She smirked to herself. Heh, illuminati confirmed...and now I feel like a Youtube commenter back in the real world. She shook her head a little, chuckling quietly as she continued through the tree.

(not sure if this is the right setting for the quest or not. XD Had to look up what was on floor three because honestly I've forgotten already)

“We’re all stories, in the end.

Just make it a good one, eh?”

- Doctor Who

Today the Town of Beginnings was abuzz for some reason. People weaved in and out of the markets, shops were busy, and it was rather crowded. To add to the commotion, the sun blazed down on top of them, extra hot, with no cloud or any signs of overcast in the sky. Ayumu didn't care though. Some might've been rather perturbed by a situation like this, and to be honest with herself, she most likely would have as well on an average day. Something was different today. Instead of focusing on levelling up and continue planning her strategy to beat this game, she was content with casually and carelessly enjoying the floor. As Ayumu carefully strolled through the little town, doing her best not to bump into anyone or step on their heels, she kept her eyes peeled for empty shops waiting for someone to sell their goods in it. She had started the profession as a Blacksmith, and was thinking of opening her shop soon.

Her mind's focus was split, looking for a good shop to reside her craftsmanship in, and musingly in herself - her thoughts rather aimlessly churning in her mind, producing deep but rather pointless thoughts. Eventually, her mind decided to only focus on one of these aspects...the latter, to be exact. Ayumu involuntarily stopped paying attention to what was around her, residing sole in her mind.

I feel like I've reached...a new chapter, of sorts. Was one of her thoughts. I'm only at a low level, and I haven't accomplished much...but I've learned quite a bit. Its like I'm paving the road that myself in the near future will tread upon, following the path to the exit of this place. Hopefully I'll finish that road soon, so I can race down it to freedom.

(OOC: would you rather this take place before or after the other thread we've been doing. I guess it would make more sense to place it afterwards. XD)

Ayumu gave him a firm nod, and they both left the town to enter the forest. It was a gloomy, ominous, and drowsy sort of place.The forest was alive with little rustling sounds all around, probably from nepents running about. She winced, feeling a tad bit nervous. It shouldn't be too bad though...these creatures weren't daunting bosses or anything. With a sigh, she opened her menu, and selecting her sword, readied it at it materialized in her hand. As they continued, Ayumu saw something rather odd up ahead. Quickening her pace, she happened upon what it was - three nepents. Two were normal, while one had the flower they were looking for! With a smirk, she decided to take the first attack.

ID# 38207

BD: 9 (hooray! +1!)

Using a Slant Sword Art, she delivered a good, controlled swing at one of the weird nepent creatures. Releasing a weird cry, it angrily responded with an attack of its own:

MD: 8 (poo...)

Using one of it's arm like vines, it picked her up, and tossed her to the side. "Ugh," she groaned a little as she got back up on her feet, "lovely."

Nepent A: 3/5

Nepent B: 5/5

Flower Nepent: 5/5

Ayumu: HP: 9/12, EN: 2/3

Ryuma: HP: 24/24. EN: 6/6

"Of course," she nodded, "I mean...the quest does reset, so I guess the NPC is always sick. Still, I don't have much to do today anyways. I might as well." she tapped the blue circle as well. "Okay, let's go!" she left the cup of water with the lady and left the little house. As they began walking out of the little town, Ayumu gave a small, tiny sigh. The NPCs in SAO seemed like real people...even for a virtual reality game. Did they suffer? Especially NPCs like the woman's daughter, who's line of code just kept resetting over and over again, as each player decided to accept the quest. Pushing these thoughts out of her mind, she pointed at something in the distance, "I guess that would be the forest," she was pointing towards the west, where a clump of an arboreal mass laid, "off to find these Nepent things. Are you ready?" she looked at him and grinned.
 

(Mkay!)

"Wow," she raised an eyebrow, "that's...different. An info broker, huh? I suppose SAO is unique in other ways besides being a death game." Ayumu shrugged, then with a small smile, "thanks for all of your help today. I know you said you didn't really have anything better to do, but you went out of your way. I appreciate it, more than you know. I guess I should get going now. I need to use some of this mat to complete my quest," she started walking out of the cave, "I know this is kind of silly, since I'm kind of a low level player...but if you ever need to cash in a favor that I can actually do, you're more than welcome too. Normally I don't like slightly arrogant people who are more capable then me, but you're pretty cool. See you around!"

Summary
Zelrius: 200 Col + 1 SP
Ayumu: 200 Col + 1 SP

Thread Complete

(Hopefully I did this last part right. XD. I'll go get it closed now)

She watched him destroy the next set of monsters almost as easily as he had before. Even though he wasn't using his Dual Wielding skill, which would allow him to fight with both swords, it was still impressive. When Ayumu received the trade request, her eyes almost popped out of her sockets at the amount of Col. She almost wanted to insist that he keep half of it, but she didn't want to seem offensive if he already had plenty.

"That's pretty cool! How did you get a skill like that?" she asked, as she accepted the request, "is any player capable of acquiring their own Unique Skill?" Ayumu couldn't help but be curious. Even if she couldn't get a Unique Skill herself in the near future, she was genuinely interested about it.

Being rather startled by the odd noises in the seemingly empty building, she decided to ignore that they were awkwardly close.

"So...someone's inside then?" she gulped nervously, "w-well then, yeah...yeah, we should check." Ayumu pulled her hand out of his and cautiously went back inside. While looking around again, she heard the noise for a second time, accompanied by a rough cough. She could now distinctly tell that the noise was on her right. Turning to this direction, she faced a rather weary looking woman NPC. Ayumu sighed with relief,

"Its fine. I think we found the person to give us the quest prompt." she said to Ryuma before approaching the woman, activating the NPC's dialogue.

"Oh!" she said with surprise, "I wasn't expecting any travelers. Let me get you some water," the lady said politely, and went into the kitchen. She soon returned, handing the cup to Ayumu, "I'm sorry this is all I have. I would offer you something to eat, but I don't have any food." The woman apologized.

"That's fine. Thank you for your hospitality." Ayumu replied, accepting the cup of water she didn't really need. Peeking over the woman's shoulder and into the kitchen, she clearly saw a pot on the stove boiling something. Huh, that was odd. As she was about to say something else, the noise of someone coughing in another room interrupted her. From the pitch, it sounded like a child. The woman bit her lip, tears filling her eyes.

"Hey..." Ayumu said softly, "what's wrong with the kid? Do you need help?"

The woman nodded, and explaining all the quest details, a screen appeared, asking if they wanted to accept the quest or not.