Hataki

Hataki hadn't been able to craft much because he had run out of materials. He was a little busy doing events and quests with Shira that he had no time to go material hunting. So, when he walked into his shop and found a bag full of leather, he was excited. He smiled, reading the note, and began working on tanning. It seemed he had lost touch with stitching; however, he managed to make some good pieces. He placed them on the shelves and left for the day.

+5 Mats (From Hunie)

Quote

Craft 1
ID: #61901 | CD: 8
Good item crafted!
+2 Exp [Total: 98 Exp]
-1 Mat

Craft 2
ID: #61902 | CD: 6
Good item crafted!
+2 Exp [Total: 100 Exp]
-1 Mat

Craft 3
ID: #61903 | CD: 2
Fail
+1 Exp [Total: 101 Exp]
-1 Mat

Craft 4
ID: #61904 | CD: 6
Good item crafted!
+2 Exp [Total: 103 Exp]
-1 Mat

Craft 5
ID: #61905 | CD: 6
Good item crafted!
+2 Exp [Total: 105 Exp]
-1 Mat

Hataki gave up on the subject. He realized there was nothing he could say that would make Shira understand his point of view. And to be fair, he couldn’t hope to understand her perspective either. These were two different people, with two different approaches toward the game. Maybe, Shira—being the prodigal gamer she was—could match the beta testers in skill and would have managed to be on the frontlines if not for him. Maybe he did let her down by playing it safe. Nevertheless, Hataki wasn’t willing to change his ways. He believed if there was a chance that someone could die in a fight, then that fight was not worth fighting. Maybe that was a little too idealistic for this world, but that is who Hataki was. He didn’t care if he was going to be known as a coward for that.

His suspicions were only confirmed further by Shira’s careless dismissal of the bee they planned on fighting and how she said she could kill it without any trouble. She didn’t even bother to know the bee’s stats. That kind of confidence scared Hataki. Do all high level players have a similar attitude? Is that how this game should be defeated? he wondered. And then he remembered that more than two thousand people died during the first week of the game. He couldn’t help but believe that it was this kind of attitude that got them killed. This wasn’t even something that Hataki could let her learn through experience. Experiencing this equals death and there is no lesson a person can learn by dying.

While Shira was explaining to him about how she was doing this for other people, Hataki was lost in his own thoughts. He couldn’t control her game, nor could he let her go do something foolish. After much deliberation, he realized there was only one thing he could do in such a situation. They had hit an impasse and one of them had to compromise. And compromising wasn’t anything new to Hataki; he had done it all his life. He decided to play the game according to her terms, but always stay with her to ensure any harm would go through him first before reaching her. “Alright… I get it! I’m sorry… From now on, we focus on levelling up.” He smiled softly and began walking towards the fields. “Now… Let’s go kill that queen bee.”

Hataki ignored Shira’s attempt to provoke him further by calling him a bodyguard. But the word kept ringing in his head. He still couldn’t understand why she was angry at all, let alone why angry with him. If all this was because he cared to warn her about wandering off alone, then he really wasn’t sure if they should be partying up any further. While he did say he won’t interfere with her adventure decision, he doubted he will be able to keep to that promise.

However, soon, it was revealed it wasn’t what he said that has gotten her into this mood; it was the fact that they were still lower level compared to many in the game. Hataki sighed heavily and shook his head in disbelief at the word ‘insignificant’. “Seriously? People are dying in this stupid game and all you care about is how insignificant you are?” he blurted in exasperation, discarding his cold demeanour. “You are starting to sound like those petty people who extort lower level players for money and items so that they can further advance in the game. Get this right, my dear lady! This game isn’t about significance! It is about survival. One wrong move and we are over. Gone from this world in a burst of colourful pixels and from the real world without a sound. So, if you are the kind of person who is interested in competing with others for level and gear, then we should split. Because all I care about is getting you out of this freaking game alive and I won’t stand beside, watch you risk that every god damn day.” By the end of that, he was practically fuming. “Oh! And by the way, neither of us can kill that bee alone. We need each other. I can live without killing it. So, if you don’t wanna do it with me, you can find someone else.”

As Hataki waited, he tried to frame the questions that he wanted to ask her in his head. He could simply go with, ‘Why were you so rude to me?’ But he had a feeling that would only aggravate her further. He wondered if he said something provocative; as long as he remembered, he only spoke for her safety. Maybe I sounded a bit controlling? But that’s still no reason to behave that way in front of someone whom we just met. With a heavy sigh, he finally decided to just apologize to her in case she thought he was trying to control her and let the matter slide. It wasn’t worth starting a fight over. He will just have to be careful of what he says around her.

Lost in thought, Hataki didn’t notice Shira approaching at all. He noticed her presence only when she was right next to him. “Oh hey-” he started, but noticed her demeanour. He was starting to lose it now. She was still giving him the cold shoulder and he really did not deserve that. “Alright… I’m sorry I said anything about you going out gathering material alone. Here or out there, it is your life and you have the right make your choices. Won’t happen again.” While his apology was sincere, his tone clearly conveyed that he didn’t like the way he was being treated. He assumed a very professional stance and spoke looking away from her. “I heard there a giant wasp appears in this region if you farm the wind wasps long enough. It’s supposed to give some rare potion. So, if you are willing, we could do this together.”

Hataki found it weird that the very first quest he and Shira completed was from floor three. I’m sure there are easier quests on the first and second floors that we are missing. He decided to explore the second floor that morning with Shira and find an easy quest to do or at least fight some mobs to level up further. But before all that, firstly, he needed to discuss something with Shira. I wonder if she is still angry.

The conversation they had the previous evening, along with Nik, raised several questions. Some questions that Hataki had to answer to himself and some that he needed Shira to answer. He sent her a message asking her to meet him at the south gate of Urbus, the main settlement in the second floor. After that, he headed to the south entrance and waited there, leaning against the nearest wall.

Name: Maniae's Gauntlets
Your Profession: Tailor
Your Rank: Rank 4
ID: #53143
Roll: 12
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: Tier 1
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: +2 Damage Mitigation; +1 Savvy
Description: A thin pair of light green leather gauntlets.

It's been more than a week since he received the orders and he still hadn't completed them. Now, he will be running out of material after today and he will have to go collect some material before he can craft again. This is really a pain in the butt. I hope I get super lucky and get both the perfect orders done today itself so that I don't have to go mat hunting any time soon. Hoping that his wishes come true, he picked up the last pieces of leather he had and began crafting.

Quote

Craft 1
ID: #53143 | CD: 12
Perfect item crafted!
+8 Exp [Total: 90 Exp]
-1 Mat

Craft 2
ID: #53144 | CD: 5
Good item crafted!
+2 Exp [Total: 92 Exp]
-1 Mat

Craft 3
ID: #53146 | CD: 3
Fail.
+1 Exp [Total: 93 Exp]
-1 Mat

Craft 4
ID: #53148 | CD: 7
Good item crafted!
+2 Exp [Total: 95 Exp]
-1 Mat

Craft 5
ID: #53153 | CD: 3
Fail.
+1 Exp [Total: 96 Exp]
-1 Mat

Hataki came back to the shop to craft for the day. Luckily, he still had some material to attempt some crafts thanks to Macradon's generous investment the previous day. I hope I craft something good today.

Quote

Craft 1
ID: #53025 | CD: 9
Uncommon Item Crafted!
+3 Exp [Total: 77 Exp]
-1 Mat

Craft 2
ID: #53026 | CD: 3
Fail.
+1 Exp [Total: 78 Exp]
-1 Mat

Craft 3
ID: #53027 | CD: 7
Good Item Crafted!
+2 Exp [Total: 80 Exp]
-1 Mat

RANK IV REACHED!

Craft 4
ID: #53028 | CD: 3
Fail.
+1 Exp [Total: 81 Exp]
-1 Mat

Craft 5
ID: #53029 | CD: 2
Fail.
+1 Exp [Total: 82 Exp]
-1 Mat

He was not happy with what he crafted. Too many fails and waste of material. Well... I at least levelled up. He went under his desk to take a nap, like he always did after a tiring session of crafting.

Hataki did not need her to say thank you. He just didn’t know what else to say when she asked how much she owed him. It was just a diplomatic response to avert any bitter conversation. But, that didn’t seem to work. He kept sipping his tea with a small smile, which never faded despite Shira’s digs at him. He really couldn’t understand why he was being pushed to fight, especially in front of someone they had just met. Maybe he would ask her why, later. Nevertheless, the young man did not have it within him to fight back and it is not just because it is Shira. He runs a club in real life and hosts gaming tournaments. Everyone knows how enraged gamers can get; if he fought back for every snide comment and provocation, his shack would have turned into a boxing arena instead of a gaming arena. He had trained himself well to not let other people’s negative emotions to affect him. If possible, he would try to project his positivity on them.

As for why he puts up with Shira, there were several reasons. One, she is a lot more than this pent-up bundle of anger and he knows it very well. Two, he still blames himself for her joining this game and would do everything to ensure her safety. And third reason is the fact that he actually likes her; but he still denies it in his own head.

Hataki was glad that the subject changed to Nik’s story. The smile on his face finally faded after hearing Nik. “My… I’m so sorry. I hope you find your sister soon,” he said. Nik also reminded him of a customer he once had in his shop. Raun… I think was his name. “You are the second person I’m meeting who entered the game to save his sister. These ladies are very lucky to have brothers like you two. Why don’t you tell us how your sister looks like? If we find her, we will immediately send you a message. Also, find an artisan and have him sketch your sister. That way, you can put up fliers in Guild Halls.”

Hataki was rather surprised to receive such a hefty payment for something so simple. His eyes widened in surprise. "Oh my... Thank you very much! Please do come back," he would say, his voice still riddled with surprise. Once his generous customer left, he went back to crafting now that he has a decent supply of materials.

+10 Mats

Quote

Craft 1
ID: #52846 | CD: 3
Fail.
+1 Exp [Total: 67 Exp]
-1 Mat

Craft 2
ID: #52848 | CD: 2
Fail.
+1 Exp [Total: 68 Exp]
-1 Mat

Craft 3
ID: #52849 | CD: 9
Uncommon Item Crafted!
+3 Exp [Total: 71 Exp]
-1 Mat

Craft 4
ID: #52854 | CD: 9
Uncommon Item Crafted!
+3 Exp [Total: 74 Exp]
-1 Mat

Loans the Cloak of Plunder <<Locked>>.

Hataki was taking an afternoon nap behind the sewing machine in his shop when he heard the message notification. He woke up startled, thinking he had a customer. "Welc- Oh!" He tapped on the notification and read the message while rubbing his eyes. "Oh well..." He wasn't all that upset. He knew it was all a chance thing and he wasn't that lucky a person. He locked his shop and walked down the alley towards Hikoru's store. Entering the shop, he wished Hikoru with the usual broad smile. "Hey! Thanks for the appraisal. Here to pick up the cloak," he said, without a morsel of disappointment in his voice.

Hataki was about to start crafting a few sets of armours and some plushies, when a customer walked in. "Welcome! What can I do for you?" he asked, with his usual charming smile. The request made was rather rare, but simple and straightforward. Unlike most people, who were more interested in attire that actually contributed something in battle, this man only wanted a towel. "Of course! It won't take long. If you could wait, I'll stitch it for you right away," Hataki replied and immediately got to work. He had collected a decent bit of fabric; so, this wasn't trouble at all. In less than a minute, he was done with the towel and he handed it over to Macradon. "Here you go. A simple white bath towel as requested. And don't worry about the payment. Just... Help beat the game. And stay safe out there!"

Quote

Name: Bath Towel
Your Profession: Tailor
Your Rank: Rank 3
ID: #52014
Roll: 7
Item Type: Clothing
Tier: Vanity
Quality: Good
Description: A simple, white, Turkey bath towel that is long enough to cover the user from his hip until below his knees.

Once he was done attending to his customers, Hataki went on to work on his other orders, which were long due.

Quote

Craft 1
ID: #52660 | CD: 9
Uncommon Item Crafted!
+3 [Total: 58 Exp]
-1 Mat

Craft 2
ID: #52661 | CD: 10
Uncommon Item Crafted!
+3 [Total: 61 Exp]
-1 Mat

Craft 3
ID: #52662 | CD: 7
Good Item Crafted!
+2 [Total: 63 Exp]
-1 Mat

Craft 4
ID: #52663 | CD: 10
Uncommon Item Crafted!
+3 [Total: 66 Exp]
-1 Mat

Hataki was surprised with Hikoru's response. "Oh no no... I wouldn't ask you to go to such troubles for free. Please accept this meagre supply of raw materials. If you need more, please let me know." He accessed his inventory, pulled out a four materials and handed it Hikoru. "I'll be looking forward to your message. Thanks! Stay safe," Hataki said in response and then bowed out.

Hataki had no expectations this time. He had taken mats from Shira to try and complete the order; if he doesn't this time either, then he is just going to give up.

Quote

Craft 1
ID: #52443 | CD: 8
Good item crafted!
+2 Exp [Total: 51 Exp]
-1 Mat

Craft 2
ID: #52444 | CD: 4 | Loot: 15
Bad item crafted. Material salvaged.
+1 Exp [Total: 52 Exp]

Craft 3
ID: #52445 | CD: 6
Good item crafted!
+2 Exp [Total: 54 Exp]
-1 Mat

Craft 4
ID: #52446 | CD: 6
Bad item crafted.
+1 Exp [Total: 55 Exp]
-1 Mat

And no. He did not complete the order today either. When will this streak of bad luck end? He sighed and left the shop with disappointment. Nevertheless, contrary to his previous thoughts, he wasn't ready to give up yet.

Hataki visited Shira's shop again; she had another gift for him. This time, he knew what it was. She had offered to craft him a heavy armour and also give him the leather she had found over their adventures. He first refused it, but then decided it was for the better. He was practically useless during the quest the previous day. Maybe this armour will now change things. He knocked on the shop's door and entered it. "Hi! Here for the armour and the leather," Hataki said, smiling at Shira. "Thank you! Again." He picked up Event Horizon and the leather from the counter thanked her once again before leaving. "I'll see you tomorrow; maybe we can try something more difficult now that I'm not completely useless," he said, winking at her. With that, he vanished behind the door.

As usual, Hataki was just there for moral support. His attack barely did any damage and Shira finished the wolf off in another attack. Hataki laughed when she said she believed in him; she really didn’t need to. It was he who had to rely on her in almost all fights. Not for long… He decided he will take up Shira’s offer on the heavy armour. Then, he can protect her; then it will be how it is supposed to be. “Yes… I agree! Let’s go,” he said and followed Shira into the town. She mentioned something about a reward, but Hataki didn't hear it clearly and made a mental note to ask about it later. He walked into the Griswold’s shop again and handed the Sacred Iron he had secured from the Dark Elf. “I got the iron. Could you please make me a pair of cuirass with Damage Mitigation?” he requested politely. “Yes, of course. It would be my pleasure,” Griswold said, taking the material into his workshop. After about a minute, he came back with the cuirass and handed it to Hataki. “Safe travels, my friend!”

~Thread Complete~

“I wouldn’t presume to know how his brain functions. One thing is certain, he has done way too much damage for no reason and that is psychopathic behaviour. He might be keeping tabs on us. If he is the kind who wants to play God, which could be the reason he did this in the first place, then it is highly likely that he is lurking within this world with monstrous power,” Hataki said.

Even Hataki didn’t notice the stone Shira kicked hit a wolf ahead of them. He was busy wondering what skills to acquire. It was only after the wolf pounced on Shira and pinned her down did he realize what was happening. He swiftly unsheathed his sword and kicked the wolf off of Shira. He couldn’t help but laugh when Shira said they had pissed Kayaba off. “I now see where belief on Gods stem from,” he said, chuckling and walking towards the wolf. The wolf had quickly picked itself up and was already on its way towards them. Hataki stood between it and Shira, holding his sword in ready position. When the wolf was in his range, he slashed at it vertically, forcing it to change direction and fall back. His slash made contact with its hind legs, dealing a small amount of damage.

Hataki was glad that Shira was happy with the armour he had crafted. He, however, felt that he could have done a better job with it. He was disappointed that he could fit only two enchantments in it, while there is a possibility to put three. In any case, the current armour is doing the job for now. Eventually, he will craft something even better for her.

Watching Shira be excited like a child was a new and welcome sight. He hasn’t seen this side of her before, which he obviously could understand. This game doesn’t give much to be excited about. “Really? I thought knowing you are dead if that HP bar goes to zero was nightmare inducing. At least it is for me. When the wolf bit my shoulder and my HP bar started depleting, I was very scared.” Hataki laughed at Shira’s comment on how she has to focus on her fight and not on the HP. “You talk as if this game was designed for your convenience. Clearly, it’s not. We are victims to a psychopath here.”

For the next few minutes, Hataki was preoccupied with what armour skill he should choose. He knew he would probably level up at the end of this quest and have enough skill points to spend it on an armour skill. He was also wondering if he should simply focus on levelling up his sword skill or go a little unconventional with Battle Healing or First Aid. While he was weighing his options, he remembered Shira offering to craft a heavy armour for him. Maybe wearing Heavy Armor and levelling up First Aid is the best choice now. I’ll be at the brunt of the fight, keeping Shira safe, and if she is ever in a pinch, I can heal her. It seemed like Hataki has made his decision. He will discuss it with Shira once they are done with the quest.

Hataki did not like the size of that elf’s weapon. Despite having charged straight at it, it was more interested in fighting Shira than him. I suppose it’s programmed to attack the person who has done the most damage recently. He watched Shira charge again. What is she thinking? “Wait! Stop…” he cried from where he was, but to no avail. Shira was on a collision course with the elf, who seemed to be very ready for her attack. In hopes of distracting the elf, Hataki picked up a tiny stone that was near his feet and threw it behind the elf. The elf didn’t seem to notice it at all; all its focus was on Shira. It did not even flinch as Shira gave another battle cry. That’s when Hataki realized it. It’s deaf… But… Its eyesight is enhanced.

Taking a backswing with his heavy sword, Hataki followed behind Shira, hoping to gang up on the elf and stop him from dealing any devastating damage on either of them. However, when he was about a few feet away from them, Shira had already made contact. She slashed at him with all her might, not minding the incoming heavy attack. “What the-” Her attack dropped his health to zero, but he didn’t go down without a fight; he had swung his heavy hammer across and successfully landed it on Shira’s back before bursting into colours. Phew! Hataki was glad she was wearing the armour. It had taken the brunt of the attack, allowing only residual damage to affect her HP bar.

Again, Hataki couldn’t believe Shira’s luck and skill. He was starting to think it is more skill than luck, because one doesn’t get lucky all the time. He was practically useless in this fight; she had done all the damage to the elf. A notification popped up on his UI:

Quote

Quest Objective Complete!
Reward: Sacred Iron

He clicked the accept button and the reward was added to his inventory.

Hataki just laughed at Shira’s comment. Yes, the death will be painless. But the aftermath in the real world to your loved ones is unimaginable. He kept that thought to himself. She was just joking and popping her happy bubble with a philosophical comment was unnecessary at the moment. “We are done here, thanks to you,” Hataki said, smiling with genuine gratitude. “Let’s head back to the armour smith and see what he crafts for us.”

Hataki was slowly and carefully inching into the cave, hoping to take the elf by surprise. But all that was out of the window as Shira charged in with a battle cry. “Oh my…” Realizing his crouching was now pointless, he too stood erect and ran into the cave. One would think that battle cry would have woken up a sloth out of its slumber, but miraculously, the elf didn’t even react to it. In fact, her voice even echoed through the cave walls, sending some rats scurry out of the cave. The dark elf, however, did not recognize their presence until his back was cut open by Shira’s sword. He then attempted to strike Shira, which she easily dodged.

Shira then yelled at Hataki, asking him to stay back and not engage the elf. “Like hell I’m sitting here and watching you fight,” he said in response and readied his blade. He might succeed or he might not; but he simply won’t not try.

Hataki charged straight ahead with his Nebula Cleaver and attempted to strike the upper right arm of the elf. However, the elf was rather quick; it easily dodged the incoming attack and got hold of its own weapon. Hataki swivelled around and took his defensive stance. Looking closely, he noticed that the elf had a heavy-looking two-handed Warhammer at ready. “Uh-oh…”

Name: Leather Jack of Retribution
Your Profession: Tailor
Your Rank: Rank 2
ID: #52289
Roll: 11
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: Tier 1
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: +1 Damage Mitigation; +1 Thorns
Description: An intricately designed leather jack. A thin layer of rugged chain-mail is sandwiched between two layers of thick leather. Hence, it not only protects the user from damage, but also inflicts damage on those who dares to attack them.

Loans the Apron of Aspiration.

Hataki sincerely hoped he would be able to complete his order today. He did tell his customers that their orders will be ready in a couple of days; maybe he was a little bit overconfident. Nevertheless, he can't give up. He has to keep attempting. As always, he took a piece of leather and began his work.

Quote

Craft 1
ID: #52287 | CD: 2
Fail.
+2 Exp [Total: 39 Exp]
-1 Mat

Craft 2
ID: #52288 | CD: 3
Fail.
+2 Exp [Total: 41 Exp]
-1 Mat

RANK III REACHED!

Craft 3
ID: #52289 | CD: 11
Rare item crafted!
+6 Exp [Total: 47 Exp]
-1 Mat

Craft 4
ID: #52290 | CD: 1
Critical Fail!
+2 Exp [Total: 49 Exp]
-1 Mat

Unequipped Apron of Aspiration

Hataki sighed heavily. Yet another day and he couldn't complete the order.

“Ah man…” Hataki wasn’t very pleased that Shira didn’t fall for his ‘almost’. He now gave up and sat under the tree with folded hands and legs. Maybe if he meditated his HP would replenish faster. Worth the try. What else can I do anyway? And hence, he sat there, closing his eyes and concentrating on… nothing. As always, concentrating on ‘nothing’ was the difficult part. One thought after another flashed in front of him. The more he tried to push the thoughts, the more vigorously he came back. Finally, he chose to focus on only thing and forget the rest. Let’s see if I can do that. He took a deep breath and… took a peep at his HP bar. It was surely almost full this time. That’s it. I’m done waiting around.

He stood back up and headed towards Shira again. “Alright, this time, it’s truly almost full. Let’s GO!” He followed the route marked in the map and headed towards the Dark Elf’s location. After several winding turns, the duo would finally end up in front of what looks like a small cave. “There! I think this is it,” Hataki would say in as low a voice as he could. He didn’t want to alert the mob. Unsheathing his Nebula Cleaver, he would crouch and make his way into the cave slowly, hoping Shira follows him.