Bongartz

I look dumbfounded, especially when this Ourian mentioned his 2nd rule-how could he guess I knew how to fight out in the real world? Perhaps I show it somehow, without realizing. I ponder over his words, and see the truth within them, though I'm loathe to admit my prior training means little here, as I was truly hoping it would give me an edge against these creatures. I realize he may not take me very seriously with my actions thus far, and quickly become serious.

"I understand. Though I'm not a fan of retreat, I do know when a fight can't be won, and when to call it quits. I suppose here, of all places, it would matter more than anything as well, this being more than just a mere game. Also, I'm mostly calm in combat, just right now I'm full of nervous energy, as I have no idea what I'm getting myself into here."

Upon finishing my sentence, I stand straight up, and peer around the area, hoping to find something to train against, looking for any sign of wildlife.

I straighten my back quickly, looking at the player with a giant smile on my face and a fire in my eyes.

"O-of course! Thank you so much, I won't let you down. By the way, my name is Bongartz, and if I may ask your own?"

*Relax Jordan, he may have agreed to teach you how to fight, but that doesn't mean he needs or wants your life story. Take it slow and pay attention, the first trial might yet be the hardest.*

I catch up to walk slightly behind and to the left of the man, smiling, anticipating the fight that I'm going towards, itching to use the blade I carry. I keep an eye out for any creature to fight, staying on edge just in case an enemy attempts to take us by surprise, wrapping my hands behind my head, to quickly grab my sword just in case.

Slightly taken aback from the tone of the man's voice, I stop dead in my tracks and nervously look at the other player;

"Well, I saw how you walked past us briskly before, like you knew exactly what you wanted to do, and how to fight. Everyone else left, so I was hoping maybe you could be my Combat Mentor, show me how to fight in this world. Please, I'm begging you, I need to learn, I'm tired of being scared and weak, I must become stronger."

I add the last part during a bow, to show my sincerity, and even though the other player isn't looking, I hope he can hear from my voice I'm genuinely wanting to fight, to be stronger. I can learn on my own, sure, but if I did, I'd probably die, I need help, and I'm not afraid it admit it to myself, or anyone else.

I smile sadly as everyone starts to leave, and realize that, even though I drew a crowd, not one of them stuck around to actually help, just an offer for future assistance. As Percy goes to leave, I wave and shout after him;

"I won't die, you have my word. But that goes the same to you, don't get a quest you can't win, at least not without asking for help!"

As Percy fades from sight, there's no one really nearby, though there was that one man, who walked by quite briskly earlier, who was still within eye sight, though pretty far away at this point, who might be going out to fight himself.

*Hmm, perhaps if he's going to get some practice in, he might be willing to allow me to accompany him, if only to show me how to fight properly here. It's worth the shot to try.*

With the thought now set into his mind, he starts jogging to where that other player is still walking, hoping he can catch up in time, and more importantly, that the player would be kind enough to be his combat mentor.

When the friend request from Dominion appears, I accept it quickly, then wave at Dominion's retreating figure as he continues his run. I turn to face Percy as he begins to speak to me, and merely smile at him when he finishes.

"It may be pointless to you, I don't hold it against you, however how can I expect to become better, if I don't even know my current limits? I have no intention on dying, I do know my way around a sword, and I'm not going to fight alone, if I can help it, but if I must, I will. The Frontliners are already on the 20th Floor, and I'm just now getting past my fear to help, so I know I'm far behind, but I will catch up, no matter how hard it winds up being. If you won't accompany me today, perhaps later, when we are both stronger, and we can watch each other's backs. I feel as though you will become quite the fighter as well, and I'd be honored to say I'm your friend, if you'd accept?"

With that, I smile at Percy, and send him a Friend Request as well, though as I do I see another figure walking briskly, obviously not wanting to be near us and I raise an eyebrow at the man, but I say nothing to him.

I realize Baldur's words were quite correct: our little conversation quickly became 5 of us, with little or no knowledge of each other, all in the same place at the same time, albeit for different reasons.

"That explains at least why I've always felt safe in Town, despite all that's happened here. However, before I cross the threshold to return to town, and try to pick up a quest, I need to see what I can do, at least to some degree. I want to fight one of these boars, and see how well I can hold up. Though I wouldn't turn down assistance, I don't want to end up like some of these other players that were caught over confidant and under prepared."

I look around at each of the figures around me, ending with Row, to whom I give a slight smile to as her words were the first to make me want to fight, and attempt to try my hand at being a Treasure Hunter.

I look between the two new figures and slowly re-sheath my sword; "Sorry, I don't like being eavesdropped on, nor as you say, what lurks within the unknown. My name is Bongartz. Though to answer your question, by allowing myself fear, I am able to enhance my reflexes to a degree, as I'm already prepared to move, while keeping my sword hand steady to cut exactly where I want to, when I want to." Taking a deep breath, I calm down, allowing the fear to reside and sturdy myself. "Why were you hiding? If you had made your presence known, I wouldn't have just made a scene." I scratch my head, trying to think why a player would hide in the shadows, then I look at his gear, and realize he's new as well. "I'm sorry, just a little jumpy, I've never even thought to leave town until now, and I'm jumping at shadows." I smile as I realize what I said, so I add, "Quite literally, it seems, too."

I start to think about some of the quests, and one in particular sticks in my head; "Earning a Living might be a good idea to get some extra Col for gear and equipment, might start off with that one, as long as it's not very combative, or at least on the easy side. Maybe follow Row's thought process, become a Treasure Hunter to sell some of the rare loot and crafting materials that only these hidden chests hold. Would almost always have plenty of Col to upgrade my own gear as I need it, maybe even some party members." As I finish thinking out loud, I start to smile and feel as if I could actually make a difference for other players, maybe even be the one person that the Frontlines need to come to for the best gear. Out of the corner of my eye though, I notice some slight movement in the shadows of the gate, and still on guard from worrying about the boars comment, I immediately grab my sword, facing the direction of the movement. "Show yourself!" I speak quickly, with a slight tremble in my voice I try to hide, though the hand holding the blade is as still as the night.

"Alright, non-combat questing would help get levels without as much worry on dying to a boar." After a few seconds, I realize what I had just said, "Wait, boars have killed more players than anything? I was under the impression that the boars on this floor were the weakest creature in the game, comparable to slimes in most other games. Could they really be that powerful so as to kill so many?"  I take a quick glance at the plains around us, reaching my hand up near my sword, and upon not seeing any immediately nearby, release a silent sigh of relief, then attempt to hide my hand movement by brushing my hair to the side. I shake my head really quick, hoping no one noticed my nervous reaction, then look back at Baldur and ask "Is there a particular quest you'd recommend, or just any non-combat one to get started?" 

Startled at first, I look between the figures, I release my hold on the hilt of my blade and smile, returning the bow to the Samurai.

"My name is Bongartz, and I'd be grateful for the help. Before I try my hand at a quest though, I still haven't had a single fight, and practice would serve well before a test."

I turn to face the young girl, whose multi-colored eyes catch my attention, though I say nothing about it.

"Ms. Row, I'd be glad to accept your services, though what exactly do you mean by treasure hunt? Is treasure hunting something more difficult or dangerous than just merely fighting mobs?"

I ponder what exactly a treasure hunter would do, and can only picture what would be like a Rogue or Thief in other games, the main class I loved to play. If I could do something like that here, I know it's what I'd be good at.

How long have I been just sitting here, too scared to venture out of the town? I look around the Town of Beginnings, seeing all the players, both those like me, too scared to leave, and the ones we see as heroes, the ones going out to beat this game. I always wanted to be a hero, but here, could I be? I suppose without going out and trying, I'll never know, but it's been so long, since that first fateful day, where we learned this is more than just a game. I walk to the gates of the Town, and step outside, looking at the plains rolling as far as the eye can see. I take a deep breath, and step forward, as I hold my hand on the hilt of the sword.

"Well, here goes nothing. I swore to be the best, but I've done nothing yet. The time to be scared is past, I must fight."

The image is Edward from Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn for Wii.

Profile
Username: Bongartz
Real name: Jordan Bongartz
Age: 21
Gender: M
Height: 6'

About: History/personality
 Growing up, Jordan was an outsider, constantly ignored except when bullied. He found solace in gaming, where he could be anything he wanted to be, and do anything. Over time, he decided he wanted to be more like his virtual counterpart, and joined a Martial Arts class, so the next time he was physically assaulted by his peers, he could fight back. After he stood up to his bullies, he found himself being more approached, as no one else wanted to talk with him for the mere fact they didn't want to be targets themselves. He doesn't really trust them, seeing only the darker side of life for many a year, but he does enjoy getting attention, though he'd never admit it. After graduating, Jordan joined the military, but found out he had medical problems shortly after joining, and was sent home. Saddened by this, he started playing more games, looking to do what he failed to in real life, and wanted some way to still feel like he was military. On his 20th Birthday, he received a sword from one of his best friends, who knew Jordan loved playing fantasy games, and Jordan quickly found he was like a natural with the blade, despite only ever using them in games. When he learned that Sword Art Online was going to be released, he quickly pre-ordered it, and merely awaited the day he could truly be a Swordmaster.
Virtues:

Honesty: Jordan was deceived and bullied most of his life, so he refuses to continue the cycle himself, and will not lie. This can also be a flaw, because when he probably should lie, or at least not say something, he will still say it.

Adaptive: Due to military training, Jordan can adapt to most situations in combat quickly. He can pick up patterns, and change up his fighting style to compensate. This tends to let others know how to handle a given situation.

Determination: Jordan desires to be the best Swordsman in the world, and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. However, this can also be seen as a flaw, as he will sometimes pick fights he stands little to no chance of winning, just to prove himself.

Flaws:

Blunt: Jordan speaks his mind. Whether someone's habits, appearance or fighting style, if Jordan has a comment about it, he will say it. Depending on others reactions, they may steer clear of him, or result in confrontation.

Reckless: Jordan has a tendency to act without thinking. Even with little to no information, he will rush into situations. This tends to make others doubt his judgement.

Over Protective: If Jordan sees someone in a spot of trouble, he will risk his own life to save them. Whether from another player, or a boss, he will try to save them at all costs.

Profession: Merchant 

Skills
Non-combat:
» 

Passive:
»

Combat:
»

Weapon skills:
»  One-Handed Straight Sword Rank 1 5SP

Total Skill Points: 14

Spent:                    5

Remaining:           9


Inventory
Weapons/Tools:
» Iron Longsword
 Starter Cloth Robes
T1 Mats: 0
Roleplays
 

Relationships 

Friends: Percival, Ourian, Dominion
"Teacher": Ourian
Story Thus Far