Yuurei

After having met up with Dagger and acquiring her Katana skill, Yuurei's next mission was to start doing some of the quests. If she continued to rot away in this god forsaken game, she would go completely insane. Her friends and family were likely waiting for her out in the real world, but she also had friends here in the game that she needed to show she could become strong. Letting them carry her on their backs would be shameful.

Walking through the plaza of the Town of Beginnings, she would finally pick up the second begginer's quest. Aptly named: Second Lessons. Walking into the blacksmiths shop, his name Lyle, she approached him and pulled the dusty package from her inventory, putting it down on his counter. He eyed her down with a suspicious look in his eyes. "Well, it's about time this order got here. It's been some time since I ordered these hammers."

With every strike, the pace of her blows against nothing would speed up. The dark green hue that she was attempting to finalize finally came to truth. The blade hued itself in a pleasing green color. Vibrant life hummed through the air before dissipating with her next attack. She could feel the power behind the blow, only able to smile at her accomplishment. In a moment, the samurai would open her menu and check to see if her katana skill had been full acquired now. Thankfully, it was.

Turning back to the roaming shop keep, she simply nodded while returning the weapon back to it's saya. "Thank you for joining me then. If you wish to talk to me again, I'm sure that we can find each other. For now, I am going to stick it alone. I'll make due with my power and stop relying on others to carry me on their backs. Have a good day."

Quote

Katana skill unlocked for Yuurei

Yuurei threw her hands behind her head and rested them in her palms as she followed the girl to the new area. A new position wouldn't be a bad choice if they were having trouble finding materials. She remembers how far she had to go out just to find her first one. Not a lot of amazing memories on this quest when she had done it by herself so long ago. The girl was a little more talkative than she was used to, but Bistro was sort of the same, so she had gotten used to it.

"Uh, not really. Just gonna see what I can accomplish I guess. Surviving this game would be quite the accomplishment in and of itself, honestly." Rei said, trying to look around for any materials to help the girl find anything that she could use for the quest. Unfortunately, she didn't think she could see quest specific materials.

"In all honesty, I tend to have some pretty bad luck so it was probably a key factor as to why this quest in particular was so difficult for me." Rei admitted, looking at the quest material in Ether's hand. She was getting along pretty well so far, but one could hit a snag if they bragged too much, that's how karma worked.

As for what other floors she's seen, she had been up to floor 24 to meet some of her guild mates, but other than that, she hadn't done many other quests on floors higher than the 5th. There wasn't much reason to risk going higher anyway. "I've been up to floor 24 once before, but other than that, I generally stay below the 5th floor. I'm still not strong enough to just be walking around on any floor that I want." She said, with a bit of a shrug, still keeping an eye out for any danger.

Rei shook her head when asked if she still sees that friend. "Unfortunately no. My friend sacrificed his Nervegear and pre-order of the game to give to me. I don't think he intended to get me locked in the game and I don't blame him for it. I made the decision to play the game. I'll conquer it and become a better person." She said matter-of-fact-ly. Just because she was having a difficult time doesn't mean that she couldn't rise above it and become a better person in the process. That was the whole reason she was picking the game back up after three years of inactivity.

Then Ether found her first material. "Nicely done. It took me a lot longer to find my first one, I'll admit. I was never good at this scavenging stuff." She admitted, following behind the other girl wherever she went. She would have her katana ready in case any monsters attacked them.

As the duo left the safe zone, she was well aware that she wasn't going to be collecting any materials today. She could if she wanted to, but they wouldn't work like quest materials for Ether. The system wouldn't allow people to cheat like that, so Quest Materials were apparently different entities from regular ones. That being said, regular materials can't be substituted for quest ones.

She could tell the other woman was having some problems. If anyone could really spot out those depressed faces, it was her. Rei's life had been anything but peachy. "You doin' alright? Seems like something is bothering you a bit." The gaijin asked, folding her arms across her chest. It normally wasn't her style to get involved in other people's business, but this seemed like the type of face that needed help. After having just shaken off the suicidal thoughts she was having, she couldn't ignore others who might need help.

Well, what a question to ask someone you hardly knew. Though, she could see why she would ask such a thing. Yuurei was quiet for a moment, she didn't want to tell her the entire reason that she had gotten her own copy. "A friend bought the game and headset for me." She put it simply. Best to leave the depressive backstory out of that one. She wanted to get off that topic really quick so she made a u-turn in the conversation.

"Etherial. Mind if I just call you Ether for short? Seems a lot easier to get out." One thing noticable about the girl upon inspecting her, Yuurei very clearly inspired her samurai get up off Japanese warriors, yet she had a very American accident. It was clear that even if she prided the wear of Japan, she wasn't from the country at all. "This quest is pretty easy. Just need to find some materials is all."

Yuurei stood paused in the doorway. She didn't expect her to already have picked up the quest. Oh well, she wouldn't complain, but then she asked her if she wanted to join her for the first lessons. She had finished this quest what felt like years ago. The only reason she came here was to find the start of the second one. If she joined the girl, she would be able to get the quest location again when she finishes it. So, it wasn't such a bad idea actually.

"You know what? Sure. I don't mind tagging along at all. I have nothing better to do right now, just as long as I don't break past level 15 before I finish the other beginner's quests." She mentions, motioning the snow-haired girl to take the lead since she was taking the quest. Might as well make introductions. "Yuurei. Just call me Rei."

The Gaijin was walking through the Town of Beginnings quietly contemplating her next move. After having talked with Dagger in the field while practicing her sword skills, she was finally getting the hang of this new skill. It was certain that she needed to finish the remaining Lessons quest line before she got too high of level to get the bonus experience from them. With a sigh, she walked back to Zachriah's place to get the address for Lyle again when suddenly.

"Hello..." A girl said as she was about to walk into the door. Yuurei eyed her up, taking note that she looked a like a really inexperienced player. Probably someone that was looking to start their own journey in this death world. Yuurei bowed slightly to her. "Ohaiyo gozaimasu. You were looking to start the quest here? You should probably head inside then." She said, walking into the door and holding it open for her.

Rewards:

SP: 2 quest; 1 page; 1 event
Col: 400+45
Materials: 4
1 Uncommon Consumable

- 5 Tier One Health Potions of Uncommon Quality (+40HP)
- 1 Tier One Damage Potion. (+1 Damage)
-1 Tier One Over-Health Potion (+50 Temp. HP)

Yuurei slashes the blade through the air, a faint glow making it's presence know that she was making some semblance of progress on gaining the katana skill. However, the forest green hue was only active for a split second before it went away. No successive attempts yet, but she was making progress.

It was here that Dagger completely started to analyze her to the point of it seeming weird. Her muscles tensed a bit as she fumed about why this man was observing her like she was an animal. "What do you want from me? I am a person who is trying their best to change who they are and become a better person. You seem like someone who sticks their nose in other's business so much that you risk getting your hand cut off for reaching in the cookie jar."

The girl continued her training, letting out grunts with every attack.

The girl took a few moments while Dagger responded to practice her form more. The katana would surely give in to her needs and activate a sword art if she just focuses and practices. Her sword sang through the air with every slash. The blade was nothing special, but it looked as though it could cut someone completely in half as sharp as it was.

"It's cheating because it's not what I want. This game is challenge to me and I will not try to wiggle my way out of it by relying on others to carry me on their back. I will face my fear head on and feel worth of what I've accomplished for once in my life. This world will not conquer me, or I will die, I do not care which." She said plainly. Her motives were simple, but no one could really understand what she had been through for the last few years in this game. She wanted to die for the longest time, but that was no way to live. It was merely a poor way to die.

Yuurei rolled her shoulders and released some of the tension building up in her muscles. The virtual world didn't exclude the feeling of soreness, and she was sure that after this she would need to take a long bath to ease her weary muscles. It felt weird to come back into the fray like she was, but if she wanted anything out of this life she would need to stop letting it beat her into the ground. This was her redemption arc: She wouldn't remain a simple side character to this story.

Dagger seemed like something of a quiet fellow based on his appearance. It just goes to show that looks can be deceiving. He was actually a pretty talkative person. Yuurei didn't mind it so much in all honesty, but she wasn't in her best mood to talk considering she had been contemplating suicide for the last few months.

"Training by myself is much more calming and well earned. If I wanted to rely on others, I would call one of my high level guildmates and just let them drag me through all the quests in the game. I haven't earned that and I won't use an excuse to cheat the game." Was Yuurei's answer. She'd beat this game alone if she had to. This was merely the first step.

The samurai raised an eyebrow. He looked like he wanted to jump her, but if he was wanting to do that, he probably would have simply tried to sneak up on her. She lowered her stance to a stand and sighed.

"Apologies. I have been a bit on edge lately. I don't think I need to actually hit anything to practice, I only need to work on form. Sooner or later I'll be able to trigger a sword art." The girl said turning to the side and took form back into her stance. She attempted to focus the energy of the sword art into the katana the same way that she does with curved swords. With a few swings, she failed to activate a sword art yet again.

"This is going to take a bit of time." Yuurei mentioned, looking down at her weapon. With a sigh she turned back to the pacifist. "Stay if you like."

Just as she was about to begin her practice, a man's voice came from behind her. How had she not heard his footsteps upon approach. Her skeptical eyes inspected the man for a weapon, but it put her at ease to see the green cursor floating above his head. (Also, how had he not noticed that she was female? Was the 'Sir or Madam' just a formality thing.)

It was kind of odd to be asked what she was doing out here. She was more than capable of fighting by herself and wasn't worried about anything ending her. She could have just looked like anyone else grinding the area for some experience. It wasn't what she was actually doing, but at least she was doing something related. After a quiet moment of hesitation, and her worried eyes that couldn't find this man's weapon, she answered his question.

"What I am doing isn't really anyone's business but my own, but if you must know, I am practicing the Katana skill so that I can unlock the sword arts." The silver-haired gaijin replied putting her other hand on the hilt of the blade. "Why does that interest you?"

Since joining Jacob's Ladder and rekindling her friendship with the front liner known as Shield, Yuurei had been contemplating everything that she wanted to do in life. These thoughts plagued her well being to the point of no return as it felt. However, she would give this world another try. Third time's the charm as they say.

Heading on to the first floor where she would be safe, Yuurei quickly made her way out into the fields. If she was to take this world on, she would need a weapon that could pierce the heavens. One strong enough to keep herself alive. Dying was not an option anymore. These suicidal thoughts would not overcome her. She wasn't that weak.

Finding a quiet spot in the forest next to the Town of Beginnings, Rei removes her katana from its saya. With a few deep breaths, she would ready herself to put some practice into her fighting style.

@Dagger

An odd change of topic, but she didn't care about talking about anything right now, so it didn't make much of a difference to her to be honest. Perhaps she was doing her best to help Yuu get her mind off the annoy thoughts that flooded her brain. She had to think about that for a moment. Honestly, dogs and cats were about the same to her. The breed of the pet didn't matter as much as it's loyalty to the owner.

"Uh, not sure. I guess I'm more of a dog person. Cats aren't bad either, and pet is nice as long as you love them and they love you. Don't you think?" She asked, rubbing the back of her head and swiping some of the falling water off her arm in attempt to feel less soaked. "Why do you ask? Does it pertain to my question, I'm assuming?"

@Bistro

Scratching her face, she took notes of the potion making for later. It wasn't something she would be good at, even with practice.

"The problem with that is, once I abandon the quest, it will delete the materials since they are tied to the quest itself. It's annoying, but whatever. Like I said, I'll come back to it later with some buffs. Its not difficult or anything, just take up a little bit of time. I'll lead you to the next part of the quest, but I can't join you for the next one since I won't have this one completed."

With that, the girl began to lead him through the streets of the Town of Beginnings. It didn't take her too long to get him to Lyle's blacksmith. "Here. This NPC has the next quest in the quest line. Talk to him and do whatever it is that he wants you to do. It shouldn't be difficult to finish." With a wave, the emerald samurai turned away and began to walk off. "Good luck in Aincrad."

Noticing that the boy had found his final material, Yuu sighed. This stuff was too boring without luck boosting enhancements. It seemed like he was much more lucky than she when it came to these sort of things. It would serve him well in this game. Luck was something that was really hard to come by these days.

"Here's the deal man." The girl said removing the two materials from her inventory and throwing them to the ground. The dissolve instantly as they touch the ground. "You've already got your stuff for the quest finished. Let's go back to the quest giver and finish it for you. I hate this stuff and would much rather just beat the [censored] out of things. I'll do this quest by myself later with some buffs and make it east on myself. I don't want to hold you back from anything and I will if I keep you out for too long."

Making her way back to the safe zone, she turns around and beckons him to follow her back to Zackariah's shop.

She continually bit back way harder than she really meant to. It was difficult to gauge her feelings beyond her usually dreary moods, but she had only meant to spark debate between the two. Now she was just getting defensive like some little wussy who couldn't take someone else's opinion with a grain of salt. He was genuinely doing his best to make her feel better and she kept shooting him down.

With a heavy sigh she looked over to him and unfolded her arms. "My apologies. I didn't mean for my tone to feel so heavy. You sit alone in a cell for long enough and your sanity will start to take control of reason. If I made you uncomfortable, I didn't mean to do it intentionally."

Continuing her search for materials continued to yield nothing but disappointment. She was probably getting out paced by him at this point. Maybe she should take a note from his book and try to look on a different side of things, then she could find some of these useless materials.

Materials Found: [2/5]

"A friend bought me the game, it felt wrong not to give it a try. Wasn't expecting this though, and I'm sure he wasn't either." It was crazy how hard he was trying to fix her mood. Did everyone is this world pity her so much that they had to try and make her feel better? What the hell was she supposed to do? Enjoy the pity and feel better? That really wasn't doable for her.

"You're trying really hard to read me. I don't get it. What kind of feelings to do I make you feel where you I constantly have to be bothered about my own personal views. It's cool if you think this world is something great. In the bigger picture, maybe it something great, but I look it at straight into the middle. This place, again, is nothing but a pretty little prison for us right now, and I refuse to see it otherwise."

Still no more materials around. These kind of quests were so dumb. She'd rather just beat the crap out of something. Better to keep her mind occupied.

Materials Found: [2/5]

"Don't let my clashing opinions stop you from believing what you want to. I'm just relaying to you some of the cold hard facts that we should keep apparent in our minds as we continue living our lives here in this fake reality. I might not have anyone to return to on the other side of this digital barrier but that doesn't mean that there aren't others with families and loved ones who are crying for them." The boy had probably gotten tired of hearing her droning sadness, so maybe it was best to close her trap now.

Moving around a bit, now actually looking for anything that she could use to give to Zachariah, the emerald samurai found something hidden under a bush. She took a knee and grabbed the item that she really had no use for outside of this quest line. Having no intention of going into a profession in the game, materials to her were just a second form of player currency.

Materials Found: [2/5]

The hot sun was starting to get to her. While it was nothing like floor 24's maximum humid heat, it still bothered her none the less. Removing her haori from her shoulders and returning it to her hammerspace inventory, Yuu listens to her company's opinions about this game. People begged for a death trap of a game like this? She could see the sentiment that he was going for, but it didn't quite work in this situation. If fully virtual reality games were that swooned over, she wouldn't really know. Video games weren't really her forte.

"Look man, that's cool and all, but I don't think that people really wanted to be trapped in this game for the years that we've been stuck in here. People are dying and families are crying over their comatose loved ones in hospitals. Don't expect me to think that this awful place is anything good." Perhaps that was pretty harsh, but really the samurai had stopped caring. She just keeps trailing in life at this point, going with whatever really happened.

Materials Found: [1/5]

The samurai shrugged carelessly. What did she find value in life? Death had been on her mind for so, so long that she couldn't remember the last time she felt joy for anything. With another heavy sigh, the girl removed her haori as it continued to stick to her, revealing the short white, sleeveless kimono that she wore under neath. The haori disappeared into her inventory.

"I'm honestly not sure. I've had difficulty seeing the bright of anything since I made it out of high school. I continue to lose friends, I cannot escape the prison of my own mind from wondering what the sweet release of death is like and now I continue to judge whether I want it at anymore because of your opinions. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to think anymore. What do you think is good in this world? Maybe your opinions will help me remember something, anything."

@Bistro

Looking through the area for anything useful, Yuu sees that there is nothing that she can make use of for Zachariah. With a sigh, she listened to Null's explanation of this beautiful prison. The world itself might be amazing, but that made the prison of it only more bitter. A foul taste hinted on her tongue.

"Whatever you say. This world is actually just a pretty little jail to make you think that it isn't that bad. Whether or not you think it's something beautiful, it's still nothing but a prison and we are trapped." The girl said with her hands cuffed up in haori. She may have sounded harsh when she said that, but it was only the facts.

Nothing was showing up and more so Yuu would head around the bushed to see if she could find anything else on this side of the brush. If she was lucky, she could continue to find the materials she needed without needing to buff herself.

Materials Found: [1/5]