Taka

ID# 99044  LD:6

We walked out of the towns gate and headed to the closest mountain trail to look for some ores only found in these mountainy regions. Since I didnt have any loot tracking items i figured that the chance at me finding one was almost none, but i sure wasnt going to stop trying. A strong wind blew past me, making me loose my balance. That shifted my eyesight towards the valley down below us, and there i could see some wild beast type monsters, however they didnt seem to notice us, so I figured we could continue looking for materials peacefully. Suddenly I remembered about the weird look Kasier had when we left the town, and decided to pay attention in case if it was something to be weary of. "You previously said that it wasnt anything serious, but are you sure about that? Im just worried it might put us both in danger, since this game has the death element to it."

@Kasier

I looked around the market thinking of Kasier words about leather armor not beeing worth it, and wondered what should I get, when I noticed Kasier next to me suddenly had tensed up. "You OK there? You looked spooked for a moment, somethings the matter? Anyway I think I'm good here- I've eaten my fill, and I don't think I'm interested in any gear from here. Then shall we go gather up some materials? “ I asked while looking around, trying to find out what had happened to make Kasier so uneasy all of a sudden. However I did not find anything suspicious around us, so I figured it wasn't any immediate danger. I started going to town gate, figuring that my companion would catch up with me when shell be ready. I also wanted to have a look around the town some more, so I said to Kasier, that she can take her time. 

I looked around, trying to keep my enthusiasm hidden and keeping a straight face. There was a ton of food stalls, trinket shops and so much more to see and take in. "I think Ill stick with food for now." I say as I stop at some food stalls, getting my hands on some takoyaki and crepes. I wasn't realy interested in trinkets and items, because even tough I had the money I still decided to save up- this was only the second floor after all. What I was even more exited about was going material gathering, because  I looked forward to seeing what this floor looked like outside of towns.

"So, what have you bought? Maybe something you could recommend?" I asked Kasier, because after all she was much more experienced than me. We had came to the centre of the market and the sheer amount of sold items were overwhelming, shaking my previous  conviction not to buy anything, but food.

After I had told Kasier, that I would love to tag along, for one because I actually hadn't thought trough my venture to the 2nd floor. I had almost finished all tutorial quests, except for getting a job, which I had decided to do a little bit later. Second of my reasons was that as far as I had come I had learned that a party is always good however you got in it. This, of course didn't apply to player killers.

Since my geographic skills on the second floor were worse than average I let Kasier lead the way to the market she had told me about. I hadn't spent a lot of money since the start of the game, and I tough I might like something there, so I was eager to get there. As we walked I started to observe Kasier, trying to figure out what kind of player she was, but with no luck.

In the same time I was sitting in the same shop drinking my last drops of tea. Earlier I had ate a bunch of sushi so I was filled to the brim. I noticed a girl sitting next to me and judging from her gear she was more than a few levels ahead of me. However since this was my first time in the 2nd floor I had to find someone who could show me around, so I took a chance. I drank my glass empty, loudly put my glass down, breathed in and turned to face her. "Hi, do you know this floor well? I just came here from 1st floor and I need some pointers about what is the best things to do here. And by the way Taka is the name. And Im level 6" I say hoping that she wont just turn away and leave, or totally ignore me. My smile slowly starts to drift down, as I wait for the reply.

The name is Taka, nice to meet ya! Hope we can get along! I say trying to sound as friendly as possible. I quickly open my menu, maneuvring my hand to bring up the party window. After sending party request I sight and sit to take a look at the quests details- dragging some guy I don't know on a quest that I know more or less nothing about, that's just me. As I read through the request I start to see some interesting details- for example, that the item I had received and was supposed to deliver was a fishing rod, and there were some implications about the guy who needed it being old, so naturally, I started to suspect that we will need to fish something. Neo, that was the name, right? Have you fished here, in Aincrad I mean? Because our quest is to deliver a fishing rod to an old fisherman, keyword being old, so I think we might need to do the fishing.

After finishing the meal with Hestia I said goodbye and started thinking about what to do next. On one hand, there was the quest I had quickly accepted from Hannah without reading it, but since it was another delivery mission it didn't sound so good, but on the other hand, it was a good opportunity to gain some levels before going to the second floor. I sighed as I considered the pros and cons of both options. I could go, but it would be nice to find some other low level player, like me, to join.  I look around and surprisingly I saw a boy with black hair and bright green eyes standing in the distance. He didn't seem to be a team player, but I decided to give it a shot anyway because after all the more friends you have the better! Hey, you, you are free, right? Wanna join my party and help me with this quest?" 

"Hey, Hestia. Remember what I said, about going out to look for a new party? I think, that that is what Ill do. There are a bunch of people here in the Town of beginnings, who need you more than I do and I think I'm ready to go out by myself. I'm really grateful for everything that you have done to help me, so if you ever need my help, then send me a message and I'll come. And I would like you to help me catch a familiar when my level gets high enough- yours really inspired me. Nut now- let's go eat, ok? I'm starving." I stood there and thought, how weird this situation was- people stuck inside a virtual reality game having to deal with their natural needs like eating or sleeping and having real meaningful conversations- my family, back in the real world would say, it's not real, it doesn't count, but being here breaks one's perception of reality and virtual image and makes them become one- my current real world.

I sigh with disappointment because my stomach is making me aware of my hunger, but in the end, I decided to give in to Hestia's manner driven plan and go to the park instead. I walked in silence, as I didn't feel well enough to make some small talk. Each time I maneuvered in the city I got faster- I could find faster routes and thanks to the minimap, which I now know how to use, I didn't need to worry about getting lost. We quickly arrived at the designated place and gave Hannah the gems. For this, she gave me a ring of focus, that increased my ACC by 1! Lucky me, but when she told that she has something more we could do for her I said that I will come later because I was HUNGRY. However, NPC dialog didn't stop and I received a package addressed to some fisherman, that she needed to be delivered. I waved my head and impatiently waited while Hestia repeated the process.

"Well, I actually think, that this was a bit easier, because it was bigger and easier to hit, and plus it was much slower." But in my mind, I really taught that it was much scarier than a measly boar, that deals almost none damage. "Okay, anyway, let's go to the town. I hope we can get back before the nightfall." 

Walk back to the town was more or less peaceful. Thankfully we did not run into any trouble. When we entered the town of beginnings it was still bright, as the sun had just started going down. "Hestia, it is still day, maybe we could go eat something before giving the gem to Hannah?"  I ask her because Im starting to get hungry from all the excitement during the gem hunt. And I really needed some soup or meat in my belly to keep on going, but I still needed to ask Hestia.

 Taka vs Cave Guardian ID# 91209 BD:6 MD:3

"Okay, I will keep it in mind, might help in later battles,"  I shout as I run around the monster trying to find an opening in its defense. Suddenly I see, that the Cave Guardian is preparing some special move, as its arms twisted around it, but then suddenly it started spinning around. However, since I had noticed this attack I was standing at a safe distance. I swap my head around to see how is Hestia doing, but it seemed, that the attack hadn't affected anyone. As the monster froze in place after its attack, I saw a sight chance to strike. Since the monster was about three times bigger than me, I had no other chance to strike an attack, than to look for an opening. My blade quickly found its way towards the monster and broke into its rock solid body. The crack from my attack started expanding and spreading until it reached the monsters head, cracking it in half. Then, as with all other monsters both of its halves disappeared in the air. "Yes! We did it!"

Cave Guardian: HP: 0/20  [Dmg: 50 5(Does not gain bonus damage from crits)]

[H:4]Hestia: 445/460 Energy: 35/46

[H:1]Taka: 60/60  Energy: 4/6

Taka vs Cave guardian ID# 91184 BD:2 MD:4

I look at the cave guardians HP bar and it has dropped down to the red zone. In my mind, I figured, that one hit and its all over. I attack it with all my strength, but just as I'm in the strike distance an arm comes in my view and I quickly jump back, bearly dodging it, but losing my chance to strike. I really need to pull it together, otherwise, I will fail to deal the finishing hit. I look around, only to notice, that golem is charging forwards Hestia. I quickly start running to deflect the blow that was coming to Hestia. "Hestia, watch out, why is it attacking you?"  I shout out, losing my breath for a second. I jump forward to the Cave Guardian and with my dagger deflect its hard, rocky arm. As the dagger connects with the arm I feel the force, pushing me backward, but I push my feets in the rough rock, holding my ground and without falling down. I guess the system had something to do with my balance because it felt unnatural.

Cave Guardian: HP: 2/20  [Dmg: 50 (on first successful hit only)/ 5(Does not gain bonus damage from crits)]

[H:4]Hestia: 445/460 Energy: 34/46

[H:1]Taka: 60/60  Energy: 4/6

Taka vs Cave guardian ID# 91163 BD: 9 (Critical +1) MD:5

I quickly pull out the potion of safeguard, that Lyle gave me and drink it all in one swoop. As I finish it the bottle scatters in the air, leaving nothing but a green aura around me, signaling that the potion worked. "`Key, I'm going in!"  I run forwards to the golem-like creature in front of me. Just as I prepare to strike a blunt hit trambled my body as the arm of the monster connects with my hand, however, I felt no pain, thanks to the potion. Then I think to myself, that I would b better to use this situation for my advantage, so I jump on to the arm and run until I reach the shoulder, striking my dagger in the joint of the golem, which seemed one of the weaker spots. Then, to get out of the harm's way, I jump backward, landing with a bit rough roll. 

Cave Guardian: HP: 16/20  [Dmg: 50 (on first successful hit only)/ 5(Does not gain bonus damage from crits)]

Taka: 60/60  Energy: 5/6

Looking for gem ID# 91120 LD:20+3

I accept the trade from Hestia and equip the golden coat. Just as she had said it fit me perfectly and I didn't feel uneasy at all even if this totally wasn't my style- I mean gold in my clothes was a big no-no for my dress code, but I swallowed my pride and looked for the gem. I looked around and surprisingly everything seemed so much clearer- I saw so much more details that I normally wouldn't. That's when I noticed a faint glow at the deep end of the cave, that really caught my attention. I walked towards it and as for my surprise there really was a nut-sized gem lying on the ground. How could have I missed it before?! "Thank you, really. It worked. I found it, but you know whats coming next, so be prepared!" I stretched my hand forward, to grab the gem. And then I touched it.

Looking for gem ID# 91069 LD:13

I nod my head and keep searching the cave, looking under and over every last stalactite and colon. I found some interesting things, only not the one, that I needed. Under one colon I found some fossils, but from what I gathered it wasn't an item, but floors texture, so I left it alone. Then I found some iron ore, but couldn't get it, because I didn't have the skill and once I thought about it I didn't need it anyway. I called Hestia, to tell that I really think that there is nothing in this cave. I decided to look at the exit a bit more, but the same as inside the cave I had no luck. I need another hawk, I taught to myself while starting to feel irritated from searching. "Ok, now we really need to find that gem and I will think about my teammates after the quest. Agreed?"

Looking for gem ID# 91010 LD:9

When the first gem was picked up I readied my self in case of something happening. With the dagger in my had I stood there and waited. When nothing happened I put the dagger back in the sleeve and let out a sigh of relief. So we need both gems to activate the trap. Or there's something else I'm missing, but I doubt that was the case. I looked around the cave a bit more, but after a while, I gave up. As I exited the cave I spotted something shining on the opposite rock wall, but my hopes were crushed when I saw, that it was only smooth granite, reflecting the sun. "What do you think about this quest? A bit of a grind isn't it? I only hope that in the end, we will be able to beat the monster you were talking about. And one more thing. After this quest, I won't trouble you anymore. I have decided to look for other teammates!"

Looking for gem  ID# 90974 LD:2

I stood behind Hestia as she looked for the gem and with a sight, I turned around and started looking in the other direction. Rubbles in quite fascinating shapes were lying anything, but no sign of any glistening shine, that would lead me towards the gem. I looked around a bit more but quickly gave up, because this cave also didn't have any significant structures or buildings, that would be there if the gem was important quest item, or more gems, if it was a common item. "Hey, I think, that this cave is a hoax. There is nothing here, and I don't see any way to go further in. Might as well start looking for another cave." I went outside and as the sun hit my eyes I got momentarily blinded. I looked up as I heard a scream, thinking, that maybe that was the monster we are supposed t fight, but my worries quickly disappeared as it was only a hawk flying over the mountain tips. Hawk... I hope it will bring me good luck.

Looking for gem  ID# 90943 LD:14

After some more walking, we entered the mountain region. The mountains were not as big, as I taught they would be, but however, they were big enough to host some caves, in one of which the gem I was looking for should be located. I looked around and noticed a crack in one of the cliffs to my right. "Hestia, look there is e cave. Maybe there we will find the gem we need and whatever it is that's supposed to attack us." I quickly squeezed into the gap, to look around the room inside. It was narrow and long corridor filled with sharp cliffs and stalactites. I looked around, widening my eyes, to see in the dim light that shone through the narrow entrance. My hope quickly ran out, because there were no special structures or monsters, that could signal about quest item being near. I walked out of burrow with noticeable disappointment on my face.

We exited from the city through the gates and circled around the town towards the north, where the mountain pikes were seen in the distance. I taught about what Hestia told me about the potion of safeguard and possible high-level monster in this quest. "So Hestia you haven't done this quest too? So you don't have any info on what kind of monsters are waiting for us?" I asked, hoping that she might have some insight in this quest since she was helping low-level players for a while. As I asked this we were entering the mountainy region, so I was getting a bit nervous, that some dragon or kobold would jump on us before I could use the potion and ultimately I would die. I shook my head trying to get these thoughts out of my head, because if I couldn't concentrate, then this could be the end of me for sure. Luckily I had Hestia with me, so the actual danger wasn't as big as one might think.

After we wandered around the town looking for the park, where Hannah supposedly was. For the first time, I didn't have any problems navigating through the narrow rodes, partly because I  finally figured out how to use the minimap to navigate, but  I wasn't going to tell Hestia that. As we entered the park, I noticed the trees big and small sprouting out of the ground all around me, the park was surprisingly big, taking into account that we still were inside the city. Laying on one of the trees trucks a girl, who I supposed was Hannah was holding a canvas and drawing something. As I moved closer I noticed what she was drawing- it was a sketch for a ring. Then she told me, that in the pouch, that Lyle gave me held a gold band, which she needed to make the ring in her sketch. And then came the part I was waiting for. She asked me to retrieve a gem from a dark cave in the north of 1st Floor. "Okee, I can do that. Is there anything more you need?" When she answered that that was all I waved to Hestia, signaling that I was ready to go. 

After giving, us the reward the blacksmith looked at me and said, that there was actually something that he needed to be delivered to his friend, and it would be really nice if we could do it for him. At this point, I was already a bit tired of fetch and delivery quests, but levels don't come easy. "Hey, Hestia. Could you help me in this quest too? I know its only delivery quest, but judging from previous quests there will be a second part of the quest on the field and I would love it if you could help me."  I looked at her with exaggerated puppy-eyes and smiled hoping for a positive reply. I really liked that there was someone that would help me even in this death game. Either it was Illia or Hestia, a partner that you can depend on is one of the most important things to me. 

"Ok, we are here" I loudly declare, turning my head to see Hestia who was lost in thought. "So this is the house of the blacksmith. I have to only give the blacksmith the tusks and the quest is over." I knock and open the door, to find an old blacksmith standing in the doorway, welcoming us inside. As I walked inside he asked me if I have all 3 tusks gathered. When  I replied, that I have them and transferred the tusks to him he nodded his head and asked which reward I want. When I answered that I want a dagger with the extra damage he disappeared in the back room, only to later return with a dagger in his hand. Then he took a potion out of his pocket and gave it to me saying, that this "Safeguard" potion will come in handy. "OK! We finally did it! Thank you really much, Hestia."

"I think, that it was the last one, actually. So let's go back to the town? I still need to give these to the blacksmith, and I would prefer to do it before nightfall, so I could get some sleep. Last 2 days were really intense for me. So let's go if you don't mind."  I turned around and started hiking towards the town of beginnings. About an hour later we enter through the town gates and made our way towards Lyle`s house. I get a bit lost in the narrow streets of the town, that are filled with shop counters and people. It is almost dark when I give up and return to the main square hoping to find the house by looking for it from the start. "Hestia, where was Lye`s house? I can't remember anymore and if I tried to look for it by myself I would only get ourselves lost the second time."

I nod my head to show Hestia, that I understood, what she meant. "Ok, then I will give it a shot another time. I Imagine the forest medicine quest must be tough as nails... Have you finished it?" I ask while looking for another boar pub. As I notice one sizable specimen further in the distance. I, now more confident in my abilities, walk towards it, thinking what strategy could I use. When I am about 4 meters away from it I pick up a rock from the ground and threw it to the boar. I didn't have throwing skill, so it didn't deal any damage, but t served its purpose, as it distracted the boar. It started charging towards me and as it was onto me I jumped over it slashing through its back. But apparently, it wasn't enough to kill it. I needed at least one more critical hit to finish it off.

 Taka vs boar pub ID# 90681 BD:6 MD:3

Taka 42/60  Energy 0/6

Boar pub: 3/5

@Hestia

I ready myself to another attack. I flex my hand clutching the dagger ready for the final attack. I charge forward, slashing at the boar, but it evades my attack and strikes me in the chest with its side. I regroup quickly, noticing that the pain doesn't bother me as much as it did in the first battle. Without any more hesitation, I strike back at the boar hitting it between its eyes, shattering it into thousands of pieces between my eyes. However, my efforts were fruitless, as  I don't get the tusks, that I need. "Cmon, how comes, that I don't get anything, while you got two materials in the row? What is your secret?" I ask while looking at Hestia with a bit of envy, but also a chance to learn about some tips and tricks. "Is there maybe some item that gives you a higher chance of looting? Or is it just my bad luck..." I say feeling a bit bad about myself.

Taka vs boar pub ID# 90677 BD:7 MD:10 LD:4

Taka 42/60  Energy 0/6

Boar pub: 0/5