Taka

"Ogh.... Even though I won I still didn't get the materials I needed. My luck really is the worst." I cried out looking for another boar to beat up and get the materials. I saw one by the lake walking and not suspecting that after a while It will become a source of my materials. "Look, Hestia, there is my next target. I can take it...." I said while already running towards the blue lake-side where the boar stood. I run, trying not to make any noise, staying stealthy. I ready my hand which is holding the blade and relax the rest of body to evade possible strikes from the boar. As I made it to the boars back I quickly strike to its nape hitting its weak spot. Immediately I jump back as the boar tries hitting me by turning around. I saw, that my previous hit and dodge strategy worked like a charm.

Taka vs boar pub ID# 90675 BD:10 MD:2

Taka 45/60  Energy 0/6

Boar pub: 1/5

I listened to her advice and moved a bit more backward. The boar pub stayed in place, just as I was hoping it would. I stayed there and watched how Hestias familiar was trying to detract me. I picked up a little stone and threw it lightly not to harm the familiar, but make it make a scream. I wanted to apologize to Hestia for hurting her familiar, but I didn't have time to explain my strategy and say sorry. I charged towards the boar pub, whose attention was on the familiar and its guard was down. I rushed trying to make it before its attention refocused on me, but I failed. It switched around and scratched me enough to reduce my HP. But I didn't give up and stoke to its nape. Luckily it was enough as the boar disappeared into the air as hundreds of shining triangles scattered in the wind. 

Taka vs boar pub ID# 90600 BD:9 MD:10

Taka 45/60  Energy 0/6

Boar pub: 0/5

@Hestia

"Ok, this time I will finish it!"  I say as I move into position for sword skill activation. I twist my arm, putting my dagger behind my back. I can feel the system taking over me as my body becomes lighter and I slowly lose control over it. I see with the corner of my eye my dagger starting glowing and moving on its own. My boddy moves in a circular manner around the boar, but I start to resist the skill- It felt that It wouldn't hit the boar, but as I try resisting the skill my feets mingle and I trip over myself with my dagger sticking into the ground. "No, it cant be I messed up, as always. I can't figure out whether it's my luck or what." Suddenly I  hear the boar charging at me. I try to evade it, but it's too late. As I am half stood up the boar's tusks hit me and I'm on the ground again. At that moment I realized, that I really need a weapon with increased my accuracy. I quickly stand up, shaking the dust from my clothes and leave backward, to make some distance between myself and the boar pub.

Taka vs Boar pub (Round accel)  ID# 90585 BD:1 MD:5

Taka 48/60  Energy 0/6

Boar pub: 3/5

Same. Have some cards but no one to play with. Life is sad. 

ID# 90417 BD:5 MD:9

I listen to her advice kept my eyes open and observed the boars movement. It charged once, I jumped and dodged its attack. The second time I wasn't so lucky and got hit, however, this opened an opportunity for a counterattack, and I took it. I twisted my blade so it was aligned perpendicularly to the boar's side and pushed it inside. The boar started struggling and oinking in pain or desperation, and at some point, it managed to shake me off him, but the damage was done- three to be exact. I jumped back preparing for a counter-attack from the boar pub. Hestias familiar continued floating around me, annoying the hell out of me, but I stayed calm.  "How do you think, would it be ok to use sword skill for next attack?" I said, still looking at the injured boar pub which was full of rage and anger towards me.

Taka 51/60  Energy 1/6

Boar pub: 3/5

ID# 90377 BD:1 MD:5

I look at Hestia as she gives me the much-needed advice, however, I fail to notice another attack coming my way from the boar pub. I didn't know was it my reflexes or just my luck, but I knew for sure this mistake hurt even more than the first one. I guess in time I will get used to it, but it will be hard, very hard. Inraged I started rapidly swinging my dagger without looking or thinking. The pain was so intense I couldn't think. When I regained my senses I looked around and saw that the boar was about a meter away from me. "I messed up again. I cant hit it not even once- planing or not. How can you get the blade to connect? Whats wrong with me." I shouted. With a corner of my eye, I could see Hestias worried and at the same time pitying face. This sight was enough to return my will to fight.

Taka 54/60  Energy 1/6

Boar pub: 5/5

ID# 90374 BD:2 MD:10

"Guess you are right. Hadn't thought that much about i... " Suddenly an "oink" cut me in a half a word. I sprung around to see a boar pup glaring at me with its red shining eyes. I quickly drew my blade with it stupidly reflecting sun rays that hit boars eyes. Enraged it started running down the meadow in my direction. With me having no time to react the boar's thick tusks made contact with my torso. A searing pain exploded in my body around my torso, although the pain quickly stopped it still was a major shock. It was the first time I had gotten hit, and let me tell you It hurts. It hurts, even more, realizing that you could die while in this kind of pain. It was really scary, but it all disappeared in the next 2 seconds. It was as if suddenly I lost all pain and was ready to fight again.

Taka: 57/60   Energy: 2/6

"Shure. I have been feeling a bit awkward about all this being my quest and you doing all the work. Sorry. Next time it will be my victory." I say as I turn towards her rising my thumb like a certain ninja in an anime I used to like back in the real world. I meant what I said, but unfortunately, there weren't any more boars in the area, so we moved a bit to the west. As we walked a big lake came into my line of sight. It was beautiful, sparkling when the mid-day suns ray reflected from its surface. At that moment I asked a really stupid question: "Can you swim in here? I mean SAO." I looked at Hestia while thinking about how much my life had changed over the last few days. Finally going out of the Town of Beginnings, having major problems finding materials for a health potion with Illia and now, hopefully, beating my first monster with Hestia.

ID# 90371 BD:3 MD:4

I walk beside Hestia with my head absorbing all the information like a sponge. I already knew most of the things she was telling, but she had a way of showing them in a different light.  Suddenly I heard a small branch cracking as a boar pub spawned on top of it. "Ok, then let me try this. Should be OK!!!" I said drawing my dagger this time refraining from fancy blade-spin. I slowly walked a bit closer to the pub observing its movement. And then it charged. I could feel the slight wind from the sudden movement of my enemy, and I dodged leaping over it, trying to cut it with my blade. It scraped some fur down, but when I looked at its HP bar it didn't do any damage. It wasn't good, but this attack was better than my last. "Go in and kill it!!! Im counting on you Hestia!!!"

I look at her with awe in my eyes. Her swordplay, for me, was astonishing and brilliant, and she was only level 17. At that moment I fully understood how much more I needed to learn. "Hestia, that was brilliant. Could you teach me to fight like that? I know Im nowhere close your skill or level, but I would really appreciate if you could teach me, at least just for this quest. I'll understand if you say no." When I finished saying it a warm breeze blew over the meadow, making the grass dance. I quickly look around thinking that an enemy might have caused it. But I don't see anything. And then I understood. I needed two more boar tusks and boars were nowhere to be found.Maybe some stronger party had come and beat all of them up, but the fact was there were no monsters in sight. "Do you know any other place where boar pups spawn? It looks like this field is empty."

I draw my dagger and swirl it in my hand for no apparent reason. I ran up to the Boar Pup and swing the blade. As for my surprise, the boar quickly raises its head deflecting my dagger. Staggered I step back, noticing at the last second as the angry Boar Pub charges my way with its tusks directed at me. I quickly react and dodge the Pub by moving to the side. Disappointed I catch my breath lucky for dodging the boar, but only by a smile of fortune. I look at Hestia and mutter under my nose "Sorry, I knew I would mess up." 

I felt bad about myself. And after that dagger juggling- that made me look like a total idiot. However, the battle wasn't over and I could not possibly leave all the work to Hestia. After all shes the one that volunteered to help me without getting anything in return.

ID# 90257 BD:3 MD:4

Hestia: 340/340   28/33

Boar Pup #2 5/5

Taka: 60/60   Energy: 4/6

"I haven't really taught about it. There hasn't been that much time to think about stuff like that- what bothered me before was to stay inside or go outside the town of beginnings. But when I think about it I guess some kind of a mix between damage dealer and supporter." It was weird. This quest with Hestia- it actually felt fun, without the menace that I had felt earlier while staying locked in the walls of the town. I felt something warm touching my leg, and when I looked down I saw my partners familiar clinging to my leg. "He's really friendly, isn't he? Come to think of it how can you get a familiar- when SAO was announced I wanted to have one." 

Suddenly I heard a branch cracking and some weird noises. When I looked at the direction from which I had heard the noise I noticed a boar pup about 10 meters from us and another a bit further on. Go time!

I look at Hestia stunned. I had never heard anyone tell something like that out loud. Most players I knew only cared for themselves and teamed up only if they had some profit from it, but Hestia was different. "Sure, ok. I haven't really been used to people being so nice. Here in Town of Beginnings people mostly care only leveling up themselves and of nothing more. I'm not saying there aren't exceptions, but that's what I'm used to hearing from others. By the way nice to meet you names, Taka." I looked at her with a cheerful smile and warm laughter. With everything that had happened, it was hard for me to trust people so easily or trust myself for that matter. I had begun to change my view of things after the quest I had with Illia, but I still had a way to go. I'm really glad I found someone so honest and helpful. "Anyway, I think its time for us to go. Let's not keep Lyle waiting for those tusks."

I couldn't believe my eyes and ears. Someone really had responded to my cry of desperation. I looked at the familiar that, according to his master, had told her that I needed her help. It was my first time seeing a familiar and he was so beautiful and looked so strong. I extended my hand and shook hers. "You wouldn't believe how much I would appreciate your help. But are you sure its ok? I mean you won't have any SP reward because of your level. And I'm afraid I will slow you down." I started becoming more and more nervous. The fear of being wrong, of messing up. I needed to get a hold of myself. I looked around and saw that we had gained quite an audience. I looked left, right and quickly said: "Well anyway if you are interested then let's meet outside the gates." I ran outside the inn and headed towards the gates. What had I done? There's no way shell follow me now after pulling a stunt like that.  

As I walked out of Lyles shop Illia turned toward me and said, that she needs to go. I really didn't know why she left, but I accepted it knowing how she is. Slowly I walked toward the inn, eying every player I could see, hoping to get a partner for the quest I had accepted from the blacksmith until tomorrow. Sadly, I didn't see anyone with low enough level or someone that seemed interested to go on a quest.

When I arrived at the West Inn the sun had already started rising. Few morning rays shoot from beyond the houses and the wall, but I managed to escape them in the room of the Inn and closing the windows. I quickly fell asleep.

Next day I woke up and walked down to the main lobby. I ate a modest breakfast and prepared to set off. Before going out I decided to try my luck and shouted

"Hello, would anyone be interested in killing some boars?  I need it for a quest."

When Illia gave the man a package he turned away from his forge and smiled. He lowered his hammer and said "So you are the messagers from Zakariah? How nice. Would you have some time to help another old man out? I'm working on a sword, but I need some boar tusks. Could you help me and get some?" Then he raised his hand and handed me and Illia each a pouch with potions. " Even if you won't help me you have earned this. Good luck on your journey."

Typical npc dialog- short and simple, I thought. Trough the window early rays of sun shine into blacksmiths workshop. 

This quest was nice. Even though Illia plays to be cold, I figured she actually has a kind heart. Especially after that laugh of hers.  "What do you think Comrade? Are we taking this wonderfull opportunity to kill some boars and get some SP?" 

ID# 90156 CD: 10 1 Perfect health potion

"Are you kidding me, you haven't known my name all this time???!!! It's Taka. T-A-K-A" I shouted bit angrily, but in the same time like a joke. I opened my menu and transferred the materials which I needed to collect to Zakariah. He waved his hand from inside signaling me to come in. The house was small and comfy- filled with bookcases and potions of all color spectrum. In the next room stood his crafting table with materials and the recipe laid down on it. I looked at my "companion" (whose name i won't say for no specific reason), who had already started brewing. I took the mortar standing on the corner of the table and grounded the materials together until they resembled a liquid. Then I took a bottle and poured the liquid in. As I did that the system messaged me: Perfect Health Potion. I was so happy it went ok. I transferred the potion to Zakariah as he gave me a proud nod.

As she ran outside to get that herb my heart almost stopped. What was she thinking, it was so reckless. However, let bygones be bygones because she was alright. When she still catching her breath asked me to go to the old alchemist, Zakariah I was stunned. "Oook, but don't you need any rest?"  She just shook her head and gave me a friendly punch saying "You don't need to worry about me ". She was reckless, but also she cared about her companions, that made me like her even more and more. 

Walking through the narrow streets of the town on beginnings the moon went higher in the sky. Finally, after a little wandering around, we found a house with a nameplate "Zakariah". When I knocked softly trying not to wake anyone up if they were sleeping, earning a sarcastic comment from Illia,  the doors opened and a friendly old man stood there.

ID# 90140 LD:16 5/5 materials.

As we ran across the grass field with a wolf pack behind us the city's lights grew closer and closer. Another howl behind us. I increased my pace to keep up with Illia, who was running as fast as an well trained  athlete. I stumbled a bit but after a while, I got used to it and was able to talk again: "So where do you plan on getting the last materials? I doubt that there are a lot of them around town." She looked at me with that stare that said "figure it out yourself- I can take care of myself" and continued running.

As we almost had reached the gates I noticed a Moonbow herbs faint glow. I grabbed it and continued to run like my life depended on it. I hoped that Illia had gotten all of her herbs, because I too didn't want to go on this same quest tomorrow only for 1 material. 

ID# 90133 LD:18 4/5 Materials

"Shure lets keep together,"  I said with a smirk smile coming out of woods behind her "that's the reason why we are a party. Isn't it?". 

Slowly, but steadily we walked towards the Town of Beginnings. In the distance, we could already see the grand walls and bright lights. As darkness became thicker some mushrooms started having glowing lights with a bit weird and ominous glow hovering around them. It was a bit scary, however about each third of these glowing shrooms was a material item, so I let it go through me. I guess it was some kind of lighting mechanism in Aincrad but I could be wrong. Every sound got intensified by the darkness, I could hear the dire wolf howling in direction of Talbana. They were far away, but I couldn't stop feeling uneasy after Illia had stated it so correctly- PKers really was a big treat for everyone in Aincrad. And what made it worse was that it wasn't even Cardinals or Kaiabas fault.

ID# 90130 LD:18 3/5 materials.

"Ok, but we need to be careful. Our vision will be reduced in the night, but yeah we can continue looking on our way back. Let's meet up at the tree where I was resting."  I quickly wrote an answer and started moving.

As the light dimmed and the shadows grew I carefully, hiding walked through the forest. I left the trails because I thought that game would spawn monsters on them more. I kept my eye open not only for unseen danger but also for those obnoxious materials.

There is only that much I can take and this is the line, I thought to myself, good game balance, good joke. As I finished the last thought I saw a mushroom in front of me as I picked it up my menu jumped out with a message +1 material. "Finally" I shouted out, quickly after that realizing that it could have been a fatal mistake. 

ID# 90128 LD:9 2/5 Materials

As I continued to search for materials I noticed that far in the forest there was a pack of boars coming my way.their red eyes would glow in the light of twilight.  I already had unsheathed my dagger, when I stopped and analyzed the situation. I decided that best for the situation was to leave and before they could see me I snuck away into the forest. As I walked tru small trail the sun continues going down until only small semicircle floated on horizon. I hadn't noticed we had been here all day and to remind me that my stomach started to grovel. After thinking a bit I sent a message to Illia "Hey, there is a pack of monsters, boars to be exact, up ahead and they are coming our way. Pluss the night is falling. I think it's better we call it a day, get some rest and continue tomorrow. "

ID#90105 LD: 19 2/5 materials 

"But  together we might have better luck fighting them off.  I'll go bit ahead.  You check the other side.  We might have better luck by splitting up.  Call me if you find anything. " 

I ran a bit dealer into the forest leaving Illia behind still a bit confused about what had happened. I stopped when I saw a glade surrounded by big trees.  A lot of gras grew there,  so I knew I will find what I need here. I looked around for a while and found some glowing herbs who resembled a small thistle.  As I picked it up the item description sprung up: Glade medicinal thistle , Tier 1 material. I sighted satisfied with my loot -  finally my luck had returned. I turned around and called Illia. "How are you doing? Have you found anything useful? I found some materials in a glade." By her tone I figured she hadn't had any luck by herself. 

ID#90083 LD: 13 Materials 1/5

As I sighted relieved that Illia had started trusting me more I also grew more and more frustrated about that the more I looked for those materials the less showed up. It was as if Cardinal was laughing at me, taunting me. For the first time in SAO, I really felt like I wanted to fight, fight and win.  I wasn't sure I could do that, but it would be a hell of a lot interesting than looking for these inexistent materials. I drew my dagger and angerly started cutting in the air. Illia stood there saying nothing, but her faint smile said that she approved of my thoughts. Then I wanted nothing more than finishing this quest and going out to make a word for myself and prove myself to everyone. Even if I couldn't do that, I could still try.

"Is this really the only forest on Foor 1? There must be a better place to look for these materials."

ID#90078 LD:12 1/5 materials.

A boar? Are you kidding me? I'm sure that even I myself could take down something like that. We should be worried about mantises or lizardmen, but they arent on floor 1." I said while already  regretting my words. It was so out of character for me. Sure it was the truth- I knew, I had done some investigating and information gathering, but saying it to someones face like this, no. For a few minutes, we walked silently. The road was narrow so we walked in a line. That didn't help to break the silence. The redhair looked surprised, startled and a bit offended. I looked in some bushes and on some trees looking for some items to forget about what happened but no luck both with items AND forgeting. Finally, I decided to break the silence: "Sorry, I didn't mean to be so blunt. If we meet any monsters I'm sure we together can take it down, as a team. Peace?"