Illia

Illia glanced back toward her compatriot, it was odd but she hadn't even bothered to remember what his name was from the beginning of this adventure. Perhaps hospitality and etiquette were lost as you ventured forth into video games, the gaming mentality being insults and strange immature rebuttals. The crimson mane of hair flowed back as she whipped it behind her now back within the safety of the town. As she followed him she kept panting a bit tired form her quick marathon sprint that had sent her to the forest's edge and back again. The town of beginning was still lively, the nocturnal gamer's who enjoyed the thrill and hindrance that came with the night made it that much more exhilarating to journey forth at this late hour. Her fingers gently dancing about the elegant hilt of Heaven's Fall, her rapier with a blue jewel that shimmered within the torch light of the town of beginnings.

"Zakariah is an NPC you realize that he doesn't have to sleep, he just is perceived as sleeping until activated by our quest line. Zakariah do you mind letting us in so we can complete our journey as apprentice alchemists. We need to craft a few simple healing potions."

Illia smiled as he opened the door with a gentle grin, it was uplifting to see someone as jolly as he almost mistakenly so like Santa Clause in western culture. The hand dancing upon the hilt of her blade now sliding back behind her back as she gave a cheerful smile for the first time.

"Illia reporting for crafting and  ...  what was your name again? It shouldn't be to hard so why don't I give you a small tutorial about how you attempt to craft these potions."

Illia quickly slid her fingers through her menu transferring the materials to Zakariah who would now help her over to the craftsman table where they had the ingredient and recipe for a healing potion.

ID: 90158 CD: 9 1 rare quality potion made (deliver package final portion)

Illia blinked she was shocked how lucky the little rascal got with his final few materials, she would wave him forward to continued into the town as the approached her eyes still glaring back into the woods howls and rustling of leaves could be heard. She glanced back pushing forward back to the edge of the forest as she sprinted up seeing one faint glow back behind them, she had her last material in sight and was planning on finishing this mission before heading to bed.

"Just wait for me here I see a little bit more and that should allow us to complete this quest with alchemist though we still need to start out crafting of those potions if you know how to do that? Anyway back in a flash!"

The redhead slid out her rapier rushing toward the faint glow swiping toward it as she dove in clipping the base and flipping it up to be caught as she then raced back. Her own ability to obtain it was quite impressive as a few wolves were now seen snarling behind in a rage. She raced back shouting back at the wolves now making it back to the safe zone partially out of breath with a smile.

"Catch me if you can! Let's head back to his house and finish this off k?"

ID: 90145 LD: 14 5/5 Material

She glanced back toward the man who smiled once again at her now sneaking up from behind, her rapier still at her side as she had been partially re-sheathed before nodding. It was good that he had decided it was a wise decision to stick with her as she knew the starting gear left a few weakness among the new players. As she stepped forward she found some Moonbow herbs that were used for brewing and best found while at night as they tended to glow in the bask of the moon. Another material added to her collection as she sighed with relief. Only one more left to got it seemed for both of them to finish which meant they would be able to call it a night and look for rooms to house their weary heads.

"Jump to it we will double time it on our way back home and hope that there are some supplies just outside the walls else we will start risking out necks to a pack of wolves."

A howl burst out from behind them as she now cringed wishing that she hadn't just jinxed themselves her eyes shot back to see a few hungry pairs of eyes a bit deeper into the woods. She reached her hand out and grabbed his as she now began to sprint off bringing him alone, there was no reason to waist time the wolves would follow if they didn't put some distance between them.

ID: 90136 LD: 16 4/5 Material

Illia sighed with relief, it sounded like her companion was willing to stick it out just a bit longer after all this game was based upon random number generation thus they couldn't have been completely unlucky all the time. Her eyes now glancing down as she noticed some mushrooms that were growing not to far away from his batch. These would do quite well for food or potions depending upon what type of goods were needed for this mission. It was off the trail with him as she didn't want to feel responsible for leaving a newbie out in the middle of the woods at night and getting himself killed. She didn't let herself be seen though as he seemed to enjoy being around one another when it was safer against the packs that could spawn.

"I would advise against leaving me alone after all girls aren't meant to be left alone by chivalrous knight am I right? Even if they have equipment they are still as vulnerable as any old player when it comes to the greed of pker's."

ID: 90131 LD:14 3/5 Material

Illia frowned, the day kept passing them by with fewer and fewer materials to be found. How was this possible that they had higher chances to find materials and they were still wasting away the day. Illia's eyes gazed up through the darkness that was descending upon them as she heard a comment form the one she traveled with. Monsters were up ahead, though she didn't really care about that she was willing to prove he worth if there wasn't a large amount of them. Besides they both hadn't even passed the halfway marker for the quest and she didn't want to wast multiple days upon what should have been a single outing as she thought they would have gotten outside of the town quicker, she didn't account for a second player who would slow down their movement.

"Are you really scared of a few boars, besides we can keep looking for materials on the way back to the Town of Beginnings. I will cover our back on the way home but I'm not going back home empty handed I want to be ready to complete this quest with the master alchemist when we get back. How about you?"

ID: 90129 LD:7 2/5 Material

Illia's body shivered despite the fact that the nearby meadow and trees would have help broke some of the wind that was passing over them her hair blowing to the side as she now blinked. Her rapier still on hand as she unsheathed it stabbing into some leaves that were upon the ground gently lifting up a few she skewered now brushing them off seeing that she hadn't found anything new. It was quite tedious to keep up this search while there were only the two of them now grumbling this was quite hopeless even with the buff that the starting mission offered she was having more trouble then one should have had especially after doing her earn a living thread. Illia continued to stroll off after Taka suggested they split up an eyes still focused upon his direction as she wasn't entirely convinced he knew what he was doing yet.

"I fear for that one, he doesn't seem like the type who would be willing to kill for his own survival so much as another."

ID: 90107 LD: 2 2/5 Material

The girl sighed, a brief nod of the head to agree with the young male accompanying her thus far. This location seemed to be quite scarce of materials perhaps they just arrived after the others had come through. It meant they would either have to wait around for them to spawn in or continue forward. The redhead glance further into the woods that she knew was a bit more dangerous, before nodding in agreement.

"Right if you want to be stronger then you have to take a few risks while you are out adventuring which means going to possible mob spawns. We shouldn't really have to worry if we go a bit deeper as we are in one of the safest parts of floor one thanks to the cardinal systems idea of fairness. Just pray we don't run into a heard of boars. I can only kill so many of them at a time."

With her rapier she sadly had no AOE abilities it means she was a grand duelist but poor against mobs.

ID: 90085 LD:10 2/5 Material

As she stood there listening she shook her head, the world was strange though she had to admit she didn't know what was with this one. He was discussing the concept of fighting off monsters that weren't in this area. Let alone those were fare more devastating then the rest as she now now cracked her fingers for a brief period of time. She had a few questions for this little one now standing shocked at his own words. He didn't seem like the type to defend himself no matter what foe hew was now facing off against. Her hand stretched out offering it to him as she nodded.

"I suppose we could have a little bit of peace but only have you convince me that you are capable of fighting so how about you try and fight a simple boar the next time we are out not on a mission to make sure you know how to handle that weapon of yours."

The female now sighed before staring back toward the forest hoping to complete the mission by finding the last of her few mats. Grumbled her luck was running about as dry as Taka.

ID: 90081 LD: 9

This quest already was odd, her eyes now glancing back toward the man once more who seemed to not be having luck with this. A hand reached down brushing a few leaves out of the area frowning as it didn't seem like the materials were about this section of the forest anymore. A hand stretched down to grip the rapier again as she would pull it out from the scabbard glancing back and lifting it up as he asked the question. What did she think about this horrid death game, perhaps she just was angry still at the man who had pushed her buttons pushing her to this point where she wanted a form of vengeance upon him. Her green glossy eyes now staring toward the two nervously.

"Don't worry about what other people think, after all this is our prison which we were pushed into as this is our life to live out or die by our own skill and calculations so why don't you focus on that idea. So, I suggest we find you some armor and weapons next time we decide to search else if a boar showed up you could get yourself killed."

ID: 90077 LD: 3 2/5 material

Illia wandered forward rather confused at this new guy, perhaps he didn't have any plans and now was going to follow her about like puppy. She wasn't sure she was ready to adopt anything, let alone a newbie who was seeking assistance through this. The hand upon her rapier stayed at it's mark now glancing backwards as she noticed he seemed to be having a little luck finding the supplies. A slight roll of her eyes as she now grumbled from this it was odd that they wanted to work with herself, she decided it was best to keep her mind busy and off the subject simply offering a gentle smile now raising her hand with a thumbs up to her acquaintance.

"Good job, all you have to do now is keep up the good work else you will not be able to keep yourself well equipped in this world like I have."

Illia would gesture to her new outfit, a red shining ruby apple and of course her rapier that she was still holding onto.

"Just make sure to not die t his time."

ID: 90075 LD: 11 2/5 Material's (usually it's a 15 or higher but this quest made these mats 11 or higher)

The girl blinked, it was odd that they would seek that players would need assistance so badly that they would be seeking this apprenticeship under NPC's. The redhead sighed after the punch to her companions arm now wandering forward and shaking her hand forward. She knew a few good places outside of town, though it wasn't going to be safe if she had to worry about protecting Taka as well. Her hand reached down to her rapier's handle only to grip the new weapon she had crafted she wanted to seek fights but this mission usually promised to be safe for the newbies as if it was simply a tutorial built in by the cardinal direction. Stretching out she then glanced back to speak up to her companion.

"Pick up the pace we have to start finding some material's I do hope you know the basics of searching for materials in the environment. First lesson keep your eyes peeled and seek anything useful."

The girl looked over the wilderness as they made there way out of the town of beginning and into the woods.

ID: 90073 LD: 18 1/5 Material

Illia glanced over the crowd now wincing from the thought of all this there were so many missions to do though she wandered over to the deal now noticing a strange individual. The NPC's workshop was a little bit ahead of them now glancing up to the new individuals who were joining the fray. Her eyes now glancing over across the world as she bit her lip. It was her first planned mission alone and here was another player who was behind the NPC she rubbed her head to ask.

"I must admit I wasn't expecting to work with anyone but now that you are here we should start working on finding the materials right? I didn't know exactly what we should be doing other then collecting some potion materials I believe we both will need ten total and he will be teaching us the use of crafting tools for our own good. My name is Illia and it's a pleasure to work with you if you can help finish this quest properly? First we have to head to the forest."

"Illia I it's no problem I just wish for a ruby apple that can be worn upon a belt loop preferably made out of ruby."

She glanced down toward her feet already equipped with her armor and rapier now sighing as she was ready to attempt her own ascent through this world even if it was to be a lonely one due to her own failings. It was strange she was quite good at making friends but her own patients were tested possibly due to the way of life that was threatening to her own plans in life. She was planning on being a doctor in the real world and now she was taking a path of combat against the floors that kept her out of those plans. As he returned with the crimson apples she reached up poking at her menu now transferring over the seven materials.

"Thank you much, I will see you again when I am of level to get this upgraded to a tier two item. Good day and I wish you luck with the rest of your crafts for the customers behind us."

She then walked toward the door and out equipping the final item as she planned to go out for some missions.

The girl stood there partially dumbfounded, her own argument being skewed as a life lesson that he was attempting to teach her now that she was about to scream in annoyance with this one who she wished to teach with a blade. Stats were such a hindrance, true skill was in the ability not the math or calculation of one's own items but here it was everything. The red head simply palmed her own face in shock as she realized he didn't catch a single glimpse of her plan to tell him to not judge people who were weak as slackers who didn't want to be freed form this and instead counted that he had helped as few as ten people since he was holding up that many fingers meaning her could almost count the number of people he had saved. Her finger gently massaged her temples before glancing back up to both the blonde and the man who had finally removed his helmet to only look down upon her again. Her body drooped more as she nodded and apologized to the two of them hating to leave this on a note of annoyance. A bow and deep breath would begin her apology.

"I'm sorry you are right, it was wrong of me to say such repugnant falsehoods about your ability as both a healer of the mentally ill and a protector of the weak. I will make it up to both of you by being strong with or without the help of others as the case may be I suppose I'm not great at making friends. I swear to not be just another failed name who couldn't protect herself while out on an adventure. An your presence did keep me safe today, I suppose I will have to repay that. I'm sorry ..."

She now glanced back to the town which wasn't to far away standing upright once more and heading off by herself attempting to hold her own composure. After wandering back to town she would sit down against the warm ground still taking deep calming breaths as she was furious with both of the two she had met today, perhaps it was this game or just a bad day she never got riled up to this extent. She simply would go back to town and curl up her head between her knees.

Illia cringed she had heard of this artisan through another vender by the name of Aereth who had suggested purchasing the item she required to complete her build here. The redhead sighed, her eyes skimming over the strange trinkets and baubles. She had heard tattoo's were a commodity which one could have permanently etched into their flesh as the real world had to offer. A slight shiver at the idea of marking oneself in such a fashion. Instead she wished for something simple, as a cook it would seem out of the ordinary for her to request something in the shape of a fruit her favorite being an apple as they always held a secret power while in a story or in sustenance keeping one alive. As she stumbled about she tried to find the prices as she still had a fair amount of material's and didn't agree to take the easy way around unlike with the blacksmith who had refused her payment of the full price.

"Pardon me, I would like you to make me a special craft if you are around I have a fairly large amount of tier one materials to offer for my patronage."

Once he arrived she would send him a message with the stats and appearance hoping it could be created relatively quickly.

Her head drooped down, agitation still apparent in her form as she clenched a fist at her side annoyed that someone like him would suggest she hadn't known no one was prepared for this game. Wasn't it obvious that no one had expected this to happen, even so was he so naive to not think about the emotional effects and struggles that it had on those people about him. Illia regretted that wasted time, years spent caring and coping with the young and emotionally weak. She didn't care about what the two had to say, she wasn't going to stand by and let them chastise her when they probably were so caught up in training to fight the battles and win the war of attrition that they were all living through. The red streams of silk gently tossed back as she glared up toward the fully armored man and the strange woman who still was close to her person.

"The players who are so weak and frail in your eyes, they have spent their time coping or dealing with those so mentally frail that they could no longer keep their own state of mind safe. Was it all for not, maybe countless of them jumped off the edge and still will to come if nothing is done. Months or years to come when there are no longer any players to join the cause because people neglected the simple idea of common sense to waste that time for training instead to keep the body counts from rising, maybe then you will remember that there isn't just one war to fight in this death game. Bosses are easy, as you said they are calculations and reactionary feedback to said stimuli that beat them. The war inside all of the children and people still laying in those alleys of the 'Town of Beginners' Pray that you don't have to worry about the neighbor beside you sneaking out because no one explained that life continued even if our bodies would be limp from the loss of muscle and fats. We have to keep mental fortitude else that person returning to the real world wasn't worth saving."

A few tears streaked down her cheek as she now turned her back on the knight who had spoken up against her own ability as her level may not have shown it her days of service to the children of Aincrad had. Many still were scared, the game wasn't going to be one in a few weeks people couldn't just expect those who were scared to deal with the stress, that was why a small group had started simply caring for them and why she had joined them. Tears streaked down her own cheek as she tried to avoid their judgemental gazes.

"Next time you judge me maybe you should go the front lines of the other battlefront, see how it feels to live with those you would let jump off or themselves at the feet of a monster. And don't you touch me telling me that I don't know about loving or caring for others as I have done more then you have ever done."

@Hakai @Macradon

Ill glanced around the shop, those olive eyes scanning the works of his trade as she hadn't heard of many tailors about practicing there trade it was unfortunate had she know she may have attempted to start a new shop. A hand reaching down to the garments she wore they were red she wanted something new and a spark of envy. She had already placed the order for her rapier and been prepared to now strike out on an adventure to face off against the weaker level bosses of the first percentile of this game hoping that it would prepare her for he new goal. She intended to prove that the strength of the front liners wasn't something that everyone should rely in by dueling each and everyone till she was victorious.

"I'm sorry to intrude by I'm looking for a tailor I would like to order a plain simple black jump suit with these requirements and appearances."

Illia's olive eyes stopped upon the banner, she grumbled angrily still remembering an encounter with the owner of this establishment regretting the need for equipment even if it was to prove him wrong. The scarlet red head strolled through the doors not offering her true emotions about that day. Anger was a strong motivator and the reason she intended to show up on the front lines. The petite hand clenched into a fist as she gripped the handle and pushed forward stopping at the counter top expecting some further rebuttals about her state still a lowly player who hadn't seen real conflict due to her vanity weapons that came with the support starting pack a hand reached out flipping through the menu's till she clicked upon the material section.

"I will be taking a freshly crafted blade a Tengoku no Aki. The designs are within the message I have sent you. Among it is also a special orb I found on my adventures which I wish to be crafted into the blade so it may be inserted as I come back for upgrades."

Illia would then lean up against the wall and wait for the order finding no need or rush to adventure without her gear to continued on advancing in strength. She intended to make him regret those words he had spoken to her. Once the transaction was ready she would pay the price he demanded be it with or without the newbie discount.

Transaction: 4 or 7 materials trade to Macradon.

Illia was just about ready to return to the town of beginnings when she heard Macradon's remark, a voice in her head wanted to shout 'execuse you!' Instead she just hesitated for enough time that it seemed that the blonde would once again approach her. All those comments about lollygagging caused a fire to burn inside of gut though the comment about not wanting to see her on the front line pissed her off. Her body language changed only to be quickly confused by the sudden approach of the woman gripping onto her from behind. She winced now feeling a bit nervous from the stronger player gripping her and whispering what seemed to be sweet comments into her ear about how they could assist her in the climb. It was discomforting how her arms wrapped about her so easily, as if she was some sort of friend from the real world.

"I'm choosing to be alone because then I don't have to watch people like you dying because of overconfidence that goes especially for you knight. Since that adder man came even you are at risk of losing your life because of your pride thinking that because you got a head start some of us weren't capable of starting off right away when we entered this game and were victims of our own friend's generosity. I didn't even want to play this stupid game, and here I am living it for life, but you will see me on the front line once I'm good and ready you will regret speaking down to me."

Illia shivered as those words spat disdain at the one who the blond was speaking to, it wasn't her nature to sit back and she would have been out there too if there weren't for extenuating circumstances. Instead of walking away though she stayed simply catching her breath now in the grasp of the girl.

"I'm not some doll in need of protection."

The church's steps they were hard upon her knees as she then cringed from the remarks that would be made, the idea of hope was pathetic in this day and age particularly since they lost so many of their strong. Her slid down to her lap even her body now sat upon the back of her heels. Each word cut deep, the blade of her katana dull in comparison to her sharp tongue. The hair draped down over her eyes as she hung seemingly sulking to the outsider. This drive to be more then herself however would strengthen her as she waited upon the church steps. The silence of the man only made it worse, confirming that the blonde haired girl held partial truths in her comments. Speaking often could sharpen or dull the cuts of others, Macradon's inability to comment angered her as much as Hakai's rude comments.

"I don't pray for the front liners who think they are better then the rest of us simply because they started down the path quicker building allies. Those of us who are alone have larger mountains to climb after all. I was simply praying that pig-headed ignorance such as yours would be cured before it left you in a ditch with a knife in your back."

Illia stood back up and patted them both on the back, a gentle smile accommodating her words. It was as condescending as the words she had used against her though her tone spoke with gentle sincerity. The scarlet girl would then start wandering away from the two heading back to the teleportation platform to return to the billboards where she could complete more missions. A gentle wave to punctuate her departure.

"Au Revoir."

@Hakai@Macradon

The girl continued to stare about the party, in appearance everyone seemed to be having fun though a few of the male parties had taken to the outskirts of the party. An NPC then approached her as he offered her a strange little trinket '[+1 Candy Guard]' a brow quirked in bewilderment as she took note of the name of it. It was quite the unusual event most of the holiday festivals that took place had strange floor bosses that came out to try and kill us. This seemed different, just a normal event planned by a few players that happened to have the non player characters floating about with gifts. She supposed that it might have been for candy, their very own jack-o-lantern box for storing candy as they went trick or treating. She was accustom to the tradition though she imagined that fewer people would have among this side of the world. It was a strange pagan celebrated ritual after all. A shrug would cast aside those thoughts as she now wandered over to a nearby area to sit and watch.

It was a safe distance in case players started performing a congo line or a dance. Her hood still gently pressing upon the scarlet hair. She herself was now examining a few of the party guests contemplating her own involvement. Two had just received their own candy guards meaning they were still new to the festivities. Perhaps it was best to approach them when the time came for further involvement. Two seemed to have been pirates, a smirk waxing over her face as she hid a fit of laughter. It was nice to spectate others and relationships.

"I forgot how much fun it was to watch others."

The town was rather vacant, Illia simply would wince hearing the cruel state of reality that Hakai seemed to have about this world and it's occupants who dreamed of escaping. Perhaps it was simply child's play contemplating naive thoughts of breaking free of this game, but a large amount of people seemed to believe in it. The idea of reaching a final boss was quite difficult to grasp at, she frankly couldn't remember the last report was on their progress through the floors. Her arms gently reaching around to the front rubbing one another. It was clear her own faith was now on edge, at least till she spoke up.

"It might be foolish to believe in the idea that we still are alive in this game, particularly since this could be it for us now simply back ups on hard drives in some server rack. Even so I would rather hope and keep living then roll over and die on the spot. It would only incentivize those who pk to continue and the weak who fear to hide in the cities. It's a pleasure to meet you both, but I'm afraid our personalities may just clash."

A slight bow was offered, the carrot-top then glanced over and smiled to Macradon offering him a bow as well. It wasn't that she despised working with others, but she just felt a little agitated by the point of view. She stopped before then glancing back to the large doors stepping up to the stair as she knelt down and started saying a prayer.

Illia was shocked at how drastic the climate changes were between floors, one seemingly an open field with forests boarding the edges of the area where people created into the edge of life. It was sad how many names were upon the monument of life, each one having their own fear or reason to have leaped off this structure. Hope was a desperate commodity that many of the weaker players had no ability to wield. Illia was among them, though suicide was never a viable option as life was worth living even when caged, because hope kept one's gaze ever up and forward along the horizon. The newbie wandered till finally in the town she noticed the architecture of a gorgeous church. Religious buildings always were the most elegant of structures, wasn't it odd that they attempt to humble themselves in their way of life as priests only to then be housed in the most lavish of rooms.

The girl shrugged her shoulder as she was stared up in awe, it was the ringing of metal upon the the rock statue though that disrupted her solemn thoughts. Illia cringed before turning about startled to see that the blade had flown out of the hand of it's wielder. What on earth could she have been hoping to prove attacking a building that was indestructible, at least they were so far.

"Are you ok? It's not normal behavior to simply smash one's blade against the side of a church. Well unless you are extremely against the religion then it might make a little sense I suppose."

@Hakai @Macradon

[Earn A Living]

Quest Complete!

Illia - 6 material & 200 col + completion reward 2 SP

Hestia - 0 material & 200 col 1 SP

The crimson strands swished into the direction of the breeze of that was across the first floor, a chill once again caught hold of her body this time leaving only a faint shiver of her body. Illia continued to walk along with Hestia, her eyes that had been fixed upon their surrounding now beginning to wander as she was watching the walls and safety of the Town of Beginning growing nearer. This was the start of a journey, though there seemed to be no end in the near future they had progressed far through the first couple levels which had taken their fair share of lives. Even now a new man continued to threaten it but this was the way of life now. Her finger fidgeted as she gripped the sleeve of her white coat. The next ordeal was where, what floor would gain the most consumer business while also remaining in a section of the world where she would not have to  fear higher level intervention or bullying.

"It was pleasure working with you miss Hestia, I'm just going to turn this in and join up with a chef NPC to understand the basic skills. Oh, right! I almost forgot we should send one another a friend request in case you want a meal or I simply need more assistance."

Illia's finger gently breezed over her menu, pressing in the air as she maneuvered through the menus till a notification was sent no doubt showing itself up on Hestia's display. A gentle smile and bow would accompany her departure.

"It was a pleasure meeting you, again thanks."

@Hestia