Etherial

She was surprised how much in common he had with her on the terms of video game experience and the wealth of families from all around the world. The thing is. Her family could care less about her. Matter of fact she's pretty sure they didn't even realize that she was gone or if they have, probably tried to find a way to sue the company and the game developer just for there or greed and wealth.

"Thank. I didn't really have a great relationship with my family so it doesn't really bother me now." She stared at the tablet for a few seconds before she spoke again.
"Matter of fact I've found more friends here I'm sometimes glad that I'm stuck in this game."

After a few minuets of the two trying to translate the tablet he manage to fully translate it and a note popped up on her screen showing what they translated.

It was just another day in this death game when Etherial was settling on the 2nd floor of the game. That being said though she was still fairly low of a level to be fighting alone on this floor. But that didn't stop her from coming here. She love the scenery since it reminded her of home back in the real world.

That being said she was gazing down the street watching other players stroll by. The only difference is she sees an odd man that looks to be heading back from a long day of work. Or so it seems that is.

Walking up to him though she would ask him something.

"Hey there. You seem to be a high level player. I heard there's a good beginner's quest around here but was told it has some stronger monster's that would need to be slayed. Would you by any chance be able to help me with it?"

The white haired girl looked at him with basic gear and what looks like a rapier on her hip waiting to finally get this quest on the way.

«Etherial» 80/80 | ENG: 26/26 | DMG: 1 | Keen: 0 | ACC: 1 | MIT: 5 | EVA: 3 | Para: 2 |

She was thankful that he talked to her about his personal life a little. It makes it a little at ease knowing that the person you're doing quest with is someone friendly to talk to.

"I never played games. My dad is an important man in Japan with one of the biggest companies in the country. This game was meant for my little brother but he was sick and was sent to the hospital on the day of the launch. I figured I'd try the game out to see what was the big hype my little brother gave when he found out about the game... And well the rest is history."

She has a feeling that he wasn't expecting a person like her to be in a game. Has no experience what so ever with games nor MMOs. But she decided that in order for her to get back to the real world she'll have to beat the game with the rest of the players. The only issue is she was scared to be in the frontlines and getting attacked. But one day one of her friends mention for her to try and do a support role where she wont always be in the front attacking.

She snap back from her train of thought and tried to decrypt more of the tablet.

"Looks like I can understand this better than you. Strange because this looks nothing like Japanese."

It wasn't long until they departed from the stables. The travel on the first floor wasn't to bad although she did find it amazing how the game developers manage to add in such detail to a video game.

"So how long have you been playing games?"

She mention to him as they continue around the village of Horunka. Although they didn't go through the village it was still a pretty nice area probably a lot of other players spent a lot of time there when the game first started.

Riding through the cave was also another experience that she's never saw. The cave though wasn't too deep was still pretty even though the visibility was lacking. But then she saw it. The area that Star mention was the quest area. It looked interesting to say the least.

Watching him walk up to the tree that what looks like where the quest starts he sat down and with that she followed suit and proceed to help out with the quest.

It was a relief after he explained the plain for today was. It was also nice when he mention that he would do anything he could to guide her from getting killed. The only thing is she's hoping that eventually she'll be some use to not just him but for everyone she meets.

The journey for this quest will be little long but seems reasonable considering the in's and out's of the are seems to be easy for most people. But when he brought her up to the stable and got both of them a horse she gave a small smile.

"Of course I know how to ride a horse. I did this in my off time back in the real world."

She took the lead of the horse and hoist herself onto it's back with no struggle at all she would start to ride along side him waiting for him to start heading out to the next destination.

It was a relief to hear that the quest they're about to participate in is easy with no combat. But it wasn't just one quest but a set of quest in a quest line. Those were always fun on other mmo games but on this one who know's what is set aside to try and kill them. But for her to beat this game she has to put her fears behind her and continue to level and push herself to get with the rest of the front liners.

"I'll be glad to tag along. I just hope I don't get in your way if there are combat. I'm not much of a fighter"

With the end of that sentence though she started to speak softer. She doesn't know how people feel about carrying a low level in a boss fight. It helps for the low level to level up faster but it also means that the higher level that is carrying is having to babysit the other to make sure they don't die.

She was quite surprise how nice the blonde hair man was. Most men in video games tend to be really into the game and don't really care to help others out. But there was always that one person who is willing to help out new players. Etherial never played video games before. This was her first and most likely her last experience. But in the end this would be the greatest experience if she does manage to survive the whole thing.

After he asked her if she needed anything from the market she shook her head.

"Oh no, I was more sight seeing this part of the city. Usually it's always packed here so I avoided it."

Not so long after she notice the man handing her an item. Which she would take to activate the effects.

"So what are we needing to do on this quest? I'm not really good at fighting so I'm hoping I'm not going to be to much in your way."

***

Etherial consumes x1 TIERLESS Gelato

@Morningstar

"Please to meet you. My name is Etherial."

She listen to him as he introduce himself to her.  After that though she also realized that he was here most likely to sell old equipment. With the items he's wearing as well as the knowledge, there's no way he's trying to buy gear from the lowest floor since most of the gear here seems to be for the players from the start of the death game.

After loosing her train of thought, she heard him ask if she would like to accompany him on a quest. She thought it was weird that mention that. Most of the quest here were low level players unless there's a quest he's wanting to do but is blocked behind the one here on floor one. It wasn't a hard question to think over. She want to continue with leveling so she can finally get out of this floor and know she wasn't going to be at risk of dying.

"Sure! I wouldn't mind tagging along. This would actually be good for me so I can finally leave this floor without feeling like  I'm going to die instantly."

@Morningstar

As Etherial walked by what looked like a merchant that was selling weapons and armor she over heard what the merchant NPC and the player had to say. Although tuning most of it out, it seems as if the merchant was trying to "scam" the unknown player and wasn't to thrill when they didn't accept there offer. It was at that moment where she notice the man moving away from the merchant's stand and into her.

"Oh my apologies, I should of paid more attention to my surroundings."

On her defense, there were many other NPC around the area to the point there wasn't much room to maneuver around them all without bumping into each other.

She looked up at the man. Looking at this blond hair man she realize that he wasn't the same nationality as her. He must be a foreigner that manager to gather the game once it was released. Or maybe he was in Japan when the game was released. Either way it was very unusual to see someone that's not Japanese playing this game.

@Morningstar

It was another spring morning in the Town of Beginnings where Etherial decided to head to the center of town to the market. She was looking for new gear to run with but wasn't sure what she was looking for. But at the same time she was wanting to continue with her adventure of this death game. The only issue is she didn't know who she was going to encounter to accompany her on her adventure.

Walking around the market though she would see plenty of players still around. Although this is the first floor it's always a pleasant to come back to the place where it all began. The thing is most people decided to do something about beating the game while she hide away in the town hoping someday the game will be defeated and she can return back to her normal life in the real world. The only thing is no on knows when it's suppose to happen.

«Etherial» 80/80 | ENG: 26/26 | DMG: 1 | Keen: 0 | ACC: 1 | MIT: 5 | EVA: 3 | Para: 2 |

@Morningstar

It didn't take long for the next boar to show up to her. In matter of fact there's so many of them in the area she was surprised they all didn't come all at once. Maybe because it's part of the quest or maybe because this is still the beginner's floor. Either way it was quite easy to pick a target and go with it.

With that though, she spotted the boar that was targeting her next. With a quick leap, she would charge up her sword art and attack and manage to hit. Killing the boar and the boar blowing up into million of pixel shards.

"Well that was easy."

She chuckled a little as she waited to see what Astraya would do next.

"How many more are we needing to continue on? I can't imagine it being to much longer."

It wouldn't shock her one bit if there was quite a bit more do to before completing this quest.

 #189346: CD: 7 + 1(ACC) = 8 (Hit) DMG: 4 * 2 = 8 DMG

@Astreya

After hearing everyone talk little more about their personal life she gives another smile before Astreya dragged another one towards them. With time though she would attack it but before she charged the same sword art. This time though it would hit and deal it’s max damage to the boarlet.

“Well that’s easy. To bad”

Etherial didn’t mind. She actually was more interested in becoming a support than dealing ton of damage. But for now she’ll be content with doing what she’s doing.

“I’ll have to agree it be easier if we did them one at a time. Considering that I can only deal a max of four damage each time I use my sword art.”

With that though she would wait to see what the red-haired girl would do. This quest is actually going fairly well. But it’s probably going to change if they have to fight a bigger boar. But for now she’ll be content with the easy task of fighting the boarlets.

ID# 188498 results: BD: 7 +1 (ACC) = 8 (hit) 2 * 4 (SA) = 8 DMG

Etherial: HP: 80/80 | EN: 19/26 | DMG: 1 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 3| MIT: 5 | Para: 2

Boarlet: HP: -3/5 | DMG: 3

@Astreya @Melissa

With no time to waste she went to unsheathe her rapier, charging up her sword art she would target it at one of the boarlets that was hanging around the area. Unfortunately she missed it. Although it was a miss it didn’t bring her down at all. It was actually to be expected for someone like her with her stats to not hit her target instantly.

“Awe. I missed. I’ll get it next time.” She smiles a little. The next thing she notice was the red haired girl pulling right next to her with her sword already out and ready to go. It was no doubt she was ready to defeat this quest as much as she did.

“I hope my formal self didn’t make you feel uncomfortable. I kind of grew up with a rich family with strict parents.” She explained as she would get ready for her next approach.

ID# 188361 results: BD: 3 + 1 (ACC) = 4 (Fail)

Etherial: HP: 80/80 | EN: 22/26 | DMG: 1 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 3| MIT: 5 | Para: 2

Boarlet:  HP: 5/5 | DMG: 3

@Astreya@Melissa

Listening to the two of them talk as she sees Astreya point in the general direction. It was here on out she started to move little faster than normal. Seeing the forest and a few boar and other creatures hanging around the outskirts of it. Looking to the right though is a open field with more mob that wasn’t as important at the moment.

Looking behind her real quick to see where the other two are at compare to her she was shocked to see them still right behind her. The only thing now is the fighting part of the quest.

“I hope you brought you’re a-game on. We’re going boar hunting” As she smiles as her teammates caught up with them. The only thing that’s stepping in her way between her and the boars is a staggered of trees crossing their paths with the four of five boars that’s feasting off there prey.

@Astreya@Melissa

She smiles a little before being waves on into the door. It wasn’t often that she would have to deal with a grumpy person offering quest. But this didn’t really bother her at all. The only thing interesting for her is the quest.

After accepting the quest she looked over at the two. “You guys ready?” She grabs onto her rapier as she starts heading toward the door. Now the only thing she needs to worry about is what’s going to be ahead. Fighting boars shouldn’t be to difficult. But she’ll find out when she’s out there on the field.

“So… where are we heading to? You probably know the way better than the two of us Astreya.” She wasn’t trying to push herself but the quicker they get done with this quest the quicker they can continue on with leveling up and getting out of this death game. It’s only a matter of time though as she has a long journey in front of her.

@Astreya @Melissa

HP: 80/80 | EN: 26/26 | DMG: 2 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 3| MIT: 5 | Para: 2

Etherial waited as her new friend Astreya was suppose to meet up with her to do another quest. But this time they would have another person joining them. From what she heard about this quest even low levels kind of have issues fighting the mobs. But that shouldn’t stop her from completing it. After all there’s going to be two of them working on it.

As she sees the two approach she hear Astreya shout out something but as they got closer she heard her clear as day. Then the introduction between the two of them came and she did a little curtsy toward the new girl.

“Glad to meet you.” She replied after Astreya introduced her to her. It wasn’t to often she’ll meet new players on here. Specially if they’re just like her and finally left The Town of Beginnings. As she looked at her she sees that she’s fairly new to the fighting as well but they should be able to get through this quest without any problem.

@Astreya @Melissa

She didn't mind being a solo player. But with her goal she figured it's a best time to look for a guild. After all most frontline teams are group up with people they're comfortable with fighting right? She looked up and notice him almost slipping then hear him call it out. 

"Thanks..." She said as she continued to climb up eventually getting over the ledge and stand right beside Val. 

Dusting off her dress she looked around. It was quite impressive to see a compound all the way up here on a mountain like this. The young girl stared into the the area for a little longer. 

"I just want everyone to go home and not be stuck in here." 

There again now-a-days this is their new home. Seems like a lot of people already forgot out their real lives and accept this as the new one. The only thing now is what will it take to convince them in going back. 

"Would you consider joining a guild of you were in my situation?" 

Now like it matter she was still fairly low of a level can't imagine anyone be interested in having her part of their guild.

@Valentine

She paused for a moment. The location for the server and shutting down the game. She thought for a second. “You don’t think they already found it but can’t shut it down without risking our lives, do you?” She thinks carefully. “I mean think about it. If you shut the server down that is almost like ripping the Nerv Gear off our head which is an instant death. They probably have to wait for us to defeat the game before they can do anything with the server.”

It was not too much longer until they reach Zak’s shop as she walked up to the door once more. This time with all her materials requires to complete the quest. The only thing now is to just create the position.

Walking into the shop Zak went straight to the next part of the quest without her actually interacting with him as he explained that she needs to create a healing potion. With no time lost she started to make the healing potion. And on her first try she mange to make a healing potion.

“Well that was easy. Now let me just turn this quest in and we can work on the next one.” With that she walked up to Zak and turned in the quest and looked over to Astreya.

ID# 187763 results: CD: 7 (success) +1 Healing Potion (Rare)

@Astreya

She smiled before nodding. It was only a matter of time, before she'd finish this quest and. In the matter of walking back she looked over at her friend.  

"I might need a lot of people to help with that project but it might help figure out why people like us join this game and how can we help someone if this happens again. "

She pauses for a moment. 

"Matter of fact I don't think there will be another time..."

Of course they wouldn't know. It's something the government probably already thought about  but haven't put into a law yet. They're probably waiting for the survivor to come back or die off before making a decision. Actually they might have more games around the world that could already be just like SAO.

"What do you think will happen if we return? Also what about if we don't?" 

It's a weird question but its still an important one that probably everyone has thought of at least once. 

@Astreya

It was nice to see her happy. Although just studying psychology can lead you to many thing, going for Neuroscience first seems to get you into another world. “You know. As much as this sounds terrible. The Game Master has a perfect experiment with all of us. If only he was someone like me that was interested in a brain and not just wanting us to play in ‘his world’.”

It didn’t sound to bad if everyone here agreed on doing it as long as they were able to log out. Kind of like what would it be like to live inside a game but able to take care of your actual body with it. It’s something that would make an interesting project for college that for sure.

“You know maybe one these days I can make a simulation of what it’s like to be in a virtual world. Instead of being trapped you’re interacting with other NPC as they think you’re the same thing as them and you can’t tell if they’re real humans or NPCs.”

The next thing she notice though is a shining object to the left of her. It was another herb. As she went up and grab it. It went into her inventory.

“Yes! I can finally finish this quest.” She said with a smile.

ID# 187731 results: LD: 12 (Success) +1 Mat (5)

@Astreya

She looked at  her. It wasn't like her parents absolutely forcing her to do this. 
"No actually... Being stuck in here I was curious about everyone's brain and what's it going through while we're in this endless slumber. Are people going though depression or are the excited. There's actually been things on here where some people this was the best thing they've ever did because they found their significant other. Other's it  was ther worst thing ever... I guess for me It's a toss up. I haven't found my significant other here but I also can't say I'm sad."
She left that note after finding her next herb. It was only the matter of her collecting it. But instead it didn't budge. It didn't bother her she was actually having a good time talking to Astreya. 
"My mother's a nurse and my dad is an engineer. So not really. They just thought I was like my mother and wanted to do something with medical."

ID# 187729 results: LD: 4 (Fail)

@Astreya

While spotting another herb she was listening to what the black hair girl had to say. And she had to agree with it. But still no one should think they're not smart because they don't know math or science. But then she talked about Zack. Listening to his story made her think about what her parents wanted her to do. 

"To be honest. My parents wanted me to do something with medical. Like a doctor or a nurse. I told them 'I'll do medical but I wanted to be a Neuroscientist.'" she said 

"I always enjoy studying about someone's brain. I was thinking about doing psycology but I want to examine it not pick away at it like they do." 

It was at that time she finally picked a herb that was an actual material. She was excited only one more to go and she can already see it coming. But for now it's searching time.

ID# 187727 results: LD: 15 (Success) +1 Mat (4)

@Astreya

She smiled a little. Nothing feels more awkward hearing someone telling her that she’s a smart person. She doesn’t think anyone isn’t smart it just takes time and focus to be successful.

“Thanks… But don’t let yourself down. Everyone can be smart. You just have to push yourself into doing what you want to do in your life.”

With that thought she continued on until she found more herbs that she attempts to pull but failed. It’s coming to the point now where no matter what the game decides to roll it doesn’t want her to finish the quest any time soon. But for now, she would continue moving forward. Dusting off her dress as well as straightening up her rapier.

“So what make Zack pick music for something he want’s to do for a living?”

She asked with curiosity. It’s to often someone was flat down wanting to me a musician unless their parents forced it onto them as a child.

ID# 187658 results: LD: 7 (Fail)

@Astreya

She laughed with her as they continued to look as there was one directly next to it a couple of feet always. But as always it didn’t want to budge. Getting up off the ground and brushes the dust off of her she continues on with what they were talking about.

“I was always interested in how the brain worked. So I started looking up degrees I could go for and Neuroscience was the one. I’m not sure what path I want to go down with after. A lot like to be brain surgeons but I don’t want to go to deep into the medical. I enjoy the sciences.”

But before she was able to continue she decided to head back to Alex.

“Alex went to go to the US and study engineering. In case you were wondering. I know you talked about what Zack did figured I added that in.”

She started laughing a little before they continue to search.

ID# 187653 results: LD: 8 (Fail)

@Astreya

She laughed a little while they talked about these boys of theirs. It wasn’t to often you’re able to have these conversations and it actually make searching herbs fun after a while.

“Hey you know Zack doesn’t sound like a bad guy. He just wanted to spend all the time with you.”

The only thing that she had to go with Alex was the times they spent hanging out for student council . Then it hit her. College… She wasn’t ready for it since being trapped in here. Knowing how things going to be if they ever leave the game the government will shoved all the survivors that are minors into a school and have them get “caught up” or in Etherial’s case… Prepping for college. She wasn’t to far away from graduating it was only the stage of prepping for college.  

“What did you study for while you were in college?”

After being stuck in the game it made her want to study more on the brain. She had the interested in something with medical but maybe Neuroscience would be a good choice for her. But for now she was looking for herbs which she found another on the side that she successfully grabbed.

“Maybe it’s you that is why I’m having a hard time getting the materials.” She laughs.

ID# 187651 results: LD: 20 (Success) +1 Mat (3)

@Astreya