Ptolemy

Ptolemy chuckled at his carefree nature, wishing that he could be more untroubled. "Hilarious," he stated blankly. "I find it hard to empathize with you though. Along with my sense of hobbies, my parents restricted me from dating, I suppose dating someone is just another distraction," he huffed, massaging his temples irritatedly. "Their so-called 'concern' for my relationships were very tedious and... annoying," he exhaled inaudibly. "Yes, my parents were significant contributors to one of Germany's largest pharmaceutical company. You are right though, medicine is slowly growing stronger in the modern world." He chuckled.

"I've lived in Germany most of my life, almost there twenty-four seven. My parents sometimes brought me with them to other countries for business trips but that is pretty much it." He put on a crooked smile, "oh? Were you part of the military? It's an honorable job."

ID: 106961

LD: 1

@Black

"I shouldn't have expected much anyways," he muttered to himself, turning to her with an amused look. "You shouldn't expect much either. It is my fetch quest after all."  He looked through his array of items in his inventory for a period of time before he closed his menu and looked through the crowds of people, and then at the sky. Not noon yet, we should be leaving soon. He turned to Mutsu, "my name is Ptolemy for your information Yes, Ptolemy as in the astronomer and geographer, but I am not ashamed at the username I have chosen." He held out his hand, giving his best to smile genuinely at the stranger.

"Of course you don't, my apologies." He nodded his head at her before coughing into his arm. "Well, bells can be quite... tiresome, primarily when they cover your body." He shrugged his shoulders, "well I have to make money somehow, correct? And we should be leaving right now, let's go."

@Mutsu

Ptolemy shrugged, "not really. My mother and father never let me go in a ten-meter radius of video games," he explained, frowning. "The NerveGear and SAO were a gift from a Japanese CEO who was part of a pharmaceutical company in Tokyo," he sighed, picking an array and metals located a few feet away. Putting it in his inventory, "but there was a nice hobby I enjoyed doing." Though I never told mother and father. "Oh, you're American. I've visited the America's once, New York in fact. I had an eventful time there, it was enjoyable." He smiled at the memory. "The legal drinking age in Germany is sixteen, eighteen if you are drinking spirits. But yes, I did have wine once every in a while, mainly at events and dinner parties." He scratched the back of his head awkwardly as he watched Black search the field. "Yes actually, I'm not necessarily doing a tanky build, I'm going to mainly focus on damage but I will have some MIT added in there."

ID: 106949

LD: 16

@Black

Ptolemy found himself on the seventh floor of Aincrad, particularly finding something to help him with a future quest. He was currently in a warm and homey restaurant that reminded him of a small cottage smack dab in the middle of a forest. Right, I need something for that familiar quest. He scanned the arrays of food lined up for the eye to see. Ptolemy scanned each of the goods before finally deciding to buy something luck based. "Having a good day?" He asked the shop owner with a cheerful smile. "I particularly want something that helps me with luck so the Golden Garlic bread seems like a good choice," he explained. "So I'll be buying that, thank you. I'll be paying in Col too by the way. Thank you once again."

-800 Col

@Neopolitan

"Perhaps not, but I suppose I'll be hearing a lot of ringing throughout today," he hummed, internally groaning at the thought. "Sounds like something you would find on a cheap shirt they sell on the streets," he muttered, shaking his head. "So how long have you had this... bell obsession?"  Perhaps something in her childhood made her somehow honor bells like an endangered animal? I certainly have never heard of any bell addictions, but it is a strange world, isn't it?  He turned to her again, taking notice of how she looked like she was gonna claw his face off.  He was about to say something but she soon relaxed, to which he gave a sigh of relief to.

"I suppose not," he mumbled. "Do you just assume it's a fetch quest then?"  He blinked as the sound of bells ringing hit his ears. Oh dear, this is going to be a long, long day. "Am I just a free ticket to some money and experience then?" He asked, not returning her grin. "I'm going to do a profession quest, simple enough," he replied blankly. "So don't screw it up for me."

@Mutsu

Ptolemy found himself back at Lyle's blacksmith shop.  I was severely... 'ticked off' last time I was here. At least I am much calmer now. He sighed, pushing open the shop's doors. "I'm back for the second quest," he said out loud, turning the corner to see Lyle, who was working on polishing a small shield. "Greetings Lyle, it hasn't been long, hasn't it?"

Lyle looked up from his shield and greeted Ptolemy with a handshake, which he gladly took. "What's up Ptolemy, was it? Yeah, good to see you again."  Are you certain about that? You barely spared me a glance last time I was here. He sighed and gave Lyle a small smile. "So you here about that second quest? I bet you are, just take the quest, I'm pretty sure you know what to do."

"How did you know?" He muttered sarcastically, getting ready to bid farewell to Lyle. "I'll see you soon, goodbye Lyle."

"Nothing is wrong with them. Don't they get annoying every few often though?" He raised a brow as he looked down at her. Paying no attention to her demanding tone, he sighed. "I find it hard to say anything about your height when I am almost certain you are more than a foot shorter than me," he murmured, giving her an innocent smile. He had to admit, he had never met anyone so quick to retort to in his twenty-two years of living. I suppose everyone father and mother knew was formal and high-class.  He stole a glance at the girl one last time before staring off into a random direction again. She certainly doesn't sound nor looks like any large company owner's I know of.

"That is something I have never thought of before. My father had a darker shade of my current hair, and my mother had a blonde-ish color. So I suppose my hair would be a light blue shade," he shrugged, turning his attention back to her. "What if it was a quest that involved killing a field boss? Would you still come?" The side of his lips tugged up, "I shouldn't be asking, you seem like the reckless type anyways."

@Mutsu

Ptolemy turned his head towards the voice. "A fetch quest would be an understatement," he replied nonchalantly, taking notice of her appearance and posture. "Pleasure to meet a fellow stranger," his lips tugged a few millimeters up. Taking a glance at her boots, he turned his head back to her. "Bells, huh?"

"Fine?" he echoed, watching her edge closer to him. "Excuse me, ma'am, what are you-" he cut himself off as he felt her tug him down. Blinking away his shock, he stood eye level with her. Brushing off her threat, he raised an eyebrow. "I don't intend on joking in situations like this," he said blankly, detaching her hand from his clothing. "Please try to refrain from touching me as well, thank you." He glanced at the bells attached to her clothing before running a hand through his hair with a sigh. "Completely natural, nothing is 'up' with it." He looked back at her with a small smile. "Do you even know what quest I'm going to do?"

@Mutsu

R E W A R D S:

> 5 | Tier One Health Potions of Uncommon Quality > +40 HP
> 1 | Tier One Damage Potion > +1 DMG
> 1 | Tier One Over-Health Potion > +50 TempHP

> 3 SP

> 400 Col

Ptolemy entered the shop, Zackiriah's package still in hand. I hope this is the shop he told me about. If not, I embarrassed myself. That would be very, very, very displeasing. He glanced around the shop, noticing that there were several swords and shields displayed on the shelves.  It does look like a blacksmiths shop, maybe he could be expecting the package? He sighed, turning the corner. There he could see an outline of a man. Approaching the figure, he called out, "Are you Lyle? Er, I'm here with Zackiriah's package or something like that." 

The NPC looked up from his work and smiled immediately when he saw Ptolemy. Oh God. "oh, from Zackiriah you said? Just put it over there, I'll get it later." He pointed to a table in the corner of the shop.  Simple enough. 

He placed the box on the table and tilted his head. I guess that's it. I'll be off then. "I have to get going now, bye Lyle." He waved at the blacksmith one last time before leaving the shop.

His nonchalant face staggered for a moment as he recollected himself. What have I been doing for the past two years?  Ptolemy felt as if this was a wake-up call to him. I'm still so low-leveled, what have I been doing for the past two years of my life? Weeping? Mourning? Absolutely not! These are not things I would do in any circumstance. So what have I been doing? His eyes wavered as he dove deep in thought. How can I not remember? Two years of my life, I can't remember the last two years of my life? He sighed, lifting his head back from its place.  I shouldn't be thinking about this right now. It'll only add to my current stress. Now, where is that blasted shop? His eyes searched for the shop Zackiriah had mentioned. A blacksmiths shop? Can't be too hard to find, he thought, his eyes landing on a small cottage-like building.  There.

"Where'd he say it was again?" Ptolemy murmured, "around the plaza? Gah, I don't remember." He scratched the back of his head uneasily and his eyes scanned the area around him. The plaza was north? Or was it to the east. This is confusing. He narrowed his eyes at the package in between his hands. Why couldn't he have delivered this himself? is he incapable of leaving his own shop? This is blasphemy! The hems of his lips slugged down, maybe I'll just roam around for a while. I assume I'll find it eventually.  He inhaled a massive amount of air before he started walking again. I hope this shop of Lyle's turns up soon, or I'll be stuck here for another few hours just walking on the streets. But I suppose it's a good time to think and reflect the choices I've made so far. So, what have I been doing for the last two years?

Zackiriah held his gaze for a few seconds before shaking his head. “Nope!” What the fu- “I need you to deliver this small package to my good ol’ friend Lyle.” He motioned towards a square box sitting on his counter. When did that come from? “I’m sure you’ll find him, he’s right next to the plaza.”

Ptolemy stood flabbergasted for a few seconds but reluctantly agreed. “I’ll be receiving my rewards when I deliver this, correct?” You better say yes.

”Yup!” Ptolemy sighed in relief, not wanting to do anything else for the day. “Now shoo, I’ll let you be.”

Picking up the package, he turned to Zackiriah. ”Alright, see you... around,” Ptolemy muttered, leaving the shop quickly. This is the last thing you need to do Klaus, then I’ll be free for the rest of the day. Great Klaus, you’re talking to yourself again. He abruptly stopped in the middle of the street and sighed. I should’ve been less drastic and calmer, this is not like my usual self, no. 

Ptolemy huffed, taking out each of the materials he has gathered and placed them on the table. "What now?" he asked, restraining himself from snapping at the artificial person. He's too happy and it's frustrating me a little bit. It's too polite, no strain in his voice whatsoever. I could never pull something like this, even I have some breaking points.

"Simple," Zackiriah said, slapping Ptolemy on the back with his palm. Resisting the urge to punch the man in the face, the player listened intently to Zackiriah explain what to do and how to fix up a potion. By the time they were finished making the potion, Ptolemy had already had all the energy sucked out of him. "Wasn't that hard, right?"

He stared at the red liquidy substance in the flask and frowned. "You don't even know," Ptolemy said, grimacing. "Well, what do I do now?" he asked, turning his focus back on the shop owner. "This is the last section of the quest I had to do, correct?

ID: 106836

CD: 4

Ptolemy entered the small shop with a relieved sigh. Just need to make the potion, simple. Too simple in fact. He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Zackiriah! I got the things you had asked for!" He yelled across the empty shop. Is he still working? Ptolemy groaned irritatedly and walked deeper into the shop. The NPC was currently cleaning his wooden desk with a small towel. "Did you not hear me when I entered the shop?" Ptolemy tilted his head nonchalantly at the old man. 

Zackiriah looked up at the player and smiled. "Welcome back Ptolemy! I didn't hear you come in." This earned a sizeable aspirated sigh from the blue-haired player. "Well, what are you standing there for? Bring me the materials you got." He beckoned Ptolemy to a desk in the corner filled with potion making tools. "Well, what are you waiting for? Bring em out, no need to be shy."

Ptolemy sighed, just leaving the artisan workshop with his quest. The man seemed... rushed. He commented, remembering the Artisan who rushed him to find materials for a shot at becoming an artisan. Hell, what am I supposed to do now? He frowned, massaging the bridge of his nose. What am I supposed to find again, crystals? Jewels? I can't even remember anymore. He heaved nonchalantly, waving off the feeling of anger a few seconds before. Perhaps I can find something in the forest, or perhaps the fields? I suppose those places would be an okay place to start.  He scratched the back of his neck and sighed.  This is going be a very, very long day.

If this is what it takes to be an artisan, I suppose I will no problem with it.  I haven't completely failed just yet. He bit the inside of his cheek irritatedly, To hell with this, I need some bloody help. He finally decided, scanning the crowds of people around him.

@Mutsu

Ptolemy gazed at the material in his hand. This is the fifth one, correct? He looked up, again, I am talking to myself. Perhaps this is a sign of insanity.  He sighed and placed it in his inventory. S'pose I should be going back now. He shook his head at his words, already starting to walk towards the Town of Beginnings. I can finally get some good EXP from this quest. It felt as if took forever to do this. He groaned, realizing it's been several hours since he started the quest. At least it didn't take me days to do it. It could have been many times faster though.  He shook his head and continued walking.  One step at a time. I'll be fighting in the front lines soon enough.  Maybe not fighting, but I will definitely be doing something useful. Anything would be wonderful. Contributing to getting out of here would be an honor.

ID: 106786

LD: 11

Ptolemy had appeared at the shop, informed that the item he had ordered is finished. That was surprisingly fast, I have to admit. I didn't expect him to finish so quickly. What has it been? Just a day or two?. Flashing Hei a grateful smile, he placed the item in his inventory and paid Hei the right amount of Col. "Thanks again, I'll come by whenever I need anything," he said with a thin smile. "I guess I will be on my way now. See you later, thank you once again." Giving Hei one last smile and wave, he left the shop.

+ Smoky Scarf

- 700 Col

Ptolemy tilted his head. "I suppose he was indeed a 'hustler'," he said hesitantly, the word feeling foreign on his tongue. "My mother and father expected nothing but success with me, and look where that got me," he huffed bitterly, taking quick glances at each direction. "Apologies, I suppose you don't want to hear any of that nonsense." The player smiled sheepishly. "You like spicy food? I haven't had any for quite some time. It was enjoyable to eat though." Nodding his head, Ptolemy reluctantly accepted the friend request. "I agree, but I find it quite amusing that SAO can hold so many similarities to the real world," he commented, stifling a chuckle.

"That sounds like a grand plan, and the struggle is indeed real." Ptolemy smiled amusingly at the choice of words. "I am no pacifist but for my level, fighting isn't the way to go... just yet."

ID: 106746

LD: 8

@Black

"You have excellent observation skills, impressive," Ptolemy mused, letting a quick laugh escape him. "But you are correct. Knowledge is power as time is money as my father used to say." As silence filled the air, Ptolemy took it as an opportunity to study to the stranger.  The way he walks and talks makes him sound like he has experience. I am uncertain what field he is, unfortunately. He has a passion for food, possibly cooking as well, perhaps a chef? His posture and alertness could prove him to be in some sort of first-responder field, possibly part of a country's military? 

Snapping out of his thoughts, the player chuckled at his peer's plans for the future. "Sounds like you got your life in Aincrad laid out. Same as to you, whenever you open your shop, just message me and I'll be there."  He blew a sigh of relief, "thank you. I don't think fighting id my way to resolve things... but if I must, I don't think I'll hesitate to do so."

ID: 106703

LD: 5

@Black

It was only then did realization kick into Ptolemy's head. Dam- Bloody hell...  he cursed under his breath incoherently before sighing. I suppose I'll get lonely from time to time, huh? What were those things called again? He snapped his fingers. Familiars! Yes, that is what they're called. It wouldn't hurt to get one. They can help me in combat after all. Maybe when I reach a higher level, I can attempt to find one later. Spotting something from the corner of his eyes, he quickly made out the shape of the material he needed for the quest. Scooping it up, he placed it in his inventory before heading out in another direction once again. But then again, there is are different types of familiars. I've heard there are healing ones, as well as protective and ones that help with your crafting. I will have to decide which one I want before I get one.

ID: 106700

LD: 20

Ptolemy nodded his head. "Agreed. I find SAO based on strategy rather than brute strength. The first few months in Aincrad were..." he struggled to find the appropriate words for the situation. "... harsh, but once everyone started getting back on their feet, there were fewer casualties." He shifted his legs uncomfortable at the thought of so many young men and women losing their lives in such a way. "I guess you could find artisans to be that way," Ptolemy chuckled, taking in a small breath. "There are not many shops I know of that are owned by high tiered artisans. I suppose you are correct though," he hummed. "To be an artisan, you just have to a creative mindset. I am relatively certain that I lack this skill but I am positive that I'll learn." He sniffed as he located decent material on the ground. Picking it up, he studied it for a few moments before placing it in her inventory. "That's one down."

"I think it's relatively safer in the <<Courtuard>> anyways, so good idea," he commented, accepting the party invite. "I'd like to stay away from all the mobs if that's okay with you. I'm hardly experienced in combat and I think I'll be useless if it ever comes to be fighting at this level."

ID: 106698

LD: 11

@Black

He gave the other player a warm smile, “oh? That’s good to hear, I’d hate to be the only one to not know about this stuff.” Shifting under his squint, he nodded at his question. “I was there actually, I’m afraid I didn’t see you there. Apologies on my part.” Agreeing to his statement, he gnawed on the inside of his cheek. “Agreed, it’s good to have it mapped out for us. I’m thankful we have dependable frontliners.”

Ptolemy tilted his head, a small smile crevicing on his face. He nodded his head throughout the entire explanation, most of it just going through his other ear. This is hopeless, maybe I need to get hands on. He sighed inwardly but put on a crooked smile. “Thanks for the help, it means a lot.” Ptolemy paused for a moment before shrugging lightly. “I’m not sure, but I think I want to peruse the prepfession of an artisan. There’s not too many of those in Aincrad,” he exclaimed. “My job in real life is most similar to the alchemist one but it’s still strangely different,” he muttered the last part to himself. “But there’s already plenty of high ranked alchemists so I’m afraid I won’t pursue it.” I never liked pharmacy anyways.

Ptolemy inhales sharply and gave the man a confused yet grateful grin. “You seem to know a lot about this kind of subject, are you a shop keeper yourself? It seems quite enjoyable when you were explaining it from my point of view.” 

ID: 106570

LD: 10

@Black

Ptolemy blew a stray strand of his light blue hair out of his face irritatedly. I should've cut my hair before I traveled to Japan, he told himself, a thin line forming on his lips. He was leaning against a nearby tree, getting ready to set off for some material gathering.  This will definitely come in handy when I open up my shop, he noted in his head, a small yawn escaping him. "Well, I should probably get going now," Ptolemy said to particularly no one but himself. Straightening his posture, he was just about to leave before realization kicked. Shi- blast my foul mouth. He narrowed his eyes distastefully at his arm before looking around for anyone able to help him with his epidemic.

Eventually, his eyes landed on a dark-skinned player with light blonde hair. He looks as experienced as me, but he's the best bet I have right now.  ptolemy headed over to the player who had an apple in his hand. "Apologies for intruding in your time, but I'm in a little situation at the moment." The blue-haired player laughed sheepishly, "I'm sorta new at gathering materials and such, so I don't really know the best spots for doing it. I would greatly appreciated if you could happen to lend me some info?"

@Black

Ptolemy entered the small artisan shop with a bright smile on his face. He greeted the shop-owner with a quip 'hello' before resuming to his destination. Already having in mind what he wanted, he scribbled the order down and handed it over to the girl (or so he would assume). "I'm in really no rush to get this finished, so please just do it whenever you have the time," he told the player. "Just give me a message when you finish it. It'll be much appreciated." He paused, "thank you. I promise I'll pay when you finish the item." The player gave her a quick but friendly smile before waving goodbye and leaving the shop.

@Ennakai