Haltar Dhrim

Akiris did not seem enthusiastic at all about the idea of telling what had happened in Aincrad, rather she tried to avoid the subject. Haltar was sorry to have made her uncomfortable, actually he thought it would be a noble goal to pursue. However he could not yet drop the subject like that, he felt it was important.
"I understand that this is a difficult subject, but my thought is that being afraid to tell this story would be likely a sin towards those who tried to save us. They deserve to be remembered."
He had not known any player who had died in battle yet, since he had just begun adventuring. But if something would happen to him, he would at least like to be remembered. Disappearing was a thought in his mind, if possible, worse than death itself. But that was not why Haltar had brought up the subject.
"In any case, there are not only negative things in this world. The landscapes, the bonds, the community that was formed... this must also be remembered, don't you think?" he ended with a timid smile.

@Akiris

Haltar was relieved to know that the place where he had brought Akiris was the right place for his quest: his haste brought no inconvenience. As the girl began to search for the ingredients for her dessert, Haltar stopped at the beginning of the path that led into the forest, trying to see or hear if there were other players or some monster. For the moment, however, he felt nothing: everything seemed calm.
He was surprised at the ease with which Akiris found some apples from a nearby tree. "Hey, if you're that fast, we'll be back very soon!" he said to encourage her.
Then another thing occurred to him that the girl had talked about. "You know, about your dream of becoming a digital artist... it really feels like a good thing. I was thinking, when we'll return to the real world, one day, we'll have to tell them what happened here. I don't think we will be able to bring some screenshots with us or something like that, and we certainly can't let them in here. So there will certainly be a need for artists to draw what they saw. A drawing is worth a thousand words" he concluded, facing the girl.

@Akiris

Haltar entered the shop to make the first purchase of his adventure. The huge hanger had attracted him at the entrance, but the most interesting thing was what he had read on the sign hanging on the front door: 100% off on Uncommon or Rare Items for new players! Actually, Haltar wanted to buy some edge-quality equipment immediately, but his finances were not yet sufficient at the moment... And then again, beggars can't be choosers.
Looking the clothes on display inside the store, it didn't take long for his attention to be drawn by a pair of leather pants. They seemed very comfortable, and promised to facilitate loot gathering. He then called the shopkeeper to confirm his purchase. Fortunately, the offer of free original equipment was still valid. Awesome! Warmly thanking the shopkeeper, Haltar took the purchased goods and left the shop, heading for his room at the inn.

Cols spent: Nothing! (New Player Purchase)
Item bought:

Another thought came to Haltar as he walked on the prairie: if he had met an NPC on the street, would he have been able to recognize it, or would he have mistaken it for a player? He remembered Turing's test, which he had studied at school years ago: a test in which a person spoke with an AI, without knowing if he was a real person or not. In the case he mistook the AI for a person, the AI would pass the test. Who knows if an NPC from this world would have been able to pass the test? After thinking for a moment, Haltar shook his head. No, he couldn't do it. It would have been enough to ask a question not inherent to the game, and it would certainly have failed.
It took him a few minutes to get to the rocks he had seen from afar. Once he reached them, however, they seemed to be as bare as those they had seen before. The quest seemed to get more complicated by the minute.

Roll ID: 116571
LD: 2 (Mineral Not Found, 2/5 Gathered)

As he walked around the rock to see if there were any minerals on the other side, Haltar thought for a moment about the NPC who had given him the task. For some reason Haltar got speechless as she asked the favor, going out to retrieve the materials. He would certainly have done it anyway, since he intended to get a job to buy better equipment, but the way he did it bothered him. Even though she knew that girl was an AI, she had been so realistic that it made him blush.
Behind the rock, as he suspected, there was nothing left to collect. Sighing, Haltar said goodbye to the possibility of finishing the job in a short time.
<And now, where do I go? Hmm...> Looking around, Haltar noticed another group of rocks, similar to the one near him, a couple of hundred meters away. He set off, already thinking of all the road he would have to take on his return.

Roll ID: 116570
LD: 4 (Mineral Not Found, 2/5 Gathered)

Akiris and Haltar walked towards the forest. As they advanced, a light breeze rose, swaying the tall grass around them, and moving the girl's long hair. Around them every so often they noticed other players, intent on collecting objects or fighting some boars.
<Very well, they probably have already cleaned up the spawned monsters for today. This way, we will succeed in reaching the forest without problems.>
In fact, they managed to arrive at the edge of the forest. At that point the grass of the prairie became darker and thicker, except for a dirt track that was lost in the trees.
Haltar stopped in front of it. "Well, I would say that here we could find something..." He stopped talking shortly thereafter, realizing that he had forgotten something important in his haste. He turned to Akiris, running a hand through his hair without realizing it: he did it instinctively when he realized he had made a mistake. "Although, maybe, I should have asked you first what you were looking for, hehe... Sorry about that."
In that area, however, he was pretty sure there would be something useful. But he wasn't a chef, he could be wrong...

@Akiris

Akiris seemed really determined about becoming a cook. Haltar was glad to hear it: it was nice to find a person with a great passion.
Also, Haltar felt finally understood when he heard her words about that world. "Oh, do you think so too? It's the first time I've heard anyone else say it, I'm glad I'm not the only one!"
When Akiris invited Haltar to dinner, he became speechless for a moment. He did not expect an invitation to her home, but he was certainly pleased. He then smiled back at her. "I will be very happy to have dinner with you, Akiris. I'm looking forward for that!"
After a moment, he began to look towards the grasslands. At this point they really should have started to get to work. Since the guards apparently didn't want to answer, Haltar decided to take the lead. He took Akiris by hand and led her to the prairie for the first few meters. "Come on, Akiris, let's go. Let's try the most direct route, we should be safe." Then he started walking down the path to the forest, waiting for a moment to see if she would follow him or not.

@Akiris

"Oh, so you work in a café? Well, then it's just natural that you want to continue to do your job! And don't worry about that NPC, starting from tomorrow you probably won't see him anymore."
Haltar replied to Akiris without noticing that talking about that character irritated her quite a bit.
"Anyway, I understand you know. Everything is so realistic here, that it's hard to remember that all of this is actually a big pile of code." As they walked towards the forest, his brown eyes looked around to admire the landscape. Yes, it was really well done. And he was curious to find out what other landscapes he would find on the upper floors.
"Cooking could definitely be considered an art, and although it is simplified here, I'm sure that with passion, you can create some special dishes! When you have your own shop, I think I could come and taste something..." Haltar said to the girl, imagining what he could find in Akiris' shop. Most likely sweets, since she worked in a café. He was already looking forward to it...

@Akiris

Haltar was displaced for a moment by Star's question. Of course, in combat he had inflicted serious damage on the beast, but... he didn't exactly have a precise fighting technique. He thought for a moment, running a hand through his short brown hair, making a thoughtful expression. Then he decided it made no sense to pretend to be more experienced than her, so he answered her sincerely.
"Actually, I don't have a particular technique, I'm sorry... I tried to behave as if the danger was real and I acted accordingly. I also used what I knew best in the real world: dancing." He answered her with a slightly nervous smile.
"Ah, and another thing. My weapon has a skill that allows me to strike with a little more precision. But I think I was also very lucky." He concluded, then he walked towards Star and stopped besides her. "Well, I'd say we can go. Do you want to give yourself the first shot this time, or do I start?"

Haltar - HP: 20/20 - EP: 2/2
@Star - HP: 20/20 - EP: 1/2
50 Col & 2 T1 Materials Collected so far

"Hmm, I don't think fighting is a good idea. I mean, if we're lucky we can find what you need most easily, but I think it's better to take it easy and stay safe on the edge of the forest. Shall we go then?"
Haltar followed Akiris to the gates, unable to help but notice his golden eyes. He had a really lovely look. If that was his appearance in real life, he imagined he had a lot of admirers behind him. But there was something in the girl's voice that betrayed a desire to finish the job as soon as possible, as if it were an unpleasant task for her. It was this aspect that kindled Haltar's curiosity more, who decided to satisfy it immediately. "Actually, I'd like to ask you, why did you decide to become a cook? You don't seem very convinced... Is it just because you don't like the NPC, or isn't it just your favorite job?"

@Akiris

Star, focusing on her target, managed to hit the boar with a clear and precise shot, killing him instantly.
<Wow, what a blow! Not bad at all, and a simple tip was enough to achieve that... In the end she only needs a little training, that's all.> Haltar thought to himself satisfied with the result.
However, fate wanted to pull a last joke on the girl. In the message of victory that appeared immediately after defeating the beast, nothing appeared apart from a few coins and materials. She had an incredible misfortune, no doubt about it.
Haltar took a few steps forward, not knowing how to react. After all, a meager loot would have meant less profit for him too, and obviously he wasn't happy about it.
"Come on, don't worry, we still have time to look for more. Maybe this time we could find two of them together, so we'll get more chances?"
He didn't want to leave right away, so that both of them could recover their breath, before starting another fight.

Out of Combat 1/3 Posts
Haltar Dhrim - HP: 20/20 - EP: 2/2
@Star - HP: 20/20 - EP: 0/2

Seeing Akiris being taken by surprise by her greeting, Haltar could not hold back a smirk as he answered her. Not out of malice, simply because of the somewhat stereotypical situation that had arisen. In any case, Akiris explained the reason for her exit.
"Hmm, ingredients, eh? Damn, I never went to pick it up, I wouldn't know where to start... Going wild boar isn't an option, so I'd say we could try to go to the edge of the forest. It will take a while though"
It is true that for that day Haltar had in mind to go hunting, but he could also postpone a day. Besides doing his good deed, he felt the need to know a few new people. So far he hadn't known anyone from Aincrad, too busy trying to survive in the city. And who knows, maybe in the future Akiris could help her in some mission.
"What do you say, shall we go to the forest? We can ask the guards the safest way to get there"

@Akiris

Haltar was ending up preparing for his hunt as he had for the past few days. He made a final check to see if he had taken everything. "Armor, check... Weapon, check... Potions, check... Okay, I'm ready. Let's go!" He then opened the door to his room and left the inn where he was staying. It was a beautiful sunny day, and as he walked towards the gates, Haltar saw a lot of players strolling through the streets. Once he got near the gates, he saw a dark-haired girl nearby. She looked thoughtful about something as she headed for the exit. Somehow this reminded Haltar the first time he had left the city: he too was quite worried, but fortunately someone showed up to accompany him, and the task was much simpler. <Maybe I should do it too and ask if she needs some help... After all, the more strong players we are, the better. And besides, somehow I would like to pay back for the help I received> He then headed towards the girl and introduced himself. "Hi, greetings, my name is Haltar. I was seeing you a little hesitant, is it the first time you go out? If you are fine with thay, I can accompany you, it's not so dangerous if you don't go too far, but it's always better not to be alone" he said in a friendly voice.

@Akiris

Haltar looked at where Hazado was pointing, hoping he had seen something he had missed. Unfortunately, there was nothing at that point, just more common grass.
"A whole day, eh? Then I'm not going so bad!" In the meantime, he continued to look around while standing, trying to find something from a different perspective, also because he didn't want to get crouched immediately. Finding nothing, he moved to the edge of the tall grass.
"Right now I have no one yet to protect here... I just want to get stronger and get out of here. Ale is a childhood friend of mine, we've known each other for a lifetime. Now we live far away, but we always kept in contact with each other. It was he who made me try the NerveGear... If he hadn't done that, he'd probably be here in my place..." Looking back on the circumstances in which he arrived there, Haltar saddened by a moment. He wanted to at least let him know that he was fine, that he didn't have to worry...

Roll ID: 116199
LD: 7 (Herbs Not Found, 4/5 Collected)
@Hazado

No matter how much he tried to observe another gleam in front of him, Haltar didn't see anything useful. Apparently that place was well known among players, because the wall now seemed to be completely bare. He didn't know if the materials would regenerate over time, probably yes, otherwise he wouldn't have known how to say that those two gems he had collected were still there. However, there was nothing left to do there.
<Here, my luck is over... Better try to move a little.> Haltar moved to the other side of the rock, hoping it hadn't already been looted by someone else. If so, he probably should have looked for another place, and who knows how long it would take. Not that he had anything else to do, but he didn't want to make that NPC wait too long... She was really too pretty to be an AI.

Roll ID: 116198
LD: 1 (Mineral Not Found, 2/5 Gathered)

The rocks were at least ten meters high, forming a small wall of rock in the middle of the plain of Floor 1. It was a somewhat strange vision in the midst of all that green, but at least it broke the monotony of the landscape. Furthermore, if that point were not present it would have been difficult to collect the gems needed to make the crystals, unless you hunt for monsters. Maybe that was why there were so plenty of minerals. Immediately after finding the first one, Haltar found one nearby. It was well embedded though, it took more force than before to pull it out.
<Maybe I should have taken a pickaxe or something? It didn't seem necessary to have a tool to collect materials... But then again, this game is quite realistic, except for the menus that appear in midair> Haltar thought as he continued to examine the rock wall.

Roll ID: 116197
LD: 19 (Found 2/5 Minerals)

Only when Haltar reached the main road did he realize that he didn't know where to go to get the materials needed to make a crystal. He stopped abruptly in the middle of the street. <What a fool! And now what shuold I do? I wouldn't want to have to go back...> Fortunately the street was full of passers-by and merchants. <I will try to ask them first, someone will know where I have to go.>
He then asked directions to the nearby merchants, who told him of a point on the prairie, not too far from the city, where there was a pile of rocks from which it was possible to extract minerals. Haltar then started towards the city gate with a brisk step.
Finding the rocks was not difficult, as they were large and close enough to be visible as soon as they came out of the city.
As he approached, he saw a glitter on the rock in front of him. Arriving there, I notice a small purple stone. Removing it from the boulder, it disappeared, leaving a message for the material collected.
<How lucky! Well, I'd say this is the right place> he thought with a smile.

Roll ID: 116195
LD: 20 (Found 1/5 Minerals)

The expression and tone of voice with which Star asked Haltar to let her try another attack seemed almost a plea to him, as if she were to prove to be worth of his help. Perhaps he had let himself go a little too much in combat. Of course, he wanted to impress her, and apparently he had succeeded, but he certainly didn't want to put her in awe.
Haltar smiled trying to reassure her. "Don't worry, this will certainly not be the only boar of the day. Anyway, okay, I'll keep it distracted for another attack. If you don't hit it, then I'll try to finish it too and we'll go find another one." He turned to the boar, ready to defend himself from his next attack. "Don't be in a hurry, don't get caught up in the anxiety of hitting. Concentrate, study the movements of the enemy, and then strike."
It would have been the top if, after giving Star these tips, Haltar's next shot had failed. At this point, it would have been better for him too that her next attack will hit...

[Hate: 3] Haltar Dhrim - HP: 20/20 - EP: 2/2
[Hate: 0] @Star - HP: 20/20 - EP: 0/2
Boar - HP: 2/10 - DMG 3

"You're right, it would have been much better in other conditions. I would have liked to explore it with Ale... I wonder what he's doing now right now. Probably he's at work."
Haltar could no longer see anything in the tall grass, he was definitely starting to get tired of this research. And when he got tired of doing something, he rarely got anything good. Well, let's just say that it never happened. He then stood up and extended his arms upward, taking a break from his work.
"Wow, this task is not easy at all... Can I ask you something? How much time did you spend to gather them all? Isn't it a bit too long to be the first one..." he asked Hazado puffing. He would have gladly asked him to help him searching, but it wouldn't be right at all to ask him that favor as well.
<Just a little break, then back to work... With a little patience I will succeed... If only I had any...>

Roll ID: 115977
LD: 1 (Herbs Not Found, 4/5 Collected)
@Hazado

The boar was still too fast for Star, who still failed to hit it. Haltar frowned at his misfortune. <Damn it, would have been perfect! What do I do now, finish it or leave it to her?>
While he was thinking this, the boar got back on his paws and, furious for the injuries taken, he charged Haltar with all his remaining strength. Haltar paid for that moment of indecision, taking the blow in his stomach. But in addition to the violent push backwards that almost sent him upside down, he didn't see his life bar fall. The armor did its duty to the full, completely absorbing the damage from the impact. But even so, the attack took his breath away for a few seconds. He then took the opportunity to stop for a moment and catch his breath.
"Come on, try again! Usually the third time is the good one," he told Star in a friendly tone, as he prepared to dodge the next attack.

[Hate: 3] Haltar - HP: 20/20 - EN: 1/2
[Hate: 0] @Star - HP: 20/20 - EN: 0/2
Boar - HP: 2/10 - DMG 3

Star had no luck with her attack. The boar ignored her completely and started charging Haltar instead. However, this did not bother him at all, contrary to what he believed would happen when he was still in the city. Instead, he felt as excited as he hadn't been for a long time.
<Let's see if I still remember how to do it... 1, 2, 3... 5, 6, 7...>
Beginning to hum a song, Haltar began taking steps back and forth, following the rhythm in his head. As soon as the boar was a few meters from him, he stepped sideways instead of backward, dodging the attack at the last moment. At the same time, he lowered the blade onto the animal, hitting him on the back. The boar grunted with pain as his life still fell.
Haltar wanted to shout from the satisfaction of still remembering at least the basic dance steps, and above all to be able to use them in combat! But he still wasn't familiar with his partner yet, so he just showed a big smile and called her.
"Go Star, give the coup de grace!"

Roll ID: 115817
BD: 10 +1 = 11 (Critical +2)
DMG: 2 +2 = 4

[Hate: 3] Haltar - HP: 20/20 - EN: 0/2
[Hate: 0] @Star - HP: 20/20 - EN: 0/2
Boar - HP: 2/10 - DMG 3

"Just level up? Well, I think I can do quite good" said Haltar answering to Hazado's proposal.
At that moment, he found another herb right in front of him. He picked it up satisfied, watching it disappear into his hands.
<Very good! Only one is missing, and then I can go back to the city, come on!>
By dint of kneeling in the tall grass, his knees began to ache a little. <It's amazing how realistic this is. Who knows how long it took to create all this...> The sky was starting to get a little less bright, going from blue to light blue. It didn't seem like such a long time, perhaps because he was chatting with Hazado. Normally such a job would have easily fed him up after half an hour, instead in this way he had managed to last long enough to complete the task. With luck, they would have returned to the city before seeing the sun go down.

Roll ID: 115808
LD: 18 (Found 4/5 Herbs)
@Hazado

Apparently Haltar's attempt to impress her had already failed, not even paying attention to the girl's presentation. He accused the shot smiling a little more nervously. "Ah, right. Nice to meet you, Star." As soon as they found the first target of the day, a solitary boar, they began to discuss their combat tactics.
"Well, if you are able to find better objects, I will gladly leave the last blow to you. The other day I was not so lucky..." he said, thinking back to the afternoon spent collecting herbs for the old Zackariah, a more difficult task than it seemed at first. When she asked him about his abilities, he regained some confidence.
"I already know a little about Sword Arts, I can do enough damage, so our battles shouldn't be too long."
He took a step towards the boar, then turned to Star. "Well, since the last blow is yours to take, I can start the dancing, right?" Having said that, he unsheathed his saber and ran towards the boar to get behind him, charging the blow. The boar turned to him just a moment before the weapon lit up with an emerald green light and fell on him violently, throwing him back. His life bar dropped to almost half.
"Come on now, it's up to you Star!"

Roll ID: 115804
BD: 8 +1 = 9 (Hit)
DMG: 2 x2 (Rage Blow) = 4

[Hate: 1] Haltar: HP 20/20 - EN 0/2
[Hate: 0] @Star: HP 20/20 - EN 2/2
Boar: HP 6/10 - DMG 3

Haltar had just time to ask his question to the girl, that a popup appeared right in front of his nose, as she walked towards the prairies. He stepped back to read better. <A party request, how lucky! It didn't take so long.>
While accepting the request, the girl began to explain the reason for her presence there: she wanted an armor. <Funny, I would have said she had a light armor... Evidently it doesn't offer anything special. She will surely have other aces up his sleeve.>
But there was something about the girl's way of doing things that kinda irritated Haltar: she was a little too sure that he would accept her condition, to the point that she was about to leave without him. While he admired this resolution of her, on the other end he didn't want to pass for an easy one. He joined the girl and came alongside her as they left the city.
"Well, no problem for me, I was also going to farm some experience. But if it happens to have a trade, know that I won't give you discounts, okay?" he said with a grin, then held out his hand to her. "By the way, my name is Haltar. Can I know yours?"

@Star

That day Haltar woke up early, to have the whole day available. Before leaving his room he checked all the equipment again, to be sure it was ready to use. His belt was loaded with the potions he got on the first day he arrived in Aincrad... it really seemed like a game then. He sighed, still at the door of his inn room.
<Well, no use getting lost in memories. Now is the time to face what the prairies have in store for me! Come on!>
His thoughtful expression gave way to a more determined one. He adjusted the saber better on his back, after which he stepped out of the room with a firm step.

Once he arrived at the gates, however, another thought occurred to him.
<Of course, it's a shame to have to go out there alone... and to be honest, even a little dangerous. I wouldn't want to end my adventure right away...>
Haltar shuddered for a moment, then shook his head decisively.
<No no, now is not the time! Rather, I can always find someone now... Well, maybe that girl!>
Just outside the gate, Haltar noticed a blonde-haired girl, fully armed, who was gesturing in mid-air, probably looking at something in her menu. He seemed to be waiting for someone, but he couldn't tell who. Once approached, his curiosity took over what he actually had to ask.
"Hi! Are you waiting for someone by chance?" he turned to the girl in a friendly voice.

@Star