Andromeda

“Yeah…” the girl said – her voice lowering to a softer tone. She trusted Alkor wouldn’t have much trouble with his task; she leaned back and propped herself on her hands, palms sinking into the snow behind her. “That’s a good way to put it!” –And it also sounded pretty smart. The type of smart that made her feel that if she spoke without thinking, her words would be codswallop in comparison to his. “In the first floors though? With every player that’s started their journey, the areas nearest the safe zones would probably have been explored dry, then with other higher-leveled players coming down to assist, that probably covers the farther areas… with that in mind, I’d think it’d be hard to find ‘something nobody else has seen.’”

There was nothing that frustrated her more than a pointless effort, but now that someone had given quite a bit of an affirmation to her thoughts, she had a little more confidence than she had before. “But I know something’s out there. I don’t have anything to support that. It’s just a really strong gut feeling, I guess?” Her ramble ended with a sheepish laugh.

‘Death’ and ‘the frontlines.’ 

He was at least acquainted with the latter. For her part though, they were very distant concepts. She was too weak to even think about contributing to the clearing effort, she was lucky no one close to her had died yet, and for every painless wound she sustained in the brief trips she took to the outer zones, she found it hard to imagine it was her own quantified lifeline ticking down with every damage taken. But it was still real. Very real. Much of the gloom had faded over the years, but she still saw it in people’s faces every day.

An turned her head to see their snowman was now two-thirds of the way to completion. Good! Now before it melted and fell apart, they had to work fast.

“I’ll roll the last one and you’ll lift it up again?” she offered.

The snow-haired girl was already moving though. With a small huff, she walked to a thick patch of snow in the area and started packing the snow together. “That’s nice. This event really is generous, isn’t it? I heard we only had raffles in the previous years.” As she talked, she picked up her pace, rolling the last snowball around in a speedier fashion. It was finished in no time, and after waving Alkor over to pick it up, she scrutinized their almost-finished snowman. There was something… missing…

“Oh!” An suddenly exclaimed. She opened her inventory without giving an explanation at first, and if Alkor was curious enough to take a look, he would find her scrolling down a very long list of items with her eyes squinted. Before she set out, she’d definitely procured the necessary items, but… she had no idea where they were now. “The stuff for its arms and face!” the girl huffed, a pale hue of embarrassment rising up to her cheeks. An dismissed her inventory windows with a pout. “This is a Christmas fair though. Maybe if I look around, I’ll find a stall selling it.”

“NIGHT,” she’d said. There was a lighter mood in the air when the woman properly introduced herself; An accepted the friend request without a second thought. “Th-thanks! But, really, the EXP is more than enough.” A smile growing on her lips, she added the healing crystal to the transaction pile – there was no way she was junk selling that after she delighted over how shiny it was. Maybe NIGHT would like the surprise. “And I kind of like finding little treasures like these.”

She kind of gawked at the new name in her friends list after NIGHT left.

Did she just make a new friend…?

No– maybe it was too soon.

Not too long after, Senpai came in and An decided to surprise her a little too. “A–” the merchant girl huffed. “I’ll be fine! You pay me a lot, too. The thing is, I already cleared everything that needed to be done and I don’t want them lying around unused for so long…” After she raided that alchemist’s entire stock, too. “You’re a performer, aren’t you? Actively crafting, too. I, um–” heat rose to her cheeks at the admittance, but fortunately, she was turned away and busying herself with Arabelle’s general stock purchase “–heard about the morning performances. Heard them. They’re really, really good.”

Now that felt like too much.

"H-here! Thanks for using my services!"

Even though it only earned her a meager 3 EXP. Any excuse to see Arabelle was always worth it. An maintained her bright smile as she bade the girl goodbye and turned back to her open general stock window.

She had the col to spare, so maybe she could get a couple of those keys...

"I bought too much on my last shopping trip, take these extra!"

Trading to Arabelle

[x5] Dragon's Breath
T1 Perfect Potion -- Crafter's Respite
A signature concoction of the Cintamani. There are no signs of liquid in this vial, only a swirl of periwinkle smoke seems to sit at the flask's center. When taken, however, it tastes of cool air, revitalizing the drinker's wakefulness and urges them to continue crafting; an alluring call from a foreign muse.
| [#149716] [#149727] [#149979] [#150240] [#150560]

“There is room for improvement, but you did very well for a beginner.” Zackariah examined her potion then looked down at her with a twinkle in its eye. “Not many could craft a functioning potion on their first try. Might I suggest giving the alchemist path further consideration?”

NPC or not, the girl’s red eyes glimmered at the praise. 

“Maybe!” she decided without putting too much thought into it. Ordinarily, this was where this specific quest NPC’s relevance would fade away – all to be replaced by other citizens of Aincrad down the line – and where other players would simply follow where the system took them, An stayed, curious as ever. “Are you going to teach me more? I can do additional errands, of course, just like today.”

“You would do better under Miss Calora’s tutelage. She lives east of the trading district, and she’s known for guiding many adventurers like you on their pursuit of alchemy.” As it spoke, it cleaned and put away the tools they used until all that remained on the work table were the two crafted vials and a small leather sack filled with bitter-smelling herbs. “Thank you kindly for your assistance. Please take this pouch to Lyle Tealeaf. Your reward should be waiting for you in his forge.”

Default dialogue. 

An was a little… disappointed.

“Will do.” Before she could catch herself, she gave a small respectful bow before she took the small package. “Thanks for everything, sir!” 

With her next task appearing on her objective tracker, An carefully hopped past a crate containing vials of potions which looked remarkably similar to the one she just crafted. She glanced over her shoulder before she opened the door to see the old alchemist placing the newest craft with the rest.

How long would it stay there? The item? The memory? NPC guaranteed to interact with players or not, there had to be a limit to his storage.

The door shut behind her and instantly, she was ambushed by a familiar bundle of energy. “Big sis is back!!” (“Hey, slow down a little,” grumbled another voice just behind.) Tugging at her sleeve, it looked up at her, its excitement clear as day. “How was your adventure? Do you have another story for me?”

She held the pouch carefully out of reach. “Were you looking for me? You know your brother’s always here to play with you…”

“He’s always mad and busy, and he talks bad about you! Big sis is better!” Behind the smaller one’s back, a heated glare was pointed her way as the individual in question approached. The small child leaned back a little, blinking in sudden recollection. “Oh, but you know, he did say some–”

“Lance!”

NPC or not, when someone raised their voice around her, she always felt nervous to some degree. An smiled guiltily and held up both hands, her fingers curling around the neck of Zackariah’s pouch to keep its contents from spilling. “I solemnly swear I’m not up to no good.”

“That’s for me to decide when you’ve finally shown your true colors.” It rested a hand on Lance’s shoulder, a gentle prompt for the smaller of the two to let go, all while its olive eyes searched her countenance. It scowled and turned its head away when she looked back. “C’mon, Lance, she’s busy. You should play with your other friends today.”

What was with that misplaced resentment? Once again, An was curious!

“That’s okay!” she interrupted, and both looked at her – one joyful, and the other completely inconvenienced. “I’m heading somewhere, but we can talk on the way. He just wants stories, right?”

After a little more back-and-forth, the unusual trio of player and NPCs somehow maintained a decent semblance of a conversation on the way to the forge. For the convenience of beginner players, it wasn’t too far from Zackariah’s place, but it wasn’t so near either; her route passed a few notable landmarks in the settlement and ended in the middle of the trading district. “Wait here,” An told the two, briefly holding up the pouch to show them her business with the forge. She strolled in to find the blacksmith hard at work. Placing the sack down, she rang a small bell. “Delivery! From Mister Zackariah.”

She’d walked the outer zones of Floor 1 for the first time, gathered, crafted, then completed her first quest.

But for a start? 

She didn’t feel any different.

[quest completed.]

✦ ✦ ✦

Quote

@Andromeda
+ 4 SP
+ 400 col
+ [x5] Tier One Health Potions of Rare quality. -- +40 HP
+ [x1] Tier One Damage Potion of Uncommon quality. -- +1 DMG
+ [x1] Tier One Over-Health Potion of Special quality. -- +50 to maximum HP for remainder of thread

@Hydravion, @Dustin
+ 2 SP

Identifications:

Name: Speed+ [143059-1]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 150671
Roll Result: 12
Item Type: Snack
Tier: 2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: [x2] Evasion
Description: Super sweet candy. Outrun your enemies while on a sugar high!
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=609317

Name: Fortune++ [143059-2]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 150672
Roll Result: 4
Item Type: Snack
Tier: 2
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: [x3] Loot Die
Description: A fortune cookie. Crack it open for a prediction buff!
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=609317

Name: Precision+ [143229-1]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 150673
Roll Result: 12
Item Type: Snack
Tier: 2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: [x2] Accuracy
Description: Lemon-flavored candy.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=609317

Name: Resistance++ [143229-2]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 150674
Roll Result: 1 (BD: 10 | CD: 10)
Item Type: Feast
Tier: 2
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: [x3] Probiotics
Description: A packet of bitter pills. Your reward for enduring them is a totally niche buff to your defense!
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=609317

Name: Speed+ [144896-1]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 150676
Roll Result: 11
Item Type: Snack
Tier: 2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: [x2] Evasion
Description: Super sweet candy. Outrun your enemies while on a sugar high!
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=609317

Name: Precision+ [144896-2]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 150677
Roll Result: 14
Item Type: Snack
Tier: 2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: [x2] Accuracy
Description: Lemon-flavored candy.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=609317

Name: POWERRR!!+ [145680]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 150678
Roll Result: 19
Item Type: Meal
Tier: 2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: [x2] Protein
Description: A large pack of beef jerky.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=609317

---

Name: Insta-Life++ [145686-1]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 150773
Roll Result: 16 (BD: 10 | CD: 12)
Item Type: Crystal
Tier: 2
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: [x3] HP Recovery
Description: Shaped like a diamond, this crystal is dyed a deep red. It shatters under the slightest pressure; fixed to a twine tied round the object's form, a note in effortless cursive reads: "Handle with care! :)"
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=609317

Name: Fortune++ [145686-2]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 150774
Roll Result: 4
Item Type: Snack
Tier: 2
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: [x3] Loot Die
Description: A fortune cookie. Crack it open for a prediction buff!
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=609317

---

Junk sale:

Tier 1 Equipment

• Uncommon Trinkets (2)
  [148261] | [150576]
   
• Rare Trinkets (8)
  [148263] | [148267] | [150574] | [150575] | [150577] | [150579] | [150582] | [150583]

Tier 1 Consumables

• Uncommon (94) 
  • Potions (85)
    [148233] | [148234] | [148236] | [148239] | [148963] | [149001] | [149003] | [149006] | [149008] | [149233]
    [149236] | [149239] | [149240] | [149245] | [149246] | [149247] | [149499] | [149500] | [149501] | [149503]
    [149509] | [149510] | [149513] | [149515] | [149516] | [149712] | [149714] | [149719] | [149723] | [149967]
    [149968] | [149969] | [149972] | [149975] | [149976] | [149978] | [149980] | [149981] | [149982] | [149983]
    [149985] | [149986] | [150234] | [150235] | [150237] | [150242] | [150558] | [150559]
    [149003-1] | [149008-1] | [149233-1] | [149236-1] | [149236-2] | [149246-1] | [149246-2] | [149247-1] | [149247-2]
    [149501-1] | [149501-2] | [149509-1] | [149510-1] | [149515-1] | [149515-2] | [149714-1] | [149714-2] | [149967-1]
    [149969-1] | [149969-2] | [149972-1] | [149972-2] | [149976-1] | [149976-2] | [149980-1] | [149980-2] | [149981-1]
    [149983-1] | [149983-2] | [149986-1] | [150234-1] | [150234-2] | [150237-1] | [150237-2] | [150242-1] | [150242-2]
    [150559-1]
     
  • Salves (9)
    [146430] | [146435] | [147981] | [147982] | [147987] | [148249]
    [147982-1] | [147982-2] | [148249-1]
     
• Rare (75)
  • Potions (65)
    [148968] | [148970] | [149005] | [149230] | [149243] | [149244] | [149249] | [149505] | [149507] | [149511]
    [149512] | [149514] | [149517] | [149708] | [149709] | [149710] | [149715] | [149717] | [149718] | [149724]
    [149726] | [149973] | [149974] | [149977] | [149984] | [150233] | [150238] | [150241] | [150312] | [150313]
    [150314] | [150317] | [150318] | [150320] | [150557]
    [148964-1] | [148964-2] | [148966-1] | [149230-1] | [149230-2] | [149244-1] | [149505-1] | [149507-1] | [149514-1] 
    [149514-2] | [149517-1] | [149517-2] | [149709-1] | [149709-2] | [149710-1] | [149715-1] | [149715-2] | [149718-1]  
    [149718-2] | [149724-1] | [149973-1] | [149974-1] | [149974-2] | [149977-1] | [150238-1] | [150241-1] | [150241-2] 
    [150314-1] | [150314-2] | [150557-1]
     
  • Salves (9)
    [146432] | [147977] | [147979] | [147986] | [148245] | [150564] | [150566]
    [147979-1] | [147979-2]
     
  • Consumables (1)
    [142616] | 

Tier 2 Consumables

• Rare (2)
  [143034] | [145736] 
   
• Perfect (1)
  [143057-2]

(100 * 2) + (200 * 8) + (50 * 94) + (100 * 75) + (250 * 2) + 375 = 14,875 col

"H-hi...!"

Is this also a cafe--? An felt an aching sense of nostalgia as soon as she entered the softly lit establishment. She suddenly wanted nothing more than to snuggle into one of the comfy plush seats in the corner, maybe with a book in hand (oh, what were those behind the counter? :0!!) -- but the neglected pile waiting for her at home would incessantly remain at the back of her mind with every unrelated activity she did.

She really didn't mean to take this long!!

"Um! I heard alchemists sell something called a [Crafter's Respite]," the girl began. She wrung her hands, searching the shelves for something that looked like a [Crafter's Respite], but an untrained eye and a first-timer to [Cintamani] would only see differently-colored vials. How were they supposed to work, anyway? One respite for each extra craft? Or one a day? A more rational mind would have thought it wise to ask the shopkeeper about the enhancement, but An-- her guilt-ridden mind went right back to that pile again, then the time displayed in her HUD.

5:47 PM.

Her unidentified consumables weren't getting any fewer -- a predicament the merchant girl was entirely at fault for. And NIGHT was due to come soon.

:person_running:

...She'll just figure out how it works later!

"I-I really need this order completed, not-that-I-was-given-a-due-date-or-anything-it's-just-taking-longer-than-it-should, s-so, um..." An quickly dipped her head. "I'm really sorry, but please sell me every respite you have. I have the col!"

[05/23/2020]

An was never going to put off her daily identifications ever again.

In speeds only ever achieved by cramming high school students on their trip to the library an hour before an assignment's deadline, the amateur merchant had skedaddled home with a whopping six [Crafter's Respite]s bundled up in her hands. Her customer was going to pay a visit tonight. An felt it in her bones. She cleared out her table, ignored dinner, glared intensely at eight consumables with their identification windows all open for about half an hour, then inhaled the first Dragon's Breath potion.

Oh, it refreshed an entire crafting/identifying day. Good to know.

(She'll apologize to the alchemist for needlessly clearing out her entire supply later. Or if she would ever have the bloody nerve to visit that shop ever again.)

Valuable realization no. 2, she had less unidentifieds than she thought. She thought she had piles left to go, but maybe her customer had brought a smaller load than before. Two identifications left -- did Dragon's Breath also give a luck boost...?! -- and riiight at the nick of time, the dark-haired customer appeared just as she finished sliding the last fortune cookie into a small paper bag. She sidestepped the mess and opened her menus looking... guilty.

Oh no no no no--

Her saving grace, spelled out in one word: 'selling.'

"G-good to know!" An said without thinking. Then her face turned a slight red when she realized she basically just hinted to one of her regulars that identifications were troubling her, so she immediately spoke up again before the other could process. "I mean, thanks! Since you grouped them up, it should be done in only a few minutes. I'll give it to you with the rest of the stuff from your previous request, if you don't mind waiting a little bit."

Right when she thought the rest of the time would be spent in awkward silence, the young woman in front of her spoke up again. "Sorry, can I ask a quick question with... no judgement...?"

"Yeah--?" Her smile wavered. If that didn't get her anxiety skyrocketing-- "Shoot." 

"What was your name again? I don't think I'd ever picked up on it..."

Despite promises, she looked utterly gobsmacked. Not because of the entirely ordinary nature of the player's question which ran in complete contradiction to every possible scenario that ran through her head, but because it sparked valuable realization of the day no. 3: did she ever get her customer's name?

Harriette, you absolute dummy, shouldn't that have been basic?

"Whaa-- cor blimey, did I never introduce myself...?" With most worries dispelled, the merchant girl couldn't resist a sheepish laugh. "Andromeda. Everyone calls me An. It's alright if you never caught it, I forget a lot of things, but I'd definitely remember if I've changed names with someone before." She tilted her head, displaying the same embarrassment (okay, maybe a lot more). "So, um, what's your name? I don't think I caught it either, ahahahaha..."

Name: POWERRR!!+ [143007]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 150335
Roll Result: 18
Item Type: Meal
Tier: 2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: [x2] Protein
Description: A large pack of beef jerky.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=609048

Name: Precision+ [143380]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 150337
Roll Result: 14
Item Type: Snack
Tier: 2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: [x2] Accuracy
Description: Lemon-flavored candy.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=609048

Name: Speed+ [144422]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 150338
Roll Result: 14
Item Type: Snack
Tier: 2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: [x2] Evasion
Description: Super sweet candy. Outrun your enemies while on a sugar high!
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=609048

Name: POWERRR!!+ [143036-1]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 150341
Roll Result: 20
Item Type: Meal
Tier: 2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: [x2] Protein
Description: A large pack of beef jerky.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=609048

Name: Resistance++ [143036-2]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 150342
Roll Result: 3
Item Type: Snack
Tier: 2
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: [x3] Probiotics
Description: A bitter pill to swallow.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=609048

Name: Precision+ [143057-1]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 150347
Roll Result: 12
Item Type: Snack
Tier: 2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: [x2] Accuracy
Description: Lemon-flavored candy.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=609048

[05/22/2020]

Name: Fortune+ (x6!) [142737]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 149025
Roll Result: 5 (BD: 10 | CD: 11)
Item Type: Feast
Tier: 1
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: [x2] Loot Die
Description: A bag full of fortune cookies. 
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=608214

Name: Precision+ [142755]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 149026
Roll Result: 14
Item Type: Snack
Tier: 1
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: [x2] Accuracy
Description: Lemon-flavored candy.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=608214

Name: Strength+ [142782]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 149027
Roll Result: 9
Item Type: Potion
Tier: 1
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: [x2] Damage
Description: A small flask containing a bitter red liquid. Perfect for getting those big phat DMG numbers. Chug, chug, chug!
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=608214

Name: Fortune+ [142801]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 149028
Roll Result: 6
Item Type: Snack
Tier: 1
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: [x2] Loot Die
Description: A fortune cookie. Crack it open for a prediction buff!
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=608214

Name: Strength+ [142808]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 149029
Roll Result: 7
Item Type: Potion
Tier: 1
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: [x2] Damage
Description: A small flask containing a bitter red liquid. Perfect for getting those big phat DMG numbers. Chug, chug, chug!
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=608214

Name: Resilience++ [142098-1]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 149030
Roll Result: 3
Item Type: Salve
Tier: 1
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: [x3] Antidote
Description: Tired of keeping track of status effects? With your local merchant's Resilience series™, you wouldn't have to worry about them at all! ...for a time. Pandora's Wares isn't accountable for any injuries sustained after the salve's effect wears off.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=608214

Name: Speed+ [142098-2]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 149031
Roll Result: 12
Item Type: Snack
Tier: 1
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: [x2] Evasion
Description: Super sweet candy. Outrun your enemies while on a sugar high!
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=608214

[05/16/2020]

"Excellent work!" praised the elderly NPC. An would give a sheepish smile at the very thought — but she treasured the approval all the same. "Now, place your materials in this basket. I have something to teach you in return."

She followed as instructed and was ushered into a corner of Zackariah's tiny house.  

"Woah..."

It was a wonder how the NPC made use of every available space to neatly stash vials of different-colored alchemical concoctions and herbs and brewing apparatus of every type, while also leaving enough room of a couple of leather-bound books. Briefly shielding her eyes as Zackariah slid the curtains open, An was immediately drawn to its workstation. Beside what she figured was a brewing stand, unfamiliar tools of all shapes and sizes were lined up on the table like silver utensils in a fancy dinner. She tried to find some commonalities between them and the equipment in the science lab she used to frequent on the other side. They couldn't be too far in function. Alchemy was the origin of some science, right—? Zackariah had already begun to clear them out, but she couldn't resist picking one up and holding it against the sunlight streaming in from the window.

"There would be no need for that." Smiling gently, the old alchemist held out its hand in silent gesture for her to hand it over.

An pouted. "Aw, really?"

"That is a special tool used for harvesting [agafron seeds]. And that is too complex of an ingredient for you at the moment."

"Th-then," she began, red eyes shining at her own brilliant idea, "can you show me how to do that instead? This all looks interesting! Like the science experiments my classes used to do on the other side!"

Zackariah placed the rest of the tools away then looked down at her, its interest piqued. "'Like the'— ...so you have experience with alchemy?"

Slip of the tongue! It was hard not so speak so casually when the AI in front of her was made to look so exactly like a human. Its animations, the natural sound of its voice, how it seemed to have some 'life' in its eyes... and An hadn't expected it to react to a sentence containing a term it was unfamiliar with. It progressed the conversation like any other person, and now she was the one lagging.

Uhhhh.

This was a rare opportunity. Let's see how far she could go!

"We call it chemistry."

"'Chemistry?'" the NPC shook its head. Its expression conveyed some confusion, but it was nothing less than patient with the younger player. "You youngsters and your terms. What does this 'chemistry' entail?"

"I made a solution that dances to the beat of a stereo!"

"And does this 'chemistry' also involve brewing a potion with simple healing properties?"

"N-no." None that An knew of. Really, she had no way around that. She cupped the back of her neck sheepishly and continued, "We were always told not to drink our own experiments, so none of the things I did would really qualify. Ahahaha..."

"I see. You may have already been attempting some advanced work with that 'chemistry' of yours even though you skipped some of the fundamentals. However, that means I cannot give you all that you want to know at the moment." At her obvious disappointment, Zackariah gave a pleasant, understanding nod. He accepted the tool she handed back to him and stored it away with the rest. "With firmer foundations, you may see greater success in your experiments and you may even become a wonderful alchemist one day. For now, I hope to work on that by teaching you the basics of crafting a Healing Potion."

So in the end, the conversation led back to the same quest objective... An didn't push any more though, she was plenty satisfied with their interaction. This NPC was nice to talk to; she wondered if it retained its memories like many of the others. "Then, please teach me! It would be greatly appreciated."

The next half-hour was spent happily following along Zackariah's demonstration. She took a couple of the red flowers she gathered, plucked the petals off their stems, and sprinkled it into a mortar. Along followed a few more ingredients the elderly alchemist had her carefully measure in teaspoons. Grinding it all to a pulp, An stuttered with starting a small flame without a lighter as her mentor added a small cup of bitter-smelling liquid to the empty mini-cauldron.

"Would this taste bad?" 

She dreaded the answer. If she was supposed to do a taste-test during this quest, not only her instincts from her science classes on the other side have her recoiling, but any foul taste would also make it completely impossible for the girl to ever take any healing potions. Ever.

"It would, like most medicine."

"Blimey."

"But in the future, you could develop your own solution to make the taste more bearable," the NPC finished. It looked up from its own brew and gave her a good-natured smile. "Of course, the potions I'll give to you as an additional reward have been modified to simply taste like water."

Water?

Curious design choice, but now that her brew was starting to boil, An turned her focus back to her work. It took only a few more minutes before she funneled the steaming mixture through a filter paper and into a round glass vial. Grinning, she stepped back and compared her dark-red-ish output to Zackariah's flawless craft.

A prompt window appeared between her and the workstation, displaying the system's verdict on her craft:

[Rare Healing Potion crafted.]

Name: Rhona's Needle [142782]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 148056 | 148057
Roll Result: 1 (BD: 10 | CD: 12) | 12
Item Type: One-handed Straight Sword
Tier: 1
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: Blight | Bleed
Description: "Hide away, hide away..." An unassuming standard blade that's coated black from top to bottom, the exception lying in its edges painted in white. The devious thing's been said to curse the hearts and lungs of many, though its possible that they're rumors just for rumor's sake. Handle with care(?).
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=607555

Name: Thin Ice [142596]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 148465 | 148466
Roll Result: 1 (BD: 10 | CD: 12) | 14
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: 1
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: Fireproof | Evasion
Description: White cleats that are cool to the touch. Dry ice line its soles, causing wisps of mist to eminate from its wearer as they walk. Only the shoe's tongue and lining are made from black fabric. Did these come from a modern-day sneaker store...?
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=607769

Junk sale:

Tier 2 Equipment:

• Perfect Trinkets (11)
  [146447] | [146666] | [146870] | [146873] | [146874] | [146997] | [147006] | [147008] | [147165] | [147168]
  [147414]
   
• Rare Trinkets (18)
  [146442] | [146444] | [146445] | [146446] | [146869] | [146872] | [146999] | [147004] | [147005] | [147007]
  [147011] | [147153] | [147155] | [147156] | [147159] | [147161] | [147412] | [147415]
   
• Uncommon Trinkets (25)
  [146443] | [146450] | [146668] | [146669] | [146670] | [146671] | [146672] | [146674] | [146998] | [147003]
  [147009] | [147010] | [147012] | [147013] | [147014] | [147015] | [147016] | [147154] | [147162] | [147163]
  [147164] | [147166] | [147168] | [147171] | [147413]

Tier 1 Equipment:

• Perfect Light Armor (1)
  [142098]
   
• Rare (23) 
  • One-handed Straight Sword (14)
    [142486] | [142532] | [142535] | [142536] | [142551] | [142637] | [142638] | [142648] | [142737] | [142746]
    [142774] | [142801] | [142808] | [142094] 
     
  • Light Armor (8)
    [142483] | [142543] | [142546] | [142598] | [142616] | [142755] | [142756] | [142776]
     
  • Trinket (1)
    [146867]

Tier 1 Consumables:

• Rare Potions (30)
  [146680] | [146835] | [146838] | [147019] | [147022] | [147027] | [147200] | [147205] | [147206] | [147207]
  [147208] | [147424] | [147426] | [147429] | [147639] | [147643] | [147646] | [147649] | [147651] | [147652]
  [146838-1] | [147027-1] | [147206-1] | [147206-2] | [147207-1] | [147208-1] | [147424-1] | [147424-2] | [147643-1] | [147651-1]
   
• Uncommon Potions (31)
  [146678] | [146681] | [146834] | [146836] | [147023] | [147024] | [147029] | [147196] | [147198] | [147201]
  [147203] | [147417] | [147418] | [147419] | [147423] | [147425] | [147641] | [147650] | [147653] | [147024-1]
  [147029-1] | [147029-2] | [147201-1] | [147417-1] | [147425-1] | [147425-2] | [147641-1] | [147650-1] | [147650-2] | [147653-1]
  [147653-2]

(750 * 11) + (500 * 18) + (300 * 25) + 400 + (200 * 23) + (100 * 30) + (50 * 31) = 34,300 col

[05/14/2020]

Did this latest batch of identifications feel easier because they were almost all rares or because An had gotten so used to juggling Senpai's huge hauls of loot (along with other orders, if she was unlucky enough) that a day of downtime gave her this weird fidgety feeling like she needed to stare at some unidentified blob intensely at least once otherwise every evening spent in an idle state would feel... not-right.

:hmmm:

Well, anyways, her customer's order was done now! An finished it off with one last identification before she set apart two shiny pieces of gear and yeeted the rest into nonexistence for that juicy triple-digit EXP gain. Suffice to say, she was pleased with how she handled this bundle. No all-nighters, no equipment pieces disappearing like needles into the haystack of Pandora's mess, and she only needed to triple-check the col amount before she sent it over to her customer. "That would be all," she concluded, smiling proudly. On the surface between them lay a black sword and a pair of cool white shoes (okay, maybe she was disappointed; no one ever looked at an anti-DoT unique and felt accomplished in any way). "Again, thank you very much for coming by!"

[05/13/2020]

[05/12/2020]

[05/11/2020]

Right on—! The young adventurer found a flower dusted with gold only a little ways from the Starting City's gates. Bending down, she carefully plucked the material from its stem and a small smile of accomplishment tugged at her lips as she twirled it between her fingers. Large red petals encircled a golden core and it emitted a fragrant scent. An wasn't an expert in plants, but she could recall bees used to flock around similar-looking flowers in her family's garden.

Red... lily...

She placed the item in her inventory and the satisfying sight of an item crossed out on her list of objectives greeted her as she switched over to the quest tab. Currently, the quest window only displayed one other objective: [give the materials to Zackariah], but from the way other players talked about this quest, there was a little more afterwards. She dismissed all her windows and continued down the road. An didn't know, but she wanted to find it out herself. Consider it a small challenge to spice an otherwise basic beginner quest up!

✦ ✦ ✦

...?

Strange. It felt like she'd been walking for a while now. An tried to make sense of the current Aincrad time displayed at the bottom part of her HUD, but when that peculiar feeling remained, the silver-haired player simply shook her head and went on. She was one measly material away from finishing the first stage of a beginner quest -- which was then the first in a line of four tutorial missions... oh, she'll get there when she needed to! There was an absurd amount of things stacked on her list before she could start having her big adventures, but thinking of them only made her even more determined. She couldn't just get what she wanted all the time -- she thought, as her search failed to yield any of the alchemist's requested materials.

An crested a hill. She looked down at the fields stretching from between the Town of Beginnings to her vista, the small moving spots in the sea of green that could only be the roaming boars, and she turned to gaze almost longingly at the lush forests and mountain regions further into the combat zone -- places she only kept to staring at, for now. A soft wind sent blades of grass and wild petals fluttering past her as she descended back into the safer area. The clear blue sky was starting to turn orange; she was sure she would come across some herb she could pick on the way back.

An blinked.

Rooi…bos…?

It took her a moment to find where her sudden confusion lay. Players had the ability to name their own crafts. A quick tap of a small semi-transparent circle that appeared as she focused her view on the beverage opened a window which displayed the simplistic name: ‘red iced tea,’ but when she brought it to her lips and drank, she recognized its taste and nodded. “Yeah,” she hummed. Maybe that cafe girl wasn’t a fan of tea? “I think this is really fun! Like… a picnic, but at night? I’ve never done something like this before and,” her gaze dropped down to the lunchbox still warm in her hands, “a full meal adds onto the experience.”

Any reservations she might have had earlier disappeared as the group settled down, the glow of the campfire at their center banishing the cold and darkness of the night. Mari talked as they ate and An nodded along, paying close attention to everything the woman said. Events? Her hand unconsciously went over to where her blighted rapier was sheathed – she had that one down, alright, and it was far from the best five hours of her life, but the sweet gear made up for the difference. 

“I see,” An said, momentarily lowering her lunchbox when she spoke. If the difference was doing things with a party… she never knew who to bother, but not wanting to ask what might already be obvious, she silently concluded that the player request boards were there for that express purpose. “I’ll keep that in mind, thank you very much!”

Everyone is important.

…?

She wasn’t too inclined to ask about a few of the things Mari had mentioned, but Basuke went and did it anyway. Then, rather unexpectedly, he turned and asked her, too.

“I-I got, huh–?” Maybe it was the way he phrased it, but it took a moment for An to process the question. When she did, it only took less than a moment of contemplation to decide Leah was the best person she could talk about. It was weird, assigning the stern, scary woman the label of ‘friend,’ but they met regularly to check up on each other and her face was the first that popped up in her mind. Yeah– that sounds like something friends would do…!

An carefully placed the container down on the grass beside her and casually pulled her legs close. 

“Oh, yeah! I have one. I… met…”

A strange daze settled in pools of red. She couldn’t find the words to explain the memory; maybe it was a longer story than she remembered? 

“I met her during the Halloween event,” she shared instead. The girl turned her head up to look at Basuke, then Mari, light returning to her eyes. “If you guys weren’t around for that, an NPC drew players in with a circus attraction in Floor 1 then trapped them and started a zombie invasion. It was crazy! Her, um, friend – the Starbucks girl – secured my entry into the event area, but neither of us really knew what we were walking into. When the first zombies started spawning, me, her, and her friend somehow found each other in the mess and decided to party up for our own safety. We spent the entire night fighting for our lives, the three of us.” She grinned at the memory and leaned back, propping her hands on the soft grass as she stared aimlessly ahead. “That’s one way to make friends, huh? What about you, Basuke? Since you asked the question.”

Name: Precision+ [#133622]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID:146752
Roll Result: 14
Item Type: Snack
Tier: 2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: [x2] Accuracy
Description: Lemon-flavored candy.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=606755

Name: Strength [#134250]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 146753
Roll Result: 9
Item Type: Potion
Tier: 2
Quality: Uncommon
Enhancements: [x1] Damage
Description: A small flask containing a bitter red liquid. Perfect for getting those big phat DMG numbers. Chug, chug, chug!
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=606755

Junk sale:

[x1] T2 Perfect Equipment

• Weapon (1)
  [#133862]

[x5] T2 Rare Equipment

• Weapon (2)
  [#133622] [#134250] 
   
• Light Armor (1)
  [#138184]
   
• Trinket (2)
  [#134197] [#134198]

750 + (500 * 5) = 3,250 col

[05/07/2020]

Her head was starting to whirl from all these numbers. Who knew something as basic as percentages would throw her in for a loop? An remembered taking one look at the sack marked for junk selling (whew!) and politely asking her customer to come by another day. She wanted some time to sort through everything... and hopefully not mix up Arabelle's and the dark-haired woman's requests in the process.

***

She didn't. Yep. She'd double-checked, triple-checked, and when she couldn't trust her memory, she did it again. By the time the dark-haired woman arrived, An had alternated between looking at the items names and corresponding amounts and the small list she kept of the request. "Oh, hello!" she greeted, shoving Arabelle's list under the counter. The merchant opened a trade window and sent the col from the junk sale over. Usual routine. When the transaction was done, she gave her usual small bow. "That was a lot of EXP. Thanks for coming by and please come again!"

Okay, maybe she was a little tired.

***

Customer number two!

And oh golly, she hoped Arabelle didn't have another pile with her, she swore that pretty girl grinded like there was no tomorrow and she could definitely use another excuse to see her, but right now, An really just wanted to sleep in peace--

"H-hi." An raised her hand in a small wave. She didn't stand from behind the counter, instead, with a tap on a floating window-- the contents of one inventory folder simultaneously manifested. The transaction for the junk sale was quickly taken care of as well. All that was left was some small talk. "One of the light armors turned into... that. It looks exactly like yours but with different enhancements, so I thought you might want to take a look at it!"

Name: Imperial Demon Army Uniform II, spec: Breaker [#142253]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 145902 | 145903 | 145904
Roll Result: 14 | 15 | 4
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: 2
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: [x2] Mitigation | Recovery
Description: [reference] A light armor set consisting of a military jacket with two rows of gold buttons on the front, a short black skirt, and accompanying knee-high boots and stockings. It's predominantly black in color with green accents. Grants protection and a small healing buff to the user.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=606173

***

Name: Precision+ [#142283-a]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 146370
Roll Result: 14
Item Type: Snack
Tier: 2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: [x2] Accuracy
Description: Lemon-flavored candy.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=606480

Name: Precision+ [#142283-b]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 146371
Roll Result: 12
Item Type: Snack
Tier: 2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: [x2] Accuracy
Description: Lemon-flavored candy.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=606480

Name: Resilience++ [#142284]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 146372
Roll Result: 2
Item Type: Salve
Tier: 2
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: [x3] Antidote
Description: Tired of keeping track of status effects? With your local merchant's Resilience series™, you wouldn't have to worry about them at all! ...for a time. Pandora's Wares isn't accountable for any injuries sustained after the salve's effect wears off.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=606480

***

Name: Strength++ [#143343-a]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 146524
Roll Result: 9
Item Type: Potion
Tier: 2
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: [x3] Damage
Description: A small flask containing a bitter red liquid. Perfect for getting those big phat DMG numbers. Chug, chug, chug!
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=606599

Name: Strength++ [#143343-b]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 146526
Roll Result: 10
Item Type: Potion
Tier: 2
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: [x3] Damage
Description: A small flask containing a bitter red liquid. Perfect for getting those big phat DMG numbers. Chug, chug, chug!
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=606599

Name: POWERRR!! [#142252]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 146527
Roll Result: 18
Item Type: Meal
Tier: 2
Quality: Uncommon
Enhancements: [x1] Protein
Description: A large pack of beef jerky.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=606599

Name: POWERRR!! [#142268]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 146528
Roll Result: 19
Item Type: Meal
Tier: 2
Quality: Uncommon
Enhancements: [x1] Protein
Description: A large pack of beef jerky.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=606599

Name: POWERRR!! [#142285]
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 146529
Roll Result: 20
Item Type: Meal
Tier: 2
Quality: Uncommon
Enhancements: [x1] Protein
Description: A large pack of beef jerky.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18519-f1-r4-merchant-pandoras-wares/?do=findComment&comment=606599

Junk sale:

[x22] T2 Perfect Equipment

• Weapon (13)
  [#142254-a] [#142254-b] [ #142269] [#142286] [#142324]
  [#142326-a] [#142326-b] [#142327-a] [#142327-b] [#142327-c]
  [#143344-a] [#143344-b] [#143344-c]
   
• Light Armor (7)
  [#142254] [#142283-a] [#142283-b] [#142324] [#142326]
  [#143343-a] [#143343-b]
   
• Trinket (2)
  [#142253] [#142269]

[x6] T2 Rare Equipment

• Weapon (2)
  [#142252] [#142268]
   
• Light Armor (1)
  [#143345]
   
• Trinket (3) 
  [#142255] [#142267] [#142329]

[x1] T1 Perfect Equipment

• Shikama Dōji, Remastered -- Two-Handed Battle Axe -- [x3] Damage -- [reference] A black scythe that is moderately larger than its wielder. A portion of its blade is tinted green. When a Sword Art is activated, the scythe's head glows a brighter hue of the same color. Grants a higher damage output when equipped. | [~]

(750 * 22) + (500 * 6) + 400 = 19,900 col

[05/06/2020]

All done! Now... time to appraise her own stuff.

Junk sale:

[x2] T3 Perfect Equipment

• Jewelry
  [145961] |  [145957]

[x6] T3 Rare Equipment

• Trinket
  [145741] |  [145745] |  [145747]
• Jewelry
  [145955] |  [145958] |  [145960]

[x9] T3 Uncommon Equipment

• Trinket
  [145742] |  [145743] |  [145746] |  [145748] |  [145749]
• Jewelry
  [145952] |  [145953] |  [145954] |  [145956]

[x3] T2 Rare Equipment

• Trinket
  [146214] |  [146218] |  [146219] 

[x5] T2 Uncommon Equipment

• Trinket
  [146213] |  [146215] |  [146217] |  [146221] |  [146222] 

[x22] T1 Rare Equipment

• Trinket
  [143419] |  [143809] |  [144240] |  [144323] |  [144325] |  [144330] |  [144681] |  [144904] |  [144906] |  [144908] |
  [144909] |  [144911] |  [144913] |  [144987] |  [144990] |  [144994] |  [144995] |  [144996] |  [144998] |  [145244] | 
  [145613] |  [145614]

[x42] T1 Uncommon Equipment

• Trinket
  [143417] |  [143418] |  [143420] |  [143422] |  [143423] |  [143424] |  [143425] |  [143803] |  [143804] |  [143805] | 
  [143806] |  [143807] |  [143808] |  [143812] |  [144236] |  [144241] |  [144242] |  [144243] |  [144244] |  [144245] | 
  [144324] |  [144328] |  [144331] |  [144673] |  [144674] |  [144676] |  [144677] |  [144679] |  [144680] |  [144682] | 
  [144910] |  [145004] |  [145005] |  [145239] |  [145240] |  [145241] |  [145242] |  [145243] |  [145245] |  [145607] | 
  [145608] |  [145609]

[x4] T2 Uncommon Consumables

• Unidentified Consumable
  [143011] |  [143012] |  [143049] | [144894]

[x2] T1 Uncommon Consumables

• Unidentified Consumable
  [142094] |  [142126]

(1,250 * 2) + (900 * 6) + (600 * 9) + (500 * 3) + (300 * 5) + (200 * 22) + (100 * 42) + (150 * 4) + (50 * 2) = 25,600 col