Shinji

"Shinji," he says after hearing the girl's name being spoken from her own lips. Taking her hand gently with his, he smiles warmly as he shakes it for a second and then lets it go while his eyes is still looking at her outfit and equipment. Cordelia looks stronger and more well equipped than him, although he couldn't tell what level she is currently in. Whatever. At least he has backup in case things go awry, though he is aware to be careful himself.

"I'll take the lead," says Shinji as he turns around and slowly starts to walk towards his supposed destination again, relying on some big trees with fungi as 'landmarks' of his path. He walks a little slower as he doesn't want to leave Cordelia behind, either in fear of losing his own backup or worse, getting his back stabbed by her katana. His blade is now resting against his shoulder again, ready to be swung about at the sight of a foe.

Though Shinji ensures that he isn't straying too far from Cordelia, he would slightly bite the corner of his lip in a discreet manner as he has nothing to talk to her about for now. He thinks personal questions are not the best to be asked about at this moment.

@Cordelia

"Well, this breastplate is alright, but in my view, it'll be better if it covers your entire torso and back rather than just your vital organs," says Lyle. "I will also forge a pair of spaulders that will go along with your new plate so you won't have to worry about your shoulders. Interested?"

A new breastplate with spaulders? That will make his protection a nice change for a little bit of fetching. Shinji nods with a small smile, which pleases Lyle so much. He gives back the breastplate to its owner who then dons it, then waves goodbye as he steps out of the shop.

Three tusks from boar pups. While it doesn't sound like a challenge, Shinji thinks that for a fetch quest, it is appropriate especially since he doesn't want to waste any more time with it. Exiting the square and eventually making his way out of the city's gates, Shinji draws his sword and starts looking around his surroundings for boar pups, hoping that their parents aren't nearby when he kills them.

It doesn't long for Shinji to find hordes of boars, both pups and adults, scattered around the fields doing nothing but grazing and standing idly. He firmly grips his sword as he perceived a boar pup from a distance, then walks towards it and starts to take his first swing without warning towards it.

The old blacksmith is sitting at his table, reading a book until Shinji's presence becomes known in his shop. He looks up from the book to smiles as he sees him.

"Changed your mind, boy?" Lyle says with a chuckle.

Shinji nods, "What is it you need, sir?"

"Oh, just a simple task," continues Lyle as he sets the book down. "I need three tusks from boars, especially pups. They are very easy to kill, especially with this...blade of yours. I must admit, the craftsmanship is superb..."

Shinji nods in agreement and draws his sword, then carefully bring it forward to Lyle with the blade across his hands, its surface facing upwards. Lyle examines the silvery texture of the metal, as well as the sword's 'teeth' and its twirling leaves.

"Amazing..." says Lyle as he rubs his beard, admiring the sword's deadly beauty.

Shinji straps his sword to his back and keeps listening to Lyle who continues further about the quest.

"Well, just three tusks and that will be all. Come back here with them and I will forge you a better armor, unless...they are already good enough for your travels?"

Shinji brings out his inventory and his current breastplate, then with it in his hands, he shows it to Lyle, perhaps to hear his opinion about it.

The Starting City is bustling with activity as usual, though lately there are not many high leveled players around the corner as most already moved on to the frontlines. Shinji heard that the 25th floor is so far the latest floor to be, in a simple word, unlocked. The 24th boss was a leviathan, successfully killed in spite of the fight's difficulty. And now the 25th's labyrinth guardian were just discovered, and it turned out to be a dragon that was taught to be dead by a bunch of minotaurs that discovered it, only to arisen and killed them. Shinji wonders how many dragons are in Aincrad, and whether this dragon is more formidable than the rest.

As much as he wants to see and at best, slay a dragon, it is too bad that he is way too under-leveled to do such a deed. He could see that before he can even reach to the higher levels, the dragon will be long dead, slain by the frontlines.

Finally, he arrives at Lyle's shop, looking up the helmet sign above the wooden door before stepping through it. The warmth of the furnace welcomes him as he shuts the door behind him.

Shinji stares at his current stats in the stats window with thoughts of getting stronger cross his mind like passing, literal trains of thought. A revelation was revealed upon him in his dream last night. A voice telling him that he shouldn't rush head on towards monster slaying and wander too far. Rather, he must learn the necessary skills and strengthen them to enhance his sword. He must also build up more vitality, just enough to withstand damage for some time while being able to heal or if Aincrad permits, kill his foes in time.

And the way to do that? Some more fetch quests. He must go back to the blacksmith Lyle Tealeaf and fulfill his need for materials.

As much as he hates fetch quests, they had to be done for that reason. Another reason is for an item that he realize he will need to improve his accuracy. While previously reviewing the available beginners' quests, he found out that the third will grant him a ring with such a property. But Lyle's job will have to be done first. Letting out a soft sigh, Shinji stands up, wears his usual garments consist of a simple shirt, pants and boots, and steps out of his boarding room.

"I...it's alright...and yeah, I'm here for the quest too, though...I am more keen to slaying the minotaurs then getting the pendant. You can have that to yourself," says Shinji as he breathes calmly, clearing his throat for a second.

This is the first time he talks to a player outside safe zones, and though he is aware of an imminent backstabbing that might happen, Shinji decides to put hostilities aside and try to be at least decent. Here's hoping that he doesn't wake up with a blade stuck in his chest if he ever camps and sleeps here.

With his sword still lowered, Shinji asks a question as he at the girl's red eyes. Admittedly, they look dangerous but...pretty. A pretty dangerous girl.

"Are you coming along or you will sit back until the minotaurs are gone? I don't mind either as again, I'm more interested in them than the treasure. It's...my main purpose in my new life after all. Slaying monsters."

@Cordelia

No sooner than a second after Shinji turns around again and faces the direction where he came from, he sees a green diamond and freezes, his eyes glaring at a female player tilting her head at him. Sighing in relief after his brain mistook a green diamond for an orange, he lowers his greatsword with his two hands and slowly approach her out of curiosity, though he is aware enough to be careful.

He stops as soon as he can see her up close, and look at her up and down while retaining his curious expression on his face. Fairly blonde, young, and...a katana wielder. The katana itself surprises him as he had no idea that such a weapon exists in SAO. He wonders if a wielder like her could execute very fluid attacks, and cutting up beasts like butter.

He now looks at the girl's purplish eyes, and opens his mouth to say something...only to not so. He looks slightly away as his shyness starts to develop in his mind, at a loss for words except...

"...C...carry on..."

@Cordelia

Shinji steps into the wavering mist, the large trees are enough to unnerve him for a bit, but he moves on as he carries his greatsword with the blade resting on his shoulder. It is hard to make out anything that is more than a few feet away from him, and for one or two occasions, he thinks he hear footsteps or a low growl. Keeping himself alert, Shinji trudges on, looking around for Minos' Temple, the place where the pendant resides.

He thinks about what to do with the pendant should he gets it. Maybe he could sell it to an engaged couple, or someone who wants a token of friendship for their own friends. Maybe he could keep it as some sort of good luck charm. Or maybe he could give it to someone he has a crush on...

Shinji shakes his head. No way that will happen. It is impossible. Someone else could play a better role as a groom than him. Yeah, that is it. 

Shinji soon reaches a large tree with some toadstools growing at its base, and he stops for a while and looks around, searching for any foe he might come across, be it human or beast.

@Cordelia

The Forest of Wavering Mist. A forest filled with mist of unknown origin, large trees, dangerous wildlife and most likely the starting point of the inclusion of fantastic beasts rather than real animals. Shinji stands at an entrance of the forest, fresh from resting for a long time, now ready to slay more beasts. He hears about a quest about receiving a pendant guarded by twin minotaurs, which gives his monster slaying spirit some excitement, though now that he is standing here and gazing towards the misty woods, fear begins to develop in his mind.

But Shinji shakes his head instead as he wants to keep going. He survived the Queen Wasp and a Mantis, so surely he can survive this too if he is careful or ruthless enough against the cattle beasts. Drawing his new sword that was strapped to his back, Shinji faces the blade and stares at its design and metalwork. Silvery, jagged near the tip, and decorated with twirling leaves. It is the perfect weapon that was rewarded to him for killing the Mantis, and identified by an alluring merchant in a Floor 2 shop that appears similar to a Japanese temple of sorts.

The new sword is his new guardian, and Shinji breathes deeply with slight determination on his face, putting his confidence into his sword.

@Cordelia

"Subarashi....amazing..." is all Shinji could say as he looks at his new toy closely, admiring the silvery blade and the twirling small leaves. The 'teeth' on the blade gives Shinji a new hope in monster slaying as he realizes that he could make his foes bleed like this. Though he is enamored of the silver greatsword, his ears manage to pick up the merchant's question regarding his name.

Shinji looks up and into her mystic eyes as he says, "Shinji....Shinji Tanimura."

As if he forgot something, Shinji quickly gives her a respectful bow, followed by the words, "Arigato, m...mistress, for your service."

Obtained Perfect Weapon!

@Simmone

Though Shinji slightly jumps from the merchant's touch on his shoulder, he looks up to see the yukata she is wearing and her face. The glowing eyes sets him off a bit, and for a split second he almost feels the urge to draw his sword, especially since he still on edge from his grueling fight with the Queen Wasp and the Mantis a few days ago. Besides, monsters are one thing, but hostile humans are an entirely different grim tale.

Thankfully, he calms down as he hears her gentle voice assuring him of her peaceful nature, like a mother calming her frightened son. He takes a deep breath as he hears the price and nods. Agreeable for a perfect weapon indeed.

He fishes out some COL from his inventory and hands out the right amount to her.

Paid 640 COL for Perfect Identification

@Simmone

Shinji steps into the smoke filled room and sits down in a seiza posture, the typical Japanese sitting posture with knees together, back straight and ankles rested on by his rear. It is hard to make out the figure behind the thick smoke, even when Shinji squints his eyes at it. Nervousness builds within himself as he feels like he is facing a female daimyo rather than a merchant.

Shinji holds the package forward to the mysterious figure, not breaking his gaze towards it as he asks, "This package, it has a perfect-graded weapon. Can you tell me what is inside it?"

@Simmone

Two things surprise Shinji when he arrives at The Black Odyssey with a package containing an unknown perfect weapon in hand. The Japanese shrine-like architecture and two twins greeting him upon stepping in. One sports blue hair while the other pink. Though Shinji looks surprised when looking at the twins, he tries to retain his neutral expression while hiding his embarrassment from their flirty welcome greetings.

Shinji clears his throat as he asks in a soft voice while showing the package to the sisters, "Where....where can I find your merchant? I want this weapon identified.."

He also tends to look slightly away from them whenever one of them catches her eyes on his.

ID: 135627 -- LD: 6 + 1 Bonus = 7 (No chest found.)

When Shinji arrives at the stone circle, all he could find are more standing stones and....nothing else. He was half expecting a treasure chest sitting in the middle of it. Letting out a sigh, he looks around as he does not have the energy to think about the circle's purpose or its builders. Whatever. It is time to walk back to an inn and rest.

Night later comes around and Shinji is lying on his bed, wearing nothing but boxers. His wounds were already healed, though his health bar is still far from full. As he stares at the ceiling, he wonders how long would it take for him to be stronger alone. Can he really endure this? Would he eventually need someone's help to proceed further?

...is he ignoring the chance offered by Aincrad to brush off his loneliness and start looking for somebody to help him pave his own path forward in the future? Shinji couldn't tell. He is too tired. Rubbing his eyes, he turns his body onto his side and closes his eyes, drifting into a dreamscape resembling his own home in Tokyo.

THREAD COMPLETE

400 + 105 + 140 = 645 COL

1 SP + 3 QUEST SP = 4 SP

4 BONUS MATERIALS

T1 PERFECT WEAPON, MATRIARCH'S STINGER

ID: 135624 -- BD: 5 + 1 ACC = 6

Shinji: HP 38/60 -- Energy: 0/6

Mantis: HP 0/35

With just one move, the blade is punctured straight throughout the Mantis's skull and brain, putting it into eternal rest. The Mantis explodes into polygons like any other mob, and Shinji finds himself still standing in the same position with the blade's tip now rested on the ground. Shinji closes his eyes and pants heavily as sensations of exhaustion returns to his body.

ID: 135626 -- CD: 9 -- LD: 18 + 1 Bonus = 19

Obtained 35 x 3 = 105 COL

Obtained 2 Bonus Materials

Obtained 2 Bonus Materials

Obtained 35 x 4 = Bonus 140 COL

Obtained 1 Perfect Weapon

A window pops up displaying the Mantis's loot that Shinji will receive as rewards for his victory. Shinji slowly opens his eyes and looks at the window faintly. Plenty of COL earned, along with four extra materials and a perfect weapon. He swipes his finger down and browses in inventory, checking the total amount of COL he had just earned first. Not a bad sum...

Scrolling down further, he sees the new weapon and examines it. Though rated perfect, the weapon appears as a mysterious package of sorts, so until it is identified, he couldn't tell what he gets. The only hope he has upon the weapon is it being a more powerful greatsword, otherwise into the junk it goes...or to a merchant that is interested. Closing his inventory, Shinji stands up and looks at the stone circle longingly.

...maybe just one look...

ID: 135623 -- BD: 7 + 1 ACC = 8 -- MD: 2

Shinji: HP 38/60 -- Energy: 0/6

Mantis: HP 1/35

Emitting a loud scream full of desperation and anger, Shinji rushes in and thrusts his sword upwards as he reaches the Mantis's proximity, the blade ends up skewered through one of its green eyes. The Mantis shrieks in immense pain as it flails its arms about but barely reaching Shinji. He makes a big cut as he pulls his sword away, rendering the eye useless to its owner. The Mantis keeps flailing and shrieking as Shinji gets around it and hops onto its abdomen a few times, stomping it like a mad rabbit. The Mantis finally falls onto the ground as its death comes to a close. Shinji walks along its huge body and places the tip of the blade just a few inches away from its brain. 

"Fall," he says as he stares down at the dying Mantis, for now he couldn't feel his muscles strained from exhaustion, but instead the thrill of slaying another monster.

ID: 135622 -- BD: 3 + 1 ACC = 4 -- MD: 1

Shinji: HP 38/60 -- Energy: 0/6

Mantis: HP 7/35

Closing one eye as he slightly feels the pains from the Mantis's slashes stinging on his face, Shinji attempts to brush off this uncomfortable sensation and makes his way towards the Mantis. As soon as he closes in, he suddenly swings his sword to its direction only to be deflected. The Mantis leaps forward in an attempt to grapple its prey but Shinji had sidestepped earlier and keeps holding onto his sword with both hands for dear life while swinging it around like a wild animal.

Though most of his attacks either get deflected still or graze the Mantis, Shinji keeps going, teeth gritted tightly as he goes faster, leaving no room for the Mantis. He doesn't care about being defensive at this point. All that is in his current mindset is to finish the fight. This goes on for a while until he dodges another attack and stands still in his offensive stance, his eyes wide open, fully focused at the Mantis.

ID: 135613 -- BD: 1 + 1 ACC = 2 -- MD: 4

Shinji: HP 38/60 -- Energy: 0/6

Mantis: HP 7/35

Both glare at each other as they are catching their breathes, briefly exhausted from the fights. Shinji lowers his sword while maintaining his tight grip, his heart beating fast while anticipating the Mantis's next attack at any time. His sword feels a bit heavier now...and for a while he could feel the strains of his muscles in his limbs. Trying to endure the pain, he winces once and grits his teeth as he slowly backs away from the Mantis, moving towards the rock circle with his sword still pointed at the bug.

The Mantis moves slowly to Shinji, still leaning slightly to its uninjured side. Neither him nor it know how long will the fight drag on with this stalemate. Shinji just wants to get this over with, it's what his tired brain is telling him. Finish it! Go home! Run away!

...but despite all of those, Shinji still finds himself shaking his head, though he doesn't know why. Maybe his fighting spirit is still as bright as ever. Or maybe he is still thinking of the sweet loot that might be found in the stone circle...or maybe he just feels like ramming his sword into the Mantis's throat.

ID: 135611 -- BD: 2 + 1 ACC = 3 -- MD: 5

Shinji: HP 38/60 -- Energy: 0/6

Mantis: HP 7/35

The second Shinji's legs land onto the grass, his sword is caught between the Mantis arms, its blade being grasped while the tip is close to its body, shaking along with Shinji's hands. He grits his teeth as he is face to face with it, grunting while trying hard to push the locked blade into its flesh. The Mantis hisses at him only to get headbutted ineffectively in response. Shinji's forehead pushes against its own as both eyes are now locked with each other, both angry and violent.

The Mantis suddenly attempts to bite Shinji's nose with its mandibles only to miss as he just withdraws himself from it and kicks its damaged abdomen numerous times. The Mantis shrieks in pain and lets go of his blade, then it swings its arm once to Shinji and miss again. He leaps back once and for some reason, hits his sword onto the ground twice, as if to provoke it.

ID: 135610 -- BD: 10 + 1 ACC = 11 -- MD: 4

Used Sword Art! (Straight x2)

Shinji: HP 38/60 -- Energy: 0/6

Mantis: HP 7/35

If Shinji hadn't drunk the damage potion earlier, he would have dealt lesser damage to the Mantis, possibly lengthening the fight further and giving it a better chance to kill him. Having enough of exchanging blows with its arms, Shinji leaps backwards and bends his knee again, then in a split second, the sword glows once more and he thrusts it forward towards the Mantis. Plunging its abdomen for a second time, Shinji draws the blade out and side steps to face its side. He plunges its side next and makes a big cut across it, ending at its abdomen as he steps back.

The Mantis stumbles for a while, leaning slightly to its left due to its injury. One of its legs were cut off too, and though it is can still move, it couldn't advance as fast as it used to be. Shinji takes a few steps towards the Mantis and lets out a yell as he suddenly leaps forward, the sword plunging down to its direction.

ID: 135609 -- BD: 1 + 1 ACC = 2 -- MD: 8

Shinji: HP 38/60 -- Energy 1/6

Mantis: HP 23/35

The arms of the Mantis gradually become faster until Shinji couldn't deflect them anymore. Now it lands hits across Shinji's face and breastplate, its 'saw blades' making serrated cuts into his flesh. Shinji grunts as his back hits one of the stones while the Mantis keeps swinging its arms. Immediately he ducks down and receives another cut on top of his head before rolling sideways down the tiny slope of the rock circle's foundation.

Standing up quickly, he wildly swings his sword while circling and keeping his distance from the Mantis that dodges his every swing, irritating Shinji further. Facing the danger of being constantly attacked, Shinji now exhibits no signs of stopping when he moves at random directions with the sword pointing towards the creature. At one point both swing their weapons at the same time and violently exchange blow to blow, every attack deflected and putting more strain to Shinji.

ID: 135607 -- BD: 6 + 1 ACC = 7 -- MD: 4

Sword Art Used! (Straight x2)

Shinji: HP 49/60 -- Energy 2/6

Mantis: HP 23/35

Bending his knees quickly, Shinji grits his teeth as he draws his greatsword back, aiming for the advancing Mantis that is closing on him. His sword glows green in color and he immediately launches his Sword Art while the Mantis is about to reach its 'saws' towards him. To the Mantis's surprise, it lets out a shriek as the sword is plunged into its abdomen, then it is withdrawn and with Shinji's effort, makes a deep cut across it. Shinji withdraws himself from the shrieking Mantis and waves his sword lightly at its direction. Right now, probably due to adrenaline, the weight of the sword feels light in his hands, as if it is helping him maintaining the balance of his stance.

The Mantis moves its mandibles as if to express its rage with its own buggy language, then it uses its wings to leap towards Shinji to cover the gap between the two. He sidesteps and deflects its swinging forearm while backing away at the same time, and this goes on as the Mantis is now being relentless.

ID: 135606 -- BD: 4 + 1 ACC = 5 -- MD: 4

Shinji: HP 49/60 -- Energy: 3/6

Mantis: HP 35/35

The Mantis spreads its forearms for a second only to reach out for Shinji whom successfully dodges the grab attack this time by side stepping. Shinji swings his sword towards its side, but faces opposition as the blade is blocked by the bony build of its arm. The Mantis glares at Shinji and hisses louder as it swings its arms like dual weapons, attempting to hurt him with its 'saws.' Shinji deflects and dodges every attack while retaining his focus towards the aggressive menace. Blink or look away for even a second and he'll be vegetables.

After deflecting another of the Mantis's arm attack with his sword, Shinji quickly sidesteps and sprints towards one of the standing stones at the circular stone formation, only turning around when he is close to it. The Mantis is scurrying to him while swinging its arms downwards like scythes, its hiss still loud as ever.

ID: 135605 -- BD: 4 + 1 ACC = 5 -- MD: 8

Shinji: HP 49/60 -- Energy: 4/6

Mantis: HP 35/35

Before Shinji can even react, the Mantis scurries up to him at an unexpected speed and grabs him with its forearms. His facial expression shifts from indifference to horror as he struggles to get himself free from its grasp.

His mind screams "What the f**k?!" as he is surprised by the Mantis's strength and its speed. The next thing he feels is its mandibles digging into his shoulder, biting it. Shinji lets out a painful scream and aggressively kicks the Mantis's abdomen, causing it to let him go and reel back to avoid further kicks from Shinji.

Feeling distressed as his just restored health decreases in a short time, Shinji's rage pent up as he snarls at the Mantis that is now advancing towards him again without stopping. Unlike the Queen Wasp, this fight has to be done at a distance, just enough to dodge the Mantis's grasp. Shinji sees that he has to give it no quarter and be ravenous as it is.

The large crater of Urbus can be seen from a distance as Shinji keeps moving in a walking pace, and for a while he feels relieved that he is getting close to safety. He descends down a small hill carefully, sometimes using his rear to slide down a bit if need be. He reaches the base and proceeds along the fields, his thoughts occupied by rest and...maybe more food. And hopefully not more depression.

Somewhere in the middle of the fields, Shinji perceives a...stone formation of sorts. Standing. Circular. Curiosity gets the best of him as he walks towards it to take a closer look. To him, it looks kind of out of place for something like this to be in the fields as he had never seen such today. As he approaches on of the stones, he stops as he sees a figure emerging from behind it, probably been there for a while waiting for its prey.

Shinji draws his sword as he is now face to face with a large Mantis. Its body is elongated and entirely green in color, its head triangular as its large green eyes are gazing at his face. It lets out a hiss as it shows off its 'praying' forelegs, lining underneath them are straight, sharp, saw-like formations. It advances towards its latest meal.