Freyd

Freyd grasped Chase's outstretched hand and gave it a firm shake.  Compromise, it was a pragmatist's goal and he was glad to have it.  Chase was a good fighter, but clearly had a lot on his mind.  He could say the same about himself, and so wasn't inclined to judge.  With his free hand, he accepted the unexpected friend invite.

"Thanks Chase.  Cooperation's a good start, and I think we have a lot of common ground, despite our differences."  He glanced at the world clock to get a sense of the time.  Freyd was rarely one to sit idle.  "I'll be sure to check out your shop and keep you posted on my findings.  Things are painting a grim picture so far.  You're also a good swordsman.  Don't sell yourself short.  You'll be on the front lines soon, I suspect."

Freyd released his grip and turned to head off in another direction, pausing as he took his first step.

"And Chase," he added, "Let me know if you need anything to help you with Shay or with Lily, even if it's just to talk.  I'm not normally this chatty, and can be there just to listen, if that's what it takes."  Nodding, as if to acknowledge to himself that he'd done the right thing, Freyd turned and walked off into the shadows.

***

Thread Rewards:

Freyd & Chase both receive:

4 SP (1 page, +1 event, +2 quest)

200 col (each)

Bottled Banshee Scream: A Potion that when used on Weapon adds Paralyze to it for the duration of the battle: If you rolled a 9 -10 Enemy is paralyzed on their next turn.

"Hmmm?  Oh, no.  The Sundered Spire is that group of self-aware mobs I mentioned a while back.  Remember the weird tokens with the red tower and the sword?  Yeah, that's their symbol.  It's what I've been out here searching for."  Freyd summoned one of the small stones to refresh Chase's memory.  "They're mobs that act like PKers.  I first discovered them laying false material spawn nodes on floor five.  They were baiting traps so that they could ambush lower level players.  Since then, I've seen signs of them everywhere, especially on floor twenty-one."  This chase had led Freyd all over Aincrad during the last few weeks.

"They're also the ones I mentioned that can remember the memories from their past lives.  Some of them can, at least.  I can't really blame them for being peeved at dying over and over again, but they seem to overlook the fact that they can re-spawn.  Player's can't.  Nasty business.  One of them seemed to be willing to talk, but got killed before we got anywhere.  I dubbed him 'Dave', and need to find him.  He's the only lead I have that could end this threat before it spirals out of control."  It was also why Freyd had taken afront to Chase's notion that he cared nothing at all for the mobs in the game.  If that were true, he'd simply be carving a path through their ranks.  Which he had, if he was honest, but mostly to gather information on their secretive leadership, find out what the faction was and where it operated.  It had proven to be no small undertaking.

Freyd scratched his head, trying to make sense of Chase's priorities.  They seemed scattered to him, but maybe something was getting lost in translation.  Whatever.  At least they weren't on the verge of throttling each other anymore.

"So, where are you off to next?  It's been nice to actually clear a few quests without getting jumped by Spire-faction zealots, for a change.  I should probably check in with the guild and see if any other sightings have been reported." He was also getting close to the threshold for the next tier and needed to finalize his preparations.  It felt strange to think that it was finally so close.  Others had mentioned that it changes your perspective.  If so, he was curious to discover in what way.  Freyd's outlook on things was rather unorthodox to begin with.

"I have a shop, by the way.  It's in Angel Point on the thirteenth floor - not exactly on the beaten path.  If you ever need anything identified, or are looking for some unusual gear, feel free to stop in.  I tend to focus on two-handed straight swords.  Since we both use them, I might eventually have something that could be of interest to you.  We're still stocking the shelves at the moment."

Item #1
(SOLD AS JUNK)

Name: Pig Sticker
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  166348, 166349, 166350
Roll Result: LD 7, 5, 7 (No Unique)
Item Type: Weapon (2HSS)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Keen 1, Bleed 2
Description:  More of a slaughterhouse implement, than a formal weapon.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620960
Acquisition ID [165863a]

Item #2
(SOLD AS JUNK)

Name: Barbed Long Khopesh
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  166351, 166352, 166353
Roll Result: LD 8, 7, 13 (No Unique)
Item Type: Weapon (2HSS)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Bleed 2, Paralyze
Description:  A vicious bronze blade with a curved foresection that inflicts terrible wounds.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620960
Acquisition ID [165863b]

Item #3
(SOLD AS JUNK)
Name: Coruscating Blade
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  166354, 166355, 166356
Roll Result: LD 18, 12, 8 (No Unique)
Item Type: Weapon (2HSS)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Bleed 2, ACC 1
Description:  A long, double-edged blade meant to cut deep and leave lingering wounds upon its victims.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620960
Acquisition ID [165863c]

Item #4 

Name: Truth
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  166357, 166358, 166359
Roll Result: LD 17, 7, 14* (*Unique on 166359)
Item Type: Weapon (2HSS)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Envenom (Offensive), ACC 1, Bleed 1
Description: Nothing cut more effectively to the core, harms more deeply, nor causes pain to linger for so long as the revelations of truth.  A plain, unadorned polished steel weapon, it is designed for form as function without embellishment.  Woe unto those who suffer its touch.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620962
Acquisition ID [165876b]

Item #5 

Name: Stark Alginon
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  166360, 166361, 166362
Roll Result: LD 18, 10*, 20 (*Unique on 166361)
Item Type: Weapon (2HSS)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: DMG 2, Freeze 1
Description:  A cold forged blade crafted from the carved out heart of an ancient ice titan, the very air arounds it crackles with the cold fury of the creature’s dying breath.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620966
Acquisition ID [165887a]

Item #6 
(SOLD AS JUNK)

Name: Grunt’s Blade
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  166363, 166364, 166365
Roll Result: LD 5, 11, 16 (No Unique)
Item Type: Weapon (2HSS)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Keen 1, Bleed 1, ACC 1
Description:  An unadorned heavy iron blade commonly salvaged from humanoid warrior mobs.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620966
Acquisition ID [165887b]

Item #7
(SOLD AS JUNK)

Name: Scion’s Blade
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  166366, 166367, 166368
Roll Result: LD 1, 15, 16 (No Unique)
Item Type: Weapon (2HSS)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Keen 1, DMG 2
Description:  An ornate, ceremonial blade decorates with the heraldric markings of a long lost noble house.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620966
Acquisition ID [165887c]

Item #8 
(SOLD AS JUNK)

Name: Coruscating Blade
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  166369, 166370, 166371
Roll Result: LD 12, 7, 20 (No Unique)
Item Type: Weapon (2HSS)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Bleed 2, ACC 1
Description:  A long, double-edged blade meant to cut deep and leave lingering wounds upon its victims.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620978
Acquisition ID [165910b]

Item #9 
(SOLD AS JUNK)

Name: Coruscating Blade
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  166373, 166374, 166375
Roll Result: LD 9, 15, 7 (No Unique)
Item Type: Weapon (2HSS)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Bleed 2, ACC 1
Description:  A long, double-edged blade meant to cut deep and leave lingering wounds upon its victims.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620978
Acquisition ID [165911a]

Item #10 
(SOLD AS JUNK)

Name: Grunt’s Blade
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  166376, 166377, 166378
Roll Result: LD 14, 7, 4 (No Unique)
Item Type: Weapon (2HSS)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Keen 1, Bleed 1, ACC 1
Description:  An unadorned heavy iron blade commonly salvaged from humanoid warrior mobs.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620978
Acquisition ID [165911b]

Item #11
(SOLD AS JUNK)

Name: Coruscating Blade
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  166379, 166380, 166381
Roll Result: LD 9, 11, 18 (No Unique)
Item Type: Weapon (2HSS)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Bleed 2, ACC 1
Description:  A long, double-edged blade meant to cut deep and leave lingering wounds upon its victims.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620978
Acquisition ID [165911c]

Notes: 

Rank 4 Merchant (Base: BD 10, CD 8+ for unique, 10 identifications per day)
+1 to CD from Hermes’ Scale
+2 EXP: Hard Working (also +1 crafting attempt per day)
+2 EXP: Lucrative (Firm Anima)
+1 EXP: Custom Ambition Tool (bought from own shop 2020-07-16)
+1 EXP from Ambition n/a
Crafting Respite n/a

Identification Costs:

Total Cost to Identify:  22,000 col

Junking Value

Total Value of Items Junked: 11,250 col
Total No. of Items Junked: 9 EXP

Net Cost to Banker: 10,750 col

Buying 92 x [T3] Blank T3 Dungeon Maps from own shop cuz evals are getting completely mind-numbing.  (Rank 5 achieved.  Yay!)

27,600 col sent to Banker.

Item #1

Name: Max Level Courage
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID:  166210
Roll Result: LD 19 (No Unique)
Item Type: Consumable (Meal)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Over-Health 3
Description:  A fine bread pudding infused with an unknown beverage of the single malt variety.  Makes one person feel like they could take on a thousand.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=621012
Acquisition ID [165980]

Item #2

Name: Armageddon Juice
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID:  166211
Roll Result: LD 9 (No Unique)
Item Type: Consumable (Potion)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: DMG 3
Description:  A foul-smelling black liquid that fizzes and pops uncomfortably as it goes down, filling the imbiber with an unbridled sense of power that could enable them to cleave mountains in twain with a single pinkie finger.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=621049
Acquisition ID [166069b]

Item #3

Name: Pure Unadulterated Rage
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID:  166212
Roll Result: LD 8 (No Unique)
Item Type: Consumable (Meal)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: MIT 3
Description:  If you're angry enough, nothing can get through to affect you.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=621049
Acquisition ID [166069c]

Item #4 
(SOLD FOR JUNK)

Name:  Explorer’s Garb
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID:  166213, 166214, 166215
Roll Result: LD 4, 19, 19 (No Unique)
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: REC 1, LD 2
Description:  Khaki traveling clothes with large pockets and nifty pith helmet.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620962
Acquisition ID [165874a]

Item #5 
(SOLD FOR JUNK)

Name: Gold Track Suit
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID:  166216, 166217, 166218
Roll Result: LD 2, 2, 18 (No Unique)
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: REC 2, LD 1
Description:  A shiny golden polyester track suit with three white stripes along each side.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620962
Acquisition ID [165875a]

Item #6 
(SOLD FOR JUNK)

Name: Gambler’s Tuxedo
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID:  166219, 166220, 166221
Roll Result: LD 3, 12, 15 (No Unique)
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: REC 1, EVA 2
Description:  A perfectly tailored black tuxedo with starched white shirt, simply cut and fitted to any wearer.  It keeps its wearer alert and two steps ahead of any potential rivals.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620962
Acquisition ID [165875b]

Item #7

Name: Skirmisher’s Garb
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID:  166222, 166223, 166224
Roll Result: LD 12, 11, 12 (No Unique)
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: MIT 2, EVA 1
Description:  Tight-fitting black traveling leathers with a weatherproof coat, designed to be worn by scouts at the forefront of battle, and the first into the fray.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620962
Acquisition ID [165876a]

Item #8 
(SOLD FOR JUNK)

Name: Looter’s Mandate
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID:  166225, 166226, 166227
Roll Result: LD 19, 9, 16 (No Unique)
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Light Momentum 1, LD 2
Description:  Loose-flowing ebonweave travelling clothes with large deep pockets for collecting what others leave behind.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620978
Acquisition ID [165909a]

Item #9 
(SOLD FOR JUNK)

Name: Adventurer’s Garb
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID:  166228, 166229, 166230
Roll Result: LD 12, 2, 16 (No Unique)
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: REC 1, MIT 1, LD 1
Description:  Tan-coloured leather armor with padding and lots of pockets.  Good for all seasons and locations.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620978
Acquisition ID [165910a]

Item #10 
(SOLD FOR JUNK)

Name: Uneven Capri Pants
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID:  166231, 166232, 166233
Roll Result: LD 12, 8, 19 (No Unique)
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Light Momentum 1, EVA 1, LD 1
Description:  A poorly tailored set of capri pants with one leg shorter than the other.  No one knows why.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620990
Acquisition ID [165929a]

Item #11

Name: Heal Thyself
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID:  166234, 166235, 166236
Roll Result: LD 17, 5, 13* (*Unique on 166236)
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements:  REG 1, LD1, Holy Blessing 1
Description:  A long coat in stylish cut with a vaguely medical style, with an exaggerated collar.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620990
Acquisition ID [165929b]

Item #12

Name: Weathered White Duster
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID:  166237, 166238, 166239
Roll Result: LD 17, 6, 16* (*Unique on 166239)
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Light Momentum 1, LD 1, Holy Blessing 1
Description:  A white leather duster favoured by eccentric treasure hunters with a knack for finding trouble.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620990
Acquisition ID [165932a]

Item #13
(SOLD FOR JUNK)

Name: Explorer’s Garb
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID:  166240, 166241, 166242
Roll Result: LD 20, 2, 19 (No Unique)
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: REC 1, LD 2
Description:  Khaki traveling clothes with large pockets and nifty pith helmet.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=621049
Acquisition ID [166069a]

Item #14 
(SOLD FOR JUNK)

Name: Adventurer’s Garb
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID:  166243, 166244, 166245
Roll Result: LD 19, 4, 14 (No Unique)
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: REC 1, MIT 1, LD 1
Description:  Tan-coloured leather armor with padding and lots of pockets.  Good for all seasons and locations.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=621053
Acquisition ID [166113a]

Item #15 
(SOLD FOR JUNK)

Name: Homing Lantern
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID:  166246, 166247, 166248
Roll Result: LD 19, 2, 11 (No Unique)
Item Type: Trinket
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Keen 1, LD 1, ACC 1
Description:  A sturdy iron hooded lantern that helps draw treasure to its wielder.  Light source sold separately.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620962
Acquisition ID [165874b]

Item #16 
(SOLD FOR JUNK)

Name: Lucky Whetstone
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID:  166249, 166250, 166251
Roll Result: LD 4, 5, 7 (No Unique)
Item Type: Trinket
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Keen 2, REC 1
Description:  Used for sharpening blades and edges of all types.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=621007
Acquisition ID [165967]

Item #17 
(SOLD FOR JUNK)

Name: Homing Lantern
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID:  166252, 166253, 166254
Roll Result: LD 5, 13, 15 (No Unique)
Item Type: Trinket
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Keen 1, LD 1, ACC 1
Description:  A sturdy iron hooded lantern that helps draw treasure to its wielder.  Light source sold separately.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=621049Acquisition ID [166070a]

Item #18 
(SOLD FOR JUNK)

Name:  Scroll of Orcish Poetry
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID:  166255, 166256, 166257
Roll Result: LD 10, 6, 5 (No Unique)
Item Type: Trinket
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Keen 1, REC 2
Description:  Indecipherable gobbledygook that scholars readily agree should best be left that way.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=621058
Acquisition ID [166118a]

Notes: 

Rank 4 Merchant (Base: BD 10, CD 9+ for unique, 8 identifications per day)
+1 to CD from Hermes’ Scale
+2 EXP: Hard Working (also +1 crafting attempt per day)
+2 EXP: Lucrative (Firm Anima)
+1 EXP: Custom Ambition Tool (bought from own shop 2020-07-16)
+1 EXP from Ambition [148180-1] 
Crafting Respite [161940]

Identification Costs:

Total Cost to Identify:  33,000 col

Junking Value

Total Value of Items Junked: 15,000 col
Total No. of Items Junked: 12 EXP

Net Cost: 18,000 col to Banker

Freyd just blinked, trying to process and parse the various parallel threads of info Chase had just thrown at him.

"I think you may have lost me.  Let me see if I've kept up.  Shay - your friend - is likely in her shop on the fourth floor.  It was her PKer partner - whose name you don't know - who vanished.  Shay is somehow worried that you will vanish too.  Separately, you are also very eager to reach the front lines.  I'm assuming that's because you want to get back to Lily?"  This was getting tangled, and Freyd was having trouble keeping the different plots separate.  "But, what will Shay mean to you if Lily is waiting for you when you return to the real world, and are you at all concerned about this missing PKer?!"

It felt a lot like some kind of mental parcour course, where you'd fall flat on your face if you stopped thinking about it, but might suffer a brain hemorrhage if you didn't.  

"Have I got this right?"

"It does have some sentimental value," he replied, indicating the cloak.  "But do whatever you need.  It's just a thing."  Decency had little input in his actions.  In Freyd's mind, it just wasn't practical to walk around half-naked, unless you're deliberately trying to distract people.  The irony the his brain had completely failed to ogle the distraction went right over his head.  He just didn't think that way.

Instead, Freyd was thinking that he was really here in a supportive capacity, so it made little difference to him which site they chose.  Freyd's bigger concern was that Elora might waffle when it came to making a decision.  Still, this is the sort of thing friends were meant to do, right?  He'd read a blog about such things once.

"If we go to the valley, we might also find some caves.  We might as well improve our odds."  he looked down, following her gaze and feeling the little rock golem clatter by his ankles.

"Yeah.  I do.  He seems eager to follow.  Let's go use him as bait!"  He might have interpreted that last bit wrong.

Freyd just listened, because it was the right thing to do.  When Chase was finished, he let it all sink in.

"Sounds both complicated and pretty normal at the same time, as odd as that may sound."  Chase just sounded like a normal person going through some very rough stuff - at least, based on what Freyd had observed and been told about 'normal' people.  He knew full well that his own compass was a bit askew on these things, compared to others.

"I'm sorry to hear that Shay vanished - I truly am.  Do you know who the PKer she hung out with was?  Maybe we can look for that person in order to find her.  As for Lily, I think we've covered that ground.  But, for what it's worth, I'll do anything I can to help you get back to her.  Our end goals really aren't that different, even if our methods are virtual opposites."

Freyd motioned toward the exit, suggesting that they should leave before the mobs re-spawned.

"I agree," Freyd replied with mild relief.  "That, at least, gives us some common ground."  He placed his right hand on his chin, pondering for a moment.

"Have you had any encounters with PKers... err... player killers?  The ones with the orange icons."  He pointed at the green one over his own head for emphasis.  Freyd had only met one, himself, and their interactions had nothing to do with the sort of business that lead to earning such a tag.  It had only just occurred to him that an encounter with such an individual might explain a lot about Chase's current state of mind.

"Something just seems to have had you stirred up before I started unintentionally pushing your buttons.  I'm just curious.  Was something already troubling you before we met?  Other than Lily, I mean.  Something more recent?"

Freyd didn't want to aggravate an already tenuous relationship with the man, but allies could be hard to come by, and Chase was a capable one.  Alienating him was counterproductive.

Freyd stared at Chase for nearly a minute before finally making his choice.  Sitting on a half-broken table that looked like it might have once been part of a rack, he placed his hands on his knees , trying to take the least offensive stance possible.  It wasn't exactly helped by the fact that the room they were in looked like a torturer's rec room, complete with iron maiden, a dozen thumbscrews hung on the nearby wall and a broken guillotine in the back corner.  

"Look, I admire your respect for the mobs - I really do.  There's a guard by the main gate leading of the Town of Beginnings.  I call him Marv, even though he has no formal name.  I struck up a one-sided conversation with him before walking over the threshold for the very first time.  Marv and I have had some very long chats, on multiple occasions.  He's never said a single word, but that isn't really the point.  I've had the same level of interaction with dozens of other mobs.  They're not people, like we are, but it doesn't mean I don't respect them."  He looked around the room as if assessing his earlier words.   "If I sass an NPC, it's usually to chastise the people who designed them or their circumstances poorly - for not helping them seem more real."

"I also don't fancy myself as any kind of moral hero or champion of the masses.  I never said that."  His frustration was rising again, but he pushed it back down and struck a more conciliatory tone.  "But, perhaps, I could have chosen my words better earlier.  I am a pragmatist, not an idealist.  I work with what I have and make the most of it.  I get things done by any means necessary.  Like it or not, we are in a game - even if it is a death game.  It has different rules than our world.  I won't mock you for caring, but don't expect me to treat every mob or NPC we encounter like they're a real person.  We're going to have to kill an awful lot of them if we ever want to get out of here."

Watching Chase carve a path through the zombies, Freyd hesitated for a moment while waiting for his opening.  This growing feud between them was pointless, but he couldn't seem to get through to the man, whose temper seemed to flare at everything, no matter how twisted or misconstrued.  Maybe he really is just the kid.  If so, what point is there in butting heads constantly.  It does neither of us any good.

Rushing in once most of the guardians were down, he plowed through the last of them and lined up his run to finish off the banshee.  His holy blade flared at the presence of the undead and trailed motes of celestial light behind him as he charged her.  The sword's strike cleaved her in half through the abdomen as angelic choir song rang out against the solid stone walls.  Her visage cleared as her form started to dissipate, revealing her true identity as the wailing woman who had handed them the quest in the first place.

"Fuck..." Freyd swore, appearing to sympathize with the revelation and the poor woman's plight.  In truth, he'd just realized that the big bag of col she'd flashed at them during the initial hand-off was never going to materialize.

Putting his blade away, Freyd returned to their previous conversation.  "What are you actually angry about: that I don't see the world the same way you do?  You're going to run into a lot of that, and it'll eat you up from the inside.  We need to sort this out, or at least settle on a compromise, because this isn't going anywhere good right now."

ChaseR: HP: 740/740 | EN: 61/74 (-13) | DMG: 14 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | REC: 2 | MIT: 18 | BH: 7

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:980/980 | EN:84/96 | DMG:16 | MIT:54 | EVA:1 | ACC:4 | KEEN:1 | HLY:2 | BLD:12

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE + 4 for hits): 16 EN - (Rested, Finesse 3) = 12 EN

BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy 2, Bleed 12).  Freyd deals (228 + 12 bleed = 240) damage to Banshee.
BD: 8 + 4 = 12 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to Undead Guardian Zombie 4.

Banshee: HP: 138/250 | DMG: 200 (Full Phase on MD 9-10, Global Para on MD 10) | EVA: 2 [Stun CD; 3/3] (Stun) (138-192)
Undead Guardian Zombie 1: HP: 0/40 | DMG: 120 | MIT: 15 
Undead Guardian Zombie 2: HP: 0/40 | DMG: 120 | MIT: 15 
Undead Guardian Zombie 3: HP: 0/40 | DMG: 120 | MIT: 15 
Undead Guardian Zombie 4: HP: 0/40 | DMG: 120 | MIT: 15 (40-192)

"You're yelling at ME about not being a people person?" Freyd was clearly unimpressed.  "Dude, what are you , thirteen?  It's like your emotions fly off the handle no matter what anyone says, and you can't seem to argue why except to state that it conflicts with your feelings or worldview.  Grow up."  He simply shook his head at the nonsense of it all.  "If you want to be angry at everything, then go ahead, but stop blaming others for it."  A wince flashed across his eyes.  "And you have NO idea what I've done for them."   His thumb jerked to point behind him.  His expression was neutral, but Freyd was starting to fume on the inside.  

He meant the NPCs, of course.  His mind flashed back to the dozens of comforting conversations he'd had with Marv at the gates to the Town of Beginnings.  Not to mention the whole Sundered Spire mess where mobs seemed to be gaining some degree of awareness and were pissed at players for killing them.  He'd only spent the last month trying to sort that out, at considerable peril to his own existence.  Cardinal having a personal vendetta against him didn't help much either.  The system overlord overrode mobs at a whim and used them for whatever vile purpose suited his immediate needs.   That reminded him that he needed to track down 'Dave', the Spire turncoat who'd promise to contact him when he re-spawned.  Heck, he even had a damned relationship with Gatsly at the Warg quest drop, after the number of times they'd conversed.

A quick, firm slash from his sword suddenly smashed open a door in the dungeon through which they'd been searching.  Forgiven Disobedience's holy blade seemed drawn towards their undead prey.

"She'll be through here," he stated bluntly.  "Don't get your hopes up for her salvation."

Junking Trash (130 items for 99,150 col)

Full breakdown can be found here:

Junking Trash: (99,150 col & 130 Merchant EXP)

T1 Armor (3 Rare, 2 Perfect)

T2 Armor (6 Rare, 5 Perfect)

T3 Armor (10 Perfect)

T1 Weapons (1 Uncommon, 1 Rare)

T2 Weapons (3 Rare, 11 Perfect)

T3 Weapons (6 Rare)

T1 Trinkets (6 Rare)

T2 Trinkets (12 Rare, 2 Perfect)

T3 Trinkets (2 Rare, 7 Perfect)

It felt weird to be back on the fourth level.  Freyd was standing in precisely the same place where he had met Yuki during his very first foray into the upper floors.  He'd sported threadbare clothes beneath the plain grey wool cloak that had passed for starting armor, and a simple single-handed straight sword.  He was happy just to have survived the encounter, despite having contributed little to their actual victory.  It had been a kindness, on Yuki's part, to take him along and protect him as she had.  She was heading for the front lines, last he'd heard.  Maybe he'd see her there soon.

Gathering what few supplies and pieces of equipment he required, Freyd walked out of Snowfrost in search of the elusive Frost Beasts that carried the item he required.  This time, he would face it and vanquish it alone.  It really hadn't been that long ago, and he was eager for the rematch.

Freyd activates Mega Slime Farm (+2 SP)

Vanity Tag: @Zajcica

Item #1

Name: Underestimated Weak-Sauce
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 166154
Roll Result: LD 8 (No Unique)
Item Type: Consumable (Potion)
Tier: T3
Quality: Uncommon
Enhancements: DMG 1
Description:  Looks like a ketchup pack, for use when all you need is that tiny bit of edge to get you over the finish line.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620960
Acquisition ID [165862b]

Item #2

Name: Pixie Sticks
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 166155
Roll Result: LD 12 (No Unique)
Item Type: Consumable (Snack)
Tier: T3
Quality: Uncommon
Enhancements: ACC 1
Description:  Made from real pixie limbs, these delectable chocolate-covered treats keep you right on point.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620978
Acquisition ID [165912b]

Item #3

Name: Underestimated Weak-Sauce
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 166156
Roll Result: LD 7 (No Unique)
Item Type: Consumable (Potion)
Tier: T3
Quality: Uncommon
Enhancements: DMG 1
Description:  Looks like a ketchup pack, for use when all you need is that tiny bit of edge to get you over the finish line.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=621049
Acquisition ID [166071b]

Item #4

Name: Concentrated Joy
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 166157
Roll Result: LD 17 (No Unique)
Item Type: Consumable (Snack)
Tier: T3
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: Vitality 2
Description:  Sickly-sweet sticks of super-sappy happy goodness that just makes everything better.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620990
Acquisition ID [165931b]

Item #5

Name: Assortment of Fuzzy-Looking Meatballs
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 166158
Roll Result: LD 18 (No Unique)
Item Type: Consumable (Meal)
Tier: T3
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: Protein 2
Description:  A package of oddly coloured meatball, each infused with different and unusual flavours.  
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620997
Acquisition ID [165951a]

Item #6

Name: Cotton Candy Puffs
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 166159
Roll Result: LD 13 (No Unique)
Item Type: Consumable (Snack)
Tier: T3
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: ACC 2
Description:  An assortment of marble-sized balls of cotton candy of myriad colours and flavours.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=621007
Acquisition ID [165966a]

Item #7

Name: Jar of Reaper Peppers
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 166160
Roll Result: LD 10 (No Unique)
Item Type: Consumable (Meal)
Tier: T3
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: MIT 2
Description:  Anyone crazy enough to down an entire jar of these things has just proven that most things cannot hurt them.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=621053
Acquisition ID [166115a]

Item #8

Name: Lich Loogeys
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 166161
Roll Result: LD 15 (No Unique)
Item Type: Consumable (Salve)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: HP Recovery 3
Description:  A pasty grey, dust and detritus-infused gum that comes wrapped in fine white silks. Thoroughly disgusting, and it works.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620960
Acquisition ID [165865a]

Item #9

Name: Strawberry Yogurt with Honey
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 166162
Roll Result: LD 3 (No Unique)
Item Type: Consumable (Snack)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Probiotics 3
Description:  A small container of sweet and delicious num nums that can soothe any upset stomach.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620962
Acquisition ID [165875d]

Item #10

Name: Red Velvet Meringue
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 166163
Roll Result: LD 12 (No Unique)
Item Type: Consumable (Snack)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: EVA 2
Description:  A super-rich, chocolatey treat that spreads warmth and comfort within anyone who eats it, taking them to their emotional happy place and rendering them untouchable to lesser slights.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620978
Acquisition ID [165909b]

Item #11

Name: Red Velvet Meringue
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 166164
Roll Result: LD 15 (No Unique)
Item Type: Consumable (Snack)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: EVA 2
Description:  A super-rich, chocolatey treat that spreads warmth and comfort within anyone who eats it, taking them to their emotional happy place and rendering them untouchable to lesser slights.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620978
Acquisition ID [165909c]

Item #12

Name: Red Velvet Meringue
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 166165
Roll Result: LD 12 (No Unique)
Item Type: Consumable (Snack)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: EVA 2
Description:  A super-rich, chocolatey treat that spreads warmth and comfort within anyone who eats it, taking them to their emotional happy place and rendering them untouchable to lesser slights.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620990
Acquisition ID [165929c]

Item #13

Name: Strawberry Yogurt with Honey
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 166166
Roll Result: LD 1 (No Unique)
Item Type: Consumable (Snack)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Probiotics 3
Description:  A small container of sweet and delicious num nums that can soothe any upset stomach.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620990
Acquisition ID [165929d]

Item #14

Name: Strawberry Yogurt with Honey
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 166167
Roll Result: LD 1 (No Unique)
Item Type: Consumable (Snack)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Probiotics 3
Description:  A small container of sweet and delicious num nums that can soothe any upset stomach.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620990
Acquisition ID [165932b]

Item #15

Name: Strawberry Yogurt with Honey
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 166168
Roll Result: LD 1 (No Unique)
Item Type: Consumable (Snack)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Probiotics 3
Description:  A small container of sweet and delicious num nums that can soothe any upset stomach.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620990
Acquisition ID [165932c]

Item #16

Name: Max Level Courage
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 166169
Roll Result: LD 18 (No Unique)
Item Type: Consumable (Meal)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Over-Health 3
Description:  A fine bread pudding infused with an unknown beverage of the single malt variety.  Makes one person feel like they could take on a thousand.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=621007
Acquisition ID [165965a]

Item #17

Name: Lich Loogeys
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 166170
Roll Result: LD 16 (No Unique)
Item Type: Consumable (Salve)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: HP Recovery 3
Description:  A pasty grey, dust and detritus-infused gum that comes wrapped in fine white silks. Thoroughly disgusting, and it works.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=621010
Acquisition ID [165971c]

Item #18

Name: Max Level Courage
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 166171
Roll Result: LD 20 (No Unique)
Item Type: Consumable (Meal)
Tier: T3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Over-Health 3
Description:  A fine bread pudding infused with an unknown beverage of the single malt variety.  Makes one person feel like they could take on a thousand.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20009-sp-22-inner-demon-unleashed/?do=findComment&comment=620962
Acquisition ID [165875c]

Notes: 

Rank 4 Merchant (Base: BD 10, CD 9+ for unique, 8 identifications per day)
+1 to CD from Hermes’ Scale
+2 EXP: Hard Working (also +1 crafting attempt per day)
+2 EXP: Lucrative (Firm Anima)
+1 EXP: Custom Ambition Tool (bought from own shop 2020-07-16)
+1 EXP from Ambition [148180] 
Crafting Respite [161938-2] 

Costs:

Total Cost to Identify:  15,320 col
 

Returning to the festival grounds after an extended absence, Freyd was back in his original combat gear.  His charcoal-coloured traveling clothes and armor were covered from head to toe in a thick layer of ash that drifted slowly behind him as he moved.  Both hands were in his pockets, cradled close to his core to reduce the aching protests of his body.  The bottom half of his black boots were badly marred, as if he'd been foolishly dancing in acid, or something worse.  His dark trademark cowl flapped loosely in the night's breeze as he shuffled slowly through the crowd, favouring his left leg. Even his normally neutral facial expressions belied pain through unusually paleness, with sallow eyes that spoke both to exhaustion and recent trauma.  

The abundant presence of food seemed to repulse him - the very thought of eating something so soon after...that.  Urrrk.  Leaning against the back of an enclosed booth to steady himself as a wave of psychosomatic nausea washed over him, he buried his mouth against his shoulder as if ready to wretch.  It passed after a moment, and he continued his slow drift towards the centre of the festival.

The boys were still hard at work in the centre of town, their stash of supplies steadily growing thanks to the shared efforts of other attendees.  It was... heartwarming?  Well, that's probably what it was meant to be.  He felt too hollow to care.  Approaching the pile, he quickly opened a small UI and completed the required transfer.  His words were failing, so he simply extended the boy with the conductor's cap a brief 'thumbs up.'

Song and dance, camaraderie and joy resounded all about him, slathered in all the vibrancy and excess that life could muster.  He, instead, chose to silently return to the shadows.  His injuries were already healing, but there were other more severe consequences still left to ponder.  Such things were best done in solitude and the solace of darkness.

Item Name: Gold Stars
Quantity: 852
Thread Link: [SP - Inner Demon Unleashed]

"Yeah, alright.  One more then."  His agreement was casual, and Chase's discontent irrelevant.  So long as they could be useful to each other, that was enough. 

They made their was to the appointed site, which turned out to be partially collapsed three-storey temple on the outskirts of Yomi.  It resembles a rural pagoda, with faded red terracotta tiles.  Most of the wooden screens were broken and cracking, their colours long-since faded to the weather-worn wood beneath.  Petrified remains of plant life and landscaping still dotted the lawn and passed as ornamentation in the various vases and other containers still scattered in pretense of decoration. 

The dutiful mourning widow was right where she was supposed to be, pleading for their help in her stained and tattered silk night clothing, strangely flashing a bag with '10,000 col' written on the outside of the sack - a promised reward.

"Uh-huh," Freyd said repeatedly as she regaled them with her tragic story.  "Look lady, first, I love what you've done with the place - very chic - and it's literally unbelievable that you felt it necessary to stay here, in this place, in your filthy bed-clothes and without even the pretense the amenities for survival."  Turning to Chase, he simply rolled his eyes at the complete absence of plot on this one.  She started to protest and plead, right on queue.  "Yes, yes, we'll take the job."  He gave the great big bag of col a warm 'thumbs up' and wink, as if promising to return for it shortly.

"Sooooo.... maybe not the dragon?"

Opening up his UI, Freyd scrolled through an exhaustive list of useless items he had collected and identified.  He really needed to purge some of this junk, but who has the time?  At least it was all organized according to his 'system' - which no one else could likely understand.  Finding what he sought, he summoned a plain grey cloak to hand and held it up between himself and Elora.

"Here.  You might want to make a skirt out of this."  His eyes directed her gaze downward to an area he had since blocked off from his own line of sight with the cloak.  "It was part of my starting gear."  Dunking his still-smoldering boot into the river, just to ensure it was out, he had also turned to give her some privacy.

"Should we go back so searching?  This spot seems to be a bit of a bust."

Unable to decide whether to roll his eyes or just stare agog at the sight before him, Freyd decided to do neither.  taking a running start, he leapt high over the river, catching and clambering along a series of overhanging branches from the heavy tree cover.  Landing with a clatter, he nearly lost his footing and twisted an ankle in the loose stones that marked most of the far bank.  It was time to take a more direct approach, and giving a fire-breathing dragon mouth-to-mouth was completely out of the question - so he tried the Heimlich instead.  Clutching the spluttering dragon in a great bear hug, he heaved on its chest with all his might.  A few more stones popped out, but the dragon had by that point decided that Freyd was the greater nuisance.  He'd neglected to consider the full length and flexibility of its neck.  The beast bit him on the arm, hard.

"Oww!  Dammit!  Quit it!  I'm trying to help you, you useless reptile!"  His recommendation that Elora wrestle the thing had literally come back to bite him.  Blasted irony.

"Fine!  That's how you want it?  Two can play that game."  Grabbing the wyrmling by its muscled shoulders where its wings joined its torso, he started shaking it up and down like a giant salt dispenser.  Its eyes bulged and boggled as it struggled to understand what was happening, especially as Fre'yd's grip slipped and he found himself banging its head off the ground.  More stones fell from its maw, along with a good gout of vomitous fire that soon set Freyd's boot on fire.

"Elora!  Get over here and..."  Freyd paused, dumbfounded, as he looked up and took in her appearance for the first time, not quite sure what to do, despite an urgent burning sensation from below.

"This is a good one to do in a group.  I've already finished it twice...or maybe three times," he grimaced at the melding memories that made it hard to keep all of his past quests straight.  "The terrain gives the beast a bit of an edge, and caused problems in all of my past outings against it.  Having a few friends along to bail me out when I fall flat on my face again sounds good to me."  He chuckled at his own past misshaps.  He and Chase had just defeated the Amphis Serpens a few days ago, and it had gone exactly as he described - with Freyd flat on his ass after the damned thing burst out of the sand outside of its usual spawning range.  Cardinal was surely to blame.  The system hated him to the extent of some bizarre and disproportionate kind of personal vendetta.

"It's a bit of a hike around the mountain to get there, so we might as well get walking.  Not too many dangers along the way."  With a gesture, he ushered both ladies towards the heavily fortified stone wall and gates that led out of the settlement.

"And yet so many people fray in here, some beyond the point of unraveling." It was funny how the stresses of SAO wore on the mind.  He'd faced his own challenges up front, and fared poorly for the first few years.  It had taken that long for him to build up the courage to face those fears, though he felt far better for having done so.  So many had been deeply scarred by Kayaba's revelation that they refused to pull off the scab for fear of additional pain.  Maybe they were just afraid of being afraid.   It was a curious paradox, especially in the light of Oscar's supposition.

"Professional opinion?  Are you a shrink or something?"  That might explain the suit.  Psychologists were weirder than most, in his opinion, and he'd been 'observed' by more than his share..  Maybe it was caused by exposure.  More likely, you had to be a certain amount of broken yourself to want to delve into the twisted ether of people's personal quirks, or madness.  Freyd looked at Oscar askance, wondering what trauma was hidden beneath that polished exterior.  To his companion, it would likely come across as nothing more than the common skepticism directed at the profession.

"Hi Elora," Freyd replied casually.  "Katoka and I met in the guild hall shortly after I joined.  We killed the sand shark together, as I recall.  You played the role of decoy admirably."  He saluted Katoka with his cup, hiding the tiny smile that curled the edges of his lips with it at the same time.  The beast had laid a well-executed ambush and scared the proverbial pants off poor woman in the process.  She'd handled it well, given the circumstances.  Most others would have required a change of pants afterwards, even in a digital world.  If it rattled her, all the better.  She'd likely face far worse in the future.  Freyd considered it to be his role to prepare her for it, and was pleased to see members of Firm Anima working together.

"So, the dragon anthology series?  I haven't actually done this set of quests yet, though the scout reports suggest that they shouldn't be too much trouble, until we get farther down the list.  The first beast is a forest dragon, by the look of things.  It shouldn't give us any real trouble."

"The guild... huh..." he tapped his fingers rapidly on the table as he sorted through the massive number of things that seemed to have occurred recently.  "I guess it's been about five weeks or so now."  Wide eyes suggested that he hardly believed it had already been that long.  Life had certainly been quite the flurry of activity since then.  He sipped at his new cup of coffee absentmindedly, until recalling that he was not alone.  "Thanks," he added, snaring a pair of chop sticks from the bar and flicking a bit of pork right into his mouth.

"I like your look, by the way."  Freyd pointed to Asmura's large hoop earrings and decorative bandana.  "You took some care with that, I think."  He winked at her, appreciating the assumed effort.  It was odd, but where he was inevitably cold and awkward with just about everyone, Freyd seemed fully capable of being a normal human being around kids.  

"Do you have a weapon yet,' he asked casually, choosing not to berate Asmura with a barrage of pointless invasive questions that would just make him seem like an insensitive jerk.  She was going to live through anything Cardinal put in front of her.  He was going to ensure it.  All she needed was a proper start.