Ruler

This time, she really was unable to find anything. Wow, she really must have jinxed herself thinking about how easy this material gathering thing was becoming. It really did feel like it was easier than she expected it to be. If anything, it was more tedious than it necessary. If you just had the specific buffs that make you more proficient at it, than you wouldn't have much problem finding them in the first place. Ruler wasn't having much problem finding them until now. Maybe that meant it was a good time to find a new spot to be looking around on.

Moving further down the path, she finds an open field with tall grass and a few small patches of trees. This would be a good spot to be looking around for something more. Taking a step into the new terrain, she takes a quick look around for anything useful before continuing on.

Regular Materials found: 3

After getting so many materials, this time she wouldn't come across any. No matter how much she continued to walk along the path, nothing came in to view. That wasn't much of a problem at all. She had already found more than enough, so much so that she was out here collecting extra on her own accord when she could just head back to the blacksmith right now and turn the quest in.

She wouldn't give up on the material hunting until her buffs were set to wear off. She still had a bit of time before the would wear off anyways, might as well use them to the fullest potential, not just to finish the quest.

Moving along the path that lead out into the fields, Ruler continued to contemplate her options. There was so much that she needed to do in what felt like a short amount of time.

Regular Materials found: 3

Any guild that would be willing to accept her would work for now. She didn't need a big or powerful guild to get by, just one with some nice people in it. When she got back into town, she would need to take a look at the player request boards to see if any guilds were recruiting through there. That was the best idea she could come up with for now, or to just find someone who already had a guild and ask them if she could join.

Again, while she was lost in thought, she nearly moved past a material. Dropping by to pick it up out of the grass, she moved the little item into her inventory for safe keeping later. She took a quick look to see what her total was, which was 34 at this point. Not bad for starting off her crafting business when she finished the quest.

Regular Materials found: 3

With her attention divided, she nearly forgot to take a moment to look around for more materials. A quick inspection caught her eye of the next one. She wasn't sure if her own luck was just that good or if the boosts were helping her more than intended, but she remembered her first lesson's quest being much more difficult than this. Perhaps that was because she fell into a cave and had to fight her way out though.

She reached down and picked up yet another material for her collection. As fast as she could surmise, she had only been out in the field for a little over a half hour, and yet she had already collected so many materials. Perhaps she was just that lucky.

Joining a guild was what was really on her mind though. She would have to look through guilds that were open to lower leveled players and see if there were any that would accept her.

Regular Materials found: 2

Walking along the forest line, Ruler decided that collecting some extra materials while her buffs were still active was a good idea. She could find materials relatively easy with her luck boosted to what felt like the max at this point. Searching around the base of trees proved fruitful enough. She was able to find more materials around there. Taking up the piece of material and putting it into her inventory, she sighed and kept looking around.

There was still a lot to think about when it came to this world. She had only gotten her feet wet at this point, but even still, she was feeling somewhat overwhelmed with the monumental task ahead of her. If she wanted to make her deceased friends proud, she would need to be strong and make it to the end of this game no matter what. Getting stronger and making friends that she could protect was the number one objective.

Regular Materials found: 1

The atmosphere of the first floor was also pleasant. It was really welcoming to the beginner player. Most of the monsters you see on this floor were cute or small and not really all that ferocious. It was safe to imagine that as you get higher in the floor count, you will end up fighting more terrifying foes than ones from before.

With her mind else where, she nearly missed the last material that she needed. The only reason that she was able to find it was because she nearly ate the grass when she stepped on it. A stumble and inspection later, she scooped up the material and placed it in her inventory with the rest of them. She was debating on whether she should head back to the blacksmith now and finish this, but realizing that she had active buffs, it would be a good idea to keep searching for more materials.

Ruler was in a position where she was not pressed so much for time any more. With the success that she had garnered already thanks to her searching items and the food offered to her, she was able to find nearly all the materials with constant success. Yet even to this point, she was still missing out on opportunities to find some it seemed. Being in a hurry was a quick way to getting stressed in an MMO and she wouldn't let that mentality eat at her.

Walking through the fields of the first floor was at least enjoyable. The sun was warm and now that she had a few levels to her name, she felt more confident than ever walking around on this floor. With her flag in tow, she would keep an eye out for any of the usable materials. Getting this quest done would allow her to make her own gear.

Quest Materials Found: 4

Another gracious spin of her thin spear, the maiden danced through the battlefield getting close in on the wolf and grabbing her spear closer to the weapon's sharp end. She had much more luck than her damager ally did hitting her target, but she had a fully decked accuracy kit, so it made some sense. The spear rammed into the wolves side just as he reached in to bite the tank player.

It faded into nothing but data and showered into the air, dissipating the polygon's until they were too small to see anymore. Ruler let out a sigh of relief and checked her inventory for the drop item that the Venom Snapper had given her. It looked somewhat useful. Then she turned her attention to Katoka and smiled softly. "Great job. We got through that without a problem." The girl said, placing her hand on Katoka's head and rubbing it gently.

Ruler | HP: 182/240  | EN: 12/24 | DMG: 9 | MIT: 18 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 3
Katoka | HP: 160/240  | EN: 20/24 | DMG: 8 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 2 | LD: 1 | BLD: 12 | REC: 2

Venom Snapper: 30/150 | DMG: 35(50) | EVA: 1 | Poison: 10 (9-10)

Dancing around the battlefield felt like second nature to the maiden. In the short time that she had been leveling with Katoka, she had gained an amazing confidence to complete this game. She needed to figure out what had happened to her friend. Connor's name wasn't on the death slab that was on the first floor. If that was the case, did he somehow make it out of the game without dying that day? Was he still alive somewhere?

No time to be thinking about those sort of things though, just use it as fuel to drive her resolve. A glorious golden radiance engulfed her weapon, tearing through the smog the beast had created. With a spin of her weapon, she cleared the cloud around them all and screamed at the canine. "You are finished!" Before she rammed the spear straight into the thing's skull without hesitation. Even with such a devastating attack, it continued to live on. It would only take a hit from Katoka to finish off now.

Ruler | HP: 182/240  | EN: 12/24 | DMG: 9 | MIT: 18 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 3
Katoka | HP: 160/240  | EN: 21/24 | DMG: 8 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 2 | LD: 1 | BLD: 12 | REC: 2

Venom Snapper: 30/150 -(11*6) | DMG: 35(50) | EVA: 1 | Poison: 10 (9-10)

Ruler danced through the smog, keeping her eyes firmly planted on the beast who reciprocated the exact same feeling. Instead of freaking out and worrying about finding Katoka in the mist, if she just kept her eyes on the boss, it wouldn't attack Katoka. 

Gripping her spear in a new stance, the golden maiden let out another growl and stabbed at the beast, piercing her long pole arm into the ground at its paws, just barely missing her mark. It was faster than she expected, or the smog was slowing her down. The wolf came back at her, trying to clamp it's jaw down on her and her ally one after the other. It missed the both of them just barely as well.

"If your health drops too much, remember to use your potions. Don't take any chances." Alicia reminds the other girl, her eyes fixated on the boss monster.

Ruler | HP: 182/240 -(10) | EN: 11/24 | DMG: 9 | MIT: 18 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 3 | [Poisoned! 1/3]
Katoka | HP: 170/240 | EN: 22/24 | DMG: 8 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 2 | LD: 1 | BLD: 12 | REC: 2 | [Poisoned! 1/3]

Venom Snapper: 96/150 | DMG: 35(50) | EVA: 1 | Poison: 10 (9-10)

"Just stay behind me and I will protect you. Do what you need to do to put in your damage" Ruler said with a happy smile. Soon the duo came into view of the group of wolves. They were standing around, waiting for the next group of people to walk by and ambush. Luckily, Ruler had the drop on them. She looked over to Katoka and nodded to her, as if saying she was going in and round the tree she was standing behind. 

A growl of ferocity escaped her lips as she charged into the canine predators. With a spin in step, she nailed all four of the wolves one after another. The three lower leveled enemies exploded into data right then and there and the pack leader took about a third of its health in damage. It growled angrily and started spewing a poison cloud from it's mouth. It covered the battlefield, even effecting Katoka. Both of their hp reduced. "K-Katsumi-chan! Are you alright?!"

Ruler | HP: 192/240 -(50-18)-10 | EN: 12/24 -(6+6) | DMG: 9 | MIT: 18 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 3 | [Poisoned! 1/3]
Katoka | HP: 190/240 -(50) | EN: 24/24 | DMG: 8 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 2 | LD: 1 | BLD: 12 | REC: 2 | [Poisoned! 1/3]

Wolfs are dead
Venom Snapper: 96/150 -(6*9) | DMG: 35(50) | EVA: 1 | Poison: 10 (9-10)

Ruler took a slight lead on Katoka, just a pace ahead of her once they left the safe zone. If she had to jump in front of enemies for the smaller blonde, she would be ready for it. Her long, thin spear donned with it's glorious flag rested at her side in her hand. "I know how you feel. It is as if sand has merged with my skin or something. It feels so dry all the time now. I had to take what seemed like five showers."

Ruler commented quietly, keeping her eyes forward. Her attention was set on the scenery. They had yet to be on a floor higher than the fourth with the idea of combat. She had felt fine on the fifth floor with Kiluia and Haine with them. This time, the two of them were all alone to fight by themselves, and this quest wouldn't be the easiest they have done.

"Please, you both must help me. I am a traveling merchant, but it has been too dangerous to venture the roads because of a den of wolves that have halted my business. You look like capable warriors, I will pay you for your help somehow!" Ruler held a hand to the man and shook her head, halting his conversation. She smiled warmly to him and raised her own voice.

"Do not worry, we're here to assist you with that exact problem sir. Where can we find these den wolves?" She asked, looking down at the man sitting at a table in the inn.

"They are just outside the city. They are known to have very poisonous venom in their bite. Here, I can provide you with this for your help." He shuffles through a bag and gives the two girls a vial each. "These will keep the effects at bay."

"Thank you, we will return with good news soon." Ruler downed the potion as soon as she walked out of the inn. "Take that potion, it'll have the effect reduced when you first take the effect."

After spending an agonizing night in the desert with her fellow guildmates, Ruler needed to relax a little. She went to the inn room that she had been staying in, took a healthy shower and slept for several more hours. Yet even that wasn't enough to fix her sore muscles. Unfortunately, that's just how sleeping on the ground in buried halfway under sand goes. At least it's over now and they could get back on track with what they were doing.

Katoka was simply waiting by the inn where the quest would begin. She didn't have much information on this quest as the last few, but it was supposed to be a low leveled quest meant for people just starting the game. It couldn't be that difficult. "Katsumi-chan. Good Morning." Alicia said as she approached the younger woman, towering over her with her heels like usual. "Ready for more questing I see. Don't worry, I'll keep you safe."

The night went by somewhat uncomfortably. Without tents, the group was unable to get a decent sleep. Sand flooded into their sleeping bags and in turn into their clothing, making it nearly impossible to even get to sleep in the first place. After this adventure, she was sure that she would need to shower and sleep for a couple more hours before she did anything else.

The shipment couldn't be too far from here, so there wouldn't be much problem trying to find it. Just needed to get it and head back.

Ruler woke up to the angered screams of Hisa. Not that it mattered cause she hardly slept it seemed anyway. She wasn't pampered by any means, but that didn't mean she couldn't feel the discomfort as she rose from her sleep. She groaned audibly as she replaced the armor piece she had removed from her clothing to sleep more peacefully. "Let's get this done with then."

Ruler was even more worried when Hisa refused to take the potion that she offered her. She looked over to Katoka for a moment to make sure she was alright as well. Although she had yet to properly meet the other two of their group, they looked much better equipped for this situation than the other three did. They likely had enough health to last a life time out here. Kiluia's mention of using First Aid did put her heart at ease a little though, so returned the vial of healing mixtures back to her inventory.

"If you insist that you are alright, then I will not push the subject further." Ruler sighed. The sun seemed to be dropping faster than normal, like way too fast. Either way, they would not last in the cold of a desert night with this sandstorm brewing. Hisa was right to take shelter.

"I will take one of the sandwiches, thank you." Ruler said, reaching out to take up on the offer.

Ruler removed a cowl from her inventory as the group made their introductions and hellos. She wasn't very familiar with the rest of the group, other than Katoka. The girl who had sent out the message knew Katsumi's name, and even jumped on her in glee the moment that she saw her. They had to know each other outside the game. She quietly remembers Katoka mentioning a friend that she wanted her to meet, this must have been that person.

The moment they stepped from the gate, Hisa took damage right away. Ruler caught up with her in an instant and started to dig through her inventory. "Are you alright? Do you have potions? If not, I do and you can use them." Ruler's face was serious when she pulled out a potion from her inventory and offered it over to the girl. "I insist. My health pool is much larger and I'll be alright without a single potion."

Ruler giggled a bit as the girl struggled getting her food down. The mention of another friend coming into the game did peek her interest though. "A friend, hunh? Would you like to bring them along with us so that they can level up as well? It would be more fun that way."

Alicia knew that was not the entire reason that she wanted to bring along this nameless friend. She wanted to protect that person for Katsumi. If she saw someone die the way that she had, then Katsumi would surely despair much more than Ruler had when she had to watch her friends die.

Taking a few more sips of her stew, she enjoyed the rest of her day. It would be nice to spend the rest of the evening with this girl. It wasn't like she had anything more interesting to do anyway. Things were looking better.

Not so soon after the group had left the fifth floor's searing heat did she already find herself coming back to it. Fryed had defeated the sand shark for the group, but unfortunately there were more quests that needed done on that floor. She had gotten an invitation to the quest from a fellow guild member under the name of Hisa. That one was unfamiliar to her. She thought that she had met everyone in the guild hall, but it seemed like she didn't. That or this one was a new face as well.

Floor five once again. Hot, dry and course sand. Ruler took a few steps off the teleporter and nearly caved into the deep sands thanks to her heels. After a moment of collecting her posture, she sought out the woman named Hisa. When she finally found her, she waved her down and gave a warm smile. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Ruler, a fellow guild member of yours. You were looking for help with a quest?"

"It seems like a really interesting holiday then." Alicia responds to the girl as they walk through the streets of the festival. If what Katoka was saying was true, than the two of them would need to write some wishes to hang up on the tree. Then when those wishes came true, they could take them down. The Japanese people seemed so elegant and cultured to America some times with these kind of events.

"Well, let's find this Tanzaku you were talking about and write our wishes down then. I think that'll be fun." The bamboo forest that held the wish making festivities seemed kind of filled with others writing down all their hopes and dreams to be hung up for later. Alicia had no idea what she was going to be writing on the papers, so maybe she would get some advice from Katoka. "Hey, what are you thinking about putting down on the papers? Maybe it will help give me an idea for my own."

[Receives Tanzaku!]

Their servings of stews came much more quickly than she expected. She had forgotten how simple cooking was in Aincrad that it hardly took any time at all to make meals. Fine by her really, she was never really a good cook to begin with.

"No need to thank me. I am only doing what anyone else would be doing. Finding friends to level up with and just having fun with the whole process. If you ever want to party with me, all it takes is a message. I will be there to tank for you whenever you need it." Alicia said. She took a breath over the stew to cool it off then took a bite from it. It was a little better than she was expecting considering most non-player foods tasted pretty bad. This must have been a player shop.

"I would not mind us finding others to play with as well. The more the merrier as they say."

Alicia felt relieved as her and the rest of the group passed through the safe zone border into the city of Fortaleza. The was something about returning to the safe zones that just set her heart at ease.

Once everyone had finished talking, Ruler put her hands on her hips and smiled to them. She looked up to Freyd specifically. "Thank you so much for letting use tag along with you, and thank you so much for protecting us in the process. I hope to become strong enough to help you one day, so I may return the favor. All of you're company was grand today. While I wish we could do another quest, I think that will be it for me today. Should any of you need me, you know how to contact me as you all have me on your friends lists, or at least in the guild list. Please, take care of yourselves." With a wave, the maiden turned and headed for the teleporter. She would be finding an inn on a higher floor tonight. Maybe they were better the higher you went up.

Ruler nodded to her ally with a slight smile gracing her lips. "I would say we did a ton. I think if more people who were afraid to leave decided to get up and do those four quests, they would see the game much differently. It really isn't as bad as it seems in the grand scheme of things. Sure, it's a death game, but it's still a game. We can overcome it and become the smarter players."

The waiter soon came back to take their order. Since she was unfamiliar with the menu and didn't have much time to look it over, she merely ordered the same thing that Katoka did. Alicia wasn't really picky about what she ate, so she didn't mind leaving it up to Katsumi's choice.

"You're getting a lot better too. With more practice, I'm sure you will be helping the front lines in no time." She commented as the waiter went to turn in their order.

Yet again Ruler was getting dragged along by the girl. She wouldn't complain about her though, just that she might have to stop wearing heels or lose a foot if things continued like this. After a somewhat quiet walk back to town, Katoka had led them to a restaurant that she might have already known before since she took her here so easily. It didn't look player run but one thing was for sure, she was actually much more hungry than she had led on. If she could have a growling stomach, it would have just roared right now at the smell of the food coming from the store.

"I am just as human as everyone else here." Ruler smiles, holding the door open for Katoka to walk through first. She followed in behind her, being told by a waiter to take a seat anywhere they liked and they would get an order from the two shortly.

Ruler climbed out of the boat carefully and helped out Katoka as well. She collected herself and moved her weapon into her inventory. That was probably enough questing for one day. The sun would likely be setting in a few hours and she was rather tired.

"Looks like were are done now. That went by a lot faster than I thought it would honestly, but it is starting to get late. If we started a quest now, we would likely get too tired to finish it." A smile formed across Ruler's face as Katoka tried to play all big and bad. Ruler reached out and gave her a soft pat on the head. "You did amazing, yeah. I'm glad to see you're improving so fast."

Katoka then asked if she was planning to do anything for the rest of the day. "I do not have anything specific in mind, no. Why do you ask. Is there another quest that you wanted to get done today?"