[PP-F1] The Rise of Youth [Macradon] COMPLETE

[Comet 0]

Comet sighed. He had previously decided that sitting around doing nothing was purely not going to help him. Indeed, his ambitions burned of determination and his mind filled with a goal to become stronger than he was. Of course, being a level one player, he was quite weak but that was really quite normal. Being a child, he had not exactly ventured out there as he had been brought down many times by others older than him. Still, this time, he will do it. He will achieve his ambitions and he will level. He will become strong and he shall become the first seven-year-old frontline. However, Comet was afraid. He was afraid of what awaits him outside the gates of safety provided to all the players from within the starting town. He had heard many rumours from many different people of the dangers that lay out there and with his stats, he was quite gutted that he'd probably get killed if he takes a step outside. Lots of people have done so and a lot of people have started calling boars the "OPest mob in the game". Comet sighed and decided that he'll just explore the starting city for a while and then come to a conclusion of what to do. Perhaps he'll meet someone friendly enough to guide him and lead him? Whatevers. He thought, whipping his forehead and jumping happily around the starting city. The sun was high in the sky, signifying that the time was noon and people were already up and running. Shops were being filled with people and vegetables or fruits are being spilled from running players all over the place. The city truly was lively but this wasn't where Comet wanted to be. He wanted to be high up there. He wanted to help the front liners despite his young age.

Edited January 21, 2016 by Comet

[Macradon 0]

Macradon had nearly just woken up from his nap and would walk out of the inn he lived at. He would don his armor before venturing out, he was probably going to some of the higher floors today, hopefully encountering something useful. Macradon stretched his body as he took a step outside into the sunny day. His armor plates shook and made some noise from his stretching, it was fine and dandy and all, a nice sound of metal against metal. He was wearing his usual robes outside his normal clothes, having on leg revealed from the robes. Green and black robes he had bought some month ago. On his chest was a chestplate, covering his upper torso and on top of that some spaulders that went a bit over his shoulder. On his left shoulder a pouldron, specifically made to be a single piece of armor. He was also wearing his helmet, the Crusader's sallet. A sallet helmet, closely resembling the word salad, with the visor down to keep his face away from others, it gave a somewhat menacing look, but at least no one dared to look at him straight. It was a nice feeling, being free form stares as something like his white hair was not very natural. On his back was the big greatsword Crusader with the eagle crossguard showing above his shoulder. Through the eye slit in the visor he saw someone he wasn't familiar with, someone quite young. He had met many young players in the game, but this kid, he was far too young for this mind game. He would begin to walk towards the boy with a stern body language. "Hey" he said with the most soothing voice he could do in hopes of not scaring the kid.

[Comet 0]

Comet rubbed his stomach hungrily as he looked around. He had no Col and living has been quite harsh. However, he was used to it. In real life, he never had the greatest conditions provided to him and well, now, he was fine with skipping a few meals here and there. Still, he wished he had some sort of currency that he could use in order to buy food. Comet looked at the steak shop just a few buildings over and almost drooled but he knew that with his zero Col, he would be able to buy absolutely nothing from the NPC shop owner. That owner seems a bit harsh as well. Comet thought before giving a sigh and that was when he heard a voice from behind him. With a curious face, Comet turned around and saw a man in front of him. Upon the first reaction, Comet thought the man was quite short in comparison to other fully grown men. He had quite a handsome face, not to mention, and his white hair was his trademark characteristic. Not common for white hair these days. I'm sure papa would rather have green hair than white hair. Comet thought with a snicker as he was brought back to his past memories. Despite his saying that the man was not very tall, Comet still had to look very high up in order to see the man's face as he himself is very, very short. The man had taken quite a serious posture and Comet looked around, wondering whether the man came for harm or for good. There're people around. Comet thought, scratching his big, young head and with that, he dismissed the man of being a kidnapper. "Hello, sir. Do you want anything from me?" Comet asked as by now, he had pretty much grasped the english language fully inside his mind except for the really, really tough words that were too much for his childish brain.

[Macradon 0]

Macradon saw the child's reaction and would crouch down so they would be nearly at head height with each other. He would pull up the visor of his helmet so the two of them could have a real take. "I haven't seen you here before. Are you new?" he would ask. It wasn't rare for him to meet someone new on the floor of beginnings, but meeting a child this young was quite the sight. If this child was a new player, Macradon had to do something. Either help him grow stronger or anything that would help him survive in this world. If that kid strove to be a front liner, let him. If he wanted to stick to his profession, let him. If he just wanted to live a semi-normal life, let him. Macradon didn't have anything against any kind of those people and would surely help a newbie to get a hang of the game. He would ponder, what did a kid do in front of a steak shop like this. "Oh, are you hungry?" he would ask. "I know this great restaurant not too far from here" he said.

[Comet 0]

Comet looked at the white man curiously as he took off his helmet. Comet then scratched his head once more as he was asked a question. Of course, being the polite boy he was, he would refuse the offer... Well, at least, attempt it. He was in the middle of speaking, "No sir, I'm f-" when his stomach grumbled in a very loud noise. Immediately, Comet grinned in embarrassment as his tummy was obviously complaining even though he wasn't willing to complain about a lack of food. Comet sighed, his face almost red with embarrassment at his complaining stomach. Still, this man in front of him seemed to be quite high leveled and rather kind to offer such a meal to him so he would, of course, take this offer from the man. "Hehe. I'd really love some lunch right now." Comet said, a huge grin currently inhabiting his face as he continued to scratch his hair. It wasn't as if his hair was itchy or dirty or anything... It was just a habit... A habit that he truly was unaware of where he had gotten it from. However, he never really tried to change it. "New? Nah... I am just really, really weak. Hey, you look really strong! I wish I could be as strong as you are!" Comet exclaimed and closed his eyes. Indeed, his goal was clear and he was about to go ahead and do some dramatic moves but then his stomach grumbled once more and Comet held it to... well... shut it up? "I guess food comes first..."

[Macradon 0]

Macradon would smile and chuckle slightly when the kid tried to refuse, but his stomach said otherwise. Macradon would stand up straight again and look in his inventory to see how much money he had available. He had enough. Macradon would unequip his helmet so he could get some air to his head. It didn't seem like he needed to go to the higher floors anyways today. Babysitting this kid for now, that'll be enough. "Well, I'll pay, find any restaurant you want, or if you can't pick I have one in mind" he said with a big smile. That one restaurant he hadn't seen before, it was one Zandra had shown him while they were out fighting. It was a nice restaurant for the 1st floor, and very good food as well, even though it was all virtual. "Weak huh?" he said to the child. He was convinced that Macradon was truly strong. Macradon may be strong, but there were so many people stronger than him. "Well, you could call me strong, but if you want to get as strong as I am, you gotta train and eat!" he said with a happy voice. "So, any restaurants you prefer?" he would ask the boy.

[Comet 0]

Comet looked at the nearby steak shop and through the windows, he could see the brilliant meat that was being cooked through the plastic see-through object and he could feel drool coming from his mouth just from looking at the cooked, red meat. His eyes gazed upon it like it was some sort of gold and his nose was sniffing as if he was savoring the strong spell that could be smelled from out here. He hadn't had any food that was even considered decent in the past few days but he minded not really. Actually, he was worried about his childhood friend, Aikoh and how she was doing. Comet hadn't actually seen her in a while and well, he should probably check on her someday. Yup, he was sure the girl was still on the first floor. She probably is just as low-leveled as me. Comet thought and with a sigh, he looked back at the white-haired man. Of course, he should probably tell the man that he wanted to eat steak but he was not the one spending Col here so instead, he looked innocently at the man before speaking once more. "Uh. No sir, I don't have anywhere I'd really love to go so let's go to whatever you want!" Comet said with a wide-mouthed grin and closed, cheerful eyes as he laughed a bit. 

[Macradon 0]

Macradon saw how the boy gazed upon the steak shop. His eyes parkled like mercury reflecting to light. Macradon smiled slightly at that and would look at the prices for the steaks. They weren't terrible considering the 1st floor so Macradon knew what to do. Even though the boy said he didn't have any place he wanted to go, Macradon surely knew where he really wanted to go. Macradon would think of a fun plan to joke the kid slightly. "If you don't know where we should eat, I think I know a place you'd like!" he said. "Follow me!" he said and would keep a medium pace, taking a peak backwards for the boy to follow him. Macradon would go with the boy, going by corners, turning and turning the same direction until they would've been walking for a couple of minutes. Macradon would stop up after the walk. "This is where we should eat" he said and looked at the same steak shop they stood before when they started their walk. "Do you want to eat here?" he asked the boy.

[Comet 0]

Comet smiled delightfully as he was led to the same steak shop that he had been previously staring at. Indeed, it was as if the white haired man had read his thoughts or something. He didn't mind, the man seemed to know what he was doing and was obviously experienced or talented in dealing with children such as he. He honestly didn't know why the man had treated him to a meal. Perhaps it was due to his obvious hunger or maybe it was because of his cuteness... and he wasn't even sure if he truly was cute except for those puffy cheeks of his. Still, he didn't mind at all that he was getting a meal from the man. Weeks and weeks of eating nothing but the bread had taken its toll. After this, he was sure to go venture out of the starting town in hopes that he can get more materials and skill points and advance in ranks until he can be a frontline and protect the one that he cared about the most. Of course, Comet won't forget the favor that this man had done for him. He was sure to repay the man for this meal that was provided for him. "Wow, it's as if you can read my mind! This place is perfect." Comet said, excited for the steak and sniffing the air to savor the flavor that was traveling through the air. "Let's go then!" Comet shouted, obviously excited and with that, he jumped into the shop and found a place to sit while grabbing a menu and trying to understand deciding which picture looked the best.

[Macradon 0]

Macradon would make a big smile at the boy's remark. "Glad you like it!" he said. Macradon would go into the shop with the boy, finding a table that would fit the best. The two would sit there and look at the menu. It was filled with the many possible steak dishes. Ranging from a plain steak to a fine angus beef. So many options, so many choices. Macradon could barely decide on the manner. He would look at the menu once again and go through all of the choices. He would soon give up from the search and just wait on the waiter to arrive. He would get eye contact with one of the waiters. He would come to the table. "What can I help you with?" the waiter asked with a smile. "Well, I see you have many choices here and I was wonde-" Macradon said but was interrupted. "We have this fantastic steak angus on page 2 with a perfect sauce but on page five we have this fantastic steak marinara. Oh and on the 6th page is our special t-bone steak with a nice juice meat ..." and the waiter kept on talking for minutes. Macradon was annoyed. Not only was he interrupted, but this annoying waiter kept on talking and talking and talking. Macradon would patiently wait for the waiter to finish with a quite annoyed face. "... So what will it be?" the waiter finished his long preach. Macradon would calm himself and take a beep breathe before he would open up his mouth and speak "... I was wondering if there were any great whines here ..." he said with angry eyes at the waiter. "Oh, we have this great whine back on the 12th page with a big selection of red and white whines ..." he began. Macradon would just go back into an angered state and look towards the boy. He was probably as annoyed as Macradon was. Macradon would not let this bad time go and touch the kid like that. Macradon would stand up quickly, making everyone around stop their dining and looking at Macradon. "Thanks, you answered my question 10 sentences ago. Now, I'll have the angus steak in whiskey sauce and a baked potato with a light white whine" he said as he stood up and stared into the eyes of the waiter. The waiter was shaking in fear even though Macradon was a head shorter than the waiter. "Th- tha- thanks you for your order, I'll get right bac-" the waiter said scared and was about to leave to get the order. "Wait a second!" Macradon said loudly. "You forgot ..." Macradon didn't know what the kid's name was. What should he say now? ".. My little brother's order!" he continued and gestured down to the boy. The waiter would stand there and walk over to the kid. "Wh- wha- what would you l- like to eat?" the waiter asked with a scared voice as he would receive the order from the boy. Macradon would sit down again and everyone around would begin dining again.

[Comet 0]

[Wow. Thanks for the essay Mac. *Sarcasm*]

Comet yawned as the NPC waiter seemed to have decided that wasting both of the player's time seemed to be a great idea for some business benefits. However, he didn't expect Macradon to be so frustrated by the man and he didn't expect to be called a 'brother'. I think in some part of the world, brother can be referred to as a friend. Comet thought, pointing a finger as his chin as he looked to the sky. Indeed, Comet could see that the waiter was not feeling very easy at the moment, especially with the white-haired warrior's smart remark towards the man. Comet disliked the moment in which someone was uneasy, he hated the tension and hence, he decided to do what he thought was the best way to lighten up the mood. "Well, mister. What do you suggest?" He asked with a light tone and listened as the man's shoulders slumped in relaxation and his face more carefree now. After a few minutes of suggestions and Comet listening with a cheerful, happy face, he came to a conclusion of what he wanted. "I'll have the Flavored T-Bone Steak, please. The special one."  He said with a great grin and waited patiently as the man went back and instructed the chefs of what they were to do. Comet didn't bother asking why he was called a "brother" but he obviously didn't mind. In fact, it was nice to have a friend here in this dangerous world. "Oh. By the way, my username is Comet." He said, realizing that he had yet to introduce himself. 

Edited January 19, 2016 by Comet

[Macradon 0]

[You're welcome! ;D]

Macradon sighed in relief as everything went back to normal. The kid didn't bother listening for minutes, so Macradon would ignore it. So the boy's name was Comet, or at least his in game name was. "I'm Macradon, nice to meet you. I didn't know your name at the situation, and I just couldn't call you 'this kid', that would've been rude." he said. The waiter would later come back with the plates for both of them and their drinks. "Here are your meals! Enjoy!" he said with a smile. "Thanks a lot" Macradon would say and prepare to eat. Macradon would eat his angus steak and feel its texture. The mellow whiskey sauce that would give some extra fragrance to the beef and the baked potato to stimulate his tast buds, at least the virtual ones. The white whine was quite the tasty treat for this steak, Macradon enjoyed the meal and hoped that Comet did so as well. "Does it taste good?" he asked the boy.

[Comet 0]

"Itadakimasu!" Comet shouted as he saw that their food had arrived. He hadn't thought that food in this game would play such an important part. He had learned the word Itadakimasu from some newspaper that he had read a long time ago. Well, it was more like his father reading it out to him but he still technically "read" it. The word meant 'thanks for the food' in Japanese... Or at least, that was what he thought was what it meant. From what the food looked like, he was sure that the taste was going to be just as good as how it looked like. With a wide grin, he took a bite of his steak and held it in his mouth for a while in order to savor the taste. Still, it would take a while for him to chew the food completely. The food didn't seem to be cooked fully but the taste was absolutely delightful. The juice and sauce were mixed togetheri in some magical method that couldn't be fully described in words. Of course, the fact that Comet hadn't eaten anything decent in weeks helped enhance the taste of this steak but in the end, it was a magically made product that Comet enjoyed very much and when he was asked whether the food was good, he decided that he would respond positively. "Yup, this steak is delicious! What about yours?" Comet asked after taking a few more bites of his steak. I wonder if I can eat this much. Comet thought, Well, I mean, I guess I haven't eaten in a while.  Comet realized.

[Macradon 0]

Macradon smiled, it was nice that the boy enjoyed his meal. Macradon had seen the price on these steaks on the menu, they weren't something to kid about, but Macradon would do it, it wasn't like he was in dire need of his money, he had a business running and all the col from his farming days also came in lucrative. "My steak? Well it tastes wonderful" he said with a smile and cut off another piece of his steak. Somehow, the game mechanics made it possible to cook the meat on different levels and also the texture of it. This virtual world was amazing, making Macradon believe that he was actually in another real world. He pondered about it, Comet here wanted to be stronger, but the way he looks he ain't gonna go far just by that equipment. "Hey Comet, you seem to need some new gear" he said and quickly glanced at Comet's attire. "I'm a blacksmith, so if you need anything, just come by. I even think I can give you some free armor if it's heavy armor you're going for" he said with a big smile. Comet should have a good head start, but not over spoiled, just something that would make him stay alive for now.

[Comet 0]

Comet grinned widely in appreciation as he was offered the opportunity of having heavy armor so soon into the game. However, he was not interested in heavy armor. Indeed, he was not the tank kind of person that heavy armor really is, in his mind, too slow for him to move in. Honestly, Comet was a weak little child who couldn't lift up anything that was too heavy and the fact that heavy armor had the word heavy in it was enough to make Comet doubt his ability to be able to lift it and use it during battle. "Thank you Macradon!" Comet shouted, quite enthusiastic that the man was being so friendly to a child that he had just met. "But I really don't think I can hold something like heavy armor being my size so as much as I would've liked to go there for armor, I'm afraid I can't. I think I'd like light armor and I do remember hearing about tailors... Oh well, that would be later because right now I'm kind of broke." Comet said, keeping a positive face. "Hehe... I'm sure that I'd get lots of Col once I start fighting mobs, though... Before I do that, I need a better weapon. Do you know what profession to go to for a weapon?" Comet asked, not sure as he hadn't really learned about what the different professions do. With that, he took another bite of the steak, taking its taste and holding it in his mouth before swallowing. 

[Macradon 0]

Comet was right, heavy armor wouldn't suit him that well either. Light leather armor would be a good thing for him to invest in, something tailors could do. Macradon would look at the boy, not much looked like the fierce warrior with the sword, maybe he was a finesse type player who used lighter weapons like a rapier or a sabre, or even daggers. Macradon would lean back in his chair when he hard the question Comet asked. "I actually know someone who can make you a decent weapon, just mention I sent you and I'm sure he'll give you a discount if not for free" Macradon said with a smug smile. "You can find him at the Blazing Typhoon. It's a shop here on the first floor" he said with a smile. More tricks for Comet to figure out. It was Macradon's shop, so he would at least give the boy something to stay alive in.

[Comet 0]

Comet nodded his head as he heard the white haired man suggest a place called 'Blazing Typhoon'. It sounded like the base of a superhero and Comet liked the creativity of the name very much. "Okay, thanks! I'll be sure to check it out later on. You say I'll get a discount on the item by saying your name? Hehe... You must be quite popular around here if I can get a discount just by saying your name. Macradon, are you maybe a hero? Maybe a super high leveled player?" Comet asked, leaning over the table and staring at Macradon's face with severe intensity. After staring for a while, he decided that the face really didn't have anything special. Well, I mean, I guess no high leveled player can really have something on their face to indicate that they are special. Comet thought, pointing a finger at his chin. Whatever. And with that, he went right back to his steak. "Oh by the way," Comet began once more as something popped into his mind. "do you have any tips for a low-leveled player like me? I'm kind of scared to do fighting at the moment because I am still level one and have absolutely no equipment. I'll probably die if I head out there for combat. I was thinking of how to level up without combat and I was wondering if you have any tips, Macradon. You sure seem experienced."

[Macradon 0]

Macradon would chuckle slightly by the remark. Macradon, a hero? What a joke. Macradon was nothing more than an adventurer. "No, I'm no hero" he said with a smile "Nor am I a high leveled players. Relatively I'm a high level, but many others are higher than me in level" he said with a smile. He had met many players with a higher level than him, sure he was a "high" leveled player, but he was still not one of those heavy hitters on the front lines. "I was once a part of a crafter's guild, the Aincrad Delivery Service, and the people in the guild all had their different professions, so I was known from there" he said. Macradon would eat another piece of his beef and take a short sip of his whine before Comet asked another question. Macradon raised his eyebrow as the question would come out from the boy's mouth. "Any tips, huh?" he said "Be sure to get the initiative in the battle if you're fighting alone. These boars are scary, probably the kind of mob that has killed more players than other mobs" he said. "Your damage won't be much without decent sword arts and without any weapon that can amp you properly" he said. Maybe this kid could go for a dagger and evasion build, something that was widely used because of its effectiveness. Going for as much damage as possible and not getting hit.

[Comet 0]

Comet yawned before starting to take notes inside his brain when Macradon began to give him several tips. First, he learned that there was a guild called Aincrad Delivery Guild and he might even look into that later. However, he really hadn't heard of it before so he was sure that it was nowhere as popular as the Knights of Blood or the Azure Brigade. Still, the chances that he would have to get into those guilds are absolutely minimal. Comet sighed and whipped his mouth with his sleeves, putting a smear on his sleeve before sighing. "Oops, shouldn't have done that,"  He said, leaning back against the soft, cushion chair. He knew that to rise in ranks in this world was highly difficult and really competitive. Still, he believes that he would be able to do it eventually. He shall become one of the greatest players... and at such a young age as well. When Comet puts his mind to something, he shall achieve it and he will not allow others to tell him otherwise... no matter how difficult the task may seem, Comet will not give up. Even though he is only level 1 at the moment, soon, when he gets gear and equipment, he should be able to fight lots of boars and complete lots of different quests. "Whew, that was delicious!" Comet shouted, rubbing his stomach as he couldn't believe that he managed to finish the whole steak despite his small stomach. "Well, thanks for the tips, Sir Macradon! I'll be careful when I engage those mobs later on but first, I guess I'll wonder around the starting town, trying to get some Col and SP or something." Comet said with a smirk, "And I'll be sure to check out this 'Blazing Typhoon' weapon shop later!" 

[Macradon 0]

Macradon would smile and finish his meal as well, calling over the waiter to take their plates and such. Macradon would proceed to pay for the meal and notice that the amount of Col it costed was a bit much, but he would shrug and pay it anyways. He would finish everything off with a tip for the waiter, a big one that is. "Sorry for being rude, I just got annoyed" he said to the waiter and gave the waiter a big tip. Macradon would sigh as he was finished with his meal and would look over at Comet who was ready to go out again. "You should know that I'm not in the old guild anymore because many of the members either quit or just disappeared, but I've been scouted by another guild that I'll join in the nearest future" Macradon said and made a cross on the table with his finger, drawing out the symbol of the guild for now. "Knights of the Blood Oath" he said and looked slightly to the side. "And be careful when going out for all that col and sp, just take care ok?" he said. "I'll wait for you on the frontlines, just you come up quick" he said with a smile. "Oh yeah, I'm hanging out a lot at the Blazing Typhoon, so maybe we'll see each other" Macradon said with a broad grin as he would proceed to walk out of the shop and make is exit. "Bye!" he said and would don all of his armor and head to the warp plaza, he still had time to grind some mobs down.