[SP-F3] Deep cave. Deep thoughts <<earning a living>>

[Itzal 0]

Itzal walked into the hidden cave near his shop on the third floor.  He had taken the quest again.  Earning a living.  Not because he wanted a different profession, but because it was the quickest, easiest, and most efficient way to collect materials.  Upon completing the quest players would receive bonus materials from the quest giver, which is what he was shooting for.  Sometimes it was a poor amount and sometimes it was a grand amount.  Either way it was extra materials and he had no problem with that.  As he entered the cave the familiar sparkles reflecting off of the crystals from each others light caught his eyes, unable to avoid it.  This small room was filled with crystals of every color possible, even colors Itzal had thought impossible, or didn't exist.  Each crystal was slightly different and each amazing in their own way.  Some glowed faintly, some glowed bright, and some were interesting crystals that reflected light, but when in the darkness seemed to take the light away.  All the crystals were beautiful, but Itzal needed materials.  He needed the crystals that were loose and could be taken.  Crystals that he could record songs into.  Not only that but maybe he could find some for other players as well.

[Itzal 0]

Itzal walked along the ring of crystals, his hand hovering above them all as he felt the warmth that emanated from each with the energy that caused them to glow.  Warmth meant life.  He hated the cold.  It slows you down until you stop forever.  In the real world he was fairly good with science as well and knew how warmth and cold actually worked:  The faster molecules vibrated, the warmer they became.  Activity creates heat.  On the alternate side, the slower molecules moved, the colder they became.  When objects freeze their molecules are hardly moving at all.  Nothing could reach absolute zero, which is the case where molecules didn't move at all in any manner, but cold enough would kill you.  Of course the same could be said about molecules moving faster but at least the object is moving.  Itzal hated the idea of being frozen in place, able to do nothing while he just died.  The very idea was horrible.  He tried to pull a crystal free but it didn't budge.

ID#  66645

LD:  7 + 5 (2 S&D 3 Twilight Cloak)

Edited August 31, 2016 by Itzal

[Itzal 0]

He didn't have anything against snow, just the cold...  Which always accompanied the cold.  When Itzal had traveled across the desert with his friend Jonathan it quickly became clear that they had opposite likes.  Jonathan loved the cold while Itzal loved the warmth.  It didn't matter though.  The survival skill Itzal had received made it easier for him to ignore weather effects, making it easier to endure the cold.  Not completely of course but when he needed to he could handle it...  Slightly.  He tried to lift another crystal but it didn't move either.  He recalled the time they went to meet about the guild for the first time.  Jonathan had chosen floor four, of course, and the place they went to only served ice cream....  He loved ice cream but never would ever ever have it on a freaking frozen floor.  Never ever.  Still his apprentice clearly wanted some but didn't want Jonathan paying for it.  So Itzal ordered some and gave the order to Alisa.

ID#  66647

LD:  6 + 5

Edited August 31, 2016 by Itzal

[Itzal 0]

Alisa.  His apprentice.  A few weeks ago she asked him to train her and that's exactly what he did.  He took her in as his apprentice and, although he juggled around for a bit on how to properly train her in the beginning, he finally had a set plan in motion.  He was going to take it easy with her at first, seeing as how she was a gentle flower that could easily break under too much pressure.  He would strengthen her up both physically and mentally and as he did so, would give her more hard challenges.  When she was finally ready he would begin the three most difficult challenges for her to face:  One was the advanced parkour training courses.  Advanced parkour required high buildings and other such settings that could be potentially life threatening.  The second was dueling Itzal, not necessarily to beat him, but to practice with her sword abilities.  And the third was emotionally.  Ulises and Itzal had talked a long time about this and agreed that Ulises should be the one to teach Alisa on that matter.  After all she was bound to find out eventually.  Ulises would help her release whatever anger, fear, etc. was built up in her, then teach her both good and bad sides of it.  After that he would teach her how to properly control and maintain anger.  But he would only do this when she was strong enough for it not to get out of hand in between his teachings.  Ulises knew better than most how easily anger could turn into hatred.  Itzal pulled at another crystal starting to get a bit frustrated with this consistent result.

ID#  66667

LD:  5 + 5

Edited September 1, 2016 by Itzal

[Itzal 0]

He wasn't getting anywhere.  Itzal was beginning to wonder if the cave's crystals hadn't regenerated yet, or fully formed enough for him to take them.  Perhaps he should check a different floor.  He was about to head back to the entrance when he thought he spotted something.  As approached it he noticed that there was yet another hidden pathway.  A hidden entrance in an already hidden cave?  He slid past the opening and found a narrow tunnel lit by more crystals.  He realized that this tunnel could lead to anything:  Caverns, traps, treasure.  Honestly he had no idea what would happen.  Either way though, he was eager to explore.  Being a natural scout he was curious and wanted to add more to his map.  As he made his way down the tunnel he wondered how long it was.  It better not be too long.  Why?  Getting impatient are we?  Shut up, I'm anxious.  As they made their way down Itzal tugged at a crystal or two, hoping for some more materials but still nothing pulled.  Maybe these were intended as lights and nothing more.  He shrugged as he seemed to be nearing the end of the tunnel.

ID#  66703  LD:  14 (9 + 5)

Edited September 2, 2016 by Itzal

[Itzal 0]

'Nearing the end of the tunnel' indeed.  Itzal quickly realized that it was just a sharp turn to a corner with some glowing crystals.  Sighing he continued on...  His thoughts began to wander to the new people he'd met recently:  Macrodon, Rin, Beatbox and Mina.  Or rather, Mina/Mira.  Itzal had discovered that she too had a split personality.  She was an interesting case however.  Instead of Itzal and Ulises, who worked together and shared the load when needed, Mira only acted when Mina 'couldn't take any more'.  Itzal recalled how Mina had hugged him and wasn't embarrassed this time as it was a very comfortable feeling.  And the advice she gave him...  She told him not to hide behind a hood as that made others think that he was distrustful.  But that wasn't what he was aiming for when he made the outfit.  Niger Natio was originally meant for three things:  The first was for combat purposes.  Not only was it loose and easy for him to move about but it's enhancements helped as well.  The second was for stealth purposes, so that he couldn't be found so easily when scouting.  The third was for when he traveled crowded areas in the city as it's intimidating appearance parted the crowd like the red sea.

ID#  66759  LD:  5 + 5

Edited September 5, 2016 by Itzal

[Itzal 0]

Itzal finally reached the end of the tunnel and was amazed at what he saw.  It was another room like before but a bit bigger and.  All of the crystals glowed brightly, and all of them were the colors of precious metals, sparkling like they would too:  Silver, Gold, Copper, Emeralds, Amethyst, sapphire, etc.  He was amazed at the depth of color or the shine and sparkle they each gave off.  And while the light coming off of them was bright it wasn't that piercing hurt your eyes kind of bright, but a gentle glow that you couldn't help but stare into.  It was beautiful.  Aimi would have loved this he thought as he stroke his bracelet.  Itzal sighed.  A lot of people would love this.  Alisa, Adhae, now Mina.  Perhaps even Kooh would enjoy this room.  However he was unsure about Kooh.  Ulises said he believed she was wearing a mask and not her real face.  Wondering if that was true he thought about asking her about it sometime.  But Ulises said she would probably spend less time in hopes that he didn't figure it out and said he had a plan.  Itzal didn't like hearing that but left him alone.  He pulled at a gold crystal and it came loose easily.

ID#  66959   LD:  10 + 5

+1 MAT

Edited September 5, 2016 by Itzal

[Itzal 0]

Itzal wondered what his old friends were up to nowadays.  He recently met up with Kooh and Adhae but what about Verus?  He seemed to have vanished from the face of the earth.  Itzal knew he was alright because his name hadn't vanished from the friend list, but other than that he didn't know anything.  Did he suddenly decide to stay in the towns?  Or was he trapped somewhere with nowhere to get out?  Or had he decided to go soloing like Itzal had?  Whatever reason there was he was unsure of how to find him.  At least until he got the tracking skill that is.  Itzal tried to pull another crystal but it didn't budge.  Adhae and Kooh were friendly as ever.  He and Adhae did a quest together and learned more about each other in the process.  She promised not to embarrass him from now on so he had that.  Itzal wondered if there was another passage in this room and just how far this place went.

ID#  67633  LD:  6 + 5

Edited September 14, 2016 by Itzal

[Itzal 0]

Itzal tugged at another crystal and growled slightly when it didn't budge.  He never had this bad luck in the past.  Well, actually that wasn't true.  There was a time all he got was one material.  Now he found several in one trip.  Plus this was earning a living quest so he'd get materials either way.  Itzal started thinking about the player Beatbox and his now dead familiar.  He was certain that Beatbox would start searching for a familiar immediately afterward and decided to lend him his cloak so he wouldn't have an issue with that.  Itzal was looking for Velnia still and it was taking a very long time to do so.  However he wouldn't give up.  He'd find her eventually.  And with Ulises' help it shouldn't be a problem.  Itzal saw a light green crystal and wondered if this one would give.  He tugged lightly on it but nothing happened.  This was starting to get a little tiring.

ID#  67813  LD:  7 + 5

Edited September 14, 2016 by Itzal

[Itzal 0]

Velnia.  When he found her again he wouldn't let her leave his side.  She was a great companion and she enjoyed spending time with him just as much as he enjoyed being with her.  Not to mention Ulises wanted to see her again.  She was one of the few who could make him really laugh without mocking Felix.  In fact she could make anyone laugh.  Itzal shook his head as he recalled the event with himself, Adhae and Kooh where she wanted to earn food Adhae had offered and picked up the bartender, hung him on the fan, and juggled random items while flying over and under the man's flailing arms.  Despite the rage the npc had from the event, his shop had been much more busy because of it.  He had a feeling Velnia would be even better the next time they met though.  He saw a gold crystal and tried to pull it free and to his delight it actually did.  He slid the item into his inventory.

ID#  67888

LD:  19 + 5

+1 MAT

2 Materials total

Edited September 15, 2016 by Itzal

[Itzal 0]

He recalled Beatbox' familiar Audio.  The cute little fox was so adorable and would definitely be great playmates with Velnia.  Unfortunately Audio had died recently.  He was certain though that Beat would go looking for another familiar and when he did Velnia would love to play with his new one.  A small playful dragon and a small playful fox.  The pair would be a deadly one he thought with a chuckle.  He reached for another crystal and pulled it free.  As he did he noticed another passage opening.  How big was this place?  He decided to check it out later and try for clearing this small area of loose crystals first.  As a scout he left nothing behind that he didn't check first.  He wondered how the two familiars would react with each other.  Beat's new familiar might be different and might be less lax and laid back.  Who knows?  The new fox might be as energetic as Velnia.  Itzal actually shuddered at the thought of two hyper familiar's in the same room together, playing with one another.

ID#  67889

LD:  15 + 5

+1 MAT

3 Materials total

Edited September 15, 2016 by Itzal

[Itzal 0]

Itzal chuckled as he thought about the two.  They would be perfect together he thought.  Once again his thoughts flickered to a question Ulises had asked him a while ago.  Who would they have?  Would they find someone to love besides God in this world?  Would they find themselves a girlfriend?  Itzal blushed slightly as he didn't really like discussing things like that but he got over it as not only would he need to think about this at some time, but he was alone, thinking to himself.  If he didn't get over it he was going to have one hell of a life.  Would he get a girlfriend in this world?  Or the real one?  So far his friend count had jumped from zero to who knows how many ever since he joined.  Lets see.  He started thinking about the friends he now had and as he went over the mental list his eyes widened as he realized something.  Holy crap!  How did he have more feminine friends than masculine!  What on earth?!  This made him blush despite his earlier attempt to hold it back.  How could he at this point?

ID#  67891

LD:  3 + 5

3 Materials total

Edited September 16, 2016 by Itzal

[Itzal 0]

Let's see.  Boys:  Verus, Morgenstern, Beatbox, and a few potential friends who were men.  And...  As for girls:  Adhae, Kooh, Kasier, Alisa, and now Mina and Rin.......  Itzal threw his face against the cave wall wishing that it would hurt him just a little.  But as usual, with his high level as well as the pain dampeners, he felt nothing.  Why oh why did he have more feminine friends than masculine?  He was terrible at talking with girls so was it blind luck or did they all like combat as much as he did?  Itzal groaned as there wasn't much left to do on the point.  He just needed to balance the scales was all.  Yeah, that's all.  Ulises' question popped back up in his mind and he sighed.  This was never going to end was it?  Until he found someone the question would linger.  It was all God's timing of course, but he couldn't help wondering if it would happen in the submersive VRMMO.  It could be anyone.  Any girl in this world or the real one could be the one God wanted him to be with.  Of course he could end up living life solo but he had a feeling God didn't want that for him.  So...  Who?  And when?

.............  ID#  67955  LD 1 -_-

Edited September 16, 2016 by Itzal

[Itzal 0]

Now his thoughts had taken control of themselves.  He couldn't stop himself from thinking about the girls he knows about and thinking if they would ever work out with him.  Kooh?  Not only did she take every chance she saw to tease and embarrass her, but Ulises claimed that she was hiding something, as if all her cheerfulness was a ruse, a mask that she wore.  Adhae?  She was very nice and he loved being around her, but he wasn't sure.  Alisa?  No, she was like a daughter to Itzal.  He couldn't imagine having her as a girlfriend.  Kasier?  She was pretty cold but he was hoping there was kindness below that frosty appearance.  Mina?  He had only just met her but she seemed very nice, and she did have a split personality for a while so she'll understand his actions better than others.  Rin?  Not a chance.  The girl was way too shy and seemed to be a lot younger than she appeared.  Now that his thoughts had run their course he let out a sigh, attempting to change his mental topic.

You've got to be...  ID#  67956  LD:  1  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!  TWO IN A ROW?!

Edited September 16, 2016 by Itzal

[Itzal 0]

OOC- Running out of things to talk about, never doing a gathering thing like this again without some story XD

Itzal forced his thoughts away from the uncomfortable topic and began thinking about life and death again in this game.  Most of the players didn't seem to believe in an afterlife so for them this was more drastic than he believed.  Yes it was important to get back to our families and friends and business, and it would be wrong to just give up.  However Itzal didn't fear death in any aspect.  When death came he would simply return to his real father in heaven.  Maybe he'd get to see his real family up there as well, and wait for his new one to join him so they could all be together.  Either way, if he died in this world he'd have an eternity with God to think about.  However that wasn't going to stop Itzal from pushing through till he saw this game to it's end.  He wouldn't stop until all the players of Aincrad, along with himself, escaped this death hole and made it out alive to see their families again.

ID#  67957  LD:  9 + 5 So close!

Edited September 16, 2016 by Itzal

[Itzal 0]

OOC- Finally

Itzal knew other's didn't share his belief but while he couldn't force them, nor would he, he was always open to share about it to them.  He was always open to share his beliefs and views with others.  However he knew others could be more...  Critical about his opinions than he thought reasonable.  In fact some people mocked him for his beliefs.  At least..  So far as he knew.  When he played games in the real world he was acting through an avatar, not himself.  He could act or say or do whatever he wanted and he didn't need to worry.  However this wasn't an ordinary game.  In here you needed to build real bonds because the consequence was death.  No exception.  Thus there was no purpose to hide behind an avatar.  In fact even that was taken away.  There was very little you could hide if you wished to progress in this game.  That was the fact of it.  He randomly grabbed a crystal and stored it in his inventory.

ID#  67958  LD:  4 + 5

+1 MAT

4 Total

Edited September 17, 2016 by Itzal

[Itzal 0]

However it was still possible to deceive in this game and still progress.  It was possible to manipulate others to do what you want but then you'd lose their trust.  Trust, friendship, love, these were always going to be ever stronger than hate, deception or greed.  Ulises taught him that.  Originally when he entered this game he wanted to hunt down all the pkers, all the murderers who killed for fun.  Now however he was reminded that violence is never the solution.  He would kill a player if it meant saving someone innocent, or out of self defense, but that was as far as it went.  He would not go any further.  That only happened after he gained friends in this world.  Friends who showed him that he shouldn't just survive.  He needed to live.  Working every second in this world towards escaping was a valiant effort yes, but you also needed to enjoy yourself, even if this was a false world.  Itzal grabbed onto a crystal and pulled on it but it didn't budge.  Figures.  Of course it didn't.  He sighed.

ID#  67969  LD:  5 + 5

Edited September 17, 2016 by Itzal

[Itzal 0]

Still he needed multiple things besides friends in this world.  Speaking of the world Itzal decided he should keep a log book for recording ideas for a VRMMORPG of his own when he got out of this world.  Any time he had an inspiration or found something he could use in this world he could write it down in the log book.  He wanted his game to be SAO only involving everyone's favorite weapons, tools, skills, classes, quests, bosses, mechanics, graphics, architect, and in a way many of these were placed in SAO but there was much that was missing.  Magic was one such thing, as well as ranged weapons, classes, more weapon or skill varieties that allows for more builds other than tank, dps, healer and scout.  New equipment and enhancements never thought possible.  Maybe he could add in features that wouldn't be humanly possible in the real world, like create different races players can choose, be it half animal, fairy, elf, dwarf, orc, etc.  He slid a crystal from the wall as his excitement grew.

ID#  67984  LD:  16 + 5

+1 MAT

5 Total (needs gatherer >.<)

Edited September 17, 2016 by Itzal

[Itzal 0]

And magic was the tricky part of course.  Most MMO's magic was very basic and based on simply press this key at the right time.  His magic would be based on intelligence, timing, skill, words, and above all movement.  With a VRMMORPG it would literally be a physical thing you could avoid, like dodging knives, arrows or javelins.  Not only that but he could have spells activated by either hand movements, words or using consumable items like wands or staffs.  Wands could control magic better, allowing for better accuracy while staffs would make spells stronger.  Spell books would be for lower level players to start off and the most advance spells such as ritual spells would require long texts be spoken.  There would also be multiple branches of magic with their own rules and such.  The more and more he thought about it the more and more he realized....  He needed to take a break.

Edited September 17, 2016 by Itzal

[Itzal 0]

Itzal laughed softly to himself as he realized his thought train was going just a bit too far.  He needed to slow down and relax.  He took a step back from the crystals before moving to the tunnel that would lead to the cave entrance.  Still he thought it was a great plan.  He just needed to write it all down so he wouldn't forget that's all.  He wondered if he could either buy one or create a makeshift journal to do so.  Either way he needed one and that was a fact.  He had way too many ideas running through his head to remember them all and needed a place to store them.  Well at least it would be digital like he was used too, he thought with a chuckle.  As he saw the entrance of the cave he wondered about Velnia again and was eager to see her once more.  However that would need to wait for a little bit.  He just wondered how long.  Eager to find her again he decided to got to his shop with the new materials and make a few crafts.  Hopefully someone would be interested in buying something and becoming a regular customer, giving his shop good reviews.

Edited September 17, 2016 by Itzal