[SP-F1] Plate << Earning A Living >> [COMPLETE]

[Zicko 0]

"Plate, the best kind of physical protection in the world. You will feel ultimately safe in it," says a middle-aged, bearded NPC as he knocks the metallic surface of the breastplate with his own knuckles. 

The suit of armor, Germanic in nature, stands proudly on its square stand like a chivalric knight would do. Its sallet gazes at an upward angle while the rest of the body faces Zicko, who is standing just near the entrance of the shop from within. 

"Just don't be reckless, you can still be hammered down," the man adds as he stands beside the armor, arms behind him as he looks at Zicko's gaze. 

He nods, understanding the consequences of receiving blunt blows with plate armor on. His eyes dart towards the NPC, who gulps at the eerie stare on his face, but otherwise he finds it harmless. 

"So, are you here for new armors? Or...do you want a few pointers from me about forging?"

Zicko raises one eyebrow. The man smiles.

Edited February 20, 2018 by Zicko

[Zicko 0]

"Do you have a forge on your own?" asks the NPC as he goes to his counter and pours a big glass of cold lemon tea, then he hands it to Zicko. He receives the refreshment and mutters a barely audible "Thanks" with a nod. The man appreciates his thanks.

"Well, do you?"

Zicko shakes his head.

"Well then. Now opening your own armory ain't a big deal. Same as opening any other shop. So I won't go into that," the man explains as he leans against the wall beside the Gothic armor, eyes glancing at Zicko's face. He smiles.

"If you want to be at least a decent blacksmith, there are only a few things that you must keep in mind. This is only based on my experience so don't expect expert-level advices. First and foremost, make sure your metal isn't too crappy. Get ones that are strong and won't brittle in the middle of forging. Poor metal might work if you know the techniques of folding it numerous times before actually forging the blade. You gotta ask some other swordsmith if you want to know more about making poor metal into a strong, flexible blade.

And then there's the temperature. Don't take your eyes off the forge. The color is very helpful. At least heat up your metal until it turns dark orange. You don't get much from barely cherry red metal unless you want to strike hammer marks onto em. Remember, keep em hot throughout your job. 

Also, get used to sparks. You might burn yourself in a minor degree behind the forge, and you would yap about it all day. But have yourself withstanding the small pain of those sparks. You'll be immune to it sooner or later as you forge further. Don't be afraid of it. It ain't a monster.

Lastly...erm...well, yeah, be creative. I know it may not sound like much to some people, but it is good if you use your creativity onto your work. That way, you can make your weapons and armor unique from others, aka standing out. Also, you'll receive more specific attention from your buyers. Just make sure your stuff ain't crap, got that?"

 

Edited February 18, 2018 by Zicko

[Zicko 0]

"That's all the tips I can give to you. Again, sorry if they don't sound professional. Hopefully you can find good use in em."

As the NPC finishes his speech, Zicko stares at the window, already thinking of making a living in this virtual fantasy land. Conflict is surely in his blood, but every now and then, he needs to have a break from spilling blood. Worse, constant fighting might be a dull thing to do, especially if he is a strong, high level player someday.

At least in Aincrad, he doesn't have to worry about being ambushed out of nowhere by enemies or a sudden friendly airstrike or something.

After gathering some thoughts about what to do when out of combat, he decides to open a new shop as a new blacksmith. And it won' be just any blacksmith shop.

He thinks about selling only armor...for now.

Armor. It is what drew him in to medieval-related interests. There is something so nice about looking at and wearing pieces of plates into a mobile tin suit that morphs into a personal shield to the human body. 

He looks at the NPC, who is already behind the counter and minding his own business by drinking more iced lemon tea. Zicko walks towards him and, with a rather soft, though not gentle voice, asks, "You have pickaxe I can borrow?"

[Zicko 0]

The NPC smiles. He stands up and goes into his quarters, and doesn't come back until a few minutes later. When he does, he has an iron pickaxe in his hand and gives it to Zicko, who retrieves it.

"Most new miners gather ores just outside this city, at the fields. There are plenty of mining spots that are nearby. Sometimes you might find a space in the field occupied by ore rocks. Sometimes you might even find a cave, if you are lucky."

Whenever you go...be careful out there. Just a heads up. There are giant bugs or boars hanging out, and several of them are aggressive. I'm sure you can handle yourself, eh mate?"

Zicko nods, glaring at the man, who then smiles.

"Well, good luck mining out there. Return the pickaxe to me when you are done. If you want to, you can show me what you mined so far so I can see if yours are good quality or not."

Waving him goodbye, and with the pickaxe in the inventory...for now, Zicko heads off to the outskirts of town, passing through the gate as he catches a glimpse of players messing around with their weapons and each other.

[Zicko 0]

ID: 96259

LD: 15 (Found 1 ore!)

 

The walk is overall a breeze, as the weather today is pleasant. Not so sunny with plenty of wind. Zicko gazes into the horizon throughout his walk as the breeze brings him back to himself standing in front of a winter light show in Tokyo Midtown in December 2017. The lights are memorizing, and he was immersed into a trance, as if he is in a dreamland of lights, the sky, and Mother Earth herself. 

The field around him is almost silent, save for the sounds of the breeze and some birds, probably decorative. As he looks at where he is exactly going, he perceives a spot with ore rocks, just like what the NPC said to him. 

Most of the rocks are grey colored, and the ores range from copper and tin to iron. Steel seems to be nowhere in this spot, probably belong to somewhere further beyond the first level, or at the edge of this whole damn field.

Wasting no time, he sets to work, and lo behold, he easily found an iron ore and mine it with great succession. As the thing comes off the rocky surface, he picks it up and examines it closely. Great work indeed.

Edited February 19, 2018 by Zicko

[Zicko 0]

Eyeing towards another rock with a fair number of visible ores, Zicko walks towards and is about to lift up his pickaxe when he hears an unnerving growl. Picking up the sound that came from behind, he slowly turns around to see a wolf giving him an angry looking grin. The canine lets out another growl as its eyes are full of frenzy. Judging by its really thin body, it is most likely starving, and to itself, Zicko is the ultimate goal to satisfy its hunger.

Zicko drops the pickaxe and without expressing any fears towards the wolf, dons his hauberk armor and draws out his starter sword. A gladius, classic Roman sword that is effective in close quarters, similar to a giant knife thanks to its length. As Zicko calmly walks forward, retaining his usual unfocused gaze, the wolf barks madly before charging towards him. It then leaps forward with its gaping jaws, bearing sharp, deadly white canine teeth.

Edited February 19, 2018 by Zicko

[Zicko 0]

ID: 96261

BD: 3

MD: 2

Zicko: HP 20/20 -- Energy 0/2 -- DMG 3 -- MIT 9

Frenzy Wolf: HP 12/12 -- DMG 6 -- MIT 0

Much to the wolf's frustration, Zicko easily sidesteps to the right, causing the animal to miss and almost hit itself with the rock. Turning around, it growls again at him, baring its teeth while slowly circling him. He keeps his eye towards the wolf as he grips his sword tightly, his chainmail making a bit of noise as he starts to get a little agile to dodge again. 

Attempting to seize a chance to attack, the wolf takes one big step forward, and goes no further as Zicko immediately takes one step backward and points his blade towards it. It keeps on circling...and circling... And he just keeps gazing....and gazing...without any hint of emotion, though his eyes are not even lowered once. After a minute, Zicko tries to step forward like the wolf, and backs out as the wolf lets out a bark, as if it is giving him a warning.

Out of nowhere, the wolf takes a giant leap forward again.

Edited February 19, 2018 by Zicko

[Zicko 0]

ID: 96262

BD: 6

MD: 7

Zicko: HP 19/20

Frenzy Wolf: HP 9/12

Zicko swiftly sidesteps again and swings his sword as the wolf only manages to headbutt a bit of his head, giving him a bit of damage. It shakes its head as it glares at him, who doesn't do the same, or even rub his head. Instead, he continues looking at it with his unbroken gaze, nodding ever so slightly as he acknowledges that both him and it are at least making progress here. 

Gotta watch out for any headbutts or slaps from the wolf from now on. 

Now they are facing each other while moving in a circle, Zicko making sure that he doesn't stray too far from the mining spot, and the wolf approaching closer to ensure a proper canine delivery to Zicko's legs, or his head if it wants to challenge himself. Zicko is aware of this however, and starts taking steps back to keep his distance from the wolf. Seeing this counter maneuver, the wolf sprints to the side, and to Zicko as it leaps towards his unarmored legs.

Edited February 19, 2018 by Zicko

[Zicko 0]

ID: 96263

BD: 6

MD: 1

Zicko: HP 19/20

Frenzy Wolf: HP 6/12

Luck ain't with the wolf today as Zicko saw it coming, and knowing that his legs is totally vulnerable to any kind of attack, quickly plunges the blade downwards. Amazingly, it ends up driving through the wolf's snout, and it howls in pain as it stops in its tracks, trashing its body around to free itself. Zicko withdraws the blade from its flesh and gives it a violent kick to the face, knocking it backwards.

Now Zicko calmly approaches the wolf, who is now having second thoughts about trying to take down this prey. Though it resists itself from letting out a yelp, it is noticeably more careful as it backs away from him. He doesn't stop moving as he picks up the pace, prompting the wolf to start turning back and run, only to bump itself against one of the nearby rocks.

As the wolf tries to limp itself sideways with its eyes closed, it picks up Zicko's footsteps, which are getting closer until it suddenly stops.

Edited February 19, 2018 by Zicko

[Zicko 0]

ID: 96264

BD: 10

MD: 7

Zicko: HP 18/20

Frenzy Wolf: HP 1/12

The wolf opens its eyes to see Zicko already swinging his sword towards its head. Forcing to use the remaining energy it has left, it quickly jerks its head to the left to dodge his sword, which bounces off the rock. As Zicko prepares for another immediate swing, the wolf is already taking one more leap, and this time, it manages to bite onto his armored body. It growls like a mad dog as it vigorously tries to bite through the interlocking rings of Zicko's hauberk, much to no avail.

Zicko takes immediate action by stabbing through the wolf's heart numerous times. At one point, he sticks the gladius through its gut and carves through the flesh upwards, disemboweling the creature. It finally drops onto the grass as it heavily bleeds out from the stomach, prompting Zicko to back away for a little and check his hauberk.

Thank goodness the chains don't completely break...otherwise it would lose its purpose if it has a large gap on his body.

Edited February 19, 2018 by Zicko

[Zicko 0]

ID: 96267

BD: 9

Zicko: HP 18/20

Frenzy Wolf: HP 0/12

Zicko gazes at the wolf with wide eyes, gripping the sword as he notices that the wolf is now motionless...or so it seems. There is already so much blood on its underside, and by hearing the way it is breathing, he could tell that the wolf don't have much time to live.

Time to grant this animal mercy. 

Zicko kneels down in front of the wolf, and with a quick stab to the throat, the wolf draws out its last breath, and dies on the spot, relieved from its suffering and hunger. A pity to look at, but at least it can enjoy meat in wolf heaven for eternity.

ID: 96269

LD: 20 -- CD: 8

Obtained 36 COL as loot standard

Obtained 2 Materials

Obtained Rare Consumable

No sooner after its soul left its vessel, the wolf explodes digitally into remnants of mob data. A box pops out in front of Zicko, telling him that he receives a total of 36 COL as standard loot, two iron ores and a rare-grade consumable in the form of a small package wrapped in tin foil and secured by strings. Weird combination, but at least it's secure. For now.

Taking all of the loot, he goes to where he dropped his pickaxe, picks it up and continues working. Evening soon arrives as he gets back to work. 

Edited February 19, 2018 by Zicko

[Zicko 0]

ID: 96270

LD: 17 (Found 1 ore!)

As Zicko is mining out another ore, the memories of his military life comes into his mind again. Though he is still focused on his work and is aware of the current time of the day, the sounds of the metallic tip of the pickaxe slowly fades out of Zicko's hearing as he remembers his experience in the Marines' Recruit Training.

Hair cleanly shaven beforehand, and never grew his distinctive beard, Zicko had already drawn himself to war films like Apocalypse Now, Full Metal Jacket and Jarhead. Of course, he can distinguish war films from the real military. Still, he was motivated to join the Marines after he graduated from high school. 

Like some recruits, Zicko was mentally prepared for the constant surveillance and yelling from drill instructors, as well as being quick and efficient in following what he was order to do. Not even the occasional brutality of the training was enough to make him question his decision to join the Marines. After all, he lived for this.

His most memorable part in the training was his first time holding and firing a rifle. M16A1. Who knows how excited he was deep in his heart throughout Phase 2.

Edited February 20, 2018 by Zicko

[Zicko 0]

ID: 96357

LD: 2 (No ore...)

Pick by pick, his gaze towards the rock becomes gradually unfocused as he begins to miss holding his M16 rifle. Though this rock he is mining does not have any ores, he keeps working on it regardless, not realizing that he had made quite a dent on the surface.

As spoken by Anthony Swofford: "A man fires his rifle for many years and goes to war, afterwards he returns the rifle to the armories and he beliefs he is done with it. But no matter what else he might do with his hands, his hands always remember the rifle."

The quote sticks into Zicko's mind ever since. 

Private Zicko was lying on a prone position, his back facing the surface as he longingly gazed at the target through the iron sight of his M16. Qualification Day. Ain't any different than the usual days during Firing Week.

Except the shots actually count, and not qualifying equals to going back all the way to Grass Week to try again.

As soon as the recruits were given the order to start firing, Zicko immediately pulls the trigger, never moving and always stopping his heartbeat for every few seconds throughout the session. 

200 yards. 300 yards. And finally, 500. All shot in prone, sitting and standing positions.

At the end of the day, Zicko hits the jackpot. A total of more than 220 points. 

That's already enough to earn him the Expert Marksman badge.

Edited February 20, 2018 by Zicko

[Zicko 0]

ID: 96358

LD: 7 (No ore...)

That's the last of the rock. Zicko lets out a quiet sigh through his nostril as he stands still, the wooden handle of the pickaxe rests against his shoulder as he gazes at the horizon. Sky's so blue that if it were the sea itself, it would already plunge Aincrad into a Great Flood. Clouds are scattered here and there, blocking the sun's rays from lighting the grasslands. The breeze is getting stronger for some reason, maybe this land is trying to emulate autumn or at best, winter if winter is around 5 degrees or more.

Zicko's eyes scan what seems to be another mining spot located only several meters away from here. However, he decides that today's mining is done. Four ores is plausible. Just good enough for the old man to spend some time on explaining which ore is strong and pretty, and which is weak and crappy.

He turns around and only takes no more than 20 steps back to the Starting City when he suddenly cocks his head to the side to see a boar charging towards him.

Edited February 20, 2018 by Zicko

[Zicko 0]

ID: 96363

BD: 3

MD: 9

Zicko: HP 18/20 -- Energy 0/2 -- DMG 3 -- MIT 9

Boar: HP 10/10 -- DMG 9 -- MIT 0

The boar is surprisingly fast as it charges towards Zicko, and before he can even try to dodge the attack, it slams its tusks against his body, knocking him down onto the ground and stands still on its hooves.

Zicko, letting out a small grunt, gets up as quick as he can, and brushes his hand against his armor as if there is dust on it. Drawing out his sword, he slowly advances forward, sword pointed towards the boar. It also does the same thing as Zicko did, letting out an angry snort.

Zicko takes note of the boar's weak health yet decent damage. Still, he knows that this one's ain't a problem as long as he isn't reckless. Also, he reminds himself in his heart that he should be always evasive as these steroid filled-pigs do not stop charging and attacking their victims until either party is dead.

Edited February 20, 2018 by Zicko

[Zicko 0]

ID: 96364

BD: 1

MD: 7

Zicko: HP 17/20

Boar: HP 10/10

The boar takes another charge towards Zicko, and this time he sidesteps quickly as it almost reaches its target.

...but that doesn't work too. 

It more or less figures out where Zicko might dodge, and drags its tusk swiftly to that direction so it can still hit him, which it succeeds. Surprised by its decent intelligence, Zicko quickly balances himself on the ground after the impact on his body, then he gets around the boar quickly, who stops and turns around to glare at him.

As dodging now seems less plausible in this fight, Zicko thinks that he has to rely on his sword. Or he can move right and left at a rapid pace just to confuse the boar, but what if it still figure out where to hit him? 

Though Zicko has five healing potions with him, he decides to not risk wasting them, especially when they can heal way more than his current hitpoint.

Edited February 20, 2018 by Zicko

[Zicko 0]

ID: 96365

BD: 2

MD: 10

Zicko: HP 14/20

Boar: HP 10/10

At this hour, Zicko feels like he is the enemy here instead of the slayer, as he again gets knocked down by the boar, followed by another tusk on the face, giving him a decent laceration on the cheek due to the sharpness of the boar's weapon. He quickly rolls over and kneels up, his left foot on the ground as his eyes widen, now in anger and widened. He is really to go berserk if he is forced to.

Not even the chainmail helped deflect the blow, as for a second he felt his ribs being hammered down by the sheer brute force of the boar's thick skull. 

The boar scrapes the ground with its front hoof, blowing its breath through its nostril as its red eyes lit up like LED lights. Suddenly, it lets out a mildly unnerving squeal as it sprints towards Zicko.

Zicko could only have his sword ready, as standing up may not be possible since he doesn't have time to do it before he can get hit again.

Edited February 20, 2018 by Zicko

[Zicko 0]

ID: 96370

BD: 8

MD: 6

Zicko: HP 13/20

Boar: HP 7/10

The moment the boar is closing in, he immediately plunges the sword through its snout, at the cost of being knocked in the chest by his sword's own handle since the boar did not stop there for a second. Cutting the nostril at a horizontal sweep, he stands up and backs away as the boar squeals in pain, blood flowing out of its injury. Now breathing with its mouth, it keeps squealing as it now runs in circles around Zicko in an attempt to make his head spin.

Zicko only stands still, his eyes blank as he now faces his head to the ground, using his ears to pick up the sounds of rushing hooves as best as he can. He stands still as in, he doesn't move at all. Like a totem pole.

This confuses the boar as it slows down a little, looking at its stiff opponent. Regardless, it resumes its circular marathon until it dashes towards Zicko, squealing with its tusks pointed forward.

Edited February 20, 2018 by Zicko

[Zicko 0]

ID: 96371

BD: 6

MD: 5

Zicko: HP 13/20

Boar: HP 4/10

The confidence of the boar takes its toll as instead of bumping its skull against Zicko's armor, it found itself being stabbed at the snout, the blade had being plunged through its cylindrical muscle before it is being entirely severed, ceasing the boar's breathing ability through its nostril. It lets out a bloodcurdling squeal as it feels immense pain and more blood spurting out of the gory stump.

Zicko kicks the boar in the now non-existent snout and stands still in a very calm manner, glaring at the furry pig. The boar struggles to get up with its shaky hooves. Before it can even fully focus towards Zicko, he is already walking towards itself, sword at the ready.

Now the boar is hesitant to keep fighting, and it visibly backs away from him as he keeps walking. Too bad backing away is no help at all, as Zicko reaches his arm towards its tusk, grabbing it by force and yanking it close to himself.

The boar squeals helplessly as it trashes its hooves here and there.

Edited February 20, 2018 by Zicko

[Zicko 0]

ID: 96373

BD: 2

MD: 5

Zicko: HP 13/20

Boar: HP 4/10

Eventually, the thrashing escalates to such a violent one that Zicko is forced to let go of the tusk to avoid injuring himself. The boar glares at him for a second before it suddenly turns tail and sprints away, much to his surprise. 

His glare still unbroken and his expression emotionless, he starts sprinting too, but at a faster pace than the boar, which causes its determination to run away increases.

For entirely fifteen minutes, Zicko chases the boar non-stop around the mining spots, and then back to the grasslands, then another mining spot, and then eventually the route back to the city, though the walls are still not visible in his view. Meanwhile, the boar becomes gradually exhausted, panting heavily while its pace are also getting slower. 

After what seems like an eternity of goose chase, both of them reach to the point where they are already a few kilometers away from the city walls.

Edited February 20, 2018 by Zicko