[F01 | SP] Dues are Dues | <<The First Few Lessons>>

[Sakura 0]

<<The First Few Lessons>>

Days had passed since the first announcement. Against her better judgement - or perhaps in it, she still wasn’t entirely sure on that factor – Aoi had followed the first group that would accept her to Tolbana in the hopes of making some sort of headway into the world. It had been there that she had found herself ceremonially, but rather forcefully, dropped behind. At first, she’d fretted, uncertain what she would do in order to find a way to survive. The answer had come in a rather odd manner, and although she’d not necessarily welcomed the idea, she also hadn’t turned it away immediately.

Bumping into the man had been pure coincidence. The manacle upon his eye popping out and falling to his side in an almost comical, old-time mannerism that made Aoi chuckle as soon as she was certain that he was unharmed by their collision. Minor as it was, she’d been worried that she had somehow struck his pride or injured his character, more so than any actual physical harm. All of that worry was stripped from her, however, as he suddenly shouted out towards her.

’You there, stop! Stop, please!’ The words caused Aoi to shift backwards, shouted from as close as they were. She’d not stepped more than a half her arm’s reach away from the man when he’d decided to scream at her. ’Pardon me, but I am in need of a small matter of assistance, if you would be so kind. You appear…capable.’

His words seemed to hover on an edge of something close to doubt, and yet he pressed onwards, seemingly unphased by the fact that he had just requested assistance from the individual who had wholly stepped into him mere seconds ago. A fact that was not lost upon Aoi, who stared at the presentable man in something that could be considered a questioning gaze.

’My name is Dorian, and I am the mayor of this fine town!’ He seemed to stand somewhat taller with his proclamation, though Aoi couldn’t quite figure out where the pride had come from. A beautiful town though it was, she found herself wondering what the importance in the moment was. ’As part of those mayoral duties, I issued a small loan to a community member…a few months ago…and it’s time to collect those funds in retrospect. The issue is…’

 

Sakura | Lv. 1 | P. 0 | HP [20/00] | EN [20/20] | ACC [1] | DMG [4] | EVA [0] | MIT [6]   Hide contents Notes [Theme] Tier 1 | Tier 1 Equipment Hand Crossbow [Hand Crossbow | Tier 1] Enhancement: Accuracy [1 Slot] Black Tactical Vest [L. Armour | Tier 1] Enhancement: Mitigation [1 Slot]  Raven Pendant [Vanity] Battle-Ready Inventory Starter Healing Potion {5} [Potion | Tier 0 | Heals 50 HP]  Skills   Hide contents Utility Skills Skill [Active: -. Effect: -.] Combat Skills Skill [Active: -. Effect: -.] Weapon Skills Projectile Weaponry [Rank: 1. Active: Passive. Effect: +3 DMG] Armour Skills Skill [Active: -. Effect: -.] Extra Skills Skill [Active: -. Effect: -.] Combat Mastery Skill [Active: -. Effect: -.] Familiar Skills Skill [Active: -. Effect: -.] Sword Arts   Hide contents [x4] ST-I (4 EN) | A single-target sword art. [x3] AOE-I (1 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. [x4] TECH-A (5 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy. Housing Buffs   Hide contents   [Home] Room [Effect.]

Edited 15 hours ago by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

His voice trailed off in an almost expected manner. It didn’t take Aoi long to figure out the unspoken thoughts, and she felt a small smile tug at the corner of her mouth. She gave only a few seconds of pause before adding her own voice to the mixture, letting the soft, calming effect wash over the mayor as she stated what he could not. ’…you’ve been unable to collect it, and require some assistance in locating the individual in question?’

A small nod of the head, before an almost contrary shaking came in response. The mayor’s face seemed to redden slightly, though Aoi found it difficult to say for certain as his hand covered the lower half of his features in an attempt to hide his flustered nature.

’I…you see, I’ve forgotten exactly who I had loaned the money to, which is – as you would expect – somewhat embarrassing for someone in my station. I’m a very busy man, and cannot keep track of absolutely everything, as you may understand.’ There was an almost pleading to the words, and Aoi found herself naturally agreeing in an attempt to persuade him onwards, her eyes and motions signifying in an unspoken mannerism her understanding. ’If you would be so willing, track down the loan recipient for me, collect the owed amounts of col, and I would be eternally grateful. Just…don’t let anyone else know that the recipient’s identity slipped my mind, if you would be so kind.’

A few further words passed between herself and the mayor as Aoi gathered what little information she could about her newfound task. Aside from a name, she gained little more of import from the mayor. Farewells and temporary thanks given, Aoi turned towards Tolbana proper, her eyes scanning the streets as she planned her next move. Zackariah the Alchemist. Sounds like it could be fun.

Edited 15 hours ago by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

The shop was far more difficult to find than Aoi would have thought, considering the fact that she was living within a game world. She’d wandered streets for hours, asking for directions as she went. Though she’d obtained some help and guidance from various individuals she’d passed, numerous detours were made after she’d mixed up her directions. It was with relief that she’d stopped before what was clearly the correct building – an aura of smoke and scents drifting from the open door that could mark nothing less than some sort of concoction of potions and brews.

Stopping upon the edge of the aura, Aoi shook her head and tried to prepare herself for what would come next. She flipped between a few facial expressions – glancing in the window of a nearby building as she smiled, frowned, smirked and snarled in an attempt to decide upon her attitude towards the alchemist she’d been sent to question.

You’re not here to cause any trouble. Just go in nicely and ask, there’s no need to cause a scene. Besides, you don’t know for sure if he was the one who borrowed the money or not. Acknowledging her thoughts, she decided upon a simple, welcoming smile and an aura that would be little more than a friend asking about a borrowed item.

Edited 15 hours ago by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

The shift between exterior and interior was like changing worlds; the smoke covering the area thickened, as did the mixture of scents that assailed her nostrils. Were it not for her preparation at the entryway to the shop, Aoi was certain that the wall of smoke and smells that greeted her would have stopped her in her tracks almost immediately. Thankfully, she found herself able to continue onwards with only the barest of pauses, her eyes searching the interior slowly before spotting the form of an individual seated just within.

’Hello, I’m looking for Zackariah. I was sent by the mayor.’ She ensured that her pleasant appearance remained, though she wasn’t certain whether the character within the haze could see her or not.

’Oh, hello. Have you come to order something? I’m currently a bit overwhelmed with the orders I have, and truth be told I’m running low on the supplies I would use to complete orders.’ The man spoke as if her words had gone unheard, though the fact that he spoke at all confirmed that she hadn’t been ignored entirely. ’Would you gather a few materials for me? Flowers, herbs, rare woods…really anything you can find of that sort beyond the city walls will do. I’ll help you fill whatever order you may have once you return with them. In fact, I’ll even show you how to make them yourself, so that you don’t have to await my assistance!’

’Materials…certainly!’ Aoi’s expression beamed as she realised that she had agreed to an entire shift in her task. Shaking it off as a simple detour, and promising to find the funds that the mayor had sent her for once she had finished, she obtained a few finals details about what she needed to find so that she wouldn’t be heading out blind.

’Ah, and feel free to have some of this. It will assist you, if only slightly, in your search.’ The alchemist waved a hand towards a pot of bubbling liquid, small groupings of grain based snacks surrounding it. Hesitantly, but unwilling to cause any sort of upset by refusing the offer, Aoi reached out and grabbed what appeared to be a piece of flatbread, dipping it into the mixture and consuming the proffered item. She’d paused only long enough to sniff it and confirm it smelt like a food, before eating the item in question.

’Oh, that’s good!’ The surprise in her voice caused an eyebrow to rise upon the face that had materialised from behind the smoke at some point, and she found herself sheepishly grinning towards the elderly man that glanced her way, before excusing herself and heading back into the street that she had first arrived from, thankful to be clear of the smoke and smells.

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Post Action: Consume Fondue [+3 LD]

Sakura | Lv. 1 | P. 0 | HP [20/00] | EN [20/20] | ACC [1] | DMG [4] | EVA [0] | MIT [6] | LD [3]

Edited 15 hours ago by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

The clean, cool air undisturbed by the scene within the building was welcoming to Aoi. Letting out a breath she hadn’t realised she’d been restricting, she turned towards the distant wall that held the gates back out of the town. Feet moving without thought, she began the slow trek back across the settlement towards her next destination, wondering for the first time if there was any sort of time limit on completing the task that the mayor had given her. She’d seen no such notification upon accepting the quest, but she remembered her unfamiliarity with the game, and the consequences that had come from that in earlier experiences.

I guess I’ll just have to finish it as quickly as I can, and hope that’s good enough. She wouldn’t push herself beyond her limits, not yet. Especially not for a simple errand quest, where there was no need to truly rush anything. Her mind made up, she waved as she passed the guard at the gate – a habit she had noticed other players performing as they passed by the guard – and made her way into the fields beyond.

The sight was, as always, breathtaking in a way. Though she had spent a few days in the world of Aincrad already, she still found herself marvelling at the beauty of the world. Realistic to a degree that was almost uncanny. Winds swept through grasses that flowed almost naturally, sun beamed down from a sun above that was no more real than the one in her dreams. Boars, wolves and other creatures moved through the fields, and yet none of it felt any less real than the world she had come from originally. Wondrous, truly…

Determined not to fall behind on her fallacy of a schedule, Aoi turned towards the grasses around her. A small group of bushes caught her attention, and as she remembered the few guiding words that Zackariah had shared, she found herself crossing towards it in the hopes of finding some sort of flower or herb that could be useful to the alchemist in his creations.

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Post Action: Material Search | LD: [5+3] = 8 | Result: Failure [1/3]

Edited 15 hours ago by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

The bushes gave up no secrets, and as Aoi dug through them without any knowledge of what she was looking for – nor, more importantly, how to collect it – she couldn’t help but wonder if the alchemist had chosen some odd prank to place upon her in an attempt to shoo her away while he avoided paying back whatever loans he may or may not have taken.

He likely wouldn’t do that, I would think. These are essentially artificial people, non-player characters that are designed to do specific tasks. They wouldn’t be so personalised as to…would they? She couldn’t help but stop herself from doubting, realising that the world of technology had grown and expanded to a point where she was living inside a virtual world. Somehow, during that span of time, she’d forgotten the plausibility of what could happen.

Fine, let’s assume he didn’t send me on some wild chase, and he truly thinks I am a customer. This bush isn’t giving me anything, so there’s no point in continuing to poke and prod it. Acceptance, in some manner and form, was all she could muster in the moment as she turned away from her first attempt and looked towards the field before her. Small groups of flowers dotted the landscape, their vibrant colours of blues, reds and oranges standing stark against the otherwise large swathe of greens and browns that made up the grasses. Little else to go upon, she found herself drifting towards the nearest of the bundles, hoping that she would have more success her compared to her earlier attempt. If nothing else, it’s beautiful out today.

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Post Action: Material Search | LD: [6+3] = 9 | Result: Failure [2/3]

Edited 15 hours ago by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

The flowers seemed to break apart in her grasp as she reached for the first one. The red and golden hues drifted slightly, before becoming a kaleidoscope of colours upon the air, and eventually disappearing into nothingness and leaving Aoi confused about her lack of progress. She’d known, expected even, that collecting items wouldn’t be the easiest of tasks – most games made it a task within a task to do such collection runs, and Aoi wasn’t surprised that this one made it difficult in its own way – however she could feel herself becoming somewhat frustrated at her entire lack of success.

’It’s infuriating in a way, is what it is.’ Her voice upon the air chimed slightly against her own ears, a sound that many had called musical, or comforting, and yet Aoi herself had always disliked. She was well aware that everyone always said they hated the sound of their own voice, but to her ears the words were a tad high pitched – even for her natural Japanese fluency – and felt more energetic than comforting, or mature.

’Task at hand, task at hand…focus.' She shook her head slightly to clear away the thoughts that had been bubbling up, looking back towards the open fields and growing flowers. Collections of blues, reds and oranges seemed to shimmer in the light, as if beckoning her to attempt to pluck them from existence. Without hesitation, she moved to oblige the sudden urge, desiring to be done with the task as soon as possible.

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Post Action: Material Search | LD: [4+3] = 7 | Result: Failure [3/3]

Edited 4 hours ago by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

As the flower once again broke within her grasp, a new notification appeared at the corner of Aoi’s vision. She glanced towards it, her expression turning in surprise as she saw the direction to return to the alchemist. Pushing herself to her feet, she glanced back towards where the flower had drifted to the ground, knowing that she hadn’t completed the task she’d been sent to handle at all.

Sighing to herself, she spun on the spot and made her way back towards the town. If the quest directed her to return, there was no point in continuing on the path of failure that she had followed thus far. Besides, maybe I was meant to fail. Maybe it wasn’t about succeeding in finding things, but simply a matter of being away long enough for them to find the funds. The idea was better than any other she had, and she’d seen it done before in other games, so Aoi found herself accepting it without further consideration.

The pathway back to the shop was simple. A retracing of the steps she’d taken to leave it behind, before coming to a halt before the curtain of smoke that seemed somewhat lesser than it had been originally. Preparing herself as best as she could, she stepped inside with a determination and a smile that hid the obvious discomfort at her lack of success.

’My apologies, but it seems that I was summoned back before I could find anything of real value and use. However, if you have a moment, I would like to speak about the loan that the mayor provided.’ She ‘d given a shallow bow upon entry, and as her eyes rose to view the elderly man behind the counter, she could see the almost fatherly disappointment in his eyes at her words.

Giving a sigh, he instead shook a hand before speaking, as if waving away the task she had been sent on. ’Leave it to Dorian to forget something so important. I’m afraid I’m not the one who borrowed the col, though you might try Lyle. The local blacksmith, who I’ve noticed speaking frequently with the mayor as of late. His smithy is just up the road from here, though I wish you the utmost luck in your task!’

Another wave of his hand seemed to dismiss her, and Aoi found herself stepping out of the shop before she entirely registered her movement. Pausing only once to glance back, she left the alchemist behind, happy to be making some sort of headway on the original collection mission she’d received

[Sakura 0]

The path to the blacksmith was, in all truth and telling, short and simple. Aoi had passed it numerous times during her original search for the alchemist, the building standing out against those surrounding it due to its defined smithing area. Smoke bellowed out from the work area, and although it seemed thicker than the smoke within the alchemist’s shop, Aoi found it less blinding and overpowering compared to where she had been previously.

’Excuse me, I’m looking for Lyle the blacksmith?’ She called out as she entered the area, her voice lilting with a pleasant tone – or at least what she assumed would be a pleasant tone.

’I’m busy.’ The tight reply came as though through clenched teeth, but the sound drew Aoi’s eyes towards the solitary figure that lifted a hammer and prepared to work upon whatever item happened to be in front of them in the moment.

’Busy or not, I’ve been sent by-‘ Her words were cut off as the hand holding the hammer waved into the air, before pointing the tool directly at her. The voice – which sounded more agitated than it had been moments before, cut out behind it almost instantly, giving her no chance to further provoke a conversation.

’I told you I’m busy. Moreover, I don’t do anything without some form of payment, and from the looks of you, you cannot pay. Go deal with a few of the boarlets beyond the walls, bring back the entire carcass or a few tusks – I don’t really care which – and then perhaps I’ll give you an audience. And take something from the front stock to assist you, if you need it.’

The words ended as abruptly as they had been spoken, and the smashing of hammer upon metal cut through the air. Clearly not capable of asking any further questions, Aoi turned her back on the blacksmith and exited back into the clear air beyond the smithery, wondering how someone so rude could possibly run a successful shop. She’d taken a single glance at the proffered items, before determining that she was fine with her own equipment for the time being.

Doesn’t matter. For now, go find these boarlets. And hope that it’s not like the last task. Rolling her eyes slightly, she made her way back towards the gates of the town, determined to succeed where she’d failed before

Edited 2 hours ago by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

Another wave as she passed by the guard, her pleasant and charming smile plastered on her face before she moved out of sight and allowed it to fall to her natural, soft expression. She’d been told before that it was adorable, in a way – though Aoi had no idea what the individuals had meant by adorable. She’d assumed that it was simply a way of saying she didn’t look entirely like a bitch, but also didn’t appear approachable.

The boarlets had been easy to find. Small, grunting forms that grouped together in the nearby fields closest to the walls of the town itself. Aoi had spent a few moments studying the things, hoping to find some measure of natural movement or tactic that would give away a weakness in them. Nothing had presented itself, however, and she’d sighed as she realised she would be heading into the fight essentially blind.

You’ve fought harder things than this before. You should be okay. It wasn’t entirely truthful, but it also wasn’t a lie. She’d worked as a team to bring down full-sized boars and wolves, but she’d never actually fought anything alone. The nervousness of the situation coursed through her, and she found herself bouncing on her heels slightly in anticipation.

Knowing that she simply needed to take the first step, Aoi pushed herself into movement and brought her hand crossbow up, loading, cocking and aiming the weapon even as she moved slightly closer to the beasts she was hunting – a pair that had drifted from the remainder of the group, who presented a viable target that wasn’t too dangerous.

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Sakura | Lv. 1 | P. 0 | HP [20/00] | EN [15/20] | ACC [1] | DMG [4] | EVA [0] | MIT [6] | LD [3] | -5 EN
Boarlet 1 | HP: 0/5 | DMG: 3
Boarlet 2 | HP: 1/5 | DMG: 3

ID244338 | BD: [10+1] = 11 | <<AoE-I vs. Boarlet 1>> | Major Critical Hit: [4+2] = 6 damage | Boarlet 1 defeated.
ID244339 | BD: [8+1] = 9 | <<AoE-I vs. Boarlet 2>> | Hit: 4 damage | MOB: 2 | Miss.

Boarlets Defeated | 1/3
 

Edited 2 hours ago by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

The first of the boars exploded as the small arrow impaled itself into, and through, the boarlet’s form. Aoi watched in amazement as the small arrow ricocheted off a nearby stone, bounding back and impaling itself into the second boarlet as the creature rushed forwards in an attempt to impale her. Through sheer luck in the moment, she was able to side step the assault and watch as it faltered a small distance away, the damage done to it leaving it barely able to remain on its hooves.

Well, this is…easier. Aoi found herself struck by the ease of the combat, thinking back on how difficult it had been to attempt to pluck a flower, and realising that something within the system seemed to push for the idea of destruction over care and control. At least, that’s how it seemed to her in the moment. She wasn’t given a chance to continue the thought, however, as the boarlet turned towards her and huffed loudly before charging, a motion and action that brought the attention of another of its kin towards her. Uhoh.

Aoi moved to the side once more, reloading the hand crossbow and turning herself to face the newly arriving threat, trying to figure out how to deal with the pair in a way that wouldn’t leave her dangling in danger. She knew that they were, for the most part, relatively easy to bring down. That didn’t stop her from being concerned, however. Mistakes happen, and I’d rather not be placed upon a tableau for the world to see as Death by Boarlet.

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Sakura | Lv. 1 | P. 0 | HP [16/20] | EN [11/20] | ACC [1] | DMG [4] | EVA [0] | MIT [6] | LD [3] | -5 EN -4 HP | +1 EN
Boarlet 2 | HP: 0/5 | DMG: 3
Boarlet 3 | HP: 1/5 | DMG: 3

ID244340 | BD: [9+1] = 10 | <<AoE-I vs. Boarlet 2>> | Minor Critical Hit: [4+1] = 5 damage | Boarlet 2 defeated.
ID244341 | BD: [7+1] = 8 | <<AoE-I vs. Boarlet 3>> | Hit: 4 damage | MOB: 10 | Major Critical Hit: [(3+2)-6] = 4 damage

Boarlets Defeated | 2/3

Edited 2 hours ago by Sakura

[Sakura 0]

Another quick shot caused the second boarlet to explode, the arrow clattering off a nearby tree and angling back into the third and final of her opponents. This time, however, she wasn’t fast enough to dodge out of the way of the creature as it came colliding into the side of her form, throwing her to the ground and leaving her scuttling back as she tried to regain her footing.

Health! She glanced upwards and checked on her health bar, confirming that she was – for the moment – okay. Still, she could feel a shiver pass through her as she saw the drop, significant to her in the current moment. With time, she knew it would become less terrifying, but as she eyed the change in her status, she couldn’t help but wonder how she could continue pressing out into the world, facing dangers, when the very real concept of death faced her.

Urged forward by the sudden realisation that she was, in a sense, in trouble, Aoi reloaded the hand crossbow while forcing her feet to move her further away from the boarlet’s vicinity. The movements were anything but well-versed; they did what they were expected to, however, and Aoi brought the hand crossbow up just as the boarlet moved towards her once more. You got this.

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Sakura | Lv. 1 | P. 0 | HP [16/20] | EN [10/20] | ACC [1] | DMG [4] | EVA [0] | MIT [6] | LD [3] | -2 EN -0 HP | +1 EN
Boarlet 3 | HP: 1/5 | DMG: 3

ID244342 | BD: [1+1] = 2 | <<ST-I vs. Boarlet 3>> | Miss | MOB: 2 | Miss.

Boarlets Defeated | 2/3

Edited 1 hour ago by Sakura