[PP-F1] A new Acquaintance

[Kranzer 0]

It was the dawn of yet another day in the Town of Beginnings. While some players put their lives on the line to clear each floor as they made their journey to the top Kranzer largely remained here in the city. His uncertainty had grown less potent these past few days after he’d met Dynaon and he’d even managed to get a few levels under his belt. While he wasn’t really sure how he felt about how easy it was to step through those gates and venture out into the grassy fields beyond he figured it was a change for the better. Still he had yet to truly venture out too far and each time he ventured out he only stayed within eyeshot of the vast gates that kept the city secured. Well it was the system that made the city safe but it was the sight of the walls that helped reassure him that nothing bad could happen here, or so he liked to think.

The city streets were busy as usual. All the other players who weren’t very eager to ascend higher into Aincrad, those too young, or those visiting milled about carrying out their respective tasks. While others simply were content to lounge about and share conversation and laughter among friends. In all his time here the closest thing he had to a friend was that foolhardy man. He had to shake his head at that thought. Kranzer and Dynaon were like the opposite sides of the same coin. The only similarity between the two, other than the fact they were both male, was the fact they were trapped here. Though the man wasn’t all that bad. He’d gifted him with a fairly nice dagger and more than one compliment along the way. Words that actually served to bolster his confidence more than Dynaon might know.

Kranzer passively walked down the streets as he weaved around the other players and various NPCs that stood between him and his destination. It took him a little while to reach the place but eventually he finally arrived at the large circular center of the town. The very heart of the Town of Beginnings and the very place that he and every other player had been forcibly transported too to hear the grave news on their first day in this place. How long had it been since then? Kranzer hardly knew since he made it a point not to keep track. One day transitioned into the next seamlessly and during all that time he’d barely accomplished anything with his time.

He stood on the outskirts as he looked in towards the large tower-like structure directly in the center of the plaza. Beyond that was the black palace which stood out against all the other structures that could be found in the city. Idly he looked around at all of the people gathered here. Many seemed to have settled into their new lives without much trouble. Though he knew that was simply a facade as many either had breakdowns during their time here while others took more drastic measures. A pained look flashed across his face as Kranzer turned away. He took a deep breath to settle his nerves before he started to walk south towards the only thing that could be described as a “park” in this city.

[Hakai 0]

Hakai walked through the city, all of her combat gear unequipped. Even after all of this grinding and questing she still wasnt any further towards her goal of getting to higher floors, consistently at least. She was being pulled along by other higher levels, and she didnt like it. She was indebted to these people, and that just meant less options when she was stronger and able to take what she wanted by pking. She frowned, standing on the edge of the meeting area, where Kayaba had called them all to announce the paradise he had created for them. What a great world, if you only strived hard enough. It truly was an equal world, one where everyone started off at the same place.

[Kranzer 0]

Idly he pondered over what he should do on this day. Head out of the city for that daily grind? Look at the request board to see what sort of quests were available? He had yet to settle on a profession so he couldn't really do anything of that nature. He was so engrossed in his thoughts he might have accidentally run into someone but he suddenly regained his senses and stopped. His dark-eyed gaze settled up on the woman who stood just at the fringe of the meeting area. Slowly he started to walk forward and he looked to be a little nervous as he offered her a brief wave. At times he got a little nervous around new people and only in rare occasions did he start off a social encounter on even footing. "Morning," he muttered. She didn't have on any combat gear to speak of which he was starting to ponder was the norm for safe zones such as the Town of Beginnings. His eyes didn't linger any place for long as he didn't want her to think he was a pervert or anything obviously. His eyes moved to lock with hers before he adverted his gaze and idly scratched at his cheek.