[PP-F1] The First Few Lessons are Free (Beginner Quest)

[Turnip-Senpai 0]

The first two days came and went in a ViewMaster show of images. First was confusion, with Turnip button-mashing to log out. Next he was in the central plaza learning from a faceless floating giant that his body was now captive to the game and that if he died before the final floor was beat then his brain would be turned into an omelet. In another frame he watched in awe-struck horror as players jumped from tall buildings and off the edge of the world in search of freedom. He wandered the streets, crying for help, but nobody would listen. There he was, looking out into the fields outside of town and watching the other players go at it with wild animals, fighting, winning, and collecting supplies. There were a lot of frames with Turnip sitting alone watching. 

On the third day he was starving, so he tried to purchase some some vegetables from the market, but he was he broke. On the third night he tried to find a room at an inn, but he was still broke and so he had to sleep on the streets again.

He sits outside on the road, his rear-end sore from the stone. He hears laughter coming from the building around him. It wasn't nearly as crowded now as it was the first day. He was afraid, wondering how long this digital body was allowed to go without food. Were there diseases one could get if they spent too long sleeping in the streets? Most of all, he wondered about his real-life body. His parents would be wondering what to do with him. Would they have heard the news? Did they even know that he was in his room in his bed with the NerveGear still on? What would they do when they found out? One minute Turnip might just be walking along, and then poof! Gone forever. Quietly, he tucked his face into his knees and cried. He didn't want people seeing him so weak.

 

Edited May 19, 2017 by Turnip-Senpai

[Stoic 0]

Anyone could have guessed what would occur after the announcement was made. Anger, sadness, fear, and confusion; a whirlwind of emotions echoed throughout the crowded streets of the Starting City. Regardless of who they happened to be, most players felt some way about their predicament. Cecil wasn't one of them.

As usual he remained mute through this hectic time; avoiding contact with his fellow players while sorting the countless thoughts in his head. The possibility of dying didn’t bother him. Rather, the heaviest weight of all on his mind was in regards to his family and how his absence would affect them now. He wanted to see them and someday he would. Surviving this hell just had to come first.

---

To still be alive and kicking after three days must have been a good sign. Truth be told he wasn't interested in leaving town anytime soon. There was still too much uncharted territory outside the walls and without nearly enough courage (or foolishness) he could not justify exploring without a party of capable players at his side.

Instead he spent his newfound free time people watching. While leaning against the bricks in a side alley he stared as players of all shapes and sizes passed by. It was likely it’d be the last time for many of them… He couldn't understand what drove those around him to do the things they did, but that didn't make them any less interesting to observe.

One in particular stood out among the crowd. A guy across the road, curled up on the curb as if he was trying to do his best hedgehog impression. Was he of a similar mind set and just biding his time for now? It was a smart strategy after all, so if that was the case he'd probably go far in this world.

Of course Cecil wasn't going to approach him though. He didn't want to talk to anyone. Watching, listening, and gathering information was the top priority currently, so for now staring was the best he could manage to do.

[Turnip-Senpai 0]

Turnip laid there for what looked like hours. His thoughts in time turned numb. Something, small, from the depths of his id, spoke to him: We have to do something to get out of here. And the superego responded: Okay. 

Suddenly Turnip was unrolling from the ground, pulling himself up. He looked like a broken umbrella, all ruffled in the hair and his cloak layered in dirt. Dead birds washed ashore had seen better days than him. He felt so. Wiping his nose on the back of his hand, he started walking down the road. It wasn't a calculated direction and he had no idea where he was going. The id steered. The ego tried to understand. 

Ultimately he ended up standing in front of a merchant stall, staring vacantly at the NPC merchant. The merchant was older and dark haired, looking about ready to retire and leave this place to his son. "Can I help you?" he asked politely.

Turnip blinked once, twice, finding the fog cleared in an instant. He took a breath through his teeth. "Y-yes," he stammered to say, and then more resolutely, "Yes. Yes you can. How can I get out of here?"

The merchant looked confused. "The town gate is to the south, if that's what you're asking,"

He shook his head. "No, no, I mean, how can I get out of Aincrad. How do I beat the boss on the 100th floor?"

"Let me see," he began while scratching behind his ear, "You're an adventurer? You could always try Zackariah's place. He helps the new guys."

Blip! There was a message in Turnip's menu. Flicking the air with his pointer finger an array of windows appeared before him. There was an important message on top. New Quest: The First Few Lessons are Free. Accept? Hesitantly, Turnip accepted. "Thanks!" he said. "So where exactly is Zack's place?"

"Zachariah lives just on the east side of town, by the park. Can't miss him."

And so his journey began.