[F05/PP] Through the Sands | <<The Traveller>>

[Zenshu 0]

Stepping off the platform of the fifth floor teleporter, Zenshu felt his eyes glancing every direction – trying to take in everything as quickly as he could. He’d never been to the fifth – in fact, he’d never been beyond the Town of Beginnings at all. He’d figured it was about time to make his way into the world beyond the town and fields he’d gotten used to, to explore the greater expanse of Aincrad.

He’d heard rumours about a quest engaging a traveller who required guidance through a desert. From what he’d heard – and having read a bit about it in the details of the quest on his quest list – Zenshu had come to the conclusion that the quest itself couldn’t be that difficult. Determination – both to try and complete more quests, and gain more confidence and capability, as well as to leave behind the safe place that had held him back for so long – had caused Zenshu to arrive at this point.

What he found before him was not at all what he had expected. The large bazaar contained numerous colourfully decorated stalls, merchants and buyers throughout, with raised voices declaring the wares they had for sale. It reminded Zenshu of some of the cultural events that he had attended with his parents back home. That connection was where it ended however, the entire scene reminding him more of a Middle Eastern atmosphere, than a proper Japanese event.

“I cannot believe that something so…chaotic…exists here! I wonder if there’s any good deals to be had…I’m sure given enough time I could find many a wondrous items!” He’d started to step towards the hawking merchants, curious at what there was for sale, before he caught himself. He had far more important things to attend to right now, to get distracted with a bit of flashy sales. “First, I find this Traveller – and complete the quest, then I can come back and do some shopping! I doubt leading someone through the desert would take very long, after all!”

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Word Count: 336

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Spoiler

Zenshu | Lv. 7 | HP: 140/140 | EN: 32/32 | DMG: 7 | LD: 1 | MIT: 13 | Light Momentum [+1 BD]

Tier 1

Equipped Items

Ninjato [Tier 1; One-Handed Straight Sword; Uncommon] A simple black, single edged ninjato.
Enhancement: Damage [1 Slot] | Effect: +(1 * Tier) base damage per slot.

White Tunic [Tier 1; Cloth Armour; Uncommon] A simple white overcoat with blue and yellow embellishments.
Enhancement: Light Momentum [1 Slot] | Effect: After an unsuccessful attack, gain +(1 per slot) to the BD until your next successful attack, at which point this bonus is removed. Another unsuccessful attack will reactivate this enhancement. Cannot be used to cause a critical hit. [For Area of Effect attacks: This effect only activates if you miss all enemies targeted by the attack.]

Royal Blue T-Shirt [Tier 1 Clothing; Uncommon] A simple dark blue t-shirt, well crafted and form fitting.
Enhancement: Loot Die [1 Slot] | Effect: Gain +(1 per slot) to the LD.

Fox Head Necklace [Vanity]

Battle-Ready Inventory

Starter Healing Potions {5} | Heals 50 HP
T1 Uncommon Health Potion {1} | HP Recovery I
T1 Uncommon Damage Potion {1} | Damage I
T1 Uncommon Overhealth Potions {1} | Overhealth I
T1 Rare Health Potion | HP Recovery II

Inventory

Arrowhead Brooch
Boar Jerky {1} | DMG II | MIT I

Sword Arts

[x8] ST-I (8 EN) | A single-target sword art.
[x11] ST-II (11 EN) | A powerful single-target sword art. Only available for use when ST-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if ST-II had been used and had missed the previous turn.
[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.

Weapon Skills

Straight Sword
Rank 3
Passive
Effect: +5 DMG

Armour Skills

Cloth Armour
Rank 2
Passive
Effect: +13 MIT 

 

[Krysta 0]

Quite a few memories were made on this desert floor...such a shame that very few of them were pleasant. So much had prevented Krysta from properly exploring the fifth floor of Aincrad, so it was time she return to this sand-covered floor, that she may find something worth doing. It was very likely that much would have changed after that black storm that was followed by the literal transformation of this virtual prison in its entirety.

Arriving in the safe zone, at the teleport gate, Krysta would first take a short walk to look around to see if there were any immediate signs of any drastic changes. There didn't seem to be much, at first. The settlement had its usual air around it. Upon arriving at the bazaar, the eyes of several merchants turned to her, as if sizing her up. They displayed and offered the various trinkets, jewelry and goods they were selling as Krysta walked by, but she could only decline politely so many times before it began to become irritably repetitive.

She soon noticed a player in her field of vision, who seemed to be attempting to refocus himself, to which Krysta believed he might have been sidetracked by the merchants' offerings. "Pardon me, but are you having trouble with the multitude of merchants?" She asked as she approached the player. "I only ask because you appear to be having difficulty keeping focus, from what little I can tell."

@Zenshu

 

Stats and Equipment:

Spoiler

Level: 32

Paragon Level: 22(paragon stat bonus totals: +80 HP, +8 EN)

Paragon Rewards:

Lv. 5 | Gain additional col equivalent to 15% of EXP earned in that thread.

Lv. 10 | +1 LD to Loot and Chest rolls

 

 

Battle Stats:

HP: 760(Base[720], Resolve[40])

Energy: 110(Base[90], Energist[20])

Base Damage: 23(THSS R5[7], Combat Mastery: DMG[12], SS Ferocity[2], Meticulous[1])

Mitigation: 78(Lumino Regalia[48], Light Armor R5[30])

Accuracy: 2(Alediel's Grace[1], SS Precision[1])

Evasion: 0

Loot Die: 3(Andvari's Blessing)

Holy Damage: +8 Damage on BD 9-10

T4 Bleed: Inflicts Bleed on BD 9-10, deals 48 DMG per turn for two turns

 

Additional conditions:

-2 on all stealth rolls(Light Armor Rank 5)

 

Equipment:

[T4] Alediel's Grace(Holy, Accuracy, Bleed)[Equipped]

[T4] Lumino Regalia(2 MIT, 1 REC)[Equipped]

[T1] Andvari's Blessing(3 LD)[Equipped]

 

Consumables:

Teleport Crystal x1

 

 

Skills:

Straight Sword Rank 5(30 SP)

Light Armor Rank 5(30 SP)

Combat Mastery: Damage Rank 3(13 SP)

Battle Healing Rank 5(30 SP)

Energist(8 SP)

 

Shift: AoE(10 SP)

 

Extra Skills:

First aid Rank 5(30 SP)

Familiar Mastery: Healing(10 SP)

Meditation

 

 

Mods:

Purify(4 SP)

Barrier(6 SP)

Field Medic(6 SP)

Meticulous(4 SP)

 

Addons:

Resolve(6 SP)

SS Ferocity(6 SP)

SS Precision(2 SP)

SS Stamina(4 SP)

 

[Zenshu 0]

Zenshu turned at the voice behind him, his soft smile suddenly halting across his face as he took in the blonde lady before him. Instinctively he averted his eyes, bowing slightly as he fumbled his words in response to her question.

“Oh, no, no not at all! It’s just, well, I’ve never been to this floor before and I was thinking that there’s so many shopping opportunities, and maybe I could find wares for my crafting – I’m a tailor you see, and there’s lots of fine threading and – well, that’s not important! What is important, is that I’m here for a quest, not for shopping!” He rose from his bow, before he realised that he’d been talking only about himself – without any of the proper introductions, or greetings. Forcing out a breath, he let his smile beam wider as he cast his eyes downwards again. “I’m Zenshu, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

He waited for a response, before letting his attention turn back to the marketplace around them. His eyes roamed over the many wares, taking a brief respite while he tried to calm his mind enough to form a proper sentence. “I’m actually here to complete a quest, one that I’ve heard is…well, not easy, but not as dangerous for lower levelled players. Perhaps you’re familiar with it? I believe it’s called The Traveller?”

He brought up his quest menu, sliding it around to display the quest to the blonde, his eyes politely kept averted. Once he was certain she was done reading it, he swiped a hand carefully through the air to close the menu, before continuing. “I just arrived a moment ago, and well…I’ve not experienced anywhere beyond the Town of Beginnings really, so I guess it was a bit shocking at first to see such a place. It is beautiful in a way, isn’t it? I mean the hawking might get a bit on one’s nerves and ears, but just the tapestries on display, and the colours, and the collections…there’s no wonder this is considered a wonderful market!”

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Word Count: 343

[Krysta 0]

The player would bow slightly while averting his eyes, as though the situation had become awkward. He explained how this was his first time to the fifth floor, and that the opportunities within this market may prove beneficial to his crafts as a tailor.

Before Krysta could respond, the player spoke again, claiming that he was here to handle a quest, which seemed to entail that he may have been on the verge of sidetracking. With that, he would get up from his bow and introduce himself as Zenshu.

Krysta made a mental note of how Zenshu's eyes never met hers, but this could have easily been a trait from a similar condition to the spectrum that one of her newer friends, Astralin, might have been under. Since the player had bowed, Krysta, somewhat confused, would give a slight curtsy in response. As Zenshu had now introduced himself, Krysta would respond in kind. "It is a pleasure meeting you as well. I am Krysta." 

Zenshu would take a moment to look at his surroundings, before speaking again, explaining the quest he had come for to the best of his ability, before showing the quest to Krysta. Once that was done, he immediately began speaking of how he had never been beyond the first floor, or far from the Town of Beginnings. "It certainly can be a wonder." Krysta noted in response to him being amazed by this environment which he was new to. "Each floor is its own realm, with its own culture, people and possibilities." She added. "Perhaps it would have even been beautiful...had it not been for the matter that we were trapped here with the potential of death, against our will, forced to fight or remain imprisoned for the rest of our days..." She trailed off slightly at the end, then she needed to get her mind back onto the subject. "I do not have any matters pressing upon me, for the moment, so perhaps you wouldn't mind if I came along on the quest?"

@Zenshu

[Zenshu 0]

Zenshu listened intently as the girl – Krysta – spoke about the possible beauty of the many floors, and the concept that could be Aincrad. This all came crashing down, however, with the reminder of their current predicament. Zenshu shuffled his feet, the reminder crashing down his happy persona for a brief second, before he managed to recover.

“Well…yes…there is that. Although…we could die in the real world too…so, is it so different? Not that I’m saying it’s better – it’s just…here, the real world, if we die, we die. I guess we should…” He hesitated as he considered what he was trying to say. Was he really trying to defend all this? “It’s not that we should continue on living as though everything was fine…but aren’t we losing out if we focus on the bad? I mean there’s a lot of good here too! The people, the things we can do…sure, there’s always the risk of this being our final day…but at least we can fight. And we can try and escape…some people don’t have that in the real world.”

It was a weak argument in his mind, but he felt like it needed to be said regardless. At her offer to join him, though, he suddenly peaked up – his smile returning and his eyes widening. He hadn’t expected to have a companion, but the idea of it was exciting.

“I would love to have you join – if you have the time, and want to! It would be exciting to make new fri- I mean, acquaintances here! Plus, an adventure is always more enjoyable as a group, rather than alone! From the looks of it too, you’ve had some experience throughout Aincrad as well. Maybe you can give me some tips and advice on what to expect, especially if I’m looking to join the frontlines one day!”

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Word Count: 305

[Krysta 0]

Zenshu seemed to be having trouble properly explaining that there was a bright side to this. Krysta appreciated the player's effort, but in the end, well-made game or not, the players were still at war with its monsters and creator. This was the reality.

Unwilling to pressure this, however, she would let it go for the time being. Zenshu accepted Krysta's offer to assist, becoming rather excited upon the idea. He also remarked about the benefits of forming parties, as well as the potential information he could learn, not to mention his intention to reach the front lines. "The front lines? A risky yet noble goal, indeed. I've heard rumors that little progress had been made recently, which might even convince me to see what it's like in this game's most challenging scenarios, though it would be more likely that I simply investigate the cause of the slowdown..." Krysta remarked. "Though I suppose we all have to start somewhere if we are to get anywhere. If you ever find yourself in danger, I can offer healing and support, should you need it." She added, raising her offhand as she looked at it. Then she drew her weapon, a regal blade with an aura of holy light. "I have also proven myself against many foes and vanquished a great many evils. Rest assured, the day shall be won, your task completed." She finished, sheathing her sword at the end. She carried a soft, warm smile on her expression, as she waited for a party invite.

[Zenshu 0]

He listened patiently to Krysta’s words, glazing over the topic of the game itself and instead focusing on the frontlines. He couldn’t blame her, there was a lot of contention in the fact that they were trapped here – even Zenshu had found himself becoming angry at it, at first. He knew that many players held on to that anger, using it to drive them towards clearing the game.

“I wasn’t even aware that healers existed in this game! That is wonderful to hear! I may not be anywhere near as powerful as some individuals, but I will definitely try my hand at fronting…well, maybe not tanking, but trying to take down whatever should stand before us!” His smile broadened as he tried to portray confidence and friendliness, his eyes still cast slightly downwards. Suddenly realising that the other was waiting, he opened his menu and sent off the party request, trying not to show his embarrassment at how long it took to recognise the requirement.

“From what the quest said, there should be a man around here that we need to meet and escort into the desert…” Zenshu’s eyes cast around the marketplace, before he spotted an NPC that carried a marker on it different from the others. Curiosity overtaking Zenshu, he approached the man, trusting his new party member would follow. A deep bow as he stopped in front of the man, greeting him politely. “Good morning, my name is Zenshu.”

The eyes of the older man seemed to light up as he looked over the pair, before his raspy voice spoke. “Are you an adventuer?”

Unsure of what else to say, Zenshu nodded in response, listening as the man explained his predicament. Coughing fits made the conversation go slow, but as they listened, Zenshu became more sure this was the quest. His agreement to assist – causing a notification to appear, with the update to the quest - assured Zenshu of this fact. He turned to face Krysta as the older man began to lead them towards the settlements exit, heading for the desert beyond.

“See? This is progressing nicely so far! I wonder if this will be a simple quest? It does just say that we need to escort him, nothing about having to fight anyone, or cause any sort of disturbances…then again, when do these descriptions ever tell us everything? Oh well – I’m sure together we’ll be fine!”

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Word Count: 401

[Krysta 0]

The other player's excitement began to rise again. The fact that Krysta could offer healing brightened Zenshu up, and he shared what he was capable of, what he could contribute. While his capabilities were that of a fledgeling, he had the optimism that could potentially pave the way to being a shining light that could bring hope to the masses.

Krysta didn't mind that Zenshu was late to sending the party invite. It wasn't like she could blame him, anyway, as newer players were often still learning the ropes. Zenshu then began searching for the NPC that would start the quest. Zenshu would bow and greet the NPC upon finding him, and Krysta would follow suit, in her own way, of course, in which a slight curtsy was done instead of a bow. "And I am Krysta. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." 

The NPC would explain his plight, before starting to move as the quest initiated. Zenshu believed this was all going well, even though this was only the beginning...however, Zenshu was right on one thing. He wouldn't have anything to worry about...unless the Cardinal started balancing encounters to Krysta again, that is. She would simply respond with a soft smile, while her mind still dwelt upon the hopes that it all truly would go as well as the two hoped...

[Zenshu 0]

Krysta’s profile followed Zenshu’s movements, mimicking his bow with a curtsy of her own. He wondered if it was just mirroring what he was doing – perhaps trying to mimic his own politeness – or if it was for some other reason. He knew the mystery would remain unsolved, the rudeness of asking such a question outside of his concepts. Content with the understanding that he may be left without the information, he followed the NPC out of the gates and into the wild lands beyond – a wide open desert spanning before them, the glowing sands reflecting the heat from above.

“I’ve never seen a desert before! This is…well, hotter than I expected. But still…almost wondrous in its own way! Not that I’d ever want to get caught out here, if half the stories I’ve read about them are true. Maybe I should’ve brought more water…” He pondered the idea, wondering if it was truly required or not. He’d seen no previous indication in Sword Art Online that one could die of thirst or hunger, but he’d also never tested the concept at all – preferring to maintain the safety of continuation, rather than testing.

“Are all the floors this marvelous? The Town of Beginnings and the wildlands beyond it can be beautiful at times, but also sometimes overwhelming I think. This…this feels more wild, more free, in a way. Maybe one day I’ll take some time to explore all the floors, and see all the different environments this game has to offer!”

He stopped short as he realised that his enthusiasm had gotten the best of him again, bowing slightly and offering a quick apology before rushing after the NPC and Krysta. “My apologies, I sometimes forget the horrors that this game brings with it…or rather, I’m overwhelmed with what could be. I don’t mean to be insensitive – I know that many people are…struggling. Some are even dying. But I also…well…I also can’t help but enjoy the beauty that this world offers, the opportunity for some. Not long ago I met a girl who was crippled. Due to life events she wouldn’t be able to walk, or do anything herself. But here…here she was able to climb to the top of a tree, to move about on her own – even to fight. I think that’s beautiful. I think that sometimes, even the darkness that others see, can be light to a few.”

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Word Count: 400

[Krysta 0]

Zenshu's enthusiasm was admirable. Some might be the sort to declare him as naive, but the light that shone within this player was a sight to behold. How long had it been since Krysta had smiled as brightly as Zenshu does now? "Indeed, there are many realms within this world that do have their unique horizons. I've been to many a realm, actually. I've seen a land of perpetual winter, a lush jungle with a most peculiar waterfall, a land of tranquility that surrounded a great lake, a temperate forest region, a land that was almost dying to a fell pestilence, though it is now regaining life. There could even be more lands I have forgotten to mention, aside from this desert, that is." Krysta said in response to his outspoken wonder in the floors and their environments.

Suddenly, Zenshu's demeanor fell, and he turned to apologize on the chance that he was being insensitive. He then noted about an encounter with a formerly crippled player, capable of moving as anyone else could within the game. "What is a blessing to some, can easily be a curse for others...nothing is perfect, and no one can achieve perfection...but I suppose I've been forgetting to see the potential of a glass half-filled, as of late. Perhaps I was so stricken by my past, and by my sense of duty and justice...I might have overlooked some things I shouldn't have." Krysta responded. "While I cannot excuse the fact that we have been trapped here against our will, the potential it could have carried, had it not been a life-threatening scenario, would have truly been wondrous."

The quest NPC was likely to be confused at this point, unless his assigned AI happened to be rather simplistic.

[Zenshu 0]

Zenshu listened intently as Krysta explained the many different floors. He’d seen some in motion based media, and other video games – but he’d never experienced some in real life. Although he knew better, he couldn’t help but feel a modicum of excitement at the fact that he could now encounter them, in what would rival the flesh. It likely wouldn’t be as good as the real thing, but the system had been amazing thus far.

“That is true, nothing is perfect…but as you’ve stated, sometimes it’s a matter of look at the…glass half filled?...” He wasn’t familiar with the phrase itself, and it didn’t roll off his tongue nearly as naturally as it did the other player. Still, he felt like it might be fitting to the situation at hand. “I agree, though. It’s hard to enjoy such luxuries and…bounties…when we’ve been held here. But sometimes…sometimes I can’t help but wonder if there isn’t some sort of benefit to it. For some.”

He glanced over at the NPC, making sure the old man was still hobbling along. The man seemed content to let the two carry on their conversation in private, their presence alone allowing him to continue. As they entered the deserts outside the gates of the settlement, Zenshu could see the older man heading directly for what appeared to be storm clouds.

“Hey, that doesn’t look so-“ His words were cut off as the blistering winds suddenly slammed into him, stealing away his breath. For a moment, he could do little more than try and stumble after their guide, hoping to catch the older man as he suffered through the winds and whipping sands that had suddenly hit them. Glancing back at Krysta, he checked to make sure she was following along okay, before turning his attention back to the NPC. He stumbled onwards, trying to catch the hobbling man whom he had outpaced so easily just moments before.

ID209661 | CD: 8 | Sandstorm

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Word Count: 321

Edited June 21, 2022 by Zenshu

[Krysta 0]

Krysta couldn't help but smile after hearing Zenshu's words. "Your perspective is a rare and noble one, and I am certain your positive outlook shall take you to many places." She remarked.

Soon, however, the storm clouds came into view. Unlike most storm clouds, this seemed more like billowing smoke in the color of the sands. Before long, the players were stricken by sudden force as the sandstorm collided with the players. It didn't seem too problematic at the time, but it was likely that this was only the beginning. While pain was prevented by the Cardinal's dampener system, irritation might still be a possible issue. With closed eyes, Krysta attempted to wade through the destructive, combined force of wind and sand. Realizing this wouldn't help, she knew she'd have to find an alternative. She didn't exactly have a protective visor for her eyes, let alone a duplicate she could give to Zenshu...so she'd have to try something else and see if it would work.

She raised her hands up, and they began to glow blue. Soon, both she and Zenshu, if not the NPC as well, were enveloped in a soft blue glow. Hopefully this would allow for proper sight to be maintained during the sandstorm.

Krysta Casts Barrier(though I'm unsure if that would actually help)

 

ID# 209792 CD: 3(no Sandstorm Damage taken)

Krysta: HP 760/760 | EN 95/110 | 23 DMG | 78 MIT | 2 ACC | Holy: 8 | T4 Bleed | 3 LD

Edited July 17, 2022 by Krysta

[Zenshu 0]

He took the compliment from the blonde lady with a smile, not entirely sure the conviction was behind it – but accepting it nonetheless. He knew that some would hold differing opinions to his own, and he was fine with that. There as no benefit in arguing, as far as he saw it.

“That storm looks like it’s going to hit us, hard…” He mumbled, more to himself than to his companion – or the older man shuffling alongside them. He squinted his eyes, glancing between the storm, the surrounding area, and their NPC guide. There weren’t many places to go, aside from ahead. “I guess we just hope for the best…Maybe our friend here knows of some sort of shelter where we can abide…? No, I guess not…”

He’d begun to direct the question at the older man, who seemed to ignore it entirely, instead trudging onwards with conviction that seemed to denote a complete lack of acknowledgement of the storm itself. Throwing a smile towards Krysta, Zenshu gave a half-shrug as he pushed on after the man.

“Here’s hoping that the storm doesn’t somehow blow us away, I guess?” He twisted back after a couple of skipping steps, smiling at the girl before jesting. “Not quite the day at the beach that one would expect, right?”

ID209826 | CD: 5 | Sandstorm | No Affect

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Word Count: 216