[PP-F05] Traveling through hard times <<The Traveler>>

[Kyot0 0]

After the recent adventures with Freyd, Kyoto would find himself on the 5th floor just relaxing before heading to his next journey with a guy Freyd recommended. Kyoto wasn't sure what to expect from this guy but from what Freyd mention he was a pretty cool guy.

While sitting in a pub in the populated settlement of Fortaleza. Kyoto looked around to see barely anyone around. It was a shock since there's always people around no matter what floor you're on. Some people like to come to these other floors just to have scenery change. Other's come here to train. Kyoto was here just to relax before heading off to the next battle of his life in this game. The thing is. Kyoto never liked this floor even when it was released after beating the 4th floor boss. But lately it's been quite and it was enough for him to enjoy his time without interruptions.

"Hey another drink over here please."

The strange thing is. In this game no one isn't allowed to drink if they don't want to. Back at home it would be consider illegal to drink. But who knows when he's going to be back home. Next year would be his 19th birthday and by then he'd be legal to drink with his friend. Even if they don't really remember him since he's been trapped inside this game. Although... Kyoto did meet a lot of new friends here the only thing is most fell off the planet of the game and you never hear them again. Other's are still around but been busy with clearing the game to really hang out with him. But maybe here soon he'll make new ones as he progress to the front.

 

«Kyoto» 340/340 | ENG: 52/52 | DMG: 14| MIT: 48 | ACC: 3 | Bleed: 24 | PARA | Recover: 2 |

Edited July 22 by Kyot0

[euled 0]

The beginner player would slump back in his seat lazily. Euled would stay sober as it felt wrong to drink underage, especially in a virtual reality. It's not like he wanted to get himself intoxicated and woozy, especially in a place like Floor 5. As reckless as Euled was, even he knew that it was a bad idea.

Gotta join the boss raids as soon as I can.

He had noticed some players around the mostly empty pub they were in. Euled decided that it might be a good idea to get help from more experienced players, as much as he didn't want to admit it. The fifth floor was unknown territory for him, but he didn't mind so long as there were some juicy quests to undertake. 

 

"Hey, quick question. Could I tag along with you guys for any quests you do? I'll try not to get in the way, and I want to get as strong as possible."

 

 

<<Euled>> | SP: 5 | HP: 20 | EN: 20 | DMG: 5 | MIT: 0 | ACC: 0 | EVA: 0 | LD: 0

 

Equipped items: 

Standard One-handed Straight Sword | Tier 1 Rare Standard One-handed Straight Sword | DAMAGE I KEEN I

Edited July 23 by euled

[Kyot0 0]

Kyoto smirk as he hears a new player going around and asking other players if he can join them for a quest. The sad thing is most of them aren't here for quest. They're here to just relax or are here to talk about strategies for other quest. The thing is though. There was a quest here in the 5th floor Kyoto never did. And the nice thing is, Kyoto doesn't think there's any combat to it. Or if there is probably won't be strong enough to beat him. It might be a perfect opportunity for the new guy to experience what it's like outside of the first floor.

"Hey you. You're looking for a quest to do around here right?"

He smirked with an eager sound in his voice.

"I might have one we can do if you're up for it. It's not a hard quest but it's something to get you going on your grind to the front."

Kyoto looked over at him seeing that he truly is a player from the low floors.

Kyoto would get up from the bar stool wearing his equipment. His sword by his side and his white leather coat and a steel plate on his white shoulder. He walked closer to the man and waited for his response.

[euled 0]

His attempts would prove less than fruitful, however he was saved by the grace of a different player to which Euled didn't mind.

"Huh? Oh, yeah, sure."

He turned towards this unfamiliar player. From what Euled could tell, he was more experienced than himself. His armour and demeanor itself gave it away. Euled went to go check his surroundings. The pub wasn't full of hustle and bustle, rather, it was quite quiet, especially at a time like this. Euled figured that players didn't like to linger around Floor 5 all that much, but it still surprised him a little bit. He didn't mind it like this, it was a nice atmosphere amidst the usual chaos of SAO.

"I wouldn't mind grinding for a long time if I get a lot of EXP from it."

Euled would make his way back to his seat for a second and grab his longsword, opening the menu to check for any party invites.

 

 

 

Edited July 23 by euled

[Kyot0 0]

Kyoto smiled as the young brown haired boy explained about grinding for EXP. One thing's for sure quest is one way into doing it. But finding the right quest is the hard part considering once you get to the higher floors the harder the quest get.

"Glad to hear you're on bored. Somewhere around this settlement is the quest. Unfortunately I'm not 100% sure where it is."

Kyoto grab the rest of his gear and waved to the boy to follow him. Walking out of the pub toward the central part of town, Kyoto looked around to see if he might spot an NPC that would be offering quest. But instead an old fragile man came up to the two boys.

"Are you an adventurer?" 

The old man said as he tugged on Kyoto's coat.

"We both are old man, is there anything we can do for you?"

The old man would apologize for bothering the two as he explained that he has a treasure chest buried in the desert and was asking if both of them would be interested in escorting him to this chest. Kyoto smiled and looked over to Euled. 

"Looks like we found the quest I was talking about."

he looked back over at the old man.

"Of course we'd like to escort you to your chest. That reminds me."

He looked back over toward Euled.

"My name is Kyoto. Looks like we'd be working together for this quest."

[euled 0]

He would put his sword in its sheathe, slinging it over his back and putting his health potions in his inventory. Euled would draw his gaze over to the feeble looking old man. The sound of a treasure chest enticed him; and this would be the perfect opportunity to gain some EXP, something Kyoto said.

 

"Yeah, I wouldn't mind either."

Euled walked over to where Kyoto was standing, looking back to the old man with a smile on his face. He looked back towards Kyoto, excited for the quest that was ahead. It would definitely give some good loot he could use for the future.

"The name's Euled. But you don't have to remember it, it'll become a household name soon enough! I better get my share of that treasure chest, by the way."

He stuck out his fist for a fist bump, grinning and waiting for a response eagerly.

 

Edited July 23 by euled

[Kyot0 0]

"Excellent, I like the attitude you have going on there."

With that Kyoto would take the lead walking toward the desert  waiting for the instructions form the old man onto where the chest might be.

"So what made you think you're going to be one of the greatest in this game? Everyone here has there own pros and cons and saying something like that can get you into trouble."

Not like Kyoto has much to say. For the longest time he was solo. Didn't think about asking for help until he notice all his friends he gain over the time of being stuck in this death game left or disappeared. 

"Alright, come this way there's a path that we'll need to take." Say's the old man gesturing the two boys to follow a long.

Walking along the path that the old man said to follow the wind started to pick up. Seems like a storm is brewing to start sometime soon. It was only a matter of time it will reach them.

"Feel that breeze Euled? Seems like we might want to hurry or we'll get stuck into that storm."

Spoiler

Id: 223545 | CD: 7 (Success)

 

Edited July 23 by Kyot0

[euled 0]

He reeled his fist back in an awkward fashion.

I guess a fist bump is too friendly, or something.

Euled quickly brushed it off and moved behind Kyoto. Their walk went without any interruptions, spare the little small talk they had. He shrugged at his question. It's not like he had anything planned out specifically, but he would figure it out as he went. SAO was a game world, after all. It's not like moving slowly would do him any good, so why not make it up as he went along?

"Well, besides my devilishly charming good looks and skills, I'll just work my butt off. It's what I do best. Besides, if anyone has any problems with me, I'll just challenge them to a duel and win."

It was a simple answer, but it was something Euled firmly believed in. Well, maybe not the first bit. He picked up the pace to get to their destination quicker.

"Alright."

Id: 223546 | CD: 6(Success)

 

Edited July 23 by euled

[Kyot0 0]

Kyoto listen to the boy as they left the settlement. Euled comment about his fist bump. Kyoto looked at the boy.

"Sorry about that. I guess I got to into the quest to realize that you were offering one."

That also being said. Kyoto isn't use to being the leader of a party so he forgot to invite Euled to a party. Though thinking about it he opens menu and invited Euled to a party.

"I guess I'm being forgetful as well." He smiled.

Listening to Euled talk about his ego made Kyoto notice that he was serious about everything he said. There again there's nothing wrong about being having a high ego. He'll just have to learn his lesson if he messed with the wrong person but that will come soon enough.

"So are you wanting to get a profession while you're stuck in this game? Even though yes questing and grinding makes you Col, it's not really enough to get you through the game. Getting new gear might consist of you paying a lot of Col or even sometimes providing your own materials. So getting a profession can help you with that as well as benefiting you depending on your profession."

Spoiler

Id: 223547 | CD: 8 (Success)

 

Edited July 23 by Kyot0

[euled 0]

"Huh? Oh, nah, it's fine."

Geez, did I really say that out loud...?

Brushing these thoughts aside, Euled continued, thinking about random thoughts along the way. The wind was picking up a fair bit, enough to be noticeable. He grimaced a the thought; having to wade through while getting sand in his eyes would be a pain, even though the pain scales were toned down in SAO. Well, at least the developers had been merciful enough to lower down the pain from the real world, other wise he doubt half as many players on the frontlines would be able to pick up enough courage to keep moving forward.

"Happens to the best of us."

He thought about Kyoto's words. Euled hadn't thought much about professions; and frankly, he didn't understand much about them.

"Hmm...Well, I'd probably be a blacksmith, I guess. I'd want some shiny new swords and cool armor instead of grinding for hours and hours to get enough Col. I don't know much about it, so I haven't really been worrying about it."

ID: 223550 CD: 2 | Success

 

Edited July 23 by euled

[Kyot0 0]

Kyoto listen to Euled about his profession. It seems like he's wanting to be a tank which is nice. Everyone always needs a tank in there group so that's always a positive if someone finds out that's what he's going for.

"Well let's see here. If you're wanting to do blacksmith you'll still have to find material to get started with. Which is alright it's quite easy to gather material. Heck even right now if you're wanting to look for material you can. Just have to look around. Although we're in a desert so I'm not sure how much you're going to find out here."

With the conversation come to an quick end a group of bandits are blocking the path that the three are needing to continue on to the location that the old man is leading them to.

"Now now... What do we have here?"

One of the bandits said.

"We require a toll to walk through this part."

Kyoto smirk towards the bandits as he ready his hand on his sword.

"Now now. Let's not try and pick a fight young man. Just give them what they want and let us be on our way."

The old man try to solve the debacle with diplomacy.

Looking at the bandits though Kyoto feels the wind pick up even more as the storm starts to close.

"What do you think Euled? We eventually need to get to shelter before this storm hits or we're going to be stuck walking in it."

Spoiler

Id: 223548 | CD: 12 (Success)

 

Edited July 23 by Kyot0

[euled 0]

"Sounds easy enough to me."

Before he could do anything, their trek was interrupted by a pack of bandits blocking the way. They looked super generic, definitely not players. He doubt anyone would have a fashion sense like theirs. Clearly, they were hostile NPCs.

Who the hell are these guys? 

His hands inched closer to the handle of his sword, preparing himself for a scuffle and stopping momentarily to listen to the old man speak. Euled didn't want to go against his wishes, but at a time like this, it wouldn't be like him to talk it out. He cast his eyes towards Kyoto.

"It's simple: we clobber em."

As soon as he said this, Euled unsheathed his blade and ran towards the bandits at full speed. His blade glowed as he unleashed a simple sword art, bringing his sword back for a wide slash.

"You damn lumps of EXP!!"

<<Used Sword Art: AOE-1

ID: 223551 CD: 7 | Success

Edited July 23 by euled

[Kyot0 0]

Kyoto looks at Euled. It was clear he had his mind decided on what he wanted to do. It was a matter of when was he going to charge in.

"I'll let you take care of them I'm going to hang back here to protect the old man"

Even though there was a handful of bandits there's usually a few that like the hand off to the side to try and ambush whoever comes through here. With that though Kyoto unsheathe his sword as 2 more bandits pulled up from behind.

"Ha, I knew that there were more. No way in the world they were going to have 4 bandits defend a route like this."

Kyoto praised the creator to think like this. It makes the game little unpredictable if you're not familiar with how MMOs work. With that though Kyoto would drop back behind the group to start slashing at the two bandits from there rear.

Not to long into the fighting though he notice how easy the bandits were. Watching million of pixelated shards shattered as he look over at Euled and the old man.

"You guys alright there?"

Spoiler

Id: 223548 | CD: 1 (Failed)  -20 HP [320/340]

 

Edited July 23 by Kyot0

[euled 0]

His sword art would connect with a satisfying sound, cleaving the two bandits in two. Their bodies jerked back and exploded into tiny little shards of 1s and 0s as Euled grinned. He took his sword forward and continued onward, going to the side and slashing any of the other bandits into bits. He glanced back to Kyoto, his attempts as fruitful as Euled.

"No problems here."

Running back, he would go back to the old man and scan his surroundings for any other bandits coming.

"Let's wrap this up quick; the sandstorm is coming."

The wind blew harder as Euled brandished his sword against the bandits; it was no secret that the sandstorm was indeed coming, and it would be a massive pain to deal with if it came. It wouldn't be very dangerous, but he suspected an old man in a sandstorm was a recipe for disaster. Euled didn't want something like that weighing on his conscience.

These guys are wasting my time...I need to wrap this up fast.

Running towards any lingering bandits, he would swipe his sword in arcs, slashing the bandits and cleaving them in two, exploding into shards of game data.

ID: 223553 CD: 10 | Success 

Edited July 23 by euled

[Kyot0 0]

Kyoto looking up into the sky sees the sun disappearing and the terrain getting dark. Kyoto looked around seeing that there's a small shelter out in the distance. Pointing in that direction Kyoto shouted at the two to follow him.

"Come quick this way. Try not to leave the old man behind."

After all the old man isn't able to move as fast as the two younger boys.

Walking towards the shelter the sand started to pick up and getting into the faces of the two boys and the old man. It was only a matter of time that the sand storm would pick up and make it harder to see.

With no hesitation Kyoto reached the door of the shelter and open it up.

"Come on hurry up here old man we need to get inside!"

Walking inside of the shelter after waiting for Euled to finally enter he walks over to one of the wooden chairs near the center of the room.

"Alright old man where is this treasure chest you speak of? We're going to be stuck here for a while so might as well spill where it is."

It took a while for the old man to think where the treasure chest is so in the mean time Kyoto looked over at Euled.

"This was some excitement huh. What do you think so far worth leaving the 1st floor?"

Kyoto chuckled.

Spoiler

Id: 223552 | CD: 4 (Success)  [320/340]

 

Edited July 23 by Kyot0

[euled 0]

"Right..!"

He quickened his pace from a walk to a mild jog, taking care not to go too far ahead to leave the old man behind. The sand was starting to whip into their faces; it was annoying, but most importantly, it would be much harder to navigate in a sandstorm. Euled went at this mild jogging pace till finally, the shelter came into view. Following the sound of Kyoto's voice, he ran into the shelter, glancing back to see the old man just behind him.

"Phew..."

Euled slumped onto a wooden chair next to Kyoto with a sigh, he had been wanting some rest. A bunch of time lazing around made his cardiovascular health not as good. Turning his gaze over to the old man, he waited for a response, eager to hear about the treasure chest.

"It's pretty cool. Gets your blood pumping, huh? If this is what a normal quest is like, I can't wait for any bosses..."

ID: 223554 CD: 9 | Success

Edited July 23 by euled

[Kyot0 0]

Kyoto smirks a little after hearing Euled's response.

"Unfortunately not all quest are like this. Some are more relaxing and other's are more chaotic."

Kyoto response was more tiring more than anything. But no to long after that the old man speaks up.

"I think I remembered where the chest is at."

The old man paused.

"There's an abandon cave not to far from here that I buried it at. This shelter used to be quite popular back in the days. Tons of people come here to seek shelter from the sandstorm. But I guess now it's not used much anymore."

The old man gives off a soft weep. It must of sadden him knowing that this was a dead place now a days.

"Well there you have it. once this sandstorm is let up we'll head out."

Kyoto was ready for this quest to finish. He always hated the sandy floors. Always dual and boring here. And it doesn't help that they program you be feel the heat which makes it constantly hot here. Even at night when temperatures tends to go down even further in the desert than in other places.

[euled 0]

"I hope I get to do some of the "chaotic" quests soon."

The thought of it got his blood pumping. He was never one to enjoy sitting around and doing nothing. Euled perked up at the mention of an abandoned cave; he had never been to any, and from what he could discern, clearly, this meant a lot to the old man. Something in there was important.

"I guess we play the waiting game now."

Time passed. The sandstorm was long and windy, it took a while for it to clear. Euled didn't do much: sometimes he would stare off into nothing, sometimes he would fiddle with his sword, sometimes he would make small talk with Kyoto. No matter what he did, time would pass all the same, and finally, the storm was starting to clear, enough so that they could head off again.

"Finally...I thought I was gonna die from boredom."

Picking himself up, he stretched a little and walked onwards, expecting Kyoto to follow.

[Kyot0 0]

Kyoto chuckled after hearing Euled. As boring as it was. it was nice to sit here and think about the future. What is Kyoto planning on doing in the game. What is going to happen when they finally get out of the game. Things that probably cross a lot of people's minds.

After gathering his stuff, Kyoto looked a the old man and giving the sign that everyone's ready to head out. With that the old man guided the boys towards the old cave.

"Hey Euled. What's your plans when we finally get out of this death game?"

It was a little personal but everyone has different plans.

"I was planning on finishing school and go to university. But who knows if I can after being stuck in this game. Probably going to be so far behind."

Kyoto looks down a little before regather his thoughts and stay focus on the quest. But with that though it wasn't to long until they saw the cave.

"Hey Euled look over there."

Pointing in the direction of the cave.

"Think that's the cave the old man was talking about?"

Spoiler

Id: 223555 | CD: 5 (Success)  [320/340]

 

Edited July 23 by Kyot0

[euled 0]

"Hm?...Oh, well I'm probably just gonna return to my normal life. Finish school and all that."

He hadn't really put much thought into it: it had just been a given that he was going to get himself and everyone in the game out, not like he thought about what he would do after the game was cleared.

"I mean...If we were stuck in a death game for two years, I think they'd give us some leeway, haha."

It was a little bit of a morbid topic, but Euled figured that there wasn't much they could do about it except fight with all they've got.

"Looks awfully like an abandoned cave to me."

With no sense of self preservation, Euled strolled into the cave, wanting to find the chest as quick as possible. The loot sounded awfully enticing, and a happy look on the old man's face was something that anyone with a heart would be pleased to look at, even if he was just an NPC.

 

Edited July 23 by euled