[F01 | PP] Dark Roasted

[Nymoria 0]

The small shop was oddly empty considering the midday rush all around the area. Nymoria had learnt a while ago that NPCs rarely entered the shop itself, and those few players that meandered their way in often did so only to buy the small foods and goods that provided them benefits in the field - although an even smaller group of regulars could sometimes be found littering the few tables and booths that made up the cafe. The lighting was always kept just bright enough to be comfortable, without causing strain upon the eyes, and a white that reminded her of LED light strips; calming yet strong enough to see by, without being painfully bright.

I'll take a dark roasted with a side of chocolate chip muffin, please. She glanced towards the other player, smiling as she signed towards him in encouragement. What would you like? You can order anything, consider it my treat.

She leaned back and waited for Salem to order, her eyes flicking between the waitress - a non-descript girl who appeared middle aged and reluctantly happy - and Salem's own face, watching both as they spoke. The waitress wasn't the shops owner itself, but rather a general worker that seemed to pass their time here serving NPC and player customers alike, as if going through the motions of their real life in the world beyond Aincrad. It was almost eerie in a way, too normal for the game world that had trapped them away. 

It may not be the prettiest shop, but it's definitely cozy. She signed her thoughts as the waitress turned away with their orders, leaving the two of them to chat and relax while they waited. Leaning back into the booth's seat, she stared at Salem as she tried to think of something more to say, but also content to wait and see if he spoke first. She'd invited him here, but realised she had no plans beyond that - in fact, she wasn't even entirely sure why she'd invited him in the first place, other than to simply spend some more time with someone else. It's nice to be out and around others...even if only for a small time.

---

[@Salem]  

Statblock

Spoiler Notes [Theme] Nymoria | Lv. 14 | P. 0 | HP [280/280] | EN [46/46] | ACC [4] | DMG [11] | MIT [34] | BH [+6]  Tier 2 | Tier 2 Equipment Nymoria's Sabre [Sabre | Tier 1] Enhancement: Damage [2 Slots] Beginner's Chestplate [Light Armour | Tier 1] Enhancement: Mitigation [1 Slots]  Hearing Aid [Trinket | Tier 1] Enhancement: Accuracy [3 Slots] Battle-Ready Inventory Starter Healing Potions {5} | Tier 1 | Potion | Heals 50 HP Field Rations {1} | +12% Max HP Health Potion {1} | Tier 1 | Potion | HP Recovery III Teleport Crystal {1} Hearing Aid [Trinket | Tier 1] Enhancement: Keen [1 Slot] Skills Spoiler Utility Skills N/A Combat Skills Battle Healing [Rank: 3. Active: Passive. Effect: While in combat, recover 1% per rank of your maximum HP (rounded down) at the beginning of your turn.] Weapon Skills Sabers [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: +7 DMG] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Stamina [Active: Passive. Effect: Reduces EN of all attacks by 2.] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Precision [Active: Passive. Effect: +1 ACC.] Armour Skills Light Armour [Rank: 3. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain Mitigation based on your rank in Light Armor. You can only benefit from one armor skill at a time (the respective armor type must be equipped). Your mitigation is capped at 2 enhancement slots.] Active Extra Skills N/A Inactive Extra Skills  N/A Combat Mastery Damage [Rank: 1. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 * Tier additional Base Damage per rank. Ranks of this Skill obey Damage enhancement caps.] Familiar Skills N/A Estate Buffs N/A data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== Sword Arts Spoiler [x12] ST-I (12 10 EN) | A single-target sword art. [x15] ST-II (13 13EN) | 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. [x20] ST-B (20 18 EN) | A devastating single-target sword art. Can only be used if the sword art used the previous turn is not ST-B and had rolled a natural CD9+. When performing an AoE attack, this CD check applies to only the first roll. [x11] AOE-I (11 9 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. [x14] AOE-II (14 12 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A powerful sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. Only available for use when AOE-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if AOE-II had been used and had missed all intended targets the previous turn. [x12] TECH-A (13 11 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy. [x12] TECH-B (13 11 EN) | DELAY | A single-target sword art that, on a successful strike, applies [Delay] on the enemy. [Delay] is a debuff that reduces the enemy’s ACC by 1 for one turn. [x8] TECH-F (8 6+ [2 * targets] EN) | AOE STUN | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. All struck targets are stunned for one turn. data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== Estate Buffs Spoiler N/A data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==

[Salem 0]

The small cafe seemed a place of respite in a bustling sea of NPCs and battle-hungry players. Salem had only been in The Town of Beginnings for a few days now, but that time had proven enough to acquaint him with its hectic atmosphere. In a way, it reminded him of his visits to Tokyo, albeit a much older and more fantastical version of the neon metropolis.

He did his best to keep up with Nymoria as the player darted around bodies and obstacles to reach the entrance to the establishment. It seemed welcoming enough, though the noticeable lack of occupants made Salem acutely worried about the shop's reputation. We can't get food poisoning here...can we?, he wondered between steps. By the time he reached the counter, Nymoria had already begun to recite her order.

I'll take a dark roasted with a side of chocolate chip muffin, please., she stated with more conviction then he'd expected, What would you like? You can order anything, consider it my treat.

The offer had caught him off guard. "Uhh...", he stammered before sparring a brief glance to look at the menu, "A dark roasted coffee for me as well." He would have been disappointed in his originality if the preference wasn't true to his tastes. To him, most teas tasted like a harmonious combination between dirty water and spoiled herbs. Coffee, on the other hand, was so much more decadent and savory in its profile. As long as it wasn't too watery or too burnt, it appealed happily to his senses.

Their hostess prompted the transaction along, providing each of them with the goods on a nearby tray. Salem offered to carry it to their table, encouraging Nymoria to determine where they sat. Despite his new circumstances, he still found himself scanning the room, crafting a strategy to take the path of least resistance. With narrow spaces and sardined seating, settings like these were more than often a source of a stress rather than one of recreation.

He successfully dispelled the unnecessary caution and followed her to a wooden table. The two of them settled into their seats, grabbing each of their items to try in turn. Salem was pleased to find that the coffee was inoffensive, and surprisingly, complex in its flavor. "Huh", he remarked, "Coffee usually burns me on the first sip. Somehow, it's perfectly temperate here."

 

***

Salem | HP: 100/100 | EN: 28/28 | DMG: 4 | ACC: 2 

Spoiler

LEVEL - 5

HP - 100

EN - 28

DMG - 4

ACC - 2

 

SKILLS

Non-combat:

Passive:

Combat:

Weapon Skills: Claws R1

 

INVENTORY

Weapons: [Equipped] Claws R1 (Rare) with 2 slots of Accuracy

+4 DMG

+2 ACC

Equipment:

Items: 

 

Edited July 29 by Salem

[Nymoria 0]

Nymoria smiled broadly as she saw the man's lips move, his voice seemingly reaching into a depth of her mind that she couldn't quite comprehend, and yet was still able to use. She didn't quite hear his words, so much as simply...know what he said. The wonders of technology... She nodded even as her mind ran circles, her fingers moving in response even as she considered everything about the current situation, and how odd it all was. Yes. It will cool down with time, but this cafe makes it nearly perfect at first. It's why I like it so much. Well, that and the waitress is patient with me.

She didn't explain further about the waitresses' patience. Instead, she pulled a piece of the muffin off, large enough to be considered bite size without being offensive, before offering it to Salem. Her other hand moved in a pattern as she absentmindedly started a new conversation, determined not to let the silence reign between the two of them. There are many nice places like this one. Small. Hidden away. Less known. To most people. Very nice, if you find them.

Her words seemed jittery and halting as she spoke with only one hand, an action that clearly limited her normal tone and fluency. Still, she was confident that it would be at least slightly decipherable. Or at least she hoped it would be. Where have you spent the last while? Do you have a home? A place to sleep and stay? Most of us stay in hotels. Do you have a hotel?

She continued tearing into the muffin even as she kept up the conversation, clearly quite capable of multitasking between the two activities with an ease that bespoke of practice. Every so often she offered another small piece, each one growing slightly smaller as the muffin quickly started to disappear, to Salem. A soft smile seemed to hug her face at all times, as if a facade being worn to hide away any other emotion that might be trying to break through - an expression that one could almost call a mask, if they paid enough attention. If you don't have a place to sleep. I know of one. I can show you. Not expensive.

[Salem 0]

Salem awkwardly accepted the chunk of muffin from Nymoria. Several small crumbs flaked off from its surface, falling and fizzling out of existence as he raised the rest of it to his mouth. It tasted as he would have expected, its texture much more nuanced by comparison. I don't understand how our senses work here, he reflected, It makes sense that we'd be able to taste foods that we're familiar with, that's just like dreaming. But what about things we've never tried before? How would our bodies know how to interpret those? He'd have to give it more thought later on.

Where have you spent the last while? Do you have a home? A place to sleep and stay? Most of us stay in hotels. Do you have a hotel?, Nymoria asked, If you don't have a place to sleep. I know of one. I can show you. Not expensive.

"Yeah", he vaguely answered most of the questions at once, "I spawned in a small tavern called The Hummingbard Inn."  His face seemed to indicate that he was considering adding more context the response. "I met another player there after I woke up", Salem continued, "She said that it was a starting home, but that it'd been awhile since someone had woken up in one of the rooms." Pausing to drink more of his coffee, he glanced at her hand to check whether or not she was preparing to sign. With both of her hands moving at once, it was somewhat difficult to anticipate when she was ready to reply. "We ran a quest together, and she gave me enough Col to move somewhere else." A hand raised to comb through the side of his hair as he admitted, "I haven't done anything with it yet since I don't know where to go. I haven't left the first floor yet, but I imagine some of the other ones are preferable to this."

He couldn't shake the feeling that he was out of place here. Even as the introductory level, this town was teeming with talented craftsmen and seasoned warriors. How was he meant to catch up when Elora said he had slept in - how many years - "Two or three"? He would have regarded his hesitance as cowardice had it not been for the warnings of those more experienced. In the couple of days since he'd woken up, Salem was warned on more than one occasion about the dangers of venturing in areas outside of a certain radius. His only plan at this point was to level up enough in the hope that it would grant him that freedom.

[Nymoria 0]

There was something odd in the tone of Salem's words, a hesitation and...something else, that even Nymoria could pick up. She couldn't quite comprehend the tone of the words that were spoken into her mind, but something in the eye movements and discomfort that appeared on his face made her pause. She waited a couple of moments beyond when he stopped speaking, giving time for him to add any other thoughts he might have, before moving her hands in response. She slowed her movements down, emphasising the concern she was taking in the moment through her slower speech. The coffee and muffin remained on the table as she focused on the conversation, knowing that there was something important here that shouldn't simply be tossed aside.

I also haven't left the first floor much. My...situation makes it hard for me to engage with many people. I was left to...do what I could. She gave a shy smile towards Salem as she paused between her signs, an obvious hesitation in her own movements before she managed to push on forwards. As you can imagine, I am not the most reliable member in a party when it comes to combat. Or anything, really. Communication is key in partying, right?

She gave a harsh jerk of her movements in order to emphasis the word is, trying to make it come across more obvious to the man across from her. She wasn't entirely sure what his situation had been, but she knew that many of them had been left behind as the stronger, better and more capable players had rushed onwards and forwards. Not that she minded, as much anymore. She'd come to terms with her situation in life, whether it was here or in the real world. 

It was nice that the lady gave you the col to survive. It can be hard to earn enough to live off of here, if you're all by yourself. She realised the depressing tone she was starting to take, and almost immediately shifted towards another topic, hoping to leave behind any sadness that might have begun to display on her expression. But the good news is, this world carries many wonders. And even someone like myself can find their place in it, if they look hard enough. I may not be up front fighting with the best of the best, but I'm helping myself - and some others - back here. Working towards a goal of escaping back to the real world, right? That's what matters...

[Salem 0]

Something seemed to stir in Nymoria as the woman sat down her items and began to sign towards Salem, My...situation makes it hard for me to engage with many people. I was left to...do what I could. She gave pause before adding, As you can imagine, I am not the most reliable member in a party when it comes to combat. Or anything, really. Communication is key in partying, right?

Humans really were uniquely capable of getting in their own way, and he wasn't impervious to that. In truth, Salem resonated closely with what Nymoria had described. Such an impairment made it all too easy to feel inadequate, incomplete, and undeserving of respect. In many ways, his outward limitations had carried a much more substantial threat. That was, the fear of knowing that anyone could isolate you from the pack. Part of him was astonished by the propensity to pray on those who were so clearly weaker. Another part of him wondered if that was the fairest part of all.

...But the good news is, this world carries many wonders., his company optimistically continued, ...I may not be up front fighting with the best of the best, but I'm helping myself - and some others - back here. Working towards a goal of escaping back to the real world, right? That's what matters...

He gave an agreeable nod to that. 

"You seem reliable enough to me. I sure as hell wasn't about to find that cave.", he assured her. "And honestly,", Salem found himself saying, "You do what you can, and that's enough. No one gets to tell you otherwise." His voice undertook a certain nonchalance, contrasting with a stare that communicated greater seriousness. 

 

[Nymoria 0]

She flicked a gaze towards Salem as he'd begun responding, her eyes taking in the movement of his lips as much as her ears - accented by the hearing aid, and Cardinal's own system - took in the sounds of his voice. She smiled slightly at his optimistic response; a standard response for certain, but one that somehow felt more genuine. She wondered, not for the first time, why he had been alone in this world. There was no obvious reason for him to have been cast aside, other than having awoken in a delayed manner. Her eyes seemed to hover over him for a few seconds as she took in all her considerations and thoughts, trying to figure out something, and when she did sign again, it was almost in a distracted manner.

Yes, I guess you're right. It just never feels like enough. But maybe that's how everyone feels, right? She seemed to shake out of whatever reverie she was in, suddenly signing in a fast pace as she tried to turn away from what she had accidentally said. How's the coffee and muffin? Isn't this place really nice and relaxing? I found it entirely by accident, but I keep coming back here. The prices are not too high, and the drinks and food are good. Maybe not top quality found on the upper floors, but good still! And it's usually empty during the day. It gets a bit busier at night, around meal times, but during the day you can find peace and quiet...

She seemed to falter on the word quiet, as if realising the irony in it, or perhaps the uncomfortableness that many others often felt when she referred to the lack of sound. She remembered the first time she had mentioned it to someone, and they had asked her why she needed to get away from noise. It truly was amazing how little people understood, in the bigger picture. Not that she could entirely blame them, for how could they know? After a short pause, her fingers began moving again as she continued her thoughts, trying to keep the conversation going in a way that wasn't awkward. You said you'd awoken and met a lady who gave you some guidance? Have you been alone since then?

[Salem 0]

The topic swiftly shifted to one of the shop they were visiting. Salem took a few additional sips of his coffee as Nymoria cataloged its discovery like it was some sort of scientific breakthrough. It was endearing to see how captivated she became with simple things, especially in a world teeming with whimsy. At least, he assumed there were more fantastical creatures and places to see on the floors above this one. 

Still, the discussion made him reconsider his relationship to this reality. As his gaze drifted from the streets to the faces of passing players, he wondered what it would even look like to settle down and begin a life here. How long would it be before he began to talk about the busy parts of town and the best places to buy a cup of coffee? His thoughts drifted outwards in search of an answer. 

 You said you'd awoken and met a lady who gave you some guidance? Have you been alone since then?

A pang of guilt coursed through Salem.

"Yeah", he absently answered.

Slowly, his gaze began to return to Nymoria and the table that sat between them. Another swig of coffee seemed to ground his wandering mind and dispel the distant expression he'd unknowingly adopted. "It still feels like a game to me, all of this. Everything is so real...but its so different from my life." For once, Salem felt like words were failing him. What emotions could normally be parsed out over several seconds were beginning to form a gnarled wad he could barely begin to unravel. "I think...that that the other players, people like you, are the only reason any of it makes sense. Otherwise, it would be too jarring. Too similar but too different in the most uncanny way." He sighed uneasily before concluding, "It's cruel to be trapped here, but the sh*thead did us a favor by putting us together."

Edited August 1 by Salem

[Nymoria 0]

The grimace that appeared on her face following Salem's quick answer may have disappeared quickly, but Nymoria had no doubts that the other player would have seen it. She swirled her coffee slightly, absentmindedly moving the cup as Salem continued speaking. She noticed a slight delay in one of the words towards the completion of his commentary, as if the system was having trouble picking it up or interpreting it for her, but she waved it away as nothing more than an oddity. 

A game. Yes...it is a game, I guess. Her response came slowly following a long pause as she considered the comments. Her fingers seemed to move hesitantly, as if sluggish with her thoughts racing. Although her eyes stared at Salem, it was obvious that she was looking through his form rather than directly at him, her mind drifting even as she continued her movements. I think many of us forget that, now. That it's just a...game. I think...for many of us, this has become...reality. Home, but not quite home. We're stuck here, so it's home. But we want to go to our real home.

She shifted in her seat, her fingers falling silent as she seemed to consider something. Her eyes were somewhat clouded over, an obvious sign that she was deep within her thoughts as she stared at something just beyond Salem. After a few seconds, her hands began moving again, her eyes still distant and her attention clearly elsewhere, yet the signs came out flawlessly in her typical fashion. I was alone here for a long time, as well. I may have had some other players to party with, from time to time. But I have been alone. It has been...hard. Watching the days turn into months, watching as others banded together and strived to do something. Knowing that I didn't fit in...

Her hand waved towards her ear as she finished her sentence, letting the meaning drift off to be understood, or ignored as desired. There was a touch of sadness deep within her expression, but a more obvious mask of indifference had attempted to cover it. Whether it was successful or not, Nymoria couldn't tell.

[Salem 0]

Salem watched quietly as Nymoria appeared to wither and withdraw into herself. That seemed...unusual for her, and in stark contrast to the abundant enthusiasm she exuded mere moments ago. He'd said something wrong, or at the very least, chosen his words carelessly. I only brought attention to the fact this is fake. She looks sadder remembering that. Eyebrows furrowed slightly as he mulled over unforeseen implications.

He'd thought it important to not get carried away in the fantasy of it all. At the end of the day, he...was paralyzed. She was deaf and mute. Callously, he wondered, What would Nymoria have to lose, her senses haven't even been returned. She can hear and speak here just as well as there.

SAO had returned his greatest wish to him - the ability to walk, to run like a normal person again. By logging out, he would lose his legs, and with them, the freedom to do any of that again. His chest constricted as anger rose within him. Choosing to stay here is selfish - we can't escape what we are just by turning on a headset. And even if he could, what would that do to his parents? They'd already faced that tragedy before. He couldn't bare to put them through it again. Everyone has a life to return to, friends and family that would miss -- a realization clicked.

Tension bled from his digits as he relinquished unconscious constriction from around the base of his cup. Leaning back in his chair, Salem considered the best way to salvage his misreading of her situation. "I can see why you like this cafe.", he finally said, "And I'm glad you invited me here. I've enjoyed your company...." He did his best to craft a genuine smile from features still laden with uncertainty.

"It's been a long while since I've been able to get out like this...", he admitted as a finger tapped unsteadily on the side of his ceramic. Salem's lips drew to a line, his throat swallowing dryly as his gaze lingered on rings of stale coffee below.

[Nymoria 0]

Her gaze followed around the cafe as Salem brought the conversation back around, ending on him as she realised he was continuing to speak. The words came through muffled, albeit understandable when she looked away. She smiled at his commentary, glad that he'd at least found some enjoyment in coming to the cafe together. 

It's been a long time for me, as well. She managed to keep the depressive expression off her face as she signed the commentary, and for the first time found herself thankful that her tone could never be caught in the movement of her fingers as they spelled out her thoughts to the world. It had been years before Aincrad since she'd had anything similar, not that she would admit to that aloud. People...

She paused in her movements, a clear indecisiveness passing across her face as she considered what she was about to say. Whatever internal argument had passed through her seemed to resolve itself quickly, her hands moving again as she picked up where she had left off. ...don't tend to find speaking with someone like me enjoyable. It's a lot of work for most people, although Cardinal does make it easier. It's nice to meet someone who's willing to be patient and listen. Or...pay attention, I guess.

A sheepish smile and a slight flush crossed her face as she looked away, clearly embarrassed at having admitted it aloud.

 

[Salem 0]

Cardinal, he took special notice of the reoccurring detail, I remember seeing that on one of the starter screens. Is that...some sort of transcribing device? Figuring it best not to inquire about something he could investigate later, Salem focused instead on hearing out Nymoria. "Well you haven't exactly given me anything to dislike, yet.", he stated plainly, "We must have different definitions for what makes someone 'a lot of work'."

Sliding back his chair, Salem rose to his feet, lifting his mug away like a prize from a claw machine. He stood there silently for a moment before sparing a glance toward the other tables. What few patrons were cycling their way through the establishment had chosen to leave their dishes behind. Following suit, he set his cup back on the surface. Salem watched with widened eyes as the thing rippled in appearance, then erupted into a column of pixels.

"Oh yeah -- I've gotta get used to that.", he remarked with amusement. "If you're finished with your stuff, would you like to walk around?" It seemed that the earlier crowds had begun to thin as players scattered into colorful stalls in search of a hearty mid-day meal. "I was wondering", he started, "What there is for literature around here -- I can't imagine many works from the real world have carried over, but I might like to get my hands on an adventurer's guide, or maybe a story about a quest in a nearby land."

It was wholly possible that their interaction was due to end. Still, he wanted to extend the invitation to Nymoria. After all, she had expressed her desire for companionship and he could only benefit from the escort of someone who was already familiar with the area. 

[Nymoria 0]

The surprise that Salem showed at the common ettique within Aincrad, watching his cup disappear into thin air as if it were a new marvel, reminded Nymoria that he had truly been disconnected from the events of the last few years. Unlike her, he was entering this world, truly and wholly, for the first time. She wasn't sure what it meant, but she knew that he would less likely be well adjusted to the various aspects of the digital world. How it differed from the real world, and how it was similar. Nuances that we take for granted now, but that Salem may not be familiar with...he may need a guide more than anything else.

She was shaken from her thoughts as he mentioned literature. Nymoria enjoyed the written word as much as any other individual in the real world - perhaps slightly more, considering her condition - but she had spent little time searching for it here. If she was being honest, she hadn't really placed the time or effort into looking for it. The question caused her pause as she considered the possibilities, and when she did answer it was with a hesitant excitement.

I would like that. I'm not sure, really, what there is around here for reading material. If I'm honest I usually only read what's available on the menus, and what's passed between players for various purposes. There is a new player's guide, of sorts...which might be helpful to you. She seemed to pause and consider something before carrying onwards with her conversation. There's going to be a lot for you to learn in this world, so it may be best to get our hands on that. I'm...not sure how familiar you are with everything.

Her movements placed a weird accentuation on the word everything, a tone which would likely be heard even through the Cardinal system's odd translation softwear. For those more nuanced in verbiage, they would notice that the word didn't seem to fit, as if the movement of her hands had said something different, but the system was unable to comprehend anything appropriate, and instead chose the next best thing. Standing, she moved towards the doorway, signing to Salem as she passed him once more.

I believe there's a bookstore somewhere in town. Should we go and try and find it?

[Salem 0]

"Yes", he quickly agreed, following behind her as they exited the cafe. Returning to the streets rekindled a certain excitement within Salem. Unlike the real world, venturing out to such unfamiliar surroundings felt rewarding rather than disappointing, invigorating instead of taxing. He would chalk most of that up to novelty. Such rare feelings were often short-lived, at least in his experience. Still, there was something intentional about how the town was structured. With roads jutting out from the city centre like spokes on a wheel, it felt as if the world around him was calling out from every cardinal direction. One hardly needed squint in order to see the grandiose outer walls, their towers rising to cast crisp shadows on the cobblestones below.

He marveled silently at the cool reprieve that came from the pair passing beneath a nearby cathedral. "I think it's strange", Salem said, "To think that none of the buildings here were built by human hands...Obviously someone needed to model and code them, but that's not the same. They weren't built with a purpose in mind, for the necessity of providing shelter." The realization made him feel like a miniature touring through a hobbyist's set. While many structures sported predictable decorations and basic materials, he would catch occasional glimpses of homes with more character. Vibrant paints and personable tapestries did well to distinguish many of the player houses from the rest in the village.

"I never asked where you stay. Do you live somewhere in this town?", Salem was unsure whether or not that the question would border on engaging or intrusive.

 

Edited August 10 by Salem

[Nymoria 0]

Nymoria kept an eye on Salem as they moved out into the city itself, the streets somehow seeming less welcoming as she pulled into herself slightly; an action that would appear as nothing more than a subtle shift in her arms drawing closer to her core.

As Salem spoke about the architecture of the area, marvelling in how unreal it felt, Nymoria found herself smiling. She’d never had the consideration that it felt unnatural in any sense; if anything, she saw it as being human built, simply through other means.

I disagree. I think they were built with a purpose. That purpose was to entertain us. Maybe they didn’t use their hands, but they did use tools. The tools of numbers and letters, in order to create this world for us. Maybe it’s not perfect. Not real. But I don’t think it’s fair to say that it’s not the same. In the real world most houses aren’t built by hand, but by tool and machine now. Handled by humans. Is code and modelling any different from that? Her fingers moved with an odd fluidity, their cadence seemingly speeding and falling as she responded.

They did, however, falter slightly when asked where she was staying. The question seemed to take her by surprise, and a small flush spread across her cheeks before she managed to answer, her eyes cast down at the floor as if avoiding Salem’s eyes. I’m staying at an inn on the other side of the city. It’s…well, it’s not as nice as this area is, but it’s a good price.

She seemed to fall silent for a while, as if embarrassed by the answer. She knew it was odd, considering she’d offered to show the man earlier, but something in her demeanor and mindset about it had changed, as if their conversation had suddenly made her realise how distraught and lowly her place of residence was.

------

[Salem 0]

A curt nod indicated that he'd heard her response and acknowledged an understanding. We're living in similar situations then. He honestly hadn't expected that. The way she'd offered to help him find a home...would it have been more suitable than her own accommodations? Passing through such picturesque neighborhoods was beginning to feel more bleak by comparison.

He opted to mull over Nymoria's rebuttal, taking each point into consideration as the cadence of footsteps carried them closer to their destination. "You're correct in saying they were built with a purpose, although it differs from the utility of traditional housing. And...I can see why the justification of 'how' quickly becomes less sensible to defend. I hardly see the merit in arbitrarily disqualifying intention based on which tools humans decide to use." Salem paused before adding, "Still, I'd have disagree with one philosophy -- If it isn't truly real, how could it be the same?" His eyes seemed to flicker with curiosity as he glanced in her direction. 

"I don't believe in 'true' reality. Someone could experience their entire life here, never knowing of what existed on the other end of a cable. For that person, this would be real. That being said, we know there's something else out there." All of this is just an emulation, the shadow of something more tangible., he stopped himself from saying.

Salem inhaled steadily, showing more restraint than was typically characteristic of him. Nymoria had already shown a sensitivity to discussing her history outside of the game. For now, it was best not to press any further.

It hadn't been long before the both of them reached the threshold of a ramshackle store. Dilapidated in its supposed age, the structure sat lopsided with window frames drooping inwards like the shelves of a well-stocked bookcase. An azure limewash did little to conceal the ever-spreading cracks of the exterior spackle. As they neared the entrance, Salem's nostrils were assaulted by the musty scent of dust mites and stale paper. Sparing a moment to recoil from the pungent smell, he declared, "Yep -- that's a bookstore alright."

 

Edited August 21 by Salem

[Nymoria 0]

Nymoria kept a carefully pleasant smile on her face, a habit she had been raised with and had yet to learn to break; not that she had any desire to break it. The ability had proven, time and again, beneficial to her in certain instances. Not that it always alleviated whatever occurrence was happening, but it certainly proved the better option.

Deciding there was no point in further discussing the topic, as they both had their differing views upon it and she could accept that they wouldn’t see eye to eye, she instead continued on in silence until they reach, well, a destination. Her eyes hovered over the exterior, noting its olden design before nodding at Salem’s remark. Her hands moved in a sudden jerk as she commented on the store’s appearance as well, a slight grin upon her face.

It does in fact look like a bookstore, doesn’t it? But can we be sure it is one? Or does it just appear to be one, to our eyes? She stepped inside, moving through the doorway and towards the nearest bookshelf, before picking up a book and opening it up slightly. Her eyes moved across the page quickly, before setting it down and glancing back out at Salem. This would appear to be a bookstore. There are at least books inside, which have written pages. Perhaps it’s a digital bookstore?

There was a slight accent upon her signage for the form of digital, as if she were adding a stressor upon the word on purpose. She knew that the monotonous voice of Cardinal may not have picked up on her interpretation, and she quickly moved to add to her commentary, in explanation. You know, because this is all a game. It’s in a computer. So, digital.

She suddenly picked up a book, tossing it towards Salem with a careful movement. She’d spotted the title out of the corner of her eyes. The cover of the book, containing what appeared to be a half circle of stars and the moon above a tree, carried a soft, small amount of text towards its top; the NON-EXISTENCE of the REAL WORLD.

It’s perfect for you, no? Her hands moved in the sudden motions as they became free; the grin upon her face hopefully pointing out the humour that she intended behind the entire movement and commentary. Not that she was certain that the other would find it funny, although she could only hope.

[Salem 0]

Dull lanterns illuminated a low-lying ceiling as trickling candlelight licked the edges of hardcover books. A few moments proved necessary to override his mind's instinctual alarm to the potential fire hazard. Trailing in after Nymoria, Salem soon branched off to investigate a nearby nook. Labels seemed absent from the warped shelves, giving a much more eclectic feel to the collection's sorting, or lack thereof.

He almost preferred it that way. There was a certain adventure to be had in combing through titles to uncover the few that truly called to one's own curiosities. Ears only half-listened to his company's transpiring banter as his fingers plucked potential reads from the row before him. By the time he'd caught on to her sarcasm, a tracing finger had slowed to serve as an absent placeholder.

Slowly, he turned to regard her with narrowed eyes, a sardonic smirk plastered across his face. Gradual blinks indicated that he would make no effort to riposte. She was clearly having her fun, and he was in no hurry to stop her.

In a playful motion, she'd tossed another book his direction. A sloppily-performed reflex proved enough for him to catch the thing with his opposite hand. Fashioning his already-held handbook into...a left...hand-book, he pryed open the work to begin inspecting its contents. "The Non-Existence of the Real World...", he scoffed dryly, "Sounds like a real riot." Salem appeared to scan a couple of sentences before closing the book in his right hand and turning it to inspect the covers. "Seems to discuss ontology. Haven't heard of it before, or the author.", he considered before asking, "Does...SAO translate text for its players? Like how I'm able to hear your -- well, how I can hear the AI voice when you sign?" The prospect genuinely hadn't occurred to him until now. Up until this point, he assumed that everyone in this universe was native to Japan -- at the very least, everyone was speaking Japanese. That's how he heard it. 

Edited August 26 by Salem

[Nymoria 0]

Yes. The sign came instantly in response to the question, Nymoria’s eyes roaming the bookshelf just behind Salem. Her distraction lasted for only a few more seconds before she seemed to notice that she’d barely responded at all, a sudden colour coming to her cheeks as she rushed her fingers into motion, expanding upon her singular response with a more thorough explanation. Cardinal seems to come with an integrated translation software, allowing individuals of varying nationalities, and languages, to all come together and communicate as if they were speaking, and hearing or understanding, in their normal language.

She seemed to pause for a moment, as if considering something in her explanation. Her eyes glanced down at her fingers, before she continued onwards, a sudden odd look upon her face. For example. You hear this, in your mind I assume, as if I were speaking naturally. Grammar, words, dictation, all of it would sound like someone speaking, yes? Yet sign language doesn’t work like that. It provides symbolism for understanding. It can put together sentences and meanings, but it does not have a flowing speech pattern like those who speak.

She seemed to pause once more, before adding a final thought to her commentary and explanation. Or so I have been told.

She suddenly reached passed Salem, grasping a book off the shelf from behind him. Her movements were quick and precise, and only a flash of the cover of the book – three individuals in various medieval styled clothing, standing before what appeared to be a collection of orange-leafed trees and buildings of white walls – could be seen before it disappeared behind her back. She gave another sheepish smile at Salem before wandering passed, pretending to look at the various other shelves as she made her way towards the counter where a young male stood, waiting and watching in a bored manner.

[Salem 0]

He'd all but returned to his search before Nymoria added further context to the brief reply. A universal translator was beyond practical, it was revolutionary. Of course, any publisher would want to disseminate their game as far and wide as possible. Allowing users to select their preferred language had been accomplished decades prior. The true achievement came from how this one was developed and implemented. Live translation. To every language. It seemed comical to regard with such awe considering how many other technological wonders he'd already encountered.

Tucking the philosophy book beneath his arm, Salem continued to review his previous selection. It seemed straightforward enough, a detailed but comprehensive guide on SAO's more complicated mechanics. Like many other MMOs, this universe appeared to have its own spin on status ailments and advantages consumables. He'd only been aquatinted with the basics of health, stamina, and damage thus far. This one seems useful enough., he determined, I could stand to do some research before I start fighting. 

A fleeting glance toward Nymoria caused him to freeze in place. With the agility of a sprinting shrew, the silent player reached around him and drew another novel from the shelf directly behind. She seemed content with her selection, meandering toward the sales clerk with a springy step. "I hear you in my mind, yes.", he began softly, tracing her path, "But your voice doesn't sound...there's a robotic quality to it." Another barrier between our worlds. He caught himself smiling wistfully for a moment. "Have you found what you were looking for?", he asked instead.

Eyes couldn't help but inspect the cover of her chosen literature. From this perspective, it was difficult to distinguish its title, let alone its genre.

Edited September 15 by Salem