[F01 | SP] Coming to Terms | <<The First Few Lessons>>

[Acanthus 0]

"You're not real."

The denial fell from her lips almost involuntarily. To her, it was like saying the day of the week, or the weather outside. It was not a question, or a point to be made. It was simply a fact.

"None of this is real."

But Dorian seemed real enough. His mustache was large and bristly, and his eyebrows conveyed more emotion than Haru did with her whole body. He was tall—taller than her boss in the real world. His robe and ascot (and monocle!) clashed horrendously, yet made perfect sense, in the strange way only a fantasy game could pull off. In the few seconds of observing him, Haru had the impression of a kindly man, but also one constantly rushing off to almost-missed appointments. He’s nothing more than lines of code, Haru thought. But how could code convey so much emotion?

Dorian's eyebrows flashed with bemusement. He paused for a moment before replying, "My dear, I’m not sure I follow!" Haru blinked; she had already forgotten what she asked. Oh, yes. She was in denial about the man in front of her. She was in denial about all of it, really. But this was not the time or place to argue with a few bits of programming.

 

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lvl 1  (Tier 1)| HP 20/20 | EN 20/20

Battle-ready Inventory:

• (3) Starter Healing Potions

 

•  

Edited August 3 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

"I’m here for the introductory quest." Haru stated. Dorian quickly picked up on her language and began. "My name is Dorian, and I am the mayor of this town. As part of those mayoral duties, I issued a small loan to a member of the community a few months ago. Well, the time to collect had come around and I-" Dorian systematically ran his fingers over his perfect mustache while Haru’s mind began to wander.  She’d seen this quest offered to a hundred different players. Each time, the same words, the same fingers through the same mustache.

"You see, I've forgotten who it was I loaned–"

I wish I could just skip the dialogue here, Haru thought. She’d seen her brother do it all the time in video games. Koji read at a lightning pace, and skipped almost every voiceline he could.  

"–collect the col, I would be eternally–"

Haru wished she had that option.

Edited August 3 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Dorian eventually wound down. Haru lazily opened her menu to check the quest objective: “Enter Zackariah’s shop.” Simple enough. Haru began to scan Tolbana for any signs of her objective. She was shocked when Dorian began to offer directions. “That’s impressive. I suppose Cardinal picks up on body language as well as verbal prompts.” A brief beat, followed by another “My dear, I’m not sure I follow!” Cardinal must have a harder time responding to meta commentary.

She had directions from Dorian, so there was no need to linger. So Haru turned and left without saying a word. It was rude to not even offer a simple goodbye, but why would an NPC care? Dorian’s disgruntled farewell was nothing more than a mechanical response. By the time she returned, they would be back to “My dear, I’m not sure I follow.”

Edited August 3 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Zackariah's Shop

Haru marveled at the tiniest details in Zackariah’s shop. The way only some of the floorboards groaned as she stepped inside. The mismatched shelves sagging under the weight of a menagerie of potions and salves, no two alike. The shop bombarded Haru with a dozen different smells that she could not identify, all tied together by a soft bubbling sound emanating from the back. Zackariah’s voice reached her from the back of the shop. "Are you here to order something? I’m sorry, but I am currently swamped with orders, and I’m running out of supplies.” Haru took her time as she walked back, fingers tracing the worn wood of each crooked shelf. It wasn’t real. None of this was real.

But Haru came face to face with Zackariah, and her denial faltered. In front of her stood a kindly old man. Haru had no doubt this was someone’s grandfather, gathering wisdom through decades of life. There was such a light in this man’s eyes. How did they impart such light and laughter through digital commands?

 

Edited August 3 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Zackariah continued on, unaware of Haru’s thoughts. “Would you gather a few materials for me? Flowers, herbs, rare woods, whatever you can find outside the city walls. I promise I’ll help you fill your order as soon as you return. In fact, I would be willing to show you how to do it yourself.” Haru nodded and bowed reflexively. She felt her cheeks burn as she chided herself. This is a video game, not some live-action roleplay. She heard Zackariah’s gentle laughter. “My, what manners from a lovely young lady! I’m not sure that I caught your name, miss…?”

"Nice to meet you, my name is H–" She caught herself. She’d tried using her real name before, but it always seemed to confuse the NPCs. She hated using her username. It made everything here feel even more real.

"Acanthus. My name is Acanthus, sir."

"An interesting name, young miss." He stroked his beard thoughtfully. "As an apothecary, I have some experience with the herb myself. I assume that was the inspiration for your name?"

Haru could only stare back. Since when did NPCs inquire about usernames? Was that normal? Zackariah simply smiled back. “Ah, I meant no offense. It’s a wonderful name, and it suits you very well.” Haru realized she was smiling. It was the first time someone had complimented her username. She bowed again and surprised herself by saying, “Zackariah, I promise to have those materials for you as soon as possible. I hope that I can be of some help.”

Edited August 3 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Zackariah gestured to the back of his shop, where a large pot was bubbling. Haru was able to pick out the smell of… cheese? “I know in your care, the orders are as good as filled. But I’d like to offer you some assistance. I have here a fondue that is guaranteed to help you find what you’re looking for!” Haru paled slightly. She wasn’t sure why, but it seemed like every meal in Aincrad disagreed with her palate. Everything tasted… fake. She couldn’t describe it any other way. It was like trying to eat things wrapped in plastic, or seasoned with a faint tingling sensation.

Zackariah noticed her hesitation and quickly added, “there is no harm in passing it up! I’m sure you’ll do fine without it.” But Haru shook her head. “I will need every advantage to help you secure your materials. Thank you for the fondue.”

She lifted a spoonful to her lips, and blew gently. The steam curled off the wooden spoon. She caught the strong aroma of fresh cheese, and involuntarily gagged. Real or not, she wasn’t used to eating spoonfuls of dairy. Before Zackariah could speak, she tipped the spoon up, and cheese trailed off the spoon and into her mouth.

It was like a large, warm, wet ball of someone else’s snot hit the back of her throat. She nearly coughed up the full spoon, but managed to choke it down after a few encouraging pats on the back from Zackariah. “Oh dear—I suppose it went down the wrong pipe! Are you going to be okay?” Haru nodded, blinking away a few tears. She worried that the fondue may not stay down, and she didn’t want Zackariah around in case it happened. She gave one last hurried bow to Zackariah before bolting out of the shop.

Spoiler

Fondue eaten. +3 LD

 

Edited August 3 by Acanthus
I'm a doofus and didn't add the last paragraph.

[Acanthus 0]

The Gates of Tolbana

Thankfully, her stomach settled as she approached the city gates. The fondue had taken effect, as she saw in the interface. Getting used to the interface had been difficult. It was odd to have such quantifiable information always displayed in her vision. She mused about what it would look like in real life.

At the gates of Tolbana, she stopped and admired the scenery. Great, sweeping plains of grass rolled out before her. Until today, she had never admired them from this close. For the last six months, Haru had been one of the few that remained on floor one. The moniker “Death Game” was not lost on her. If she died here, she would never see her family again. She would never see all her friends from University. And so Haru sat on the first floor, waiting for someone else to save her. Waiting for someone braver than her to crash through the upper floors, destroy the final boss and whisk her to safety.

But that feeling changed six months after launch, when Haru had a quiet realization. She had missed her mother’s birthday. What pained her most was that it had taken her so long to remember. Nearly four months after the fact, actually. In that moment, she made a promise to herself. “I missed that birthday. I may miss the next, and even the one after that. But I will not miss them all. I will come back to you.”

Thus she stood at the gates of Tolbana. The wind rose from behind her and carried into the open fields. Without a word, Haru stepped out of the safe zone and into the wilds.
 

Edited August 3 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Haru had read plenty of stories growing up: fairy tales, adventure novels, the occasional romance. One thing they all had in common was how they managed to skip the boring parts with such grace. If Haru ever wrote about her experiences here, this is one part she planned to leave out. Two hours of searching through once idyllic fields would have left her frantic, if the monotony had not numbed her first. Being out after dark was a risk she had no intention of incurring, but neither did she want to disappoint Zackariah.

Zackariah won’t care. He’s an NPC, a quest giver on the first floor. Why am I worrying about disappointing an NPC I’ll never see again?

It’s not real. None of this is real.

Haru’s thoughts were interrupted by a stroke of luck. She noticed a small patch of herbs that matched cuttings in Zackariah’s shop. The bush looked almost like a tumbleweed from a western film. The thin, wiry stalks reached her torso, decorated by bright, vermillion leaves that twisted and curled. The bush danced spryly as the wind blew, inviting her to collect a sample. A few careful cuts and she would have all the materials Zackariah needed. With the taste of fondue lingering on her tongue, she set to work.

...And failed miserably. Off to a good start, she bitterly mused.
 

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Gather Materials

ID: 223823 | LD 4 (1, +3 from fondue) | No materials.

 

 

Edited August 3 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Haru grimaced as the last of the herbs shattered into a fine digital mist. The world may not be real, but her disappointment was.

Haru made mental notes about the event. There were patterns to the harvest. When to pluck, when to pull, or observe, or prune. Fail the dance, and the chance to collect vanished. Haru had nearly discerned the patterns when the plant’s durability gave out. She sighed, but refused to linger on her failure. She needed to find another source.

The fields gave way to woods as the sun began its descent. Haru estimated another few hours of daylight, but she was about half an hour from Tolbana. Time was running out.

In the woods, birds chirped their foreign calls and frogs croaked by the murmuring stream. Once again, Haru marveled at the details of Aincrad. Was this all the work of avid designers, slaving for hundreds of hours over every leaf? Or was Cardinal truly so advanced that it could generate such a particular environment on a whim? She shook her head. Neither answer will yield materials. Focus on the quest first.

Cardinal took pity on her. Haru caught sight of a unique tree, seemingly out of place in the thin forest. Despite the woods, the tree looked like something more at home in the grasslands: light foliage, with a stunted and swayed silhouette. The leaves were a beautiful blue hue. But she knew from window shopping in the first-floor shops that the leaves were not the prize; it was the bark. Judging by the stripped bark on lower parts of the tree, someone else had known this as well. Haru quickly knelt down and began to pry off large pieces.

Haru cried out in dismay as her fingers came loose with a jagged piece of bark. It exploded into pixels almost immediately, sprinkling her face in a fine blue mist. Zackariah won’t have anything to work with at this rate. He’s going to be disappointed.

No he won’t. He’s just quest NPC, he’s not going to care whether I have the materials or not. Ones and zeros, Haru. None of this is real.

 

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Gather Materials

ID: 223834 | LD 14 (11, +3 from fondue) | No materials.

 

 

Edited August 3 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

With a small yelp of victory, Haru yanked a cluster of mushrooms out of the ground. She held her breath for the moment before they inevitably dissipated. The mushrooms kept their purple hues. Haru breathed a sigh of relief. At least I'm not coming back empty-handed.

With materials in tow, Haru hurried back to Tolbana. The sun was just starting to touch the horizon. Even knowing there was enough light left to make it back, Haru worried. About what she could not say, but the worried gnawed at her all the same.

Back at Zackariah’s shop, he reviewed the materials.

“Very good! I see you’ve managed to harvest some of the cluster mushrooms. They can be a little tricky if you’re not careful.” Haru glowed at the compliment. “I'm afraid it wasn't me that borrowed the col. You might try Lyle, the blacksmith. I've seen him talking with the mayor frequently the past month or so, and he's just up the road. I wish you luck!”

At the doorway, Haru bade Zackariah farewell. She might try to find an excuse to return, quest or no quest. Her next stop was Lyle, the Blacksmith. Haru decided to turn in early. She felt she had earned it.
 

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Gather Materials

ID: 223860| LD 20 (17, +3 from fondue) | Materials gained.

 

 

Edited August 3 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Lyle's Forge

The next morning, Haru found Lyle the blacksmith hard at work. His forged flared and spewed flame, and Haru winced at the rhythmic PANG—PANG—PANG of his hammer. She barely opened her mouth to ask about the quest when he grunted, “Busy.” Her mouth closed, and she resigned herself to waiting. Haru observed Lyle as he worked the long rod of iron. She couldn’t tell what he was making, but she wondered what he did with those wares. He didn’t operate a shop to her knowledge. Did he forge dozens of items, only for them to disappear the moment they were out of sight?

“Hold out yer hand, girl.”

“My name is—”

“I don’t give two cols what yer name is, girl. Hold out yer hand.”

Haru felt her blood pressure rising. (It wasn’t real, after all. None of this was real.) She thrust her hand out, palm turned up. Lyle pulled a short sword out of what seemed like thin air and dropped the hilt into Haru’s hand. She barely held on, and her arm sank underneath the weight. Lyle’s mouth pursed, but he said nothing.

Haru gave a few instinctive test swings. She had no understanding of what made a good or bad weapon. But swinging the sword felt… satisfying? She grew accustomed to the weight quickly.

Lyle spoke again. “I need you to head out and kill a few boars. I need the tusks. If you don’t want to kill them, you can just sedate them with this.” A bag was suddenly in the air, aimed at Haru’s face. She reflexively brought her hand up to catch, but fumbled. The sack hit the ground with a dry thud, and Haru turned beet red.

“If bags give you that much trouble, you’d best rethink the boars. That’s one of my better blades, and I’ll be needing it back. I’d hate to have to send someone out to reclaim it." Haru was furious. He was just some pile of ones and zeroes; what right did he have to joke about her death? Haru’s calm demeanor broke; she snapped, “I don’t suppose it’ll be you going out there to reclaim it, your crusty old man. The boars could do worse for dessert.” Immediately, her hand clapped over her mouth. I’ve never said anything half as rude in my entire life, much less to a stranger! It doesn’t matter, it isn’t real, this doesn’t matter, it isn’t real…

Lyle just shrugged. “I’ve got better things to do. Besides, they're pretty weak, so even you shouldn't have any trouble.  Do that, then I'll hear you out.”

Haru scooped up the bag and left, grateful for the reprieve.

Spoiler

 

[Item equipped: Lyle's Shortsword (T1 Rare Straight Sword ACC 2 | DMG 1)]

Acanthus | Lv. 1 | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 | ACC: 2

• (3) Starter Healing Potions

 

•  

Edited August 3 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

At the gates of Tolbana again, Haru was surprised at how much easier it was to step outside. For months, she had been terrified at the mere thought of leaving. Yet here she was, stepping out into the open plains two days in a row.

There’s no way around it. If I want to move up, I have to take some risks. No more than necessary, but “no risk” is not an option.

Besides, she believed Lyle when he said she could handle some boars. And she didn’t believe that Cardinal would have her fight anything dangerous for the first quest in the game. Maybe the quest had claimed a few lives, but they had likely been unprepared.

Haru checked her bags and her inventory. Her starter potions clinked in her satchel, still corked from the day she logged in. They’re practically vintage at this point, she joked sardonically. She also had her loaner sword from Lyle. It was hardly a work of art, but it was beautiful in its own way. It was clean and well polished. The smooth hilt fit snugly in her hand, and the weight was impressive, but not overwhelming.

Outside the gates, Haru drew the sword and gave a few more test swings. Remembering that she had put her SP into straight swords, she decided to give her sword arts a try. Better now than in the heat of combat.

Haru shifted her feet into a wide stance, left foot forward. She raised the sword above her head in a single hand, opposite hand extended for balance. For a moment, she thought of how silly she probably looked, squaring off with an invisible opponent.

Her hands started to hum. She felt a warm tingle from her right hand wash all the way down to her toes. Her mind focused involuntarily, and she felt an almost irrepressible urge to swing her sword. She felt like a ball, teetering at the edge of the longest slide in the world. She obliged the urge to fall, and brought the sword down with all her might. The strike was not chaotic as she anticipated; it felt controlled, reflexive. Her arm followed muscle memory that it had never learned, and a large swath of the grass fell before her.

Next, she drew the sword back, but kept it low. The same hum, but a different warm tingle. A different art then, she thought. She waited until she couldn’t bear to hold the sword back anymore, and then unleashed it. She exploded forward with a complicated series of quick slashes all around her. That must be the multi-target attack.

I could take out all three boars at once without breaking a sweat!

No. Bad Haru. No unnecessary risks. You’ll fight those boars one at a time. You’ve never been in combat, and you’re already thinking about diving into danger headfirst!

Still, Haru felt powerful. The sword gave her a feeling of control—something she had not felt in a long time. Even since before SAO, she realized.
 

Edited August 3 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

My compliments to the developers. They really made these things smell atrocious.

A heady manure smell wafted off the pig and towards Haru. It made her eyes water. Why did they feel the need to go above and beyond here? Just program a boar. They didn’t have to make it smell like fresh fruit and honey. Just a nice, scentless boar would have done the trick. For something not real, this was an awful lot of effort.

She stared down the boar, its beady red eyes locked onto hers. Even though her pulse was rising, Haru kept her composure. She tried not to think about how crazy this was.

Haru blinked, and the boar charged with a hellish squeal. She shifted and readied her sword. Baseball. Just think about baseball. Except the bat was a sword, the ball was a boar, and a strike meant her life. Just like baseball.

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lv. 1 | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 | ACC: 2

Boar | 5/5 | DMG: 3

1. Post Action: ST-I -> Boar
   1. ID: 223944 | BD: 8 + 2 = 10 | ST-I -> Boar
      1. Hit: 1  * 4 = 4 DMG (-4 EN)
   2. ID: 223944| MD: 6 | Attack -> Acanthus
      1. Hit: 3 DMG

Acanthus | Lv. 1 | HP: 17/20 | EN: 16/20 | DMG: 1 | ACC: 2

Boar | 1/5 | DMG: 3

 

 

Edited August 3 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

The boar lumbered at her, wounded and clinging to life. Just as she thought she was in range, the monster had a sudden burst of energy.

“Ah!” She nearly fell over trying to back up. The boar reared and leaped at her, digging its tusks into her leg again. Her sword swung wildly around her, but missed the boar.

I’m relying too much on the sword arts, she thought to herself. I have to get comfortable with the sword as it is, not as the game programs it.

Another part of her brain was screaming. That’s nice and all but maybe we have this conversation with ourselves AFTER we kill this pig, alright?!

Focused and back in the fight, Haru took advantage of the boar’s slowed reactions. With a concerted effort, she brought the sword around with both hands, like a baseball bat. The blade cut deep into the side of the boar. It burst into shards.

One down. But it hit me again. In the same, stupid place. I have to learn to get out of the way.

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lv. 1 | HP: 17/20 | EN: 16/20 | DMG: 1 | ACC: 2

Boar | 1/5 | DMG: 3

1. Acanthus Recovers 1 EN.
2. Post Action: Basic Attack -> Boar
   1. ID: 223945 | BD:  6 + 2 = 8 | Basic Attack -> Boar
      1. Hit: 1 DMG (-1 EN)
   2. ID: 223945 | MD: 7 | Attack -> Acanthus
      1. Hit: 3 DMG

Acanthus | Lv. 1 | HP: 14/20 | EN: 16/20 | DMG: 1 | ACC: 2

Boar | 0/5 | DMG: 3

 

 

Edited August 3 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

The second boar was not far off. Haru did a quick gauge of her health. It’s low, but I have health potions. I should be able to drink one or two if I take another hit. If things are bad enough, I think I can run with enough health to survive.

Attracted by the sound of combat, it sauntered into range and targeted Haru. The boar unleashed an unearthly cry before launching into combat.

The smell. Just as atrocious as the first one. Whoever was in charge of designing these had a bone to pick with boars; Haru doubted they smelled this bad in real life.

Distracted, her first swing at the boar left her wildly unbalanced. She danced on one foot for a few seconds. Haru! What are you doing! This is life or death!

Her distraction turned into a boon when the boar charged where her other leg had gone flying into the air. I guess the boar is having difficulty as well. Or maybe the game is feeling sorry for me.

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lv. 1 | HP: 14/20 | EN: 16/20 | DMG: 1 | ACC: 2

Boar | 5/5 | DMG: 3

1. Acanthus Recovers 1 EN.
2. Post Action: ST-I -> Boar
   1. ID: 223946 | BD:  1 + 2 = 3 (Critical Miss) | ST-I -> Boar
      1. Miss (-2 EN)
   2. ID: 223946 | MD: 1 | Attack -> Acanthus
      1. Miss

Acanthus | Lv. 1 | HP: 14/20 | EN: 15/20 | DMG: 1 | ACC: 2

Boar | 5/5 | DMG: 3

 

 

Edited August 3 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Haru had read that in battle, it was as much a war of attrition as it was raw strength. As she battled it out with the boar, she could see how that was the case. Lyle’s sword now felt like lead in her hands. She had barely raised it to her side when the boar came trundling back at her. It appeared to be wearing out as well.

Their respective attacks were almost a plea for a break. Haru weakly swung the sword around her as the boar approached. It was more a warning to stay back than it was a danger. The boar in turn huffed and puffed, but made only a minimal effort to get into range of Haru.

Breathing heavily, Haru stepped backwards and readied her sword again. She took a few steadying breaths and prepared herself. I’m not going to lose yet, and I’m not going to give up hope. It’s just one boar. I can do this.
 

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lv. 1 | HP: 14/20 | EN: 15/20 | DMG: 1 | ACC: 2

Boar | 5/5 | DMG: 3

1. Acanthus Recovers 1 EN.
2. Post Action: ST-I -> Boar
   1. ID: 223946 | BD:  1 + 2 = 3 (Critical Miss) | ST-I -> Boar
      1. Miss (-2 EN)
   2. ID: 223946 | MD: 3 | Attack -> Acanthus
      1. Miss

Acanthus | Lv. 1 | HP: 14/20 | EN: 14/20 | DMG: 1 | ACC: 2

Boar | 5/5 | DMG: 3

 

 

Edited August 3 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Haru was quickly learning that she had two modes: too cautious and too reckless. Anytime she worried too much about defense, she failed to land a single blow. Whenever she dove in for the strike, the boar found an opening and returned the favor.

She held her side, sword outstretched defensively. A red gridded wound had opened up on her side. But she had been able to hit the boar as well. Again, it stood, but only barely.

Lyle’s sword is starting to feel like a nuisance. He couldn’t have put one more point into damage? I might as well kick the stupid little pig to death.

The boar’s snout wrinkled at her. It was taunting her, she just knew it. This is what I get for coming out here with nothing but a sword and three potions. I thought I was prepared for tutorial-level monsters with a rare weapon, but now I see that was misguided.

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lv. 1 | HP: 14/20 | EN: 14/20 | DMG: 1 | ACC: 2

Boar | 5/5 | DMG: 3

1. Acanthus Recovers 1 EN.
2. Post Action: ST-I -> Boar
   1. ID: 223946 | BD:  4 + 2 = 6 | ST-I -> Boar
      1. Hit. 4 DMG (-4 EN)
   2. ID: 223946 | MD: 8 | Attack -> Acanthus
      1. Hit. 3 DMG

Acanthus | Lv. 1 | HP: 11/20 | EN: 11/20 | DMG: 1 | ACC: 2

Boar | 1/5 | DMG: 3

 

 

Edited August 3 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

With a careful sidestep, Haru dodged the initial charge, and brought her blade up in an arc. It gouged a large chunk of the boar’s flesh, replaced by a strange, reddish grid. It was odd that a game that killed people would care about portraying graphic violence.

The boar took a few steps, and with a weak squeal, collapsed to the ground. She checked herself again for wounds, and was pleased that she had dodged the boar’s attacks this time. Even in such a short time, I’m improving bit by bit. It was satisfying to have noticeable progress in a short amount of time. But she was familiar with Koji’s games. The progression was always quick up front. By the later levels, everything felt like a slog. Then again, none of those games had put anyone’s life on the line.

She walked over to the boar and picked up the tusk. It disappeared when she touched it, and a notification informed her that she was almost done with her quest.

 

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lv. 1 | HP: 14/20 | EN: 11/20 | DMG: 1 | ACC: 2

Boar | 1/5 | DMG: 3

1. Acanthus Recovers 1 EN.
2. Post Action: Basic Attack -> Boar
   1. ID: 223953 | BD:  8 + 2 = 6 | Basic Attack -> Boar
      1. Hit. 1 DMG (-1 EN)
   2. ID: 223953 | MD: 8 | Attack -> Acanthus
      1. Hit. 3 DMG

Acanthus | Lv. 1 | HP: 11/20 | EN: 11/20 | DMG: 1 | ACC: 2

Boar | 0/5 | DMG: 3

 

 

Edited August 3 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Haru sat roughly in the field. If two boars had taken half her health, she would likely be alright fighting the third immediately. But “likely” wasn’t the kind of chance Haru would stake her life on.

So she popped open her waterskin and took a few long drinks. It was not as satisfying as she remembered water in real life, but it wasn’t as bad as the other food she had to put up with here. When she first arrived, she had tried not eating. But the game forced tiredness onto her, which frustrated Haru to no end. It’s not like we even have to eat in VR! It’s just another restriction added to this awful game to make it more “realistic.”

She was shocked that she heard so little complaints about the food. Maybe it had something to do with different player's predisposition to VR gaming. Or maybe it was just an accident. In a game this big, there had to be glitches and bugs.
 

Spoiler

HP recovered: 1 * 10 = 10 (20/20) | EN recovered: 1 (12/20)

 

Edited August 3 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Haru had to travel a small ways to find her last boar. By then, she had fashioned a makeshift mask with some of her spare layers. The weather was mild anyways, all of her extra coats and buckles were just for show.

Unlike the other boars, she approached confidently, blade at the ready. Despite approaching from behind, the boar bristled and turned to her once she was in range. I’m sure there’s some kind of stealth in this game. Otherwise, no chance to sneak up on these guys.

This boar seemed bigger than the other two, but Haru kept telling herself it wasn’t the case. It certainly felt more intimidating. Rather than immediately charging, it set one cloven hoof forward, as if to say “Oh, you’re approaching me?”

Haru gritted her teeth, speaking to no one. “I can’t kill you from all the way over here.” She marched toward the boar with sword glowing. She lashed out carefully, applying what she had learned from the previous boars. She struck, and immediately fell back to avoid the boar’s counterattack!

 

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lv. 1 | HP: 20/20 | EN: 12/20 | DMG: 1 | ACC: 2

Boar | 5/5 | DMG: 3

1. Acanthus Recovers 1 EN.
2. Post Action: ST-I -> Boar | Roll ID: 223958
   1. BD:  4 + 2 = 6 | ST-I -> Boar
      1. Hit. 4 DMG (-4 EN)
   2. MD: 3 | Attack -> Acanthus
      1. Miss.

Acanthus | Lv. 1 | HP: 20/20 | EN: 9/20 | DMG: 1 | ACC: 2

Boar | 1/5 | DMG: 3

 

 

Edited August 3 by Acanthus