[F04 | PP] New Ventures

[Typhoonflame 0]

This was it. Ty was finally going to get her own shop!

As she stepped back, Ty admired the newly-painted exterior of the door, the sunshade above it was an olive green color, the golden letters on it shining in the sunlight: The Nurturing Flare. 
She didn't have anything to sell yet, of course, but that would change soon. With a grin, she entered the interior. It was a small, two-room shop, with a main room and a smaller back room for storage. There was a front desk, of course, made of simple wood. All the shelves and everything were wooden, albeit she couldn't afford many of them yet, so she only had one big shelf on the side. A small desk on the right side was her workstation. She wan'ted her customers to be able to see what she made plainly. 

With a nod to herself, she browsed through the menu until she found Kil's name, then tapped the DM button: Hey, come to the street near the floor's market, near the allies. I have something to show you.

With that, she tapped Send and sat back with a smirk. 

Typhoonflame| Lv. 7 | HP: 140/140 | EN: 32/32 | DMG: 8 | ACC: 1 | PAR: 2 

Edited September 2 by Typhoonflame

[Kiluia Seiko 0]

Little snow crystal flakes fell to the ground adorning the landscape with a powdery white scene. Children flocked the streets rolling around in the snow followed by an unusual character, Pingu the Penguin. Independently, Kil was outside his shop sitting down at the tables outside watching the snowflakes fall. Red eyes stared at the sky while sipping on his hot chocolate mug with a heater at his feet to keep him warm. Snowcap with a bell would sit on his head leaning to the right while his torso was dressed in a sweater. 

*Ding*

A direct message? He thought staring at it. He was soon aware that it was from Typhoon and a faint smile came across his face.  He read the message that was before him and perked a brow. She didn't mention a floor, but it seemed to be nearby. He sent the message back to her.

 

Spoiler

To: @Typhoonflame
From: Kiluia 

Hey. I'll be on my way to you. Seems like you are nearby. 

And send. He stood up and made way to the door of the establishment and set his mug on the countertop. He pulled over his overcoat and turned off the light heading into the slightly blustery day. He had taken notice of the landmarks around the 4th floor, and it seemed like he could remember the streets and signs. Red hues glanced over at the penguin who was being rolled away by her fellow friends, and he would ignore her for now looking to see where he would be going.

Time had passed by. He wouldn't take long to reach the destination and peered looking for her. A blink was given as he looked at her from where he was, and he waved to her with gloves on. "Hey! What's up? If I knew you were here, I would have at least fixed you something up at the shop." 

Kiluia |Level 33: Tier:24 | HP: 780/780 | EN: 112/112 | DMG: 21 | MIT: 78 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | BH: 42 | LD: 3 | AA | BLD: 48 | KEEN: 1 | REC: 4

Edited September 2 by Kiluia Seiko

[Typhoonflame 0]

Ty grinned to herself as she waited for Kil. She didn't have many friends, but she invited the ones she had to see her shop a few days ago. All of them had wished her good luck, but since none of them were shop owners themselves, they were unable to give her any good advice on how to run her business. That was where Kil would have to come in, if he wanted to. He was, after all, the only person Ty knew who had any experience with running a shop. Especially since she hadn't had time to ask Morningstar if he knew anything about such things. She made a mental note to do so later and headed outside to wait for Kil. 

If she was honest, she hated the weather here. She liked snow, sure, but she hated the cold, as she got cold very easily, even when it was warm outside, which was now all the more emphasized by the constant cold around her. She gazed around at the snowy blanket which seemed to never vanish from this floor and blew out a breath, which quickly turned into mist. She'd left her glasses inside, lest they'd have been misty too and not of much use.

Finally, she spotted KIl and waved. "Hey, welcome! Sorry for being all mysterious, but, ta-dah! Whatcha think, huh?"

[Kiluia Seiko 0]

He looked up at the shop as he smiled at it. It was fun to have a neighbor to share stories with and be around. "See now, if you actually told me I would have prepared some dishes to enjoy the opening of your shop! I'm very proud of you." He stated to her as his emotions seemed to lighten when he was around good company. He took off his hat and placed it on her head now letting the bell jingle to keep her a bit warmer. "Dress warmer!" 

He slowly walked around the shop but remained close to her while gazing at the parameters. He looked at her and spoke. "This looks like it'll be successful depending on what you want to offer and sell. I'm sure I'll stop by often when I need something to help me focus or need to take out on a run." He walked up her steps and held out a hand to her. "May I be the first to see the inside of your amazing shop? I would feel very honored." He grinned looking at her. Seemed like he was warming up gratefully to her. 

[Typhoonflame 0]

"I couldn't tell you! If I'd told you, it wouldn't be a surprise!" She laughed, looking up at the hat Kil put on her head. "It's fine...It's not that cold. I mean, okay, it's certainly colder than other places I've been in, but I'll manage. I'm slowly getting used to the weather here. Still wish I'd chosen a warmer floor." She chuckled.

She was very glad Kil thought her shop could be successful and she wasn't wasting her time by doing this. She grinned back at him, amused.
"Why of course! There isn't much, just this room and the back, with a few herbs. I need to go out and gather more soon and start actually crafting  salves and the like to sell. I don't assume I'll get many customers soon, but if I can get one satisfied customer to start, I'll be happy. Start small, low expectations, and hopefully grow."

[Kiluia Seiko 0]

"It is quite the surprise! I have a great neighbor that I can bother once and awhile for sugar if I need it." He gave a slight smile as the duo headed inside into the warm shop. Eyes took into full view of the shop admiring what she was starting. It reminded him of how he first started. He wasn't alone though like she was. He had formed plenty of bonds with Raidou and the guild. With his eyes met hers, he would nod. "Don't worry. You should always keep your mind like that. A mind of a businessperson is always set for success."  He spoke tapping his own head.

He pulled out a chair and sat down while still admiring the place. "Do you need anything? I'm sure if you join the guild, we will be able to set forth and assist you. I can always take you on one of my excursions to gather materials so that way we are able to keep a constant flow of materials." He would stare at her a moment hoping he wasn't being too pushy. He wanted to make sure she was taken care of and at least he was part of a solution not a problem. 

"You'll always have a customer in me. I always look for new things to try!" As he was saying this, the penguin managed to find her master. It was attuned to him so she would never get lost. She ran into the door with a thud. All the snow she had accumulated simply fell off as she entered the shop with a boo boo. "That's a door, Pingu. We open them." 

[Typhoonflame 0]

"Sugar? Don't you make sweets? You should always have sugar, woe is you if you don't!" She laughed. She did obviously get his meaning, but it was too good of an opportunity to pass up.

"Oh right, jeez...I almost forgot to apply to your guild." Ty facepalmed, dragging her hand down her face afterwards. "Thank you for reminding me. How do I do that?" she asked, browsing through her menus. 

Right then, Pingu dropped in, almost quite literally. "Pingu...dear, I know you have slippers, but I believe you can hop and open doors, no? If you want, I could install a pet door for you." she teased. Pingu just crossed her little slippers on her chest as if to admonish Ty right back.
Ty turned to Kil. "Thanks, you both get all my products for free." she added, pointing to him and his little familiar. "It's the least I can do for all the help you've offered, after all. But yes, those excursions sound lovely, maybe I could learn some Arts while I'm there too!"

 

[Kiluia Seiko 0]

He would slowly glide his hands through his screens and open up an invite to the guild to send to her. He would offer a smile with a tilt of his head. "There. I sent you an invite to the guild. No one should have an issue with it. All you have to do is pick a place where you want to join and meet up with your captain." He would glance at the penguin as it seemed to be asking for pets. Hand patted the penguins head as it stood there admonishing the idea of a door. She could very well operate the door but chose not to at times. 

He would listen to her offer about receiving free items. "Obviously, I can't just take them for free. I mean we can trade our items. I would feel better that way or if I just simply cooked for you." He leaned and placed his elbows on the table. "Or just take them to the adventures we will go on. I'm sure we'll find purpose in that as well." 

When she brought up her arts and skills, he thought a moment of her path. He would have to inquire deeper about it now. "So, what are you going after? Like what weapons or skills do you want to use? I can help with all sorts of things if I know what you want to learn and see if we can't get you started in all that." He chose the path of the martial artist since suited his speed and his type of close combat to distract and stun those enemies. What was her purpose?

[Typhoonflame 0]

Ty accepted the guild invite as soon as it popped up in front of her, grinning. "Thanks! I'll have to think of the place where I want to join at then. How is everyone there? I mean, they must be decent people if you hag around them, right?" she asked, watching in amusement as Kil patted Pingu's head. 

"Fine, fine, we can trade." Ty relented, shaking her head at Kil's earnestness. Other people would've taken the free stuff and just gone with it, but not him. "I wonder where we'll go to gather more stuff. What's the highest floor you've reached?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.

She leaned her head on one of her palms when Kil asked what she wanted to do in terms of weapons. Honestly, she wasn't sure at all. "I like my rapier, it has accuracy and paralysis enhancements. However, it requires me to be at close range, and I'm not a huge fan of that. I've been thinking about getting a bow...What do you think?"

 

[Kiluia Seiko 0]

His eyes lingered on her for a moment while thinking about the past. He had to think for a moment as he was on the front lines for a while. "I believe the highest floor was 26 or 27. I believe they have reached currently on 28. We have a while to go through and probably push through once we have enough players. It's hard due to a huge alliance fighting one large boss." He remembered the fight of the boss. The extras were hard to handle while he was also close combat. It was extremely risky if you weren't fast or aware of your surroundings. It was actively the most dangerous spots if your tanks failed to keep the target off of you. 

He took a deep breath leaning back into the chair watching her. "I believe the system recently allowed to have us use the ability of the bow. I think it was popular enough for us to inherit it. I believe the info broker expanded it recently so if you want to stay backline, that is certainly the way to go." He flashed a smile at her as Pingu wandered of and stared out the window. She left the two alone as the children were actively seeking the penguin. A slick smile came across the penguin's face as they would never find her inside this new shop. She was pleased.

He wanted to address the guild last since it was probably the most important subject. "I trust Raidou with my life. He's always been there and the most serious man I have ever met throughout the game as a person who stands out the most. The guild respects him, and members pretty much follow his lead. I'm sure if you ever needed something, he would find a way to get that for you or at least one of the other subordinates would be able to." Adventures with the man came across through his head as he still remembered Raidou and him battling side by side with other team members. "Our guild is one of the largest guilds in the game. We provide for everyone with supplies and talent at its best. Some more than others, I admit." He admittedly thought about his lack of action lately. 

[Typhoonflame 0]

"Huh, that's not too bad!" she commented about the highest floor he'd reached. It was definitely higher than she'd  been. Heck, this floor was her highest! The fights sounded genuinely horrifying and Ty found herself gripping the edges of her chair as she imagined herself in that same situation, fighting a boss she couldn't even imagine the look off with other people, potentially watching them die...

The idea of using a bow was definitely a good one. She'd considered it before, but didn't really think she had the dexterity or hand-eye coordination for it. Still, it was worth a try. "If I could get a bow, I'd definitely mess with it, yeah!" She followed Kil's gaze to watch Pingu's smugness at being hidden. "Be good now, Pingu, or I'll reveal your spot!"

"The guild definitely sounds like a good place." Ty nodded thoughtfully. "It gives more security than I have now, for sure. I'm pretty much walking lunch if I leave the safe zones right now, as it stands."

 

 

[Kiluia Seiko 0]

He hadn't met a bow user before but at least he knew the concept of what they would be doing. They would be great damage dealers while staying safe. He analyzed her face and smiled a bit before listening to her commit to the bow or at least try it. "It's definitely a great idea to try and it's mechanics should be similar to the rest of ours when focusing on skills. Staying out of danger is also the best idea. So long as you don't do too much damage to get aggro from the tank.

The penguin was on high alert now as she peeled herself away from the window. She wanted to make sure she wouldn't get into too much trouble with the two. Eyes narrowed at Ty out of a playful gesture before running up to her master asking for something to drink. He pulled out a thermos and poured a little cup of hot chocolate for her. "The guild does offer it. But I can stay with you too if you want..." He offered to her.

He wasn't sure what he was doing. Perhaps it was time for him to stretch his wings again and move out to see his friends and make new friends. He would gently pet the penguin on the head. He fished out a baked fish snack for her and set it down on the table. It was immediately snatched and was being gnawed on. 

 

 

[Typhoonflame 0]

Right....aggro was a thing in this game. She'd played other MMOs, so how had she forgotten? Yet another thing for her to worry about, how great. Oh well, she never expected any of this to be easy, simple or safe. There were still many more systems she had to understand. She'd barely scratched the surface, if that. It was daunting to be sure. 

"I'm not one to deny help, so." Ty chuckled, winking. "Sure, as long as you promise not to run headfirst into danger or something. Gods know what awaits us on the higher floors, after all..."

In truth, she hadn't expected him to stay, but that was nothing new for her. She never expected anyone to ever care about her or do anything that kind, which meant that she was all the more grateful when someone did some through for her. 

"Thanks a lot, seriously. You've helped me more than anyone here. Whenever you want to go to the guild, let me know."

[Kiluia Seiko 0]

Her statement struck a chord with him. It was interesting to hear someone say to him not to be reckless. If only she really knew that it was nearly impossible for him as he was a martial artist. Normally, he would be darting around but there were some very close times where he had to take a direct hit. A shiver went down his spine thinking about those days where he had to absorb impact. He hadn't had anyone worry about him for a bit so hearing it was nice. His face showed a tinge of red that exposed him greatly against his white hair and pale complexion. "Don't worry too much. I'll do my best to go in and out of it without making you worry." Her wink to him caused him to flush even further.

She was extremely pretty, and he hadn't exactly noticed it until now. He cleared his throat pushing those mental thoughts away about her looks. Just because she winked did not mean she was flirting. 

When she properly thanked him, his gaze fell upon her. Another thing that he hadn't heard in quite a while was someone thanking him. How many people vanished and never came back? How many could he had saved if he just grabbed onto their shoulder to have them not go? Those thoughts had weighed him down for a long time. "Don't you worry about it. It's my pleasure to help and I'm sure we will make a great duo." He flashed her a smile before speaking up. "Want me to make you a hot cup of cocoa?"

[Typhoonflame 0]

"Good, I'd rather not lose a friend." Ty smiled. She wasn't one to trust easily, but she somehow felt she could trust Kil. Why, she had no idea. He just had that kind of aura, the aura of someone who wouldn't let his allies suffer no matter what. She hoped she wasn't wrong. She'd also promised herself not to get too attached to anyone here, as anyone could die at any moment...but it was hard when people helped her. And none had helped her as much as Kil had.

"Cocoa sounds great, sure!" She nodded eagerly, folding her hands in her lap and leaning back. "Shouldn't I be the one serving you, it's my shop." she teased. 

 Time would tell if she'd been wrong or not. For now,  she had a guild to join, a pet to find and a shop to run. She couldn't survive alone anyway, it was better to trust others.

[Kiluia Seiko 0]

He would smile at her answer and start by collecting things out of his inventory. He would look around and commandeer her kitchen by boiling water. Water here had the same mechanics in this world like the real world. He glanced around and grabbed two cups and would use his thermos cup for Pingu. He pulled out a material found on the 6th floor that would have a similar taste of cocoa beans without the bitter taste. He grounded it and shaped it until it was usable for them. He showed her his way of making his food here as an example. Hot cocoa was no different.  With that, he placed the sugar in it with what seemed to be nutmeg but similar in taste. It was a close second. 

"I'd rather not lose a friend either. Every life is precious." He spoke as he set all three cups down on the table after it was done. He dropped 3 marshmallows in each of the drinks. He looked at her and smiled. "At least now you can come over any time to eat some food. I may specialize in baked treats, but I make a hell of a few dishes like pasta and the assorted. So much experimenting."

He sat down and thought about the situation at hand. It was time he got to know her a bit more. "Mind telling me a bit more about yourself? Like what part of the UK or something similar?" 

[Typhoonflame 0]

Ty let Kil do his thing, watching him as he moved around the kitchen. She was glad that food and water worked the same way here as in reality, it removed some of the anxiety of this world. Besides, it was a good way for her to learn how to do this herself so she didn't have to rely on him as much. 

She gazed at the three cups in confusion. "Wait, you're giving Pingu hot cocoa? Isn't she a penguin? Are penguins allowed to drink this stuff?" She was pretty sure they weren't, but this wasn't the real world, so who knew. 

Ty shrugged at Kil's question. "Not much to say, really. I'm just your typical gamer. Sure, I'm also into fantasy books, art, and sometimes politics, but gaming is my main interest. Hence why I'm stuck here. Unlike you, I can't cook to save my life, but I'm able to study really well and love learning things, although I'm way better at theory than practice. So, I know recipes, but I can't actually...do them." She laughed.

[Kiluia Seiko 0]

He listened to her contently as he watched the penguin take her cup and scoot to the window to watch the children has again. She was warm and content with having her cocoa and relaxed letting the couple enjoy their time. Kil took in every word in every detail committing it to memory like he had always had to everyone. "She doesn't complain. In fact, she eats my desserts without me looking and runs off knowing when she has been caught. I'm not one to scold her as she brings a bit of life in my own." He spoke while sitting down and blowing on his own mug.

"I was taught many things in my life when I was a kid. Cooking to show elegance in kitchen, etiquette, and studies. I secretly love gaming but that's behind closed doors. I prefer not to let anyone know since my dad is pretty strict. My mom wasn't though, she knew I loved it and would secretly let me have some time on my own. I loved reading too. Mine was preferably sci-fi and fantasy. I would pretty much write my own self into those stories." He smiled as he sipped the sweet treat. 

He crossed his legs and leaned back. The more he looked at her, the more his face flushed. He hadn't been alone with anyone and that included with guildmates in a very long time. He cleared his throat a bit before asking another question. "I would love to see what you can make. It'd be fun if we worked in the kitchen together! But if you were to want to visit another floor, which would it be?" 

[Typhoonflame 0]

Ty nodded thoughtfully when Kil said Pingu brought a bit of life into his. She knew that feeling. "Mhmm, I know, right? My cats did that for me at home! If I get a cat here, I'm totally naming it after one of my cats."  She blew into her mug and took a sip, closing her eyes contently. Nothing was better than chocolate. 

"Elegance and etiquette? Why? You weren't some noble or prince out there, right?" she teased. "We should game and read together then. I suppose, anyway. Maybe we'll be fed up with fantasy after being stuck here." She shook her head, letting go of that thought. It was one for a later time, after all. 

Ty shrugged at Kil's question. "Someplace with a beach, somewhere peaceful...but honestly? Floor 100, so we could beat the last boss and go home. Obviously though, I can't yet." She chuckled. "What about you?"

Edited September 9 by Typhoonflame

[Kiluia Seiko 0]

He laughed a bit and shook his head listening to her compare him to a noble and a prince. "No, nothing of the like. My dad is the German ambassador." He simply brushed his hair back out of his face looking at her. "I'm half German and half Japanese." He spoke as he drank his cocoa and looked at her thinking about telling her a story about the things he had read or had written about.

He hadn't explored the most recent floor, so he had no idea what was out there. He tapped his finger on the wooden table a bit while leaning back slightly thinking. "There is a beautiful forest that has a lake. You can fish there and it's like a good vacation. I can take you there sometime. There is also a quest there too, but we would have to take more than just the two of us." He mentioned remembering the fishes and lurker. He looked back at her talking about clearing the 100th floor.

"I would love to clear it. I don't know when or how, but I'm sure we can. I'd like to go back to just lying in bed without worrying about my friends. Maybe give them a call on a cell phone to meet up at some bar." Though, Kil had spent his 21st birthday here in the game. He didn't even drink that time being too busy with trying to get out and farm the system. He took a sigh a bit and rubbed the back of his head. "Anyone back home you are looking forward to see?"  He wondered if there was family or a loved one.