[OP-F01] Brushing Up on the Basics <<The First Lesson>>

[Kiyabu Hisao 0]

Kiyabu's initial search for the elusive wildflowers had proven fruitless, much to his disappointment. However, the young adventurer was not one to be easily discouraged. As he heard the news of his new friend, Dean, succeeding in his hunt for medicinal herbs, Kiyabu couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. After all, they were in this quest together, and he had hoped they would all find what they needed.

Yet, Kiyabu quickly pushed those feelings aside, remembering that this was not a competition, but a collaborative effort. His warm, gentle smile betrayed a maturity beyond his years as he praised Dean's success. "Haha.. That's great news, Dean!" he exclaimed, his voice laced with genuine happiness for his companion's triumph. Turning his attention to Ciela, who was offering words of encouragement, Kiyabu nodded in agreement. "You're not wrong there.. These materials are definitely elusive, But thanks for the words of encouragement." he replied, his tone conveying a deep appreciation for her positive attitude.

Despite the initial setback, Kiyabu remained undaunted. He knew that the quest description had stated they would have three attempts to find the necessary components before returning to Zachariah's shop. This knowledge, coupled with the support of his friends, instilled a sense of determination within him.

Kiyabu's unwavering spirit and his ability to find the silver lining, even in the face of adversity, set him apart. He understood that the journey was not about individual success, but about working together as a team to overcome the challenges that lay ahead. With a renewed sense of purpose.

As Kiyabu knelt down and began carefully examining the delicate flora, his brow furrowed in concentration. He meticulously inspected each bloom, running his fingers gently over the petals and stems, searching for any sign that these might be the elusive components they sought. Though the chances of finding what they needed seemed slim, Kiyabu refused to be disheartened. He knew that the quest description had stated they would have three attempts, and he was determined to make the most of each one.

With a sense of focus and purpose, Kiyabu continued his systematic search, his eyes scanning the ground for any promising leads. He was acutely aware of the time slipping away, but he refused to be rushed. Patience and attention to detail would be the keys to his success. Occasionally, Kiyabu would pause, straightening his back to stretch his muscles and take a deep breath. But his resolve never wavered; he was committed to this task, and he would not give up until he had exhausted every possible avenue.

WC: 429

Spoiler

Roll ID: 238705

BD: 5

CD: 1

LD: 7

MOB: 10

Kiyabu Looking for materials.

2024-12-10 13:56:12

 

Edited Monday at 07:10 PM by Kiyabu Hisao
Minor tweaks

[Dean 0]

As Dean carefully navigated through the dense foliage, his senses heightened as he scanned the ground for any signs of the rare medicinal herbs they were searching for. In the back of his mind, he couldn't help but overhear Ciela's soft murmurings, her voice barely audible above the rustling leaves. Dean's curiosity piqued when he heard her mention the mysterious "Siren" figure. Before Ciela could say more, she quickly corrected herself, letting out a sheepish chuckle. Dean couldn't resist the urge to ask about this intriguing character. "Say, how did you and this siren character meet?" he inquired, his eyes filled with genuine interest. Ciela had been talking about this Siren for some time, and Dean was eager to learn more about their connection.

Suddenly, a familiar digital chime caught his attention, and Dean's heart raced as he realized he had successfully located a rare medicinal herb. "Yes!" he exclaimed, a broad grin spreading across his face. Dean had been doubtful of his chances, given that this was his first attempt, but to his surprise and delight, he had managed to find the elusive component. The praise and encouragement from both Ciela and Kiyabu filled Dean with a sense of pride and accomplishment. He couldn't help but let out a goofy chuckle, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Thanks for the praise." he said, his voice brimming with genuine gratitude. The validation from his companions meant the world to him, and it only served to further fuel his enthusiasm for the expedition.

After expressing his thoughtful gratitude to Ciela and Kiyabu, Dean turned his attention back the same patch of fauna and flora. In an attempt to find some more medicinal herbs, That would prove useful to Zachariah's potions. Whilst carefully examining each plant and bush, Dean made sure no leave was left untouched in his pursuit of materials.

WC: 307
 

Spoiler

Roll ID: 238706

BD: 7

CD: 3

LD: 7

MOB: 8

Dean Looking for materials.

2024-12-10 14:43:24

 

Edited Monday at 06:55 PM by Dean
Fixing grammar mistake

[KnightessCiela 0]

Ciela blinked, genuinely surprised that Dean was listening so intently to her rambling. "Oh, wow, uh. I didn't realize you were actually paying attention." A soft laugh escaped her lips. "Siren and I go way back, like real-life back. She's my best friend. We basically grew up together, though she's... uh..." Ciela paused, tapping her chin in thought. "Three years older than me? I think. I'll have to ask her next time we're hanging out at home." She chuckled, realizing how long it had been since she'd thought about their age difference. "Siren is the reason why I'm here actually." Ciela smiled and thought for a moment about how that sounded. "Like in the game here, not here with you two."

Just as her words trailed off, Dean managed to dig up something from the ground. "Oh, hey, you found a material!" She stepped closer, peering at the small medicinal plant he held up. "Wait.. that's not a material. That's a medicinal herb! Huh. I've never seen anything like that. Good find!" Ciela crossed her arms, impressed. Dean's discovery deepened her curiosity about what other hidden treasures might be lying around.

Her gaze shifted to Kiyabu, who was still struggling to find anything despite his best efforts. Poor guy. Maybe he just needs a little morale boost. Leaning down slightly, Ciela whispered softly to Perlita, who chirped in response before scampering over to Kiyabu. Her little companion darted around the patch of grass Kiyabu was combing through, occasionally poking her head out as if she were playing peek-a-boo. Perlita's antics brought a smile to Ciela's face. "Looks like Perlita's decided to help you out, or distract you," she teased. "Either way, you both got this. It's really just about luck. And, y'all only have one attempt left."

Edited December 14, 2024 by KnightessCiela

[Kiyabu Hisao 0]

Kiyabu knelt in the patch of wildflowers, feeling the weight of disappointment settle on his shoulders. Despite his best efforts, his search for medicinal herbs had yielded little more than a handful of common weeds. Each failed attempt chipped away at his enthusiasm, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that perhaps luck had simply turned its back on him today. Just as he was about to resign himself to a fruitless afternoon, a flicker of movement caught his eye. He glanced up and spotted Perlita, the playful little sea otter darting around the foliage like a brown-and-white whirlwind. She peeked out from behind a cluster of leaves, her big, curious eyes sparkling with mischief. Kiyabu couldn’t help but laugh, a warm sound that broke through his frustration. “What are you up to, little one?” he called out, amused by her antics.

Perlita swam closer, rolling onto her back and flicking her paws in the air, as if inviting him to join her game of ‘Peek-a-boo.’ It was a simple, joyful act, but it brought a spark of brightness to Kiyabu’s day. “If you’re here to help or distract me, Perlita, I actually welcome it.” He murmured softly, glancing over at Ciela, who had been quietly observing him. “My luck isn’t faring too well, so this little bit of comfort is appreciated.” With a gentle smile, Kiyabu reached out a hand toward Perlita. The soft fur of her belly was a delightful contrast to the roughness of the ground beneath him. She nuzzled against his fingers, her playful demeanor instantly lifting his spirits. In that moment, he realized that perhaps he had been too focused on the search to appreciate the beauty around him.

“Look at you.” He said, shaking his head with amusement. “You’re a little bundle of joy, aren’t you?” As Perlita rolled over again, Kiyabu felt a sense of calm wash over him. Her unrelenting cheerfulness reminded him that sometimes, it wasn’t about the herbs or the riches one could find in nature, but rather the simple moments of joy that made the search worthwhile. He watched her play, her sleek body gliding gracefully through the flowers, and felt a renewed sense of purpose. Maybe today wasn’t about finding rare herbs after all. Maybe it was about connecting with the world around him, learning to appreciate the little joys like the presence of a spirited sea otter.

Kiyabu chuckled again, a sound of genuine laughter, and took a moment to breathe deeply, inhaling the sweet scent of the wildflowers mixed with the fresh air. With Perlita by his side, he felt a flicker of good luck beginning to stir within him. Perhaps this day held more treasures than he had initially realized.

WC: 454

Spoiler

Roll ID: 239051

BD: 4

CD: 2

LD: 13

MOB: 10

Kiyabu Looking for materials.

2024-12-17 09:52:55

 

Edited Monday at 07:11 PM by Kiyabu Hisao

[Dean 0]

Dean leaned back slightly, a playful grin spreading across his face as he scratched the back of his head, his curiosity bubbling to the surface. “Ah.. I wasn't listening intentionally, though I guess my curiosity about this friend of yours piqued my interest.” He admitted, glancing at Ciela with an intrigued expression. The revelation that Siren was a real-life friend of hers, someone she had grown up with, sent a wave of warmth through him. It was comforting to think of friendships that transcended the digital world, weaving real-life connections into their virtual escapades.

“Really? So it was them who introduced you to this game of SAO?” He leaned in a little closer, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “That’s so wholesome!” The thought of their shared experiences brought a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of his own friendships formed around gaming. He couldn’t help but imagine the three of them together, sharing stories and laughter over drinks, and the idea made him smile even wider. “Maybe one day we could all hang out together and get a drink?” he suggested, his voice light and hopeful.

As he spoke, Dean’s fingers moved instinctively, placing the recently obtained herb into his digital inventory with a satisfied click. He appreciated the thrill of collecting items in the game, each one a small victory that contributed to their adventures. Yet, his thoughts kept drifting back to the bond between Ciela and Siren, a friendship that had clearly influenced her journey in SAO. It reminded him of his own friends, the late-night gaming sessions filled with laughter and shared victories.

With the conversation flowing easily, Dean turned his attention back to the foliage surrounding them. He resumed his search, combing through the greenery with a sense of determination. The vibrant colors of the wildflowers and the rustle of leaves provided a soothing backdrop as he carefully examined the ground for any hidden treasures. “Come on, just one more herb.” He murmured to himself, a hint of playful desperation in his voice.

WC: 335
 

Spoiler

Roll ID: 239052

BD: 9

CD: 7

LD: 10 + 3 

MOB: 1

Dean Looking for materials.

2024-12-17 09:57:47

 

Edited Monday at 06:53 PM by Dean

[KnightessCiela 0]

Ciela smirked, arms crossed as she leaned against a nearby tree, watching Kiyabu struggle with his search. “Looks like Perlita’s got better luck than you today Kiyabu,” she teased, her voice warm with amusement. The little otter rolled onto her back, paws wiggling in the air as if to gloat about her success.

With an easy stride, Ciela pushed off the tree and strolled over, kneeling beside Kiyabu with a knowing smile. “Sometimes, you just gotta stop searching so hard and let the good stuff find you.” She plucked a wildflower from the patch beside them, twirling it between her fingers before tucking it behind her ear. “Besides, stressing over it won’t make the herbs appear any faster.”

As she turned her attention to Dean, her amusement only grew. Watching him dig through the foliage like a man on a mission was too entertaining to ignore. “Y’all are really out here struggling with these herbs, huh?” she teased, tilting her head as Perlita chirped in agreement.

Leaning back against the tree again, she crossed one leg over the other. “Yeah, Siren’s the reason I got into this whole mess,” she admitted with a smirk. “Dragged me in, hyped it up… and, well, here I am. Not exactly how I imagined it going, but hey, adventure, right?”

At Dean’s suggestion of drinks, she arched a brow, feigning consideration. “Oh yeah?” she mused before flashing him a sly grin. “I dunno… guess I could be convinced. Maybe I’ll even invite Siren and Wulfrin, make it a whole thing. Hope you can keep up.”

[Kiyabu Hisao 0]

Though his gaze was locked on the foliage in front of him, Kiyabu kept a tentative ear open to Ciela’s teasing words, their playful banter weaving through the air like the gentle breeze that rustled the leaves around them. His thoughts drifted for a moment, momentarily captivated by Perlita, the little sea otter, who was happily wiggling her tiny paws in the air. “You’re not wrong there, I guess… I was just unlucky today.” He murmured, a soft smile breaking across his face. The playful antics of the sea otter were a delightful distraction, and he felt the warmth of joy bubbling up inside him.

“But it wasn't for nothing.” He added, his gaze returning to Perlita as she performed a delightful little flip. “I had fun watching this little one jump around.” With a playful grin, he reached out a hand and gently booped Perlita on her button nose, eliciting a soft squeak that made him chuckle. Her innocence and exuberance reminded him that sometimes the simplest moments could bring the most joy.

Eventually, his attention shifted from Perlita to Ciela, who knelt beside him, her presence comforting and warm. “Such wise words, I’ll remember them.” He said, letting a slight chuckle escape his throat, appreciating how easily they could share these light-hearted moments amidst their questing. “If this was the real world… that statement would be true. But in this virtual world, it’s just a matter of luck and respawn timers.” He quipped, his tone teasing as he made a witty retort. 

As he spoke, Kiyabu’s gaze fell upon a cluster of vibrant flowers nearby, and an idea sparked in his mind. He carefully plucked one that caught his eye, its delicate petals a perfect match for Ciela’s fiery red hair. “Pardon my forwardness…” He said, his voice softening as he raised his hand to gently switch the flower nestled behind her ear with the lavender bellflower he’d just picked. “I think this one complements your fiery red hair better.” He added, his heart racing slightly at the intimate gesture.

The flower’s cool touch contrasted with the warmth of her hair, and Kiyabu couldn’t help but admire how it framed her face. He felt a slight blush creep onto his cheeks, but he maintained eye contact, hoping to convey the sincerity behind the playful action. “What do you think?” He asked, his voice barely above a whisper, eager to see her reaction.

WC: 404

 

[Dean 0]

“Tease all you want, but this is just the basics in comparison to that other quest.” Dean shot back, a playful glint in his eye. “You know, the one where it’d be necessary to acquire all the materials.” His tone was light, but there was an underlying confidence in his voice that made it clear he was ready for anything the game—or Ciela—could throw at him.

He could see the excitement bubbling beneath Ciela’s composed exterior, especially when he mentioned Siren. “From the sounds of it, Siren wanted you to join her on a wild adventure in this virtual world.” He added, A slight smirk curving his lips as he leaned closer, gauging her reaction. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of anticipation and something else—perhaps a hint of mischief.

Catching the subtle arch in her brow, Dean seized the opportunity to return the playful banter. “Trust me, Sweet cheeks.” He said, leaning back slightly as he flashed a cheeky grin. “I’m the life of a party. I can handle my liquor and still perform on a grand stage!” He punctuated his statement with a playful wink, reveling in the lighthearted exchange. The camaraderie between them felt effortless, each teasing remark drawing them closer as friends.

“But you’re not wrong.” He continued, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “Why not make it a whole thing? A celebration of sorts! Hey, Kiyabu, are you down to join in the festivities?” He called out, turning to the other member of their trio, who had been diligently searching for herbs nearby.

Dean’s mind raced with the possibilities of what a gathering could look like. Imagining the three of them together, sharing stories and laughter over drinks, filled him with excitement. He could already picture a virtual tavern, where they could all relax after their adventures, swapping tales of their quests and challenges. 

“Honestly, it’d be a great way to unwind after a long day of hunting for herbs or battling mobs.” He added, his enthusiasm infectious. “Plus, I can guarantee a good time—maybe even a few surprises if I’m in charge of the drinks!” His laughter echoed in the clearing, and he felt a sense of warmth spreading through him, knowing that these moments were what made their adventures truly memorable.

As he waited for Kiyabu’s response, Dean glanced at Ciela, her expression shifting as she considered the idea. He could sense the excitement brewing in her, and it only fueled his desire to make this gathering a reality. After all, the bonds they forged in this virtual world were just as important as the quests they undertook. 

WC: 435