[F1-SP] Shiny! <<Earning a Living: Artisan>>

[Oats 0]

-3 LDs (Forgot it's a consumable from another quest)

Oats noticed an intriguing shop with a glass window beside the door. Glancing inside, she saw it was brimming with a myriad of gems in various forms: rings, necklaces, glasses, and more. The sunny day outside cast beams of light through a small window on the opposite side of the shop, illuminating some of the products. The sight was breathtaking; everything sparkled brilliantly. Compelled by the beauty, she entered. The interior had the charm of an old thrift shop, with a sweet scent of incense lingering in the air. Oats browsed the items on the display shelves, admiring the assortment that seemed to cater to every need—a hallmark of a thriving business.

"Can I help you find something?" a voice inquired from behind. Startled, Oats nearly dropped a bracelet she was examining. Turning around, she saw a middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed short beard, his hair a mix of white and black, exuding health. His attire reminded her of Middle Eastern merchants from the early 1st century, which seemed appropriate for the shop's theme. "Ah, well, I'm captivated by how trinkets can be crafted and modified for just about any occasion. I'm keen on becoming an artisan myself. Would you be willing to teach me?"

The salesman's smile faded, and he let out a deep sigh. "I seldom have time for such endeavors, but today is unusually quiet. I can't spare any materials, but if you procure your own, I might assist you."

"Great! That won't be a problem; I know the perfect place to look. I'll be back with materials!" With that, she dashed off.

Edited October 26 by Oats
-3 LDs

[Oats 0]

Navigating through the lively streets, Oats reminisced about the location of her inaugural quest with Wulfrin, Siren, and Astra. It was indeed a memorable time. More crucially, she remembered it as a prime spot for gathering materials. With this realization, she promptly redirected herself towards that area and began to run. The street's ambiance was vibrant, bustling with vendors as she made her way past them. It was hard to envision these streets ever becoming as silent as a ghost town from the wild west, tumbleweeds rolling by. She speculated that as more levels were unlocked, players would naturally progress upwards. Nonetheless, the local NPCs would remain unaffected, their thoughts and emotions mere fragments of programmed data. Indeed, it's a good thing. Businesses will continue to exist for the group known as "wait players." Perhaps someday they will muster the courage to take a step forward, just as she did.

[Oats 0]

As she trotted down the street, an alleyway caught her eye, seemingly a shortcut to her destination. She cut through the alley and emerged on the other side of the block, only to be met with a starkly different atmosphere. In contrast to the lively vibe of the previous street, this area exuded gloom, dread, and an air of danger. Several green and orange cursors hovered above players loitering around; it seemed like a haven for criminals and bullies. Rather than retreat, she pressed on cautiously. The alley was dark, cliché as it might sound, shielded from the sun by the surrounding district. It was still light enough to witness innocent players being harassed by gangs—sneering, shoving, likely robbing. She wondered about the law enforcement in the Town of Beginning. She remembered, at the onset of the SAO deathtrap game, how the bureaucrats of the "Army" had started to form, establishing a capitalistic existence. Working for them meant daily food and some money—a no-brainer for some, but Oats knew to keep her distance. The so-called Army, in name, was morphing into a literal one as they donned uniforms. Despite being in military herself, she preferred to stay solo or join the frontlines. Has the Army determined that the district does not merit surveillance? She wondered.

[Oats 0]

A player in orange, larger in build, hoisted a smaller player by the shirt collar, smirking arrogantly. A few players gathered around, egging him on. Oats decided she had seen enough. She positioned herself beside the orange-clad player. "Let him go," she commanded in a steady voice.

The bully glanced at her sideways. "Huh? You talking to me?" He faced his cohorts and queried, "Is she trying to boss me around?" They nodded in agreement. His response was a boisterous laugh. "Who do you think you are? Look around. This is my domain!" He gestured expansively as if to claim the area. "No one dictates what I do!" Oats stood her ground, unfazed. To her, he was merely a bully, a minor nuisance.

Dismissing his target, the bully stepped up to Oats, puffing himself up like a bear to seem more intimidating. "You think you can challenge me?" he blustered. Her reply was serene. "What if I do?" His growl was one of thwarted anger; he didn't like being defied. But Oats was indifferent. Knowing he was marked in orange, he wouldn't dare escalate further. With a grunt of disdain, he shoved past Oats. As he retreated with his entourage, he threw over his shoulder, "You'll regret this!"

Oats let out a dismissive sigh and nonchalantly brushed off the encounter.

[Oats 0]

The bullied player was still seated on the ground. Oats approached and extended her hand. He took it, allowing her to help him to his feet. "Thank you so much. Without your help, things might have ended badly for me." Oats shook her head, "Don't mention it. I'm happy to help. He's quite the jerk. Why are you here? It's risky for you to be in this alley." "Ah... well, I must confess I'm a bit lost. I wandered into this street by mistake. Before I knew it, they were on top of me," he explained. Oats felt sympathy for him; it was indeed very unfortunate. "I understand. Make sure to mark this alley on your map and steer clear of it. Take care of yourself." She then turned to leave.

"Uh, wait!!" He hurried to catch up with Oats. "Where are you headed?"

"I'm off to gather some materials outside the town gate. I have a quest to complete," she replied.

"Um, would you mind if I come with you? I mean, I don't really have anywhere else to go," he said, chuckling nervously.

Oats shrugged, "I don't see why not. Just stay close."

"Thank you so much! My name is Kael. What's yours?"

"Oats," she responded matter-of-factly.

Together, they continued down the alley, nearing the Teleport Gate Plaza.

[Oats 0]

Both were navigating through the Teleport Gate Plaza, sidestepping the frequent blue flashes of players teleporting in and out. The plaza is designed with an open and airy layout, featuring a series of large, intricate teleportation gate that stand prominently at its center. The gate pulse with a soft glow, hinting at their powerful technology and amazing data crunching nature of the in-game environment. One could easily mistake it as magical. Even with thousands of players moved up floors, there are still hundreds coming through the Town of Beginnings.

Surrounding the teleportation gate, players can find a variety of NPC vendors and quest givers, their stalls adorned with colorful displays of equipments, potions, and crafting materials. The vendors call out to players, enticing them with the latest items and services. The air is filled with the sound of cheerful chatter as players congregate to socialize, exchange tips, and form groups. This is a stark contrast to earlier days when despair, crying, yelling, and conversations laced with hopelessness prevailed as more players dying.

Lush greenery and decorative fountain enhance the plaza's aesthetics, providing a refreshing break from combat and leveling grind. The architecture is a mix of fantasy elements, with stone structures, wooden accents, and colorful banners that flutter in the breeze, creating an inviting environment for new players. That would be a whole different story if it isn't the death game we're trapped in.

Near the Eastern Gate, Kali asked, "What quest are you on?" "Earning a Living," was the reply. "Oh? Which profession are you pursuing?" "Artisan." "Why an artisan?"

He seemed quite inquisitive, didn't he? She didn't mind the quiet, but his effort to sustain the conversation was somewhat endearing, prompting her to respond.

"Well, during the initial quest, a player broke down how equipment and enhancements functioned. My curiosity was piqued by the endless combination possibilities," Oats elaborated.

"Wow! Once you've mastered the profession and set up your shop, perhaps you could craft something for me as your first customer?"

"Heh, maybe. Sure," Oats responded, a faint smile gracing the corner of her mouth. He was genuinely kind. She might just craft him something to ensure he survives this dreadful game. The world could use more people like him, she mused.

Edited October 26 by Oats

[Oats 0]

As the Eastern Gate dwindled in the distance, Oats paused to survey the surroundings and get her bearings. "This way," she declared, leading Kali down a well-trodden path. She was confident they were headed in the right direction; the air near a creek carried a unique blend of scents that evoked tranquility and a connection to nature. Drawing closer, Oats first noticed the refreshing, crisp scent of clean, flowing water, reminiscent of rain or newly sprung springs. An earthy undertone, rich with the aroma of damp soil and decaying leaves, added depth to the overall scent. Guided by these smells, they finally caught sight of the creek.

The sun warmed the rocks and vegetation nearby, releasing the sweet fragrance of blooming wildflowers and lush greenery. The water's splash against the stones introduced a hint of minerals, lending a freshness that invigorated the senses, enhanced by the sunlight reflecting off the wet rocks. Since there were fishes in the creek, one might detect their subtle, marine scent mingling in the air. This spot was where Wulfrin had fished during her first quest. Oats wondered if she should get a fishing skill for extra materials. Kali, walking beside Oats, paused, a soft gasp escaping his lips. Altogether, these elements created an atmosphere that was both calming and revitalizing, compelling them to stop, take a deep breath, and savor the serene beauty of the natural world, digitally anyway.

Edited October 26 by Oats

[Oats 0]

Oats, getting the hang of the game, felt it was always safer to return to familiar territory, especially when searching for something. She explained to Kali her choice of location. "For my first quest, Wulfrin, another player, brought me and a party here to gather materials. I need to collect more for the artisan. This place seems as good as any."

"Do you need help searching?"

"Nah, I'm fine. Keep an eye out for any mobs in the woods, though. We avoided them last time, but who knows if one might stray from its routine and wander here. Shout if that happens," Oats instructed Kali. "And if they do come, do we fight?" he asked. "No, we run for now," she replied. "Alright, I'm with you on playing it safe. I'll scout the area." Kali walked off, keeping within earshot.

Oats knelt down and began to sift through the grass.

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#PH

ID: 236712 | Looking for materials | LD 10| Failed!

Edited October 26 by Oats

[Oats 0]

Slightly frustrated, Oats muttered, "Not here. Maybe under those rocks?" She stood up and moved towards the different area, beginning to lift the stones in search. Reflecting on it, I probably should have visited Zackariah's shop for his fondue first. The gathering bonus it gives was pretty sweet. She sighed over the memory of the melted cheese on a roll Siren gave to her. She'd like to learn how to cook them herself one day, just so she'd be able to eat them at absolutely anytime. Now that would be so awesome. Her brain basically is drooling over the thought.

She shook her head to dispel that thought and redirected her focus to the stones she was turning.

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ID: 236713 | Looking for materials | LD 6 | Failed!

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"Have you found any yet?" Kali shouts. "Not yet," Oats replies, sounding disappointed. "Do you have an enhancement boost for gathering?" She looks up irritably to shoot a glance before her eyes return to scanning the ground. "Unfortunately, no. During the last quest, Zackariah gave us a really good and delicious fondue that temporarily boosts gathering. We should've stopped by there first. I know I should've prepared better. It's a hindsight for me. But hey, we're here now, so we might as well make the best of it.", she shrugged. "Alright, just let me know when you find one. I know you will!"

Oats walked up to the small river and bended down to take a good look a wet soil next to it.

Edited October 26 by Oats

[Oats 0]

Her hands were wet from sifting through the soil by the river, where everything was damp. The wetness offered no resistance, allowing Oats' knees to sink deep into the earth. She hardly noticed, conditioned by the grueling Marines training that required crawling through pig intestines in the rain, sometimes with live rounds firing overhead. Now, she could live in the mud without even realizing it. Her fingers combing through the muck, searching for materials that her instincts insisted "must logically be here!"

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ID: 236714 | Looking for materials | LD 20 | Succeed! +1 Mat  

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"YES!" Oats exclaimed, causing Kali to jump.

"What? Did you find one?"

"Yes! It was hidden beneath the moist soil near the water. I knew there had to be some valuable materials around here because the water looks rich. I'm going to search this area more."

"Great! Keep me updated."

Oats redirected her focus to the soil, her determination reigniting. Throughout her life, her instincts had never failed her, so she decided to trust them as she always had.

Edited October 27 by Oats

[Oats 0]

Her wrists were deep into the soil, but she wasn't concerned; the river was close enough for a quick rinse. At the moment, her focus was solely on gathering materials. She had delegated the task of monitoring the forest creatures to Kali. As for the nature of these creatures, she couldn't be certain. Boars, perhaps? Regardless, she was getting sidetracked by thoughts.

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ID: 236715 | Looking for materials | LD 5 | Failed! 

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Argh. "There have to be more materials around here somewhere," she thought to herself as she moved to a different spot. As she moved, she glanced down and was surprised to see her battleskirt still clean, despite her hands and legs showing signs of strain. Perhaps she should challenge herself to keep it unblemished. After all, one got to have fun while at it.

"See anything over there?" Oats called out to Kali.

"Nothing, it's all quiet—except for your digging," Kali responded.

My determination was evident, channeling through my hands as they made noise with each dig, or so it seemed.

"I'll try to be quieter. Attracting unwanted attention is the last thing we need." She mentally noted herself to tune down her intentness.

 

[Oats 0]

ID: 236716 | Looking for materials | LD 10 | Failed!

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Oats gazed toward the horizon, her face devoid of emotion. "Seriously?" she sighed. It was inevitable; RNG is inherently unpredictable. A peculiar sense of pride washed over her as she grasped the meaning of RNG. Perhaps she was becoming a gamer. Could she be as hardcore as her former bunkmate Ellie from the military base? She doesn't know, yet she felt certain that Ellie would be impressed by her ability to have a gamer conversation. Rising, Oats decided to recline on the grass. She laid back, hands laced behind her head, watching the clouds drift by. They took on various shapes, and she pondered whether these clouds could form familiar shapes as they do in the real world. She suspected that in this world, clouds were merely repetitive data. Still, the world of SAO seemed so vibrant. Did that mean the clouds operated on RNG too? She wishes Ellie is here, for she would have the answers. A twinge of conflict emerged; she didn't wish this entrapment on Ellie. Yet, if Ellie were here, would Ellie want to go back to reality? Oats was unsure, but one thing was certain—she didn't mind staying. Bereft of her husband, she felt lost. Here, she has her purpose.

[Oats 0]

After a brief rest, Oats decided to resume digging. She sat up and yawned, finding it remarkable that even in the digital world, she could feel fatigue. Perhaps the data was transmitted to her physical body, causing a reflective reaction of tiredness? She wasn't sure. Ellie would have the answers. Oats is going to leave the game design to Ellie and planned to bombard her with questions once she exited the game. The frontline was now at the 29th floor, with 71 more to go. Time had slipped by—months, possibly years. It seemed as though it might take a lifetime to finish the game, but they had to keep trying.

Oats rose from her seated position and made a beeline for the creek. There had to be at least one material here. With renewed resolve, she began to dig through the moist earth.

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ID: 236717 | Looking for materials | LD 14 | Failed!

Even if she failed this attempt, her fingers felt as if they brushed against something there. Tip of the fingers as manner of speaking. She knew she's getting close!

[Oats 0]

ID: 236718 | Looking for materials | LD 18 | Succeed! +1 Mat
 

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"I knew it!" she murmured under her breath, followed by a sigh. Speaking at a normal volume again, she said, "Two down, three to go."

"Only three more? That's not too bad. You'll have them all before the sun sets at this rate."

"Confident, aren't you? There's only one way to find out." 

Despite how tough it is without having a bonus, perhaps Kali is right. This location is proving to be sufficient. At this rate, she'll quickly gotten her craft skill. She sat up straight to stretch her back, then crawled to the creek, scooped up water to drink, and splashes her face with the cool liquid. It tastes and feels incredibly refreshing — a rarity for her back in America. Having grown up surrounded by machinery, she seldom spent time outdoors in natural settings. This experience is delightful, and she would gladly visit this spot more frequently. Would be interesting if she bumps into Wulfrin again around here.

[Oats 0]

This time, Oats relocated to a different spot along the riverbank where it bends, allowing for more contact with the water, possibly indicating an abundance of materials. She knelt at the edge, gazing into the water as she submerged her hands. The clear blue water flowed around her wrists, morphing into various shapes with each sweep of Oats' hands beneath the surface.

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ID: 236751 | Looking for a material | LD 19 | Succeed! +1 Mat 

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Thrilled, she found the material wedged between the smooth rocks of the riverbed. Its sparkle, catching the sun's rays, caught her eye. It was almost overlooked, but fortunately, it wasn't. She reached in, dislodged it, and upon lifting it clear of the water, she examined the material. It appeared to be of good quality, sturdy enough for crafting. She was confident the artisan would approve. With a downward swipe, she summoned the inventory menu to store her find.

"Yo! I've found another one."

"See? I told you."

"I thought there might be some materials underwater."

"Good call!"

"Just hold on, it'll be over shortly."

"Nah, I don't mind, this is actually fun for me!"

Oats appreciates his eagerness. His readiness to stay as long as necessary shows his flexibility. Perhaps she'll consider bringing him along on her another quest.

Edited October 27 by Oats

[Oats 0]

Turning back to the gracefully flowing water, which wove around the rocks, she hoped her leveling up would be as smooth. Would she hit a setback and die in the game? Not if she prepared thoroughly. She resolved to gather all she needed before heading somewhere. Her thoughts drifted to the skills she would want to acquire. Parry? Search? Regardless of the skill, she knew she needed to accumulate SPs, Skill Points, and that meant leveling up swiftly. Perhaps she should fight a few enemies for practice before attempting the Gemini quest she had saw the other day.

Ah, she would ponder over it later. For now, she decided to dive back into the water for the materials. Taking a deep breath and releasing it, she reminded herself: only two more to go. "Here I go," she thought resolutely.

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ID: 237007 | Looking for a material | LD 17 | Succeed! +1 Mat

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"That's what I'm talking about," she thought cheerfully as she stored the materials she had found. Glancing at the inventory menu, she noted four extra mats in addition to her own ten. Now, she just needed the last one.

Edited October 28 by Oats

[Oats 0]

Her gaze swept over the water, searching for the last material she needed. She scanned each grid methodically, knowing she couldn't afford to miss it. It was the only thing standing between her and becoming an artisan, not to mention a soft bed. The day had been long.

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ID: 237008  | Looking for a material | LD 6 | Failed! 

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Mhm... it seems it's not around here. Perhaps over there, by the mid-sized rocks jutting out of the water like sore thumbs? Standing at the bank's edge, she accessed the equipment menu and removed her boots. After closing the menu, she paused at the water's edge, gazing down at the playful trickle of clear water. Sunlight glinted off the surface, casting undulating patterns on the sandy creek bed below. The water's transparency was crystal clear, and looking up, one could see how it perfectly reflected the surroundings. It mirrored the pink sky, drifting clouds, and hovering dragonflies. Were these dragonflies, or something else? She didn't dwell on it. She took a step forward.

Edited October 28 by Oats

[Oats 0]

As her foot plunged into the water, a rush of coolness envelops her skin, sending a delightful shiver through her body. The sensation is refreshing, contrasting sharply with the warmth of the air around her.

As she lowered her foot onto the creek bed, she felt the smooth stones beneath the water, a mix of flat surfaces and rounded shapes, slightly slippery but stable enough to support her. The cool water flows around her ankles, wrapping around legs like a gentle embrace.

She took another step, this time more confidently, feeling the water rise to mid-calf. The icy exhilaration contrast with the warmth of the sun, creating a sense of perfect equilibrium. She glanced around, noticing small fishes darted away from her at every of her additional steps. She could feel current tugs playfully at her legs, a reminder of water's gentle flow. She can hear the soft splash of her feet as she moved deeper into the creek.

The rocks she targeted, partially submerged, draw nearer with each step. As she approached, she observed their smooth, polished surfaces, likely sculpted by the relentless flow of water over time. One rock hosts a patch of moss, tenaciously clinging on despite the pull of the current below. She surmised that the moss might offer stable support if she leans on it. Placing her hand atop the moss, she bended down to begin scanning the area around the rocks.

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ID: 237010  | Looking for a material | LD 7 | Failed!

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Edited October 28 by Oats

[Oats 0]

It seems it's not here, she thought, straightening up. Could it be behind these rocks? She took a few more cautious steps, mindful not to slip on the slick stones beneath the water. Once there, she started another thorough scan.

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ID: 237011   | Looking for a material | LD 13 | Failed!

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She couldn't help but become slightly annoyed. Usually, she maintains her composure and isn't easily fazed. Almost nothing gets to her. But hey, nobody's perfect. Everyone can get irritated at some point. In stark contrast to her, there's her mother, who worries and gets stressed over the smallest matters. She herself is notoriously bad with job deadlines. If Oats were in her shoes, the job would be completed no matter how tight the deadline, or her tendency to procrastinate until the final minute, even if just by a hair's breadth, and all without breaking a sweat. She pondered why she differed in this way. She shrugged it off. Back to the search.

Edited October 28 by Oats

[Oats 0]

Could materials be concealed beneath these rocks, akin to Patrick in the Spongebob series? She was suddenly reminded of the taste and texture of Pop-Tarts she had shared with her younger brother while watching Spongebob on TV. It was their cherished Saturday ritual, as it was his favorite show. She surmised that her father also had a ritual—tuning and fixing his old blue pickup truck, equipped with oversized tires and roof lights, built for the woods. He would always work on it outside while they watched Spongebob.

Her hands plunged into the water, disrupting its smooth surface and sending ripples outward. She lifted mid-sized rocks to peer underneath.

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ID:  237012   | Looking for a material | LD 19 | Succeed! +1 Mat 

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"There you are!" Oats exclaimed as she seized the final elusive material she had been searching for. It seemed she had gathered everything she needed. She gave out a heavy sigh. Made a mentally note to herself to get something with gathering bonus. Would save her a lot of time. Now was the time to return to the Town of Beginnings.

Edited October 28 by Oats