[OP-F01] Rhythmic Encounter of Music <<Earning a Living>>

[Dean 0]

After learning that this virtual world had now become a <Death Game>, Dean knew he couldn't be reckless. Because death in this world, Also meant death in the real one. So he opened the menu to explore his options, While scanning through the various tabs. “I'll definitely need to grab a weapon at a later date, But for right now.. I need to make some money, Because I'd rather not camp out on the streets.” Dean mumbled. “Hm?” That's when he noticed a supportive package in his inventory, Along with a newbie handbook. To help newer players adapt to the mechanics. “At least, They aren't leaving newbies to fend for themselves.” After pulling the handbook out of his inventory, He flicked through a few pages. “Hm.. Ah~!” 

Dean found the very thing, That he needed to help him in this situation. A quest log, Which had details on where to find the individual's for a crafting profession. “This is it! This is exactly what I need.. Now let's see, What type of professions do we have~?” While looking through limited options, One of them practically called out to him. Since Dean was a musician in the real world, It was only right. That he became a performer in this game. “Alright, It's settled.. Time to find the NPC!”

Spoiler

Dean_The_Hunter

Level: 1

HP: 20/20

EN: 20/20

 

Stats

Damage: 4

Mitigation: 0

Evasion: 0

Accuracy: 0

 

Equipped Gear

 

Skills

» <<Polearm [Spear]>> Skill

Passive

Effect: At Rank 1, gain +3 DMG. 

 

Extra Skils

 

Mods

 

Battle Ready Inventory:

(3) Starter Healing Potions (Heals 50 HP)

 

Combat Stat Block

Dean_The_Hunter | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 4

 

Edited October 28 by Dean
Adjusting the space, Between paragraphs.

[Dean 0]

While following a smooth brick path, Dean would eventually find a hole-in-the-wall music shop. That matched the description from his newbie handbook, So he reached out a hand to push the wooden door open. “Hm!” But at that moment, Dean heard a frantic solo of a rock song. ‘I know this is a game world, But is it even possible to pull that off in the real world?’ He found this musical feat, Truly inspirational. Especially, Since it was being done on a <Lute> of all instruments.

To avoid disturbing a fellow musician in the middle of their craft. Dean made sure, That he was quiet enough. While closing the door behind himself. This is when his gaze landed on the enormous man, Who was just about done with his chorus.

When the enormous man finished his chorus, Landon simply brushed a hand through his silvery white hair, Before grinning at Dean. "I do take requests!" He mentioned. “Actually, I'm not here to make a purchase request.. In fact, I came to you specifically.. To become a performer myself.” Dean had a passionate gleam in his eyes, After expressing his desire to become a fellow performer. 

 

[Dean 0]

Landon gives a deep, hearty laugh. "Not the kind of request I was expecting, but yeah, I'll help. Problem is, I've got a few more orders to fill, and I'm getting low on recording crystals. If you go pick up the mats I need, I'll finish up my work, and we can meet in the middle. Deal?” With a reasonable request, Dean reached out his hand to accept the deal. “You've got yourself a deal~!” As they both shook on it.

However, When they finished shaking each other's hand. Dean received a notification on his acquisition of a <Earning a Living Quest>. ‘Nice!’ He thought, Before leaving Landon to compose more of his songs. “Let's see what the handbook says about this task.” As Dean turned to the corresponding page, Which had a list of potential locations and materials for the recording crystal. “It seems, I can find a few materials near the southern edge of town.” 

 

[Dean 0]

With a subtle wisp of his handbook clasping shut, Dean officially began his first quest. To become a <Performer> and earn a living in this virtual world. But when he reached the southern gate, Dean felt a bit hesitant. “Since I don't have a weapon.. Or other means to defend myself, I'll need to avoid combat at all cost.” He mumbled to himself, Before taking the initial step outside a safe zone. “-sigh-” As a soft sigh escaped his nervous lips, He started walking towards the first location of materials. But it's not a solid guarantee, That he might find one on his first try. Since luck and RNG was still a thing in this <Death Game>. 

“Hopefully, Lady luck is smiling on me today.” He jokingly said, While crouching close to the ground. “Hm..” As Dean tried his best to spot anything, That would hint at a material being present. “Come on~!” He made sure to leave no stone unturned, Because it could be a long day. If the results weren't in his favour.

 

Quote

Roll ID 237015

BD 4

CD 3

LD 1

MOB 8

Dean Looking for a material 2024-10-28 05:19:25

 

[Dean 0]

After practically turning over every stone and rummaging through many nearby bushes, He let out a defeated sigh. “-Siiigh-” Since it was clear, That this spot was either freshly picked or still on cool down. Dean decided, It was in his best interest to move onto another spot. Hopefully, This time his search will bear fruit or some other type of material. “It should be right ov-” In that moment, He stumbled over a short ridge. Which inadvertently caused him to fall into a shallow pond. “ER HERE~!!!!” As Dean spat out some water. “Great~...” He felt the weight of his clothes increase, After being drenched head to toe.

“It's definitely going to be a long day..” Dean mumbled under his breath, Before taking this opportunity to scavenger the pond for any potential materials. To boost his morale, After that embarrassing stumble. “There has to be something useful in this pond, Please..” As he picked up a few pebbles. While looking for any defining feature, That would separate it from the norm.

Quote

Roll ID 237017

BD 2

CD 7

LD 5

MOB  2

Dean Looking for a material 

2024-10-28 05:47:38

 

[Dean 0]

 

“Even after stumbling into this shallow pond, I've found nothing.. But unassuming pebbles and plant life.” Dean muttered, At his terrible luck in finding anything useful. Eventually, He climbed out of the water. “I should at least dry off a little, Before moving onto the next spot.” As he draped his jacket over a tree branch, While squeezing out the excess water from his shirt. “Hopefully, I don't catch a cold out here.” This very thought brought a small sense of dread, Because he didn't know how realistic this <Death Game> truly was. 

So while waiting for his jacket and shirt to dry off, Dean decided to rummage through a few bushes to see. If he could find anything that might be useful for him, But knowing his luck. It might be a waste of time. However, He still had to try his best. Because who knows, This time could be it. 

Quote

Roll ID 237021

BD 1

CD 2

LD 10

MOB 8  

Dean Looking for a material 

2024-10-28 09:23:27

 

[Kiluia Seiko 0]

Click Clack. Footsteps would be heard moving from the distant rolling hills of the first floor toward the main town. Children frolicked and played around him as he wisped one of the kids up onto his shoulders and walked the rest of the children toward the church. He had business there today. He was a tad bit lonely these days with or without people. He figured it was a purpose. Memories of Asmura running around him when she was there like the child, she was bubbled away like smoke being replaced by these other children. He had met many people lately but for some reason the sense of urgency vanished for him to clear the pathways.

The laughter of the children seemed to wane to more of a series of inquisitive gestures of the upcoming pond that they were due to pass. Most were pointing, others started laughing again at the imagery. It had piqued his interest to see what the kids were pointing at now.  He watched a man sit there looking at pebbles. A new adventurer thinking about joining the adventure of this death game. More and more people seemed to appear nowadays, but he wasn't complaining. "Be nice." He warned at the children followed by an audible snicker here or there. 

He looked at his inventory and knew what the man was lacking immediately. Of course, horror stories of beginner quests. He opened it up and pulled out a golden crispy item and sat it on the edge with a plate so it wouldn't get dirty. "Enjoy it. You'll need a little bit of comfort." All the children gasped and awed at the dessert fawning over it as Kil walked away. "You'll get something if head back before the Church bells ring!" 

Kiluia | HP: 780/780 | EN: 112/112 | DMG: 21 | MIT:78 | ACC:4 | AA  | PHASE | EVA:1 | BH:43 | REC: 4 | HLY: 8 | ENV-O: 32 | LD:3                                                                                                                            

Spoiler

Kil has gifted to Dean: 
Name: Deep Fried Vanilla Ice Cream
ID: 230942-1
Tier: 1
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements among consumption: +3 to LD
Description:
A perfectly made deep fried vanilla ice cream with a touch of gold throughout the vanilla. The shine gives it a luscious texture and gleam that could be for the rich. The vanilla bean is extracted and made with care. 

Spoiler

"Name: Kiluia True Tier: 6
Level: 33
Paragon Level: 24
HP: 780/780
EN: 112/112

Stats:
Damage: 21
Mitigation: 78
Accuracy: 4
Evasion: 1
Battle Healing: 
Loot Die: 3
Stealth Rating: -2
AA PHASEREC: 4
HLY: 8 ENV-O: 32
Equipped Gear:
Weapon/Armor/Trinket: 
  - Sanctified Wraps of Righteous Punishment +5 (T4 Demonic Weapon (MA) - AA, Holy I, Phase, Envenom (Off) I
Armor/Trinket: 
  - Osiris's Shade (T4 Perfect LA | MIT 2 | EVA 1)
Shield/Armor/Trinket: 
  - Eye of Rain - Rose (T4 Perfect | ACC 2 | REC 1)

Combat Mastery:
  - Combat Mastery: Damage R3

Combat Shift:
  - TECH Shift

Familiar Skill:
  - 

Custom Skill:
  - 

Skills:
  - Battle Healing R5
  - Charge
  - Energist
  - Light Armor R5
  - Martial Arts R5
  - Searching R3

Extra Skills:
  - Lady Luck
  - Photosynthesize
  - Survival

Inactive Extra Skills:

Addons:
  - Focus
  - Precision
  - Resolve
  - Stamina

Mods:
  - Meticulous

Inactive Mods:

Battle Ready Inventory:
  - Blank Treasure Map Tier 4 x
  - Gold Key x

Housing Buffs:
  - Bedroom: -1 energy cost for the first two expenditures of each combat
  - Basic Kitchen: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps. Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.
  - Living Room: Increases out of combatHP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
  - Slime Farm: +5% EXP to a thread. Limit one use per month. Must be used on a player's first post in a thread. Cooldown begins counting down when used in a post.
  - Dining Hall: Turn 3 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Feast. A Feast contains 6 portions of the food items sacrificed. Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread.

Guild Hall Buffs:
  - Trading Hall: Reduce LD needed for Salvage by 5 (10+ for Alchemist crystals, 6+ for everything else). +2 EXP per craft. Rank 9 crafters and Rank 4 merchants/performers receive +1 crafting/identification attempt per day. Rank 10 crafters and Rank 5 merchants/performers receive +2 crafting/identification attempts per day.
  - Treasury: +5% bonus col from last-hit monster kills and +10% bonus col from treasure chests.

Scents of the Wild Totem:

Wedding Ring:

Crafting Profession:
 - Cooking[exp] R1
Gathering Profession:
"                                                                                                                            

 

Edited October 28 by Kiluia Seiko

[Kiyabu Hisao 0]

With yet another stroke of bad luck, A subtle sigh escaped his lips. Before skimming one of the pebbles across the shallow pond. “This is much harder, Than I first thought..” While contemplating the difficulty of his first quest, Dean felt a bit guilty for not trying to get his hands on some equipment. Since it was quite clear, That this <Death Game> wasn't for the ill-equipped. “Huh?” However, While mauling over his past regrets. He could faintly hear the sound of children laughing, Which was a welcome change of pace. “It's alright, I don't mind them laughing.. Since everyone needs a good chuckle every once and while.” Dean expressed, To the other player. 

While watching Kiluia look through his own inventory, An inquisitive expression can be found on his face. Since Dean hadn't a clue what this individual was looking for. But not long after, He got his answer. This guy was handing him a golden crispy item, Which had a vibrant glow to it. “Woow~..” Just like the children, Dean expressed his own sense of admiration for this sweet treat. But before he could thank Kiluia, He had already walked away from the spot. ‘If we ever meet again, I'll definitely thank him for this gift.’ He made a vow to express his gratitude, Should their paths cross again in the future.

Spoiler

Dean has consumed the Confectionery: 

Name: Deep Fried Vanilla Ice Cream

ID: 230942-1

Tier: 1

Quality: Perfect

Enhancements among consumption: +3 to LD

Description:

A perfectly made deep fried vanilla ice cream with a touch of gold throughout the vanilla. The shine gives it a luscious texture and gleam that could be for the rich. The vanilla bean is extracted and made with care. 

 

 

[Kiyabu Hisao 0]

“Mh~m!” After taking the initial bite, It felt like his digital taste buds had hopped onto cloud nine. As the rich flavours filled his mouth, A tangy yet caramelised texture soon followed. “Oh my god! This is sweet perfecti-” Before finishing that sentence, A notification popped up in front of him. <”Due to consumption of Deep Fried Vanilla Ice Cream, Player has received an Enhancement.”> After reading the notification, Dean had a shocked facial expression. “WHAT!! You can get buff’s from eating food!” So it became apparent, That he didn't bother to fully immerse himself in the newbie handbook. Which was a big mistake on his part.

With this temporary enhancement obtained, Dean felt that his luck might have improved. Even if it's just by a little margin. He took this opportunity to scavenge a nearby bush, In hopes of finding something. But who knows, What this game has in store for him.

Quote

Roll ID 237078

BD 4

CD 4

LD 4 (+3 From the food consumed.)

MOB 6   

Dean Looking for a material

2024-10-29 05:45:55

 

[Dean 0]

With yet another stroke of bad luck, A subtle sigh escaped his lips. Before skimming one of the pebbles across the shallow pond. “This is much harder, Than I first thought..” While contemplating the difficulty of his first quest, Dean felt a bit guilty for not trying to get his hands on some equipment. Since it was quite clear, That this <Death Game> wasn't for the ill-equipped. “Huh?” However, While mauling over his past regrets. He could faintly hear the sound of children laughing, Which was a welcome change of pace. “It's alright, I don't mind them laughing.. Since everyone needs a good chuckle every once and while.” Dean expressed, To the other player. 

While watching Kiluia look through his own inventory, An inquisitive expression can be found on his face. Since Dean hadn't a clue what this individual was looking for. But not long after, He got his answer. This guy was handing him a golden crispy item, Which had a vibrant glow to it. “Woow~..” Just like the children, Dean expressed his own sense of admiration for this sweet treat. But before he could thank Kiluia, He had already walked away from the spot. ‘If we ever meet again, I'll definitely thank him for this gift.’ He made a vow to express his gratitude, Should their paths cross again in the future.

Quote

Dean has consumed the Confectionery: 

Name: Deep Fried Vanilla Ice Cream

ID: 230942-1

Tier: 1

Quality: Perfect

Enhancements among consumption: +3 to LD

Description:

A perfectly made deep fried vanilla ice cream with a touch of gold throughout the vanilla. The shine gives it a luscious texture and gleam that could be for the rich. The vanilla bean is extracted and made with care. 

 

 

 

[Dean 0]

“Mh~m!” After taking the initial bite, It felt like his digital taste buds had hopped onto cloud nine. As the rich flavours filled his mouth, A tangy yet caramelised texture soon followed. “Oh my god! This is sweet perfecti-” Before finishing that sentence, A notification popped up in front of him. <”Due to consumption of Deep Fried Vanilla Ice Cream, Player has received an Enhancement.”> After reading the notification, Dean had a shocked facial expression. “WHAT!! You can get buff’s from eating food!” So it became apparent, That he didn't bother to fully immerse himself in the newbie handbook. Which was a big mistake on his part.

With this temporary enhancement obtained, Dean felt that his luck might have improved. Even if it's just by a little margin. He took this opportunity to scavenge a nearby bush, In hopes of finding something. But who knows, What this game has in store for him.

Quote

Roll ID 237078

BD 4

CD 4

LD 4 (+3 From the food consumed.)

MOB 6   

Dean Looking for a material

2024-10-29 05:45:55

 

[Dean 0]

Even though his hopes weren't all that high, It still stung. Especially, After looking through a rather miniscule bush. “Dammit.. -Sigh-” With yet another defeated sigh escaping his lips, Dean simply put his jacket back on. “Even if I haven't found anything yet, I can't just give up now..” He muttered. “I've already come this far.. And that guy gave me a hand, So I'll not waste this chance by simply moping around!” After making a brief motivational speech, He kept walking towards the next destination on his map.

Eventually, Dean reached his next potential spot for materials. This time, He clasped his hands together. While offering up a prayer to the <Goddess of Fortune>. “Please Lady luck shine some of your favour on me..” Hoping, That this might improve his odds. Though, It's more likely for his sanity. Especially, After his terrible luck so far. “Come on.. Come on..” As he started to rummage through another bush.

Quote

Roll ID 237079

BD 6

CD 6

LD 16 (+3 From the food consumed.)

MOB 10 

Dean Looking for a material

2024-10-29 06:49:02

 

[Dean 0]

For the first time, Since he started this quest. Dean had finally found something useful, As a notification indicated. That he would need to find four more, Before returning to Landon. Who was back at the studio, Still composing new tracks for his clientele. “Yes! YES!” With a bright smile on his face, Dean couldn't help himself. As he started jumping for joy, Before clasping his hands together once more. To express gratitude for this stroke of good luck, After being plagued with misfortune for the last few searches. “Thank you, Lady luck..I truly appreciate this fortune, That your favour has brought me in this moment of need.” 

As those heartfelt words were spoken with the deepest form of appreciation, He would take this chance to relocate to another spot. In hopes of finding more items like the one, That was found a few seconds ago. Though it'll still take a lot of time and effort to gather the necessary amount. Dean still had faith in Lady luck, Hoping that she would bless him with good fortune again. 

 

Quote

Roll ID 237080

BD 3

CD 7

LD 12 (+3 From the food consumed.)

MOB 10

Dean Looking for a material

2024-10-29 07:32:04

 

[Dean 0]

Just like before, He had successfully found yet another glistening item. Which caused a notification to appear, But unlike last time. He managed to keep his emotions under control. Before speaking in a soft tone. “Thank you again, Lady luck.. I know you probably have a fair few people praying for success.. But I'll try to limit my prayers, So not to overwhelm your schedule.” Even though Dean knew that there's no real evidence to prove, That this was the work of some divine entity. He still felt obligated to express his sincere gratitude to the <Goddess of Fortune>

Deciding to check one more spot in this area, Just in case. He successfully strikes it lucky for the third time in a row, Dean approaches a tall oak tree. That had a small burrow at the base, While looking through the various twigs and leaves. A thought came to his mind. ‘If I do find something, I might write a song about Lady luck..’ 

Quote

Roll ID 237091

BD 8

CD 7

LD 11 (+3 From the food consumed.)

MOB  8 

Dean Looking for a material

2024-10-29 13:26:29

 

[Dean 0]

Considering the good fortune he had so far in this area, Dean knew it wouldn't last forever. So after finding only twigs and an assortment of leaves, He felt it was time to visit another location in hopes of finding something. “Time to move to the next spot.” He mumbled under his breath, While making sure to brush every bit of foliage back underneath the oak tree. In case, It was put there by a small creature. 

“So my next location is near a riverbed.” After consulting with the map, It was going to be quite the hike from this shallow pond. Which gave the opportunity to create a few lyrics. 

“I’ve been looking gone, i’ve been looking old.. Used to have eyes, That were full of soul.. But that woman, she’s stealing it all from under my nose.. Wasting my days and spending my wages, On a woman who doesn’t know my name.. Lady luck is my mistress and she doesn't give a damn, Because she'll steal the soul right out of any old poor man..” While lost in his own lyrical world, Dean had reached the next location.  

After seeing the vast open plains, Next to a flowing river. Dean finally came back to his senses. “Looks like I really got lost in my words.” He mentioned with a slight chuckle escaping his lips, Before starting his search near the water first.

Quote

Roll ID 237092

BD 4

CD 10

LD 15 (+3 From the food consumed.)

MOB 6   

Dean Looking for a material

2024-10-29 14:11:30

 

[Dean 0]

While making sure that he was thorough in his investigation, He found a glistening stone. That was emitting a faint glow. Which caused the system notification to pop up, As a slight smirk curved along his lips. “Jackpot~!” Dean expressed his joy at finding something on the first try in a new location. Especially, Since it meant that he was only two materials away from completing this daunting quest. “Let's try my luck here again.” Even though, He knew that his odds of finding two quest items in the same spot was low. It didn't deter him, As he wanted to make sure. That he didn't miss anything under his nose. 

After rolling up his trouser legs, He ventured a little further into the water. As Dean picked up a few dozen pebbles and stones, Which had unique patterns. “Hm.. No.. No..” While discarding them one at a time. Dean knew that if he found anything the system would be sure to notify him.

 

Quote

Roll ID 237137 

BD 2

CD 9

LD 8 (+3 From the food consumed.)

MOB 7

Dean Looking for a material

2024-10-30 02:40:24

 

[Dean 0]

Upon reaching the final stone in his hand, He would let out a small sigh. Before skimming it across the river's surface. “Seems, Like I'm not having any luck in this part of the river.. Maybe, I'll have better luck over there.” After those words left his slightly defeated lips, He walked through the crystal clear water. While taking some time to collect more stones on the way, If the system notification didn't pop. Dean simply threw the pebble back into the water, Where it was found. “Come on.. There has to be at least one more in this river, If not I'll need to rummage through some foliage on land.” He mumbled to himself.

To make this tedious task more bearable, He started to hum a southern country melody. In high hopes, That this gesture would improve his luck. Even if it's just a little bit. Because it's starting to get late and he doesn't want to be out here. When the Monster's start to get thirsty.

 

Quote

Roll ID 237138

BD 10 

CD 9

LD 19 (+3 From the food consumed.)

MOB 5  

Dean Looking for a material

2024-10-30 03:00:14

 

[Dean 0]

After throwing a couple of rocks back into the water, A notification popped up. To indicate, That he had successfully found a quest item. “Yes! Yes! Yes!” Dean clenched his fist tightly around the stone, Since it was the fourth one out of five. Which meant, All he needed to do was find one more. Then he could head back to Landon, Who gave him this quest. “Alright, I'm nearly there.. Just one more~!” With this boost to his morale, He kept picking up rocks and stones out of the water. “Just one more time..” While sorting through the assortment of pebbles, A subtle rhythm can be heard. As each stone hit the water's surface.  

“No.. No.. Nope, Nah da~..” With every step taken, Dean gradually got closer and closer to land. Which meant, That he might need to explore a few trees and other types of foliage. “So far, I've found nothing.. But I'm not done, Because If I can find it.. I'll be free to go back!” These simple, But motivational words kept Dean going through this quest. In high hopes.

 

Quote

Roll ID 237139

BD 5

CD 12 

LD 7 (+3 From the food consumed.)

MOB 3 

Dean Looking for a material

2024-10-30 03:25:10

 

[Dean 0]

With the final pebble examined, Dean threw it back into the water. “Looks like I've picked this river clean of potential materials.. So I'll need to start looking through this vast plain in hopes of finding that last elusive material.” As those words left his lips, Dean stepped out of the water. Before rolling his trouser legs back down to the ankles. “May Lady luck offer me one final blessing to complete this quest.” He whispered under his breath, While taking a look through a nearby bush. To see if it was hiding anything among its branches. “Nope.. Nothing, In this one either..” 

As the ambient light was starting to make this search a bit harder, Dean didn't give up hope. Because he will find it, Even if he has to look through the night. “Come on.. I know you're out there, Just waiting to be found and used in the creation of wondrous music..” After those words left his lips, He would approach a burrow. Which was hidden underneath a few branches and leaves. 

Quote

Roll ID 237140

BD 4

CD 4

LD 20 (+3 From the food consumed.)

MOB  6

Dean Looking for a material

2024-10-30 03:51:12

 

[Dean 0]

After rummaging through the burrow blindly, A familiar notification popped up. Which happily informed, That he had successfully gathered enough materials for Landon. Who will have a new task for him, When he returns to the music shop. “FINALLY!” Dean pulled his arm out of the burrow, While holding a glistening stone. That shone with a baby blue hue. “I'm done, I'm really done!” He proudly stated with a look of pride, Before looking at the stone. “Who would have thought, That the last one was hidden inside a burrow.. Hahaha..” As a slight chuckle escaped his lips. “Anyway, I can't keep him waiting any longer!” 

With nothing left to do outside, Dean made a swift return to the town. Since it was starting to turn nighttime, Which meant the Monster's would become more active and aggressive. “Phew~! Luckily, I made it back safe and sound.” Dean had this smug grin on his face, Before heading towards Landon's shop. “I'm sorry, That it took so long to gather the items you needed.”