[F1-SP] Whispers of the Wild: A Forager's Journey <<Earning a Living: Foraging>>

[Oats 0]

Oats lay on a large pile of hay next to a path leading to the entrance of a village. She had been napping for a while, confident in her safety within the zone. The blend of a gentle breeze and the sun's warmth was delightful. She opened one eye to gauge the sun's position; she had arrived around 9:30 am, and it seemed to be about 11 o'clock now. The sky was a bright blue with a few birds in flight. The weather on the first floor was always perfect, akin to unchanging data. Players would wake up expecting the same conditions every day, a pleasant contrast to the unpredictable weather of the real world where one might choose the wrong attire for later weather changes, without a change of clothes on hand. In Aincrad, one could carry an inventory full of various outfits to suit different weathers or occasions, within the limits of encumbrance, of course.

She gazed at the semi-busy street beyond the entrance. The road was a dirt path winding through the small village of Horunka, with buildings topped by hay roofs—simple yet cozy. She sighed, stretching her arms wide before clasping her hands behind her back and lying back on the hay.

On her way to Horunka, located northwest of the Town of Beginnings, she had sent a message to Kali: "Yo! This is Oats. Remember the pain of gathering at our last meet-up? I'm looking for ways to improve our chances. Heard about a quest for the foraging profession. If you're in, hit me back, and I'll wait for you in Horunka."

Kali had replied within minutes: "Yeah! I'm coming."

But it had been over an hour. He should have arrived half an hour ago. Was he alright? She pondered. She yawned and resumed the napping.

Spoiler

STATS:

Level 2 | HP: 40 | EN: 22/22 | MIT: 7 | DMG: 5

SP: 11 | EXP: 815

BATTLE STATS:

EVA: II | ACC IIII | LD: III

 

BATTLE READY:

The Oculus | 1H Longsword| Enhancements: DMG I | ACC I

Ink-Stained Battleskirt | ID: 236322 | T1 Perfect Cloth Armor | Enhancements: EVA II | MIT I

Brass omamori | [#236737] | TIER 1 TRINKET | LD III

Artemis | [#224267] | TIER 1 JEWELRY | ACC III

 

SKILLS:

Curved Swords- Rank 1

SWORD ARTS:

[x4] ST-I (4 EN) | A single-target sword art.

[x3] AOE-I (1 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once.

[x4] TECH-A (5 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy.

 

INVENTORY:

1,900 col

15 mats

Consumables:
-Starter Healing Potions (Restores 50HP) x3

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 1 by Oats
Edited Base DMG in Stats

[Oats 0]

With her eyes closed, she remained aware of her surroundings: the chirping of birds, the song of crickets, the shuffle of feet, and the sound of footsteps running closer. She wagered it belonged to Kali. As expected, panting followed. She cracked open her right eye to see a man with chestnut-colored, unkempt hair pausing from his run, hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath next to the hay, seemingly oblivious to her presence. "Hey."

"Oh, there you are! Sorry to keep you waiting." He straightened up. "Got a bit lost, haha! Took a wrong turn south from the Town of Beginnings." He sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "Seems like you didn't mind waiting." "Not at all," Oats replied, sitting up to stretch again, yawning before standing and brushing the hay from her clothes. "Glad you didn't fall apart on your own, or a monster got you." Oats claimed. "Oh? You were saying you were worried about me?" Kali tried to reel Oats in. She didn't bite. "Come on. I'll fill you in as we walk." And with that, they set off side by side, embarking on their adventure once again.

Edited October 31 by Oats

[Oats 0]

Oats and Kali entered the quaint village of Horunka, which, while not as grand as the Town of Beginnings or the nearby city of Tolbana, had its own charm. The small structures, with walls of adobe-style hardened clay and wooden beams topped with hay roofs, evoked a sense of nostalgia. It reminded her of "The Golden Sun," a beloved Game Boy Advance game from her childhood. In the game, the main character forms a misfit party in their hometown of Vale and embarks on a quest to save the world from a psynergy disaster. Vale's buildings, similar in construction, were the kind you'd return to for a downtime. She mused, could they be Isaac, Garet, Ivan, and Mia revisiting Vale? She chuckled at the thought, imagining a smiley emoji in a 64-bit square-shaped bubble icon appearing above her head as she took in the sights of Horunka. "The Golden Sun" might have been the only game she played until "Sword Art Online," but it held a special place in her heart. She still kept it in her old room, along with her Game Boy Advance SP. She insisted that her parents consult her before giving away any of her stuff. That game and handheld? Over her dead body.

"Wow!" Kali exclaimed, spinning around to take in the entire village. "I've never gone far from the Town of Beginnings because I'm scared of fighting mobs, but I would've missed this if I hadn't come!" "Right?" Oats agreed with Kali's comment before asking, "How about we head to a tavern? We can talk more there." "Sure!" Kali replied.

[Oats 0]

In the village stood a building slightly larger than the rest. Above the door hung a sign that read, "The Warm Hearth Tavern," its words imparting a warmth akin to sitting before a fireplace. Oats opened the door, Kali entered, and the door closed behind them. The interior features thick, earthen walls painted in warm, earthy tones, accented by vibrant, handwoven textiles draped over the furniture and walls. The central feature of the tavern is a large rustic fireplace made of stone and adobe, crackling with a cheerful fire that casts a warm glow throughout the space. Wooden beams stretch across the ceiling, adding to the feeling of rustic comfort, while lanterns hang from hooks, providing soft, ambient lighting. The furniture consists of sturdy wooden tables and chairs, each uniquely crafted, some adorned with colorful cushions for added comfort. In one corner, a cozy nook with plush seating invites guests to settle in with a good book or share stories over a drink.

A well-stocked bar made of reclaimed wood lines one side of the room, showcasing an array of local spirits and crafted beers, alongside shelves lined with jars of homemade pickles and preserves. The Tavern's menu features hearty, locally sourced dishes, with the aroma of simmering stews and freshly baked bread wafting through the air. Which beat black beaten breads in the Starting City by miles.

Walls are filled with local art and photographs depicting NPC village life, as well as shelves filled with trinkets and Oats wonders if some of them are souvenirs from players who have passed through. A small stage in the corner hosts local performers on weekends, filling the tavern with the sounds of folk music and laughter. The establishment exudes a comforting aura that warmly envelops you. The name "The Warm Hearth" aptly captures the essence of the ambiance within.

[Oats 0]

The wooden tables inside the Warm Hearth Tavern are a blend of rustic charm and functional design, each one designed to appear telling its own story through its unique character.

Crafted from sturdy, reclaimed timber, the tables vary in size and shape, accommodating both small gatherings and larger groups. Some tables are round, promoting conversation and camaraderie in visiting players. Possibly couple small guilds. There are others which are long and rectangular, perfect for communal dining. The surfaces are smooth yet retain a natural, slightly weathered look, showcasing the rich grain and knots of the wood, which add to their authenticity. Not bad for a game.

Each table is adorned with hand-carved details- some feature intricate patterns along the edges, while others have simple yet elegant designs. These tabletops are protected with a light coat of natural oil or beeswax, enhancing their warmth and bringing out the rich hues of the wood, ranging from deep browns to golden tones.

Oats pulled a chair back at a small golden-wood table and sat down, with Kali taking a seat at the opposite end. A young waitress approached, her ponytail secured with a purple bandana, her cursor a green color instead of the usual yellow. Perhaps she is a player working to make ends meet. "What would you guys like?" she asked. "Uhm, a local beer please?" Oats kept it simple. Kali, even more so, "Just a juice, thank you!" The waitress offered a smile, nodded, and shuffled away.

"Okay, I've found a broker in Starting City," Oats explained to Kali. "I asked if there's a way to improve gathering. She mentioned a woman who never stays in one place for long, making it difficult for players to find her. Luckily, the broker knows her current location, although it's time-sensitive. I've bartered for this information. Her quest is foraging focused."

"What are the rewards?" Kali asked.

"Just one: the Foraging profession," she replied. "Consider it a sub-profession of the Artisan. It allows us to search for materials anywhere, anytime, not just limited to monster loot."

Kali gasped, realizing the significance. "That would be a huge help!"

"Indeed, it would," she agreed, leaning back as the waitress set their drinks aside. Grasping the beer handle, she lifted it and said, "Kali, you should take this quest too," before taking a sip.

"Yes! It's a no-brainer," he concurred, sipping his juice. "Thanks, Oats. Seriously, without you, I'd be lost."

"Think nothing of it. We're here to survive, and I want you to make it," she said unaware her subconscious leaked. "Aw! You do care about me!" Kali teased, refusing to let it go. He persisted in coaxing her to admit it again, but she averted her eyes away, feigning indifference as she continued to drink her beer.

Edited November 2 by Oats

[Oats 0]

As her gaze drifted to the hay roof, she let out a chuckle. "Hm? What is it?" Kali asked. "Oh, it's nothing. It's just that there was this game I used to play, and that hay roof brought back a scene from it," she explained. Kali urged, "Tell me about it." She hesitated, "It's silly, really." "No, please, I want to hear it," Kali insisted.

Oats sighed, aware of the unwritten social rule in SAO to avoid discussing the real world. Yet, Kali insisted. "Alright. There's a game from my childhood called 'Golden Sun'. It's the bestest game of the entire Game Boy Advance generation. Granted, it's the only game I've played, but my opinion is still valid." Oats shrugged and took another sip of her beer. "At the start, the main character, Isaac, wakes up in a village named Vale, which bears a striking resemblance to Horunka. Unfortunately, he awakens during a catastrophe. The mountain looming over Vale is erupting, sending a barrage of rocks, gems, and a massive boulder crashing through the village.

3 years later. Outside of his house, Isaac was repatching holes on the hay roof. His neighbor friends at same age came to see Isaac just on time as Isaac was finishing up. His mother climbed up to check on his work. Garnet and Jenna also popped up to greet them. The mother accidentally tripped over another side of the roof. Garnet leapt to try catch her on time, unfortunately his foot broke through freshly patched hole and got himself stuck. The mother on other hand is completely fine as she didn't fall off the roof. When she noticed what happened to Garnet everybody were like  and Garnet apologize profusely. It was very awkward. He said he'll get out of the way. However, as he extricated himself from the hole, Jenna shouted, 'Not there!', but it was too late; Garnet had already fallen through another repaired hole." Oats laughed. "I mean, what a chance of that? Clumsiness and bad luck follow Garnet."

She looked up to the tavern roof and exclaimed, "I just could picture Garnet's foot coming through right there and a 64-bit frown emoji bubble, , appears over the owner's head."

Edited November 2 by Oats

[Oats 0]

Oats resumed sipping her beer when she caught Kali's stare. "What's wrong?" "Nothing! It's just... I didn't expect you to talk so much about a game, or at all." Oats snorted and turned away; arms folded. "So what! The game's story is so good! Anyone would do the same if they loved it," she defended herself. Kali attempted to soothe her, "Hey, it's not a bad thing! I honestly like that." "I'd rather discuss gun specifics than get all sentimental," Oats retorted. She stood up and went to the waitress for another beer, hiding her flushed face from Kali. "Actually, it's nice to talk like this with someone," she thought to herself before buried that thought.

As Oats waited for her beer cup to be refilled, Kali eavesdropped on the conversation of other players at a nearby table for fun, but then he realized he might be onto something.

The flickering light from the fireplace casts dancing shadows, and the scent of hearty stew fills the air. A group of players leans in close, their voices hushed as they share the latest rumors circulating through the game.

Player 1 (Aria): leans in, lowering her voice "Have you guys heard about the new dungeon that just opened up in the Desert Ruins? They say it’s filled with treasure, but it’s also crawling with these terrifying Sand Wraiths."

Player 2 (Kiran): raises an eyebrow "Sand Wraiths? I thought they were just a myth! I mean, no one’s seen one and lived to tell the tale, right?"

Player 3 (Lysander): grinning "That’s what they want you to think! I’ve got a buddy who claims he saw one while grinding near the ruins. He said it looked like a swirling storm of sand with glowing eyes.”

Player 1 (Aria): "Yeah, and apparently, if you defeat one, it drops a rare item called the Mirage Cloak. Supposed to make you invisible for a short time!"

Player 4 (Talia): sipping her drink "Sounds too good to be true. But if it is, I’ll be the first one in that dungeon! I’ve got my best gear ready. Who’s with me?"

Player 2 (Kiran): smirking "I’ll go, but only if you promise to share the loot. We all know how you get when there’s treasure involved."

Player 3 (Lysander): leaning back, arms crossed "We need to be careful, though. Some players are saying that a notorious guild is camping out near the entrance, ready to ambush anyone who shows up."

Player 4 (Talia): "Great, just what we need. A dungeon full of monsters and a group of players looking to pick off the weak. Would these stop us?"

Player 1 (Aria): shakes her head enthusiastically "Absolutely not! Count me in. We should gather a few more players. Safety in numbers, right?"

Player 2 (Kiran): "Let’s do it! But first, let’s finish this stew. I need my fill for whatever awaits us out there."

Edited November 2 by Oats

[Oats 0]

The group of colorfully clad players stood up and walked past Oats as she was returning to her table with two jugs in hand, one of beer and another of juice for Kali. "For me? You shouldn't have! Thank you," he said, placing an empty jug at the table's end for the waitress to collect before taking the new jug and drinking heartily. To Oats' surprise, Kali leaned in and whispered, "That group that walked past you?" He paused to scan the room, then continued in a low voice, "I overheard their conversation. There's a rumor about a Mirage Cloak; it can make you invisible for a few minutes."

"No way," Oats' interest spiked. "Where is it?"

"In the desert ruins."

Oats put her hand on her chin, deep in thought. "It must be on the 5th floor somewhere." She pulled up the map from her menu tab, enlarging it in 3D for Kali to see. It zoomed in on the 5th floor. "This floor is all desert," she noted, pointing her finger at several locations. "The ruins are likely in one of these areas. We'll probably have to search extensively once we get there." She closed the map, and the interface menu vanished.

"We should probably level up a bit more before we head there. Better safe than sorry."

"Yeah, they said the cloak is dropped by a... Sand Wraith."

"A field boss from the sound of it. If not a mini boss."

"It does sound scary. I wholeheartedly agree that we're not ready for it just yet."

"Let's hope the group doesn't find it before us. See? Even more reason to level up. This quest is a step forward."

"Onward!" Kali exclaimed, raising his juice in the air, much to Oats' amusement. Beer might look better, but juice works too.

[Oats 0]

"Speaking of the quest," Oats redirected the conversation back to their objective. "The intel suggests she camped not far from here, which would require a bit of a hike. I was told that if we head in a certain direction, we should easily spot her Conestoga wagon and a makeshift campsite. The broker mentioned that the unmistakable sign of the correct location is a spot atop a cliff with a solitary tree at the brink."

"Mm-hmm," Kali listened intently.

Oats finished her beer with a chug, setting the glass back on the table, this time near the edge. "Ready to go?"

"Yep!" Kali began to rise, but a growl from his stomach made him sit back down. "Uh... do you mind if we grab something to eat first?" he asked, a bit embarrassed.

"Haha, no problem at all. I'm curious about what this tavern has to offer." Oats glanced to her right, looking for the waitress. By a happy coincidence, the waitress was already on her way to their table. "Anything else for you two?" she inquired. Kali exchanged a glance with Oats before turning back to the waitress. "What's on the menu?"

The waitress recited the entire menu from memory:

• Hearty Stew
• Roasted Meat Platter
• Vegetable Medley
• Baked Bread and Cheese
• Cactus Salad
• Spicy Chili
• Fruit Platter
• Sweet Pastries
• Warm Spiced Wine
• Herbal Tea

"Cactus?" Kali asked, sounding surprised. The waitress described the salad, "It's a salad with chopped cactus, tomatoes, onions, and a zesty lime dressing. It tastes quite close to the real thing. It's a popular choice for those looking to try something different."

"Yeah, but... cactus?" Kali repeated. "Oh, the cactus comes from supplies sent from the 5th floor. Some restaurants have trading routes between floors," the waitress explained. Oats and Kali exchanged a glance, having recently discussed the 5th floor. "What?" the waitress probed. "Oh, it's nothing," Kali quickly dismissed. Oats, on the other hand seizing the moment, asked, "Actually, we're planning to go to the 5th floor to find rumored desert ruins. Have you heard anything about that?"

The waitress looked thoughtful, her index finger on her chin. "Hmm... not personally. But the supply route I mentioned comes from Fortaleza, which is supplied by a nearby settlement called Saharda. It's full of traders and merchants. It's somewhat dangerous, as the settlement often gets raided by bandits looking for easy loot. Our supplies frequently get stolen," she shared with a gesture of resignation.

"Are the bandits players or NPCs?" Oats inquired. "The raids happen like clockwork, so they must be NPCs just doing their programmed job, I guess."

"Alright, we'll be careful. Thank you."

"You're welcome. I have a hunch that one of these traders or merchants is hiding a secret. It's worth looking into."

"We will!" Kali declared, which redirected the waitress's attention to the initial conversation. "Have you chosen what you'd like?"

"Yes, the cactus salad has piqued my interest, so I'll try that. And, I'd also like a hearty stew, please."

"Coming right up!" With that, the waitress smiled and departed.

[Oats 0]

Kali turned to Oats, "Good thing you asked!" "Yeah, in this game, it's always good to leave no stone unturned," she advised Kali. "I'll remember that, thanks. I just thought... it might be impolite to involve someone who's uninvolved, you know?" "I understand. But sometimes, you gotta let someone outside the box help. They might offer a fresh perspective. Always look for every opportunity to stay ahead," she suggested. "Understood!" Kali tapped his index finger to his forehead, signaling he'd take the advice to heart.

The waitress returned quickly with the food, a speed that is to be expected in the game. In the real world, one might wait an hour for their meal to be served. But here? All it takes is combining ingredients, plus a brief timing meter, and voilà—the dish is prepared. Fortunately, the food can get hot, likely on a stovetop or in an oven, until the meter is full.

A plate and a bowl were set before Kali. He turned to the waitress, clasped his hands together, and bowed. "Thank you for the food!" The waitress was surprised by his politeness and felt a bit embarrassed. "Oh no, I just deliver the food, that's all!" Kali inquired, "What is your name?" His eagerness to express gratitude was evident. "Oh, um, Mira." "Then thank you for bringing my food, Mira!" She blushed slightly. "Haha, you're welcome," she replied with a grin. Clutching her tray to her chest, she bowed her head towards Kali in a gesture of mutual appreciation before walked away.