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[PP][F01] Foundations of Fate <<The First Few Lessons>>


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Morning broke over Tolbana, spilling sunlight across the cobblestones in lazy golden pools. The first floor of Aincrad stirred to life like a painting come alive, its colors too vivid to be real. Jae moved through the streets in quiet rhythm, her black cloak a ripple of shadow against the bright tapestry of the town. The hem of the fabric whispered secrets to the stones as she passed, her steps deliberate, unhurried, the weight of solitude hanging around her like armor.

The town buzzed with life, voices weaving together in a chorus of bartering and banter. Shops spilled their wares onto the streets in bursts of color—gleaming swords, polished shields, potions glinting like captured starlight in delicate vials. Jae’s green eyes flitted over the displays with a hunter’s precision, cataloging, assessing. She paused before a stall offering throwing axes, their blades catching the sunlight in sharp flashes. Her fingers itched to test their balance, to feel the weight of them in her hand, but she moved on. She had her own tools, crafted by her own steady hands, each one a piece of herself forged into steel and wood.

Her routine was meticulous, a ritual carved into the morning. At the edge of the square, she found a quiet alcove beneath the overhang of a shuttered shop. There, she crouched and unfastened her pack, pulling out her arsenal one piece at a time. Throwing axes, their edges honed to a lethal gleam, glinted in the soft light. A bundle of caltrops, each spike wickedly sharp, sat beside a set of bolas coiled like a serpent waiting to strike. Smoke bombs, their glass casings filled with swirling mixtures of black pepper and flour, nestled alongside miniature stars trapped in jars. All carved from barbaric means, but they were means that got her by.

Her hands moved with practiced precision, checking each item as though her life depended on it—because it did. The movements were automatic, muscle memory born of countless repetitions. Yet, as she worked, a quiet doubt gnawed at the edges of her mind. All this preparation, all these tools, and for what? The battles they promised seemed distant, the danger abstract, and yet, here she was—ready for a war that hadn’t yet begun. The day wore on, and the streets of Tolbana grew busier. Players clustered around quest boards, their faces alight with determination, their voices rising in excitement. Jae moved among them like a ghost, unnoticed and unbothered. Her eyes lingered on the faces of the NPCs, their expressions uncannily cheerful, their scripted movements too smooth, too perfect. Even here, in this bustling town, there was a hollowness, a feeling that all of it—the laughter, the commerce, the camaraderie—was a fragile illusion.

She wandered past a weaponsmith’s shop, the clang of hammer on steel ringing out like a heartbeat. The heat of the forge brushed against her skin, a fleeting warmth that dissipated as quickly as it came. Further down the street, an apothecary’s stall caught her attention, its shelves lined with vials of every hue. She paused, studying the labels: health potions, antidotes, elixirs to bolster strength or speed. They reminded her of the potions she’d brewed in the quiet hours of the night, their recipes etched into her memory like old scars. Her thoughts were interrupted by a voice, sharp and clear, cutting through the hum of the marketplace.

“You there! Stop, please!”

Jae turned, her gaze narrowing as a man approached with long, purposeful strides. He was a peculiar sight, dressed impeccably in a tailored coat that seemed out of place among the adventurers and merchants. A monocle glinted over his right eye, and his moustache—perfectly groomed—twitched as he spoke.

“Pardon me, but I am in need of some assistance, and you appear quite capable.”


She said nothing, her eyes cold and unreadable as he introduced himself as Dorian, the mayor of Tolbana. His voice carried the kind of practiced charm that only thinly veiled desperation. A forgotten loan, a debt to be collected—his predicament spilled out in a rush of words, punctuated by nervous gestures.

Jae tilted her head, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at her lips. “So, the great leader of this town can’t keep track of his debts. How inspiring.” Her tone was dry, edged with sarcasm, but there was no malice in it.

Dorian sputtered, adjusting his monocle with a flustered air. “I—I assure you, it is an anomaly. A one-time oversight.”

She considered him for a moment, her gaze sweeping over him like a blade. Finally, she shrugged. “Fine. I’ll track down your debtor. But if this turns into more than you’ve let on, you’ll owe me something better than your gratitude.”

He nodded quickly, relief washing over his face as he directed her to her first lead—a local alchemist named Zackariah. Jae watched him scurry off, her expression unreadable. The town stretched out before her, bustling with life, but she felt none of it. Her steps carried her toward the alchemist’s shop, the noise of the square fading behind her like a distant echo. Her mind turned inward, to the tools she carried and the battles that loomed unseen. She couldn’t shake the feeling that this quest was the first ripple of a wave yet to come. For now, she walked with the quiet certainty of someone who had nothing to lose and everything to prove.


Quote

***
[Jae] | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 4 (Paralyze|Accuracy)
***
Skills: Straight 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.
***
Battle Equipment:
Rare Longsword (Paralyze|Accuracy)
(3) Starter Healing Potions (Heals 50 HP)
Black Cloak w/ Hood (Vanity Item | No Benefit)

 

 

Edited by Jae
Got Dark Mode, Realized my Posts were Gray!
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Tolbana was the same as it had always been; a town that thrived with the lively, the dread filled, and those in between. Nymoria wandered through the silent town, bustling with individuals as they rushed to and fro, heading towards whatever important – or less important, in some cases – activity took their time for the day. She’d spotted numerous lower levelled players moving about, trying to complete some mundane, mind-numbing task or another. Many of them seemed determined to run towards every destination – she’d seen a few pass her at a full sprint, only to sprint back the other direction with an annoyed expression upon their face only moments later.

She’d returned to the town looking for something to give her drive again. The events in the desert had helped, reminding her of her purpose in the game. It had left her feeling rejuvenated, to a small degree. It hadn’t been a cure, she knew that – the voices within her head still whispered, waiting for a single dark moment to leap out and grasp her. They were weaker though, weaker than they’d been since she’d become trapped in the world of Aincrad.

It had driven her into motion once more, knowing that she could overcome them. Which had led her to Tolbana, the one place she knew there were always newly determined players looking to make their start in the world, regardless of how much of a disadvantage they may be in compared to those who’d rushed forwards in the early days. She’d assumed that here, out of anywhere in the world, she could find someone to help; a life raft that she could cling to almost selfishly. Perhaps it wasn’t fair, but Nymoria knew that he presence, the offering of help and guidance, could at least convince others not to give up; to continue pushing for the front. If I can do it, why not them? The thought had been her final deciding factor before heading for the town.

She’d passed by a familiar alchemist’s shop not long ago, following a familiar path as she wound her way through the town in search of the mayor who would always accost the newly arrived. A beginner’s quest, and easy enough for certain, but one which many new players found intimidating to start – especially alone. Nymoria found herself smiling as she thought back to her own starting point, and the adventures that she had been led into since then. A small commotion caught her attention, a familiar form and outfit drawing her eyes as she came around the corner fully.

Dorian was, as always, speaking with a player that looked like they’d only just arrived in Aincrad. The individual, ashen haired and firm in build, held themselves in an assured manner that made Nymoria pause. They didn’t look like a player requiring assistance, nor one who had any reason to fall behind. They appeared, at least as far as Nymoria could see, assured of themselves and their capabilities – which only made her wonder more at why they’d only just begun to attempt this quest. Shrugging aside her indecisiveness she stepped forward and approached the player.

Hello. Are you attempting the beginner’s quest? Would you like some company? Her hands flowed through the signs, her eyes watching the other player for the normal reaction to the magical words that would appear in their mind; Cardinal’s own internal system for translating her sign language to understandable words. Nymoria had provided a simple bow upon approaching, but as her hands moved she kept a simple smile on her face. Welcoming, but not overly assuming in an appearance.

She figured that she must look underwhelming to the other player, perhaps even like a beginner herself. Dressed in a simple button up blouse, a blue bow around her neck, a blue and white plaid skirt and black leggings all made her look like an adult dressed as a school girl; but the rapier at her hip gave the image a dangerous appearance when one glanced fully. The weapon was thin, nearly as long as her legs, with a hilt wrapped in pink leather – both dangerous, and cutesy at the same time. Her stance and attitude, however apprehensive it may have seemed, must have been a clue towards her familiarity with the world around them however. She leaned slightly towards her left, her weight balanced perfectly to allow her to react to any danger, a clear sign to any who knew fighting to recognise the coiled power beneath her muscles.

As the silence stretched a bit, she added another comment in the hopes of making the player more comfortable at the fact that a stranger had approached them. Nymoria knew that most players kept to themselves, unless specifically looking for something. With a sly grin, she signed out the words once more, her hands moving with a flowing ease that would have shown the well practiced movements that had been her speech for a very, very long time. If you’re looking for some company, I can travel along with you. And I won’t talk your ears off.

 

Statblock

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Spoiler

Notes


Nymoria | Lv. 33 | P. 2 | HP [680/680] | EN [104/104] | ACC [5] | DMG [22] | EVA [4] | BH [+37] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+1 BD] | LD [+1]
Tier 4 | Tier 4


Equipment

  • Repressed [Rapier | Tier 3]
    Enhancement: Bleed [2 Slots]
    Enhancement: Keen [1 Slot]
  • Ring of Evasion
    [Jewelry | Tier 1]
    Enhancement: Evasion [3 Slots] 
  • Hearing Aid
    [Trinket | Tier 1]
    Enhancement: Accuracy [3 Slots]

Battle-Ready Inventory

  • Uncommon Health Potion {5} [Potion | Tier 1 | Heals 5% Maximum HP]
  • Spyglass {1} | Reduce Search Posts x5 [Dungeon, Familiar, Field Boss] for one thread
  • bento {1} [Meal | Tierless | Oveerhealth III]
  • Teleport Crystal {1}
  • Honey Cookie {5} [Snack | Tier 1 | Vitality II]
  • Chocolate Truffles {4} [Dessert | Tier 3 | Vitality II]
  • Dear My Friend {3} [Support Song | Tier 4 | HP Recovery III | Instant]
  • Crystal of Support | [3/3 charges]
    Heals the user and each party member for (50 * Target's Tier) HP. Requires a Post Action to use. 

Skills

Spoiler

Utility Skills
Extended Weight Limit [
Active: Passive. Effect: +2 additional Battle-Ready inventory slots.]

Combat Skills
Battle Healing [Rank: 5. 
Active: Passive. Effect: While in combat, recover 1% per rank of your maximum HP (rounded down) at the beginning of your turn.]
Energist [
Active: Passive. Effect: Increase base Energy by 5*Tier.]

Weapon Skills
Rapiers [Rank: 5. 
Active: Passive. Effect: +7 DMG]
[Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Stamina [
Active: Passive. Effect: Reduces EN of all attacks by 2.]
[Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Precision [
Active: Passive. Effect: +1 ACC.]
[Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Rapier Ferocity [
Active: Passive. Effect: +2 DMG when using the weapon of your choice. Players cannot use Focus and Ferocity at the same time for the same Weapon Type.]
[Rank 5 Shift] AOE Specialist [
Active: Passive. Effect: For the following Sword Arts, +4 to multipliers and +2 to EN cost; AoE-I, AoE-II. No other Shifts may be taken.]

Armour Skills
Unhindered [Active: Passive. Effect: +1 Accuracy, +1 Loot Dice, +1 Evasion, +5*Tier HP. Your mitigation is capped at 0 equipment slots.]

Active Extra Skills
Leadership [Rank: 1. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain access to Leadership Arts every rank. In order to use a Leadership Art, it must take up a mod slot. Each Leadership Art takes up a different mod slot. Leadership Arts from different sources do not stack.]
[Rank 1 Leadership Art] Elusive [Active: Post Action. Energy: 4 EN. Cooldown: 2 turns. Effect: Increase the Evasion of all players in your party by 1 for a single turn.]
[Rank 2 Leadership Art] Rally [Active: Post Action. Energy: 6 EN. 
Cooldown: 2 turns. Effect: Increase the Accuracy of all players in your party by 1 for a single turn.]
[Rank 3 Leadership Art] Steadfast [Active: Post Action. Energy: 8 EN. 
Cooldown: 3 turns. Effect: Status Effects that would be applied to the party for the next two turns would instead be applied to the user instead (normal rules for how status effects refresh instead of stacking apply).]
Survival [Active: Passive. Effect: Increases Healing effects received from all sources by 10%. Grants immunity to all damage dealing environmental attacks/effects.]

Inactive Extra Skills 
Concentration [Active: Free Action. Cooldown: 5 turns. Effect: As a free action, gain Absolute Accuracy on your next attack. In the case Absolute Accuracy is already present, increase your Accuracy by 1 instead. Effect lasts until the start of next turn.]
Frozen Hide [
Active: Free Action. Energy: 5 EN. Cooldown: 4 turns. Effect: As a free action, apply one slot of Frost Aura and one slot of Frost Thorns equal to your tier to yourself until the start of your next turn.]

Combat Mastery
Damage [Rank: 3. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 * Tier additional Base Damage per rank. Ranks of this Skill obey Damage enhancement caps.]

Familiar Skills
Hunting Familiar [
Active: Free Action. Cooldown: 5 turns. : Effect: Your familiar has a nose for treasure. Roll LD/CD (without bonuses) as if you had slain a loot-minimum mob.]

Estate Buffs
N/A

Sword Arts

Spoiler

[x12] ST-I (12 10 EN) | A single-target sword art.
[x15]
ST-II (15 13 EN) | A powerful single-target sword art. Only available for use when ST-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if ST-II had been used and had missed the previous turn.
[x20]
ST-B (20 18 EN) | A devastating single-target sword art. Can only be used if the sword art used the previous turn is not ST-B and had rolled a natural CD9+. When performing an AoE attack, this CD check applies to only the first roll.
[x15] AOE-I (13 11 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once.
[x18]
AOE-II (16 14 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A powerful sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. Only available for use when AOE-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if AOE-II had been used and had missed all intended targets the previous turn.
[x12] TECH-A (13 11 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy.
[x12]
TECH-B (13 11 EN) | DELAY | A single-target sword art that, on a successful strike, applies [Delay] on the enemy. [Delay] is a debuff that reduces the enemy’s ACC by 1 for one turn.
[x8]
TECH-F (
8 6 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE STUN | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. All struck targets are stunned for one turn.

Housing Buffs

Spoiler

Shizuka [Home]

Master Bedroom [-1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat.]
Living Room [
Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.]

Atelier (Extended Workshop) [+2 Crafting EXP per crafting attempt & +1 crafting attempt per day.]
Greenhouse [+2 Gathering EXP per Attempt and additional +1 LD & CD to gathering attempts.]
Storage Closet [+1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot.]
Attic (Storage) [+5% bonus col from monster kills and treasure chests.]

 

 

Edited by Nymoria
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How many days had it been since the raid? Wulfrin couldn't keep track anymore. That shared near death experience still lingered in the back of his mind. In desperate attempts to keep the horrifying experience out of his thoughts, Wulfrin had turned to making trips down to floor 1 and helping players get off their feet in the dangerous world of Aincrad. There had yet to be a trip down from floor 22 that hadn't yielded someone being hounded by the mayor of Tolbana about his lost debts. Today was no different as Wulfrin spotted the unorganized mayor leaving one such player behind. Another familiar face appear and start to interact. Wulfrin added a mental tick to his running list of spawns for the mayor.

"Well well well," Wulfrin said making a concious effort to make sure he approached in such a way that his deaf friend could read his lips. "If it isnt the fabled Nymoria. What have you been up to lately?'

 While he waited for the system to translate a response from her signs, Wulfrin turned his attention towards the unfamiliar face. His hair was an unkept dark brown and his crimson eyes showed an odd mixture of experience and bliss. He was dressed in a simple tunic and trousers with an even simpler pair of boots protecting his feet. At his left hip rest an ornate longsword in a well decorated scabbard. Two rings adorned his right hand and his left arm was bandaged up with the coverings disappearing beneath his short sleeve.

"Name's Wulfrin." He introduced himself casually. "If you don't mind I'd like to accompany you as well. I kind of made a habit out of escorting players through what is essentially a glorified tutorial quest. I might not be able to provide explicit assistance, but I can provide snacks and advice."

Wulfrin pulled a small shard of ancient looking metal from his shirt, suspended by a simple chain around his neck. When he tapped the shard of metal, a large spread of assorted meats and cheeses appeared in his hand. Gently he offered the tray to each player present encouraging them to take as much as they would like.

* * *

Note:  CS Shades of the Gemini is active. if any player objects, they should note such in their first post and it will be considered inactive.

Wulfrin consumes Gungir Shard 239050 | Sharkcuterie Board | T1 Demonic Feast (6/6) | ACC II | EVA II | ID: 239171 - takes one portion shares the rest with party (5/6 remain)
[desc.] A daring spread featuring a variety of cured and smoked shark meats, paired with exotic cheeses, crackers, and a hint of seaweed garnish. This adventurous platter offers a bold flavor journey, perfect for those with a taste for the wild and mysterious depths.

Accuracy 2 Consumed - Gungir
Evasion 2 Consumed - Gungir
Loot Die  Consumed [Filled] - Gelato
Prosperity  Consumed - Mousse                                                                                                                     

Wulfrin | HP: 800/800 | EN: 114/114 | DMG: 21 | MIT:30 | ACC:7 | AA  | EVA:2 | BH:24 | LD:12 | PROSP:6 | QTY: 2                                                                                                                            

Spoiler

"Name: Wulfrin
True Tier: 6
Level: 34
Paragon Level: 23
HP: 800/800
EN: 114/114

Stats:
Damage: 21
Mitigation: 30
Accuracy: 7
Evasion: 2
Battle Healing: 24
Loot Die: 12
Stealth Rating: -2
AA 
QTY: 2

Equipped Gear:
Weapon/Armor/Trinket: 
  - Platinum Longsword | T3 S.Sword | AA | ACC 3
Armor/Trinket: 
  - Dragon's Hoard | Prosp 3 | LD 1
Shield/Armor/Trinket: 
  - Devil's Due | Quality 2 | LD 2

Combat Mastery:
  - Combat Mastery: Damage R3

Combat Shift:
  - TECH Shift

Familiar Skill:
  - Rending Familiar

Custom Skill:
  - Shades of the Gemini

Skills:
  - Battle Healing R3
  - Charge
  - Energist
  - Light Armor R5
  - Searching R5
  - Straight Sword R5

Extra Skills:
  - Disguise
  - Meditation
  - Brawler
  - Assault Mode

Inactive Extra Skills:
  - Forgotten King's Authority
  - Frozen Hide
  - Survival

Addons:
  - Focus
  - Precision
  - Resolve
  - Stamina

Mods:
  - Meticulous
  - Night Vision

Inactive Mods:

Battle Ready Inventory:
  - Bear Trap x5
  - Crystal of Divine Light x5
  - Imugi's Inspiration | Mass Healing x2
  - Nepent Ovule x1
  - Popcorn | T4 Vitality 2 x1
  - Rhino's Horn x2
  - TP Crystals x1

Housing Buffs:
  - 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.
  - Storage Closet: +1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot
  - Living Room: Increases out of combatHP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
  - Attic (Storage): +5% bonus col from monster kills and treasure chests
  - Basement: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll
  - Master Bedroom: -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat
  - Master Bathroom: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down)
  - Extended Workshop: +2 Crafting EXP per crafting attempt and +1 crafting attempt per day
  - Ornate Fishing Pond: +2 Fishing EXP per Attempt and additional +1 LD & CD to fishing attempts.
  - 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.
  - Mega Slime Farm: +10% 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.

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:
 - Blacksmith[2250exp] R8
Gathering Profession:
 - Fishing[509exp] R5"                                                                                                                            

 

Edited by Wulfrin
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The pale-eyed prowler’s gaze flicked upward, the slight shift in the air too subtle to ignore. Someone was approaching—no footsteps, no telltale signs, just a presence that seemed to fill the space between the quiet hum of the town. She didn’t have to look directly to sense it. She kept her eyes fixed on the dusty road ahead, pretending not to notice the figure slowly drawing closer. Her posture remained relaxed, but her fingers flexed, the tension in her hand a quiet readiness that only she could feel. The wind shifted, and with it, a soft rustle of fabric. A quiet step—no clatter of armor, no jingle of weapons. Whoever it was, they moved like a shadow, like someone used to remaining unnoticed. Jaelynn’s instincts flickered—caution, suspicion, and curiosity all tangled in a brief moment. Her mind calculated the possible outcomes of this encounter, the ways she could slip out of danger should it present itself. She’d been here before, knew the signs of a stranger’s approach too well. And yet, despite all the cold logic that churned inside her, she couldn’t quite shake the unease. Was this just another wanderer? Or was this someone looking to make a deal at her expense? The lines between friendly and foe were always so thin in this world, easily crossed, easily blurred.

A figure appeared from around the corner. Jae gave a momentary glance underneathe her ivory strands, simply taking note that she wasn't an orange player. It was a woman, slender and lean, draped in simple clothes that struck Jaelynn as out of place for someone likely venturing into dangerous territory. A blue-and-white plaid skirt, an innocent blouse. But the rapier at her side—The steel-clad siren’s eyes lingered there—gave her a sharp, dangerous edge. The weapon was slim, its blade long and sharp enough to tear through flesh, its hilt wrapped in soft pink. There was a juxtaposition between the weapon and the woman herself, a careful balance of lightness and threat, a subtle discord that spoke of experience in ways words never could.

She didn’t speak, not at first. Instead, the woman’s hands moved in swift, deliberate gestures. Jae blinked, her mind attempting to keep up with the sphinx-like flurry of them. It was a strange thing to witness—someone so fluid in a language most others barely understood, her hands weaving through the air with practiced ease. Jae crossed her arms, concentrating. There was something odd about it, something unfamiliar that tugged at Jaelynn’s attention. Not everyone spoke this way, but the system did its work, its efficiency smoothing over any rough edges.

She, the ivory-crowned wanderer stood still for a long moment, weighing the situation in silence. The offer was simple enough—companionship on the beginner’s quest. In a world where alliances were as fleeting as a dream and trust was a commodity as rare as a meteor shower, the notion of someone offering their help should’ve been a relief. But the silver-tressed sentinel wasn’t the type to be easily fooled by kindness, not when it came wrapped in the uncertainty of this world.

What did it mean? Was this woman truly offering help? Or was she setting up some kind of trap, some form of manipulation? Jaelynn didn’t know, couldn’t know. And in this world, there were no guarantees. Players were often more dangerous than the monsters they hunted, and kindness could easily be weaponized.

Jaelynn narrowed her eyes, but her expression remained neutral, her face as unreadable as ever. She didn’t offer a smile or a frown. She simply studied the stranger, her mind quietly turning over the possibilities.

“If that’s how you want to spend your time,” Jaelynn replied at last, her voice flat, though there was an edge of something sharper behind it. Was she being cautious, or was this just the way she spoke when trying to keep things from getting too personal? In either case, her words hung in the air between them, careful and guarded. A part of her wondered whether this woman—Nym, she’d gathered—saw this encounter the same way. Perhaps Nym was just someone looking to pass the time, trying to lend a hand out of some sense of duty or boredom. But another, more suspicious part of her wondered if this was all some game—a way for someone more powerful to toy with a less-experienced player. A test, perhaps. An experiment. Or something darker. Jaelynn couldn’t tell, but she wasn’t foolish enough to let her guard down.

She couldn’t help but feel a strange tug of curiosity, too. The way Nym’s hands moved, graceful and precise, made it clear that she was more than a simple beginner. Jaelynn wouldn’t make assumptions based on appearance alone, but there was something compelling about the other player’s composure. There was an ease about her presence that didn’t quite match the disarming appearance. For a brief second, Jaelynn’s mind lingered on the idea of what it might be like to have someone at her side on this quest. The idea was foreign to her; she’d always been the one alone, wandering without attachments, without anyone to rely on. She had her reasons for that, reasons that went deeper than a simple desire for solitude. Trust was earned, not given. And even then, sometimes it wasn’t enough.

Nym’s comment about not talking her ear off was met with a small, quiet chuckle from the pale-eyed prowler. It was an odd thing to say, given that she hadn’t spoken a word out loud. If anything, Jae thought it was more likely she’d have to contend with silence than a constant stream of chatter. But she didn’t make a big deal of it; it was the kind of dry amusement she rarely let slip through the cracks of her more guarded persona.

“Just don’t stay behind me if we’re going to work together,” Jaelynn said, her tone flat but firm. “It’ll be hard to communicate if you’re exposed on my flank.” She glanced briefly at Nym, her green eyes sharp but lacking any overt hostility. It was just practicality, just the necessity of working with someone who might be more of an unknown than she was comfortable with. But if there was one thing Jaelynn had learned in this world, it was that the unknown could be just as dangerous as any boar or wolf in the wild.

The alabaster-eyed huntress' hand instinctively reached for her menu, her fingers swiping through the familiar interface with practiced ease. Her eyes flickered over the options before landing on the party invitation that now blinked in front of her. Nym’s name was attached to the request, her offer for an alliance in this quest hanging in the air like a delicate thread waiting to be tugged.

It wasn’t the invitation itself that caused the jade-eyed vixen to pause—it was the name, the unmistakable sense of something more beneath the surface. Nymoria’s offer felt like a strange kind of validation, like she was being pulled into something bigger than herself. Jaelynn hesitated for a heartbeat, her mind processing the situation with all the caution she’d developed over the months of wandering Aincrad’s labyrinthine depths. With a soft sigh, Jae accepted the invite. The familiar shimmer of the party interface filled her vision, a subtle rush of system-generated confirmation that let her know she’d made the choice. But what caught her attention wasn’t the usual stream of information or the connection between their avatars—it was the numbers.

Nym’s level was displayed before her like a quiet but undeniable challenge:
RFgz9ay.png
Jaelynn blinked, her breath catching for a brief moment. She felt stupid yapping like she just did.

It was a jump, a steep leap, something so far beyond her own measly level that it made her stomach tighten. A dizzying realization hit her all at once—this wasn’t just some random player offering to tag along for a simple quest. This was someone with experience, someone with power, who could have taken on this quest alone and finished it in the time it would’ve taken her to sharpen a blade. The gap between them wasn’t just wide—it was a chasm.

Her fingers hovered over the interface as her mind raced. Why would someone so high-leveled bother with a lowly player like her? What did they have to gain? There were plenty of players out there who would scoff at such a request, treating it like a waste of time. Yet here Nym was, offering assistance as casually as if she were inviting her to a morning coffee. Jaelynn’s lips tightened into a thin line. Something about this didn’t sit right, but it wasn’t the kind of question she could ask directly, not yet. For all she knew, Nym was just as much a mystery to herself as she was to Jaelynn. A high-level player with nothing better to do? Or was there more to it than that?

Either way, she had no illusions that she was in control here. This wasn’t about skill or experience—it was about survival, and in this world, anything could be a weapon, even an invitation. Without further thought, Jaelynn pushed the unease aside. She wasn’t one to let herself be swayed by numbers or status. The game wasn’t about the levels—it was about the choices you made, the risks you took. Still, as she glanced over at Nym’s avatar, a quiet suspicion nestled in her chest. She couldn’t shake the feeling that this was a door opening to something much larger than she had bargained for.

***
Jaelynn turned her gaze back to the path ahead, she had barely settled into the conversation with Nymoria when another figure made his presence known.

Her emerald gaze flickered briefly to Wulfrin as he approached, his steps deliberate, his words smooth and easy. He seemed to approach with the same relaxed air that she herself adopted when she was going to the pub but didn't want to be hassled—easy, yet unyielding, like a man who had long since learned to hold his ground. The soft, casual way he spoke was at odds with the crimson in his eyes, a contrast that intrigued Jaelynn. She couldn’t help but notice his sword, ornate and polished, hanging loosely at his side. Platinum. A veteran, no doubt.

When the food appeared, she couldn’t resist. The spread of meats and cheeses was tempting, and her stomach reminded her that it had been too long since she'd had a decent meal. With a slight hesitation, she took a piece—just a small one—and let the taste settle on her tongue. It was simple, but the relief was immediate. She hadn’t realized how hungry she’d been. She decides to follow the Art of Sun Tzu and feast before battle.

Her gaze flickered from Wulfrin to Nymoria, the silent exchange between the two of them quietly odd, yet somehow comfortable. She chewed again, glancing at the food in her hand, then back up at the pair. Her lips quirked into a wry smile, a dry, amused thing.

“Well, this is a first,” she muttered aloud, with the faintest trace of irony slipping into her voice. First time in town, and already I’ve got myself two acquaintances.”

She shook her head as if the entire situation were too absurd, but her tone wasn’t harsh. She didn’t mind it, really—it was just strange, like trying to make sense of the absurdity of the world around her. There was something to the quiet camaraderie, even in this odd, seemingly inconsequential moment. Taking note of the man's casual note, Jaelynn opens up albeit slightly. "Wulfrin, Jae." followed by a nod.

Without waiting for an answer, she plucked another piece of meat from the tray, her eyes briefly scanning the area, though it was clear her mind was elsewhere.

***

Quote

OOC Notes:
Jaelynn consumes the Food -
[Jae] | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 4 (Paralyze|Accuracy) | ACC: II (Wulfrin) | EVA: II (Wulfrin)
Not sure what Gemini is and Jae wouldn't know either, so she accepts "CS Shades of the Gemini".
***
Nym - Not sure if you asking for an invite was a party "cardinal" invitation or not, I took it as such. Let me know if I have to edit my post!

 

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