> Girl

>>3278440

> Boy.

>>3278440
>[x] Boy?

>>3278440
>>[x] Boy?

>>3278440
>Girl

>>3278440
>>[x] Girl?

>>3278440
>Boy

>>3278440
>[X] Boy?
Jumpchain, on my >>>/qst/? It's more likely than you think.

>>3278440
>[x] Boy?

>>3278440

>[x] Boy?

Hmm, let's see. While this space is indeed infinitely white, it doesn't seem to be the best for making out physical features. But, as you use your hands to explore your body and musculature, you begin to discover for yourself quite quickly. After a moments investigation, you find your body to be decidedly masculine, albeit not noticeably so. On the plus side, you certainly have soft skin. Perhaps you use moisturizer?

Putting such inconsequential thoughts aside, you find that something must be done.


>[Walk forward. Surely something must be here?]
>[Stay in place. Who know's what is out there?]
>[INVENTORY?]
>[Dab?]

>>3278505

> Forward we go.

>>3278505
>[Walk forward. Surely something must be here?]

>>3278505
>>[Walk forward. Surely something must be here?]

>>3278505
>[Walk forward. Surely something must be here?]

>>3278505
>[Walk forward. Surely something must be here?]

>>3278521
>[x] Walk forward. Surely something must be there?

Despite there being nothing visible to hold your weight, the void holds you in its grasp. As you walk forward it is hard to tell what distance is made, even the wind absent to tell the passing of your movement. Time seems to have no meaning, and yet despite this the distance begins to change. Before you, you suddenly find, is a strange black orb in the midst of this plain whiteness.

And yet it is what dwells within this orb that draws your interest. Three staple bound stacks of white paper, each with a singular picture on it. Pictures that, despite their simplicity, seem to have an inner meaning that you cannot quite grasp. As though it is beyond your understanding. Yet something within you yearns to reach out to them. And so your hand lifts out.

Do you choose the:

>[x] Sword?
>[x] Kunai?
>[x] Playing Card?

>>3278539
What kind of sword is it? Western or eastern? Straight or curved?

>>3278539
>>[x] Kunai?

>>3278539
>[x] Sword?

>>3278549

Western type broadsword.

>>3278539
>[x] Playing Card?

>>3278539
Eh. Gambling is fun.
>[x] Playing Card?

>>3278539

> Sword

>>3278539
>[x] Sword?
Its time lads. To return to those days.

>>3278539
>[x] Playing Card?
Let's do something unusual for once.

>>3278539

[x] Sword?

The choice is very hard, as simple as it should be. Surely just picking one as it is would make it. Yet something stays your hand as it reaches towards the kunai, before retracting it entirely. You regard the playing card with curiosity, noting the yellowish-orange spiral design on it, before shaking your head and dismissing the notion. Yet something about the sword draws you in closer. The gentle strength of its shape, combined with its natural grace, calls to you even as a simple picture on a sheet of paper. Your hand closes around the stack of paper and you draw it close.

Just as you do the other two erupt into a blaze of ethereal blue flame, crackling and turning into ash with a surprising speed and voracity. The smell of smoke fills the air, until that too vanishes. The black orbs grows larger, almost unnoticeable if not for the contrast between it and the surroundings.

Yet in your hands is a strange set of documents, documents that seem to glow ever so slightly with a strange light not of this world. In front of your is an index, with page numbers indicating what page to turn to for specific sections. It seems to be a questionnaire, or at least some form of requisition sheet. Your eyes narrow as you read.

What section of this document do you review first? (The following options can be sequenced, to preserve time.)

>[x] Introduction. Best to know what this is all about.
>[x] Origin. Like what, where you come from?
>[x] Perks. Sounds like a job, at this point.
>[x] Items. And this is the office supplies?...The analogy seems weak, at this point.
>[x] Companions. But there is nobody here? This makes no sense.
>[x] Drawbacks. You don't know why, but this section fills you with dread...


>>3278578
I deeply apologize to you, but I had already began writing by the time you had posted. I will be rectifying this by posting a notification that polling is finished before beginning in the future.

File: Sword Art Online Jump.pdf (613 KB, PDF)

613 KB PDF

>>3278629
The document.

>>3278629
>[x] Introduction. Best to know what this is all about

>>3278629
>>[x] Origin. Like what, where you come from?

Dang, now I really want to know how playing card would have worked. What does that do in the context of SAO?

>>3278645
It probably wouldn't have been SAO

File: 220px-Yugioh_Card_Back.jpg (29 KB, 220x326)

29 KB JPG

>>3278650
>>3278645
>yellowish-orange spiral design

>>3278661
Urgh. Now I'm glad we went for the sword. I thought it was a normal playing card.

>>3278632
>>3278641

Voting is closed. Writing.

>>3278661
Smart Anon. It would have been Card Games on Motorcycles.

>>3278629
>[x] Introduction.

Like most normal people do, you read your documents from front page to back page. Turning the page, you are greeted by a black piece of paper with the words "Sword Art Online" emblazoned in both Japanese and English dead center. It sounds vaguely familiar, or does it? With your vague memory, you find yourself unable to tell.

From what this document says, it seems that the aforementioned setting is based around a VR death game run by a man with way too much money and time on his hands. As you continue on, what this means begins to slowly dawn on you. If this document was describing the setting, and assuming your involvement, did that mean that YOU were going to be forced to participate? Your mind reels from both fear and the possibilities, but you manage to keep your cool as you turn the page.

>[x] Origin.

The next page all but confirms this, as you scan the four options listed upon it. While poorly described, it seems that you have four options here from which the rest of your choices will be decided from. To be a "Drop-In", forgoing any memories or history in exchange for spending no points here. To become a "player", a normal person who was trapped in SAO upon its release by the madman behind it. Being a "Beta", A.K.A a nerd who played SAO before it went public and as such is very good at the game already.

The last option gives you pause. To be an "Accomplice", a man on Kayaba's side of the game. All equally valid paths, but only one can be chosen.

Pick One.

>[Drop-In.]
>[Player.]
>[Beta.]
>[Accomplice.]

>>3278721
>[Beta.]
Get our hands on those extra skills.

>>3278721
>[Beta.]

I propose the following for further votening:
SAO-Jump

Origin
50 - Beta

Perks
0 - Switch! (Temporary)
0 - Item Drops (Temporary)
0 - Critical Existence Failure (Temporary)
100 - Tutorial
300 - Sword Skills (Permanent)
0 Discount - My Quest Senses Are Tingling
150 Discount - Like Riding a Bike
300 Discount - APM Intensifies

Items
50 - Teleport Crystal
50 - Healing Crystal

Companions
100 - Dependable Swordsman

Drawbacks
+100 - Abhorrent Admirer

>>3278729
Works for me.

>>3278721
>>[Player.]

>>3278721
Supporting >>3278729

>>3278729
This.

>>3278721
>Accomplice
Evil boi punch wizard

>>3278721

Voting closed, with Beta winning 2 (5?) to Player (1) and Accomplice (1). Writing.

>>3278721

>[x] Beta.

Well it really isn't a choice, is it? As much as being a sweaty neckbeard who plays video games for a living might not be your cup of tea, you do want to get out of this situation alive. Tapping the word "Beta", a resounding sound like a chiming bell gongs throughout the void. The previous sheets crumble to dust, and you find yourself looking at the "Perks".

Perusing this section, you find your choices to be simple enough. Being able to work with others efficiently would be important, and rare drops would certainly be a boon in a video game style environment. Working with HP Style health always almost sounds like a cheat, and likely is based on how this document is speaking of the realism on this game.

You don't think too hard about how Tutorial makes you a single repetition learner just by touching it, and frankly don't want to. Thinking about how this might be messing with your head is sure to be a fruitless endeavor. Sword Skills seem to be the bread and butter of this game, so getting head start on those is sure to pay off later.

Finally you come to your section, the Beta section. Everything here is highlighted green, an indication that the choices will be easier to purchase if you do so. My Quest Senses Are Tingling is already a bright yellow, apparently being free with the choice of Beta. Well, knowing where side quests are is probably not a bad thing to have in this world, so it's no skin off your back. Tapping Like Riding a Bike, and ignoring the potential mental shenanigans once again, you finish off this section with APM Intensifies before heading onto the next section. The previous papers scatter on a breathless wind.

Now that you think about it, you've only got a hundred points left at this point. You haven't pegged yourself as a frugal spender in these brief moments of existence, but it seems that you have some tough choices ahead. Choosing the Teleport and Healing Crystals, your points drop to zero as the page crumbles. Now to just flip through the rest of this and finish.

But as you flip through the companions section, something causes you to fumble the documents. Catching it with one hand, your thumb pushes the "Dependable Swordsman" option, dropping your points into the negatives. You curse and try to reverse the damage, but the page fades away and leaves only "Drawbacks" behind. A dark red "-100" hangs above the page, and for some reason this makes you very afraid.

As though magic, the words "Abhorrent Admirer" begin to glow red on the page before the rest burns away entirely. Above, the negative points rise slowly until a solid zero remains. All that remains is a single line for your signature. Suddenly, you are aware of a pen in your hand. One final question.

What is your name?

>>3278793
Charles Armitage. Charlie to our friends.

>>3278793
Jack Neely

>>3278797
This.

>>3278793

Poll Closed. Charles Armitage wins against Jack Neely 2-1, writing.

File: townofbeginnings.png (337 KB, 640x284)

337 KB PNG

>>3278793

[x] Charles Armitage.

Of course that's your name, how could you forget? Signing your name with a subtle flourish, the ink begins to dry for just a moment before that final paper too vanishes, and you are left in that white void, waiting. Waiting. Waiting.

Suddenly, a band of brilliant red light passes by you, and you whirl around to watch it go by. Then a yellow, a green, a blue, they are go by, faster and faster. They come in pairs, in groups, so fast and so numerous that your mind can't keep up as the entire world becomes awash in color. You think your mind can't stand it, as the entire world becomes a myriad of color, until it slowly clears.

As you open your eyes, neither the white void or the psychedelic light show remains in front of you. Instead, stone buildings down in a medieval style stretch out as far as the eye can see. Reminiscent of a medieval era town, people dressed in strange garb seem to roam the streets, all on their own little adventures for the day. Some seem to grab the days lunch, others haggle for jewelry or other such precious items at a shop. The sound of birds chirping fill the air, and a pleasant blue sky stretches as far as the eye can see, cirrus clouds dappling the skyline.

Pushing off against the wall you find yourself leaning on, you determine yourself to be in some form of Marketplace. Perhaps this is one of the starting areas of SAO? Regardless, the world is quite literally your oyster. Infinite possibilities stretch before you, all ready to be exploited.

At the same time, you have a few ideas.

>[x] Go outside the town and hunt monsters. It's video game after all, right?
>[x] The document said you had a knack for finding side-quests. Maybe its worth looking?
>[x] It might be a game, but sleep is still an issue. Maybe you should secure tonight lodgings?
>[x] Since you're in a game, it might be wise to check your Inventory to see what is on your person.
>[x] An other, unique option?

>>3278831
>>[x] Since you're in a game, it might be wise to check your Inventory to see what is on your person.

>>3278831
>>[x] Since you're in a game, it might be wise to check your Inventory to see what is on your person.
>Check if we have money for lodgings
>If yes, secure lodgins
>If no, side quest
>Hunt monsters with extra time.

>>3278831
>[x] Since you're in a game, it might be wise to check your Inventory to see what is on your person.

>>3278831

Vote Closed, beginning writing now.

>>3278831

>[x] Since you're in a game, it might be wise to check your Inventory to see what is on your person.

Swiping your finger in midair, to your lack of surprise a menu appears, the white buttons making each function of the menu easily understandable. It seems that these memories are coming in handy after all. Swiping to the inventory page, you quickly scroll over what is on your person. Everything from your neck to your toes seems to be standard beginner gear, green and brown tones giving the whole outfit a rather understated outfit. You'll likely replace it all as you level up, but for now you'll be looking rather poor for at least a while with these earthen colors against each other. strapped to your waist is a Beginner's Shortsword, more of a paring knife than an actual weapon, but even that will be worth your while at this point in time. What interests you the most are two items in your Consumables section. The Infinite Teleportation Crystal and Infinite Healing Crystal, each manifesting before going back into the inventory upon being pressed, seem to be the items you had purchased on the document earlier. While rather small and unimpressive, the ability to move back to town AND instantly heal yourself once every twenty four hours was not to be underestimated. It seems to be unable to be sold, however, and experimentally throwing it just has it end up back in the inventory. So, a soul-bound item?

Flicking your eyes up to the COR marker in your menu, you find yourself with a starting fund of 1,500 COR as compensation for your services during the beta testing. While most people would be spending that on new equipment immediately, rent for a room at the Church costs 100COR even in a place like the Town of Beginnings. It would be best to go hunting, and use the remainder from those spoils as you'd like.

Checking in at the church, you put yourself in the rather lengthy line to apply for one of the many rooms for lodgings. While you could get a room for 50COR at one of the local inns, the space there was atrocious and was likely to give anybody claustrophobia after a few days. The extra was worth it, in your opinion. After discussing with the NPC for a few minutes, you put down the money for three days worth of lodging before following the local maps to outside the town gates.

A short distance later, you find yourself outside the town. At the same time, it would be worth it to at least point yourself in a direction, instead of just 'forward'. There are a few locations you remember for monster hunting.

>[x] The Plains, where beginner level wild boars roam.
>[x] The Forest, where intermediate level feral wolves live.
>[x] The Cliffs, which houses a mixture of the two alongside a few low level birds.

>>3278874
>[x] The Plains, where beginner level wild boars roam.
Best to test out our skills and gradually adjust to the proper level, starting with the weakest enemies.

>>3278874
>>[x] The Plains, where beginner level wild boars roam.

>>3278874
>[x] The Plains, where beginner level wild boars roam.

Your destination now decided, you set off on your noble quest to slay random animals for sport. Your beginner boots quite comfy despite their awful style and stats, you find the walk to be less fatiguing than you thought as the Town of Beginnings dissapears behind you. Aincrad is a picturesque land, full of beauty and wonder, even if it’s own is actively trying to get every single person in it killed. The flora looks just as vibrant as it is in real life, if not more, and the few glimpses you get of the peaceful fauna seem to be something straight out of a documentary. Eventually the grass grows taller, the land flatter. You have arrived at your destination.

The Plains stretches a considerable distance, tall grasses and flowers dominating it largely. A few trees dot the landscape here and there, but other than that it seems to be fairly barren of life. At least, save for the boats that shuffle about as they happily munch on some grass and flowers. About the size of a large dog each, their thick brown fur and sharp tusks would make them seem rather intimidating to the average person. The closest group seems to be a duo, both facing away as they chow down on their food. As you are downwind, they have yet to notice your scent.

Do you:

>[Fight! Attack them while they’re distracted!]
>[Look for a different target. Maybe two is too many...]
>[An undiscovered, third option?]

>>3278921
>>[Fight! Attack them while they’re distracted!]

>>3278921
>[Fight! Attack them while they’re distracted!]

>>3278921
>[Fight! Attack them while they’re distracted!]

>>3278921
>[Fight! Attack them while they’re distracted!]

>>3278921
>[Fight! Attack them while they’re distracted!]
>"ALLAHU ACKBAR"

>>3278921

>Fight! Attack them while they're distracted!
Sizing up the two boars as they happily chomp away at the grub before them, you decide that the best course of action is to simply throw yourself into the fray as is. Drawing your shortsword from its sheath and into your hand, you charge forward at your new targets. Yelling like a madman, you manage to score a decent sized gash on the left flank of Boar A. Pixels drift off and scatter, revealing red latticed data underneath. Above Boar A’s head, you can see its health dwindle from the green into a yellow zone. Not bad, for your first attack in game.
Enraged, Boar A smashes against your side hard as it skitters away from you to safety. The blow is harsh, and the screech it makes harsher, but you keep standing against its initial advances. Snorting angrily, Boar B paws the ground angrily before rushing at full tilt, tusks aimed to gore your stomach should you not move.
>[x] Dodge Boar B, forgoing the change to attack. Better to have a long fight than to take damage.

>[x] Meet Boar B head on, try to attack it before it can put a new hole in your stomach.

>[x] Use a Sword Skill.

>[x] Write In.

>>3279409
>[x] Use a Sword Skill.
go for the mystery box, will it work? will it fail horribly? time to find out

>>3279409
>>[x] Use a Sword Skill.

>>3279409
>>[x] Use a Sword Skill.

Jumpchain. Define it please.

>>3279630
go to a setting, get free stuff at the beginning, survive for 10 years, repeat

>>3279635
So it's basically a world hopping quest?

>>3279645
yes, you can check it out more over at
>>>/tg/64736570

>>3279409
>[x] Use a Sword Skill.

>>3279409
Poll Closed. Writing.

>>3279409

[x] >Use a Sword Skill.
As the boar charges, you ready your shortword to fight once again. You don't feel that you'll be able to dodge it completely, and simply going forward with a normal attack would surely spell nothing more than a hole in your gullet for the troubles. The Quick Menu appearing in your mind, you select the base skill you acquired during beta testing.
Weapon in hand as it glows a bright blue, a keening sound comes from it as the skill activates. Holding it to the right, where the boar would pass, you charge forward at the boar even as it comes closer and closer. At the last moment you move slightly to the side, performing a Horizontal Slash against the move. Its tusk gashes against your side, and you wince as your health bar depletes in the corner of your vision. The boar however seems to have gotten the worse end of the deal, a long gash appearing it its side before exploding into data fragments.
This is all well and good, until the second boar charges you from behind with hooves extended. Damn, you can't move! Is this what they meant by lag time caused by skills? The boar knocks you ass over tea kettle, you powerless to stop it in your current state. Your head smacks against the ground hard as you land face first in the grass. The sound of heavy footsteps approach. You need to move, fast.
[x] Block the charge with your sword.

[x] Roll out of the way.

[x] Item?

[x] Skill?

[x] Write In.

>>3279889
>[x] Roll out of the way.

>>3279889
>[x] Roll out of the way.

>>3279889
[x] Roll out of the way.

>>3279889
Poll Closed. Writing.

>>3279889

>[x] Roll Out of the Way.

Deciding that your best option for now is to get the hell out of the way of the surviving boar, you roll through the tall grass in an attempt to move from its path before you get a free piercing. Wait, the boar is incapable of actually stabbing you until you hit 0HP. Ah well, best to not think too hard about it.

Your efforts are rewarded with a mouthful of tall grass that pokes unforgivingly into your open mouth, along with the whoosh of air that signifies the passing of the boar. You thank your advanced reflexes for being able to pull such a feat, even as you spit the grass from your mouth as fast as possible. You’d think they’d at least make the taste more bearable, but apparently not.

Regardless, as you steady your footing, you begin to see certain patterns in the AI of the boar. Certain mannerisms it has copied multiple times in the past, each time before it either snorted or charged. Maybe, just maybe, you can see the way to victory.

>[x] Use the encounter from the previous boar and Horizontal Slash it. This time, try to avoid the tusks.
>[x] Tire it out by having it charge and miss, inflicting little attacks as you go.
>[x] Grab this metaphorical bull by its actual tusks and throw it off balance.
>[x] Write In.

>>3279929
>>[x] Tire it out by having it charge and miss, inflicting little attacks as you go.

>>3279929
>[x] Use the encounter from the previous boar and Horizontal Slash it. This time, try to avoid the tusks.

>>3279929
>[x] Use the encounter from the previous boar and Horizontal Slash it. This time, try to avoid the tusks.
learn from those mistakes, git gud at attacking while dodging

>>3279929
Voting Closed, writing incoming.

Since we're here in SAO, let's see if we can find Kirito and kick his teeth in.

File: frenzyboar.jpg (11 KB, 300x168)

11 KB JPG

>>3279929

>[x] Use the encounter from the previous boar and Horizontal Slash it. This time, try to avoid the tusks.

Practice makes perfect, isn't that what they say? Well, at least it's actually true for you. Or is it? Are you really taking everything a magical piece of paper says at face value? Granted, it has yet to lead you wrong in your adventures so far.

Regardless of such inconsequential thoughts, your plan forms into place just as the first plodding steps of the boar kick in. Two steps, eight, sixteen. Just as it reaches the final nine feet you charge forward, already a few steps farther than you were last time. Your weapon glows a brilliant azure color, and with one savage slice you cut deep into the body of the boar, farther and faster than you had the first time. It squeals even as its own momentum carries the blade further into it before it disintegrates to crystal.

A dinging sound from your menu brings up a list of notifications you just received, which you can review later. For now, you have a few options.

>[x] Investigate Frenzy Boar (x2)
>[x] Check Notifications.
>[x] Go back to Town.
>[x] Continue Hunting.
>[x] Write in.

>>3280123
>[x] Investigate Frenzy Boar (x2)

>>3280123
>>[x] Check Notifications.

>>3280123
>[x] Check Notifications.
then
>[x] Investigate Frenzy Boar (x2)

>>3280123

supporting >>3280209

>>3280123
Poll closed, writing.

>>3280123

>[x] Check Notifications.

Opening up your menu and moving to the notifications tab, you scroll down and look at the little flashing icons, tapping each as you go. Aside for the standard welcome notification, which you go over with a cursory glance before exiting it, the rest seem to be of interest. It seems that you received a warning notification earlier upon entering the spawn without undergoing the tutorial. True, the whole process was tedious, but you probably could have grabbed a bit of exp and Cor had you done so. In addition, you seem to have gained a level upon beating the two Frenzy Boars. Maybe it's time to assign skill points?

>[x] Investigate Frenzy Boar [x2]

Heading over to where the two boars once stood, you quickly harvest the drops from each. The first drops a "Boar Hide" and "low-quality meat", while the second has dropped a "Boar Tusk" and "low-quality meat". Did the game expect you to eat this? Regardless, you put the items away in your inventory. You note that as you do so 60COR deposits itself into your balance, bringing you to 1260COR.

With these tasks completed, you must decide what to do.

>[x] Assign Stat Points.
>[x] Continue Hunting.
>[x] Go back to town.
>[x] Write In.

>>3280364
>[x] Write In.
check if theres any info on stat distribution in the tutorial/a guidebook/whatever, then
>[x] Assign Stat Points.

>>3280364
Supporting >>3280376
Strength and agility are the only stats though...

>>3280380
im hoping its not that retarded here, because only str and agi really is retarded

>>3280364
Supporting>>3280376

>>3280364
Poll Closed, beginning to write.

>>3280364

>[x] Check Guidebook for Stat Distribution.

Opening up your menu one more time as you begin to plod your way over to the shade of a tree, you tap the help icon next to your stats, a small pop up appearing next to it. It seems that you have access to five Base Stats at the moment, namely Health, Agility, Strength, Endurance, and Luck. Tapping on each one gives you a small description, which you do so as you go down the line.

Health seems to be a base HP bar, raising the amount of hit points a character has as it goes up. Agility affects the speed of a character, as well as how fast they can hit an opponent. Strength appears to refer to general brawn, as well as how hard an attack hits. Endurance seems to be based around mitigating damage from enemy attacks, as well as how long you can do certain exerting actions without becoming tired. Luck appears to be centered around how often your attacks do critical damage, as well as how often you are afflicted/afflict bonus conditions onto yourself and others.

Mind reeling at the info dump, you take a moment to clear your head. While all stats raise by one at the sign of a level up, it would be best if you decided now what sort of fighting you wanted to specialize in. Sure, your shortsword was your current weapon, but if you decided you could go back to town and get a different one if it was more your fancy. But before that, you should decide.

>[x] Decide on a Balanced Build.
>[x] Decide on a HP Build.
>[x] Decide on a Strength Build.
>[x] Decide on a Agility Build.
>[x] Decide on a Endurance Build.
>[x] Decide on a Luck Build.
>[x] Write In.

>>3280448
>>[x] Decide on a Balanced Build.

>>3280448
>[x] Decide on a Agility Build.
>[x] Decide on a Luck Build.

worlds greatest dodge tank with crits thrown in?

>>3280448
Switching to>>3280456

>>3280448

Poll closed, writing.

>>3280448

>[x] Deciding on a luck and agility based build.

Looking over the notes on each state, you eventually decide to put the majority of your points into Luck and Agility, pushing the appropriate arrows before hitting the confirm arrow in the lower portion of your screen. Based on your fight with the boar dodging would certainly be your friend in the future, and critical damage sounded like a great thing to explore once you got the proper skillset and items for it.

Your stomach grumbles, and yet the sun is still high and the sky. With this mundane tasks out of the way, the world once again sprawls before you ready to be exploited.

>[x] Explore Aincrad.
>[x] Hunt for more monsters.
>[x] Head back to town.
>[x] Look for Quests.
>[x] Friends list.
>[x] Scavenge for materials.
>[x] Find something to eat.
>[x] Write In.

>>3280537
>>[x] Find something to eat.

>>3280537
>>[x] Find something to eat.

>>3280537
Feeling a bit peckish, aren't we? Poll Closed.

>>3280448
>[x] Decide on a Luck Build.
Specifically focused on on inflicting crit fails on the enemy.

>>3280605
Oops. Hadn't updated.

>>3280537

>[x] Find Something to Eat.

As much as your stomach is consistently complaining now, it would be a poor choice to not find something to eat. While you aren't sure if a lack of food has any impact on your statistics, the pangs of hunger within you is significant motivation to at least make a token attempt to scavenge for something to stave your hunger. Unfortunately, as you have no way to cook your low-quality meat, the boars are an unusable method for an immediate food. So what else could you sample upon?

Your thoughts turn to the grass around you, but you immediately rule that out. From your inadvertent taste previously, that didn't seem to be the wisest of options to take. Perhaps something else then? You look to the skies for answers.

The skies reward you with an object to the eye and -5HP for your troubles, something hitting you with force as you roll around on the ground cursing. Massaging your temples, you pick up the object, the text identifying it as a "Pare Fruit". Oh, so they're just mispelling actual words now to get in game names for things now. How incredibly creative.

At the same time the fruit is decidedly ripe and juicy, which you quickly find after consuming the entire thing, and shaking the tree with all your strength rewards you with six more which you put away into your inventory for later. You'll be eating like a vegan for a bit, but it looks like your troubles are behind you for now. Jeez, were VR games always this tedious?

With your food taken care of, and belly sated, you have the following options to choose from.

>[x] Explore Floor One.
>[x] Head back to town.
>[x] Look For Quests.
>[x] ???
>[x] Write In.

>>3280627
>>[x] Look For Quests.

>>3280627
>[x] Look For Quests.

>>3280627
>[x] Look For Quests.

>>3280627

Questing Hunting it is.

>[x] Look For Quests.

Your stomach full and mind ready for adventure, you decide that looking for a quest would be a good idea. That exp isn't going to farm itself, now is it? Your legs moving on their own, your mind wanders just as your feet do so through the fields and to the closest road.

There isn't much to think of, but what you can think of you use to entertain yourself as you mindlessly walk forward, the destination of 'quest' in your mind. You ponder the juiciness of the Pare fruit, and how it compares to the real life counterpart. You think of the sharp tusks of the boar, the pain you felt when it attacked you and the desire to avoid such an incident once again. You consider the fact that your last name sounds like "Hermitage", and consider the idea that your ancestors were once some form of monk.

These thoughts preoccupy you until you reach a dirt road, stretching off in two directions. One end goes further into the floor, while the other will take you back to Town if you follow it for long enough. On the side of the road an NPC sits, looking rather worried. You decide to approach the NPC, their presence being the only notable thing within a considerable radius.

>[x] "Hey! What's the matter?"
>[x] "You know, if you wanted to sit down you probably should have found somewhere with some shade."
>[x] "Move it, bum. I've got questing to do."
>[x] "..."

>>3280691
>>[x] "Hey! What's the matter?"

>>3280691
>>[x] "You know, if you wanted to sit down you probably should have found somewhere with some shade."
So, did we miss the part of SAO where Kayaba appears in the sky and tells everyone they're in a death game? Has that not happened yet? I'm not too clear on the timeline.

>>3280691
>[x] "Hey! What's the matter?"

>>3280750

Poll Closed.

>>3280691

>[x] First Dialogue Option.

"Hey! What's the matter?" You speak, walking over to the NPC's position at the side of the road. They appear to be a middle aged farmer, faded overall and plaid shirt making them vaguely reminiscent of a rancher from the American midwest. Grayed hair and a salt and pepper beard gives him a sort of grandfatherly vibe, the type you might find in a feel good movie. Randy, Lvl 1 Rancher, reads the blurb text above his head.

He looks up at you, eyes recognizing your presence as he rises from his seat. Sweat stains can be seen along his outfit, no doubt a side effect from being out in the sun so long.

"Oh traveller, you must help me!" He cries, hands coming together as he pleads his case emotionally. "My darling Percy has run away from home, and I fear the nearby wolves may attack him! Please, find Percy for me!

You have been offered the Sidequest: "Find Percy."

>[x] Accept this quest. Even a fetch quest is valid exp.
>[x] Hunting dogs? Pssh, what a waste of time.
>[x] Write In.

>>3280784
>>[x] Accept this quest. Even a fetch quest is valid exp.

>>3280784
>[x] Accept this quest. Even a fetch quest is valid exp.
>"Anything for the man that grows my food."

>>3280784

> Accept quest to find doggo

We better get to pet him.

>>3280784

Poll Closed. Also, to address >>3280733 Kayaba's spook has yet to occur.

>>3280784
>[x] Accept this quest. Even a fetch quest is valid exp.

File: animepomeranian.gif (1.08 MB, 500x500)

1.08 MB GIF

>>3280784

>[x] Accept this quest. Even a fetch quest is valid exp.


"I'll do it." You tell the aging farmer, hoping that he is still coherent through all the blubbering he seems to be doing. Sure, this was only the beginner levels, but did they need to make them so darn emotional? Or was that supposed to be a part of suckering people into doing these quests?


"You will? Excellent!" Randy cries, the joy evident in both his eyes and voice. "I was hoping that an adventurer like you would come eventually. Young people are so reliable these days."


Beckoning you closer, Randy hands you a small satchel containing a piece of paper and two additional fruits, these ones red and long like a banana. "I was intending to eat those later, but since you'll be traveling you'll need it more than me." He explains.


"My farm extends a considerable amount out here, you know. I used to herd sheep back in my day, although mostly I deal in Pares and Ravocado ever since the wolves came." He nods to the forest, its dense foliage preventing anyone from investigating it might from the outside alone. "They're savage little buggers, those things. They come out from the forest at night to attack livestock, so I can only keep what I can shelter at night."


"Percy wandered away yesterday while I was tending to the plants, and a dog that small in lands like these won't last for too long. Please, do hurry." He impresses upon you before walking back to where he was sitting before. "If you wait until nightfall, it will likely be too late."


It is mid-afternoon, and you must find Percy before the sun sets.

[x] Enter the Forest.

[x] Examine Satchel.

[x] Interact with Randy.

[x] Write In.

>>3280881
>[x] Enter the Forest.
We're on a timer. Best to get going.

>>3280881
>[x] Enter the Forest.

>>3280881
[x] Enter the Forest.

>>3280881

>[x] Enter the Forest.

Spurred on by Randy's speech on the importance of time in your current endeavor, you venture into the forest. As the bright green grass and bright blue sky is replaced with darker moss and a thick canopy of trees, you shiver ever so slightly as a cool breeze blows from deeper in the forest. While the sky is difficult to see through the leaves, you can still make out a general idea as to where it is. Barring that, your menu does have an internal clock for those disinclined to utilizing the sky for telling time.

Wandering further into the forest, you keep your eyes peeled for any other signs of life. Where the Plains were abundant with animals the Forest seems less so, as though it were less of a habitat for many things so much as a hideout for certain species. Here and there you can see claw marks and faintly smell something damp and musky, clods of fur stuck here and there in the branches. Bending close to the ground, you can make out the faint shape of animal tracks. If you follow these, you might be able to track what made them.

It is the later half of mid-afternoon, and you must find Percy before the sun sets.

>[x] Follow the Fur Clumps.
>[x] Follow the Tracks.
>[x] Write In.

>>3280950
>>[x] Follow the Tracks.

>>3280950
>[x] Follow the Tracks.
It's a complete toss-up.

>>3280950

>[x] Follow the Tracks.

After looking at your two leads, you decide that following the tracks is your best bet. The fur snagged might be helpful, but you feel that all of it is snagged too low to be certain that it could be caused by the type of animal that you're looking for. As such, you take a closer look at the tracks.

They seem relatively canine in nature, tiny pawprints leading in a straightforward path ahead. Looking behind you, you notice that they seem to have come from outside the forest, with no returning path. Perhaps these are Percy's tracks? You follow along the path carefully, making sure you don't lose track of where the last footprint was.

The search is time consuming and tedious, the poor lighting at times causing you to lose your mark, but eventually you come to a curious finding. Eventually the paw prints you have been tracking lead up to and converge with others before continuing onwards. While they seem to be similar to your original pair, they are a good deal larger in size. Marking three animals total, they seem to move deeper with the original footprints into the forest.

Moving forward once again, eventually you come to smell the scent of blood, mixed with a decidedly wild aroma. Muffled growls can be heard, mixed in with similar growls in a lighter pitch. Currently, fragrant flora covers your approach.

It is late afternoon/early evening, and you must find Percy before the sun sets.

>[x] Rush through the underbrush, screaming like a madman.
>[x] Stop and observe what you can through your cover.
>[x] Backtrack. This clearly is a different animal den, you're looking for a dog.
>[x] Write In.

>>3281007
>[x] Stop and observe what you can through your cover.
I'm assuming this is the stealth+ambush option

>>3281007
>>[x] Stop and observe what you can through your cover.

>>3281007
>[x] Stop and observe what you can through your cover.

>>3281007

>[x] Stop and observe what you can through your cover.

On second thought, maybe charging through at the wolves could be a really bad idea. As a Level 2 newbie, these could end up being quite the challenge on their own even within you being at such a disadvantage. Keeping yourself in check, you peer stealthily through the underbrush to observe your surroundings.

Within a small clearing in the forest, three wolves and a tiny white Pomeranian are devouring the remains of a savaged apart deer. The three wolves look rather lean but young, likely recently having split from their main pack and learning to fend for their own. It seems, however, that they've become confused on what exactly counts an animal as a 'wolf'. Percy the Pomeranian does not care. These wolves have given him dinner.

It seems that you have multiple ways to approach this. A few loose stones at your foot could be used as a distract or blunt weapon, as they would either be bludgeoned or go inspect the noise. You could also come out screaming as before, hopefully drawing the wolves away from Percy so that he won't get hurt. You notice, also, that the wolves are eating rather close to a hill shaped stone outcropping, a good ten feet taller than the animals themselves. If you managed to sneak up top successfully, you'd have a prime way to take them out stealthily.

You've found Percy, and it doesn't look like he's in any particular peril. At the same time, Randy needs his dog back.

>[x] Use the stone as a distraction and attack.
>[x] Come charging in to pull the wolves from Percy.
>[x] Attempt to climb the rocks in hopes of jumping the wolves.
>[x] Go home. Percy is happy with his new pack.
>[x] Write In.

>>3281037
>>[x] Attempt to climb the rocks in hopes of jumping the wolves.

>>3281037
>[x] Attempt to climb the rocks in hopes of jumping the wolves.

>>3281037

>[x] Attempt to Climb the Rocks In Hopes of Jumping the Wolves.

Deciding that once again your success will be in the art of stealth, you silently get up from your hiding spot and ever so quietly pad your way around the clearing to the outcropping. The journey is painstakingly slow, and every step is taken with the utmost care to not make a sound. If even a twig cracked out of place it would all be for nothing, and you'd be caught out. Outside of your field of view you can hear a playful yipping answered by a deep bark, likely Percy interacting with the wolves again. You grit your teeth and persevere, the less time for the Pomeranian to imprint upon the pack the better.

Eventually you come upon the back of the rock pile, a sloped think made of several large stacked together rocks. Heaving yourself up with barely held in breaths, you eventually reach the top of the pile, balancing yourself. A pebble skitters off the ledge and you grasp at it, barely catching it before you yourself need to re-balance yourself to prevent a messy fall. That was a close one to be sure, especially so far into the stage. Ever so slowly, you draw your glorified kitchen knife into your hand, the blade catching the dappled rays of the evening sun. You cover it with your hand for now, afraid the wolves might somehow notice.

The wolves are below you, and you stand atop the rock outcropping their backs are to. Percy is chowing down on the remains of a deer haunch a distance away, and it is currently evening.

>[x] Unceremoniously drop onto the wolves with your body.
>[x] Attempt to use a skill on the way down.
>[x] Use an Item.
>[x] Call for Percy.
>[x] Write In.

>>3281177
>[x] Attempt to use a skill on the way down.
See if a skill lets us stab one through the head on the way down

>>3281177
>[x] Call for Percy.
No need to kill them, they haven't been hostile.

>>3281177
>>[x] Attempt to use a skill on the way down.
Time for the dank souls drop damage

>>3281177

Finalizing the last stage of your grand plan for Dog Rescue, you ready yourself and check your HP Bar one last time before heading down. It is full, having regenerated both from time and eating the Pares from earlier, so you'll be starting this fight out on fresh feet. Small miracles, right?

Reading your shortsword in your hand, you shift its business end to point downwards before unceremoniously jumping down from your perch, nary a whisper coming from your throat as you do so. Activating one of your meager stash of basic abilities, your blade moves in a downwards Sharp Stab into the head of a wolf, causing it to convulse and collapse as your body weight crushes its back. You grimace as you notice the -3HP in the corner of your vision, a penalty from having fallen from such a height. It seems that using the wolf as a cushion was your saving grace.

The wolves growling and snapping at you from their position just a few feet away, you suddenly realize that you've pinned yourself between a literal rock and a hard place. Percy pokes his head up a good distance away, confused as to what all the ruckus is about.

>[x] Call for Percy.

"Go on boy! Scram!" You yell at the dog, wanting it to get away from the fight before things get messy. Percy looks between the deer carcass and you before deciding that now would be a good time to head home. It charges down the path you just took, using its own trail to make its way home.

Two angry wolves want to eat you for dinner. What do you do?

>[x] Become Conan the Barbarian, hack and slash your way through them.
>[x] Attempt to scramble the steep side of the rocks.
>[x] Dash past them to get better footing.
>[x] Try and get rid of the wolves. You're done fighting.
>[x] Write In.

>>3281302
>>[x] Dash past them to get better footing.

>>3281302
>>[x] Become Conan the Barbarian, hack and slash your way through them.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>3281402
>>3281441

There's been no other votes, so we'll do a dice roll to get the story moving again.

File: direwolf.png (397 KB, 700x394)

397 KB PNG

>>3281302

>[x] Dash past them to get better footing.

Being pinned between these two wolves is only going to end up with bloodied chunks of Charles flying through the air. The smartest choice is to get out from that, and the only way to do so is forward. Just as the two wolves rush towards you, your feet hit the ground and you begin running towards the wolf on the left, flecks of saliva dribbling from its mouth as it races towards you. While you manage to score a glancing blow on its flank as you pass it, the wolf proves itself to be a much more flexible foe and rakes a claw against your calf.

Hissing, you clutch your leg in pain despite the lack of injuries are your HP falls. The wolves, now having regrouped, begin to move in a circle as though to trap you like prey. It seems that this enemy is going to be much more coordinated than the last, requiring better planning and reactions on your behalf if you don't wish to become a fillet. But how to attack?

Percy has escaped, but the wolves that have been ravaging poor Randy's farm growling before you.

>[x] Slice at the injured wolf. Best to have only one enemy to face, in this sort of a scenario.
>[x] Slice at the healthy wolf. It won't be good if you have even one of them healthy, if they're working together.
>[x] Use a Sword Skill. The lag time would make it risky, but if you had a proper plan...
>[x] Use an Item against the Wolves.
>[x] Attempt to retreat from the Wolves.
>[x] Write In.

>>3281177
>[x] Attempt to use a skill on the way down.
Downward slash! Zelda style!

>>3281659
>>[x] Use an Item against the Wolves.

>>3281659
>[x] Slice at the injured wolf. Best to have only one enemy to face, in this sort of a scenario.
I don't know why it won't update unless I post something. Hopefully I'm on time for this one.
Anyway, better to take them down one at a time.

>>3281659
Gonna switch to>>3281711

>>3281659
>[x] Use an Item against the Wolves.
We got that low-quality meat! If they go for it we won't have to get more injured

>[x] Use an Item against the wolves.

In a stroke of mad genius, you opt for an unconventional means of attack. pulling the low quality meat that you had obtained from the Frenzy Boar earlier, you take ahold of the bloody meat with your free hand before throwing it a good distance away. It lands with a dull thud (and a minor penalty to its durability) but this alone is enough to send the wolves into a state of minor confusion. You had just killed their friend, why was there food now?

>[x] Slice at the Injured Wolf.

And this was the moment you needed. Reveling in your dirty tactics, you catch the injured wolf across the neck with a Vertical Slash. The Sword Skill cleaves through the mob like a fancy knife through butter, and with a howl of anguish it shatters into crystals. It seems that misdirection once again was your greatest asset against these creatures of the forest.

With your meat trick exhausted, and only one wolf remaining, you square off against the remaining healthy mob with a steady stance. While there was only one of them left, this also left less time for planning. As the wolf begins to close in, you need to think of a plan fast. The lag time from the Sword Skill unfortunately gives much less time than you wish you did.

With only one wolf remaining from the pack that attacked Randy's farm, it's time to finish the job.

>[x] Slice at it, gung-ho. You won't be able to do anything effective in time.
>[x] Try to parry with a Sword Skill at last minute, when your cooldown wears off.
>[x] Attempt to dodge the attack.
>[x] Use an item.
>[x] Use a clever plan.
>[x] Attempt to run from the wolf.
>[x] Write In.

>>3281830
>>[x] Attempt to dodge the attack.

>>3281830
>[x] Attempt to dodge the attack.
We are an AGI build, after all.

>>3281830
>[x] Attempt to dodge the attack.


An angry bark comes from the snarling maw of the wolf, and you know that the next few actions you take will decide the outcome of this entire fight. Your entire being struggling against the fatigue brought on through the application of Sword Skills, you attempt to dodge the attack.
In some ways, you are successful. Avoiding its main charge, and its deadly claws, you are unfortunately hampered enough by your awkward that it manages to clamp its jaws around your sword arm, teeth sinking into the skin. Letting out a scream of pain despite the lack of physical injuries, you slug the mob hard between the eyes with all the force you can muster. Dazed, the dog reels back and leaves a tooth in your arm for good measure.
Angry and running on adrenaline, you give a devastating kick to the side of the wolf before driving your weapon into its throat with utter brutality. It chokes and whines, thrashing against your advances before shattering into data. You stay there in a half crouch, in pain and panting after the whole encounter.
The wolves are dead, but it would be best if you made it back to Randy before dark.
>[x] Loot the Dire Wolf [x2].

>[x] Loot Deer Carcass.

>[x] Pick Up low-quality meat.

>[x] Use an Item.

>[x] Return to Randy.

>[x] Return to the Town of Beginnings.

>[x] Write In.

>>3282556
>[x] Use an Item.
Heal up, then loot everything, find the doggo, and return to randy

>>3282556
>>[x] Use an Item.
>>[x] Loot everything
>>[x]return to randy

>>3282721
Supporting

>>3282556

Poll closed. Writing.

>>3282556

>[x] Use an Item.

Pulling out your Infinite Health Potion, you down the whole thing in one solid gulp. It tastes like grape mixed with jello, but gets the job done. Your HP bar slowly rises back to full percentage, and the aches and pains fade from your system. It seems that these things did their job quite well after all. You pocket the empty bottle into your inventory, noting a 24 hour timer beginning until it can be used again.

>[x] Loot Everything.

Picking up the low-quality meat on the way to the wolf drops, you send it back to your inventory space before beginning your systematic looting of the three mob drops. Pressing the collect all option on each one, you sort through the individual items rather casually. Two more low-quality meat wasn't anything to write home about, although the fact that the game didn't change the name save for in the sub-description was rather strange. Three Wolf Teeth, which could be used to craft a weapon or upgrade it. Finally two Wolf Hides, which could be sold at a decent price or made into clothing items later. Not too bad, in all honesty.

Following your tracks back to Randy, the sun is just preparing to set on the horizon. The farmer waves at you, Percy circling around his feet.

>[x] "Look who came home!"
>[x] "I found your dog."
>[x] "Those wolves were vicious. They nearly killed me!"
>[x] "..."
>[x] Write In.

>>3283798
>>[x] "I found your dog."

>>3283798
>[x] "Look who came home!"
Let's be positive about this. Cheerily call it out to him as we walk up.

>>3283798
>>3283822 seconding

>>3283798

Poll Closed. Writing.

>>3283798

>[x] First Dialogue Option.

"Look who came home!" You exclaim, beaming at the farmer and dog duo as you approach. Percy yips at you from the feet of Randy, now cleaned of the dirt and blood it had gained from its romp in the woods. It seems that Randy had given him a bath inbetween your journey back, and he looked better than ever.

""You did it, sonnie!" Randy claps you on the back, a firm but congratulatory hit. "Wasn't too much trouble, now was it! You look even fresher than you did before!"

You would argue to the otherwise, but your Healing Items seems to have restored your physical appearance, and your clothes hadn't received any significant damage during the altercation. Randy can imagine the fight went any way he wants it to, the deed was still done.

"Ah, but of course such such heroics can't go unrewarded!" Randy exclaims. Handing you yet another satchel, you open it with barely concealed wonder to see what is inside. Inside is yet more fruit, which looks much tastier than the ones offered before. Also, you see that Randy has salted and prepared meat for you. Each one is wrapped individually, and you can smell how delicious it is for here.

"You adventurer types never get to eat right, travelling as you do." He explains. "This ought to do you right."

Accepting it graciously, you almost turn to leave before he stops you. "Wait! I'm not done!" He exclaims. "Come on boy, why such a rush?" Drawing a pair of gloves from his pocket, he considers them warmly before pressing them into your hands along with a softly jingling sack of COR.

"I do appreciate just how much effort you put into saving my dog here. Most adventurers wouldn't have minded him getting hurt if they got paid. But you sent him on back, put him outta harm's way. I pay my dues correctly."

Examining the gloves, you find them to be of exquisite make. Crafted from hide that you can identify as a Frenzy boar's and lined with the fur of a Dire Wolf, they look and feel exceedingly comfortable as you put them on. Briefly you tap the examine option on them, surveying the accompanying stats.

Wolf Slayer's Gloves. +2 to Agi, +1 to Luck. +2 Special Attack towards [Wild] Enemies. Well, it looks like you've come upon yet another gem in your travels. Did you fulfill a hidden condition in the quest? Words of appreciation on your tongue, you turn to speak to Randy-

Only Randy is not there. Or rather, you are not where Randy is anymore.

No, this seems to be the Town of Beginnings. Around you once again is the familiar architecture of walled society, and players mill about confused and upset. You definitely didn't use your Teleport Item. What happened?

>[x] Panic.
>[x] Ask somebody if they know what's going on.
>[x] Survey your surroundings.
>[x] Item.
>[x] Write In.

>>3284031
>[x] Survey your surroundings
Just stay calm and try to observe as much of the situation as possible. SAO is just a game, after all...

>>3284031
>[x] Survey your surroundings.

>>3284031
>>[x] Survey your surroundings.

>>3284031

>[x] Survey Your Surroundings.

Keeping a cool head, you decide to use your keen eyes to your advantage as you survey the area around you. It seems that you're in the Town of Beginnings, the fountain plaza in fact. All around you players stand and chatter in confusion and varying degrees of anger, nobody seemingly having a clue as to what is happening. More players seem to be teleporting in by the second in greater number, causing the area to become quite a squeeze rather quickly. Above everything is the constant sound of the evening bell, a resonating gong that threatens to drown out all other sound. Then you see it.

A singular floating irregular hexagon, blood red in color. 'Warning.' It reads, before the entire sky is coated in similar pattern. 'System Announcement.' These ones read. A liquid, similar in consistency to blood, seems to seep through the cracks of the shapes in the sky. It falls down before pooling into a shape, rising and floating in the air until it forms the shape of a hooded figure. A woman screams somewhere.

"A GM?!" Another shouts from far away.

>[x] Stay and listen.
>[x] Panic.
>[x] Seek Shelter.
>[x] Write In.

>>3284090
>>[x] Stay and listen.

>>3284090
>[x] Stay and listen.
I admit, there's a part of me that wants us to do a 180 and PANIC

>>3284090

>[x] Stay and Listen.

Despite the instinctual urge to flee from giant red hexagons, you steel yourself for whatever is coming. You refuse to be like the others, covering in fear over a giant hooded figure in red. It's just a GM, right?

"Welcome to my world. My Name is Kayaba Akihiko." The animated robe speaks, confirming your suspicions. As a professional nerd, you are already well acquainted with big names in the VR industry and Kayaba is no exception to that. His avatar is strange however, in that while his hands appear human there is only a vague silhouette that can be seen from the cloak. An identity masking effect?

"You may have noticed at this point that the logout function is missing from the menu. This is not a mistake, but a feature. I repeat, this is a feature of Sword Art Online." He continues his speaks while you muse in your head. "In fact, disconnection from Sword Art Online is impossible even through the removal of NerveGear devices. Should this be attempted, microwave technology will send waves through your brain. Frying and killing it instantly."

"Unfortunately, despite warnings put out, Two hundred and thirteen individuals have lost their life as a result of this."

Gasps from the crowd.

"Understand this. From this moment on, revival is no longer possible in Sword Art Online. If your player avatar dies in the game world, microwaves will fry your brain in the real world as well."

Somebody lets out a quiet sob.

"The only way to escape this is to beat the game. Starting from Floor One, progress through the dungeon and complete the final boss on Floor One Hundred. Only then will you be released from the game. In additional, I've added a gift to your personal item storage."

Well, this is all a lot to take in. And the man isn't even finished yet. What now?

>[x] Stay Calm.
>[x] Panic.
>[x] Inventory.
>[x] Attempt Escape.
>[x] Logout.
>[x] Write In.

>>3284129
>[x] Panic.

>>3284129
>>[x] Stay Calm.

>>3284129
>[x] Stay Calm.
NERVES. OF. STEEL.

>>3284155
and also
>[x] Inventory.
Check our inventory after we've made sure we're calm.

>>3284129
>Stay calm

>>3284129

>[x] Panic.

Oh my god. Is he serious? Was the document serious. Was-

>[x] Stay Calm.

Get ahold of yourself Charles. You're a strong man, now act like it. You knew this was going to happen, anyways. In actuality, the fact that you didn't warn anybody of it speaks of a lack of responsibility on your part. Then again, it's likely that Kayaba would have just zapped you for the trouble. No harm, no foul?

>[x] Inventory.

As you think these thoughts, you open your inventory. Around you flashes of light are followed by shouts of confusion and betrayal, but you ignore it as your sort through your already fairly stuffed inventory. Wow, you had been more active than you thought by the looks of it. Finding the [Mirror] added into your inventory by Kayaba, you take a good look into its surface...

And there's no change whatsoever. It's just you, staring back into the mirror. You'd always been annoyed by your pretty boy looks, being far more trouble than they were worth. It wasn't that you looked like a girl completely, although your lack of haircut won't help that. In fact, it looks like the next time you'll be able to address that is when you beat this game. Well bother. Regardless, you've always been a bit more 'cute' than 'cool'. Not that you let it get to you.

As the harsh light of day shines upon the other players, their in game persona being replaced with their true visage, it dawns upon you the severity of the current situation. Although you currently had a leg up on all other players, this situation makes that all the more tenuous. It might be wise to head to the next town as soon as possible, to get all the available quests and loot you can. At the same time, you have already paid for your room, so you could just stay here for the night. There's also the matter of whats in your inventory, as well as upgrading and switching our your equipment with all the gold burning a hole in your pocket. Kayaba's monologue finishes, leaving you to make your decision.

What to do?

>[x] Head to the Second Village. Time is shorter than you think, and EXP is important.
>[x] Stay overnight at the church before embarking. You already paid, after all.
>[x] Stop by the markets to buy new equipment and/or upgrade existing ones. You can also manage the material items here.
>[x] Look for Side Quests.
>[x] Write In.

>>3284221
i dont think traveling during the night is a good idea, therefore prep for tomorrow
>[x] Stop by the markets to buy new equipment and/or upgrade existing ones. You can also manage the material items here.
>[x] Stay overnight at the church before embarking. You already paid, after all.
head out at first daylight after shopping

>>3284221
>[x] Stop by the markets to buy new equipment and/or upgrade existing ones. You can also manage the material items here.
>>[x] Stay overnight at the church before embarking. You already paid, after all.

>>3284221

>[x] Stop by the markets to buy new equipment and/or upgrade existing ones. You can also manage the material items here.

As much as your Beta Tester instincts are screaming at you to get the hell out of dodge, you have to listen to the human side of your brain too. You're tired out from a long day of questing, and you've already made commitments to stay here. Plus, you're already a full level ahead of the average player, you're fairly certain. The wolves had also made a fairly decent contribution to your exp bar, as well as the completion of Randy's Quest. Shopping it is.

During your time shopping for items, you are informed by the NPC that they are currently restocking on weapons and will have a new selection as of tomorrow. A stalling tactic on Kayaba's no doubt, but it won't stop you from buying up all the good armor they have around here. Eventually you settle on new boots and pants, longingly staring at a ring which would add to your maximum health before moving on. +2 and +1 to Agi was nothing to sniff at, besides. For a small fee you commission for your Wolf Fur and Boar Hide to be used to upgrade your new boots, which will be available in the morning. Selling a few extra fruits softens the blow against your wallet, but you keep enough to be well fed in the morning.

Collapsing into the comfy bed in your room, you are overcome by a sense of tiredness. What a day this has been. You hopped a dimension, saw through space and time. You fought wild boars and wolves, and you helped an old man get back what he held dear to himself. It was exhausting, and you're worried about your future with the imminent threat of death hanging above you. But isn't life always dangerous? With those thoughts preoccupying you, you fall asleep.


The next day, you wake up.

>[x] Head to the Second Village.
>[x] Socialize With Other Players.
>[x] Pick Up Your Equipment/ Buy Weapons at the Market.
>[x] Look for Quests.
>[x] Write In.

>>3284232
Good thinking. Support.

>>3284272
>[x] Pick Up Your Equipment/ Buy Weapons at the Market.
Let's not waste money on commissioning items and leaving them behind. Once that's done,
>[x] Head to the Second Village.
We can socialize with other players (and potentially meet a waifu) once we're properly overleveled.

>>3284272
supporting >>3284277

>>3284272

>[x] Pick Up Your Equipment/ Buy Weapons at the Market.

Trudging over to the market, you curse yourself for having made yourself to wake up so early to grab your equipment. While you likely wouldn't need to replace them for at least a few floors, or at least until the end of this one, the money spent and items consumed leave you despondent as you pick them up at the stall. At the same time, your new Barbarian's Shoes have a shiny additional +1 END to their +2 AGI, so it isn't that much of a loss. You resolve to be more frugal with your money from now on, however. Surely there are more quests that drops equipment as a reward.

>[x] Head to the Second Village.

Moving on from the Town of Beginnings, you check that all your equipment is in order before leaving. Adjusting the strap on your shortsword's sheath, you catch the tail end of a discussion before passing through the gates.

"-and they all just left right after sunset! I'm telling you man, those guys are all selfish! Taking the good quests for themselves!"

Uh oh. It looks like the other Beta testers are on the prowl for quests, fast. For now you have level and equipment advantage, but that isn't going to be so for long.

>[x] Head to the Second Village. No lollygagging.
>[x] Look for roadside quests along the way. Randy had been helpful, right?
>[x] Deliberately hunt for monsters on the way. Grinding is an art.
>[x] Double back to listen to the rumors in town.
>[x] Write In.

>>3284319
>[x] Head to the Second Village. No lollygagging.
Damn those other beta testers! Hurry it up!

>>3284319
>>[x] Head to the Second Village. No lollygagging.

>>3284319
[x] Look for roadside quests along the way. Randy had been helpful, right?
Might as well try to gain an extra level or two on the way to the Second Village

>>3284319

>[x] Head to the Second Village. No lollygagging.

As much as the urge to hunt for random sidequests is fierce, as is the desire to visit Randy himself, those rarer events can wait until you're properly leveled. As is, even with your second sense for adventure it would be akin to a wild goose chase. Or a boar chase, more accurately.

Speaking of boars, a single well placed Horizontal Slash dispatches the charging Frenzy Boar that had just spawned in front of you, its squeal echoing pitifully as it shatters into data. Was this the difference between just a level of strength? Your own personal experiences, now that you're learning how to fight? Or maybe it's the equipment? Too many variables to properly isolate what the factor is. In the end, it doesn't matter.

Sticking to the path, and cutting through grass where it would be more appropriate to save time, you arrive at the Second Village a few hours later only a tad worse for wear. You had taken a bad hit to the side by a Frenzy Boar that had caught you by surprise earlier, but eating a Pare Fruit and the slow regeneration factor that all characters have has set you back to full health. You're more mentally fatigued than anything.

Thankfully all churches recognize your rental payment as valid for staying overnight, so you can sleep in the Second Village tonight instead of trekking back to the Town of Beginnings if you so desire. For now, you have a few options ahead of you.

>[x] Investigate the Markets
>[x] Investigate the Town Square.
>[x] Investigate the Tavern.
>[x] Investigate Outside of Town.
>[x] Write In.

>>3284409
>[x] Investigate the Tavern.
Everybody knows taverns are where wild quests make their home.

>>3284409
>>[x] Investigate the Tavern.

>>3284409
>Tavern

>>3284409

>[x] Investigate the Tavern.

Following the tradition of old campaigns, you follow the signs to the local tavern. A nameless little hut, the only indication of it being the place you are looking for is a hanging sign depicting a flagon of ale that sways slightly in the wind as you open the door. Inside is a cozy little atmosphere, with both players and NPC alike relaxing as they enjoy their drink. Sword Art Online's ethics code doesn't allow the consumption of alcohol in public level taverns, but people still manage to enjoy themselves despite this fact. Taking a seat and pulling out a Pare to eat along with a slice of jerky, you observe the surroundings.

Some players seem to be sitting around conversing near a table, likely a group of friends or a budding guild. They likely wouldn't let you into their group, but it might be useful to listen to their conversation. A small line of players seem to be going up the the bartender, likely either getting a repeating quest worth EXP or simply to grill him for rumors. A few NPC's tend to stick out as well due to their behavior or looks, although whether that is due to their programming or because of their importance is up for discussion.

>[x] Eavesdrop on the players.
>[x] Get in the line to speak to the bartender.
>[x] Approach one of the other NPCs.
>[x] Write In.

>>3284488
>>[x] Approach one of the other NPCs.
Specifically, use our quest sense to home in on the most lucrative potential quest-giver. We didn't buy that perk for nothing, afterall.

>>3284488
>>[x] Approach one of the other NPCs.

>>3284488

>[x] Approach one of the other NPCs.

If fifteen seconds of hearsay were to be believed, you had twenty bucks riding on the fact that the group of players next to you are all beta testers. If so, there's no way that any of them are going to give you any form of help in favor of leveling their own selves.

At the same time, the bartender is sort of a beacon. While many beta testers seem to be doing the same quest, that doesn't mean that it is the best one. Only that it is the one discovered the easiest, and as such copied. Your eyes scan the room.

A woman sits at a countertop, staring wistfully into space. No, not a quest giver. A rowdy young man joking back and forth with a group of other men with similar features and outfits. A possibility, but somehow it felt just too obvious.

Your eyes slide to the right, and suddenly you see him. Behind the rambunctious group, sipping a perpetually half full glass of fake brandy all by his lonesome. Not once has he interacted with the other NPCs, as they normally would, and something about him spoke of experience. Perhaps it was his grizzled mane of a beard, or the faint definition of muscle beneath street garb, but you had the sneaking suspicion that he had more to him than it seemed. On your hunch, you sit down in front of him.

>[x] "What's your story, old man?"
>[x] "Looks like you've had a long day. Anything I can help you with?"
>[x] "You know, it's a little early to be drinking."
>[x] "..."
>[x] Write In.

>>3284596
>>[x] "Looks like you've had a long day. Anything I can help you with?"

>>3284596
>>[x] "What's your story, old man?"

>>3284596
>[x] "Looks like you've had a long day. Anything I can help you with?"

>>3284596
Poll Closed. Writing.

>>3284596

>[x] 2nd Dialogue Option.

"Looks like you've had a long day. Anything you can help you with?" Settling into your chair, you find its surface to be just a tad too hard to have a comfortable seat. How could anybody stand it? Regardless, you make an effort to shift into a more comfortable position as the man looks you over.

"Another goody two shoes kid. Figures." He mutters into his glass before taking a hefty gulp. Finishing the entire thing, he pours himself another full glass before killing that as well. It seems that somebody here is mighty thirsty. "Look here buddy, I'm going to level with you. I don't have a job for some weakling like you. Go off to the bartender so you can pull weeds or join the bozos over there on an adventure. I want to get back to my drink."

It seems that this NPC isn't as straightforward as you figured it would be. What will you do?

>[x] Prove your worth to the NPC. (Write In.)
>[x] Leave and speak to the other NPCS.
>[x] Alternative Write In.

>>3287229
>>[x] Alternative Write In.
"Allright then. But I'm probably one of the only people here that can actually do what you want. Later."
Gotta make him want our help.

>>3287229
I support >>3287245

>>3287229

The bait and switch? Bah, that's probably the wrong term. Either way, writing.

>>3287229

[x] Alternate Write In.

Sizing up the NPC, you have to admit that their attitude does have you irritated. In all of your time in Sword Art Online you have yet to be dismissed so readily, and it is said that the first time is always the hardest. At the same time, this might very well be a part of the quest itself. A 'hidden condition' if you will. You decide to play it cool.

"Alright then. But I'm probably one of the only people here that can actually do what you want. Later." You get up to leave, using the table to leverage yourself up and out of the uncomfortable seating. Clearly he isn't worth you time, at this rate.

"Yeah, whatever kid. See you later." Sparingly you one last uncaring glance, his eyes seem to sharpen for a moment once they fall upon your gloves. "Wait. Those gloves, where did you get them?"

>[x] Tell the truth: You received them from a farmer after saving his dog.
>[x] Tell a half truth: You are a hunter, and these are one of the spoils of your trade.
>[x] Lie: You slew animals and crafted them yourself.
>[x] Ignore him and actually leave.
>[x] Write In.

>>3291019
>>[x] Tell a half truth: You are a hunter, and these are one of the spoils of your trade.

>>3291019
>[x] Tell a half truth: You are a hunter, and these are one of the spoils of your trade.
We did hunt in order to get them.

>>3291019
>[x] Tell the truth: You received them from a farmer after saving his dog.

>>3291019

A half truth it is. Writing.

>>3291019

>[x] Second Dialogue Option: Half Lie

You stiffen, pausing in your motions as you feel the weight of the NPC's gaze upon your person. More specifically, your hands. This is not the condescending gaze of an old drunkard or an uncaring deadbeat, but of somebody clearly experienced in their own trade. Your answer rises up in your throat, but you catch and strangle it just as fast. Revise it, ever so slightly.

"I'm a hunter." You respond with an uncaring tone. "This is just one of my spoils." You make a great deal of showing off the plush fur edging on the sides, the tongue leather that makes up the bulk of its protective pieces. The NPC seems to wish to hold it within his hands, but instead merely observes them from afar.

"...Perhaps I was wrong about you." The NPC admits. "Those bracers are quality workmanship, that's for certain. Certainly fetched you a pretty penny to have them made, didn't it? I can recognize Frenzy Boar and Dire Wolf anywhere, even when its been turned to cloth."

"Tell you what kid. I'm looking for a hunter. No ordinary hunter, not one of you new kids out hunting the weak pickings in search of 'inner strength' or whatever you call it. This is dirty, hard work. The kind that pays well, but you well may get in completely over your head if you think you aren't ready for it."

"Or maybe you are ready for it. Are you the guy I need, or are you not? I won't ask twice."

Take the Mysterious Quest?

>[x] Yes. Despite not knowing what you must do, the mystique draws you in.
>[x] No. The warning of danger has set you off, and ultimately your life is your #1 priority. Attempt an easier quest.
>[x] Write In.

>>3297880
>>[x] Yes. Despite not knowing what you must do, the mystique draws you in.
If it doesn't have a time limit we can grind a bit before hand.

>>3297880
>[x] Yes. Despite not knowing what you must do, the mystique draws you in.
My plot senses are tingling.

>>3297880
>[x] Yes. Despite not knowing what you must do, the mystique draws you in.

>>3297880
>[x] Yes. Despite not knowing what you must do, the mystique draws you in

>>3297880
Poll Closed. Writing.

>>3297880
>[x] Yes. Despite not knowing what you must do, the mystique draws you in.

Really, your instincts should be screaming at you to not accept this. If the NPC itself is warning you, then really you should be cutting your losses and choosing a different quest. At the same time, could you really afford to pass up the current opportunity you hold in your hands? After a short moment's deliberation, you decide you can't.

"I'm in." You nod to the NPC, who seems to regard you for a few moments more. As though re-evaluating you.

"It seems I was wrong about you. Here." Passing a strange red crystal to you, he withdraws his hand just as fast. "All you need to do is clear out the entire area of monsters. Of course, if it was that easy, I wouldn't be sending somebody else to do it." He smiles nastily.

"If you get it done, I'll pay you handsomely. If you don't? Well, no need to pay dead men." Rising from his table, he gets up to leave. "I'll be here tomorrow. If you don't show up, I'll assume you're dead or that you chickened out."

With that abrupt beginning, you find yourself with an odd crystal and a task.

Item Get: Challenge Teleportation Crystal (1 Time Usage.)

Hidden Quest Get: ???

>[x] Activate the Crystal.
>[x] Examine Crystal.
>[x] Finish your drink.
>[x] Write In.

>>3305593
>>[x] Examine Crystal.

>>3305593
>[x] Examine Crystal.

>>3305593
>[x] Examine Crystal.
then
>[x] Finish your drink.
and finally
>[x] Activate the Crystal.

>>3305593
>>[x] Examine Crystal.

>>3305593
Poll Closed. And so, the adventure continues.

>>3305593

>[x] Examine Crystal.
>[x] Finish Drink.

As the NPC departs from the bar, not many other players noting it, you are left to your thoughts and drink. Savoring its taste, you take the time to both relax for a moment while simultaneously observing the crystal via your inventory. Quite a handy tool, for a time like this.

Challenge Teleportation Crystal. Unique. Untradeable. Undroppable. Teleports you to the Challenge Quest in an unknown location. By all rights and purposes, this sort of item shouldn't exist. Custom waypoints would only be able to be created if you beat certain quests in the higher floors, and even then quests weren't supposed to be player exclusive. The whole point was to team up to beat the game, or so it seemed. So why give an alternative option?

Unfortunately, you cannot determine where exactly it will be teleporting you. It seems that the lack of information has been made to be a key point of this quest. You sigh before checking over your equipment one final time, setting down your empty glass with a soft clink. Today it seems that you'll be leaping into the frying pan if you want to get anything done. With your preparations done, you

>[x] Activate the Crystal.

The crystal pulses a soft red.

A dull crimson.

A brilliant ruby-

And suddenly, you are surrounded by darkness. A dark room, it seems. While light seems to be rapidly entering into it, you can only focus on so much as your senses assault you with new information. What do you use?

>[x] Sight.
>[x] Sound.
>[x] Smell.
>[x] Touch.
>[x] Taste.
>[x] Common
>[x] Seventh Sense.
>[x] Write In.

>>3308066
>>[x] Sound.

>>3308066
>[x] Sight.

>>3308066
>[x] Seventh Sense.
No idea what this means.

>>3308066
>Unzip pants and trust in our dick to guide us.

File: goddessannoyance.jpg (168 KB, 1280x720)

168 KB JPG

>>3308113

It's a Joke Option.

>>3308180
In that case,
>[x] Sound
I guess. Bright light after darkness will probably blind us for a bit, until our eyes adjust. Ears don't have that problem, and none of the other senses really convey actionable information.

>>3308066
>[x] Sound.

>>3308066
>[x] Sound.