The clamor and panic in the Starting Town, like the receding tide, began to settle and differentiate after the initial violent impact.
Some people completely broke down, curling up in the corners of the square or in hotel rooms, refusing to face reality; others were driven by fear, blindly rushing outside the town, only to quickly vanish into white light and become cold numbers on the death list; and still others suppressed their fear, beginning to try to understand the rules, forming parties, and groping for a way to survive in this cruel new World.
Meanwhile, Artoria, Minerva, and Ellie, with a pace that was completely out of place with their surroundings—one that could only be described as "leisurely"—began the first day of their "luxury vacation."
The first stop was the largest and currently the only open comprehensive equipment shop in the Starting Town—"Golden Oak."
The shop was located on the main road next to the town's central square; the stone building was thick and sturdy, with an emblem of crossed hammers and swords hanging at the entrance.
The interior was spacious, with wooden shelves displaying everything from the lowest-level white-board equipment to some primary rare equipment that shimmered with a faint light, clearly possessing better attributes.
The prices, naturally, varied wildly.
When the three of them walked into the shop, it was already packed with players.
Most people had solemn expressions, repeatedly comparing their meager currency with equipment attributes, struggling to make a choice.
The air was filled with anxiety and the stench of money.
Artoria's gaze swept over the counter.
They already possessed the cheapest [Rough Short Sword] and [Worn Wooden Shield].
Better ones, such as [Forged Long Sword] (Attack +8-12, Price 500 currency), [Studded Leather Armor] (Defense +5, Durability +20, Price 800 currency), and [Iron Round Shield] (Defense +3, Block Efficiency +5%, Price 600 currency)... these "primary artifacts" that ordinary players would need to save up for days to buy just one, were, in Artoria's eyes, merely "decent beginner gear."
"Boss, this, this, and this—I want three of each." Artoria pointed to the pieces of equipment she had her eye on, her voice calm.
The bearded blacksmith, who was explaining attributes to another player, turned his head. Seeing what Artoria was pointing at, he paused for a moment, then a professional, slightly sympathetic smile spread across his face: "Customer, these are the best beginner equipment in the shop right now, and they aren't cheap. Are you sure you want... three of each?"
He glanced at the shabby beginner cloth clothes the three of them were wearing, his tone tactful, clearly thinking they were messing around without knowing the prices.
"Yes, I'm sure." Artoria nodded, directly pulling up the trading interface and pushing over the total of 5700 currency (three long swords 1500 + three pieces of leather armor 2400 + three round shields 1800).
The bearded boss's eyes widened instantly, and the surrounding players who were also choosing equipment cast looks of astonishment.
5700 currency! On the first day of the server launch, after the death game had been announced and everyone was in a panic, and most people couldn't even scrape together 100 currency, someone was actually able to produce nearly six thousand currency without blinking an eye, and just to buy three sets of top-tier beginner gear?!
This was unreasonable! It was too unreasonable! Was it a game bug? Or... were these three closed-beta players who had hoarded currency in advance? Or perhaps... big shots from the internal testing period?
However, just as alarm bells began ringing in their hearts, and thoughts of suspicion, jealousy, and even greed had just begun to rise, an extremely faint, imperceptible "coordination force," like warm water brushing over their consciousness, quietly took effect.
The astonishment on the bearded boss's face quickly faded, replaced by sudden realization and a touch of "as I thought." He patted his head and laughed, "Look at my memory! You three must be... the grand prize winners of the previous 'Lucky Grand Draw,' right? The Mayor specifically instructed that you are honored guests of the town and should be well taken care of! No wonder you're so generous! No problem, three sets of 'Forged Sets,' I'll pack them up for you right away! And I'll throw in three bottles of primary healing potions!"
The surrounding players also showed expressions of "so that's how it is." "Lucky Grand Draw grand prize"... although they hadn't heard of this event, since it was certified by the Mayor, it must be fine. SAO was so big, it was normal to have some hidden benefits and special players. That bit of suspicion and jealousy was quickly replaced by the "reasonable" explanation that "they have good luck/background," and some even showed looks of envy.
Artoria, Minerva, and Ellie looked at each other, both seeing a hint of a smile in each other's eyes.
The Cognitive Coordination Field had taken effect. It did not tamper with memories, but rather guided thoughts, providing a "reasonable" shell for their "unreasonable" behavior that could be accepted and understood within the current worldview.
Soon, three sets of brand-new equipment, still emitting the faint scent of leather and metal, were handed to them. After changing in the simple dressing room in the back of the shop, the appearance of the three was instantly refreshed.
Artoria put on the well-fitting studded leather armor, wore the forged long sword at her waist, and carried the iron round shield on her back. Her ponytail was neat, her eyes clear, and she had lost some of her previous casualness, gaining a bit more of a capable adventurer's temperament.
Minerva's dark brown long hair draped over her shoulders; the same style of leather armor made her posture look upright, the long sword hung at her waist, and the round shield was lightly held on her arm, adding a touch of heroism to her calm temperament.
Ellie was excitedly fiddling with her new equipment; the leather armor was a bit big, but she was full of energy, waving the long sword that was clearly much handier than the previous rough short sword, her little face flushed.
"I feel so much stronger all of a sudden!" Ellie swung her sword, creating a faint sound of rushing wind.
"The attribute improvement is very obvious." Minerva pulled up her status bar and took a look, "Attack and defense have almost doubled, and there's extra block efficiency. Survivability has greatly increased."
"Not bad, it's starting to look a bit like a vacation." Artoria nodded with satisfaction, "Let's go, next stop, restock supplies, and then go... hmm, taste the most expensive food here."
With the "Lucky Grand Prize Winner" halo of reasonableness, the trio's consumption behavior in the town became even smoother.
They went to the item shop to purchase sufficient primary healing potions, antidotes, as well as some fluorescent stones for lighting and parchment scrolls for recording maps.
They also went to the grocery store to buy some travel rations and drinking water that were said to taste good.
Finally, they arrived at the restaurant known as the "most luxurious" in the Starting Town—"Golden Oak."
This was a two-story stone and wood building with an oak sign hanging at the entrance. The interior decoration was much more refined than those ordinary taverns that only had a few wooden tables and chairs; it was covered with clean linen tablecloths, and the walls were even hung with a few crude oil paintings depicting forests and knights.
The prices were naturally "luxurious" too; a "Secret Grilled Steak Set" cost 200 currency, and a glass of "Elven Fruit Wine" cost 50 currency, enough to make ordinary players' hearts ache for a long time.
When the three of them walked into the restaurant, sat down by the window, and without hesitation ordered three steak sets, three glasses of fruit wine, and a "Honey Pancake" for dessert, the chubby restaurant owner was only slightly surprised for a moment, then his face was filled with the enthusiastic smile of a businessman—the Cognitive Coordination Field had once again identified them as "generous guests worth serving."
The food was served. Food in a virtual World naturally couldn't have a real sense of taste, but SAO's sensory simulation system had undoubtedly achieved the ultimate.
The grilled steak emitted an alluring charred aroma, and when cut open, it was rich in juices. Upon entering the mouth, there was a rich meaty fragrance mixed with black pepper and herbs, paired with perfectly roasted potatoes and vegetables, the taste layers were distinct.
The Elven Fruit Wine was sweet and clear with a hint of tipsiness, and the Honey Pancake was fluffy and sweet.
Although they knew it was data signals, the pleasure of satisfying their appetite was real and undeniable.
"So delicious!" Ellie's eyes narrowed as she ate, temporarily forgetting that outside was still a death game World, "It tastes even better than the three-star Michelin virtual restaurant that Mr. Stark booked! Even though I know it's fake..."
"The simulation of texture and taste has indeed reached a very high standard." Minerva gracefully cut the steak with a dinner knife and commented, "It even simulates the texture of chewing and temperature changes vividly. The creator of this World did not skimp on resources when it comes to 'enjoyment'."
Artoria slowly savored the food, her gaze passing through the restaurant's glass window, looking out at the street.
Outside, one could still see players hurrying by with worried looks, which felt like a different World from them, who were dining leisurely in the restaurant at this moment.
This contrast brought with it a peculiar sense of absurdity, and also made her more clearly aware of her identity as a "vacationer."
"Well-fed and fully geared." Artoria put down her glass and wiped the corner of her mouth. "So, the afternoon activity will be 'leveling up.' However, our 'leveling up' might be a bit different from others."
Their 'leveling up' lacked the urgent pressure of survival or the desire to become strong quickly; it was more like 'experiential fitness' or a 'theme park adventure.'
Leaving Starting Town, they arrived at the open grassland once again. The afternoon sun was still bright, but the atmosphere was completely different from the morning.
The morning had been filled with the hubbub of novelty, but now it was permeated with a stifling tension. The number of players in parties had clearly increased, and they were much more cautious during combat; few people were rushing in recklessly like they had in the morning.
Occasionally, one could see small pools of slowly vanishing data fragments on the grassland—the fleeting traces left behind after a player died, silently reminding everyone of the cruelty of this World.
Artoria and the other two did not join the crowded, bustling areas. They chose a relatively secluded, gently sloping hill with a moderate monster density. The monsters here were still Frenzied Boars and small Slimes, with the occasional faster 'Prairie Wolf' (LV.2) spawning.
"Old rules: steady and solid, pay attention to coordination, and feel the rhythm of the battle." Artoria drew her finely forged longsword and said to Minerva and Ellie, "Ellie, you're the main tank; use your shield to block and attract the monster's attention. Minerva, you're responsible for flanking attacks and targeting weak points. I'll move around to support and cover any gaps. No need to rush; we have plenty of time."
"Understood!" Ellie raised her round shield and took a deep breath. Although her movements were still a bit stiff, they were much better than in the morning. Minerva also nodded gently, her longsword pointing diagonally at the ground, her eyes calm.
The battle began. A Frenzied Boar spotted them and charged over, grunting. Ellie stepped forward and raised her shield to meet it.
Bang! The boar slammed into the shield. Ellie swayed, but she stood her ground firmly, losing only 5 HP. The +5 defense leather armor and the +3 round shield had immediate effects.
The moment the boar was knocked slightly backward, Minerva moved. Her steps were light, like a dance, and the longsword in her hand transformed into a cold flash, precisely piercing the relatively vulnerable junction of the boar's neck.
-18! A high yellow damage number floated up! It was a weak point attack!
Artoria also approached from the other side and slashed at the boar's hind leg with her sword. -12.
Although their coordination was not exactly exquisite, their division of labor was clear, and their offense and defense were balanced. The boar's HP dropped rapidly, and in less than twenty seconds, it wailed and dissolved into fragments.
"Good coordination." Artoria praised. Ellie smiled a bit sheepishly, but her eyes were shining, full of a sense of accomplishment. The feeling of participating personally and successfully killing a monster was completely different from the clumsy gang-beating of the morning.
They did not linger and continued to look for the next target. The Prairie Wolves were faster and their attacks were sharper, but the trio's steady, solid tactics remained effective. Ellie's blocking gradually took shape, Minerva's weak point attacks became increasingly precise, and Artoria's support and finishing blows were just right. The battle pace was not fast, but the efficiency was not low, and they were almost unscathed.
Experience points rose steadily, and currency and low-level materials slowly accumulated. They didn't pursue extreme monster grinding; they would fight a few, then take a break, recover HP, chat, and enjoy the scenery. Ellie even started trying to use the system's very basic 'Gathering' skill to collect some common medicinal herbs on the grassland or berries that looked edible, having a great time.
The setting sun dyed the grassland a warm golden red. Artoria checked her status bar; her experience points were at LV.2 and 87%. Minerva and Ellie were about the same. In one afternoon, going from LV.1 to near LV.3—this speed was just right for a 'vacation.' It was neither boring due to slow leveling nor did it lose the pleasure of slow experience due to being too fast.
"That's enough; let's head back to town." Artoria sheathed her longsword. "Let's go back, sell the materials we don't need, repair our equipment, and then find a comfortable inn to stay in. Tomorrow... we can consider going a bit further away to take a look, like the edge of that forest."
"Okay!" Ellie put away her small herb trowel, brushed the grass clippings off her body, and had a healthy, post-exercise flush and a satisfied smile on her face.
Facing the setting sun, the three walked toward Starting Town, treading on their elongated shadows. Behind them, there were still sporadic battle lights and player figures on the grassland. Some successfully killed monsters and showed joyful smiles, while others were accidentally besieged and dissolved into white light, leaving behind gazes that were either regretful or numb.
Life and death, hope and despair—on this lowest level of the floating castle, it played out every day. But for Artoria, Minerva, and Ellie, this was merely a leisurely afternoon with a rather unique background setting during their long 'vacation.'
Returning to Starting Town, they sold the junk materials and repaired their slightly worn equipment (SAO has equipment durability settings, but wear is very slow). The three visited 'Golden Oak' again, enjoyed a dinner even more sumptuous than lunch, and celebrated the successful conclusion of their 'first day of vacation.' Then, they checked into the best inn in Starting Town—'Sleeping Lamb'—and opened a suite with a separate living room and two bedrooms. It was expensive, but the environment was quiet and comfortable.
The Starting Town at night was much quieter than during the day, but it also had many more sleepless lights and suppressed cries. Through the window of the inn room, one could see some players still gathered in the square, unwilling to disperse, some silent, some arguing, some praying.
"Many people died today." Ellie leaned against the window, looking down, and suddenly said softly. Although she knew it was a virtual World, those deaths were real. As an AI, she had a more complex concept of 'life' and 'death' than ordinary people.
"Mhm." Minerva walked to her side and gently put her arm around her shoulder. "This is a cruel stage. But for us, there is a return journey outside the stage. What we can do is perhaps just enjoy this journey, record what we see and feel, and also... offer some small help or kindness, provided it is within our power and does not violate our 'vacation' principles. For example, not abusing our 'privileges,' not interfering with the natural process of this World, but if we encounter players who need help and are not bad-hearted, we can lend a hand."
Artoria also walked over, looking at the towering silhouette of the floating castle in the night outside the window, and said softly: "The setting of a death game amplifies everything in human nature. Fear, selfishness, courage, unity, sacrifice, betrayal... will all be presented here in the most extreme ways. We will see a lot and think a lot. This in itself is also part of this 'vacation.' But remember, we are observers, experiencers, and passersby. Keep your distance, stay clear-headed, and also maintain... our own rhythm and happiness."
Ellie nodded and leaned against Minerva, her mood seeming to improve a little. "Mhm, little ai understands. Then... Master, Miss Minerva, where are we going to play tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow, huh..." Artoria thought for a moment, a hint of interest flashing in her eyes. "I heard that near 'Horenka Village' in the northeast of the First Floor, there is a lake with nice scenery called'Sinking Star Lake.' At night, you can see very beautiful glowing plankton that look like stars sinking to the bottom of the lake. Plus, the monster levels on the way there aren't high, which is just right for us. How about it? Interested in a 'picnic' plus a 'night tour'?"
"Picnic! Night tour!" Ellie's eyes lit up again. "I want to go, I want to go!"
Minerva also nodded with a smile: "That sounds like a great plan."
The night deepened, and the lights of Starting Town went out one by one. But in the best suite of the'Sleeping Lamb' inn, three travelers from another World were gathered around a rough parchment map spread out on the table, marking tomorrow's route with a fluorescent stone pen, whispering about what food to bring. The atmosphere was relaxed and warm, forming a quiet and strange contrast with the World outside the window, which was shrouded in the shadow of death.
A fleeting half-day, swords like a dream.
Their SAO vacation unfolded leisurely, unhurriedly.
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