constructivism [open]

Water splash around the paved road as Yuji hop on it. He jumped from one to another, having no care whatsoever to his surrounding. Such a simple yet dirty activity, but he can play around to his heart content. He could barely see people, players and NPCs alike, at the cracks of dawn. A shame, the smell of fresh air is a good motivational boost to kick start a day.

He would continue having his little fun, when from the corner of his eyes he spotted someone resting underneath a birch tree. He seems pretty relaxed, munching on his bread while being oblivious, absorbed on whatever he's doing. The trees gently swaying, dew formed on the edge of grass, alone a man sit under a tree. He fits the scenery so well, it's like out of paintings. Yuji tidies himself and approaches this man.

"Sitting under a tree at times like this seems fun. Mind if I join you?" He didn't wait for his reply and proceded to make himself comfortable on the cloth. Air fills his lung as he slowly takes in the air while resting his weight on the tree. "Yup! Nothing beats the air in this early morning!"

"Oh, thanks for the bread." Pastries, while easy to obtain, most of them would taste plain especially the one made from NPC shop. A little hesitant, he decided to just eat the black bread in one go. "Wow, this is great stuff!" Sweetness filled his mouth as he slowly savors the taste. The bread tastes better than the usual dry bread. Wolfing down on his breakfast, his lack of care and recklessly stuffing his mouth, the fillings pour out and leave his shirt in mess. He searches through his pant for anything he can use to wipe the cream but found nothing.

"Ahh, should have followed your advice earlier." Wiping the shirt with his bare hand, he continues. "That aside, why are you out here so early in the morning? You're not waiting for someone under this spot by chance, are you?" It's unusual to find a player other than him to wake up this early and stay awake. He eyes him with curiosity, unable to find a word that could match him. A mysterious person from a glance, Yuji decided to refrain from judging him any further for now.

Ruler

Unpleasant memory buried deep inside his heart replay momentarily in his mind. Yuji flinched a little at the mentioned word. 'Date'. Even if he were to run far the nightmare would still be there waiting for him. "..Date? Hah! If dating would bring me fun then I would have done so anytime, even in this death game!" He was surprised, his voice came out a little bit louder. A little shaken, Yuji keeps himself in check. No need to make his new companion afraid of him.

"Well, I'm just here for my usual walking routine. The change in scenery compared to 'outside' and inside this game is a pleasant experience." His heart beats normally, which was a good sign. Feeling a little relieved, he continues. "So you're waiting for the sun to show itself? Not that I'm judging, but don't people do that at hills or somewhere high?"

Ruler

"Was it obvious?" Yuji scratches the back of his head, feeling guilty for making the conversation a little awkward. "Thanks for the concern, really appreciate it."

"Yes, it could be dangerous outside at times like this when there are barely people outside the city..." Time passed slowly as silence hangs in the air. Yuji closed his eyes, enjoying the peace. It didn't last long, as his companion ask him a question. "Boring... Yes, it is boring. I want to run freely outside, to explore every crook and cranny on this floor. I want to see everything that is there to see."

"But then, with life at stake, I can't just simply go out... I can't summon enough courage to take that step, to face those dangers head on. I want to have fun. No, my whole existence, I dedicate it all for fun." His expression clouded, uncertainty take holds of his heart. "If only we're playing a normal game..."

"The sunrise is at its most beautiful when you watch it from the edge of a cliff. The sun rising from the horizon... I wish to see it again. I feel alive whenever I see that panorama, grateful to have the chance of experiencing the view." Yuji watches as the sun peek over from the hill, blessing the players with its light.

"So yeah, I want to go somewhere else. In fact, I want to reach the highest floor. And once I free from this prison, I'll find Kayaba and punch him in the face." At having those thoughts, Yuji can't help but grin. "Sorry, I talked too much. Anyway, what about you? Did you find this city boring too?"

Ruler

"For your information, I'm 18. Maybe spending time with the elders must have affected me... Well, whatever." Yuji can't help but chuckle too. He missed the time when he talked to his friend. They would all laugh together at silly jokes, enjoying their leisure time. The past feels so distant now. He could no longer have that kind of conversation, he struggled just to make sure he can wake up in a bed next day, to greet the sun once more. Chatting with Ruler, the loneliness in his heart fade away. 

"So you're the passive type. I'd say go out and enjoy youth while you can, but I'd truly become an old man if I said that." Ruler doesn't seem to mind the lack of entertainment in this city. Yuji must admit, the life inside this world compared  outside wasn't that bad; at least he doesn't have to hear any depressing news all day. When approaching the death aspect, you'll die when the times come. This game was no difference. 

A window suddenly pops up, knocking him out of his deep thoughts. A trade request, from Ruler himself. The item on trade was a Novice Sword. "If you don' mind, then I would gladly take it. Thanks!" Yuji accepts the trade, excited at receiving a new toy. It was two times better than his current weapon, the One Trick Pony. Now he could fight the enemy with more confidence. But first, he would need to prepare himself mentally.

As if sensing his excitement, Ruler warned him in advance against soloing. The thought did occur to him once. He can definitely level up faster, but the risk outweighs the reward. He might be stubborn, he wasn't dumb enough to charge towards his death. "I won't. At least, not until I'm strong enough to take them one by one. But man, you sound like you fought against the monster before. How strong are you?"

Ruler Thank you for the gift~

Ruler : Was busy with work these past few days. Sorry for the late reply.

Although having said that he's not strong, the fact that he fought with some mobs before and survive were more than enough to convince Yuji that he have some skills or luck. Whether in martial arts, his equipment or ability to work in a group, he needed to see him in action to determined that. "Well, everyone has their strong points, combat is not your forte. And no need to apologize! You haven't done anything wrong."

Yuji asks himself the same question, what's his strong point? Nothing come to his mind, nothing except bad ones, which he could list a few. He shakes his head left and right, discarding the thought. He was never good at thinking deep. He would rather spend the day tiring himself out physically compared to studying. That aside, Ruler kept mentioning dire wolves. It should be a common monster in any RPG and should be easy to kill. Hearing that Ruler would avoid this monster have spiked his interest on how dangerous this beast can be.

"Is dire wolf really that strong? The monsters on starting floor should have been easy....or am I wrong?" Rumors have it that many players had heir lives taken by the wolf. But it was hard to believe rumors, especially when there was no proof. After all, dead men tell no tales.

-with the speed of an angry police officer on a motorcycle

"Pfft!" Despite the serious atmosphere, Yuji can't help but laughed when Ruler said that. It's weird to compare the speed of something to police officer. Weirdly enough, Yuji could imagine how fast the wolf was thanks to that comparison. "Thanks for the advice. The way you describe them is enough to scare me, although it was funny a little." It's still early for him to worry about wolves. He had not pass Level 1 yet; boars and pigs should be his main worries when going out. 

Beautiful and bright ray of light blinded his eyes for seconds. Attracted, Yuji watches as the sun rises, a reminder that a new adventure was waiting for him today. 

"Yup, a new day has just begun. As for my plans...well I don't really plan things ahead. I'd just walk around, looking for interesting places and events alike. From there I'll just ride the flow and see where I'd end up. But all these talks of monster makes me itchy to fight them." 

"And what about you? Any plans for the day?"

Ruler