NOVEL FROG Feather
My first encounter with Ritta was something that no one had planend. I was just wandering around and visiting various locations when I was playing AO for the second time. I was heading towards one of the boss locations in a ruined city. On the way, under a windmill not far from a small bridge, a player was lying dead, surrounded by a group of Bwanga—weak monsters commonly encountered by players at the beginning of the gameplay, similar to slimes but with onion-like bodies, complete with eyes, mouth, hands, and legs. I revived her on the spot using a revival item, and that's how our journey together began.
Or, to be more precise, that was the only reason for me to play this game and stay for quite a while – because of my encounter with Ritta. I guided and helped her level up, and we spent an enjoyable few months together.
Where there is a meeting, be prepared for a parting. And our togetherness had to come to an end, almost unexpectedly. Ritta had to take a break for one or couple reasons, but before that time came, we promised to go through the “Level Break First”. When that goal was achieved, we parted ways in a very ordinary manner, without tears or a sense of sadness.
Well, her reasons were her reasons, and they became reasons for me too. After we separated, I took on the challenge of reaching the sky-scratching thorns and logged out upon reaching the peak. That was the last moment before I took another hiatus.
Compared to her past self, Ritta has now reached level 350, far surpassing me. I am the one left behind now. And it's not just one or two differences I see in her, including her class; she seems to have taken a different path of her own choosing.
However, somehow and in some way, there was one item she didn't change or let go of. It was the light blue bandana that I had given her before. While looking at it, I said, "You can replace that, you know. It's an outdated relic from ancient times."
"You should not forget my teachings about utilizing empty slots and using them for something useful," I continued.
Our conversation took place on the edge of a cliff, sitting side by side, swinging our legs and enjoying the sensation of the virtual wind tickling our sensory skin.
Without turning her head, Ritta simply responded lightly, "There is nothing more useful than this bandana."
"Even though it may be a rare item that my comrades and I obtained, it belongs to a distant past. I'm sure there are more than a handful of new items out there that surpass the bandana in terms of advantages," I said.
"If I chose a different class, maybe so," she answered, "I have chosen to base my playstyle on using this bandana, and this is who I am now."
Indeed, the old Ritta used a one-handed sword and a shield. A sub-DPS and semi-support. "Well, as long as you enjoy it, I can't feel anything but happiness for you," I said.
"Hmm. I actually intended to surprise you and launch a sudden attack, but the warm welcome from senior prevented me from doing much," she complained to me, despite the mischievous intent she just mentioned.
Thanks to the help of the wind, the long sleeve covering her arm was lifted. Her armshield was neatly attached, covering her forearm up to her elbow. A red gem adorned the corner of the triangular shape near her wrist. Ritta showed me her other hand, a similar armshield but with a green gem.
"Crystals from bosses I've never seen before, I'm sure," I said.
She giggled, "That's absolutely right. Senior have been absent for so long and missed out on a lot. I think I can compete with you, hehe."
If that's true, then I'm really looking forward to it.
"But after seeing that footage, and then what you did earlier, my doubts grew. It seems like you've obtained something that can easily get you through dozens of levels."
"I'm not so sure about that..."
"B-by the way, d-do you have any plans after this?" she asked, hesitatingly.
I turned to face her, but she seemed hesitant about something. "No, I don't think so. Actually, if you can show me something new about this game, it would be really helpful," I said.
Ritta quickly sat up and patted her back as if there was dust stuck to it. "Really?! Ahem, I mean, it just so happens that I have some free time, so I'll help my wise senior. What can I assist you with?"
Inspired by her enthusiasm, I also got up. I had made up my mind – Ritta was a trustworthy player, so I would tell her everything... if she asked, though.
"I might do a Level Break Third, but before that I need to change my equipment set," I said.
"That's very strange. I don't think you need to completely overhaul your current set. Is it related to something you acquired yesterday?" she asked, perceptive as always.
I nodded in response to her curiosity. "I also need to do a lot of practice and experimentation to adapt to all of this, but I don't have many places in mind to do it."
"Leave it to this high schooler girl!" she exclaimed, raising her hands high.
"Don't lie, I'm sure you'll get your diploma soon," I snapped back at her.
"Hehe." But Ritta just smiled at me.
After briefly explaining my needs, we decided to go to the town of Cambria. She said, "There's a unique shop there where players can try out different equipment before deciding to use them. They also have a training ground."
"Oh, that's exactly what I need...." The only problem is, I don't know where the heck this town is. "Where's the nearest teleportation point to that city?" I asked her.
Ritta sighed knowingly, her hands playing around in her floating window. "Here, just use this," she said, handing me an item.
Teleportation Feather: Cambria.
I accepted it with a smirk on my face.
"You're definitely trying to tempt me, aren't you, Senior?"