After Shido came back to his apartment from buying some snacks at the convenience store, he went straight to his room to log into ALfheim Online.
He hadn't expected to encounter Sinon during such a simple errand, much less end up helping her deal with Endou's bullying problem. Although they had already parted ways and Shido no longer had any reason to accompany her, especially since she had declined his offer to walk her home, he didn't really mind it that much. After all, it would've been strange, if Sinon let a stranger like him to escort her back.
Though, he was certain that if it had been another woman, especially a lonely housewives, Shido was sure that they would instead shamelessly insist on taking him back to their home as they were too lonely since their husband was always busy at work.
Nevertheless, even though they had parted ways, Shido knew he would meet Sinon again, and much sooner than he expected.
A faint smile appeared on his face before he shook his head, deciding not to think too much about it for now. After sorting his thoughts, he put on his AmuSphere, lay down on his bed, and said softly, "Link Start."
...
Slash!
Slash!
Slash!
Shido casually swung his <
After finishing them off, he sheathed the sword on his back and nodded in satisfaction. Lisbeth's craftsmanship was truly top-tier, not only was the blade incredibly sharp, but it was also remarkably durable, showing no signs of damage even after cutting down numerous monsters.
With this sword, his strength had increased tremendously. Combined with the <
Still, this coat he get from the reward from the golem boss was amazing. Since it was classified as an armor, it granted him an enormous boost in defense that might probably withstand a ten-hit combo. What's more impressive is that, this coat could automatically restore ten percent of the wearer's HP every ten seconds. That was just how overpowered this item was.
Though, Shido doubted that he could even be hit by monsters in the first place since he was incredibly fast and possessed <
With his current equipment and the skills he had gained in such a short time, Shido was confident that he could now complete the second quest. He had already finished the first part which is to join ALO and all that remained was to become a high-level player.
So, how would Shido accomplish that when ALfheim Online had no level or ranking system like SAO?
The answer Shido came up with was Fame.
Yes, Fame.
Being the strongest or ranking among the top hundred players globally wasn't the only measure of a high-level player. There was also the popularity ranking, the recognition earned when a player's name became known by many the other players.
To be known by many and awknowledge his strength.
With that in mind, he decided to challenge and defeat the current leader of the Imp Fairy race to take their place. However, becoming the leader wasn't as simple as defeating the current leader in battle. The system determined leadership not only through strength but also through the votes of the race's own players.
While Shido could definitely achieve that with his charisma, he felt it was far too troublesome to go through all the effort just to win their favor.
However, that was exactly where fame could work to his advantage, by letting his own race recognize his strength and worth without needing to personally impress them.
There was also another way for Shido to gain even more fame, by defeating a Floor Boss in Aincrad and having his name engraved on the Monument of Swordsmen in the Black Iron Castle, located in the Town of Beginnings on the first floor.
Well, if Shido were in fantasy another world where magic, spirits, and demon exist. A wonderful world overflowing with adventure, excitement, and hope, yet hiding cruelty and despair beneath its beauty, then he might very well have earned the title Sin Archbishop of Vainglory, since he was, after all, seeking fame.
Anyway, with his goal set in mind, Shido lifted his head and took a brief glance at YGGDRASIL City before spreading his wings and taking to the sky.
His destination.
The Imp Territory.
However, it seemed his journey wouldn't be smooth, as trouble awaited him in the Salamander Territory.
...
Since Shido had departed from the Ancient Forest, he needed to cross the Dragon Valley, which bordered the Salamander Territory. Because of that, he already expected to run into some trouble along the way. Still, he wasn't particularly worried, he could easily decimate them, even if they came at him in platoons led by their vice leader.
However, it wasn't only Salamanders he was likely to encounter there. The Sylphs were also known to frequent this area, gathering materials, as Dragon Valley was considered a high-level hunting ground.
It wouldn't be unusual to see the Sylphs and Salamanders clashing in this area, since both races continued to contest ownership of the territory, even as far back as the Fairy Dance arc. However, unlike before, there was no longer deep hatred behind their battles. Now, their fights over materials were more like competitive PvP battles typical of any VRMMO.
As for what place Dragon Valley is, it could be described as a vast mountainous region filled with steep cliffs, flowing lava, and numerous flying monsters. It was situated along the border of the Desert Area within the Salamander Territory.
Currently, Shido was resting on one of the cliffs in Dragon Valley, ignoring the cold wind that might make him fall in the deep trench below. He was checking the game's system interface, scrolling through his inventory to review the materials and items he had gathered during his travels.
Shido couldn't help but nod his head and understood why the Slyph and Salamander was fighting for this area. It was truly like a treasure trove of precious materials.
Glancing over the materials he'd collected, Shido thought that he should visit Lisbeth once he returned to YGGDRASIL City.