"I'd like to purchase this one please," said Asuna, holding up a large exotic fruit for the NPC vendor to see.

"Very well," said the msn, initiating an automated exchange. "Pleasure doing business with you."

Asuna nodded politely, dropping the fruit in the basket slung over her left arm, and then swiftly turned towards the rest of the marketplace. She flung a few strands of her blue hair out of the way as she went over the shopping list in her head. There was only one more item left to get.

Asuna made her way to another stand further down the alley. On the way, she hummed to herself, excited about the meal she would be preparing. Recently, she had fought alongside Kirito and the rest of their friends to clear the boss room on the 50th floor of New Aincrad, and they were to have a party soon in order to celebrate the victory.

The giddy Asuna shifted the weight of her basket as she approached her last stop. It was a butcher's stand, cluttered with various meats hanging from metal hooks. She needed savory meat to put in a delicious stew for all the party guests.

Her eyes fell on the skinned carcasses of several rabbits, and she smiled. The memory of the night she made a stew for Kirito came flooding back. He had come across the ultra rare s-class ingredient Ragout Rabbit, and needed her to cook it for him because her cooking skill level was maxed out. The night they spent together was pleasant, and a memory she would never forget. In a way, it was their first date.

Fueled by welcomed nostalgia, Asuna selected the rabbits for her stew. They were no ragout rabbits, but with her cooking skills, they would be a close second. As she waited for the transaction to complete, she was startled by the sudden rush of footsteps and shouting. She turned to see a bunch of players rush past her towards the town square, clearly excited about something.

Asuna took the rabbit meat she had purchased and placed it in her basket, just as another player bumped into her from behind. "Hey!" she exclaimed, looking back at the guy that had run into her.

"Sorry!" he said, hands raised. "My bad."

Asuna shook her head with a short smile. "It's quite alright. Where is everyone headed off to in such a hurry?"

"It's General Eugene!" he exclaimed, jogging on towards the action. "He's dueling the White Knight in the town square!"

The White Knight? Before now, Asuna had only heard rumors about him. Apparently, his speed stats are so high that his attacks are practically invisible to the untrained eye. But General Eugene was very well trained. This was a fight she had to see.

Holding her basket firmly, Asuna sprinted towards the town square where a large crowd was forming. The duel was already well underway and the sound of swords clashing followed by explosions was distinct. People were madly cheering, but she couldn't see a thing through the sea of heads.

Frustrated, Asuna looked around desperately for a better vantage point. She noticed a nearby rooftop with a direct line of sight to the battleground, and quickly sprouted her wings to get to the top. Once there, she set her basket down next her and sat on the ledge overlooking the duel.

The space was covered in clouds of dust from the intense frenzy shrouded within. Flashes of red and white pulsed all over the place as the two opponents fought ferociously. Asuna craned her neck and squinted as hard as she could, trying to catch a glimpse of the fabled White Knight.

Finally, there was a loud crash and a cry of pain, causing the crowd to fall silent. To Asuna's amazement, the red armored General Eugene came flying out of the dust cloud, landing hard on his back with a look of shock on his face. An indicator appeared over the battlefield saying, "Winner! White Knight!"

Everyone watched quietly with great anticipation as a figure emerged from the now settling dust. Asuna was surprised to see a shorter man not much taller than Kirito come into focus, clad in a short tailed jacket colored white with golden accents. He had secured white lightweight armor to his shoulders and arms. His face was completely hidden beneath a sleek white and gold helmet with a thin visor.

The White Knight walked out into full view of everyone, then silently lifted his gleaming one-handed sword in victory. The crowd erupted into chaotic cheering. Asuna gaped at the outcome of the battle, and her eyes widened when she noticed the White Knight's health bar. It was completely full. He hadn't been damaged even once.

The victor flipped his sword in his hand and planted it firmly in the ground. Then he walked over to General Eugene, who was slowly sitting up, still recovering from his defeat. He looked up with slight disdain at his opponent, but was surprised when he was met with an outstretched hand. He paused a moment, then decided to take the White Knight's hand with a reluctant grin on his face.

Asuna raised an eyebrow in curiosity. The White Knight was strong and courteous. She smiled. This newcomer reminded her a great deal of Kirito. She grabbed her basket and stood up, her wings unfolding in preparation to leave.

"Asuna!"

Startled, Asuna took a step back from the ledge and turned to her right in search of the voice that called her name. Flying up from the other end of the square was Lisbeth, a look of excitement on her face. She landed delicately on the rooftop next to Asuna.

"Hey Asuna!" said the blacksmith. "Did you see that duel? It was amazing!"

Asuna nodded in agreement. "I only caught the tail end of the fight, but it was impressive nonetheless! What are you doing here Liz?"

"Oh, I was just in town to fill an order. Fancy seeing you here, and us stumbling upon an incredible duel no less! What are you doing in town?"

Asuna lifted her basket. "I'm just gathering everything I need to prepare for tonight's party! You're still coming, aren't you?"

Lisbeth waved her hand and said, "Of course!" She looked curiously at Asuna's basket. "So, what's on the menu, Head Chef?"

Asuna quickly hid the basket behind her back. "It's a surprise! You'll have to wait and find out just like everyone else!"

"Hmm, fine." The blacksmith looked back down at the post-duel flurry of activity in the town square, slightly annoyed, and her eyes widened. "Asuna, look!"

Asuna followed Lisbeth's gaze back down to the ground where the White Knight had picked up his blade and crouched with one hand in the dust.

"What is he doing?" Asuna wondered aloud.

Suddenly, the Knight swept his foot across the ground in front of him, while simultaneously swinging his sword in an arc behind him, kicking up an enormous cloud of dust that covered the entire square.

"The hell?" Lisbeth said in confusion.

The dust quickly cleared, and the White Knight was no where to be seen. The crowd looked around in total astonishment at the player's vanishing act.

Lisbeth crossed her arms. "Wow. That was some exit, huh?"

"Yeah," Asuna agreed, "but how did-" She froze as she caught a quick blur in her peripheral vision. She immediately pulled out her rapier and swung it around behind her, the tip stopping only inches from the White Knight's head.

"W-What?!" Lisbeth stepped back in shock.

"Impressive," said the Knight in a quiet yet confident voice, unmoving. "Your detection skill must be absurdly high to have caught me."

Asuna smirked. "I could say the same about your speed stats." She could almost see the sly grin on his face beneath his helmet.

"Fair enough. You're Asuna, right? The infamous Berserk Healer."

"Yes, and who might you be? I've heard plenty of rumors about you."

The White Knight remained motionless for a moment, then reached up with both hands to grip his helmet. He carefully removed it to reveal a young, chiseled face with striking blue eyes and handsome blonde hair. "The name's Jax. It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Asuna."

"L-Likewise!" stuttered the Berserk Healer, sheathing her rapier.

His incredible good looks had caught her off guard, but not nearly as much as it did Lisbeth. Jax finally turned to her, only to see the blacksmith's mouth gaping wide with an awestruck sparkle in her eyes. "Are you alright, miss?"

Lisbeth slapped her cheeks with her hands, snapping herself out of her trance. "U-Um, yes sir! So good to meet you, sir!"

Jax giggled in amusement. "I am no one's superior. You're welcome to just call me Jax, if you like."

"O-Of course! Sorry!"

Jax smiled. "It's no big deal. What's your name?"

"Lisbeth, sir- I mean Jax! But my friends call me Liz."

Jax laughed again. "Lisbeth huh? That's a pretty name."

Lisbeth nearly swooned, but managed to quickly regain her composure. "You think so?" she said, suddenly radiating confidence.

"Sure," he said, "good to meet you, Liz." He turned back to peek down at the town square. "Well, I better get a move on before someone figures out that I haven't left the town yet."

"I was wondering about that," said Asuna. "What's with the fancy exit anyway?"

Jax shrugged. "I will admit it is fun to put on a show, but in truth, I just can't stand all the attention. It was more of an escape than an exit. I'm all for making new friends, but most of the people down there want my autograph, not my friendship."

Asuna looked off in thought. "Yeah, I get what you mean."

Lisbeth looked from Asuna, to Jax, then back to Asuna again. She certainly did not get it, but being the devious manipulator that she was, she decided to make a move. "Hey Jax! I was wondering… well, you might feel right at home with some of the game's other top players! The 50th floor of New Aincrad was recently cleared and we are having a party tonight!"

"Oh yeah!" Asuna cut in, to Lisbeth's annoyance. "I'll be cooking a feast in honor of the boss's demise! It will be held at my place by the lake on the 22nd floor. You're more than welcome to come, Jax."

The White Knight grinned a little, but dipped his head in thought. Asuna thought she saw sadness cross his face, but it was quickly replaced by a big smile. "I appreciate the offer," he said, "but unfortunately I already have some work to do tonight in the real world. I'm sorry."

"No problem! You do what you gotta do!" Lisbeth quickly assured him.

Jax nodded and turned to leave, but paused and half turned towards Lisbeth. "But… maybe next time, yeah?"

Lisbeth nodded with a huge smile and waved. "Absolutely! Until next time!"

Jax smiled again and then placed his helmet back atop his head. He crouched and put his hands down on the rough surface of the roof to form a running stance. Then there was a burst of speed, and the White Knight disappeared in a nearly undetectable blur.

Asuna turned to Lisbeth with a sly grin on her face. "Wow Liz. I think he likes you!"

Lisbeth's face went completely red with embarrassment. "Shut up! He certainly does not! Besides, I'm sure a swordsman of his caliber wants nothing to do with a blacksmith like me."

"I don't know," Asuna teased. "Your business has really taken off lately, and he is a powerful player. He might waltz right into your shop for a weapon enhancement one day."

Lisbeth crossed her arms again and rolled her eyes. "God I hope not… Weapon enhancement is very stressful work," she explained. Although if the White Knight were to drop by... maybe that wouldn't be so bad. "Anyway," she continued, eager to change the subject. "I have things to do in the real world before the party tonight, so I better get going."

Asuna smiled with amusement. "Alright Liz. I'll see you tonight then."

"Yeah! See you then."

...

Jax watched the girls fly away from afar as he sat upon another rooftop. They were nice people. Such kind and inviting personalities were hard to find these days. How horrible. He suddenly wished he hadn't lied to Lisbeth. She didn't deserve that. He had lied to Asuna too. He had actually never heard of her before that morning. It was just the nature of his job.

The White Knight flinched as a single tear finally escaped his left eye. He could never return such kindness. He didn't deserve people like that. If they only knew about the things he had done… they wouldn't treat him so nicely.

He could never justify such a connection. Not with the work he did. But, he had never been invited to a party before either. Perhaps it would be a nice change… Yes. Maybe this would be good for him, as long as he didn't get too close to anyone. Just a short stop to say hello and try the food would be more than enough, wouldn't it?

Jax's thoughts were interrupted by the sudden flash of a bright yellow light behind him. He sighed as the portal opened and an older man in a lab coat walked up beside him. The light dissipated and the two men sat in silence for a moment. Finally, the stranger spoke.

"Mission report."

"I made contact with the subject. There was a duel, as planned."

"And?

"It worked," Jax sighed again. "I found her. Why is this girl so important?"

"That is none of your concern. We shall continue reconnaissance on Asuna Yuuki soon. In the meantime, you have another assignment," said the man, handing Jax a folder enclosed with stacks of information.

Jax flipped through the papers, then closed the folder and placed it on his lap with an emotionless glare. "What are my orders?"

The scientist let slip an evil grin. "Your orders are the same as they always are. Track down the target… and eliminate him."

Jax clenched the folder. After a short time of silence, he reluctantly nodded. "Yes sir."

The stranger folded his hands behind his back. "I expect it to be done by nightfall." With that, the man turned as another portal swirled into existence. He did not hesitate to walk through, and the light disappeared as quickly as it came to be.

Jax looked down at the folder in his hands. Within it laid all the personal information of his target, including a real name and address. Before the end of the night, this man would be dead, and it would be done by the White Knight's hand.

Jax threw the folder to the side in utter anger and frustration, tears flowing down his face. This was his life. He was a murderer, and there was nothing he could do about it.