Okay everyone, up for episode 3? This is going to be a sad moment for me as well to write this out. Even so, the show must go on. I don't mind any constructive criticism. Also I expect flames. I personally don't care. I want to write this. I'll keep an open mind as I update further chapters. If you guys think the scene change with the underline is a nuisance. I can get rid of it in further chapters, probably redo the earlier ones too. Also hope you guys had a good thanksgiving.

Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to the sword art online franchise. That belongs to Kawahara Reki. This is my own story that I came up with. Please support the 3rd series, Sword Art Online Alicization. Hope you enjoy

Bold- character talks, settings, descriptions in the show.

Bold Italics- characters thoughts in show

Regular - In story content

Italics- Character thoughts in story.

Bold Underline- Scene change

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN THIS IS ALL AROUND THE WORLD?!" shouted Kirito.

Kirito got another call from Kikouga on the update about the Inviter's show. It turns out that Inviter's broadcast has not only been spread nationwide, but has extended to worldwide as well.

"It seems that the Inviter's influence is more powerful, than I imagined. Not only has his broadcast been spread over Japan, but even to the other countries as well. They are having the same problems as us right now. Every media outlet in the world is currently under his is a worldwide crisis right now, some people are speculating this as some sort of phenomenon."

Kirito could only gape in shock, stupified at the revelation being presented to him.

"How much power does this guy even have?!"

Kikouga is sighing on the phone, running his hand through his hair, he hasn't had much of a break since the Inviter's broadcast.

"We have more info concerning that guy's broadcast, it seems it has spread to VR worlds as well. Screens are shown in the sky in each VR world for the inhabitants to see."

"Wait, it's even in the VR worlds now! What about Alfheim Online as well!" shouted Kirito.

Kirito's friends heard his outburst, surprised at the fact of the Inviter's show appearing there as well.

"Yes, many of them are affected, ALO, Alien Domination Online, Dino-World Online, Elf Sol Online, Speed-in-run Online, Hunters an Beasts Online, and even Date That Furry Online." said Kikouga.

"I'm sorry, what was that last one?"

".….Don't worry about it. Anyway, for the past couple years there has been an increase of dating virtual worlds now, ever since the seed launch. The VR dating community started off small, but has indeed I doubt you care about it that much." said Kikouga.

"Don't try to change the subject! I don't care about the dating VR news. I need to know the state of the other countries- Hey Klein, give me my phone back!"

Klein perking up at the words "dating VR", he immediately took Kirito's phone and scooted back from the group to the corner of the bar.

"Hey, Kikouga-san, it's Klein! Do you mind telling me more about these dating VR worlds please?!"

Kirito started having a tug-of-war with his phone with Klein.

"Let go! Let go!"

"I can't man! I need this, you understand don't you!" shouted Klein.

The girls could only groan at Kleins behavior when the word "dating VR" came up. They have had enough of this spectacle, they grabbed Klein and threw him back on the couch. Asuna gave Kirito his phone back.

"Sorry about that, can't you get help from the other countries?"

"I'll see what I can do. I'll have a talk with my superiors about this and try to find a solution." said Kikouga.

Inside the concert.

"Miyu, are you ordering food right now?" asked Karen.

"Well I'm trying to order food, but the line says that they are busy."

"Are you sure it's okay to order food here?" asked Karen.

"Well I'm hungry and so are the guys in the audience, they even brought tables look!" shouted Miyu.

Karen saw that there are now tables among the audience along with some food and beverages. It seems people are enjoying themselves right now.

"Since when did the concert became a hangout place?" asked Karen.

"Elsa talked to the manager about that and a lot of the audience agreed, some even payed to stay as well." said Goushi.

"Seriously?" said Karen

"Seriously." said Goushi.

"You want anything Kohi?" asked Miyu

Karen could only sigh at the ridiculous situation she is in, she decided to roll with it for now.

"Alright just get me pizza for now."

"Gotcha!"

Goushi looked through his phone again through the news and is once again surprised by what he found.

"Everyone, it seems that this broadcast is not only here in Japan, but also in other countries as well."

"What!" said everyone.

"Then, this means it's all over the world!" shouted Saki.

Everyone is a bit tense at the revelation, the only one who is not is Elsa. She is currently eating some dango at the moment, while still watching the screen.

"It does not matter whether it's worldwide or nationwide, I intend to enjoy this to the end, so there is no point in worrying about trivial matters."

"It is worrying! Show some concern, please!" thought Karen.

"Well let's just focus on the show. Look the third episode is starting." said Goushi.

"Yeah, I can't wait to see what happens next, it's gonna be so cool!" said Mi.

A scene of a village in is shown. "Here's to us, the Moonlit Black Cats!"

"Cheers!"

Kirito is staring at the five people who are currently partying.

"And here's to Kirito-san, our savior! Cheers!" said Ducker.

"Cheers!"

Kirito ran up to the screen as close as he could, he stared longingly of his old guild mates from SAO.

"Ducker, Tetsuo, Sasamaru, Keita, and ….Sachi."

Kirito-Kun.

Asuna came to Kirito's side to comfort him, hugging him from his back. She knew what happened to Kirito's guildmates from what she heard from him. The very least she could do was to lessen his pain, if only a little.

"I remember that you were part of a guild back then. That's them?" said Klein.

"Klein, please can you give Kirito-kun some space?" pleaded Asuna.

Klein was confused for a moment, then an understanding look came to him as he looked at Kirito's former guildmates. He figured that they must have died, with a nod he didn't ask anymore.

Meanwhile, Kirito is clutching his hand in anger at himself as he remembered that day. Seeing them now made his heart bleed. Even if Sachi never blamed him, he could still never forgive himself no matter what.

"Damn you Inviter! You gonna make me relive this! You bastard!"

"Ch-cheers…"

"Thanks."

"Thank you."

"You saved our hides."

"Thank you. Thank you so much."

"Don't worry about it." said Kirito.

"I was really scared, so I honestly felt relieved when you came to save me." said Sachi as she wiped a tear.

" O-oh, um, Kirito-san… I realize this is prying, but mind telling us your level?"

Kirito avoids his gaze, not enthusiastic in revealing his level.

"Around level 20."

Kirito's status bar is displayed showing his level at 40.

"Wow, that's pretty close to ours. I'm amazed that you survived on your own."

Moe of team SHINC is confused about as to why Kirito lied about his level. "Hmm, why is he lying to them about his level?"

"It's simple, he is just trying protect himself in case they attempt to do a PK on him." said Elsa.

A bit surprised by that fact, Moe wasn't going to believe that people would actually kill each other in SAO.

"I'm sorry to say Moe-san, but during the SAO incident there were guilds that focused on PK people. Many people died to them, and some died in self-defence" said Goushi.

"What!? But why, everyone is trying to get out, why would they do this!?" shouted Saki."

"I don't know, it's unbelievable that people would do something like that, maybe they just love the thrill of doing it. Just like a real murderer." said Karen.

Team SHINC was silent after that, still trying to process how messed up people were during the SAO incident. Miyu tried comforting them about it, saying it will be okay.

"Well it seems those cat guys are okay, they are probably not going to do something like that." said Miyu.

"We'll just have to wait and see, won't we." said Elsa who was smiling at her naivety.

"Keita, don't' be so polite. Solo players like me just target lone mobs. It's inefficient." said Kirito.

"O-Oh… I see. In that case, I know it's a bad time to ask, but how about joining our guild?"

Kirito is a bit surprised at Keita's invitation.

"Tetsuo's the only one that can act as a vanguard since he is a mace user. This girl's name is Sachi. I'm planning to have her switch to using a sword and a shield so she can also be a vanguard. Problem is, she doesn't really know what to do. Mind coaching her a bit?"

Pouting a bit at Keita's patting and treating her like a noob, she shook her head away from his hand.

"Quit belittling me. I mean, it's natural to be scared when you're thrown into a close combat role all of a sudden."

"Don't sweat it, You can just hide behind your shield. Ducker said Jokingly.

"Jeez, You've always been such a scaredy-cat."

"Poohh"

The rest of the guys laughed at her "Everyone here is a member of our school's PC Research Club. Oh, but don't worry about that. You'll fit right it. No doubt about it. Right?" said Keita.

"Then…. I think I'll accept. Thanks."

Everyone was excited about Kirito's acceptance. The opening starts up again. After the opening the title of the episode comes up "The Red-nosed Reindeer." The scene changes showing the date and place "May 9th, 2023, 20th floor: Sunlit forest." Kirito's party is seen fighting a giant mantis. The mantis shrieks out to scare them. Sachi was intimidated, but Sasamaru fended it off with his spear. The mantis tried slashing at Sachi, but she managed to block the blow.

"Sachi, step back."

The Mantis raised his scythe arm to attempt to hit her again, but was sliced off by Kirito. He parries a blow and switches with Tetsuo, giving him the opportunity to strike it's mid section. The rewards screen pops up giving the Tetsuo experience and money and showing a level up for him.

"All right!" The rest of the team gives him congrats on the level up.

The scene changes to the guild eating out and Keita reading the latest news of the clearing group.

"So the clearing group made it past the 28th floor, huh? Amazing. Hey, Kirito. What's do you think is the difference between us and the clearing group." asked Keita.

"Information, maybe? They monopolize the most efficient training spots and the like."

"I'm sure that's partly it, but I think a major factor is willpower."

"Willpower?"

"I guess you could call It determination to protect your friends or rather, all the players. Right now, even though we're the ones being protected, I'd like to believe my determination is just as strong. Of course, the safety of my friends is my top priority. However.. Someday, I hope we'll all be able to the clearing group."

"I see. You have a point."

"Maybe…."

Ducker decided to drop in behind Keita after his determined speech and give him a neck hold. "Yo, leader. Nice speech!

"Watch it."

"So we're gonna be comrades with the Divine Dragon Alliance and the Knights of Blood?" asked Tetsuo.

"Is that a problem? Let's aim high. First, we'll all hit level 30."

"No way." exclaimed Sachi.

"If the Black cats improve and make it to the front lines, Keita's ideals could change the unsociable atmosphere there." thought Kirito.

Kirito frowns and looks at his status bar to show he is level 48. The scene changes back at the inn they were staying at.

Kirito's group

"Man, I wish we could have met them, people like them would have been great at the front lines." said Klein.

"Yeah, things might have been different if Keita's group were there." said Kirito.

"Were people really that unsociable in the clearing group?" asked Silica.

"Unsociable doesn't even cut it. The air was so thick at meetings you could cut it with a butter knife." said Agil.

"Yeah, everyone just kept to their groups and we have arguments on how to take down the boss. It wasn't exactly a friendly atmosphere." said Asuna.

Silica a bit surprised at that fact could only look down crestfallen at thought the clearing group would stand united. Kirito walked up to her, to pat her head in order to cheer her up.

"It's okay, despite all that, we all wanted to get out. So that you and everyone else would make it back home."

Silica and everyone else smiled at that.

"I have some news for you all. Including the spoils of the last hunt, we've accumulated 200,000 col!"

Everyone was at awe at how much they made together. "Pretty soon, buying our own house will no longer be a dream!" said Tetsuo.

"I know, how about we get Sachi some new equipment?" Said Sasamaru.

"Sounds good.

"No, I'm fine with what I have now." said Sachi.

"Don't be so reserved. We can't make Kirito be the vanguard forever." said Ducker. '

"Sorry."

"I don't mind. Don't worry about it."

"Sorry, Kirito. Sachi I know it's hard switching jobs, but you've almost got it. Let's all do our best."

Sachi wasn't excited at the least at that fact. "yeah."

It is currently night time, Kirito is seen leaving the inn. He makes it to the wolf plains on the 28th floor. Overlooking on a hill, he see's a group of people in red samurai outfits fighting some wolves. He eyes spot a familiar looking friend on the first floor.

"Klein…"

Klein and two of his friends stop and surround the wolf at three side. Klein activates his sword skill and slashes through the wolf turning it into particles of data. He sheaths his sword and breathes a sigh of relief. His eyes catch sight of Kirito on the hill.

"Well, if it isn't Kirito! Guys, I'll leave the mobs to you."

"Okay."

Klein runs up to Kirito hoping to catch up with him. "I haven't seen you around lately. You've been training this late at night? Hey, that mark… Did you join a guild?"

"Yeah, sorta."

"Hey, whenever you're ready!" shouted one of Kleins friends.

"See ya." said Kirito as he moves past Klein.

"Yeah."

"Good grief… You're still worrying about before?"

The scene changes to Kirito, teleporting back into town. Kirito see's a message from his inbox.

"This is Keita. Sachi went out and hasn't returned. We'll go looking for her in the dungeon area. If you figure something out, let me know."

"Sachi…"

Kirito goes through his menu and activates a skill. His eyes shine green and his vision goes green. His looks through the area and sees footprints. He follows the trail, until he finds Sachi curled up under a bridge in a waterway.

"Sachi."

Sachi looks up surprised to find that someone found her. "Kirito?"

"Everyone's worried." Kirito moves and sits near her.

"Hey, Kirito. Let's run away together." asked Sachi.

"Run away? From what?"

"From this town, the monsters, the Black cats… and Sword Art Online."

"A-Are you suggesting a double suicide?" Kirito asked sweating a bit.

"That might be good. No, I'm sorry. That was a lie. If I was prepared to die, I wouldn't be hiding in the safety of this town, right? Say, why cant' we leave? Why is our life at stake when it's only a game? What's the point?"

"There's probably no meaning to it. I think…"

The area was silent for a while until Sachi decided to speak up again. "I'm afraid of dying." Kirito eyes widened at her confession.

"You're afraid of dying?"

"I'm so scared, I haven't been able to sleep lately.

"You won't die."

"Really? How can you be so sure?" asked Sachi.

"The Black Cats is by no means a weak guild. We're also taking extra precautions in ascending floors. Moreover, Tetsuo and I are here, so there's no need for you to fight as a vanguard."

"Will I really survive? Can I go back to the real world someday?"

"Yeah. You'll survive. This game won't be the end of you." said Kirito.

Sachi looked dumbfounded by Kirito's words, but smiled at his resolve to protect them and her. She couldn't help but shed a tear at that.

"Aww look at him, he definitely knows how to comfort a girl. Think they look good together Kohi?" asked Miyu.

"I don't know, maybe I suppose."

"Man, it's indecisive decisions like that is the reason why you're still single."

"You don't need to barge in to my love life!" shouted Karen.

"Aside from that, don't you think what Kirito-san said was so cool! Almost like a real hero!" said Saki with stars in her eyes."

"Hmph, hero huh, I don't think he can afford being a hero in a death game." said Elsa.

'C'mon Elsa-san, I'm pretty sure that an event is about to happen, where he saves her and she falls in love. You need to channel your inner romance!" said Kana.

"Jeez, these girls have their heads in the clouds." thought Elsa.

The scene switches back to Kirito in the inn the Moonlit Black Cats are staying at. He is seen scrolling through his menu until he hears a knock.

"Come in."

The door opens revealing Sachi with a pillow.

"Sorry. I still can't sleep."

The scene switches to Kirito and Sachi sleeping in the same bed.

"If you stay in this guild, you'll be safe. You'll definitely be able to go back to the real world someday. I'm sure there are many players like Sachi who fear death. Even so, they laugh, cry and survive in the world to the best of their ability. I've never really thought about it…"

"Kirito?"

"It's okay. You're definitely going to survive."

Sachi smiled at that and went back and snuggled into her blanket.

"I'll protect all of you no matter what." Kirito lifts his arm up and clenches his fist.

"Except I couldn't. Despite my level, I still couldn't protect you and everyone else." Kirito clenched his fist so hard that blood started seeping out. He stared at the screen with sorrow, knowing what's going to happen next.

The scene changes to Keita taking off at the teleporter. "Well then, I'll be right back. Teleport to starting town."

"I didn't know It'd be this exciting buying our own house." said Sasamaru.

"That's something an old man would say!" said Ducker.

Everyone in the group laughed at that.

"Hey, let's go make some cash while Keita's off buying the house." said Tetsuo.

"Oh, for furniture?" said Sachi.

"Then how about going to one of the upper dungeons? Asked Ducker.

"Wouldn't our usual hunting spots be better? Said Kirito.

"I'd be more efficient in the upper class dungeons." said Sasamaru.

"At our levels, we'll be fine." said Ducker.

The scene changes to the dungeon area along with the description 27th floor dungeon June 12th 2023.

"See? This is no problem for us." said Ducker.

"Just a bit more and we might make it to the front lines." said Sasamaru.

"You said it!" Ducker said.

Ducker saw a hidden glyph on wall due to him being a thief. He put his hand on it revealing a hidden door.

"A hidden door? Here?" thought Kirito.

Ducker opened the door and saw a chest in the middle of the room.

"It's a treasure chest!"

The rest of the group excitingly went to the treasure chest ignorant of the potential danger of the lone treasure chest. Kirito sensing something wrong attempted to stop them.

"W-wait!"

Ducker unlocked and open the treasure chest. Alarms immediately went off covering the area completely red. The hidden door closed off and a passageway opened up revealing Dark Dwarf Miners and Mineral Elementals spawning in the room.

"Wait, those are Mineral Elementals and Dark Dwarf Miners! Those are at least level 30 and higher!" shouted Klein.

"Don't tell me this is-." said Asuna.

"It's a trap! Guys, we need to get out of here!" shouted Kirito.

"Teleport to Taft!…. Teleport to Taft!" Shouted Ducker.

"The crystals aren't working!" said Sachi.

"So this is an Anti-Crystal area?" asked Kirito.

The Dwarf miners charged toward them. Kirito sliced a few that were coming near them. Ducker fell forward near them. The Dwarfs pounded on Ducker, while he was screaming. His body scattered into data.

"NOOOO!" shouted Team SHINC.

Team SHINC, Miyu and Karen covered their mouths in shock at another death happening. "Oh my god!"

The audience also gasp in shock and horror at another player dying.

Kirito, in his shock killed the golem in front of him and backed closer to his group. Tetsuo screamed and burst into data after getting hit.

"Tetsuo!" shouted Sasamaru.

"Dammit!" with a thrust he hit the nearest mineral golem. The golem shrugged off the blow and hit Sasamaru killing him.

Kirito shouted in rage and picked up his pace killing more golems and dwarfs as they were aiming for him. Sachi is seen struggling against a golem.

"Sachi!" Kirito tried getting closer but was blocked off.

"Kirito!"

Kirito took out the ones blocking him and reached his hand out toward her.

"Sachi!"

As Sachi pushed a golem away, another one got behind her. Kirito gasp in shock, the golem landed a hit on Sachi's back. Sachi's HP bar went to zero, Sachi looked at Kirito one last time and uttered words, but they muted out. Her body burst into data. The scene changes to the town of Mujera on the 49th floor along with the date December 24th 2023.

Kirito's group could only stare in shock at what happened to Kirito's guildmates. The girls had their hands covering their mouth, while the guys could only gape at that.

"W-What happened! To suddenly cut us off like that. What in the world happened!" shouted Klein.

"MY ENTIRE GUILD JUST GOT KILLED, THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED! DAMMIT!" shouted Kirito.

He plunged his fist into a wooden beam, his bleeding hand bleed even more as he took his rage into yelling at Klein and at the beam. Klein and the others could only stare in shock at Kirito's outburst on him.

"K-Kirito, I'm sorry, I-"

Kirito punched the pillar once more in frustration, Asuna had enough and asked Sugeha and Agil for help.

"Kirito-kun, please enough already! Agil! Is there a medical kit somewhere around here? We need to treat him!"

"Y-yeah, I'll get it. It's in the back. Sugeha-san, go treat your brother okay, while I get it." said Agil.

"O-okay, Onii-chan, please take a seat." pleaded Suguha.

Kirito moved along with Asuna and Sugeha back to his seat, his eyes downcast as he stared at the screen.

In the concert

The audience could only stare gobsmacked at the scene change after massacre of Kirito's team mates.

"What the hell just happened! What happened to Kirito!" shouted Elsa.

"How horrible." said Goushi.

Karen is still in shock from the scene. Her eyes drifted to Elsa as she questions just how insane her friend is in wanting to be a part of SAO.

"Is this what you wanted Elsa? All this death?"

Elsa stares back into the screen, thoughts running about where Kirito is.

"It's unfortunate, but they should have listened to him. Kirito, you are not the type of person to die off like that."

The screen shows the bustling town of people shopping and getting gifts. Kirito is seen on a bench with a shadow covering his eyes. A hooded girl starts talking behind him.

"Seems like you've been doin some pretty intense training lately." said Argo.

"Do you have any new information?" asked Kirito.

"Nothin' worth charging for."

"Some information broker you are…"

"This is a new event that wasn't in the beta. There's no credible source of information. On Christmas Eve, which is at midnight, the event boss, Nicholas the Renegade, will spawn. Right underneath a certain fir tree. Even the big guilds are in a frenzy searchin' for it."

Kirito starts getting up, his destination set.

"You've got an idea where it is, don't'cha?"

"Maybe."

"You seriously gonna try solo it?"

Kirito leaves the area and returns back to the inn. He is seen working things on his menu.

"In this world, resurrection is impossible. However, Nicholas the Renegade… is rumored to drop an item that can defy this rule. If I face it alone, I'll probably… die. In a place where no one can see me, I'll die meaninglessly."

"A beater like you didn't have the right to be with us!"

The scene changes to bridge where Kirito tells Keita what happened to the rest of the guild. Keita so shocked by that fact goes on the bridge railing to jump. Kirito surprised by his actions, he reaches out in order to stop him. However, It's too late as Keita jumped towards his death.

Everyone in the audience and in Kirito's group stared in horror at Keita's suicide.

"That's right… I… My arrogance… killed all of you. If only I… hadn't kept my level a secret. If I manage to defeat Nicholas… Sachi can be resurrected, and I'll be able to hear her last words."

Checking his map, Kirito gazes forward to a big Fir tree.

"No matter what curses she may have for me, I'll have to accept them."

Kirito runs forward through a barrier, transporting him to another area. The giant Fir tree in sight, he senses someone and moves to a defensive position. He finds Klein and his guild mates transported in his sight.

"Yo."

"You followed me?"

"Pretty much. Are you after the resurrection item?"

"Yeah."

"Don't risk your life for something that might be a sham. This survival game isn't a joke. The moment our HP reaches zero, our brains in the real world-"

"Shut up."

"Trying to solo it is crazy! Fight with us. Whoever gets the resurrection item can keep it, no hard feelings. That's fair, right?"

"If I did that… there'd be no point. I have to do it alone." said Kirito as he reaches for his blade.

Klein's guild mates ready themselves, but Klein holds out his arm to stop them.

"Listen… I can't let you die here, Kirito!"

As Kirito was about to unsheathe his sword, lights started to appear around them showing a whole horde of white armored knights surrounding them. Kleins group moves to a defensive circle near Kirito.

"It appears you were followed too, Klein."

"Looks like it."

"The Divine Dragon Alliance?"

"They'll do anything for a rare item."

"What should we do?"

"I…"

Klein unsheathes his sword, irritated in their meddling.

"God Dammit! Go, Kirito!"

"Klein."

"Go! We'll hold these guys back!

Kirito was a bit hesitant, but ultimately left. He makes it to a unique looking Fir tree, knowing that he found it. A bell chimes around the area. Next, jingles start sounding the area as well. Two parallel lines of light shoot across in the sky, above the tree. A figure is seen dropping down, right in front of the tree. The figure looks like a disfigured skinny Santa Claus. The boss name being shown "Nickolas the Renegade" along with 4 HP bars shown, making creaking noises like a puppet.

"Shut up."

The boss raises his axe attempting to attack. Kirito comes charging in with a war cry. The scene changes to Klein's group exhausted from their fight. Kirito is seen going through the barrier, in his hand is what is assumed to be the resurrection item. Klein is happy that he managed to to survive, but pauses as he looks at his face.

Kirito eyes looked dead as he walks toward Klein. He tosses the item to Klein.

"H-Hey…"

"That's the resurrection item."

Klein opened the item information to see what else is on it.

"Lemme see. The target player… within 10 seconds?"

"10 seconds! That's practically worthless! He can't revive Sachi with that!" shouted Miyu.

"This is too sad." said Karen mournfully.

"He got his hopes up in trying to save someone. I told you girls it's a waste of time for him to play hero in this game." said Elsa.

The girls of Team SHINC were silent at Elsa's comment, still trying to cope with the harsh truth.

"Do whatever you want with it."

Kirito starts walking away until Klein grabbed his coat from behind.

"Kirito… Kirito!"

He looks back at Klein and his begging face.

"You… You have to survive! Survive until the very end. Please…."

Klein cries and lets go of Kirito's coat. He falls down to his knees feeling helpless that he can't do anything to help his friend.

"See ya."

The scene switches back to the inn Kirito is staying at. He rests his head on the table until he receives a message, showing that he got a gift from Sachi.

"Sachi?"

He pressed the button and a crystal looking item appeared. He touched what looked to be a button, lighting it up.

"Merry Christmas, Kirito. By the time you hear this, I'll probably be dead. How should I put it.. You know the truth is, I never wanted to leave starting town. But If I fought with thoughts like that, I'd knew I'd definitely die someday. That in itself is nobody's fault, but mine alone. Ever since that night, you continued to assure me that I would definitely survive. So If I died, I'm sure you would try to place all the blame on yourself. That's why I decided to leave this recording behind.

And aIso, I actually know what level you are. I caught a glimpse of it before. Even though I thought long and hard about why you hid your level and joined us, I never did figure out it out. But you know, when I learned how strong you were, I was glad. I was really relieved. So… even if I die, work hard to survive, okay? Live to see the end of this world, find the meaning behind it's creation, the meaning behind the presence of a weak girl like me, and the meaning behind our meeting. That's my last wish. There's still some time left. Since it's Christmas, how about a song?

Sachi started humming a Christmas Carol song, as the recording was playing her song, Kirito started shedding tears on the tabletop.

"Bye, Kirito. Meeting you.., and being together with you.. I don't regret it at all."

The scene switched to the moment of Sachi's death, her final words that were muted out were heard. "Thank you. Farewell." The crystal stopped playing and fell back on the table. The ending started playing.

In the Concert.

Everyone in the concert were shedding tears of Kirito's pain. The men had to leave to the bathroom to make sure they weren't seen shedding "Manly tear's", while the women were bawling their eyes out. They start grabbing all the tissues they could find. Karen and Miyu were wiping as many tears out of their eyes as they can and Team SHINC were a sobbing mess. Even Elsa felt his pain and shed some for Kirito.

"Oh my god! Such a poor soul! I want to go up to him right now and give him the biggest hug I can give him." screamed Miyu as she wiped her tears endlessly .

Karen nodded weakly at her, still trying to hold herself together.

Agil's bar

All the girls in Kirito's group were shedding many tears as well to Kirito's pain. Agil closed his eyes and gave a silent prayer to Kirito's guild mates. Klein had his eyes closed and had frustrated look on his face.

"Dammit Kirito, Why didn't you tell me you were suffering like this? You could have gone to us for part is the one thing I admired and hate about you. I could have least been there for you when you needed it."

As for Kirito, he was back in his seat, eyes downcast still remembering the days of his guild mates together.

"Sachi, I made it to the end. I.. I worked hard to survive this entire time. I don't ever regret meeting you guys. Not even once."

Kirito's cellphone started ringing again. He checked to see it was Kikouga calling him.

"Alright let's see what he has to say."