Summary = The regret is still there, countless times trying to undo what's already done, all end up in failure. Sometimes, heroes do need to be saved too.
Date Posted = 2018/01/01
Last Edited = 2018/10/17
CAST
Kirigaya Shirou (IGN = Shirou) [Former Heroic Spirit EMIYA/ARCHER]
Kirigaya Kazuha (IGN = Kazuya) [Female Kirigaya Kazuto, GGO appearance]
Yuuki Asuna (IGN = Asuna)
Hayami Saori (IGN = Sachi)
Shinozaki Rika (IGN = Lisbeth)
Izawa Shiori (IGN = Argo)
Andrew Gilbert Mills (IGN = Agil)
IGN = Diavel [Still can't find a clue about his real name]
IGN = Kibaou [Still can't find a clue about his real name]
This rated T to M (So I decided to put it at M rating for safety)
If any of the characters in this fic will be OOC, I must say, please don't read this fic, because it will disappoint you
I Own Nothing!
From now on, I will be using their IGN to not confuse them.
"Speaking"
"Speaking in Thought"
["Private Message in Game"]
[System]
[*Items*]
[Weapons name / type]
[Boss / Monster]
[[Weapons Skills Name]]
[[Skills Name]]
Aincrad Arc, Chapter 3 = Angels and Devil
Year 2022, Month December, Days 2
Aincrad 1st Floor – Inside First Floor Labyrinth
Nearing the first month of the game, 2,000 already died and Floor one has yet to be cleared.
Kazuya is one of the Original Beta Tester and this takes blows to her psyche that make her think that clearing this game is impossible. But her spirits were lifted up by a single message from her Onii-chan five days ago, saying that he already out of the dungeon.
That's why she sent Argo to meet him at Horunka Village to provide him any information he needs. Sure, she can message him, but the characters limits for each message and the time she spends on leveling didn't help either.
"Not to mentioned, this is Virtual Reality, why did we still have to type for sending a message?" She grumbled, but the sound of a battle reaching her ear, she quickly went to investigate the source.
A skinny figure, somewhat slender wearing a dark red leather tunic with a lightweight copper breastplate, while the lower body was dressed in neat leather pants, with boots up to the knees. A hooded cape cloaked the body from head to below the waist, so the face could not be seen.
From the equipment, Kazuya can guess this person is a fencer.
Walking few meters close, Kazuya saw the fencer is battling a [Ruin Kobold Trooper], in the middle of swinging its hand-axe and the person fighting it was barely able to dodge.
Luck or skilled, the player managed to dodge three consecutive strikes, the [Kobold] completely lost its balance and, without missing that chance, the person used a sword skill at full strength.
It was the first skill that could be learned in the [Rapier], the single thrust attack [[Linear]]. It was a simple basic skill that consisted of thrusting straightforward by first holding the sword in front of the body and then putting in a twist from there, but the speed this person use was terrifying.
Kazuya could not see the [Rapier] itself, only the trajectory drawn by the light effect that was characteristic of sword skills. The rapier user continued to dodge the [Kobold] three strike combos, following with a counterattack using [[Linear]].
After using this attack-defend pattern three more times, the player finished off the armed monster, one of this Labyrinth's stronger monsters, without a single wound.
Once the monster dispersed into particles, the rapier user then staggered and leaned back onto the corridor wall. The person slowly slid against the wall down to a sitting position and began breathing heavily.
Kazuya decides to show herself and strode towards the sitting Rapier user, "Most impressive," Kazuya clapped her hands, slowly approaching the hooded figure, "Very reckless and a bit overkill for my taste," she put her hand on her hip.
For a few seconds, the Rapier user continued to watch Kazuya witha sharp gaze that he or she only used in the battle earlier, "Is there any problem with that?" the person asked in a soft but hardened voice.
With how the tone of this person spoke, Kazuya can safely guess that this person is a female player, combined with her body figure. "Overkill has no penalty or demerit from the system," she shrugged her shoulders in dismissed manner, "But it's bad for efficiency."
"Sword skills require concentration," Kazuya pointed up her finger, "Use your [[Sword Skill]] sparingly, or you're going to burn yourself out." She pointed out another finger, "You also need to replenish your potion stock, repairing your weapon, and rest properly," she finished counting now, then put her hands back on her hips. "It's better to not fight in exhaustion that can trigger any mistakes that might cost you your life," she explained.
"Thank you for your information. But I'm not returning." The hooded female player replied hotly. "I don't need medicine when I'm not taking damage, and I bought five of the same sword. As for resting, I use the nearby safe area," she argued back.
"How many hours you've been doing this?" Kazuya asked, puzzled with this female player stubbornness.
"Three days, four days, I don't know." The hood sways as the female player shook her head, "What of it?" She asked back and stand up. Knowing the monster will respawn by now.
"You need to rest miss fencer," Kazuya reprimanded, "And I also must tell you, even if this is a Virtual Reality, you can also-" as the female player took a step forward and suddenly fell on her face, unmoving.
"Fainted from fatigue…" Kazuya finished her sentence. She sighed at the downed female player, she also seen the monster already respawned now. Pulling out her [Anneal Blade], she sighed again, "Why am I doing this again?" She took off to kill the monster in front of them.
Aincrad 1st Floor – Outside First Floor Labyrinth
"Saving me isn't a necessity for you," The hooded female player spoke as she sitting up from her sleeping position. She looked around for her surrounding, finding out that they're already outside of the Labyrinth because the warm feeling and gentle breeze that stirred her up.
"I felt like doing it, don't overthink it." Replied Kazuya from her position, sitting against a tree nearby, "With how long you've been inside there, you must have already mapped the Labyrinth, right?"
Feeling annoyed, the female fencer opened her menu and press some buttons than a parchment showing up in her hand. She tossed it at Kazuya's feet, "Here, take that." She turned around to the direction of the Labyrinth and start going to her intended destination with a wobbly step.
Kazuya took the parchment before the durability is gone and nodded to herself. She looked at the retreating back of the female player contemplating what to do, "Hey!" she unconsciously called out to the female fencer.
The female fencer looked back at Kazuya with narrowed eyes from under the hood, Kazuya was a little taken aback with how sinister it looks. "Would you mind accompanying me to the Meeting at Tolbana?" she asked.
"What Meeting?" the female fencer turned around, to face Kazuya properly.
"This afternoon, at the closest town from here, Tolbana. The First-Floor Boss strategy conference is supposed to be held." Explained Kazuya.
"Why should I come with you?" the female fencer asked again.
"Well…" Kazuya scratch her head, "There are too many male players there that keeps staring at me," Kazuya said in an annoyed tone, which prompted the female fencer nodding sagely at this, "You don't mind, right?" Kazuya voice filled with hope.
"I could have asked Onii-chan to accompany me, but he never sent any words ever since he's out from that dungeon," Kazuya thought with annoyed looks on her face.
The female fencer stood still for few seconds, looking at the black-themed female player expression and eventually nodded, "Alright."
Kazuya snapped from her thought when she heard the female fencer positive response, and she saw that the said fencer already making her way back to Tolbana Town, then she following closely behind.
Aincrad 1st Floor – Tolbana Town
After walking together in silence, Kazuya and the female fencer arrived at the northern gate of Tolbana town.
Kazuya turned to speak with the female fencer, "The meeting is supposed to take place in the Town Amphitheater, at 4 PM in the afternoon," she informed again. "I didn't say the time because there's a chance that you will be getting back inside the Labyrinth, and won't getting back here to rest until the meeting time," Kazuya said sheepishly.
"…" The female fencer stood still for few seconds at the revelation, then she silently passed Kazuya and getting away with a stomp on her steps.
"You're welcome…" Kazuya called out while waving her hand awkwardly.
"What a strange girl." Kazuya suddenly hearing a murmured voice behind her, she never turned her gaze away from the back of the Rapier user because she already knew who that voice belongs to.
"I thought she would soon die, but she did not," Stated Kazuya. "She is a beginner, but her skill is fearsome. Do you know who she is Argo?" Kazuya asked the information broker.
Argo raised her five fingers, "500 Cor for the info and 1,000 Cor for the effort acquiring the said info," She smirked.
Kazuya eyebrow twitched in irritation, "Anyway, why are you here?" she asked. Because Argo never approached someone unless you have something that she needs.
"Well, the anonymous client is raising the price to 29,800 Cor for your [Anneal Blade]" Informed Argo.
"Denied," Kazuya replied bluntly.
"I know you'd say that," Argo shrugged her shoulders. Then she gave Kazuya a sly smirk, "And also your… Beloved Onii-chan is making a request at me."
"What kind?" Kazuya now curious, because she just heard about this now.
"He's looking for a girl," Argo started, making Kazuya face twitched, "Around his age," her body now start trembling in anger. Argo stopped there, trying to hold her laughter.
"And?!" Kazuya demanded.
"That rest of the info will cost you 50,000 Cor," Argo ducked from the overhead slash. She now didn't hold her laughter back. "Don't bother asked him Kazu-chan, it looks like he's at some kind of mission or something," Argo wagging her finger at scowling Kazuya, "Well, got to start searching, see ya Kazu-chan!" Argo then dashed away from an angry Imouto.
"Wait!" Kazuya called out, but Argo is already long gone. "Damn Rat," she muttered.
The female fencer is angry because she was easily being tricked like that. With the amount of time left before the Meeting, she could do some more leveling before attending the Meeting. Her angered thought was stopped when someone is calling out to her.
"Hey! You girl! The one wearing a hood and carrying [Rapier]!" She could hear that the voice now is different from the black-themed female back at the gate.
"Yes? What do you want?" The female fencer turned around and asked. She could see another hooded player just like her, albeit with faded green colored.
"My name is Argo," The green hooded player introduce herself. The female fencer didn't give her name back, "Do you know Shouzou is?" The green hooded player named Argo asked.
The female fencer widened her eyes in shocked because she knew what the green hooded asked about, "That's-" but she was cut off.
"Bingo," Thought Argo, "That's all I need to know, See ya girl!" Then she dashed away from the female fencer. "Wait!" Argo ignored the female fencer and start typing a message to Shirou.
["I found your girl. She's at Tolbana. A Rapier user. Last seen with Kazu-chan. Wearing a Hood. Don't forget your payment."]
Not long enough there is a reply back from Shirou.
["I'm on my way there"]
After repairing her equipment and replenished her Pots Kazuya wandering around the town without nothing to do, except wait for the Meeting to begin. Feeling a little hungry, she decides to get something to eat. A cheap [*Bread*] from NPC store for 1 Cor.
As she looking for a quiet place to eat, something caught her eyes. The earlier female fencer is sitting alone in the secluded place and also eating the same [*Bread*] she just bought.
Approaching the fencer, Kazuya wanted to apologize from tricking her earlier. But the fencer seems didn't bat an eye when Kazuya's already in front of her. "Hey," Kazuya awkwardly greet the fencer.
The fencer looked up from her meal but not saying anything, making Kazuya sweating a little bit, she then slowly sitting beside the fencer. The fencer silently keeps gazing at Kazuya, making her sweating even more, maybe still angry about earlier.
"That looks rather bland to eat." Is the first sentence that Kazuya blurted, the fencer gaze is getting fiercer now, "H-h-here, try this on your bread," Kazuya offered a Jar to the female fencer.
The female fencer warily looking at the Jar. Slowly, she dips her finger inside it then smear it on her bread and took a bite. She widened her eyes at the familiar taste, "Cream? Where did you get such thing?" the fencer asked in bewilderment.
"This quest reward from [Cows of the Counterattack] from one village back," explain Kazuya, following what the fencer did, "I can help you if you wanted to get the recipe," she offered.
"I did not come this far to this town just to eat delicious things." The fencer said in cold tone, making Kazuya flinched.
"T-then, for what purpose?" Kazuya asked lowly enough for the fencer to hear it.
"I want to prove that I exist," The fencer stated.
"Instead of locking myself in a room of a town-inn as I did at the beginning and slowly rotting away, I want to be myself up to the last moment." The fencer continued on, but Kazuya keeps silent at this.
"Even if I lose to a monster and die, I don't want to lose to this game…" the fencer shook her head, "To this world. No matter what."
"I'm sorry," Kazuya muttered.
"What are you sorry for?" The fencer asked curiously.
"In a sense, we're almost similar," Kazuya looked up at the fake sky above her.
"Huh?" the fencer tilted her head in confusion.
"At the opening tutorial I was devastated and ready to do the same things as you mentioned before," Kazuya looked down at her hands. Now it's the fencer turns to keep silent.
"But when Kayaba mentioned about the last player he sent to the Hidden Dungeon, I was ready to take my own life," Kazuya tone become more defeated now. "The last player, he's my Onii-chan" her shoulder start shaking now, remembering that event.
The female fencer gasped, "Is he?" she asked carefully.
"He's alive," Kazuya wipe the tears that threaten to fall. "A player reminds me about the friend list system. It makes you know their status if they live or die and also gives you their position on the maps, except when they're inside the dungeon," Explained Kazuya.
The fencer sigh in relieved at this, "Is… Is he still inside there?" she hesitantly asked.
Kazuya shook her head, "Five days ago, he sent me a message that he's already out from that dungeon, now he's on his way here."
The silence overtook again between them because they didn't have anything to say. Both of them suddenly looked at each other simultaneously, like a reflection on the mirror and said their own name at the same time.
"I am Asuna / Kazuya." They said simultaneously.
Surprised at each other intention, both girls start giggling at how silly they were right now. The female fencer, Asuna standing up and lowering her hood revealing orange-brownish chestnut hair and hazel eyes. Then hold out her hand at Kazuya, "Let's go, you're the one who invites me to the meeting."
For Kazuya, there is euphoria in her heart. Because this is her first time feeling a genuine friendship inside this Death Game. Not out of needs or necessity to survive, just genuine friendship.
Kazuya smiled at Asuna then took her hand.
Aincrad 1st Floor – Tolbana Town Amphitheater
Because the male-to-female ratio was extremely skewed, Asuna decides to wear her hood again, making other players there thinking that the one sitting beside Kazuya is a male player and Kazuya herself becoming the center of many male players attention.
"I should've worn a hood too," Kazuya muttered irritably, making Asuna giggled.
"There, there," Asuna pats Kazuya shoulder while still giggling.
*Clap* *Clap*
The sound came from a man with a bronze armor set on his chest, shoulders, arms, and shins, with a large longsword on his left waist and a kite shield on his back. He had blue hair with long bangs and blue eyes. His clothes under the armor were also blue.
"Thank you, everyone, for coming here today! For those who don't know me yet, let me introduce myself!" He put a hand on his heart, "My name is Diavel, and I like to consider myself as a Knight!"
With that, the players gathered at the amphitheater burst out with whistles, laughter, and applause, mixed with various other cries flew through the air.
"Today, our party found the stairs leading to the top-most floor of that tower." Said Diavel, making the crowds silent, "In other words, the First Floor's [Boss] Room!" He declared.
Kazuya looked behind at one of the stone pillars on her left side, where Argo was leaning against it, but she knew that Argo would not be participating in the Boss-Raid operation.
"Almost one month we've been trapped here," Diavel continued, "Right now, we have to set an example," He looked at every player that gathering here
"We have to beat the boss, reach the second floor, and show everyone still waiting at the Starting City that it is definitely possible to clear this death game." He clenched his fist and raised it up to his chest, "That is the duty for us, top players in here right now!"
The players gathered at the amphitheater look doubtful at first, because they may be dead if they do this raid. But Diavel still keeps his expression straight, full with confidence.
Kazuya also worried about this, but Asuna starts clapping her hands. With that, the players burst out with whistles, applause, and cries of confidence through the air.
Diavel smiled at this, "Let's split up into parties and decide their roles," he briefed them, "We need multiple parties for this raid."
With that, many players start huddled in groups and sending an invitation to each other.
Asuna smiled at Kazuya troubled looks then nodded. Kazuya opened her menu and send an invitation to Asuna, which she accepts, "Thanks." Kazuya muttered.
Diavel saw everyone already have a party, trying to continue his speech but someone cut him.
"Wait a minute"
The sound came from a man at the upper side of the amphitheater. The man then jumped on each step toward the center, so everyone here could see him.
He is a short yet solidly built man with sienna, cactus-styled hair. He also has a small sienna goatee and brown eyes and wears a scale mail armor with a large one-handed sword on his back.
"My name is Kibaou," The man introduce himself.
"There is one thing that I have to say, before we take on the boss," Kibaou looked at Diavel.
"Go on," Diavel ushered him.
Kibaou turned back to the audience, "Some of the people here need to apologize for the death of 2,000 people!"
"Kibaou-san. Are you referring to the Beta Testers, right?" Asked Diavel.
"Obviously," Kibaou spat.
"There should be some of them in this group, hiding their beta status and thinking of joining the Boss Fight," Kibaou pointed his finger to the audience.
"I say we should make them kneel down and spit out all of the gold and items they stockpiled for the sake of this operation, and that they cannot be entrusted with the lives of our party members!" Kibaou folded his arms smugly.
"Isn't that bullying?" Asked Kazuya in a whisper.
"More like extorting," Asuna answered dryly.
"May I speak?"
A rich and forceful baritone resounded through the amphitheater. Kazuya and Asuna saw a tall man moving forward the center of the amphitheater.
"My name is Agil." The massive and bulky bald man with a brown goatee and brown eyes around 180 cm height. He also has two silver earrings on his left ear and a [Two-handed Battle Axe] on his back.
"Correct me, Kibaou-san." Agil slowly walk towards Kibaou, "You're saying that many beginners died because original beta testers did not take care of them and that they should accept that responsibility, apologize and provide compensations, is that correct?" He asked and stood in front of Kibaou with his imposing tall figure, in a very intimidating way.
"Th…That's right." Kibaou, momentarily overwhelmed, took a step back.
"You've got this [*Guide Book*] didn't you?" Agil fished out a small brown book from his pocket, "It was provided free at the item store," he informed, making players, especially Kazuya shocked at this.
"This guide, whenever I reach a new village or town, is always found in the item shop. You must have noticed that too." Stated Agil.
"S-sure I did," Replied Kibaou who took another step back.
"It was compiled information made by the Beta Testers," Agil revealed and looked at the audience. "Listen, everyone has equal access for this information. And even still, many players died."
The players went abuzz all at once. Kibaou closed his mouth sharply. Agil turned his gaze over the assembled group and spoke in far carrying baritone. "I thought we are here to discuss what could we learned from their death to clear this floor, not to hunt down who is responsible for those casualties."
"That Rat" Kazuya now furiously whispered. "That business demon who would sell even her own status information if it could make her money, had freely distributed information?" Kazuya shifted her gaze, but the stone pillar Argo had been quietly sitting on a few minutes earlier was empty. Asuna took a little bit distance at how Kazuya behaving now.
"Well said Agil-san," a male voice cut in.
Kazuya heart leaped this time because she always recognizes it anywhere, anytime. She looked toward the source and saw her brother there. But her expression turns dark when she also saw two girls are standing too close to his side for her likings.
Asuna also blushed a little at how tall and handsome for her taste the white-haired figure is. She shook her head and tried to remembering something about seeing him before. Asuna look at the white-haired male in wonder about there's something missing from him.
"His weapon?!" Asuna turned to see many players, including her, Kazuya, and the white-haired females companion are having their weapon near them. But this one looked unarmed.
"It seems like we're a not too late," The black-haired female who's holding a spear and wearing blue tunic spoke in relieved.
Both white-haired male and the black-haired spear now looking at the last player behind them, who is a pink-haired female player wearing a red tunic.
"Don't look at me! Those damn cows always chasing me because of the color of my outfit!" The pink-haired player shouts, denying that looks like she's the one who's making her group almost late for the Meeting.
She receives deadpan stares from her companions, "What?! Do you prefer me to walk around on my underwear?!" She asked indignantly, which made many male players the blushed because of the image of it.
"Well…" The male trailed off with a smirk.
"I hate you." The pink-haired muttered.
"Stop teasing Lisbeth, Shirou." The black-haired female chided the white-haired male player, unconsciously giving away two of her group member names.
"You shouldn't give away our name like that." The white-haired male, known Shirou reprimanded, that making the black-haired female embarrassed.
"Shirou? Is that because of his hair?" Thought Asuna, "I've heard that name before," She kept her gaze at the white-haired male, "But, when?"
Shirou then getting close to both of his companion and whispering something to them, and they looked shocked but reluctantly nodded in return, then moved out from the center of the amphitheater.
At the upper amphitheater, Kazuya grinding her teeth which stopping Asuna from her thought and slide a bit away from her sitting position.
"So, Kibaou" Shirou addressed the man with cactus-style hair, "You said that the Beta Tester is responsible to those who already dead?" He asked and shifted his gaze to the place where his companion is heading. "Then the saying of An Eye for An Eye is what are you meaning to say here?" Shirou returned his gaze back at Kibaou. "You wanted some justice for those who already dead?" He asked.
"Yes, that's right!" Kibaou yelled.
Shirou nodded at this and opened his menu and suddenly a [Duel Window] popped out that everyone could see. With the duel requirements are [Total Loss Mode] making everyone is in shock by this act.
Kazuya almost jumped from her seat but there are two pairs of hands is holding her back. Kazuya growled at her brother companion which she didn't realize that they're already behind her. "Let. Go." Kazuya growls even louder.
Asuna is also readying her hand over her weapon in case something wrong happened to Kazuya.
"Please trust him on this," Her brother black-haired female companion smiled. The pink-haired named Lisbeth also nodded grimly.
"Then, accept it." Shirou smiled at Kibaou, "Go on," He goaded the cactus hair player. "I am also a Beta Tester," he taunted that making the crowd gasped at the declaration.
"You want Justice, right?" Shirou asked with spreading his arms wide, "Look, I'm unarmed." He shows that he's not holding anything.
"It is simple, press the accept button then kill me and all my [*Items*] and Cor will be yours, then you can share it with everyone." Shirou looked the gathered players, "They also want this, right?" He closed his eyes in acceptance and smiled.
Kibaou took a step back, didn't know what to do. The crowds can't grasp about what is the meaning the white-haired player action here. After a few seconds pass, Shirou opening his eyes, unleashing his killing intent at Kibaou that make player there like feeling a [Paralysis] ailment.
"DO IT!" Shirou shouted at Kibaou, making everyone there jumped in scared at how loud it is, then Kibaou fell on his ass.
Agil is the first one who shook himself out of his shocked state, now moved toward Shirou and holding the white-haired player shoulder, "Shirou-san, that's enough."
Shirou looked at Agil and reigned his killing intend, then sighed. "Justice for those who already died?" He asked while stalking towards fallen Kibaou, "What a joke." He snorts, earned another shocked gasp from the crowds.
Shirou pulls Kibaou shirt and heaved the falling man with ease. The crowd looked in awe how strong his arm is. "Only the living who demand justice," He looked Kibaou straight in the eyes, "That means you and your powerlessness," Kibaou widened his eyes this time.
"I know what kind of person you are," Shirou whispered for only those at the center of amphitheater could hear it. "You are the kind who like to bath in famed and glory, even go so far making other suffers."
Shirou let go of Kibaou who silently scampered to the seats at the front with Agil following behind. Shirou then gestured Diavel to continue the briefing.
"In this last edition of the [*Guide Book*]" Diavel also pulled out his own, "According to it, the boss name is [Illfang the Kobold Lord]" He opens the book and read at a particular page.
"He is guarded by [Ruin Kobold Sentinels]. Its weapon of choice is Axe and Buckler." Diavel flipped another page, "He has 4 Health Bar, and once the last bar reached Red, it's going to switch with a [Talwar]. The attack pattern will change as well" Diavel then closed the book.
"To those who received any items from this raid should keep it to themselves and the EXP will go to any parties who kill it," Diavel stated the rules for this Raid to the gathered players. "Any objections?" He asked again to make sure.
Shirou took steps forward and addressed the audience, "Some people may be, will not return alive in this Raid." The audience broke in murmured of worried, "People will die. Like it or not, that is the law of nature." He smiled bitterly, remembering how this sentence is always haunting him in his past.
"But it's up to us to decide for who, what, why, and where will we die." Shirou looked directly to each players eye that gathered here.
"For the sake of those who already died, they shall not die a meaningless death!" He pulled out his own [*Guide Book*] and raised it up to the sky, "They entrusted us," patting his chest and spread his arms, "Who is still living until now, their hopes and dreams of being free from this death game!" He shouted at the silent crowds.
"Let Us Not Disabuse Them of That Notion," Shirou spoke with determination.
The silent crowds now go wild and standing on their feet with applause, cheering and how true those words are. Making them more vigor for clearing this death game.
Shirou nodded to Agil and Diavel who nodded with a smile, then Diavel spoke to the crowds. "We're leaving tomorrow morning at ten. Dismissed!"
Aincrad 1st Floor – Tolbana Town Fountain
After the Meeting is done, Shirou goes ahead and now waiting at the fountain for Kazuya to come. Shirou looked at the odd group of four female players come to him. He knew three of them, but for the last one, he squinted his eyes on her.
"Wearing a hood,"He looks at her weapon of choice, "A Rapier user," then he looked at his sister, "Last seen with Kazuya." He smirked that Argo intel was spot on.
"Onii-chan…" Kazuya voice stopping Shirou from his thought.
"Hey," Shirou smiled at Kazuya and spreading his arms open then Kazuya launched herself at him.
The other three girls smiled at how heartwarming the scene before them, but they looks have something else in their minds.
"So, what now Shirou?" Asked Lisbeth.
"Well, we can go to our separate ways here," Shirou suggested with Kazuya still embracing him.
Kazuya looked up from her embrace with blank eyes at Shirou, "Onii-chan, who is this girl that you're looking for?"
"Argo…" Shirou eyes twitched.
"But that begs another question as for why are there," Kazuya glared at Sachi and Lisbeth. "Not one, but two girls following you here?!"
"Uhh, I can explain? But, not here…?" Shirou asked lamely. The fact that Kazuya almost hostile to any females that close to him is the only reason he never told her about this.
She even becomes more hostile towards Suguha in this past few years. Shirou didn't know how, but Kazuya somehow always know if he's been interacting with any females. That's why he never interacted too much with any female in his working place or school.
Kazuya relented and slowly released her embrace from Shirou, "Fine, let's talk at the farmhouse that I've rented them."
"You'll love it Onii-chan" Kazuya beamed, "I rented the entire farmhouse at the cost of 200 Cor a night." Shirou raised his eyebrows at why Kazuya needed to rent the entire farmhouse.
"It has four rooms that come with the bonus of getting all the milk you can drink," Kazuya puffed her chest that makes Shirou chuckled at this, he knew that Kazuya always drinks her milk, for any reason she has.
"The bedroom has a scenic view," Kazuya continued, "And on top of that, there is also have a large outdoor bathroom-"
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!" The three other girls suddenly interrupted Kazuya that making her jumped back at how their blank their expressions now. Even Asuna eyes are glowing ominously under her hood.
"A-All the milk you can drink…?" Kazuya stuttered.
"After that." Lisbeth take a step closer to Kazuya
"I-It has a bedroom with a nice view…?" Kazuya took a step back.
"After that." Asuna now joining Lisbeth, closing into Kazuya.
"T-There's a large bathroom…?" Kazuya back now hitting the edge of the fountain.
"How Large?" Sachi now showed up beside Kazuya
"Y-you c-can even swimming in there?" Kazuya replied desperately at how close they are, and she almost falls into the fountain behind her.
"We're coming with you!" the three female players declared hotly.
"Eh?" Kazuya confusedly replied.
Aincrad 1st Floor – Rented Farmhouse near Tolbana Town
Asuna, Lisbeth, and Sachi smile widely at how large the outdoor bathroom just like Kazuya described. Kazuya quickly unequipped all her outfit that Asuna and Lisbeth followed suit.
Sachi looked a bit embarrassed and looked around, that Kazuya notice her insecurity, "Don't worry, the [Moral Code] will prevent anyone to peek or doing anything inappropriate to other players," Explained Kazuya with irritation on her voice, as she realized that she's the only one here that doesn't have more developed figure like the other three.
"B-but s-still," Sachi stuttered.
Kazuya pressed some buttons and there's a light from out of nowhere covering her body, "See?" She turns around to show that her body still covered in light, "You can't see anything right?"
Kazuya pressed another button and they could see her naked body, "If you remove the [Moral Code] you can see them now, right?" The girls nodded but frowned in envy at how smooth and flawless Kazuya skin is.
"You can also have sex with someone here when the [Moral Code] is removed," Informed Kazuya while she pouring some water all over her body and start scrubbing her body with soap on her hand.
The girls now blushing at Kazuya blunt explanation.
"I don't know if Kayaba is a pervert or genius," Asuna commented. "Enough about that," She also pours some water. "Where is your brother off to?" she asked while applying shampoo on her hair.
"Beats me," Lisbeth shrugged, she took a soap bar and started washing her body. "He always wandering off at this time."
Sachi shyly wrapped a towel on her body, "He sometimes sleep outside the place we've rented, during our journey here."
"C'mon Sachi, we're all girls here," Lisbeth deadpanned and pulled away Sachi's towel, earning a yelp.
"About that," Kazuya washed her hair with running water, "Who is this girl Onii-chan is looking for?" She asked annoyingly.
"Well," Sachi began, forgetting her towel, now shyly sitting beside Kazuya, "Since you're his sister, we can tell you."
"He's looking for his Boss daughter," Lisbeth pouring water on Sachi's head. "You know that our bodies now in the hospital, right?" Lisbeth now applying shampoo on Sachi hair.
"Since the government will only pay the hospital bill for SAO victims," She pours more water to rinse Sachi's hair. "Since he deliberately comes here, the government won't pay any of his bills, since he's not a victim."
Sachi shook some water on her hair and doing the same to Lisbeth. "His Boss is offering him a deal, to safeguard his boss trapped daughter in exchange for his hospital bill."
"Onii-chan…" Kazuya sadly murmured.
Asuna looked at depressed Kazuya, trying to change the topic. "A-a-anyway, I have question Kazu-chan." Kazuya turned to Asuna, "I notice that you and your brother-"
"He's adopted," Kazuya cut her question.
The girls now have done cleaning their bodies and go toward a large pool, with the steam coming out from it, indicates that it was a hot spring. The girls wasted no time and jumped right in, they moan in bliss as their tense muscles now relaxed inside the hot water.
"How did it happen?" Asuna trying to continue Kazuya explanation
"Well, in 2014 me and Sugu-" Kazuya were cut off again by Sachi.
"Who?" Sachi asked timidly because Kazuya now wearing annoyed expression at how she's always being cut off.
"Please don't cut me off before I'm finished talking!" Kazuya huffed, everyone there just sheepishly laughed.
"She's…" Kazuya trailed, "My Imouto." Her voice full of sadness now, because she didn't part with her family in good terms. "Which reminds me, her appearance is almost like Sachi." Kazuya looks at Sachi in irritation which making the said girl tilted her head in confusion.
"We almost got into a traffic accident at 2014. But Onii-chan saved us in the last second by pushing us away from danger," the girls gasped at this.
"He's being hospitalized for almost a month. Without any family to claim him, grandpa decides to bring him into our family." The girls now having a shocked expression on their face.
"Grandpa is ex-policeman, even with his connection, he can't find anything about Onii-chan original family," added Kazuya.
"Umm, Kazuya," called Sachi, "Do you know how Shirou is so strong?" She asked.
"What do you mean by that?" Asked Kazuya in confusion.
Lisbeth and Sachi looked at each other, then returned to Kazuya, "We never seen him even once using any [[Sword Skill]] on any monsters during our journey," Informed Sachi which Lisbeth nodded her head.
Kazuya and Asuna looked shocked at the revelation and both of them shouted in disbelieve. "HE WHAT?!"
The scene behind the door that Shirou seating now could be described as a paradise to any red-blooded males alive. But Shirou knows, that is also a One-Way painful ticket to hell.
"So that's why Lisbeth and Sachi being all cranky during our way here," Shirou thought as opened his menu and frowned his eyes at a particular section there. Suddenly, the door opens making him hastily closed his menu.
"Oh, you girls have done?" Asked Shirou, as he noticed how the girls now seem livelier after taking a bath.
"Onii-chan, you're already back" Kazuya lunged at him.
"Are you still looking for the girl?" Sachi asked this time.
"No need for that," Shirou stood up from his chair, now looking at the orange-brownish chestnut hair with hazel eyes, that now could be seen without her hood, then bow. "I'm glad that you're alive, and in fine condition miss Yuuki Asuna."
"How did-" Asuna stopped and remembering about Kazuya's brother circumstances, "Father is the one you're making deal with," she said in shock.
"It seems that Lisbeth and Sachi already explained my predicament," he chuckled, "It's more like we have our mutual interest in align."
Shirou expression now became more serious, "I don't know if I can prevent any of you to not going for the Boss Raid," he stated. "So, I have prepared something for you girls," he opened his menu and a present window popped out at Asuna, Lisbeth, and Sachi.
Lisbeth opened her present, then equipped [Sledgehammer+3] and [Kite Shield+2]
Sachi opened her present, then equipped [Half Pike+3] type spear
Asuna opened her present, then equipped her [Wind Fleuret+4] rapier
"Wait, where's mine Onii-chan?!" Kazuya outburst in disbelieved.
"You already have [Anneal Blade], that is the strongest [One-Handed Sword] on this floor until the third floor," Shirou deadpanned at her, "They need is the most, since their weapon is still the basic one," reasoned Shirou, making Kazuya puffed her cheek in anger.
"Shirou, don't tell me, you went out earlier, to get us there?" whispered Sachi, still in awe of her new weapon.
"You even go so far to [Enchanted] it," said Asuna still in awe then doing some test-swing for her new rapier.
"Yes," he nodded, "It will be rude for me to hold you girls back," Reasoned Shirou.
Lisbeth test-swing her hammer then looked at Shirou, "I thought you would be like, you're a girl, so you should stay back" she quotes while doing some weird pose.
"I'm not a sexist," Shirou deadpanned.
"Aren't you?" taunt Lisbeth.
"I'm not going to answer that," Shirou still deadpanned at Lisbeth.
Kazuya who still angry, decide to ask what's bothering her earlier in the bath, "Onii-chan, is it true that you never use any [[Sword Skill]]?"
"I am," answered Shirou.
"Why? You can't deal significant damage if you didn't use any [[Sword Skill]] on the monster," Kazuya still pressed on the matter.
Shirou looked at Lisbeth and Sachi, which they nodded in return, "It's already late, why don't we show you tomorrow at the Boss Raid?" He stated with a smirk.
Year 2022, Month December, Days 3
Aincrad 1st Floor – First Floor Labyrinth
At exact 10:00 AM, Aincrad Standard Time. Every member of the first floor Raid Group set out to the Labyrinth from Tolbana Town. It took them one hour to the Labyrinth.
Along the way, Kazuya keeps tutoring to Asuna how to fight in the party by explaining how the [Switch] and [Pot] system works, while Shirou reminds Lisbeth and Sachi of everything that they learned until now.
"All programs always ran on their own Algorithm," Said Shirou. His party, consisting of him, Kazuya, Asuna, Lisbeth, and Sachi, walk a little further than the rest of the Raid Group.
"The monsters recognize any [[Sword Skill]] and their own Algorithm are also trying to counter the [[Sword Skill]]" Explained Shirou, the girls realized the emphasized of his words.
"That's why there's 50-50 chance that a [[Sword Skill]] will connect or not," continued Shirou. "I'm not saying that you girls should mimic me, for not using any [[Sword Skill]], but try to disrupt their Algorithm," He finished.
"Then what do you suggest, Shirou?" asked Asuna.
"Simple," Shirou smiled at Asuna, "Knowing your weapon also another key to victory," he smirked at Kazuya, "By returning to the basic, training in real combat situations."
Kazuya groaned this time, remembering that she never trained a bit after leaving Kendo, that earned heartful laughs from Shirou.
Another half an hour later of walking and fending monsters, the Raid Group reach the boss room.
"Listen up everyone," Diavel stabbed his sword on the ground, "I only have one thing to say," earning the crowd attention, "Let's win this!"
"Girls, a piece of advice," Shirou spoke lowly, "A plan will never survive at the first contact," he said grimly, the girls just slowly nodded in response.
"Let's go!" Diavel slowly opened the door.
The room was dark, but everyone can see the outline of the room, but Shirou can see a big silhouette at the far side.
After Diavel took few steps ahead, the room suddenly being illuminated and the big silhouette shows itself by jumping forward from what could be described a throne, with a large bone axe and a leather shield on its arms.
It is over two meters tall, muscular, covered in blue-grey fur, it has bloodthirsty, copper-red eyes. The name [Illfang the Kobold Lord] showing on the upper side of its four HP bars.
Behind its waist, Shirou tries to identify the weapon it's carrying, but he's been distracted by Diavel's command, and three [Ruin Kobold Sentinels] starts spawning.
"Charge!"
The plan is, groups A and B the Tank will lead and charge forward, engaging [Illfang] first in the front, while groups C and D concentrate on the dealing the damage to the boss.
The support groups F and G would primarily use the Delay skill to interrupt either the boss's or guards' attacks and relieve pressure whenever possible. While the groups E and H focusing their attention on the sentinels.
In general, the parties planned to rely on the [Switch] and [Pot] strategy.
Shirou, Kazuya, Asuna, Lisbeth, and Sachi are on group H. Thus, leaving them to deal with Ruin Kobold Sentinels with Kibaou party on group E.
"Let me see how Kazuya and Asuna handle it first," Shirou ordered, halting Lisbeth and Sachi from their tracks.
Kazuya rolled her eyes at Shirou and dashed at the nearest sentinels, knocking away the sentinel using her sword then [Switch] with Asuna who use [[Linear]] on the sentinel exposed neck, thus killing it.
"Is Asuna really a beginner?" Asked Lisbeth in awe.
"She's good, I'd give her that," Shirou nodded.
"I can't follow her blade movement," commented Sachi.
"I do," thought Shirou, as his eyes are used seeing anything that could move faster than the speed of sound.
When [Illfang] first HP gauge is depleted, Diavel gave another order, "D, switch with us!".
Group D rotates with group C and engages [Illfang] for the second HP gauge, another three Ruin Kobold Sentinel spawning.
"Kazuya, Asuna, fall back." Ordered Shirou, and he looks towards Lisbeth and Sachi, "Show me what you've learned." Both girls nodded at him.
"Who's first?" Asked Lisbeth.
"Allow me," Sachi dashed forward and Lisbeth just shrugged.
"Be faster, like a Beast" Sachi chanted her mantra, as she neared the sentinel on her effective range and start thrusting her [Half Pike] in blinding speed.
Kazuya and Asuna gasped at how similar it was with [[Linear]], but it is a spear type weapon that utilized it, not a rapier. They also couldn't see any flashing light from Sachi's weapon that indicating that she's using any [[Skill]].
The sentinel regains its bearing and swung its poleaxe at Sachi, but she's using Full Iron Gate to block the attack and spin herself using her [Half Pike] like a pole to kick the sentinel on its chest.
Wasting no time, Sachi thrust her [Half Pike] precisely at the hole of the sentinel head protector, and killing it.
Another Ruin Kobold Sentinel spawned, indicating that [Illfang] second HP gauge is depleted.
Group F and G changes move in to help the A to D group engage the [Illfang]. Making group E and H engaging more of the sentinels.
Shirou notices this and giving the girls new order, "Go all out." Shirou sidestepped an attack while opened his menu to equip his [Anneal Blade] to join the fray.
"Woohooo!" Lisbeth jumped and land in front of sentinels.
"Use the shield as a feint to break their defense," Lisbeth chanted on her mind for what Shirou's been teaching her. She rammed her [Kite Shield] to the sentinel chest, making it staggered back.
"The use of Mace or Warhammer combined with Shield in the fight, is to [Stun] them with the force of blunt trauma," Lisbeth swung her [Sledgehammer] to the sentinel kneecap, making its [Stun] and fall on its back.
"Then finished them with a strike to the head or the chest," Lisbeth bring her [Sledgehammer] down to its chest. She decides to aim for the chest because there's a chance her strike would be missed.
The sentinel chestplate caved in with defining the sound of cracks, of bones…
Everyone there, including the monsters, stopped momentarily gaping at Lisbeth. Getting the attention, Lisbeth just sheepishly scratched her head, "Oops…"
Groups F and G not wasting the chance at the event, then start striking and deplete [Illfang] third HP gauge.
Group C led by Diavel charge [Illfang] even though not fully recovered. They arrange themselves in an encircling formation and bring down the fourth gauge to the red.
"ROAAAAARRRR!" [Illfang] threw away all the weapons on its hand to switch with the last weapon on its back.
"Looks like the info was right," stated Kibaou
"Stand Back," Diavel interrupted, "I'll go," and dashed toward the [Illfang].
"What the hell is he…" Shirou muttered. He saw that Diavel giving him a side glance with a smile on his face. But he kept watching Diavel prepared to use his [[Sword Skill]]
The [Illfang] pulled out the weapon in its back, making Kazuya widened her eyes in shock, "That's not a [Talwar]! It's a [Nōdachi]!" She whispered loudly.
"No!" Kazuya yelled, "Jump back as far as you can!" she warned Diavel who ignored everything around him now.
Shirou looked at Kazuya, then suddenly turned his head to the groups, that Kibaou now looking at Kazuya with an intrigued expression.
"God Damnit!" Shirou cursed at Kazuya carelessness.
[Illfang] unexpectedly uses an omnidirectional katana skill, that exclusively targets Diavel and Strikes him with a 4-hit combo.
"Diavel!"
[Illfang] then dropped in the middle of the groups making them unable to help their fallen commander.
Kazuya run to the fallen Diavel with her group not far behind her, she pulls out [*Healing Potion*], but Diavel hand stopped her.
"You're also a Beta Tester, aren't you?" Diavel rasped to Kazuya, "You know what I'm going to do," his voice started quivering.
Kazuya slowly nodded while tears slowly forming in her eyes. While Shirou behind her crouch down at Diavel fallen form.
"Please… Defeat the Boss… For everyone…" Diavel begs to Kazuya and Shirou.
"Do you have any regrets or last words?" Shirou asked, knowing that Diavel did not want to be saved, making his hearts ache.
"Tell my family… I'm not going to face away anymore," Diavel turned to Kazuya, "As for regrets," he chuckled, "I guessed die on the laps of a beautiful maiden is not so bad after all." He smiled, then burst into million particles.
Kazuya now starts sobbing, with Asuna on her side, comforting her.
Shirou finally stands up with his hair shadowing his eyes, then feeling Lisbeth and Sachi standing on his sides. "Girls, whatever happens, do not [Switch] with me," his party members gasped at him, but he ignored them, "I will gain its attention and while you all attacks from any different angle."
Shirou dashed with Lisbeth and Sachi not far behind him. He gestured both of them to not getting closed to him, as he saw the [Illfang] using Sword Skill on him.
Shirou suddenly stopped when he's just a few meters before the [Illfang], "Lesson time."
The [Illfang] unleash the Sword skill on him but he didn't budge, "When fighting someone stronger than you," the players now shouting at him to get away.
"Never blocked or parry their attack," Raising his [Anneal Blade] as the Skill connected, Shirou use his flat side, and redirected the [Nōdachi], making it passed harmlessly to his side, "Redirect it."
His expression shocked every player, for not showing fear in the imminent death.
"Never attack first, use the counter-attack," Wasting no chance because the [Illfang] overreached attack, Shirou ducked underneath the overextended arm and slice the [Illfang] on the neck.
Lisbeth followed Shirou's lead and smashed the [Illfang] exposed toes. Sachi ran at the [Illfang] and jumped, throwing her [Half Pike] and nailed it in one of its eyes.
From his peripheral vision, Shirou can see that Kazuya already out from her sadness to join the fray with Asuna on her side. Looking back, Shirou barked at the rest of the players, "Don't just stand there! We still have the battle to win!"
Agil, who leads the group B smiled. "You heard the man! Let's do this!" he barked at the members of groups A and D following him, while groups E and G engage the Sentinels.
The battle raging on, as the sentinels didn't spawn anymore the rest of the group joining in the full assault and surrounding the [Illfang].
As the final HP gauge drops below 10% in the red. [Illfang] decide to choose the most vulnerable target.
Sachi, whom her weapon still stuck at [Illfang] eye, widened her eyes in shock when the boss raised it's [Nōdachi] at her. But she closed her eyes and felt a hand shoved her aside, Sachi saw Shirou from her falling position taking the strike that was meant for her.
"Shirou!" screamed Sachi in horror.
"Kazuya, Asuna, finish it!" Shirou shouts, ignoring Sachi cries.
Kazuya who about to help Shirou stopped by Asuna's hand on her shoulder.
"Let's do it, one more time," said Asuna.
Kazuya who's conflicted nodded her head, and run towards [Illfang] with Asuna in tow. Both of them using the same tactics they use on the sentinels, with Kazuya's parrying the attack while Asuna deals the damage.
Kazuya then uses [[Vertical Arc]] to deals the finishing blow to [Illfang]. The boss then dissolve into particles, making the raid groups silent.
[Congratulations!]
The group cheers when the sign came out.
Shirou who still on the ground clutching his chest in pain, he looked down and shocked at what he saw, "Blood…? How…?" how can he bleed in here? He saw Diavel, or any players got hit and no blood could be seen.
Shirou looked over at the crowds that now cheering at Kazuya who seems a little uneasy at the attention. She noticed that he was looking at him and giving a peace sign.
Quickly opening his menu, he equipped a coat that he bought at NPC store to hid his injuries.
"Are you okay Shirou?" Asked Lisbeth with Sachi beside her, that just retrieved her spear.
"I'm fine," Shirou replied, trying to hide his grimace as he stands up to approach the crowd.
"Why?" Kibaou voice cutting the cheers, "Why did you let Diavel die?!" his questions, making Kazuya staggered back. "You know what technique the Boss use right? If you told us first in the first place, he wouldn't have died" he pressed on.
"I… I…" Kazuya only stuttered, her mind back on to her earlier sadness of Diavel refusing her [*Health Potion*]
"She must be another Beta Tester!"
"That's how she knew all the boss attack pattern!"
"She knew, but didn't tell us!"
Kazuya looks troubled now at Kibaou questions and the raid group who cheers on her, now ganging up on her.
"I bet the other girls at her party is also a Beta Tester"
"Shit!" Shirou cursed when seeing the situation is getting out of control. He looked at Sachi and Lisbeth who now worried this time, even Asuna beside Kazuya also have troubled look.
Steeling his mind, there is only one way to save the girls from this situation.
"Is that so?" Shirou spoke loudly, gaining their attention. "And how did you think that they knew all about that?" walking to Kazuya and Asuna side
"You're…" Kibaou trailed.
"Correct." Answered Shirou, he's now standing behind Kazuya and Asuna. "I told them everything I knew about the Boss."
"As for why I told them? It's simple," Shirou put each hand on Kazuya and Asuna hips, "All of these girls," he turned back at Lisbeth and Sachi, "Are mine." He said smugly.
The girls now blushing storms, and Kazuya looks a bit irritated that it's not just only her when Shirou declared it.
"By the way," Shirou let go Kazuya and Asuna, then directing his attention to Kibaou, "I know that you're the one who keeps pestering Kazuya for her [Anneal Blade]" he took out the said blade and hurled it toward Kibaou, who jumped back in fright, "There you go."
Shirou walked toward the end of the room with no one halting his path, even his party member. "One more thing," he suddenly stopped.
Shirou trying to channel some of Gilgamesh charisma, "If I found out that any mongrels trying to harm what is mine…" He trailed off, making the players shaking on their feet.
"Nothing will stop me until I sent them all to the depths of hell myself," he continued his walk to the gate that leads to the Second Floor.
Aincrad 2nd Floor – Pathway to Urbus Town
Shirou continued on his trek, while still grimacing about his wound. Still, he loath about having to channel Gilgamesh charisma on those players, but it needs to be done.
"You're playing a dangerous game there Shi-Kun," said a voice beside him.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Shirou commented. "And how did you sneak past those players Argo?"
"Trade secrets Shi-Kun," tease Argo. Shirou only rolled his eyes at her and keeps walking.
Suddenly Shirou felt someone hugging him from behind, stopping him from his tracks. "I know what you're trying to do Shi-Kun," Whispered Argo.
"Heh," Shirou snorted. "That's why observant people are the most troublesome," he grabbed Argo's hand trying to break away from her embrace, "Especially information broker."
"Let them all fear or hate me," Shirou managed to break away from the embrace, "In the end, it doesn't matter much to me."
"What Kazu-Nyan, Sac-Chin, Lis-Chan, and A-chan? And what about me?" Argo asked at Shirou's retreating back, "Are you really going to sell yourself as a Devil for our sake?" She whispered.
"I don't know." Answered Shirou without looking back. He heard something is cracking, but ignored it. "Maybe indeed I already am." Then he starts walking towards the Second Floor Main Town, Urbus.
Happy New Year 2018 to you all \(^-^)/
Holy Mother, Looks like I overdid it with this chapter (=-=")7
Beta is welcomed.
Please review.
I don't know what to do (=_=")
Should I proceed to the Progressive or jumped straight to the Anime Episode 3 (=_=?)
Maybe if I got some inspiration, I will do the Progressive at the few next chapters before the anime episode 3 (=-=)/
I'm writing the bath scene on impulse alone ("=_=)7
Maybe I will need to edit the bath scene again sometime in the future ("=_=)7