Dark Realities

You remember that time I stabbed Illfang in the eye? Yeah, well, apart from making it look badass and making it target me almost constantly, it became a weak point.

Basically, this is what's happened so far.

Stabbey stabbey, slashy slashy, stabbey slashy stabbey

. . .

Well, that's what I'd like to say.

Grabbing my spear, I sighed as I charged a [Ruin Kobold Sentinel]. I pierced its stomach before ripping my spear out, leaping backwards as I did.

"Switch!"

I glanced at Kirito as he moved backwards, Asuna mo- wait wat.

Did she just? Wait, huh?

. . .

My brain just fried itself, cause- how the hell can some use a sword skill with that speed!

Zhin

Feeling something rip into my back, I snarled as I spun and dropped my spear.

SMACK!

FFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUU-

WHAT the FUCK is WRONG with YOU!?

I managed to stagger away, clutching my head as pain echoed throughout my body.

"Why the fuck is the pain absorber fucking gone?!"

Shaking my head, I managed to glare at the minion. I could feel its smug aura from here.

Darting forwards, I ducked underneath its blade and scooped up my spear before pivoting. With a single thrust filled with anger, I managed to pierce through a chink in its armour before kicking it off my weapon. Without hesitation, I leaped forwards and stabbed downwards, killing the sentinel.

"All clear!" Kirito shouted out to Diavel. As we regrouped, I took a sip from my healing potion before storing it away. Pretty handy feature, I must say. Being able to partially use a potion to full health then storing it later makes my life a whole lot easier and less expensive. Seriously, these things aren't cheap! Though, it's my fault for being a dumbass. Why the fuck did I think smacking my head into a metal helmet was a good idea?

"GRAAAHH!"

Glancing at Illfang, I felt a small part of me inside glow as Illfang was beat down, brutally. The tanks never faltered and the DPS dealers were swift and vicious. Every time there was a break in Illfang's patterns, a small chuck of his health was reduced.

"Group A, retreat! Group C, cover Group A!"

I watched as Diavel stayed back, ordering the groups flawlessly and without hesitation. Heh, he could be a good potential leader in the future.

"Group F, take out the [Ruin Kobold Sentinel]s!"

Wait, they're already respawned?

"Got it!" I sighed as Kirito charged forwards, his sword glowing a pale blue. Running forwards, I raised my spear and activated [Javelin], using my spear to deflect a Kobold's strike against Kirito's unguarded back as he dealt with his enemy.

"Asuna, switch!"

I leapt backwards as Asuna blurred past, her rapier shining brightly as she spammed [Linear], piercing the mob countless times before exploding.

"Overkill," I muttered as I ran towards Kirito, scooping my spear up.

"Shiki, switch!" Kirito shouted as he jumped past me.

"Got it!" I activated [Thrust] and followed through with the motion. In an explosion of orange, blue and green, the sentinel died as I sighed.

"It's down to the second bar!" Somebody shouted out.

I glanced at Illfang as it roared in anger. Heh, somebody isn't happy.

I watched as Illfang swung its axe, the tanks grunting as they were forced back.

"Guys, cover me!" Kirito shouted.

"What if I said no?" I asked as I followed close behind, my spear trailing behind as Asuna joined us.

"You'd still come," Kirito replied calmly as he sped past Illfang, a long red laceration on both its legs.

"Heeyy buddy~ How's it going?"

I left two, glowing gashes with my spear before darting away.

As I retreated, I heard someone shout before Illfang was forced back a couple of steps. I watched on as the 6ft tall man made of pure muscle/superman descended, a massive two-handed axe in his hands.

"Kirito? How come I can't be that badass?"

"Because you aren't six-foot-tall and pure muscle?"

Hey, screw you!

SSHHIIINN

Annnnddd back to killing minions again. Greeaaattttttttt

Walking towards one of the freshly spawned minions, I redirected its blade with the shaft of my spear before I sidestepped. With a grunt, I created a vertical gash in its back before slashing downwards, tracing the path I just created.

In an explosion of polygons, I saw Kirito dispatch a minion as Asuna parried the last sentinel's blade. With ease, I watched as she flicked her wrist, licking out at its armor before a [Linear] pierced its throat.

"Duh, duh, duh," I hummed. "Another one bites the dust. Duh, duh, duh, another one bites the dust."

"Last bar!"

I backed up with Kirito and Asuna as Illfang roared before tossing away his shield and axe. I groaned and casually ducked as the shield flew just above us.

"Stand back!" I heard Diavel shout out. "I'll handle this!"

"Wait, what are you-!"

Kirito stopped midsentence as Diavel looked at us, a knowing look on his face.

Wait a sec- He's going for the Last Attack Bonus!

. . .

Well, I mean, yeah? I don't really care.

I heard Kirito gasp.

"Stop!" He shouted. "That's not a Nodachi, that's a Talwar!"

I… have no idea what they are. Are they swords? They sound like swords. Heh, whatever, I should focus on- WHAT THE FRICKING SNICK SNACK!

I tightened my grip on my spear as Diavel slowly descended from the air, Illfang leaping from pillar to pillar at insane speeds.

"NOOOO!"

I ignored the guys scream and dart- wait, why can't I move?

W-Why am I shaking? G-God damnit! I went fucking toe to toe with this bastard, let me MOVE damnit!

Frozen in place, I gritted my teeth as Kirito leaped forwards, intercepting Illfang midair with a sword skill as Diavel hit the ground.

Let me MOVE for CHRIST'S SAKE!

Forcefully, I bit down hard on my lip before crying out at the sudden, fierce pain. Shaking my head, I tightened my grip on my spear before taking one, slow, shaky step forward.

Immediately, I took another slow step before taking another, and another, and another. Soon, I was sprinting towards Illfang as the other players watched dumbfounded, stunned from the player death.

"Fuck you you overgrown furry!"

Leaping into the air, I brought my spear down viciously as I met Illfang; metal meeting metal. Grunting, I was forced backwards before I landed. Using my left hand to support myself, I darted forwards from my crouched position, narrowly avoiding death's blade.

With a yell of determination, I activated [Triple Thrust], a new sword skill I had unlocked. Why settle for two, when you can have three?

Spinning mid leap, my spear glowed a brilliant orange as the skill took over. With three incredibly quick, powerful thrusts, I felt myself recoil from the powerful attacks as Illfang yelped, forced backwards from the power.

I gritted my teeth. "Kirito, switch!"

I leapt backwards the moment I unfroze and watched as Kirito leapt into the fray, immediately parrying Illfang's blade before landing a clean slash across it's chest.

"Shiki, swi-!"

Before I could react, Illfang knocked Kirito back with the flat of its blade. I watched helplessly as Asuna tried to catch him, only for the two to collide and roll helplessly.

I began to run towards them, only for Illfang to leap forwards, it's weapon high in the air.

…no…

…not like this…

Raising my spear, I activated [Javelin] and hurled my spear without a word. I watched as it soared in the air, hitting Illfang's blade and knocking it off course. As I sighed with relief, superman burst out of nowhere and knocked back Illfang, swinging his massive axe with ease.

I watched as he landed and exchanged a few words with Kirito before helping a group of players fend off Illfang, the rest still frozen like a bunch of pansies.

As I got closer to Kirito and Asuna, I scooped my spear up from the ground as they healed.

"You two still good?" I asked as the group of players were knocked back.

"I'm fine," Kirito said as he got back up. He glanced at me then Asuna. "You ready to end this?"

Asuna nodded. "I'll help."

I grinned.

"Let's do this."

Dakun

Or maybe not.

I whipped to the source of the noise as Kirito let out a yelp of surprise.

"T-This wasn't in the beta!"

I growled as Illfang slowly approached as a swarm of sentinels swarmed forwards. Most of the players were frozen in shock and fear.

. . .

Fuck it.

"Kirito, Asuna, distract Illfang!" I shouted as I ran forwards. "Tanks, go support them!"

I ran past Superman. "DPS and Support! Circle the sentinels! It doesn't matter if you can't hit them, just group them into one big group!"

The players slowly stirred into action as I heard Illfang roar.

I felt a small sense of satisfaction as the players listened to my orders. Heh, good. At least they aren't all pansies.

FWOOSH!

Dodging to the side, I snarled as I rammed my shoulder into a sentinel, knocking it into the path of others before bringing my spear in a large horizontal arc. As the tip whistled, I managed to cut some of the minions before twirling the polearm, barely catching a sword before dismantling the mob.

"Coming in hot!"

I stepped to the side as Superman leaped in, bringing his axe down in a devastating arc. A small explosion erupted from the impact, and as the dust cleared, I could see mutilated corpses of sentinels as they struggled to move.

I heard roars of energy as the players swept forwards. Without hesitation, they began to carve into the Kobolds, slowly circling around them into one large group.

I smiled.

"They keep spawning from the door!"

Looking at the direction of the door, I frowned.

"Players with high STR! I need a couple of you to close that door! High DPS players, protect them from being hit!"

"YES SIR!"

I grinned as eight players separated from the pack and headed towards the door.

BBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMM!

I ignored the massive red elephant in the room as the players began whittling down at the Kobold's numbers.

"Shiki, switch!"

Kirito blurred past me as I darted forwards, activating [Thrust]. Cutting deep into Illfang, the boss roared before jumping into the air, viciously striking down at the ground. I avoided the explosion of rocks, the rubble flying outwards and crushing some of the minions. The players remained unscathed.

"We got the door shut!"

"Kirito, switch!"

Leaping backwards, Kirito took the opportunity to jump in and attack Illfang as I ran back to the minions.

"Everyone, focus on the Kobold's and kill them as quick as possible! After that, focus on Illfang's patterns before attacking!"

I watched as the minions were quickly dispatched before the players turned to Illfan- wait, why is he airborne?

Glancing at Kirito, I saw him land in a crouch as Illfang exploded into particles.

Well, that explains everything.

Walking over, I helped Kirito to his feet, grinning wildly as he mirrored my expression.

Ahh, now, time to go home and rela-

Wait, why are people clapping?

Confused, I looked around wildly. I noticed Kirito doing the same.

. . .

Oh, that's why. Makes sense now.

"Why are you cheering?"

Okay, that's a buzz-kill.

"Why are you cheering?" The voice was hoarse.

As the crowd slowly parted, I sighed.

Seriously? Come on cactus head, I thought we were over this.

"And what do you mean by that?" Superman asked.

"He let Diavel die!"

A false accusation. What are you trying to do?

"He knew the bosses attack patterns! If he shared the knowledge, then Diavel wouldn't have died!"

True, he knew the patterns, but they changed, didn't they? Besides, I'm pretty sure Diavel was a beta tester as well. He was well aware of the risks. Also, didn't you pay attention to the fucking swarm of minions?

He pointed his finger accusingly at Kirito.

"He let Diavel die and used that as an opportunity to get the Last Attack Bonus!"

Again, another false accusation. Seriously, what are you trying to do- oh.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh

. . .

You greedy, heartless bastard.

"Heh. Heh heh heh heh heh."

I shivered, my thoughts interrupted. Yep, that's an insane man right next to me.

"Wait for me outside the door when you're done," I said softly.

Hopefully he heard that.

"Beta tester?" Kirito laughed. "Don't put me in the same categories as those newbies."

"H-Hah?"

Kirito slowly walked forwards. His footsteps echoed in the massive hall.

"The majority of SAO's one thousand beta testers were amateurs who didn't even know how to level," he said calmly. "Even you guys are better then them."

I'll take that as a compliment.

"But I, for one, am different." Kirito stopped walking. "During the beta test, I reached floors that nobody else could. I knew the boss's attack patterns because I've fought plenty of katana-wielding monsters far above this one."

Kirito smirked cruelly. It didn't suit him.

"I know a lot more than that, too," he said. "More then any information broker."

Ooh, that's gotta hurt info brokers.

"W-What?" Kibaou murmured. "That's… Forget about being a beta tester! You're a cheater! A cheater!"

Are

You

Fucking

Kidding

Me

.

I glanced at the players joining Kibaou's protests.

Honestly… the idiots, all of you.

"Beater… That's not a bad name."

The players gasped.

"That right, I'm a beater," Kirito said.

I watched as he opened his menu.

"From now on, don't think of me as a mere beta tester."

Insert badass music here.

Would you like to start playing [Sword Ar-

Fuck off menu.

I felt my lips curl slightly as a black leather coat fluttered into existence.

I'm not jealous. Not at all.

I watched as Kirito walked away. Heh, I'll be seein you soon buddy. For now…

"You are the worst type of person, you know."

Kibaou looked at me, confused.

"What the-!"

Thud

I cracked my knuckles, somewhat sore from the punch. Man, that felt good.

I glared at Kibaou on the ground.

"Do you have no shame?"

"What are you talking abou-!"

POMF

I watched, satisfied, as cactus-head groaned, clutching at his nose. I tapped my boot against the ground, ignoring the warning message that popped up about my cursor. Ehh, I'm still green... for now.

"First things first, let me say something to all of you." I leered at the crowd as they watched, stunned, before walking away from the cactus-haired prick. "If you believe this cactus-haired prick's words for one second, that I advise you to stop immediately. He's an idiot and accusing an innocent guy of something he didn't do."

"What do ya' mean he didn't do it? He let Diavel die!"

"He tried to save Diavel when you sat there shitting your pants," I said viciously, glaring at Kibaou. "He went to give him a health potion if you used your eyes, but Diavel stopped him. And, if you didn't notice - I wouldn't put it beneath you - but Diavel was a beta tester as well."

I sighed. "Now, secondly. If you paid close attention, did anyone see this guy fighting when that swarm of minions charged in?" I was met with murmurs and shaking of the head. "That's what I thought. While all of you fought bravely and stopped the minions, and another group faced the boss in an enraged state, THIS GUY didn't do anything to help. Does that make his words hold any weight? This man right here is accusing of letting a player die. He could've accused any of you for doing nothing, but no. He accused one player because he was a beta tester and tried to do something."

I saw more players murmuring and some even nodding.

"And he's a beater for knowing everything about the boss fight?" I started to pace back and forth in front of Kibaou, shaking my head. "I watched leaked recordings of SAO from the beta, and let me tell you something. That swarm of minions this fight?" I stopped walking and looked Kibaou right in the eyes, my face blank. "They weren't in the beta."

-!-

"Now, call me anything you like; I don't really care. However, do not start pinning blame on somebody else just because you were powerless. The only one to blame is yourself."

I stopped walking as silence echoed throughout the boss chamber.

"...who are you to talk?"

I glanced at Kibaou on the ground. "Sorry, what was that? I can't hear you from down there."

"I said who are you to talk? For all I know, all you did was sit there and watch!"

Kibaou suddenly stood up and burst forwards. Immediately, I went to react but stopped as the man walked up to me.

Hey, he's actually pretty short if I'm around the same height.

"Are you dumb?" My words came out unfiltered; blunt and dry before I started chuckling. The man didn't stop walking. I began walking towards Kibaou. "I kept the minions off of you guys so you could fight the boss. I contributed damage to the boss when you were busy measuring your dick against your sword. I kept my composure when the minions swarmed in. I gave out the orders in the last stage of the fight. I was the one who reacted fast and kept this fight from falling into a disaster." I came to a stop in front of Kibaou and glared at him with open hostility. "So, Kibaou. What did you do?"

I watched as he struggled to form words before settling for a hostile glare.

"I'll get you one day," he growled before backing up. As he walked away, I smirked.

"Now, before I leave, which one of you are beta testers?"

I noticed the uneasy looks on players. A small smile graced my face.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to berate you. I merely wish for cooperation for the future floors." I glanced at Superman and gestured for him to come forward. "With the beta testers' knowledge, we'll have an easier time with these starter floors and make faster progress. It'll also boost morale upon players so they know that this game is not unbeatable. Just because it is difficult doesn't make it impossible." As Superman stopped beside me, I gestured towards the man. "Since I'm not the best at this stuff, I'll leave it to ?"

"My name is Agil," he said, voice deep and powerful. "If you have any information, please come to me and share it or an information broker. All the info we receive will be placed into the handbook handed out to spread the information quickly and effectively."

I nodded. "Alright, everyone get that?" The players nodded, minus Kibaou. "Good. Now, last thing to address."

I glanced around and stopped my gaze on Kibaou's retreating form deliberately before scanning the crowd again.

"Ignore that [Idiot]'s speech from before. Hating people merely for being beta testers is childish. They hold important knowledge for us to get through these early floors quickly and effectively." I took a deep breathe and sighed. "So, to clarify for those who are a bit slow... being a beta-tester does not make you a cheater, or what was labeled as a [Beater]. If you truly believe that, then I believe you need to change your views. You'll only be slowing down our attempts to escape this game as fast as possible, and I believe that none of us truly want to be stuck here."

I sighed as silence echoed throughout the room. Turning around, I made my way towards the staircase to the next floor. As I passed by Asuna, I gave her a small nod before making my way up to the 2nd Floor.

I hope I cleared that all up. Talking like that to crowds is a pain, and I've definitely made an enemy or two today.

...still, if [Beater] becomes a thing, then these players are bigger idiots then I thought. Though, Kirito may only be labeled as a beater because of his speech. Nothing I can do about that.

. . .

Sigh

Now people are gonna think I'm all nice and shit or something. Still, hopefully that lit a fire in some of them. If we spend one month for each floor... well, we'll all be dead before the 36th Floor.

And that, is not something I wish to think of.

[Revision: Chap 1, 2 & 3 complete. Others still to follow.]

And cut. That's another chapter. Boom. Bam. Proofreading engaged.

I don't think it's really necessary to explain why my characters heart was beating fast and hurt. Think about it and what's been written earlier in the chapters, then go and draw your own conclusions from that.

PS: Old chapter part with Kibaou bashing. I'll leave it here if you want to read it

"What the-!"

Thud

I cracked my knuckles, somewhat sore from the punch. Man, that felt good.

I glared at Kibaou on the ground.

"You're a real idiot, aren't you?"

"What are you talking abou-!"

POMF

I watched, satisfied, as cactus-head groaned, clutching at his nose. I tapped my boot against the ground, ignoring the warning message that popped up about my cursor. Ehh, I'm still green... for now.

"You know what I'm talking about," I said, my voice echoing throughout the boss chambers. "This player just saved more people from dying and you made everybody hate him. What in the actual fuck is wrong with you?"

"B-But he's a chea-!"

"Blah blah blah. You wanna know what I think?" I glanced at the players, my heart beginning to beat fast. "I think that you, and everybody that believed you are all morons. He was a beta-tester, yes. He knew the boss's patterns, yes. Did he try and stop Diavel? Yes. He just riskedhis life to save all of you idiots from dying because one death made you all panic, apart from some players." I nodded towards superman. "And don't get me started on that shitty [Beater] crap. How is he a cheater? What? Because he used previous knowledge from the beta? Bullshit! Majority of that information was available online if you used your head! You could even go to information brokers if you had too!"

"But he's a cheater!" Kibaou protested. "He should hand over all his gear to mak-!"

"This argument again?" I sighed, disappointed. "Call him that if you like, but how is that bad, exactly? We are in a fucking death game you retarded fuck-tard." I swiped away the profanity filter. "Why would you cast aside one of your best hopes of getting through the first couple of floors quickly? They stole all the good hunting spots? Are you saying that you want to stay in this game? I recall that you called this game a, and I quote, 'crappy game.' Besides," I raised an eyebrow at his attire. "You look pretty well equipped for a normal player. Where'd you get all that, huh?"

"W-Wha-?"

"Now, this is to everybody who can use their brains." I glared at a player standing at the back. "And yes, that goes to you to as well, idiot who named themselves Jesus." I took a deep breath then sighed, my chest starting to hurt. Not much longer, heart.

"Think about the repercussions of what would happen today if [Beater] became a thing?" I said, gesturing at the players. "You'd be forcing beta-testers to hide from the scorn created by your idiocy. You'd be slowing down the progress on floor clearing. So, now that I'm done saving you from a cactus-haired prick, go eat your Doritos for all I care."

I sighed before walking away.

"And as a side note," I added. "Make it on time to a boss meeting next time. Don't be thirty minutes late, and more importantly…" I stopped and looked over my shoulder, glaring at a certain prick. "Don't start shit just so you gain power. This is a game of life and death, so take it seriously."

I continued walking.

"Y-You must be a [Beater] as well!"

"Y-Yeah!"

I stopped at the bottom of the stairs and sighed.

"No, you fucking idiot, I am not a beta tester." I could hear the malice in my words. "I simply know how to use my head. Besides, there's an easier word for you simpletons to you use for a person like me."

I looked over my shoulder and smirked at them.

"It's called being an asshole. You're welcome."

I walked up the stairs, my heart racing and hurting my chest, but I ignored it.

My emotions are unnecessary.

We need to start clearing these floors.

...Kirito…

Let's show these guys how to get shit done.