Disclaimer: I do not own Accel World or any other works by the author Reki Kawahara. Any relation to actual people, locations or concepts and ideas belonging to similar fiction is purely coincidental. The only thing I do own is this story and its characters.

Author's Note: I decided to give Cardinal Derringer the ability to have guns in her limbs mostly because her namesake, Derringer, refers to any small pocket pistol which is generally concealed. Hence my inspiration for her Hidden Barrel ability. Its important to note that each limb is a different type of firearm (eg. the right leg is a hidden shotgun)

Login 06: Confrontation

Iron Rapier dodged several tentacles attempting to grab her with the nimble grace of a gymnast, her blades parrying any that could not be avoided. Her opponent was a duel avatar named Slime Octopus. As his name implied, he was a vaguely anthromorphized octopus seemingly made of slime. Tentacles formed the lower half of his face and his vague five-fingered hands were composed of five tentacles. His hand tentacles lashed out to spear her again.
She leaped out of the slimy spear's path causing it to break the column behind her. She landed on it's remains, "You're really strong for someone called slime."
"I take that as a compliment."
Iron Rapier dodged another tentacle. However this action brought her into the striking zone of another tentacle, this one going through the right half of her chest armor and exiting the other side.
She ignored the pain and use her swords to block another wave of tentacles. She then cut off the tentacle skewering her, causing the amputated limb to dissolve into a clear liquid.
"Now I have slime all over me...argh!"
She howled in pain as plumes of steam rose from where the tentacle's liquid landed on her.
"Not immune to corrosion eh, this will be easy!"
"Not if I can help it!"
As Slime Octopus flung globs of acid slime at Iron Rapier, the missed globs burning holes into the mossy ground, she progressively moved forward in a zig-zag manner. Eventually she leaped over him, driving a sword into his shoulder, the other end of the blade emerging through his armpit. As she landed, she spun around to face her opponent, "Heavy Strike!"

She cleaved Slime Octopus into half, though to her surprise his health only dropped by a quarter.

"That still feels weird even after having this ability for three levels..."

His split halves, still standing, began to rapidly merge together. Iron Rapier rapidly began multiple slashes, each slash being faster than the last and breaking up Slime Octopus. However, he soon overcame the speed of the attacks and was soon whole again.

"Now lets see you try that again."

"I shall."

Iron Rapier dashed in, driving three swords, one after the other into his body. He grunted in pain as Iron Rapier called the name of her special attack, "Pelting Hail!"

The flurry of stabs stirred his body, breaking it down and sending globules flying with each stab bringing his health down to zero.

The world flashed back to its original colours as Hideo Tarou and Narajima Ayumi returned from the convenience store carrying two plastic bags, one carried three bento boxes and the other contained drinks.

"How're you holding Kizaki-san."

"I'm ok, you still have about fifteen minutes before the concert starts."

"...and the matching lists?"

"Still nothing, just some random duels but nothing significant or related."
"Anyway Kizaki-san, just pick out what you want. We'll take what's left."
"Alright then...I'll take the chicken and octopus then."
Everyone soon split their chopsticks and got ready for their dinner.
"Itadakimasu!"

Hideo turned to look at Ayumi, "So I heard that the kendo club is having a selection next week for the prefecture level tournament."
"Yeah. The competition is pretty tough since its also open to the first years."
"I remember Tenma-san getting excited about that."
"Despite how he is, he is good. He just needs more patience."
Kizaki joined in, "Well that's pretty much Tenma-san...all brawn and no brain."
The whole group laughed at the statement, knowing that it was true. Hideo was the first to calm down, "To be fair to Tenma-san; his aggressiveness does balance out Takahashi-san's passiveness."
"Speaking of Haki-kun...what is his avatar's ability?"
"What do you mean Kizaki-san?"
"Well I've never actually seen any of his duels."
"Hmm...well if I recall correctly, Takahashi-san's stat set-up is quite similar to Green Grande."
"So he has nigh invulnerable defenses?"
"From what I've seen. In fact usually the duels I've seen him fight and win, usually the wins are by time-out."
Ayumi added her own question, "But doesn't a win by time-out actually require the winner to do some damage?"
"Well apparently he just depends on his first strike and shields the rest of the way."
"Thats really inefficient."
"But it works, Kizaki-san."
She shrugged as she took a swig out of a bottle. Hideo continued, "This was pretty much how Green Grandee reached level nine. In fact he is one of the few Burst Linkers with zero losses."
Ayumi nearly choked on her drink, "He must be an incredible fighter to maintain a record like that."
"Thats the thing, like we've discussed earlier he just simply braced himself. His defence is so high that a hold out strategy is actually viable. Hence he has technically never lost."
"Thats just incredible."
Kizaki shook her head, "Monstrous, Narajima-san, monstrous is a better word to describe someone who is a King of Pure Colour. Even World's End, someone who is called despicable by many and hated by just as many, is still feared and respected because of the fact she was and still is a King."
"World's End?"
"Also known as the traitor and enemy of Accel World, Black Lotus..."
Everyone was solemn as an usher announced through a large virtual sign that the stadium was open for seating, much to joy of the fairly large group of Kizatakus.
"Its just like onee-sama to snare perverts and otakus like them."
"What do you mean?"
"Its better if you didn't know Narajima-san..."
Ayumi was puzzled by that statement as they shuffled together with the crowd.

Haki peeked from behind a column, tracking the back of a figure in a hoodie. He wondered what made him decide to follow this stranger. Was it because he just walked into the most exclusive backstage area as though he owned it? Was it because the phrase he just said let him into an idol's dressing room? Or was it because they referred to each other by strange nicknames?
He decided that it was a combination of these factors as he continued stalking him.
As he followed him around a corner, the world froze turning blue. Before he knew it, Haki was a small-built, green robot carrying two rectangular shields as large as himself, one on each arm. He took note of his surroundings, noting that the service hall he had turned into had turned into a moss covered cave. A cloaked figure stood in front him, his hood concealed his facial features only exposing four green glowing eyes. His name plate read Twilight Orbit.
"Emerald Bulwark...I knew someone was following me but a Burst Linker...no matter. I'll just defeat you and be on my way."
"You don't want to know why I'm following you?"
"Whatever your reasons or purpose, it does not matter to me..."
Quickly, Emerald Bulwark held up his shields as Twilight Orbit drew out a handgun from inside his purple cloak.
"Satellite Laser."
Emerald Bulwark braced himself as he heard a hum. However it was not coming from the handgun. It was coming from above him. From the laser melting through the cave ceiling at an incredible speed.

Ayumi, Hideo and Kizaki sat down at their gallery seats, looking down at the crowds streaming into their seats.

"This reminds of that time we went hunting for Enemies and we were nearly overrun by a swarm of them..."

Kizaki and Ayumi raised their eyebrows, speaking almost simultaenously, "We?"

"This was before you guys joined Divine Sanctuary."

Ayumi responded, "Oh...so how long were you with Divine Sanctuary?"

"About three years, even though it feels way longer than that."

"I guess acceleration can do age someone..."

"I agree with you Narajima-san, especially in the Unlimited Neutral Field...speaking of which we should take you there one day."
He paused as the stadium darkened, signalling the concert was starting, " Ah...looks like its starting. keep a lookout for anything unusual. Narajima-san, accelerate and look through the matching list for any other Burst Linkers."
"On it. Burst Link!"
As the world froze, she scrolled through the matching list. She saw five names, only three were familiar. Before she could Burst Out, her surroundings changed.
Before she knew it, she stood on a metallic platform overlooking a pool of molten metal, catwalks and platforms. Iron Rapier drew her swords as she started looking for her opponent, Cardinal Derringer.
"Derringer! Where are you! Come out!"
She heard a clatter of footsteps following a gunshot. Iron Rapier dodged the shot, which impacted the wall behind where she stood mere microseconds ago, and gave chase to a red figure.
"Stop! Cardinal!"
She leapt down onto a catwalk and gave chase, her footsteps clattering against the catwalk. Another gunshot rang out as she stepped onto a crossroad. In front of her was a red female figure dual-wielding short-barreled handguns.
"Iron Rapier, I have you where I want you!"
Iron Rapier was puzzled by the statement until Cardinal Derringer fired into the catwalk in front of Iron Rapier, clearly missing.
"Your aim is terrible."
"Not really. For someone with the title Piercing Storm you sure don't pay attention."
At that moment, the catwalk gave way. The support column that held the platform was shot through causing to collapse, pulling the catwalk with it. Iron Rapier was able to leap away in time.
As soon as she landed, Iron Rapier charged forward with both her swords positioned akin to a bull's horns. Cardinal Derringer held her handguns, crossing them to defend herself. However this action proved futile as the a sword went through the handguns and into her left shoulder, pinning her weapons. She suppressed her cry of pain, reducing it to a gasp.
"Those are alot sharper then I expected..."
A roundhouse kick to the right side of her head sent her flying to a platform some distance away. Iron Rapier leaped after her as Cardinal Derringer's landing warped the metal platform. Standing infront of the damaged Cardinal Derringer, Iron Rapier pointed her sword, "Cardinal, will you stop running and answer my questions?"
"My legs are in no condition to run away...but they can still do this! Hidden Barrel: Right Leg!"

Cardinal Derringer aimed her crumbling leg at Iron Rapier, folding her foot down to expose a gun barrel.

"I'm surprised, I would never have expected to meet someone who could last more than one Satellite Laser. Its a pity you couldn't follow through."
Haki was on his knees in shock as Twilight Orbit's Burst Linker calmly walked away. Haki had learned nothing from this person except how overwhelming Twilight Orbit's power was. Haki raised his hand feebly hoping to stop him with some imaginary power.
"Stop...are you with Predatory Carnival?"
"Would it matter if I was?"
Haki remained silent as he stopped and turned his head back, "Even if Tyrant-sama respects your Legion for some inconcievable reason. However I will not hesitate to destroy your Legion if you hinder Tyrant-sama's goal."
"Goal? What is your goal?"
"We wish to Accelerate the world!"
"Accelerate the world?"
"Tyrant-sama wants to share the power of acceleration with everyone with a Neuro Linker in the world regardless of status. Of wealth. Of fame."
"That would mean that..."
Suddenly, Haki heatd footsteps along with a beam of light perprndicular to the service corridor coming around revealing itself to be a middle-aged security guard with a torch, "Who's there? Whoever you are, you aren't allowed here unless you have a pass!"
Haki turned to find that Twilight Orbit's Burst Linker was no longer there.
"Well? Where's your pass?"
"I do have it on."
"I don't see it."
"Did you turn on your Neuro Linker ojisan?"
"I'm not old enough to be called oji-san! And it is on...I think."
"Press the green button."
The security guard press a prominent green button on the device around his neck, "Oh...ok sorry to have bothered you. I can never understand this thing."
"Its ok!"
As the security guard walked off to resume his patrol, Haki opened up his email app and promptly sent a quick report...

Kagama Gen, known as Ebon Knight by most Burst Linkers, was drenched in sweat. Even his hakama was soaked in sweat as he packed his shinai, eager to hit the showers after a long training session. However, that had to be delayed as Kagama noticed a new message, opening it with a swipe of his hand. Carrying his bag, he frowned as he read Haki's message. As soon as he was done reading it, he opened a call to Hiromu.
"Hiromu-san, its me."
"Ah Gen-kun, whats up?"
"Takahashi-san's mail is what's up."
"So you're worried about that?"
"Concerned is a more accurate word to use."
"Anyway I'm sure Chameleon can handle the situation for now."
"If what Takahashi is saying is true, then this might be beyond what Chameleon can handle."
"You should have faith in him, if we intervene too soon it might frighten Queen off."
"Alright, but I'm still monitoring the situation."
"You're worried about her aren't you?"
"Narajima-san?"
"I'm talking about Amethyts Queen actually but I can see how worried you are about Narajima-san."

"That has nothing to do with this..."

"Well if thats what you say Kagama-kun."

Kagama sighed as he entered the changing room, "Anyway we'll continue this discussion later and see if Chameleon has found out anything else."

"I suppose if you say so."

"You're too laidback you know."

"Thats because I have faith in the team I have chosen."

Cardinal Derringer staggered along the catwalk, supporting herself on the railing as she periodically shot back at Iron Rapier with her handgun. All of the shots were dodged. Cardinal Derringer breathed heavily, forcing herself along on her shattered left leg as the stump of her right leg swung uselessly, her Hidden Barrel attack having failed earlier resulting in her right leg being sliced clean off.

"Give up Cardinal Derringer, you're in no shape to fight back. You'll tell me what I want to know."

"Ok fine, I admit it, I lost. What do you want to know?"

"You're just going to give up like that?"

"Of course, look at me. I'm in no shape to fight back at all...Hidden Barrel: Left Arm!"

She aimed her left arm and swung it up and back exposing a barrel that extended out. The revolver chamber in her bicep rotated to chamber a round before firing a mortar. The mortar flew and exploded sqaurely in the stunned Iron Rapier's chest sending her flying back. As she flew, she did a backflip, landing on her sliding back. Cardinal Derringer laughed, "Like I'd ever tell you anything about what we're planning."

"You..."

Cardinal Derringer laughed as the counter clicked down to zero.

Ayumi blinked as the world reverted to normal. Once again, they have not learned anything about Predatory Carnival beyond the obvious. Ayumi sighed at the thought that they had still lost even though she had won the fight. Hideo looked at her from his seat with a concerned look on his face, "You got caught up in a duel?"

"Yeah. With Cardinal Derringer."

Kizaki immediatly perked up just as the first song started, "How did it go?"

"I won but I didn't learn anything."

"Wow, she sure seems to be the type of girl who likes to keep her secrets."

Hideo exhaled, "That seems to be the case Kizaki-san. If we want to get any information about Predatory Carnival, I don't think we're getting anything out of her. So don't get too discouraged."

Ayumi smiled at the statement, "I guess you're right."

Hideo returned the smile, "If you think so Narajima-san, then we should enjoy the rest of the concert. We have two more nights to figure it out. Don't worry."

She decided to follow Hideo's advice as she leaned back and relaxed, enjoying the rest of the concert. However she couldn't help but feel bothered by how little she learned from that battle, or rather she was bothered by how many questions each encounter raises. What bothered her even more was how familiar Cardinal Derringer's voice, even though the voice she was familiar with would never say the uncharacteristic things that Cardinal Derringer had said. She shook the thought out of her as she relaxed and enjoyed the rest of the concert.

Cardinal Derringer disconnected from the Global Net, still feeling a dull numbness in her right leg where it was sliced of in the duel. She wondered why she kept getting damaged like that nearly every battle despite the fact that she did not enjoy the pain. Maybe its because she was never any good at fighting games. She sighed again as the concert moved onto a more techno piece.

"Yeah I'm fine Hana-chan. Just thinking about the test we're having on Monday."
"Its not like you to worry about tests. Is it boy trouble?"
"Its nothing like that..."
Yeah right, she thought. In the past she would have been excited that she had a secret, something that made her special because only she knew of it. However now she just felt burdened and tired maintaining her double life. She sighed.

"Then what is it? Come on tell me!"

"Its a secret."

Takeno Chiyu smiled weakly as she said that statement, realizing how hollow it sounded coming from her. Quietly, she made a gesture to open a new unread mail from a sender simply named T.O. She frowned as she instantly knew who it was. Twilight Orbit was, to her knowledge and as Amethyst Queen put it, a hikkikomori. Namely, he was a shut-in most of the time and was supposedly mildly paranoid to the point to never using the same mail address for more than a week. Usually he would set up a temporary account and tell whoever needed to know his mail.

She opened the message and skimmed through it, the message simply asking if Divine Sanctuary knew anything specific based on her duel with Iron Rapier. She replied back with a simple 'no'. Almost immediatly she received a reply.

'If they are unaware of the experiment beyond the fact that there is an experiment, then we can proceed to Phase 2 of the experiment.'