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 = 2018/02/13

Last Edited = 2018/10/17


Casts on this chapter

Kirigaya Shirou (IGN = Shirou) [Former Heroic Spirit EMIYA / ARCHER]

[[The Vault]]

[[Dual Wield]]

[[?Unknown?]]

Kirigaya Kazuha (IGN = Kazuya) [Female Kirigaya Kazuto, GGO appearance]

[[One-handed Sword]]

[[Martial Art]]

[[Hiding]]

Yuuki Asuna (IGN = Asuna)

[[One-handed Rapier]]

[[Martial Art]]

[[Sprint]]

Hayami Saori (IGN = Sachi)

[[Two-Handed Assault Spear]]

[[Martial Art]]

[[Sprint]]

Shinozaki Rika (IGN = Lisbeth)

[[One-Handed War Hammer]]

[[Martial Art]]

[[Extended Weight Limit]]

Izawa Shiori (IGN = Argo)

[[Hiding]]

[[Searching]]

[[Acrobatics]]


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"

*Sound effect*

["Private Message in Game"]

[System]

[*Items*]

[Weapons name / type]

[Boss / Monster]

[[Weapons Skills Name]]

[[Skills Name]]


Aincrad Arc, Chapter 6 = Dethrone


Year 2022, Month December, Days 10

Aincrad 2nd Floor – Rocky Mountain

"Devil-san," Nezha called to Shirou, trying to strike a conversation. Everyone now confused as for why Nezha is calling Shirou a Devil, except for Argo.

"Just call me Shirou," the holder of White Devil epithet sighed.

"Right… Shirou-san," Nezha corrected. "Are… they… your harem?" he asked hesitantly, slowly pointed to each female player in the group.

Instantly, they blushed like a tomato, even Argo, Shirou was about open his mouth to explain but stopped by Kazuya. "They're not!" Kazuya screamed and jumped onto Shirou back, hugging it like a Koala would do on a tree, "Onii-chan is mine only!"

The girls were annoyed at Kazuya, but Sachi decide to asked about Nezha statement, "W-w-where d-did y-you h-hear su-ch r-rumor?" she saw Kazuya now hissing at her, Asuna, and Lisbeth.

"Rumor?! It's common knowledge! Shirou-san has always been seen together with you all! Even sharing the same room! Everyone already saw that happens all the time!" Exclaimed a rather excited Nezha.

Now that they start to realize it, they're always being seen together, anywhere, anytime, even going inside an inn, "That's not the way it went!" Everyone denies it with embarrassed expressions, but Kazuya denied it hotly, and Shirou just said it flatly.

"Also, a certain Reputable Source has said that Shirou-san has been doing it with all of them every night!" Continued Nezha.

They blushed at this, including Shirou. Their imagination gone wild at how it will go if they really actually do it. They turned their head to the so-called Reputable Source in Sword Art Online.

"Nya… Nya ha ha ha," Argo laughed nervously as many eyes are now focusing at her.

"Their measurements and the color of their chosen underwear every day, also have been sold for vast sums of money!" Nezha keeps going on, still oblivious at how the situation now.

"Bnnyaa!" Argo's head now being claw-hold by Lisbeth, she saw the murderous look from said victims, Kazuya, Asuna, and Sachi pullout their respecting weapons menacingly. "Nyaa! I'm sorry! I regret it all Nyaa! I haven't really actually sold everyone out. It's just! You girls were hot commodities out there! And I couldn't refuse that much of money Nyaa!" She starts flailing her arms.

"Indeed!" Nodded still oblivious Nezha. "Many even hails them as the Goddesses whom descent from the heaven, to help and guide us!"

"Wait, not Angels?" Asked confused Argo, who forget that she's still trapped inside Lisbeth claw-hold.

Shirou looked at each of the girls, one by one with critical gaze and shrugged, "I think the Goddess term is more appropriate for them." The girls seem flattered by this, but he looked at Argo with a flat stare, "I thought I warned you with anything that you've sold."

"Bnyaa! Save me Shi-Kun!" Argo starts flailing again as she's feeling the grip on her head getting tighter.

"Then, there's the White Devil himself," Nezha looking at Shirou a little bit nervous, "Some players even refer him as the personification of Lucifer himself," he shudders.

"I think it suits you Shirou, I mean," Sachi looked nervous at the attention. "You're the first one who defies Kayaba rules upon this world… Like the real Lucifer who rebelled against God." She raised up her finger.

"Lucifer huh?" Shirou mused at another new name that people labeled him to, from all his deeds in his past life were not very savory for some people, because many of the bad ones are that sticking onto him the most. After few minutes of walking ahead from the group, he came upon a clearing with many round boulders scattering all around it. At one of the round boulders, there's an old man sitting there holding a stick with the [?] sign at the top of its head.

"Is this the quest?" Asked Shirou to those whom already taking the quest, which they respond with nods.

"Fufufu, do you wish to join my school, children? If you clear my trials, I shall bequeath unto you [[Martial Arts]], the core of this style." The NPC speaks.

"I-i-it w-would be my pleasure!" Nezha bows to the NPC

"The road of training is long and fraught with peril. Are you prepared for it?" The pop-up confirmation window showing up in front of Nezha.

"What am I supposed to do?" Nezha asked confusedly to Argo.

"Just crack this stone, that's all." Argo taps the nearest round shape boulder.

"It's just one level below an [Immortal Object], but it should be possible," Asuna also tap-testing it, "I mean, Kazuya and Lisbeth manage to do it right?" She turned around to them.

"Yeah, that's true…" Both of them sigh in defeats.

Shirou came forward and grabs both Asuna and Sachi shoulders, "I recommended that you both should take it, it might be useful in the future," he looks each of them in the eyes and seen hesitations in there.

"Are you scared young ladies?" The NPC taunted at Asuna and Sachi hesitations.

"That's a new one," Kazuya commented to Argo and Lisbeth.

Asuna and Sachi feel irked by this, but the NPC keeps continue. "I see, you both are just frail women, incapable of mastering this," it taunted.

"Excuse me?!" Asuna exclaimed in rage.

"What did you say?" Sachi asked eerily.

The NPC jumped in front of Asuna and Sachi, then groped their breast. "Shall I teach you both? A more useful type of bodily skill?" it asked perversely.

Asuna starts stabbing the NPC with her [Wind Fleuret], "Not even… has touched me there, you with me?" She mumbled lowly to Sachi with the dark tone.

Sachi lashed out her [Spade], "Indeed," she nodded, "I don't care if my cursor going orange, this old man is going to die as we finished this," She stated darkly.

"You too! Let's finish this quick!" Both Asuna and Sachi barked at Nezha, as they pressed [Yes].

"Y-y-y-yes!" Nezha responds nervously and following suit.

"Ah!" Kazuya and Lisbeth screamed in panic at the situation.

"A-Chan…" Argo tried to warn them, but it's too late. As the NPC sign turned from [?] to [!].

"Good, good, then you shall each break one of these boulders, but…" The NPC suddenly vanished and appeared behind Asuna and Sachi, "You will not be using your weapons," he snatches their weapons away and disappear again.

"Until you can complete my trial, I will hold on to your weapon. You must attempt this trial bare-handed. Use your fist, your feet, or even your head if you must." The NPC waving their weapons, as if mocking Asuna and Sachi.

"You may not descend this mountain until you split the boulder, and for the sign of your trial," The NPC pulled out something from its cape and with amazing speed doing something to the three quest takers.

Asuna, Sachi, and Nezha now confused at this, then looked at each other but realized something and pointing their fingers to each other, "You have whiskers!"

"The sign will not vanish until you split those boulders and complete your training, I have faith with your potential, my apprentices." The NPC then returned back to its original position on top one of the boulder.

"Is it possible to cancel this?" Asked desperate Asuna.

"Nope. This is how I got known as the Rat in Beta Test." Argo shook her head, "Have any advice to them, Kazu-nyan?" She teased Kazuya.

Shirou just shook his head at this predicament, he turned to Kazuya who now making her way to the fencer with an angered expression on her face.

"What are you both thinking?! It took me and Lisbeth three days to finished this!" Kazuya explodes at Asuna and Sachi. "The Raid group might reach boss chamber in a few days! Weren't we supposed to be a team for the floor boss?!" She asked hotly.

Sachi couldn't say anything and looked away from Kazuya, but Asuna now getting agitated with the tone Kazuya use on her, "Oh yeah? Did we ever been a team in the first place?!" She shot back at Kazuya.

"Why… You…!" Kazuya gritted her teeth in frustration, "Fine! Be that way! I'll get the [Last Attack Bonus] just like the first-floor boss and rub it in your face!"

"Girls, I think that's enough," he spoke while positioning himself between Kazuya and Asuna, trying to dissuade the situation. "Asuna is right, we are never a team, to begin with," he stated the fact to Kazuya, and turned to Asuna.

Asuna still not calmed down, accidentally lashed out to Shirou, "What?! Going to defend your so-called little sister because I yelled at her?! Who the hell do you think you are?! Telling me what to do or not?! I don't care if Father is hiring you as my bodyguard! I'm sick of following anyone whims without my consent!"

"Asuna, you shouldn't-" Sachi tried to placate Asuna but it was a lost cause to her.

"You ungrateful-" Kazuya wanted to lash out to Asuna, but Shirou already turning his head at her, then looking at her with cold eyes, that sending fears to her heart and shivers down to her spine. Tears now gathering in the corner of her eyes and fleeing from the area.

Shirou turned back to Asuna with a neutral expression, "I'm sorry for that miss Yuuki."

Asuna anger immediately vanished after hearing Shirou calling her by the family name. She just realized that what she just said was crossing the line that she mustn't cross. Asuna quickly tried to apologize but stopped when Shirou put out his hand to stop her.

Shirou could feel the turmoil of emotions coming from Asuna, "I understand. We are our own person, and I shall not interfere with any choices you will make, Miss Yuuki."

What Shirou just said, would make Asuna feel flattered by now, but the circumstances now different. Asuna tried to apologize again, but she saw that Shirou already take a bow to her.

"I'm sorry if I and Kazuya ever or already have offended you in any way," Shirou rose up and addressed everyone. "You all free to do whatever you want now."

Those words felt like a bomb dropped on Asuna, Lisbeth, and Sachi. But when Shirou saw their pained expression now, it's like the pain being stabbed through with swords, is much better than seeing them like this.

Shirou chuckled, trying to ease their sadness, especially for his own, "We're still friends, right? So, don't hesitate to send a message if you need me, I shall take my leave now."

With those parting sentence, Shirou took another bow to Asuna and leaving to the direction where Kazuya went to.


Shirou finally reached Kazuya after looking at the map where she is now. He saw Kazuya now venting her frustration on any monsters that spawning up in the small open area.

Quickly making his way to Kazuya without her noticing, Shirou grabbed her sword and spun her to face him with a yelp from Kazuya to hug her tightly and stroking her hair. After a minute he asked after Kazuya looked up to him, "Better now?"

Kazuya only nodded silently with leftover tears in her eyes, "Do you wanted to come with me? I need to make preparations for the Raid," Shirou asked as he wipes away the tears.

Again, Kazuya just nodded silently. Shirou sighed at this and crouch down with his back on Kazuya, then he turned his head at her, "Hop on."

Kazuya lips slowly turned to smile, because it was one of her favorite things to do with Shirou is being carried piggyback by him. She slowly approaching Shirou's back then climb on it, she let him hold her thighs while she's hugging his neck over his shoulder and leaning onto his wide back.

"Am I not too heavy for you, Onii-chan?" Kazuya muttered to Shirou's ear and he shook his head.

"Nonsense, I will still carry you like this even if your weight's like a truck," Shirou joked and starts walking after steadying Kazuya on his back.

"Mou…" Kazuya pouted but smiled again then she nuzzled into Shirou's neck as they went to the nearest town, Taran. Since today is already a tiring day, despite it is not noon yet.


Year 2022, Month December, Days 13

Aincrad 2nd Floor – Urbus Town

"Onii-chan, why did you need that much money for? And why the hell did we have to go all the way here?!" Kazuya asked in disbelieve as they walked through the busy streets of Urbus that's being packed with so many players because the teleport gate has already opened five days ago.

"The materials that I needed beside expensive, they only available in Urbus, or maybe at every NPC blacksmith at main city. And language young lady," Shirou keeps walking as he reprimanded her, and didn't realize he is bumping someone shoulder. He saw a muscular, tall, and physically strong man, with sharp scholarly features and steel-gray hair that had a strand hanging over his forehead.

"I'm sorry sir, I didn't mean to bump you," Shirou apologized, but the man just waving his hand in dismissal manner.

"It's fine, have a nice day to you," the man just nodded and starts walking away. Shirou felt chill down his spine as he saw the man back is slowly fading away in the crowds then turned around to continue his way to the NPC blacksmith that he first tried crafting [Kanshou and Bakuya] already in sight.


Year 2022, Month December, Days 14

Aincrad 2nd Floor – Labyrinth, Before Boss Chamber Door

The darkness of the dungeon being illuminated by torches didn't call a certain white-haired player with Devil epithet nerves at all. Even with Kazuya sitting beside him didn't lift his discomfort after what happened four days ago. After receiving a message that the Raid Group will be assaulting the boss today, he and Kazuya went straight to the Labyrinth, and now waiting for the Raid Groups to come.

Fighting the Boss solo is not the wisest decision, even if you're high-level players, especially in this death game. There are too many variables to count for making things go wrong.

Shirou rubbed his face to clear his mind, trying to find a way to find a solution for this situation. Four days ago, after taking Nezha to the place where the [[Martial Art]] quest can be obtained, an argument break out between his group.

Shirou didn't know that the Artificial Intelligence [AI] that running the NPC of Sword Art Online could be so advance that could adapt from any input from us, the players, it was taunting Asuna and Sachi to take the [[Martial Art]] quest after the NPC underestimating them, even harassing them by groping their breasts.

The result is, Asuna and Sachi were baited and pressing [Yes] to accept the quest in their blind rages.

Kazuya voiced out her discontentment to both Asuna and Sachi, for getting so easily baited, then mentioned that the Raid Groups could reach the Boss Chamber in few days and they were supposed to be a team for clearing it. Asuna retaliated back, saying that they were never a team, to begin with.

Shirou can't deny her, because they were not one, to begin with. Before it escalated to physical, he interfered and of course receiving the burn from Asuna's wrath.

"Who the hell do you think you are?! Telling me what to do or not?! I don't care if my father is hiring you as my bodyguard! I'm sick of following anyone whims without my consent!"

Shirou now could understand Asuna's feeling a little bit from those words. Being a child from high society doesn't mean you can always have any freedom to do things you wanted, but he didn't want to draw that conclusion yet until she told him herself.

When departing from the group, Shirou sends a message to Argo regarding looking for any clues for the floor boss, because his instinct telling him that Kayaba words about the Sword Art Online supposed to be a fair game, meaning that it is beatable, for anyone with enough skills, and intelligence.

Shirou's felling Kazuya shifted from her sitting position to sleep on his lap, he smiled and stroked her hair, "are you bored?"

"Yeah," Kazuya replied as she looked up to face Shirou, "Why did you have to send them messages that we are here after, after what she already said that to you, Onii-chan?" she asked irritably.

Shirou understands what Kazuya meant by them and her, "It is not our place to decide what's someone choices for their life. And besides, you don't have to deny it, you're already missing them especially Asuna, right?" he asked teasingly.

Kazuya blushed and avoiding eye contact with Shirou, "I'm not!"

Shirou chuckled at Kazuya reaction, "I know you wanted to be friends with them," he strokes her hair again, "But it must go both ways, you must understand them first before they understand you, not the other way around."

Kazuya turned to face Shirou's stomach and buried her face there, she realized that what she did back there was the other way, she wanted them to understand her first before she understands them.

Shirou could understand Kazuya dilemma, because what happened to her in the past still haunting her for trusting others. "Like it or not, you still need to settle things between you and Asuna, the sooner the better."

"I know…" Kazuya mumbled quietly on Shirou's stomach. She can't deny, that she already missed their group dynamics and antics.


Aincrad 2nd Floor – Rocky Mountain

The guilty feeling still lingers in Asuna's mind after her outburst four days ago. She didn't mean to say those things to Shirou, but her anger blinding her from thinking rationally.

"I understand. We are our own person, and I shall not interfere with any choices you will make, Miss Yuuki."

"I'm sorry if I and Kazuya ever or already have offended you. You all free to do whatever you want now."

"We're still friends, right? So, don't hesitate to send a message if you need me, I shall take my leave now."

Asuna was happy that Shirou's allowing her to make her own choices, but when she heard him calling her by family name making sadness creeping into her heart, she knows that she needs to apologize soon.

"Are you alright Asuna-Chan?" a voice called out to now standing still Asuna and she turned around to see Sachi, with Lisbeth beside her.

"I'm fine," Asuna curtly replied.

"You know, Shirou will not hate you for what happens. But I don't know about Kazuya tough," Lisbeth chuckled.

"Everyone!" Before they continue their conversation, they heard someone shouting in the distance and saw Argo running frantically towards them, with a [Trembling Ox] not far behind her.

"She's got an Ox trailing behind her!" Exclaimed Nezha, who now standing near them.

"Thank you, Mr. Obvious," Said Lisbeth reply flatly to Nezha. "Go hide, you don't have your weapon," She ordered to the unarmed combatant to hide and get ready.

"Help Me Nyaa!" Screamed Argo as she lunged to Asuna with the [Trembling Ox] still chasing her, "I've messed up my hiding attempts in panic and it won't stop chasing me Nyaa!"

"That's so not like you at all!" Said Asuna as she saw Lisbeth jumped in front of her and Argo, then redirected the charging attack of the [Trembling Ox] with her shield. The trembling Ox skidded to stop and turned around to charge again, this time on Lisbeth.

"Oh, screw this! Why did all those cows and oxen are always chasing me?!" Lisbeth roared and swing the [Sledgehammer] to its head, making it stagger.

"It has to be here," Argo mumbled as she looked around the area.

"What is it Argo-Chan?" Ask Sachi confusedly.

Argo just keeps looking around until she saw where the NPC is sitting at, "There!" she pointed to the boulder where the NPC was sitting at, "If you break that boulder, it should lead us to new info about the second-floor boss!" everyone now paid attention to Argo.

"Shi-Kun was right, there's might a clue about floor boss for each floor! I just found out there's one for the first floor at the cave where we first met A-chan, and there's also some NPC that giving us clues about its whereabouts!" Explained Argo.

"I don't think that's easy, it took us for three days to go halfway there," Reasoned Nezha as he saw the [Trembling Ox] change its target back to Asuna now.

"Eeek, stay away!" Screamed Asuna as she evades the charge and it turned around to charge at Lisbeth now.

"Is it just me? Or does Asuna and Lisbeth seems always being targeted a lot by that Ox?" Asked Argo as she observed its behavior pattern.

"I don't know, maybe it's their feminine pheromone?" Smiled Sachi.

"We don't need your jokes!" Asuna and Lisbeth screaming at Sachi, who just blushed and scratch her head.

"Don't tell me…" Asuna mumbled as she remembers when Lisbeth always complained that the cows on the first floor are always chasing her, because of her clothes color. And when they're at the Labyrinth, all the Minotaur are always aiming at her and Lisbeth.

"Fufufu" Asuna laugh slowly and undo her cape, then hold it as any matador would. "Lisbeth! Don't kill it yet! Lead it over here!" She barked.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Nezha asked Argo, who nodded dumbly at Asuna action.

The [Trembling Ox] now charging at Asuna red cape as she flaps it in front of the boulder which the NPC sitting at, making it cracked under the force of the charge.

"Oh! Atta girl A-Chan!" Cheers Argo.

"You gotta be kidding me…" Lisbeth muttered.

Asuna keeps repeating it until the boulder finally cracked in half, and the [Trembling Ox] now wobbling with swirls in its eyes. Asuna give victory smirk to the group.

"OH! That is so unfair! I and Kazuya have to spend the entire three days to crack it with our own fist, and now she doing it easily just like that?!" Complained Lisbeth throwing her arms in the air.

"Use your head if you must," Muttered Sachi when she remembered at the beginning of the quest.

"We didn't realize that it was meant quite literally," Said Nezha as he also remembered what the NPC said at the beginning of their quest.

"Note to self, try to think outside the box," Lisbeth mumbled loudly, making everyone there heard it.

"Well…" Nezha hold out his hand, "May I borrow your cape?" he nervously asked at irritated Lisbeth.

Both Nezha and Sachi now mimicking what Asuna did earlier by redirecting the now awaken [Trembling Ox] to bait its charging attack to crack their own chosen boulder and finally died in millions of pixels.

"As promised, your weapons will be-" the NPC spoke was interrupted by Asuna and Sachi doing backflip kicks, from [[Martial Arts]] skill to the NPC.

"[[Crescent Moon]]?!" Argo shouts in disbelieved that they already can use it, to the NPC to boot.

Asuna and Sachi pick up their weapons that was falling out from the NPC hand and looking at a hole that was underneath the cracked boulder that the NPC always sitting at.

"Is this it, Argo?" Asked Sachi.

"Yes, let's go," Argo urged while lighting up a torch to illuminate the hole then descending on it, with everyone following her closely from behind. When they reach the bottom, they saw much relief in the stonewall. They recognize some of it like [Windwasp], [Lesser Taurus Striker], [Trembling Ox], [Bullbous Bow].[G104]

"Argo, come here." Asuna beckoned the Rat to come closer, the rest not far behind her. "Are they the boss from Beta?" she pointed to the upper section of the relief that showing the much bigger figures than the rest on the relief.

"Yes," Answered Argo. "[Nato the Colonel Taurus], [Baran the General Taurus]," she explained while pointing to the two big Minotaur. "Just like in the Beta," she nodded, "But who is this guy?" She pointed to the taller figure above the mentioned boss from the beta.

"Ne, Argo-chan. Is there any monster in SAO with name Asterius in Beta?" Asked Sachi, now earning everyone attention, making her nervous. "I mean, when Shirou is telling us about the history of first Taurus's, he said that the first of its kind is Asterius, right? Because we haven't encountered any Taurus with the name Asterius," She pointed out, making Argo widened her eyes at this.

"[Automatic Quest Generation Function]!" Exclaimed Argo, but everyone is giving her confused looks. "It is a feature that automatically collects folklore and legends of the world, adapts it for the game and continues to generate infinite amounts of quests using proper names and story patterns!" Explained Argo that shocking them at this.

"We have to go now!" Lisbeth said in a panic because this morning they already received simultaneous messages from Shirou that saying he and Kazuya will be striking the boss today's afternoon with the Raid Group.

"Wait!" Asuna interject, "Let's finish this clue," she holds out her hand to stop them, "There's nothing more dangerous than the half-baked information."

Everyone slowly nodded, that Asuna words are true. They start to look at every picture and besides the said tall figure, there's more about it. The picturing of the tall figure opening its mouth with something coming out from it. And a person, holding some kind of ring, and the said ring is pictured hitting at the top of the taller figure.

Everyone now can interpret at the picture meaning is, then looking to still clueless Nezha.

"I think it's time for you to prove that you are useful to us," Lisbeth smirked as she pats Nezha shoulder.

"Eh?" Nezha could only respond.


Aincrad 2nd Floor – Labyrinth, Before Boss Chamber Door

When Shirou saw many players coming towards him. He can see the same get-ups that they're wearing indicating their own factions. The green one with Kibaou, the blue one with a player that he learned from Kazuya that his name is Lind, one of Diavel follower.

They gave Shirou death glares maybe because he comes here first with Kazuya, but when he heard murmurs of 'how lucky he is having a beautiful girl sleeping on his laps' he turned the table to them, this time with adding Killing Intent on his glares.

"Hey there," someone stopped Shirou from his glares and turned to the familiar bald man, Agil. "It's just you two? Where are the others?" he asked.

"Well…" Shirou trailed off.

"Is your harem didn't get along?" Agil smirked and shook his head, "Young man these days," he sighed.

"Ha. Ha. Ha," Shirou replied blankly, suddenly feeling Kazuya stirred on his lap.

"Are they already here, Onii-Chan?" Kazuya yawned as she rubs the sleep in her eyes and sitting up, eliciting many players blushed at how cute she is right now.

Shirou glare now intensified, "Who's in charge for this Raid?" he asked Agil without taking his eyes from the players that still looking to Kazuya who now stretching up.

Kibaou and Lind wanted to answer Shirou, but Agil beat them first. "It's decided that the one who reaches the boss chamber first is the one who will lead."

"Then let's waste no time," Shirou replied to Agil, "How many teams?" he asked the bald man.

"Eight teams, excluding you and her," Agil pointed to Shirou and Kazuya, "I'm in team H, in charge of dealing with the Colonel, along with team G," he nudges his head to the group of five players which Shirou and Kazuya recognize as the Legend Brave from Argo and Nezha.

"Wait?! Only two?! [Nato] is basically a mid-boss! And only two groups have to against it alone?! Are you nuts?!" Kazuya now screeched to Agil.

"How many groups that needed then?" Shirou asked calmly.

"At least we need three groups," replied Kazuya while crossing her arms.

Shirou nodded at Kazuya reasoning, "Alright, Kazuya with Group E to H will handle [Nato]. The rest are with me," he gave the order, but Kibaou, Lind, and even Kazuya wanted to protest.

"I'm in charge, isn't that the deal? Or are you going to going to back out from your words? That's very… not leaderlike of you two," Shirou taunt Kibaou and Lind, making them shut up. Then he turned to Kazuya, "We will take down [Baran] when Nato is dead you with the rest will joining us to take down Baran."

"Is there anything else you want to add?" asked Kibaou with a sneer.

Shirou looked to Kazuya, urging her to start explaining, "Their pattern is not so different from any regular Taurus's, but try avoiding getting double debuff from their [[Numb]] attacks, or it will turn into [Paralysis]," because they didn't know that Shirou doesn't have any knowledge from Beta, he's only acting as a scapegoat for the Beta Tester, especially herself.

"One last thing," Shirou move to Kazuya and hug her by the hips, "If anyone still remembers what I said last time after the first-floor boss battle…" he trailed off, giving them the message.

Everyone besides Agil group and Legend Brave nodded frantically, while Kazuya now sighed dreamily with a blush on her face. Shirou kisses Kazuya's hair and lets go of her then proceed to the door, leaving Kazuya in trance.

The Legend Brave leader, Orlando turned to ask Agil while eyeing Shirou intensely, "Can we trust him sir Agil?"

"If you saw him how he battles and commanding his group at the first-floor boss, you will put your faith in him," Answer Agil while looking at his own group who nods in return.

"And what shall we call him and the young lady then?" Asked Orlando with his group behind him nodded at this.

"Many called him the White Devil, because of how many Angels, aka girls he seduces and claimed them as his own," Agil and his group saw Kazuya now out of her trance to glared at him, he just laughed at her, "For her and the other girls? I don't know, but some of the players refer them as the Goddesses rather than Angels."

"Baka Onii-chan, you should have satisfied by only being with me. But no… he just has to get them included," Kazuya mumbled lowly.

Shirou proceeds to the door and opens it, ignoring Kazuya mumbled that she didn't know that he could hear it. When the door swings open, they could see two towering silhouettes that were much taller than the first-floor boss.

[Baran the General Taurus] was 5 meters tall and 5 HP bars, bare chest with rippling muscles were enveloped in a bristly, crimson red pelt. On its waist was covered with a luxurious golden cloth. A golden chain dangled over its shoulder and wielded a golden battle hammer.

[Nato the Colonel Taurus], was like a body double of Baran. A blue-skinned, bull-headed beast with shining black horns, hooves that were as big as buckets and a bare upper body. It was 2.5 meters tall and has 3 HP bars, half the size of Baran, and armed with a two-handed hammer

"They're…"

"Huge!"

The raid group was shocked, because of their size is almost twice from the first-floor boss. But Shirou was not too surprised at their size, judging from the size of many Taurus that crawling inside this Labyrinth.

"Well," Shirou sighed. "Maybe we should bring a bigger weapon for this," He said jokingly to no one particular as he pulled out [Bakuya] underneath his cloak that he secretly materialized it using [[The Vault]].


Aincrad 2nd Floor – Floor Boss Chamber

(*Play Yuki Kajiura – The Battle is to The Strong*)

The battle began with Shirou throwing [Bakuya] to the General, the black blade fly with the sound of whirling death and hit home, nailing it on its horn, then he ran to the far side of the chamber, making it following him because of the aggro, trying to separate the bosses. As he reaches the far side of the chamber, he stopped, waiting for [Baran] to come closer to him. As the General come closer, Shirou could see that [Bakuya] already making its turn back to him, ready for making any block or evade, depending on how fast the black sword will return to him, but [Baran] suddenly being staggered by Lind and Kibaou teams which attacking from behind the General.

"Don't hog all the fun," Kibaou said, as he readying his sword.

"Being greedy, that's so Devious of you." Spoke Lind while he's readying his shield.

"You snooze, you lose," Shirou snorted good naturally. "I'll be taking its attention, attack from all side!" he ordered as [Bakuya] now already returned to his outstretched hand.


"Here it comes!" Kazuya cried, recognizing that the double-handed hammer was being lifted straight aloft. The rest of the parties called out their acknowledgment and jumped backward.

"Vrrroooooo!"

With a roar so fierce, the Colonel brought down the hammer. The mass of metal, rippling with lightning, slammed against the dark stone floor. It was the debuffing skill, [[Numbing Impact]].

"Asuna!" Kazuya shouted, but no response. She forgot that her usual battle partner is not with her now. She saw that no one was standing within the direct damage range of the blow, she quickly jumped out of the impact point.

Agil with the rest of the groups fanned out in a semicircle around Nato and each player unleashed the strongest sword skill in their weapons repertoire. [Nato] first HP gauge finally downed the second.

"Missing your harem sisters?" Agil teased as he throws a potion to Kazuya.

"What?! No?!" Kazuya catches the potion with an embarrassed blush, "And don't get overconfident! Once we get to the third bar, he'll start using consecutive numbing attacks! Based on the first-floor battle, we should assume there might be a new attack when we hit that last bar! If that happens, we all pull back!" Kazuya barked to the group G who's now charging to Nato.

"Got it! We can do this milady!" Orlando shouted from his position with his group.

[Nato] now recovered from its delay at the same time our skill cooldown ended. Agil quickly tanks the attack and took defensive stances along its trajectory. Just over a few minutes had passed in the battle against the boss. So far, everyone was performing well. None of them had suffered the [[Numbing Impact]] yet, and none had taken heavy damage. The tanks were losing HP with each attack they blocked, but the pace of damage was slow enough that they were making do with just a one-man pot rotation so far.

"Evade! Evaaaade!" Came a somewhat panicked scream from the other side of the vast boss chamber. Kazuya glanced over the heads of the dozens of players to see a frightfully large shadow, that ready to slammed its hammer down directly above Kibaou and Lind. But suddenly they were shoved to the side by Shirou.

"Onii-chan!" Kazuya shouts almost sound hysterical to many players there.


"Vrruuuuaaaaa!" [Baran] roared and smashed the floor. Every player in the chamber could feel the shock-wave, which was followed by a burst of sparks. Shirou felt some kind of electricity running course through his body from the direct impact of the hammer, no doubt that this is one of the [Numb] attacks that Kazuya told about.

"Onii-chan!"

Shirou gritted his teeth and redirect the hammer to fall beside him, then jumped on the outstretched arm then running to the head of the Taurus General and slashed its horns, which he could assume that's their obvious weakness from what happens earlier when he throws [Bakuya] at the beginning of the battle. Shirou smirked as his deduction are true, he watched as [Baran] now staggered in pain by the strike to its horn.

Shirou turned to Kazuya, "Kazuya, I'm fine! Focus on your battle!" he tried to cease her worries, "Aim for their horns if you can, it'll make them stagger!" Shirou barked loud enough for the players on the chamber could hear him.

Shirou moved towards the still shocked Kibaou and Lind, he grabbed Lind his collar because his other hand is holding [Bakuya], "Get your mind back in the battle and help any downed players." He turned to Kibaou, "Your group with me, we'll buy some time for any downed players to recover."

Both leaders of their own respective faction can only nod silently at the order without asking any questions.


The entire time, Kazuya and team E to H have been carefully chipping away at [Nato] HP. Kazuya saw from her peripheral vision that [Baran] is ready for a queuing-up motion to do another [G138] [[Numbing Detonation]]. She saw that Shirou and Kibaou's group trying to distract [Baran] for Lind and his group could recover any fallen players, but as the hammer fall, the blast radius was so wide that she saw Shirou and Kibaou group failed to get to a safe distance and their feet were swallowed by the golden sparks. The lightning wrapped around their limbs and demobilized them with the [Stun] debuff. In the next instant, [Baran] already raising its hammer again.

"Onii-chan! No!" Kazuya yelled, but it's too late, as the hammer strike down again at the same spot, dealing another [[Numbing Detonation]] and more yellow lightning shot forth.

This time, Shirou was the only one swallowed by the yellow lightning. Because Kazuya saw that Shirou he's the only one left, that hasn't get away. Shirou fell down on his knees, that Kazuya knew that he is now suffering one of the most dangerous debuffs, [Paralysis]. Kazuya now wanted to run to Shirou, but she and other players didn't see what's coming next.


Shirou saw everyone inside the boss chamber giving him disbelieved looks. Because he just smirked at the imminent death and could see Kazuya's expression was like someone in despair who can't do anything.

Baran callously walks toward Shirou and prepared to stomp him with its massive foot. He just callously fishing out a potion for neutralizing the [Paralysis] debuff that Kazuya prepared for him and drink it. He watched [Bakuya], that he fortunately at the last second, manage to throw it in wide circling arc now returning to him.

"Heh"


Kazuya watch with horror on her expression as Baran's foot almost stomp Shirou into a paste, but the said person only fishing out a potion that she prepared for him for neutralizing the [Paralysis]. But her horror slowly turned into confusion because the black sword that Shirou's holding now gone.

Kazuya with the other girls have seen when he steals the Last Attack Bonus at the [Bullbous Bow], his sword was white, but the color now is black, not white, with same size, design, and length.

Then Kazuya remembered at Nezha incident with Asuna [Wind fleuret] that Shirou has two weapons strapped on the back of his waist. She suddenly heard a whirling sound that coming from the other side of the chamber to saw the sword she's looking for, the black sword spins like a disc of death flying toward the back of the head of unsuspected [Baran]. The black blade strikes true onto its horn, making it stagger. The raid group saw that Shirou wobbly stood up, indicating that the [Paralysis] now already wearing off, and saw him lifting his left hand out to catch the black blade.

Everyone there was shocked, to seen how is it possible for a thrown weapon, especially sword, could return to the one who throws it. Kazuya knew that only a [Chakram], the weapon that Shirou gave to Nezha could do that. But she and the other player were shocked even more as they saw Shirou brought up his right hand, and suddenly the familiar white sword is materializing on it.

"Time to pull out all stops then."


Aincrad 2nd Floor – Labyrinth

Asuna, Argo, Lisbeth, Sachi, and Nezha are now navigating as fast as they can through the Labyrinth. They're avoiding any battles from any kind of monsters because time is the essence. After deciphering the clues, the group make a quick stop at the nearest town, Taran, for resupply and repairing their equipment and run like hell.

"Asuna! You should go ahead! You're the fastest than all of us!" Argo shouts as she ran along the group. Asuna nodded and dashed forward, but she saw a blur is getting past her.

"Is that so?" they hear Sachi's teasing voice as she already far ahead while running backward with an innocent smile on her face.

Asuna smirked at the challenge and run even faster than before, leaving Lisbeth, Argo, and Nezha behind.

"Show off," Lisbeth scoffed as she kept running at a much slower pace than the two with Argo and Nezha.


Aincrad 2nd Floor – Floor Boss chamber

The battle resume about a minute after their initial shock from a certain white-haired player wielding a sword on each of his hands, which is technically impossible in this game.

Shirou dashed back and forth, left and right, outpaced [Baran] attacks and movements slowly clipping its HP. Everyone looked in awe how fast he is, even Kazuya can compare that his speed is similar or maybe faster than Asuna.

Kibaou and Lind group, who now out of their debuff start helping the lone white-haired player that occupying [Baran] by himself. Kazuya shoulder being grabbed by the bald axe user, silently nudging his head to [Nato], showing that she has her own battle to fight.

"Let's finish off [Nato] quickly, so we can join the others!" Kazuya barked the order to team E to H.

"Yeah!"

Having reached a rapid consensus, they now resume attacking the Colonel. There was just one full HP bar left. With perfect precision, they hit the beast with sword skills to either flank. Their combined attack brought [Nato] to bellowed up at the ceiling and stamped the ground with hooves as big as buckets, then hunched over to expose his horns and tensed like a coiled spring.

"It's going to charge! Watch the tail, not the head! He'll go along that diagonal!" Kazuya warned as [Nato] turned to the left and charged for Agil. But the axe warrior poised and prepared, easily dodged out of the way then unloaded his double-handed combo, [[Whirlwind]].

Agil stepped back, and Kazuya switched in to continue the onslaught. The damage was so great that spinning yellow rings appeared over the colonel's head, and [Nato] began to wobble.

"Now's our chance everyone!" Kazuya barked and readying her sword skill, with four groups following her command. They've now surrounded [Nato] and pummeled him with flashes of light in red, blue, and green. Its HP bar lost refreshingly large chunks in quick succession and soon plunged into the yellow zone that signified berserk state before died.

Kazuya could hear on the other side of the chamber, the players let out a cry of high spirits. [Baran] final HP bar had gone yellow as well. "It's a good thing there weren't any surprises since the beta," Kazuya said behind Agil.

"Yeah, but something is bothering me, isn't it weird that the first-floor boss was a Lord, but the second floor is only a General," Agil replied.

*Rumble*

A sudden crash interrupted their conversation. All players turned to the source of the sound at the center of the chamber. A series of concentric floor rings made of blackish stone was moving. The three circles of paving stones were sliding, rotating counterclockwise and slowly picking up speed. The stones were elevating into a three-step stage at the center of the room.

The silhouette of humanoid now formed and grew legs thick as tree trunks that thudded heavily onto the stage. Sturdy, dark chainmail covered the figure's waist, but its torso was bare. This one had a pair of long horns that was jutting up from its head, longer than [Baran] and [Nato]. Sitting atop the center of its head was around accessory of a silvery platinum crown.

The mammoth figure, so black it might as well have been painted with ink, is the third and largest of the Taurus's let out a roar. Finally, a six HP bar appeared so high that it seemed to be stuck to the ceiling and the letters that appeared.

[Asterius the Taurus King]

"Well, there you go," Agil smirked nervously because he has to jinx it and widened his eyes in realization that team A to D, now being flanked by two bosses. "God damn it! They're being cut off! We need to-"

Kazuya cut off the bald axe warrior panic because she saw that Shirou is giving her a look that she knew so well that he could handle it until she's done with her battle to join him after it.

"No, we still have time! Lower the enemy first! All teams with me! We must take down the Colonel fast! No defense! No evasion! All-out attack!" Team E to H roared in agreement and charge with all their might to the Colonel.

They keep spamming their skills until finally Kazuya attacked the Colonel with [[Slant]] and hit the horns directly. [Nato] reared back and roared. At the exact moment, she landed, the rest of the groups followed up with attacks of their own, knocking [Nato] HP into the red zone.

Kazuya then unleashed [[Horizontal]], aiming for the giant hammer. Trying to cancel the Colonel skill, the hammer now was pushed back overhead. Without missing their chance, the others proceeded to launch another wave of attacks.

Kazuya then jumped up in the air and kicked out with her left foot, resulting [[Crescent Moon]], a vertical kick attack as she spun backward, caught [Nato] right on the forehead. The Colonel let out a high-pitched screech before freezing stiff, then exploding into a massive cloud of polygons.

Kazuya saw a Last Attack Bonus readout, but ignored it and spun around as she hit the ground. Her worst fear was showing up when [Baran] raised up its hammer to do [[Numbing Detonation]] and also [Asterius] begin sucking in air, its torso was bulging, she knew that it was some kind of breath attack.

"Onii-chan! Look out!" Kazuya warned because the Taurus's was specializing at stun attacks, there's a chance for [Stun] from the Taurus King breath attacks, and another [Stun] from the General [[Numbing Detonation]], meaning the [Paralysis] will take effect again.


"Definitely need to bring bigger weapons for this kind of occasion," Shirou sighed after giving Kazuya a look that he can hold the new boss that just spawned up.

"No shit," Kibaou respond jokingly, making Shirou rise his eyebrows at the lack of hostility, "I may not like any Beta Tester in any game, especially the one like you. But this is not just a game anymore, for the sake of our survival, I'll swallow the bitter pill," he said seriously.

"Heh," Shirou smirked at this. But his muse was interrupted because his instinct now screaming for him to get away as far as possible from his position now.

"Onii-chan! Look out!" Shirou heard Kazuya's warning but there's no time. [Asterius] unleashed breath attack hitting from the back and the General also unleashed the [[Numbing Detonation]] at the same time, hitting him with the rest of team A to D.

Shirou now feeling another [Paralysis] debuff, he can only move for taking another potion, but every second just felt too long for him. He almost cursed out loud, because his own recklessness for talking in the middle of battle, but it was replaced with relieved as he saw the familiar weapon sailing through the air, nailing [Baran] on its head.

"Took you long enough," Shirou spoke to the person now standing beside him, slung her arm under his and giving a peace sign.

"I've won the race," the rescuer only smiles with beaming face.


"Sachi!" Kazuya felt relieved at the arrival of the spear user and now helping Shirou to safety, "Keep moving! Power type, carry those who paralyze to safety! The rest, with me! We're going to take down [Baran]!" she ran to the General as the team E to H shouts in agreement and following her lead.

Team E to H lead by Kazuya whom not helping the [Paralysis] players, now resuming the attack on [Baran]. They keep the same strategy as they did on the Colonel, all-out attack. They need to defeat the General fast, before [Asterius] recovering from the delayed after the attack.

[Baran], recovering from Sachi's spear attack now reading its hammer again for [[Numbing Detonation]]. They ignored it and keeps attacking until they realized that [Asterius] already recovering and ready to unleashed another breath attacks. Kazuya saw something moving fast from the opened door of the chamber, running up to the Taurus King who ready to unleashed its breath attacks, and the Taurus King suddenly fell down on its knee.

"Asuna!" Kazuya smiled at the arrival of the rapier user. The week that they have spent personally as a partnership of sorts was the most happier in her life, even she didn't want to admit it.

"No peeking!" Asuna shouts, because [Asterius] directly below her, and she's still wearing a skirt. Then curled up in midair like Kazuya did earlier, and kicked out with her left foot using [[Crescent Moon]], and caught [Asterius] right on the top of its head. The Taurus King now fell again on its knee.


Shirou can only chuckle at Kazuya's expression at Asuna's arrival. He turned to Sachi, who now guarding him as his [Paralysis] still in effect after drinking another potion to neutralized it. "Sachi, go help them. I'll be fine, I'm joining again as soon as I recover," he spoke slowly, still feeling the electric charge running course through his body.

Sachi wanted to protest but eventually nodded. Shirou saw her moving to help Kazuya first while picking up her fallen [Spade] in the process. He smiled since lowering the number of enemies is the first priority, because they're not experienced enough to take down many strong enemies simultaneously.

Shirou took a deep breath to relieved his pain and waiting for the potion take effect, but it was cut short by the loud sound of smacking and pained gasp.

*Smack*

"Gah!"


Kazuya's breath caught in her throat before she could speak to Sachi, as she heard pained shouts from the rapier user. She saw Asuna falls on the ground, hard, few meters away from the Taurus king, whom its massive hand stretched out on the ground, and now leaning backward its massive chest bulging like a barrel to unleashed another breath attack.

"Asuna!" Kazuya shouted as she dashed toward the fallen rapier user, ignoring [Baran] and other players, even Sachi. As soon as Kazuya reached Asuna and slipped her left arm around the fencer prone form, trying to leap out of the way from the incoming breath attack. Her vision went pure white and by the time she realized that she and Asuna, even Sachi, also with many other players in the raid, were enveloped in its white blaze.

"Why...did you come?" rasped Asuna.

Kazuya looked down to see her directly in the eyes. She was collapsed directly on top of Asuna, "Why…? Because… You're… My friend, silly…" She spoke slowly, because of [Stun].

Asuna starts to tear up and slowly raised her arms to hug Kazuya. Kazuya awkwardly returned the hug as her body start shaking. Their moment was cut short as they saw [Asterius] now preparing for another breath attack, while they're still can't move.

Both Asuna and Kazuya looked at the breath attack now was unleashed, then closed their eyes and prayed, because this attack will spell their doom. After a few seconds that seem longer than they thought, they didn't feel anything happened. They saw a shadow looming up on top of them and looked up to see their savior giving them a pained smile.

"Troublesome girls…" Shirou only muttered and collapsed beside Kazuya and Asuna position, unconscious.

"Shirou! / Onii-chan!" the girls shouted simultaneously in horror, from their position they could see like a glimpse of what looks like a second degree burns on Shirou's back because the backside of his outfit and the cloak now are gone.

(*Stop Yuki Kajiura – The Battle is to The Strong*)


(*Play Kenji Kawai - EMIYA*)

"Let me go! Unhand me!" Orlando roared as he's now being held by the member of team G.

"It's too late! Don't do anything foolish!" someone from the team G reprimanded Orlando.

"What's wrong with being a fool?! It is a Knight's duty to fall in battle protecting his comrades, especially for the King and his Queens whom laying down their lives to fight alongside with us!" Orlando rebuked while still being held back.

"Well said Orlando-san," a voice cut Orlando with a high-pitched squeal of metal rang through the chamber, and [Asterius] lurched in pain.

They saw a thrown weapon that didn't simply fall to the ground after hitting the crown on the top of [Asterius] head, it spun around and flew back across the room, onto the waiting hand of a player that just coming inside of the chamber, just like a certain White Devil demonstrate earlier.

"Isn't that–?!" Agil cried in surprise as he and everyone in the chamber were staring with shock at another new arrival.

It was because they all have seen this man hammering away at an anvil in the eastern plaza of Taran just a few days ago, it was Nezha the blacksmith. He was dressed much differently now, the brown leather apron was replaced by a bronze breastplate, gauntlets of the same material.

They came to a stop once they reached an angle that gave them a clear view of Nezha's face around the side of the boss. It was team G, the Legend Braves.

"Nez…" Orlando started to call the name of his missing partner, but he held back at the last instant. It seemed the Braves were still trying to hide the fact that Nezha was part of their group.

For an instant, Nezha looked back at his silent former companions with a pained look, but he composed himself and said to a familiar pink-haired mace wielder beside him, "Go tend to our King and your fellow Queens."

Lisbeth dashed forward to Sachi and help her stand to her feet, then both of them moving quickly to the fallen form of Kazuya, Asuna, and injured Shirou.

"Lisbeth! Sachi! Quickly!" Kazuya shouts in despair with tears now almost running down her face.

"Everyone, focus on killing the General! I shall deal with this False King here until you're done," Nezha said confidently as he's readying the [Chakram] to throw it again.


Shirou consciousness back from the loud sound that resembling a cheer, he opened his eyes and tilted his head down slightly to saw [Baran] freezing and explode into millions of pixels. He felt his head on top of something soft and look up, but wince at the pain that he feels on his back.

"Shi-Kun[G186] ! You shouldn't move around!" Shirou hears a familiar calling at his name and turned right, to see Asuna and Argo, then turned left, to see Lisbeth and Sachi, which mean his head now resting on Kazuya's lap if he had to guess.

"I'm glad that you both already settle your dispute between the two of you," Shirou smiled at Kazuya and Asuna.

"Onii-chan / Shirou…" Both of them could only mutter. Shirou chuckled and try to stand up, ignoring the girls cried of protest, as he now standing on his feet with wobbles, he summoned both [Kanshou] and [Bakuya] on his hands.

Shirou looked at the girls' expression and sighed, that he knew they're demanding an explanation about all the feats that he pulled, "Want to see something cool? As a present to both of you already made up," Shirou ask them with smirked and turned to the raid group who now occupying [Asterius].

"Everyone! Stand back! I will finish this!" Every player turned to Shirou, especially those who joined at the first-floor boss raid, at how familiar this scene now.

But the difference is, [Asterius] HP bar is still two thirds full on its last bar, not almost out like [Illfang] before Diavel tried to do Last Attack Bonus. The girls want to protest, but Shirou confident and gentle smile stopped them.

"Spirit And Technique, Flawless And Firm"

A voice carried out a powerful vibe rung on the chamber, as both swords in Shirou arms light up, indicating a sword skill is being used. Everyone that engaging [Asterius] now step back as Shirou throwing both blades in his hand to the Taurus King.

"Our Strength Rips The Mountains"

Everyone now gasping in shock as Shirou summoned another pair of earlier identical blades that he just threw and the second pair now light up, then he threw it again to [Asterius].

"Our Swords Split The Water"

Again, the third pair of swords summoned on Shirou hands, this time it's different than the first and second pair, with the length far longer and it's resembling a wing, one is white, the other is black.

"Our Names Reach The Imperial Villa"

Shirou crossed the winged swords on his back and took off running to [Asterius], making him looks like sort of an angel and a fallen angel because the wings color is opposite of one to other.

"The two of us cannot hold the heavens together."

The first and second pairs of the sword that Shirou just threw earlier now homing in at [Asterius] in four directions. He jumped at the same time as the four swords exploded when it was hitting [Asterius], taking the second part of a third of its last HP bar. Raising the wing-like swords above his head when reached the apex of his jump.

"Crane Wing Three Realm!"

Shirou swings down on the Taurus King, making a long gash running down its torso in the shape of V, like the same skill, resulted from [[Vertical]]. He walks slowly to the freezing [Asterius] who now down on its knee, as its HP dropped rapidly until it's almost empty.

"You're not fit to be a King," Shirou said as he stabbed the Taurus King massive forehead and it burst into millions of pixels.

Shirou saw the girls now approaching him, as the players now cheering at the familiar sign of [Congratulations]. For them, this is their first accountable victory, because there are no casualties from this battle.

"Does this mean that Shirou and Sachi are the winners? Because they're the one who got the Last Attack Bonus?" Lisbeth reminds them about the bet between Kazuya and Asuna, Both of them pouting then looked away, making Shirou, Lisbeth, and Argo burst out with laughter.

(*Stop Kenji Kawai - EMIYA*)


OMAKE – Lisbeth reaction to Shirou blacksmithing

"You all should see what Shirou just did, he was so amazing with it…" She sighed dreamily.

"He What?!" Everyone shouted in disbelieved.

"The way he moved it, it was so magnificent…" Lisbeth continued her explanation, still in her dreamy state.

Shirou felt many waves of killing intent directing towards him and Lisbeth, but the said girl still ignored it, "Err, Lisbeth?" He tried to call the still daydreaming Lisbeth.

"He always keeps hitting the right spot, and never missed it…" Lisbeth keeps going on, not noticing Shirou distress.

"Lisbeth…" Shirou now feels uncomfortable because Kazuya, Asuna, and Sachi are already in front of him with their malicious aura around them and it was directing towards him.

"Truly a real man amongst men," Nezha shed manly tears at this.


Sorry for taking too long, done with the end term exam now (=_=")7

After the next chapter, I will proceed to the Anime Episodes (^-^)

Beta is very welcomed \(^-^)/

Please review, just don't roast me please (O-O)/