Chapter Six: Reputation
April 8th, 2023, Taft.
It had been three months since I had killed Illfang. We were now on floor eleven, a nice little town called Taft. I sat in a dimly lit corner in a pub located on the west side of town. It was quiet. At least it was until a group of six walked in. They were being loud, cheering and laughing with joy. I glanced up at them, then I went back to my drink. All I wanted was some peace and quiet, but I guess that would have to wait. I noticed a few of them glancing at me and trading whispers with the person next to them. The pub was full, but all of the tables directly around me were empty. Everyone in SAO knew who I was. They were scared of me. I used that to my advantage. But it also came with some side effects. For one, no one wanted to come near me. They had all labeled me as 'unpredictable' or 'insane'. The next thing was a little harder to deal with. Everywhere I looked, all I saw were couples. Going about their business and being… happy.
My sanity had returned… mostly. But I was already branded as a psychopath. I was feared. No one wanted to be around me. I continued to think about it for a while. But the more I thought, the more it drove me mad. I decided to deal with my current situation, and a single tear fell down my cheek. I was pulled from my trance when the loud party of six cried out, "Here's to Kirito, for saving us!". They raised their pints in a toast to Kirito, who I had not seen since floor one. I realized that they had no clue that Kirito was a beta tester. At least I had notoriety. There were stories of me clearing dungeons with my bare hands, and killing thieves just by looking at them. But Kirito… he was lying to them.
I could tell by the look in his eyes. I was tempted to walk over and tell them the truth, but he looked like he belonged. It looked like he was part of their little family. All I wanted was someone to talk too. Even Bats had left to join a guild. I'm surprised that he joined the Army out of all the guilds he could have chosen. I decided to just leave, as I didn't have a real reason to stay anyhow. I stood up and walked to the main bar, hearing murmurs and whispers about me as I passed each table. I paid for my drinks and before I left I took one last glance at Kirito and his guild.
I had to admit, even though he was lying to them, he looked like he fit in fairly well. As I was about to walk out the door, I turned around and started walking towards the group. It didn't take them long before they noticed me. One of them, the girl, shuffled behind one of her friends. I thought for a moment, then I spoke. "K-Kirito…", I began, "It's been a while… hasn't it". He was at a loss for words. He hadn't told the group that he had worked with me before. I didn't want to be the reason they cast him out of the group. I swiped my right hand, opening my menu. I went to my inventory, then a blue light started to glow in my palm. I dropped the item on the table, it was a small sack of 3,000 Col. "Drinks are on me". I turned and quickly walked out.
