Disclaimer: JG here again to tell you the sandboxes of SAO and Harry Potter aren't mine and that I only play in them.

*hears a scream in the distance and sees Ed D. off to the side whistling*

Nice try Ed, though you get props for the ventriloquism.

Well, enjoy!

Mystic Knight Online

Chapter 8 - The Climb Resumes

March 13, 2023 - Aincrad 26th Floor, Mistleberg

Harry and Silica walked off the teleport platform and made their way toward the Shining Blade Inn. Asuna had sent them a message about two hours ago requesting that they come by, someone wanted to talk with them. As they had been running an errand (more like farming mats for Lisbeth, the blacksmith Agil recommended a few days ago) Harry sent a reply that they would be there as soon as they were done.

Still, the errand was a good use of their time, given that they had opportunity to knock out a couple of quests along the way. Nothing major, but multitasking has its benefits. Like getting themselves a bit over Kirito's suggested level limit for the floor. After The Twenty-Fifth (almost every player knew by now what that meant), Harry was determined to be even better prepared, if not over prepared.

As it stood, Harry had reached level thirty-eight a few days ago, and Silica should reach it soon. Like many of the clearers, they had been taking things easy, which slowed their leveling rate a fair bit, but had the advantage of giving them an opportunity to mix and match some less utilized skills, or find some new ones.

Skills like the Martial Arts Skill, which could be found on the second floor. That had been a frustrating three days for Harry, trying to shatter a boulder with only his hands. Having the painted on whiskers which couldn't be removed until the quest which rewarded the skill was completed just added insult to injury.

More galling for him, Silica had taken to that skill like a cat to a ball of yarn and had pulled it off within an hour. She had then spent the remaining time practicing the skill and coaching Harry on a few things, such as stance and a few other things to turn a punch into a sword skill. Eventually, he got it and completed the quest that rewarded the skill.

He would admit to himself that Silica did look cute with those whiskers that had been painted on during that quest. He once imagined her having cat ears and a tail, wearing a pink and white yukata, to complete the look during those three days and his brain temporarily shorted out from the image it provided. Bad Brain, bad! Harry thought, trying to drive the images that those recollections put in his mind. Especially the variant that- Bad Brain! he chided again. He gave a surreptitious look for a barrel of water in case he had to dunk his head into one, just in case.

In the end, he decided that it didn't really fit his fighting style, though he kept it in mind anyway. The idea of punching a mob's head off had some appeal, after all. Silica had decided to practice and train with it more, to supplement her dagger skills, which made some sense to him.

Harry shook his head and drove those recollections out of his mind and looked at Silica. "Well, what do you think she asked us here for?" He asked.

Silica shrugged. "I don't know," she replied. "She sent us both the message, and it only said someone wanted to talk with us. I guess we'll just have to find out."

Harry nodded and saw that they were in front of the inn. "True, and we're here." He opened the door. "After you, my lady." He said.

Silica giggled. "Why thank you, my good sir." She replied as she walked in.

##

Asuna looked up from the local wine she was drinking and saw the two of them as they walked in. She indicated to Heathcliff that they had arrived and he turned to look at them as she waved the two over. As they got closer, she noticed that the two had changed their gear styles.

Harry had switched from a breastplate to a dark green brigandine cuirass with brass rivets, and reinforced leather pants, with his usual preference for heavy and sturdy boots. Silica favored a red vest, which from its stiffness probably had iron or steel plates sewn into it, over a linen shirt and a reinforced leather skirt, her dark brown stockings providing some cover for her legs, along with lighter, but still sturdy, boots.

The armor was clearly top tier for the area, and she suppressed a wince at how much it likely cost them, especially since she knew that Harry, at least, tended towards being frugal. On the other hand, considering the general quality of the gear, she wouldn't be surprised if he considered it a good investment that would last a while.

Harry looked at her and nodded, gesturing that they would be over by the table shortly. He made a quick stop at the bar and ordered something. The bartender handed him a couple of bottles, Silica picked up a couple of cups. The two of them made their way to the table and Asuna indicated that they should take a seat.

As soon as they took their seats, Asuna shot Harry a mildly irritated look. "So, what took you two so long?" She asked. "If I knew it would take you two hours, I would have set a time for us to meet."

Harry shrugged. "We were running an errand for a blacksmith who needed some more mats." He replied as he poured a drink for himself and Silica. He looked at Asuna and Heathcliff and the two waved them off. "It took a little longer than expected to gather them for her." He looked at Heathcliff. "Is this the person who wanted to meet us?"

Asuna nodded.

"Hadrian, at your service." Harry said. "So, what can Silica and I do for you?"

Heathcliff nodded to the two of them. "First, let me introduce myself." He said. "I am Heathcliff, leader of the Knights of Blood. I have been looking for promising players to recruit and I have heard of you two."

Harry and Silica nodded. "I take it you want to recruit us both, then." Silica said as she took a sip from her drink. She absently called a bag of peanuts from her inventory and began to feed Pina some.

Heathcliff nodded. "Indeed. The two of you have built quite the reputation for a pair so young, especially you, young man."

"And what kind of reputation would that be?" Harry asked. "I've heard a few things, even a few rumors that are ridiculous."

Heathcliff nodded. While he had a lot more knowledge about things than any other player, he still played the part of gathering information. Some of the observations made by The Rat and others were quite interesting, and sometimes amusing. "It has more to do with your leadership potential."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Leadership potential?" He asked with a note of incredulity. "I'm no leader."

"Those who participated in the previous boss fight seem to think otherwise, young man." Heathcliff replied. "After all, you gathered a raid together and worked out a plan rather quickly. It is very likely that everything would have gone quite differently had you not been there."

Harry nodded, his face still holding an appearance of polite interest. And it was an appearance, Asuna knew. She could tell from his posture and a slight tightening around his eyes that something was making him wary. She could also tell that Silica noticed as well, even though she gave no indication outside of a slight shifting of her posture.

To more easily reach for her dagger, she thought. I wonder if they even realize just how well attuned they are to each other. She quickly turned her attention back to the conversation going on between Harry and Heathcliff.

"That may be so, Heathcliff," Harry said. "But I think others would have managed well enough without me there. All I did was gather the groups that were already forming so that we all could put together a plan."

"But still, the speed with which you did…"

Harry raised a hand, interrupting him. "Even then, it wasn't just me." He said. "Klein had a corridor crystal, which allowed us to move with the speed we needed, all of the group leaders were in on putting together a plan, and so on. Me? Again, I just gathered people together so we could actually do it, rather than spend time arguing over it." He shrugged. "Speed? That haste is probably why five of our people got killed, and half of Kibaou's twelve got killed. As it was, we got lucky."

He gave Heathcliff a careful look as he sipped his drink. "Also, your guild is an unknown up here. Oh, I don't doubt that if I asked Argo for info, she would have plenty of information to share, but that only goes so far. I trust her to give me good information, but I also like to form my own opinion on things. And any front line player worth his or her salt would do the same.

"And I can see what you intend." he continued. "Everyone is basically going through the motions, but not making much in the way of progress. You're seeking to change that. Your intent is to look for solid front line players and clearers to form a core of a group to take the lead."

Heathcliff nodded, not disputing Harry's supposition. At the same time, he could already tell that Harry had made up his mind on this, so it was best to get it out now, rather than they all waste their time. "And your consideration?" He asked.

Harry sighed. "I can't speak for Silica, or anyone else you're looking at recruiting here, but for now, I must decline your offer."

"I see," Heathcliff replied. "I apologize for wasting your time then, though I do thank you for at least hearing me out." He looked at Silica who simply shook her head, her own polite refusal of the offer apparent.

Harry shook his head. "It was no waste of time." He replied. "It's better to take care of something like this now, rather than later. Once your guild builds some reputation amongst the clearers, I wouldn't be surprised if some of those who declined your offer reconsider."

Heathcliff looked at the three of them, nodded and stood up. "Well then, I must get back to my guild then. It was a pleasure talking to you." He nodded to all three of them and walked out of the inn.

Harry let out a breath and all the tension in his body left it, which got Silica to relax as well. He reached over to a bottle, poured himself another drink, and quickly gulped it down, much to Asuna's surprise.

"That," Harry said. "Was tense."

Asuna blinked. "What do you mean?" She asked. "I could tell that something about him made you wary, but he seemed pleasant enough."

"I don't really know." Harry replied. "Something about him tripped my instincts, as if what we were seeing wasn't what was actually there. It was," he frowned in thought. "It was like he was wearing a mask." He shook his head and shrugged. "That's about the best I can come up with."

Asuna nodded in understanding. She wasn't overly perceptive about such things, but having someone like him come out of nowhere like that made her wary as well. She hadn't outright declined his offer, but she hadn't accepted it, either. She had sent both Harry and Silica the message so she could see how they reacted, the two of them being more perceptive than they realized about people.

That the two of them were wary as well had killed any idea that she would accept the offer, at least for now. Oh, she didn't doubt that Heathcliff's pitch about how she could do well in such a guild had a lot of truth to it, he wouldn't have taken the time to try and recruit her otherwise. Also, the idea of having a guild to back her was definitely a pleasant one. However, despite her own confidence in her skills, Kirito's words from the aftermath of the first floor boss fight came back to her.

She would have to find a group of people she could trust first, rather than accept the first offer. Heathcliff might earn that trust down the line, but right now he, and his guild by extension, were too much of an unknown for her to have any trust in at this point.

March 21, 2023 - Aincrad 26th Floor, Labyrinth

Silica walked beside Harry as they marched towards the boss room with a raid that had been gathered together by the Knights of Blood. The last week had been relatively busy, with the two of them going out and scouting various areas of the floor and looking for the field boss, which had been almost laughably easy for the over prepared group that they gathered for the purpose of killing it.

Since then, everyone had made cautious progress through the labyrinth, noting the types of mobs, their attack patterns, and the various traps set throughout the dungeon. By the time they found the floor boss, most players had passed the minimum level recommendation at the very least, with the clearers a level or two past that on average. She had reached level thirty-nine yesterday herself, so she knew she was above the curve to some degree.

She glanced over to Harry, who had that relaxed alertness that an experienced player developed if he wanted to avoid exhausting himself from the tension of being outside a safe area. Any casual observer would think that he was simply walking with the group, but they would miss the alertness in his eyes as they constantly scanned their surroundings, or that his left hand kept the arming sword at his hip loose in its sheath and ready to draw at a moment's notice.

Then again, her own right hand never strayed far from the dagger at her hip, and her eyes were scanning the environment as well. Even in a large group, they kept to hard learned habits which had kept them both alive since they had been trapped here. She felt Pina shift restlessly on her shoulder and she calmly reached up and reassured the feathered dragon, who would rather be flying.

A few minutes more of marching and they reached the door to the floor boss. She briefly relaxed and looked around. Harry's posture had lost the alertness as everyone made their last minute preparations, now that they had arrived. She saw Kirito and Asuna walk over, the two having partied with them, but having taken positions on the flanks of the raid during the march over.

"Well," Harry said. "This is it. We're finally clearing the floor. Not that I minded the break, mind you, but it almost feels good to get back to this."

The group of four, as well as nearby players, all shared a dry chuckle at that. The three weeks that everyone had spent since the last floor boss had been needed for everyone, but the point remained. It was good to get back to what they had all set out to do all those months ago.

She saw Kirito gesture towards the front of the group and everyone turned their attention there. She noticed Heathcliff give everyone a calm look and nodded.

"Everyone," he said. "Since the last floor, we have been hesitant, and understandably so. What we endured there left its mark on everyone, lost comrades, harsh experiences, and a sense of fear. However, we will not let this death trap beat us. We will move on. And with this next battle, we shall tell Kayaba that he will not win!"

A scattered cheer broke out amongst some players, the less experienced ones, but Silica and the rest only had a grimly determined look on their faces. The more experienced clearers had little reason to cheer before a boss fight and would instead take this moment to focus on what was to come.

Heathcliff then turned around and pushed on the doors to the boss room to open them. As soon as they finished opening, the entire raid readied their gear and marched in.

##

Heathcliff watched the boss shatter and looked around as the players relaxed, more than a few taking a knee or simply sitting down as the adrenaline from the battle began to fade. He had to admit, he was mildly impressed by how well each of the groups worked together to take down the boss with no casualties.

Even those from the guild he had formed had performed admirably, quickly getting into their assigned roles, supporting each other and other players, with the other players returning the favor. There was a clear difference in experience there, the veteran clearers showing a far greater adaptability and flexibility in how they fought, rather than the somewhat set piece movements of his guild, but that was expected.

Veteran clearers expected things to go wrong and were alert for things not going to plan. The weeks spent not truly focusing on clearing seemingly not dulling that instinct one iota. It also gave him an opportunity to see how many of them actually fought from the perspective of battle.

It was… refreshingly different. It was one thing to watch from on high, but seeing it with his own eyes showed nuances and details that such a view couldn't provide.

Nuances such as how Kirito could anticipate the boss' attacks and have his longsword in place to parry them almost before the boss even began its own attacks, or how Asuna's speed allowed her to dodge attacks and counter with precise thrusts of her rapier.

Details such as Hadrian's ability to use his shield unconventionally to either deflect, rather than simply block, attacks, or use as an improvised weapon to knock the boss out of position. Or Silica's acrobatic movements to attack the boss inside its reach and her creative use of her pet to deliver healing items to players in need, or have it otherwise harassing the boss. And that only revolved around those four players, there were dozens of other details and nuances there.

And then there was the pulse pounding thrill of being in battle himself. There was a distinct difference in facing a boss monster, a greater sense of immediacy and danger which he found exhilarating, despite his advantages.

It was nice in a way, and it gave him a sense of connection to the players he had trapped in this game.

He spotted Hadrian look bemusedly at a second window while several players congratulated him for obtaining the Last Attack Bonus and sending joking comments toward Kirito for his failing to steal it this time. Giving a small smile, he walked over to give his own congratulations.

March 27, 2023 - Aincrad 22nd Floor, Coral

"Welcome to Lisbeth's Blacksmith Shop! How can I help you?" The cheerful voice of the shop's owner called out as Harry and Silica walked in, sans armor. Pina flew around a bit before landing on a window sill and watching everything.

The shop itself wasn't large. It had a small area for customers, a counter, and the workshop could be seen right behind it. Rather typical of a rented shop for a craftsman who wanted an actual workshop, rather than using a field variant in a stall. It was more expensive than setting up shop in a market, but Coral had some good rates in comparison to many other nearby floors.

Buying a place for a shop on the other hand, was a different story.

"Just coming by repairs, Lisbeth, nothing major." Harry said as he approached the counter and then blinked. "Um, did you change your appearance?" He asked as Silica giggled.

Lisbeth smiled as she twirled. "You like it?"

Harry gave her a curious look. "Well, it is distinctive." He said and shook his head. "Decided on a change?"

Lisbeth sighed. "It was Asuna's idea, okay?" She said. "She said the stiff blacksmithing uniform I used to wear didn't suit me, so she recommended this, as well as dyeing my hair. And wouldn't she be right? I doubled my business because of this."

Silica nodded. "It's the youthful look," she said. "In your older uniform, you looked like a girl playing in her father's uniform. This, well it suits you." She indicated the puff-sleeved dress Lisbeth was now wearing, as well as the pink hair. "I wouldn't want to wear regular armor over it, though."

Harry snorted. "I think it's more that it tells the guys that yes, this is a girl they're looking at." He shook his head. "Go figure."

Silica shot Harry a look. "And what does that make me?" She asked archly, her hand on her dagger's hilt.

"Dangerous," Harry replied, shooting a wary look at her hand. "I've seen how you deal with unwanted advances, Silica."

"Oh?" Lisbeth asked, curious.

Harry grinned. "Well, there was that one time she threw one idiot out of a tavern through the window. What was his name? You know, that fat one that just reeked of, what was that word again? Otaki, otako, ah! Otaku! You know, that one?"

"Oh, him." Silica growled. "I don't even want to think of that one. He was a creep. I haven't seen him for a few weeks though." She saw Harry shiftily look to the side. "What did you do, Hadrian?"

"Me?" Harry asked, innocently. "Nothing."

Silica raised an eyebrow. "Nothing, you say?" she asked sweetly, which put Harry on guard.

"Well, I might have tracked him down a bit later and had a few words with him outside of town." Harry hedged and then got a slightly panicked look as Silica's arch look turned into a glare. "Nothing bad! It wasn't like I threatened to cut pieces of his body off and feed them to Pina or anything."

"You didn't? That's a relief."

Harry huffed. "Of course not!" He protested "I don't want to make Pina sick. I simply had a few words with him. I might have had my sword at his throat, though, or at least I think it was his throat. It was kind of hard to tell with how many chins he had." He shook his head. "Anyway, I needed to make a point about how he was treating a lady, and how he should treat one. You can ask Klein, he was there."

Silica took her hand off her weapon and walked over to Harry. He gave her a wary look, which turned pained as she slapped him upside the head.

"I can take care of myself, Hadrian." She said simply.

Harry rubbed his head. "Well yeah, but some of those guys can't seem to take a hint." He then muttered something that sounded like he was going to string the next bunch that try and make Silica a mascot up by their codpieces from a church steeple.

"I'm sorry, what was that?"

"Nothing, Silica, nothing at all."

Lisbeth laughed. "You two are like a married couple, you know that?" She asked with some amusement. Her amusement grew as she saw the two of them blush at her comment. Getting control of it she then looked at them. "Now, you said you both had some gear that needs repairs?"

Taking the opportunity the change of subject presented them, both of them nodded and brought out their gear. Lisbeth's eyes boggled at the damage done to it as she saw several rents and tears in their armor, and how Harry's shield was actually bent as if a mob tried to wrap it around his arm.

"What the hell did you two tangle with?!" She asked incredulously.

"A field boss." Harry replied. "We managed to find it, or it find us, don't really know." He shuddered. "Not going to forget that thing any time soon."

"We decided the rest of the clearers could have fun with that one when we escaped it, got back and told them about it." Silica added. "It seemed a bit mad at us for escaping."

Harry nodded. "Just a bit. It might have been due to how you-" He stopped as Silica elbowed him in the stomach.

"We're not talking about that, Hadrian." She said firmly. "Or do you want me to mention how you-" Harry quickly put his hand over her mouth.

"Now, now, Silica. If I can't tell, you can't." Harry said and removed his hand before she decided to bite it.

Lisbeth looked at the two of them, amused. Like a married couple indeed. She thought. I wonder if Argo still has that betting pool open. "There's a bit of a story there," she said. "Well, why don't you two tell me what you're willing to while I get to fixing this up?" She gave the damaged armor an impressed look. "I didn't think gear could get this damaged without shattering from losing all its durability, let alone a shield get bent like that. A hit like that would have shattered the bones in your arm, at the least, in the real world. Wait, did something bite a piece of it off?!" She saw Harry look to off to the side embarrassed. She shook her head. "Well, it survived whatever it was that caused this, so it must be good armor."

Harry smiled. "It cost us a pretty col, but it was worth it, that's for sure." Silica simply nodded in agreement with that statement.

About an hour later, Lisbeth finished repairing their gear and the two re-equipped it with some relief. The armor was expensive, after all and they weren't looking forward to having to replace it this soon after getting it. As they walked out, they saw several players heading to the shop, looking like they got into a fight with an angry bear crossed with a wood chipper, and had probably teleported straight to Coral.

"Field boss?" Harry asked as he passed them.

"Field boss." One of the players replied.

"You guys at least kill it?"

The players nodded.

"Any casualties?"

"Just our gear."

Harry nodded waved them on their way.

"Welcome to Lisbeth's Smi- What the hell happened to you guys?!" Came the call from the blacksmith shop.

Harry and Silica looked at each other and laughed, despite themselves. That field boss would likely become something of a legend amongst clearers. Well, that and its distinctive call of eeya yip yip yip!