Chapter 9

Eradicate.

A word of danger, of death; and yet, probably the single thought on our minds. The large figure in front of me also had it, I could feel it. Just the two of us; one on one. I had finally received the opportunity for revenge.

His dark eyes looked down on me, hoping to promote fear into my soul; but I didn't even budge. My eyes too, filled with raged challenged his look.

Rage. Anger. Hatred. Flowing thru my system, I controlled those emotions; they no longer controlled me, no, I had learned and now I used them, as tools, in my fight not for justice, but for retribution.

The red-stained setting sun poured little light into our confrontation; however, I saw every detail; I engraved his image onto my mind. The killer clad in black was menacing; but so was I. Equally matched, it would be a fight where only one would win…

"YOU will PAY!"

August 24, 2023

"Right turn…left swing…and uppercut…"

The wooden stick on my hands swayed left and right. Swift and agile thrusts were thrown far and close.

Woosh!

It had been a while since I practiced with it. My duties had always prevented me from practicing the way Sensei would've wanted; and even now with more reason, trapped inside the game had made it almost impossible.

Yet today I felt I should at least take it up once more to refine the teachings passed to me.

"Kyaa!"

Alright…repeat…

"You don't know the word rest now do you? …"

Swoosh!

"Huh? …Oh, hey…*argh…well, I'm not supposed to…"

"You're wearing yourself out…You hardly sleep…or eat…after what you've been thru, I wouldn't be surprised if you fainted again…"

…A doctor's diagnostic…Heh…

"Were in a virtual world, we can't die from starvation…Now, come on…let us draw our swords…let's remember those good days…"

"Hah!…Crazy as ever…you're on! …"

Shiiing!

[Lost Destiny], a large emerald-green blade, it was Axel's two-handed sword. Also drawing my own, we prepared to fight like we once did as gladiators, but without bets on the line.

Clang!

Our steel clashed, bringing back memories of the Arena fights. Yet this time, few sparks would actually light up, but nonetheless it was the same.

"You've still got it in you! It's not fair fighting a worn-out player…but if I hadn't observed you, I would've guessed you were freshly rested…"

"I think worn-out wouldn't be the word…it's more like…I was just warming-up for this fight…"

"Ha! That's more like it! …"

Heavy assaults were his specialty, and precision was mine. We knew each other's moves well; but his knowledge was far outdated, as I had acquired new tricks. But despite that, he had amazing strength; and his rational thinking made him a worthy opponent.

His eyes were firm and free from interruptions. Truly pools of water, they contrasted well with his short red-head hair. It is, after all, the rarest mix in the world, and it fit him perfectly.

Klunk!

His blade getting caught between the forte of mine and the cross-guard, it was a close hit.

"Come on! We can't stop here…"

"Who said anything about stopping? …"

With a fierce thrust upwards, his blade automatically disengaged from mine, but still within reach. And with another rough push, my sword repealed his, putting the fight in motion once more.

"…Nice…"

"…Thanks…"

Rushing forward once more, our weapons smashed together. Pushing me back a few steps, it was obvious his strength was beyond mine. but it wasn't enough, as he lacked speed and agility in his attacks.

Readying his attack, he gripped his sword tighter, possibly wanting to end the fight.

…left…slightly angled…

Trying to anticipate his move by calculating his trajectory, I dropped.

Woosh!

Passing me overhead, I barely escaped it. Having dropped in a landing position, my knees almost hitting the ground and my left hand touching it, I sprung upwards. My sword on my right already in motion as I burst up, it reached his throat.

"…Veeery nice…"

Taking it away, I sheathed my sword.

"Great fight, thank you…"

Putting his away, his tone changed to a more serious tone.

"There's something I've been meaning to ask you…well, if you're so strong, why not go back to the front? I know you had bad experiences, but you could really make a difference…"

"Well…I can't, there's something I have to do first…and protecting all of you is also my priority…everyone is important to me…"

"Everyone you say…so…you must…Can ask another thing? ….D-do you like Layla? …"

Layla? ...Well…

"…W-where did this come from? …"

"Don't deny it…it's pretty obvious…come on, you trust me, don't you?"

"Well…I…there's…it's complicated…you see…in the real world…I have ties with someone…I'm…married…"

"You're married!"

"Shhhh! Keep it down! I haven't told anyone…like I told you…its complicated…its really like if we weren't…and Anya…well…"

"Don't worry…I understand…it's like if you were a bachelor…"

"…Yeah…sort of…anyways…what about you? Why did you accept coming here with us? …"

"I have my reasons…plus…those kids, they've gotten to me…I couldn't leave…besides, I'm comfortable with all of you…but why do you? Why do you want to protect them? Are they in danger? …"

Danger…because of me…Yes, and a lot…but he mustn't know…

"…Axel…listen to me…if something happens to me…"

"Wait! Now where did that come from? You aren't planning on dying!?"

"No! Of course not! …just listen…you must protect them…there's a possibility I might…just care for them, I beg you…and just in case…take this address…in the real world, that's where she is is…"

Bwak!

His fist. With strong stats like his, it could've been a dangerous hit, but we were still in a Safe Zone. Punching me, he knocked me down, but no pain was felt. He didn't have anger, but more like a worried look.

"You won't die! Everyone counts on you! You brought everyone together…and now…"

"Hey! I thought you were the rational one! I said just in case! …look, I won't die, I just want to have a safety switch…I plan for the worst…so…can I trust you with this? …"

"Are you serious? …Fine! But it's gonna cost you if you die…"

With a smile, I thanked him for his understanding. If anything happened, I could trust he would look after the others.

"So what now? …"

"Well…its early…let's all go hunting like we always do…"

[Krea], the eighteenth floors main city wasn't massively populated. Being overshadowed by other superior floors, it was soon left behind. And with its small player population and few visitors, it was a perfect floor to hunt and level with everyone. Not far from the town was [Twine Wilderness], an almost maze like forest full of high-level yet low-power mobs. Like many other floors, this one had lush forests filled with thousands of trees and awe-inspiring scenes.

"Why do we always need to go out in these!? …"

Forcing everyone to cover their face with equipment every time we headed out, Ange expressed her discomfort like always, however, this time it was reasonable. I knew they despised it, but it was the only way to hide their identities. It wasn't a full proof plan, but it was the only possible scenario.

Its…for safety…

"I apologize for the inconvenience, but please don't take the hood off…it's for safety… please…"

"But it's no fun with it on…besides, it's so hot!"

"Ok…how about this…Whenever we go out, please put it on…if you do, I'll give you anything…well, almost anything…so what's it gonna take?"

"Hey…can we get that option as well?"

Also fully equipped with his dark helmet protecting his and wanting the same benefit, Ray didn't hesitate to ask.

"No! …only the kids…"

"I know! I want a copy of your diary…"

Damn! Why do I even bother…?

"You have a diary!? Haha!"

Rejoicing with laughter, everyone seemed amused by the few notes I had redacted.

"It's not funny…it's…a control log. I keep track of things in it…they're just notes…so, no; you can't have that…anything else…how about you Krakov?"

"Its fine…I don't need anything else…"

"You see Ange, why don't you learn something from K…"

"Ange…if Chris says it's for safety…then we should do it. I trust him, don't you?"

Leaving me surprised, Layla interceded for me in order to calm the situation. And as her best friend requested, she had no choice but to accept.

"…Ok, fine…"

"K! It's your turn!"

Not wasting a single moment, Krakov sped into the fight and took the last attack. His [Tepid Artic] dagger, finely crafted, did its job perfectly as it left a trail of blue light right before hitting its target.

Whish!

Blown to bits, the [Baleful Scarecrow] crumbled into particles of light with final hit. Dark-red eyes and with a freaky smile, it was supposed to be a "fright" themed dungeon monster. Standing at two meters, it was large foe; yet it wasn't that dangerous, armed with a makeshift wooden club, it did little damage to the group. And after fighting countless enemies, our momentum was beginning to decrease.

Four hours inside the maze-like forest, fighting mobs and obtaining levels, it had become tiresome for all of us. And with a Safe Zone near, it was logical to stop and rest.

"Alright…let's stop and rest there and when we're done, we'll head back…how bout' it?"

"Yeah…sounds good…"

Heading towards the partially destroyed group of stone formations, everyone had an expression of hunger; and it was justified, as we hadn't eaten for almost five hours.

"So did anyone bring food?"

"…Now that you mention it…No…"

…You gotta be kidding…they're hopeless…

"We didn't think we'd be out for long…"

"Alright, alright…don't worry…I brought some…"

"You did? Man, you're like a Swiss army knife! …So what did you bring!?"

"We've been low on supplies…so this is all I could make…Chicken Fajitas…well, sort of…"

"What…are they?"

"It's just grilled chicken and cheese wrapped in a tortilla…it's the simplest thing I could make…so eat up cuz' they won't last long"

Materializing them and handing the servings out, we ate the virtual food. Bringing a sense of virtual satisfaction, eating was a must in this world. And with the cooking skill, it was possible to customize that food using various materials and the aid of the system.

"Mmm…they're great man! Didn't know you cooked so well…"

Complementing the feat, Ray always said what was on his mind.

"Thanks…I've done it all my life, and plus with the system, it's pretty easy, almost takes all the fun out…"

"Ahh! That was good…alright…it's not so late, I think I'll go finish up gaining an extra level, I'm pretty close…who wants to join?"

Standing and wanting to waste a single second to level up, Axel invited the others to join. And sure after, Krakov followed by Ange and Ray set out.

"Ok…we'll go…Chris you coming?"

"Amm…Naa, go on ahead…I'd like to rest a bit before we head back…don't venture in too deep…"

"We won't…"

"Layla, you won't come?"

"I want to rest a while as well, go on, don't keep them waiting…"

"…Fine…"

Venturing off, they headed out into the line of trees. And in a few minutes, we were left alone. And like always, a slight shyness took over, almost preventing me from talking. But this time it was even more futile, as her sudden question left me speechless.

"So…you're married, huh? …"

Shit! She knows…Damn you Axel! …

Her voice sounding a bit stirred, it wasn't really a normal question; but I had to reply.

"T-that…was unexpected…well, you see…"

Not even letting me finish, she smiled. But it was clear her doubts were still there. I figured it was time to explain myself.

"…Don't worry…your secret is safe with me…"

Yeah, that's what he said! …

"…But you're too young…how did it…never mind, excuse me, its rude to ask about…"

"No, it's ok…if you already know that, I guess I should tell the rest…It's quite a strange story…after Sensei took me in, he taught me and cared for me…he was a great man…anyways, I was still too rebellious, but he was still there for me; he enrolled me in middle school, and well, I fell for this girl…we were crazy kids, and then it happened…"

"You got married? Is it even possible at that age? …So…how is she? …You're always contemplating the sky, thinking…you…miss her… don't you? …Krakov said that you scream her name when you're asleep…Anya…is…that her?"

Haha! Seriously…I've messed things up…

Bursting into laughter, I couldn't help to smile at her innocence. It was the first time in a while that I actually laughed and smiled in a conversation, but with it came her angered response.

"What's so funny!? If you don't want to tell me, you should've said so! …"

"Sorry…sorry…it's my fault…I didn't tell you guys everything…Anya…she's my daughter…"

"You have…a daughter!? …"

"Yes…like I was saying…when we were dating…we got pregnant…I know we were very young, but it happened…yet, [Cassandra] wasn't happy…she didn't want to have it, but I couldn't permit a murder…so I decided to raise the baby…in the end, it was a girl…and her parents forced her to get married, and well, Sensei was disappointed but he still backed me…with his help, I raised Anya…but I never saw Cassandra again…so it's like if we weren't married at all…anyways…I escaped with Anya, as I didn't want those men to know I had a daughter, and we came here, to Japan…Sensei's wife took us in without question; she is just as kind as he was…and well, that's about it…"

With an uneasy voice, I finally finished explaining everything. It wasn't easy explaining it to her, so I did what I could. But what I feared was how she would look at me from that moment on; would she avoid me? I had no idea. However, those thoughts came to a halt when a warm sensation reached my hand.

"I'm…sorry…for...for my intrusion…"

"It's ok…but please, understand why I didn't say anything…I just don't want Anya to get hurt…"

A soft and delicate hand touched mine, alleviating my worries; and with her soothing voice, It was a moment I would like to last.

"Don't worry…I'm sure you'll see her again…"

Turning to contemplate her eyes, they shined beautifully; like true turquoise pools of water, they reflected the sunlight, giving an aura of perfection. Yet, like other things, it didn't last, as everyone had returned, ready to head out.

"Come on you guys…let's go! …"

The setting sun was as beautiful as ever. Covering us all with rays of warmth, it had a peculiar feel today; tainted in a dark tone, its red light made it gloomy, yet captivating as ever. And with its radiance covering us, we headed home.

Everyone seemed happy; even I had a joyous spirit. It was a scene that made me forgive the reason they were here; protecting them was my goal, bringing them together, not necessarily by choice, was the method. Yet they gathered, and like if nothing happened, they cared for each other.

"So…K, exactly how old are you? You didn't tell us back then…in fact, no one said their age…"

"Amm…well I'm thirteen…my birthday is February fifth…I was twelve when the game began…A-and you?"

So he was twelve, huh? …he's the youngest and Axel is probably the oldest here…

"I'm probably the oldest here…I'm 22, born on July fifteen…yup, probably the oldest…so what about you Ange?"

"My birthday is on Valentine's Day! February fourteenth! And I'm also fourteen!"

Huh…who would've thought, Ange is actually older than K…

"Mine is on April 29, so that makes me nineteen…"

Also speaking up was Ray; and surprising me, he had my same age. But surprising me further was Layla, when she told hers.

"Well, I'm nineteen as well…mine is on March seven…"

So we´re the same age…

Speaking last, I stated my age. I was supposed to be older, but my birthday hadn't come around yet.

"I'm…still nineteen…since mine is on November second…"

"November? …that's really close to, you know…"

"Yeah…when it all began. That's why I'm here…the game was a gift from [Kame-sama], my guardian in the real world. She thought it would be a good present…"

"Guardian? …"

"Yes, Sensei's wife…she took me in…"

"Ohh…right…"

Surprising me, they had remembered my story. It wasn't easy, so I was quite impressed. And with all the talk going on, it was imperative we headed back home, as it was getting late.

"Lest hurry and head back…maybe I'll be able to cook something up…"

"Alright! …"

And with a unanimous response, we ventured on. Taking the stone path, it was clear we weren't very far. And with their talk, I contemplated; it had been a great day, too great, and with that type of circumstance, I felt something was bound to happen.

Crack!

"What was that!?"

"It was probably some mob or a group of players out hunting…"

A slightly far away noise of a branch, my heart pounded with more force. I had a strange feeling , and with it, I quickly used my searching skill to scan the area.

Wait…there's four of them…and they're closing in…No! It can't be! …

"Ray!?"

With an unsure voice, I called for him. And with a single glance, I gave him the instruction to leave. If it was what I was expecting, I knew they all had to get out immediately.

"Now!? …Are you sure? …."

"…Positive…you know what to do…please…"

With the players closing in even more, I knew it was an emergency. But no one knew besides us two, and with the uneasiness of the situation, Layla began to worry.

"What's going on? …Chris? …"

"There's something I have to do alone…please teleport out…I'll meet up with you guys later…"

"No, wait! Something's not right…"

"Please go! It's alright but…it's complicated…you trust me, don't you? …"

He tension growing, I grabbed her to plead her to get out. And if I convinced her, the others would go. But refusing to do so, I knew time was running out.

"…There's something I need to tell you…"

"Please! Go! Now!"

Screaming out with impotence, I knew it was probably the last time I would see them. And turning one last time, they all gathered and began teleporting out via their crystals. And with the last glance at Layla, my eyes were weary and filled with remorse; just as she yelled out.

"No! Chr! …."

…Goodbye…

The footstep finally stopping meters away from me, it seemed I was right about my judgment; it was him. No other player had that heavy vibe.

"…We meet again…Erebus! …"

"Ah! So it is you! ...i was beginning to worry…say, those weren't your friends escaping?"

"After what you've done, I have no friends! …"

Letting my rage flow, he only burst out in his cynical laugh.

"Hahaha! …you sound so dark! I would love to chat right now, but I'm afraid I have no time…"

"Coward! Put up your weapon! One on one! Let's settle this once and for all!"

His eyes filled with darkness looked straight at mine with the desire to kill. For a few seconds it seemed he would accept; and I was ready. But with a single interruption, his tone changed form a cynical sarcastic one to an outrageous craze.

"Boss! They're coming!"

"Shit! Now listen up outsider! I haven't forgotten to schedule your death, so be patient…we'll meet again! …"

And with his words, the three others took off. It seemed they were being followed; but I didn't care, as all I wanted was revenge. Taking off as well, I followed closely.

"Son of a bitch! …you won't get away again!"

Clank!

Coming out of nowhere, the three players quickly confronted me. Launching an assault, two of them lunged forth with their weapons. Barely stopping them with my own, the third took the opportunity and sprang into action. With an abnormal feel on my side, they disengaged and took off once more.

Shit! ….not…again! …

I had been paralyzed. Once more playing their trick on me, I fell to my knees. Feeling more useless than ever, I engraved his face once more onto my mind. And more than ever, I felt the need to end him.

"I'll be waiting! Hahaha!"

"You…Bastard!"