Hello, guys! Here I am again with another chapter of The Thousand Blades. Sorry, for the late update. Really sorry. School life is hard. Please review it you got the time. Oh, and Thanks for all of your review, favorites and follows. I really appreciate it. Thank You! So, I'm gonna go work out on the next chapter. Ja'ne! ArtLotus out!
Chapter 12: The Sword Dance of White
Nearly two years have passed since this death game began.
I'm still going it alone on the front lines, and sometimes i would brought Kirito here with me.
But it doesn't change the fact that i'm still going alone, saving people here and there.
And it doesn't change anything that Kayaba Akihiko is out there somewhere, watching this world.
Or being a part of it.
What is he feeling right now, I wonder?
"I wonder how Kaa-san's doing? I hope she's alright." Izayoi mutters as he sheath his Heaven sword. "Guess i'll go home for now. My level isn't going to get higher than this. But I'll never know..." He whispers as he left the dungeon, hearing only his footsteps fading away.
October 17, 2024 Floor 74: Dungeon
Izayoi walked through a forest from having to returned from the 74th Floor Labyrinth, while defeating a lot Lizardman Lord in his way. He decided to return after spending a lot of time in the dungeon. He knew that it's his last floor before his final floor that he completed in the Beta Test, the 75th Floor.
"The Boss in the 74th Floor..." Izayoi thought as he harden his eyes at the mere mention of the floor, he knew well that it has Boss Floor guarding it, before he can get to the 75th floor. The beast he fought in the Beta Test left a bitter taste in his taste bites as the boss was strong. Also, he knew if anyone fight it, they'll surely be dead the second they set foot in the Boss room.
Only he can fight it, cause he knew the beast all too well, he then thought about what if Kirito would choose to fight it. If he could say, the chances between him and the beast, it's pretty slim, if he doesn't use his new sword, Dark Repulser. "If he chose not to use it, he'll be dead but before that could happen... I'll save him. That's what friends are after all." Izayoi held a small smile as he walked along the forest.
"Is that..." Izayoi muttered as he look to see a small white animal who he knew, was eating behind a tree bark.
"Perfect..." He whispers as he took out two needles from his pocket, then aimed at the white animal.
He then threw it, purposely missing it, so that he could get a better aim at it. With the animal surprised and frightened by Izayoi, it quickly jumped out, showing itself.
Izayoi aimed his second needle at the jumping rabbit, as he throws it directly hitting the rabbit, that earned a yelp of pain.
Floor 50: Algade
"Seriously?" Egil stated looking into a list of items that Izayoi wanted to sell.
Skull Powder 10
Lizardman Skin 20
Lizardman Scales 15
"These are a lot of items you want to sell. Are you sure you wouldn't want to forge a weapon out of it? You really can make a weapon out of it." Egil asked towards Izayoi. "No, I don't want to forge anything out of it. I already have weapons, and I don't want to add another one anytime soon." He answered as Egil nodded. "Oh, I've found a rare item on my way back. I pretty sure you knew this item pretty well. It is after all, rare." Izayoi said as he opened his menu and checked his storage. "Well, here it is." He said as he showed Egil the rare item.
Egil look to Izayoi's menu of the rare item. His eyes widen, recognizing the item instantly.
Ragout Rabbit Meat
"This is an S-class rare item. I've never seen one before." Egil said trembling, atas sweats started to fall. "Hey, Izayoi. Don't you already have all the money you need? Wouldn't you rather eat this yourself than sell it?" He asked out of curiosity. "Who said anything about selling it? I'm not gonna sell it. I'm just showing it to you. I already got someone who can cook." Izayoi said with a smile. "I'd loved to eat it. And I'll probably get another one. So, even if there aren't anyone who has a high enough cooking skill to prepare this, except one that I knew can cook this cause she probably had maxed her cooking skill last week. I can still make a good soup out of it even if my cooking skills isn't maxed."
"Then... Why don't you cook it earlier? And give me a piece?" Egil said. "Even if I tried, I'd just burn it..." He said.
"Because I like her to cook this, that's why." Izayoi said grinning at a sighing Egil.
"I wonder where she is now? I haven't seen her, like two, three days ago." Izayoi said thinking on where Asuna could be now.
Egil raised an eyebrow, as he wanted to asked Izayoi, on who is the girl he's been talking about. But chose not to, as he wasn't in the business to talk about that.
While Izayoi thinks, someone tap his shoulder cutting him off.
"Izayoi-kun..."
"Hmm..." Izayoi turns behind him to see Asuna waving at him, while accompanying her was a black haired man, wearing the same white uniform as Asuna, but with a cloak attached to it.
"Asuna, I've been waiting for you. Where did you go these past days? I was worried." Izayoi said faking a frown, as Asuna lightly punched his shoulder. "Stop that. And if you should know, It's almost time for the next boss." Asuna said as Izayoi narrowed his eyes, looking down as his hair shadowed his face.
"The 74th Floor..." Izayoi muttered as Asuna raised an eyebrow on his strange behavior. "Izayoi-kun?" She said as Izayoi snapped out of his muttering as he look at Asuna. "It's nothing. Don't worry about me." He asked. "Why are you suddenly here, when it's almost time for the next boss?" He ask her. "I just came here to see if you were alive."
You know, I'm on your friend list. You can tell from that. But it's good that you check on me." Izayoi smiled. "If you're still alive, that's good enough." Asuna said looking away, slightly blushing from his smile.
"Anyway, what are you waiting for me about?" She asked. "Well, let me ask you. What's your current cooking skill?" Izayoi asked.
Asuna smirked at him. "I maxed it last week."
Izayoi held a small smile. "Amazing, right?"
"Good girl. I know you would maxed it last week." He said opening his inventory and showed it to Asuna. Asuna looked at the item, as her eyes widen.
"Th-This is a ragout rabbit!" She exclaimed shocked.
"So, how about it? Want to cook it?" He asked. Suddenly, before anyone knows it, Asuna grabbed Izayoi's coat as she pulled him closer to her.
"Half."
Izayoi look at her with a soft smile. "You can eat all you want." He simply said as Asuna let go of his coat.
"Yatta!" She said joyfully.
A small smile formed on Izayoi's face, from seeing Asuna happy and excited, to cook the meat and eat it.
Izayoi turns to Egil. "Sorry, I've got to go." He said to him. "We're buddies, right? Just give me a taste..." Egil said desperately wanting to eat the meat, as Izayoi answered.
"I write you a two-page report on its taste." Izayoi said smirking, waving his hand behind his back to Egil. "Oh, come on!" Egil complained as he sigh.
Izayoi, Asuna and her bodyguard were passing through a market which was full of players.
"Then where would you like me to cook it?" Asuna asked. "Hmm... My place is too expensive. How about your place. I haven't visited your place yet." Izayoi said. "You probably don't have any cookware at your place. Just this once, and only because the ingredient is so good, we can use my place." She stated. "Just this once? I thought I get to visit you everyday?" He asked as Asuna giggle. "This once, only." She said as Izayoi sighed.
Asuna turns to the black haired man, that was her bodyguard. "That will be all for today. Goodbye." She said as the man spoke.
"Asuna-sama, you can't let such a suspicious person into your home." He said.
"He may be suspicious, but he's also quite skilled. He's probably twenty levels above you, Kuradeel."
"You're suggesting he's superior to me?" He said as a look of realization showed on his face.
"I see... He's one of those beaters."
Izayoi look towards him, with narrowed eyes. "Yes, that's right."
Kuradeel quickly walked towards Asuna. "Asuna-sama, all they care about is themselves! Nothing good will come of being around him." He said loudly.
Asuna narrowed her eyes, while Izayoi glance left and right to see that players were slowly gathered around them.
"What's going on?" A player asked as a crowd has gathered around the three of them.
"That's Lightning Flash Asuna!"
"You're right! She's really cute!
"It's him! The Thousand Blades! He's handsome!"
"So, you're The Thousand Blades." Kuradeel stated looking at Izayoi. "I heard of you before." He stated.
Asuna noticing the attention they attracted, turned to Kuradeel. "Just go home for today. That's an order from your vice commander." She said sternly as Izayoi sensing that it's over, walked up ahead, followed by Asuna.
"Are you sure you know what you're doing?"
"I'm sure."
Izayoi glance behind him, seeing Kuradeel standing there.
Floor 61: Selmburg
Izayoi look around the quiet town. "It never gets old. It's huge, and it's mostly empty."
"And it's really boring." He muttered.
"Then you should move here." Asuna suggested.
"I already did. But I rarely go to my house. I don't know why I bought it in the first place." He mutters the last sentence.
"Oh? If that's the case, then we should we go to your house." She said as Izayoi raised an eyebrow.
"Why? My house isn't that amazing." He commented. "If you said it like that, then it makes me want to see it more." Asuna said glancing behind her shoulder to look at Izayoi. "Hmm... Okay. If that makes you happy." He said with a slight smile.
"Yay!" She said in happiness.
"Why don't you tell me earlier about your house. I could visit every time when I'm not busy." She stated. "As I said, I rarely go to my house. I normally slept in an inn, and then when I wake up, I head straight to the Labyrinth. Because there's nothing for me to do than just walk around the town." Izayoi said as Asuna nodded, knowing her boyfriend would want to do something fun than just staying around town doing nothing.
"Anyway, are you really sure about that guy back there. I'm afraid he will stalk you just to protect you from me."
"I told them I don't require an escort, but they said it's the policy for leaders. The commander used to personally invite everyone. We were just a small guild." She said as she continued. "But we began getting more and more people. After people started saying we were the strongest guild everything got weird." She explained as she turns to Izayoi. "Well, it's not a big deal, so don't worry about it!" She assured him as she then walked ahead of him.
"We should hurry or it'll get dark!"
"Okay..."
"Excuse me for intruding." Izayoi said as he walk a few steps inside Asuna's home, admiring the interior of the house. "How much did all this cost?" He asked. "The room and furniture were probably around 4,000,000 Col... I'll go change, so have a seat." She answered.
"Hai." Izayoi said he change his clothing. He was wearing a white sleeveless shirt. "4,000,000 col. 4 mega-Col. And that's only the room and the furniture. I wonder what the house cost like, 10,000,000 col? Or 20 to 40 mega-Col? My home isn't that cheap. But what's the best way to spend money? If you saved it all to yourself? Huh... so that's why I bought it..." He said sarcastically, as he then remembered why he bought his house in the first place. He leaned against a small white sofa, while waiting for Asuna to come out.
The sound of Asuna's footsteps gain his attention, Izayoi turned and saw Asuna wore a white sleeping gown. "How long do you-? Oh, you already changed?" Asuna said. "I think someone needs to have her eyes checked." Izayoi teased as Asuna hit his shoulder. "Ow! What did you do that for?" He asked innocently. "You know what I did that for, right?" Asuna asked slightly glaring at him. "Fine. Let's just cook." He sighed getting up from his seat as they both went to the kitchen.
Asuna opened her inventory and took the meat, putting it on the cooking table. "So, this is a legendary S-class ingredient? How do you want it cooked?" Asuna asked looking at Izayoi. "I prefer the chef's choice." He said. "Let's see... Then let's make a stew." Asuna suggested. "It's a ragout rabbit." She said as she took out a pot, then she opened her shortcut window and took out the ingredients to make the stew.
"And a ragout is a type of stew." Asuna explained while cutting the meat and ingredients for the stew. Then, she put all those ingredients into the pot. "Normally, you'd need to do a lot more. Cooking in SAO is oversimplified. It's boring." She said as she put the pot into an oven. "That takes care of the stew! I'll make some side dishes." Asuna said as she walks to another side of the kitchen to prepare the side dish, while Izayoi watched her with a smile.
"That was good. I'm impressed by the chef." Izayoi said while he drank the tea on the table.
"Thanks. But it's you who teach me how to cook in the other world." She said as Izayoi help up his hand at her.
"Yeah. But it's you who maxed your cooking skill. Your the one who cooked all of this." Izayoi said pointing to the empty dishes that they had eaten. "And may I add? It was delicious." Izayoi commented as Asuna nodded, grateful for his compliment.
Asuna hold her stomach, full from eating the meat and the side dishes. "I've been here two years, and this is the first S-class ingredient I've had. I'm glad I've survived this long." Asuna said. "Yeah. I'm glad I've survived with you." Izayoi said making Asuna slightly blush. "It's strange... It kinds of feels like I was born and raised here for my entire life. It's just a feeling." She said.
"Huh... There are days I can't even remember the other world. And it isn't just me. Recently," Izayoi began putting his tea cup down. "fewer and fewer people have been giving their all to clear the game. Fewer than five hundred players are fighting on the front lines." He explained. "Everyone has grown accustomed to this world. But I want to go back. There are a lots of things I never had true chance to do there." She stated which Izayoi respond with a smile.
"Yeah. Unless we do our best, it isn't fair to the merchants and others who are supporting us."
"Stop it."
"Huh?"
"Lots of people with that same expression have proposed to me."
"Eh? I think I have to kill the lots of people who proposed to you. So, where's their addresses?" Izayoi asked opening his item storage, finding his Sword of Light. He turned to equip it, until Asuna stopped him. "Stop, I'm just kidding."
"Huh?"
"When the 'lots of people' proposed to me. I just answered I have a boyfriend that I've known for 3 years now. Oh, and he's The Thousand Blades. When I said that they left." She said as Izayoi closed his item storage. "They should have. Or else they would get some beating and slashing from me." Izayoi explained leaning against his chair.
"From the looks of things you aren't close to any other girls.
"Am I?" Izayoi asked with a smirk and a raised eyebrow. Asuna stared at him confused. "I think I'm close to a girl." He said as Asuna still stared at him confused. "Who?" She questioned. "You." He answered looking at her with his charming smile as Asuna blushed. "I loved to see you blush." Izayoi said with a soft smile.
"And It's fine. I'm a solo player." He added to answering her question earlier, with a different answer.
"You don't want to join a guild, Izayoi-kun? I know the beta players don't fit in with groups." Asuna said keeping her blush under control, as she continued. "But... Ever since we hit floor 70, the monster algorithms seem to be more and more irregular." Asuna stated as Izayoi nodded in understanding. "There are things a solo player can't handle. And you can't always warp out." She said to Izayoi.
"I keep a solid safety margin. And most party members are more likely to join me in their party for popularity rather than to be any help." Izayoi said closing his eyes.
"Oh?
Without knowing what happened, Asuna holds a knife at his face. "You know it's dangerous to hold a knife in front of someone's face, right? Even though the someone is your boyfriend?" Izayoi said as he open one of his eyes, to see the knife in front of him. "Well, you're my girlfriend. So, you're certainly an exception." He stated as he open his other eye.
"Then, party up with me. It's been forever." Asuna said as an amused smile formed on Izayoi's face. "Oh? Where did that come from?" He asked.
"Also, white is my lucky color this week." Asuna stated ignoring Izayoi early remark, while twirling her knife. "What about your guild?" He asked again. "We don't have any leveling quotas." Asuna answered. "Your escort or might I say bodyguard?" Izayoi said.
"I'll ditch him." Asuna quickly answered, while Izayoi stared at her as he sighed. Then, he picked up his tea cup to drink, but he realize that it was empty. He look to Asuna who wink at him, as he set the tea cup down on its plate, and gave it to Asuna to refill it.
After, she pour the water into his cup, he took it back as he drink it.
Asuna invites you to join her party.
Yes No
Izayoi look up at the invite menu sent by Asuna.
"The front lines are dangerous. And don't point that knife at me." Izayoi said as he defend Asuna's knife with his own knife.
Izayoi looks at her, looking to see if she was serious about this. The way she held that serious face of hers at him, means that she definitely could handle the dangers on the front lines.
With a sigh, he accepted the invitation by pressing the Yes button.
Asuna retract her knife as she smile at Izayoi.
"Huh... girls."
"I suppose I should thank you for today. Thanks for the meal." Asuna said as she and Izayoi were standing outside her home, by the porch of her door.
"You, too. You're cooking really surprised me. And that's a rare compliment coming from a master chef such as myself." Izayoi said with a smile, as Asuna giggle.
"Yeah. Thank you for that compliment. Izayoi-sama." Asuna said teasingly. "Oh? Someone has learned something today." Izayoi stated as the two of them began to laugh. "I'll ask your help again, or I would but I doubt I'll ever find an ingredient like that again." Izayoi said scratching his head. "You'll never know, you might actually get a whole bunch next time you visit." Asuna reassured him. "I'll never know." He said with a shrug of his shoulder. "And maybe next time, I could ask for the master chef to show him his skill." Asuna said with a smirk.
"Okay. Asuna-hime. Whatever you wish for." Izayoi said with a bow, while Asuna was embarrass, "Stop that, someone could see us like this." Asuna whispers to him. "Well, they should mind their own business." Izayoi said looking at Asuna, as he then look at the sky. "The way the world is now... Is this really what Kayaba Akihiko wanted to make?" Izayoi explained looking at the sky followed by Asuna.
"Well, I better go to my house. I need to make sure if it still the way it is. And I need to sleep." Izayoi stated with a yawn, as Asuna realized something. "I forgot. I never get to see your house." Asuna said as Izayoi turned to leave, after she had suddenly mentioned his house.
"Where do you think you're going?" Asuna said grabbing a hold of his jacket. "I was just leaving." He simply said. "I hope that's not your excuse for not inviting me to your house." She stated with a glare, as Izayoi sighed. "Fine. You can visit my house. It's just a couple blocks away." He mutters as Asuna smile. "Then, let's go to your house." Asuna said as she began to drag Izayoi to the house.
"Shouldn't you change?" Izayoi said pointing at Asuna's attire. "You can't be thinking to walk around wearing only that?" He explained. "Well, people should mind their own business." Asuna answered with a smirk.
Izayoi shook his head while chuckling. "Okay. If that's your decision." He said, can't stop loving her cute antics of copying his words.
"Why do I have this problem?" Izayoi said in thought. "Asuna, can you stop dragging me? I can walk." He said as Asuna let go of her hold on him, making him fall on the ground. "Thanks." He mutters as he stand up, dusting off his jacket.
"Where's your house? I want to see it!" Asuna said excitedly, looking around.
"Follow me." Izayoi motioned for her to follow him, walking along the Selmburg pathway, filled with post lanterns. Izayoi then turned right, walking to a pathway that, Asuna noticed was were the richest players lived. the houses in the pathway, were beautiful. Each houses were in different styles, excluded the house designs and shapes.
She walked along the pathway, looking around at each of the houses, passing the time, while Izayoi turned right into a corner. Asuna followed him, looking ahead of her to see what she thought is his house.
The house was a two story house with cream color paint and the color of the roof was blue. Overall, his house was pretty normal much like her own, but she hadn't been in his house. So, she could be wrong.
She was taken off guard when she entered the house, it had elegant furnitures placed at what seems to be the right places, a full set kitchen, a glass like lamp, a wooden floor and the feeling of home floating in the air. And, when she look around she noticed that the insides of the house was bigger compare to outside.
"Wow..." Asuna said, feeling impressed. "How many did you spend?"
"I think it was 10, to 15,000,000 Col. It was a lot, but I can't keep that much money alone in my pocket. So, I thought I could spend some on buying a house." Izayoi said, changing his white trenchcoat into his white shirt.
"I'm going to sleep. Fighting in the Labyrinth for days, tend to get pretty tiring. So, help yourself at home." Izayoi said with a yawn.
"Or, you could join me in bed like we used to?" Izayoi asked with a smirk.
"Maybe... Later?" Asuna stated with a blush. They both had shared a bed in the other world, she was invited to lived in his house for a month, with her parents permission. They both had said, 'yes' to her delight. Then, when it was night time Izayoi invited her to sleep on his bed.
Flashback
"But how are you going to sleep?" Asuna asked in concern.
"It's simple, I'm gonna sleep with you." He simply said, as she blushed.
"B-But..."
"Don't worry. Just sleep." Izayoi ordered as he laid on his bed. With a yawn, he instantly goes to sleep.
Asuna look at him uncertain if she would sleep with him. But when she saw how peaceful he slept, she decided to just sleep.
Asuna climbed into the bed, as she snuggled up to Izayoi, her head in the crook of his neck. She smiled at the warmth he gave, as she brought the blankets up to her side. Then, with a look at Izayoi's sleeping face, she sleeps together with him by her side.
Present
"Okay. Don't stay up too late." Izayoi commented as he went upstairs, inside his room and into the bed.
Asuna look at him, retreating to his room. She look down deciding whether or not she should sleep with him, like they used to.
Then, she smiled, taking the best choice with her as she followed Izayoi upstairs. When she went upstairs, she search for his room, to which she noticed that there were were three or four rooms. She look at each one of them, none of them were she thought was Izayoi. Suddenly, then she noticed there was another room at the end of the hall.
You will always be mine,
Asuna
It wrote at the front of the door. She giggle, as she thought Izayoi would do something like this.
She look at the room, expecting that Izayoi was sleeping soundly in his bed. With a twist on the doorknob, she peak inside and her expectation was right.
There was Izayoi in his bed, sleeping soundly. She creak open the door, and slid inside. She quietly tiptoed her way towards the bed, as she then climbed up into the bed, careful not to wake him up. When she laid on the bed, a voice surprises her. "I thought you would sleep with me. Can't get enough of me, right?" Izayoi teased beside her, with one of his eyes peaked open to look at her.
Asuna smiled, decided to play along with his teasing. "Yeah, I can't get enough of you. I miss sleeping in the bed with you." She replied as one of Izayoi's hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer to him.
"That's my girl." Izayoi said, pecking her on the forehead, surprising her.
"Let's sleep." Izayoi stated closing his remaining eye, while Asuna look at him, expecting if he is asleep or just playing with her. But by the repeating breathing that she felt coming from his mouth, she guessed that he was asleep.
Asuna then snuggled up to him closer, with her head in the crook of his neck, finding herself liking this position whenever they slept together, as she then yawns. "Good night, Izayoi-kun." She said closing her eyes, as she went to sleep.
"Don't worry, remember I'm always here for you." Izayoi whispers to her, faking his sleeping earlier, to tell her that. He look to her sleeping face, as he mentally chuckle, deciding that she can't hear him and that he should get some sleep.
"Good night, Asuna." With that, he went to sleep with his lovely and sweet Asuna.
"Huh..." Izayoi groaned as he opened his eyes, sensing that it was morning, he quietly climbed out of the bed, not to disturbed Asuna who was still asleep.
He stretched himself, as he changed his clothing. He turns to Asuna as he smiled. "Meet you there. Don't be late." He whispers kissing her cheek, which in turn causing her to move from the sudden contact, but she stayed asleep soundly.
Izayoi then turn the doorknob quietly, as he slowly open the door. He look at Asuna to see if she was awake by the sound, but saw that it didn't, as he slowly continued but quietly get out of the room. When he was outside of the room, he took one last look at Asuna, to which he smiled.
"Bye." He quietly whispered as he closed the door.
"Now..." He stared in front of him. "Let's go get prepared." He smirked, preparing his weapons and see what he can do to strengthen it, to prepare him for the fight.
But he had that option, when both of his Heaven and Hell swords glowed while he went adventuring. He doesn't know why, but he must find out about it. He was sure that he had to combined it or somehow, but he doesn't know how.
Deciding that he have to investigate about it, he left.
October 18, 2024 Floor 74: Kamdet
"Where is she? She should be here." Izayoi said with a yawn. He sat in front of the teleporter, waiting for Asuna who was late. He waited here for a few hours, after he was done with his twin swords case.
A light in the teleporter gained his attention, "Watch out!" Someone yelled as before anyone could register, a white blur ran into Izayoi, tackling him into the ground.
"Okay, that hurt..." Izayoi groaned in pain, but then he felt soft on his hand. "This feels familiar..." Izayoi said gripping it again, earning a moan from the person above him, then his eyes widen. "Oh no."
The person above him then realize her chest were being groped. "Kyaaaaaa!" She screamed slapping Izayoi as he was thrown into a pillar.
Izayoi shakes his head, trying clearly to see what's going on earlier. "That hurts..." He then looked at the person who hit him and thrown him a few feet away, imagine his surprise when the said person was Asuna, who was red faced and holding her chest. "I thought so." Izayoi said clearly knowing that he just groped Asuna's breasts with his hand. "This is not the first time it happened, though." He said sighing as he stood up.
"Asuna, it's okay. It's me. What's going on?" He asked, feeling a little guilty for groping her breasts. Asuna looks at him as instead answering his question, she quickly ran behind him. "Are you okay?" Izayoi asked as Asuna just nodded. Before Izayoi could ask any further, the portal opened up and Kuradeel appeared.
"Asuna-sama, you shouldn't act like this. Let's go to guild headquarters." He said walking towards her. "No!" Asuna said immediately. "And what were you doing outside my house so early in the morning, anyway?" Izayoi narrowed his eyes at Kuradeel.
"I thought this might happen," He looked at Izayoi with great dislike. "so for the past month, part of my mission has been to observe you in Selmburg."
"Th-That wasn't in the guild leader's orders, was it?" Asuna asked, a little freaked out.
"My mission is to guard you. That includes at your home." He said.
"No, it doesn't, idiot!" Asuna screamed, now really freaking out.
Kuradeel sighed at Asuna stubbornness."You should stop acting like such a brat." He walked toward Asuna. "Now let's return to headquarters." He said grabbing a hold of Asuna's hand, as he tried to dragged her to headquarters. Asuna looks at Izayoi with a sad face, while Izayoi finally step in.
Suddenly, Izayoi grabbed Kuradeel's hand and tightening it, letting go of his hold on Asuna.
"Sorry. But you have no right to just grabbed her, even though she is superior to you. And... I don't like to see her sad. Do you understand?" Izayoi said with narrowed eyes as Kuradeel yanked his hand free. "I'll be borrowing your vice commander for today. I'll take responsibility for her security. We aren't facing a boss today. You can go to headquarters alone."
"Hell no!" He snapped. "A low-level player like you couldn't possibly protect her! I am a member of the glorious Knights of the Blood Oath..." Before he could finish Izayoi cut him off.
"I can do a better job than you." Izayoi said.
Kadeel gritted his teeth. "If you're that certain, you're prepared to prove it, right?" He opened his menu and clicked a few options and a challenge menu appears in front of Izayoi.
Will you accept duel request?
Opponent: Kuradeel
Type: 1 vs 1
Izayoi glance at Asuna, for an answer, to which she nodded. "Are you sure?" He asked as she nodded again. "I'm sure. I'll speak with the guild leader." She stated as Izayoi turns to the challenge menu.
He accepted the invitation.
Duel
Kuradeel VS Izayoi
"Watch carefully, Asuna-sama. I'll prove that only I can protect you." Kuradeel said, unsheathing his broadsword.
"Stay back, Asuna." Izayoi said as Asuna nodded walking back, not to interfere their fight.
"Izayoi, The Thousand Blades, and the member of the Knights of the Blood Oath are dueling."
"This'll be fun to watch and cool to see."
Some players said to each other.
Kuradeel gritted his teeth, as he took a stance.
"You know..."
Kuradeel look towards Izayoi.
"Let's make this interesting. I've always wanted to do this." Izayoi said as he opened his menu, changing his white trenchcoat to his white sleeveless shirt. "Now to make this fun!" He said as he un-equip his sword, choosing to fight with his bare hands. Everyone was shocked to see that, never expected that he would do that.
"You cannot win with just your bare hands. You would lose." Kuradeel said smirking. "Well, you'll just have to see." Izayoi took a stance, waiting for the timer to set off. Izayoi analyzed his opponent stance carefully, as he wielded a broad sword.
3... 2... 1... Start
Kuradeel sword glowed as he charged forward, while Izayoi smirked as his hands glowed blue. He crouched as he instantly vanished into thin air.
Kuradeel stopped his charge, looking around to find Izayoi. "Did you run? I see from this act, that you're not worthy to protect Asuna-sama." He said as everyone eyes widen, staring below Kuradeel.
"You think I would run away? This is just only the beginning for my fun..." Izayoi whispers as he punched Kuradeel in the guts, pushing him into the air. Izayoi then disappeared, preparing his next move. "You know what's wrong with your mouth? You should shut it sometimes!" Izayoi reappeared on top of Kuradeel, as he raise his feet and brought it down into Kuradeel's stomach, instantly crashing him into the ground.
"Is this The Thousand Blades? H-He's so fast!" A player said, as the crowd all around him could heard him, all agreeing to his opinion. "Izayoi-kun." Asuna said in thought, looking at Izayoi who has a smirk across his face.
Izayoi landed on the ground, turning to the giant crater he made when he brought Kuradeel down into the ground. Izayoi saw a slight movement inside the crater, as he went closer to the crate. Suddenly, Kuradeel came out of the crater, his cloak and armor stained with dirt, as he quickly charged to Izayoi, ignoring the pain that was spreading to all his body. He smirked, as he thought that he got the upper hand on this battle, while Izayoi just stared blankly at him.
Then, Izayoi charged at him. When they met each other, Kuradeel swung his sword at Izayoi's left side, grinning like a madman. Izayoi look at him at the last second, as he then look at his broadsword. Then with a smirk on his face, he clenched his fist as he punched Kuradeel's broadsword.
'Clang' 'Clang'
"I-Impossible." Kuradeel said in disbelieve, not believing what remained of his sword fell into the ground. His sword shattered into pieces as he fell on his knee.
Izayoi stretched himself, as he grins. "That was fun."
Asuna watched in surprise.
"W-Wow. He destroyed the weapon. With just his bare hands."
"Was that deliberate?"
Izayoi turns his head to Kuradeel. "If you want to try with another weapon, I'm okay with it. But that's enough, isn't it? Although, that was fun. It's just satisfied my boredness, from just sitting here waiting for Asuna. And the fight ended when your weapon broke. So, it's boring for me if we continued to fight, I'll just break every weapon you got. But that was my first time, fighting with my fists. So, thank you." Izayoi stated with a smile at the last sentence.
Kuradeel grith his teeth and open his equipment menu, and took out a knife. "Hyaaaahh!" He cry out charging at Izayoi, but then his knife was thrown into the air.
"A-Asuna-sama...?" Kuradeel said in surprise at the sight of his vice commander. "He cheated! He used some trick to destroy my sword!" He accused. "Otherwise, I couldn't have lost to some dirty beater."
"Kuradeel," Asuna began. "This is an order from the vice commander of the Knights of the Blood Oath. As of today, you are relieved of your escort mission. Stand by at guild HQ until you receive further orders. That is all."
"Wh-What..." Kuradeel said in disbelieve, he then glared at Izayoi. "You..." He said as Izayoi stared at him, not intimidated by his glare. He then sighed and walked towards the teleporter, dejected. "Teleport: Grandzam." He covered in light and disappeared.
Asuna let out a breath of relieve and fell down, as Izayoi caught her.
Winner
Kuradeel VS Izayoi
Time: 0:50
Among the crowds, a smirking figure in a black robe walk away.
"Sorry for involving you in that." Asuna said standing up.
"Don't say that. It's fine. It takes my boredness by just sitting here." Izayoi said smiling at her.
"But are you okay?" Izayoi said as he frown.
"Yes." Asuna said reassuring him by grasping his cheek, stopping him from worrying.
"I think my problem with the guild are because I was too focused on clearing the game. And I was too strict with the other members." Asuna said looking down at the ground.
"That I don't know. If you hadn't been here, we'd never have come nearly as far as we have." He stated comforting her as Asuna look at him.
"I know I'm solo player, and I don't have the right to judge. Still, even if you decide to take a day off to party with a slacker like me. I don't think that gives anyone the right to complain." Izayoi said as he equipped back his sword and white trenchcoat.
Asuna blinked, as she smile. "Thanks. So, I'll accept your offer, and take it easy today. You can play at forward." Asuna sheathed her rapier, as she placed a hand on Izayoi's shoulder, as she then walked away.
Izayoi shook his head, while chuckling. "Okay. It's fine by me. But we should take turns at forward. We can't always be at forward, right?" Izayoi said following behind her. "You can, Izayoi-kun." Asuna said giggling.
"I'm glad I have you as my girlfriend." Izayoi said sarcastically, to which Asuna replied back sarcastically.
"And I'm glad I have you as my boyfriend."
Floor 74: Dungeon
The dark dungeon that filled with lots of undead monsters, with the frontier guild hadn't found the boss room yet. The sound of swords clashing was heard in the dungeon.
Asuna back flip to evade the slash of a 'Skull Knight', a monsters commonly found in the dungeon. Asuna counter, thrusted, slashed, and evaded the attacking monsters, while Izayoi watched in awe at his girlfriend's fight. He was impressed that she had improved over the years, as he felt that Asuna was worthy of the title The Lightning Flash.
Asuna feint to the right, and then jumped to the left capturing the monster off guard, she thrusted the monster three times, then she crouched and slashed the skull knight legs two times, then she jumped and thrusted the monster again two times.
"I forgot having someone good along makes this a lot easier. But I hate waiting around for them to finish." Izayoi said rushing to joined the fight. "Izayoi-kun, Switch!"
"Hyaaah!" Asuna thrusted her sword to the skull knight, as expected the skull knight block it.
"My turn." Izayoi said smirking, with his Sword of Light drawn. He slash sideways at the skull knight, making it backed away. Then, with a one-hit slash at it's right side, the skull knight shattered.
"Izayoi-ku-" She was cut off as Izayoi dash off behind her. She turns around, seeing a few feet away from her two skull nights fighting Izayoi.
Izayoi caught the two skull knights swords from cutting him. His Heaven and Hell swords defended against the knights swords. Wanting to finish this quick, he countered the knights swords by pushing them back, their swords flung from their hands, by the twin swords force.
Once, their swords were flund out of their hands, Izayoi took his advantage, disappearing before them. The skull knights look around, not bothering to pick their weapon as they kept on finding Izayoi.
"I'm right here." A voice came out, as the skull knights look to their right on where the voice was. "I'm just kidding, I'm right here." Izayoi said appearing a few distance behind them. The skull knights spotted him, as they charged at him with only their shields. Izayoi smirk, as his Heaven and Hell swords glowed white and black, representing each of their own names.
He charged at them, by instantly appearing in front of them. The two skull knights didn't have the time to react, as Izayoi slashed at them.
Izayoi look behind him, the two skull knights just stood there unmoved. Then, a cross slash appear on both of them, as the two skull knights shattered into pieces.
"Izayoi-kun." Asuna called out to him, as Izayoi look at Asuna who walked towards him. "Why would you fight them? We could just continued on our way." Asuna asked confused on Izayoi's actions.
Suddenly, a menu came out.
Congratulation!
Lv Up! Izayoi
114 - 115
"That is why." Izayoi said closing the menu. "Y-Your level is 115? That's so high!" Asuna exclaimed surprised.
"Yeah. You see I'm a hard worked person, and I was bored, and I don't have anything to do. So, one thing led to another. And I was above level 100. It was easy in my part." Izayoi shrugged making it seems that it was easy leveling up.
"And I'm level 94..." Asuna sighed as she wanted level up more, but she hadn't had the time to, mainly because of her job in the Knights of the Blood Oath. "Don't worry." Izayoi said as she look up at him. "You were busy with your guild. And you enjoyed being in this world. I can't blame you for liking this world. You had something to do in your spare time while you were working, and visiting towns to find ingredients for your cooking. While I had nothing to do than to just fight in dungeons all day." Izayoi said with a smile, trying to cheer her up.
"So cheer up, okay?" He said as Asuna smile at his comforting words.
"Okay, Izayoi-kun." She said with a nod as she smile at him.
Izayoi and Asuna were mapping the area, they were close to finished the mapping, as they walked along a pathway, to which Izayoi knows is the Boss Room.
"Izayoi-kun, look." Asuna said pointing at the far end of the path they've been walking.
Greeting in front of them, was a giant black gate with a menacing aura.
"Isn't that..."
"The boss room." Izayoi said narrowing his eyes.
"What do we do? Just take a look?" Asuna said frighten.
"Boss monsters never leave the rooms they guard. If we just open the door, we'll be okay."
"R-Right."
"Have a teleport crystal ready, just in case." Izayoi stated as Asuna took out her teleport crystal. But then she noticed that Izayoi hadn't took out his teleport crystal.
"Izayoi-kun, why don't you took out your-?" Asuna was cut off by Izayoi's answer.
"It's fine, don't worry about it." He quickly answered.
"Ready? I'm going to open it." He asked.
Asuna nodded, as she answered. "Yeah." She said, Ignoring the earlier question, knowing that her boyfriend can protect himself.
The two of them then opened the giant gate, their weapons ready. They walked a few steps inside, and the dark room lit up with blue flames, as a massive, demon-like monster, with dark blue skin, a tail resembling a cobra, and horns of a mountain goat. It wielded an equally massive Zanbato sword, as it stare at them with its red eyes.
Sweats starting to appear on Asuna's face, and fear was shown on her expression. As the name 'Gleam Eyes' appeared above the monster.
Izayoi stared hard at the monster, recognizing it from the Beta Test.
"The 74th Boss Floor... The Gleam Eyes." Izayoi said gritting his teeth while gripping his sword tightly.
To be Continued...
So, do you like it? I know it got some grammar errors. Oh, I don't want to relay this, but we all know that when she slept that night with Izayoi and woke up in the morning she would meet Izayoi. So, she wake up and left for her house, before Kuradeel arrived. I know that it's easy to write about that, but trust me it's not. So, I decided not to write about it, but I hope you still like it though.
But I want to finished the Sword Art Online series. But sometimes I haven't had the time to do it. So I hope you support me with your reviews, follows and for favoring this story. With that, maybe I can speed it up things. So I'm gonna go, I have some work to do. Ja'ne! ArtLotus out!
