Chapter 23 - 15-Minute Break
October 20, 2024
"Whew…" I sighed as I finally entered my house. I turned towards Silica. "You should get some rest. I'll be okay on my own."
She shook her head. "You'll just slip by and hunt the moment I leave, won't you?"
"Uhh…no?" Was my completely smooth reply.
"..."
"...well...come in, I guess…" I relented as I held the door open for her.
We had just gotten to my house after we watched Kirito's duel with Heathcliff. I was starting to feel a little sick ever since the 74th Floor Boss Fight the day before. Yeah, it was about that time of the year that I usually get sick. My body in the real life must be coming down with a cold or something.
However, I soon as I mentioned that to Silica, she vehemently insisted on taking care of me and telling me to rest.
It honestly isn't as bad as Silica was thinking it was. Aside from a sore throat and some sniffles, I felt completely fine.
"You're pushing yourself too hard, Riwet. I'll go make some soup. If you don't want to sleep, then you should go sit on the sofa." She said sternly.
"Yes, mooo-" I started to reply with a mocking tone.
"What was that?"
"Ma'am, Silica-san. Yes, ma'am." I hurriedly rapped.
She looked at me sternly before it quickly turned into a warm smile. "Good."
I slowly made my way to my sofa and changed into something more comfortable before I sat.
Eventually, Silica came to the living room with two bowls of chicken soup. "I don't understand why you're so adamant about just being left alone. I'm your girlfriend. Let me help you." She said as she handed me one of the bowls.
"I keep assuming that this is the real world, so I don't want to infect you with what I have right now. That...and I just get really grumpy when I'm not completely healthy. Sorry." I sheepishly explained.
"Apology accepted. Let's eat before this gets cold."
I nodded and took a sip. Even though my sense of taste was slightly off because of my cold, the soup was delicious. The warm liquid slowly cleared my sinuses and made me feel refreshed.
Just as we finished eating our meal, I heard knocking coming from my front door.
"I got this." I said to Silica as I stood up and approached the door. I placed my eyes on the peephole and saw a familiar face. I opened the door. "Good afternoon, Wilhelm-san." I greeted.
"Good afternoon, Riwet." Wilhelm greeted me back.
"What can I do for you?"
"...a favor." He slowly said. I noticed that his usual cheerful behavior wasn't quite there. Instead, he was uncharacteristically restrained.
"Come in and we'll talk about it." I said as I led him to the sofa and sat next to Silica.
Wilhelm silently followed. After a brief exchange of greetings between Wilhelm and Silica, he sat on the chair facing the sofa.
Silica felt the unusual atmosphere. "...should I leave you two alone?" She suggested.
Wilhelm shook his head. "If you promise to not divulge what I'm about to say, then you're welcome to stay. You deserve to hear what the AIncrad Liberation Squad was doing two days ago." He explained.
I looked at Silica and we nodded at each other before we turned back to Wilhelm. "By all means, Wilhelm-san." I urged.
"Alright…" He took a minute to explain to Silica who Kibaou and Thinker was. "For the most part, the Army was getting away with gating non-Army players out of good hunting areas and extorting low-levels for cash. Those could be blamed at Kibaou, but at that time, nobody was able to do anything because of his wide-reaching influence. However, he slowly started losing supporters since he showed little to no interest in actually clearing the game. Even some people in his circle started despising him because they assumed that he was doing those morally dubious acts so that they would be able to clear the game as soon as possible."
"In response to that, Kibaou gathered the highest-leveled players in the guild and convinced them to fight on the front lines, while also planting a loyalist to lead the group and take the credit."
"Kobatz-san…" Silica muttered.
"Exactly." Wilhelm nodded. "After that failure, Kibaou's reputation had been all but shattered. The handful of players who still support him are obviously in it for the money and are too involved with Kibaou to distance themselves from this debacle. All of a sudden, Thinker became the de facto leader of the Army. I've spoken to my contact inside the guild, and they said that most of the guild was considering on dismissing him from the guild." He paused.
"However…" I added.
"However...Thinker is insistent on negotiating with Kibaou. I like Thinker, but I feel that he doesn't know when to stop negotiating. Everybody knows it...even Kibaou."
I could see where this is going, but I should ask just in case. "So what exactly do you want me to do?"
Wilhelm took a deep breath before he looked at me. "Let me start off by saying that this is a matter of if, and not when. While Kibaou may come off as delusional, I have hopes that he would do the sensible thing and just peacefully relinquish all his power towards Thinker. However, if Kibaou does something utterly idiotic, will you help us?"
"...what do you think?" I said as I turned to Silica.
She shook her head. "I don't know. I've had my share of disputes between parties, but nothing as big as this." She paused. "...but you've already decided, right?"
"And that's the thing. Riwet doesn't have to do this. " Wilhelm pointed out. "I'm asking him for a favor, and he's got a knack for just shrugging and saying yes to people without giving it much thought - especially towards people that he had known for a long time."
Silica giggled. "Yeah, he really does…" She turned to look at me. "But still, you're going to do this, right?"
"...yeah…" I nodded.
"Then you should do it. Just like how you encouraged me to become stronger, I'll let you do what you want to do. I know that it might be dangerous, but I believe in you."
"Silica…" I muttered as I smiled at her.
"Well, aren't you two just the sweetest?" Wilhelm teased. Our faces turned red and we looked away from each other. Wilhelm made a hearty laugh. "I'll say it and repeat it as many times as possible - this is just the absolute worst case scenario. Don't worry too much about it. Even someone like Kibaou isn't stupid enough to further escalate things." He assured us as he took out a basket filled with bread. "Here. I baked these scones myself. Eat 'em whenever you feel like it." His voice was tinged slightly with pride. He was back to his normal self.
"Ooh, nice." I smiled as I took his gift. "Here." I passed one to Silica before I took one for myself. "It's delicious." I replied. "Regardless, you can count on me." I smiled. All things aside, I'd really appreciate the chance to break that orange-haired bastard's jaw.
"Thank you." Wilhelm bowed. "...truth be told, even after all the bad things that the Army did, I've always regretted leaving." He admitted. "A lot of us who left did so because we wanted to show that not every person involved in the Army is incompetent or malicious. Some stayed behind to try and change the guild from the inside. Unfortunately, we who left did too good of a job and the ones who stayed behind had to work slowly. Now, everybody assumes that all the sensible players have left the Army." He chuckled mirthlessly.
"Hmm…" I hummed before I took a slow breath. "You don't have to answer this if you don't want to, but...if you had to choose...KoB or the Army?" I asked.
"Oh, the Army, definitely." He replied without hesitating. "Yeah, KoB might be leading the clearing effort, but they're good enough that they don't need me. In quite the contrast, the Army is a hot mess, and I feel that I can help change that for the better."
"I see...well, I hope you and your contacts the best of luck."
"Thanks. We'll need lots of it." Wilhelm said as he stood up and stretched his limbs. "Well, I should get going. Just because I care a lot about the Army doesn't mean that I should neglect my duties in KoB."
"Alright. Stay safe out there."
Wilhelm gave a thumbs up as he left.
I sighed and sank back to the chair, thinking of what to do next. Well...I guess I could manage my inventory.
I opened my Player Menu and started sorting out my items. I used to have a detrimental hoarding addiction in RPGs. It got so bad that I refused to use a rare item when fighting the definite final boss. Thankfully, I shook that habit off very quickly during my time in SAO.
Let's see...hmm...I can sell this one to Agil...these ones to Argo...it also helps that Cor was infinitely more convenient to store. That, and I like big bucks. Can't lie about that.
"Kyururu!" Pina flew away from Silica and landed on the table. She did a little dance, trying to get my attention. I held back my smile and made it seem like I was ignoring her. "Kyururu!" She roared even louder.
I chuckled and took out a peanut. I held outward and showed it to Pina before lobbing it in the air. Tracking it perfectly, she flew high in the air and caught it with one quick and elegant motion. I applauded her with a brief bout of golf claps. Wonderful reflexes and accuracy, as always.
Silica sat next to me, laying down a tray carrying two cups and a teapot. She started eating the scone Wilhelm gave us.
Well, if they really wanted to stay, then I appreciate the company.
"So, how're the Cats been treating you?" I asked Silica.
"It's going really great." She replied. "Everybody goes along so well. They're more tightly-knit than most other groups I've ever joined."
"That's good." I nodded. Silica officially joined the Moonlit Black Cats yesterday. She worked well with them, and that guild's consistent success on the front lines and affiliation with KoB made them a good candidate.
We heard knocking coming from my front door again.
"Hey…" Kirito greeted us. "Can I come in?"
"Sure."
"Good afternoon, Kirito-san." Silica said as I led Kirito to my living room. Kirito greeted back, and we sat on the sofa.
"So what can I do for you?" I asked.
"I came to check up on you...also, I need a place to hide for a bit. Is that okay?"
"Sure, I guess. Here, have a scone." I said as I gave him one.
"Thanks."
"..."
"..."
"So...I guess you're KoB now."
"Yyyyup."
"Excited?"
"Nnnnope."
"Wonder what Asuna's gonna say about that."
"Shut up."
"..."
"..."
"...pff." I chuckled.
"...heh." Kirito also had a little laugh at that.
"I have a spare room. You can use that as a hideout for now."
"Thanks, but I'm good."
"Alright, if you say so."
"So, what did you think about the duel?"
"It was really amazing. The two of you were duking it out with your Unique Skills. It was the first time I've ever seen Heathcliff-san be pushed that far." I remarked.
"But in the end, I couldn't break through his defenses…"
"Yeah, that last part was crazy. I think you forced him to pull out a hidden trick or Skill to drastically increase his AGI for a split second. I saw the look he gave you, and he did not look happy." I commented.
"Yeah…"
"...something on your mind?"
"Nah...It's nothing…" Kirito mused.
We heard another string of knocks from the front door. Lots of visitors today.
I walked towards the door and peeked. I saw who was waiting on the other side and immediately opened the door. I silently nodded at her as I pointed towards Kirito.
"Kirito-kun! I knew I'd find you here!" Asuna exclaimed as she quickly went inside.
"Geh! Asuna..." Kirito grunted.
"Huh~...Kirito-kun…so the first thing in your mind when you see me is 'Geh'. I see, I see~" Asuna spoke in a deceptively demure voice. Woulda fooled me if not for the bone-chilling look aura that she was exuding.
"Good afternoon, Asuna-san!" Silica greeted.
"Mm! Good afternoon, Silica-chan!" Asuna greeted back as she walked towards Kirito. "Scoot." Kirito silently did what he was told to do as Asuna sat next to him. "I hope my subordinate isn't causing you too much trouble." She grinned from ear to ear. Kirito groaned and facepalmed.
"Oh, you need not worry. Your humble subordinate was in the middle of expressing his interest in working with you." I replied.
"I see...ehehe~" Asuna sheepishly scratched her cheek. Kirito groaned even louder.
*stare*
"Ah! U-um… *ahem*...w-well, I heard from Silica-chan that you weren't feeling well. So I brought you this." She cleared her throat and traded me a bowl of soup.
"Thanks. I just finished eating, so I'll just take a sip." I said as I materialized a spoonful of the soup. I blew on it for a bit before I slurped it into my mouth. "It's really good. Thank you."
"You're welcome." She nodded. "You are to not perform any hunting activities until you are fully recovered. Understood?"
"You got it, nee-cha-" I caught myself and paused for a moment. "...sorry. Understood, Asuna-san." I clarified.
Asuna tilted her head quizzically before she gave me a slight smile. "No need for apologies." She then turned towards Kirito. "As for you…"
"Gimme a break…." Kirito sighed.
"No can do, mister! I still need your measurements to make your KoB uniform!" Asuna said excitedly as she started to drag Kirito by the arm.
"Alright. Have fun, you two." I waved at them as they left.
I sank back into my sofa and sighed. Man, I'm feeling kinda sluggish. I dunno why I unconsciously almost called Asuna 'nee-chan". I mean, there's some slight resemblance, but…
"You really should rest up, Riwet. You're not looking so good." Silica fretted.
"Yeah...I guess I should...I'll take a ten-minute nap. Any more than that and my sleep schedule's ruined." I announced as I laid on the sofa and draped a blanket over myself. I also saw Pina curl up and sleep on the coffee table.
I heard rustling nearby. I opened my eyes and saw Silica's face inches away from mine. I felt my face heat up. "W-what is it?"
"I-I...I should ch-check your temperature, you know…" She stuttered.
"...okay, I guess…"
I expected that either one of us would active Scanning. Aside from showing strengths and weaknesses, Scanning could also show more specific stats like body temperature.
What I didn't expect was Silica softly bumping her forehead into mine.
"H-hey, uh...Silica...san?" I slowly whispered.
"Shh...stay still. I need to measure it." She whispered back. "Fufu...your temperature is quite hot. Are you okay?" She asked after a few moments.
"I-I'm fine." When all I could do is stay still and smell your scent every time I take a breath, my face can't help but burn.
"Hmmm~ I wonder about that~"
"...you're doing this on purpose, aren't you?" I accused.
"...sorry." Silica pulled away and made an apologetic face. "Your temperature is fine. I'll leave you be for now." She started to pull away from me.
Oh, you're not getting away that easily. "I mean, if you wanna try something, I probably won't complain when I'm asleep, you know." I implied with a straight face.
"E-e-e-eehh?!" Her face turned red. "Kya!" She yelped and lost her footing, her body falling backward. Ah, crap.
"Hey, watch ou-gh!" I grunted as I tried to catch her.
Silica ended up on top of me.
"Oww~...Ah! I-I'm sorry! Are you okay?!" Silica fretted. One second she was teasing me, the next second she was worriedly peering at my face.
I smiled and brought my hand to her head. "I'm alright. Don't worry." I said as I started patting her head.
"Thank goodness…" She let out a relieved sigh.
Goddamit. How could you get angry at that?
Our eyes met. Her face flushed pink, and I could also feel my face heating up. She then closed her eyes and stuck her chin out.
"Don't blame me if you catch my cold…" I muttered softly before I kissed her.
We stayed like that for a bit before we broke away. "Ehehe~" Silica giggled as she nuzzled her head on my chest.
I couldn't help but smile at her as I patted her head.
***
Chapter End
***
A/N: Another chapter done. Yeah, it's a shorter chapter this time. I had to take out some of the ideas I had for this chapter and implement it in the next chapter to make it flow better. Regardless, it's ~3000 words, so it's not that terribly short.
So I finally finished SAO: Hollow Fragment. Took me about 100 hours. Except for some minor but constant gripes, I had fun with it for the most part.
Alright. At this point, I'm seriously considering adding Philia and Strea to AWE. And that means that I'm gonna be spoiling most, if not all, of SAO:HF. It's not set in stone yet, and if I do it, I'll make sure to tell you.
That's all for now. Thank you very much, and have a good one.