Disclaimer: I do not own Sword Art Online. Sword Art Online is owned by Reki Kawahara and ASCII Media Works.
This chapter is beta-read by 666-HyuugaNeji-999.
''What are you guys doing?! Beat those little bastards already!'' Kibaou thundered as he blocked another charge by the Light Protector and tried vainly to counter the flying monster. ''Hokkai, Dosa! What is taking so long to beat that boss?''
''He has a great dodge game, sir!'' Dosa answered his leader, his shield doing more work than his sword at the current moment. The other players had trouble keeping up with the archangel as well, none of them being able to lay a hit on it.
Even the tanks could not draw its attention with Hate skills, making the boss even more unpredictable than it already was. Not that Heathcliff had this on his mind, as the plan that his co-leader suggested did not sound so bad if it wasn't for one thing. ''How do you plan to go down? A fall like that can hurt or even kill you.''
''I don't know but there has to be a way.''
''If you are certain you can survive a 50 feet fall, you can try it. You are playing with your life though.''
''Wouldn't be the first time. I am asking if Kizmel can help out. I will be calling when we are ready.''
Shifting his attention back to the fight, Heathcliff noticed the right side of the raiding group had begun their assault against the boss, giving him enough time to spread the plan to his sub-leaders.
''I see. We may need a player to catch him mid-drop, but it is certainly not a bad idea,'' Mortimer said to the whole suggestion, both Isabella, as well as Heathcliff, sending a ''Are you sure?'' glance at him. ''Besides, it is our best shot. Let's make sure he at least comes down alive.''
On the other side, Kizmel wasn't so fond of the idea either. Yet, a part of her was curious about it and thus she said, ''I will inform the others. Tell me when to proceed.''
''Thank you.''
In five minutes, all the members of the guild knew the new tactic of their black-haired leader and kept pressuring the boss non-stop just to make it activate the debuff. The other guilds stared with confused expressions at the other players, especially because they were fighting so furiously without even a command.
''They must be planning again. What could it be this time?'' Hafner asked his companions before he engaged a Little Harpy.
''Who cares? As long as they get the job done. That is all that matters!'' Shivata answered before he blocked another attack from a light Protector. ''Focus!''
It was when the boss tried to charge in on some of the players again, that the quickest player of them all charged through the crowd and unleashed her quickest attack on the boss. And since she had not yet taken a moment in the battle, twelve traces of the claws were visible on the boss.
''Argo-san!''
''Don't lose focus, Si-chan!'' Argo shouted back, eyes on the staggering boss before he had to dodge another spear charging his way and flew high up in the room. ''Kii-bou!''
''Kizmel, Heathcliff!''
''Ready!''
''I'll follow you!''
Many eyes stared with confused expressions when both the first beater and the dark elf ran towards Heathcliff, Kizmel jumping on him first before Kirito followed suit and the pair were launched into the air. Immediately, Kizmel turned around in midair to let Kirito jump on her shield and launched him upward. Landing on her back, she ignored the bruising and pain to yell, ''Get him, Kirito!''
Immediately, Kirito activated Sonic Leap and launched himself towards the shining blade. For a moment, Kirito thought he saw shock in the boss' eyes before a loud clang rang through the air, preventing the debuff.
He instantly planted his Blade of Darkness in the right wing before he fell to the ground again. That he would rapidly descend on the angel's back holding dearly on his still implanted sword, Kirito had strangely not taken into account. Instinctively, he jumped off at the right time, landing hard on his back while the boss landed with a loud bang on the ground.
A short silence rang through the air, everyone visibly shocked by what had happened. Everyone, except for 12 players.
''Pin him down!''
''Roger!'' at least five players shouted to Ren's orders, Alice, Klein, Mortimer, and Asuna jamming their swords and rapier in the left wing while Yuuki, Akio, and Ren jammed their weapons in the right one. At the same time, Heathcliff, Isabella, Shivata and Liten were holding it down with their strength and pinned weapons. The sub-leader of the KoB shifted his attention to the room and shouted, ''What are you guys doing?! Get moving and help us!''
Although a boss was in a strength class of their own, when 34 players had him pinned down to the ground, not even Hadraniel could push himself free.
Four minutes after that surprise attack, Hadraniel the Lights Guardian shattered into oblivion, after a fight that had lasted over an hour.
''Human friends! It is good to see you safe. I assume the battle against the beast had gone without any problem,'' The Goblin Rigurd asked the arriving players, some of the players feeling yet again a strange form of de-ja-vu.
''It was a worthy opponent but it is beaten nevertheless,'' Kizmel answered. ''Although I hope we do not have to repeat that battle ever again. Or those tactics…'' she added, the uncomfortable feeling still present on her back.
''I told you I was sorry. We did beat it though,'' Kirito mentioned in vain, trying to change the subject for the better, which was not easy given how his own back was still sore after that fall.
''And you got hurt while doing it. At least be careful.'' Liz responded protectively.
While Kirito apologized again, Kizmel asked the goblin, ''Is there a bath I can refresh myself here? It has been a long day.''
''Ah of course. There is a bathhouse near the center of the village. Please make yourself at home.'' Thanking the goblin for the hospitality in this medium-sized village, Kizmel gladly accepted that offer and made her way to the bathhouse.
When Kizmel had finally settled herself in the warm waters of the modest settings of the bath accommodation, her worries began to disappear together with the sore feeling that was a reminder of a victory well-earned. As she closed her eyes to that contented sensation, she thought back on the 'training days' with her spiked-hair companion and what he tried to teach her in just a few days.
The concept of quests was clear to her by now, the 'gods' of that world cursing some of the people of Aincrad in a never-ending loop. Not all quests were like that but the majority could be described such way. Not that the humans of this world knew any of that as some of them couldn't remember anything or did not even have the ability to learn. How many times did she have to repeat her name to that shop owner now? Twelve times? Fifteen times? She couldn't even remember.
Then the other conversation topics had crossed her mind, especially the ones revolving 'Reality' and 'Knowing yourself.' And how Ojima had stated that no matter what one was saying, we live our own lives and we decide what that story of that life becomes.
They were strange subjects, that was for sure. Yet, Kizmel could see back then in just his eyes: those subjects were there for a purpose. A purpose that could not be told face-to-face but had to be experienced.
Further thoughts were interrupted by a childish laugh before two players entered the bath, two ponytails changed by a loose hairstyle and one of the newest members of her favorite 'guild', both dressed with nothing but a towel. And only when they had shifted their attention to the bath itself, they noticed their dark elf companion.
''Kizmel-sama?! Sorry for intruding!'' The short dark-blond haired girl apologized with a deep, quick bow.
''Kizmel-san? I didn't know you were here.'' Silica said with an innocent expression before she asked, ''Mind if we join you?''
''Not at all, Silica.'' Kizmel answered with a soft smile before she asked, ''What were you talking about with Kature-chan that made you laugh so delightfully?''
''Oh, nothing special. Just one of our adventures. What were you thinking about, Kizmel-san?'' the little girl asked curiously, settling herself in the hot water, not a bit ashamed of her state of undress.
You have done well to 'train' her, Argo, Kizmel thought as she noticed that unlike her other human female or male friends, Silica had no trouble with this kind of situation. One that did have such a problem was the older girl. Yet, because both Kizmel and Silica showed no signs of shame, Kature too stepped into the bath. Kizmel shifted her attention to Silica and said, ''Just some minor thoughts about my adventures with Ojima.''
Hearing the name of one of her teachers, Kature's attention was drawn. ''What adventures, Kizmel-sama? I noticed Ojima-senpai hasn't been around the past week as much as he used to but I didn't know why.''
''Well, he was teaching me about quests. And some other secrets apparently only you players know of,'' Kizmel answered, noticing the shyness of the combined crafter and fighter had made room for curiosity and amazement. Therefore, Kizmel asked, ''Do you have a crush on Ojima, Kature-chan?''
This time the little tank too had a blushing and embarrassed expression, although Kature's expression was much more noticeable. ''Wha..What..? No..No I don't.'' She answered, stuttering and clearly taken aback by the question. Noticing Kizmel was still waiting for an answer, she said, ''I just think he is amazing.''
''Amazing?'' Kizmel asked, Silica wanting to ask a similar question.
The embarrassment left for awe as the blond-haired girl answered, ''Yes. Just like all the other officers of this guild. And not only them. When this game started, I was petrified of what was waiting for me. Kirito-senpai was the first that stepped out and helped me to gain a bit of hope. When the achievements came, I saw an opportunity to train myself and began to work hard to get stronger. Ojima-senpai was the one that had recruited me and trained me in using the Bo Staff as well, while Klein-san and Liz-san assisted my level and crafting skills.'' She said without fully knowing the capabilities of Kizmel, just assuming she was talking to a player.
That shock came a moment later but to her surprise, the dark elf said, ''Ah yes. The achievements were indeed a life changer. I do remember when Kirito came to me, growing stronger than me in one day due to those, just as shocked as I was when I noticed the elf camp had given me a gift of similar strength. The members of this wonderful guild are, as you say, unique. And that is why I like them so much,'' she said while giving Silica a pat on her head, something she saw others do and grew warm by the large smile she received back.
Noticing the confounded expression on Kature's face, that reminded her a lot of the old days with her first human friends, Kizmel decided to drop the subject, turned around and asked, ''Do any of you two mind washing my back? I would gladly return the favor.''
The 18th floor had a very obvious theme, that you simply couldn't miss even if you wanted to. Stones, granite, crystals and more materials lined the dark tunnels of the caves that passed through the entire floor, blocking any information on weather conditions whatsoever.
As the caves were fully made out of materials any blacksmith could dream of, Liz immediately asked for help to find as many rare ones as soon as possible and Reiner and Jito had volunteered to do the mining if other players could cover their backs.
However, at the same time, Ashley received a new point in her tailoring skill and had requested some of the players to walk in and update their clothing. And the goblin quest required attention again. For those reasons, the options were limited and Liz and the two miners were accompanied by some of the inexperienced members and to make things safe Mitchos and Hideo as well.
''And there is also a rumor about a rare granite in here,'' Bejitto said to his interlocutors, Liz and the miners listening attentively while Mitchos internally begged them to stop.
''How can people talk so long about rocks? There is nothing spectacular about it.'' Mitchos whispered to the newest officer.
''Be grateful you don't have to explore that part of the game then,'' Hideo responded wisely, holding one eye out for the new mobs to spawn. ''Without the help of them, your admired mace would not have survived this journey.''
''Yeah, yeah, I know. I never said I wasn't grateful. I just said it was boring.'' The Mohican tank answered back.
''It is not boring. It is pretty interesting,'' the dark-browned haired player named Mino mentioned. ''For instance, a weapon made out of Copper material is weaker than Granite yet it is easier to burn, making the progress much….''
''Boring.'' Mitchos interrupted in annoyance. ''You guys can keep talking about that stuff. I'd rather stick with dealing with mobs and clearing.'' Ignoring that statement for the better, Hideo shifted his attention to the others of the group.
Walking through the caves, Mitchos was for once one of the silent players while his guild members all listened to Jito and her stories about the different kind of materials.
Unlike at the beginning of the game though, silence was not something Mitchos had trouble with. His constant responsibility as a tank and a teacher had made him a bit more patient with his surroundings and instead of taking risks and doing dumb things, he had softened to the point Dale didn't have to hold him back anymore. His instincts shaped to a real front liner, he noticed something unusual; there had been no mob spawn in the last half hour. ''Hideo.''
''I am not going to stop talking about…'' he wanted to say before he saw the eyes of the Mohican player and shifted his attention back to his guild members, ''Everyone, weapons in the ready.'' Immediately feeling the switch in the atmosphere, the players stopped talking and drew their weapons.
''There is nothing here,'' Tore said after he activated his newly added Searching skill. Despite those words though, the young double-handed hammer user wasn't planning to drop his guard because his senior was clearly not convinced.
''How high is that skill, Tore-kun?'' Hideo asked, feeling suspicion in the air as well.
''90 out of 1000, Hideo-san.''
''Then prepare for battle,'' Hideo replied, both tanks catching a bit of movement in the corner of their eye. Numerous monsters appeared in the open a moment later to attack them head-on. Wielding weapons, these creatures were not to be trifled with. There was, however, something else that shocked the players, as the green monsters made their way towards the defending players.
''Goblins?!'' Liz asked as she blocked a dagger with her shield.
''Fight them as any normal enemy! We figure things out when we have beaten them!'' Hideo commanded before he slashed one of the goblins straight through and blocked an attack from another.
Mitchos blocked another attack, Mino immediately reacting on the switch and jamming his dagger into his enemy. Hideo was already in front of him when another goblin began to attack him with a Rapid Bite, blocking the attack successfully. Despite that attack though, he still noticed the large force of goblins that they had to go through and thus he did not hesitate to shout, ''Fall back! Mitchos, we have to block their attacks until we are safe!''
''Yeah, what do you think I am doing?!'' the tank shouted as he blocked another sword with his shield.
Liz, Mino, Bejitto, Tore, Reiner, and Jito retreated back while the two tanks did their best to block the path and retreat at the same time. Liz and Jito wanted to turn back to assist with their shields but the ''I said retreat!'' command from their newest officer was enough to get back to their retreat.
Five minutes into the retreat that felt like forever, the shields of both tanks had taken numerous hits, as well as their health being depleted to the half-way mark. ''Where is that safe zone?!'' Hideo shouted.
''It is still a long way!'' Tore shouted back, the other players making sure they could always back-up in case the tanks were in trouble. It was unlikely that they would survive this encounter themselves, as the fifty goblins that were chasing them were not so minor enemies.
''You have got to be kidding me…'' Mitchos mumbled, blocking another attack and using the force to slide backward. Then, out of nowhere, the goblins stopped completely.
''They stopped…'' Bejitto said in complete shock.
''Don't stop retreating!'' Mitchos immediately shouted, taking the moment to switch his shield and drink one of his strongest potions. ''We have a chance to escape now.''
That moment of safety was only for a few seconds though, before the goblins decided to move again, this time in an unfamiliar pattern.
''Wait.. No, no, no! They are moving around us!?'' Hideo panicked. Hearing the brown-haired tank shouting, Liz turned around and brought her shield just quick enough in front of her as a goblin had dodged the tanks and began to attack her directly now. And she was not the only one.
''Mino-san! Switch!'' Tore commanded before attacking both goblins with a swing from his entrusted hammer. At the same time, Jito had taken her shield and provided the little defense she could be for her two party members. Liz protected Bejitto from another attack with her shield, Reiner engaging the attacking goblin with his mace.
Little by little, the players had retreated, yet could not shake off the goblins. And by the course of another ten minutes, all players had various cuts in both their avatars as well their weapons, the total count of goblins still around twenty.
''Dammit! Why are they so attached to us?! And where are the others on this damn floor?!'' Mitchos complained, blocking another attack with his damaged shield.
''I don't know and I don't care. Get back and heal! I will cover you!''
''Are you crazy?! You are in worst shape than me.'' Mitchos answered the officer as he struck another Cave Goblin in the face. The sound of shattering glass could be heard, the two tanks instantly checking behind them, fearing the worst.
That luckily wasn't the case, for only the shield of Jito had shattered, the one Liz wielded already shattered earlier. But that moment of fear was a fatal mistake as two goblins decided to attack the two attackers, and the sound of two shields breaking down simultaneously echoed through the air.
''Equip your back-up shield!''
''Don't have to tell me twice!'' Mitchos answered back, his already damaged shield back in his hand just in time to block another attack.
''Liz-san, watch out!''
''Dammit. My mace is almost breaking.''
As the two tanks had trouble blocking one attack after another from the goblins, the two parties that were made in the moment had trouble staying alive as well.
One slip up was all that needed, and that happened in the form of a just perfectly laid out stone on the road. Jito stepped backward, fell over the stone and landed on her back. And the AI didn't need a moment to attack her, four goblins charging in with their weapons.
''Jito!''
A moment of silence… the sound of shattering glass… a dark sword that struck four goblins… a white flash that pierced multiple targets and claw marks that covered at least two goblins.
As seven goblins shattered into oblivion, the last traces of the player known as Jito could be seen before she followed her armor and shattered into oblivion. Eleven expressions of shock and disbelief could be seen before one of them let out a painful cry of anger. And although it seemed to be aimed towards the goblins, that anger was directed inwardly at himself as well.
It was 15:32 on a Wednesday when the news entered the young kendoka's ears. News that she never wanted to hear but had taken a spot in the back of her head nevertheless. The news of another victim, this time a little more close to heart.
A journey of months it had been. Seeking every companion of her brother and learning their relatives, family or anyone basically that was there when she visited them. And although Tsuji Kito hadn't been a member for long, that didn't mean it didn't hurt to hear such news.
What pained her more though, was the face of a mother that could not look her in the eye. It was never filled with anger, yet the emotion on her face made it that much more painful. It was for that reason, an hour later, she found herself next to the bed of her brother.
She promised herself she would be strong. That she would do what she could to make sure her brother would be proud of her. Yet, that strength was far to find as tears crawled down her face for a fear that had until this day taken a step back. And if she already felt this way, then how did her beloved oni-chan experience this pain? She couldn't picture that image.
''Here you go.'' A soft voice said as the nurse gave Suguha a glass of water. And Aki stayed at her side until Suguha was calmed down. The two held a conversation, Aki trying to cheer Suguha up by good memories and stories of her own.
Yet, there had appeared a new thought in Suguha's mind. Was this all she could do for her brother? Or was there something more?
Geysers erupted left and right, giving a small warning before spewing gallons of hot water in the air. Not that a certain player could care about it though, as a black sword killed one Magna Turtle after another.
Despite fighting for five hours straight, he did not slow down one bit. Like a possessed being, Kirito moved on his own and ran straight for another spawn. The last one to be precise, for he had cleared the area around him already.
Naturally, his guild member received a memorial and Kirito even asked Athi to plant a flower in her name's sake. Yet, for the first time in the game, his fear became a reality and it had stabbed him in his heart much worse than he had expected.
Feeling he had at least ceased his anger a bit and not wanting to ignore his guild members any further, for the number of messages he had received was already past the thirty-mark, Kirito delivered the goods to the elf base and made his way back to the capital.
Once he'd arrived at the goblin village, Kirito noticed a light in the middle of the camp. Despite knowing fully well the players were waiting for their leader's return by a campfire, he couldn't face them right now.
A touch on his hand had a different opinion though, as a voice softly whispered, ''You are not going to join them?''
''I don't feel like joining them right now,'' Kirito answered shortly, but all too clearly for Kizmel. For that reason, she did not let go of his hand.
''Don't, Kirito,'' she said before he focused his eyes on her. ''You can't let yourself be consumed by that guilt. It is not your fault, my good friend.''
''Then whose fault is it, Kizmel?'' Kirito answered with an empty expression in his eyes. Noticing she had nothing to say, he continued. ''We are no warriors… she didn't have to die. If Liz didn't contact us in time, we would have lost the others as well… How can I call myself a good leader if I let such a thing happen in the first place?''
''Please don't be too harsh on yourself. You can't predict the future,'' Kizmel answered. ''And please remember that it did not happen; we saved them. If we break apart at every death that comes our way or every possibility, then how can one proceed forward?'' she asked, Kirito noticing by her expression that this was not just about the normal life of a knight.
Although he momentarily wanted to shout, ''What do you know about it that?!'' and wanted to say things he would most certainly regret, he swallowed those words and instead asked, ''How did you do it?''
''If I am truly honest, I didn't,'' Kizmel confessed. ''When Tilnel died, I was heartbroken and I focused everything on my principles as a knight. The queen was that impressed with me that she sent me on the mission. After your saving me and our first adventures, I still could not forget about Tilnel, though. Even now, it pains me.''
A short pause, before Kizmel stared her human friend in the eye, traces of fluid in her eyes to Kirito's shock. Kizmel had been on any front a human but to cry as well? That was new to Kirito.
''When we parted on the ninth floor, I was heartbroken. We have been through so many adventures. You not only saved my people but also me by becoming my friends and accepting me in your lives. And at that moment I feared I would lose you as well. I was delighted that I could join you all on your journey and call it my own. So, please… Don't let that all go to waste and be consumed by guilt. We are family, right?''
A word he had heard a few times before in his guild, as the players liked to state when others didn't want to bug them too much for help. He even had used it himself once. ''Yes, we are. Yet, I don't think I am strong enough to put this aside,'' Kirito answered.
''Then don't. Remember her and use it to get stronger.'' Kizmel responded. ''And hold on to the people that you hold dear so that we all can overcome this.''
Kirito was still looking at the ground, so he never saw Kizmel stepping towards him and reaching out to him in the form of a gentle embrace. And despite Kirito not returning it at first, Kizmel did not let go in the slightest. Instead, she whispered, ''It is not your fault.''
A slight trembling… a whimpering that was almost inaudible soon after… a fist that was clenched the whole time trying to cope with indecision, until Kirito could no longer hold back and tears crawled down his face. After what seemed to be an eternity, the sadness that had left Kirito broken for four days finally had a shoulder to cry on.
[Ambush of the Evil Goblins] was the name of the third part of the goblin campaign, the players activating it after walking through a random part of the map at the right moment. A sudden jump in time, then the players engaged the cave goblins together with their allied goblins.
A reconnaissance mission, a stealth mission, followed by a raid. And the three guilds that underwent those missions had no trouble destroying the ugly creatures that had insisted on making their adventure as miserable as possible.
Although the Sleeping Knights and Wyvern Infernos were informed before anything could happen, both guilds were relieved they survived the harsh encounters unshattered.
Having dealt with the cave goblins, some of the Dire Wolves switched sides and began to cooperate with the goblins. And on top of that, the players found another gem, a way for the goblins to reach the next floor. The information regarding the specifics of the floor boss was as useful as it normally was. And since the field boss The Annoying Troll was defeated in just two days after the opening, the front line players were all too ready for another obstacle battle.
The room leading to the floor boss The Dire Tusk was crowded by players, but the group that was usually very talkative had taken a side stop from the main focus.
Helios tried to challenge Mitchos again, yet the tank wasn't that interested in it this time. Even when Helios tried to provoke him into accepting, the Mohican tank still did not react. And the same counted for the other players of the allied forces, only Kizmel showing signs of talkativeness towards the Sleeping Knights.
If you would ask it any other day, Kibaou would gladly take it for granted. The stop in recruiting, the silence in the group, and what seemed to be a seriousness he had seen only a few times made it perfect for his guild to be the central one.
Although that is what he thought, the expression on the black-haired leader's face was anything but what he was expecting. Together with a new black-white cloak and a new blade, Kirito imitated a pressure he was all too familiar with but did not like. Quickly looking away before he would be punched for a second time, Kibaou shifted his attention to his own guild.
His two sub-leaders were focusing on the seven parties, all ranked members chosen as party leaders. His own party members, Wodan, Tjap Troy, Po Ma, Mifan, Nitoru, and Ludan were talking about some stuff they encountered on this floor, mainly the annoying mobs called Cave Salamanders. Not that the Wandering Bats were that easy, or the venomous Cave Spiders. Noticing everybody was present, he and Lind stepped forward, grabbed the hold of the door and snarled, ''Let's get this over with.''
And thus, the battle against 18th-floor boss The Dire Tusk began at 9:47 on 14-03-2023.
A giant boar on two legs, two red eyes angrily staring at the players in front of him. Green skin that was only covered by hair and a chain around its neck.
The boss did not wait for any pre-scripted nonsense and charged straight forward, no weapon in hand whatsoever. When he was about to strike a player, he was launched back by the chain around his neck, that was still attached to the wall in the back of the room. Immediately, a barrage of spears, throwing picks, a chakram and fifty players charged him.
As the boss tried to regain his footing and ran for the pin that held him trapped against the wall, the AI's stared with mixed feelings at the fight in front of them.
Yes, the updates have most certainly done their job and made the game tougher. The AI learned how to adjust and the simple AI's has gained some basic stuff as well. then why oh why were the players still not happy?
From 35% to 40% nightmares in just a few days, and more players experiencing fear and uncertainty when venturing into the wild. Instead of a boss that was too easy, the players received a fight they had to work on and there had been nothing but complaining.
If it wasn't for the orders received from an admin account a few days ago, the three AI's would have considered changing things from the way it was. But their rules were not broken. After all, even if the players were trapped, the system wasn't hurting them, was it? At least, that was for the software as the accounts were just erased after defeat, but that should log the player out. About the hardware, Yui could not talk for she did not have the ability to connect to the nervegear. And in the beginning, she didn't even have enough of her capability to hear normal conversations.
Strea was staring at the boss battle with a bit of sadness. She was used to the chanting, the dancing, the quibbling that seemed to show how much one could love another or the battling that became more and more a beautiful dance instead of a messy attempt. Nowadays, the players were so depressed, their charisma and attitude levels couldn't be linked with any type of monsters. And that was already so difficult to the point only three players had accomplished it. The worst part about depression; she couldn't push anyone into one another or let them trip to ease things up. How was she supposed to do her job?
Eugeo had done his job splendidly, the 17th boss fight one of the examples that was thanks to his observing and adjusting a boss that was worth its name. And the quests too were once again a big challenge. That came with a problem because the changes he made in the goblin quest had apparently changed things for the worse for the already chaotic status of the players. How did he know, only judging from the AI's?
The player that had surprised him during the 17th-floor boss had shockingly driven fear into mobs that should have done that to an enemy. And other reasons were the dark elf AI known as Kizmel and the goblins of the campaign, mainly Rigurd and Rigurdo.
For now, Eugeo had not much time to think about that stuff, for the three players that came with the strange and spectacular plan were once again engaging the giant beast and the axe attached to the chain on its neck the boss had just broken free from the wall.
The AI's decided to watch the spectacle, only Eugeo now and then adding a small change to the boss to let it adjust to the players. Well, as far as that went, for one player wasn't making that easy.
''Hhhaaaa!''
''Grraaahhh!''
One shout of angry swordsmanship and one loud growl from annoyance and anger echoed through the room as players kept attacking The Dire Tusk head-on. The Dire Tusk was, however, fully focused on two players.
One was fully focused on cutting the boss into little bits and one tried to block the attacks that followed soon after, not fully there by his choice. No, Heathcliff tried to cover for the recklessness of his co-leader, as Asuna, Klein, and Mortimer kept engaging the sides to try to take some aggro from their leaders. The Dire Tusk so now and then used the chain on his axe to make a tornado to push every player out of the way but the moment that defense mechanism stopped, the black-haired swordsman charged in nevertheless.
Asuna knew stopping him in the middle of the battle wouldn't make this fight easier, yet her leader was fighting like he was not thinking about this as a game or as a battle of death. He was fighting as if the person in front of him was a warrior that he had to beat alone. She would be mad if she didn't know what was going on. The truth was, Kirito had already admitted he would do this in battle, simply because he felt guilty for the death of Jito. Asuna wanted to tell him he shouldn't but Kirito couldn't be convinced.
The silent anger that assisted him throughout this battle though showed the best of the swordsman's skill and together with Heathcliff, Kirito showed why he was one of the strongest players of the game. Of course, the constant fighting that he had done the last four days while he had slept only three to four hours a day had helped him a lot in his skills.
The chain spun forward again, both players dodging the dropping axe before Heathcliff activated a Vertical Arc and Kirito slashed through the side with a Horizontal Square.
Kirito crossed blades with the giant monster once again, Kibaou damaging the beast from the left with the Flag of Valor active, before Liten and her group jumped forward and blocked the attack as well. Or tried to at least get its attention since the duo were engaging it non-stop.
For most of the battle, it was a continuous replay of actions, and the giant pig was showing some signs of adapting, only to be snapped out of it again by the continuous assault from the two in front of him.
Even the AI that was supposed to make it difficult for the players had no clue what to do in this situation. Considering it was only a week old and still learning, that was to be expected, though. And thus, Eugeo smiled that he was beaten in this fight; in the last attack he witnessed the new black blade sending the boss into oblivion.
''Hollow Area?''
''Yeesh, do I have to explain everything to you?'' the rat asked the newcomer in the safety of the Hollow Control Room. ''It is not that difficult really.''
''Am I missing something? How is this easy to comprehend?'' Sinon asked the copy of the famous beta player in a world different but the same as Aincrad.
''You can't blame her, Argo. These things are not easy to understand,'' a black-haired player said while working behind the main screen of the Hollow Computer.
''Sugar, I love you but you got to shut up for a second,'' Liz mentioned to Kirito, kissing him before shifting her attention back to her forging work with a teasing smile.
''Liz, you can't do that! I was supposed to kiss him first.'' Asuna pouted before leaning forward and kissing Kirito as well.
Argo let out a sigh before stating, ''Really, you guys just can't read the situation. Anyway, what part of the description did you not understand?''
Sinon was at this point flabbergasted at both the sight before her as well as the situation she was in. Trying to ignore the clearly loving 'Hollows' in front of her, she said, ''Everything. How am I supposed to take this place and that for granted?!''
''I told you guys this is not normal!'' A voice from the red-haired player known as Klein rang through the room. ''Glad someone agrees with me.''
Argo shushed him and shifted her attention back to Sinon, before she stated, ''Okay, I will explain this again. Pay attention this time.'' Sinon looked irritated but listened nevertheless. ''Currently, you are in an experimenting world for Aincrad called Hollow Area. Everything you see here has a chance to come in the original game and thus, makes us as good as guinea-pigs.''
''You make it sound so normal… What about that sounds normal?'' the black giant called Agil asked from a corner.
Taking a mental note of what she heard a second ago, Sinon asked, ''And the so-called guinea-pigs are Hollows? So, what does that mean exactly?''
Sighing once again, hollow Argo said, ''We are copies of the players, complete with the memories and their traits, except for a few things…'' Shifting her attention to behind her, she loudly mentioned, ''For example restraints!''
''Oh shut up. Besides, you have nothing to complain about. You already had him last night,'' hollow Liz responded loudly, Sinon instantly becoming fully red as not so innocent thoughts roamed around her head.
''How can I be cool with this?! How is he cool with this?!'' she shouted.
Hollow Kirito didn't turn around as he answered, ''Hollows posses traits with the one from the other side, yet not every emotion comes with us. Assumingly, because we are guinea pigs, the system took our fear and embarrassment away. Anyway, I can't see a way to get you back to the other world.''
''So you are stuck here with us. Do you want to see some dragons?'' the young girl called Silica asked enthusiastically.
Hollow Klein's eyebrows shot up before he shifted his attention to his leader and stated, ''Oh yeah. I forget to mention but they had returned a couple of hours ago.''
''How many?'' the black-haired copy asked nonchalantly.
''Around five. The tenth is with them this time as well.''
''Oh, can we tackle them, Kirito-kun?'' Asuna said beaming.
''I don't see why not. I think the others would like some action as well. And this place is really cramped.'' The leader sighed as he stretched his arms and summoned a sword. ''Let's see what that snake freak has to say to us now.''
''Wait? Tenth…Snake freak.. are you talking about the tenth-floor boss?'' Sinon asked, shocked.
''What else would I be referring to? Unless you know another snake freak. If you don't count the lizardmen that is.''
''But…How…?''
''Yeesh, how much more do I have to explain this girl? Just follow them and experience it for your own for once!'' Argo stated harshly before pushing Sinon forward, only to be taken by the hand by the little tank.
''We were going to watch dragons, right?'' She said with a smile, the flying dragon called Pina next to her.
''Yeah…Sure…''
And so, the little tank let Sinon through the Hollow Control Room back to the fields, just to enjoy one of the many adventurous she would have in this crazy world, the things she had seen so wicked she momentarily forget her yellow bugged player cursor.
Ralberg. That was the capital city of the 19th floor. And just like the theme on the 18th floor, this one too was easily noticeable through the trip from the stairs to the city.
The morning light gave the leafless trees that resided on the dark brown ground a mysterious look, but Klein knew for certain that the same atmosphere in the night would be a terrifying one. The fact there were gravestones and graveyard fences did not help one bit to cease that thought.
''This place gives me the creeps,'' Alice Rue whispered to her boyfriend.
''Don't worry. You are safe with me,'' Klein responded protectively.
''The question is, who is going to protect you from this creep?'' Kunimittz said with a grin, the others laughing while Klein had another ''Oh come on'' expression.
As most players were talking to one another and speaking about the new floor, or other airy subjects, Asuna was walking next to her leader, not knowing how to address the fact that he had risked his life unnecessary. The thing is, she too experienced the fear of deaths after the incident and requested to sleep next to Kirito, something Liz too had asked.
Ten minutes later, after telling his guild members to take a rest in an inn, Kirito headed towards the exit of Ralberg, Asuna this time sure he was not going to risk his life pioneering the new wildlands.
It seemed that way when the duo left the safeties of the borders but when Kirito stepped towards a certain tree and stopped in front of it, Asuna was staring with questionable eyes at her leader. Those eyes shifted to an understanding one when he asked, ''Is this a good spot for her?''
Noticing that the morning sun shone on it just now, she said with a reassuring and soft smile, ''Yes. She would have liked this spot.''
''Then let's give Jito a proper burial. To make sure we never forget why we have to push forward.''
Staring at her leader with a deep understanding, Asuna whispered, ''Kirito-kun…'' before a hand touched her shoulder with care.
''I know. Next time I will be more careful. Thank you, Asuna.''
Feeling that her partner truly knew what he meant by the look in his eyes, she leaned forward, closed her eyes, and lay her forehead against Kirito. And thanks or due to the bath times he had shared with Kizmel, Kirito knew and followed that small gesture of the dark elves as he closed his eyes as well.
Not after seeing the incident. Not after the night full of nightmares or when sleeping in the presence of her friends. Not even when it was only Liz and Kirito with her in close proximity. It was here, Asuna let go of her worries and fears and her eyes lost control of blocking the weakness that had taken a part in her mind.
Tears. Tears, for a face that was filled with horror and would be new fuel to her nightmares. Tears, that showed that they still weren't strong enough to protect everyone. And last, but certainly not least, tears for a friend that they would never see again.
Author notes
That was it for chapter 38.
So we are on the 19th floor. First off, I am sorry for skipping large parts of the goblin campaign. I hope it is a little bit followable with it in the background, but there were other things I wanted to focus on, on these floors.
Again a lot around Kizmel but until now, it was her time to shine. And yes, I added the fake 'fake-out' as a reference to Monochrome Duet. I threw another reference in this chapter about certain fanfic as well, although it was small.
if people are familiar with the latest animes with goblins, you surely have recognized where the Cave Goblins came from.
Lastly, the next update will take me longer than usual. I do not follow a very strict deadline but most of the time I can post a chapter each month. For the next chapter that means it will take me two months to post it, although my planning has shown multiple times already this does not have to be the case. Anyway, here I have warned you all beforehand.
I want to keep talking, but these author notes would become to freaking big, so I cut it here. Hope you all enjoyed this short chapter and see you in the next one. Beyor out!-