Disclaimer: I do not own Sword Art Online. Sword Art Online is owned by Reki Kawahara and ASCII Media Works.
[Welcome to Argo's 25th-floor guide. This guide consists of all the information about quests, monsters, traps and other necessities of the 25th floor. Warning: It is greatly advised to have thoroughly read everything before venturing outside the safe zones. Experienced players have died for this information, so hereby, you are warned. Let's start.
25th-floor theme: Labyrinths/mazes.
Capital: Giltstein. Towns: Llyne. Special places: Angelic Field
Weather: Random. Foggy.
Uniqueness: Mobs are dangerously stronger than previous floors. The difference at night is not checked, nor recommended investigating without a 450/1000 Searching, 350/1000 Trap Spotting and enough players to rotate tasks. The topography is considered difficult by the experienced mind, so be warned.
Mobs: Centaur. A strong large monster equipped with spear or sword. Does around 2650 damage with a rear kick on leather armor, and around 2740 with basic Sword skills on light armor. Warning: Charges will inflict great damage and can cause instant kill on a critical hit (does more than 4900 damage). Dodge or block with a switch if possible!
- Satyr: Humanoid monster who has exchanged strength for agility. Horns cause bleed damage if pierced and it moves unpredictably. It can easily dodge most sword skills from distance, and it will try to counter just as much.
- Harpies: Half-bird/half-human. It comes in different sizes and it lengthy determines its strength. Around 5.7 feet is considered dangerous for frontline material (level 36 or higher). It has both distance and close combat attributes.
Traps: Trapdoor Poison traps. Lvl 3 or higher poison lakes hidden under trap doors. Difficult to get out without any preparations. Requires 150 to spot.
- Iron spike trap. Iron spike trap equipped with poison, burn and paralyzes. Instant kill for anyone under level 38, tank build, heavy-armored. Requires 350 to spot. Has to be triggered (Without player use!) in order to activate. Use a metal object.
- Wooden spike trap. Wooden spike trap, mostly appearing four of five in a row. Damage is expectable, nor status aliments present, but still can damage significantly. Proceed with caution. Requires 230 to spot.
Quests: Nuisance of the Hybrids. Starting point: Westside of Llyne, in the tavern Morning Gloom. Objective: vanquish twenty hybrid monsters on the farm east to Angelic Field. Difficulty: Extreme high-difficulty. Level 35 to 40 required with at least one full party.
- Legend of Tibonera. Starting point: Northside of Giltstein, a hallway next to the NPC forge. Objective: Collect all the necessary items for the mysterious broker. Not-finished yet. Difficulty: High-difficulty thus far.
- A Master's Fall: Starting point: Deeply hidden in the southern outskirts of Llyne, a book the trigger to activate this quest. Incomplete thus far. Difficult: unknown.
This was Argo's guide for the 25th-floor. If you everything to contribute that isn't in this guide, please inform the Rat. Good luck and stay safe.]
As the darkness extinguished the remaining light from the 25th floor, for the third time in a row the land was covered with a mysterious fog. It did no damage to anyone, yet it was almost impossible to venture in the wild with that handicap. Such a thing was already unthinkable, as the stories of the 25th floor were anything but encouraging.
The second day of exploring the new floor had just ended, and it raised the death mark again. Nine players on the first day of exploring found their end. ''Ah, goddammit. It burns.'' Darius painfully muttered, his eyes blood-red colored, clearly showing the signs of overusing his skills.
''Get some well-earned rest then. We are done exploring for the day anyway.'' Klein responded, his expression as tired as one could look. ''Again, thanks for the help today.''
''Yeah, don't mention it. See you in a couple of hours.'' The trap-spotter said before climbing the wooden staircase of this strange tavern, his footsteps heavy as that sound slowly fainted.
The vice-leader sighed deeply as he shifted his eyes to the others and said, ''Let's get back to the tavern. I don't know about you guys, but I could use a distraction.''
''Right... I just hope the blacksmiths haven't closed shop yet. I still need my equipment repaired.'' Mitchos commented, the damage on his high-level armor and shield visibly noticeable. ''Those centaurs are so damn annoying.''
The other five players nodded as they walked out of the inn and continued to stroll past the dark-colored buildings of Llyne. It surely was a sight only a fantasy world could give, yet trying to enjoy it was a task itself. Wonder above wonder, they had not lost a player yet but only because of heavy preparations.
To get the weaker players to the next town, the first group alliance group had taken the same route back, dodged every trap thanks to Darius and memory and got everyone safely to Llyne. The moment they had returned, darkness had fallen over the land and the next three players had died in the Nuisance of the Hybrids quest.
Dangerous, however, is an abstract word. What is dangerous? When is it safe? What are the conditions for it to be dangerous or safe? Seven more players were too late to find and died on the second day of exploration, adding to a total of sixteen casualties. A new record, easily breaking the record of the previous floors as well as the death count of every frontline floor combined.
As the party of six finally arrived at one of the main taverns, they were warmly welcomed by the other players. To the slight embarrassment of the many, Alice Rue jumped Klein on his neck, falling together with him on the wooden floor. The few that weren't confused by the two, completely ignored them as they announced, ''Leader, we have returned. Who is playing and paying tonight?''
A few people reacted on Kunitmitzz's words, cards and drinks in the ready for a moment of relaxation. But the thought of players losing friends and companions had not passed them by. ''It is okay. It is not your fault.'' Kirito comforted Argo, the rat holder tightly onto him under his coat in the coldness of the night just behind the tavern.
Argo could feel the Crime Prevention Code crawl up onto her cracking fingers. She could almost hear the Harassment Code pop-up on Kirito's side. The trail left behind from her tears almost gave her the burning pain that fitted her emotion. Perhaps the business of information broker was a selfless path, but that information had one clear purpose: to save as many as possible.
She did not have to say a word. The hands embracing her were more than enough that she needed to know. He felt the same, and he could understand her. The information broker the Rat was just a human, and Kirito was her place to get back to when things got rough. To see beyond the broker and to see beyond the swordsman, right in the soul of two teenagers which did not belong there. There was perfect communication without speaking a word. There was perfect trust, without any promises. ''Thank you, Kii-bou,'' she whispered thankfully, her grieving expression exchanged for a blissful smile.
''Anytime.'' He whispered, leaning back to look in her eyes. Despite the clear signs of crying, she was still as beautiful as ever. ''Are you okay?''
''For now,'' she answered, wiping away the remaining traces of her crying. ''Let's get back. The rest is waiting for us.''
Kirito smiled as he said, ''I am sure they can enjoy themselves just fine. They are most likely playing another card game, probably poker.''
''Another poker game? I should learn the rules.'' Argo commented. ''Perhaps you can teach me?'' she added with such a teasing expression it raised Kirito's virtual neck hair and left him blushing. She laughed as she commented, ''How can you blush from that? Perhaps you have a bit of unknown naughty side to you, after all.''
''It is not like that.'' He instantly responded in defense, beet-red as one could be. ''It was just the way you said it...''
''Are you saying I was naughty, Kii-bou?'' Argo evilly grinned. ''That is not very nice, is it?'' She added as she noticed the color of his face brightening more and more. ''I am not sure I should punish you for saying I am naughty, or that you should punish me for speaking naughty.''
Kirito looked uncomfortably to the side as he asked himself, How am I supposed to answer that...? It wasn't as if this was the first seducing act Argo had done on him since their relationship started, yet he was still not used to her teasings. On top of that, Liz and even Asuna began to act more daring when in his presence, trying to provoke a response he was not used to, nor comfortable with.
Argo clearly noticed his discomfort, her broad grin hiding the rapid beating of her excited heart. Excited, for she was relieved she could still make him flustered despite having the clear lack of physical appeal her two female associates had. Besides, you are so cute when you are flustered. Argo thought as she held on to his arm, smiling from ear to ear.
Opening the door to the tavern, pleasant ambiance noise passed them by. The door was not even closed, and twelve voices already welcomed the two in full glory, ordering another drink or asking to participate in the card games.
Everything went smoothly in the tavern, filled with players who sought friends in times of hardships. Under all that festive ambiance lay a realization tomorrow could be a last, so every last one of them made sure to make every second memorable. A few hours later, Darius joined the party, re-igniting the dying ambiance. However, the evening does not last forever, and by the time tiredness forced the party to end, they all knew that the next day would be another day that could be their last.
11:36, 02-06-2023, Chiyodah General Hospital.
As Suguha filtered unintelligible conversations from her mind, none of them her business nor her concern, her eyes caught glimpse of familiar faces. She was looking forward to the day she would see those faces somewhere else than the hospital, yet she did not have the confidence nor the strength to say that day would ever come.
Normally, she had a class around this time. Since it is was Friday, that meant she would start the day with History and Math, the former quite likable while the latter was just the worse. The thought of the two subjects sometimes left her empty, for Math was the subject she needed her lovely brother's wisdom for. It was sort of a less a trade since -despite being two classes higher than her- he still could not get the simple details of history learned.
Today's was a bit different though. The school spoke about a sudden Study Day but Suguha knew better. Other victims had increased the death count, and it didn't help one of them was a high-political placed's son. It was another reminder for everyone this world was a fragile one, and that the SAO incident would go in history as one of the worst crimes in Japan. All due to one man.
Momentarily thoughts were put on hold by the simple ring of the lift bell, indicating her way to her brother's room had arrived. As other visitors stepped out of the elevator, their eyes flowing with a well-known sadness, Suguha decided not to pay much attention to it as she stepped in, pressed the button and waited for the doors to close. Background music gently broke the silence as her eyes were focussing on the counting number displayed. A moment later, and she left the others standing as she stepped out. She paid no attention to the closing elevator doors as her feet moved automatically to her brother's room, her mind once again distracted by other matters.
All due to one man. Perhaps that was true, but only a few knew those words held a terrible twist. Kayaba was innocent, a conclusion drawn by various different evidence gained in six to seven months. As much as she hated it, she had been blaming the wrong person for the fate of her brother, not something she could cope with very well.
At first, she couldn't really understand why the Virtual Division would keep that information a secret. However, as days past by, she began to understand it more and more. The example she was given was one she would never forget. The immense emotions the SAO incident brought, such as anger, frustration, sadness and more, could be seen as lighting. Kayaba was the lone skyscraper between the thousand homes, its lighting rods directing that energy safely and harmlessly. Take the skyscraper away, and suddenly there was lighting without a way to guide it, ready to break down everything in its path.
As she opened the door, Suguha stood in front of Aki Natsuki, the glass-wearing nurse giving her a welcoming smile before she said goodbye and continued her round. The door closed automatically, dimming the faint conversations of the hallway and giving her a moment of alone-time with her brother. With a saddened smile, she softly started, ''Morning, Onii-chan. Hope Aki-san wasn't too hard on you.''
It felt weird at first, pretending her brother could hear her voice, let alone could hold a conversation. However, after a while, she got used to it and even found some relief in sharing her usual days with her 'sleeping' brother. ''I asked her to be careful with you, but she couldn't promise anything.'' She said with a brief smile as she sat next to him. ''Knowing your usual routine, you are probably up and ready to fight the game again. Kinda ironic, since you would never wake up before 10:00 o'clock if we had no school.''
She smiled again, memories of shaking her completely wrapped-in blankets brother roughly reappearing in her mind, Kazuto murmuring to leave him alone since it was still too early. Remembering all the information she had gained from her great adventure, she said seriously, ''I hope you don't try to impress the others too much. There are really a lot of people counting on you.'' Then, her voice held a joking tone as she added, ''I mean, Kyouko-san is already thanking you with various gifts and Kathy-san has already given you a special seat in the Dicey Cafe for when you return.''
The beautiful flowers at his bed were one of the few gifts the mother of Asuna Yuuki had given, the other an upgrade to his normal bed. It didn't fit her brother at all, but her mother found it rude to decline such a gift. It was especially not-fitting since Kazuto's hair began to grow wild under the helmet's and his body began to look as weak as it had to be from inactivity, making the luxury bed a throne sat on by a cleaned-up wanderer. ''I hope your friends are doing well.'' Suguha continued, her tone changing to serious. ''What I have heard, this floor is the greatest obstacle so far. I have to admit that is quite scary to hear so many people have died in these last days, so I hope you are extra careful of yourself and your friends.''
Suguha looked hopefully to her brother's face, yet, as expected, could not see a single reaction from her words. She sighed once before her she smiled again and said, ''Well, I was here coming to tell about everything that happened the past week, so why not now. A lot has happened and I even joined the Virtual Division.'' She said proudly, a hand on the badge hidden in her chest pocket. ''I am not sure why I was chosen, but I gladly got to know a lot more about you and your situation. I can't complain about knowing all that stuff, but it was a bit strange to believe the one protecting you was the one I used to hate.''
Her expression changed to a joking one as she asked, ''That aside, what kinda name is Kirito? You told me the whole point of virtual gaming is to get a new identity and you just mixed your full name together. So lame!'' she said laughing, already picturing Kazuto's pout. ''Well, considering how you are so bad in naming, it is no surprise.''
Suguha continued to talk about airy subjects, such as how school was; how their parents had been doing; how she was ready to participate in the regional junior kendo championship and much more. In the end, as Suguha was done talking about her entire week, she couldn't help but turn serious as she said, ''Be careful in there, Onii-chan. I hope you know we are doing everything to help you get out there. We miss you.''
A strange feeling, surprisingly easing his mind despite the dangers surrounding him. Kirito couldn't explain it to himself when he walked through the wilderness of the 25th floor, five parties following him and Heathcliff to another unexplored part of the map. His shoulder dropped, the tension on his muscles lessen while his alertness did not weaken. The fatigue of the past weeks did not suddenly vanish, but it felt 'different' somehow. The others already caught him checking his menu and his surroundings in an odd manner, to the point Kunimitzz asked, ''What's wrong, leader? Is there a monster nearby?''
Kirito shook his head as he answered, ''If there is, my Searching skill isn't picking it up.'' But there was something going on just now. Is this floor messing with my head already? He asked internally as he continued to walk the path of the Forest maze.
The first maze between Giltstein and Llyne was known as the Mountain Maze, for the large mountains blocked the players from evading it and the path itself was steep and hilly. The maze separating Llyne and the Angelic field was known as the Canyon Maze, for the canyons blocked players from passing it without falling a gruesome death or at least taking significant fall damage. The maze itself was steep descending, making it hard to survive the already-insanely strong monsters and dangerous traps did not make it any easier.
Now, the group was walking through to the third maze, where deep-grown vegetation had blocked any player from trying to see past the path they were supposed to follow. Considering the difficulties of the floor, none of them were eager to jump from the path and risk getting lost or worse. Thus, the slow careful pace under the guidance of Searching, Eavesdrop and Spotting skills was continued.
''You holding up out there, pal?'' Klein asked Darius, their trap spotter the decisive factor between dead and alive.
''Yeah, don't worry about me. These two skills are rapidly growing, so I should be able to hold out for at least an hour longer.'' the blue-haired boy answered. ''Besides, if I have to take a rest, I will say it,'' he added, knowing how important his role as a spotter was.
''Got ya! We're counting on you.'' Klein commented grinning before walking in front of his party again.
Again, at first glance, one would say this group was not front-line material. Airy conversations echoed around them, and the atmosphere they gave off was anything but tense. Mitchos was laughing at Dynamm's joke, Diavel was discussing various none-important things with Mortimer, and even Isabella and Asuna were discussing new items for in their new home. But if you stood alongside them, instead of just watching them, you could feel that everything that was concluded just prior was a miscalculation.
True, they were speaking to one another about airy subjects. However, after seven months of constant surviving, standing on guard became second nature, and that too was displayed. Just as Kirito's eyes picked up on a target, he silenced, immediately drawing the attention of all. None even had to ask as Darius said, ''No traps in sight.'' and Koharu followed up with, ''I hear something from our front-left.''
''Any specifics?'' Heathcliff asked, Mitchos and Harry-one stepping next to him to guard for the unknown.
''Four Harpies. I am not sure how strong they are yet.'' Kirito answered as he drew his sword, his Searching-colored eyes fully focusing on the approaching monsters. ''Priotitze the weakest first. Lode, Enkidu, I am counting on you two!''
''Got it, leader!'' the two answered as the switched their usual iron spears for wooden and prepared to use their strongest sword skill. Lode smiled as he jokingly commented, ''Try not to miss this time. Artus is already complaining he can't keep up with the wooden spear production.''
''Talking about yourself again? If I didn't know any better, I would say you are getting crazy.'' Enkidu retorted grinning.
None of the players paid attention to them as Kirito said, ''Monsters approaching fast from the front left! Watch out for any distant attacks!''
Several eyes lay their contracted gazes to that direction, not even the occasional blinking intervening their concentration. It did not take long for the birdly screech to reach their ears, and seconds later, the first signs of their enemies came in to display. Knife-sharp claws strong enough to tear through unprotected skin; wings as marvelous as they were terrifying shadowed them, blocking the few rays that got passed the deep-grown vegetation with their pure blackness; their feminine-humanoid torsos were protected by strong armor, and their hideous faces were enough to cripple any male from fantasizing.
''Holy shit?! She is huge!'' Mitchos shouted, not expecting to see a harpy of around 6,3 feet floating in front of him, followed by three 4.9 classes.
''Fire!'' Klein commanded, two spears, a chakram, and three daggers released on that simple word. Two Oblivions became critical hits, nearly breaking two of the harpies, while the chakram and daggers struck the other small harpy. The only one that did not receive any damage was just spectating from above, its pupilless eyes analyzing the battle.
The other harpies pressed forward like mindless beasts, their eyes set on the ones who damaged them. Harry-one was quick to react on the first one, blocking its claws with determination while trying to retaliate in return. Niaf and Packer protected the spear throwers, the former struggling for he had reached level 35 only yesterday. However, since the harpies were fighting so close on the ground, there were other threats they had to be wary of.
The mobs failed to realize the strength of teamwork, as both Dale and Gilgamesh's blades crashed through their wings, and Asuna and Klein did not give them time to breathe as they threw a Quadruple Pain and a Zenku - a single forward Diagonal Slash sword skill- to their enemies, both shattered into oblivion. The third harpy, pressed by Harry-one and double-teamed by Rain and Koharu, joined them soon in the afterlife. ''Three down, one more to go!''
''What is it doing? it is just floating up there, staring at us...menacingly.'' Kunimitzz said with a weak smile, a few looking at him with the familiar 'Really?!' expression.
The spear throwers were ready for next barrage, their arms beginning to feel the strain from the overpowered skill. However, they both preferred to finish their enemy off quickly instead of risking an unnecessary death. So, with that in mind, they wind their charge even further before letting go, their arms moving simultaneously as their spears left a trail of immense wind pressure behind, two beams of light ready to destroy their enemy.
The last harpy's white eyes shot open, instantly warning the few who witnessed it. As the harpy's talons reached forward, impressively blocking the two streams of light from piercing in a continuous struggle, Heathcliff shouted, ''Something's wrong! Shields up and find cover!''
''What the...?!'' the two spearmen let out to the clash of light and beast before Mitchos pulled Lode out of his trance, Orlando following just a second later with Enkidu. Not a second too late, for the clash in the middle had ended in an ear-deafening explosion, particles striking down like a meteor shower against the many shields.
''Hold it!'' Heathcliff commanded, clearly visible he was struggling against the sudden barrage. It was to be expected since he had jumped in front of the main group the moment he suspected something was wrong, making himself large against the attack. As the last hit struck his shield with a bit more explosive strength than the rest, even Heathcliff was send tumbling down, two players catching him before he fell to the ground. ''Thanks. What is the status?'' he asked his co-leader, the supporting hands between his shoulder blades just possing enough strength for him to stand up again.
''The harpy is still standing, but the explosion has damaged her. However, we are not doing great either.'' He answered in utmost seriousness, his eyes concentrated at the floating monster just up ahead.
Asuna looked at the screen in front of her as she added, ''Six players in the red, twelve in the yellow. No casualties but the tanks are heavily damaged.''
''What the bloody hell was that?!'' Klein yelled as stood up, pushing Mitchos up on his feet at the same time. ''Wasn't that just an Oblivion?!'' he asked both spearmen.
''It was! It just collided with something!'' Lode answered, not sure how to explain the phenomenon. ''More importantly, is everyone alright?''
''We are hanging in there!'' Rain responded, her eyes on the floating target as she helped Koharu stand up.
''That attack was nothing!'' Eugene responded grinning, his health nor armor visibly agreeing as he pulled Niaf from the ground. ''Niaf might need a patch, but other than that, we're good to go!'' The rest of the groups responded clear and comforting, but at that moment, all the players had forgotten one of the most important rules in the wilderness.
Kirito got reminded of that rule when his Searching-colored eyes picked up other enemies in his line of view, instantly turning this normal exploration into a deadly encounter. With an uncommon fear in his voice, he commanded, ''Retreat.''
''Why should we...?''
''I said retreat! Now!'' Kirito repeated urgently.
The last of Heathcliff's words were silenced as he saw that fear, turned around instantly and commanded, ''Retreat to Llyne! Do not leave a single man behind!'
Mobilization began instantly, but many were confused by the sudden call, the obvious response many players activating their Eavesdropping and Searching skills. Their eyes widened; sweatdrops began to form; their heartbeat skipped a beat and raised to flighting levels.
Monsters spawns were logical and fair. The most spawns on one location were known on the Snake Castle of the tenth floor, where, as the name suggests, Snake Warriors were a common sight and the Forest of Wandering, where the Golden Ants, Forsaken Ladybugs and the feared Spike Screamers resided. Considering these were milestones and the spawns were at night, where the difference was most noticeable, this was to be suspected. Even with those conditions, the spawns were only maxed at twenty-four at the time, and that number was extremely rare. Even during a boss fight, where the monster army size was larger than the counterforce, the game balanced everything so that the beasts were not that challenging individually. On a rare occasion, such as campaign quests, they could be imbalanced, but other than those moments, spawns were logical.
Understandable that if one's searching skill picked up on at least thirty-five dangerously red-colored monster cursors shortening the distance, Kirito's command was not a command to ignore. ''Holy shit!'' Issin shouted shocked as he sat it on a retreated run, many others not even having to hear those words to know the situation had drastically changed.
As Heathcliff gave commands to retreat as one group and asked Darius to keep an eye out for traps, Kirito couldn't help but feel worried. Aside from the threating mobs in the distance, there was still keeping up with them from above, but it did not attack. He felt as if it was waiting for something.
''Trap on the far left! Everything on my right is safe!'' Darius warned as he walked a bit to left, every other player moving to the right. Kirito did not know why, but that moment was decisive as the large harpy let out a screech and descended dangerously quick on the trap spotter.
''Darius, watch out!'' Kirito shouted, the spotter just turned around in time to see the terrifying creature descending on him, no time left to pull up his dagger or to dodge those blade-sharp talons. That moment, his mind went in overdrive, as if his life was about to flash in front of his eyes. He saw his descending end coming in slow motion, the remainder of his red health depleted and marking the end of his journey.
Instead, his ears caught the faint sound of footsteps, his eyes catching a round object appearing in his line of sight followed by a familiar blond crest-style hair. Just as Tobe was right between the descending threat and Darius, its talons clashed with a painful sound into his shield. The shield shattered in slow motion into a dozen pieces, but in that slow-motion, he saw another familiar pair of blue eyes near the Harpy's head. With such a quick motion, even the slow-motion could not see, Ojima's right arm enveloped the harpy's head, steering it quickly to left before explodingly turning it to the right.
The regular motion came into play again, the harpy's body falling motionless to the ground as several players stopped running and stared in shock at Ojima's strange gray-colored eyes, the sound of his bo staff hitting the ground heard a second later. He didn't notice nor could care less as he shouted, ''What are you doing?! Run!''
Iron, Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold, etc. Metal differences that Liz did not even pay any attention to. After all, she grew acquainted with their appearances and quality and knew what they were and weren't good for. She was in de middle of giving advice to a player about the subject when the ominous private message of Argo came, a second later the Rat herself heading towards the outskirts of Llyne in a sprint.
That was every hint Liz needed and she did not hesitate to interrupt her cliënt and tell him something urgent came up. A quick apology followed before she materialized everything and ran behind Argo, to the northern border of Llyne.
It had been a solid five hours since her guild members had entered the wildlands to the north, and if she had to believe Argo's words, she knew something had gone terribly wrong. On her way to the outskirts, she checked her officer's menu, no signs of deaths to be seen. Yet, that could have been a mistake made from Aincrad, and she feared any given moment one or more of those names would be crossed. Be safe, everyone!
Arriving at the borderline between safety and danger, she could see she was not the only one who had come to Argo's message. Her other guild and alliance members already stood there, asking in a low manner what was going on. Stepping next to Argo, who was keeping her eyes targeted to the distance, she asked, ''Any news from them?''
''I got nothing. Which worries me, since they were chased by a large mob force,'' The Rat responded, her eyes kept forward as she bit her nails.
''Large force? How many mobs are talking about?'' Liz asked, Alyse, Stacy, Artus, Killian, Bejitto, and Yuna shifting their eyes on the concerned Argo as well. However, Argo didn't respond as she kept her eyes forward, Searching and Eavesdropping skill active. ''Argo. How many are there?'' she repeated a bit more strictness and worriedness in her voice.
''53...'' Argo whispered carefully.
Shouting from shock was meaningless, and either was charging headfirst out of the gate to assist their friends. But that were the first two things Liz could think of before stopping herself just in time. Shouting would help no one, and charging into the wilderness would be the end of them, and they would be a handicap instead of a life-saver if they could reach the main group. What can we do?
She did not have the answer, and neither did Argo. Players who were just doing their thing a moment ago, now all waited for their main group to return, all wanting a definite answer to cope with the impotence of their situation. The wait was long, players switching from a standing position, to a leaning position, to a sitting position, to trying to break the silence or ease their nerves by working on their craft. All except Argo, who kept her eyes on the target, Searching Skill switching automatically with Eavesdrop skill. Come on, Kii-bou! Let me hear something from you!
Yuna stood at the side, the whispering conversation she had with Lisa and Seven about new songs doing nothing for the worries in her mind. She was grown fond of her friends, and she would lie to herself the feelings for Ojima had disappeared. For that reason, she kept gazing in the distance in silent fear.
Alyse and Stacy tried to exchange information but quickly gave up for they knew better. After all, Stacy's eyes kept switching to the left, and Alyse couldn't help stop her thoughts from listening to the voice of doom. Fear had finally the group in its grasp, and it was readable from the atmosphere alone.
After an everlasting wait of two and a half hours, in their minds, every passing minute a decade long, Argo's eyes caught signs of movement. ''They are here,'' she said, the waiting members instantly switching to active search as more of their comrades popped out of the large Forest. Without slowing down, they sprinted the last distance, no mobs behind them whatsoever.
However, when they entered the safe borders of Llyne, heavy panting, there was no moment of celebration. It was an almost perfect count, but there was just one person missing between them all, and Yuna's desperate search was an instant confirmation who was missing. ''Where is Ojima-san?''
Without missing a beat - even despite the lack of virtual air in his body - Kirito commanded Liz, Bejitto, Artus, and Killian. ''We need equipment and durability checks. Now!'' Switching his attention to Argo, he asked her, ''Is there anyone in town that can help us? The WI? the SI? Anyone?''
''I will find someone!'' Argo immediately answered, not even questioning Kirito's seriousness as she sent both Stacy and Alyse onward and dashed away.
Kirito nodded, switched to Reiner and Seven and asked, ''Do you have more potions in spare? We need everything you can miss.'' Both players nodded and materialized every possible potion in their possession, Kirito as quickly as possible passing them along.
Normally, Yuna would never question her leader. She trusted Kirito and trusted the players who followed him. But the fact the one she cared for the most was missing broke her calculating mind, the reason for her to stand up and yell without a harsh pain in her voice, ''Where is Ojima-san?!''
''He is still in the labyrinth,'' Klein responded, the armor around his shoulders near its end. As Yuna looked around, the others did not look any better, as tears in their new clothing and the lack of armor were a clear indication for a near-dead experience. ''We are moving to save him when we are ready, but we are in no position to get him out yet.''
''Next!'' Liz ordered, Mitchos the next offer his equipment for maintenance. The blacksmith did not doubt Klein's words for a moment as she gazed to her leader, his determined expression on the labyrinth. The look Ojima gave him was an expression he would never forget, and a reason he believed he was still alive.
~One hour earlier.~
''Leader, we can't keep outrunning them!'' Niaf shouted worriedly, dodging a ranged attack from one of floating Harpies.
''We have to! We're out of options!'' Heathcliff responded, his armor and shield already showing the pain of this escape.
Kirito, who was running among them, his sword taking a similar beating, had no other options as well. There was none who could tank the hits for long enough and distracting them was a suicide mission for the distractor, if the distraction was enough to pull them all in.
It was that moment Ojima's words reached Kirito's ears, only for his to hear. ''Keep moving. I'll keep them distracted.'' Kirito looked panicky behind, the foreign gray-color in Ojima returning as he smiled and commanded, ''Heathcliff, Klein, take the right here! Bring everyone to safety!'' In just mere seconds, Kirito's fear became a reality as Ojima took the left, placed one hand in front of his chest and began an aggressive chant, drawing the ranged attacks instantly. Just as everyone behind him was about to halt their escape and help him, he shouted, ''Keep moving! I'll be safe! Get out of here!''
~Present.~
''What about his healthbar?'' Yuna asked worriedly, staring at the players who waited for their weapons' durability to be repaired and for Argo to return.
''Not sure why, but he is no longer displayed in my party,'' Tobe answered just as worriedly. That worriedness grew when he asked, ''And does anyone know what was going on with his eyes?''
''His eyes?'' Yuna and Liz asked simultaneously, the latter taking another piece for durability repairment.
''You guys saw that too? I really thought I was tripping,'' Kunimitzz commented, the blue clothing covering his left shoulder shredded.
Darius shook his head as he added, ''No, you were definitely not the only one. I don't know what it was, but it was freaking me out..''
''Indeed. That was an unusual sight to behold, and not pleasant in the slightest,'' Kizmel said.
''What was wrong with his eyes?'' Liz asked impatiently.
''They were gray,'' Kirito answered, still not comprehending what or why. Despite not remembering every detail of his friends, there was no moment he forgot Ojima's blue eyes. After all, it were those same eyes that kept their gaze on him as he poured his heart out and kept their composure to his many lessons.
''Gray? That can't be right, Ojima-san has...''
''Blue eyes, I know. But there is no mistake they were different.'' Kirito intervened, not in the mood to argue. Not while one of his friends was still fighting for his life in the labyrinth if he was even alive at this point. Shaking his head to deny that thought from overtaking, he added, No, he is alive. And we will get him out!
Argo returned quicker than expected, two familiar and trustworthy guilds running behind her. ''Kirito-san, we are here!''
Ren added, ''We came as quickly as we could. What is the situation?''
''Ojima is keeping a large number of monsters at bay in the northern maze. I am not sure how long he can hold out, so when everyone is ready, we move out immediately.'' Reading the expression of Ren and Akio, he added, ''The last time they attacked us twenty-five of them were still alive, so that is what you can expect. Also, there is a dangerous counter for the Oblivion skill, so please stop using it.''
''A counter?'' Oliva asked.
''I will explain later. Liz, how much longer?''
''Ten more minutes. Next!''