Chapter 2: Hard Choices
After defeating the first-floor boss, everyone was cheering loudly while the group gathered while looking at the others.
"Your fighting was splendid," Egiru commented causing Akuma to look toward the towering warrior. "This victory belongs to all of you,"
"No..." Kirito said softly while looking at the ground.
Suddenly the other players all started to applaud the group causing Kenji to smile and wave at them while Akuma stood there narrowing his eyes.
"Why?!" Kibaou shouted silencing the players that were just recently cheering. " Why did you let Diabel die?"
"Let him die?" Kirito repeated confused.
"Of course! You knew that technique the boss used! If you'd told us about that upfront, he wouldn't have died!" Kibaou said while tears dripped from his eyes.
This caused the other players to start talking among one another about Kibaou comment.
"He must be a beta tester! We know that other guy is! So, they both must be in on it! That's how they knew the boss's attack patterns. They knew but didn't tell us! Other beta testers are here, too, right? Come out!" A random player added causing Akuma to grit his teeth and step forward out in the open while bringing his hands down to his sides and looking directly at the player.
"Things have changed little boy. Nothing is the same anymore from what we just witnessed here. Kirito did not know until the last second. We cannot see into the future so how are we supposed to warn you about something that we ourselves did not know about?" Akuma replied while bringing his hand up to grip it into a fist causing his knuckles to crack.
"But...you..." The player stammered while taking a step back.
"We helped as much as we can and although it is different than what we expected, we won. In such a world lives WILL be lost no matter how hard we try to prevent it," Akuma spoke while his arm hung back down by his side. "Fighting amongst ourselves will not help anyone leave this world anytime sooner. Moreover, it will only waste innocent lives,"
"Waste lives? What do you care?!" The player shouted while standing his ground.
"What do I care?" Akuma repeated before laughing softly in which Kenji slowly moved behind Kirito shivering in fear.
"Akuma is getting pissed..." Kenji whispered making Kirito look over his shoulder at him then back at Akuma.
"You think I do not care about the life of strangers?" Akuma questioned while his eyes grew wide and glaring at the player. "You are right,"
"What?" The player asked falling backward at the sudden bloodthirst in Akuma's eyes.
"The class I am using is only for me and me alone. You can say I used a hack and gained it. So, I am not only a beta tester...but also a cheater," Akuma said raising his right hand and gripping it into that of a claw while grinning. "I may not have too many skills with this class, but it is enough to kill anyone who would challenge me,"
"Are you saying...you are willing to kill anyone?" Kibaou asked looking at Akuma with sweat running down his forehead.
"It is not the first. In this world or the real world. I am prepared to kill anyone who would wish to kill me. If they wish me harm than I will do onto them what they wish to do to me," Akuma answered while narrowing his eyes and glancing over at Kibaou.
"D...Demon!" The player whimpered in which Akuma looked back at him.
"You're right. I am a demon," Akuma agreed while cracking his back and letting out a heavy exhale.
"Kill him!" Kibaou shouted while getting to his feet and preparing his mace.
"Oh?" Akuma spoke while turning to look at Kibaou while gripping his hands into fists.
Kibaou opened his mouth but paused as Akuma appeared right in front of him with eyes wide open once more. With Akuma in front of him, Kibaou stuttered and stammered at a loss of words before he released his hold on his weapon. Akuma watched as the weapon hit the ground before slowly turning around to glare at the other players.
"If you wish to try and kill me then here is your chance right here right now. I will be honest even with this class I will not be able to win...but I will promise you this...I will kill most of you," Akuma pointed out while gritting his teeth and taking a deep breath only to exhale a second later.
The hair on the back of everyone's stood up instantly as Akuma released his killing intent. A passive skill with his class that was almost like intimidation. Most of the players backed away while the remaining froze in place in which Akuma watched as he continued to look around the room before his eyes fell upon Kibaou once again.
"From the look of things Kibaou...you are the only one that would threaten my life. Will you try and take it now or in the future?" Akuma questioned while reaching his right hand out to grab hold of Kibaou throat and raise him off the ground with narrowed eyes. "Go ahead...little boy...the stage...is all yours,"
Kibaou coughed and choked with his eyes closed and hands trying desperately to break from his iron grip before opening his eyes. As soon as Kibaou opened his eyes, he found himself looking into the green optics and easily seeing the bloodlust inside them.
"Nooo!" Kibaou screamed causing Akuma to smirk and release his hold on the player and watching as the coward hit the ground.
"This is your only chance to kill me. In time I will only grow stronger with each passing day that goes by. If we meet again...you will need ten times the amount of players to take me down," Akuma said while looking back at the other players who stood still like statues. "...I will fight alongside those who have earned it."
With that said, Akuma turned and walked toward a group of players who immediately started to make a path for Akuma to eventually stand side by side with Kirito.
"...if you ever need help Kirito...find Kenji," Akuma whispered before he looked over at Kenji. "Stay safe,"
Once Akuma said his peace, he looked forward and walked toward the exit of the floor while opening up another screen to leave the party.
"...that was scary..." Kenji said standing up and looking to where his uncle left from.
"You've been with him longer than any of us. If its kill or be killed...would he kill?" Kirito asked looking at Kenji.
"...yeah. Without hesitation," Kenji answered before closing his eyes and sighing while walking past Kirito and off toward the exit.
"Kenji? Where are you going?" Kirito asked as he got to his feet.
"Where else? I'm going to bail from this area before someone does something stupid. I can't trust those guys," Kenji answered as he reached the exit as well and sighed before looking over his shoulder at Kirito them. "So far. This party and Akuma are the only people I can trust. Plus, I gotta get stronger somehow. Can't do it just chilling here."
Kenji could not help but smile and salute them before finally turning and leaving the floor to the next area. Kirito them looked at the party members and watched as Kenji left the party shortly after.
-Days Later: Floor 11-
Kirito was training with the Guide Moonlit Black Cats in a large forest as they fought against a large mantis. Although the guild Kirito joined was low level, he was by far not weak with a high level of forty he but could not help but see a dark figure walk into view for a split second before vanishing behind a tree. Narrowing his eyes, Kirito waved off his guild and made his way to where he last saw the figure to find a trail. Following it, he came across a large tree with Akuma standing before it with his back turned to Kirito. Unlike last time, Akuma was now wearing what seemed like a ragged black karate gi with a red belt around his waist.
"Why are you not in the front-line Kirito?" Akuma asked before slowly looking over his shoulders to look at the beta tester.
"I should ask you the same thing. Why are you here?" Kirito asked narrowing his eyes.
"...if you think I am trying to hide from the front lines you are sadly mistaken. Unlike you, I participated in every single floor boss battle thus far and disappeared just as fast," Akuma answered before turning around to look at Kirito with half-opened eyes.
"...you're here to check up on Kenji...aren't you?" Kirito asked.
"Why are you on the eleventh floor Kirito when you can do more good in the front lines?" Akuma asked avoiding his question.
"...I do not want to see people die," Kirito admitted while narrowing his eyes.
"People will die one way or another Kirito and you will see them perish whether you want to or not. That is just how fate works. Even if this is a game, the concept of it is still the same. Cruel," Akuma explained while gripping his hands into fists.
"Not unless I help those in the lower levels," Kirito said glaring at Akuma.
"That guild you are with. Did you tell them the truth...or did you lie to them?" Akuma asked leaning his head forward slightly.
Kirito only looked away earning a scuff from Akuma.
"You cannot keep the truth from them forever Kirito. The last thing you want is regrets," Akuma said while slowly crossing his arms over his chest.
"They will not die," Kirito said narrowing his eyes as he turned away from Akuma but stood still with his back facing the demon. "What level are you?"
"...fifty," Akuma answered causing Kirito to close his eyes and smile.
"You're a man of your word," Kirito said before walking off.
"I am always a man of my word," Akuma spoke while closing his eyes as Kirito left the area with his guild.
"Can I come out now?" Kenji asked causing Akuma to sigh.
"Yes. You can come out Kenji. I don't know why you hide anyway," Akuma said looking to the left of the tree he stood in front of.
"Was thinking of making an entrance but then things got serious," Kenji said before shivering a little.
"I have to be serious," Akuma said.
"You gotta worry about him?" Kenji asked walking out from behind the trees with a rune sword on his back and also wearing a dark Midnight Coat which looked similar to Kirito's but had runes written in the lining of the clothing.
"He's a beta tester who was thinking of taking the fall for all the other beta testers," Akuma answered while sighing and looking to his nephew. "How's your grinding going?"
"I mean it's going pretty slow since I keep getting wrecked," Kenji said rubbing the back of his head.
"You wouldn't be getting wrecked if you kept to what I said. Watch your surroundings and be careful on what you set your sights on," Akuma said while shaking his head.
"Ahhh than where's the fun in that?" Kenji said with a smile.
"There is no fun in this anymore. Not when your life is constantly in danger," Akuma answered sharply earning a yelp from Kenji.
"Yeah...that...got it," Kenji said laughing nervously in which Akuma sighed and walked off toward the town.
"You sure it's safe to head into town Akuma?" Kenji asked while following him.
"No...but I do not plan on eating cooked meat out here forever," Akuma answered.
"Pffft that's cause you keep burning it," Kenji commented with a snicker.
"Keep talking like that and I will not pay for your meal," Akuma replied while looking over his shoulder at his nephew.
"Got it. Shutting up," Kenji said while bringing his left hand over his mouth.
"I hope you do not become the death of me Kenji," Akuma said as he brought his attention forward.
"Nah! I doubt that. After all, so long as we're together, no one can take us down. I mean, you helped kill the twenty-eight-floor boss and came all the way back down here to help me get stronger," Kenji said with a chuckle after he removed his hand from his mouth.
"What happened to shutting up?" Akuma asked with a faint chuckle.
"Can't you take a compliment?" Kenji countered. "...but seriously, is it safe to head to town? Last I checked your well-known and...kind of hated on a lot,"
"Like I care what others think of me. If they want to try and kill me than they are welcome to try," Akuma said with an amused chuckle.
"That's...what I'm worried about," Kenji whispered while looking off to the left.
-Month Later: Floor 27-
Kirito and his guild had entered a dungeon on the twenty-seventh floor to see a symbol on the wall. It did not take long before Kirito noticed someone follow them. Looking over his shoulder's he saw nothing but an empty hallway that leads back outside. Shaking his head, he looked forward and noticed Ducker opening a secret room.
"Oh! Let's see what we have here!" Ducker shouted before rushing in along with the rest of the guild and one extra that slipped in while the leader was locked outside.
The trap for the room activated which summoned both Granite Elementals and Dark Dwarf Miners. Just as they tried to teleport out, they found out the hard way that the room was preventing them from escaping. One by one the guild members died one after another leaving Kirito alone to fight the horde of monsters. Just when he thought he was alone; he felt the same killing intent he felt before engulfing the room. This froze the monsters in place as Akuma appeared in the center of the room glaring at Kirito.
"Phantom Form," Akuma whispered as his body became engulfed in darkness before he faded away only to have four monsters shatter into pieces.
"Akuma?" Kirito spoke before looking to where the fighter was only to turn and deflect the attack of a dwarf miner and cut it in half.
"Soul Breaker," Akuma whispered slamming his palm into a granite elemental and launching it into a wall but not after causing it to crash into other monsters killing them in the process.
"Why didn't you help?!" Kirito shouted after cutting an elemental in half.
"I'll answer your questions after we've cleared the room," Akuma answered as he brought his knee to a dwarf minor, launching it over the fighter's head before jumping up and driving his fist through the monster's gut.
"Fine!" Kirito replied as he continued to cut down monster after monster.
It took them no longer than a few minutes before they cleared the entire room of monsters. Kirito panted heavily with wide eyes only to hear a treasure chest open up. The swordsman turned to see Akuma digging in the treasure chest that his guild foolish tried to get. Gritting his teeth, Kirito walked over to Akuma and grabbed his shoulder to pull him up and face him.
"How can you be looting at a time like this? Why did you not help us sooner?!" Kirito shouted with narrowed eyes.
"I loot because this place is where I train," Akuma spoke narrowing his eyes. "Have you not noticed there were no monsters here? I did not notice this room and saw you here. You knew I was here yet did not want to say anything."
Kirito's eyes widened before gritting his teeth and got into his fighting stance.
"Kirito...think very hard on what you are doing. If you start this...I will finish it without a second thought," Akuma warned while gripping his hands into fists.
Kirito saw how series Akuma was and closed his eyes before sheathing his sword while facing the ground.
"I told them they had nothing to worry about," Kirito whispered as tears dripped from his eyes.
"Life is unexpected as fate is cruel. I told you this, but you choose to ignore it," Akuma spoke while turning around to continue looting the chest. "No matter how strong you are Kirito...you cannot save everyone. People will die no matter what happens,"
"Is this where you were training all this time?" Kirito asked looking at Akuma who stood up and sighed heavily.
"No. I train in many areas. This was just one of many I have found to be effective. Using dungeons that have been left alone," Akuma spoke looking over his shoulder at Kirito. "With the guild gone...what do you plan to do with yourself?"
"...I don't know..." Kirito answered while looking at the ground still.
"Take your frustration out on high-risk missions," Akuma answered while turning and walking up to Kirito.
"Kenji!" Kirito spoke now looking at Akuma with worry.
"Is fine. He is on floor twenty-five growing stronger...something you should be doing," Akuma said before looking at the exit. "If you want, I accompany you for now Kirito,"
Kirito looked at Akuma for a second before looking down at the ground and shaking his head.
"No. It was my fault for this disaster," Kirito said while closing his eyes.
Akuma sighed and placed his hand on Kirito's shoulder.
"...give your time to mourn those you were close to...but fight harder for them to free those who still live," Akuma spoke before walking past Kirito as the door opened revealing the guild leader standing outside with his eyes wide. "This dungeon has been cleared days ago. Do not push yourself Kirito,"
-Months later: Floor 49-
In Myugen, Kirito sat alone on a bench during December at night as snow fell from the black sky. A heavy sigh was heard behind Kirito as Kenji walked up and sat by his side stretching his arms over his head before placing them behind his head.
"Man, you're really going at it aren't you Kirito? You're taking Akuma's words really seriously," Kenji said closing his eyes and leaning his head back to feel the snow on his face making him chuckle.
"Kenij, what are you doing here?" Kirito asked facing the ground.
"Relaxing and getting some stuff. I'm not the type to grind hardcore. I ain't like Akuma but if you keep this up and you're going to end up like him," Kenji joked with a chuckle while sighing and opening his eyes to look at the sky. "You got a lot on your mind don't you Kirito?"
"...I am waiting on my information broker," Kirito spoke earning a chuckle from Kenji.
"Welp if it is not much for you. Akuma and I are going to fight an event boss on Christmas Eve. Nicholas the Renegade. If you wanna join let me know. We're still friends, right?" Kenji asked looking at Kirito with a smile.
Kirito remained quiet making Kenji blink and sigh before shrugging as he stood up and dusted his body off.
"Try not to lose yourself like so many others have already. You are one of the few that still care about low-level players Kirito," Kenji commented while looking at him before walking off into the market area. "Welp I did what I was told to say...and then some so...time for some food,"
-Floor 35-
Kirito wandered the forest maze during Christmas Eve with his hands swinging back and forth before stopping in a small clearing as two figures walked out of the shadows. Out of instinct, Kirito quickly took hold of the handle of his katana and glared in the direction of the figure to find out that it was none other than Kenji along with ten other players all wearing black armor.
"Sup Kirito?" Kenji waved off with a smile.
"Kenji? You followed me?" Kirito asked narrowing his eyes.
This made Kenji laugh softly and shake his head while walking up to Kirito with his hands behind his head.
"Other way around buddy. You followed me...or us," Kenji said while leaning his head forward slightly only to straighten out with a smile.
"Who are those players?" Kirito asked looking at the group behind him.
"Oh, those players? They're trying out for my guild. It's small but it's pretty effective in clearing out areas," Kenji answered while glancing over his shoulder at them. "Gonna call the guild, Assault Team. So, I want at least three of them to pass," He whispered while looking back at Kirito.
"What about those who don't pass?" Kirito asked glaring at Kenji.
"Calm down man. Not like I'm going to kill them. I'm making this small guild to help with the front line. The last thing I want is for someone not to hold their weight in a series fight," Kenji admitted while raising his right brow while tilting his head to the left. "...plus fighting skills and experience is not the only thing I am looking for. Just like how you guys fought the first-floor boss, I want to find more people I can trust. There is only so much one person can do by themselves, right?" Kenji asked as he closed his eyes and sighed heavily.
"So, you're making a guild? Do you even know them?" Kirito asked making Kenji chuckle.
"Only their names for now. I don't wanna get to know someone when there's a high chance I will have to kick them out of the roster," Kenji answered with a heavy sigh while shaking his head.
"That sounds stupid," Kirito admitted while narrowing his eyes.
"Yeah I know but I want a small guild I can manage easily rather than a big one where I don't know what other members are doing. I can only be in one place at a time," Kenji said with a shrug as Kirito was looking around.
"Do they know about Akuma?" Kirito asked looking back at Kenji.
"No. Best to keep that on the down-low till I have my selection," Kenji said looking over at his small guild one more time before sighing and looking back at Kirito.
"Where is Akuma anyway? I thought he would be with you," Kirito asked tilting his head.
"To be honest, he's the one that told me about this place provided that I tell you about it to," Kenji said while looking around. "Knowing him, he is probably around here somewhere...getting lost," That made Kenji chuckle at the thought of his uncle getting frustrated.
"No matter. I'll be off now," Kirito spoke as he turned to walk away only to hear Kenji unsheathe his sword forcing him to turn around with his hand on his sword handle.
"We got company," Kenji said with a smile as Kirito saw a large group of players appearing behind the Assault Team.
"You were followed," Kirito spoke narrowing his eyes.
"So, this is what my uncle meant when there would be a test to put them through. Damn. I was hoping it was going to be a tough monster...not people," Kenji said rolling his shoulders back while walking back to his guild. "You go ahead and fight the boss. My guild and I will handle the Dragon Alliance Guild."
"...are you sure you'll be okay?" Kirito asked looking at Kenji who looked over his shoulder and chuckled.
"I got this bruh. Otherwise, Akuma would be the one here...not my guild and I," Kenji waved off as he raised his sword in the air causing a few of his guild members to do the same. "Assault Team! We aren't going to back down, are we?!" Kenji shouted with a grin.
"No!" Three of the guild members shouted back.
"What are we going to do if they want to stand in our way?!" Kenji demanded while looking at his guild members seeing most of them were already starting to cower.
"TAKE THEM DOWN!" Three of them answered in which Kenji smiled and nodded his head.
"LET'S GO!" Kenji shouted before walking to the front of his guild with his sword resting on his right shoulder and his left hand placed on his hip. "I will give you guys one chance to beat it otherwise...we're going to have to beat you all down,"
The sound of laughter escaped the dragon alliance members' lips.
"Eleven vs thirty of us. Why should we be afraid?" One member of the dragon alliance questioned.
"Dude. You have no idea what you're getting yourself into," Kenji said with a smirk.
The dragon alliance only smirk before they charged toward the Assault Team.
"You were warned. Assault Team, let's show them what we are not a group to be underestimated!" Kenji said before bringing his left hand to his swords handle and charging forward.
"Yeah!" His guild shouted.
"Cyclone!" Kenji shouted as he dashed forward and swung his rune sword in a complete circle launching five dragon alliance members back.
Soon after, the Assault Team charged forward breaking through the dragon alliance ranks and pushing through them swiftly.
"Keep it up, team! BLAST!" Kenji shouted before raising his sword and slamming it into the ground in front of him causing the ground in front of him to explode and knock an unfortunate dragon alliance member back. "You guys gone messed up real bad,"
Seeing Kenji and his guild not only hold their ground against dragon alliance but push them back as well. Nodding his head, Kirito turned and made his way toward the main room for the boss Saint Nicholas.
-Boss Zone-
Kirito stood in front of a large spruce tree that stood at least seven stories high with the sounds of soft bells being heard.
"Took you long enough Kirito," Akuma commented from the left of the swordsman with his arms crossed over his chest.
Kirito looked at Akuma than turned his attention to the moonlit sky.
"You were waiting here for me," Kirito said looking in the sky.
"You would have been here even without my help," Akuma admitted as a figure could be seen falling from the sky.
"The item is mine," Kirito whispered in which Akuma only scuffed.
"I am not here for the item," Akuma admitted while slowly uncrossing his arms and bringing them to his sides.
This caused Kirito to look at Akuma confused.
"Than why are you here?" Kirito asked with cautious eyes.
"You don't need to know," Akuma answered as Nicholas the Renegade landed in front of them. "Get ready,"
Nicholas screamed while raising its large battle-ax while Kirito ran forward. Akuma sighed before his eyes widened and raised his hands in a boxing position with his right leg raised as well.
"Shadow Step," Akuma whispered before his form was engulfed in darkness before floating forward living faint after images of himself as he traveled toward the Renegade.
"What?" Kirito asked as he watched Akuma's form pass him by only to watch the fighter appear a few inches in front of Nicholas before jumping up into the air.
"Soul Breaker!" Akuma shouted as he slammed his right palm into Nicholas's chest causing it to scream in pain and forcing him to stumble backward.
Kirito did not hesitate to join in the attack as he charged forward screaming while he cut through Nicholas's left leg. This caused the Renegade to fall to his knee and wailing in pain while swinging his ax toward Kirito. Akuma landed in front of the swordsman and swayed his hands in front of him.
"Iron Skin. Shadow Fist," Akuma whispered as he gripped his right hand into a fist and shot his shadow at the Renegade's attack stopping it before the fighter followed forward and punched the ax knocking it back which reduced his health by a small portion. "Kirito!"
Kirito gritted his teeth as he jumped at the opening Akuma gave him allowing the swordsman to bring his sword down on Nicholas's face. The monster released a scream of pain before tumbling backward and crashing into the ground. Akuma immediately jumped up over the Renegade's form only to descend toward the direction of the monster with gritted teeth and right fist tucked back.
"Death," Akuma whispered as he brought his fist into Nicholas's gut and causing it to gasp for air before jumping back and avoiding the grasp of the Renegade's left hand by mere inches.
Akuma landed on the ground along with Kirito as the two looked up at Nicholas's Health Bar to see it dropped by one bar out of four.
"Was that a skill you used?" Kirito asked while keeping his eyes on Nicholas who was getting back up.
"No. It was a word I use to remind myself why I am doing this," Akuma spoke with rage in his tone while gripping his hands into fists. "A reason to keep pushing myself harder and harder,"
Kirito glanced at Akuma than back at Nicholas as he raised his ax overhead and brought it down on both of them. Both players jumped out of the way avoiding the ax and quickly landing on their feet and sprinting toward the Renegade. While Akuma ran to Nicholas's right side, Kirito charged forward and brought his sword up to cut the Renegade's hand forcing the boss to scream in pain while lifting its battle-ax in the air one more time. Suddenly, Nicholas swiped his ax at Kirito knocking him back into the trees while also hitting Akuma and making him slide backward with his arms placed in front of him as a guard.
Kirito got back to his feet and looked at his health bar seeing it had dropped by twenty percent while Akuma's health was slightly below the halfway mark.
"Akuma? Why is your health so low after one hit?" Kirito asked with wide eyes.
"That biggest drawback on this class. I can hit hard...but I can't take as much. This class is a glass cannon," Akuma answered while narrowing his eyes.
"Why do you keep risking so much if you cannot take to much damage?" Kirito asked while looking at Nicholas's form raise its weapon overhead.
"Because I have a purpose to grow stronger...to complete this game. A responsibility that I will not fail," Akuma spoke while gripping his hands into fists. "I will not lose those close to me. Shadow Step,"
"What?" Kirito questioned before Akuma phased into the darkness to rush toward Nicholas's direction. "Akuma! Watch out!"
Nicholas screamed before bringing its battle-ax down toward Akuma's form only for the fighter's eyes to glow crimson red before contact with the Renegade's weapons.
"Forsaken form," Akuma whispered as the battle-ax descended on his body but instead of hitting the fighter, it struck nothing but a shadow.
Nicholas froze in place before its head jerked left knocking out five percent of its health. After the first hit, the Renegade started to jerk in every possible direction he could to the point where his feet weren't touching the ground. On the sixteenth hit, Nicholas's health had dropped down to a slim of its health as Akuma landed in front of Kirito panting heavily.
"The last hit belongs to you," Akuma said turning to look at Kirito.
Kirito gritted his teeth and charged forward before jumping up and thrusting his sword into Nicholas's chest finishing him off. Akuma watched as the event boss shattered into pieces followed by a single item falling to the ground. Both players walked to the item before Kirito picked it up and read its effect before he gritted his teeth. The look in Kirito's eyes alone had told him all he needed before he shook his head and brought his hand to the swordsman's shoulder.
"There is only so much one can hope for Kirito," Akuma spoke before taking his hand back and turning to leave the zone. "Everything...happens for a reason,"
Akuma Kirito lost in his thoughts before he left. Kenji received a message from his uncle to retreat with his party to continue his guilds construction while. Kirito received a message from one of his guild members to try and get him out of his dark thoughts while Akuma continued to train hard and grow in strength.
/To be continued...