WARNING: This chapter contains mature elements such as mutual masturbation and voyeurism.


Chapter 20: Girls of Flowers


If there was one thing that was difficult of her situation, it was being a low-ranking noble. Not like those who had the luxury of wealth, fame and space, her family had to deal with burdens that noble families with lower stations were meant for. It was for that reason alone that spurred the three girls to try for knighthood, not for the sake of protecting their people, but to raise their family status.

But to the girl who came into existence as Ronye Arabel, her conviction had changed down the flow of time. She had no idea when things went from helping her family to helping the man she loved saved their world.

But by then, there was no moment of hesitation. The girl had made her choice, and she didn't want it any other way.


Underworld, Centoria, Norlangarth Swords Mastery Academy —1st April, Year 380 in the Time of the Realm of Humanity

Ronye stood next to her friend and watched with a pang of disappointment as every other student were chosen to become valets. Everyone but them, forced to stand by the side and watch.

Sadly, she couldn't say that she hadn't expected it. After all, both of them come from low-ranking families, so even if they are nobles, it meant very little to the others, as most of them are high-ranking nobles. Not them, though. They were born with the short straws.

'Not mother's and father's fault, though. It's just how things are,' she thought to herself. Her parents, bless them, have worked day and night to provide for the family. To give her the simple luxuries that she would never allow herself to take granted, especially now that she's old enough to understand the nuances. 'Still…'

Nobility is often seen as something beautiful, and she had agreed with that notion when she was younger. Now, however, having to live such a life, she had seen first-hand the ugliness of the reality. But there was no avoiding it.

It had become her life. And as long as she drew breath, she wanted to change things for her parents.

Still, it was a shame to see that they weren't picked by anyone. Not unexpected, but still…

"Uhh… Kirito, you say something to them."

"Eugeo, what're you hesitating for? Come on, already."

The girl perked up and straightened her posture, though with a small hint of surprise as two boys—one with midnight black hair and eyes, the other with flaxen hair and nervous green eyes—approached the two girls. Tiese, beside her, spared a quick glance of surprise at her before looking back at the two.

These two… it seems that they're Elite Swordsmen-in-Training, judging by the fact that they're clad in the unique uniforms meant exclusively for students who are in the top ten of the bunch. And the fact that they're being approached by such individuals is just making her nervous!

They're being approached by elite students! No one could blame her for feeling uneasy!

Well, she knew that only elite students have the choice of valets, not regular students. But it's still really amazing!

"Hey, sorry to bother you girls. Are you waiting for anyone?" The black-haired one asked, a hand on his hip as he tilted his head a little.

"Umm, no. We're…" Tiese hesitated a little before blurting out the truth. "We… weren't chosen by anyone. So we don't have mentors."

"You don't, huh? Guess it's the same for us too then," he sighed, sounding a little dramatic. "Thing is, we didn't really know who to take as our valets, seeing that there were so many people. But we didn't exactly have that feel, you know?"

His words elicit a look of surprise from the girls, Ronye choosing to speak up. "That feel?"

"Hmm, how do I put it..? It's that sort of feeling you have when you look at someone or something, and then decide that they're the one. Like, looking at a collection of swords, and then feeling like you resonate with one sword in particular," he patted his friend on the shoulder, his grin widening. "And then we saw the both of you, and here we are."

"Kirito, don't say it like that!" Groaned his friend as he planted his face into his hand, a bit red in the cheeks. "You sound like you're trying to flirt with them or something…"

"H-Hey! Don't make it sound like that!" He looked insulted by that, somewhat embarrassed as well. He quickly turned to the girls, a haunted look on his face. "I swear, I'm not! I'm sorry if that's what you think it is, but by the goddesses I'm not flirting with you!"

An Elite Swordsman-in-Training has earned himself the right to be called as such because of his efforts and skill, thus placing them on a different level when compared to other students. They're regarded as the cream of the crop, their difference with other students as clear as the different uniforms they wear.

And yet, to be approached by one and then to get an apology from him out of the blue?

Well, Ronye had every reason to laugh, right? "Snrk..!"

"Kirito, you don't just go up to a girl and tell her you want to make her valet like that. You're bound to give off the wrong idea."

"You gave them the wrong idea!"

The laughter from the two girls died down quickly enough, surprise colouring their expressions instead. "You want to take us as your valets?"

"Yes! Exactly that and nothing more," he said that last part with a small glare at his friend before smiling at the two girls. "Just to make sure we're all on the same page and not making any wrong assumptions here, yes, my friend and I wish to take you two as our valets. Is that fine?"

Tiese looked particularly surprised, and so was she. These two elite students wanted to take them as their valets? Even though they were low-ranking nobles and hadn't been chosen by anyone else, they wanted to pick them?

"Are you fine with that?" Tiese asked.

"W-Well…" Eugeo looked around, taking in the view of the empty room. "There isn't really anyone else here…"

"I don't know about you. I mean, there's four of us here, and we can just get this over with," he shrugged. "Up to you girls, of course."

"U-Umm, no! That's fine! We'd be happy to serve you!" Nodding, Ronye shot the boy a smile of her own, a little Ronye jumping in joy inside of her. Realizing something, she moves a balled fist to her left breast, where her heart resided. "Oh, we should introduce ourselves! I'm Ronye Arabel!"

"A-Ah, me too!" The redhead beside her saluted all the same. "I am Tiese Shtolienen! A pleasure to meet the both of you!"

"Same here. Name's Kirito," he greeted.

"And I'm Eugeo. It's nice to meet the both of you," the flaxen-haired boy beside him smiled.

Looks like the start to their academy year was shaping up to be a pretty good thing!


She finally has a mentor! Yes! Just as she hoped for!

The group of four were walking together towards the boys' living room, where their first task together was… sit down and get to know each other a little better? A relatively simple task, but makes sense. It would do anyone good to understand one another.

For her and Tiese, to understand who would be guiding them through the year. And for Kirito and Eugeo, to understand who have chosen to serve them.

It was a little frightening, but also exciting. Things were going pretty smoothly!

"Kirito… If you did anything weird to the room while I was gone—"

"What? No, of course not! Don't just jump to conclusions."

Probably meant that he's done it before, and wasn't that worrying?

So far, based on her own interactions with the two, the two were incredibly friendly. Not like the other nobles that she had seen before this, but they were really nice. Kirito-senpai, especially, seemed more jovial and laidback, while his friend was equally gentle but a little more firm. Not so carefree like the black-haired boy.

It was a minor relief that she wasn't paired off with someone else. She wouldn't know what to do if that were the case.

Some small chatter cleared out the silence as the group of four continued on their way, finally arriving at their destination after a while. The room itself was practically normal, in a way; a large window that gave view to orange light that bathed the trees outside, indicating that it was evening. A leather couch before the coffee table, a smaller chair to the side, and their swords on display to the far left corner. Other things were present, like a lamp, a shelf with books, and a pot of tea.

The room was practically basic and simple, compared to the living room back home.

"Alright, go make yourselves at home. We'll get the—"

"Wait, Eugeo-senpai, Kirito-senpai! Let us help you!"

The boy in question paused mid-action, which was to go to the kitchenette to grab that paper bag at the counter. Tiese looked firm when she said that, and she was right; they were their valets! They were meant to serve them, not the other way around!

"Right! Kirito-senpai, Eugeo-senpai, both of you should sit down! Tiese and I will get the food and tea for the both of you!" Piped in Ronye, with enough conviction that managed to get the ravenette to look at his friend with a look that meant they couldn't do anything about it.

"I… Alright, if you'd please," nodded the boy with a small sigh, joining his friend at the table.

Nodding to one another, Tiese was quick to brew a simple tea while Ronye grabbed the paper bag. Oh! She recognized this bag! It must be from a shop downtown, though she couldn't really remember from where it was.

The tea didn't take too long to brew, and soon enough, the two of them returned to their valets—Tiese pouring the tea into two cups while Ronye served the honey pies onto a tray, a small glint in her eyes as she gulped.

"This is weird," Kirito voiced out all of a sudden, an uncomfortable look on his face.

"W-What? I-Is it something we did?" Ronye liked to think that they hadn't exactly done anything wrong, but they very well could have.

The expression on his face couldn't have turned into concern any quicker. "What? No! It's not your faults! It's just, err…"

"What Kirito's trying to say, is that we're not used to being served," chuckled Eugeo as he patted his friend on the shoulder. "We were valets not too long ago, served a mentor of our own just as you're doing right now. We're used to serving, not being served."

"Oh?" Now that's a little surprising. Tiese tilted her head a little to the side, humming. "Is that so? But wouldn't be served as well in your own homes? Or are you low-ranking nobles like us?"

"Neither," shook his head the boy, surprising the two. "In truth, Kirito and I are from Rulid Village. We're not from any noble family."

"Eugeo is from Rulid Village," corrected his friend. "I just woke up in the forest surrounding it without really knowing anything. All I remembered was my name… and nothing else."

"Still counts, Kirito. So yeah, that's all there is to it," his smile became weaker. "Sorry if you were expecting better mentors."

"What, no! Not at all! We're happy that you chose us!"

"Right! Me too!"

These two weren't nobles? That's incredible! The fact that they've somehow become Elite Swordsmen-in-Training makes them even more incredible! They must have worked incredibly hard to get recognized as they did then.

That's amazing. Even though they had no family or name, they managed to become as strong as they are. What amazing people.

"Anyways, I don't know about you, but all that talking made me hungry," rubbing his hands together, he grabbed a honey pie, then made a gesture towards the tray. "Ronye, Tiese, you should take one as well."

"Huh?" The offer was enticing, but also surprising. "I-Is that fine?"

"Don't worry about it. Kirito was the one who suggested we buy extra so that all of us could eat together," answered Eugeo with a chuckle. "Come on, sit down with us. And… Tiese, you can grab a few more cups in the kitchenette. Have some tea as well."

"OI-Oh, right! Of course!" Nodding, the red-haired girl skipped off, practically happy to get a treat.

An Elite Swordsman-in-Training. A student who has earned such a right to be called as such due to their outstanding achievements, recognized by any other student to be some of the best students there are.

Even if Kirito and Eugeo were such students, they didn't scare her or Tiese.

The rest of the day is spent in conversation, laughter, and warm food.


Underworld, Centoria, Norlangarth Swords Mastery Academy —2nd April, Year 380 in the Time of the Realm of Humanity

It was a new day for the two, and while Tiese had been more than happy to already start serving her mentor, there was apparently something that the two boys wanted from them.

Nothing so serious of a task, really. There hadn't been any explanation, but it should have been easy to guess what it was.

"It's nothing serious. Once your lessons for tomorrow are over, come meet us and we'll go to a training ring," had been the words of her mentor, and she knew that it was something the two boys planned.

Well, whatever it was, it must have been with good reason.

"Maybe they'd want to train with us at the same time?" Suggested the brunette beside her.

"Perhaps," hummed the other girl.

Lessons were over before they knew it, and by then, they had joined their mentors at the cafeteria before going to a sparring ring together. The two of them didn't have their weapons, so they were probably going to use the wooden training swords.

Talking about swords…

"Oh, those things?" Kirito shrugged, seeming particularly casual about them. "Mine was carved from the branch of a tree by Sadore, the blacksmith in this city. Eugeo's was formed from a rose frozen in a flower… I think."

"Ooh," their swords are really special, then. And both of them are from plants, surprisingly enough. Coincidence? Perhaps, but the swords make them stand out even more.

"We won't be using those, just for the sake of simplicity. But to answer your curiosity, we brought you here to make something clear for you girls," Eugeo looked to his friend, who was busy looking ahead. He then turned to look at them. "You'll see it soon enough."

They reached a room after some time, empty of any other students. The elite students didn't waste time to grab some wooden swords from the weapons rack, and before the girls could grab their own, they were stopped by their mentors.

"We just need you to sit back and watch us," Kirito said, smiling. "If you don't mind."

"Understood!" Shouted the two girls in unison, deciding to sit by the side lines and watch, just as instructed.

Watching two Elite Swordsmen-in-Training fight against one another… She might not have been sure about what to feel, but these two seemed really confident about their sword skills, judging by the lack of hesitation as they stepped before one another on the ring, drawing their swords.

And there came the surprise.

Unlike every other student who practically held their swords in both hands, these two…

Were holding their weapons with one hand?

"Alright, rules are simple. Stop before hit. Fair enough?"

"I'm good with that."

The two took their stances, and it was so very different from the usual sword stances that most people took. One-handed, feet apart and sword arm outstretched to the side. They've never seen such a sword style before.

Tiese herself used the Norlangarth-style, or Norkia-style. Her family wasn't high-ranking enough to have a style of her own, so she had to rely on using another sword style.

But Kirito and Eugeo… are they using a different sword style?

"Alright, on three," said Kirito, his opponent nodding. "One. Two… Three!"

And then, they rushed at one another.

Absolutely nothing could have prepared Tiese for the way they absolutely smashed their swords against one another, the wooden blades somehow managing to remain strong despite what they had just been put through.

Gritting his teeth, Kirito pushed back to claim some distance, shifting his sword onto his shoulder.

'What is he doing? Is he trying to use a «Secret Technique»? That won't—' And her thought takes a dive as his sword actually begins to gleam. 'Ehh?!'

Ronye shared her sentiment, judging by the shellshocked look she had on her face.

"One-hit skill, «Vertical»!" Shouted the boy before rushing forwards and swinging his blade down. "Hrah!"

In response, Eugeo met his weapon with a horizontal swing of his own, weapon bathed in blue light. "One-hit skill, «Horizontal»!"

The swords clashed, actually producing sparks before they bounced off one another. Eugeo ducked underneath a swing and sidestepped another, attempting for a «Vertical» this time.

And then, nothing made sense.

"«Vertical»..!" Shouted the boy as he swiped his sword downwards, striking Kirito's sword once, before it continued gleaming, and then moving up. "«Arc»!"

"Tch..!" The ravenette had to rely on fancy footwork and dodge the second hit of the «Secret Technique», moving back to the edge of the ring. Eugeo steadied his breathing and looked back to his opponent, prompting a grin out of him. "That was pretty good. Almost hit me right there too."

"Yeah, well, we have been training really hard," chuckled the boy before settling himself into a stance. "Continue?"

The black-haired boy didn't even choose to answer that question, letting his sword do the talking instead. He thrust himself forwards, shouting «Rage Spike» as he connected his sword with his opponent's. He merely moved an inch to his right to dodge a vertical swing, then clashed blades with Eugeo once more, knocking him back with a firm shove of his weapon.

Eugeo took the risk there and then, charging up his sword with his willpower and launching himself forwards with a sword glowing with blue light. Unlike «Vertical», however, this one made him shoot forwards and throw himself at Kirito.

Exactly as he planned, it seems.

Eyes widened as Kirito, blade glowing purple, impossibly batted the attack out of his way, cancelling the effect of the «Secret Technique». Eugeo tripped forwards, awkwardly, and was left open for an incoming sword swing from the right.

The sword stopped an inch away from his throat.

The gust that kicked up was nothing like she's ever felt before.

"Whoah..!" Gasping, she could hardly tear her eyes away from the sight. How had he done that? It was almost impossible.

Soon enough, the gust died and the two combatants relaxed, Kirito looking particularly amused while Eugeo let out a small sigh, rubbing his wrist.

"Well, that happened," muttered the latter. "And I was so sure that I got you there."

"Oh, you definitely did. Luckily, these swords are strong enough to handle up to three-hit Aincrad-style «Secret Techniques»," snickering, he then turned his gaze towards the two girls, both of them looking rightfully shocked. "So, there you have it. The sword style that Eugeo and I use; Aincrad-style."

"Aincrad… style?" Asked Ronye with a small hint of awe, receiving a nod. "I've never heard of it before…"

"Fair, because Kirito invented it."

"Wha—How many times do I have to tell you? I improvised, not invented it!"

Tiese couldn't believe her ears. This sword style that the two used was something Kirito-senpai had invented all on his own? He wasn't even a noble, and yet, had come up with such a powerful and flexible sword style that she just couldn't believe it.

Those two had been fighting one another without holding anything back, she knew for certain. The way they moved—like a dance, graceful yet filled with energy.

"Sooo… the reason why we brought the both of you here is because we wanted to show you the Aincrad-style," said Kirito, looking down to his sword before looking at them once more. "Thing is, I've only ever fought using the Aincrad-style. I know a bit from other styles, but I don't really use them. If you're looking to learn other styles, you're better off learning from other mentors. That's it."

"Aincrad-style…" Muttered Tiese, looking to her mentor.

In truth, she wasn't exactly fond of fighting. She doubted Ronye was either, but the two of them had come here in order to raise their family's name. And all that the two had to work with was Norkia-style, but even then, they knew that their forms were sloppy.

Still, the fact that these two were incredibly strong with a style of their own…

It was fascinating! Watching them trade blows and «Secret Techniques» with more than just one hit (that's crazy!), she could tell right away that these two were skilled. Perhaps even more skilled than any other students, despite their ranking as fifth and sixth seat.

Aincrad-style… That's it!

"I think… I think I'd like to learn the Aincrad-style," she decided there and then, if she was going to make it in this school, she'll have to learn how to fight better. And whom better to learn from if not her own mentor? "Eugeo-senpai, please teach me how to fight using the Aincrad-style!"

"Me too!" Piped in Ronye, her own conviction steeled as she faced her mentor. "Kirito-senpai, I wish to learn Aincrad-style from you as well!"

"That so? Well, it's not a problem, per se, but it'll be a little weird in the beginning."

"Don't say that. I learnt from you, and I turned out well."

Kirito-senpai taught Eugeo-senpai as well? Incredible!

Sharing a look with one another, the two boys then turned towards the girls with a smile on their faces, nodding.

They have to grow strong, no matter what! Nothing will change that!


The day had ended on a short note, both boys stating their wishes to return to their room and getting some room. They, too, were dismissed, and the girls heeded their orders.

After retreating to their dorm room, the two girls sighed as they sat at their beds.

Today had been quite the surprise. If they thought their mentors were unique, there was certainly no room for doubt now. Those two were more than meets the eye, with tricks that they hadn't ever expected.

Aincrad-style. A unique sword style altogether that, unlike the other styles that focused on 'the beauty of a single strike' (as absurd as it sounded), this one relied on momentum (the motion of an object, as Kirito explained) to increase the strength of one's attacks. And she could see it as well, as their bodies were always moving when they attacked.

It was a clear distinction between «Vertical» and High Norkia-style «Heavens and Mountains Break». «Vertical» had the user move as well with the sword to make it stronger, while «Heavens and Mountains Break» required the user to stand still and initiate the attack from where he stood.

It was such a minute difference that made everything so much different.

"So Tiese," the girl in question perked up, staring at her best friend, who was already lying on her bed. "What do you think?"

"Well, you know the answer already, don't you?" Giggled the redhead. "Our mentors are so unique. Even though they're not nobles, they just have that sort of aura. I'm really excited to learn more from them."

"Same here. And they're so friendly!" Ronye's lips formed a smile. "I guess we didn't have anything to worry about all this time… Although, Kirito-senpai is always trying to get me not to do work!"

"Really? Eugeo-senpai seems fine with me. I suppose he's just a little flustered," shrugged the girl. "I would probably feel the same way if I had someone else become my valet. But, for now, we should focus on the present. Let's do our best to help our mentors and learn from them, alright?"

"Of course!" The girl sat upright now, nodding with a look of determination. "We'll both work hard, no matter what!"


Underworld, Centoria, Swords Mastery Academy—22nd May, Year 380 in the Time of the Realm of Humanity

How? How had things gone so wrong?

It had just been one month since she had been chosen by her mentor, Kirito—one entire month that they had bonded together, learnt from one another and enjoy the school year.

It hadn't been a long time, but she felt that she understood her mentor a lot better than she did at the start of the school year. And she appreciated him all the more for all his time spent in helping her grow, something of which she would forever be grateful to him for.

Ronye Arabel and her friend Tiese Shtolienen had grown stronger, and they had their mentors to thank.

One month later, on this fateful day, everything went wrong.

Frenica Szeski, a fellow student here and a good friend of theirs. She had been unfortunate to be chosen by Humbert Zizek, second seat Elite Swordsman-in-Training. And yet, he was nothing but a terrible person, having personally abused his own valet and done terrible things to her without any eyes to see.

Frenica had complained to them once, and they had decided to take action into their own hands and bring it up with those two.

A long time ago, Ronye would have been scared to do anything of the sort. Confronting someone? Not at all. She would have been too afraid and simply turned a blind eye, no matter how much it would hurt her.

But… But having met Kirito, she had learnt so much. Learnt to be strong.

"Noblesse oblige," he once said to them during a picnic. "Nobles, or anyone with power, should use it for those without. It's… a sense of pride, if you would. A pride that goes beyond law or regulation."

It made sense… So much sense. After all, there exist some things that shouldn't be done even if the «Taboo Index» doesn't forbid it. Conversely, there are things that they have to do, even if it goes against law.

The ability to decide what is right and what is wrong. That, as Kirito believes, is the strongest weapon of a human. Their heart.

He was right. So absolutely right. She had never doubted him before, and why should she start doubting him now? They should be doing what is right, not avoiding it because they were afraid of the law.

So why did things go so wrong?

"Aaargh..! My arm!" Humbert, the man who had abused her friend, was bleeding. So much. Where his left arm should have been is gone, the limb itself on the floor, leaking blood onto the floor and carpets. "I-It hurts..! Gaah!"

Tiese looked haunted, though it had more to do with the fact that Eugeo, kneeling on the ground and breathing heavily, looked to be in great pain. His right eye had… it exploded, and that granted him the strength to move and attack Humbert.

Not attack him. Protect them.

The «Taboo Index» forbade any form of violence towards another. But in this very instance, all Eugeo could think about was protecting them, even if it meant going against the law.

This. This was the very thing of justice that her mentor had talked about. The beautiful power to do what is right, no matter what.

Raios didn't look vehement. He was calm, sickeningly calm as he threw insults at the boy who protected them, grabbing his sword that was hung on the wall and unsheathing it to reveal the massive silver blade, striking fear in her heart.

But she wasn't its target. No, that was for Eugeo alone.

"Nonetheless, action must be taken. And though judicial acts mostly apply to lower nobles and commoners, well…" The blonde was smiling widely, too widely. "Exceptions can be made for you! You, a criminal, who've broken a Taboo!"

The redhead's breath hitched in her throat as the blond man stood before her downed mentor, who made no move to fight back.

"Heinous criminal Eugeo!" He yells without a shred of shame, lifting his sword. "For your crimes and your goings against the «Taboo Index», I sentence you with… execution!"

The girls scream for him to stop, and watch painfully as the blade drops down like an anvil—

*Clank..!*

'Kirito-senpai..!' And one more, as he always has, Kirito had filled her heart with hope.

Unnamed sword in his hand, the boy was gritting his teeth as he forced his sword against Raios' own, standing before his best friend like a wall to protect him.

"Raios..!" He sounded so angry. So, so angry. It was unlike anything that she's ever heard from her usually happy go-lucky mentor. "Stop this! Lower your sword! I won't let you hurt my friend!"

Eugeo-senpai was shaking, though it must have been more from awe and gratitude than he was actually cold. Or it could be the blood loss and light-headedness.

"Not going to happen, Disciple Kirito! Your friend there has broken the «Taboo Index»!" To protect them! To protect them from him and his friend! "He has committed a crime irredeemable, and must be allowed to die! You shall stand down and watch! Just like the flowers that night!"

Kirito, however, did not listen to him. But something burned within him, making her feel breathless. He looked incredibly serious, his grip over his blade's handle tightening, and his own voice rising in volume.

"I don't care about the «Taboo Index», much less so your 'nobility'! Eugeo's my friend, my brother, and I'd be damned if I just sit back and watch you kill him!" He was always amazing. She adored him so, but he managed to look even more incredible in this instance. "And you, Raios, are nothing but a scumbag! The lowest of the low, worse than goblins and every other monsters from the Dark Realms!"

What came next was something he had never done before. Absolutely gobsmacking.

His free hand, balled into a fist, was suddenly glowing. Raios looked shocked, unable to react in time as a fist smashed into his face from below, a sickening crunch indicating that he broke his nose, sending him back into the bedframe with a loud thud.

The fist lost its illuminance, but it made him no less intimidating.

"«Senda», a martial arts «Secret Technique» in the Aincrad-style," he said when asked of it by Eugeo, before pointing his sword towards Raios. "Raios, you and Humbert had attempted to rape my and Eugeo's valets… friends. If anyone here is guilty of anything, it's the both of you. Stand down, or I'll make you."

Raios was a nobleman, but there was nothing 'noble' about him of course. It was his pride that made him worthy of such a title, and as he stood back up, he certainly wasn't planning to back down.

"You… You..! Country bumpkin! How dare you defy me?!" He drew his sword once more, no longer content with taking his time. "I'll execute you! Both of you! There can be no other way to it!"looked so incredinle.

Kirito was never afraid. Not now, not ever. Even as he stood in front of his best friend to protect him, willingly putting himself in place to get struck down, he didn't hesitate. "Do your worst."

«Incarnation», the power of imagination that strengthened one's sword into unimaginable heights. While Raios' filled his with the ugliness of his pride, a swelling mass of purple fire, Kirito's was firm, determined. His sword glowed green, air blew around him, and the blade extended.

It was such a simple change, but it made him so much stronger.

"Prepare to die, Criminal Kirito!"

"I'll protect my friends, no matter what, Raios! Nobody, not even you, will stop me!"

She loved him. She knew she did; why would she not? Even now, for the mess that she and Tiese had found themselves in, he had come to save them. Even if it practically painted him as a criminal in the eyes of the masses, she knew better.

She found it possible to love someone even more than ever that night. And nothing changed that.


Underworld, Centoria, Norlangath Swords Mastery Academy —21st August, Year 380 in the Time of the Realm of Humanity

Being a girl came with a lot of responsibilities, disappointment, heartbreaks and perks. It would be weird to think of that sort of thing, but was there any other way to it?

For a girl like herself, who had grown comfortably with her needs tended to by her father and mother, both of whom had worked so hard to support the family, she knew that it was only right to work hard to repay them for their love. It wasn't out of a sense of duty, but because it was her choice.

Her choice. Something that meant more to Ronye Arabel than anything else.

Perhaps, in another life, she could have just married to some high-ranking noble to grant access to wealth that would undoubtedly ease the burdens of her parents. It might have meant that she'd have to lie and put on fake smiles, but she would have been willing to do anything for them.

But now, having met the one who's changed her life forever, she knew she wouldn't want it any other way anymore.

"Kirito-senpai!"

"Eugeo-senpai!"

She's never met a man besides her own father who could have possibly filled her with so much joy. Unfathomable joy that made the days easy to get through, make it easier to understand that she does indeed have a reason for existing.

And what better of a person for it to be than her own mentor?

The boys looked confused when they looked around and found no one, but the moment their eyes fell upon them, she knew that she must have been smiling really widely, just as they were.

"Hey, girls. We may not have graduated, but you don't mind if we came visiting, right?"

"Not exactly the best reunion, but is it okay enough?"

It was such a simple greeting. Nothing so exaggerated, nothing too complicated, yet it felt so suitable.

Seeing him lifted away into the sky by the Integrity Knight, to be labelled as a criminal to be executed, it had been the worst day of her life. More than anything, she wished she could have done anything, something, to save him.

But she couldn't. She was too weak. Still is, but she prayed every day and night that he would be spared of his crimes. That they would see the truth and pardon him and Eugeo.

And then he up and goes become the ruler of the Human Realm!

If there was one thing she had come to learn about Kirito, it was that you could never know what he was going to do next. He was unpredictable, a wildcard that could do whatever it pleased and pull the rug from underneath a person's feet. She had been one of the hundreds of thousands of people that were absolutely gobsmacked when the announcement was made.

He wasn't executed! He was still alive!

And here he is, still alive! She so desperately wanted to hug him but refrained from doing so out of self-control, only to then feel jealous at the sight of Tiese hugging her mentor.

Why didn't she just do it?!

"O-Of course we don't mind! We're glad the both of you are back..!"

"The both of you are okay..! I-I'm so glad..!"

They were happy. Nothing could have compared to the joys of being reunited with their loving mentors. Waiting for them had been worth it, and she wanted it no other way.


Underworld, Centoria, Norlangath Swords Mastery Academy—22nd August, Year 380 in the Time of the Realm of Humanity

It's been a day since they got to see Kirito-senpai (or is he Kirito-sensei now?) and Eugeo-senpai, and she had been filled with warmth.

Azurica-sensei had healed her mentor's eye, something that she appreciated greatly. He looked so in pain that day, the image permanently seared into her mind. The boy she loved, looking so hurt as he did that night…

Well, at least he's fine now.

Apparently, he was relegated the task of overlooking Rulid Village's goings-on, which made sense. He is from there, so of course he would know the place the most. Kirito-senpai, on the other hand, would do most of his work from the cathedral, though he does stay in the village most of the time.

'Ahh…' Her happiness at getting to meet her mentor after such a long time being separated had slowly simmered away following her training session with Ronye, and they had retreated into their room to sleep.

Today, things had been great. Kirito-senpai was a great teacher. A little awkward, understandably so. He was a criminal, and he wasn't exactly the people person as they often think he is.

But he had done a great job at teaching them the basics of Aincrad-style. Well, 'them' referring to the other students.

Some managed to catch up pretty well. Some others were absolutely lost. Ronye and her were obviously the best. They had learnt from their mentors before, after all, so the Aincrad-style was basically their expertise.

The lesson was fun, everyone were nice to him, and the day ended on a comfortable note.

Well, it wasn't exactly over, to be honest…

Something sounded from within her and Ronye's (and Frenica's) shared room, almost unnoticeable. Anyone passing by would mistake it for a bug or the wind. She would have believed the same, if she hadn't been in the same situation once.

Pressing her ear gently to the door, just enough so it didn't shift at all, she listened… "Mmmhaa…" And there it was.

With a small sigh, she pushed the door inwards and quickly shut it behind her, making sure to lock it with one hand. She might have once felt horrified or disgusted, but considering whom it was, and that she too had been in that sort of situation a couple of times, there was nothing but minor shame and joy that she hadn't been the only one.

There, sitting on her bed, a flush-faced Ronye with eyes screwed shut was busy plunging her fingers into her wet pussy, soaked panties pulled down to her ankles. Reckless, unaware and in bliss.

So similar, the two of them.

"T-Tiese… Y-You're back, ahnn…" Moaning, the girl didn't stop playing with her lower lips, leaning her head back and enjoying her little game. "S-Sorry I didn't wait for you… I-I just couldn't~..!"

'Right. Of course you couldn't,' despite the situation, she couldn't help but giggle. The poor girl was lovestruck with her mentor, and she'd been watching him the entire day. It didn't help that he decided to take on most of the students (a foolish act for most people, but warm-up for the experienced swordsman) and was wet with his own sweat.

That turned her friend on, if the blushing face didn't sell it.

"Aah…" Settling herself on her own bed, she pressed her thumb against her lips, still protected by her panties. She twisted it about and traced the lining, enjoying the soft tingles she was getting. "You really… couldn't wait, huh..?"

"H-He was… so hot..!" She's harboured such feelings for him for so long, it didn't even faze her when she found her best friend masturbating on her bed, literally moaning his name like a dog in heat. "He was fighting, a-and he was..! Nngh..!"

"A-Ahaha… G-Guess you really… couldn't…" Her words died into a soft gasp as she felt moisture beginning to build up, rubbing the fresh new liquid over her lips to make it easier, sending thrills up her spine. "Ahhn…"

It was so hard. So hard to stay focused. She may not house any feelings for Ronye's mentor, but it was hard not to appreciate such a well-endowed man such as himself. He looked incredible, more so when he was in the mood and giving such a thick scent…

"Gah..!" Tiese looked up in time to see her best friend reach her orgasm, releasing juices that dripped off her mattress and reached the floor. Cross-eyed, face flushed and shaking, it was easy to say that she was really satisfied.

'Not fair…' Pouting silently, the girl quickly got herself into the mood and started rubbing herself a little stronger, getting herself in the mood. Though not as quickly as her friend, who was already back in the action, this time thrusting her index and middle finger in and out of her.

Ronye's got a really strong sex drive. Who would have thought?

"Ahh~..! K-Kirito-senpai..!" She's thinking of him right now. Thinking of him ploughing her right there and then, it gets her knees bucking together and her head thrown back as pleasure is just hitting everywhere.

Seeing her like this made her so hot, and it wasn't attraction to her in any way. It's just the heat and lust in the room that's getting to her head, sweat building up as she traces the lining of her labia, her nail sometimes scratching against the soft flesh and drawing out a hiss from her.

Red hair limits her vision, but the throaty moans from her friend are more than enough to tell her that she's enjoying herself. A lot.

Both girls are just there, masturbating to the thoughts of their mentors without shame. The fact that they were doing it in the same room should have been revolting, but it was so refreshing to one person to know that she wasn't alone.

Tiese enjoyed this situation. A lot. It was why, as she bit her lower lip and hooked a finger around a particular spot inside of herself—"Gh-AuUugh!" She climaxed, bathing her hand in her juices. A brief respite, and her hand was moving yet again.

She looked to Ronye, and the girl was certainly having fun.


"Uugh… So many papers…" Sighed a girl as she walked down the corridor, the stacks of paper cradled in her arms feeling like a pile of training swords. Wooden as they are, those things weighed a lot for even one single sword. "I can't believe that I accepted to do all of this… Why did I agree again?"

Probably because she wasn't thinking clearly enough to understand the burdens of said task, only realizing it once her arms were being weighed down by what could have very well been a dragon.

Frenica sighed, knowing that what awaited her would probably be a very busy night. It's not like she wanted the job, per se, but Kirito-sensei had asked her for her help. And he's already a busy man who has to run this entire empire and oversee preparations for… something. Who was she to decline?

She bit her lower lip, a small pang of guilt.

No, she supposed that wasn't the full reason. It most certainly had to do with him, of course, but it was just so… so stupid! So impossible, yet so possible at the same time, it was maddening.

'Well, no matter. All I need to do now is get Ronye's and Tiese's help, and then we'll be able to finish before the night is over,' or she hoped so.

He asked her to write down an analysis of the Aincrad-style, as well as to list down all the one-handed «Secret Techniques». He's already written down an entire list for her, so all she had to do was copy everything down… and do that for a couple more times.

It was for the other students, something of which she knew was going to help a lot, considering that she had practically zero idea what the Aincrad-style way. For Ronye and Tiese, who learnt first-hand from the man himself and his best friend, they'd know the style the best.

"No time like the present," Frenica huffed, shuffling the papers onto one hand and reaching for the door of her two friends' room—

"…Huaah…"

"Nnh..!"

The girl's hand stopped midway, and her eyes widened.

Those sounds… What was that? It sounded like… moaning?

Gently, she pressed her ear against the door and listened to the voices within. The door itself was pretty thick, but by straining herself, she could definitely hear what was inside the room—

"Aah, yes..! Kirito-senpai, harder~..!"

"E-Eugeo-senpai! I-Haah..! Mmmh!"

The girl's breath came out in a small, shaky gasp, and the papers dropped everywhere around her.

Just as she, too, fell to her knees and her hands began moving.

"Nnngh…" Humming uncomfortably, her thighs rubbed against one another as she felt the heat reach her face. She looked down, to between her legs and reached down, past the skirt of her uniform. "Aah…"

No one was going to be here. Everyone had, more or less, returned to their rooms already, so she hadn't anything to worry about.

That knowledge in mind, gulping silently, Frenica closed her eyes as she leaned her head against the door, hands tugging down her panties enough to give her access to her puffy entrance.

Gritting her teeth, she thrusted three fingers inside.

"Auungh!" It felt so good! So awfully good, she pulled back and thrust back inside. "Aaaihh..!"

The girls inside were too busy in their own little fantasies of getting fucked by the men they love to even notice their friend masturbating outside, getting off from the sounds of their own blissful experiences.

Frenica tugged her jacket up to reveal breasts clad in pink lingerie. She grabbed one, still protected by the bra, and squeezed down, just in time as her fingers pushed deep inside and stabbed her inner wall.

"AaaiiHHHAAA!" Her screaming bounced across the walls of the lonely corridor, barely nothing there save for the girl that just reached a fast orgasm, squirting onto the papers on the floor. "Mmngh..! Not yet..!"

She pushed the bra higher up and wrapped a hand around her developing breast, toying with it as she rolled her fingers inside of herself. She was still too bothered, still so hot despite having just climaxed. She blamed one person alone, and even the thought of him was just making her even more frantic.

"Oh, Kirito-senpai! F-Fuck me, h-harder..! Rnrnhaa..!" The thought of Ronye—sweet, friendly Ronye—actually swearing was almost unbelievable. But the fact that she basically hissed her mentor's name was only making things worse for her.

She couldn't see, and though desperately wanted to, didn't want to risk herself getting caught.

Had she looked inside, however, she would have never believed her eyes.

"T-That's good, just like that! Ah-hhaaau, just like that~!" Drooling down her lips and back against the wall, Ronye pulled back and pushed the handle of her training sword—one that she stole from the training weapons rack, and one she distinctly remembered using in her sparring sessions with her mentor—out of her pussy. "S-So… thick! Fuck!"

Fuck herself until she passed out. The beds would appreciate its mattress and sheets getting changed later on, because she knew she was going to soak every part of it in her juices.

She could see it. Pushed onto her bed with her hands tied behind her head with rope, she would be forced to look into her mentor's eyes as he kept her from moving with an ironclad grip around her waist, all while thrusting his royal sword in and out of her. Fuck her like an animal, for all she cared, as long as he filled her belly full with his fluids.

He wasn't a beast. But in her mind, she desperately wished for him to make her learn her place. It would give her the ultimate satisfaction that she craved.

"A-Ah, yes..! E-Eugeo-senpai, that's—AaiyaaAAH!" Tiese didn't look any different, having bared herself completely—her clothes a pile beside her bed—as she vigorously humped the bedframe, one hand against the wall to steady herself while another poked herself in her back tunnel. "So good, so good, so good~!"

Learn to use your surroundings to your advantage. A simple lesson that wasn't limited to just a battle, but matters in the bedroom.

Eugeo-senpai is gentle. A knight in shining armour. He would be so gentle, pushing himself into her so softly against the wall with his lips on hers, then proceeding to make sweet love with her. He'd lift her leg up onto his shoulder, thrust himself, only for her to pull him towards the bedframe, and she'd let him slowly poke into her asshole as she grinded against her own bed.

He was perfect. The man she loved, the only man she wanted in her life. And the thought of anything else wouldn't give her the perfect love—sex included.

"Ainh… Hhnnaa…" Too many papers were already ruined beyond repair, but she could hardly care about that. She was too busy jerking off to even care. Her skirt and underwear were already put aside, and legs spread apart, she was trying to force herself to another climax even wilder than before. "N-Not like that, no..! Aaahmm..!"

She promised. So long ago, she promised to herself that she would never betray her friends. She would do what was right to protect them, even if she herself wasn't exactly a strong person.

But… But damn her. Damn the weakness that was her heart.

He had been the one to save her. Save her and her friends, even if it ended up with him and his friend getting branded as criminals, only to then be taken away to the Central Cathedral for what was a certain death.

She hated herself to have fallen for him, but her heart was true no matter what. There was no changing it.

He was right there. Even with her eyes closed, his vision pulled through no matter what, bringing with it a sense of clarity that made her so warm, so safe. So unlike her worthless ex-mentor—he deserved what came for him, no matter what anyone said.

His gentle kisses, or fierce, whatever they were. His touches across her body and breast. His hand clenching her ass. His tongue on hers. His eyes looking back at hers. His lips in a smile. Whispering sweet nothings into her ear.

And then, finally, with one thrust to end it all, he finally came.

"UnnghHHHAAA!"

"Haah-AiiyhAaah!"

"Mmrmh..! Eeyaaaah!"

All three girls reached their climax in perfect synchrony, each held in the phantom arms of their beloved as they slowly returned to Underworld after such a blissful retreat.

Heavy breathing filled the room as both Ronye and Tiese sagged into their beds, body wet and legs just the same. Small twitching of the muscles, silly smiles on their faces as their eyes uncrossed themselves.

Outside of the room, Frenica's mind warred between letting herself return from her high or to run away, hoping no one would ever see the stinging tears in her eyes.

It was just so unfair. Why did Ronye get to have the mentor she loved? She wanted so much to be there for him as well. To stand alongside the man that had saved her from herself and her old 'mentor'.

She just wished she wasn't so much of a coward.


Author's Notes:

Oops? Well, that's done. Time to move on.

Look, I really needed a chapter to 'flesh' these girls out a little bit, and what better way than add some steam into the fray? They're gonna' be vital for the upcoming chapters, and I thought this would be the most appropriate way.

I literally had to change this chapter more than three times. Now that was fun.

But hey, I'm still sticking to the guns and writing this M-rated. Shameless? For sure. Satisfying? Absolutely. For me or for you, that's up for us to decide, ey?

That's it for now. Be ready to see the girls in action—fighting-wise, not in the bed—with a character we've kind of ignored up until now. Hope y'all don't mind the wait, cause' our girls are gonna' slay. Until then, see ya'!