Sonic, Tails, and Kirito head to the Hollow Area's Administration Area, and they bring Asuna with them.

Philia: So we meet again.

Sonic: Hey Philia. Been waiting for us?

Philia: Of course not. I've been checking out the Administration Area by myself. I didn't really think you guys would be coming back anyway.

Kirito: What are you talking about? Of course we would come back.

Philia: Yeah, but if I'm perfectly honest, I didn't really believe you guys. Who am I kidding, you're Sonic after all, and...

Tails: Sonic! Kirito! Really?!

Kirito: What?

Sonic: What's wrong?

Tails: You didn't tell us that girl is an orange player!

Asuna: Are you guys trying to get yourselves into some dangerous stuff?

Sonic: I'm always involved in dangerous stuff. Still, it doesn't seem like she's the type to just simply kill anyone.

Asuna: Sonic. You can't just trust anybody just because they have a pretty face.

Kirito: Look! She helped us out when we were fighting that skull reaper! I think we've earned her trust for that.

Tails: Oh yeah. You did mention that before. Well, I guess I trust her.

Philia: Um, who... are they?

Sonic: Oh, this kind lady here is Asuna. She's Kirito's wife. And this little 2-tailed fox here is my best friend, Tails. Tails and Asuna, this is Philia.

Asuna: Thanks for helping them out in battle. It's nice to meet you, Philia.

Tails: Yeah, nice to meet you.

Philia: Nice to meet you too. I hope we can all get along well.

Asuna: Of course.

Kirito: So it would be a real shame if we didn't come back from the Hollow Area empty-handed. Especially since we got an expert here...

Sonic: Yeah. Hey Philia... Do you know any good treasure hunting spots around here?

Philia: I'd recommend lots of places, but finding a good treasure hunting spot is hard work, and I kind of want to keep the fruits of my labors to myself.

Sonic: Oh. Okay.

Philia: Actually, I think I know of a place where you might be able to find some rare items.

Asuna: I thought you said you don't like telling other people about treasure spots you found.

Philia: Well, it's not certain that there are any rare items over there, so I guess I don't mind telling you. The place I have in mind is called the Antechambers of the Sacred Sword. I have a pretty good feeling there's some valuable treasure in there.

Sonic: Okay. Why don't we all go and check it out? Bet we'll get something cool.

Tails: Yup. Let's go.

While they head off to the location Philia mentioned, they talk together.

Kirito: Hey Philia. Have you ever been back to Aincrad even once?

Philia: No... Never...

Kirito: But you've been in the Hollow Area for a long time, right? Aren't your friends worried about you?

Philia: It's not unusual for a treasure hunter to disappear off the radar for several days at a time. I don't think anyone's too concerned about me.

Sonic: Even so, you could go back. Wait. Are you staying here because of your orange cursor?

Philia: Well, that's probably part of it.

Asuna: Yes. Many people have some weird views of orange players. Plus, as soon as you get into town, you would get attacked by a guardian. But you can't just stay in the Hollow Area like this forever.

Philia: I know that.

Kirito: We're just trying to encourage you, that's all. Maybe you can look for a karma restoration quest. That way we can get rid of your orange cursor.

Philia: Karma restoration quest?

Tails: It's not gonna do any good just waiting around in the Hollow Area for something to happen. You need to see if you can do something about your situation.

Philia: I guess I could try that.

Sonic: Yup. We'll help you out, too.

Philia: Really? You guys will do the quest with me? I'm grateful for that offer, but I'm not sure why you guys would want to do the quest with me.

Sonic: Because we're nice people.

Asuna and Philia start giggling.

Asuna: What will we ever do without these three?

Philia: Are they always so friendly and trusting?

Asuna: Absolutely. And that's why I love them.

Philia: I can see that. Thanks you guys. We'll do it.

Tails: Great! We'll see if we can find one soon. After we head to that place you mentioned. Do you have your equipment all set, Philia?

Philia: Equipment?

Kirito: Isn't its durability running low?

Philia: I tend to avoid battles, so my equipment's durability doesn't affect me. However, I would like to enhance my weapon. I found some ore that looked like it would be good for enhancement when I was exploring this area. I've got some with me now, actually.

Kirito and Tails take a look at the ore.

Kirito: Never seen this type of ore before.

Tails: Looks like something you can only get in the Hollow Area.

Philia: Yes. I'm going to find it really hard to fight the monsters here with my current attack power. That's why I want to enhance my dagger.

Tails: Is this even enough? We should go around and see if we can find more.

Philia: Sure. I'll show you guys where I found it after we get through here.

They arrive at the Antechambers of the Sacred Sword and fight their way through the enemies. As soon as they arrive to the spot, they find what looks to be a mini boss ahead of them, marked as Sword of the Hollow Light.

Sonic: This must be the place. Now let's get rid of that boss.

Everyone: Right!

Kirito uses Horizontal Square with his one-handed sword, Asuna uses Quadruple Pain with her rapier, Philia uses Swift Trick, and finally, Sonic and Tails finish off the enemy with a spin dash. It disappears.

Sonic: That was a piece of cake.

They head to the treasure chest that the enemy was guarding and they open it. They find what looks to be a pendent called the Fiery Necklace.

Kirito: Hmm. I can't equip this item. Maybe it's an event item. All we gotta do is figure out what to do with it. Until then I'll just hold onto it.

Asuna: I think it's time we call it a day. They're doing something at Agil's place back home.

Sonic: Yeah. Let's head back. We're gonna have to wait on that ore, Philia.

Philia: It's okay. I'll wait for you guys.

They head back to Aincrad, leaving Philia at the Administration Area. Once they head back to Agil's place...

Sonic: Sup everyone!

Yui: Welcome back!

Kirito: Hey Yui.

Asuna: Hi Yui. Have you been nice?

Yui: Yeah! I've been helping Agil around the shop. It was so crowded.

Knuckles: So, how'd everything go in the Hollow Area?

Kirito: Not bad.

Klein: Everyone! Listen up! I did it! I finally did it!

Sonic: What's up, Klein?

Klein: This is gonna blow you guys away! I finally did it! My dream came true!

Tails: Oh, you finally found a girlfriend? Nice.

Klein: Heh heh... You won't believe your eyes!

Klein checks his inventory and shows them some kind of ingredient.

Klein: Right here! Hold on. Just gotta convert it into an object. There.

Mighty: Some kind of meat? Oh, you're talking about food.

Agil: Woah! Is that what I think it is? Flying Buffalo A5 Meat?! That's some S-Class food right there!

Asuna: That's amazing!

Ray: You actually found an S-Class ingredient? Cool!

Klein: You can say that again! Anybody got anymore compliments to give to me?

Lisbeth: Did you just say S-Class food? This meat is S-Class?

Asuna: Looks like it.

Lisbeth: No way!

Amy: I'm starting to get hungry just looking at it!

Leafa: And there's so much of it! How many portions do you think we can get out of that?

Tails: I think a normal cow would feed up to 100 or 200 people.

Leafa: R-Really?!

Kirito: The thing is, it's a bit too big to carry around as an item. It would probably need to be cut by around 10 portion chunks.

Yui: The Flying Buffalo is a rare monster in itself. It's almost unheard of it to drop A5 meat. This is about as rare as it gets! In fact, this might be the first time this item's ever been dropped anywhere in Aincrad.

Klein: Really?! I'm the first one to ever do this?! Looks like my lucks finally turning around! But it ain't all about luck either! It takes a lot of talent to take out one of those monsters before it gets away! I'm talking about MY talent! You won't believe how hard it is to get those when they're flying all over the place. And now that I know what the trick is, it's not gonna be so difficult anymore. The first thing you gotta do is keep a close eye on their spawn points. To do this, you need to find yourself a good hiding spot. Once you do that, you just gotta wait and make sure you don't get spotted. Of course, these monsters don't plan on getting spotted either, so...

Sinon: I'm not interested in all that stuff. I'm only interested in how the meat tastes.

Klein: You don't even know half of it. But fine. If you wanna talk about the meat...

Lisbeth: Rumor has it the flavor is just incredible. You're really going to share this meat with all of us, right Klein?

Klein: Of course I am! Just, maybe not all of it.

Agil: If you don't plan on selling that meat, you need to figure out how to cook it.

Silica: I agree with Agil. It would be a shame to ruin an S-Class ingredient by not cooking it properly.

Tails: Good thing we got an ultimate master chef with us. Right, Asuna?

Asuna: Of course. Hee hee.

Agil: If you plan on treating everyone, I'll let you use my store as a venue. If the chef is willing to cook it.

Asuna: I would love to.

Klein: Alright! Then it's settled! And we can't waste a single bite from this! Let's eat every last bit!

Ray: Yeah! Let's do it!

Lisbeth: Yeah!

Asuna: Then let's split into teams so we can get everything done as quickly as possible.

Pina: Ssckraw!

Silica: You can't start eating yet, Pina. We gotta cook it first.

Pina: Ssckraw.

Agil: I should have everything we need here. When the meat's this good, we shouldn't have to worry too much about a side dish. Oh! I just remembered something.

Amy: What's wrong? If you've run out of anything, we can go and get it if you want.

Lisbeth: Yeah. Me and Amy will go.

Agil: Oh, thanks. We just need some tasty drinks to go with this. You know the place.

Strea: Hmm. If you're going there, maybe I should come too. I'm sure I can do something to help.

Lisbeth: Okay, then the 3 of us can go together.

Yui: Me, Sinon, and Ray will set the table.

Sinon: Sure. I'd feel bad if I didn't do anything to help.

Ray: Yeah.

Tails: I'll help Asuna and Agil.

Sonic: Uh, what about me, Kirito, Knuckles and Mighty?

Agil: Why don't you talk to Klein about that? He's the one who hunted this meat after all. He's the star of the show today.

Klein: That's right! And it wasn't easy, you know! I was just there waiting, waiting, and more waiting. I was there for hours.

Mighty: Still, you just accomplished a big feat. Wait to go!

Klein: Thanks! So, my target appears, right? So I jump out of my hiding place, and BAM! He's down. What a satisfying memory. You know, right then I felt like I was a match for anyone. Even you guys.

Sonic: Yup. Sure you are.

Klein continues his story for a while.

Klein: And do you know what I did next? I jumped right up into that monsters back, just like that! I used the sword in my hand to cut its throat! I knew there was a chance it could throw me off, but I had to cling on. There was no way a man could ever give up at that moment.

Liz, Amy, and Strea return.

Amy: We're back!

Lisbeth: And we brought drinks!

Strea: Where should we put them? How about that little table over there?

Agil: Yeah, that's perfect. We're nearly done in the kitchen too.

Kirito: Well, guess we better go eat. You can tell me the rest of your story some other time, Klein.

Klein: Aww, but I was just getting to the good part!

Sonic: Man, don't be like that! Aren't you excited about how S-Class food tastes?

Tails: All done!

The food gets served.

Klein: Heh heh. You bet I am. So, what's up first? Man, it all looks great! My A5 meat's just the best.

Mighty: Wow! This looks great!

Asuna: I'd start with the steak if I were you. There's a stew to follow as well.

Agil: There's also a roast and some seared, minced meat. I asked the chef to prepare every meat she could think of.

Asuna: There was a lot of meat to start off with. There are a lot of us though. Maybe this won't be enough to fill us all up?

Klein: Wow! This A5 meat is just the best!

Lisbeth: Yeah! And knowing we're probably never going to eat such a high-class food ever again makes it taste even better! Wait. Didn't you say you had a trick to hunting these monsters, Klein?

Tails: Yeah. I heard that too. You could probably do it again.

Sinon: Are you two saying that Klein can basically get this meat as much as he wants? I'm kind of jealous.

Klein: Uh, we'll see how it goes. But like you said, we might never get to eat this meat ever again, so make sure you fill yourselves up all good!

Knuckles: Thanks a lot! Wait, aren't you gonna eat any? You got this meat after all.

Klein: Oh, I can get some more whenever. Today's all about you guys. Eat up!

Kirito: Really? Are you really sure about this?

Klein: Of course! Now just eat up! Maybe I'll take a bite when you're all full and can't eat anymore.

Sonic: Oh well. Your loss.

Leafa: All of this looks so delicious! I want to try it all! Can I take a mouthful of everything or is that not allowed?

Asuna: Oh no, I think that's the best way for everyone to enjoy the dishes. You don't mind that, do you, Klein?

Klein: Not at all! You do what you want. This is an all-you-can-eat buffet anyway.

Leafa: Great! Well, bon appetit, everyone!

Everybody starts eating.

Yui: Everything's so delicious! Especially the stew! I think that's my favorite!

Lisbeth: I think the steak's my personal favorite! I just can't get enough of that juicy meat flavor!

Amy: I love the minced meat. The sauce makes it even better.

Klein: (gulp).

Sinon: I agree with Amy. The sauce in the meat really is the best.

Agil: I think that sauce is made with the juice of the meat itself. That's why it's so good.

Strea: I kind of like the roast a lot.

Knuckles: Me too.

Ray: Yeah. I like the stew. It's awesome.

Agil: So the roast makes three of us. I just love the texture of it.

Silica: All of the dishes are great, but I think the minced meat gets my vote!

Mighty: I'm going with the steak on this one.

Asuna: I think everything tastes great as well. But if I were to pick one, I'm going with the stew. Having the vegetables in there makes the meat even tastier.

Leafa: I also like the stew!

Sonic: To be honest, I can't even begin to think which one's my favorite.

Tails: Me neither. They're all so delicious.

Kirito: Yeah, it's really hard to choose but I think this steak might be the best way to enjoy the flavor.

Klein: Ohhhh. I can't stop drooling.

Sonic: Seriously, Klein. Just take some already. You found the meat after all.

Klein: Nope! I've made up my mind. The meat's all for you! Just keep eating til you're full.

Knuckles: I'm warning you, Klein. You're missing out on some good stuff.

Klein: I'm fine. Seriously, just eat up. Don't hold back.

Everybody eats until they're full.

Kirito: That was so good. I don't think I can eat another bite.

Asuna: I'm so full right now. That was the best.

Lisbeth: I'll be off the meat for a while. The idea of eating some other kind of meat when I can still remember this taste seems impossible.

Amy: I never had any other meat this good before.

Strea: I loved it all. I was afraid that there wouldn't be enough for everyone, but in the end there was.

Sinon: I guess so. Do you want to hurry up and eat what's left, Klein?

Klein: What's left? You're joking. All that meat and you nearly ate it all.

Agil: Just one piece of steak? Well, it's better than nothing. At least you'll get to know what the meat tastes like.

Klein: Well, it's hardly worth bothering.

Agil: Does that mean I get to eat it then?

Klein: Of course not! I didn't go through all that trouble to not even get a taste of my own meat.

Pina: Ssskraw.

The little dragon looks down in shame.

Silica: Oh, I'm so sorry, Pina. I was so caught up in eating the meat that I forgot to give some to you. I'm so sorry, Pina. I know how much you wanted some.

Pina: Ssskrawwwww.

Pina looks with little dragon eyes.

Klein: Don't look at me with those sad little dragon eyes.

Silica does the same.

Klein: Not you too, Silica. This piece of steak is the only thing that's left! Don't forget who got this S-Class ingredient in the first place.

Sonic: Hey. You said you can get more. You found the trick after all.

Klein: Eh. Oh, alright. You can have it, Pina.

Pina: Ssskraww!

Silica: Thank you so much, Klein!

Tails: Always next time, Klein. You should have joined in.

Strea: Meeting Kirito's had such a good effect on Klein. If this happened in the past, he'd have gobbled the whole thing for himself.

Asuna: Hey Klein. Let me know when you get ahold of more meat. I'll cook the most luxurious meal you've ever seen!

Klein: Right... I'll uh... keep you posted.

Sonic: He seems kind of sad he couldn't try any. Still, at least he's taking it like a man.

Tails: You said it.