Disclaimer: I do not own Sword Art Online. Sword Art Online is owned by Reki Kawahara and ASCII Media Works.
Natural formed walls, perfected by human touch but remained untouched after the necessary was done. Pillars of wood supported the sandish ceiling from crashing down, and an old torch in her trustworthy leader's hands illuminated the darkness of the corridor, all the way to an old enormous dark-colored door at the end.
Kizmel's eyes caught a faint glimpse of symbols on the sidewalls, unknown to her or any other of her companions if she had to guess their confused stares. Her right hand swept away the dust with the utmost care, revealing them in the full reach of the torchlight. Argo stepped next to her, looked at them confused and asked, ''What do they mean?''
''I fear I do not know. This is the first time I have ever encountered these symbols.'' Kizmel answered, her thoughts passing through a hundred memories of her childhood. Memories that were as clear as day yet did not hold anything about these symbols. ''Perhaps the scholars of Lyusula have seen these symbols before, but I doubt they would travel with us if they have to cross these dangerous lands,'' she added, her tone further wishing they would focus on strengthening the alliance with more bases.
''Let's focus on this task first, Kizmel,'' Kirito responded, his tone acknowledging he had heard her hidden objective. It wasn't a declining tone either, but one that wasn't sure what was the next best step to take. Kizmel acknowledged her leader's words as she nodded and returned her gaze back on the symbols and the giant door at the end.
The first who had arrived at the door was Kunimittz. Blowing and wiping the dust away -To the point several players coughed in irritation-, symbols became visible on the door as well. ''They are here too. At least, I assume these symbols are the same,'' he mumbled.
''I believe they are. See, these symbols are the same,'' Dale commented, pointing at a certain symbol on both the wall and the door.
''Who cares about those. Just get that door open already.'' Mitchos complained, bracing himself to push the knobless door open in one push. However, no matter how much effort he used, the door did not budge.
Liz looked dryly at Mitchos's attempt as she sighed and commented, ''Yeah, that was never going to happen. Anyone got a better idea?''
Isabella looked troubled as she said, ''It was the quest and the Fragment of the Chimera that brought us here, so I assume it has something to with those. Perhaps there is a switch that allows us to open the door or a secret place to place it in. If only we had more light.'' She mumbled, an eye aimed at the only crafter present.
Ojima sighed as he answered, ''Fine. Agil-san, do you have more normal limber?''
''Don't you have enough timber? You should still have that rare Northern Cedar you asked a couple of days before,'' Agil responded confused.
''I am not going to use that expensive stuff for torches. Don't you have any Solid Birch or Oakwood left?'' Ojima asked tiredly, still feeling the aftereffects of his little adventure the day before.
Agil shook his head as he answered, ''I'm afraid not. There is still some in the storage back on the 18th floor, but I got nothing here.'' Agil had a poker face many would be envious of, and even with Aincrad's desperate efforts to show no lies in one's face, that face would not break.
Ojima looked a bit skeptical before realizing some other players were not that good in hiding their true intent. Knowing Yuna had been angry at him for his sudden act the previous day, he realized the others must still feel the same way. Payback for my little stunt, ha. Well, here goes nothing then. He thought as he answered, ''I guess I need to use the Cedar then. Give me a couple of seconds.'' He responded, several players holding back a grin as their little plan seemed to come true. Passing five more torches along, enough to lighten the complete hall, he stood up and said, ''That should help. Careful though, that is some pretty expensive light.''
Agil pretended to play with his menu as he commented, ''Oh wait. It seems I still had a bit of Solid Birch left. Sorry about that.''
''You can't be kidding me?! That was...'' Ojima tried to sound angry, only to stop mid-sentence, laughing as he continued, ''Sorry, I am too tired to fake this.''
''You already knew?!'' Lode asked confused.
Ojima nodded as he answered, ''You guys can't lie. If you are still angry about me pulling a stunt, just say it already. Later is probably better, but this is just a waste of time and resources.''
Before anyone could comment, Mitchos walked forward in an angry pace, grabbed the collar of his shirt, -nearly activating the Crime Prevention Code-, and shouted, ''Yeah, we are still mad at you, you arrogant prick! Who do you think you hiding that Rage Meter for the rest of us? We were worried sick about you, and do we get a 'thank you for saving me' or an 'I am sorry'? Next time you do something like that, I will beat you up so badly you wished you would have died!'' Releasing the front collar, he grabbing Ojima's back collar and pulled him upward in front of the others. ''Does anyone else have something to share with this bastard?''
''Well, you can start with an apology,'' Dale said with crossing arms. The other players were silent but nodded to their officer's words. ''We'll see from there if we are satisfied with that.''
Before Ojima could apologies though, a dark elf's voice intervened, ''I may have the perfect punishment for him.''
''Which is?'' Kirito asked curiously.
Kizmel held a moment of silence to look her companions in their eyes and finally answered, ''Perhaps it is a rumor, but I overheard that the lessons Ojima has been given me can be described as 'troublesome'. If that is true, would another lesson not be the perfect punishment?''
The room suddenly fell silent, especially Heathcliff when Ojima asked, ''Is it about this morning?'' A confirmed nod was all that he needed to confirm his own suspension. ''Thought so. I will explain it in two days if that is okay with you?''
''That is perfect. My appreciation, Ojima-sama,'' Kizmel responded wearing a smile that instantly vaporated the freezing state of the players. Players that wanted to punish Ojima as well decided that lesson would be more than enough for the crafter to bear, and once again they received the reminder there was something only the officer could do.
Mitchos released Ojima's collar, slapped him softly in the face and said, ''No hard feelings. Just don't do again.''
''I wasn't planning to. The aftereffects are too severe. Sorry for worrying you,'' Ojima mumbled tiredly as he shifted his eyes on the door and suggested, ''Let's just focus back on the quest.''
Just as Mitchos wanted to respond that wasn't a bad idea, a shout echoed through the room from Mortimer, ''I got something here!''
''What is it?'' Sakuya asked curiously, pressing herself a little to close to her vice-leader.
Mortimer, however, perfectly pretended not to notice the touch on his back as he answered, ''There is a small opening here. I think the Fragment of Chimera should fit perfectly in here. Ojima, if you please.''
Ojima sighed, commenting, ''Why I am the center of attention all day? Can someone take it over from me?'' before he stepped forward, materialized the Last Attack Item and placed it carefully in the open space. A soft click could be heard before the scraping sound of grinding stones echoed through the air and the door slid into the sidewall with resistance. As the door fully opened and welcomed the torch's light presence, nothing strange was seen. The door continued into the same sort of hallway, ups, downs and the blinding darkness making it rather difficult to see further than the first ten feet.
Before anyone could ask any more questions, Heathcliff commanded, ''Before we advance into that tunnel, we need to make sure this door does not close or we have no way to open it from the inside. Check the inside walls for any switches.''
''Already found it,'' Klein responded on the other side, a similar thought roaming the moment that door slid open. ''It needs the symbol though.'' He added.
''Than let's take the key with us as a reassurance while we investigate this tunnel,'' Heathcliff suggested, many players nodding in agreement.
Many, for there were still a few players who had doubts about the suggestion. Argo looked uncertain as she saw Kirito nod as well. She voiced her uncertainty to him as she leaned to his ear and whispered, ''You promised, Kii-bou. You wouldn't do anything dangerous today.''
Kirito showed a soft smile as he said, ''And I am keeping my promise. We will check if these tunnels are safe zone or not. If they are not, we'll retreat immediately. If they are, there is no reason not to see where these tunnels lead.''
''Don't worry, Argo. I'll make sure he keeps his promise,'' Asuna whispered reassuring in her ear.
Argo turned around, stared in those confident and trustworthy hazelnut-brown eyes and said, ''Thank you. Take good care of him, Aa-chan.''
A high pitch repeatedly echoed in a certain mansion. A high pitch as two metals clashed in high energy against one another.
A one-handed sword, easily recognized by his black color versus an iron spear, as beautifully fire-red as the wielder's fierceness this very moment. That fierceness was rare for Sinon, but after so many duels she had lost track of the number, she no longer feared her opponent's duel prowess.
A blade came crashing down only for Sinon's quick reaction to guide it passed her. Her spear danced quickly through her fingers to find a more suitable position to attack from as she jumped backward, her eyes undividedly focussed on her black-haired dueler. Kirito did not hesitate to come after her, his blade already prepared to strike her chest from below.
*Clang!* another high pitch echoed through the air, followed by several others as Sinon decided to go for the counter. Her spear was launched forward two times before she surprised Kirito with the side of her weapon, nearly striking his face if it wasn't for his quick lean back reaction. It wouldn't have done much damage to her companion, but it gave her precious time in the duel to continue the attack, or distance herself further.
A brutal swing from Sinon's spear was dodged by a backstep, and Kirito countered, only to be stopped in his tracks by a perfectly timed block. Just as Kirito wanted to activate a sword skill, Sinon kicked him in the stomach and made space to maneuver once again.
The timer for the duel reached zero, neither side able to score a decisive hit in those intensive four minutes. The tired azure-haired girl smiled victoriously, although she had lost the duel. It was the first duel she had fought that had not been decided by a strike from Kirito, thus the first that had been a full four minutes.
Her tired eyes looked at her black-haired companion, as she expected another duel invite any given second. However, Kirito's attention was drawn to the side, and after she followed his line of sight, she realized why she had not received another invite yet again.
Near the entrance of the large training room stood Liz, her arms crossed as she leaned against the wall, observing them in silence. Seeing she had drawn their attention, she shifted her weight back on her legs, walked closer them and commented, ''Took you long enough to notice me. Do I need to be worried?''
Kirito smiled as he answered, ''Don't worry. I already saw you when you entered the room.'' He gave her a soft kiss, the scene making Sinon uncomfortable before he added, ''Don't be jealous. It doesn't suit you.''
The hollow version of the blacksmith pouted, causing Kirito's smile to grow even wider than before. It was a sight Sinon's eyes could not escape, nor were they willing to averted from the black-haired hollow. Despite her virtual body taking a longer rest than usual, her heartbeat was still not back at a resting pace.
Liz eventually replaced her pout by a forgiven smile as well as she said, ''Anyway, I came here to tell you guys Asuna is done preparing dinner. Hope you guys are hungry because she prepared quite a fest.''
''I am starving,'' Kirito responded enthusiastically, dematerializing his sword as he headed to the exit of the dojo.
As he walked away, a familiar sparkle in his eyes had appeared again. It had Sinon confused while Liz just smiled and commented, ''I guess it is true what they say. Love does go through the stomach. That face almost makes me want to practice cooking as well.'' Her eyes shifted to Sinon, radiating a different kind intent as she asked, ''Shall we go as well? Then you can tell all about how you kicked his ass the past three days.''
''More the other way around,'' Sinon replied tiresomely as she followed the blacksmith. ''And I still barely hold my own to his attacks.''
''You are getting the hang in there, though. He was really trying to win that last duel.''
Sinon sighed as she complained, ''Well, he did. Just like those other dozens of duels before it. I lost count how many I have been in the last three days.''
''Why not check it in the options menu?'' Liz asked. ''If you know the number of duels you had before your sparring sessions, you should be able to figure out how many duels you had with Kirito.''
Sinon summoned her menu in confusion and asked, ''Where am I supposed to find it?''
''In the Avatar stats submenu. You can find it under the Critical Hit and Parry information.'' Liz answered, only to realize something important.
Her suspension was confirmed when Sinon replied with, ''Are you sure? I can see the Critical hit and parry information, but nothing about duels.''
Liz smiled awkwardly as she answered, ''My bad. I forgot you are a full-player, not a hollow like us. The duel information must be a future update.''
As the duo strolled through the hall of the large headquarters towards the dining room, Sinon asked, ''What more do you have that I don't have?''
Liz showed an evil smile as she answered, ''Oh, I bet you want to know. Sorry, no spoilers from me. Besides, you are too young,'' she added, sticking her tongue out teasingly.
Sinon's face turned angrily red as she shouted, ''What has that to do with this? Just tell me already!''
''Nope,'' Liz answered cheekily as she dashed forward, Sinon momentarily flabbergasted before she chased the blacksmith until a delicious scent stopped both in their track.
The Legend of Tibonera. A quest worthy of its name, as even the two-hour-long journey through the tunnel did not finish it. However, the most confusing part of the quest was the moment the players walked out of the safe zone tunnel, only to realize they stood in a town unknown.
The first players they encountered in that town looked flabbergasted at them, certainly because the green-colored guild was not expecting to see the alliance in such good health as the second group who had reached Itretri. Word spread fast through the frontline and the tunnel leading from Llyne to Itretri became just as famous. The frontline groups decided it was the safest route to the next town, and the next hours would consist of leading the other guilds and solo players to Itretri through the newest route.
The Legend of Tibonera quest wasn't done yet. The mysterious broker, who still was too mysterious to reveal his name, requested another item. A piece of another beast that roamed this floor, somewhere in the first labyrinth to be precise according to the broker.
But a promise was a promise, and Kirito wasn't a player known for breaking one. As the night darkened the lands in its might, only the moon strong enough to pierce through, his guild and alliance were the only players in the small town of Llyne.
''Thank you for listening to me, Kii-bou,'' Argo softly said as she held his hand, walking together through the chill air on their date. ''Perhaps it was an exaggeration or in vain, but it really helped that everyone was safe today.''
''Looking at what we have found today, I am glad we haven't mapped outside the safe zones. Who would have thought there would be an entire tunnel network from Llyne to ... that other town?''
Argo smiled as she commented, ''Is all that information finally getting the best of you, Kii-bou? Sheesh, what would you be without me?''
Solo, in more ways than one, he thought but never voiced as he just looked ahead and answered jokingly, ''Things would definitely be different. No manual in the shops, no worries if I drop a bit too much information.'' His joking expression turned more serious as he added, ''This entire journey would probably have gone a lot differently.''
''You got that right. I doubt I could leave convincing you for leading a guild to Klei-bou.'' Argo replied, thinking back on the start of their wholesome guild and alliance. ''To think leading a guild was one of the main struggles of the day back then. Things sure have changed.'' Momentarily looking at their entwined hands, she smiled.
Kirito caught her glimpse, her smile, and felt a wave of satisfaction. Despite her show of insecurity and her moment of weakness the past evening, she still stood at his side, smiling and enjoying the moment. It warmed him up so much, he suddenly couldn't help himself.
When he was level 23, back on the eighth floor, he discovered his strength stats were good enough to carry a normal player with light armor. Considering he was seventeen levels higher at this moment, he knew he had enough strength for his instinctive idea. With a quick, and surprisingly, smooth motion, Argo was swept from her feet and lay in his arms.
She momentarily looked confused before she grinned teasingly and said, ''Oh, feeling impulsive, Kii-bou.'' Intrigued, she embraced his neck, leaned to his ear and whispered, ''Don't let me stop you.'' If there was a moment of doubt in his act, it had been incinerated Argo's words and gaze. Without a second to waste, he ran to an alley, jumped as practiced onto the opposing walls, and stood on its flat roof a moment later.
''To think you would copy my 'wall hopping' style so easily. You looked pretty cool...'' A kiss sealed her remaining words. Again, Kirito had taken her by surprise, and she didn't mind.
As their lips separated, giving her a moment to breathe, he gave reason to his sudden act. ''Why are you so cute?'' A third surprise in the form of those words had finally evaporated Argo's hesitations and worries. She strongly pulled herself towards his lips and kissed him so passionately he fell forward.
~Ten minutes later.~
Although it was just a reflection of lights and not the real source, the sight of a hundred stars was as stunning as one could picture it. The building the two players lay one was on the outskirt of town and with the lack of players and the late hour, they shone to their fullest glory. Argo lay on her side, eyes switching between gazing at her boyfriend and that sight. Kirito, who was as beet-red as one could be after an intense ten-minute kiss session, tried to avoid Argo's gaze as he looked at the sky.
A gaze that alerted his every sense he was about to walk a one-way path. A path that he wasn't prepared to take yet, nor knew how in these virtual settings. A gaze that confirmed the words Argo had whispered during their kissing session weren't just empty. The gaze of a predator, who was not sure if she had to play a little longer with her prey or just rip his clothes off on the spot and find out what Aincrad's limitations about the forbidden science were.
''What's the matter, dar-ling?'' She whispered teasingly, wearing the same grin as before. ''Trying to find your way out?'' She teased, enjoying every small pixel of redness on her boyfriend's face.
''That's not it,'' Kirito replied, surprisingly fluent for the nervousness he was feeling. ''It is just...I am not experienced in this. In being a boyfriend and...''
''Showing how much you love your girlfriend?'' Argo filled in. ''I don't know, you were pretty smooth just a moment ago. If you were a better kisser, you would have fooled me.'' Kirito's beet-red face burned even brighter, nearly lighting the area around him. He was about to make a comment about a random star when Argo blocked that escape path completely by laying on top of him. ''Don't worry, I am inexperienced in any of this as well,'' she said. However, Kirito couldn't help to witness a teasing grin before she leaned to his ear and whispered seductively, ''But I don't mind learning this with you,'' before she bit his ear.
04-06-2023.
Black eyes awakened to the sound of an alarm and two hazelnut-brown followed suit a second later. Both players momentarily stared at each other for the bless of the morning and proceeded to not waste another minute of this important day.
The morning breakfast wasn't particularly anxious but under the airy subjects of conversations, a certain tension could be felt. The expression of an experienced adventurer was on all the present faces, the thought that this could be their last morning floating somewhere in their minds. Their eyes were set on a target, and the first obstacle that had killed the first nine players of the 25th floor was their aim.
The morning sun had barely broken through the daily mist of the night when a group consisted of two guilds marched through the exit of Llyne, the message of leaving a safe zone a reminder to the risk. But although death was lurking in the shadows of the labyrinth, the players marched without a moment of hesitation forward.
Heathcliff, the silver-haired paladin, walked as the front guard, his gaze concentrated but relaxed. The black-haired leader walked alongside him, green-colored eyes indicating the strongest ability a player had at their disposal was activated and securing the area around them. Asuna, the lighting black fencer, followed suit, her Celeste's Light a remainder they had monsters at their side as well. Mortimer walked alongside her, his presence a boost in morale for everyone involved. Not for his battle prowess, which his brother was more famed for, but for his intellect to predict the right weaknesses of the opposing monsters. He was also the only one who realized Heathcliff and Isabella were more than just 'random players' and had them confronted them the night they returned from the fifth floor. Although only a few knew, he was also the one who had brought the front line closer together and was one of the few who had discovered the mechanism behind the fifteenth-floor update.
At the rearguard stood Isabella, her defense as strong as her husband's, but she lacked the offensive prowess of the Holy Sword. That did matter little though, as the first samurai of the front-line walked alongside her, his red bandana and red hair as trustworthy as his skill with the katana. And the long curved sword did not only prove to be stronger than the short curved sword but was, despite its increased weight and damage output, quicker than any one-handed curved sword he had been using.
Between the trustworthy vice-leaders walked their subordinates, divided into parties let by veteran officers. The mohican officer, a tank who was as fearless as he was impulsive walked silently in front of his group. The long-green haired officer, the first-female samurai of the front-line and mesmerizing beauty of the Knights of the Blood Oath walked confidently in front of her men, ready to charge alongside them in the heat of battle.
Although she wasn't as mesmerizing in appearance as her friend, the gold-haired claw officer walked confidently in front of her own group. Her claws were ready to support her friends, and she shared that confidence with her boyfriend. Although he lacked the strategic mind of his older brother, the red-haired giant was more than ready to show why he was one of the strongest DPS's of the alliance. His two-handed sword was resting on his shoulder, and his eyes glared through the surrounding areas with the intent to murder. The afro-haired DPS officer was walking not far off from Eugene, and his two-handed blade too was ready to taste the blood of the virtual mobs.
The bo staff wielder walked in the middle. Despite his level being qualified to fight against bosses, he knew his strength was little in comparison to the others. His level was decent, but he was dead weight compared to heavy hit players without his unique skill. One of those was Agil, who walked confidently alongside him.
Senior warriors such as Harry-one, Silica, Kizmel, Albedo, Diavel, Kunimittz, Niaf, Nezha, Beowulf, Darius, and Packer walked among the raid group, a total of seventy players strong. Senior by reality no human should ever experience. Faced with death, monsters, bosses and a world that wanted them to die with nothing but their friends at their side and equipment available every single day.
Having previous experience against the strong monsters of the floor helped the players defeating the attacking beasts with relative ease. However, they knew the normal monster wasn't the thing they should be afraid of. Neither were the traps, as Darius and Rinc were able to find the hidden traps. The previously found traps were still in the same spot, and the marked zones in their maps warned their owners perfectly.
What they had to be afraid of was waiting in the open field in the middle of the labyrinth. When they arrived at that open field, their eyes were blinded by the mythical beast in front of them.
The morning sun reflected on the beast in front of them, as just awakened flames danced alongside its golden feathers. A burning red glow radiated from those two enormous wings, risen to intimidate the trespassers of its territory. Red eyes belonging to a golden eagle's head stared at them with intent to kill and talons that could kill any of the normal mobs with ease gripped the ground with overwhelming strength. The Arising Phoenix was its name, and it was ready to wreak havoc.
A dash forward and the battle started. A battle where seventy players fought in almost perfect synchronization, weapons striking and shields blocking on just the exact moment. Even if the occasional wave of fire surprised them, the tanks were quick enough to interfere with the burning attacks. Wings of feathered iron dished damage equal to a full charged centaur, and the surrounding fire wasn't doing the players any favors to both health as well as durability. It was a battle far too difficult for a reward unknown. Yet, if there was a chance the main bosses of the floor would be easier with the rewards from this quest, it was a risk worth taking.
Their healthbars were chipped away as evenly as the damage done to the mythological bird, and green healthbars were rare when the beast's last healthbar was about halfway done. But the players could hold out for long enough, and it was Gilgamesh who eventually delivered the last attack. The beast shattered into oblivion, only its shattering light and the remaining ashes of his fire remaining.
A Congratulations message appeared high in the sky, and the windows of victory were displayed in front of the players. A momentary joy filled the air, even Kirito and Heathcliff relaxing their shoulders as they focused on healing. But none realized the key of their victory was missing and it was the moment Gilgamesh asked, ''So, where is the last attack item?'' they realized they were too late.
A phoenix was known as a mythological bird, and although they were weak against iron, it was almost impossible to kill them. Instead of everlasting death, they would arise out of their ashes. The sharp talons penetrating through Gilgamesh's chest were a reminder of that information, as the swordsman's eyes were momentarily filled with shock before his remaining health depleted, and he realized the consequence. As a sickening irony, the Congratulations message burned away as Gilgamesh gave one last look of fear before he shattered into a thousand pieces and his existence in Aincrad was no more.
Silence. No clashing of weapons or shields. No commands or switches. Only the sound of fire spreading filled the air, and the rest of the phoenix, a bit smaller than before, arose from that fire. Two healthbars instead of three, but that meant little. Shock turned to disbelief. Disbelief turned to anger. And anger turned to gray.
Not Ojima, for he was still taken aback by the sudden change. Also not the gray from Kirito, whose anger was mixed with self-guilt. It were Eugene's eyes that indecisively switching between his own purpureus to a foreign gray as his teeth nearly broke from pure anger. Before he could charge in and answer that burning fury inside of him, a hand grabbed his shoulder. ''Calm down, Eugene,'' Mortimer said strictly, as always making sure to watch over his younger brother. Turning around to scold Mortimer, Eugene saw the intense glare from his brother at the beast. A silent glare that held an overwhelming emotion back was visible in his eyes, but he could muster it. Mortimer stepped forward as he shouted, ''It is coming for another round! Set aside your feelings and concentrate on the battle!''
Those words shook the other players awake, and both leaders quickly realized their leadership was needed. A line of commands followed, and the second battle against the phoenix began. It took a moment, but unlike the 20th floor, the structure in their battle was restored in time. A necessity for there too many closed calls. However, after destroying the two healthbars, and killing it a second and a third time, the last attack item was gained.
Despite the victory, the road back was one of silence. Silence to pay respect to the fallen player. Silence, to make sure Gilgamesh would be the last one who fell today. Silence, to give space for the sadness that came with his death. Lastly, Silence, to prepare for what more the game was about to throw at them on this troublesome day.
Arriving in Llyne, Klein and Alice Rue's party continued the quest while the others visited their hardworking specialists in the center. Seven and Reiner made sure everyone's potion supply was up & running, but their resource count had depleted due to that. The wood supply of the crafters had already been depleted, except for the emergency wood supply, and even the blacksmiths were having a hard time collecting the needs for their craft. One last time, the raid group could be provided to the fullest before the help of NPCs was needed.
Thus, the news that the Fragment of the Phoenix was the key to another safe tunnel leading from Llyne to Giltstein was the best news they could receive. But the mysterious broker was still not finished and required yet another item. Sixty-nine players marched into the last labyrinth, preparing themselves for another boss battle that required the best of them.
In the meantime, four guilds and fourteen players challenged the field boss of the floor. more than hundred-fifty players gathered for the battle against that three-headed beast. Although it did not share the name of its original source, the Guardian of the Nether had a similar purpose as the three-headed dog Cerberus; to guard the door connecting the living world with hell.
It was hell the players found themselves in for the past half-year, and not even the giant boss would stop them leaving it. ''We are beating this puppy to a pulp!'' Kibaou thundered, the majority of his guild behind him as he charged forward. Lind, Akio, and Ren followed, not willing to see Kibaou sacrificing his men in vain.
Despite not sharing its name, the three-headed beast was the living embodiment of the underground guardian and shared its strengths and weakness. Mostly strengthens, for the real version was immortal, controlled fire, and was immensely strong. Its sense of smell and hearing were the best of Aincrad beasts thus far, and those monstrous paws could damage and kill a normal player easily. However, by a coincidence or just by wonderous luck, those two excellent senses were its downfall.
Iron weapons and shields clashed against its claws and caused a sharp echo in the air that was paralyzing for his hearing. The presence of more than a hundred players and at least ten players trying to get a command did not help to ease the pressure of his ears. His smell was strong enough to catch the scent of morning breakfast and unfortunately, there was a trace of meat. Three separate heads meant three brains, and they couldn't agree on their target. The senses were overflowing with information, too much for its capacity to withstand.
Considering its weakness was in full effect, it still had the capacity to challenge the present players as a normal boss, despite its attack and defense lowered at least three times the usual. Directly, it did not kill anyone. Indirectly, it would be the cause of one of the tragedies of Aincrad.
Back to the alliance, the group had just found the third quest boss. Following the line of mythical beasts, they knew this boss wouldn't be an easy one. But a small form of hesitation began to develop when the hydra rose from a ground cave and towered with five long intimating heads over the scouts. Each head had a separate healthbar and moved completely independent.
''Retreat!'' Kirito ordered calmly, as he was sure his scouts were not equipped to the see the extent of the Hydra's capabilities. None questioned his command as the party of seven returned to the entrance of the large open field. An ominous poisonous cloud floated their way, but it vanished into thin air before it could do any damage. With the invaders had left its territory, the hydra retreated to its home.
Fled to a safe position, Heathcliff shifted his attention to Kirito and commented, ''For a scout mission, that was anything but useful. I am assuming you have a plan.''
Kirito maneuvered through his menu as he responded, ''I just didn't trust this boss. Besides, I know someone that knows more about this type of boss.'' Two private messages were sent, and one reacted almost instantly. {On it.} Argo replied. Faelon reacted not short after, Kirito assuming quite shocked four players were pushing him to answer Kirito's private message. After a moment of silence, he turned to the awaiting players and said, ''I have a plan.''
~Fifteen minutes later~
A familiar animation of a hydra appearing illustrated before the group of sixty-nine, but unlike last time, they were prepared to take it down. The dark-purpled scales glimmered in the full glory of the afternoon sun, and its deep slit eyes glared with a demon-red towards the trespassers. Five heads roared in absolute fury and the first head wasn't waiting for the players to move first.
*Clang!* echoed the collision between Heathcliff's shield and the first hydra's head as Kirito dove under its head and charged forward. A second head charged forward but was met by the combined block from Mitchos and Packer. Two parties of seven held the two heads occupied as Kirito continued his charge, two heads this time aiming at him at the same time.
Silica, Isabella and Harry-one provided the cover while Kirito continued to charge at the last head. As he had hoped, his reckless act had caused the other heads to fall into traps, relatively easy targets for his party members to occupy. Occupy, for he was planning to kill one head at a time.
His target launched forward, sharp carnivorous teeth prepared to slice him in thoroughly. *Clang!* A Vorpal Strike and an Oblique struck the incoming target head-on, and the boss reacted as if it was parried perfectly. ''Take it down!'' Kirito commanded, his followers charging past him as they unleashed their strongest sword skills.
A mix of roars echoed as lines of various colors crossed through the air, each line as life-threatening as it was beautiful. The red line of Klein's Zekku, the six mahogany lines of Eugene's Astra Hell, the eight violet lines of Kizmel's Legion Destroyer and many more gave the first head of the hydra a run for its money. Its healthbar depleted rapidly with the continuous barrage of sword skills, but the other heads dished out equal damage to their targets. It was a battle against time.
Asuna's cooldown was over when Kirito's cooldown was one-thirdly done, and she didn't need his commands to know her strength was needed. Her rapier shone brightly as she winded her body backward, shot forward with the range of a Shooting Star and started her sword skill with a lighting-quick horizontal slash. What followed after that was for most just guessing.
The 'lightning black flash' suddenly seemed the best nickname for Asuna as the follow-up strikes were just that. The longest sword skill Kirito had ever seen were Issin Fad Edge and Kizmel's Legion Destroyer, but Asuna's barrage most certainly exceeded that. Right to left, left to right, three diagonal slashed followed by a forward thrust, causing a light burst strengthened by the Celeste Light. Asuna stood in its fullest glory, but her sword skill continued. Two Vertical slashes and another forward thrust, a second light bubble bursting on impact. Two diagonal slashes followed before another forward thrust finished her attack, all the attacks delivered in a mere three seconds. Sword skill Over-Radiate.
The combined efforts of the fourteen players and their strongest sword skills were just enough to shatter the first heathbar and decapitate the belonging head. Before anything else could happen, Kirito shouted another command, ''Burn it now!''
Jason and Niddrie, both crowd controls from the KOB, ran forward, two torches in hand as they reached the decapitate wildly wavering neck. Just before an unexpected animation of regeneration could commence, both players stabbed the target with their burning torches, scorching the open wound successfully. The remaining heads screeched, with one spitting out Mitchos in the process, and retreated to their main body. Eight eyes looked at the scorched wound, then fixated their murderous glares to both culprits.
It was an action none of them considered in the long discussion before the battle. What would happen if one of the heads would no longer be able to regenerate as the original beast was famous for? Too late, they realized the answer as all four heads charged in on two players, colliding in the ground. Two heads were dodged, but the remaining heads had delivered fatal damage. As the heads raised from the ground, two unconscious bodies could be seen before the sound of shattering glass vouched for their demise.
''No... it can't be...'' a whisper could be heard but was silenced just as quickly.
The first time this power awakened, there was no living witness. Only a few AI's looking from far away. Now, the effect of a Negative meter appeared in front of them, and it was more frightening as anyone could ever imagine. ''You...You...!'' A low growl echoed, an earthshattering slow walk towards the four-headed boss, Eugene's eyes had turn gray as his wine-red hair had started to change to an unfamiliar black and gray. With an underlying growl of a terrifying beast under his usual voice, he roared, '' .Going .To. .Myself!''
Four heads charged in on Eugene, only to be parried by a perfectly timed Horizontal. Noteworthy, to say the least, for Kirito's right arm still trembled just from parrying one. ''How? Don't tell me...!'' He thought out loud.
''Is this...the Rage mode you were talking about?'' Darius asked his companion.
Ojima looked at a loss for words, tried to regain his composure, and answered, ''I don't know. If...''
An unnatural monster's screech interrupted his answer, as a line of red and black cleaved one of the middle heads in half. Another horizontal line to quick to follow completely destroyed that same head, and the dissected head shattered just as easily.
Three heads charged in as the fourth tried to regenerate, but those three had little to resist against their opponent. The sword skill War Blade flung them back and created two more lines of air pressure that damaged the hydra significantly. The hydra breathed a darkish purplish cloud, but Eugene waved it backward with a single Diagonal. The beast suddenly screeched as the open wound of his dissected neck was scorching from its own attack.
As Eugene let out an impressive shout and charged in with a quickness not even Asuna could match, some looked nervously at the fight. It wasn't that they expected Eugene to lose, but what would happen after that? Mortimer did not recognize the animalistic behavior of his brother, who was fighting like a beast in absolute survival. In fact, this state was as frightening as it was strong.
One head dissected, one more regenerated. It was a three vs one but it was anything but far for the superior numbers. One remained, while one was still regenerating but it never got the see the light of day again. The sword skill Astra Hell completely broke the hydra and left only devastation in his path.
The Congratulations message appeared again and Niaf was the first to walk towards Eugene to celebrate their victory. ''Hi, Eugene-san, Nice...!?''
Just by luck, and luck alone, Niaf's shield blocked Eugene's strike, and it launched off his feet a large distance away. His shield shattered instantly, and his health dropped to 50%. ''What...just...happ...?'' Before he could finish his words, Eugene had leaped forward in a single jump, his blade held high to finish what he had started.
*Clang!* Heathcliff's shield blocked the incoming strike just in time, although the paladin felt his arms tingling from the sheer force of that block and almost required a knee to keep his stability. If that was a sword skill, it would have cleaved straight through the shield. He thought as other tanks stood next to him, shields in the ready.
''Brother, stop!'' Mortimer tried but pleaded in vain as Eugene prepared a sword skill. But just before his sword could cleave through whatever was in its way, a voice echoed through the air. Am angelic warm chant, nothing like the songs or aggressive chants he had song thus far. Ojima was highly inexperienced with the Blessing Chant, but it was now or never.
Eugene's black eyes shifted to the source, turned his body around, and leaped with a prepared Vertical towards Ojima.
Then, everything turned dark.
Author notes:
So this was chapter 51.
Unfortunately, I lacked the inspiration to write a long chapter this time, and the plot is not helping. I have several paths I can walk in this story, but we come to the point I have to make a choice.
I have reached another milestone, namely the 500k words. That makes this story around 700 pages long. (and we are only on the 25th floor. Wow.) Considering I started 2,5 years ago, that is just insane.
Before I say farewell and until next time, I have two more things to mention. First off, I ended this chapter with an open ending. At this moment, two paths can be taken and you can be the difference in that choice. Secondly, I want to strengthen the message to review this story. I have come 500k of words thus far and try to deliver the quality as best as I can, but that requires support. Now, I don't ask for money for my work, but I do enjoy reviews and private messages. Show me how much this story entertains you and help me continue this masterpiece of mine (in quantity if it is not quality.)!
That was everything I wanted to say. The next chapter is the last chapter on the 25th floor, so it can take a while. Until then, Beyor out!
