December 14th, 2025, 10:05 PM JST…

"'False hero Jaymes, you obtained your title of victor by mere luck. In this world, where power is everything, such deceit cannot be permitted. Now is your chance to put your life on the line and prove your true power. I've sent an invite to your house. At precisely 10:15 PM tomorrow, accept it. I am watching your every move. Do not seek help. If you mention any of this to someone else… Then you will pay for your sin with the life of someone dear to you. --Death Gun.'"

I sit on my bed in the real world, having just logged out of GGO. In silence, I stare at the "invitation" Death Gun so generously sent me--a NerveGear headset. I don't know how he got one, but seeing it again and having to put it one frightens me. As warned, I haven't told anyone. Not Kureha, who is already ignoring me anyway after a falling out at the beginning of the month. Not Zeliska or Itsuki, who are busy in their own lives and left the squad around the same time. Not LLENN, Pitohui, M, or Fukaziroh, all who are watching the Battle of Bullets. I haven't been able to put it on myself, but I heard some news from it from Fuka. A player named Pale Rider got eliminated in a weird fashion, and there's some girlish-looking guy using a photon sword as his only weapon. Sinon told me about him earlier today, as they met before yesterday's preliminaries and were the final two, but I didn't tell her why I decided not to compete in the tournament myself as I promised. I couldn't bring myself to talk to Rika, Kazuto, or the others, not even my own family. Ever since the NerveGear appeared on my doorstep this morning, I… I knew the threat was more than real.

I look at my phone. Eight minutes to go. What do I do? I bite my lip, not having an answer. No, the answer is clear, I must go after him. But who, who could he target? Kureha, my childhood friend? Anyone else on my squad? Sinon? No, if Death Gun knows me from Sword Art Online, then he knows who I care for the most. I look up to my desk, seeing the picture Lisbeth took of me and her back in May the first week we started dating. The first time she kissed me in the real world… I realize now, after nearly seven months together, we haven't had a real kiss yet, not like the one we had back in Sword Art Online. We've been intimate like kindergartners, not hormone-driven teenagers. I'm letting Kazuto and Asuna get ahead of us? Heh… Yeah that's the thought I want to have right now. Two of my best friends nearly doing it together while I, with my own girlfriend, haven't even made an attempt.

That's my dying final thought of Kirito and Asuna.

Suddenly, my phone rings. Oh, speaking of the devil, it's Rika. Having no reason to not answer right now, I click the green touch button and hold the phone to my ear. "Hey."

"Hey. Did you watch the Battle of Bullets? Kirito and this girl named Sinon won in a tie."

Sinon won? That's great...wait, what? "Kirito? He was...ah, I should've known that was him. I heard about him from Sinon, but he's under a different name. Kiriko, right?"

"Yeah. Plus that avatar of his, hehe. It's so girly. So what's up? We haven't talked all day. You okay?"

"I…" What do I tell her? I can't tell her, in case I am being monitored somehow. Death Gun knows where I live, hence the presence of the NerveGear. He could have a way to know I'm talking to Rika. "I'm okay. I'm sorry I haven't talked to you today. Just had something on my mind."

"Oh yeah? Keiko joked that maybe you were 'doing things' but I know you wouldn't. But what's on your mind? I'm about to go back online on ALO to congratulate Kirito, maybe we can talk beforehand."

Three minutes left. I sigh as I stand up. "Lisbeth…no, Rika… I got something to do, but when I'm done, I'll switch over to ALO. Alright?"

"Okay. I see you later then. I lov--"

"Save it," I automatically say, like a switch went on in my head to prevent her from saying those three words. At first, it's ridiculous that I would stop her. I'm tearing up during what could be my last conversation with the girl I love and I tell her to not say the words I probably need to hear right now. But then my mind begins to work. Our final moment in Sword Art Online replays in my head. That's something Death Gun, or anyone else in the world, knows about. "Save it for when I come back. It would suck if I died today after all that, wouldn't it?"

"Huh? Wait...what do you mean--" I hang up, cutting her off. Hoping she understands the significance of those words, I take the NerveGear and hook it up to an outlet. With a minute remaining, I lay on my bed and slowly placed the headset on. Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes for what might be the final time I open them. My hope of getting out of this definitely now rises on Lisbeth, but if not… I hope she forgives me, and I'm definitely going to beg Koharu for forgiveness if I see her on the other side.

Without further ado..."Link Start!"

"Master, where are we?"

"I have no clue." Considering I didn't put my GGO cartridge in the NerveGear, I know we're not there, but this place retains all my stats and my red and black combat suit from the game. It does look like a place GGO would have, though, with the mechanical surroundings. Then I realize one thing that shouldn't be here, and I turn to her. "What are you doing here, Rei?"

The red and black haired girl shrugs. "I was standing by at your home until just a few seconds ago."

Weird, but that's just the beginning. A glow of light appears in front of us, revealing Kureha. With her back to me, I look at her in confusion. "Momiji?"

"Huh?" She turns around, gasping upon sight of me and Rei. "Wh-Whoa! What are YOU doing here? Wait, don't me… is it because of Death… No, nevermind. I don't want to see your face. Hurry up and log out! Go on, get out of here! Now!"

I fold my arms. He trapped her here too. "You just said Death Gun, didn't you?"

She immediately turns away. "I-I didn't say that! You know what? I don't feel like talking to you! If you're not going to log out…"

"Even if I wanted to, trust me, we can't."

"What?"

"None of us can log out. The logout button's been disabled." Surprising the three of us is the soft-spoken Zeliska, who appears behind Kureha. She looks annoyed.

"What? Zeliska?"

"I never thought I'd see you guys in a place like this. Oh, and Rei's here too, huh?"

Rei bows. "It's been a long time! Is Daisy not with you today?"

She nods. "That's right. I make sure she doesn't follow me into the field. I wonder if that's part of what's going on. But you two… You didn't…"

"You get the threatening message from Death Gun too, didn't you?" By not, I've lost all surprise, but still didn't expect to see Itsuki log on.

"Wh-What? Itsuki? You're here too? What is everyone doing here?"

Zeliska sighs. "Looks like we've all got a lot to talk about."

Kureha folds her arm. "...I got a message from Death Gun telling me to fight him. So I thought I would turn the tables and catch him. After I said I'd fight, he gave a bunch of strangely specific instructions and said that if I didn't follow them, he would target my friends, so…"

"He said the exact same thing to me," Itsuki says.

I scoff. "I didn't get such a nice question. Straight to the threats, he went."

"So before," Zeliska turns to the both of them with a raised eyebrow, "the fighting and leaving the squadron… That was all an act?"

"No," Kureha denies, "I was serious about all of that. I wanted to do something about how down I was feeling. At any rate, Zeliska, you and the others get out of here and hide somewhere. I'm going to fight Death Gun alone."

"You might die, you know," Itsuki bluntly states.

"I'm prepared for that. What, you got a problem with me dying?"

"Yeah," I say seriously. "I have a huge problem with you dying."

She lowers her gaze. "Yeah… There might be people out there who would be sad, but there's definitely no one who would truly care if I suddenly died. As long as my mom and dad have my big sister, they'll be happy… I don't want to keep living as a waste of space. But if I catch Death Gun, they might all finally accept me in the real world. That's why I don't want anyone else to fight him."

"Gotcha," Itsuki says. "So your desire trumps your fear of death."

I shake my head, staring down at her. "No, it's not like that. Kureha was threatened to lose people close to her as I was. As we were."

She stomps her foot in anger. "Th-That's not it! I mean… I was told that if I resisted, he would kill you… But it's not like I'm doing this to protect you. Why do you always gotta interpret what I say in a positive light? I'm not a good person! I came here for selfish reasons! So please… Please… Everyone, find a hiding spot. I'll distract him enough to give you guys a chance to escape."

"Thanks, Kureha. But no." That confuses and pisses her off simultaneously, but I'm not backing off from that.

"You all seem to think this is going to be a fight to the death," Zeliska comments. "Is it really going to be? Everyone here is wearing a NerveGear."

"Yeah, one was sent to my house. I was told to wear it and log in at the designated date and time. But how were we sent these? The government confiscated all of them."

"I heard that some NerveGears were recently stolen." Itsuki sighs and looks at me. "Who would've thought wed6be given stolen goods?"

Zeliska shakes her head. "I have no idea how he got my address, but I was sent a NerveGear as well."

"Me too. I'm kind of surprised you and Kureha got one too, Jaymes."

"I'm not," I say. "He did threaten me explicitly the first time he appeared after killing XeXeeD, plus…"

"Well, I guess this all means we fell for Death Gun's trap."

"Trap or not, I can't let Death Gun get away with any more murders...especially not as an employee of Zaskar."

"Huh?"

Itsuki looks to be the most shocked of us all. "Zaskar? You're one of the admins?"

"Well, yeah, but I can't view any data, and I have no control over administrative discussions. I'm just one player, after all. That's why I went out of my way to not be on the front lines of battle, barring last month's exception." That exception was the near invasion and fall of the Glocken from being the safe zone a few weeks ago, orchestrated by a Type-Z Arfa-Sys named Lievre. What began as a mysterious case of various Arfa-Sys modeling players turned into a literal fight for Gun Gale Online. Zeliska was definitely unhappy the entire time, especially with the fact we never found out who Lievre's master is and why he or she ordered such chaos. And when that was settled, Death Gun killed another player. Not a good time now for the Uncrowned Queen.

It also explains why… Totally hypothetically speaking, she would spend the night a few times with me when we were too tired to log off the game. Hypothetically speaking. Never happened like it did with Kureha…

Don't tell Lisbeth.

Itsuki nods as if everything finally comes together in his head. "I got the feeling you were hiding something, but I didn't know what. I thought you were definitely part of some military or intelligence agency."

"I'm just a programmer. Despite that, no, because of that, I can't let Death Gun get away. It's hard to think that there's been actual murders in GGO."

"Yeah." I look around, noticing the time. 10:22. Death Gun is seven minutes late to his own crime. "That reminds me… Where is Death Gun?"

Kureha gasps. "Wait… You don't think he's messing with us, do you?"

I shake my head. "His kind doesn't mess around."

"If he were just messing around, he wouldn't go to all this trouble. This is all too complex for that. Plus, it's not like getting all those NerveGears was a walk in the park."

"We still don't know enough about the entire situation. Let's search the area for more clues. We're counting on you, Jaymes. You're okay with that for now, are you, Kureha?"

She looks off to the side, clicking her tongue. "...Fine."

No, it's not fine. I know this type of battle better than anyone here. If this was a normal fight, sure, I'll let her be mad at me because our lives aren't on the line but now that it is, no one needs to have a conflicted mind. If we're going to survive whatever Death Gun has for us, Kureha and I need to clear the air now. "Itsuki, take Rei and Zeliska and gather clues."

He nods and wordlessly departs down the part. Zeliska looks like she wants to say something, but one glance from me tells her otherwise. Rei follows along with a worried face, but doesn't argue back. Turning to the pink-haired girl, I watch her check the menus for the logout button. I know the NerveGear fairly well. Besides the time Kirito used it for ALO, the only way we're logging out is if the server drops us out, whatever satisfies that condition. Sighing, she closes the menu and looks around. "There don't seem to be any routes that lead back to Glocken, and it looks like there's no way to log out either." Now that we're alone, she really gives me a condescending glare. "Seriously, what are you even doing in a dangerous place like this?"

"I'm used to dangerous places, but why are you here, Kureha?"

"I… I… What am I doing?" She drops her head, looking away from my direction. "I know it's stupid, but… As soon as I go back to real life, I'm back to just being in my sister's shadow. And here I am getting stuck in your shadow. I hate it. I didn't start playing GGO for this to happen. I wondered what it would be like to live in a world without my big sister. That's why I started playing VR games. People in these games view me as Kureha, not just as my big sister's little sis. It made me really happy. I thought that the stronger and more famous I get in these games, the stronger I would be in real life. If I didn't play these games… I'd probably grow to hate my big sister...and I actually really like her. But despite how hard I tried...you kept getting better...and left me in the dust." She looks up to me, tears in her eyes. "I'm really upset about all of this… I don't want to hate you… Not you of all people. I really don't want you to die."

"And that's exactly why I came here...because I've been here before."

"...What?"

"Death Gun, remember what he said to me back then? You asked if I knew him. Well… You're going to hate me for telling you this now, but I am not a noob at playing VR. The 'Jaymes' you know is not really me, for I used to be one of the best players in another game… In Sword Art Online."

Kureha holds a hand to her mouth. "You...were in SAO?"

"Yes, and with my friends I made there, I play Alfheim Online, so my experience paramounts yours. But even then, it's because of you that I am where I am… I lied because your family never was told by mine that I was trapped in the game, so it was easier to play the role of a lucky newcomer to VR than a lucky veteran. It was easier to lie because I never thought I'd be in this position again, where my head wears a NerveGear and people I care for are in danger. Yet, it seems that's the case… So yes, I am here because I'm used to this and because I also made a promise to protect those I care about. To be honest, I didn't come to protect you, I truly believed you were safe. I thought there was no way in hell Death Gun knew who you or anyone else was because you guys were not in SAO. If he was threatening to hurt anyone, it was those I care about from that game, my friends back in ALO. But… Kureha...no, Momiji, I cared about you when we were kids, and I do so now. I'll be damned if I lose you of all people now, because I'll--" I'm cut off as Kureha throws her arms around me. Not used to Momiji being affectionate currently, I hold one of my arms up to her back. Here I am, again getting emotional with a pink-haired girl avatar. Silica might've been joking, but… I might have a thing for pink hair.

She backs up from the hug. "...It looks like we've got a lot more in common than I realized. I thought you were completely different from me, but we're both thinking the same thing. You and I have known each other for such a long time, but there are still so many things I don't know about you." With a smile, she points to the three behind her. "Alright, let's meet back with Zeliska and the others. I'm glad the two of us could have this talk."

"Yeah."

10:35 JST

"Zeliska, why did you come?"

Frustrated as the rest of us with the lack of clues out of here and Death Gun himself not present, the silver-haired beauty sighs as she holds her nose bridge. "I'm obligated to investigate. Of course, I was supposed to report my findings to my superiors, it's just… Don't tell anybody, but… I think it's possible that Death Gun is a Zaskar employee or maybe has an accomplice inside Zaskar."

"That makes perfect sense. No possible way murders are happening from inside the game."

"Mhm. The Seed is an outstanding system. And that's why if Death Gun is actually committing murders...he has to have some sort of operation on the outside. And the fact he knew the victims' real addresses." She looks to her left, in the direction of where Kureha and Rei stand together. "I was hoping to gather as much evidence as possible, but I didn't think you and Kureha would make it this far."

I nod as I turn in the same direction. "Well, I can't speak for Kureha, but… Of course I did. I don't think I could just stay away from this."

"Right. When the lives of those you care about are on the line, you can't help but try to do something about it. In addition to not knowing who Death Gun is, I can't consult anyone about him. I got caught up in the whole situation and ended up deleting you guys from my friends list. I can't deny I was led on by Death Gun. This was supposed to be an undercover operation, but I guess I went a little too deep undercover. I've still got a lot to learn about protecting other people. And I have you to blame for that, Jaymes."

I face Zeliska, who graces me with a smile. "I never thought I would be able to find something to protect that's more important than myself. But I don't regret it at all."

I can't help but smile myself and place my hand on my shoulder. "Believe me, three years ago I thought the same way. But during my time in Sword Art Online, I started to feel the same way you do. Back then, I brought all except the person I was closest to back home. Today… I'm not losing anyone. I'll make sure you make it home, Zeliska."

The woman presses herself against me, placing her head underneath my own. "Thank you. One more thing. I'm sorry for not telling you that I'm a member of Zaskar this whole time. I thought about telling you, but I was afraid it would change our relationship."

I chuckle as I wrap my arms around her. Oh, that would have been crazy to know earlier. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you I'm a veteran player. As for that relationship change, I fought alongside Akihiko Kayaba back in SAO without knowing who he was. But nothing changes between us."

"Mhm." She separates from me and turns to the rest of the group that's joining up. "Seems LLENN and the others weren't invited. I almost envy them. Alright, that's enough about real life. Let's head back to Kureha and the others."

As we get there, Kureha is arguing with Itsuki. "Wait a minute, I thought I said I was going to fight Death Gun alone. I'm going to probe the enemy for information. You guys keep your distance and think of a plan of attack."

"That doesn't seem like the kind of enemy you can beat up on your own, Kureha," Zeliska says. "But you know that already, right?"

"Yeah, I know. But I'm the first person he threatened. If I had given you guys a heads-up, things wouldn't have come to this. I realize now that what I did was stupid. But back then, I thought I would be able to get you guys to see me the way I wanted you to see me. That's why I want you all to let me take responsibility for this. If something were to happen to you guys...I'd never forgive myself."

"If it's responsibility you're talking about, then that should fall on me as a member of Zaskar. I'll protect you all. Even if it costs my life."

Itsuki crosses his arms. "That's quite the sense of responsibility you've got there."

"Don't worry, Itsuki. I'll protect you too. You're a beloved GGO player as well… At least, from the viewpoint of the system."

He chuckles. "Wow, you got me there, I kind of feel like confessing all the bad things I've done now."

"That would take a while, and I don't have the patience for all that."

"Wait, everybody!" Rei turns to me, as if asking for my permission for whatever idea she has. "I'll go in for the attack! I'm an NPC, so it won't matter if something happens to me!"

"We're going up against a really strong opponent," Zeliska tells her. "Sorry Rei, but we can't let you be the bait."

Kureha nods. "That's right, Rei. You need to protect your master. Jaymes, I'll go, okay?"

Zeliska presses the issue. "No, I'll--"

"No," I say sternly. This gives me the same vibes as Kirito did before the battle on the 75th Floor when he tried convincing Asuna and I to stay behind. Back then, I didn't let him go alone, and today I'm not letting my team do the same. "Kureha, Zeliska, I told you both we're getting out of this. All of us, together. No one survived the front lines of SAO by themselves, that's not going to happen here. There will be no bait, not self-sacrifices. We find Death Gun, we take him down. Together."

Everyone is silent for a moment until Rei cheers. "That's a great idea! I agree wholeheartedly!"

Itsuki chuckles. "Man, our leader sure does give some strict orders."

Zeliska sighs. "You know, hearing you say that strangely makes me think we can do this."

Kureha looks at me blankly for a moment, then gives me a smile. "Sounds like you have experienced leading argumentative people into a death battle. We'll follow your commands, Jaymes. Let's go."

"Yeah, let's move." I lead the group to the center of the large platform, immediately surrounded by a teleportation circle. We vanish and reappear elsewhere in this strange place, but we're not alone. As soon as we rematerialize, we're thrown into a fight with a giant mechanical being, not Death Gun. With three health bars, this bastard, named "The GM", seems to be our test provided by Death Gun.

I take my pistols in hand. "Everyone, be careful. If your health drops, fall back and heal. No heroics. We beat him, maybe Death Gun will show his face."

"Roger!"

I take a deep breath, saying a silent prayer that Lisbeth understood my words and is looking for a way to help. "...Crimson Squad, attack!"

The finale to Blacksmith and Warrior comes next chapter, but the story doesn't end there. Three more stories are in the works, starting with the events of the Caliber and half of the Mother Rosario arcs, plus a tie in to Hollow Realization. That story, Courage, will arrive sometime later this month.

The arcs of Ordinal Scale and Alicization will also have stories, they will debut later this year.

As for gameverse tie ins that haven't occurred in this story, Lost Song (the ALO game) happened behind the scenes, between the previous two chapters. Hollow Realization will replace the second half of Mother Rosario, after the Sleeping Knights succeed. Ordinal Scale onward is the same as the official canon.

Anyway, thank you all so much, I'll see you guys in the final chapter.