Howdy do everyone. Hope you guys are ready for more adventures with Kirito and the others in this story. Now that we have entered Aincrad, things are about to really change from before. This includes how everyone will conduct themselves.

Just a few things before we get started.

First, thanks again so much to everyone who has reviewed this story thus far. Seeing you guys have an interest in this story, and even some of the thoughts you present, really encourage me to keep writing this. I hope to be able to keep this going strong.

Second, this chapter and the one after feature a boss that isn't in SAO proper, but is a fan-created boss the one and only Trace Carter, the same partner I work with in our RP forum; Iris Halo. If you want to see the design, look up "Queen Hive" on deviantart and look for the handle z224able. As such, credit for the boss goes to them.

And for the disclaimer:

Reki Kawahara is the original creator of SAO, and thus all its content is owned by him and him alone (along with designs and drawings belonging to abec).

Now then,

LINK START!

Chapter 8:

Queen Flash

The trio soon saw the new floor they arrived at. Compared to the Town of Beginnings, this place was rather luxurious looking. Behind them was a massive lake that shone in the post-noon sun, with a massive islet on the other side. And on their side were buildings that looked like those from the noble districts back in Centoria. It occurred to them all that this place was rather wealthy. It even made Eugeo self-conscious for reasons unknown.

Alice went to a nearby signpost, and told the boys, "This is apparently the town of Selmburg. They have found the dungeon on the island across the lake."

Looking across, Kirito questioned, "And how exactly do we plan to get across? I'm not sure we can swim that far. Even the lake back at Rulid wasn't this vast or deep."

"Well, couldn't we make a boat to sail across?" Eugeo suggested. "That would get us across."

"And where do you propose we find a boat, let alone someone who could pilot one?" Kirito posed. His question left Eugeo in a bit of a bind. So Alice prompted the two to follow her into town.

Up here compared to the Town of Beginnings, there were many more warriors and merchants present. It seemed like a society had been built up here despite being separated from the Human Empire. Bartering and trade occurred all around them, not to mention there were groups gathered that were discussing strategies for getting through the dungeon. The trio almost felt intrusive to be here with everyone. But they pressed on in the hope that they might find someone who could help them.

As they walked, someone spoke to them, "You guys look new around here." They turned to find a strange man wearing peculiar armor. His garb had a green shirt underneath dark red chest armor with a symbol of four diamonds on the front. His bracers were red and appeared to be made of cloth rather than steel, along with an armored skirt of sorts over black pants. The man had a scraggly hairdo held up by a headband, and he had a bit of scruff on his chin.

As they turned and gazed warily, the man kindly assured, "No worries, I'm not gonna hurt ya. My name's Klein. I work in the guild called the Fuurinkazan, one of the groups handling the front lines in clearing this place. What's your name kiddies?"

Ignoring the title he gave them, they introduced themselves. Then Kirito asked, "What did you mean by us looking new."

For that, Klein pointed to the boys and elaborated, "Your uniforms look brand new. No way you guys have been in any big battles. Those would be at least mired had you gone through a few dungeons." Gesturing to Alice, he added, "And this chick's armor is too spotless. Like she's polished it but never maintained it after a good beating. Which I don't mind see—" He was interrupted when Alice socked him in the gut, surprising the boys and causing him to gasp at the blow.

"I would advise not being so vulgar about me," she warned him. Klein consented as he struggled to recover from the hit.

Once he did, he said, "Anyway, you three don't look like regulars here. Just arrived in Aincrad?"

"Something like that." Kirito muttered, looking to his left.

Eugeo stepped in for his friends and asked, "Sir Klein, do you happen to know a way over to the island? We want to help clear this floor as quickly as possible."

Rubbing his scruff, Klein answered, "Well, that'll be a problem. Seeing as how the parties that volunteered to go across left this morning. I don't think those boats will be back until later today when the sun begins to set." The trio were disheartened upon the news. But Klein mentioned, "But hey, let me show you guys around and help you get acquainted with how things are here. Just letting you know it's a whole other field compared to doing exams and patrolling places back home." And he began leading them through the market towards the water once again.

As they went, Eugeo asked, "Why were you sent here, Sir Klein? Did you commit a crime back home?"

"Just Klein Eugeo," he replied. "I ain't no knight like your lad—I mean, Miss Knight here." Having dodged that retaliation, he explained, "My guild and I used to be protectors of our village back home. We lived in the eastern province and were well liked by the people there. For whatever reason, the church thought we were dangerous because of how people flocked to us. So they charged us for attempting to overthrow the church and sent us to Aincrad. That was maybe 4 years ago now."

"Why would the church arrest you if you were only protecting your village?" Eugeo questioned.

To which Alice answered, "Eugeo, his guild was becoming highly favored by the people they protected. It threatened the church. It was possible the villagers would replace the church with Klein's guild. That's why they were arrested." But then she pondered, "But being sent to Aincrad for such a thing? That doesn't add up."

"Yeah well, the church has a wacky way of meting out justice," Klein passively remarked. Then he returned, "But what about you three? What's so big that the church sent you here?"

"Actually, we're not here because of the church," Kirito answered. "Not entirely. We came on our own to find a friend that was supposed to be here."

"Why bother man?" the strange warrior said in a depressed mood. "No one gets out of this place once they enter. Not unless someone beats the Dungeon Master on floor 100. And we're nowhere near close to that." None of the three answered immediately, which made Klein take pause and turn back around.

After they stopped, Kirito explained, "We had made an oath in the sacred tongue: 'We were born in the same year, and we would be together to our last.' We came here because we want to fulfill that oath, no matter what."

"Even if what we have been doing has been rather unorthodox," Eugeo pointed out. Their responses seemed to make Klein do a double take.

"You guys are really committed to this oath, huh?" he asked them.

To which Alice replied, "Without question. Oaths made in the sacred tongue always come true."

Smiling and giving a chuckle, Klein remarked, "Aw, what the heck. You never hear many stories like that." Then he told them, "Right. By my honor as a Swordsman, the Fuurinkazan will help you with your oath in any way we can."

"We couldn't ask that of you Klein," Eugeo protested.

"Sure you can kid. Hell, you aren't even asking, I'm offering," Klein told him. Alice eyed him menacingly due to his statement, making the man sweat a little from the glare. But with everything set up he led them around as they exchanged stories.

By the time of the afternoon sun, the four were back by the water. Klein had told them all about his guild and how they pledged to be just and noble protectors, while the trio relayed their story about how they got into this mess after an incident eight years ago. Their story amazed Klein that it all started from simply getting ice for the village.

"Man, that must have been rough on you Alice," he said after a while. "I mean the church doesn't mess around with wrongdoers, especially those that violate the Taboo Index. You don't think that Knight snatched you and your friend up for ulterior reasons, do you?"

"Watch your mouth about the Axiom Church!" Alice snapped back. "It is because of the church and its order of Integrity Knights that the realm has lived so peacefully."

"Hey hey, calm down already," Klein urged. "I'm not saying the church is bad. But you really need to think in the context of what happened." He then went on to explain, "Look, the church arrested me and my buds for doing what we knew was right. Why? Because they felt threatened we were becoming too powerful. Maybe a slap on the wrist or having supervision nearby could have fixed it. Heck, making us part of the church would have been easier. But no, they chuck us up here where we can't be a bother to them." Before Alice could defend the institution, he went on, "And you and your friend. All you did was touch the ground of the Dark Territory. For one, you never actually went into the Dark Territory. And for another, you were just kids. Punishing kids for something so minor says they took you for something far more serious. And what would that be? It's not for punishment, or you wouldn't be here now."

"Well that's… I mean…" Alice struggled to say. But her arguments were unable to spring up. Klein's words even prompted some thinking from Kirito and Eugeo. Why did the church take Alice and Asuna if not to punish them for violating the Taboo Index like they claimed?

"And you boys, Kirito and Eugeo," Klein continued, "you guys got arrested for killing a person. That is serious, but it's out of context. You killed a man and harmed another that were about to violate two little girls. I mean, that alone is sick and demented. And they were using their authority as nobles to justify doing it? Why doesn't the church bring in this other guy and remedy what he did? When you stop to think about these things, you see more than meets the eye."

"Are you saying the Axiom Church is… corrupt?" Eugeo suggested, earning a glower from Alice. But as quickly as it came, she simmered down enough to really ponder it all.

"I'm not saying anything concrete yet," Klein clarified. "Look, someone in the church is misusing its power. That's about as much as can be assumed right now. You gotta look past the rules and procedures and figure out the why. Everything has a reason for being. If not, you need to learn why." Kirito especially took this info in. He had never fully understood why the church's rules and teachings never fully elaborated on why things were the way they were. Why was it so bad to be in the Dark Territory? It might be dangerous, but simply touching the ground was bad enough to be punished? That didn't add up. And why did it allow nobles like Raios and Humbert to do as they pleased simply because they were nobles and could overrule such authority? Despite thinking about it, nothing came to him about the reasons for all of it. He doubted it was as simple as Klein made it out to be. There was something far more deep-rooted than this was meant to be.

Before he could contemplate further, Eugeo noticed some shapes coming across the water. The four then saw those shapes become more defined, revealing them to be ships. The ships of the groups exploring the dungeon on the island.

"Better hope all my boys are back," Klein muttered. The three didn't need an explanation of what he meant. Based on what little they knew, they figured he referred to his guild surviving from the monsters inhabiting the island. And as they came up to them, they saw that there were a sparse number of warriors on each ship. There must have been deaths on this expedition.

People in the town rushed in with supplies and ropes to bring in the crews. Harbor masters started tying down the ships alongside those onboard. Some of the warriors onboard brought out members that were gravely injured. And there were others carrying people on stretchers, though most of these were covered to signify a fallen combatant. By Kirito's count, at least 5 fighters had died.

"I have to go find my boys and make sure they're alright," Klein told them. "Let's meet up another time. Later." And he took off.

After he left, the three heard, "Get the wounded to the medics. Make sure the more severely injured ones are treated with Sacred Arts before anyone else. Don't use your Healing Crystals unless absolutely necessary."

"Understood, Vice Commander," another responded before a knight in white armor with red trim hurried past them. But it was the first voice, the one called Vice Commander, that intrigued the three the most. Kirito hurried past groups moving injured fighters to get treatment with Alice and Eugeo following. The trio pushed their way through the crowd to one ship where multiple knights donning this same white and red color scheme were disembarking. And standing on the deck, giving out orders and instructions, was a girl their age wearing a white uniform with red trim, a red skirt, white boots and gloves, and had chestnut hair that went down her back.

Said individual turned around to see the three, and her eyes narrowed at one particular member of the group. "Alice Synthesis Thirty," she regarded apathetically. She then dropped down to them, and inquired, "Might you explain why you are here in Aincrad without being instructed by Administrator."

"I am afraid that is due to my companions, who were to be punished for violating the Taboo Index back in Centoria." Alice answered. "And now I am here to aid in clearing this castle, Asuna Synthesis Thirty-Three." The boys glanced back briefly before remembering what Alice said before about Asuna being converted by the Pontifex not too long ago.

Said Integrity Knight looked between the two boys, and ordered, "Names. Now."

Getting his bearings, Eugeo responded, "I am Eugeo. Swordsman."

"Kirito. Swordsman," Kirito complied as well. Asuna looked over the two a bit before taking her leave somewhere else. The boys were devastated, despite having been warned about this already. Asuna really did not recall them at all.

"What are we going to do?" Eugeo asked.

"I wish I knew," Alice replied, also disheartened. None of them knew any ways of restoring Asuna's memory of the three of them. And with them being stuck in Aincrad, they couldn't bring her back to try and restore it through means like taking her to see familiar sights. In the end, they opted to tackle the issue another day.

But as they went to leave, a new voice made Alice go rigid as they addressed, "Well, I never thought I'd see you here Little Miss." Alice quickly turned around to see a man with faded-blue hair and wearing a weird combination of a blue robe under some chest armor. At his side was a massive great sword that his hand rested on.

Taking a step back in shock, Alice uttered breathlessly, "Uncle."

The boys staggered and exclaimed, "Uncle?!" Said man looked to the two boys accompanying Alice with an analytical look before morphing it into a small smile.

"I see you found your friends after all," he said as he marveled the sight. "That's wonderful Little Miss." Alice herself smiled, then turned to the boys.

"Kirito, Eugeo, this is the commander of the Integrity Knights: Bercouli Synthesis One," she introduced.

Stunned by the revelation, Eugeo asked, "Wait, Bercouli? As in the Bercouli who helped found Rulid? The Bercouli who went to the End Mountains to retrieve the Blue Rose Sword?"

"You seem to know a lot about me, young man," Bercouli responded. "Or at least, what once was me." Before either boy could ask for more clarification, he offered, "Why don't we all go to my place here in Selmburg. I'll tell you all that I can, and you all can share with me what has happened since I came here to this place." He then began walking off towards the residential district. Both boys were frozen due to this reveal, but a quick shove from Alice got their feet going so they could follow behind him.

Bercouli's home was rather sparse and empty. The only things in it being a low table, pillows, and a few rolled-up mats. It was a small place with little in it, but it was welcome once Bercouli used a Sacred Art to light the candles in the room. He then gestured for the three to sit at the table while he retrieved some prepared rations he had.

As the trio helped themselves to some rations, Bercouli remarked, "So you are Alice's friends from her home village. Kirito and Eugeo, if I'm not mistaken."

"Yes sir," Eugeo replied.

"Please, there's no need to be so formal," the elder knight insisted. "Call me Bercouli. You aren't Integrity Knights, so my official title is off-limits. And only Alice has been allowed to refer to me as 'Uncle.'"

Swallowing some dried jerky, Kirito asked, "So, what are you doing here Bercouli? And what was that group Asuna was with?"

Shifting a little, Bercouli explained, "My story is not as interesting as the Little Miss, so I'll start on that front. But before I do, let me relieve myself of all this cumbersome gear." He went to the side and unfastened his armor and sword to set against a nearby wall. Once he sat down, he began, "I met the two little ladies eight years ago when they came to the Central Cathedral. Timid little ones spent most of their time huddled together during their stay, and many of the other Knights and church members scared them witless. Eventually, I treated them to some sweets I had requested from a traveling nun, which allowed them to tell me how they got there. About their friends that promised to come save them, and about the Pontifex giving them new Callings despite violating the Taboo Index. Yep, they told me everything. After it all, I took them under my wing. And wouldn't you believe it, Little Miss here started to call me Uncle."

Alice choked on her water at the mention of this, and whined, "Uncle, must you tell them that?"

"Why not? It was cute and endearing. One of my favorite memories," Bercouli said in a relaxed manner. Kirito tried to stifle a chuckle, but Alice heard him and glowered once more to shut him up.

Continuing, Bercouli said, "Anyway, I sorta became their protector while at the church. They would ask for me whenever I left for a patrol, badgering me about the outside world and the people in it. They would even ask if I went to their village or saw their friends. I unfortunately never did, but I wish I had. Then I'd see what you boys might have been like. But three years ago, the Pontifex told me to come here to Aincrad. I had no choice but to obey. The little ladies begged and pleaded at me to stay, but I told them they had to stand on their own. I even mentioned that those friends would be coming soon, and that they would need to be there to meet them so they could all go home together. About a year and a half later, I hear some new fighter joined those knights in white. The Knights of the Blood Oath, they call themselves. I stumbled across little Asuna there and tried to greet her. But with one look I knew, this wasn't the Asuna I looked after. Something happened to her while I was away. I feared the same happened to Alice."

Turning solemn, Kirito relayed, "Yeah. The Pontifex threatened Asuna and Alice. She said she would snatch Eugeo and I up next if they kept resisting the ritual she conducted on them. Asuna surrendered under the condition the three of us would be left alone. Then she came here to Aincrad."

"I see," Bercouli mused. "I'm sorry to hear that kid. Must be tough to see your friend so distant and unfeeling."

"Do you know if there's a way to get her back to her old self?" Eugeo inquired. But the man shook his head.

A thought crossed her mind, and Alice mentioned, "Uncle, have you ever met a man who went by the name Kayaba? The three of us met him when we first arrived here."

This name seemed to spark some familiarity with Bercouli, as he questioned, "How did you three meet the ruler of Aincrad?"

"Kayaba is the ruler of Aincrad?!" Eugeo said in shock.

Bercouli nodded, and told them, "The other people who were born from people that lived here told me about him. He's the one that made this castle. He rules over it all, even has the power to leave the castle if he so wishes. But no one has ever seen him since this castle first existed." He then asked, "What did he look like?"

"We don't really know," Kirito replied. "He was always wearing a cowl, so we could never see his face. But he taught Eugeo and I our sword style that he calls the Aincrad style."

Crossing his arms, Bercouli informed, "Hate to contradict you kids, but there is no style like that. Never has been. But if it really is Kayaba who taught you, perhaps there is something more to you than I thought. Something that would interest even a man like him." The two boys looked to each other after hearing this. Kayaba had always appeared to hold them in such high esteem during their training. But they never figured they would be so special that the ruler of Aincrad himself would train them to use a sword style no one else had. But he had always regarded them as the only people to change the world, whatever that meant. That was one thing they still hadn't figured out.

"Uncle, what has been happening with those warriors? Some of them seemed to dress alike," Alice brought up.

"Oh those? They are guilds," Bercouli answered. "They are groups that band together for a common purpose. The most notable being the Knights of the Blood Oath, the one your friend is in. As for what they were doing, they're what people around here call the Assault Team. Fighters going into dungeons on each floor to find and defeat the Dungeon Master."

"So they're the ones trying to clear the castle?" Kirito figured.

"Basically. But they don't just take anyone onboard," Bercouli told them. "Only the best warriors can make the cut, and not all of them make it back alive."

"Then are the Integrity Knights here a part of the Assault Team?" Alice asked earnestly.

Scratching the back of his head, Bercouli explained, "See, we Integrity Knights are not looked upon very well here. Don't forget that most people here were arrested by Integrity Knights. The last thing they want is to be seen working with us. We'll help, sure, but we'll not be made part of the main force." He then pondered something before mentioning, "Come to think of it, the current Integrity Knights and I were going to venture into the dungeon tonight while everyone rests. One of them is acquiring a map from the frontlines for the dungeon, so we can use that to navigate it and find the Dungeon Master's room."

"And let me guess: you are wanting us to tag along," Kirito deduced.

"You catch on quick kid," the Commander remarked. Then he instructed, "Get some sleep. We'll go at twilight. And make sure you are all prepared to go." He went over to a chest across from the table and set it before them. Inside were a small cluster of crystals like the Teleport Crystal the three got earlier. Only these were combinations of yellow, red, and green as well as blue.

"These are Healing and Antidote crystals," Bercouli described. "They are more useful than Sacred Arts here as their effects are instantaneous and powerful. But they only work once. So best to use it in an emergency. Keep them tucked away in a good place for easy access." After picking enough crystals for the three of them, Bercouli got some spare mats out for the three and instructed them to rest. Which they did after setting their gear aside and getting comfortable.

At around twilight, Bercouli shook the three newcomers awake. It took some doing for Kirito, but he got up after the second attempt by the Commander. He waited until they were equipped before he began leading them out into the night life of the city. They then made their way to the harbor, where they spotted two other figures waiting for them.

Once they arrived, Alice greeted, "It is good to see you, Sheyta Synthesis Twelve and Renly Synthesis Twenty-Seven."

The one she regarded as Sheyta was a woman in ebony and purple armor with grey-black hair tied in a thin ponytail. At her side was a sword so thin, the boys didn't understand how she could even fight with it.

The other, Renly, had a face that looked similar to Eugeo surprisingly. He had green and silver armor and green hair that framed his face. At his side were a pair of daggers with what looked like wing designs on the hilts.

At her greeting, the one called Renly questioned, "Alice Synthesis Thirty? Commander, what is she doing here? And what about those two boys with you?"

"Simmer down Renly," Bercouli assured. "These boys are with Alice. They have their own mission for coming up here. For now, they'll be accompanying us on our jaunt into the dungeon."

"Alright, but this isn't so casual as to be a jaunt Commander," Renly replied hesitantly.

Eugeo held his hand out to the knight and greeted, "My name's Eugeo. Thank you for accepting us on this mission." Renly looked at his hand for a moment, then looked to the Commander. He gave a nod which permitted the young knight to shake hands.

Then Kirito came up and said, "My name's Kirito. Looking forward to working with you." Renly shook his hand as well. The two went to shake Sheyta's hand, but she seemed to look past them and turned over to the ship instead. Kirito was a little put off by her response, but Renly assured that was how she was with everyone.

"Did you two get what we need?" Bercouli inquired.

"We have a map of the Assault Team's current progress," Renly reported, presenting said item. "However, they haven't made much progress in finding the Dungeon Master's room." Bercouli took the map to look it over, frowning at the lack of info.

But he returned it to Renly and said, "I guess we'll just have to make do. Renly, you are on cartographer duty. Sheyta will be the vanguard while I bring up the rear. These three will be with you in the center." Renly acknowledged the orders before going to assist Sheyta with the ship. Looking at the trio, he invited, "Let's go explore that dungeon now."

Before long, the group was coasting over to the island where the dungeon was. As they did, the cloaked figure of Kayaba watched them go into the distance. Whatever might happen, he had to ensure affairs were remedied before too much interference got in the way. So he disappeared after the ship drifted far enough to vanish from sight.

On the island, the six warriors walked at a cautious pace through a rather dense jungle. Vines hung low from peculiar trees that bent and stooped low to the ground with their branches. Areas of the ground were muddy or marsh, making walking especially treacherous. But the group were even more on the lookout for monsters. The three newcomers knew there had to be something particularly powerful in these parts to have been able to do damage to the groups that came here earlier today. Eugeo looked especially nervous walking around this place, but Alice stayed near him and encouraged him as best she could. Kirito, on the other hand, was focused. His eyes swept back and forth, up and down, alert for danger the minute it would appear. Renly had the map out and was charting their path when they deviated from the known paths the Assault Team had explored. And Sheyta moved forward almost inhumanly, like she was just going off a singular drive rather than as a person.

Suddenly, a rustling sound forced the party to stop. Many in the party readied their weapons aside from Sheyta and Bercouli. The rustling moved around the party, and the different members turned to face the disturbance. At last, something came out. It looked like some giant mosquito with a long, needle-like proboscis and buzzing wings that set some of the group's hairs standing on end. It observed the six for a bit before descending, heading for Renly. But Kirito got in the way, cutting it clean in half. Green blood oozed out of it as it splashed onto the blade and the ground. Before the party could relax, a whole horde of the same monsters came out of hiding around them.

"This isn't good," Kirito said as he evaluated the situation. "We're surrounded."

"How will we fight all of these off?" Eugeo asked of the group.

But Bercouli calmly informed, "Not to worry. It's all under control." The boys and Alice did not understand what he could mean. That was when the horde descended among them. In the blink of an eye though, something cut the entire horde down. As the corpses of the monsters fell to the ground, the trio looked forward to see Sheyta sheathing her super thin blade with the same indifference as before. The three marveled at her skill and speed, enraptured at the ally among them.

"Sheyta, how do you possess such ferocity?" Alice questioned. Sadly, Sheyta did not answer and merely proceeded onward.

"I'm sorry, Lady Alice," Renly spoke up. "She has always been like that. She often speaks about finding something for her Black Lily Blade to cut, as if trying to find the most difficult thing for it to cut through."

"You remember other Integrity Knights with similar dispositions, right Little Miss?" Bercouli brought up.

To which Alice answered, "Yes. But at least they could hold a casual conversation." She moved to step forward, but somehow stepped on a fungus that immediately dispersed a thick spore cloud that enveloped the group. Bercouli ordered them all to escape as quickly as possible by running ahead. But no one in the group could see two mels in front of them and were all running blind. No one knew which way they were heading.

After much running, Kirito, Eugeo, and Alice stopped once they were clear of the cloud and caught their breath after racing through it. Alice quickly checked everyone's Stacia Window to find nothing affecting them like poison or such. They breathed easy once they discerned they were alright, until they noticed something disturbing.

"Wait, where's the Commander and everyone else?" Eugeo pointed out. The other two looked around and didn't find their companions anywhere. Eugeo was about to call out for them when Kirito clamped his mouth shut with his hand.

"You call out and we'll have more of those bug monsters swarming us," he informed. "We need to regroup, but we can't risk disturbing too many of these things on the way." Eugeo nodded and Kirito removed his hand. "That being said," the black-haired youth continued, "we need to figure out where to go from here."

"Let's press on for now," Alice suggested. "Uncle will most likely do the same and meet up with us further in." The two boys agreed to the plan and continued onward.

The path they took led into some denser parts of the jungle. Along the way, they noticed strange objects within and hanging from the trees here. They recognized them as cocoons and hives by their shape, though this gave little comfort to them as they ventured on. As the night went on, the temperature seemed to decrease more and more. They were able to bear with it, but it was noticeable the further they went. Eventually, they found themselves at a clearing. One which had a massive stone door towering just ahead of them.

The door in question was covered in strange hexagons, standing taller than most buildings the three had ever seen even in Centoria. It gave off an air of foreboding and was covered by a few vines near the top. Without question, they knew they had found the Dungeon Master's room.

"We found it," Eugeo said in amazement.

"Well we were certainly lucky," Kirito remarked. "And we've only been in this dungeon once. How many days do you think the Assault Team has been tackling this dungeon?"

"I don't know," his flaxen-haired friend replied. "But this will be useful for them to tackle this Dungeon Master."

"We should wait here for Uncle and the others, then go back to town and share our findings," Alice suggested. "This way, the Assault Team can tackle this monster and clear the way to the next floor." The boys agreed to it, but Eugeo placed a hand on the door that somehow caused it to open. As the room inside was revealed, the trio peered in to see what lay within. At first, it was too dark to see what was inside. They couldn't even tell what the room looked like.

Seeing this, Kirito said with a shrug, "Well, since it's open, might as well see what we might be facing." And he went inside despite Alice's protests. Eugeo came in shortly after to try and pull him back, but that was when things began to come to life. The room lit up suddenly with strange torches all along the walls, which revealed grey hexagonal chambers. Some of these chambers were filled with some sort of sticky substance while others either were empty or had something inside. But what drew their attention the most was the thing in the center.

The creature had angled eyes that appeared to have smaller shapes within it, with its head being pointed and having some kind of mouth at the end. Its upper body was adorned with grey armor that covered its upper chest with a front piece extending down to what would be its midsection. It had no legs, but a sort of diamond-shaped lower body. By its side was a super long spear that was double ended with curved blades. Its wings twitched as it heard the trio enter.

The three stood frozen in terror at the massive monster that was before them. But then a wild boar-like creature charged past them, squealing in terror. But before it could stop, the monster before them rose before quickly descending and stabbing it with its lower half, most likely a stinger. The creature wailed and screeched, and the three watched in horror as its body began decomposing right before their eyes. Its skin, fur, and eyes all shrunk into itself while it was stabbed by this behemoth bug. Before too long, they witnessed the boar now turned into a pile of bones that collapsed as the creature rose back up. They quickly realized this was the Dungeon Master.