We're finally here...

Chapter 38

The Collapse

It was evening by the time the caravans arrived from Rulid. The air was full of despair as the twenty or so survivors from Rulid walked into camp. The three tents assigned to the refugees were my own, Eldrie's and Deusolbert's, which were full of mattresses and blankets. The tents were quite big, so could fit seven or eight people inside one. Centoria would've been a better place to keep them safe, but unfortunately the Norlangarth Emperor refused to allow them to stay, and there was no word from the Eastavarieth Emperor.

I walked up to Eugeo and Alice. Alice still had tears in her eyes, while Eugeo just stared blankly at the crowd. I gently placed a hand on his shoulder, which caused him to flinch. "There used to be a hundred people in Rulid…" He muttered. "We should've been there…"

I shook my head. "Even if you were, you'd have to stay in the plaza…" I felt my fingers dig into my palms. It was so frustrating, knowing the Taboo Index had led to people being unable to follow basic human instinct…that more people had died due to circumstances outside their control…

Alice shook her head. "I wish I could've been there for Selka… Having to watch father's death all by herself…" Her voice ended with a squeak, tears starting anew.

Bercouli joined us, looking over the refugees. "I suspect Eldrie isn't in the best mood. He was responsible for looking over the End Mountains in the North…"

I shook my head. "It's no one's fault. If it's anyone's, it's the world we live in…for driving those goblins to raid Rulid."

Eugeo had a ghost of a smile. "You sound like Kirito."

"Well, he told me a lot about the Dark Territory."

One of the Rulid elders looked up at us and his eyes widened. "Bercouli…? Is it really you…?"

Bercouli looked surprised. "I am. Bercouli Synthesis One sir."

The elder's eyes glistened with joy. "I thought you were just a story we told the children of Rulid. But it's really you, the Hero Bercouli, right in front of my eyes!"

Eugeo's eyes looked a little panicked, but Bercouli put a hand on his shoulder and stepped forward a little. "I don't know if the stories are true, but I will do my best to protect you and your people, to live up to the stories you tell. I only wish I could've been there to save the other citizens of Rulid…" I could practically see the guilt eating away at him.

The elder shook his head, smiling. "Seeing you here has given me hope for our future. When this war is over, maybe we could rebuild Rulid, like how you did three hundred years ago."

Eugeo began muttering. "If he keeps talking, it could trigger the Piety Module in Bercouli's head in activate…"

I was ready to step forward, but Alice instead wiped her eyes and walked to the elderly man. "Maybe you could tell me that story sir while we get you settled in. It's been so long since I've heard it."

"Ah, of course Alice." The two of them walked away towards the Integrity Knight tents.

I looked up at Bercouli. He gave a soft smile. "These used to be my people…"

"They still are." Eugeo said simply. "You have no idea how much the stories the elders tell of you inspire the children…including me, Kirito and Alice." He smiled. "If it wasn't for you, us three wouldn't be here today."

Bercouli's guilt turned to pride. "I'm glad that you all are standing beside us today." He looked back to his tent. "Come, we should review our formation."

We both followed him into the tent, where Fanatio was busy with last minute preparations. Several blocks were placed on a map, in front of the Eastern Gate. There were three rows, making up seven blocks in total. Two rows of three blocks sat right in front of the Eastern Gate, with a number on top, representing the Integrity Knight commanding those forces. A final block was far in the back with no number.

"Lord Bercouli, our supply unit is already getting set up, and our troops are moving into position ready. Current Life indicates the Gate will fall when Lunaria reaches her highest point." Fanatio sighed. "We're also struggling to find people willing to defend the supply unit should the worst happen and enemies slip through."

"What about the two girls that are always hanging around with that young man and this boy?" Bercouli patted Eugeo on the shoulder.

"It's a possibility…" Fanatio crossed her arms. "I wouldn't want young girls on the front lines, especially if they have no real combat experience."

"Luna might also want to help." I threw out the suggestion, which Fanatio nodded at.

Deusolbert soon entered the tent. "The refugees have settled in. Unfortunately, we have to move soon."

"Thank you Deusolbert." Bercouli nodded. "Fanatio, you, Eldrie and Deusolbert head down to the front lines. I'll need to have a talk with some people before the battle. I'll trust you all to inform the others of any changes to the positions."

"Yes sir!" The two Integrity Knights said in unison. Bercouli nodded before looking to me, indicating with his head to follow him. I did so, heading out of the tent. We snuck through a gap between two carriages and headed over to where Kirito was sat, checking over his sword's Life. He looked up as we approached and smiled.

"I wanted to have a discussion with you two before the battle started." Bercouli gestured for me to sit next to Kirito. "I haven't really had much of a talk with what you know Light."

"Unfortunately sir, I don't know much more than you." I shrugged. "I was falling through a black hole and then woke up in Underworld."

Bercouli nodded. "I'm not sure what you mean by a black hole…but Kirito briefly explained to me about the world you both came from. Is there any reason to believe someone else from your world could come here?"

Kirito looked a little worried. "What do you mean?"

The commander looked to the Eastern Gate. "Whenever I look to the Gate now, I feel a powerful Incarnation on the other side. Not unlike the Incarnations you both possess. But this one…it feels so empty."

I followed his gaze and tried to feel this presence too. When I reached out…it was true. I felt something so cold, so devoid of emotion. It was terrifying. Whoever this was, they didn't care for anyone.

Kirito frowned. "It's possible that four more people other than us two could come to this world. Though if they're on the Dark Territory's side of the conflict…" He looks troubled. Whoever this person was, they weren't going to be easy to negotiate with like Kirito had planned.

I noticed Bercouli's gaze had turned a little sad. "Shasta…" He muttered under his breath.

"Who's Shasta?" I asked, without thinking. I froze up a little as Bercouli turned his gaze to me, but thankfully that soft smile returned.

"He was the General of the Dark Knights. If he was still there, maybe we could settle the conflict before it even began, but it seems he isn't on the battlefield." I looked at Kirito, unable to hide some amusement. Kirito just scratched his cheek a little. "Well, we should head down to the battlefield. You both can ride on Hoshigami with me."

I smiled a little. "Not underneath him I hope?"

Bercouli chuckled a little, whistling loudly. "Not this time." Hoshigami landed next to us. "It might be a little cramped though." He climbed on top at the back of the saddle, leaving enough room for us. Kirito climbed on first, and I soon joined them, Hoshigami taking off soon after we were all secure.

We soured over the ravine, and I couldn't help but feel my stomach twist as I looked down at the gathering armies. There were already hundreds down there, but I knew from the roars coming from the other side of the Gate that we were dwarfed by the Dark Territory's army. I looked down at the Night Shadow Blade, a little nervous. You'd better not let me down now… It felt warm, almost like it was speaking back, saying that it wouldn't.

Kirito was also looking below. "It's pitch black down there."

"No light has ever touched the bottom of that ravine." Bercouli said calmly as he began to circle towards the ground. His calm voice seemed to have an effect on me. It helped me relax a little, remembering I was surrounded by people who had prepared all their second lives to get to this moment.

Hoshigami landed in between the two line of defence we had set up. I jumped off before offering Kirito a hand, which he took. Bercouli stayed on the dragon, giving us a small salute before heading towards the supply unit.

"You're in Deusolbert's block right?" Kirito asked before checking the Life of his sword.

I frowned, trying to think back to the formation. "I believe so."

He raised his hand in a fist. "Well, good luck. I'll see you on the other side."

"Yeah, will do." I returned the gesture and he gently fist bumped me before walking away from me. "Hey Kirito?"

"Yeah?" He looked behind to me.

"If you need me, I'll be there."

He gave me a small smile. "I'll be fine, I have Eugeo and Fanatio with me."

"I'll protect everyone until my last breath. That includes you Kirito. Even if you can handle yourself." I knew he could look after himself, but I wanted him to know that. It was the same words that gave me so much hope back in The Land Beyond.

"Don't worry, I won't be the one you draw your last breath protecting." His smile turned a little sad. "I won't let any of my party members die. Not again…" Before I could register what he said, he walked away.

I stood there for a few moments, wanting to follow him. But already I could feel the ground rumble, as if an invisible clock was counting down the seconds before the Gate fell. I headed straight for my unit.

Deusolbert stood calmly in the front. I walked up to him, drawing my sword and placing the tip in the ground. I could feel Lord Grant's proud smile from behind me.

"Nervous?" Deusolbert asked.

"A little." I admitted. "But I've faced death before. Once the fighting begins, I'll be fine."

The only time I saw a glint of amusement in Deusolbert's eyes happened then. "You have courage. But don't let that consume you."

"I know."

The banners of the Human Empire were raised as the cracks in the Gate began to glow a calming purple. I took a deep breath, looking to my left. I could see Kirito and Eugeo in the front row, not quite close enough to make out their expressions. Beyond them, I could make out the red and green of Kimiko and Lilith's uniforms all the way in the left group.

This is really it…

As if to confirm my thoughts flames blazed across the gate, spelling out the words "FINAL LOAD TEST" in English. I could hear murmurs of confusion behind me. But they soon turned to gasps as the heavens cracked open and a large beam came down to break open the Eastern Gate.

The first time light touched the bottom of the ravine…and it was to kill us all.

It's been a while hasn't it. Unfortunately, I lost a bit of motivation because I was trying so hard to do Chapter 3 of No Land Beyond Volume 1. But I'm back. And we're here, at the threshold of total war. It's been a long time coming. Sword Art Online: Alicization Nightshade, War of Underworld. Yikes...that's a long title XD

I won't say much about this chapter, as it pretty much speaks for itself. Light and Kirito have entered the battlefield. The only question is how will they fare against the Dark Territory. I can't wait to write this.

Reviews:

blackbutterfly1313: I hoped you'd like that moment and I'm glad you did. I'll keep trying my best :)

Well, I guess that's all I got. Until next time, Stay Cool