Chapter 3. Beater!
Sitting in a colorful barstool somewhere in the digital space. Deron was drinking some orange drink and listening to the music. Spinning around to face you he smiles and waves.
"Hello. And welcome!" *smile* "I'm Deron."
*stands and bows dramatically*
"Now I know we don't normally talk much, usually it's just the odd review or favorite, but I thought we could change that. This here is a creation I call, The writers pub. Here we are outside the rules of reality that the story holds." *snaps his fingers and the scene changes to Dex's Diner from attack of the clones* "here I can answer questions respond to reviews or comments and gi-"
*the doors burst open*
"Are you seriously starting the writers pub without me?!"
"Rory come on, I was monologuing!"
"No! Uh-uh no, N-n-n-n-n-NO, we came up with this idea together, and you're here starting without me!" *walks up and jabs his finger at Deron*
"Come on man the readers are watching!" *he holds his hands up defensively*
"You said we were going to wait until next chapter but you just wanted to hog them all behind my back!"
"Well we needed a good opening! The other stories are getting way too popular!"
*the doors open again and two people walk in wearing odd 19th century era clothing chatting amongst themselves*
"And so I told the Strax tha-" *the two pause noticing Deron, Rory, and you, all sitting together*
"Uhh Mage… I think they're using the pub today…"
"No!" *Deron snaps teleporting the two mystery figures away* "No, that is enough cross references for today. thank you!" *he turns back to Rory* "Case and point! They're even cutting in on our screen time!"
"A bit touchy today aren't we?" Rory snickered.
"Oh shut up." Deron sighed, "now where was I… oh! Right!" He waved his hand creating an image of Aincrad, floating above their heads. Next to it he made a map of Lyoko as well. "Here we are, two digital worlds. One a MMORPG the other, a digital frontier to reshape the human condition."
"What would happen if the two merged?" Rory asked, putting his arm around you and turning you towards Aincrad.
"Today, we visit the world of Aincrad, the digital castle in the sky. Will Kirito and Asuna discover the secrets just now breaching their world?" Deron continued.
"Man they haven't even seen the library yet I mean this is gonna get good!" Rory smiled.
"Oh definitely, one of the main reasons we started this was the potential we had here for a unique story! So many unexplored possibilities!"
"Yeah! Like that time with the great big owl thi-" Rory started but Deron cut him off.
"But that would be telling. Can't wait to see you all again! But until next time it's time for Rory to get to work."
"Oh yeah it's my chapter this time…"
—
Day 31 floor 1
About a month had passed since Sword Art Online started. During that time over 2,000 people had died and as of yet, nobody had managed to clear the first floor. Even the beta testers hadn't been able to locate the boss room. A fact that had driven many players to lunacy.
Rory was one of these players. "Oh come off it already!" His voice rang through the forest. "Where is that stupid, freaking room!"
Asuna sighed tiredly as her old friend ran around in a fit. She and Rory had been hunting the grounds for the fabled "Boss room" with zero success. Though she was more relieved than disappointed about that. Knowing her friend as she did she wouldn't put it past him to want to take it on as soon as possible.
When Rory started looking under random stones Asuna had enough. "Rory I think I've had enough searching for today. Besides there's supposed to be that meeting in the town square later."
Hearing that Rory just scoffed. "Oh please. You know as well as I that it's just gonna be Kibao and a bunch of players whining and complaining about how they can't find the boss room." He with a mocking tone.
"Well it can't hurt to go. What if they did find it?" Asuna huffed.
Sighing, Rory turned to face Asuna. "I guess you have a point." Then his face brightened as he exclaimed. "So how about this? You go there. If it turns out they found it then you come and fill me in. And if they didn't then at least I was still out here looking."
When Asuna just stared at him he shrunk back a little. "Also because if I'm not there then there'll be zero chance of me punching Kibao in the face… again?" Rory added questionably.
Asuna rolled her eyes and moved to refute that but stopped mid breath. "I guess that makes some sense, we don't want another brawl." She reluctantly said, stunning Rory who very rarely won any of their "discussions".
"But since I am going alone then you get the pleasure of making dinner tonight." She conditioned with a conniving grin.
Whatever reaction she had anticipated from her old friend was lost as he merely saluted her. "Yes commander! As you wish commander! But don't blame me if your stomach hates you tonight, commander!"
"Alright smarty pants now let's get going." Asuna mock ordered before turning and marching back to the town of beginnings.
- (Tolbana; Boss meeting) -
After Asuna and Rory had returned to town they quickly went their separate ways, Asuna off to the meeting and Rory to collect items for dinner. A fact that had Asuna practically salivating about.
Though he joked about it, Rory was actually a good cook. He simply didn't do it very often due his lazy demeanor. But the few times he had cooked their dinner in-game were times to remember. Much better than her own cooking.
Asuna was so enthralled in the idea of good food that she almost missed Diabel starting the meeting.
"Thank you for responding to my summons today everyone. My name is Diabel. And to me the role I play is a Knight!" He introduced, making Asuna smile as she recalled Rory excitedly telling her that there were no roles to play in Sao.
Diabel's opening words served to break the ice as all that had gathered started laughing. "There are no roles in this game!", "Is this meeting also a joke or is there a point to it?" Though all present fell silent at the sight of Diabel's serious expression.
"Today our party found the boss room of this floor. Located at the top of the tower." He declared, stunning them all. "We must defeat the boss and press on to reach the second level. We must prove to all that are here, waiting in the Town of Beginning that this game can be beaten! And right now that responsibility is the duty of each one of us! Am I right everyone?"
By the end of his speech all present were feeling energized and invigorated. Not even Asuna was fully immune to its effects. Though she was sure that was in part due to her partner keeping their spirits up.
"Ok, now without further delay, let's get the boss-raid meeting started! First, I'd like everyone to party up into groups of six." With that simple statement Asuna lost all her energy and invigoration. 'Six!' She thought to herself numbly. 'Me and Rory barely know anyone to take part in the raid! And now we have to find 4 people for our party?'
Soon however a voice broke through her panicked thoughts; "You got left out too?"
Startled, she looked over and so a boy dressed in typical starter gear. "I wasn't left out. It's just that everyone already seemed to know each other so I decided to stay out of it."
"So you're a solo player?" He asked.
"Not quite. It's just that my partner didn't think this meeting would amount to much and decided to skip it. Boy will he be disappointed." She smirked.
The boy looked curious but ignored it for now. "Would the two of you mind partnering with me? Diabel just said that we can't beat the boss on our own. So… maybe we party up for this fight?"
Asuna took a second look at the boy. Although he didn't look like much, she knew that in this game appearances mattered for nothing. You could be a small child and have a level high enough to take down armies in this world. So she agreed with a nod and accepted the incoming party confirmation.
"Alright, are you all about done creating your parties?" Diabel asked, drawing the attention of the stadium back to him. "Good. Now then-"
"Now hold on just a dang moment!" A new voice rang out making Asuna groan and at that moment was very glad Rory had elected to stay out of the meeting.
A spiky orange haired guy leaped down the steps of the stadium and stood next to Diabel. "My name is Kibaou! And there's something I'd like to get off my chest before we take on the boss. Some of you here need to apologize for the two thousand people who have died in the game so far!" Kibaou shouted, pointing angrily into the crowd.
Yes... Asuna was very glad Rory wasn't here.
"Kibaou-san, these people you're referring to... do you mean the ex-beta testers, perhaps?" Diabel's calmer voice intruded.
"Of course I mean the beta-testers!" He retorted sarcastically. "On the day this stupid game started those beta players just up and left us to rot! They took all the good hunting grounds, all the easy quests, and hoarded money and items to themselves. They have been the only ones here getting any stronger. And ever since then, they've all but ignored the rest of us weaklings." Kibaou stated almost nonchalantly, before turning even more hostile. "There's gotta be some of them here now! Show yourselves Beta Testers! We should make them apologize to us! Make them give up all their money and items! There is no way we can trust the likes of them with our lives, nor can they trust us!"
All Asuna could do was sit and stare at the idiot in front. At the very beginning she and Rory had run into numerous beta testers and had asked for tips and advice... well Rory had at least. He never was nervous when it came to talking to complete strangers. They probably owed their lives to beta testers.
Though not everyone was so keen to keep their thoughts to themselves. "Can I say something?" Looking over Asuna watched as a towering man with an axe on his back stood and calmly walked down to Kibaou. "My name is Agil. Kibaou-san, let me get this right... you're saying that because the ex-beta testers didn't properly take care of the beginners that many of them died. That they should claim full responsibility, apologize, and provide compensation. Is that correct?
Kibaou must have thought the bigger man went down to clober him but all the same refused to give an edge. "R-right!"
Without blinking an eye Agil pulled out a book that Asuna recognized as one that she and Rory had. A guidebook. "You received this guidebook too, didn't you? It was provided for free at the item store, after all."
Now feeling a bit uncertain Kibaou responded. "Sure, I got it... so what if I did?"
Agil now went for the kill. "It was the ex-beta testers who were distributing these" He told him, startling many of the other players who hadn't known that. Leaving Kibaou after that revelation Agil turned to the stands. "Now listen up! Everyone had equal access to this information. Yet even with it many people died. What to learn from those failures, and hWow to try and beat the boss. That is what I thought we would be discussing here."
Kibaou then, to Asuna at least, pouted like the child he was and walked back to his seat, followed by a much more dignified Agil.
Diabel waited a few moments more before getting back on track with the true topic of the day. "All right. I assume that we can continue on with the meeting now?" With nods all around he continued. "As far as information on the boss goes... actually, the latest edition of that guidebook was just released. According to it, the boss's name is Illfang the Kobold Lord. Illfang has an entourage known as the Ruin Kobold Sentinels. The Boss himself is armed with an axe and a buckler…"
As the meeting went on one thought ran through Asuna's head that made her grin smugly. 'Rory's gonna smack himself when I get back with the news.'
(Tolbana; Marketplace)
"What to make, what to make?" Was the question Rory kept asking himself. After wandering around the marketplace for an hour or so Rory was forced to admit to himself... that he had no idea how to make anything japanese. Which meant that he was going to have to be creative... but simple.
Not that something like that would be easy. In the last month Rory honed his in-game cooking skills. So that at the very least he could make something decent should he want to. "A dish that's simple to make. And something that I know well." He mumbled to himself as he walked past the different stalls with Octopus balls, eel fillets, fish and other assorted japanese delicacies.
Suddenly he had an epiphany. Rory knew exactly what he would make. He honestly just hoped it would taste good.
Shortly after his brilliance he ran into a familiar face. Literally.
"Oi! Watch where you're going ya crazy luna… tic. Klein?" The red-head waved back nervously. "Klein don't you ever watch where you're going?" Rory tiredly asked.
"Of course I do!" Klein responded indignantly before faltering. "Umm… who are you again?"
Rory stared at him like he was being stupid. Before he realized. "Oh that's right! We haven't met in our real bodies yet!" Taking in a breath Rory set the scene. "I remember it as though it were yesterday. Just me and my friend walking aimlessly through the town when all of a sudden these two boys came charging out of an alley, startling us to death. I'm about to give them a piece of my mind when the red headed boy grabbed my raised fist and said. 'Hi my name's Klein, age 24 I'm single! Please date me!'" Rory smirked as Klein's face paled.
"Y-y-y-you're a. You're a… but you were a girl!" The redhead exclaimed in protest.
Rory just kept his smirk and shrugged. "Yeah. Well hey I did tell you that I wasn't your type."
Klein gazed at Rory with a gaping mouth for a few moments more before gaining back some composure as he chuckled nervously once more. "Well yeah I guess you did say that... soo what are ya doin' here then?"
In response to Klein's question Rory merely added a raised eyebrow to his expression and gestured to the stalls around them and said with slight sarcasm. "Oh I just thought I'd wander through the marketplace. Just to smell the food as it were."
Unfortunately said sarcasm was lost on the samurai. "Oh... good for you I guess?"
"That was sarcasm Klein." He sighed. "I'm getting ingredients for a meal
for me and my friend. What about you?"
"Oh me and the gang just came back from grinding some xp. From this area alone I bumped up two whole levels baby!" Klein shouted excitedly, causing many to look his way with annoyed faces.
Before the two of them could continue their riveted conversation on... random topics, Rory overheard a much more interesting convo.
"And you haven't heard from them?"
"No. And it's already been three days. What if they're…"
"I'm sure they're fine. Maybe they just got lost."
"But they've got crystals to take them back to the nearest town! They shouldn't be able to get lost!"
"Well what are we gonna do Rin? We can't just sit here and do nothing! Someones got to go after them!"
"I never said we would! But we can't just go out there halfcocked! We'll just end up getting ourselves killed before we get anywhere near them!"
Sharing a concerned glance with Klein, he and Rory moved up to the two girls and Rory politely spoke. "Pardon me ladies but my friend and I couldn't help but overhear a bit of your predicament. Someone's gone missing?"
One of the girls was too emotional to respond so the other took charge. "Yeah that's right. The rest of our guild. They went on a quest they found in town last week to go help find an old npc's family. And they haven't come back since!" She cried.
The other girl managed to work through her tears. "We checked the town wall and it says that they're still alive! But even so…" She didn't have to voice her worries as all present heard them loud and clear.
And none of that sounded good to Rory and a shared glance confirmed that Klein thought the same. But before he could even begin to respond Klein energetically spoke for them both. "Don't worry! Me and uhh…"
"Rory."
"Right! Me and Rory will go out and search for them! And we'll bring them back no problem!" Klein reassured the girls, picking up the steam he lost by not knowing Rory's name.
The girls though didn't even seem to notice Klein's hesitance. Their gloomy faces were washed away and replaced with hope by Klein's confidence in both his and Rory's ability to save their friends.
After obtaining all the information they could about the mission the girls team went out on the two of them walked off. All the while Rory kept giving Klein an exasperated look.
"What?" Klein asked, finally noticing Rory's face at him.
Sighing Rory looked back forward. "Look it's not like I wouldn't have wanted to go myself as well. But I would have liked it better if you hadn't just gone ahead and invited me along without asking."
At that Klein scratched his head and laughed nervously. "Yeah sorry about that! Guess I just got ahead of myself there. But hey! Since you were already gonna go ahead and help anyway no harm no foul right?"
"Semantics." The young man responded with a slight pout. "But anyway before we go off I gotta go home and let my friend know where we're going and give her some food for the night."
"Food!" Klein exclaimed, practically drooling at the prospect.
"Yes… would you like some as well?" Rory droned.
Klein nodded emphatically and the two of them bought the food they originally came to buy and planned to meet up in an hour at the outskirts of town to start the search for the girl's friends.
- (Talbana; Town Square) -
As soon as Rory got home he set to work making the dish he planned for the night, even making extra to bring with him for Klein. Afterwards he ran off towards Town Square in search of Asuna.
In just a short while he found her in her usual red cloak, sitting down and shouted for her. "Asuna!"
When Asuna looked over and saw him she took off her hood, showing the big grin it was hiding at seeing her friend again. "Rory!"
They met with a brief hug and before Rory could get off a word Asuna broke him off with a smug look saying. "And you said they wouldn't have found the boss floor."
The shock Rory felt was obvious to any and all watching. "What! You've gotta be kidding me!"
Somehow the smugness in Asuna's look doubled. "Nope. They found it and we're gonna go raid it tomorrow."
Suddenly the shock fell away to uncertainty and no small amount of guilt. And Asuna took notice. "What's wrong? I thought you'd be excited. This is the first step towards getting back home!"
Rory sighed. He really hoped Asuna understood this. "Normally I would be. But the thing is… I've kinda made other plans."
"Other plans? Well just postpone them. You can do that can't you? It's not like it's life or death or anything." Any sense of humor died immediately at seeing Rory's serious face. Ever since that first day Asuna had never seen Rory's face so serious. For most of the time since then he was too busy trying to keep Asuna's spirit alive.
"These two girls are missing their party members. The wall still says they're alive so me and a new friend of mine are gonna go and look for them in the woods."
Unfortunately Asuna didn't have much to argue there. But that didn't mean she couldn't try. "But… isn't there anyone else that could do it? Why does it have to be you?" She asked fearfully.
"I hope you understand Asuna. I can't just turn a blind to people who need my help. You know that. Even if it's more than likely that those girl's friends are gone and dead. I have to try." Rory explained, pleading that she would understand.
And she did. She may not have liked it but she understood it. " I, I know Ror… just promise me that you'll come back safe."
Their eyes met and Rory knew he couldn't refuse her this. So mustering up his courage and hiding any doubts he grinned, making sure it reached his eyes. "You betcha!"
Asuna smiled, feeling a bit better than she had before. But before they could move on to other topics she had to catch a food container. When the smell reached her she nearly squealed in delight. "You made food!"
Rory chuckled and his grin felt more genuine. "I told you I would. Now there should be enough in there for a couple of meals just in case I'm not back tomorrow." That comment brought back the somber mood again. "Now I already know not to bother asking you to stay out of the boss fight tomorrow is a no go but just do your best to stay safe. And find someone to party with temporarily at least."
"I already did." Asuna said softly. When Rory seemed surprised she chuckled. "I'm not that unsociable Ror."
"Sure you're not… in the real world. Here though you've been just a bit shy of everyone."
"Well can you really blame me?" She asked incredulously.
"Not really no." He allowed. "But you're stronger than you realize Asuna. Always have been. In the end I have no doubt that you'll have every player here eating out of your hands. You'll see." He assured her. "But anyway I have to get going. My teammate is waiting for me." With that he waved goodbye and turned to go meet up with Klein when all of a sudden he felt Asuna hug him from behind. "Asuna?"
"Don't die." Was all she said.
Turning around so he could return her hug he responded. "I won't." Hoping that would be enough to reassure her.
It must have been since Asuna soon released her grip on him. So grabbing her by her shoulders he looked down at her and said cheerfully. "We both have our missions and we have our teammates. Don't be afraid to talk to him or her and come up with a plan of attack. Alright?
Asuna tried to muster up her own courage and nodded just once. Then they turned and walked off. Each on their own adventure for the first time in the month they'd been in this strange world.
- (Tolbana, Outskirts)
When Rory arrived at the meeting point with Klein he could see the red haired samurai pacing almost impatiently. He stopped just a few feet away, looking at him in confusion when he asked. "You alright there Klein?"
His question caught Klein off guard. So much so that he had jumped back and almost even pulled out his sword before noticing who startled him. Letting out a sigh of relief Klein relaxed his guard. "Man don't scare me like that! I thought you were a PK'er."
Rory just gave the older man another deadpan stare. "Klein if I were a PK'er I wouldn't have said anything. And seeing how little you were paying attention… you would be dead." He and Klein shared a slight laugh at the joke. However morbid it may have been.
After their laughter subsided Rory turned his curious eyes onto Klein once again. "Though Klein I gotta ask. What were you pacing about? Don't tell me you're getting cold feet?"
Klein looked troubled. "It's just that… maybe we should bring along a couple more guys. I've got my guild and I'm sure you know a couple of good players too right?"
"Weren't you the one who told those girls not to worry?" Rory asked, raising an eyebrow at Klein's rather subdued behavior.
"W-well yeah but better to be safe than sorry right?" The red head countered.
Rory pondered that seriously. On the one hand he was sure that if it was dangerous that Asuna would kill him for not waiting and taking her with. On the other hand however. "Look more than likely those other players just got lost. Players who go out in groups rarely suffer losses anymore. Especially since it's only the first level. But the longer we wait the less chance they have of all of them making it back safely."
Klein bowed his head at the somber yet realistic statement. And in an attempt to lighten the mood he asked. "But hey! Weren't you the one that told those girls that we'd get their friends for them?" Then in a determined voice he continued. "Well then that's exactly what we're gonna do."
His new friend seemed startled by the sheer determination in Rory's voice before slowly adapting a determined face of his own to match. With a grin the two of them clasped arms before heading out into the woods in search of the missing team.
- (Tolbana; Town Square) -
While Rory and Klein trekked through the woods, Asuna was sitting alone while the other player's present partied and drank. She really couldn't understand how they could be so nonchalant about this world and the dangers it represented.
However for the time being she decided to try and put that out of her mind as she pulled out the food Rory prepared for her. Opening it up she grabbed one of the two pairs of chopsticks and dug in. And as always it tasted delicious.
It was then that the voice of her partner sounded. "I haven't seen those for sale around here." Turning around the boy was standing next to the raised garden she was sitting on. Looking back at her the boy politely asked. "Mind if I sit down?"
Asuna simply looked away even as Rory's voice ran through her mind. 'Don't be afraid to talk to him…'
When the boy sat down she barely managed to suppress the urge to scootch away. The two of them sat in silence for a few moments and ate their food. Her with her delicious homemade… whatever it was Rory had made this time and her partner with… that awfully bland bread.
So after eating her fill she silently offered the boy what was left. Her partner seemed almost shocked but gladly accepted the offered bento. Asuna watched as he took just one bite and saw his hair stand on end.
He looked at her with stars in his eyes he asked. "Where did you buy this?"
"Umm, I didn't buy that. My friend made that for me." She answered.
"You mean that guy from before?" The boy asked.
Asuna nodded. "Yeah."
"Huh." He really didn't feel like telling her he thought it pretty useless to use up a skill slot for cooking. Especially so early in the game. "The two of you seemed close."
Asuna nodded again, this time with a slight smile on her face. "Yeah. He's partly why I'm here."
"What do you mean by that?"
With a short breath and Rory's words again echoing through her, she answered. "Rory and I have been close for a long time. We knew each other in the real world before all this happened. And ever since I can remember he's been there for me. He's always been there for anyone in need. Even if I stayed in the town of beginnings… he'd still be out here. Preferably alone."
"So you're here tooo… try and keep him out of trouble?" He assumed. When she nodded he couldn't help but ask one last question. "You said that was only part of why you're here. What's the other part?" He asked, his curiosity getting to him.
"So I can still be me." She started. It surprised her how after opening up just a small part to him made it easier to open up even more. "I'd rather day myself until the very last moment, rather than lock myself away in an inn back in the first town. Just waiting for Rory to save the day as I rotted away."
Clasping her hands together she continued. "Even if I'm defeated by a monster and die, I don't want to lose to this game… to this world. No matter what."
The boy quickly ate up the last of the food Rory had prepared and said. "Well I wouldn't want a team member dying on me… so at the very least, don't die tomorrow."
- (Kolbana Woods; Floor 1) -
Normally due to it being extremely dangerous most players would return to the safety of the towns before night time. More and more dangerous monsters tended to spawn in the dark.
"Yeah! Take that ya stupid plant type!" Obviously Rory was not one of those normal, sane players.
"Yosh! Bet ya I can take out more than you!" And apparently neither was Klein.
"Oh yeah! Well then little samurai let's settle this with our blades! The night is long and we've still got a little while before we get to the dungeon those girls said to go to." Rory challenged with a roguish grin.
"You're on!" And thus the plant smashing competition between two overly competitive men began.
By the time they reached the grove that the girls described however… well neither were entirely sure who killed more. Especially since more mobs just kept coming. They only really knew that they were tired.
"Ha ha! Uhh… what's that?" Klein pointed out with winded breath, gesturing at something in the middle of the grove.
Heaving a little himself Rory could barely make out what Klein was seeing. There in the grove was a little log cabin. "Huh… you don't see that every day. Must be a safe zone."
"Think those other party members are in there?"
"Well I mean if you were lost in a creepy woodland area at night surrounded by monsters wouldn't you pick the first log cabin to hunker down in till morning?" Klein couldn't be sure if that was an honest question or if Rory was being sarcastic.
To be honest… neither could Rory.
But shrugging their shoulders the two warriors decided it was best to check it out unaware that by moving forward they had already stepped right into a trap.
-P.O.V. XANA-
Looking through the digital trees, a large black symbol formed on one of the larger ones. Examining the small troop of players entering the grove.
!-Run./invasiveprogramactivation-
!towerinitializedhtml
titleInsert script/title
style
broken {
Background-systemsacessr: #ffffff;
}
p
program-family: Area;
div class="container"
pidentify entity/p
pprocessing... ... ... ... 50%/p
pentity recognized recognition humans/p
pRUN CODE XANA/p
pinitialize preventative measures/p
pAcquiring assets... acclimation in process.../p
p/p
- (Players P.O.V.) -
As the warriors moved in to investigate Rory found himself looking around the grove. Apart from the trees sparsely placed around the inside of the grove the forest got inexplicably thicker further out. While the cabin itself was a good reason for the space it still made him a little paranoid.
Before he could ponder any more Klein got excited and pointed at the cabin. "Look! There they are!"
Looking over he saw that there were indeed the missing party members standing just inside the cabin door. However Rory's excitement was short-lived as the party members were shouting at them to get away. Their warning was what tipped him off to the flaming breath attack heading towards a still unsuspecting Klein.
"Klein, get down!" He yelled as he tackled the samurai to the ground, narrowly missing the breath attack.
"What's going on here?" Klein shouted dodging yet another breath attack from flaming… trees? "The guidebook doesn't mention any range attack monsters on the first floor! And it definitely didn't mention flaming tree monsters anywhere!"
"That was the Beta! Obviously there's been some changes!" Using a sword skill Rory tried to bat away the tree's breath attack. Which worked satisfactorily well for him. That was until the fire ball hit one of the other tree's which caused all the trees around the two to wake up as well. Rory's eyes went wide. "KLEIN! Get to the CABIN!"
"I'm already there!" True enough Klein had bolted the second the other trees woke up. "Get yourSELF over here!"
Taking a defensive stance Rory relied not only on the system but on his own sword skills he'd learned in a year-long stage of absolute boredom. Boy was he glad for that now. Walking back towards the cabin Rory parried all the breath attacks he could. A few broke through his guard every now and then causing him to grit his teeth at the slight burning pain it caused. But before he knew it he stepped through the doorway and into the safe zone.
The biggest tree in the Grove stared at the cabin and Rory was certain it was looking at both the cabin and him in frustration.
Rory's response was to slam the door shut. Afterwards Rory grabbed at his shoulder where one of the attacks got through. Merely touching the wound made him hiss in pain.
"Hey what's wrong there Rory?" Klein asked recoiling when Rory un-equipped his top armor revealing the burn marks on his avatar skin. "What happened there?
"That's what happens when one of those trees hits you with it's fire breath." One of the male players remarked, holding up his arm to reveal burn marks similar to what Rory had.
"Whatever those trees are, those flame attacks almost feel real." The sole female player continued as she showed off the damage one unfortunate hit to her face caused.
"We've noticed that healing crystals seem to remove most of the pain, and the damage disappears slowly as well." The last player explained.
After putting his top armor back on Rory took a step back to think. Something about those enemies out there seemed familiar. Then his eyes widened as he realized. Pulling out the guide book Rory moved ahead to the 3rd floor monsters and abilities known. "What the heck?"
His confusion drew the attention of the other players. "Hey what's the matter Rory?"
"According to the guide book enemies with breath attacks aren't supposed to show up till the third floor." He told them, still feeling confused.
"Well what happened then? Why are they here so early?" The sole female player asked.
"Well the only thing I can think of is that this book is out of date. All this info is from the Beta and games normally change at least a little between the beta and final release." Rory reasoned.
"Well regardless of the reasons why or why not how about we figure out what we're gonna do?" Klein asked.
That drew Rory out of his pondering state. "Well first we should take inventory. What have the three of you got over there?"
The first male player spoke again. "Right. My name is Hobo. I'm afraid I don't have much. All I've got is one healing crystal. My best armor is already equipped apart from my shield which was destroyed just getting us into this cabin. I typically play as a tank."
"Hold up… what did you say your name was again?" Rory asked, certain he didn't hear what he thought he heard.
"Umm… Hobo. Isn't that like someone that goes and travels a lot?" Hobo's face showed his confusion clearly.
"... Well… you're not wrong." Rory didn't have the heart to tell him about what a hobo really was. "Next."
The female player introduced herself. "I'm Shirp. I rely on quick attacks and using a dagger… not very effective on those trees out there I'm afraid. I also have a couple of healing crystals."
Then finally the last spoke up. "Yo. My name's Starlord. I use the sword and shield combat style. I've only got one healing crystal left as well."
"Did none of you think to bring a teleportation crystal?" Rory asked incredulously. When they did nothing to contradict him Rory groaned. "You idiots! If all of you make it out of here you better burn this experience into your thick skulls! Always have a teleportation crystal on you at all times!" He chastised.
Seeing that they realized how badly they'd screwed up Rory let it go. With a sigh he began strategizing. "Alright since me and Klein have our tele crystals we'll have to fend them off long enough for all of you to get away. If all you do is Run then the trees shouldn't focus their fire on you three."
"But what about the two of you?" Shirp asked.
At that point Klein butted in. "Don't worry about us! The two of us have got this fight in the bag! You guys just focus on getting back to town safe." He assured them.
"Klein here's what we're gonna do. I'll beat away their breath attacks, then we'll switch and you can cross them off." With that understood they all gathered by the door.
Klein nodded and raised his weapon to the ready, "Alright let's do this thing." Rory declared shooting Klein a grin before charging out at the trees shouting. "FOR NARNIA!"
This time the trees awoke and immediately launched their breath attacks at Rory who retaliated, using sword skills to knock back the flame attacks setting fire to the battle ground while Klein focused on the main bodies. After a while though it became clear that his attacks were merely annoying the trees.
Backing off temporarily Rory tried to get his breath back as he focused on defending him and Klein. Then he noticed a strange mark just above the tree's face. It almost looked like a third eye.
Well if there was one thing Rory knew about games it's that every enemy had a weak point. "Klein let's do this one more time. This time aim for that mark above its face!"
"Right!" With that they charged again. Rory deflected more breath attacks and Klein aimed for the eye. And when it hit the tree monster glowed as it turned from a tree monster back to merely a tree.
Though that was strange the two warriors didn't question it as they were immediately bombarded by more breath attacks. The trees apparently didn't like that their weakness had been revealed.
Unlike before there were too many attacks to fully protect them both so Rory focused on blocking the ones that would've hit Klein as Klein's health was lower than his own.
When the bombardment ended Rory was on his knees panting while Klein looked at him in astonishment.
Rory's health bar was almost depleted. "Y-You…" Was all he got out before they dodged out of the way of more attacks.
"This isn't working as well as I hoped!" Rory gritted out as he used the last of his healing crystals. "We'll have to split their forces. Now that we know that the eye is the key to defeat them we'll have to work quickly!
Klein forced himself back to the battle and shared a brief nod with Rory.
And with that the two set off, dividing the trees up. Knowing about the eyes they made quick work of most of the remaining trees. Though just as Rory was about to kill the last one, the tree unleashed one last breath attack that knocked Rory's sword out of his hand.
When Klein saw that he didn't hesitate. "Rory! Catch!" He shouted, launching his katana at his party member.
Instantly Rory caught the samurai's trusted blade and used a sword skill to cut through the tree's final attack, slashing right through the eye. When the tree returned the top half of the tree had been cut in half, leaving only the stump.
Rory was panting so heavily that the world began to blur and before he knew it he collapsed into darkness.
-P.O.V. XANA-
pPreventative measures eliminated./p
precognize prerogative /p
pAdjusting parameters/p
padapt code/p
penhance AI structure/p
pabsorb... upgrade... expand.../p
/div
- (Kalbana Woods, Player's P.O.V.) -
The first thing Rory heard as he awoke was the sound of fire crackling. For just a moment he managed to fool himself that the last month was nothing but a dream. That he and Asuna and all of the other players were safe and sound.
But then the moment ended. And opening his eyes he sat up and saw Klein sitting by the fire.
Klein must have heard him getting up. "Oh Rory! You're up!" The ragged samurai looked so relieved at seeing him up and about.
"Klein… what happened? The last thing I remember was hitting the last tree eye. Then everything went kinda dark."
Klein nodded with a somber look on his face. It seemed so uncharacteristic of him to have that expression. "You really scared the daylights out of all of us, passing out like you did."
The fact that he passed out didn't really sit well with Rory at all. He knew it didn't mean anything considering how long the two of them had been fighting but still. Though one thing still seemed strange. "Klein? Why are we still here?"
Sure enough the two of them were still in the grove, sitting right out in front of the cabin. Klein laughed. "Well after you beat the last tree monster the grove completely changed. The safe area that was just the cabin before spread to the outskirts of the forest. And man you're heavy! I wasn't about to drag your butt all the way back to town!"
That little joke brought a little smile to the both of them. "What about the other three?"
"Ahh those three moved on back to town. Though asked me to thank you for them. They saw the whole fight at a distance. They especially saw you defending me from the onslaught of breath attacks. Said they would spread the word about Rory; the Flame Sentinel they called you." Klein explained with an amused smirk.
Rory groaned. "The Flame Sentinel? Seriously?" I am the flame guardian Guardian of the flames! Water trembles before him! **** OFFF
"That's right!" Klein confirmed with a laugh. "And you can bet all the col in the world that by tomorrow you'll be a small legend."
Just what Rory wanted. Not! While other players would love to be renowned and given titles (Though Rory had to admit, the Flame Sentinel had a good ring to it), that wasn't what he wanted at all. He would have been more than happy to be a nameless nobody in the background. Doing what he could without drawing attention.
Of course Klein decided to distract Rory from his moping. "Hey Rory, you mind if I ask you something?"
While wondering what Klein would want to know Rory nodded his assent.
Klein seemed to hesitate before speaking his mind. "Why did you protect me like that? When all those trees open fired on us you took a lot of hits protecting me. You almost died doing it too. So… why?"
Rory pondered on that for a moment. In the end all he had was his honest opinion. "I don't know. I've always been like that. If people need me I'm always there. Even if it hurts. Apparently it's no different in life or death situations."
"Bro… thanks. But you know that'll probably get you killed doing that kind of thing." Klein told him.
"Probably. But hey! Can't change who you are. And besides, we're friends now. And believe me when I say that I will do anything for my friends." And that was a promise.
"Likewise bro. For now though you should probably rest. Today has been a long day." And to Klein that was a big understatement.
"Yeah that sounds like a good idea. WAit!" Rory shot up, causing the both of them to be wide awake again.
"What! Are we under attack?" Klein asked, drawing his sword.
"No!" Rory exclaimed, shaking his head. "I just remembered about the big boss fight tomorrow! If we don't head back now we'll miss it!"
After he said that he tried to start heading back to Kalbana. Only to fall to his knees in pain as the damage he'd received from the tree blasts was still present.
In an instant Klein was there. "Hey man you gotta take it easy!" He cautioned, walking Rory back to bed. "You're in no condition to do more fighting. Especially not against a boss!"
Admittedly Rory knew that. But even still. "My friend'll be in the fight. I brought her here! And when we got trapped I promised to protect her."
Klein sighed. "You do know that you're not invincible right?"
"Don't worry Klein. I'm not stupid." Rory let out a tired laugh at the samurai's dubious look. "Besides if my friend took one look at me she'd forbid me getting anywhere near the battle."
"Sounds like a good friend to me."
"Yeah… she is." He replied sleepily. As soon as the younger warrior laid back down he could feel sleep calling him away.
Klein watched as his new friend fell back asleep. He really hoped Rory wouldn't get himself killed. Guys like him were a rarity in the MMO world. Most players weren't as pleasant to deal with as he seemed to be.
The last thought on both their minds as they fell into sleeps embrace was. (Klein/Rory sure seems like a good friend to have. In a place like this.)
- (Day of the Boss Battle; Floor 1)
When Rory and Klein had awoken they immediately set out for town, despite Klein wanting him to take it easy Rory was still determined to go straight to the boss room to help Asuna and her mysterious partner. Unfortunately he didn't know where the boss room was. Fortunately for him however. He knew who would.
So looking through his friends list he found Argo the Rat. Long ago Argo saved Asuna from a Barbarian Boar.
And after a brief talk which he had not been privy to, she gave the both of them a book about the first floor. Asuna read the whole thing in an instant and thus became 10 times better at the game then she was before.
After witnessing that Argo offered the two of them her friendship. Exactly why she did that they didn't know. Nor would she tell. But she did tell them that she was an info broker and if they ever needed any info to go to her.
And now was the time that Rory needed to know some information. He only hoped that Argo had the answer.
"Argo's in the City of Axgor." He told Klein.
"Why would she be there?"
"In the city there would be a lot more players for Argo to both learn things and sell information to. She's always been lucrative like that."
"Really? But she gave you and your friend that book?" He asked, causing Rory to look at him with amusement.
"Trust me Klein I have no doubt that she'll get something from our little experience together. Still not sure what but that much I'm sure of." He told Klein with a grin.
While Klein looked as curious about what that could be as he and Asuna were, he put behind him as he pondered on where the whisker-faced girl was. Then his eyes widened. "Rory that's almost on the other side of the level!"
Rory sighed. "Yeah I know. Luckily I've got a teleport crystal so I can go back to the Town of Beginnings. I'll have to send her a message to meet me there."
"What are ya gonna do to get a meeting?" Klein questioned.
The younger man smiled and said. "That's easy. I just tell her I've got a fresh bit of info to tell her. She won't be able to resist."
"Heh. Alright then. Guess this is where we split up. I gotta go find my guild members. We planned on going hunting today."
Rory couldn't help but tease the redhead. "After the day we had yesterday? Glutton for punishment much?"
"Hey I'm not the one that almost died and is going after a boss monster." Klein retorted with a grin.
"Touche. Well then I guess I'm off." Rory said, seeing Argo's acceptance of their meeting. "Be seeing ya Klein."
"Don't be a stranger!" Rory nodded and disappeared in a flash with a teleport crystal.
- (Town of Beginnings; Floor 1) -
Immediately after landing in the Town of Beginnings Rory spotted the familiar sight of Argo's blond hair and travelers robe.
"Hey Argo." He greeted kindly.
"Hey yourself Ror. Said you had some info for me?" Argo asked, getting straight to the point.
Rory nodded. "Yeah. A new type of monster."
Just that bit of information caught Argos full attention instantly. "A new type you say? How so?"
Rory allowed himself to frown. "It doesn't look too great Argo. For one they were range fighters. Strong too. They trapped 3 players and almost took me and my friend out of the picture when we went to save them."
Argo frowned as well. "Well that's not good. Enough players have died without adding ranged attackers to the mix."
"Agreed. Which makes this next bit of info even heavier. You can only kill them by hitting a small mark on their body. Any attacks anywhere else is entirely useless."
"What! Are you serious?" The info broker exclaimed.
"Deadly. The mark looks like an eye. A sort of black target type symbol in the shape of a skull. On the enemies we fought it was a small mark right above their face's. The moment we hit there though… the monsters just died."
Argo heaved a sigh. "Well at least you didn't waste my time. This is serious. I'll make sure everyone knows. Don't worry about that."
This time Rory allowed a little smile. "I wasn't. But anyway that's not all I came here for."
"Oh?"
"I need to know where the Boss room is." He asked seriously.
Argo crossed her arms. "And why do you need to know?" She asked crossly.
That surprised him. Argo wasn't normally one to be stingy with her info. Especially after she'd just been given good intelligence. "Because Asuna's there." He told her.
Argo merely stared at him a good long while. Then out of nowhere she punched him in the shoulder where he had been hit by the tree's breath attacks, knocking him to the ground in pain.
"Hey what'd you do that for?" He asked, rubbing his shoulder.
"I don't know, Flame Sentinel. Why don't you tell me?" She bit out surprising him again.
Rory was shocked. She wasn't that good was she? How could she possibly know about tha-
"How do I know you might ask?" She asked him, as though reading his mind. "I am an info broker Rory. And your stunt of rescuing those three players has already been spread across the first floor."
"Already? But wait. I thought you said I didn't waste your time?"
At that Argo raised her eyebrow. "Cause you didn't. The story of what happened was mostly about what you did. Not on the monsters you fought. And for your first question. There are three players alive right now that wouldn't be without you and that samurai guy."
Rory huffed.
And Argo sighed. "Look Rory I know you're worried about Asuna. But don't be. Not only is she a great player but she's also got a great party member watching her back." She assured him, causing him to look at her.
"Who?" He asked skeptically.
"His name's Kirito. Ex-Beta Tester and someone I know. Trust me when I say she couldn't be any safer than if you were there."
Rory sighed… in both relief and frustration. Argos words had helped ease his mind but he still found it hard to truly believe. However in the end he had to believe his friend. And believe in Asuna. "Alright. I'll believe you. Thanks Argo. You've been a great friend to the both of us since this game started."
Argo grinned mischievously. "I'll send you the bill after we beat the game." She joked, making both of them laugh before going their separate ways.
(You better be alright like Argo said Asuna. Just come home safe.) With that thought in mind Rory went back to his and Asuna's apartment to rest as much as he could.
- (Boss Room Entrance; Floor 1) -
As they stood in front of the gate to the first floor boss Asuna was surprised to only feel a calm determination. Come what may they would get through. Only real question was whether she would move on to the next level.
(No. You can't think like that Asuna.) She berated herself. (You can't leave Rory here on his own. Besides I don't think Kirito would take you dying while partied up with him too well.)
After her berating/pep talk Diabel spoke. "Listen up everyone. I have just one thing to say before we go in. Let's win!"
While not the longest pep talk ever it had a definite effect on the other players. With determination high Diabel commenced the attack as he opened the door to the boss room.
The first thing Asuna noticed was the menacing eyes of the boss that glowed red in the darkness of the room.
All the players cautiously edged their way into the room when the bleak darkness was suddenly illuminated but a series of colorful lights. That was when the boss commenced his attack. Sounding off a roar Illfang called out his Ruin Koorld Sentinels to fend off the players.
At the same time the players commenced their own charge on the boss and his minions.
- (Kirito's P.O.V) -
As the battle continued it was clear to all that Diabel was a very good leader. Under his commands the squads fighting the boss had yet to lose even a single player.
Kirito however wasn't only impressed by Diabel's leadership skills. But also by the fighting skills of his partner Asuna.
(I thought she was just a beginner. I mean she barely knew what a switch meant and even admitted that was just because of her friend Rory. And yet her dexterity is incredible. She's so fast I can't even see her sword.) Kirito thought to himself before smiling. "Good job.
The battle continued with Kirito and Asuna making a very good team. Everything was going perfectly until the boss reached his low health and Diabel changed the strategy.
"Hold off! I'll take care of the rest!" He called out, confusing everyone.
(Wait a sec. I thought the whole plan was to surround Illfang as a group.) Was what he thought until he saw Diabel's sneaky grin.
Diabel prepared a sword skill to take out the boss's last remaining life points.
But that was when everything changed. The sword the first floor boss used in the beta was not the same this time. And Kirito knew it. (What? That's not a talwar. That's a Nodachi! This isn't like the Beta.) "Stop!" He tried to warn Diabel. "Jump back as far as you can!"
Unfortunately for Diabel, Kirito's warning either came too late or Diabel ignored it completely as Illfang tore through Diabel's defences and sent him flying away. Then it turned its attention onto the other players.
Kirito ran to give Diabel a healing crystal. "Why did you try to take it down by yourself?" But as he was about to give Diabel the crystal the blue haired leader refused it.
"You were… a beta tester weren't you? You should know." He simply explained.
Kirito gasped as he realized. "You were after the rare item that goes to the player that gets the last attack. That must mean you were a beta tester as well."
Diabel merely nodded before giving his last request to Kirito. "Please Kirito. Defeat the boss. For all of us." And those were his last words before his body disappeared into pixels, shocking everyone to their core.
Kirito didn't have time to process Diabel's death as the battle was still being waged. Yet it still gave him pause.
Luckily for all present Asuna had also realized the impact Diabel's death had on everyone. "Come on everyone!" She called out, grabbing everyone's attention. Then with a flourish Asuna took a deep breath and ripped off her cloak. "We can still win this battle!" She cheered them on as charged at Illfang.
Her fearless charge encouraged Kirito into action and he charged alongside Asuna towards the boss. They attempted the same tactic they had used against the boss's minions. Which worked well until one lucky blow on the boss's side threw Kirito to the far end of the room.
It took five whole minutes for him to recover from the boss's attack. But the second he did he and Asuna were back at it. And after a few more good combos Kirito landed the final blow on Illfang, creating immense relief for all the other players.
However amongst all the cheering there was one voice of doom to drag everyone down.
"Why'd you do it!" Kibaou shouted. "Why did you let Diabel die!"
The accusation almost didn't register to Kirito. It was too ludicrous. "Let him die?" Did Kibaou not see him try to save Diabel?
Apparently not. "Of course!" He shouted. "You knew what technique the boss would use! If you'd given us that information up front, he wouldn't have died like he did!"
And just like that the cheery mood gained through moving to the next level was lost. "He must be an ex-beta tester! That's how he knew all about the boss's attack patterns. He knew, but he kept it from us!" One player accused.
"There's gotta be others here too, right? Those beta testers! Come out here!" Another said.
(This isn't good.) Was all Kirito could think as all the players looked at each other in suspicion. (If they turn on each other now… if things continue like this.) The end game picture was not one he liked.
If the players turned against each other just because some played the game before… they would never be able to get to beat the game. And they would never go home.
Then it hit him. He knew exactly what to do to get everyone to work together. But to do it… to do it would be painting a great big target on his back. But it had to be done.
The next thing anyone knew Kirito suddenly laughed like a maniac. After which he spoke. "An ex-beta tester you say? Please don't insult me by comparing me to those newbs."
"W-what?" Obviously Kibaou couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"Most of the 1,000 people that took part in the SAO beta test were straight up beginners who didn't even know what it meant to level up! HECK, EVEN you guys are better than they were!." Kirito proclaimed scaring them all a bit more. "But I'm not like those other guys at all. During the beta test, I reached far higher levels than anyone else could even dream of getting to. Beat monsters with higher skill levels too. And I know loads more as well. Way more than any info broker."
"That's… that's way worse than a beta tester!" One player said. "That's cheating! You're a cheater. That's what you are!"
That proclamation got all the other players riled up at Kirito too. People calling him a cheater, and cheating beta tester. Eventually one play merged the words and called him a beater.
"Beater?" Kirito asked, as though trying out the name. He liked it. Or so everyone though. "A beater eh? Now that's a good name. Alright then. I am a beater." He called himself as he moved through his inventory looking for the cloak to make him look the part of the anti-hero. "From now on don't confuse me with those other beta testers." And with that he changed into the black cloak he'd gotten from the boss battle, scaring everyone just a bit more
Then with an infuriating grin and swish of his cloak that would have made Snape smile in appreciation, he walked off to the next level. At least until he was stopped by his partner calling him.
"Wait." She said. When he stopped she continued. "You called my name when we were fighting."
"Sorry for being rude. Or did I mess up the pronunciation?" Kirito asked.
"How did you know it?"
Pointing up he explained. "You can see another HP gauge just below yours around here, right? Isn't there something written beneath that?"
Kirito saw her concentrate for a moment before she spoke again. "Ki-ri-to. Kirito? Is that your name?"
"Yeah." Was all he said.
Asuna stared at him a few moments before bursting into giggles. "So it was right there this whole time!"
Looking forward, Kirito decided to leave Asuna with some parting advice. "So if anyone you trust ever invites you to join a guild, you should do it. There's a limit to how well you can do as a solo player."
Knowing that now Asuna had to ask. "But what about you then?"
Kirito left Asuna's question unanswered as he disbanded their party and left for floor two.
- (Floor 1; Asuna and Rory's apartment) -
As Asuna ventured back to her and Rory's temporary home on the first floor, the players were all talking of something. They were all talking about some american boy. Her eyes widened as she heard that. "Rory." She said in a low tone, walking even faster towards home.
For whatever reason, all the players stayed out of her way. And when she finally made it back Rory was making food… her favorite american dish to be precise. That, to her was practically a confession.
"What happened?" She asked with her eyes narrowed which made her target gulp in primal fear.
Rory knew that any attempt to fool her would end with a sword in his back. If he was lucky and she was merciful. So he sighed and motioned her to sit down. When she did he explained everything. The players that had been trapped. How he and Klein had gone alone, gotten caught in the same trap. And… how he had nearly died protecting Klein.
With tears she looked at him, horrified. "Why didn't you wait! Better yet why didn't you drag me along! You know that I would've been there in an instant!"
Rory looked away, unable to stand Asuna looking like that knowing that it was his fault. "I know you would have Asuna. I don't have a good reason for any of it other than that the time to get more players, even if it was you, involved the more likely it would have been that those players wouldn't have made it."
Asuna stared at him before narrowing her eyes again as she bit out. "You just didn't want me to get hurt."
That actually hurt. "I never want you to get hurt Asuna!" His fierceness surprised her. "Asuna you should get that by now! I've never wanted to hurt you! But that's not why I didn't bring you along! Any chances of you not getting hurt because of me ended the day we both started this stupid GAME!" Rory cursed himself as tears fell, this time his own.
"Rory…" Asuna had never seen him cry like this before. He always seemed so strong. Ever since the day they became friends he had always acted like he could take anything. Like he could protect her from everything. And now it looked like he was at his wits end.
Next thing Rory knew Asuna had wrapped him up in a hug. That caused whatever walls that were left to break down completely. He balled his eyes out, telling Asuna how sorry he was and asking her to forgive him.
The fact that he felt the need to ask almost had Asuna crying too. But right now Rory didn't need more reasons to be sorry. She needed to be strong for him, just like he had always been for her.
And they would be there for each other. In any moment where one was weak, the other would be strong for them. They would make sure of that.
End of Chapter 3!
"And now time for a brief rest before the next part of the story," Deron said as he sat in his chair at the pub, "Purely in the sense of fairness to Rory. The man needs a break." finishing off a quick drink as Rory barged in again. He walked over to a chair and collapsed by the bar.
"So. How did it go?" Deron asked in a singsong voice.
"Shut up… I need a drink." Rory stated, snapping his fingers and conjuring a robin williams genie behind the bar. "A glass of the most expired Apple Cider you got."
The genie did so, singing, "Hello, hello. I'm not where I'm meant to be." as he worked.
"Man it was a tough day for you!" Deron said, clapping his hands together, "Tell me everything!"
"Dude haven't you been listening? I just did! That's what the chapter was for!" Rory pointed out.
"Oh, duh." Deron said, turning back to you, "Welp, hope you all enjoyed. I'm gonna get Rory some rest before the next patrons show up. Say bye Rory."
Rory moaned, "I wanna die. Goodbye cruel wooorld!"
"He says bye! You all take care and see you in the next chapter!" Deron smiled and ushered you out the doors.