Disclaimer: I do not own anything in this story except my original characters and their plot arcs. All other things related with SAO belongs to Reki Kawahara.

A group around eight people appeared in the teleportation stone of Coral village around the 10 pm. Five of these people were wearing the trademark armor of the Army guild, or better known as Aincrad Liberation Force. Other three were wearing a symbol that largely unknown for Aincrad, White coats adorned with a sword in flames.

To people of Coral these three were known, maybe not too detailed but their faces were familiar because they live inside the temple at the fields of 22nd floor.

Among these eight people one of them was looking quite tired after the day. His shoulders were stooping, and his steps were slow. It was clear that he was either very tired or had a mind full of rollercoasters.

That people's steps suddenly halted when he saw a familiar figure at the town's fountain. A figure with golden-brown short hair was leaning on the wall of fountain. Her head was lowered to ground, and her hands were in her pockets. Ilsamor knew that he would have to talk to that figure eventually but after everything that happened today, he hoped that he can delay this one more day.

Since the end of meeting his first job was to explain those five players that the guild concept in his mind and offered them another chance to quit if they don't like the idea. On the contrary they pretty liked the idea and renewed their supports to them. After that there was not much to do, they went to guild registrar at fifth floor and officially founded the Swords of Mercy guild, basing it on the temple on 22nd floor. Ilsamor was appointed as guild leader and Asemi as the vice-commander. Rest of the ranks would be filled when the time comes. After that they had a welcome dinner of some sort in their usual fast-food restaurant.

While all these things happening, Ilsamor's mind was always busy.

After all, this is the first time Lady really did drop a bomb on him. Before that, there were still times that Lady would set up something so elegantly that he couldn't notice it until he has been caught. But all that occasions were small and easily forgettable.

But this…

She herself told him that it's still to early, right before she says she says she is strong enough to carry the torch. Was she contradicting herself or these two different sentences were carrying different meanings? He dumped all these thoughts on his mind to his subconscious because it was not their time now. Sighing deeply, he turned toward to group. "I need to talk to her alone. Please show the way of our temple to our new friends and try to prepare them temporary beds. We will take care of that problem tomorrow." Asemi nodded and led the group to out of town. Ilsamor watched behind them until they become distant points, then he turned himself other way around and started walking.

"Good evening Argo."

Girl slowly raised her head but still didn't look at him. "Good evening Ilsamor."

After that initial greeting an uneasy silence filled the air. Ilsamor took a few more steps and sit on the fountain wall, few meters away from her. Tired of waiting for her to make move he spoke "I guess you are here because of the meeting that happened today." Argo nodded without saying another word. Ilsamor while still feeling uneasy continued "Please don't care what that idiot says. I-"

"Why did you defend me Ilsamor?"

Argo's voice was unusually cold and suppressed. Ilsamor was surprised by this question "Why? Because you are my friend Argo, I would never-"

"Then why did you lie to me?" Argo asked one more time. Ilsamor turned his head towards the girl and asked with a clear confusion in his voice "I lied to you?" Then Argo finally turned her head to him, his eyes were red as he can see from the little light town houses provide. "You said you were taking the 20% of the col that loot's value. But today I learned that you were taking no money at all from your 'clients'! Is this why you were working with me Ilsamor? Are you pitying me? You think I need money or friend or-"

"Okay stop right there." Ilsamor said to Argo, seeing where things headed easily. "I do not and have never pitied you Argo-chan." Hearing how Ilsamor called her Argo's eyes widened "Y-y-you didn't?" Ilsamor approached her and looked her in the eye "No." Argo's confusion was momentarily however as she managed to gather herself "T-then, why didn't you tell me that you were actually doing all this for free? Even after we became friends?" Ilsamor melancholically smiled "Argo, would you believe if someone you haven't heard before came to you and said 'I will train people for free and I want your help to find suitable candidates', would you believe him? Or can you even take him seriously?"

Argo shook her head without breaking the eye contact. Ilsamor continued "Exactly. You would assume I was probably some kind of robber and looking for suitable prey. That was why I had to hide my real intentions in the first time." After hearing that Argo relaxed a little but she wasn't done yet. "Then why didn't you come clean after we became friends?"

"Exactly for the same reason. Argo-san, I respect your talents and believe me I am truly happy to be your friend. But I was scared that you may think since I am doing this for free, you might felt like you must do this for free too. However, I know how much trouble you get for acquiring even the simple intels sometimes. That's why, I couldn't allow your work to go unrewarded."

As an interesting sight Argo blushed slightly "Idiot… The thing you, Rider and Asemi gave me was far more valuable than any currency. But I think you wouldn't understand."

Ilsamor's hands suddenly went limp and fell to his sides as he bowed his head. "On the contrary, I know all too well. That is why I don't think it as a form of currency, it is something you give to people exactly like Doctor said 'Without hope, without witness, without reward.' " Argo then for the first time saw something other than undestroyable warrior who fearlessly entering every boss room ahead of assault team risking a possible death for the sake of his friends. It wasn't a hardened veteran that trains players for just the sake of it. It was a fragile boy, whose eyes were full of despair because of a life he wasn't allowed to live.

But that illusion went suddenly as it came. Ilsamor sniffed and smiled "Anyway… I know I told you that I wasn't planning to form a guild yet but situation went into sideways kind of. We have formed it officially." Argo grinned slyly upon hearing this "You sure are fast Ill-boy… Am I invited?" Seeing her back to her normal self Ilsamor sighed "Always Argo-san but I doubt you will never accept a guild invitation from me or anyone else." Argo laughed "You sure know me Ilsamor. Okay, let's go and meet your friends."

Two months later…

"Commander on deck!"

Around twenty people with white armor stood up and waited with bound hands at their back. Ilsamor sighed and held the bridge of his nose as he turned to Rider. "Seriously? Deck? We are not in some kind of ship Rider!"

Rider grinned "I am sorry boss, but it sounds cooler than 'teacher in the class!' or that kind of thing." Several laughters heard after that comment while Ilsamor himself smiled. Then he cleared his throat "Alright ladies and gentlemen find you sparring partner and equip your lowest level armament. We will be touring if you have a question, don't hesitate to ask. Now, get to it." With several 'Yes Sensei' answers students distributed into ten duel partners. Shortly after a group of 'teachers' started to tour around the groups.

"Okay, if you swing like this she'll get an advantage…"

"Activate it only in…"

"Now!"

"A skill like Vertical Square is hard to handle in this situation…"

"Sir, can you come outside for a minute?"

Ilsamor raised his head and saw one of the guild members calling out to him. After handing the lesson to Rider, he walked out of the classroom and looked expectantly to calling member. She said "Pardon to interrupt sir but we have managed to get in touch with a blacksmith as you ordered. She is good at her work apparently but also still leveling her skills. She wants to meet you at nineteenth floor around 1 pm." Ilsamor nodded "Good. Anything else?" Boy in front of him thought for a minute "No sir but Commander Asemi told me to remind you that another 30 candidates are waiting for trial. She suggests Saturday as a suitable date." Ilsamor patted his shoulders "Then make it so. Thank you for telling me, you may return to your duties." Boy nodded enthusiastically and left for raiding class. Ilsamor sighed in peace and passed to praying hall of temple.

It had been two months since the guild started and this was the one of the few things guild members couldn't agree on. One side was a whole-hearted supporter of Lady, praying her and trying to uphold her orders while other side was thinking this was crazy, this was just a game. Yet one of the things Ilsamor was proud of about his guild was the two sides tolerance to each other. He didn't encounter a single fight over this thing, which was very relaxing.

While he was standing and looking over the praying players, 'The Priestess' of the Lady approached him. It was simply a supporter role inside the guild, she was one of the people with highest herbalism and potion-making skill in Aincrad. What surprised Ilsamor most was the change in her attitude after she accepted the mission. Because Priestess of the Lady was none other than reckless spear-user Hikari herself. She and her friends had joined the Swords of Mercy only after few days of its foundation.

Hikari then admitted to Ilsamor that she was secretly hoping to visit temple, just the sake of standing before that statue. Since then, she was no longer suicidal and Ilsamor was proud to see she was now the number one helper of players with depression as she was easing their pain and leading them to path of mental healing. Just the thought of that was enough to put a smile on his face.

"Why are you smiling Sensei?"

Ilsamor just shook his head "Nothing… Just seeing everyone working so hard and supporting each other gives me great hope and happiness…" Then he sighed happily. Hikari waited a moment for him to continue, but when he didn't, she spoke "Sensei mind if I ask if you got another verse from the Lady lately?"

Ilsamor frowned slightly. Indeed, there was another verse that had been sent lately but its meaning, the very thought of needing something like this was horrifying. He opened the book without saying a word and showed it to Hikari, which she read with a beautiful voice:

"…Then they were brought before the Lady. Her face was filled with a rage that even her faithful couldn't look to her face, let alone the criminals. She called to them 'You have claimed lives. Lives that were innocent, lives that I forbid you to take in any circumstances. By doing that you left your rights on your lives to people you have damaged, hurt.'

Finally, one of her knights spoke 'But my lady, people they hurt are dead. How can they have right on their lives?' Lady looked at her with a face full of agony 'Dead cannot feel pain my dear champions. No, the people they hurt are the people whom a part of their heart has been ripped of by these damned men. So, their fate belongs to them. Tell them they have every right to exact their revenge, but I have only one request from them, it is not an order. Let them look deeps of the criminals' eyes and if they see even a glint of light, please spare their life. But if you decide to take it, then it is entirely in your rights."

Hikari closed the book, seeming troubled just like Ilsamor read it for first time. "Until now Lady never sent us a message without need. But a death penalty? Is it in our rights Sensei?" Ilsamor scratched his chin "I don't want to apply it same as you Hikari, and luckily during our orange guild operations we haven't encountered a red player yet, but things are getting uglier. I don't agree but one the mission terms I have lately is the obedience to orders of the book. And sadly, in every other occasion I have contradicted the book, I was wrong in the end."

Hikari didn't answer, just nodded thoughtfully. Few seconds later she managed to return to world "Oh I almost forgot; can I take the book for evening prayer?" Ilsamor chuckled and gave it to her before leaving the temple.

Around the temple was sparring groups all over. These were, unlike the specialization training that were given to guild mates, beginners that trying to take their first step into fighting. It was a refreshing sight to see many of the people had come from Town of Beginnings.

And as relaxing as it may be, it was also embarrassing to see whenever he got out of temple, everyone in the training were stopping and bowing towards the gates "Sensei!"

He facepalmed with a high sound. "OKAY, FOR THE LAST TIME STOP DOING THAT! I am not a Grandmaster or anything! Who organizes these anyway!?"

Only answer he ever gets was a round of laughter's, in every time. Even his reaction was pointing the opposite, every time he heard these laughters he couldn't help but smile. It was needless to say when he headed towards to teleportation gate, his mood was quite high.

Lately he had become a famous figure for the people, after the formation of his guild. Surprising no one, one day after the foundation of the guild most of the raiders that were present during 25th floor raid abandoned their guilds and joined him, increasing his power and forcing Army to abandon front lines.

After the show that he displayed on 25th, there was no escape but participating every other floor boss raid from that moment on. Still, he stayed in defense mostly, and only part of his uniqueness that he showed was the healing skill he channels after the Adamant Believer. Because of that people were calling him Combat Medic and their ideas about his unique skill was usually around healing abilities.

He had no intention to correct them. Not yet at least.

Thus, it was not surprising to see that he caused a little commotion when he appeared in the teleport of 19th floor. He shyly smiled to those who point him and walked to meeting place they had determined. If it were up to him, he would definitely choose his favorite fast-food restaurant, though he didn't want to expose that place.

"Hey Illy-boy!"

He turned towards to voice and saw Argo was sitting near a table with a pink haired girl. Smiling he approached to table "Good morning Argo-san…" then he decided to tease her a little, so he bowed a little "Beautiful as always…"

It was satisfying to see Argo's blushing, as no one usually expected such moves from Ilsamor. He chuckled a bit, then bowed in front of pink haired girl "It is nice to meet you Lisbeth-san. I am Ilsamor." Pink haired blacksmith answered quickly "It is nice to meet you Ilsamor-san."

After pleasantries they ordered food and made small talk, including a fight-like philosophical argument between Argo and Ilsamor about the source of information. Finally, with the coming of the food, topic started to sail through to important ones. Argo took a bite from her fish and looked Ilsamor curiously "Say, Ilsamor… What's up all the commotion in assault team? Are my sources correct?" Ilsamor sighed "Unfortunately yes. Especially DDA is a big problem. Heathcliff is kinda skeptical about this subject, but still, we have some KoB members joining our patrols and our raids. DDA seems so distant on the topic."

While Argo nodding in a troublesome manner Lisbeth seemed confused. Luckily for her, Ilsamor noticed it. "Oh, sorry Lisbeth-san. We were talking about the measurements that have been taken to fight orange guilds and orange players."

Lisbeth leaned slightly with interest and Ilsamor continued "By time passes more and more player loses their hope to ever get out of this game. As things become closer to real, things also get ugly too, if that wasn't the case there would be no need for books and movies, I think… Mostly I mean," he added seeing the refusal in Argo's face. "As regular jobs become more and more widespread, thieving guilds have started to appear and while the number is small, I have also heard that a couple of red players had been spotted."

He sighed and took another bite from his steak "I am currently pressuring Assault Team to do something about it but to no avail. I handle this mostly with my own guild and with some volunteers from other guilds, but we are quite ineffective at the moment. They keep their locations well-hidden, and we have spread very thin. But from what I heard they saw me and my guild as a thorn on their side, why I do not know."

Lisbeth nodded curiously and asked "I understand but why do you try to shoulder this burden alone if no one helps? Or more importantly why do you try to shoulder it at al. Shouldn't clearing the game be your first priority?"

Ilsamor chuckled while taking a sip from his juice "Should it? I don't know, nobody told me anything about it. But whether you are right or not I cannot close my eyes to such an injustice. Even if our only job was to be the clear floors, I would still lend a hand to all players that suffering from it."

He leaned back and closed his eyes "I read a poem once, after that it became one of my favorites. It was not in Japanese so I can't protect most of its beauty, but it was saying like this;

Just because I am gentle don't think me a docile sheep,

My neck can be sliced but cannot be pulled.

Whenever I see a bleeding wound, I suffer too…

Just to numb that wound's pain,

I can stand to whips, I can stand to beatings.

I can't say "Man don't mind that!", I mind!

I can trample and get trampled just to uphold justice.

I am an enemy of oppressor, but I am a friend of oppressed.

Is that what you call "backwardness" in your language?

Both Lisbeth and Argo seemed surprised by his sudden show of art. Ilsamor smiled slightly "As I said, it loses its beauty once it is translated into another language. Anyway, point is we have a responsibility against the people who cannot protect themselves. I am full intended to take that, even other guilds won't agree."

In the end he shook his head "We have talked about sad topics long enough. Let's discuss why we are here today. Argo-san has spoken highly about you Lisbeth-san, and as a guild, we are looking for blacksmiths. Since you are here, I think you are interested. I'll be happy to answer your questions."

Before Lisbeth say something, Argo interrupted "Really Ilsamor, we all here are just players, what's with all that formality?" Ilsamor laughed "I think you can call me a bit… introvert in real world. My time was mostly spent with reading books and playing offline games. I think this semi-formal language is the fruit of all these years. I hope I do not offend you?"

Argo just facepalmed and decided to remain silent. Lisbeth chuckled and finally spoke "I have talked with Argo but still it is a bit interesting. I know your weapons are not bad in quality and you have the ownership of dungeons in many floors. Why would you need a blacksmith?"

Ilsamor folded his hands "Too many reasons. First, we want to give decent weapons to raider trainees, not the extremely weak ones from NPC vendors. Second, we have a large supply of raw materials for blacksmithing and we don't want to waste any of them. In very least as I said, weapons for trainees and I aim to sell or use the best ones. We are also talking about supplying talented solo players if necessary."

"Hmm, I got ya. What about my position, do I have to be a member of guild to accept the job?"

"Not in the very least," Ilsamor answered while smiling, his eyes were radiating with warmness "Of course if you want, our doors will be open to you always. Nevertheless, even if you don't choose to join the guild we will pay you and provide necessary raw materials."

"What about my payment?"

"Well, we will pay you according to rarity of the product, these payments will be decided between you and our accountant. But, if I am not mistaken, right now idea was selling the products to gain about percent profit."

Lisbeth thought about the offer while Argo stood silent and sipping her juice. "It seems good enough but what about my own job? Do you want me to work just on your behalf?"

Ilsamor nervously shook his hands "No,no,no! I am afraid we cannot afford such an offer. You will also do your own work, just in some instances we might hurry you to certain deliveries, except that you are perfectly free to do your own job too. I am counting on you to distinguish your resources accordingly. By the way I know we are not offering a very interesting offer but almost all talented blacksmiths are already working for big guilds and I couldn't find anyone who wants to work with us. So what do you say?"

Lisbeth thought for a few seconds then shrugged "Eh, why not? I think it is a good one. I accept your terms." Ilsamor smiled and held out his hand "Great, thank you Lisbeth-san. I hope both parties gain many things from this deal." Lisbeth reached and shook his hand. And while shaking she saw the hilt of Ilsamor's sword…

"Hey, it is a really nice piece. Mind if I take a look?"

Ilsamor smiled but to Argo his muscles were stiffened slightly on suggestion. He reached to his back and pulled the sword and gave it to Lisbeth. The moment she hold the sword, she couldn't carry it and dropped it to table. "Whoa! This sword is too heavy! How much STR is required to even lift this? I am surprised you can use this let alone singe handed." After that she looked to beauty of craftmanship and tapped on it. Her eyes widened "So, Sword of the First Light huh? It is a very cool name. What is this? Damn, this sword has a history!"

Argo looked her confused "What do you mean? What history?"

"Well most sword panels are nothing more than stat screens, but this one has a very epic history near it. It says during first battle between Light and Dark, one of Lady's bolts(whoever she is) was entrapped by a black rock with mirror properties. After spending an eternity inside its mirror rock cage, bolt of the first light slowly lost its light form and turned into solid with unimaginable ore was unearthed and used to craft a single magnificent sword."

While Argo and Ilsamor listening the story, Lisbeth's eyes narrowed "What is this? This sword has a property I have never seen. It says Per-"

"Okay, that's enough Lisbeth-san. I am sorry but I rather keep it hidden for now, you never know who listens, no offense Argo." Ilsamor quickly interrupted and sheathed his sword to his back. Argo sighed to Lisbeth's confused expression "Don't worry Lisbeth, this attitude of him about that sword is not just to you. Even after six months he isn't even telling me about it." Then she stopped and scratched her chin in a thoughtful manner "Now come to think of it. Even Rider and Asemi were silent about that skill. Now I am really curious!" They laughed but Ilsamor's expression darkened a little "I hope you never find out Argo-san."

Argo's confusion cut her laughter "Oh? Why is that?"

"Because every time I am forced reveal one of my secrets, we barely avoid a disaster. I really want to hope that nothing of sort will happen again, but I know it will. Just be patient, I am sure all my secrets will be yours before the end of the game."

Ilsamor then suddenly stopped and started to blush. Noticing what he just said he screamed "I DIDN'T MEAN IN A-"

His rebuttal cut short by girls laughters. Seeing this he smiled and took another sip from his juice. Then his message warning came.

Argo asked when she saw Ilsamor was opening his menu. "What's wrong Illy-boy?" Ilsamor's expression became serious "It is from Kirito. Apparently, we have a meeting about 30th floor boss. Strange, even the entrance of labyrinth was discovered just two days ago. Have they already found the boss room? In any case, I should be get going." He raised from his chair "Thank you for coming Lisbeth-san. And thank you for everything as always Argo. I hope to see you in temple soon. Take care."

With his last words he started to walk towards teleportation stone, ready to fight in another battlefield.

He closed his eyes until teleportation wears off and he could feel the wind system created at his face.

When he opened his eyes, he was looking to a town filled with life. There were many inns, carnival game stalls and musicians that it was like after a festival ended someone forgot to tell these people that festival was over.

Ilsamor had no intention to correct them.

Then his gaze wandered around teleportation stone and he saw that both Rider and Asemi was standing next to it.

During all this time Rider was changed. His suspicious and arrogant glare had been turned into a friendly and sometimes mischievous gaze. He was laughing quite a lot lately, especially during training where he would praise Ilsamor until his cheeks became red as tomato, which usually was causing whole class to laugh like crazy.

And Asemi…

Before playing the SAO, Ilsamor's social environment and abilities were almost non-existent (which was a thing Lady included in his training), yet even he knew his reactions to her from countless films he watched, countless books he read. It was explained in different forms for thousands of times, described in books, poems, hell even legends.

Yet he was also aware of that even such a thing can happen; it wasn't the time. Especially considering his plan, this would only…

"Sir!"

He snapped out of his thoughts in an instant, and as he raised his head he saw Asemi and Rider was coming towards him. He sighed and spoke to them when they entered to hearing range "Okay, new rule, only guild members that joined to guild after one week of its foundation will call me as 'Sir' okay? I was happy with senpai actually!"

Asemi giggled "I know senpai, but your face when you called like this... It is hilarious! It is very hard to resist." Ilsamor himself chuckled a bit "Alright, point taken. So, let's get serious, why did we get a meeting so sudden?"

Before Rider can answer another familiar male voice talked "I think I can answer that."

Ilsamor turned to owner of voice to see a familiar black coated player. He smiled slightly "Kirito-san, it is a nice surprise to see you here." Kirito grinned "Well, that goes for you too. But you can call me just by my name. And you know what, if you don't I will start calling you 'Your Archmagnificieny' or something…" Ilsamor nervously chuckled while scratching his neck "Please don't do that."

A short burst of laughter spread the group. Then Ilsamor asked again "So what's the thing that cause guild leaders call a meeting out of blue? Some new obstacle was discovered or?"

Kirito looked to him in the eye. "I will be direct. They are not happy with your guild's activities Ilsamor."

Ilsamor's expression hardened "What is their problem? Is that thing about not focusing clearing the game again? I am tired of hearing this. Why this bother them that much I do not understand." Kirito shrugged "I don't know. To me, you are doing far better than any of them. Giving players training for free, even equipping them before leaving, fighting the activities of orange guilds… Come to think of it, you sure have a busy life Ilsamor." Ilsamor scratched his head "Well, you may be right, though it is not a problem. I spent enough time in my corner, while I have necessary means I must reach out to those who can't." Seeing Kirito didn't make further comments he added "By the way, congratulations on your new guild Kirito."

Kirito was taken aback by sudden change of topic "Huh, wha- Oh, I mean thanks." He scratched his neck nervously while Ilsamor was looking to him with a hint of sympathy in his eyes "What is the name of guild, if you don't mind my asking?" Kirito relaxed a bit after the initial shock "Well, it is called Moonlit Black Cats."

Ilsamor smiled as he remembered the group "Oh, these guys... I remember them, they were one of the first groups that came to get basic training. Is Keita still an idealist?" Kirito chuckled "He sure is. He got all this brilliant ideas and opinions on the meaning of Assault Team. I really hope that one day they will become a part of it."

Ilsamor nodded then steeled his expression as they approach to meeting place. Kirito whispered to his ear "Good luck."

They opened the doors and entered the inn, then made their way into the inn's basement.

Down in the basement a crowd was waiting for them. Some of them were the leaders of large guild like Heathcliff and his vice-commander, DDA leader and his vice commander and the remainders were guilds with less members but still powerful like Furinkazan. He was guessing that a few solo players like Kirito learned the meeting and came here just because of their wide network.

Heathcliff saw him first and bowed his head slightly "Meneg suilaid (Many greetings)."

Despite the situation that he found himself in he couldn't help but smile the commander's Elvish greeting. "Elen síla lúmenn' omentielvo (A star shines on the hour of our meeting)"

Rest of the room didn't say anything, just continued to wait in silence. Ilsamor was feeling the palpable air inside the basement. He decided to greet the rest of the clearers "Good day ladies and gentlemen. What do we owe do pleasure? Has the boss room been discovered?"

"No it hasn't, thanks to you." said new vice commander of KoB. Ilsamor exhaled and turned to her with an expressionless face. "This is a very serios accusation Asuna-san. Can you tell me what I did to deserve it?" Asuna's serious expression didn't change "You are one of the biggest guilds on the front line. You got most of the Army's members, but Army was helping more than you ever did. If we want to escape from this game, we need more cooperation from your guild!"

Ilsamor stood silent. Then he looked around "Anyone else with the same complaint? Because I really don't want to answer this question's similar over and over again."

Silence continued and Ilsamor held the bridge of his nose "Unbelievable. Really you all gathered here just to tell me send soldiers onto front lines? You know you really act like children right now…"

A clear confusion appeared on the faces of players. Before Asuna regained her composure Ilsamor turned to Asemi and asked "Asemi can you give me the list?" Asemi nodded and give him a piece of paper, which Ilsamor then handed it to Asuna "Now, Asuna-san, can you look at this list and tell me how many names you recognize?"

Asuna did as asked, and her eyes slowly widened as she continued to read the list. When she final finished it, she talked with a voice clear of surprise "A-at least 20 of them are in our guild with 13 of them are in scout party."

Ilsamor nodded as he was taking the list back. "I bet on everything I have that almost all of these people on the list are already in front lines, maybe in even your guilds. And there is around 60 people on this list. And this is just the list of last training. My guild is founded about two months ago. You can do the math right?"

Nobody answered him. Ilsamor wandered his gaze briefly before he continued "You act like children who thinks only heroes in battle are the ones who fought in front lines. But as gamers and mostly near end of your teenage years you know very well that there is a greater army behind the fighting force that allows it to continue fighting."

He looked directly to Asuna's eyes "My guild's name is Swords of Mercy. Not Riders of Abbys, not Deceivers of Fate or not Swords of Revenge. I will help you and continue to fight alongside you as long as it takes but there are a lot of people suffering at lower levels due to their inexperience or due to other people's abuse, which brings me to another topic…"

He opened his menu with a swift motion and materialized another piece of paper. He wandered his gaze "When I first became the boss-scout of the assault team, I told you something. There will be a time come when we will encounter orange players and even…"

He threw the piece of paper on the table and finished his sentence "…Red players."

His words created a bomb-like effect while his gaze locked into eyes of DDA leader. "When I told you that you have dismissed it as nonsense. But here we are, and this is the picture of a red player we have neutralized lately, the Warmonger."

Silence thickness increased. Kirito turned to Ilsamor "When you say neutralized…" Ilsamor nodded with a grim manner "Yeah, he is dead. We were actually waiting for the decision on murderers, so we just wanted to imprison him. But he fought back, and I am sorry but while I have a lot of innocent people to protect, I will not hold myself to spare killers and rapists. Yet I wish things wouldn't come to that."

Few seconds passed before he raised his head. "Are you asking me where my guild is? That is your answer."

Nobody dared an eye contact with him. Ilsamor sighed "Look. I did not come here to brag about my guild's activities or achievements. But I am really tired about your complaints on this topic. Don't get me wrong, I am not defending my actions, just informing you since you really wanted to know. And if nothing major happens I will continue my way as it is. If you have suggestion, I am always happy to hear it in my room with a cup of tea, not in a full-fledged boss meeting."

While some people were looking to him nobody dared to answer. He waited for a few seconds then shrugged "Then I am done. I bid you farewell and wish you a nice evening."

After that he turned his back and left the dumbfounded players as they were.

When trio reappeared on the Coral village, sun was setting on Aincrad.

Even though it has been just six months, Ilsamor felt like a lifetime has passed since he took up the mantle of champion. So much opposition, so much complaint, so many battles.

For some reason all this wasn't bothering him at all.

While he was growing, he believed the philosophy of people's talents and competence can only be measured in hard times. He believed that to keep himself away from becoming a self-conscious person.

All of his hopes were destroyed at his first two months in game.

He really believed that all people were carrying a pure ore inside themselves, and he wanted to believe this hardship he endured would melt it and allow him to forge an armor from it. An armor that will protect its greatest treasure, his secondary power.

But he couldn't lift his hammer until Lady reached out to him.

Thinking about it Ilsamor felt a little guilty actually. Because, while he was helping to clear the game he definitely didn't want to get out.

Because this game while a prison to most people was the place where finally tasted the freedom, hardship. It was here all of his readings became really helpful.

"Senpai?"

He snapped out from his thoughts and looked to Asemi. "Yes? What is it Asemi?" Asemi was about to answer then stopped and asked another question "Senpai, why do you smile?"

There was no way he could confess all of this so he picked one of the oldest tricks in the book "Well, because your beautiful voice is calling me as senpai. Do I need another reason?" Asemi blushed furiously on his answer while Rider made a thumbs up "Good one!" then made an unexpected move "Oh, look at that I am called from HQ! I have to get going, see you later!"

Ilsamor understood his friend's intention and he too blushed against his intentions.

Town square were empty except them.

Ilsamor looked her without letting his smile fade "So how is your advancement going?" Asemi's eyes shone "It is going great senpai! I have finally unlocked Sanka and I think I am about to unlock Grace of Angels in my unique skill tree!"

Then she continued to talk, telling him about her latest tactics and skills. Ilsamor lost in thoughts while listening to her…

"Senpai?"

Ilsamor shook his head, then he realized his rudeness. Wearing a sorry expression, he told "I am sorry just… I really missed the days that I train you personally. With just two of us and later the Rider… Don't get me wrong I really like the guild but…"

He couldn't continue when he saw the expression on Asemi's face. She was looking like she wants something but afraid to say it. He waited a few moments to gather her strength "Umm, Ilsamor-senpai, if -if you are not busy would like to go to a raiding spree with me? I would really be happy to relive a part of it myself. I think if go now, we won't be long gone, nobody will notice it."

Ilsamor grinned "If we eat the dinner at 12th floor, then agreed."

With a joyous scream student and teacher walked to teleportation stone, off to another adventure.

"Alright, strike it with Washu now!"

"AAHH!"

He watched her movements and waited for the perfect opportunity to release his five-hit sword skill Divine Surge. As soon as her skill ended, he screamed "Switch!" As Asemi retreated back he released his skill.

In the end dungeon boss disappeared to polygons and "Congratulations" notification appeared in front of duo. With a movement that really resembles their early days Asemi hugged Ilsamor's right arm "You are amazing as always senpai!"

Ilsamor chuckled "And I see you have become quite fierce samurai Asemi. I am proud of you." His praise caused her to blush "Senpai…"

After they gathered their loot they exited from dungeon and headed through their favorite fast-food restaurant. Truly Ilsamor was in a mood for a cheeseburger that night. Asemi chose a pizza for herself.

Coming night was bringing a relaxing air as its company. Twelfth floor was not so crowded, and sky was clear, hundreds of stars were appearing by encouraging themselves with sun's absence. Restaurant was pretty empty, and they had donned their casual clothes to avoid recognition.

Ilsamor felt like putting all of his burden to ground, even just for a short while. He closed his eyes as he drank the moment's bliss.

"Senpai, can I ask you a question?"

Ilsamor opened his eyes and smiled "Of course. What is it?"

Asemi looked a little shy but asked her question anyway "Why do you especially concentrate on orange players that much? If it is something private then-"

"No no, it is nothing like that." Ilsamor assured her. Then he sipped from his iced tea before answering "In this game, there are a lot of factors that can cause harm. We can all get killed by a misstep, or some high-level mob can cut us to two or we can lose our will to live. In some of these situations you can blame yourself and some is the work of system, an emotionless machine that doing what they told it. But the idea of orange players really fills me with fury."

He stopped as he tried to calm himself "Think about it, you all imprisoned here, except some information differences all of you have the same chance. Everything is same, conditions, fears, hopes… Yet while you, I and hundreds of players in assault team try to clear this damn game and while thousands of players either try to help us in behind-lines or just try to live through the game, you take up your sword to hurt them, rob them or even murder them for what, things that won't mean a s**t once we got out of this game! You know there is a famous story where Alexander the Great goes to Diogenes and tells him that he can wish whatever he wants from him and Diogenes answers just like "Stand a little out of my sun." those orange players cannot even show that courtesy!"

He looked down, not wanting Asemi to see the rage in his eyes "When one of your friends is killed by a mob, you can't blame the mob for it because it can't think, this is its program. But for god's sake you are humans! You have a brain; you have a heart so why make this decision? Why cause that pain and grief?"

When he thought he cannot take it anymore he felt a soft hand on top of his own. "You are neither responsible nor burdened with the evil that sinners commit." Asemi's voice whispered to him, soft as a wind.

Ilsamor raised his head with a slight surprise "Battle of Abyss' Spike, verse 49. It is interesting to hear you recite these to me. Thank you."

Asemi continued to look him with a face who want to say many things but hardly holding herself. "Senpai… I-"

Her words cut short with a PM notification Ilsamor received. With a slight curiosity he opened his mailbox and read the message that Rider sent him. Then he shot up, his eyes were widened with fear, brown knitted with rage he gritted his teeth. Asemi asked with a fearful voice "What is it senpai?"

Ilsamor held her hand started to run towards teleportation stone. "It was Rider. We are about to receive a very big attack from orange guild coalition!"