Kuro felt a rush of fury as she tried to push forward, leaning into the attack as her eyes locked with the skull masked assailant. All of a sudden she was kicked back and flinched as the assailant shot her multiple times, giving them a chance to throw a smoke grenade. The assailant said nothing more as the device was thrown, impairing her vision for a few seconds. Kuro pushed through the smoke, weapon in hand however it was already too late; as the smoke dispersed she quickly realized that she was on her own standing atop of a roof in the barren city.
Kuro didn't realize at what point she had forgotten to breathe, but a furry of tension rushed over her as she looked out on the expansive city, unable to see the person who had shaken her to her very core.
The next morning within the hospital Kiyoto replayed that same instance in her mind over and over again, wondering if there was something more that she could have done to stop the assailant- digging her fingernails into the blanket on her bed. The moment she had logged out of GGO she had sent an email to Kikuoka to meet with her, informing him of everything that had transpired. She tensed up as the door opened up and Kikuoka walked in with a usual smile on his face and a white confectionary box in his hand.
"Yo! Found our killer yet?" He asked jokingly as he placed the box down next to her and started taking out the treats that lay within.
"Kikuoka..." Kiyoto asked as she noticed the older man hadn't broken his stride, placing a slice of chocolate cake before her while he had a pile of cream puffs. "-is there any possible way to cross-reference accounts that players are currently using and ones from SAO?"
"Hypothetically, yes. Legally, no." Kikuoka said as he popped a cream puff in his mouth. "Once every player was removed all accounts were cleared along with any copy of SAO. The only people to access it are those with clearance, and whatever saved copies Kayaba Akihiko might have stashed away. Any information about player accounts can be accessed however you'd need a warrant."
"Then what about players that were part of the Laughing Coffin guild, or were at least affiliated with them? They're on a watch list aren't they?"
Kikuoka stopped chewing for a moment as she mentioned the most widely known player-killing guild within SAO. As far as she knew, after all the SAO players woke up those who were branded as orange players were questioned in particular by the government authorities involved with the SAO task force. Almost all of them had their crimes marked off as bursts of insanity and anyone who murdered other players were quarantined until they were deemed to be mentally sound. There was no legal recourse that could be given to those who murdered other players other than keeping them under observation with collars that showed their location at all times. But other than that they were free to live their lives, free from any crimes they had reveled in within their time in SAO.
"Every recorded player of Laughing Coffin is under watch and is ordered not to have any interaction with VR under threat of incarceration."
"They could be helping someone on the other side during the game maybe?" Kiyoto suggested as she recalled how Yui could keep in touch with her and Shouhei while playing ALO.
"If there was an exploitable hack then perhaps, but every employee's actions within the GGO company are accountable at all times and I doubt that they would allow any sort of threat- especially when even a suspicion of foul play could sink them." Kikuoka said. "After all even ALO is supposedly going to be taken off the market as well because of the new government regulations on VR."
Kiyoto could feel her stomach fall at the thought of the only video game Shouhei had played in his life being taken away. It was also the place where she could hold Yui in her arms and care for her. SAO was mean to be the flagship that was supposed to start a new generation of interactive gaming, but because of Kayaba that future was most likely never to come.
"The best I can do is double-check the locations of any orange player within the area but as far as I know none of them have even come close to where the previous murders happened." Kikuoka then pulled his tablet out of his briefcase. "I'll send you the information on every orange player that was or lives in the vicinity of the town."
"Is it just a coincidence that you asked me of all people to take on this case?" Kiyoto couldn't help but ask as she scrolled through the names- her hands slightly trembling from the weight of the tablet, making it harder to hold on to.
The older man wiped away some cream that was on his lip and then folded her hands together. "Truthfully, it was but then I started to hear stories." Kiyoto frowned as she glanced at Kikuoka who was looking outside the window just across the room. "I have to admit it was pretty exciting to meet you in person after all the stories I heard about the Black Swordsman. The one who defeated the final boss and freed everyone in SAO at the cost of their own life. You can't imagine how it was to hear that you were actually alive, context aside."
"...That story is blown out of proportion. In actuality, I was a pretty despicable person when the game first started." Kiyoto admitted. "The truth is- I only became so strong because I wanted revenge on the people that destroyed my guild. I went to whatever lengths I had to in order to find them, and pushed away everyone I cared about."
"Destroyed your guild?" Kikuoka asked hesitantly as Kiyoto nodded somberly.
"We didn't know who they were back then, they didn't have a guild name. We thought that they were just bandits. We were ambushed in a wooded area far from any towns or help. A green player had led us there with a promise I can't even recall anymore, by the time we realized what was going on it was already too late."
[ June 12th 2023 - Floor 11 - Town: Taft ]
Everyone teleported back into the town in one piece, with nothing to show for their outing.
Keita awaited at the inn for them.
"Hey, guys!" A smile was plastered on his face as he sat on the bed. But his cheerful tone dampened at the sight of his guild, his expression grew confused at Kirito's player status. "Did something happen?"
"Ah, Ducker and Kirito got into a little spat…" Sasamaru spoke up in the stead of his friends who were notably not even looking at each other.
"So did you get the house?" Satchi asked, interrupting Keita's next words, not wanting to reignite the argument.
"Not yet actually, I met a friend who said that there was a quest where we could make some major Col. I figured that we could make a little more money to maybe at least afford some beds."
"Who told you about this quest?" Tetsuo asked.
"Oh, that player with white hair that I met in town, she seems really nice; even said that she could help lead us to where the quest was. But I wanted to get your guy's opinion."
"I think it's a great idea." Satchi looked at Kirito and Ducker for their responses.
"I'm fine with it."
"…ok."
"Great, we'll leave tomorrow morning!" Keita cheered happily.
Kirito turned her back to the guild, passing Ducker on the way out. "…Sorry for throwing a nail at you."
"It's ok, sorry for not listening." He looked up at her status. "Are you going to do something about that?"
"It should disappear after a day or two. I'll be fine."
They bumped fists in mutual respect and parted ways.
[ June 13th 2023 - Floor 11 - Town: Taft ]
There were 3 male players who were covered in cloaks to hide their faces; one wore a skull mask, another a burlap bag, and the third had a distinctive purple tattoo on his face.
The tattooed man stood a good distance from us as he made sure that they wouldn't be disturbed- he was the two who smiled as Keita handed them the money were the ones who took the most enjoyment from the experience.
"Please," Keita pleaded as he held his hands up in defense as his friends were scattered around him, paralyzed on the ground. They were all helpless before the bandits that had captured them. Kirito tried to struggle against the paralysis as adrenaline pumped through her entire body. Paralysis was supposed to render players immobile for 30 seconds, however, those who had a high level in alchemy could extent that time to 1 minute; which was all the time needed for the bandits to make their demands. "Just- take whatever you want, just let us leave. I swear that we'll never tell anyone about this." Keita swore as he tossed the bag of Col towards them.
"Hooo, that's quite a nest egg you've accumulated, looks like we were quite fortunate to have found you." The Skull-masked man said as he looked in the bag. "Doesn't much look like you have anything more though. Alright, you're free to go." He said as he held out a paralyze recovery potion before him. Keita hesitantly stepped forward to get the potion.
"Hold on a second." The air tensed up as the Skull masked man spoke up again just as Keita was about to take the potion. "This is a little cheap isn't it? What's that's saying again? You can't put a price on a life?" The air tensed up as the expression on their faces made both the skull and burlap masked men smile. "I wouldn't want to be disrespectful to your friends since their lives are so priceless to you it seems. So how about this? You can pick one to save."
"T-That's-" Keita stammered as his body began to tremble.
Kirito gritted her teeth as she could see that the rest of her guild was terrified along with him. She couldn't even look at Sachi as she had fallen behind her. She tried to reach for any type of potion or weapon but the paralysis was too strong and her resistance level was too low.
"Okay." Keita mustered out as he picked up the potion, agreeing to the terms.
Kirito wanted to yell at him not to turn his back to them, to try and run to get help but as they locked eyes the same thought ran through their minds. She knew what he was thinking, what they all were thinking as he chose her, the moment that she was free- there was a chance that they could all escape this situation. However, just as Keita was about to use the potion his body tensed up as a sword was impaled through his chest.
He gasped for breath- panicking- as he immediately tried to escape but in response, the Burlap masked assailant instead impaled him to the ground; Effectively preventing Keita from saving himself. He was lain out before Kirito who in turn tried to reach for him- unable to attack or reach for the potion all she could try to do was reach for her friend who held terror in his eyes up until his head ran out and he died right before their eyes.
Kirito's hearing became muffled as she heard a ringing in her ears, the only sounds that registered were the muffled screams of her guildmates and the laughter of the bandits who took their time killing them one by one as they begged for their lives. Then- after killed Ducker the Skull masked assailant turned his attention to Sachi, the only member who was obscured from view.
"How will your screams sound little lady?" The Skull Masked man asked cheerily as Kirito could hear his weapon penetrating Sachi's body over and over again. Never once did her friend scream, not even when her killer was laughing all the while in glee. "Oh, Oh! This one has a little fight in her! Isn't that adorable? Hey- you should see this."
Kirito then winced as she felt her hair being pulled, her body was then being forced by the burlap masked man to watch as Kirito could see her friend dying as she struggled to crawl away. The only sounds that came out of Kirito's mouth were the whimpers as her voice was choked up, tears streaming down her face. Through the damage being done to her Sachi continued to try and crawl to her friend bit by bit while her health was draining fast.
Her entire body then tensed up as she saw Sachi lifting up her head; she was smiling, mouthing words that didn't resister in Kirito's mind just as she began to glow. As she was forced to watch her close friend shatter before her eyes, Kirito felt weightless- as though there was nothing left but simply wait for death.
"Your friends were really nice to us." The Skull masked man remarked as he kicked Kirito to her back. "Good thing your buddy there was kind enough to let you watch our show. Now you'll have the honor of becoming our shared prey." The assailant said as the Burlap masked man approached- the two of them brandishing their weapons as they intended to kill her together.
"What a fine look in your eyes, tell me- what does it sound like when you scream?" The Skull-masked man asked, grinning as he took the first swing, digging into her health. He was joined by his friend as they took digs at her body, intending to do away with every member of their guild. Kirito could only watch as her health was drained, from the green then to the yellow. As her vision flickered and her entire body felt hollow she noticed that there no longer was a paralyzation mark. Her mind flashed back to seconds ago as she has seen Satchi's smile, realizing that she had picked up the potion- applying it to her in her dying moments.
Kirito then felt a spark within her very being as she gritted her teeth together, just as her health ran down into the red. She grabbed the sword on her back twisting into a circular spin that kicked back the two assailants- shocking them. Her eyes darted around her as she registered the 4 people: The skull-Masked man; The Burlap-Masked man; Lux- who was looking at her fearfully; and the Tattooed man standing a good distance away.
The two assailants who surrounded her hesitated for a second before the burlap masked man began laughing in anticipation. "This is more now isn't it?!" He exclaimed gleefully as he sprinted towards her weapon at the ready as he slashed down. Kirito sidestepped him, using her sword to deflect his follow-up attack as she penetrated his back with her sword, kicking him towards his friend.
The Skull-Masked man then tried to attack her as well with a sword but was quickly disarmed as Kirito slashed his arm away. The tide of the battle turn as Kirito held the hit of her weapon for dear life, her entire body feeling the rush of adrenaline as the only images that flashed before her were her friends being tortured one by one. She saw the Skull-Masked man gripping his injured arm, his health draining into the yellow quickly while his partner still laughed on with glee despite his health being in the red.
The swordsman had all intention to kill them where they stood but then she heard a clicking sound as whipping before her head was a nail that was dug in the dirt. She turned her head for a second but then her senses became disoriented the last thing she saw was the tattooed man yelling to his friends and the sound of their feet hitting the dirt as they escaped. However, the tattooed man held back for a moment as he smirked, looking at her faltering figure yet still saw a burning rage in her eyes.
"Come after me when you've sharpened your claws more kitten." He remarked as he then turned his back to her, following in pursuit of his companions.
Kirito then knelt to her knees, her entire body trembling as she plunged her weapon into the ground, resting her head against the hit as she wailed into the night.
[ July XXth 2023 - Floor 34 - Ame]
After that day, nothing else consumed my thoughts other than to find the monsters who took away my friends. Clearing the game didn't matter anymore, all that I wanted, the only thing that kept me going was the thought of killing the monsters who took away my friends. I exercised ever method I could to find them, paying off informants, threatening those who stood in my way, and limiting the flow of knowledge through the entire game. In doing so, other people's perception of me became skewed,
Kirito walked through the alleyways of the town of endless rain, that had darkened as night fell. Most players had already taken to inns or their homes to fall asleep, however, Kirito was not one of those people. She took naps whenever she could, a short burst that wouldn't hinder her progress. It had been almost a month by now since...it happened. The icon of the guild was no longer next to her user name, leaving a reminder that she would carry with her at all times.
Her eyes grew lidded as she passed through the back entrance of the town, avoiding being seen at all costs as a beginner-level cloak hid most of her face, coat, and weapons. It was good cover as most players assumed that she was at a weaker level to have such a basic item equipped with no alterations. As she walked down an alleyway under the fall of early rain. However, as she saw another player approaching down the same alleyway Kirito tensed up. She lowered her head to hide more of her face and focused on where the other player's feet as they were walking past.
She didn't let her guard down for even a second and immediately drew a dagger as the sound of footsteps stopped too early. Turning around, Kirito held her weapon towards the throat of another player, different than the one that just passed. The player was an elder-looking man who was dressed in red robes trimming with white; a color scheme that was known throughout the game- only worn by the leader of a guild that was rising in power
"You're Kirito aren't you?" The man asked as Kirito narrowed her eyes now placing a hand on the sword at her side- previously hidden under her cloak. She could see that her reaction only appeared to amuse the man, seemingly proving his words true as he held up his hands defensively. "I'm sure you're already aware of who I am, aren't you?"
"Talk." Kirito ordered in a hoarse tone as she glared at the man standing before her.
"Shall we take this conversation indoors perhaps? Maybe somewhere less wet?" He offered as the rain began to fall harder but Kirito didn't budge, instead choosing to glare at the player before her.
"What does the Commander of the Knights of Blood Oath want with me?" She demanded as she radiated hostility, knowing that a person of such importance in Sword Art Online wouldn't be without protection. There was no way he would be by himself unless he had ulterior motives or a more sinister plan set in place.
"Straight to the point I see." The Commander chuckled as he moved to stand under cover where Kirito remained in place, still pointing her weapon. "You've caught my attention." He said bluntly as Kirito gripped her dagger tighter. "You see, I've taken notice of you for a while now. It's quite hard to miss the person who's been 5 steps ahead of every player, even those who have taken to the front lines."
"I'm not interested in being headhunted for your guild, Lord Commander." Kirito stated bluntly.
"That remains to be seen." The Commander mused. "However, I must commend your methods. if I may say. Somehow you always appear to be ahead of everyone within the game, yet you never take part in any boss fights to clear the levels. If I may be so bold- an intelligent young woman like yourself should know how this looks; It's as if you are searching for something. Or perhaps it's just the opposite, you're ensuring that there is no place to hide so long as you're the one who holds the most information."
Kirito flinched slightly at those words as the fury within her threatened to surface.
"I have a proposition for you." The Commander said as he summoned an umbrella from his inventory and took a step forward in the rain. His smile faded slightly as Kirito could see any goodwill fade from his eyes as he spoke on. "These bandits you're trying to track down are becoming a threat, a true menace towards those who are innocent. For the cost of their capture, I am willing to offer you my services in order to aid you."
"Not interested, I've always done better on my own." Kirito said bluntly as she backed away, never once breaking eye contact with the Commander.
"Perhaps, but what I'm propositioning is more as simple as that. What I offer is a quid pro quo; a crutch so to speak so that you may find your own mission a little easier to complete.
Kirito's interest was slightly peaked at those words; something that the Lord Commander picked up on as his diplomatic smile returned.
"Simply put, those bandits are growing in numbers quickly. You yourself I'm sure, are looking for where they may hold a base of operations or spread their information. It is a noble cause, however, Aincrad is far too large for one person to cover; especially when floors are being cleared every month or so. The advantage you have is that you're not hindered by anyone else. What I am offering is the services of the Knight's of the Blood Oath. Every day we are growing larger in numbers with a station on every few floors or so- and we could do more with the aid of someone of your skillsets. I'll cover the search on every floor we pass so long as you can provide map data then we can ensure that every crevasse is always canvassed. No stone will be left unturned, no road will be left unwatched." The Lord Commander remarked, placing his hand over his chest as he gave his word.
Kirito hesitantly sheathed her weapon however still held onto it. "I assume that you have other demands if this agreement is to be made official." She inquired, assuming that there was more to the story than the Lord Commander was telling her.
"Not particularly, but I am not so daft not to realize that you will be the one taking the most risk. Whatever resources you require I shall supply; whether that be armor, weapons, or Col."
"I'm not interested in being in debt to you. All I need is insurance that you won't try to betray me."
The Lord Commander scoffed at the notion, yet thought about it for a second. He then opened up his inventory and held out a ring-like item shaped like a pair of small wings, with a hollowed-out heart in the center. Kirito tapped the item, reading out the description upon it as [Ring of Angel's Whisper]. In a moment she realized what the Lord Commander was planning and almost wanted to berate his stupidity- trusting a hated player was the most ridiculous thing she'd ever heard, yet...
"Then it's a deal." The Lord Commander said as Kirito accepted the item who in turn felt nothing as she placed it on, only thinking about killing the ones who had taken away her entire guild.
[ November XXth 2023 - Floor 39 - Forest of Giants]
Kirito was the first to step through the teleporter into an area where the sky couldn't be seen as it was covered by gargantuan trees that covered most of the sunlight, yet all were brightly colored as the forest itself appeared to be in a perpetual autumn, completely with the falling head hurt as she was avoiding sleep just to stay ahead of the Assault Team. She sighed heavily as she then tapped the ring on her finger, allowing for a message to be recorded and sent to only one person.
"I've just entered floor 's no direct path to be seen yet so when I come across any town or buildings I'll mark them out as per usual." Kirito tapped the ring again as the message was sent. She looked around again and felt an underlying emotion of anxiety as she felt all the more small surrounded by large trees that would no doubt be hiding monsters within their branches. However, an idea came to her as she went into her inventory and took out an item that was shaped like a spider.
The item, [Spider Silker], itself had no use within combat nor was it strong enough to forge into anything stronger. It had the ability to leave a thin, practically unseen silver spiderweb wherever she traversed while it was activated. The item was hardly used by any other player- except for those who intended to guide others; whether it was for the sake of guiding others to a town or guiding allies to players who were their prey of choice.
Kirito sighed heavily as she pointed the device upward towards the trunk of the treelines but then flinched as she heard the teleporter go off behind her. Immediately she sheathed her tool and jumped back placing a hand on the hilt of her weapons. She clicked her tongue in displeasure as she saw a familiar face appearing alone- lowering her guard as Agil stepped forward off the teleporter.
She could see that he hadn't healed yet, and was still vulnerable to attacks; him entering a new floor was a high risk that could end his life at any moment. Yet, he smiled in greeting as he saw her.
"Afternoon." He remarked as Kirito frowned.
"Players are meant to remain behind and wait 2 hours before beginning excursions to other floors you know." He remarked as Kirito scoffed. There was an agreement made by every guild that participated in boss fights first enacted by the Lord Commander intending to ensure the safety of all players after those who had been eager to get ahead of other guilds were the most likely to be killed. It also gave them the time needed to restock on supplies or weapons that were previously lost. In reality, however, it was meant to buy her the time needed to garner a head start.
Kirito scoffed as she placed a hand on her hip. "I never agreed to anything like that, you're the only one here who's breaking the agreement." She pointed out Agil chuckled as he placed his hands on his hips.
"Yeah, but I'm a solo player as well. So, I guess there's nothing really stopping me from going on ahead as well." he remarked jokingly, but then his smile faded as he saw Kirito glaring at him with animosity."Even if you are a strong player, you have to admit that pushing on ahead of everyone else isn't safe." He said. "The only time I or anyone, ever sees you is during raids and once they end you're gone in an instant without even a hello or good-bye."
Kirito sighed heavily in annoyance. "You're not responsible for me, Agil. In SAO you have only yourself to look out for."
"We're all trapped in this game together Kirito, you don't have to keep distancing yourself from everyone else." Agil's voice softened as he tried to reason with her, but Kirito only became more defensive as she recalled the last time someone reached out to her- and how it ended.
Kirito shut her eyes for a moment, feeling her heart rate increase as their screams echoed in her mind. "It's better this way, Agil." Kirito said as her breath became more shallow, turning her back to him.
"I'm going to be leaving the frontlines soon."
Immediately Kirito looked back at him with a shocked expression as the older man scratched the back of his head. Agil had been a front-liner from the start of the game. He was the only other solo player aside from her who was strong enough to keep up with those who were in a guild so as a result they almost always paired up for boss battles together.
A number of thoughts ran through Kirito's mind but she couldn't find the words to voice what she wanted to say.
"I'm not going to be leaving the front lines immediately, but with the other guilds growing stronger and the Knights of Blood Oath taking the lead more and more I'm hitting my limit to keep up." Agil admitted as he then crossed his arms, looking towards the trees overhead towards a sky that was invisible from where they were standing. "It's only going to get all the more difficult from now on, but I wanted to let you know."
"...Have you given up?" Kirito couldn't help but ask as her mind went to a dark place. But felt surprised as Agil chuckled, with a smile on his face.
"Course not. But when you're constantly fighting all the time you forget that this game doesn't have to be about survival all the time." Agil said as he seemed to recall something pleasant. "Before playing this game, I owned a bar called the Dicey cafe, so I know a thing or two about keeping a store. Seems like it would be the better route for me to take; supporting others so they can become stronger rather than focusing on constantly training."
Kirito lost her voice for a moment as she realized that without Agil there wasn't anyone else she was actually close within the game, the moment he left she would really be alone.
"You could come with me, you know." Agil offered as Kirito was immediately reminded of the first day of the game, when she stood in the alleyway across from Klein. "I could use some help in picking a location, plus having an employee with a cute face is always a draw." He said jokingly trying to get her to smile.
A breeze picked up as leaves began to fall from above. Kirito looked down towards her hand which trembled whenever it was void of a weapon. Back at the start of the game, she promised herself to survive no matter the cost, but as she stood now- a lone survivor she never felt weaker. But even so, the path that she had taken wasn't just for herself, it was for the sake of the people she'd lost. If she gave up now, there would be no one else who would be able to take her place.
"I'm sorry Agil." Kirito said with a heavy heart, shaking her head as she grasped her wrist. "I can't leave." She said as the ring hidden under her gloves felt heavy. For the few seconds when Agil didn't answer she could help but want to backtrack her words.
"It's okay." Agil said with a reassuring tone which made Kirito feel all the more guilty. "I'm going to head on back first- be careful now."
"Agil!" Kirito called out just before he stepped on the teleporter. He looked back at her in surprise while she didn't know what to immediately say- not even really knowing why she stopped him in the first place. "I...I'd go with you if I could- really I would." She insisted as she hung her head, feeling a heaviness that repeatedly reminded her how terrible of a person she was. She hadn't even noticed the crunching of the leaves before her until she felt Agil's hand on her head.
"I know." The axe-wielder said with no trace of animosity in his tone. Kirito could even bring herself to say anything more, to be a hindrance to another person as Agil went back through the teleporter, leaving her alone.
[December XXth 2023 - Floor 39 - Forest of Giants]
Kirito's head rested on her pillow, her eyes were dulled as she had never once looked away from the recording device that hovered before her in the darkened room. She didn't care how long she had holed herself away for, how much time she had lost in order to pursue a fleeting hope, nothing seemed to matter anymore.
However, even so- the image of Klein burned in her mind as she had turned her back on him. It shouldn't have mattered; his guild members were all together. Whatever reason he decided to track her down- it was only a waste of time.
Kirito had a delayed reaction as the ring hidden under her gloves pinged multiple times over before she answered.
There was no response at first so Kirito took the initiative, as she spoke her voice was raspy from lack of use. "Did you send them after me?" She asked as she spoke into the ring.
"Was that something you didn't want them to know?" The Lord Commander responded in a neutral tone from other side.
Kirito mulled over his words, wondering if this was something that she should make more of a fuss about. She instead closed her eyes and responded in a disheartened tone. "It doesn't matter anymore." She said as her gaze tensed, looking out the window at the falling snow outside her window. "No matter who comes after me- whatever their intentions- there's no going back now."
[January XX, 2024 Floor 45 - Field of Dandelions]
Kirito stepped through the teleporter in the open field as she had been prepared to make the long trek towards the nearest inn- however she became more tense as she unluckily had crossed paths with the Knights of Blood Oath.
It wasn't just any squad, however- it was a group that consisted of both commanders along with their high-level guards all of whom would be difficult to defeat if she were to engage in combat. Kirito took notice of the guild, trying to avoid even making eye contact but any hopes she had were thrown out the window as she heard a familiar voice.
"Black Swordsman!"
She reluctantly turned to see Asuto, her former party member standing near the Lord Commander of the strongest guild in the game. Somehow over the course of the early months of the game, Asuto had risen in the ranks of the Knights of Blood Oath. When the Lord Commander himself was unavailable he was the one seen leading other players in raid battles. Supposedly he was the protegee of the Lord Commander himself, thusly making him the unofficial second strongest player within the game.
However, in this instance, the Vice Commander frowned in displeasure as he took notice of her player status.
"Where were you?" He asked accusingly as her player status had turned orange- the stigmatized color of criminals within this game. "You can't just walk around the front lines like it's nothing when in the state you're in. We're meant to be fighting monsters, not other players." He said authoritatively.
Kirito scoffed at the naivety in his words, wondering how sheltered guild life must be for him to say those words aloud without any irony. "Got it. My bad." She remarked lamely as she placed her hands on her hips, turning to him with a pitiful smirk on her face. "If you want me off the front lines then all you have to do is ask, Vice Commander."
The Vice Commander scowled at her as he stepped towards her, separating himself from his guildmates to face her properly. "You realize what it means for you to be an orange player right? If you weren't being vouched for then you be locked up just like all those other criminals." He said with a voice that was heavy with emotion but Kirito looked right past him, not taking his words seriously as she looked at the Lord Commander.
"Is this your best attempt to crack down on players? Letting your mascot take on every complaint that hinders your guild's image?" She asked unabashedly as the guild members became more tense.
A bug-faced older man stepped forward with his hand on his weapon as he glared at her in particular. "How DARE you speak to the Commanders like that you beater scum! Apologize for this instance!" He demanded, breaking into fanatic emotion while the rest of the guildmates looked to their leader for direction.
"Kuradeel!" Asuto commanded as his tone set his guild member back in line.
The Lord Commander kept a composed expression as he folded his hands behind his back. "I cannot speak towards the actions of every member of my guild. I am firmly of the option that any disagreement between two stubborn parties can only be solved with a clash of weapons." He said as Kirito noticed the look of disbelief that Asuto gave to the Lord Commander. The Vice Commander opened his mouth to say something but ultimately backed down as he was under the gaze of the strongest player within the game.
"Fine by me." Kirito remarked, taking note of the situation as she was the first to send a duel invitation. "House rules, the loser is required to do whatever the winner asks." She said as Asuto nodded, accepting the duel request as the timer began to count down.
Kirito drew her weapon as Asuto his rapier while the guild members whispered among each other, vying to see the Beater of SAO being taken down a peg.
Asuto in turn tensed up as he glanced back at his Lord Commander once more. The silent expression that both Commanders gave to one another; it was a look that gave Kirito the impression that there was some tension between the two. However, she had no stake in the drama of the guilt, silently distancing herself from her former party member as the time reached zero.
Kirito dashed forward holding her weapon behind her as Asuto raised his to line up his shots. Both of them had seen each other's playstyle multiple times over, but it would be the first them that they were on the receiving end of them. Kirito began to spin her sword in hand, forming a pseudo shield, anticipating the Vice Commander's signature flurry of blinding strikes, but instead, Asuto met her blade with his own- parrying it back to leave her vulnerable.
Kirito gasped for a moment as her blade was almost knocked out of her hands, her eyes widened as she saw Asuto lining up his rapier directly at her chest- an attack that would have done maximum damage since she wasn't wearing any armor. However, she leaned back into the weight of her sword, tumbling back as she kicked his weapon back- buying her more time as she regained her composure.
The Black Swordsman caught her breath while Asuto didn't even look phased. "You learned more tricks since the last time." She mildly complimented while Asuto frowned.
"I don't play tricks like you, I train more than anyone else." The Vice Commander said sternly as he adjusted his stance, taking a step back to make himself less of a target while Kirito felt the heat of battle beginning to charge.
"Using every skill at your disposal is called a trick, huh?" Kirito said bitterly as she swung her blade, charging up an attack as she saw Asuto preparing for whatever she was going to be thrown at him. Looking at his face, at how intense his gaze was just to win the fight sent a feeling of anger within Kirito. Kirito could feel everything start to spin as it felt like her eyes burned and something was inside her head hammering at their full strength. She hid her face but turned her back to them, unable to even sheath her weapon; her entire body felt like it was about to collapse at any moment.
She dashed at him once more this time, meeting each one of his strikes with her own weapon. The sound of clashing blades filled the air as the speed of the Vice Commander's stikes- while weaker- were able to hit her body more, effectively lowering her health down into the yellow while his own was still in the green.
Kirito jumped back again to gather her bearings, noticing the satisfied expression on the guild member's dances at the prospect of her defeat at the hands of their vice leader.
"Give up." The Vice Commander said as he pointed his rapier towards her, as if he were already claiming victory.
However, Kirito only clutched the hilt of her weapon as she reversed her grip, holding her weapon more defensively as her front was completely exposed. Her entire body tensed as the Vice Commander this time was the one to charge, leading with this signature flurry of sword strikes- intending to end the match altogether.
With the first clash of weapons, Kirito could feel the feather-like strikes the Vice Commander's strikes had, aiming for the weak points and ignoring the weapon altogether. Her eyes widened as she realized that he was primarily using skills attuned to lance skills. A weapon that had an advantage with its length and speed; in the hands of the right wilder it could deal a moderate amount of damage while the used retained most of their health. The Vice Commander however- took no risks as he also had armor, which made him difficult to defeat.
"Every weapon is just as malleable as their wielder. Ultimately the greatest weapon a master can hone is their mind."
Kirito turned the hilt of her weapon just as the Vice commander struck again. She charged up her weapon, but rather than using the energy built up to deal a strike she held the blunt edge of it to meet the Vice Commanders' pierces, reacting to each one as time seemed to slow. The energy that built up ultimately was released into the Vice Commander's weapon just as her health reached the edge of red.
I won't...I won't be defeated again!
She yelled at the top of her lungs as their weapons made contact, and Asuto's sword shattered before everyone, knocking him back as he was met with Kirito's blade right before his eyes. Kirito then followed up with a powerful strike that had sent him flying back, breaking his armor as his health was cut in half. But as she instinctively was about to strike him again, her blade bounded off a shield as the Lord Commander intervened.
"Wh-" Kirito mustered as her world began to spin, she hadn't realized how tense the fight was, to the point where her hands entire body trembled just from standing still.
"I believe this is your win, Black Swordsman." The Lord Commander remarked, but Kirito wasn't listening as she saw her reflection in his shield. For a moment she was terrified as she saw her eyes had turned a distorted color. Immediately she pulled her hood over her face, hiding it as she turned her back to them. "I believe as the victor- you have the right to request the Vice Commander of anything?" The Lord Commander remarked, but the deal was the furthest thing from Kirito's mind as she walked back to the teleporter.
"Just- leave me alone." She said, his voice cracking as teleported away, feeling a rush of fear that couldn't be shaken away.
[February 25, 2024 Floor 47 - Floria]
In an inn room that was far from the front lines, Kirito rested her head on her hands- sitting on the edge of the bed. A range of mixed emotions radiated off in waves as she thought about her blade about to cut through that woman's throat. This world was created to have weight with every item held, however, that luxury didn't apply to everything. When she struck the blade toward the Guild leader's throat she was certain that cutting through her would have taken no strength at all.
Kirito then placed a hand on her chest, touching the spot where she had been attacked, but there was no physical remnant of what had happened. She could so easily walk around the streets of any town and no one would ever know the terrifying experience she endured. That feeling made her feel all the more alone- but it was the same loneliness that drove her to pursue the people that took away the lives of players without a second thought.
She then pulled up her menu and map- seeing the location of the Assault team at the moment. It would take more than a day to return and the only progress she had to show for it was an imprisoned orange guilt with seemingly no connection to Laughing Coffin.
Kirito turned around as she heard bedsheets ruffle, and a small smile grew on her face as she saw Silica hugging her newly revived dragon close to her. There was a bitter taste in her mouth at the thought of leaving her so soon.
"Silica." Kirito said gently as she placed a hand on the younger girl's head. She was then met with Silica's eyes opening sleepily as she pulled her dragon closer to her.
Silica's expression became saddened as she saw that Kirito already had her weapons and gear equipped. "Do you have to leave so soon?" Silica asked as she sat up, holding her still sleeping dragon in her lap. "It's not even light out yet- plus I haven't repaid you for your kindness…" Silica said in a disheartened tone as she hung her head as her eyes began to water.
Kirito's expression softened as she felt sympathy for the younger player. "I have to go now if I want to make it back to the front lines."
"B-but do they really need you there so soon?! There are lots of really strong players there, and...and…" Silica was at a loss for words as she tried to form an argument for her case. Her eyes wandered up to Kirito's character status which was now orange. "And...I'd really worry about you alot." She said as she grasped onto Kirito's jacket sleeve.
For a moment Kirito could feel her chest swell with nostalgia as she thought back to when her younger brother would do the same. She recalled how shy he always was, following her around and tugging at her clothes whenever he wanted something. But…
"You don't need me to take care of you, you're big enough to look after yourself." She said, looking at Silica but thinking of her brother. "There are strong players on the Assault team but there are some things only I can do and I can't afford to overlook my duty." She said placing a hand on Silica's head. "Besides- the more help we have on the front lines the better the chances you'll get to go home." Kirirto said more optimistically as she saw Silica trying to hold back her tears.
The younger girl wiped her eyes with her sleeve as she looked up at her with determination in her eyes. "I...We'll," Silica said, petting Pina. "Definitely become stronger and fight with you on the front lines! Then we'll be the ones who'll help you out!" She said, grasping the Black Swordsman's hands reflexively. "So until then wait for us!"
Kirito smiled as she said Silica then became flustered as she realized what she was doing, taking some enjoyment at seeing the younger girl's embarrassment; but then felt the guilt of a liar as she spoke. "I'll look forward to that day then."
[February 29, 2024 Floor 54 - Enameth Town]
A player wearing simple armor and a cloak, cursed under his breath as he was being pursued by a black-cloaked player who was pursuing him. They were well camouflaged against the night of the city, but as he turned back to see if they were following him, he instead saw a flash of white running through the streets, while growing tenser as he quickly recognized the white and red of the armor.
As he turned the corner in hope of losing the Vice Commander of the strongest guild in the game, he froze in place as another player dropped down from the rooftops before him, brandishing their weapon directly towards their next with a fierce expression on their face.
"L-Listen, this is some kind of misunderstanding!" The cloaked figure said as he recognized the black sword in the female player's hand. He turned back to see that the Vice Commander caught up and was shocked at the scene but then lowered his guard as he saw the player status.
"Where are the rest of your squad?" She demanded to know, her tone emotionless as she saw right through his facade.
"I-I don't know what you're talking about!" He insisted as he tried to back away but felt like if he turned his back he would be at the mercy of a predator.
"I don't have time nor the patience to deal with your bs." The Black swordsman remarked as she adjusted the grip of her weapon.
Hearing those words sent a chill through his spine as he heard the Black Swordsman's voice. He stared at her in disbelief, thinking that there was no way someone like her could possibly know..
The armored man then yelped as her blade was then pushed directly towards his neck, only lightly penetrating so that his health would fall a few points at a time. They both knew that he couldn't be killed in a town, but that didn't take away the panic that quickly rose. "We both know that you're just a scout and that once they find out that you've been captured they'll abandon you in a heartbeat to save their own asses."
The armored man immediately tensed up as he slowly felt panic start to take hold. His eyes darted from watching his own health bar far and towards the Black Swordsman, but he didn't dare move a single muscle at the risk of worsening his situation.
For a moment he considered spilling everything, thinking that he would be let go. But then his decision was made for him as the Vice Commander of the Knights of Blood Oath as he stepped between them.
"What are you doing?!" The Vice Commander exclaimed as he looked at the Black Swordsman who was still holding out her sword.
The armored man felt a rush of relief, almost pity as he knew his character status would save him from being caught. "T-that's right, please Vice Commander! I wasn't doing anything- this Beater must be trying to rob be or somethi-" He didn't get to finish his words as he saw the gaze of disgust the Black Swordsman held in her eyes, only making him fear her further. "Vice Commander please! She's a Beater!" He begged aloud, raising his voice in hopes that other players would form a crowd outside the alleyway. If one could be formed then his partners could find him more easily…
"Get out of here." The Vice Commander ordered and the armored man didn't have to think twice as he immediately fled as fast as he could.
"Thank you Vice Commander!" The armored man said earnestly as he ran out into the bustling city, a grin drawing on his face as he felt grateful towards the Vice Commander.
"What are you doing?!" Kirito yelled in disbelief at the Vice Commander. She walked past him, intending on pursuing the armored man but her sword arm was grabbed, preventing her from doing so and she was pushed against the wall of the alley. She glared at the taller player who returned the same animus expression.
"Me? You're the one running around here threatening players!" Asuto pointed out. "You think that you can do whatever you want just because you're a solo player?!"
"Only when sheep act superior, thinking they know what's best for everyone just because they have a shepherd." Kirito spat back. "Does it feel good to walk tall knowing you're only function is to follow orders?"
"Don't try to make this about me. That guy was a green player, he wasn't doing anything wrong aside from standing around."
Kirito scoffed. "How naive can you be?! Just because he has the appearance of a green player doesn't mean that he's not guilty of harming other players."
"I'm naive? You're the one being crazy! We can't go around hurting other players, without any evidence then we'd be just as immoral as Laughing Coffin. All we can do is imprison them."
"That's your solution?! What happens if we all escape this game- do you think that the authorities are going to arrest people who killed each other in a video game?!" Kirito gritted her teeth as she kicked Vice Commander back against the wall, placing her sword back in its scabbard just as he placed his hand on the hilt of his weapon. "I'm warning you only once, keep to your lane."
The tension between them was palpable as neither of them broke eye contact at the cost of becoming vulnerable to any possible attack. "Only so long you're not causing any more incidents. If I even hear about you harassing other players- I'm not afraid of sending you to the Black Iron Palace."
Kirito scoffed at the notion. "Should I be honored that the regal and celebrated Lighting Flash Vice Commander of the Knights is lowering himself to fraternize with a deplorable Beater?" She said mockingly but noticed that the Vice Commander's expression fell for a moment, almost looking sad, but then turned his head away as he allowed his guard to fall.
"I'm no better than any other player in this game and I've never once thought of you as deplorable." The Vice Commander said as his voice softened. He then faced her with an earnest expression, clear of any semblance of aggression. "If you feel so strongly about this then at least allow me to help you. I can at least infer that there has to be some reason why you're acting like this- I don't know it, nor will I ask- but please don't think that you have to do this alone."
Kirito was stunned by the heartfelt words she never expected him to say. Her hand felt from the hilt of her weapon, but then tensed up as they both heard the sounds of heavy armor and yells approaching where they were.
The Vice Commander turned his head to where the sounds were coming from, but it only took that moment for Kirito to confirm what she had originally believed. As the Vice Commander turned back towards her, the Black Swordsman who had closed the distance between them, placing a hand on his shoulder as he froze in place- hearing her normally aggressive tone soften.
"Thanks." She said as her expression fell. Her grip tensed up as the voices became louder but before the Vice Commander could say anything in response she muttered the words of a location beyond his means of travel.
[March XX, 2024 Floor 1 - Town of Beginnings]
"Are you certain?" Kirito asked lamely as she sat before the Lord Commander in an inn on the outskirts of the first floor.
The Lord Commander nodded. "The information appears to be solid, the source. Even if the source itself is sketchy it coincides with the information you've gathered these past few months."
Kirito's head lowered as she looked down at her hands that no longer trembled when she stood still. The anger that once drove her action somewhere faded along the way and all that was left was apathy.
"Even if the information is credible there's still a chance that this is a trap."
"There is always a chance that any situation could turn ugly at the drop of a hat. However, if we were to allow Laughing Coffin to continue their work then only more players will be in danger, especially those on the lower floors." The Lord Commander pointed out as Kirito remembered Silica, who last she heard was around level 40. "I will call a meeting of the Assault team and bring this to their attention, and once the battle is done our contract will end."
Kirito nodded as the Lord Commander stood up. "Will you take part in the fight as well?"
She didn't bother lifting her head to give him a proper answer as at this point she was exhausted; mind, body, and soul alike. "...Was it worth it?" She said aloud to no one in particular. That question had been stuck in her mind for a while now- constantly filling her with guilt as she wanted the loneliness to end. Every choice she made was her own but even when Laughing Coffin was in the palm of her hand she could feel no pride, nor any joy at the prospect of finally obtaining the justice that she so desperately wanted.
The Lord Commander didn't answer as he remained silent, seemingly deep in thought as he closed his eyes. "I hope it will be."
[March XX, 2024 Floor 1 - Umbra Dungeon]
Kirito trailed behind the group of 50 members of the Assault team, keeping her head lowered under the cloak she wore. There were members of the 4 main guilds but here eyes were drawn to both the Vice Commander who was in the Lord Commander's stead and Klein's guild who volunteered. Agil had kept his word and had already left the front lines, making her the only solo player within this group.
"According to the top we're almost at Laughing Coffins secret base!" The appointed leader of the group announced as he stepped forward. "Before we charge in, let me make this clear! Those guys are red players, once the battle start they'll definitely try to kill us without a second thought. So don't hesitate to defend yourselves. We have the edge in numbers skill-"
Kirito tuned out his words as her eyes wandered around the area that was surrounded by floating white platforms. The Dungeon itself was one ever player trekked through in order to reach the second floor, thusly it had the lowest level of monsters within the entire game; making it the perfect hiding place for a guild that wouldn't want to be found as they hid in plain sight.
However she felt apprehensive as she noticed that they weren't surrounded by walls, but empty space that led to an endless fall. She then looked behind her, noticing that there was no direct way of escaping as the platforms behind them began to drift away as well. Her eyes then widened as she heard a rustling of cloth and metal, detected by said maxed-out skill. Her eyes were then drawn up as she saw someone jumping down from a platform, sword drawn- about to strike down against the Vice Commander who like the others was distracted by the leader's speech.
Kirito dashed forward reaching out as her sword clashed against his own. She could see the crazed expression in their eyes as they then kicked her to the side just in time for dozens of Laughing Coffin members to make themselves known as they jumped down from above- using the height of the platforms as a blind spot as they waited for the opportune moment to strike.
Kirito used her sword to defend herself again as the crazed red player pursued her. He flashed her a twisted grin as neither swordsman gave way to the other. However- time seemed to slow as out of the corner of her eye Kirito saw another Laughing Coffin member. Next thing she knew, her right arm was destroyed; vaporized into pieces. She cursed under her breath as her black sword fell to the side out of her reach while the Laughing Coffin member that attacked her, followed up his barrage of attacks by slashing her chest- causing her to falter as she lost her footing on the edge of the platform.
The Black Swordsman was only able to hand on with the lone arm that remained- while the other would take too long to be reforged. Kirito looked up towards the two Laughing Coffin members, one of whom reveled in stomping at her hand rather than simply cutting through the rest of her health.
She could feel her grip slipping as the sound of metal echoed through the halls along with screams of players on both sides. Kirito closed her eyes as she could no longer feel the platform but then she felt the touch of another player grabbing her hand as she looked up to see the Vice Commander appearing while the two laughing Coffin Members were destroyed.
Kirito stared at him in disbelief as he pulled her up just as his player status turned orange. She couldn't bring herself to say anything as the battle continued around them. Rather- she distanced herself from him, picking up her fallen sword as she continued to fight with her remaining arm.
...
By the end, Kirito was covered in scratches and red marks, her health was critically low but she didn't care as she couldn't pull her eyes away from the sight before her eyes. The rest of the battle had become a blur of fighting, but once the fighting cleared, and the remaining members of Laughing Coffin were captured, it was clear that no one was leaving this place as a green player. She winced as she clutched her hand, once again turning her back to those who helped her as she felt no right to face them now.
She was the one at fault for not being able to discern that they were walking into a trap. Had she done more, had she accepted more help rather than just doing everything on her own then perhaps not everyone would have been marked orange by the red-player guild. She held a teleport crystal in her hand, mouthing familiar words as she was taken outside of the dungeon, promising herself to cut off the final tie she had made.
"Among the 20 members of Laughing Coffin that perished, 2 were by my own sword. But...it was the last time I chose to be involved with looking for the remaining Laughing Coffin guild members any further." Kiyoto explained as she laced her fingers together, hanging her head in shame as she recounted the months where she relentlessly hunted down any trace of Laughing Coffin she could find. She always blocked the incident in her mind, but now- her past actually could have some value. "I only found out afterward that most of them had been convinced by their leader that the death in the game was fake, and that SAO was just a normal game."
Kikuoka removed his glasses to clean them as he took in Kiyoto's story. "It doesn't take away what they did in SAO. If a crime was committed in-game then we have to ensure that we bring justice for the sake of the people they harmed. We can be sympathetic to their condition, but ultimately their choices were their own."
Kiyoto's eyes then widened as she turned to Kikuoka with a spark in her eye. "Is it possible that you didn't account for all orange players?"
"Hm?" Kikuoka hummed just as he stuffed another cream puff in his mouth as he saw a spark of realization in Kirito's eyes.
"Everyone still thinks that the Black Swordsman is dead, and no one else was aware unless the hospital itself gave them the information. So would it be possible that there's another player that could have evaded the hunt for Orange players as well? Maybe someone who was being protected?" Kiyoto suggested as the gears in her mind started to turn. She could see Kikuoka pondering her words as well as his expression tensed up.
"It could be..." Kikuoka said to himself as he thought aloud. "If we could cross-reference the search of people within the government appointment SAO wards in hospitals against those who had ties to any hospital staff or public service career...It could at least narrow the search some." He said with a hint of optimism while Kiyoto nodded. "But leave the search to me. For now, you still need to mentally prepare for the tournament. Once you enter the only way to leave is to log out, be eliminated, or be forcefully ejected. Yui will be your only line of communication to the outside world so you'll need to ready her as well."
Kiyoto nodded as Kikuoka stood up, placing his glasses back on and dawning a supportive smile. "Maybe you should also see how your brother is doing as well. Maybe, get him to act a little more polite towards his elders." He suggested as Kiyoto chuckled.
"That's never going to happen until you earn his respect, it's one of the lessons our grandfather ingrained in us." Kiyoto informed as Kikuoka sighed heavily.
"Fair enough, it's not like I made a good first impression anyhow." He said, nodding his head respectfully as he then left the room, leaving behind the creampuffs. As Kiyoto was left in the room alone, she frowned as she picked up the tablet again- this time typing something in particular into the search engine. On the screen appeared a web page of a place named the Dicey Cafe and according to the website, it was still open and within the city.
Kiyoto grasped her hospital gown as her heart began to race, wanting desperately to see a familiar face in order to repay the kindness that she was certain had saved her.
[April XX, 2024 Floor 50 - Algade]
The last thing Kirito recalled was walking in the rain as she approached a place that was familiar, yet terrifying. Just as she was about to knock on the door, she stopped herself, realizing that there was no scenario where she should be asking for anything. All she was now, was a burden to those around her. Just as Kirito was about to walk away she froze in place as a familiar face stood before her holding a box of items.
She was at a loss for words, realizing that there was nothing that could explain away her actions, nor make up for the distance she placed between them. But before she could actually respond, Kirito tensed up as she was grabbed easily with one arm and taken inside.
"W-what are doing?!" She exclaimed reflexively as Agil made her sit in the bedroom and threw a towel at her face.
"It's raining out there, and there wasn't any time for me to wait around for you to make up your mind." Agil said playfully as he placed a hand on Kirito's head. "Come on, when was the last time you even ate or slept?" He asked as Kirito lowered her head shamefully as she didn't know how to answer. Agil in turn sighed as he pulled up his menu, placing a simple meal of pasta, salad, and bread. Looking down at an actual meal while sitting in a warm room with a friend, Kirito felt a melancholy grow in her chest, not even able to recall when she last experienced this.
"How..." Kirito murmured as her voice cracked. "How can you be so kind to someone who was horrible?" Kirito asked as over a year's worth of pain, loneliness, and regret came rushing to the forefront. She clutched her chest filled an unbearable sadness that had once driven her, but now made her feel unworthy. "I was terrible to everyone, and now..." Her voice hitched as she tried to wipe away the tears that wouldn't stop as Agil pulled her into a hug. "It was my fault...I was stronger than any of them yet- I couldn't save them. I was a coward, I was being selfish, but I could do was believe that what I was doing was right..." She said as her voice hitched. "Why can't you hate me? Why couldn't you just turn me away?!"
Agil didn't respond immediately, as he allowed his friend to express her repressed emotions that were held back for far too long. "Because when you're friends with someone, leaving them alone when they need help isn't an option."
Notes:
-I'm taking some creative liberties with the marriage system. The item, Ring of Angel's Whisper was in the novelization as well as so it's being used here.
- Side characters get more spotlight.
- Edgy backstory takes place before the murder mystery chapter, so Ki currently has the best relationship with Agil; their friendship is the equivalent of the two people in class who didn't have partners so they were automatically paired together.
-Ayase gets his own flashback chapter next time.
-Asuto is part of the flashback as well, but there will be more on him later down the line.
-This took so long to research and plan for, right down to even making a timeline.
- This was Kirito's lowest point within the game, having the realization that it was her weakness that allowed Laughing Coffin members to escape and cause her friends to become orange players/die; and she was too arrogant and scared to ask for help.
-There will be so many parallels coming up.