I sheath my blade as Kirito comes up to me, "That should be about all of them."

I nod, "How many did we lose?"

Kirito checks the player list. "3. It would have been more had you not defeated their leader."

Asuna comes up to us. "That's right. But what was that skill you used?"

I look down. "Oh, yeah, It's a unique skill that I picked up when I beat the boss on floor 3. It's called Divine Light of the Gods"

Asuna nods, "It looks really powerful. You got it on floor three and you're just using it now?"

I nod, "I've practiced in lower dungeons on my own, but I didn't want to show it just yet. But PoH forced my hand, so there we are."

They both nod and Kirito speaks, "What kind of stats does it have?"

I Show him the stat block. "It's a swift one hit that does more damage the longer I charge it. Max charge is 1 minute."

His eyes go wide. "Wow, that's a lot of damage."

I nod, "But it's also a whole minute that I need to charge it to get maximum damage. But the other good thing is the light that comes from my sword can be used to blind my enemies."

He nods and we all turn to head out with our prisoners in tow. We get back to HQ after making sure all captives made it to prison. I sit on my bed looking through my inventory and skill list. I hear a knock at the door. "Come in."

Amara steps in. I smile, "You don't need to knock. You're welcome in here anytime."

She smiles and nods, "I just came in to let you know that the commander is asking for you."

I nod, "Did he say why?"

She shakes her head. "I assume it's to discuss your report on the raid." I nod and get up. She comes over to me and gives me a peck on the lips. "Meet me after. You can take me on that dinner you promised, and then we can do some talking of our own."

I nod and leave towards Heathcliff's office.

I knock on his door and he lets me in. "You wanted to see me, sir?"

He nods, "Sit down. please."

I sit down and he looks at me. "congratulations are in order. Your raid on Laughing Coffin was an absolute success; Minimal casualties, all criminals sent to prison for the remainder of their time in this game. In a very short time, you've managed to climb the ranks using your skill and change the face of Aincrad. I know it is hard to see given the circumstances. but you truly have made this game a safer place for everyone."

I nod. "Thank you, sir, but I didn't do it alone."

He nods, "Of course, and all those who helped will be commended. but for right now, I would like to give you something. I would like to promote you to command lieutenant which means that you will be my right hand."

My eyes go wide. "I-I...I don't know sir. This is a tremendous honor."

He nods, "You can take as much time as you need to think it over. you've been granted a leave of absence until you decide. you've earned it. But, if I may comment, I think you will be instrumental in helping me, everyone, in the endeavor of getting out of this game. You may go."

I nod and silently leave. I head to Asuna's office where I was told Amara would be. I see Asuna on the way in and she waves at me. "Hey, SMii7y. I heard you were taking a leave of absence. what's going on."

I smile, "I will tell you everything later. For now, I need to find Amara."

She smirks, "I'm sure you do."

I roll my eyes, "I swear, you're worse than V0ltec. Do you know where she is?"

She smiles, "First door on the left."

I nod and give her a quick thanks before heading in. I knock on the door. I hear a, "Come in."

I come in and quietly close the door behind me. She smiles and comes to give me a hug and a quick peck on the lips. "So, how was your meeting with Heathcliff?"

I smile, "That's actually what I wanted to talk to about over dinner. Tonight? I know a good place on floor 15."

She smiles. "I think I know the place. sounds good." I nod and give her a peck on the cheek before turning to leave. I open the door and I see Asuna leaning beside it.

I chuckle before heading off to my room to think over Heathcliff's proposal.

I go with Amara to the restaurant and we are guided to our seats by an NPC. She looks at me smiling. "So, you said you had something to tell me."

I nod, "The commander offered me a position at his right hand. I would be at a rank equal to Asuna, but it would be more of an advisory position than a leadership one."

She smiles widely, "That's awesome. I think you would be an amazing advisor. Your tactical abilities are unparalleled and you've got the heart to keep the common players in mind when speaking."

I nod. "I don't know. I've never really seen myself in a role like this. I don't know if I'm as good as all that."

She shakes her head. "When we were leveling up during that first month of the game, you were taking charge and helping us organize. You never led us astray."

I look at her. "Never?"

She sighs. "That wasn't your fault. there was no way you could have predicted the information would be a trap."

I nod. "I know. I guess it's just easier to blame myself. Now that I've gotten what I want, The people who killed him are gone and they will pay for what they did. I just don't feel like I thought I would."

She takes my hand in hers. "There will always be a hole. no amount of revenge will change that. Even closure doesn't completely help. But I will always be here for you."

I nod, placing my other hand on hers. "And I will always be there for you."

She smiles, "And that is a good way to move into our next issue."

I nod. "Yeah, I know that I hurt you when I left, and if you never wanted to see me again once we're out, I'd understand. That being said, It will never happen again. If you wish it, I'd love to be by your side. Both in-game and in life."

She sits in silence for several seconds, a small smile on her face. "I have been waiting for you to muster up the courage to ask me to be your girl for a long time. It would make me very happy to be able to call you mine."

I smile very widely and we eat our dinner talking and laughing well into the evening until we decide to head out and back to HQ.

I am standing before Heathcliff and the rest of the Defence Council. "I have considered your offer a bit. and I have decided that I will be taking two weeks of leave from the guild. and by then, my answer will be solidified."

Amara steps up beside me. "I will be taking that leave with him. Asuna has already approved it." She takes her hand in mine and I squeeze it for reassurance.

Heathcliff nods, "Ok. I look forward to both of your returns."

I lead Amara over to a street on floor 26. She chuckles, "Where are you taking me?"

I look back. "At one point, I said that I wanted to get my own place. At the time it was jokingly. but now, it's a serious decision." I lead her into an empty apartment. "It still needs decorating. You know I'm shit at that kind of stuff. So I was hoping you would help me get stuff that we both like." I smile wide.

She looks wide-eyed and smiling. "Are you asking me to move in with you?"

I smile. "If you want."

A pop-up comes up in front of her that says "Gift from 'SMii7y'".

She smiles and opens the gift to find a small house key. She smiles more, if possible, and nods, "I'd love to help and move in." She chuckles, "What would you do without me?"

I chuckle. "Crash and burn probably."